Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Erno Laszlo Blue Firmarine Night Gel & Night Cream


Erno Laszlo's Blue Firmarine line has been around awhile , now there are two additions, a Night Gel and a Night Cream.  Both are loaded with good for your skin ingredients, and while not of great consequence to skin, come in the prettiest blue skincare container ever.

The formulas contain Spirulina Maxima , which has over 70 amino acids to help build collagen. I remember taking Spirulina in a tablet form years ago. My holistic leaning grandmom swore by it. It was and is a whole food power nutrient and really good for you.

The Night Gel is geared towards oily skin. That's me . I was looking for a winter hyrdator that would work as my skin  needs a little bit more moisture now but  nothing heavy. So far it's been pretty amazing. It's a thick but light feeling gel that takes a few minutes to sink in. I didn't give too much thought how it was working until I  noticed my skin looked plumper one morning, and aha , I realized it had to be the gel. I notice a firming feel immediately on using it, with a burst  of moisture .Then by AM you are smoothed  and still hydrated but not greasy. Aloe Vera provide the moisture while magnesium  helps collagen building  and zinc is anti-inflammatory and known to help oily skin.

The Night Cream is a heavier cream for dry and dehydrated skin . It also firms and tightens while adding a lot of moisture  with shea butter , macadamia nut oil ,  sodium hyaluronate and blackcurrant seed oil. Amino acids, peptides  and antioxidants are the anti-agers.

Both are available now http://www.ernolaszlo.com/ for  $ 225 each

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Diptyque Holiday Candles 2011



 Diptyque makes amazing candles and like so many brands holiday is the  best. At least to me. This season brings a plum, Perdigone, which should be beautiful. Years ago I was given a plum scented candle  by a different brand and it smelled so good I made it last for 2  holidays. It's not a candle scent you often see.

Also   new is  Epinette which blends Siberian Fir, Balsam, Texas Cedar and Patchouli.

Epinette comes  in a new 5 wick candle($ 275)  that will surely scent the biggest of rooms.

Both come in the tradtional mini candle $ 32 (2.4oz ), and  the classic $ 68  (6.5oz )

Find diptyque at Neimans, Saks, Nordtrom and http://www.diptyqueparis.com/

Bergdorf's Holiday 2011 Video- Unleashed

Bergdorf's annual holiday video may the  best ever. Why? Because it's gone to the dogs. Or rather the dogs have gone to Bergdorfs. I always think it would be so neat to take my dog shopping with me, so this especially speaks to me. Plus they give they Humane Society of NY a shout out as well. The only thing missing? A German Shepherd, naturally.

See it here:

http://youtu.be/5vb8kGLfhpM

Monday, November 28, 2011

BeautyBloggers.org 2011 Charity Auction


Last year a group of beauty bloggers, organized by the amazing Karla Sugar, got together to hold an online charity auction to benefit Doctors without Borders. It was fun and it was a huge success. So we are doing it again. Beginning today you can bid on  our handpicked items as well as ones donated directly by brands. Most  were or are LE, now discontinued etc. There are also "experiences" donated by Lucky Magazine and Neiman Marcus.

My contribution is Chanel's LE from holiday '08 gold shimmer powder- Chanel Poudre Precieuse Or .



Hit up http://www.beautybloggers.org/ and happy shopping.


The auction runs from Monday, November 28th through Monday, December 12th.
 When the auction ends, winning bidders make their donations directly to Doctors Without Borders, through the site’s secure giving page.

ALL monies got to Doctors Without Borders.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Stila Cyber Monday & Weeklong Online Warehouse Sale

Stila is bringing their warehouse sale online. Once only in California, now anyone, anywhere can shop. And it's all week long beginning Monday the 28th.

