Sweet Deal

Just in time for that summer glow!  Stilla is offering its Sweet Treat Bronzing Powder at sale prices of $8.00 (orig. $14.00).  The Sweet Treat Bronzing Powder offers a trio of matte bronzing shades and a luminous pop of peach.  For that kissed by the sun look, swirl the bronzing powder on a face powder brush and lightly dust cheeks, forehead, chin and the bridge of your nose.

Product Review - Mary Kay NouriShine Plus Lip Gloss in Sparkle Berry

Mary Kay Cosmetics is offering new and limited shades of their NouriShine Plus Lip Gloss Line.  Just looking at the new catalog, we could not resist trying out the
Mary Kary NouriShine Plus Lip Gloss in Sparkle Berry.  The NouriShine Gloss goes on super smooth and quenches dry lips.  The intense berry color provides ample coverage and can be worn without the need for reapplying for 8 hours.  Overall, we really liked the hue of the new limited edition.  It provides a great wine color with a little glitz (all thanks to the shimmer) that transitions well from winter into the spring.  We would also consider wearing this color in the Fall.  Sparkle Berry also pairs well with the new Pantone Summer color--Marsala.   This also goes well with a blue blouse, particularly turquoise.  For those who may be a little color shy, you can either apply half the amount of Sparkle Berry to your lips or blot some of the excess away.   Sparkle Berry is available online or thorough your Mary Kay consultant for $14.00 (0.15 fl oz).

Cool Shades

Express your inner Glamazone with these chic sunglasses.  Betsey Johnson's Geometric Sunglasses scream fashion forward and sleek.  Great for outdoor walking, shopping, and a fun day out!  Get your pair today at Nordstrom Rack for only $19.97
 (orig. $50; 60% off).

Bronze Beauty for the Summer

Get ready to shine this summer!  Be a Gold Babe with Too Faced's Glitter Glaze Eyeshadow Top Coat.  The Glitter Glaze Top Coat can be worn over eyeshadow for an extra pop or worn on skin for ultra glam.  Glitter Glaze comes in Goldie Rocks and costs $5.00 (orig. $21.00), you simply cannot lose on this one!

There's No Business like Show Business

If you're off to the City of Lights or simply want an extra sparkle in the last months of winter, then play up your inner show girl with Kate Spade.  Be sure to check out Kate Spade's Showgirl Gems Statement Earrings featured at Lord and Taylor's for $39.19 (orig. $98.00).  These earrings are a great set for hard core Kate Spade enthusiasts or for those just starting with the line.  They are a beautiful floral sculpture set in rhinestones and gleaming goldtone.  Get yours today while they last!

Jewelry Clearance

Macy's is having a 3-day sale on all clearance jewelry (60-70% off).  We like the Jade solid bangle for $50.75 (orig. $260.00; must use promo code SUPER at checkout to receive sale price).  Bangle is seen on the right.

The Pearl Jewelry Set would make a great gift for any upcoming graduates.  The set includes sterling silver pink fresh water pearl earrings and pendant (9mm) for $23.46 (orig. $80.00; must use promo code SUPER).  The set is featured below.

We also adore the 10k Gold Earrings, Onyx Hoops for a sophisticated look.  Onyx Hoops cost $40.58 when you use the SUPER promo code (orig. $300.00).

Free shipping is included on order of $100 or more.  Hurry, sale ends this Sunday (March 8, 2015).

Bring the Beach to You

If you are like us, the winter months have seemed long indeed.  Summer cannot come soon enough.  Passing the time until sandal weather is easiest if you can remember the pleasures summer will bring.  Why not try out Jennifer Aniston's debut fragrance?  Her namesake perfume smells like long walks on the beach captured inside a delightfully designed glass bottle.  Jennifer Aniston perfume features undertones of jasmine, violet, and musks and citrus floral notes.  The perfume is on sale now at Sephora for $15 (1 oz.; orig. cost $27). 

How to Wear a Sultry Eye

Want an easy to transition work to night out eye scheme?  We like the sultry eye.  The sultry eye uses a subtle, neutral palette and does not overwhelm.  It is easy to touch up and is soft and sophisticated.  We like using greys and tans for this look.  Try the following out this week for a classic and timeless style.

