Smoky eyes, flawless skin and sexy lips (and sparkly nails!) are still going strong this Spring. I love this look and have been wearing a stronger eye lately and black eye liner.
There are many gorgeous products in all price ranges to achieve the perfect Spring look. Below are products that I were sent for my honest review.
Sexy Booster™ Va Va Voom Volume Mascara
Shimmer Strips Shadow and Liner Nude Collection
Sexy Booster™ Ooh La La Sexy Eyes Trio
A smoky eye is always popular! The above products from Physician’s Formula is an affordable way to get a great smoky eye! The products are:
Sexy Booster™ Va Va Voom Volume Mascara ($9.95 USD) — 24 Hour Wear. Voluptuous Volume. luscious Length. Gorgeous Curves. Sexy-Boosting Formula. High-Performance Wear. Va Va Voom Volume Brush. This gives really great separation and volume!
Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liner Nude Collection – ($11.95 USD) — Modern and versatile palettes for a new twist on classic nude shades. Neutral, metallic shades create a nude look that is soft & sultry. Wet & Dry application for two finishes: wet for dramatic, intense color with ultra long-lasting wear. Transforms shadow into a liner. Dry for a softer result. Available in 4 palettes, the one above is Smoky Nude Eyes.
Sexy Booster™ Ooh La La Sexy Eyes Trio ($12.95 USD) — Up to 24 Hour Wear. Perfect Threesome for Sexy Eyes. Sexy-Boosting Formula. – Create a Sexy Eye: 1. Apply Felt-Tip Eyeliner to upper lid starting from the inner corner and extend to the outer corner to make a winged, cat eye. Gently shake before use. Do not store pen tip-side down. 2. Apply Kohl Kajal Eyeliner in the upper and lower eye rim for dramatic definition. 3. Apply the Eyeliner Pencil on the lower lash line for softer definition. I also like to use the Kohl alone for a subtle smoky look.
Available at drugstores and mass market retailers near you.
Ramy Perfect Brow Wand
Ramy Shadow in Lucky Penny
Ramy Perfect Brow Wand ($28 USD) — Finally! A waterproof double duty gel pen, the Perfect Brow Wand takes eyebrow perfection to the next level by combining a universally flattering eyebrow filler and pure highlighter in one easy to use wand. The brow filler works on ANY hair color, from pale blonde, silver or red to medium brown or black. The Highlighter end is colorless and adds pure light to emphasize your arches or wake up tired eyes!
Ramy Eye Shadow ($17 USD) — combines a long wearing, light reflective formula resulting in beautiful transforming shades that blend effortlessly and last! Theses eyeshadows are the result of public demand, asking Ramy to add new powder shadows to the brand and he finally did it! Combine these gorgeous shades to play up your eyes for Maximum Impact! I have Lucky Penny, a gorgeous deep copper. This can be used for a modern smoky eye or as a liner.
Hard Candy Sheer Envy Shine Free Primer ($8 USD) — A lightweight, shine reducing formula that prevents oil buildup while creating a smooth surface for even makeup application. Fab primer at an affordable price!
Hard Candy Ombre Lipstick ($6 USD) — Effortlessly achieve an instant gradation effect for ombre lips with one sweep! Two complementary shades in one lipstick now makes it easier than ever to add definition and fullness to lips. Sweep on the lipstick to your upper lips as the darker shade faces up, and sweep onto your lower lips as the darker shade faces down and Voilà! I have this in a light nude/pink combo called Faithful. Gorgeous and really fun!
Available at Walmart stores.
Butter London the Cut Up Collection
Butter London the Cut Up Collection ($15 Each) — Three different glitter topcoats. The shades are:
Anorak: Black, white and silver chunky glitter overcoat suspended in a clear base
Dust-Up: Gold, silver and bronze chunky & fine glitter overcoat suspended in a clear base
Titchy: Multi-colour chunky and fine glitter overcoat suspended in a clear base
I am wearing sparkling raspberry and gold nail polish for Valentine’s Day. I love the rich colors and the glitz, but I am starting to yearn for warmer weather and softer colors of clothes and makeup!
Many current winter and spring cosmetics are made of soft shades and textures. I was sent the below products for my honest opinion — and I can honestly say that I am loving this look!
Laura Mercier Metallic Crème Eye Colour
Laura Mercier’s 2014 Spring Colour Story is called Spring Renaissance. It provides all of the essentials for a flawless, youthful appearance.
The inspiration for this collection is that the spring brings a new day, a new beginning and a new you. It’s a time to reinvent yourself with shades that shine and shimmer and colours that cast a happy, youthful glow. The look is warm and fresh tints of colour, with glowing, luminous skin.
