Category Archives: Beauty

Sephora Beauty Box “Play!”

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1010-brow-brush-720x720Watch out Birchbox and Ipsy! Sephora is launching their own beauty box called “Play!” And that single word alone describes what I feel every time I enter a Sephora. It is my playground. It’s a place I don’t feel pressured to buy, don’t feel pressured to purchase all from one particular brand. I get to play with products and buy what truly works for me.

Sephora entering into this market seems like a no-brainer. The land of the free sample and deluxe samples for points. I wonder if they will do a play on Birchbox’s service where you give feedback and earn credit toward full size products? Save my points and buy an expensive lipstick or eye shadow pallet?! I’m only guessing but it does seem like a likely approach since that is the reason a lot of Birchbox subscribers stay with the company after receiving seriously small samples that are usually given for free. I cancelled my Birchbox months ago after receiving several boring boxes (I don’t want to sample toothpaste, gum and pens).

Sephora’s Play! will contain five beauty products, cost $10 and contain products based around a particular theme. For September the theme is “Uncover the Essentials”. The box will include a Sephora Collection Rouge Infusion lip gloss, a Marc Jacobs Beauty Highlighter eyeliner, an Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation Face Crème, a Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil and a Glamglow Supercleanse cleanser. A Spotify playlist is also included in the contents. Play! is rolling out to the lucky cities: Boston, Columbus and Cincinnati with only 10,000 boxes available. The brand plans to expand to additional cities throughout the US in 2016. Each box will include a “Play! Book” offering beauty tricks and fun facts about the products. Customers will also be about to access content through the Sephora app. It will give customers a one-on-one tutorial on how to use the products.

Until Play! officially launches, I do have a couple of beauty boxes I’m loving!

Glossybox is a high-end beauty box. You get deluxe and full size products and your box is valued at around $100 each month. The cost is $21 a month and very well worth it. Here is a past box

imageAnother new box line is Boxy Charm. They work with the same model as Glossybox, same price, same amount of high end products and they range in value from $100-125 each box. Here is a recent box. I am obsessed with the brow duo and brush!

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Christian Louboutin Launching Lipstick Line in September

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louboutin-lip-openerAfter launching a successful nail polish line last year, the world famous shoe designer, Christian Louboutin is launching a line of lipsticks this fall. The line features 36 shades in three different textures – Silky Satin, Velvet Matte, and Sheer Voile – all which are inspired by Louboutin handbags and shoes.

The problem? They’re $90 a lipstick! Ouch! This will certainly hurt my wallet. I love high end beauty products and have been known to have quite a few $35 Yves Saint Laurent lippies, but $90 may be too steep for my blood. I did fall victim to the $50 nail polish in classic Louboutin red and it’s nice, but I don’t think it was worth $50. The bottle is pretty bulky and doubles as a self-defense weapon.

The lipstick cases do look like little works of art. I love the one that looks like a mermaid tail. The cap comes with a small ring at the top through which a ribbon is threaded, so you can turn it into a necklace. Well, I guess there’s justification to the price….it doubles as a necklace.

Christian Louboutin says “This precious object will be coveted by others. Suggesting a purse full of rare and precious stones that could have been discovered in Ali Baba’s cave, it will arouse lust and desire…and is made to be stolen.” Made to be stolen? Great! Now I have to take out insurance on my lipsticks too? This lipstick is getting more and more expensive by the minute. Lol

There are 20 shades in the Silky Satin collection, which offers a medium-to-full-coverage lip color with a satin finish and hint of shine. Velvet Matte features nine colors, is highly pigmented, and has a soft, matte finish. Sheer Voile also comes in nine shades, with a sheer finish for a veil of color with “luminous shine.”

louboutin-lip-openerAnd, because no color collection would be complete without it, each collection contains a signature Rouge Louboutin shade as one of its offerings. Those signature shades will be housed in a black lacquer case, unlike the rest of the line’s golden packaging.

imageThe colors do look amazing! Hopefully Sephora will be quick to follow and you can demo them there. But for now, the lipsticks will be available in September at Saks.

