Jemma Kidd on Sale at The Fairest!

Breaking beauty news:  there's a sale on Jemma Kidd makeup.  Yes, it's true.

I stumbled upon this brand in Target about a year ago and I've been hooked ever since.  The eyeshadows are highly pigmented (a huge selling point for me), and the colors are unique without looking scary.

There are actually only five items on sale, but they're all fabulous.  My fave is the Midnight Jewels Palette. Originally $45, it's marked down to $18! It's got everything you need for a night out--shimmery shadows and pretty lipgloss.  Perfect for holiday parties.

The sale is only going on for the next three days, so get to it!

Bijou Buzz: Jennifer Shon Jewelry

I love classic, elegant jewelry.  There are so many trends to keep track of, and sometimes it's nice to know that you own something that will look gorgeous no matter what.

Jennifer Shon Jewelry has been around since 2007 and it's the perfect place to pick up timeless, reasonably priced, trinkets.  All pieces are handmade and unique.

The thing that I enjoy most about these baubles is that they're quite dainty and delicate, without looking plain.  Each piece has something distinctly original to it.  I'm a huge fan of that--I mean, the last time I wanted the same jewelry as my friends was when we were into best friends necklaces!  

My top picks are the Small Locket Necklace (pictured), the Amazonite Drop Hoops, and the ever-fabulous Tiny Peace String Necklace.

The best part?  Most of these gems sell for under $70 (some as low as $15)! Anything on the site would be a great Christmas present (hint, hint)...

And for all my lovely readers, enter SASSY09 at the checkout on JenniferShonJewelry.com, and receive 20% off all orders! Eeeeee! Very exciting, no?

If you have any questions regarding the line, contact Nadia Murdock nadia.murdock@gmail.com.

Essie Winter Collection Minis

Essie's latest Winter Collection has be ready for the holidays!  The colors are so gorgeous and replicate candies.  Who wouldn't want nails that look good enough to eat?

I especially love the mini kit that they've got.  For some reason, everything is just cuter when it's mini-sized.  Plus, you can test out these pretty hues before buying the full-sized bottle.

Here's a rundown of the colors:

mint candy apple - creme de menthe mint
lollipop - candy cane red
rock candy - sweet treat pink

The mini set also comes with a 3-way glaze, which is a base coat, strengthener and top coat.

Each set is $17.

Pretty Polka Dot Ring

I'm really diggin' vintage-inspired jewelry right now.  My latest find is Betsey Johnson's 'Charm School' Polka Dot Ring.It just looks so classy while being totally noticeable.  And, as far as I'm concerned, polka dots will always be in style.


The ring is actually on sale (yippee!!!) for $29.90.  That's 33% off of the original price.  Personally, I plan on talking myself into buying it by telling myself that I'm actually saving money.  It's a brilliant plan, really.

Beauty Products Gone Bad

Sadly, not all makeup is created equally.  Everything needs to be replaced after a certain amount of time and, quite frankly, it can be really confusing.

Have you ever noticed the expiration on your beauty products?  Most of them have a little graphic with the amount of time the product will be good to use (after opening).  Try to keep track of when you bought the product and use the expiration as a guide.  Of course, if you have a product that is only supposed to last three months, and you use it for three months and a few days, it won't kill you.  This is really only to give you a good idea as to when it's time to get rid of old beauty items.

If you don't see this graphic on your product, or you simply don't have any idea when you opened it, don't fret.  There are five key ways to tell when a product has expired.

1.) Changes in odor

2.) Color shifting
3.) Change in texture
4.) Microbial contamination (If you see any black spots or fuzzy growth in your product, it could be contaminated with bacteria or fungus!  That gives me the heebie-jeebies!)
5.) Physical separation into layers

If a product has any of these signs, chuck it.  And hey, it's a great excuse to buy more makeup!

Take A Walk in Hello Kitty's Shoes

Oh Hello Kitty, I wish I could quit you.  Is there anything cuter than this little kitty with a big bow on her ear?  I've been obsessed with her for a while now, which is quite possibly not socially acceptable.  But I don't care.  It looks like I'm not alone.

Chooka has these superb Hello Kitty Rain Boots.  I want to buy all of the designs and wear the boots daily.  I love them that much.  My fave design is the Punk Buttons (pictured) mainly because of the overdose of bright pink.

This year, I don't think I'll hate walking in the rain very much!

Each pair retails at $70, which I realize is quite a bit for what many people would call novelty shoes.  But really, doesn't everyone needs rain boots?  And why not get super cute ones while you're at it?

Glitzy Hair Doodads

I am such a huge girly girl.  Anytime I see anything remotley girly, I instantly fall in love.  My most recent obsession?  Bows.

What's girlier than bows?  Oh, probably bows with sparkly rhinestones and pearls all over them!