What I think: I was lucky to test the Metallic Crème Eye Colour ($23 USD) It is a lightweight, non-greasy, lush metallic formula that floats across the eye leaving a gorgeous, shimmering sheen. I really love the shade Golden Mist. It is a limited edition shade that is so pretty swept across my whole eyelid, with our without a contour color.
These products are available at www.lauramercier.com.
Bobbi Brown Nude Glow Collection
Bobbi Brown’s Nude Glow Collection features three sets of products designed to add luminosity and brighten your look during the winter months.
In the above photo, you can see the Limited Eye Palettes in Crystal, Nude and Bronze and the Sheer Lip Color in Pink Flush, Pink Gold and Pink Rose. These are the products from the collection I tested.
What I think: The eye palettes are gorgeous. I love layering a sparkly color over a shimmer or matte. So pretty for going out. The Lip colors are sheer and pretty! I love the Pink Gold, but they are all gorgeous!
The collection is available now at all Bobbi Brown counters and on www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com.
Tarte Cheek Stain in Fearless
Tarte’s spring collection is full of beautiful, fresh hues and products. There are eight beautiful shades of the cheek stain (Fearless, a pink-coral is my favorite) and eight matching shades in the Power Pigment lip crayon. The colors are all gorgeous!
The Spring collection also includes the be MATTEnificent colored clay eye & cheek palette. This includes fresh, pretty colors. I haven’t tried the palette, but I might have to pick it up!
What I think: Beautiful colors for any complexion and the formulas stay all day. Love!
butter LONDON Boho Rock Collection — Unleash your Bohemian spirit. This gorgeous assortment of nail lacquer and cosmetics combines luxurious neutrals with ethereal textures for an earthy and feminine finish. The collection takes neutrals to the next level with soft, shimmering shades that accentuate every skin tone. The collection includes:
Nail Lacquer in Goss (NEW!), Trallop (NEW!), Keen (NEW!), Trifle (NEW!), Lucy in the Sky (NEW!) and Lushington (NEW!) ($15 each)
LIPPY Tinted Balm in Mush (NEW!), Nutter (NEW!) and Teddy Boy (NEW!)($20 each)
WINK Eye Pencil in Earl Grey (NEW!), Twigged (NEW!), Union Jack Black and Brown Sugar($18 each)
WINK Cream Eye Shadow in Earl Grey (NEW!), Twigged (NEW!), Treacle (NEW!) and English Rose (NEW!) ($18 each)
WINK Mascara in Union Jack Black and Brown Sugar ($20 each)
CHEEKY Cream Blush in Honey Pie ($20)
What I think: My favorite products is the dark peach lipstick called Mush and the peach crème nail polish called Keen. So fresh and pretty for spring.
My poor skin has been suffering in this crazy cold weather! I swear that my forehead was so dry at one point, it looked like I had scales!
I have been blessed to receive some great skin products to help me get through the winter. And I have more to review as well — a part 2 will be coming soon!
Maijan Nourish Healing Herbal Facial Steam for Dry Skin
Maijan Nourish Healing Herbal Facial Steam for Dry Skin (Reg. Price: $23.95, Sale Price: $16.77) — gives skin a natural boost of moisture as it deeply cleanses pores removing toxins and impurities. The pure and natural blend of ingredients is naturally astringent, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. The nourishing steam restores elasticity and improves skin vitality, leaving skin healthier, moisturized and refreshed. Simply add to warm steaming water and take in the nourishment. Product Features:
Add two tablespoons to a bowl containing 4 cups of warm steaming water.
Trap steam by covering head and bowl with a bath towel.
Those with oily or combination skin should steam for 10 to 15 minutes; those with dry to normal skin should steam for 5 to 10 minutes; and those with sensitive skin should steam for 3 to 5 minutes.
What I think: I love this aromatic steam. I have sensitive skin so I steamed my face for about 4 minutes. I noticed that afterwards, my skin was refreshed and soft. I did it at night and followed with a serum and night cream. I woke up with very soft skin the next day!
Kesh Beauty Moroccan Argan Oil with Rosewater Essence
Kesh Beauty Moroccan Argan Oil with Rosewater Essence ($27.99 USD) — Infused with rosewater in traditional Moroccan fashion, this 100% organic cold-pressed argan oil has a fresh floral scent. Its high concentration of antioxidants offers head-to-toe protection from environmental damage, and its abundance of essential fatty acids instantly smooth and soothe dry skin and rough spots. This Moroccan beauty secret also doubles as a deep conditioning treatment and pre-styling product that repairs damaged hair, increases manageability and reduces frizz without greasy residue.
How to use: Apply to the face and body in place of moisturizer as needed. Apply to hair before styling, or as a finishing touch to enhance softness and shine.