Stila.com

Saturday, November 26, 2011

LUSH New Bubbleroons

Bubbleroons are a whole new range from LUSH, part of 15 new products  just hitting stores. Each are $ 5.95

The details per LUSH:


These macaroon inspired bubble bars have a shea butter and coconut oil base and a coconut oil cream centre. Crumble these under warm running water for masses of skin softening bubbles and an incredibly moisturizing soak. There are three colors to choose from, each with a different gourmet flavor:


Green bubbleroon

A foaming, meadow sweet bath of grass and orange flower. This one embodies the essence of summer - so whilst your body is lying in the bath, your mind is on a tartan blanket on the grass beside a lake enjoying the perfect summer picnic. A fresh uplifting bath, with orange, lime and juniper berries, that could bring sun to even the darkest winter days.

Rose Jam bubbleroon

This gorgeous pink bubble bar is beautifully fragranced with the finest rose absolute and rose oil, which are also both fantastic on the skin. There’s a hint of lemon and Egyptian geranium oil to help balance the skin, whilst the cocoa and shea butters will leave you feeling smooth and soft.

Yuzu & Cocoa bubbleroon

A bright and uplifting treat disguised in a rich warm fragrance of cocoa absolute and tonka. Let the light grapefruit and bergamot oils lift your mind, whilst the cocoa and tonka bring warmth and comfort to the heart.

Friday, November 25, 2011

philosophy Marshmallows For Toasting Body Lotion


Also called Marshmallow Fluff body lotion , this smells exactly as it sounds like it should. All gooey vanilla, carmelized marshmallow.

This thick cream moisturizes nicely and of course smells great. At 7 oz the tube is large enough to last a  long winter.  A perfect stocking stuffer or go for  the Marshmallows for Toasting trio gift  with 0.5 oz Lip Shine , 2 oz Body Lotion and  4 oz Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath .

 The set is $ 22.00. The body lotion $ 16.00. Both are LE and available at   Sephora.com


Thursday, November 24, 2011

LUSH Latte Lip Tint

LUSH has another great sounding lip balm for us.  ( Celebrate came out earlier for holiday). They've released 15 new products and Latte lip balm is one of the new ones.

While I have yet to try this , you can read what LUSH has to say :

"A moisturizing lip balm with a hint of fair trade coffee flavoring to give you a pick me up when you need it. This blend of almond oil, organic jojoba oil and Japan wax will give a moisturising boost to your lips whilst still being light to wear. The color is a subtle, ambient, Autumnal nude brown. Icing sugar, vanilla powder and vanilla absolute give it that delicious coffee latte aroma. "

Latte lip tint is $8.95

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Victoria's Secret Pink (Black) Friday Deals 2011


The Victoria's Secret Black/Pink Friday beauty deals are finally out. 

All 2.5oz or smaller EDPs $25 (regularly $29 - $59)

VS Fantasies 6/$35  (excludes giftsets)

Select Gifts $15 (regularly $20 - $30)

Select Fragrance Gifts $25 (regularly $35 - $40)

Elizabeth Arden Black Friday thru Cyber Monday Deal


Elizabeth Arden is giving you free shipping and 25 % off of your orders ( any order) from the 25th - 28th Nov.  There's loads of cute gift sets plus it's the rare time you see a discount on Prevage. There's a nice Prevage set, but the sale applies to individual items as well.

 Use code BF2 at checkout.

PREVAGE ® Total Protection Serum Set, $159.00
http://www.elizabetharden.com/

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Dooney & Bourke Black Friday 7 Day Sale- In Stores

Nov. 29th deal

Dooney & Bourke is having a special  7 day sale  beginning Black Friday that will have  7 days of 7 exclusive offers, in their 7 boutiques.  So no black friday craziness needed, you have plenyt of time to snag a deal if you want.

The offer is available in-store and via telephone only. Each day a different assortment is on sale.

Day 7 deal


 Shown above top image,  is the  November 29th sale  group which is  the embossed leather tassel bag for  $257.00 and the leather zip satchel shown on the right for $277.00.