How to Wear the Sultry Eye

1.  Prep Eyelids.

Using a pea size dot, gently blot on eye primer on eyelids and brow bone.  In order to blend the primer on seamlessly, use your ring finger.  We like Urban Decay's anti-aging eye primer, cost $24. 

2.  Apply Eyelid Color.

With a soft shadow brush, apply a soft, pearl grey shadow to your lid.  Start at the corner of your eye (closest to your tear duct) and pass the shadow on 3/4th of your eyelid.  Try Urban Decay's Eyeshadow in Mushroom (cost $18).















3.  Apply Brow Bone Color. 

Swipe a neutral tan eyeshadow onto the brow bone.  Blend into the crease.  We like Smashbox's creamy matte beige (Full Exposure Palette; cost $22.00).

 

 

 

4.  Finish the rest of the eyelid.

Swipe a medium shade of tan on the remaining 1/4 of the eyelid.  Blend into the rest of the eyelid color.  Use Cashmere Bunny by Too Faced (included in the Natural Eye Palette; cost $ 36.00).  

5.  Apply color to the crease.

Blend a light brown into the eye crease.  We like Urban Decay's eyeshadow in Bust (cost $18).

6.  Rim eyelids in dark brown.

Using an eyeliner brush, line eyes in a dark brown shade.  Try it in Sexpresso by Too Faced (also in the Natural Eye Palette from step 4).  

7.  Apply pearl to corners of eyes.

To the corner of the eyes, gently apply a pearl or white glitter eyeshadow.  Just a dab will do.  This will draw attention to your face and give you a wide-eyed look.  We use Urban Decay's eyeshadow in Zephyr (cost is $18).

8.  Final Step!  Mascara.

Coat eyelashes once or twice using Cover Girl's Lash Blast Mascara in Very Black (cost $6.23).  

 

 

 

March Madness Sale

Lovers of highly pigmented cosemetics prepare yourselves for a fantastic sale.  Urban Decay is having a Friends and Fantastic Event Sale (March 2-7).  All products are 20% off.  Simply use TAKEITOFF promo code at checkout.  While you are at Urban Decay be sure to check out their Spring 2015 collection.  We are in love with their new Moondust Eyeshadows for ($18). 

Green Lights in March

You cannot be in the month of March without sporting green a few times.  Why not highlight your best feature -- your eyes, darling -- with green?  Tarte Cosmetics has a great sale on its skinny smolderEYES Amazonian clay waterproof eyeliner in peridot green and azurite green.  Skinny smolderEYES eyeliners line on extra silky and are highly pigmented.  Each eyeliner costs $9.00 (orig. $19) -- a fantastic way to bring in the March color! 

Skinny SmolderEyes in Azurite Green

The Best Beauty is Altruistic- Stand Up to ALS!

Every 90 minutes someone dies and is diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.  ALS is the progressive destruction of motor neurons that are responsible for body movement and function.  Eventually patients with ALS will lose the use of their arms, legs, necks, speech, breathing, ultimately resulting in death.  There is no available cure for ALS.  Most clinical trials for ALS seek to slow the progression of the disease.  However, an ongoing clinical trial seeks to reverse symptoms by using the patients own stem cells.  Results are particularly encouraging as compassionate use cases have shown reversal of ALS symptoms.  Although the new stem cell transplant is promising, patients in the late-stages of ALS do not qualify for these trials.  Without treatment, these patients will die.  We are supporting a petition that seeks to expanded access of these clinical trials to patients in the late-stages of ALS.  This is an important movement that may save the lives of thousands of people.  Please consider signing and sharing the petition. Click Here To Sign!

Tickle Me Pink-Best Nail Colors for February

Everyone might be going to see 50 Shades of Grey this Valentine's weekend, be we are going to be celebrating 50 Shades of Pink for the rest of the month!

We have found the sweetest and hottest shades of pink for February.

1.  Pale Pink.  

For a subtle and sweet look, try Essie in Fiji.  It is a creamy shade of pale pink.  Cost is $8.50.

 

2.  Sheer Pink.

If you like the natural pink hues of your nail and just want a little something to make them pop, try Sally

Hansen's Hard as Wrap Sheer Pink Gloss (cost $6.49).

