I thought I was going to get a break from buying more cosmetics until the new year.. looks like I need to pull out my wallet for ONE more last haul that is, in my opinion, the most gorgeous packaging I’ve seen in a really long time.
It’s the new MAC Baroque Boudoir collection for 2009. MAC, you are killin’ me with this collection! I thought the holiday collection was enough? Ughhh.
I a huge fan of Victorian, Baroque, Edwardian, Art Deco, etc. artwork, and the design on these cosmetics matches the design on my bathroom towels! Of course, you have to remember you are most likely going to throw away the beautiful box, so I try not to look at the lovely design that will eventually be trash.. but the design on the cosmetics themselves is SOOO gorgeous!
Click on the images to go to the homepage for each product.
To see actual swatches of each lipstick and lipgloss, please check out this blog!
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This may be old news to some of you, but I am still seeing a growing trend with fake MAC cosmetics being sold on Ebay, Facebook, and other online markets. If you see a palette, a brush or pigments with too good to be true prices, there is a possibility that it’s fake. The only way to ensure you are getting 100% real MAC products is to buy directly from MAC. I did a little digging and found a few guides on how to spot fakes. Here are a few tidbits to help you if you do decide to purchase online from Ebay or from a seller on a forum, etc. Source:http://reviews.ebay.com/MAC-PIGMENTS-HOW-TO-SPOT-FAKES-by-EXPERIENCED-SELLER_W0QQugidZ10000000002016410
(I personally do not purchase MAC from Ebay, so these tips do not reflect my practices, but only posted here to help those that do)
1. Check for typos on the box. MAC would never have a typo on their boxes, or on the inside instructional pamphlet. I’ve noticed several knock-off items, such as D & G sunglasses, have typos in the owner’s manual. (some limited edition pigments do not have the instructional paper)
2. Fake boxes, when scratched with fingernail, leave marks. Almost like the black of the paper is painted on. Pigment lids are a matte black, just like other MAC product packaging, there is usually a sparkly, recycled look to the plastic, but it’s normally not shiny, unless there is a special, limited edition product with special packaging.
3. Full size, fake pigments are being sold in Hong Kong and other countries. Some of these fake auctions show a lot of pigments colors at very low prices and allow you to choose what colors you want. When you apply the fake pigments to the skin, they will fall right off and are low quality. Some of the fake pigments are getting a little better in quality and texture, and it may be hard to spot the difference. Sometimes the MAC pro stores will sample out pigment colors in full-size jars, but they will not give you an entirely full sample. Some fake sellers will say that their pigment is a store sample, even though it’s full to the top. The MAC sample jars will most likely say “sample” somewhere on it and have the color written on it.
4. MAC is now printing the name of the color and UPC code on the box itself. You may find that some genuine MAC pigments still do have the color name sticker on the right edge at the back of the box (on the very top of the box). Always check the bottom of the pigment jar, the color name silver or clear sticker of a genuine MAC product will always be at the bottom!
5. The fake seller’s have a similar scheme. The seller could buy and sell genuine pigments and generate enough positive feedback to give them a “good” standing with ebay. Once they have 20 or 30 good feedback ratings, the sellers will sometimes then start selling fake products. A lot of these sellers will claim to have a lot of “rare” pigment colors.
6. Use PayPal when purchasing cosmetics on Ebay. PayPal protects your purchases if you have proof. If you find out you bought a fake product, you may file a complaint and receive your money back if the product is verified as fake by MAC. Also, be sure to report the fake products to Ebay so that they can review the account and possibly suspend the account. If you take the product into a MAC store, do not say that you purchased it on Ebay, or they will most likely tell you it’s fake no matter what. Just tell them that you got it as a gift.
7. Some real pigments are not full to the top! I noticed that a lot of my MAC store purchased pigments are not full all the way to the top. This is normal. I actually have seen a MAC employee sample a pigment right out of a jar that was for sale, and put it back into the drawer.. naughty naughty! Again, if you have questions about the amount of pigment you received in a jar you purchased on Ebay, be sure to NOT mention that it was from Ebay!