Available in the Dooney and Bourke boutiques in Costa Mesa, CA, Honolulu, HI, New York, NY, White Plains, NY, Las Vegas, NV, and Dallas, TX (Galleria & North Park Center).
 
800.347.5000

Monday, November 21, 2011

MAC Blush Ombre from Daphne Guiness for MAC


The much loved  Blushe Ombre from MAC make a partial return in the Daphne Guiness for MAC collection. Alas no Ripe Peach  in this group.

Two shades will be available:

•Azalea Blossom -Light cool pink

•Vintage Grape- Mid-tone violet pink
On counter for $ 26.00 from December 26th - February 9, 2012

Saturday, November 19, 2011

essie Spring 2012

Here's a look at Essie Spring 2012. Picked this up from overseas so no other info yet. Loving the sherbet orange shade.


Source

Friday, November 18, 2011

Scala Pronto Wool Cloche Hat

I'm a  hat person  and I love all kinds of hats. Scala Pronto's cute wool cloche is the kind you can wear almost anywhere. It's cute , fun but not fancy, kind of Dickensian in a way,  and it also comes in colors to match  almost any coat you own.

It's made of soft boiled wool and is crushable.  Boiled wool repels water and is very warm so this makes a nice easy to wear everyday winter hat .

Colors are: black, camel, charcoal, plum, wine and red. I went for charcoal, but I really like the plum too.

Through the end of December they've put together a special deal with the code Scala Pronto  you can get this hat for 24.00 with free shipping.

 Site checkout description will read: Enjoy 20% Off + Free Ground Shipping (U.S. delivery only). Not valid w/other offers. Ends 12/31/11. Womens-Hats.com  is the website.  http://www.womens-hats.com/product/395/scala-hats-winter





* press sample

Thursday, November 17, 2011

LUSH Golden Ticket

Buying a LUSH gift set this season? You may be giving ( or getting) even more than you imagined.

LUSH is giving away, a la Willy Wonka, 50,000 Golden Tickets inside their  holiday gift sets and by mail request.

If you  win one, I really want to hear, so stop back and let me know.

The details per LUSH:

We’ve got 50,000 Golden Tickets floating around LUSH land. There will be 500 instant prizes, including 10 GRAND PRIZES of an all-expense paid trip for one person to the LUSH factory in Vancouver, British Columbia! Because we’re not just another soap shop, this too is not just another contest. Our instant prizes include advance previews of upcoming product launches, exclusive products, a feature in our LUSH Times, donations to a charity of your choice, private parties at LUSH shops and a visit to one of our Charity Pot partners!

If you are lucky enough to find Golden Ticket inside your LUSH gift set simply scratch the box on your Golden Ticket to reveal a claim code. Log onto www.lush.com/goldenticket to enter your claim code and find out if you are a winner one of the instant prizes! Haven’t purchased or received a LUSH gift this holiday season? You can still participate in the fun! Fill out an entry request and send it to us at the address below to receive a Golden Ticket from LUSH by mail (available only while supplies last).

Golden Ticket Contest
8365 Ontario Street, Unit 110
Vancouver, BC
Canada
V5X 3E8

For complete contest rules, prize descriptions and limitations and other contest terms and conditions, visit www.lush.com/goldenticket

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Venus/Olay Holiday Gift Sets 2011



I saw a couple of these sets in Target recently and thought what  great gift ideas . I can see these especially for any college student giftees you know. For $ 9.99 each, you get a  good selection of items , things everyone loves and uses .  Think teachers, babysitters....you get the idea.  There are many more including ones with mascara from Cover Girl. All priced the same.

Beautifully Smoothing :
• Venus Embrace Razor
• Satin Care Shave Cream 7 oz
• Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash 23.6 oz
• Bath/Shower Pouf
• Bonus 1-year subscription included from choice of six magazine titles

$9.99

Beautifully Smoothing (2)
 
Gift Set Contains:


• Venus Pro-Skin Razor
• Olay Moisture Cream
• Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash 23.6 oz
• Bath/Shower Pouf
• Bonus 1-year subscription included from choice of six magazine titles

 $9.99

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Balenciaga L'Essence candle

If you love the scent of Balenciaga's fragrance,  and it's a good one, then you may just want to know there is now a candle version of  the newer fragrance -L’Essence. 

