Introducing.... BEAUTY WEEK!! (by Macy's.com)

Our friends at Macy's have decided to take a page out of the restaurant industry's playbook and created "Beauty Week". This week only, you can get FREE shipping on purchases over $50 & a FREE cosmetic case when you spend $75 or more.

Not tempted yet?!? You will be when you check out Beauty Week bonus offers like these:

Bobbi Brown is offering a free Mini Extreme Lash Party Mascara & Mini Crystal Lip Gloss when you purchase $65 or more. Bobbi's Extreme Lash Party Mascara is sure to provide lashes with "extreme build, endless volume" and lastastic definition. The Crystal Lip Gloss gives lips a boost - it looks great over natural lips or your fave lipstick (or liner if you are going for a less drying long-wear effect).

Lancome wants to help keep you looking your best with this free deluxe sample trio (when you purchase $50 purchase or more). These generous sized samples make a fantastic addition to any "on-the-go" makeup bag. The trio consists of the following:

• GENIFIQUE Youth Activating Concentrate - gives your skin's genes a protein packed boost to produce softer, more youthful looking skin. Don't believe us? Try it and see for yourself!
  
• CILS BOOSTER XL Super Enhancing Mascara Base - a must have for creating "are those falsies?" lashes; and
  
• BI-FACIL Double Action Eye Makeup Remover - our personal "go-to" remover. It works wonders on waterproof eye makeup while nourishing the delicate skin around the eye.

Hurry to Macy's.com today to check out all the great Beauty Week offers! You won't be disappointed - we promise!

Credits: Macy's.com; Bobbi Brown Professional Cosmetics, Inc.; Lancome Cosmetics (division of L'Oreal USA S/D, Inc. and L'Oreal USA, Inc.).

Doin' the Dash

If some of you are like us, you may still be shopping for that "perfect gift" for your loved ones or yourself. Here's a run down of some "Deals & Steals" that may make your hunt a little easier:

What better way to find the perfect addition(s) to your make-up treasure chest than to hit up beauty wonderland Sephora! With gift sets galore, we are sure you'll find the perfect gift that's too fab to part with. Don't want to deal with the hordes of last minute shoppers? No problem, check out Sephora.com - orders placed TODAY will arrive to your door by 12/24! As if this deal could not get any sweeter, you get to pick 3 Free Samples with EVERY ORDER!


Giving with a Purpose? Check out the "WISH" collection over at Smashbox.com. $1 of each purchase of a "WISH" gift set will be donated to the Children's Miracle Network, "a non-profit that grants the wish of life to millions of sick or injured kids by providing care and investing in life-saving research." The good folks at Smashbox are also offering free Jumbo Samples and Free Shipping (if you don't mind getting your gift after Christmas).

In addition to DELICIOUS holiday pallets, NARS is offering Free FedEx Shipping on all purchases of $25 or more (sooo very easy to do once you see these pallets). Want more than make-up? Be sure to check-out the heavenly scented candles and Essential Oil-Infused Therapy Soak.

Rounding out our last minute holiday "Deals & Steals" are some great finds for "Under $55" over at Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. We are sure you will find that perfect "stocking stuffer" (or cosmetic bag stuffer) in the array of gloss trios, pallets, and cream shadow sets available. You have to hurray though, because the Free 2 Day Shipping offer ENDS TODAY. Running out of wrapping paper? No problem - Bobbi offers complimentary Gift Wrapping & 2 Free Samples.

Credits: Sephora USA, Inc., NARS Cosmetics, Smashbox Cosmetics, Bobbi Brown Professional Cosmetics, Inc.

Think PINK

From the NFL to some of our "fave" cosmetic brands, everyone is going "Pink" this month in honor of it being Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Consequently, we will be posting great finds and/or offers, like the ones below, that support this more than worthy cause.