Ideal for all skin types, Moroccan Argan Oil with Rosewater Essence will not clog pores. Made in Morocco.
Ingredients: 100% organic cold-pressed argan oil with Rosewater Essence
What I think: First of all this smells fantastic, it is very lightly scented with rosewater. This can be used on skin and hair — a great multi-tasker. I love using this oil after cleansing and exfoliating, it doesn’t irritate my skin. It is perfect for a night time treatment, as well. Skin is soft and smooth in the morning!
Available at keshbeauty.com.
ANEW CLINICAL SKINVINCIBLE Protect & Repair Duo
Avon Avon ANEW CLINICAL SKINVINCIBLE Protect & Repair Duo ($59.99 a $72 value)– Protect. Repair. The #1 cause of visible aging is environmental aggressors, which can lead to wrinkles, sun spots and dryness. Now you can protect skin against environmental assaults. Repair the look of age damage.
This ANEW Duo includes:
Skinvincible Multi-Shield Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50 – Lightweight lotion with our highest SPF available. Use AM. Can be used under makeup. 1 oz. net wt.
Skinvincible Deep Recovery Cream: Diminish the look of lines, wrinkles and sunspots. A moisturizing night cream formulated with the world’s 1st SmartRepair™ Technology. Intensive repair cream. Use PM. 1 oz. net wt.
What I think: I am loving both of these products, but especially the sunscreen. It is so moisturizing and I love the high SPF. It is a bit greasy, so a little goes a long way. The night cream is so decadent and feels fantastic on. These products are a great day/night duo and are affordable.
Purchase at www.avon.com or your neighborhood Avon representative.
Algenist Genius Cream
Algenist Genius Cream ($110 USD) — Genius is a scientifically advanced formulation designed to address the signs of aging skin. Youthful suppleness and radiance is restored, skin density is increased, facial contours become more defined and deep wrinkles are visibly minimized leaving skin firmer, softer and smoother. Alguronic Acid is combined with the breakthrough Microalgae Oil to create a powerful and highly active formula which addresses the accelerated signs of aging caused by hormonal changes, environmental stress and the natural aging process.
The actives harnessed in Genius are delivered in a luxurious, emollient formula that instantly absorbs into the skin, softening and smoothing upon contact. Results are apparent in just 10 days, and even more visible after 28 days of usage.
What I think: I love Algenist and really love this fantastic cream. It is super rich and soothing on my chapped, scaly skin. I have been using it for a couple of weeks now and my skin is noticeably softer and younger looking. I will keep using it and hopefully will see even more results!
You can purchase at Algenist.com, QVC, Sephora and Sephora.com
Lierac HYDRA-CHRONO+ Rich Moisturizing Cream
Lierac HYDRA-CHRONO+ Rich Moisturizing Cream ($48 USD) A rich and sensual cream that works to durably regulate hydration and to protect, nourish and comfort dry to very dry skin deep down. Protective and softening effect.
Ideal for dry to very dry skin, this velvety cream contains LIERAC-exclusive moisturizing & multi-protecting technology:
11% hydration reprogramming botanical complex: based on the latest discoveries made by LIERAC research, this complex results from the combination of 2 complementary active ingredients (a natural amino acid and Ophiopogon japonicus extract) with NMF. This complex is capable of complementing and stimulating the skin’s two types of water channels.
2.5% anti-oxidant rich water hyacinth: this botanical active ingredient is capable of protecting the skin from environmental assaults thanks to its anti-oxidant, detoxifying and purifying abilities.
2% rose and cherry flower extracts: these two flower extracts were selected for their moisturizing, anti-oxidant and nutritive properties
What I think: This is another great night cream (or day cream under SPF if your skin is very dry). It is so silky and quickly absorbs into skin. It has a nice light scent and leaves skin so soft.
Out of Africa Pure Shea Butter Charity Hand Creams
Out of Africa Pure Shea Butter Charity Hand Creams ($1oz ($6.99) and 2.5oz ($10.99) — With an ultra-rich creamy feel and the healing nutrients, vitamins, and valuable phytonutrients of pure unrefined shea butter, these hand creams will revive parched dry hands, providing a silky smooth finish that absorbs quickly and is never greasy to the touch.
As pure hydration helps to heal dry and damaged skin, this luxurious natural formula is made with 20% of the finest pure and unrefined shea butter for the ultimate skincare treatment. Most other brands contain 1 or 2%, Out of Africa’s Pure Shea Butter Hand Creams provide the highest percentage of pure, unrefined shea butter on the market. Naturally rich in vitamins and antioxidants A, E and F, these creams provide exceptional dermatological and cosmetic healing properties, deeply penetrating to moisturize and nourish the skin. Your hands will instantly feel soft and supple.