Essie Fall 2015 Nail Polish Line

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It’s over 100 degrees every day here in Texas. I’m loving beach days but I am ready for fall, my FAVORITE season. It’s almost time for “pumpkin everything”! I’m missing my dark nail polishes, so it was exciting to see the new Fall 2015 Essie Collection. When is it available? Now! Ulta has the entire collection available online and if you spend $17 on nail polish you get a free top coat! I went on a nail polish spending freeze about 8 months ago (well, I did buy maybe one bottle but that doesn’t count) in order to clear out and actually use what I already have. Essie is my favorite polish brand, so at least 70% is all Essie. I’ve cleared out a good dozen bottles of polish over this time so I have room for new ones.

I’m liking “Leggy Legend” which is a copper/gold depending on how it hits the light. I also like “in the lobby” which is a purple that looks a little matte. And “bell-bottom blues” is a really pretty shiny blue tone.

essie-fall-20151You can purchase these now at Ulta!

30% Nuxe + FREE Shipping on $50 Order – Happy Bastille Day!

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Happy Bastille Day!

Nuxe is celebrating by offering 30% off everything!!! Plus you can have free shipping with a $50 purchase. In addition to that you also get to choose a deluxe mini sample!!

I added two Nuxe products to my post on Beauty Bag Must Haves but there are so many Nuxe products that I’ve tried and are incredible.

Multi Purpose Dry Oil for face, body and hair

This dry oil is hyped right now everywhere and it’s a best seller. And since I’ve gone through a few bottles myself, I can say it lives up to the hype. At 30% off you have to try it for yourself!fp-nuxe-huile-prodigieuse-or-50ml-face-2014-04Miceller Cleansing Water with Rose Petals

This cleanses, purifies and softens the skin all at once. Removes your makeup from both face and eyes. I’ve been wanting to try a more hydrating toner that will also cleanse my face. I purchased this today and I’ll write this up on a future blog since this will be my first time trying it.

fiche_fp-nuxe-eau-demaquillante-micellaire-200ml-face-2014-04Anti-Aging Skincare Nuxellence® Jeunesse

This is a best seller that I’ve been dying to try, but at $75 it’s one of the pricest products in the Nuxe line. For the sale it’s $52.50 so I’m looking forward to trying it. This will be my first time, so I’ll write up a review later. The formula of this anti-aging fluid holds 10 patents with Passion Flower and Hyaluronic Acid, it targets the core of skin cells to help them maintain optimum energy levels. Skin is luminous and looks rejuvenated. Enriched with pigment correctors, Nuxellence® Jeunesse immediately illuminates skin.

Here are few amazing bargains that I love!

 Prodigieux® Set – a $67 value for $34 Includes a few of the most popular items and a candle!

fiche_fiche-prodigieux-setExfoliating Gel with Rose Petals

For sensitive skin and all skin types.

This Exfoliating Gel with Rose Petals gently exfoliates and eliminates dead skin cells. The gel’s texture reveals gentle exfoliating grains to reveal refined skin. Leaves skin soft and clear, and more radiant than ever.

fiche_fp-nuxe-gelee-exfoliante-douce-face-2014-04Woman Perfume – Prodigieux® le parfum

This sensuous woman perfume, Prodigieux® Le Parfum, has been encapsuled from the legendary fragrance of dry oil Huile Prodigieuse®. A feminine blend of sunshine and warm sand with notes of Orange Blossom, Magnolia and Vanilla. Celebrate with us the 1 year anniversary of Nuxe Prodigieux le Parfum and receive a beautiful bracelet with your perfume. Made with Swarovski Elements

fiche_fp-nuxe-prodigieux-le-parfum-50ml-face-2014-04Moisturizing Mask Crème Fraîche® de Beauté

This is very hydrating and calming for the skin. A source of well-being and immediate freshness, this moisturizing mask with Plant Milks and White Blossom provides intensive moisturization even for the driest of skins. A rescue skincare, it provides intensive relief, instantly soothing skin discomfort. Hydrates and soothes for 24 hours, leaving skin radiant.

fiche_fp-nuxe-masque-creme-fraiche-face-2014-04HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!

Beauty Bag MUST HAVES!