L'Essence Candle by Balenciaga includes notes includes of  violet and soft mosses, so it's very different from most candle fragrances and  sounds very earthy . The silver jar with lid makes an elegant presentation  for holiday gifts too.

Available at  Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Balenciaga Boutiques for $65

Monday, November 14, 2011

PREVAGE® Day Intensive Anti-aging Moisture Cream SPF 30


 The Prevage brand has  been bringing us great anti-aging products for some time now. I've been in love since last year with the Ultra Protection Anti-aging Moisturizer SPF 15 for eyes.  It's amazingly moisturizing, and has that important SPF. I used it all winter this year and now that it's getting colder I'm back to it.  And that one container is still at least half full.

Now  they've introduced a new day cream called  Prevage Day Intensive Anti-aging Moisture Cream SPF 30 ( there is a new night cream also ).

I've found it to be very hydrating  but it still sinks in fast and the moisture lasts. Recommended more for dry to normal skin it's really  more moisture than my oilier skin usually needs . If you have drier skin though, it's fabulous .  With it getting colder,  I can use a bit more moisture anyway.



The cream uses Prevage's  Advanced Moisture Complex along with shea butter  to provide that moisture while the Idebenone, Thiotaine, a retinol derivative and Hibisucus Seed Extract give you loads of anti -aging properties.

It comes in   jar with a flip up cap and a spatula, with it's own storage spot, so you don't have to put your fingers in it.

Available now  for $ 129.00 for 1.7 oz jar.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Clinique Chubby Stick Colour & Shine Set



One of this year's hottest products has been Clinique's Chubby Sticks Moisturizing Lip Balms. I loved them and I'm pretty sure many of you did too.

How about a gift set featuring them?

Clinique's Chubby Colour and Shine set gives you 4 mini Chubby Sticks in Woppin' Watermelon, Mega Melon, Super Strawberry and Whole Lotta Honey, in a silver makeup pouch. ( See most of those shades here in my original post)

The set is exclusive to Macys and Macys.com and will debut mid November. Retail is $ 32.50

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Forever 21 Spring 2012 Preview


 I know it's not even winter  but Spring previews are coming.  Forever 21 had theirs this week and they have divided  it into several themes which they made up as vignettes  for the preview. I am  fond of the  Tea Room motif but Retro 20's  is rather fun too. The 20's will be a theme  for Spring across the board , so be on the lookout.



The Tea Room

- Kimono sleeves
- Large floral prints
- Flowy/relaxed materials
- Sheer
- Chiffon


Retro Revival

- 20’s/30’s beach chic influence
- Bold prints
- Tailored pieces
- Stripes
- Polka Dots
- High-waisted trousers
- Midi length dresses and skirts



Search & Destroy

- Grunge
- Fringe graphic tees
- Distressed denim
- Studs
- American flags
- Large open knit sweaters

Sixties Doll

- Lace
- 60’s shapes and silhouettes
- Pastel colors
- Girly (not granny)
- Peter pan collars
- Neutrals

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Talbots Spring /Summer 2012 Preview

cotton/silk faille doublebreasted coat $269

Talbots Spring lookbook is ready. Spring at Talbots  features one of the hot trends we saw in September at the shows  which is bright colors especially pink and orange. There are also plenty of  fun and pretty accessories. My favorite item, the green trench coat .  Love the coat and the color.


colorblocked full dress $159

Cotton eyelet tank $ 79.50, Cotton eyelet skirt $99

Kimmie canvas platform espadrille $129



L'Oreal Women of Worth Finalists

The L'Oreal Women of Worth finalists have been announced. Each has already won $10,000 for her charitable cause. Now they compete for National Honors and $25,000 for their charity .