The shea butter in Out of Africa’s Hand Creams can also help to prevent premature aging and other skin ailments like blemishes, wrinkles, eczema, psoriasis, sunburn, stretch marks, scars and dermatitis. No Parabens, Sulfates, Petrolatums or Phthalates.
Your purchase will contribute 15 cents to help provide education to women and children in West Africa.
What I think: There are three scents available; Vanilla, Olive with Aloe or Lemon Verbena. I really love the Lemon Verbena, it is light and fresh. And the hand cream is perfect! Softens skin instantly without any greasy feeling at all! It has the look and feel of an expensive cream.
butter LONDON Hydrating Balm ($24 USD)– Formulated with shea butter and infused with the highest concentration of nature’s most powerful emollients, this fragrance free, non-greasy balm is sure to take permanent residence in your handbag. The Hydrating Balm knocks out chapped lips, dry cuticles, fly-away hair, freshly waxed or chaffing skin, sunburn, and other skin irritants.
What I think: I have been smoothing this on my cuticles, elbows and the ends of my hair. It is easy to throw in my purse or keep in my desk — and it can be used everywhere! Awesome product!
Don’t forget your feet! Zim’s Heels & Feet Foot Cream ($8.99 USD) — From the #1 Pharmacist Recommended Zim’s CRACK Creme comes Heels & Feet Foot Cream. A NEW blend enhanced with L-Arginine for dry, cracked, tired feet.
What I think: This natural foot cream has a very strong odor. It may be the tea tree oil, but it is a little strong for me. I do like how light the cream is. It is not greasy at all and leaves my feet soft and refreshed!
I have so many great last-minute gift ideas that I had to make 2 posts!
If you are still looking for the perfect gift for the lady who likes beauty products, check out these great ideas:
butter LONDON Fire and Ice Double Take 2-Piece Sets
butter LONDON Fire and Ice Double Take 2-Piece Sets ($24 USD) — Sparkle and shine this holiday season with butter LONDON’s Fire & Ice Double Take 2-Piece Sets. These lacquer duos will quickly add a spark to your fashion wardrobe with new, innovative overcoats designed to transform your lacquer for a festive look. Four completely new shades (Rebel Fox, Brass Monkey, Bluecoat, and Leccy) will have you heating up or looking cool at any holiday festivity.
Available at www.butterlondon.com and some butter LONDON products are available at Ulta stores.
Algenist The Anti-Wrinkle Collection
Algenist The Anti-Wrinkle Collection ($52 USD) — This three-piece set provides everything you need to combat advanced signs of aging. Arm yourself with a full size Gentle Rejuvenating Cleanser, a deluxe size Complete Eye Renewal Balm and a half size Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturizer.
Marc Jacobs Rollerball trio ($39.00 USD) — Shower yourself in the fragrant florals of Marc Jacobs with this set of easy-to-tote rollerballs. Daisy is a sparkling floral bouquet, spirited and fresh, wrapped in comfort and warmth. Daisy Eau So Fresh is the whimsical interpretation of the original Daisy fragrance. Its light, woody base infuses a subtle but sharp glimmer of musk for an unexpected twist of radiance. Dot bursts open with a bright and thrilling effervescence, harnessing the beautiful scent of jasmine at its heart.
The set includes:
1 0.33 oz Daisy Eau de Toilette Rollerball 1 0.33 oz Daisy Eau So Fresh Eau de Toilette Rollerball 1 0.33 oz Dot Eau de Parfum Rollerball
DOWNTOWN Calvin Klein ($89 3.4oz) — Daisy is fresh and feminine, with a playful innocence. Radiant and enchanting, the fragrance has a sparkling floral bouquet – spirited and fresh, wrapped in comfort and warmth. At the heart of Daisy is a floral with vintage edge: violet. Sophisticated with a touch of whimsy, violet captures the eclectic, vintage flavor of Marc Jacobs’ feminine, edgy designs.
Top: wild strawberry, violet leaves, ruby red grapefruit
Bottega Veneta Luxury Bath Collection — To mark the second anniversary of its signature scent, Bottega Veneta created the Luxury Bath Collection. Designed to enhance and expand the sensual experience of this unique fragrance, the collection reflects an entirely new way to experience the scent, adding a new, intimate dimension to the refined world of Bottega Veneta. The elements of the new Luxury Bath Collection include a Luxury Body Scrub, a Luxury Body Oil, a Shimmery Body Powder with puff applicator, and a Luxury Hair Mist.
Softening Body Scrub 6.7 oz $95
Shimmery Body Powder 3.5 oz $70
Satin Body Oil 3.4 oz $60
Available at specialty stores and Bottega Veneta boutiques.