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Here are my current beauty bag MUST HAVES that will take you year round in the beauty and makeup department:

Pixi Unique Pink Tinted Brillance Lip Balm ($14.00)

tintedbrilliancebalm-closeup-uniquepink-24jul14-web_1This works with your pH level to create your own personal shade of pink. I have been using the Dior Lip Glow for a couple of years, which works just like this except the price is nearly double at $25. I bought this wanting to compare the two and Pixi blew away the Dior. I felt like the shade of pink was better, I liked that it was super hydrating and that the color is a slight stain so it lasts a long time! You can purchase online and earn 300 points for signing up and that will take off $3 making this $11 instead of $14!

Nuxe Shimmering Dry Oil (1.6 oz bottle $39)

I fell in love with Nuxe products on a trip to Paris in 2011. I had heard how fabulous the pharmacies were at having the most incredible beauty products and it didn’t disappoint. This oil by Nuxe is amazing. It is for face, body and hair. They do have a version without the shimmer but I find the shimmer very subtle and gives your hair and face a natural glow. It doesn’t look like you’re covered in glitter by no means. It just gives a subtle healthy looking glow. And the smell is amazing! I have a lot of allergies to perfumes, and this did not bother me at all.

fp-nuxe-huile-prodigieuse-or-50ml-face-2014-04Nuxe Reve de Miel Moisturizer (1.5oz $39)

This is hands down the BEST moisturizer I’ve ever used and I feel like I’ve tried them all. I stopped using this for about a year as I was trying a lot of different high end moisturizers that were coming in my monthly box subscriptions and nothing compares to this. I recently went back to it and never again will I stop using it. Great for super dry skin like me, but they have others for oily skin and anti-aging.

fp-nuxe-revedemiel-creme-visage-jour-fermee-face-2014-04Bodyography Brow Duo (Price $19)

The Essential Brow Trio. Featuring three matte brow powders in one handy compact flattering for all hair colors. This multifunctional product can act as a matte eyeshadow and liner as well! It lasts all day long and I’ve slept in it and woken up to still perfect brows. I used to use Anastasia’s brow pencil but this little duo is perfection. You can blend and make your own color.

3595-Brow-Trio-WebI would not get the duo without the brow brush. It really creates the perfect shape to your brows. Brow brush, $19.00

1010-brow-brush-720x720Loreal Infallible Makeup Pro-Setting Spray ($12-15)

This sets your makeup in a few sprays. It is gentle and non-irritating and can stand up against the hot days of summer. No one wants their makeup dripping down their face. I tested this out at the beach. I wanted to see if it could hold up through a day of sun and sand and it did! Normally I don’t wear makeup to the beach but I wanted to see how good this actually is and it passed the test.

Cos21q_1_pack-shot2Better Than Sex Mascara ($19)

The name is something else, huh? But this seriously is the holy grail of mascaras. It has fibers so it thickens and lengthens. And like some other fiber mascaras, it is not hard to remove. The brush is big and helps really separate and lengthen your lashes.

s1533439-main-hero-300Dr. Jart+ BB Cream SPF 45 ($39)

This BB Cream offers really good full coverage but without being heavy. Has an SPF 45 while also containing anti-aging properties. My face is dry and this is very hydrating. It’s a great multi-tasking beauty balm that I’ve been devoted to. Comes in two different shades. I use the light to medium.

A moisturizer, sunscreen, and treatment serum, this all-in-one product also includes advanced brightening properties. Ideal under makeup, its natural-looking coverage minimizes the appearance of imperfections and evens the skintone. Antioxidant bio-peptides and adenosine protect skin from harsh environmental factors while restoring firmness and elasticity. This lightweight formula features mineral sunscreens to provide broad spectrum sun protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Skin is left looking smooth, perfect, and natural.

