DIY: Spoolie for Brows and De-Clumping Lashes

A super fast DIY tutorial that will save you $ and benefit your brows and lashes!

xoxox

Overstock - Underappreciated?!

Show of hands: how many of you have visited overstock.com? How many of you looked beyond luggage and furniture? Who knew that overstock.com actually offers great prices on make-you-feel-fabulous items and not just housewares, electronics, and office staples. (No, not actual staples).

Allow me to enlighten you!

This morning I discovered that overstock.com is actually a veritable gold mine for saving on brand name beauty items! Check out three excellent offerings below:

Clarisonic Mia Compact Sonic Skin Cleansing System $132.49 today (compare at $149.00)

(sell out risk moderate - act fast)

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Bare Escentuals Crown Jewels Makeup Kit $27.49 today (compare at $39.99)

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Fendi Tessuto Zucca Cosmetic Case $109.99 today (compare at $155)

(sell out risk very high)

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While we all may not be in need of a Fendi Zucca Cosmetic Bag, I thought I'd share that with you also just to demonstrate the range of products on overstock.com. Other brands that didn't make my top three cut due to less appealing graphics and other reasons include: Clinique, Estee Lauder, Lancome, Elizabeth Arden, Loreal, Almay, Ardell, Borba, Physician's Formula, Victoria Jackson, and Burt's Bees. Shop all the previously mentioned and more at overstock.com and pay only $2.95 for shipping.

xoxox

STILA PROMO CODE ALERT!

Shop Stila's website through May 31 and take 20% off your purchase of $50 or more! Use code MEMORIALDAY at checkout for your 20% discount AND free shipping!

Stila Kitten Eye Shadow (pan) & Kitten Lip Glaze $16

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Mario Bedescu's Drying Lotion: A Disappearing Act!

Abracadabra! Put that rabbit back in your hat and shove those scarves back up your sleeve! Mario Bedescu's Drying Lotion is giving most magic acts a run for their money. Except perhaps David Blaine, he's quite endearing. But I digress...

Mario Bedescu has proven he knows a little something about disappearing acts with his Drying Lotion, an odd looking solution packaged in a small bottle. The formula is separated, a pink sludge-type material lays on the bottom while a liquid fills the remainder of the container. The appearance makes you want to pick it up and give it a good shake, but do control the urge, as it is not meant to be mixed.

Mario Bedescu Drying Lotion $17

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Apply Mario Bedescu's Drying Lotion as a spot treatment with a Q-Tip before bed and blemishes will have dramatically lessened by morning. While the spot treatment will not likely make the blemish disappear entirely overnight, the solution will calm and substantially diminish the appearance. This is an exceptionally effective quick fix for use the night before big events - think weddings, galas, proms, speaking events, and the like.

Purchase Mario Bedescu's Drying Lotion online.

Note: this product is also available in stores at Ulta, though it is not offered through Ulta's website.

Society's Guide to a Soft Blue Smoky Eye

My natural reaction to the mention of blue eyeshadow is to imagine a big-haired 80s diva with a spandex jumpsuit. If you had a similar reaction after reading this post's title, watch below for a refreshing discovery that will break the 80s diva image.



xoxox

Product Highlight: Sephora Sun Safety Kit

Sephora Sun Safety Kit $25

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Sephora's Sun Safety Kit has returned and me-likes! The kit is an excellent way to sample various SPF skincare products before making a purchase that will commit you for months. This kit is definitely worth checking out-it features fan-favorite brands like BareEscentuals, Shiseido, Peter Thomas Roth, Clarins, DDF, Bliss, Murad and Smashbox. An even better reason to purchase? Not all featured products are the typical SPF items - sunscreen or moisturizer! BareMinerals' product is Summer Bisque, a multi-tasking concealer; Smashbox's offering is a Photo Finish Primer; Murad brings an Essential-C Eye Cream to the kit! At $25, this is the ultimate try it before you buy it for summer!

Purchase Sephora's Sun Safety Kit here.

Ready? Set? Sun!

Have a sunny day, Sweetheart!

xoxox

Product Review: Peter Thomas Roth Skincare

One to love. One to like. One to pass up.