Here is also a video of examples of fake MAC pigments:
There are several videos and websites/blogs that talk about fake MAC products, and the fakes are changing all the time, so, again, if you want MAC.. then buy FROM MAC.
I have also seen people selling Coastal Scents eyeshadow palettes and selling them as MAC palettes. Here are some photos of those Coastal Scents palettes: http://www.coastalscents.com/cfwebstore/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=122
Happy shopping, everyone! Don’t buy fakes!
Update: I just found another fake MAC website. This store sells all entirely fake MAC products. http://www.brush111.com/index.html Again, these products look exactly like Coastal Scents palettes set into another palette.
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Ok.. thousands, maybe millions of women were screaming, crying, and possibly vomiting over the discontinuation of Maybelline Lash Stylist mascara. My blog was infested with housewives, teens and makeup junkies of all kinds around the globe, in search of their favorite comb-wand mascara.
Ok.. so are you sitting? Maybelline has most likely brought Lash Stylist back, but redesigned and slapped a new name on the package: Volum’ Express Hypercurl Cat Eyes Mascara is born.. and I am totally having kittens over this! Especially wondering how the hell I didn’t know about it and it’s been out since freaking May.
Oh, Maybelline.. did you think you could fool us by relaunching and remarketing our product? We’re pissed that you tricked us, but yes, we are still going to buy the son-of-a-bitch mascara because we loved it THAT MUCH. It’s the same comb and hopefully, the same formula. Will we be able to sleep at night?? NO.. because just like the rest of the products I fall in love with, this may be gone in time, too. I have no idea yet where to purchase this online since I have not seen it yet. I JUST found out. If it’s been out since May, why can I not find it online? Is this also discontinued.. again? What is going on?
Update: This mascara is apparently only available in Malaysia. I am still waiting to hear more.
Please post your thoughts!!!
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Just a little 10 min. video which gives users a tour of the site and some new features. Another excuse to use my Flip Cam!
On November 9th, I celebrated my 33rd birthday! I received awesome gifts and even bought myself a gift for my aging skin. hahah!
I remember when Strivectin came out in Macy’s stores where I was working at the time, and everyone was obsessed with StriVectin. The product was originally made and sold as a stretch mark cream, but some ladies that received samples of the product thought it was for their face and they saw awesome results. So now, StriVectin is being sold as both a stretch mark cream and face cream.
I purchased the StriVectin Holiday Gift set at Beauty.com for $99. I thought that was a pretty good bargain since I just wanted to try the products and not commit the the expensive full size bottles. Here’s what you get in the kit:
- StriVectin Neck Cream – StriVectin Neck Cream is the first and only StriVectin formula specifically developed for the sensitive neck area (including the decolletage). StriVectin Neck Cream dramatically reduces the appearance of “turkey neck”. . .lifting, shaping and refining as it produces a smoother, younger-looking contour.
- StriVectin-SD Intensive Concentrate for Existing Stretch Marks – Clinically Proven to Dramatically Reduce the Appearance of Existing Stretch Marks (prominent because of their length, depth, texture, and discoloration). Alters the Appearance of Tone and Texture. Significant, Corroborated Results Seen by 93% of Subjects Tested.
- StriVectin-SD Eye Cream – Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles around the eye. Includes additional soothing agents for the delicate skin around the eye. Same active formula as the original StriVectin-SD? without aromatic oils.
Nothing says Happy Birthday, you 33 year old like a bottle of wrinkle cream! Actually, I am loving everything so far. It seems like I am having minor breakouts, but not sure if it’s from this product. My skintone seems to be clearing up, as in, less red blotches and freckles, in just two days of using this product. The eye cream feels tingly, but the package says that is normal. I do feel like the puffiness is reduced after a few minutes. The neck cream is very moisturizing and although I have no issues with my neck (yet) I am going to continue to use this for preventative purposes!
