Bits & Pieces

By on May 15, 2012 in Beauty Deals, Ramble

credit: www.brswvacations.com

Hi everyone! I’m away on a much-needed vacation so I probably won’t be posting this week. Here are the more exciting bits of beauty news that landed in my inbox and a few comments on products I’ve been trying out.

* Beauty.com is having a friends & family sale event! Click here to get 20% off your entire order (ends 5/18)

* Bobbi Brown has some nice GWP offers going on right now:

  • Free Treatment Lip Shine in Moonlight Rose with $65+ order and code ROSE12 (ends 7/31/12)
  • Free Treatment Lip Shine in Sunset Bronze with $65+ order and code SUNSET12 (ends 7/31/12)

* MAC Hey Sailor is coming out soon and I hope to have some product reviews up next week :)

* I’m testing out Aveeno Natural Protection Sunblock SPF 30 and so far it’s been wonderful apart from a sour smell when you first apply. On the other hand, I’ve had no unpleasant skin reactions and it feels light for a physical sunscreen. More details soon!

* Eucerin Calming Creme is probably the best body lotion I’ve ever used.

* I’m amazed that so many people are out tanning when we know so much about the dangers of sun exposure! There is some seriously leathery skin out on that beach.

 

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Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush Review

By on May 8, 2012 in Reviews

The Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush formula ($7.99 each) hit drugstores a few months ago and I just managed to find a stocked display near me. As far as I can tell, they were intended to replace the discontinued line of Dream Mousse Blushes, which were beloved and (in my opinion) didn’t need replacing at all.

I bought Pink Plum (left) and Rose Petal (right) and couldn’t resist testing them out before I got a chance to photograph… I just had to figure out what the texture was like  - sorry! It does go to show that the nice dome you see in the packaging is not what you’ll find after 1 or 2 uses. In fact they get pretty gross looking. Below is what they looked like after using MAC 109 and 165 brushes to apply (click to enlarge).

Pink Plum and Rose Petal

The texture is very similar to the old Dream Mousse formula but a bit more spongy. Bouncy is a misnomer because these do not in any way bounce back after being pressed – once a dent is there, it’s there for good.

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Beauty Blog Link Love: May 5th, 2012

By on May 5, 2012 in Networking

  • Want to know Shivani’s pick for the “it lipstick” for spring? It’s Bite Rosé. Come and check out the swatches & review and decide for yourself!
  • Over at theNotice, Rae has the details on this year’s Sephora Favourites Sun Safety Kit. Find out what’s in this year’s set, with a full product listing & ingredients!
  • The Pink Sith recommends PB&J sandwiches for a month so you can get both of these amazing Armani Eyes To Kill Intense limited edition eyeshadows!
  • Is the new Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup the right choice for you? Gouldylox Reviews thinks it may be perfect for summer, providing you have the right kind of skin…
  • L from Beautifully Addicted To reviews Mii Pure Wonder Concealer in Awake 01.
  • Beauty’s Bad Habit has make-up and nail polish storage sorted with the much loved IKEA Helmer.
  • Check out a bronze smoky eye and red lip FOTD featuring the Illamasqua Human Fundamentalism collection on My Funny Valentine.
  • Do you love the look of false eyelashes but hate the fuss? Then you might like Too Faced’s new Better Than False Lashes system. Pammy Blogs Beauty tests it out!
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Sponsored Post: Neutrogena Naturals

By on May 1, 2012 in Reviews, Sponsored

I was recently sent some new products from the Neutrogena Naturals line to try out. It’s based around the idea of pure, natural skincare with no chemical sulfates, parabens, petrochemicals, dyes, or phlalates. This isn’t a new idea for skincare, but it’s definitely a welcome addition to the usual drugstore skincare lineup. Here are my initial thoughts on four of the products and some things I wish I’d seen. Let me know what you think!

