Simone From Sigma Beauty | Moxie Reviews™

Moxie’s Top Ten Award

July 14, 2011 By moxiereviews 10 Comments

I’m thrilled! I just received my first blogger award. Know how you see some blogs with awards plastered all over their site? Yes, well, that’s not my website. So, you can imagine my excitement!! Here’s a huge thank you to the blogger from whom I received this award: Laura. To use her words, Laura is “a cosmetics junkie.” Wow. kind of makes you wonder how we became friends, huh?! Laura’s blog is: My Newest Addiction. Here is a link so you can see why I have been a follower of her blog: http://mynewestaddiction.blogspot.com. She’s also a Facebook friend! The rules are that I must link back to the person/people who tagged me, (that would be Laura) and now I need to nominate 10 other bloggers, who will list their favorite 10 products.

Here’s my award: Also exciting: my favorite color is purple!

Without further ado, here is Moxie’s List of her TEN FAVORITE PRODUCTS:

1. Joon’s Natural Beauty Body Wash both my daughter and I love!! Here is my previous review: Joon’s Natural Beauty Body Wash. I would like to share this funny exchange with my teenage daughter. After deciding that she absolutely loved the Joon products that I purchased, she insisted that I not use them. “Mom, I thought you said I was the Joon Girl?! Would you *please* leave the Joon products for the Joon Girl, then?! Come on!” I’m sure that Ms. Tameka Linell, Co-Founder/VP Marketing at JOON Skincare, would not object to Moxie awarding her daughter the honorary title of, Joon Girl.

(Joon’s website also includes a monthly contest to be a Joon Girl. A Joon Girl is a girl who, “Doesn’t sit around waiting for something to happen to her. She is out there embracing the world making things happen and making positive changes for herself and the world around her….” I like it! A Joon Girl has Moxie!! )

Following up on my daughter’s request to get my hands off her Joon products, I needed to find something that I, and the rest of my family, could use. That leads me to:

2. I purchased 100% PURE COCOA KONA HYDRATING BODY WASH (All Natural, 100% Vegetarian, Gluten free), and my family highly recommends it, although I have not done a “formal” review of it. It’s a huge bottle, (Net wt. 17 oz/502 ml, and I paid $15. 100% PURE shower gels do not contain water, gums, thickeners, or emulsifiers. The Cocoa Kona fragrance smells absolutely wonderful; and it produces a really nice foam. Check out the big bars of chocolate pictured on their label. (Affiliate link added: 9-8-11)

Check out this wonderful statement that 100% PURE has on their website:

“We love animals and refuse to support anything that hurts animals which is why none of our formulas are ever tested on animals (everything we use is food grade and does not require testing, whereas chemical ingredients must be tested). All our makeup brushes are from synthetic fibers. No animals were hurt for their fur and no animals were hurt for any of our ingredients (the only animal ingredient we use is cruelty free honey).”

3. miessence foaming HAND SOAP (their name is not capitalized) is certified organic. Lavish Organics – Certified Organic Products www.lavishorganics.com were very generous, and sent a sample to me. Terrific product, and I highly recommend it; in addition, it’s refillable, too! All the ingredients in miessence’s certified organics line of products are safe, and, they are even safe enough to eat–but, of course, snack on something else instead All of miessence’s products use only certified organic cold-pressed and unrefined oils and therapeutic grade herb and flower extracts. In addition, the products are cold-formulated so oils are never exposed to damaging heat.

4. I have made no secret of the fact that I love SIRCUIT® Cosmeceuticals products. Even after I reviewed their products: Sircuit® Cosmeceuticals Youth Accelerator Pumpkin Enzyme Peel and Can an oil-free bronzer give you a golden glow? I continued to go back to their website to check out what else I might be needing! As it turns out, I read the description for their X-TRAP Daily Gentle Face Wash, and made a note that it would be a product that I would certainly order when I was finished with the facial cleanser that I had recently purchased based on the recommendation by my dermatologist. I can’t even recall what prompted me to look at the list of ingredients in this aforementioned cleanser. I’m fairly certain I was looking to see how much longer I would have to go before I could try SIRCUIT’s cleanser.

The good and bad news is as follows. I had plenty of product left in the cleanser recommended by the dermatologist. The bad news is that there were several ingredients on the “blacklist” from wonderful book I previously reviewed, No More Dirty Looks, The Truth About Your Beauty Products and the Ultimate Guide to Safe and Clean Cosmetics.