If anyone has used StriVectin and either loved or hated it, leave a comment about your experiences!
Now on to the good stuff…
Brows
MAC Showstopper Matte shadow (Discontinued, but similar to Espresso) Used Brandon brand eye brow angled shaper brush. I applied Benefit High Brow under brow highlighter pencil BEFORE putting my brows on. It helps the brow powder go on smoother. See my brow tutorial : CLICK HERE
Eyes
I first applied Urban Decay Primer Potion in Nude (UDPP) to entire lid, except where the Benefit High Brow pencil was applied. I used my Mark. brand small, synthetic, rounded concealer brush to apply the MAC Chromaline Black Black Gel to the inner and outer sections of my eyes, only on the bottom lid area, leaving about a half inch blank space in the middle where the copper pigment eye shadow will go next.
I used what people sometimes call the “foiling” technique when applying loose pigment eye shadow. I washed off the above mentioned concealer brush and left it damp. I took a little bit of an old Benefit Cosmetics copper pigment, which looks exactly like the MAC Copper pigment, and applied that to the blank space I left on the bottom lid of my eyes. I used a patting motion to blend in the black edges from the black MAC liner gel. Very lightly! We are going to cover this area with gold glitter, so it doesn’t matter too much if it’s blended in perfectly.
My favorite part is putting the glitter on! (For more detailed info and pics, see my Glitter tutorial!) I used the MAC Gold Glitter, which is a Pro MAC product and can only be purchased at a MAC Pro store location (or ebay.com). Sometimes MAC comes out with limited edition glitter sets that include the gold glitter. You could even find glitter at a craft store, but make sure it’s not huge chunks! The MAC glitter I use is pretty fine. I use eyelash glue to apply the glitter to my lids. It works the best for me and doesn’t fall off while I am out dancing, partying, etc. I use the Ardell lash glue, which comes out of the tube white and dries clear. I made a small dot of glue on the back of my hand, then put a small amount of glitter next to it and mix them up. Using my clean synthetic concealer brush again, I apply the glue/glitter mixture over the top of the copper pigment. I did not put too much on, I wanted the copper pigment to show through just a little bit. I used a hair dryer on a low setting to dry the glitter and glue.
Next, it was time to start doing my crease shading and lining the eyes. I used MAC Sketch eyeshadow in the upper crease, using my NARS Angled Eye Shader brush to blend the crease. I dipped the brush into MAC Star Violet Eye shadow (brown/plum shimmer) and swept the color ever so slightly across that crease just to give it a touch of the shimmer from the shadow. I lined my eyes using the MAC Chromaline Black Black gel liner on top and bottom, then used the MAC 219 pencil brush to fill in the MAC Star Violet eye shadow under the lower lash line.
The mascara used was Lancome Fatale comb wand mascara in black.
Pegasus pendant by Betsey Johnson.
Face and cheeks
For foundation, I used two different brands and formulas. I first filled in my pores and covered blotchy areas with Boots No7 Intelligent Balance Mousse Foundation, in Almond, which is a very thick mousse foundation that leaves your skin a bit dry when used alone. I applied a small amount all over of Maybelline Superstay 24Hr Makeup in Sand Beige. The only powder I used was a very light dusting of MAC Belightful Pressed Powder, which is a heavy shimmer powder, so I concentrated most of it on my cheek area. I applied MAC Pink Swoon blush. (Bright pink, doesn’t look like the picture on the MAC Pro site.)
