Gear up for New Years Eve

I am not a fan of glitter in cosmetic products unless there is a bachlorette party, it's Halloween, or New Years Eve. I generally stick with drugstore brands. I hate to admit it but I have really liked the stuff I have used from Mary Kate & Ashley Olson. This year I think that I will try some sparkle from E.L.F., they have been written up everywhere lately. Any other suggestions?

The Classics are back!!!

I have to say, as a child of the eighties with a mother that adores red lipstick, the classics are back!!!! Every magazine I read has ads ever other pages with deep pigment lipstick, Pantene hair products, and Oil of Olay. I love it. My favorite is the Maybelline lipstick ads with all the shades and the dramatically beautiful models. Ahhhh...thanks Santa, this has been a great gift.

Taylor Swift

I am in love with Taylor Swift in People this month!! She looks great, is not full of tabloid mess, and writes her own songs. Beauty and brains, we should all be so lucky. Oh yeah, musical talent as well!!

Back to beauty talk, despite some people's opinions, blonds look fabulous in red! Honestly, because they look better with the low key lips, dressing is much less fuss! Stick with spare make-up fair skin ladies, NARS orgasm blush, sheer lip gloss (smahbox, NARS, Bobbi Brown, Almay, and Covergirl), great mascara (Lancome, Covergirl, and Maybelline) .

Don't be afraid to sport bold colors - just not everywhere!

Check out Sephora.com, Beauty.com, Nordstrom.com, ....

Happy Birthday NARS!!!

I am in love with NARS right now, OK always, but for their 15th birthday its stellar. Check out the anniversary palletes and city based collections. Shhhh...Sephora has some NARS on clearance. When I saw that it was like a saw a unicorn, unbelievable!!!
Check out Sephora.com, Nordstrom.com, and Barneys.com.

I just got an email from my aunt showing me a preview of my holiday gift. The Avon "blockbuster" set. I am a very excited girl!!! The bath and body products could be a gamble, but they will be great for the "hunting cabin" we frequent. The pink lipgloss, skincare and mascara look very exciting. I can not wait for Santa (dressed as the UPS/FedEx/Mailman) to get here!!

hautelook.com great sale on Lollia!!!

check out hautelook.com, RIGHT NOW!!! They have a great sale on on Lollia products. I have only been lucky enough to enjoy the decadence of Lollia through a hostess gift I received for a bridal shower but it is f'n divine! they have great mini's and soaps on sale that would make dynamite stocking stuffers! Go now!!!! Have fun!
hautelook.com

Oprah's New Year Beauty Recommendations

I have to admit, I do not always subscribe to the O! Magazine beauty recommendations, most are really pricey and not that accessible. I think Ms. O forgets who her audience is....

Never the less, the "Best Face (and Body!) Forward" has some selections that I can stand behind. Although I am a die hard Cetaphil fan, I have several friends who swear by the Aveeno cleanser's, Oprah's editors agree they are backing the Moisturizing Cream Cleanser in the line. As far as sunscreen goes LaRoche-Posay has been touted for a while now as a leader in the industry, Oprah agrees. Eucerin Calming Body Wash is also a great procuct for the Winter months, very moisturizing. As far as a blush, the editor's of O recommend the new Benefit "One Hot Minute", I can't wait to try it!!! I have seen it in several magazines and websites, not to mention the history that Benefit has with making your skin look amazing! Ring in the New Year with some new beauty goodies. Find these products at Walgreens.com, Target.com, and other mass retailers. Benefit products can be found at benefitcosmetics.com, Sephora.com, and amazon.com.

neiman marcus gifts with purchase

Even with the holidays so close Neiman's still has some great gifts with purchase available. Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown, Lancome, Kiehl's, Clinique, etc. give you the chance to give something special to someone else, or treat yourself after shopping for the one's you love. Neiman's isnt the only game in town, or online, browse around and get the most bang for your buck. While you are cruising around the web be sure to check out my facebook page, Pretty Faces. Give many any tips or feedback!