Well, that was quite a shock, so don’t assume that just because it’s doctor recommended that it has all the ingredients that you do/do not want in a product. I called SIRCUIT® Cosmeceuticals’ toll-free phone number, as any customer can and should do, and had a free personalized skin consultation with Todd Edmiston, who is the Retail Sales Coordinator. After that consultation I purchased the X-TRAP Daily Gentle Face Wash in the full size (4 oz.), which is $38.00. Since then, I have been using it twice a day and my face looks great!

5. I continue to use and recommend Sigma Beauty’s, Cleansing & Polishing Tool. Here is the link for my website to read: An Interview with Simone & Sigma’s New Cleansing & Polishing Tool Review . I paid $39.00 plus $8.60 for USPS Priority Shipping. It’s extremely effective at exfoliation/polishing; I not only could feel that my skin felt smoother, but I also noticed that the polishing process did help my moisturizer to absorb better/faster. In addition, since my skin was so smooth, and my moisturizer was so completely absorbed into my skin, I then had the perfect base to apply makeup products. The Cleansing & Polishing Tool is reasonably priced, and very effective,

6. My next favorite product is: Aromafloria’s Aromatherapy, AromaRemedy Salt Glow Body Scrub. This is a product which I was lucky enough to not only receive a sample of, but the company, Aromafloria, had a contest in which some of the Readers of Moxie Reviews™ were able to win a free product. The full review is here, and what I continue to appreciate about the product is that I am able to quickly buff away rough skin with a circular motion; and it gently exfoliates. Easy, and I have instant results of very smooth skin, with a nice scent. This, of course, is perfect to use before I use the next favorite product on my list:

7. SIRCUIT® Cosmeceuticals’ faux sun, Sircuit Soliel, a firming mineral self bronzer. I received a 4 ml Acrylic Pot Sample, which is $6.50 to review, and the full review is here: Can an oil-free bronzer give you a golden glow?. The sample of the mineral self bronzer so impressed me, that I purchased the full-size product, 4oz. / 120 ml for $48.00. As you can see from the photo, the full size has a terrific pump! Of course, this product does not contain artificial colors, fragrance, preservatives, and, as a requirement of being reviewed, is cruelty free.

8. I’m an unwavering fan of Josie Maran Cosmetics’ products. In fact, my first review was on Josie Maran’s Argan Oil. My previous reviews are: Josie Maran’s Limited Edition Argan Oil Eyeshadow Quad and Josie Maran’s Bear Naked Wipes Review. I have purchased all of these products. I have tweeted and written on Facebook more than once, “I stockpile Argan OiI,” in response to the company’s question to name our favorite product. I have photographed Josie’s 100% Pure Argan Oil Luxury Size, 4 fl oz for $96, and I also snuck in the To Go size (purchased through QVC) and Josie’s Argan Oil Hair Serum 2 fl oz. for $30.

9. Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Baby Block with SPF 40 and LAVANILA LABORATORIES. Purchased both terrific sunscreens for the family, and I’m so glad that I did. Not once has someone gotten even a little red from the sun. Need I say more?!

10. NEW Bare Escentuals Pretty Amazing Lip Color Review color purchased: Moxie–but of course! Now, I did not put that on the list just because it has my name, which is an added bonus. I really do love the color. Also, I wasn’t allowed to “bend” the rules and add a #11 to the list. That would have been a bareMinerals product that I’m currently completing a review for. So, back to Moxie Lip Color. With eight shades, and Moxie telling you that it is a very creamy lip color, that give my lips a beautiful shine, you too would find one you wanted to purchase.

Previously I have purchased two of their eye shadow colors, and here is a link to that review: Buxom Stay-There Eye Shadow. I have also posted a great New York Times article on my website, Move Over, Estée Lauder, which is all about Leslie Blodgett, the chief executive of Bare Escentuals.

Disclosure: Disclosures written within each of the products I have listed.