Jane Tran's Glitzy Bow Bobby Pins are just unbelievably glamorous.  They come in a few different colors, but personally I like the black and silver ones best.  They have almost a vintage feel to them and would look gorgeous either peeking out of a loose bun or sweeping up a lock of hair behind the ear.

Each individual pin is $18.75.  I know, I know...That's a lot for one tiny hair pin.  If you're not up for spending that kind of money (I don't blame you!), the bobby pins look fairly easy to make.  You can get a pack of plain pins and simply glue on bows and sparkly bling to your heart's content.

Wishing For Red

Every girl needs a few red nail polishes.  Though red is bold, the outcome is flattering on everyone.  If you're a bit scared to try red on your fingernails, bright red also looks fab on toes.

OPI's latest Wishing For Red set contains four mini red hues, perfect for the holiday season.  Included are: Dear Santa, Glove you So Much!, Smitten with Mittens and Meet & Jingle.

Since I basically carry around all the makeup that I own constantly, I love the fact that these bottles a so tiny.  You can tote them around for touch-ups or manicures on the go.  The size also makes it very convenient to try each shade before shelling out the cash for a full bottle.

The kit is about $12;  not a bad deal for such pretty reds!

Free Tote Bag This Weekend From Sephora!

Who doesn't love a free bag? This limited edition Kat Von D tote is free with any $25 purchase from Sephora. Just enter the code TOTE09 at the checkout!

I think the bag is super cute and, despite owning more than a million bags, I can't wait to add it to my collection!

Fab, no?

Cosmetic Bags: Not Just for Makeup Anymore!

There are so many adorable makeup bags out there and it's borderline ridiculous (in a good way).  Most of them can even pass as cute little evening bags.

Sonia Kashuk's Paisley Frame Purse is just that.  It's even got the word "purse" in the item description!  Despite it's humble makeup bag beginnings, this bag is just too fabulous to live under your bathroom sink.

I love the pink pattern, as well as the metallic strip by the clasp.  The bag is made of polyester, so if it gets dirty, you can simply wipe it with a damp cloth.

The clutch goes for $12.99 at Target.

Malicious Mittens

It's time to accept the fact that winter is basically here.  Cold weather is here to stay for a bit, sadly, but the upside is that there are tons of cute winter accessories!

Umm...how amazingly cute are these Smiley Shark mittens by Mod Cloth?  I want to wear these constantly, despite the fact that I may look like a crazy person while doing so.

These sharks will keep your hands toasty warm; they're lined with thick fleece for extra heat.  They are hand made from natural resources of the Hilmalayas, and purchasing these mittens helps support the rural crafts men and women of Nepal.

So let's recap.  The mittens are super cute, warm, AND help out a great cause.

I'm going to be shelling out the $35 for a pair, who's with me?

Beautiful Blingin' Cuff

Every girl needs a little bling in her life.  It's just a fact.  Unfortunately for me, I constantly lose jewelry.  It's horrible, I know.  I always joke about the fact that I won't be able to have a wedding ring for fear of losing it, so I'll have to have one tattooed on.

Anyway, there are some great cheap options for gals like me who lose everything, or ladies who simply don't want to spend oodles of cash.

Michelle Roy's Alexandra Cuff is my latest love.  The orange crocodile detail makes the cuff stand out and look different from all the other sparkly bracelets out there.  The cuff is leather with Swarovski Crystal applique.  I love the fact that it's girly and pretty, yet has a bit of an edge.

The best part is that the cuff is on sale!  it's actually 75% off and is only $19.  It's worth buying a few in the different colors they've got!

GIVEAWAY TO COME!!!

Just a heads up that early next week I'm having an AMAZING giveaway. It might have to do with something shiny that you can wear (which could mean basically anything). And I promise that you will immediately love it and all of you will want one. Trust me.

So keep checking the site for more info! Good luck, you fabulous ladies!

Beauty Emergency Card

Since I'm so overly obsessed with makeup, I usually keep at least one palette in my purse at all times for touch-ups.  It's great when I can find a palette that literally has everything I could possibly need, but isn't so big that I need to lug around a huge tote.

Trish McEvoy's 'The Voyager' Beauty Emergency Card is superb for this.  The palette comes enclosed in a pretty zippered case, complete with a mini brush set.  Trish McEvoy is well-known for having amazingly good quality makeup and I love the fact that you can take this cute set everywhere.

Here's what you'll get in the set:

• Gilded Lip Color in Iced Bordeaux
• new Glaze Lip Color in Golden
• Glaze Eyeshadow in White Peach
• Eye Definer in Deep Aubergine
• new Instant Pick-Me-Up Quad 
• Ebony-handled brushes-- Allover Face, Allover Eye, Precise Eye Lining and Covered Lip

The colors all look super flattering and seem like they'd be good for all skintones.  The only downside is that the set is a steep $65.  That's a bit over my makeup budget, but for a kit that has virtually everything you could possibly need, I'd say that it's totally worth it.