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics is offering a limited edition "Pink Ribbon" lip set that consists of a "Blush Pink Creamy Lip Color" (which was Vanity Fair's "Hot Looks Benefiting the Cure" pick) and "Pink Crystal Glitter Lip Balm". Your purchase will go towards Bobbi Brown's $35,000 donation (in North American sales) to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Additionally, you will get "Free Shipping" when purchased online via http://www.bobbiebrowncosmetics.com/ and receive a Pink Ribbon made from recycled materials.

Like Bobbi Brown, Perscriptives will put a portion of your purchase of their limited edition "Pink Ribbon Palette for Cheeks and Eyes" towards their $20,000 donation (in North American sales) to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The Palette features "four eye colors and two cheek colors" that perfectly compliment your fall look.

Credits: Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Inc.; Prescriptives, Inc.; The Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Waterproof' em

In heat and humidity, waterproof is the best way to go for mascara and eyeliner. Waterproof cosmetic products do not smudge or "feather", even on oily eyelids. Applying a primer to your eyelids is also a great way to prevent unwanted eyeshadow creasing and eyeliner "feathering". While there are some great lid primers on the market, one tried and true way to give lids staying power is to apply foundation and powder to them.

We recommend using a waterproof formula mascara and eyeliner (especially during the summer months) for beautiful eyes that last all day.


We use Bobbi Brown's Long Wear Gel Eyeliner to perfect summer looks and keep blushing brides beautiful on their special day. It has excellent staying power against the teariest of eyes and hottest of days. Our favorite shades are "Espresso Ink", "Black Mauve Shimmer Ink", and "Jet Ink". Apparently Elle, In Style and Allure agree because they each gave this product an award.

Not sure about trying a gel? Try New York Color's N.Y.C. Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil. The company boasted that it is "...tear-proof, sweat-proof and swim-proof...perfect for an active lifestyle." We agree (though we took a client's word for it on the swim-proof part)! These pencils provide great long-lasting color. At a price that is under $5, this is also our "Recessionista Pick".

Credits: Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Inc., N.Y.C. New York Color (Coty US, LLC)

After Glow

Ok get your minds out of the gutter *smiles*...we are talking about rounding out your fresh faced summer look with a "Living My Life Like It's Golden" glow. The best way to achieve (and maintain) that natural inner radiance look is to apply the same shade on your eyes, cheeks, and lips.

We like to use a sheer shimmer like Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Brick Compact (in "Bronze") on eyes and cheeks, and compliment it with a sheer shimmer lip gloss like "Rose Sugar". The Shimmer Brick's subtleness in color and shimmer perfectly highlights the brow bone; makes eyes "POP" when dusted around the inner corners of eyes; and accentuates cheekbones. To get that "from within" glow, we recommend applying rose or apricot colored blush to the apples of your cheeks.

While some of you may be cringing at the idea of putting blush on your eyes and lips, just remember, THERE ARE NO RULES IN MAKE-UP - BE ADVENTUROUS! Here are some other products we recommend using to get that "After Glow":

NARS out did themselves when they created The Multiple. We love it because it is easy to apply, multi-use, long-lasting, and gives great natural color....and did we say EASY TO APPLY? So much so that any make-up or beauty novice can apply it without looking like a "Clown School Drop-Out". We touched on the Blush and Bronzing Duo (which we also love) in yesterday's bronzer post, and were thrilled to see they now offer a Duo for The Multiple (The Multiple Duo).

So what exactly is The Multiple? It is a cream stick that gives a powder finish (a.k.a. "cream-to-powder") that can be applied to eyes, cheeks, and lips! Since it is cream-to-powder, you will definitely need to apply a sheer or clear gloss over lips to add shine and moisture. We do not recommend using The Multiple if you have oily skin or large pores. Despite giving a matte-powder finish, the cream tends to make large pores look bigger, and does not hold up well on oily skin. The Blush and Bronzing Duo, however, works well and looks great on all skin types.