Lover's Lane: Peter Thomas Roth's Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel $35

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Peter Thomas Roth's Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel is the ultimate 'clean feeling' cleanser. Among its perks are: about half the standard amount will do the job; the cleansing gel not only gives results, it also makes you 'feel' like it's been effective by working into a nice foamy lather; leaves skin noticeably brighter in just a couple of weeks; formulated with Salicylic Acid to fight breakouts; formulated with Glycolic Acid to fight the signs of aging; it is suitable for all skin types except sensitive. This is the absolute best cleanser I have ever tried and regardless of age - 16 to 116, the Anti-Aging properties will brighten your skin to a healthy glow.

You can purchase Peter Thomas Roth's Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel from www.Ulta.com or from www.Sephora.com.

Didn't quite make it to Lover's Lane but still courting: Peter Thomas Roth's Gentle Foaming Cleanser $32

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Peter Thomas Roth's Gentle Foaming Cleanser is a soft, gentle option for all skin types. This product can be used as a makeup remover pre cleanser of your choice, but it is not my preference for cleansing when used alone. The product is gentle enough that it will not dry your skin, but as it is so gentle it doesn't provide the clean feeling the Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel does. If you wear minimal makeup and are looking for a cleanser that will work for sensitive skin, this product is worth trying. However, if you are similar to me in that you like a classic sudsy cleanser, you will be better suited for the Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel above.

You can purchase Peter Thomas Roth's Gentle Foaming Cleanser from www.Ulta.com or from www.Sephora.com.

We tried to make it work, but in the end, went our separate ways: Peter Thomas Roth's Botanical Buffing Beads $36

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The Botanical Buffing Beads may be ideal if you have very sensitive skin or are prone to dryness. My husband likes that it feels refreshing, but I find it too gentle to be effective. The buffing beads are minimal and my face felt nowhere near exfoliated after use. While I am able to justify spending $35 for the Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel, Peter Thomas Roth's Botanical Buffing Beads showed no results warranting a $36 purchase for my skin type.

Whether you end up loving, liking or leaving a product, my suggestion is always this: if you have the opportunity, try it before you buy it! Pop into an Ulta where testers are available and ask about a small sample.

Later, Lovely!

xoxox

Almost Time to Say Goodbye.

We've begun packing our bags and bidding our adieu(s). It's hard to believe that our life in Savannah will soon be filed in our minds under 'Nostalgia.'

While I was taking part in the photoshoot earlier this week, my ever-talented husband was snapping photographs of his own:

Monterey Square, part of the walk that my parents and I made on our wedding day last October.

The Mercer House, mysterious isn't it? Learn more about the Mercer House by linking to Wikipedia here and the mystery will only broaden.

Savannah's architecture and history make it beautiful beyond the reality in which it exists. Every brick, street, wall, and tree has a story, it seems.

Bask in the day's beauty, Glamorous, including your own!

xoxox

Society's Guide to a Wearable Cat Eye!

Watch Society's Guide to the purrfect Cat Eye - a three minute how-to!

xoxox

Your Vote DOES Count!

Poll Results: What are you interested in seeing The Society feature more of?

Product Reviews	(28%)
Promo Codes & Sales	(14%)
How-Tos	(71%)
Personal Experiences & Pictures	(71%)
Product Highlights for Varying $$ Ranges	(57%)

The results are in and How-To Guides tied with Personal Experiences and Pictures at the top of the interest list! Following just behind were Product Highlights for Varying $$ Ranges. Of course, I will continue to share Product Reviews and Promo Codes and Sales - I know I appreciate a SALE ALERT myself! Thanks for voting - your feedback helps tailor The Society to fit the interests of its members!

What the results entail: Look for an increase in How-To Guides via video, stills, and written posts. Quick personal experience posts and corresponding photographs will show up more frequently, along with possible Outfit of the Day and Makeup of the Day posts. Continue to give input and vote in upcoming polls - your vote really DOES count!

Don't forget to become a Society follower!

xoxox

BEAUTY 360 PROMO CODE ALERT!