Fresh Cleansing+ Makeup Remover

I had a little trouble with this product because I honestly couldn’t tell what it was for. I couldn’t find any product directions, so I made an educated guess that it was a milky makeup remover with cleansing properties. After pumping the product onto a cotton pad, I realized it was actually a gentle foaming facial soap. Oops!

Once I figured out what I was dealing with, the product was nice to use. My skin felt very clean but not completely stripped of oils, similar to how it feels when I use my favorite cleanser. Like all the products, it had a fruity botanical scent that was noticeable but seemed to fade after rinsing.

Purifying Pore Scrub

I was a little wary to try this out because most scrubs have been overly abrasive on delicate facial skin. Fortunately Neutrogena agreed, and their Purifying Pore Scrub was both gentle and effective as an exfoliant. The ‘scrubby bits’ were micro-sized and the base was extremely gentle thanks to the inclusion of coconut-based soap ingredients and jojoba oil. Once again, my skin felt clean and smooth without being stripped of natural oils. I use retinol on a regular basis so I would only use this once or twice a week, but it is definitely gentle enough to use more often if you need more exfoliation.

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Beauty Deals: April 30th, 2012

By on April 30, 2012 in Beauty Deals

Monday

Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics (H)

Natori Fashion Swimwear (I)

Tuesday

BeFine Skincare (H)

Elle MacPherson Intimates (G)

Wednesday

Alterna Haircare (H)

Turquoise & Coral Jewelry (G)

Taryn Rose Footwear (R)

Thursday

Ballet Flats (G)

Friday

G = Gilt   |   H = Hautelook   |   R = Ruelala   |   I = Ideeli

Beauty.com

  • $10 off $50 order + free shipping through this link (expires 12/31)
    • Some exclusions, check here for details
  • Free shipping on $25+ orders, no code necessary

Bliss Spa

  • Free mini gift set with $75 order and code TO2MINIS (expires 4/30)
    • Includes Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask, Triple Oxygen Energizing Cleansing Foam and Triple Oxygen+C Energizing Cream
  • Free Strivectin sun bag with $60 Strivectin purchase and code SUNBAG (expires 4/30)

Bobbi Brown

  • Free Lip Gloss in Nougat with $65+ order and code GLOSS12 (exoures 6/30)
  • Free Treatment Lip Shine in Plumberry with $65+ order and code PLUM11 (expires 5/25)
  • Free gift wrap on all orders (select at checkout), no code necessary
  • Free shipping on $65+ orders, no code necessary

DermStore

  • 10% off when you shop from your My Favorites list (expires 6/2)
  • 10% off with code REMINDER
  • Free shipping on all U.S. orders, no code necessary
  • Free 2nd day shipping with $100 purchase, no code necessary

Drugstore.com

  • Spend $50 and get free shipping + $100 Restaurant.com credit through this link (expires 12/31)
  • Spend $25 and get free shipping + $50 Restaurant.com credit through this link (expires 12/31)
  • New customers – $5 off $30 or $10 off $50 through this link (expires 12/31)
  • Free shipping on $25 orders, no code necessary
  • Check out the instant coupons section for great deals

Molton Brown

  • Free full-size bodywash + free shipping with $75 purchase and code TREATMOM (expires 5/13)
  • Free gift wrap on all orders, no code necessary
  • Free 1 oz. sample with every order, no code necessary

NARS Cosmetics

  • Free shipping on $25+ orders with code 25FREESHIP
  • Free shipping on $50+ orders, no code necessary

Nordstrom

  • Free shipping and free returns on every order, no code necessary

Sephora

  • 2012 Sun Safety Kit is out! Get deluxe samples of 17 high-end sunscreens for just $30
    • 100% of net proceeds go to the Skin Cancer Foundation :)
  • Choose 1 of 4 fragrance sample bags with code 6SCENTS (expires 5/31)
  • Choose 1 of 4 deluxe fragrance samples with code SCENT4U (expires 5/24)
  • 3 Free Stila Eye Shadow Palette Cards with $25 order and code TRYSTILA (expires 5/20)
  • Free Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion pm deluxe sample with code PTRSERUM (expires 5/24)
  • Check out current sample offers and special markdowns
  • 3 free samples (from 12 choices) with every order
  • Free shipping on $50+ orders, no code necessary