Sephora Project Tote--For $3!

Who doesn't want a fabulous tote bag?!  I have a ton of 'em, but honestly you can never have enough.  Right now, Sephora is practically giving away their Seohora Project Tote--each bag is $3.

It's also for a good cause.  The bag is made from recycled bottles that have been crushed and spun into fibers.  Also, a portion of the proceeds are donated to support Girls for A Change, a national organization that empowers girls to create social change.

Tres cute, no?

Dazzling Party Dress for Under $60!

Wintertime usually requires having a few party dresses.  With all the holiday parties going on, every gal should have a handful of dresses to choose from.

I stumbled upon this gorge Ann Taylor Silk Ruffly Collar Dress that's currently on sale for $59.99.  That's a huge deal for Ann Taylor; the dress originally went for $165.

The print is utterly fabulous.  It has the classic look of a solid-colored dress, but is interesting enough to draw attention.  I love the ruffly detail along the neckline too.  Little details like that really make you stand out without looking like you're trying too hard.

Jewel tones are not only in style right now, they're also flattering for basically all skintones.  The teal hue looks beautiful on everyone and the cut is super flattering.

This is a great dress to pair with black tights and pumps.  A little black or gray cardigan with this would look chic.  Keep accesories minimal, as the dress should be the main focus.  I'd wear simple stud earrings and maybe a chunky silver bracelet. 

For under $60, how can you pass up this too-good-to-be-true deal?

Lancome Gift With Purchase at Lord & Taylor!

As you probably know by now, I'm super obsessed with freebies from makeup counters.  I realize that the whole "gift with purchase" things isn't really free; you have to spend money to get it.  But to me, it still feels like a present that I get to unwrap!

My latest find:  Lancome's newest GWP for Lord & Taylor.  Most of all, I love the gold makeup bag and the brush set.  Who doesn't love gold?  It's sparkly and gorge and perfect for wintertime.

Here's what you get in the set:

• Renergie Microlift R.A.R.E. SPF 15 Cream
• Color Design Lipcolor
• Color Design Eyeshadow Quad
• Definicils Mascara
• Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover 
• a five-piece brush set

Lovely, just lovely.  The gift is yours free with any $32.50 Lancome purchase.

SPF in the Winter Too (Your Skin Will Love You)!

When we're all bundled up during these chilly times, it's easy to forget to protect your skin from the sun.  I'll admit, it's usually the last thing on my mind; I'm mainly concerned with staying warm!  But it's actually quite important.  In the winter, the sun can be even more harmful to skin that's exposed, so it's good to stay protected.

Dr. Denese's SPF 30 Defense Day Cream is perfect for this.  The high SPF makes it a great year-round product.  The cream deposits UVA/UVB protection and helps to prevent wrinkles, lines, and age spots.

I've got the most sensitive skin in the entire world (as I repeatedly complain about), and found that this product didn't irritate it, and actually felt quite moisturizing.  

The thing I'm most tickled by is that it's lightly tinted.  I have a hard time with tinted products that are only available in one hue, because I'm crazily pale.  But, surprise!  This magical stuff actually blended right in.  The cream contains self-adjusting melanin technology for instant, sheer coverage that's perfect for most skin tones.  I'd even go as far as saying that I'd use this sans foundation (when my skin is behaving).  The coverage is light, but seemed to make everything look fairly flawless.  That's great for me, as you'll usually find me caking on layers of foundation in the winter when my skin is less than perfect. This'll be a nice change.

You can pick up the cream for $34--a good deal for beautiful skin.

Quick Fix: Mini Wireless Flat Iron

I was born with crazy unruly frizz.  Over my lifetime, I've figured out how to work with them and now I can often leave my hair wavy sans frizz.  That said, I still like to flat iron it for when I want to look sleek and put together.  I have a great ceramic flat iron at home, but too many times I've found myself in an overly humid climate or in the middle of a rainstorm.  Once that occurs, there's really nothing I can do other than try to slick my hair into a gross frizzy ponytail.

I'd heard about a few mini wireless flat iron options out there, but most of them are way too pricey for me (about $200 or so).  Even though the idea seemed great, it simply wasn't in the cards.

Luckily, Metropolis has the Tourmaline Ionic Mini Wireless Straightening Iron.  And it's on sale for $69!  I mean, yes, that's still a but steep, but it's definitely better than it's original price of $150.


Because it's only 7.5 inches, you can easily keep this in your purse for quick touch ups throughout the day.  It even comes with a heat-resistant pouch so that you don't have to worry about it somehow turning on in your handbag and burning everything inside!


They've really thought of everything.  This is certainly on my Christmas list (hint, hint)!

Ann Taylor Friends & Family SALE!

I'm having a seizure of delight here.  From today until 11/22, Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor LOFT are offering 30% off ANY purchase!  Just use the code FRIENDS at the checkout and immediately get the deal.