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Filed Under: 100% PURE, Argan Oil, Argan Oil Hair Serum, Argan Oil To Go, Aromafloria, Aromatherapy, Bare Escentuals, Bare Escentuals/Buxom, bareMinerals, Bear Naked Wipes, body wash, bronzer, Buxom, Cleansing and Polishing Tool, co-authors of No More Dirty Looks, cocoa kona coffee, Joon, Josie Maran Cosmetics, Lavanila Laboratories, Leslie Blodgett, Lip Color, miessence foaming HAND SOAP, Moxie Lip Color, New York Times, No More Dirty Looks The Truth About Your Beauty Products and the Ultimate Guide to Safe and Clean Cosmetics, scented body wash, scrub, Sigma Beauty, Simone from Sigma Beauty, Sircuit Soliel, Sircuit® Cosmeceuticals, sunscreen, Tameka & Gary Linnell, Top Ten Award, X-TRAP Daily Gentle Face Wash Tagged With: Beauty, Cosmetics

An Interview with Simone & Sigma’s New Cleansing & Polishing Tool Review

June 8, 2011 By moxiereviews 5 Comments

Of course, I’m quite honored that Simone, the Owner of Sigma Beauty, agreed to be interviewed!

I am not a Sigma Affiliate, just a big fan of her Sigma Beauty brand and her philosophy of life. For example, here is one of her tweets, that I retweeted: “It is all about the attitude you have towards everything in life. Give it a positive spin and you will be annoyingly happy! Like me!”

When I think of Simone’s Company, Sigma Beauty, I equate it with products that are handmade for the professionals and beauty lovers alike. Each brush has been tested not only for performance, and resistance, but also durability. Sigma Beauty products must meet Simone’s high quality standards.

Let’s meet Simone, also known as: Doctor, Professor, Company Owner, Beauty Guru, and the woman who has a little mission of “Keeping the world beautiful.”

Suffice to say, Simone is no “ordinary” beauty website owner! Simone is originally from Brazil. She has a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) and a Master’s in Pathology AND a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Infectious Diseases from the University of Minnesota.

Simone came to the US in 1999, where she did her PhD from 1999 to 2004. Simone has been a Professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University if Minnesota since 2005.

Simone’s husband, Rene, has credentials that are not too “shabby” either. Rene is a civil engineer with two MBAs, one completed in the United States, and one in Spain, where they lived for one year. Rene is the one with extensive knowledge in brush making and business management. He is the CEO/CFO of Sigma Beauty.

Simone is in charge of product development and marketing. She develops products that she loves, and they go to market after she has extensively tested them. She makes absolutely sure that Sigma Beauty products have the highest quality, at affordable prices. Simone only markets products that she herself would be interested in buying. She works hard to make sure that not only is she satisfied with the products, but also that her customers are 100% satisfied with their purchase.

Does Simone have “free time” in her day? Yes, apparently so. Simone did not leave her academic career behind completely. She still consults for the University if Minnesota, and she still co-advises two PhD students, who will graduate in 2013.

Simone writes that Sigma Beauty is a major company now and needs her full time attention. Well, I agree! I just want to know the secret to how she jam-packs everything into 24 hours?! I did ask Simone that question, by the way, and her answer is….coming up later in the post! Keep reading.

As is my policy at Moxie Reviews, I do not review any products from a company that does animal testing. Simone/Sigma Beauty is currently in the process of obtaining the cruelty free logo from PETA, and, “just the forms need to be filled out.” Simone has talked with PETA to define if Sigma Beauty could be classified and listed as cruelty free, and they agreed that it could. It is now, “just a matter of time before Sigma Beauty has the cruelty free logo on their site.”

More Big News!! Remember, you read it here first at Moxie Reviews: Simone reports that Sigma Beauty will be launching a Vegan Line this year! I’d like to put this request in writing: People should please queue up in back of me to get their hands on those products!

Deciding what questions to ask Simone was difficult. Simone is a busy lady, and I am not Oprah, so I hope that I’ve hit on the questions that most people would like to ask.

1. For the few people that have not yet purchased a Cleansing & Polishing Tool, what would you tell them is the reason that they should invest in one?

The cleansing tool is an affordable and versatile way to cleanse, polish, and exfoliate your skin (face and body). Expect at least 4 new attachments to be released soon, including one for extra-sensitive skin.

2. I like the color pink for the Tool. I would imagine that it must be difficult to decide on a color for a product. Would you please explain how you “brainstormed,” and then ultimately made that final decision?

For the longest time I wanted to launch a ‘Think Pink’ collection. This collection will feature beauty tools and the Cleansing and Polishing Tool is the first of many tools that will be coming up.

3. The Tool does not have a built-in timer. Why did you decide it was not needed?

That would actually be an interesting feature to include. However, as long as you go over each skin section ONCE each time you use the tool, there is no need for a timer. You will be within the safety zone.

4. When will replacement heads for the Cleansing & Polishing Tool be available?

Within 60 days. You can expect the traditional replacements that already come with the tool as well as some new ones.