Previously unbeknownst to me, CVS Pharmacy is connected to Beauty 360, which offers makeup brands like POP Beauty, Paula Dorf, Cargo, and Laura Gellar. Interesting enough, yes? Well let's make this news excellent; Beauty 360 is having a promotional sale on makeup through May 30! Use code VIP25 at checkout for 25% of your purchases! AND, to make the deal even better, $10 is taken off a purchase of $60 or more!

xoxox

Society's Guide to Smoky Eye

Hello, Lovely!

Watch my five minute How-To: Society's Guide to a Smoky Eye!

xoxox

It Was a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood!

Mister Rogers would have been so pleased!

::Moment of silence::

Though thunder and tornadic storms had been forecasted for Savannah and surrounding regions, I awoke to Mr. Golden Sun shining in through my windows! Excellent luck - it was perfect weather for a photo shoot!

Beautiful Monterey Square and the surrounding buildings (like the Mercer House) made for an awesome backdrop full of rich colors and textures - lots of brick, ivy, Spanish moss, wrought-iron, steps, columns, and even a scaffolding! I would love to share photos but you'll have to wait until I receive the finished products from the photographer!

Tip: when applying makeup for a special occasion where you plan on being photographed, take extra care in strategizing your look. Although you may be wearing a full face of makeup in reality, the photographed result will likely appear to be minimal. For eye makeup, opt for darker colors extended farther than you would normally wear and consider false lashes for optimum effect. When in doubt, take a picture of yourself pre-event so that you have time to touch-up if your makeup disappears in the photo.

Ulta Lash Full Lash Kit $0.99 (in stores only - sold out online)

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Goodnight, Sweetheart!

xoxox

Gold Medalist Bronzers!

Finding yourself looking a little pale these days?

Seeking a quick-fix tan?

Not a big fan of basking in the sun sans SPF?

::Enter two bronzing products worthy of gold medals::

I, personally, am not partial to tanners that take 20 minutes to dry while I do the starfish-stance so as to prevent staining my household items and creating splotches on myself. ::Frown at the thought:: I dislike products that (unfathomably) require more maintenance than I do. For those like me - here are two products that give instant results:

Forever21 Love & Beauty Shimmer Cream $3.80 for .95 oz

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At $3.80 this product is a steal! The Love & Beauty Shimmer Cream is concentrated enough for just a dab to be used as an effective cheek color - instant bronze and Mineral Oil free! Though the product declares itself a shimmer, it is extremely subtle, with the bronzing pigment being its most noticeable characteristic. Truly, more than a 1/4 of a dime-sized amount and you may begin to look a bit like Oscar from the Academy Awards; this product is extremely effective. Also, worry not that the cream will feel heavy and slick on your skin - it applies smoothly and rubs in without leaving a sticky sheen.

LORAC TANtalizer Body Luminizer $32 for 5 oz

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LORAC's TANtalizer Body Luminizer is a lotion-type formula with a luminous shimmery effect. The product isn't extremely pigmented, just enough to fake a starter tan with a soft glow. In addition to moisturizing and applying easily, TANtalizer out-performs in that it provides instant results with no starfish-stance necessary.

Fake it 'til you make it, Fabulous!

xoxox

This Summer's Formula: SPF (Sunscreen Plus Foundation)

We've just returned from a trip to the beach and I am happy to report that my Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup passed the sand and sun test! Even after swimming in the Atlantic (which, by the way, showed mercy and only tossed a few taller-than-me waves in my direction) my makeup was, surprisingly, intact! Not only did my foundation stay where I'd coaxed it this morning, but my shadow, liquid liner and mascara were unwavering as well! I am still unsure how, as I had a couple of close encounters of the wave kind, but I was quite pleased when I evaluated the results.

For those of you who are curious, today I used: Smashbox Photo Finish Light Primer, Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup in Golden Medium, MAC Powder Blush in Well Dressed, Bare Escentuals Illuminating Mineral Veil, Urban Decay Primer Potion & Alice in Wonderland Book of Shadows, Maybelline's Line Stiletto Ultimate Precision Liquid Eyeliner, and Bare Escentuals Flawless Definition Mascara. I may have used additional products but the list was getting embarrassingly long for a relaxing day at the beach...

The Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup's performance was quite impressive, however, there is an option for those who have yet to hop on the mineral makeup bandwagon but want a less heavy look and feel during beachy summer days. Try this simple solution that will help your liquid foundation transition, when being completely made-up is not necessarily the look that you're going for:

Mix a non-greasy formula sunscreen like Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock with your foundation, then apply as you would normally. The product should be about one part sunblock and two to three parts foundation, allowing for coverage while protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Your foundation will instantly be more beach and pool friendly, and with a quick dust of finishing powder or veil, you will be ready for the sun and sand!

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 30 $8.66

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Buh bye, Beach Bunny!

xoxox

Spring BRUSH Cleaning?

All this beautiful talk about makeup and I seem to get carried away! After buffing, dipping, patting, swiping, stippling, and pressing, a girl's brushes can be quite a mess! How often are you giving your makeup tools a brush bath?

::The room falls silent:: ::shifty-eyed glances survey peers::

Your brushes are showering you with powders, pigments, pinks, plums, and pastels; why not shower them with...uh, well...a shower?

It's important to clean your makeup brushes often to rid them of bacteria that you don't want on your skin. Luckily, the process is not difficult or time consuming, so if you have not been cleaning your brushes regularly, there is no reason not to start now.

For everyday cleaning, opt for a brush spray:

Japonesque's Professional Brush Cleaner $10.99 for 4.25 oz

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Bare Escentuals i.d. Quick Change Brush Cleaner $18 for 3.7 oz

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With both Japonesque's Professional Brush Cleaner and Bare Escentuals' i.d. Quick Change Brush Cleaner, spritz a paper-towel and sweep the ends of your brush against it. You will see the makeup transfer from the brush to the towel and should continue with the process until no makeup remains on the brush.

If your brushes are not limited to your own personal use, cleanse them after each use with a brush cleanser, shampoo, or even dish soap (which I prefer to use because I recall my science teacher claiming that it breaks down phospholipids and cuts grease and oil...though I can't remember what phospholipids are). For a really thorough cleaning, you can cut through the makeup by putting a dime-sized amount of Extra Virgin Olive Oil in your palm and swirling the bristles of your brush in it before cleaning with shampoo, cleanser, or dish soap.

A good deep-cleaning is necessary to keep your brushes and skin in great condition. Though I'd suggest this process daily for shared brushes, if you are the sole-user of your makeup brushes, this kind of cleansing is needed about once a week. Do remember to deep-clean in the evening so that your brushes have time to lay on a towel to dry overnight. Softly squeeze excess water from the bristles and give them a little pat down before tucking them in for the night so that they will dry faster.

Note: Be gentle with fan brushes and others that are not as resilient as our old pal, Mr. Powder Brush AND take care in preserving the shape when laying them to dry.

Everybrushy needs a little TLC.

Hugs & kisses and a pat on the bristles!

xoxox

PURMINERALS Site-Wide Sale Extended Until Midnight!

For those of you who missed the last purminerals 20% site-wide sale train, I have good news: the sale has been extended! Shop the purminerals website now for 20% off your purchase site-wide! The sale ends tonight at midnight!

TARTE COSMETICS on HAUTELOOK RIGHT NOW!

Follow this link to Hautelook to sign-up without the waiting period! Hautelook is featuring a Tarte sale that opened ten minutes ago and quantities are already dwindling! Items at mostly 50% and 60% off! Hurry before they sell out!

purminerals 20% off site-wide TODAY ONLY!

I repeat. purminerals (insert umlaut above the 'u') is having a site-wide sale for one day only! If you'd like to try mineral makeup but are transitioning from liquid foundation and would like to maintain a full coverage effect, try purminerals! Shop the purminerals site and take advantage of the one day discount!

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Don't you love a great deal, Darling?

xoxox

Three Concealers That Do What They're Told

The last thing we all need (well, maybe it's not the very last thing...but we don't need it, right?) is a concealer that seems to draw more attention than the Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas sign. I've tried quite a few concealers in my day - not everyone is privy to naturally flawless skin.

While I am still trying several other concealers (a Benefit package is in the mail on its way to me now), I will give you a current list of three concealers that I've found do just what they're told. Secrets don't usually make friends, but in this case...