Lips
This is sort of my signature lip look since I made it up and people keep emailing me about it! hahah! RAD! I used YSL Rouge Pur Lipstick #22 Pink Celebration (Cotton candy pink), over the top of MAC Pinkie Pro lip liner. On top, a coat of MAC Lip Varnish in Polish Me Pink. (Discontinued, neon pink sheer lip gloss)
Hair
I used a huge barrel curling iron (1.5 or 2 inch, I don’t know!) to curl my entire huge head of hair. It took about 20 minutes total. People ask me how I swoop my bangs and it’s SO easy I could die. Instead of curling my bangs under with the curling iron, I curl them up towards the back of my head. First, I spray a very light mist of hairspray that has a light hold. I part my bangs to the side, combing them through to make sure all knots and kinks are out. Holding my bangs straight out in front of me, I curl the bangs up towards the back of my head and hold for about 5 seconds. I let the curl cool off before combing it out. Once it’s cooled off, I start combing downwards and hand-styling them with a little hairspray sprayed on my fingers. I spray everything with a mist and then go!
I had an excellent birthday week, starting off with a great dinner at the Rainforest Cafe in San Francisco. I got some awesome gifts.. check it out!
My fiance gave me an iPod Classic, which holds 40,000 songs. Amazing! Why doesn’t everyone have this??
My mom got me the most comfortable pair of red Cole Haan shoes. They are patent leather red Mary Jane type athletic shoes. I think they are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever put on my feet.
This is the Coach Gramercy embossed accordian zip-around wallet, given to me by my lovely close friend who obviously has great gift-giving taste.
Now this is what I call a deluxe makeup gift! My awesome friend knows exactly the way to my heart.. makeup and cuteness! This adorable box set by Too Faced cosmetics, “World Domination”, is too freaking amazing. There are eye shadows on top with powder liners and brow filelrs, lip palette on the bottom and bronzer and blushes that pop out on the side of the box. Not to mention.. it’s a music box! Needless to say, it was one of the best birthday’s ever.
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KristaDior.com is nearing it’s 40,000th visitor to the site, which is pretty amazing considering I didn’t start really rolling this blog out until last year. Thanks to websites like StumbleUpon.com, which helps you find blogs, videos and photos of things within categories you specify, (yes, there is a beauty category!) I have had a huge boost in traffic!
I just wanted to share with you guys a bit of what is popular as far as searches and best-sellers on some of my favorite merchant’s websites:
The first site I want to share is my all-time favorite place to get drugstore makeup. Drugstore.com / Beauty.com actually rewards you for your purchases. Not only do you receive 5% in credit back on each purchase, but you also get some really cool free samples. I get back about $7.00 each month to spend on a cute lipstick, new eyeshadow or whatever I feel like!
Drugstore.com / Beauty.com Best Seller List:
SKINCARE:
Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Eye Treatment .54 oz $50
A CEW beauty winner award for Best Prestige Eye Treatment, this highly-moisturizing and anti-dark circle treatment helps with melanin formation and poor circulation around the eyes, which are the two main causes of dark circles. Sounds impressive? Give it a try!
Beauty by Borghese Holiday Gift Set $52
Seems like this was also a best-selling holiday gift last year, this set Includes:
- Effetto Immediato Spa Soothing Tonic (4 fl oz) A lightweight, liquid, non-foaming lotion cleanser for the face that gently removes impurities while comforting skin. An herbal-infused formula with natural plant extracts that tone and clarify, improving the youthful appearance of skin. Ideal for Normal-to-Dry, Very Dry and Delicate complexions.
- Crema Saponetta Cleansing Creme (2.5 oz) – Deep-cleanses the pores, eliminating makeup, pollutants, clogging, cellular matter and debris. Leaves skin feeling healthy and renewed.
- Fango: Active Mud for Face and Body (2.5 oz) Gives devitalized, over-tense skin a new surge of vitality with clear, youthful radiance. Moisturizes and relaxes tired lines. Helps firm and elasticize body skin. Leaving skin in a receptive state for further Borghese treatment.
- Dolce Notte Night Cream (1 oz)
Dramatically smoothes, helps skin act younger and brings new vibrancy in the morning. Non pore-clogging. Especially good for sensitive skin.
- Crema Straordinaria Da Giorno Day Treatment SPF 25 (1 oz)
Created to deliver high-performance skincare in a gentle, hydrating, and effective formula, Day Treatment Lotion SPF 25 is the must-have accompaniment to Crema Straordinaria Night Treatment and Crema Straordinaria Eye Treatment.