3.  Nude Pink.

 For a professional look, it is best to go with a nude pink.  We adore Butter London's shade in Kerfuffle.  Cost is $15.00.

4.  Hot Pink.

Ready to paint the town pink,  streak on some hot pink nail polish.  Check out OPI's That's Hot Pink for $6.90.

 

We also like Nar's nail polish in Vibrant Pink for $20.00. 

Smart Travel #2

On our previous post we gave advice on how to select travel friendly makeup products that would get you through the security check-points faster.  Who wants to wait in line?  You could be sipping on a Mai Tai until boarding.  But what about perfume?  Bringing the entire bottle with you is too risky.  It may break when you carry on or in storage.  Here are a few ideas that will make travel easy.

1.  Solid Perfume

 Solid perfumes are nice for a couple of reasons.  The first being that you won't need to remove the perfume from your luggage for screening.  There is no chance that it will spill on your clothes or other items.  Also, they are not drying to the skin as they have zero alcohol.  To wear, simply press your finger into the solid and apply to your pulse points such as your wrists and neck.  For a more intense scent, apply a second layer.

We like the Rose et Reines Solid Perfume by L'Occitane cost $12 (0.35 oz). 

 

Bella Solid Perfume by The Soap and Paper Factory is another great option.  A mix of bergamont, grapefruit, and black pepper.  This citrus infused scent is available for $18 (0.5 oz). 

If you are looking for a more musky smelling scent, try Diptque's 34 Boulevard Saint Germain Solid Parfum for $50 (0.13 oz).


2.  Rollerball Perfumes

If you still prefer the liquid perfumes, we suggest bring on board a couple of rollerball perfumes.  Sephora has a wide range of perfumes that will capture your perfect signature scent.

We enjoy the Marc Jacobs Fragrance Daisy Rollerball Trio for $44.  This will give you multiple options on your trip.

Be sure to swing by Ulta.  We like the Coach Poppy Dual Rollerball.  Two great scents for $24.

Swift into Style-Get the Look

Taylor Swift might be saying shake it off but fashion isn't it.  Get this casual look in plus-sizes.

1.  Fashion forward black and white strip shirt.  The eye is immediately drawn to Taylor's simple but fashion forward blouse.  To get the top in plus-sizes, check out Lane Bryant's Striped High-Low Tee (in sizes 14-28) for $39.95.

2.  Red Hot Jeans.  Taylor adds a great pop of color by wearing red jeans.  We like the Woman Within 5 pocket jean in Bali Red.  The jeans come in sizes 12-38W for $34.99.

3.  Yellow Headband.  Pile on the color with a thick yellow headband.  Check out L. Erickson 'Bermuda Bow' Headband in Marigold, cost $48.00.

4.  Classic Shades.  If you're out shopping or enjoying the sun, pair this outfit with a nice set of classic black shades.  We like Target's Flat Top Sunglasses cost is $12.99.

5.  Cute purse.  Taylor selects a minimalist crossbody purse.  Take a look at Oasis Sandy Cross body in Tan for $41.69.

Creating an Air Travel Friendly Beauty Kit

We all know that travel through the sky can be stressful.  The long lines, getting to your gate on time, and above all else security check points.  One way to make going through security easier on you and the TSA officials, is to create an air friendly beauty kit with minimal liquid components.  This means less time fumbling through your luggage to collect pesky bottles for the ziplock bag.  Also, learning how to consolidate a few items leaves more room in your carry-on for gifts for your return trip.  Here are a few tips for creating an air friendly beauty kit:

Shampoo and Conditioner

Hotel shampoo and conditioner will never be as nice as the ones you have from home.  Bringing a small amount of your liquid products is too much of a hassle, and may end up spilling all over the inside of your luggage.  We love the idea of bringing solid bars of shampoo and conditioner that can fit into a small soap dish,

We like LUSH's  line of solid shampoo and conditioner bars.  Try the Godiva shampoo bar ($11.95) for a jasmine scent and the Jungle conditioner bar ($8.95).  Can't find a soap dish that will fit the shampoo and conditioner bars.  Have no fear!  Tins can be purchased on the LUSH site and in store for $3.95  An added benefit is that all LUSH items are vegan.