Voting began today and will run through November 23rd on  womenofworth.com
 

You can  vote once per email address for their favorite Woman of Worth, and the honoree with the most votes will be named National Honoree.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Bumble and bumble Straight

Straight is  one of the biggest things in haircare , right ?  Brands are now trying to bring you easier ways to go straight at home and Bumble and bumble has a new 3 part line to do just that.

It's no secret I love Bb products, their new  Let it Shine line has me addicted. But I wanted try Straight as, while I don't have frizzies, I do have ends the want to curl up even when I flat iron them. I was hoping this would  you know, straighten them out.

I use all 3 products, shampoo, conditioner and the Blow Dry Balm on the ends. What you need to  know about the shampoo is that you only need a little. It  lathers like wild( but is sulfate free)  and cleans well. The conditioner is a medium one that would get all but super dry hair nicely conditioned.

I like the way my hair looks after using Straight and it has helped keep those unruly ends  behaving  more. Volume is good, shine is good. The  heat activated Blow Dry Balm is light on hair and adds a little moisture. 

According to Bb all products use Concen-straight Technology™ (patent-pending), "which maintains hair’s natural integrity, as an answer to unruly hair. Pearl, Tourmaline, Brazilian Green Malachite and Sapphire Powders – plus heat – energize to loosen the inner s-bonds that give hair its natural curve. Polylysine, an amino acid, refines bonds into smoother shapes"

If you have the frizzies or flat iron a lot, this might definitely be worth a try for you. It's hard to wrong with Bumble and bumble.

Shampoo 8.5 oz. $29.00
Conditioner 8.5 oz. $32.00
Blow Dry 5 oz. $28.00
 
http://www.bumbleandbumble.com/

Curel Ultra Healing Lotion

One of my  favorite body lotions, and that's really saying something when you think of how many I have, love and use, is Curel Ultra Healing.

What's so special? Well  it moisturizes like crazy without ever  being heavy and sinks in fast.  Then there's the scent. It has orange peel oil in it , so there is a very light orange scent, sort of like Tang.  I love citrus , so that makes it even better.

Now Curel has re-formulated things a bit  and added their  exclusive Ceramide Complex which they say helps to lock moisture in even more by replenishing ceramides.

 Curel Ultra Healing is a bargain too. At $ 7.99, the  bonus size bottle is huge at 16.25 oz , which should  last all winter  and then some.  I think my first bottle lasted through 2 cold winters , but  it was in rotation with a few others.

*Press sample (this time, but I have purchased my own  in the past)

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye

For your cold weather eye needs Kiehl's has out new Midnight Recovery Eye.  It's a companion  to last year's Midnight Recovery Concentrate , which I  ended up really liking despite being afraid of the oils.

What's nice about this new  eye cream is that it's  moisturizing, but not heavy or sticky. It has light feel , you only need a little and it sinks right in. I like it for the moisture but it also , according to Kiehl's, has great effect on puffiness. That I can't attest to.

Midnight Recovery Eye  has 99.8 % naturally derived and ingredients including  Butcher’s Broom, to reduce puffiness  and improve microcirculation and Squalane, Evening Primrose and Lavender, " to reinforce the protective barrier and slow the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles"

Available now for $ 36.00

Friday, November 4, 2011

eloquii by The Limited Plus Sizes Line


This week The Limited launched their plus size line eloquii.   You can read more at my piece for Betty Confidential here

MAC Pro Longwear Lipglass


If you want a  really long wearing lipgloss then look no further than MAC's Pro Longwear Lipglass. This new ( ish) gloss wears like glue. I got several hours of wear including drinking out of mine. That's unusual for a gloss.

It is more tacky than most glosses but  not drying. It has moisture and it sticks.

Shown are shades Driven by Love (red) and Ready or Not ( nude).

There are 9 shades in all .

$ 18.50