- Curaforte: Moisture Intensifier (1 oz)
The moisture booster essential for healthier looking skin. Worn beneath your moisturizer, it gently lifts away dull, compacted surface cells, allowing more of your moisturizer to penetrate. Actually increases skin’s capacity to hold moisture by 200%. In a matter of days, fine dry lines are minimized…skin looks radiant, more alive.
- Fluido Protettivo Advanced Spa Lift for Eyes (1 oz)
Active protection to give eyes with a past a beautiful present. Specifically formulated tot treat and protect the most vulnerable area of the face, this lightweight fluid diffuses many environmental aggressors, including free-radicals, through a tripe-action, antioxidant defense system. With daily use, eases dark circles and puffiness…visibly diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Suitable for contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes.
Shu Uemura Brightening Cleansing Oil 15.2 fl. oz $75
I did try a sample of this a few months ago, and I will say that I am a big fan of cleansing oils. This cleansing oil does contain Mineral Oil, I’d like to add for those with sensitivity to it. I breakout if my makeup contains mineral oil, so I am not sure how this would work for me long-term. This oil also contains: prune extract for clarifying, Sakura Leaf extract to improve the skin’s texture, and Deep sea water, which is water found in 200 meters below the surface, which naturally provides moisture to the skin.
MAKEUP
DuWop Twilight Venom – Limited Edition for the Twilight Movie $16
Who knew a movie could boost the sales of a lip plumper?! Rather than it being a typical lipgloss, this is a shimmering crimson lip stain with avocado oils and Vitamin E. Searches for the Twilight makeup collections are high up on the list of searches on KristaDior.com.
bareMinerals Lustworthy Lips & Lashes $15
This kit would be a cute stocking stuffer or gift for a gal pal! The kit includes:
- Mini bareMinerals Flawless Definition Mascara in Black A paraben-free, bareMinerals-infused mascara that defines, separates, lengthens, and nourishes lashes with clump-free precision.
- Mini Strawberry Creme 100% Natural Lipgloss
A buttery-smooth, bareMinerals-infused gloss that polishes lips with pure sparkling color. Natural oils and Cupuacu Butter deliver lasting hydration, protective antioxidants and superior shine without stickiness.
Smashbox Eye Wish Eyeshadow Palette $44
I really like the variety of colors in this kit! There’s a vibrant purple, a sultry plum and dazzling metallics. 12 vibrant shadows with 4 liners and a mini Photo Finish Lid Primer.. all in a cool package with a mirrored travel case. The kit also includes a Look Book with 13 step-by-step perfect looks.
- Eye Shadow Shades: Matte nude pink, Champagne, Pale gold, Silver, Amethyst, Matte deep nude, True gold, Soft smoke, Cabernet, Emerald, Raspberry, Deep slate
- Liner Shades: Deep wine, Bronze, Black, Navy Blue
- Lid Primer Shade: Warm beige
FRAGRANCE
I am skipping over to Sephora to see what’s hot on their lists!
Gucci Flora 1 oz $52 available in additional sizes.
Sephora says: Gucci Flora is a subtle, sophisticated, floral fragrance inspired by princesses from the past, present, and future. The Flora Donna is a young, classic, and refined woman with the ‘Gucci edge’ of power and sensuality. The first Flora scarf was exclusively designed for Princess Grace of Monaco in 1966 and soon became one of the most popular Gucci icons. Notes: Citrus Accord, Peony, Rose, Osmanthus Flower, Pink Pepper, Sandalwood. Style: Elegant. Natural. Spontaneous.
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue for Women Starting at $45 for .8 oz.
This is a total classic! I always see this fragrance on best-sellers lists and I do love the clean smell that this fragrance gives.. and it lasts!
