The Challenge Begins in 6 Days!

On Tuesday, June 1, 2010 I will begin an experiment with a line of beauty products that are relatively new to the United States. Why does this matter? Well, to understand this, you need to know a bit about me. I'm a middle-aged woman who has been lucky enough to be graced with a genetic composition (from both my mother and father) that has always allowed me to look at least 10 years younger than I actually was. Recently though, I've undergone a lot of very stressful things (who hasn't) and the genes seem to be receding - along with the pliability of my skin.

I've never been really into cosmetics or top fashion. Skin care routine? What's that?! So time has simply hammered itself onto my face and neck in ways that are truly disturbing. Additionally, I've never been too much of a "girlie" girl, and I haven't had a lot of women in my life to guide me. That is until recently. Though I have to admit that as hard as they've tried to girl me up, I've resisted - mostly out of laziness and lack of interest. So, sick and tired of being referred to as "Sir" when I'm at a drive-up window, and totally freaked out by the cavernous wrinkles that stay on my face long after taking a shower in the morning, I've finally succumbed and am taking the advice of the ladies that encircle me.

They've asked me to try using products from Votre Vu, a company that is out of France and is making a splash in the United States with a line of products that are touted to be spa quality without the cost. They swear by these products and say that I should be able to see results relatively quickly. I'm not so sure, but I'm willing to give it a try.

So, over the next couple of days before my "Votre Vu challenge" begins, I have to figure out what product to use when (here comes that "beauty routine" thing) and will make a thorough assessment of areas that I would like to see improvements in. More will be posted as these are ready.

I also plan to take pictures (closeups no less!) and may even document this with videos as well.

Am I scared? Yep - but mostly of what the camera lens will show me that my almost 50-year-old eyes can't see (even with a 14X magnifying mirror). Will I quit? I will try my best not to. Laziness, or more like lack of routine, will be the hardest thing for me to overcome.

Wish me well!

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Votre Vu Products That I'm Using

I received my basic set of Votre Vu products today. It was packed in a beautiful box and I'm very excited - mostly because the size of each item seems to be a lot for the cost. I've been told that it doesn't take much of any one of these products on a daily basis and that they should last for quite some time.

Here's the list of what I've received from Votre Vu. Click through for more information about any one of these.

• Anti-Aging Milk Cleanser
• Full Benefits Anti-Aging Tonic
• Full Benefits Creme de Jour
• Tout Le Monde Antioxidant Eye Gelee
• Duette Luxe Lip Balm & Hand Creme

These were selected because I opted for the set for Mature Skin based on the Face Chart assessment that Votre Vu provides to help you figure out what would work best for each individual.

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Preparation for My Votre Vu Challenge

In preparation for what I was about to embark on, I wanted to weed out some room in my medicine cabinet for the products I'm going to be trying out. Here's the kicker:

My husband takes better care of his skin than I do. One look in the cabinet tells the story. He has all kinds of things to keep himself well-attended to. So much that, of a three-shelf cabinet, his stuff occupies 2 1/2 shelves, while the rest is community property. He's metrosexual for sure!

I was about to receive 5 different products from Votre Vu and had no idea where to put them. The thought of having to rearrange (and clean, obviously) the cabinet had me distraught, so I gave up and put the products on the windowsill until such time as I felt I could summon the strength to stake my claim!

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I Have Claimed My Turf!!

So, as you can see, I have made a space for myself and my Votre Vu products. I had to move quite a bit of my husband's lotions and potions out and left him with the top and bottom shelves plus a small section of the middle one that I didn't need.

At least for now I have everything in one place - and I'm really hoping that this will help to keep me on track. I've opened up each of the products and I have to say, boy do they smell good. I'm really looking forward to getting going!

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