Our "Recessionista Pick" is E.L.F.'s Shimmering Facial Whip. Aside from being fun and easy to use, E.L.F.'s Shimmering Facial Whip is good for all skin types. Available in a variety of colors ("Toasted" received the 2008 Allure Best of Beauty Editor's Choice Award), these little tubes are perfect for adding a hint of shimmer and glow to your eyes, cheeks, and lips. They can also be added to your lotion to get a little "body shimmer". Packed with Vitamins B, C, and E, this lightweight, non-greasy cream is long-lasting and buildable. Our only "Notes of Caution" for this product are:

a) it can give too much shimmer - so start off light and build as needed.
b) it looks better on Fair and Medium skin tones - the shimmer tended to be too much for Darker skin tones in spite of light/sparse application.
c) it has a sweet citrusy scent, but at $1 a pop, we can live with that!

Credits: Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Inc., NARS Cosmetics, Inc. Eyes.Lips.Face. (JA Cosmetics Corp.)

I'm Melting! I'm Melting! (Part 2)

Now that we've talked powder bronzers, lets talk tinted moisturizers. As with powder bronzers, tinted moisturizers provide sheer coverage - which sometimes disappoints those with acne or a good number of scars/blemishes. We recommend going the tinted moisturizer route for those who: have normal to dry or combination skin; do not need/want a product that provides medium to full coverage; and/or prefer a product that typically provides a more dewey finish.

To manage expectations (especially given the price of some of these products), we do not recommend these products for those who have a lot of scars, blemishes, or imperfections they wish to cover up because tinted moisturizers are designed to only give sheer coverage. Even if a sales person tells you it is "buildable", understand that it probably will not give you the medium to full coverage that a foundation or cream bronzer gives. Regardless of your skin type, we recommend you still use moisturizer before applying a tinted moisturizer. Just because "moisturizer" is in its name does not necessarily mean it is sufficiently hydrating - especially for those with dry skin. Also keep in mind that "Oil Free" does not mean "Oil Control"; so if you have oily skin, you will definitely need to apply a mattifying moisturizer. Here are our picks:



We see why Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20 was called a "Best Beauty Buy" by Allure and InStyle magazines, as well as other online blogs and consumer reports. Not only does it have the "good stuff" (e.g., SPF 20 and "...an antioxidant vitamin complex that acts as a free radical scavenger" to protect skin) it comes in a good variety of shades (especially for those with fairer skin tones), is long-lasting, and blends easily. This formula gives a dewy finish, but an "Oil Free" formula is also available for those with oily skin, or want a matte finish.



Next up is Bobbi Brown's SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer - hey, we told you we were huge Bobbi fans. Aside from loving it for the SPF factor, we also love its "staying power" and the natural "glow" it seems to give skin. Like the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, it blends in easily and gives clients a very natural, even tone. This product is ideal for those with normal to dry skin.



For our "Recessionista Pick", we have to go with Wet n Wild again. Their Ultimate Sheer Tinted Moisturizer has SPF 15, gives a good matte finish, and surprisingly delivered on its claim to "adjust to...natural skin tone[s]". Available in four shades, we liked "Sun Kissed" the best on fairer skin clients who wanted that "sun kissed" glow. Unlike our other picks, this product is thicker in texture, resulting in a more medium finish.

Credits: Laura Mercier (Gurwitch Products, L.L.C.), Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Inc., Wet n Wild Beauty USA (Markwins Beauty Products, Inc.).

I'm Melting! I'm Melting!

Hi Gang! We sincerely apologize for the serious gap in posts. Unfortunately, we experienced some pesky technical issues but are back up and running. *whew*

Now that we covered skin care essentials for looking ultra fab, even in the heat and humidity, lets talk summer make-up. As you have probably read (and been told countless times before), "LESS IS MORE" when it comes to looking your summer best. For those of you who are addicted to your foundation be prepared to go into "Foundation Detox". Yes, this REALLY means it is officially time to "Step Awayyy from the Foundation!" Trust us, you will be glad you did (and your pores will too)!