This is an amazing deal.  I'm such an Ann Taylor fan, but it's usually just over my budget. 

My fave find thus far (I've barely had time to look through the site--I wanted to let you guys know the news first!) is the Jeweled Knit Dress.  It's such a pretty dress that looks almost seasonless.  The plum color is amazing, but it also comes in a light gray which is gorge.  AND, with the discount, the dress is only about $28!!!  I can't even get over this.  Is this for real?!

I also really like these chandelier earrings that are about $25 on sale.

Because this great deal is only going on until this Sunday, act fast ladies!!  Stock up on the savings!

Lovely Lace

Lace is the ultimate feminine fabric--hence the fact that lingerie is usually made of it.  It's sexy without being overtly so.

That's why I'm in love with Forever 21's Lace Ruffle Mesh Skirt.  The fact that it's black lace over a nude lining is provocative and it's sure to have heads turning.

The skirt is also ultra flattering.  The a-line cut draws the eye to the smallest part of your body (your waistline) and then lightly skims over your curves to the knee. 

This is just so pretty.  It's pretty much seasonless.  You could wear the skirt with black tights and flats for winter, then pair it with some strappy black sandals and bare legs for springtime.  This look simply never goes out of style.

Grab your own for under $30!

Fashion Faux Pas: The Armored Jean

I don't even know how to begin describing my disgust for this pair of jeans.

Acne Jeans has created this gem for their Spring/Summer 2010 collection.  And I hate it.  

The jeans take obvious inspiration from the days of medieval knights in their shining armor. The jeans have polished plates on the thighs, knees and shins.  I suppose they could come in handy...if you're planning on getting into some elaborate sword fight.

Also, how the hell are you supposed to wash these?! 

Oh and here's the best part:  each pair retails for about $2,000.

You've got to be kidding me.

Avon In Bloom Fragrance by Reese Witherspoon

First of all, I haven't had a ton of luck with most Avon fragrances.  On me, they come off a little too strong and have a bit of a "grandma-y" scent to them.  But Avon's been turning out some fabulous products lately, and I love Reese Witherspoon, so I gave their newest fragrance a go.

In Bloom is very different from anything I've tried from Avon.  The scent is light, pretty and seasonless.  Basically everything you'd want out of a daily perfume.

The fragrance notes:

Top: Georgia peach, tea leaves and crisp greens

Heart: Star gardenia, magnolias and night-blooming jasmine

Base: cashmere woods, hypnotic florals and amber wood crystals.

 I think that the peach really helped break up the floral notes.  I'd also go as far as saying that it smelled kind of like DKNY's Be Delicious, which is a good thing.  The blend of the fragrance works perfectly--it doesn't give off an overwhelming floral scent, but it's also not too woody and fruity. 

Plus I love the bottle.  My crazy [way over-stocked] perfume table welcomes the gorge addition.

Each bottle is $34.  You can also grab a body mist, body lotion and shower gel for $15 each.  Definatley gets my approval!

Disclosure:  This review contains a sample product sent for consideration by a PR firm. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest!

If you have any questions about this, please email me.

Beauty Tips & Secrets from Fashion Designer Rachel Roy

The fab designer Rachel Roy took a few moments to answer some beauty questions!  She's got some great insight.

Q. Have you picked up any great beauty tips or tricks that you can share? 

Rachel Roy: I feel a great mascara can open the eye and instantly make you look as though you’ve have a good night’s sleep, even when that is not the case.  I use 2-3 coats of Lancome’s Fatale on the top, bottom, and also on the back of the top lashes.

Q. Do you have a beauty signature? A fragrance or a lip color that you just love to wear?

RR: Because of my Indian ancestry, I love darkly rimmed eyes – a messy eye adds a sexy yet natural look to a classic outfit.  To make the eyes smoky, I use Revlon’s Luxurious Color Kohl eyeliner in Black Truffle on the inside of the lids.

Q: What about a lip color that you just love to wear? What do you put on to achieve your favorite look?

RR: Bright lipstick is a way to quickly pop an outfit and freshen up a look a la Ava Gardner in “The Barefoot Contessa.”  My favorite bright is MAC’s Morange lipstick – it’s a great way to add a twist to a classic look.

Q: Any last bits of advice?

RR: Another way to make your face pop is to fill in the eyebrows.  I use Bobbi Brown’s eye shadow in Navajo.

P.S.: You can follow Rachel on Twitter!

Fashion Citation

I've always wanted to walk around and give people fashion tickets for wearing ridiculous clothing.  Now I finally can.

Knock Knock has created the Fashion Citation pad.  It's the cutest thing ever and I can't wait to use it (yes, I will actually use it--probably just with family and friends, though!)

With the pad, you can actually specify what the exact problem is--socks with sandals, a holiday sweater, etc.  This is so fabulous.

The fact that each pad is under $5 doesn't hurt either.