Radical Skincare Radical Starter Kit
Radical Skincare Radical Starter Kit ($99 USD) — Power and performance: a set combining multiple benefits for your skin. Use the Age Defying Exfoliating pads to remove dead skin cells while infusing the skin with firming agents. Follow with Peptide Infused Antioxidant Serum—there is no better shield against the free radicals responsible for skin aging than this multitasking, anti-wrinkle serum. When combined with Anti-Aging Restorative Moisture, this power duo delivers an anti-aging one-two punch, gifted with active ingredients that have been shown to combat dark spots, even skintone, and increase hydration 60 percent in as little as two weeks. Finish with Eye Revive Crème, another multitasking wonder that reduces the appearance of wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness while firming and hydrating the sensitive eye area.
This set contains:
– 15 x Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads
– 0.5 oz Peptide Infused Antioxidant Serum
– 0.5 oz Anti-Aging Restorative Moisture
– 0.17 oz Eye Revive Crème
Mobile Clean & Go MegaMicro ($8.99) — I realize that this may not be a beauty product (it is for your phone or tablet), but I really love it and think it is a great stocking stuffer!
MegaMicro™ features our exclusive Dual-Hybrid Technology offering two cleaning surfaces in one:
A textured side for easy removal of dirt, oils, fingerprints, water spots and sunscreen
An optical-grade microfiber side to polish your display to a crystal clear shine
The new MegaMicro™ Microfiber Cleaning Cloth is perfect for cleaning larger displays, tablets, computer monitors, TV screens, and marine electronics. Available in Blue
Contents:
(1) MegaMicro™ Dual-Hyrbrid Microfiber Cloth (7″ x 7″ – 18cm x 18cm)
Enjoy and remember it is Free Shipping Day for a lot of companies. So get your orders in if you’d like to get it online in time for Christmas. Happy Holidays!
Starting TODAY Monday, December 9th, butter LONDON is launching “8 Days of Cheer,” in which a new deal will be offered each day. Each deal will run exclusively on butterlondon.com for 24 hours and will be accessible through a checkout code. Below you will find the list of deals and codes for each of the eight days.
· Day 1 (December 9th): The entire Illusionist collection for $60 (originally $90), CODE: MAGIC
· Day 2 (December 10th): London Calling Stair Step Unit for $475 (this unit contains the ultimate collection featuring 40 of butter LONDON’s top-selling shades and a tiered unit to hold them all)
· Day 3 (December 11th): 20% off select glitter lacquers, CODE: GLITZ
· Day 4 (December 12th): Horsepower Nail Fertilizer for $15 (originally $18), CODE: POWER
· Day 5 (December 13th): Nail Lacquer in Buckie launching as a web exclusive
· Day 6 (December 14th): Box of Scrubbers GWP with every order over $50, CODE: PREZZIE
· Day 7 (December 15th): Buy 2 lacquers and get one free for 24 hours, CODE: JOLLY
· Day 8 (December 16th): Free shipping on all orders and last day for guaranteed delivery by Christmas, CODE: WISH
Also, butter LONDON has launched a collection of holiday exclusive sets that come in an adorable and giftable bag. These sets are only available on butterlondon.com and are the perfect stocking stuffer. The available sets include:
HOLIDAY CANDLELIGHT EYE DUO
HOLIDAY CANDLELIGHT EYE DUO : this duo of warm, ultra-sultry colour will leave you glowing all season! This duo includes butter LONDON WINK Eye Pencil in Brown Sugar and WINK Cream Eyeshadow in Sun Kiss.
Holiday Price: $29 (a $34 value)
HOLIDAY FROST EYE DUO
HOLIDAY FROST EYE DUO: frost yourself in this cool duo and prepare to glisten all night. This set includes butter LONDON WINK Eye Pencil in Inky Six and WINK Cream Eyeshadow in Alabaster Gaze.
Holiday Price: $29 (a $34 value)
CHERRY KISS
CHERRY KISS: add a pop of colour to your winter wardrobe with this trio which includes LIPPY Tinted Balm in Black Cherry, LIPPY Liquid Lipstick in Come to Bed Red and LIPPY Sheer Gloss in Secret Door.
Holiday Price: $39 (a $58 value)
WINTER PEACH LIPPY TRIO
WINTER PEACH LIPPY TRIO: make heads turn this holiday season with butter LONDON LIPPY Tinted Balm in Apricot Sunray, LIPPY Shimmer in Wag and LIPPY Liquid Lipstick in Jaffa.
My skin is so dry. And I mean my face, hands, legs, feet — even my lips! So I feel the need to hydrate a lot.