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Lilly for Target + Essie Nail Polish

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Have you seen the new (I mean old) line of nail polishes by Essie that were released as “Lilly inspired” shades to match the clothing. Before you run out to ebay (who knew they were the third partner in the Lilly for Target collaboration) and spend double, please know that these are NOT new shades based on Lilly Pulitzer prints but old colors with a “Lilly for Target” paper tag attached to the bottle. Did they think no one would notice? I’ve had Borrowed and Blue for a good two years. And Golden Nuggets I bought a few months ago on clearance at Ulta for I believe $3. I feel like people are being taken advantage of with this whole Lilly + Target collaboration. essieI would NOT suggest going to Poshmark or ebay and buying these nail polishes that are listed between $14 and $20 each. It would have been fun if they would have had a real selection of Lilly Pulitzer polishes. Or if they wanted to use old colors then maybe a cool Lilly printed bottle. But if you want those colors, just go to Essie.com and type in the names and they are listed as “in stock” and buyable for $8.50 each minus the Lilly for Target paper tag. I just tested that out on the Essie website. And if you really like blue, I suggest Bikini So Teeny by Essie. It’s a beautiful light blue, and in my opinion, better than Borrowed & Blue. Here are a list of the colors that you can shop for on Essie that were part of the collaboration: Forget Me Not Mesmerized Borrowed & Blue Golden Nuggets Pansey Baby’s Breathe First Timer

Target Beauty Box is back for $5 Shipped – $38 Value

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The Target Beauty Box is back and the price has come down from $7 to $5! It is listed as a $38 value and it does have some nice products. The lipstick is valued at $5-7 so that one product right there justifies the price. Hopefully I’ll receive a good color for my skintone. I’m really excited to try the setting spray, those are always so pricey at makeup stores.

http://www.target.com/c/beauty-box-ways-to-shop/-/N-54wll#?lnk=snav_rd_beauty_box&orginalSearchTerm=beauty+box

Here are the products it includes:

Pout Perfection – For long-lasting color, use a lip pencil to line and fill in your lips (we recommend a neutral color or one that’s slightly darker). Then, top it off with Maybelline Color Elixir for a high-gloss, high-impact look. PRICE $5.49-6.99

 Get Set – The secret to flawless skin is just a spray away. First, prep and prime skin to create an evenly moisturized base. Then, add a fave foundation like L’oréal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation. Lightly mist L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Spray & Set over your lips, eyes and face to finish the look. PRICE $13.29

 Double Agent – Quench thirsty skin in the morning with a light, non-greasy moisturizer. Before bed, using a thicker cream can help with skin renewal as you sleep. No time for two products? No problem! Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream instantly absorbs like a gel, but intensely moisturizes like a cream. PRICE $17.99

Brilliant Blowout – Start with a renewal shampoo like SheaMoisture Superfruit Complex 10-in-1 System to clean and brighten locks. Next, condition the bottom 3/4 of your hair, starting at the tips and avoiding the crown of your head. Layer in your favorite styling products, then blow dry from roots to tip using a round brunch to get super-soft hair for days. PRICE $10.99

(un)Done Updo – Pull hair back into a high but loose ponytail. Fasten with pins into a top knot and spray with TRESemme’ TRES Two Extra Hold Hairspray for a messy but pulled-together look. PRICE $1.47

Bobbi Brown HOT Collection for Spring 2015

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bbThe new Bobbi Brown HOT Collection has just launched! It is currently available at Sephora. I “like” Bobbi Brown but I don’t tend to “love” Bobbi Brown. I’m more of a Nars girl. Bobbi Brown tends to be more neutral based so I think this new Hot Collection really steps up and offers some bright pops of color for lips and shimmery lids and cheeks for spring and summer. Until this collection, I haven’t seen any blushes that have come close to the cult classic Orgasm by Nars. The blush kits offered in this new collection give a similar pink shimmery flush.

I ordered the lip pencil in Hot Berry and was pleasantly surprised when it arrived yesterday. It is bright and fun for spring and summer. It reminds me of YU by Nars. It came with a nice big sharpener too. I’m going for the eye palette next!

Bobbi Brown teamed up with Kate Upton as the poster girl for this new line. Kate is from Florida and Bobbi wanted her to showcase that beachy look with a woman who exudes easy confidence.

