InStyle December Issue, The Holidays are HERE!!!

I was so excited when I saw the beautiful face of Ms. Taylor Swift on the half inch think issue of InStyle December 2009. I don't even think I got a dozen pages in when I realized I had some issues/opinions. The opening advertisement is from...The Gap. Always innovative in their adveritsing, color, dancing, and cultural diversity never fail to catch my eye. As much as I resisted, plaid is back. Because I was a teen in the nineties plaid represents sullen and angst ridden youth, music unappreciated by parents and refusal for make-up products - YIKES!!!! Thankfully plaid has returned in a much more "cute" fashion. The face on ladies has a healthy glow, pretty naturally accented eyes, and smiles with just a hint of color complimenting skin tones. The good news, just continue using your standard products from throughout the year. The better news, with saving money on using the stash you already have you can splurge a bit on festive party beauty treats! A few more pages into InStyle Bobbi Brown has an ad via Nordstrom. The holiday collection (much of it titled "chrome") is, in true Bobbi fashion, realistically wearable and gorgeous. The shimmering tones can be worn all year for special occasions and come in great kits for wearing alone or layering. Bobbi also delivers great lip sets, glosses, stains, and palettes which offer some new trendier shades along with the great neutrals Mrs. Brown is known for. Thank you InStyle for making the first ten pages so fun, more to come as I keep reading. I promise no update every ten pages!

Find these products at InStyle.com, Gap.com, and Nordstrom.com.

Hotel bath and body treats have come a long way...

One of my favorite pastimes is checking out the sample shampoos, soaps, and such. My favorite hotels are those that carry Bath and Body works, Aveda, and Neutrogena. The loot from B&BW and Aveda are awesome because being a hotel can feel less than warm and snuggly. A great scent in a hot bath is a great way to unwind. What hotel chains do you feel have the best beauty goodies?

Welcome back to Melrose Place!

When I heard that the God's all things television were bringing Melrose place back into my life, I thought, "Please don't be jerking my chain. I miss my those apartment fights and parties, break-ups and make-ups, and back stabbing." My prayers were answered and the show is BACK!!! Along with the new hot young things running around, we are treated to Jane, Sidney, Dr. Mancini and Amanda. The only thing better would be having Kimberely return, except that Marcia Cross is a bit busy on Wisteria Lane. I drag you down memory lane with me with a purpose, I promise. In this weeks People the Beauty Watch has old and new castmates and some of their favorite beauty goodies. Katie Cassindy is a fan of Benefit "erase paste", as am I. Heather Locklear loves Nars eyeshadows, of course she does, they are amazing. Jessica Lucas sings the praises of Essie nail polish, and Stephanie Jacobsen Oleo-Relax. All of these products are great! Wonderful job ladies, See you around the building!
All of these products can be found at www.sephora.com

Fragrance find

When you want to give a fragrance gift, or find a new one for yourself, check with the go to - Sephora. They have a great variety for guys and gals of mini fragrances and also gives a gift card a full size bottle from the selection. GREAT IDEA!! You can choose from classic scents and newer scents. They have the same selections for the boys as well. Happy shopping!!!

Find it at www.sephora.com.

Fall is the time for bolder lip colors!

Bolder Lip Colors: Summer is over girls! Everyone love's a healthy golden look but fall is the perfect opportunity to amp up the bold hues with makeup! Rich matte lips and strong nudes are a great statement to march into the fall season. Here are some favorites….what do you love? Have fun with these lip treats offer up some feedback on what is hot on the streets. - Clinique Vitamin C Lip Smoothie Antioxidant Lip Colour, great for gals who are not ready for “super heavy” color. Plus the added dose of vitamins is great! - Bobbi Brown has several great lip combos available at Bobbibrown.com, Bobbi always has great pigments “on trend” colors! - Smashbox always has fantastic gift sets that include seasonal colors for the whole face. - For a bit more drama, as well as a great price, try out Revlon’s new Colorstay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick. The color selection and the staying power can’t be beat! - Also check out all of the serum/lipstick condos (loreal, smashbox, etc.) two products for the price of one! One last tip for prepping fall lips is to moisturize at night. Some of the deeper pigment colors and heavier, long wearing formulations can be drying. Whether you choose Vaseline, Carmex, Chap Stick, Softlips, Kielh’s, or take the plunge for LaMer please keep that pretty kisser full of moisture. Have fun falling in love with some new lip products!

InStyle Best of the Web

This months InStyle has their yearly list for best websites. They definetly list some of my favorites; Sephora, Ulta and, Bigelow Chemists. Some that I am in the process of going through are ThreeCustom.com, luckyscent.com, and beautyhabit.com. The left off the list which I love is Beauty.com/Drugstore.com; the products range from drug store EVERYTHING - to a great selection of more products with higher price points. They always have a great selection of "freebies". After I check out the new sites I will get back with you, until then, let me know what your favorite sites are!

recession proof beauty

Recession Proof Beauty…

I might sound like a crazy lady, but this a new value idea. Are you a woman who loves a great buy, maybe a beauty set. Ok. This is my favorite idea to buy and make a few bucks. Whenever you get the “gifts with purchase” or “bonus with purchase” ; keep them sealed and consider reselling on ebay and/or craiglist. Now you have your favorite beauty pics but can get a little kick-back too!!!!

I might sound like a broken record….

I realize that I plug on-line beauty deals, this one rocks!!! Sephora has a trio of Smashbox’s “O” products. Great!!!! For 48 bucks you can get lip plumper, lip gloss, and cheek tint. All great products, a little bit goes a long way with all products. Well worth the price! Not to mention that right now if you are a “beauty insider” with Sephora you will get five samples instead of three. Doesn’t look good in black and white, great opportunity to try out new goodies!!!

If you are in for a bit of a “clearance splurge”; check out hautelook.com, you might not always find just what you want but when you do the savings are worth it!