I was sent the following products to try for my honest opinion. I have found that they are all very helpful in keeping me moisturized:
Lulah Body Lotion in Magnolia Fig
Lulah Body Lotion ($13.25 USD) — The colder season is quickly approaching and that means it is time to find the perfect body lotion for dry winter skin. With Lulah’s BodyLotions, you can smell great while hydrating your entire body. The Body Lotions come in Lulah’s signature scents including Peony, Magnolia Fig, Citron, Tamarind Ginger, and Vanilla Orchid, all of which are available for purchase on Lulah.com for $13.25 each.
What I think: I think it’s always a bonus when a really moisturizing body lotion also smells fantastic, and this one sure does. It is perfect for moisturizing legs and feet at night.
Eight Skincare Body Softening Oil Ginger Lime ($22 USD) — Eight Body Softening Oil is a luxurious blend of essential oils, specifically formulated to leave the skin velvety smooth, softened and toned. These essentials bring natural benefits to the skin.
Submerse yourself in the fresh, piquant blend of ginger and lime. This all natural aroma will not compete with your fragrance, as the scent of the essential oils will dissipate.
What I think: I love using this right after my bath or shower. It sinks right in and keeps my skin soft and smooth. The scent is fresh and very light. It disappears soon after application.
Fake Bake Tanning Butter For Dry Skin ($20.99 USD) — Our Fake Bake Tanning Body Butter allows you to build a beautiful tan using the softest Shea Butter ingredients available. It¹s light enough to use daily and will build naturally so even the palest of skin tones need not fear! The buttery texture will rival any regular moisturizer and leaves skin with a subtle velvety shimmer and it smells incredible!
What I think: I am loving this on my winter-white legs. It gives a soft glow. You can build it darker, but it never gets too dark. Really cool idea!
Fake Bake is available at salons and top retailers nationwide and at FakeBake.com. Our Tanning Butter retails for $20.99.
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream ($4.49) — Give your hands some TLC by keeping Norwegian Formula Hand Cream within reach. It glycerin-rich formula relieves dry, chapped hands for hours.
What I think: A little goes a long way with this rich cream. This is great (and affordable) to have on hand as it gets colder and colder.
butter LONDON’s Stiletto Stick Hydrating Heel Balm ($30 USD) — Just because our feet are hidden beneath fuzzy socks and weather-slaying boots doesn’t mean they don’t need a little winter TLC. In fact, boots can be some of the worst offenders in the war against soft heels. butter LONDON’s Stiletto Stick Hydrating Heel Balm banishes dry and cracked skin that comes with the season. So no more excuses to procrastinate on that holiday shopping – you’ll be ready to tackle those door buster deals with the most fit feet in town.
What I think: This silky stick is great to use at night. Roll it over your heels and wake up to soft feet!
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser ($8.99 USD)– The humidity and temperatures drop but that doesn’t mean your skin will stop producing oil. A cleanser with salicylic acid willexfoliate to remove dry skin and can prevent breakouts. For combination and dry skin, use Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser to remove dirt and oil while keeping the skin’s natural moisture barrier intact.
What I think: This cleanser will work for anyone. I love it because it is gentle on my sensitive skin and doesn’t strip it — which is important on my dry skin.
Available at mass market retailers near you.
Algenist Overnight Restorative Cream
Sleep tight with visions of sugar plum fairies dancing in your head and wake up with baby soft skin thanks to Algenist’s Overnight Restorative Cream ($90. USD). The Alguronic Acid in this miracle elixir works overtime to promote cell renewal while peptides nourish skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Add a couple drops of the uber hydrating Algenist’s Advanced Anti-Aging Repairing Oil ($79 USD) into the moisturizer and this potent combination will give cracked winter skin some much needed “oomph” and serious angelic radiance, all while you’re sleeping off that giant holiday meal. Double tasking at its finest.
What I think: Talk about a 1-2 punch of hydration! These two products combined leaves my skin so soft. It’s a fab overnight treatment. Believe me, you will wake up with softer skin in the morning!
WHERE TO BUY: Algenist.com, Sephora, Sephora.com
Chapstick Gingerbread
Introducing new Limited Edition seasonal ChapStick® Gingerbread Kiss ($1.99). It is also available in Candy Cane.
What I think: These are fun, seasonal flavors that also keep lips soft and smooth. I especially love the Gingerbread Kiss. It’s really yummy!
Available at mass market retailers near you.
So, dear readers — does your skin get dry in the winter? Leave a comment and let me know what you use.
Ready to shop yet? I am! I’m really looking forward to Black Friday/Cyber Monday this year.
Here are some more great deals! And don’t forget to check out my first Black Friday/Cyber Monday post here.