Spring 2015: Bobbi Brown HOT COLLECTION

“This collection channels hot summer days, sexy summer nights and Kate’s easy confidence.” – Bobbi Brown

What the collection includes:

Limited Edition Hot Nudes Eye Palette [$65] Housed in a sleek black compact with neon pink accents, this flirty palette features eight totally wearable shades that flatter all skin tones. Layered or worn alone, the shades in the Hot Nudes Eye Palette create a variety of signature Bobbi looks—from subtle and sultry to super smokey.

  • Ivory Eye Shadow
  • Smoke Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow
  • New Peach Sugar Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow
  • Cement Sparkle Eye Shadow
  • New Nude Petal Eye Shadow
  • New Bronzed Beige Metallic Eye Shadow
  • Nude Glow Metallic Eye Shadow
  • New Blackest Brown Shimmer Wash Eyeshadow

bb1Art Stick Limited Edition [$26]

  • Hot Berry
  • Hot Pink
  • Hot Orange

bb3Limited Edition Sheer Lip Color Shade Extensions [$26]
Sheer Lip Color is now available in three electric shades that deliver the perfect pop of color with a beautiful, sheer payoff. The creamy and lightweight formula is comfortable on lips, making it easier than ever to wear daring color.

  • Berry
  • Pink
  • Orange

Limited Edition Cheek Palettes Bobbi introduces Cheek Palettes [$45] A no- nonsense, natural-looking approach to highlighting cheeks. Featuring two shades of blush and a pearlescent highlighter, this palette enhances cheeks for a healthy, lifted effect.  To achieve Bobbi’s signature “just pinched” cheek look, dust the softer shade of blush onto cheeks, and then follow with a pop of brighter blush, applied just on the apples of cheeks. Finish with the highlighter shade on top.

  • Calypso
  • Pink
  • Berry

bb2Ink Liner [$28] Perfect for Kate’s jet-setter lifestyle, this travel-ready, pen-style liner is the ideal on-the-go tool, delivering a perfect-every-time line. Available in blackest black, it’s Bobbi’s go-to trick for standout eyes.

  • Blackest Black

Azature – Midnight in Paris Nail Polish Collection

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What girl doesn’t love a nail polish that contains real black diamonds?! I had the honor of testing out the newest collection, Midnight in Paris by Azature. I started using Azature polishes about three months ago and I fell in love. It really has the most amazing shine and shimmer in a nail polish that I’ve seen. And what really made me happy was how well it stands up against my every day running around, Momma of 4, craziness, because I chip my polish pretty easily. Azature didn’t show any signs of chips until a good 6 days later. My usual go-to polish brands are Essie and Butter London, but Azature has easily replaced those as my favorite. So I wanna show you the new collection and then share with you some of the other beautiful manis I’ve done using the polish. AND you can get 10% off by using the code at checkout, AZVIP10. You can make purchases on their site http://www.azature.com

Midnight in Paris, aren’t these colors ah-mazing!

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First off, I’m not a huge fan of black polish. I don’t know what it is. It just doesn’t look good on me so I really don’t ever wear it. I love a navy or dark red, but black just always puts me off when I wear it….until, I received this black in the Midnight in Paris collection. It has the most amazing sparkle and shimmer. It’s multidimensional, so it doesn’t look like a basic flat black. It is called Boudoir. A camera cannot catch the luster. You can see other colors within it.

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Next I did a little party nail. Well, that’s what it looks like to me, a nail party. I used the  color “pearl” as the base with the shimmer flakes over the top and the gold as a tip. A party on the nail!

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Now this red is a beautiful burgundy. It is a deep wine tone. I love to wear red polish. It’s such a classic. So this is a great red alternative to a normal bold red nail. It’s definitely the perfect fall/winter nail polish.

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I also wanted to share with you some of the other nail polishes that I have used of Azature. It is not the Midnight in Paris collection but it still available to purchase on their website.

My absolute favorite classic nail polish using Azature Blush with a silver metallic tip. I get a million compliments when I do this look. It’s classic but with a twist.

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This cobalt blue has a beautiful shimmer in it, along with the metallic silver polish. No taping off for this, just a steady hand. It’s really easy. Give it a shot!

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Azature Blue with a glittered corner. I wore this polish to Disney World since it reminded me of Cinderellas dress and it received a lot of compliments. I do love a blue polish!

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This is a great neutral polish, Nude.

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