Urban Decay Friends and Family Sale!!!

Eeee! Makeup sales are practically the most exciting things in the entire world.  What's better than buying your fave beauty products for way cheaper than normal?  Urban Decay is celebrating their Friends and Family Event from now until November 20th.  Everything on the site is 30% off!  Just enter the code FNFW1 at the checkout and you'll get savings galore.

Urban Decay is an amazing brand to begin with.  Their eyeshadows are extremely well-pigmented and the shades are just gorgeous.  They also have some really good primers. 

What do I plan on purchasing during this incredible event?  Probably the Smoke Out Kit, which has everything you need to have a perfect smokey eye.  Originally the kit is about $35, but with the sale, you can grab it for about $25.  Pretty great, right?  I also want to get my hands on the Apocalyptic Nail Kit, which has seven divine mini polishes.  With the sale, it's a mere $18.

Who else is taking advantage of this fab sale?

Fashion Faux Pas: Bathrobe Coat

I stumbled upon this gem from Spiegel the other day.

I'm all for a comfy bathrobe.  I have an adorable Hello Kitty one that I parade around in daily.  But I wear it in the safety of my own home.  Mainly because bathrobes, no matter how cute, are not coats.  They just aren't meant to be worn in the outside world.

The coat pictured just really irritates me.  It's called a "Kimono" coat, but let's be serious--that's just a fancy name for bathrobe.


C'mon people.  This is unacceptable.

Clinique Gift With Purchase at Nordstrom

Clinique always has the cutest gifts with purchase and their latest one doesn't disappoint.  Clinique has teamed up with Trina Turk to create this fab set just in time for the holidays.  The cosmetic bag is too cute for words.  I realize that I probably have over 25 makeup bags, but honestly can you ever have too many?

Here's what comes in the set:

1.) Long Last Lipstick in Pink Chocolate
2.) Makeup Brush Trio
3.) All About Eyes (my fave Clinique product ever!)
4.) Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Cupid
5.) Liquid Facial Soap Mild
6.) Lash Doubling Mascara in Black
7.) Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad in Pink Chocolate
8.) The gorgeous Trina Turk for Clinique Cosmetic Bag

Once you spend $25, the gift set is yours!  You can basically just buy one product and get all these goodies for free.  Not bad, huh?  The only downside is that you can only get this gift at Nordstrom--in the actual store.  Unfortunately this isn't available online.  Still, the set is def worth a trip to the mall!

Layout

This layout is pretty craptacular...bear with me.  I'm trying to come up with something fabulous soon!

Fab Read Spotlight: Applaud Women Magazine

For those ladies living in NH or MA (or, what the heck--anywhere, really)  Applaud Women is for you.  It's a great local online magazine chock-full with interesting articles about a plethora of topics. 

Needless to say, I'm a fan of the beauty and fashion pieces myself; namely the section dedicated to stunning pictures of the latest trends.

Being a proud New England gal, I'm just tickled to see a local magazine flourish while being so interesting.

Oh and a bit of shameless self promotion:  I have a style column inside!

So take a gander and learn a thing or two.  Visit www.applaudwomen.com for more info.

Beauty Boo-Boo: Rolling on Makeup

Generally speaking, painting on makeup is not really a good idea.  Think about it, the application can be messy, uneven, and overly thick.  It seems like avoiding this would be a no-brainer.

No so for L'Oreal.  Their new True Match Roll'on Foundation literally contains a mini-paint-roller-esque brush.  You are actually meant to roll on the foundation the same way you would paint the walls of your apartment.

You've got to be kidding me.

The product has (thankfully) not made its way over to the States as of yet.  If, for some ungodly reason, you feel the urge to replicate the look of a freshly painted wall on your face, you can purchase the compact online.

Tsumori Chisato Limited Edition Mini Brush Set

I absolutely love cute brush sets.  I don't know what it is.  I own about a million makeup brushes, but when I see a cute set I simply must have it.

My newest obsession is Shu Uemura'sTsumori Chisato Limited Edition Mini Brush Set.  What's not to love?  The kit contains four well-made brushes: one essential face/cheek brush, two eyeshadow brushes, and one lip/eyeliner brush.

But let's talk about the bag for a second.  I. Am. In. Love. With. This. Bag.  I saw a preview of the limited-edition collection and immediately knew that I needed to have it.  I mean, a winking cat?! How could I not buy this?? 

So don't freak out on me, here...the price is $69.  I know, I know.  Very pricey.  But I'll say it again--it's a winking cat!

Oh and p.s.: the collection also includes tons of other too-cute-for-words products including an amazing palette and pretty lipstick!

The Solution for Dry Brittle Hair

My hair is super thick and dry--especially in the winter.  I usually have tons of breakage and split ends to prove it, and my hair just look dull.  Not very attractive, to say the least.

I've tried lots of hair masks out there; drugstore brands, high end bottles, and everything in between.  There are so many options that it's easy to get confused and waste a lot of money in the process.