Launching Black Friday, butter LONDON’s Fashion Size Duo combines the perfect lacquer pair of Slapper and Knackered, to give your holiday look the sparkle and pop it needs. Retailing for only $10, this mini must-have takes the guesswork out of sensible gifting and is the perfect stocking-stuffer.
In addition, starting Black Friday through Cyber Monday butterlondon.com will be gifting customers with 20% off site wide (excluding product marked at “last-call”) and 50% off “last-call”items. Unlock these deals using the code CYBER13.
CARGO — On Black Friday, receive 50% off the Let’s Meet in Paris Mini Lip Gloss Kits. Purchase for $8 (a $16 value). Available exclusively on Friday 11/29. ULTA stores/Ulta.com
Urban Decay — On Black Friday, get a6-piece bundle of Revolution Lipstick for only $50 (a $132 value). Set includes the following shades: Jilted, F-Bomb, Catfight, Naked, Native and Protest. There’s also a killer travel bundle for the girl who can never be without her UD fix. Get travel sizes of All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray, Supercurl Mascara and Eyeshadow Primer Potion, as well as the Black Market 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Set, for $35 (a $72 value.) Available exclusively on Friday 11/29. UrbanDecay.com
On Cyber Monday, get theSmoked Palette and an Eyeshadow Primer Potion Travel Duo for $40 (a $58 value). Urban Decay is also throwing back to 2011 with a revival of the Book of Shadows Vol. IV, complete with a deluxe Revolution Lipstick sample. If you missed out then, now’s your chance to score one, and for only $25 (a $64 value). Available at UrbanDecay.com
Miss Jessie’s is also offering customers an incredible deal this holiday season – not just for Black Friday and Cyber Monday – as they give 40% off ALL items on MissJessies.com.
The coming of Thanksgiving means three things to the team at Birchbox: lots of turkey, spending time with family, and gearing up for the biggest online shopping bonanza of the year – Cyber Monday. This year, Birchbox is offering a few exclusive offers to their customers:
Birchbox Mobile – The Birchbox Shop has launched in our mobile app! Use code MOBILE20 to get 20% off all first-time mobile app purchases ONLY.
Birchbox + Rebecca Taylor – Birchbox + fashion favorite Rebecca Taylor have partnered to bring Birchbox customers an exclusive makeup pouch, available as a GWP beginning on 12/2. Customers can receive this case when they spend $55+ on all full-size products in the shop by using code REBECCAGIFT. *See attached for more information.
LORAC — A Limited edition PRO Palette shade Pewter set that includes 3-in-1 Waterproof EyeLiner in Ultra Black and retails for $10 (a $39 value) available exclusivily at Sephora.com and (should be) Sephora Inside JC Penny. Available only on black friday. Additionally: HauteLook, Nordstrom Rack and Ulta.com will offer The Stylist Palette on Black Friday (in Platinum and Gold). This will retail for $15.
To make the most of your holiday shopping, visit shop.nordstrom.com or stop by your local Nordstrom department store next Friday – Black Friday – November 29th.
The 200 brand empire (for a limited time only) is offering OVER 80 GIFTS WITH PURCHASE. Choose from dozens of free gifts with purchase featuring fantastic values, including Estee Lauder, Smashbox, Jo Malone London, Clarisonic, Bobbi Brown and more! But hurry – these won’t last long!
PLUS, Nordstrom Beauty’s annual SnowGlobe gift with purchase is free with ANY women’s fragrance purchase of $150 or more. Nordstrom Beauty also has a men’s gift with purchase: free whiskey glasses with ANY men’s fragrance or grooming purchase of $100 or more.
Also included are several AMAZING doorbuster items. These are sure to fly out the door Friday morning as they are limited quantity and great values (i.e. Clarisonic under $100).
***Both doorbuster items and gift with purchases will continue throughout the weekend provided there are still quantities available.
Do you shop on Black Friday? Leave me a comment letting me know your plan. I am always looking for tips!
Beauty.com, Inc. is excited to launch the exclusive Heartbeat Bag from the creative force behind esteemed New York fashion line, Honor. Beginning September 3rd, the product-filled Honor clutch is free for customers who spend more than $100 on Beauty.com. The Heartbeat bag can be found exclusively at www.beauty.com/honornyc and is available while supplies last.
The black cosmetics case is clad in white hearts and folds out to reveal a white lining dotted with black hearts. Translucent pink windows allow the owner of this fun and chic bag to easily store their favorite beauty products. Waterproof material both inside and out makes it easy to wipe down the Heartbeat Bag and keep it looking bright and new.
Each Heartbeat Bag comes filled with 12 prestige beauty samples in both deluxe sample and full sizes. The bag and its contents have an approximate combined retail value of more than $120.00.