SkincareRx

  • 20% off with code MUACOUPON20 (check for exclusions)
  • Free shipping on $49+ orders, no code necessary

Stila

  • 20% off when you sign up for the newsletter
  • 3 free samples with every order
  • Free shipping on $50+ orders, no code necessary

Ulta

  • $3.50 off $10 purchase with code 77535 (expires 5/13)
  • $10 off $60 purchase with code 80531 (expires 5/13)
  • 3 free samples with every order, no code necessary
  • Free shipping on$50+ orders, no code necessary
  • Check out current special offers
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Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer

By on April 24, 2012 in Reviews

If you’re a regular reader, you know that I’ve had a lot going on in my life these past few months. That combined with more responsibility at work means I’m getting less sleep than usual and (I think) it shows. I started a quest for the perfect concealer, and today I’m pleased to say that I think I’ve found it in Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer ($22).

Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer

Most of the liquid concealers I tried were lacking in coverage and staying power (i.e. MAC Moisturecover, Make Up Store Reflex Concealer, Maybelline Mineral Power). I also tried some cream concealers, which offered better coverage but ended up creasing badly (i.e. Bobbi Brown Cream Concealer, Laura Mercier Secret Concealer, and TheBalm TimeBalm). Estee Lauder Double Wear is the perfect balance – it’s a liquid concealer that has great coverage and stays firmly in place all day (and night) with no creasing. It’s basically a miracle concealer.

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Beauty Deals: April 23rd, 2012

By on April 23, 2012 in Beauty Deals

Monday

Mother’s Day (G)

Vincent Longo (H)

Tuesday

Miss Oops (H)

Mario Badescu (G)

Wednesday

elf Cosmetics (H)

Caswell-Massey (H)

Spanx (G)

Spanx Swim (G)

Case-Mate (I)

Thursday

Carol’s
Daughter (I)

Friday

Crown Brush (H)

TanTowel (H)

Kinerase (H)

Turkish Bath Towels (R)

G = Gilt   |   H = Hautelook   |   R = Ruelala   |   I = Ideeli

Beauty.com

  • $10 off $50 order + free shipping through this link (expires 12/31)
  • Some exclusions, check here for details
  • Free shipping on $25+ orders, no code necessary

    • Bliss Spa

    • Free mini gift set with $75 order and code TO2MINIS (expires 4/30)
    • Includes Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask, Triple Oxygen Energizing Cleansing Foam and Triple Oxygen+C Energizing Cream

    Bobbi Brown

    • Mini Lip Palette + free shipping with $100 order and code MDAY412 (expires 4/27)
    • Includes Berry Metallic Lip Color, Pale Mauve Lip Color, Pink Lip Color, Brown Lip Color, and Crystal Lip Gloss
  • Free shipping on $65+ orders, no code necessary

    • DermStore

    • 10% off when you shop from your My Favorites list (expires 6/2)
    • 10% off with code REMINDER
    • Free shipping on all U.S. orders, no code necessary
    • Free 2nd day shipping with $100 purchase, no code necessary

    Drugstore.com

    • New customers – Spend $50 and get free shipping + $100 Restaurant.com credit when you click this link (expires 12/31)
    • New customers – Spend $25 and get free shipping + $50 Restaurant.com credit when you click this link (expires 12/31)
    • New customers – $5 off $30 or $10 off $50 when you click through this link (expires 12/31)
    • Free shipping on $25 orders, no code necessary
    • Check out the instant coupons section for great deals
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    MAC & Carine Roitfield Collection for Fall 2012

    By on April 20, 2012 in Collection Info

    MAC & Carine Roitfield for Fall 2012

    MAC & Carine Roitfield Collection for Fall 2012

    Straight from the MAC press office, here is all the info I have. More to come!