Secret Santa, Beauty Style

Sometimes the office party, ok, usually the office gift pool is crappy. Let's say that the spending limit is $20. My best bet is usually on a gift card. The "beauty" of a gift card is that you can turn around and spend it on someone else, oorrr, tuck it away for a treat for yourself. You know, after the holidays, budget gets a bit tight, and the after holiday blues have set in; until, yeah!!!! treat yourself to a little something with your card that you scored during dirty santa. Chances are, gift sets and holiday items will be on sale, treat yourself away! The "beauty" of the situation, guilt-free!!!

holiday at its best

I realize that we don't have all day to surf the web for deals n steals. This is a great site to join up with, hautelook.com. It is a member only site, aka, you get there emails. They have Stila on amazing discounts right now, really. Stila products at drugstore prices, go, go, go!!!

*****Christmas glow*****

I feel like the holiday season is an oxymoron for the world of bearing skin. During the spring and summer it is expected that we all look glowing, healthy, and well tan (real or fake). We show skin that time of year, who wants to wear tanks, sundresses, and shorts glowing like casper? Not me. Here is the dilemna: inevitably we all find that fabulous holiday outfit that shows arms and/or shoulders, What to do? Self tanners are going to make your face look like the white star on top of the tree and too much of any color makes you look REALLY fake. One of my favorite solutions is the Jergens natural glow lotions. They are great because you control the color and adjust your face make-up accordingly. If you have several parties in a row indulge in a spray tan so that you do not have stress about one more thing during the holidays. Party on!
You can find Jergens lotions at drugstores and grocery stores everywhere!

Holiday PERK-UP

With the holiday season upon us schedules are more hectic. Between families, parties, and budget concerns perhaps your sleep hours are down. I have noticed several new products on the market with caffeine. Origins has a skin energizing line that is of course, all natural, my sensitive skin tends to react badly with some of origins products; however, I LOVE their microdermabrasion system! Has anyone tried this new line? The next line I am dying to try is from Garnier, it is an energizing system that includes an eye rollerball as in previous lines. I have never tried the rollerball myself but have only heard rave reviews. Give me some feedback on any of these products. My undereye circles will thank you!

Find these products at drugstore.com, beauty.com, and dillards.com

Shop, Shop, Shop!!!

Cyber Monday rules! I will not waste too much time for all of your bargain hunting. Tarte.com has 40% plus a great GWP. Beauty.com is full of specials and they still have a great GWP, keep it for yourself! Please send me your suggestions for more shopping deals!!!

Spending = stopping the recession!!!

I don't even know where to start....

The newspaper must have weighed about five pounds this morning. Ads, ads, ads!!! I know that keeping your budget in line is challenging this time of year. My favorite ads were the drug stores. If you are a proud, card-carrying member of your local drug store I have good news. Locally, I am plugging Walgreens and CVS. Not only are a lot of things on sale, but most of them also have "rewards". I was excited to see that quite a few products equal the rewards with the price. It's like shopping for free! My point is this, so you spend a bit in the next few days but you can keep your savings for those drug store emergencies that we all have. Last minute milk, eggs, batteries, mascara, blah blah blah. Good luck on Black Friday!

Shopping is here!!!

Check out Bath and Body Works website. The clearance section is great, DuWop, Jack Black, cashmere goodies,AHAVA (LOVE!!!), and wait for it.... PHYTO. Yes, you read correctly, PHYTO products on clearance. The whole site is full of great deals. But also keep and eye out for the semi-annual clearance sale, scrub-a dub-dub!!!

Find all the beauty favorites at Bathandbodyworks.com.

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!

Lower temps mean more moisture

Falling temps = UP the moisture

Just when you thought the aloe vera wasn’t enough, here comes fall!!! Ladies, please, stick with a bit of SPF but also go a bit heavier on moisture. These are my pics, let me know what you think!

- Vaseoline’s new Sheer Infusion lotions. Sold!

-Still lovin’ Olay Quench.

- In the mood for a splurge? Kiehl’s is the place to go. No one knows how to moisturize like my favorite apothecary!

Heavier eye colors

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!!!!

Let's Fall into Great Beauty Products

Bolder Lip Colors

Summer is over girls! We all love 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 a few of my favorites….what do you love?

- 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. I really like 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!

PS – use a lip brush to use the great bold fall colors, without all the heavy texture.

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