Sephora says: A stunning perfume, overwhelming and irresistible like the joy of living. Surprising and colored: the liveliness of Sicilian citron, the happiness of Granny Smith apple, the spontaneity of bluebells. Feminine and resolute: the intensity of jasmine, the freshness of bamboo, the charm of white rose. Deep and true: the character of cedarwood, the fullness of amber, the embrace of musk. Notes: Sicilian Citron, Bluebell, Granny Smith Apple, Jasmine Sambac, Bamboo, White Rose, Cedarwood, Amber, Musk. Style: Deep and true.
Daisy by Marc Jacobs starting at $20 for .24 oz. rollerball.
I just LOVE my Daisy Shimmer Rollerball that I got last year. This fragrance is amazing and I am not surprised that this still continues to be on best-sellers lists!
Sephora says: Enter the world of Daisy: fresh and feminine, with a playful innocence. 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. Always elegant, always enchanting – but not too serious – Daisy is a sparkling floral bouquet, spirited and fresh, wrapped in comfort and warmth. Notes: Strawberry, Violet Leaves, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Gardenia, Violet Petals, Jasmine Petals, Musk, Vanilla, White Woods. Style: Bright. Alluring. Eternal.
BATH & BODY
Bliss “Best of Bliss” Holiday Kit $45
I have several Bliss products and have loved everything about the brand. I really do like the body butter and was glad to see it included in this best-selling kit for the holidays.
Drugstore/Beauty.com says: Perfect for trying or taking ‘to-go’, this sampler of our most sought-after stuff will make all of your ‘blisses’ come true. Includes deluxe try-sizes of lemon+sage body butter and soapy suds, triple oxygen instant energizing mask, fabulous foaming face wash and a packette of best of skintentions spf 15 daily moisturizer.
- lemon+sage body butter (4.2 fl oz)
- lemon+sage soapy suds (3.4 fl oz)
- triple oxygen instant energizing mask (0.34 fl oz)
- fabulous foaming face wash (2 fl oz)
- best of skintentions spf 15 (0.10 fl oz)
HAIR CARE
Rene Furterer Hair Products starting around $23
I’ve never heard of this brand until today, unfortunately I can’t tell you how great it is, but I am reading some of these fabulous reviews on the product and I am tempted to try or gift it this year! The top selling hair product on beauty.com is the Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo ($24). Cleanse hair without water?!?! Umm.. wow. The smallest version of this product is sold out!
Drugstore / Beauty.com says:
Naturia Dry shampoo cleanses hair without water. Its highly absorbent argilla powder restores volume and lightness to hair, making styling easy. It can be used as often as needed and is adopted to everyone’s life style. Its fresh scent comes from essential oils for true sensory pleasure.
For those of us that like to use water with our shampoo, there is the Rene Furterer best-seller, Forticea Stimulating Shampoo.
STUFF FOR DUDES
Jack Black PureScience Traveler Kit $25
Dudes need gifts too, right? My dude really likes this kit and it’s manly enough so even the toughest guys won’t get weirded out by it. Airline Approved!!
1. Cleanse: Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser (3 fl oz), morning and night.
2. Shave: Supreme Cream Triple Cushion Shave Lather (3 fl oz), anytime you shave.
3. Moisturize and Protect: Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20 (1.5 fl oz), morning and night.
Only three steps, fool-proof, dude-friendly.
So that’s it for now, shoppers. Happy shopping and start early, it helps! I buy gifts for one person per week and it’s really helping spread out my money so that I don’t go into a negative balance come Dec. 24th.
I am trying to dig around to see the new Holiday 2009 makeup collections from as many brands as possible, I wish I had more time to see all of these because this year there are some amazing products!
