…And the WINNER is…

@somewhere-en-scena!!!!!!

Congratulations, you’ll be receiving a Bite Agave Lip Mask!

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@dogjpeg will also be getting one for getting the most reblogs on her reblog.

Please contact me so I can grab your shipping information and I’ll have your gifts send out promptly!

I’ll be starting another contest soon for a Marc Jacobs O!mega Lash Volumizing Mascara and something else to be announced, soon!

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Thank you everyone who entered 🙂

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Alcaligenes Polysaccharides

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This is a water gelling agent made from a Gram-negative bacteria, similar to xanthan gum.

A 0.001% concentration can thicken up a product quite nicely, which is good because it costs more than $10 000 for a kilo.

Beyond thickening water, it also has moisturizing properties, similar to hyaluronic acid.

Is it better or worth the money? I’m not sure – but if the popularity of this ingredient increases, the cost will go down. Much of the cost is the low yield from production. You can read more about how it’s produced here.

Japanese and Korean suppliers tend to have many unique and interesting raw materials, from my experience.

It’s found in a few commercial products, which are very luxury and expensive (as is to be expected).

Have you used a product that had this ingredient in it? Did you like it? Does knowing the cost of the raw material help justify the cost of the product for you?

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#BeautyRecap: November 2nd, 2015

Retail

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Sephora attempts to settle discrimination suit that alleges they blocked Asian shoppers | ABC7News.com

Sephora now sells online to Australia | Yahoo.com

MAC cosmetics announces Ariana Grande as their next Viva Glam spokesperson | Forbes.com

Target to offer international shipping before Christmas | Pymnts.com

L’Oreal signs Irina Shayk as spokesperson | Vogue.co.uk

Becca x Jaclyn Hill palette “Champagne Pop” returns for the Holidays | Bustle.com

Read more

#BeautyRecap: October 26th, 2015

Retail

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The slower you shop, the more you spend | WSJ.com

Sephora launches Flash stores in Paris, smaller and more automated | TheStar.com.my

Kim Kardashian acquires licensing right for Botox “alternative” | Refinery29.com

Tom Ford creates a lipstick for Drake and Jake Gyllenhaal | Cosmopolitan.com

Can a Black-owned business market to all people? | MadameNoire.com

Powder beauty site will help you find products with recommendation service | MarieClaire.co.uk

Read more

Contest Time! Win a Bite Agave Lip Mask!

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What’s in it? Mostly lanolin (from sheep’s wool, so this product is not vegetarian or vegan), castor seed oil and agave nectar for sweetness. This lip balm is very sticky and substantial. It’s great for use before bed. 

Lanolin, Organic Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Agave Tequilana nectar, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Flavor, Vanillin, Siraitia Grosvenori (Monk Fruit), Vanilla Tahitensis (Vanilla) Fruit Extract, Organic Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Trans-Resveratrol, Vitis Vinefera (Grape) oil, Tocopherol acetate, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract (And) Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract (and) Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil

How do I enter? Follow my Tumblr @kindofstephen​ or Twitter @kindofstephen and reblog/retweet this post! That’s it! 

When does the contest end? November 6, my birthday 🙂 I’ll be starting another contest on that date as well!

Who can enter? I’m happy to ship to anywhere!

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Good luck, and thanks for entering!

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