Facial Cleanser

A bar based cleanser is best for air travel.  Mary Kay's TimeWise 3-in-1 cleansing bar creates a nice foam without drying out your face.  Cleansing bar comes with a soap dish for easy storage.  Bar retails at $20.








Face and Skin Lotion

This is rather ingenious.  Pacifica offers lotion towels that can be used for hands, body and face.  We like Malibu Lemon Blossoms available at Ulta ($7 for 30 wipes).

Remember to bring sunblock with at least an SPF of 30.  Even if you are traveling to a place with snow, this is a must as the sun's rays still shine.  Try MD MOMS Baby silk Babysafe Sunscreen Towelettes, SPF 30 ($25.99).


Face Primer

The best powder face primer that can be worn under make-up as a primer (can be work over as a finishing veil as well) is Too Faced's Primed and Poreless Skin Smoothing Priming Powder and Finishing Veil.  This translucent powder is ultra-fine and a small dusting over your face lasts all day.  Available in pressed and powdered  forms for $30 each.



Foundation

It's hard to find powder foundations that equal liquid formulations.  Mary Kay's Cream to Powder Foundation does a great job of providing full coverage.  The Cream to Powder Foundation comes in 10 different shades and runs $18 each.

Another fantastic pressed foundation is IT Cosmetics Celebration Foundation Illumination.  This silky formula comes in five shades for $35 each. 

Blush

We like packing a cream blush.  Tarte's airbrush maracuja blush goes on smooth and is highly pigmented; $26. We also like Clinique's Chubby Stick Cheek Color Balm, available in four colors for $21 each.

Eye Shadow

Your best bet is to bring an eye shadow palette with a combination of neutral and fun colors.  Try the In the Garden palette by Stilla.  Palette costs $20 (orig.$39).

Face Brushes

Travel size brushes are best.  We like Sigma's Color Pop Brush kit.  Kit comes with a contour brush (for foundation and blush), eye shading brush, and blending brush.  Kit sells for $29.  Also a great way to test out Sigma's brushes to see if you want to purchase an entire set.








Lipstick

A solid lip tint that you can build for more intense color is the way to go.  Bring a couple of shades to wear in the day and the night.  Check out the Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm by Clinique.  Chubby sticks cost $17.00 each.  You can also try Revelon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain for $6.84 each or Neutrogena's MoistureSmooth Color Stick for $8.49 each.

Mascara

Bring travel-sized mascara for easy transport.  Look at bringing Benefit's BADgal Lash Mascara for $10.  

How to Further Condense My Makeup?

If you want to lessen the amount of makeup to carry-on further, give Urban Decay's Naked on the Run kit for $54.00.  The kit comes with six iconic Naked eyeshadows, bronzer, blush, lipgloss, travel-sized mascara and eyeliner.  We would try the palette out a week before bringing it on vacation to make sure the look will work for you throughout the duration of your stay. Also, you will still need to bring face brushes with as the kit does not have these.

Flash Sale-Ann Taylor Loft

Ann Taylor Loft has a fantastic flash sale--60% off sale items and select new styles.   We love the Leopard Jacquard Sweater Dress  (cost $33.95; orig. $89.50) available in sizes XXS-L.  Sale ends this Monday Jan. 19, 2015.  Happy shopping!

Baby You're Smokin'

Whether your going to a rock concert or to the office, make your eyes front and center with the Smoked Eye Shadow Palette by Urban Decay.  The Smoked palette comes in a range of colors such as sultry nudes and glamours jewel tones.  These velvety smooth eyeshadows come in a sleek zippered case and includes the must-have full-sized 24/7 glide-on eye pencil in Perversion.  For $20 this deal can't be beat (orig. $49).  The glide-on pencil alone is worth $19.  The palette also includes a step guide book with 12 looks to help you achieve the smoky perfection!

Pretty in Python

Transition in winter and spring with the hottest fashion pattern-SNAKE!  Here are a few sale items that are on trend.  Be sure to grab them or they will slither away.

1.  Python Print Shoes.

If you want a subtle snake print, try it in your shoes.  It will give a sophisticated pop to any outfit.

Gianni Bini Becca Snake-Print Pumps (cost $59.99) in sizes 5.5-11M in red, black. or sander. 