I simply just LOVE these photographs. I could not find any information on this collection AT ALL, except on two beauty blogs. I don’t know exactly when this collection launches, except that it will launch this month. I do know that the collection is gorgeous and elegant, and that it is inspired by a golden cage found in Chanel’s apartment. This Golden Cage Collection by Chanel has many golden and shimmering touches and stars Brazillian model Isabeli Fontana. The collection includes the following items:
For Eyes
Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow, $65
- Bird of Paradise: eyeshadows in aqua, yellow, greenish gold and copper
La Ligne De Chanel Professional Eyeliner Duo, $45
- Celadon-Lame: green and black
For Lips
Aqualumiere Sheer Colour Lipshine SPF 15, $29
- Maldives: peach
- Galapagos: coral
- Grenada: fuschia
- Tasmania: pink
Aqualumiere Gloss, $27
- Colibri: pearl
- Hirondelle: pink
- Canari: coral
For Nails
Le Vernis Nail Colour, $23
- Trapeze: silvery beige
For Face
- Les Tissages Lames De Chanel, $60
A shimmery tweed highlighter in gold, bronze and copper
CLICK HERE for more info and pictures!
NARS has a new collection with a bit of festive shimmer just right for the holidays! I am in love with the Eurydice and the Brousse Duo eyeshadow collections. For photos, prices and full info about these products, CLICK HERE.
I am trying to spread the word around about one of my favorite high-end brands, Chantecaille. I really love the classy packaging, and the products deliver as much elegance and quality as you would expect from just looking at what they offer. I only have the privilege to own two products (Future Skin Foundation & Foundation Stick Review) but I have played around at the counter and have tried several samples of skincare. I am impressed!
In the pic above, you see the new Chantecaille Luminous Eye Liner collection ($22 each), made from crushed pearls, this eyeliner is truly a gift! Here is what Chantecaille has to say: The first liquid eye liner by Chantecaille, defines the eyes with ease and precision in a wash of dramatic iridescent color. Sugar derivatives enhanced with a filming polymer allow for softness and comfort in application, and a striking, even finish upon the eye. Its unique formulation containing a high percentage of pearls and pigment provides a result unlike any other. Strong, yet subtle, shimmering and brilliant long-lasting result.
This gorgeous face powder, Les Pétales – Voile de Rose Poudre Délicate ($36 for .09 oz), is stunning!! I have no words for how pretty this is, but Chantecaille does: Luxurious and velvety smooth, this innovative, super-lightweight formula glides on effortlessly to create a smooth, long-adhering invisible finish. Soft and unnoticeable, this powder embossed with the Chantecaille Rose gives an unprecedented natural and radiant look. Perfect for an evening touch up. Intensely hydrating and never drying due to PCA-treated spherical powder. Micronized and elastic coated pigments assure all-day wear and optimal blendability. This distinctive roe-gold compact contains a mirror and a small, ultra-soft puff with a delicate white satin top. SPECIAL OFFER: If you purchase $125 or more in Chantecaille products, you will receive an awesome White Tiger embossed powder: CLICK HERE.
To view more Chantecaille’s Holiday products, CLICK HERE.
Happy shopping, everyone!
First, I’ll start out with the good stuff.. this year’s hot holiday beauty gift sets! I just got the Sephora catalog and peed in my tights just a little. WoW.
There are a ton of gift sets and samplers this season, and I am picking out my faves of the bunch. Up first is the Bare Excentuals Extreme Glimmers Eyeshadow Holiday Gift Set (ONLY $32). This set is only at Sephora and of course limited edition. The set contains:
- 0.03 oz bareMinerals Extreme Pyrite Eyecolor
- 0.03 oz bareMinerals Extreme Malachite Eyecolor
- 0.03 oz bareMinerals Extreme Perlite Eyecolor
- 0.05 oz Prime Time Eyelid Primer
- Extreme Glimmer Brush
I’ve always been a big fan of Bare Escentuals eyeshadows, they seem to last forever! Sometimes I’ll use them with a damp brush for a more intense effect.
