Welcome back, beauty enthusiasts, to the latest edition of our beauty newsletter! As we dive into issue number nine, we're excited to bring you a fresh array of engaging content that's sure to add a sparkle to your routine. I've just returned from a fantastic week-long vacation in El Salvador with Cameraman, where we indulged in delicious food, toured breathtaking landscapes including volcanoes and beaches, and explored aromatic coffee farms, among other adventures. Now refreshed and inspired, let's dive into what we have lined up for you this week:

- Beauty Insights: Dive into the latest buzz in the beauty world. From trend-setting styles to essential industry updates, we're here to keep you in the know.

- Hidden Gems: Unveil my latest beauty finds that have quickly become treasures in my collection. These are our little secrets—no word to the Cameraman, please!

- Cheers or Jeers: This week, we put a batch of beauty products to the test. Find out which ones dazzled us and which ones didn't make the cut—our honest, unfiltered thoughts await!

- Video Vibes: You might have noticed a lighter video schedule recently—I took a little vacation! But don’t worry, we're catching up on all the highlights and insightful content you might have missed.

- Pooch Chronicles: Embrace the cuteness overload with the latest antics and precious moments from our adorable pups. They’re here to steal your heart!

- Conscious Beauty: Celebrate the inspiring efforts of beauty brands that are going beyond just looks to positively impact our community and planet.

- Lucky Draw: Don’t miss out on this week’s thrilling giveaway. A quick note to Dawn B.: your prize is still waiting. Please check your email and get back to us within the week, or we’ll have to pass your gift to another lucky reader.

Thank you for joining us on this delightful journey of beauty exploration. Here's to a week filled with new discoveries and refined elegance!

Joke of the Week -
I’m fair skinned,.. I have tattoos of ferris wheels, tilt-a-whirls, and sno-cones!

Juicy Beauty News

• A Top Dermatologist Shares Her Secret for Looking 30 in Her 50s
  The treatments that give her that radiant, youthful glow.

• Shiseido’s Drunk Elephant makes Chinese retail debut at Sephora
  … Sephora has officially launched clean skincare brand Drunk Elephant across all its online channels and 250 brick-and-mortar stores in Mainland China…

• The Body Shop's downfall triggered by failing to secure credit
  The Body Shop fell into administration after its new owner failed to secure fresh funding following HSBC withdrawing its line of credit.

• Food digging: When restaurants use fake dating profiles to get customers through the door
  ‘Food digging’ is the deceptive practice of creating fake profiles on dating apps to drive consumption in restaurants.

👀 What did I buy this week?👀

• Chapstick Original (forgot my lip balm while on vacation)  ☹️

• HUDA BEAUTY Fragrance Free Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder

  I always wanted to try this but now it is fragrance free and I can finally indulge!

• BYOMA Barrier + Repair Treatment

• Explore Ultra Violette range ULTRA VIOLETTE VI'S CLOSET OF CUTIES SET

  They ship to the USA!!

Winner of the Week

Dr Jart Cicapair Serum for Sensitive Skin and Redness and Barrier Repair

I took this on vacation with me and I grew to appreciate the water-light texture of this serum. It worked well with the humidity of El Salvador. Absorbs quickly, fragrance free, soothing. It is on the pricey side though.

Loser of the Week - Counterfeit Products!

Counterfeit Products!  The world has been inundated with inauthentic products. It started with fake purses and clothing from prestige brands and fraudsters have gotten very good at selling fake skincare products, fake toothbrushes, fake razors and more!  As of 2022, counterfeit products have cost the global economy over $500 Billion.  

Counterfeit products have even been showing up for customers that directly purchased luxury items from world renowned companies such as Saks Fifth Avenue.  Check this post out for more information on that (it is mind blowing):

https://www.reddit.com/r/handbags/comments/1c7zb4n/another_fake_bags_from_saks_psa/

In Case You Missed It

4.20 Niche Beauty Labs - Theramid DERMA PEPTIDES 22% Multi-Peptide Treatment Review, How to Use, Dupes

Brands Doing Good: Rare Beauty

Rare Beauty has started out with a goal of reaching $100 Million in ten years to support the cause of treating mental health issues. Rare Beauty has posted, “The Rare Impact Fund is part of our commitment to give people access to the resources they need to support their mental health. We aim to reduce the stigma around mental health and address the epidemic of chronic loneliness.”

Since launching in 2020, the Rare Impact Fund has made incredible strides to expand access to mental health resources and education for young people, raising $6M in contributions and distributing over $3M in grant support to organizations worldwide.

For more information: https://rareimpactfund.org/impact/ 

About the Dogs

Last week, while Cameraman and I were exploring the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of El Salvador, our beloved pups, Lincoln, Ike, and Gabby, had their own exciting adventure back home. They spent the week with my brother-in-law, who they absolutely adore! It’s always a treat for them when they get to hang out with Cameraman’s brother because he spoils them with endless affection and attention.

He made sure that Lincoln, Ike, and Gabby didn’t miss us too much by keeping them busy with long walks, playtime, and lots of cuddles. It's clear they cherish his company as much as he enjoys pampering them. The dogs always seem to know they’re in for a good time when he’s around, and they eagerly shower him with their love and playful antics in return. It's heartwarming to know they were so well-loved and cared for while we were away, making our trip even more enjoyable knowing they were in good hands.

This weeks giveaway

The winner is Christine D.