While tanning is a good way to to cover your skin's imperfections, bronzers are a great way to "give good face" without looking cakey, or worse - as if your face is melting. Going the bronzer route also gives you the added perk of no sun damage or premature aging (another result of overexposure to the sun). So take our hand and "step into the LIGHT" - starting with bronzers:

NARS Bronzing Powder is perfect for creating a long lasting matte finish, infusing just the right amount of shimmer with a natural non-orangey bronze glow. This easy to apply powder also "[f]ills in lines and pores for smoother looking skin" and looks great on practically all skin tones. Not sure what blush shade to use for your summer look? Don't worry, they also make these in Blush/Bronzer Duos. As if this product wasn't perfect enough already, we also love that it seems to work well for those with sensitive skin. Some of our sensitive skin ladies raved about it not breaking them out.

For those who want a little more coverage from a powder bronzer, we recommend Sue Devitt's Triple-C Weed Loose Powder. Technically not a bronzer, it comes in a variety of shades that perfectly match just about all skin tones. To use it as a bronzer, we apply shades that are 1 to no more than 3 shades darker than a client's skin tone to create that perfect natural tan. Although silky in texture and matte in finish, this powder will not leave you looking as if you just saw a ghost, or give you a case of "Chalk Face". Like the NARS Bronzing Powder, Sue Devitt's Triple C-Weed Loose Powder will not settle into fine lines, is long-lasting, and was given a thumbs up by some of our sensitive skin ladies. In addition to minimizing shine, it also works well for those with normal to dry skin. This is largely due to the "[p]roven ingredient Nylon-12 [which] ensures long-lasting wearablity and prevents creasing and cracking, remaining completely layerable." We love that it also contains "[s]oothing ingredients" such as "a seaweed sequence that contains valuable minerals, nutrients and vitamins."

Last but not least, we recommend Wet n Wild's Bronzer Compacts (yes, you read correctly) for our fellow "Recessionistas" and anyone looking for a great multi-use budget beauty find. These compacts come in a range of colors for just about all skin tones. Still can't find the perfect shade, no worries, these also make for some great blush and shadow colors. At roughly $3, what's not to like?

Credits: NARS Cosmetics, Inc., Sue Devitt, Inc., Wet n Wild Beauty USA (Markwins Beauty Products, Inc.).

The Eyes Have It!

Since this week seems to be all about eyes, we thought we'd post about eye creams everyone should have in their beauty arsenal. Here are our personal faves:



While we were HIGHLY disappointed by Chanel's decision to discontinue its Precision Age Delay eye cream (it reduced puffiness and those dreaded dark circles almost instantly), we found a suitable replacement in DDF's Erase Eye Gel - as far as puffiness and fine line/wrinkle reduction is concerned. In addition to noticeably reducing puffiness (almost instantly), we like that this product has good things for your skin like Hyaluronic Acid with yeast extract (provides lots of moisture and reduces fine lines); Horse Chestnut Extract (zaps puffiness within minutes); and Vitamin C (which we can never really have too much of).

It is no secret that we are HUGE fans of Bobbi Brown products, so it's no surprise that her Hydrating Eye Cream would make our list. This eye cream truly delivers on its claim to "minimiz[e] the look of fine, dry lines". Non-greasy in texture, it is very hydrating and quickly absorbs into the skin. This eye cream also has lots of good stuff in it like: Aloe Vera (calms); Vitamin A (renews and smoothes); and Avocado and Jojoba Oils (moisturizes/replenishes). Did we mention it is also "ultra-gentle" - making it perfect for those of you with sensitive skin.

Both products work well with make-up (e.g., provides good slip, non-greasy, quickly absorbs into the skin). Since nothing on the market truly gets rid of dark circles, we love how the Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream also acts a primer for concealer - leaving a near flawless finish after concealer (and/or Smashbox Photo Op) is applied.

Credits: DDF (The Procter & Gamble Company), Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Inc.