Steve Madden Heaven Snake Ballet Flat (cost $39.95; orig. $50) in sizes 5.5-10 M, W.

2. Bold Snake Tops.

Try the faboo print in a bold top.

Monroe Snake Print Tee (cost $72.36; orig. $108.00) in sizes XS-L.

Adelyn Rae Snake Print Shell Top (cost $19.97) in sizes M, L.

3.  Slinky Pants.

Snake print pants are super sexy and can make an otherwise ordinary top pop!

Gianni Bini Sasha Snake-Print legging (cost $39.00) in sizes S, M.  

Lysse metallic snakeskin print faux suede leggings

(cost $98.00) in sizes S-XL and available in colors metallic gold and metallic silver.

4.  Stunning Snake Print Dresses.

Turn it up a notch with head turning python print dresses. 

Laundry by Shelli Segal Metallic Snake and Ponte Dress (cost $138.00) in sizes 0-14.

Marc New York Snake-Print Cap-sleeve Dress (cost $41.62, orig. $158.00) in size 14.  

Jennifer Lopez Snakeskin Keyhole Sheath Dress- Women's Plus Size (cost $32.00, orig. $64) in sizes 1-3X.  

Give Me Some Lip

Add a bit of pop in your wardrobe by featuring your lips front and center.  Stilla has their Putting On The Glitz Lip Glaze Set on sale for $35.00 (orig. $42, valued at $138).  The set includes 8 deluxe lip glazes in Glamour, Gleam, Glint, Glow, Glitter, Glimmer, Glisten and Glory.  Set also has rose gold leaf headband.

Sweet Tooth

Valentine's day is fast approaching.  Why not give your sweetie a sweet that won't cause cavities?  Macy's is having a fantastic clearance sale on fashion and fine jewelry.  We like the Red Crystal Pendant Necklace by SIS Simone I Smith.  This necklace is 18K gold over sterling silver and displays a red crystal wrapped piece of candy in the center...simply delicious.  At $53.70 (orig. $250) with an extra 15% off (use code SUPER at checkout), you can't go wrong.  Sale ends today!

Apple of My Eye

Looking for a new signature scent?  Try out DKNY Red Delicous Perfume.  This scent is a mix of sexy oriental floral notes, sweet undertones of lychee, and the crisp bite of a red apple.  Sephora is featuring Red Delicous Perfume at a special price (cost $39 for 1.7 oz spray; orig. $69).

Glow in the Morning

Wake up in the morning to the scent of fresh oranges and magnolia.  Origins has an amazing gift set that has the GinZing brightening mascara (full size), GinZing energy boosting moisturizer (1 oz), GinZing refreshing eye cream (0.17 oz), Berry Splash Hydrating Lip balm (0.25 oz) in a cute 100% recycled cotton bag.  The Let Us Glow kit costs $28 (orig. $52.00).  The set makes a great gift for family, friends and even yourself.  It's also a good way of trying out the lip balm and eye cream before committing to the full size options.  Let Us Glow is a limited kit so hurry and purchase your's today!

A Little Bit of Spring to Carry with You

ShopHQ has a great sale on jewelry.  We like the Sweet Romance Dome Ring (cost $7.99 WHOA! $22.80; orig. $72.00).  This sweetie of a ring displays a 18mm glass bead over a bright, pink rose.  A feature that will surely bring a smile to everyone.

Minute Tip- Making the Most of a Fast Shower

Hit the snooze button too many times?  Just five more minutes of sleep?  We've all been there, one moment is 6:00 am and the next you need to be at work in an hour.  You can save some time by fast

tracking your shower routine.  Here are a few tips:

1.  Warm up the shower and begin multitasking.

Take the time to brush your teeth while the water is warming to the right temperature.  Once teeth are cleaned and rinsed, hop in.

2.  Before anything else, shampoo your hair.

Cleaning your hair will take the longest so get started on it first.  Suds up your follicles and rinse.

3.  Condition hair and multitask.

Message conditioner into hair.  While the conditioner is sitting for 1-5 min, wash and shave.

4.  Rinse and cleanse out. 

Rinse conditioner out.  Finally, wash your face.  This way your face won't clog up from the shower.