Oribe's new Signature Moisture Masque is a great solution.  Firstly, I have to let you know that it's $59 per tub.  It's pretty pricey, but honestly if you're like me, you've wasted a lot more than that over the years on products that don't even work.  It's definitely worth it to spend a little more in order to get results.

You use this mask like most others--simply massage into your hair and leave it as long as you want (the longer you wait, the more drastic the outcome will be).  Then, rinse it out.  You can use this weekly, or even daily if you hair needs some extra TLC.

This stuff is fabulous.  It seemed to not only hydrate my hair, it also made it shiny and healthy to the touch.  The smell was great too.  Often times, products like this tend to smell horrible due to the ingredients used, but this mask smells clean and a little fruity.

I also found that the mask didn't weigh down my hair, a common issue with masks.  I've never used one that was lightweight and yet completely moisturized.

I highly recommend this product for anyone who needs some severe hydration, or just wants a little more fabulosity hair-wise.



Disclosure:  This review contains a sample product sent for consideration by a PR firm. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest!

If you have any questions about this, please email me.

Anastasia on Sale at The Fairest!

For the next day or so, The Fairest is offering up some fabulous Anastasia products for up to 50% off.

The brand is well-known for its brow grooming products, but they also have some gorgeous eyeshadows and blushes.

My fave products on sale are the Shimmer Highligher ($12.60) and the Highlighting Brow Kit ($16).  There are oodles of other great products as well--def a sale to take advantage of.

Free Clutch and Samples from Sephora!

I'm such a sucker for free gifts with purchases.  I'm honestly obsessed.  Even though the "gifts" aren't really free since you have to buy something in order to get 'em, it still seems like a present to me.  Plus I love having mini sample-sized products to try out and toss in my purse.

Sephora's newest GWP has made my heart go aflutter.  First, there's the gorge clutch.  I'm so into girly floral doodads and this really fits the bill.  Metallics surprisingly can work as a neutral, so virtually any outfit will match this bag.  I'd almost be happy with just the bag alone.

But of course, who would turn down amazing samples?!?  This bag comes stuffed with 8 samples.

Perfect-o!  Here's how to get it:  Simply spend $50 on anything in the store (believe me, this is not a difficult task!),  and enter the code CLUTCH4U at the checkout.  Easy peasy.

Fab Winter Fashion on the Cheap: Avon's Holiday Collection

Avon is one of my go-to brands for low-priced beauty products.  They're always up with the trends and everything I've tried from them has been of the best quality.  It just seems natural that I'm smitten with their winter fashion (yes, fashion!) collection.  Everything is amazingly chic and trendy, without looking over-the-top.  Here are a few of my current faves:

 

I don't know about you guys, but for some reason I carry around double the amount of stuff in the winter.  I usually need a ridiculously large bag, but it can be tricky to find one that's large without being bulky.  Try the Classic Quilted Tote ($14.99).   

 

I'm a bit in love with their new Luxurious Sweater Coat ($34.99).  Because it cuts in at the natural waistline, which is usually the smallest part of a gal's body, you'll look slimmer than ever.  Plus, the sweater is cozy and warm.  Perfect for cuddling up with your main squeeze by the fire. 

How cute are these Cable Flip Top Gloves ($9.99)?  Not only are they super adorable; they also come in handy for when something needs to be done in the freezing cold! (Get it? Handy!! I'm hilarious).  Since my boyfriend refuses to turn the heat in our apartment up to the boilimg temperature that I prefer, these bad boys are great for typing at my computer while staying toasty.  The gloves will be available on 11/23.

Check out the entire winter collection at www.avon.com.

Drugstore Beauty Bargain: Shimmer Stripe Blush

Clinique just came out with their 'Shimmering Stripes' Powder Blusher in Tuxedo Plums for winter.  I tried it and liked it, but I could help thinking that I had used something almost exactly the same before.  Then I figured it out--the product is almost an exact replica of Milani's Glimmer Stripes in Berry Glimmer!


Both have great pigmentation and look very similar on.  They're a bit shimmery, but not glittery, and give a touch of color to the face.  The colors in the pictures are a little off (Milani's doesn't actually have red in it; that's a deep purple-ish hue).


The difference?  Clinique charges about $30 per compact and Milani's version is under $8.


Get thee to a drugstore!

Ballerina Flats

Every girl secretly (or not so secretly) wants to be a ballerina.  It's just a fact.  Whether you're like me and took ballet classes for practically your entire life, or if you just like dancing around your apartment (which I'm also guilty of), these adorable flats are for you.

I'm always a huge fan of flats.  They're just so comfy and cute--a way better option than sky-high heels.  Delia's Sandie Ballet Flats are so incredibly pretty.  Everyone should own a pair.

They come in the classic ballet pink, or in a fabulous light gray.  AND, they're on clearance for about $20! Woohoo!