The products are:
1.Paula’s Choice Ultra Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum 5 ml
2.Peter Thomas Roth Oilless Oil 100% Purified Squalane 1.5 ml
3.IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes! 5-in-1 Treatment Mascara, Black
4.Nuxe Crème Fraiche® de Beaute 15 ml
5.H2O+ Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment 8 ml
6.Jonathan Green Rootine Pure Paste .08 pds
7.Jurlique Herbal Recovery Night Cream 5ml
8.Murad Resurgence Age-Diffusing Firming Mask .33 fl oz
9.Butter London West End Wonderland Lacquers 0.4 oz
10.PHYTO Phytobaume Hydration Express Conditioner 1.7 oz
11.Boots No7 Poppy King Lipstick (full size)
12.Carol’s Daughter Monoi Oil Serum .10 fl oz
13.An offer for you from the Beauty.com site
“I love to paint my face, the possibilities are endless,” says Honor CEO and head designer Giovanna Randall. “I wanted to create a beauty bag that was fun and playful so we added our heart print from the FW13 collection with a shocking pink vinyl. Your cherished beauty products should always live in a fabulous home.”
What I think: The bag is really fun and the collection of beauty products is fabulous!
Add a pop of colour and a dash of pizazz to your makeup routine this fall with butter LONDON’s NEW and vibrant collection of Colour Cosmetics, launching August 1st. Never one to play by the rules, butter LONDON has worked diligently to create a dynamic collection of products that defy stereotypes and pay homage to the latest beauty and fashion trends.
The Bespoke Colour Cosmetics collection delivers the unparalleled quality and long-lasting wear you’ve come to know and love from butter LONDON’s lacquers and LIPPY’s, with a continued commitment to non-toxic, paraben-free formulas.
The Bespoke Colour Cosmetics collection introduces WINK Mascara (6 Shades, $20 each), WINK Cream Eye Shadow (6 Shades, $18 each), WINK Eye Pencil (6 Shades, $18 each), LIPPY Tinted Balm (6 Shades, $20 each), and CHEEKY Cream Blush (4 Shades, $20 each). Along with the new cosmetics, five new Nail Lacquer shades ($15 each) will also be added to butter LONDON’s famous collection of nail colour.
The collection is now available on Ulta.com and butterlondon.com.
Lately, I have been really into trying new colors, finishes and textures of nail polish. I have been trying some really cool polishes, here are some of my favorites:
Break away from the ordinary this fall and rock bold, unexpected colours with butter LONDON’s latest nail lacquer collection, Colour Clash.
Launching today on butterLONDON.com, the Colour Clash Collection is a chic, surprising new collection of brights and whites that are perfectly on-trend to take your look from summer to fall. The collection includes vibrant bright nail lacquers in Wellies, Pimms, Cake Hole, Silly Billy and Giddy Kipper that can add a much-needed pop of colour to any look. Ready to rock out in white? Sport a trendy white-nail with Cotton Buds, which can also be used underneath nail art to punch up any colour.
butter LONDON’s Global Colour Ambassador Katie Hughes notes that the Colour Clash Collection is “one of my favourite collections yet, Colour Clash is so fun and bold.”
What I think: Butter LONDON’s new color clash collection is so different for fall. Colors for the season are usually rich and dark, these are so bright and fun. It’s feels like the fun of summer blending itself into the fall season. In Kansas City where I live, it will be hot until about Halloween, so these colors seem so appropriate!
Nails Inc. Feathers Effect Nail Polish in Edinburgh
Nails Inc. Feathers Effect Nail Polish ($9.50 USD) This ultratrendy, long-wearing formulation features tiny feather-like particles in complimentary colors to create a quill effect on the nails. Perfect for adding a pop of color to your spring or summer ensemble, the unique feather bottle and feather print cap make these must-have shades for all. Wear two to three coats to build full coverage or apply directly over a base color for a smooth look.
What I think: I love these feather polishes. I have them in Edinburgh, a pastel orange and blue and Brighton, a teal and yellow textured polish. I have used one coat over a cream polish and I have layered just the feathers alone. Both looks fantastic and lasts a long time!
discover perfect nail art looks for your summer getaway with the latest collection of essie sleek sticks in beach-ready brights. Inspired by the season’s hottest runway trends, the collection boasts six luxe, three-dimensional patterns in sunny shades from ocean blue to juicy fuchsia. These pre-cured appliqués make salon designs a snap – just apply and go! Lasts up to 10 days.
The shades left to right are: stick with style, croc madame, shoot for the moon, small pleasures, sea me shine, and show me your stuff.
What I think: These stickers are so beautiful in person! They are a bit tricky to use, but when done right, really fun!
Purchase at www.essie.com or fine beauty stores near you.
Forty, Flirty & Fabulous 