If you’re still looking for that perfect mascara, here’s your chance to sample the Sephora mascara best-sellers! The LashStash Mascara Deluxe Sampler ($39) contains tiny versions of the following:
- 0.16 oz Hourglass Superficial Lash
- 0.09 oz Urban Decay Skyscraper Multi-Benefit Mascara
- 0.13 oz Korres Abyssinia Oil Volumizing and Strengthening Mascara
- 0.14 oz Benefit A Little Bit BADGal Lash Mascara
- 0.2 oz Smashbox Lash DNA
- 0.03 oz Laura Mercier Thickening and Building Mascara
- 0.07 oz Fresh Supernova
- 0.1 oz Sephora Lash Stretcher
- 0.14 oz Tarte 4 Day Stay Lash Stain
- 0.12 oz Cargo LashActivator
How cute are these? Neat sizes for travel and if you hate one of the tubes.. no biggie, right? You have tons more to try!
Need a little sparkle for the holidays? Well, here’s your chance to get your hands on this blockbuster set for you or your pals: The Glitz and Glam Shimmer and Shine Deluxe Sampler(Only $38) from Sephora is amazing! It’s got everything you need to shine:
- 0.27 oz Tarte Celebutante Dry Oil Shimmer Spray
- 0.3 oz Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion in Flash (iridescent pink)
- 0.17 oz Tarte Glam Gams
- 0.4 oz Tarte Lock & Roll in Bronze (shimmering true bronze)
- 0.28 oz Guerlain Meteorites Powder Pearls for the Face in Beige Chic (golden glow)
- 0.17 oz Tarte Cheek Stain in Eco-Cheek (coral with a touch of shimmer)
- 0.23 oz Sephora Super Shimmer in Desert Gold (rosy tan with pink and gold shimmer)
- 0.06 oz Laura Geller Blush-N-Brighten in Sunswept (bronze, coral, and rose)
- 0.59 oz Smashbox Eyeshadow in 24K (true gold shimmer)
- 0.1 oz Laura Geller Lip Shiner in City Lights (pink and gold flecked glimmer)
Glitter and shimmer is huge this season.. so stock up on these little goodies.
I LOVE Tarte lip gloss. I got the cute set last year with the mini lip glosses and just loved them. This year, Tarte’s holiday treat to us is the Crown Jewels Lipgloss Multi-Gift Set ($39) which contains three different sets of natural lip color:
- Glittering Green Goddesses set: (sheer nude-peach, sheer beige, sheer sweet pink, sheer cotton candy pink, sheer shimmering cinnamon)
- Dazzling Divas set: (dazzling warm sand, dazzling gold, dazzling orchid, dazzling violet, dazzling coral-pink)
- Twinkling Trendsetter set: (twinkling strawberry, twinkling melon-pink, twinkling fuchsia, twinkling brick-red, sheer raspberry)
You can break this set apart and throw into the stockings, or save for yourself.. heheh. If you haven’t tried Tarte’s lipgloss yet, think ya should!
I love wearing perfume, but I have so many big bottles sitting around, they get old and gross, and then I have to throw away what seems to be a really good amount of perfume that went bad. Sooo.. I’ve been collecting tiny bottles of perfume instead! Small enough to carry, small enough not to last me 15 years and get old and crusty, these are perfect! This set includes:
- 0.17 oz Juicy Couture Eau de Parfum (Awesome scent!)
- 0.25 oz Ralph Lauren Romance Eau de Parfum
- 0.13 oz Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette (YUM! I love this)
- Dior Addict Shine Eau de Toilette
- Givenchy Very Irresistible Givenchy Eau de Toilette
- 0.16 oz Stella McCartney Stella Eau de Parfum (LOVE this)
- 0.24 oz DKNY BE DELICIOUS Eau de Toilette (One of my faves)
To shop all of Sephora’s holiday gifts and samplers: CLICK HERE
To check out Beauty.com’s Holiday Value Sets: CLICK HERE
To check out Yahoo! Shopping’s Holiday Gift Guide, which features gifts for EVERYONE: CLICK HERE
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In other beauty news:
I believe that my new favorite mascara find, Lancome Fatale, is being discontinued. I did not see it on the Lancome website, but I did see it at Sephora. =( I am sad. That was my new fave!!! I am keeping the brush because I loved it.
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