Pretty One-Shoulder Dress for Under $40!

One-shouldered dresses are so fab right now.  Despite the somewhat trendy cut, they are surprisingly seasonless and flattering for most body types.

Victoria's Secret has this amazing One-Shoulder Bra Top Dress that is just calling to me.  First of all, it's on sale for $39.  How great is that for basically a year-round party dress? I also love the fact that it has a great built-in bra.  The whole one-shoulder thing is tough to pull off without some support and honestly, why wants to worry about constantly pulling up a strapless bra all night? 

The colors are gorge.  This purple hue is my fave, but it's also available in a few jewel-toned colors as well as a basic black. 

Just the Ticket: BeautyTicket.com

Have you heard of Beauty Ticket yet?  I finally found it and it's officially my new fave place in the world.

Basically, the site offers up superb deals on fab makeup brands that we all know and love.  Deals that are around 50% off and up!  It looks to be that a lot of the products are either discontinued on unpopular products, but from what I can tell, everything looks great.  I mean, unless you're some sort of makeup collector I don't think it's a huge deal to buy "last season's" eyeshadow palette.

The best buys that I'm salivating over?  The Smashbox Tokidoki Soft Lights & Brush Set ($20!!!) and Pixi's Must Have Kit in Ravishing Rosy (again, $20).

I'm jumpin' for joy over here!

Fashion Faux Pas: Yeti Boots

I'm always sad when I have to put away all my cute summer sandals for the winter.  Luckily there are some adorable boot options out there that keep your tootsies toasty warm and look pretty.

Unfortunately, Gucci's Black Alpaca snow boots do not fit into that category.

I don't see any reason why these boots even exist.  For some reason, once snow falls on the ground, it's like people lose their sense of footwear style.  They give up.  Just like Ugg boots (don't even get me started on those), these boots do absolutely no favors for anyone and are not flattering in the least.

Plus they look like what I imagine yeti feet look like.

Oh and they're about $800.

Are you kidding me??

Hydration Nation

I'm no stranger to dry skin.  In the past, I've wished for some sort of skin transplant because it just gets so dry and disgusting, especially in the winter.  Since that's not really an option, I'm constantly searching for dry skin cures. 

My latest love is Origin's Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask. Umm...it's pretty much amazing.  I applied this stuff before I went to bed last night and woke up with noticeably softer, hydrated skin.

I'm always a little scared of products like this, because in addition to the dryness my skin is also severely sensitive.  I usually have to use fragrance-free products, and when I opened up the tube I definitely detected a fruity scent--almost citrus-y.  For some reason, it didn't hurt my skin at all.  Right away when I applied the stuff, my skin felt soothed. 

Hydrating products are prone to being greasy, but that wasn't the case with this mask.  It almost seemed to mattify; you could even apply it during the day and go in public without looking like a freak, which is a nice bonus. 

For $21 a tube, I highly recommend this product.  I'm so excited to have hydrated skin this winter!

Disclosure:  This review contains a sample product sent for consideration by a PR firm. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest!


If you have any questions about this, please email me. 

Orly’s Once Upon a Time Color Collection

I'm really diggin' Orly's newest collection, Once Upon a Time.  I'm a little girl at heart, so anything that remotely has to do with fairytales really tickes my fancy.

Orly is known for having amazing nail polish to begin with.  I prefer it to all other brands; unless I see a color that they don't carry.  The formula just seems to apply ridiculously smoothly and lasts DAYS, which is huge for someone like me who constantly picks at her nails.

This collection features hues reminiscent of storybook tales--dark cremes and light fairy-esque colors make it utterly adorable.  I want to get my hands on all these colors, but I'm going to start with my faves, pixie dust and enchanted forest.

Oh, I haven't even mentioned the best part! Each bottle comes with a little fairytale-inspired charm!  I'm always a sucker for cute charms and doodads. I have no idea what I plan on doing with these charms, but nevertheless it adds to my growing love of the collection.

Each bottle is $7.50, which is pretty a good deal for a really well-made, pretty polish.

Beauty Boo-Boo: Milani INFINITE Liquid Liner

Milani is my go-to drugstore makeup brand.  I usually have really good luck with it.  Their eyeshadows are especially pigmented, and everything else is pretty much fab.

Unfortunatley, my opinion has somewhat changed after trying their new INFINITE Liquid Liner.  I was so dissapointed by this product.  I was drawn to it by the bright color (I opted for the deep purple hue).

The application was horrible.  The liquid liner came out somehow clumpy, like an old mascara.  It didn't apply evenly at all.  I tried running the closed tube under hot water to loosen it up, but it didn't seem to help matters.  The formula just isn't good. 

