You should be able to eat what goes on your face. . .well almost ;)

So here's the deal gals. . .After joining as a mark. rep a few weeks back, I decided I should familiarize myself with the products I hadn't yet tried (in other words, an excuse to shop--as if needed one!).

I must admit that although I knew the lip glosses, lipsticks & eye shadows would be no problem--as a result of the fabulous and on-trend color palettes--I was a bit skeptical in terms of the skincare line. You see, this gal has uber-sensitive skin--which has resulted in my face rejecting essentially every product I've attempted to cleanse and/or moisturize it with.

I was a bit hesitant to try something that could very well have promptly turned my face into a dry, flaky mess after a day or so of use. . .Nevertheless, a venture I decide I must partake in--and what I considered the ultimate mark. test.

Obviously, you can assume there is a happy ending to my trial or I probably wouldn't be sharing this with you. And so, after a week and a half using mark.'s skincare line, I am not only a believer. . .I'm hooked! (FYI: All mark. skincare is non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, oil & fragrance free, & allergy tested).

There are 2 different skincare regimens depending on your skin type.

Step 1: Cleanse--A: mark. "Calming Effect" (which I use) is a milky white cleanser with a unique oat milk protein for sensitive skin requiring a little extra loving care.

B: mark. "That's Deep" is a purifying gel cleanser with black willow bar & Sugar maple extract best for acne prone and/or oily skin. ($8 each)

Step 2: Exfoliate--A: mark. "Go with the Grain" exfoliating beads (which I use)--best for sensitive skin. Enhanced with adzuki bean powder & rice bran for a smoother, softer complexion.

($9 each)

B: mark. "Berry Grand" super exfoliating beads for skin that can handle a more intense exfoliation. Enhanced with cranberry, pomegranate, & apricot seeds to slough off dead skin cells & reveal smoother skin.

Step 3: Moisturize--A: mark. "See things Clearly" (my fav!!!) a brightening moisturizer with a unique brightening complex. I love the silky texture and the way it absorbs with no greasy feeling.

B: mark. "For goodness face" (I use this in the day & 'See things Clearly' at night) includes SPF 30 & antioxidants such as blueberry extract and lemon fruit. ($16 each)

These are just a few of the products that I fell in love with--

visit my eBoutique for more choices!

http://ggallardo.mymarkstore.com/

As you can tell, my mark. collection is expanding rapidly. . .

And I love exchanging fabulous finds with my favorite gal pals

The mark. fashion line has me obsessed as well! I wore this fab mark. dress to work today

Only $29!! ("Leader of the Rack" Dress)

Along with my new fav lipstick--mark. Hook Up gleamstick in 'passionate' ($5.50)

Finished off with a coat of 'dew drenched' lip color in "Toffee" ($6, color shown--'wave' )

Happy Shopping!

And remember, a free pro lip gloss is on me after you place your first order :)

Visit my eBoutique at: http://ggallardo.mymarkstore.com/

Please post comments, questions, & exciting beauty news/advice below :)

2010--Giving back is a good start. . .GGal needs your help!

It's around the time in which we begin to clean out our closets in order to start the new year fresh. . .

As you rummage through your toss aways this month, consider sending items that could be of use to the people of Haiti by getting together a box to send over. UPS is supposedly offering a deal on shipping. I'm planning to send a box (along with items donated by friends) over next week. So I'll keep you posted on the results of the UPS offer.

In the meantime, the efforts to send donations have been immense! Causing one to realize that people in fact do have a heart in the midst of all our world chaos.

When such disasters occur, we often ask ourselves. . .'What can I do to help?',' What would it be like to be in such a situation myself?' In light of the recent California earthquake--which hit my family and close friends heavily with a shake of 6.5 on the Richter Scale--I began to pose such questions myself.

As you all have probably heard by now, I have recently become a Mark. cosmetic representative. I am having a blast with all of the products--sharing with my friends and family all of my great finds. Although I started this venture as a creative and interesting way to develop my own business, I also envision my new business to help me aid those in need.

Thus, I am donating 10% of all orders made at my Mark. eboutique to the relief efforts in Haiti between now and January 31st.

In addition, all customers placing a first-time order on my eboutique will receive a complimentary gift with purchase--a Mark. "pro gloss" Hook up plumping lip shine in your choice of colors--which I will send to you after your order is placed.

FYI: MARK. also carries cute fashions like the dress below--$29 (I ordered this & love it!)

--Just a reminder that shipping on orders of $25 or more is free!--

Visit my eboutique at: http://ggallardo.mymarkstore.com

Please post any questions to this blog or contact me via my eboutique.

Together we can make a difference--Happy shopping!!

Newsflash! It's official. . .

So. . .after many months of contemplating such a venture (and after the idea was strongly suggested by a favorite pal), I came to the conclusion that I was only really a couple clicks away from having my own business.

Well. . .sort of :)

The name "Mark." ring a bell? The ultra groovy and actually fashionable (yet affordable) offshoot of Avon Cosmetics???

Most of you will know what I'm speaking of by now, but if not---no worries!

Just visit my website: http://ggallardo.mymarkstore.com/

It's official: I AM A MARK. REPRESENTATIVE

I'm excited about my new venture and would love your support!

(FYI: Passing this on to your pals is much appreciated ;)

Visit my website to explore all the fun cosmetics, jewelry & fashion finds that Mark. has to offer.

You can place your order straight from my site! http://ggallardo.mymarkstore.com

Happy shopping :)

CHEERS! GGAL

New Year brings new trends

It's been awhile since GGal hit the blog--no excuses I know, but the amount of travel and work lately has kept me from my favorite pastime. . .blogging!

So here's a little sumpin' sumpin' to bring in the new year.

Although I don't normally market on the side for the companies that I am affiliated with. I couldn't help but let my glorious glamour gals in on a secret. . .

According to January's In Style, THE Accessory for spring is CLEAR--as in acrylic (Michael Kors), plastic (Prada), and. . .

LUCITE!! (Mellow Antiques & Estate Jewelry).Yellow Lucite Bracelet $40 (also comes in pink, clear & blue)

I have had the pleasure of rummaging through bin after bin of original 1980s Lucite jewelry direct from Italy. The jewelry is fun, chunky, and--of course--fabulous!

The store I help manage--Mellow Antiques--has an abundance of THE Accessory for spring.

Me wearing one of the Italian Lucite Necklaces at an art opening--

so many people stopped me to ask where I got it!

Just to be clear (pun intended :) The colors of the Lucite Jewelry range from clear, yellow, purple, and orange to red, black, brown, and silver.

Black & White Necklace from the Italian Lucite Collection, circa 1980

The prices usually start around $65 for earrings (clip-on of course, we're talkin' 1980s) and $100 for the necklaces. However, many of these are available now at quite a discount.

Log on to: http://www.cyberattic.com/stores/MellowAntiques/

(I will be putting more pieces on the site shortly)

If you love vintage, here's a chance to own some originals--jealous much? ;)