5. May I assume that your friends had the pleasure of testing the Cleansing & Polishing Tool before the final design went into production?

I always test all products myself prior to final production and launch. I trust my instincts and prefer not to disclose much details about the products I am working on. The Sigma girls are used to my secrecy Once the first prototype is ready I request feedback for improvement within Sigma.

6. How often do people recognize you “on the street” and stop to ask you questions about Sigma Beauty?

Never happened. I am mostly known among those engaged in the online beauty community.

7. Knowing your love for animals, did you have pets when you were a child? Do you and Rene have any pets now?

I have always had miniature pinschers growing up. I’ve had 4, one after the other. First one I got when I was 5 years old. We currently don’t have pets because we travel frequently.

8. What is the secret to how you mange to jam-pack everything into 24 hours? How many hours of sleep do you typically get or need?

I get between 5-6 hours of sleep. “Certainly not enough. I wish I could relax a little more but I just care too much.”

Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity, Simone!!!

You are very welcome!

Now that you know about Simone and Sigma Beauty, I’d like to write about the New Cleansing & Polishing Tool. I purchased this through Sigma Beauty’s Website, http://www.sigmabeauty.com, for $39.00 plus $8.60 for USPS Priority Shipping. Once you are at the Website, you will see that there is a huge image of the Cleansing and Polishing Tool, and it’s also listed under New Products. The Website also has a video of the Tool.

Long before its official launch on Tuesday, May 31st, Simone, the owner of Sigma Beauty, had been showing off the Cleansing and Polishing Tool. In fact, she not only described it on Twitter, but she also taunted us with pictures. To reiterate, I am not a Sigma Affiliate, so I obsessively watched for tweets to announce the official launch. Then, I bought the Tool, and excitedly twittered that had done so!

What does the Cleansing & Polishing Tool do? For Moxie, it did exactly as advertised, “SAY GOODBYE TO DULL AND UNEVEN SKIN! Now your skin can be perfectly smooth and flawless before and after your makeup application.”

I love that you can use any non-abrasive cleanser, and, with the exception of adding 2 AA batteries, everything you need is contained within the travel-ready kit.

Here is a photo of my 11 year old son, who demonstrates how easy it is to use the Cleansing & Polishing Tool. Open the battery compartment, put two AA batteries in, (not included), put the cover back on, and make sure you have the correct brush head attached.

Choose the speed (low or high), press the pink button, as Moxie’s Son demonstrates, and the brush head rotates!

To “cleanse” you simply add a small amount of your chosen facial cleanser directly onto the brush head. The soft brush head is the only one that is to be used for cleansing. The soft brush head is also for daily “polishing” for those with sensitive skin. This is quick process that is intended to lightly remove dead skin cells prior to makeup application. The entire exfoliation process should be under 60 seconds.

The medium or firm brush heads are for once a week exfoliation of dead skin cells. By doing this exfoliation, you expose a fresh, healthy layer of skin. This process should be completed in less than one minute

To recap:

soft brush head: all pink in color, is for cleansing the face, and for those with sensitive skin to use to “polish” or exfoliate

medium brush head: white and pink in color, may be used once a week to exfoliate dead skin cells and expose a healthy layer of skin

firm brush head: all white in color, is to be used only once a week to exfoliate dead skin cells and expose a fresh healthy layer of skin.

How effective was the Tool to cleanse my face? Very!

It is advised that you remove “excess” makeup prior to cleansing, with facial wipes that contain makeup remover. However, I wanted to test out the Cleansing and Polishing Tool, so I did not do that. Remember, I was testing! Despite not removing my makeup prior to cleansing, I still believe that the Cleansing & Polishing Tool did a terrific job removing all my makeup residue. Also, what a bonus that the whole process was completed in under one minute!

For the record, while I have now been using it on a daily basis, I have followed the directions and removed my makeup before cleansing.

How effective was the Cleansing & Polishing Tool at exfoliation/polishing? Extremely!

I not only could feel that my skin felt smoother, but I also noticed that the polishing process did help my moisturizer to absorb better/faster. In addition, since my skin was so smooth, and my moisturizer was so completely absorbed into my skin, I then had the perfect base to apply makeup products.

Moxie highly recommends Sigma’s reasonably priced, and very effective, Cleansing & Polishing Tool.

Disclosure: I have nothing to disclose. All the links I have provided simply bring you to the site/item. I do not benefit from any purchase that you may make from Sigma Beauty.