I will say that the liner is very much waterproof.  When I tried to wash it off, it barely came off, even with a heavy duty makeup remover.  Upon closer inspection, I noticed that it had the same feel to it as the glue you use to apply false eyelashes.  It was sticky and actually ended up sticking to my lashes and clumping them together a bit.  I literally had to tug at this plastic-esque liner for a while to fully remove it.  And it took a few lashes with it.  That's unacceptable.

Milani, why would you do this?!

The Open-Toed Shoe Pledge

This is more of a summer post, but since I wear open-toed shoes year-round, I feel it's appropriate.  Ladies, from time to time we must all be reminded of some essential beauty and style rules. The following came to my inbox the other day and I decided I must share the wisdom with all of you!

The Open-Toed Shoe Pledge

I pledge to follow these rules when wearing sandals and other open-toe shoes:

• I promise to always wear sandals that fit. My toes will not hang over and touch the ground, nor will my heels spill over the backs. And the sides and tops of my feet will not pudge out between the straps.
• I will vow to keep the polish fresh, intact and chip-free. I will not cheat and just touch up my big toe.
• I will sand down any mounds of skin before they turn hard and yellow.
• I will wax the hairs off my big toe.
• I won't wear pantyhose even if my misinformed girlfriend, coworker, mother, sister tells me the toe seam really will stay under my toes if I tuck it there.
• If a strap breaks, I won't duct-tape, pin, glue or tuck it back into place hoping it will stay put. I will get my shoe fixed or toss it.
• I will not live in corn denial; rather I will lean on my good friend Dr. Scholl's if my feet need him.
• I will resist the urge to buy jelly shoes at Payless for the low, low price of $4.99 even if my feet are small enough to fit into the kids' sizes. This is out of concern for my safety, and the safety of others. No one can walk properly when standing in a pool of sweat and I would hate to take someone down with me as I fall and break my ankle.
• I will take my toe ring off toward the end of the day if my toes swell and begin to look like Vienna sausages.
• I will be brutally honest with my girlfriend/sister/coworker when she asks me if her feet are too ugly to wear sandals. Someone has to tell her that her toes are as long as my fingers and no sandal makes creepy feet look good.
• I will promise if I wear flip flops that I will ensure that they actually flip and flop, making the correct noise while walking and I will swear NOT to slide or drag my feet while wearing them.
  I will promise to throw away any white/off-white sandals that show signs of wear... nothing is tackier than dirty white sandals.

Beauty Boo-Boo: Lancôme Ôscillation Powerfoundation

I'm so over the whole vibrating makeup thing that's been going on.  I don't see how anything vibrating (no matter how "micro" the vibrations are) can help anyone apply makeup better.  Why would it possibly be needed?  I tried some of the mascaras out there, and most recently I tried Lancôme's Ôscillation Powerfoundation. I was not impressed.


As with the mascaras, I found application to be a little tricky. I don't know if I'm shakier than most gals out there, but I can apply other makeup without any similar issues. When using the mascara, I could easily lean down on my elbow to keep my arm straight when applying.  It's tougher to replicate that when applying foundation. 

Though the foundation claims to give off 7,000 micro-vibrations per minute, the shakiness is still a bit visible and apparent when trying to use the product. That is not to say that it's as shaky as say a Sonic toothbrush, but it's still a bit weird-feeling.


Once I deposited enough of the foundation onto my face, I actually had to go over it with a makeup sponge before I felt like everything was blended sufficiently.


Oh, and the foundation is $48!  I've used many other foundations that were less than half that price that work a million times better.


No one should need to "turn their makeup on".  I think I'll save my vibrating for the bedroom! ;) (that was a joke courtesy of my boyfriend who thinks he is oh so hilarious).

Skincare To Go!

Oh Dr. Brandt, you have captured my heart once again. 

I am so ticked by Dr. Brandt's new Skincare To Go sets!  There are three fab options this season: Pores No More To Go, Blemishes No More To Go, and Lineless To Go. 

The kits are perfect for gifting (even if the gift is for yourself).  You can use 'em for traveling, or to get a taste of what Dr. Brant has to offer.  It's a great way to sample the line, as each kit is around $50. 


Dr. Brandt is well-known for having amazing skincare products.  I've been a long-time fan of the Pores No More Pore Refiner, and with the set I got to try out the rest of the line, which I am now obsessed with!

You can grab the sets at Sephora, or online at drbrandtskincare.com.

Fashion Origami

Oh lordy, I'm obsessed with this fashion origami set from Fred Flare.

I used to love origami when I was younger.  My middle school even had an "origami club" for a while that I took advantage of.  I mainly loved the pretty paper.

This set is simply fabulous.  It comes with 120 sheets of paper and a full 28 page instruction book on how to make tiny shoes, dresses, hats, undies & more!

The pack is  $12, but courtesy of In Style magazine, you can get 20% off any purchase (making this under $10).  Just use this code: NSTYLE09. The offer is valid until November 30.

The site also has cute clothing and accessories.  I'm also in love with these smiley PB+J earrings:

Cute right?