    M·A·C Cosmetics announced today a limited edition line of cosmetics with fashion visionary and muse Carine Roitfeld, to launch in Fall 2012.  Carine collaborated on all creative aspects of the collection; package design, product names and colour palettes.  The M·A·C Carine Roitfeld Collection features 20 pieces with a focus on eyes and brows that reflect Carine’s signature look: smoky eye, bold brows and nude lips.

    A specially created Good Luck Star stencil makes its debut and can be seen in the collection image for which Carine was photographed by Mario Sorrenti.  This marks the first time M·A·C has worked with the legendary photographer.

    Until last year, Carine Roitfield was the longstanding editor of Vogue Paris. Prior to her editorial career, she worked with Mario Testino (a wonderful photographer) to produce images for major fashion brands including Gucci and YSL. Based on the wealth of her experience, I can’t wait to see what she and MAC have come up with.

    The PR blurb mentions that Roitfield collaborated on packaging, which I assume means there is special packaging for this collection. This likely means higher prices, no Pro discounts, and no Back 2 MAC exchanges.

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    Beauty Deals: April 16th, 2012

    By on April 16, 2012 in Beauty Deals

    Monday

    Freeze 24-7 (R)

    Cuisinart (R)

    Tuesday

    CARGO (H)

    myfaceworks (H)

    Wednesday

    Earth Day Beauty (G)

    Goldfaden (H)

    Cuisinart (I)

    Thursday

    Pur Minerals (H)

    Polished Pearls (H)

    Friday

    G = Gilt   |   H = Hautelook   |   R = Ruelala   |   I = Ideeli

    Beauty.com

    • $10 off $50 order + free shipping through this link (expires 12/31)
    • Some exclusions, check here for details
  • Free shipping on $25+ orders, no code necessary

    • Bobbi Brown

    Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

    • Friends & Family Event! 20% off, no code necessary (expires 4/18)
    • Free shipping on $65+ orders, no code necessary

    DermStore

    • 10% off when you shop from your My Favorites list (expires 6/2)
    • 10% off with code REMINDER
    • Free shipping on all U.S. orders, no code necessary
    • Free 2nd day shipping with $100 purchase, no code necessary

    Drugstore.com

    • New customers – Spend $50 and get free shipping + $100 Restaurant.com credit when you click this link (expires 12/31)
    • New customers – Spend $25 and get free shipping + $50 Restaurant.com credit when you click this link (expires 12/31)
    • New customers – $5 off $30 or $10 off $50 when you click through this link (expires 12/31)
    • Free shipping on $25 orders, no code necessary
    • Check out the instant coupons section for great deals
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    Currently: April 2012

    By on April 14, 2012 in Ramble

    This post was inspired by Gaia of The Non-Blonde.

    Thanks for introducing me to a much more interesting “favorites” format!

    Book – Provenance: How a Con Man and a Forger Rewrote the History of Modern Art

    Music – Hanginaround by Counting Crows. I prefer the live version from the New Amsterdam CD.

    Makeup – Very sparse. I’ve taken to pressing the snooze button and putting on a 3-minute face of makeup, which is a habit I’d like to break.

    Frequently Worn – Colored tank tops with cardigans. Pretty much every day.

    Food – I’ve been trying new types of food thanks to work friends. Last week we went to a Peruvian restaurant and yesterday we had Cuban.

    Bane of My Existence – Bedtime. I can be exhausted all weekend, but when 10pm rolls around I’m wide awake again, hence the AM snoozing.

    Shame Inducing Guilty Pleasure —  Organizing and color-coding. Seriously. I started using a new system to track tasks at work and it’s dorktastically satisfying.

    Joy — My sweet nephews. The younger one just sat up by himself for the first time this week!

    Anticipation — Going to the beach next month.

    Wishlist — Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer.

    Random Thought — When did my weekends get so busy?

    How about you?

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