Benefit Erase Paste (available in three shades, numbered from lightest to darkest: 1, 2, 3) $26

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The container is very small but the teensiest amount of Benefit's Erase Paste will go a very long way. Erase Paste can be used with the supplied tool or with a sponge or brush. I always suggest brushes in lieu of sponges as sponges also do what they're told - they absorb everything! While helpful for retaining water when washing your car, sponges will retain $$ product instead of disseminating it all where you intend when it comes to makeup. But I digress; continuing, the Benefit Erase Pastes will work nicely with all foundation consistencies, including mineral, as the powder will help to set them.

Buy Benefit's Erase Paste!

Bare Escentuals Bisque Concealer Range $18

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The Bare Escentuals Multi-Tasking Concealers are available in several shades: Bisque, Summer Bisque, Honey Bisque, Dark Bisque, and Deep Bisque. The consistency of the Bare Escentuals Multi-Tasking Concealer is the same as the bareMinerals foundations - a mineral, loose powder-type makeup. Apply with a Bare Escentuals Maximum-Coverage Concealer Brush dry or with a mixing agent for more coverage. This product will be useful to those who wear mineral foundation; not recommended for use with other foundation consistencies.

Note: I would recommend the tone 'Bisque' for Fair skin only, and in small amounts, at that. Unlike other tones in the range, 'Bisque' begins to take on an iridescent appearance if not used in a very small amount. For better coverage sans iridescence, Fair, Fairly Light, Fairly Medium, and Light skin tones should opt for Erase Paste #1.

Buy bareMinerals concealer!

Buy the Bare Escentuals Maximum-Coverage Concealer Brush!

Loreal True Match Super-Blendable Concealer $8.99

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Like the Loreal True Match Foundations, the True Match Concealer is easily shop-able as the tones are clearly organized by shade AND undertone (neutral, warm, cool). As I am a W3 (warm level 3) in the Loreal True Match Foundation, I chose the True Match Concealer in Fair/Light W1-2-3 (warm undertones and accommodating to shades 1, 2, and 3 on the warm scale). The concealer's texture is very similar to that of the True Match Foundations and I would say almost unnecessary if you are using the True Match Foundation. This product will work nicely beneath mineral foundations and other textures as well, however, because most liquids provide nice coverage alone, this may not be needed in conjunction with liquids.

Buy Loreal True Match Super-Blendable Concealer!

All three of the previously mentioned are excellent products - they met or exceeded my expectations in regard to concealing! When purchasing your own, remember to shop a shade or two lighter than your foundation color and opt for liquids or minerals over stick concealers, which often highlight dryness and irregularities in skin texture. Also, remember that in addition to covering blemishes, add concealer around the mouth, nose, and chin to reduce the noticeability of redness throughout - this will help to create the illusion of flawless skin! David Copperfield would be so proud (see his proud face below)!

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Goodnight, Illusionist-in-training!

xoxox

NARS COSMETICS PROMO CODE ALERT!

Listen up, Lovely! This promo code is only valid for a few more hours so shop narscosmetics.com now! Add $75 of merchandise to your bag and take 18% off your purchase with code 55104428.

This celebratory palette is $75 - an excellent qualifying purchase! Not only are the shadow shades perfect for both day and night looks, the palette also includes two shades of blush - one of which is amongst NARS' most raved about products. The shade name is a little questionable (starts with an O and ends with an rgasm...) but the color is quite nice...link to NARS' naughty blush shade here!

Other popular Nars items include the Sheer Glow Foundation, Turkish Delight Lip Gloss, and Body Glow. Hurry and shop the NARS Cosmetics site - the promo code expires after today!

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P.S. Free shipping on orders of $50 or more! You're golden!

The clock is ticking!

Buh bye, Beauty!

xoxox

TOO FACED PROMO CODE ALERT!

Save 30% site-wide on Too Faced Cosmetics by entering TFDC30 at checkout! Have yet to try Too Faced Cosmetics? Here are five of the brand's most raved about products:

Shadow Insurance
Originally: $17
With promo code: $11.90

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Product appeal: Shadow Insurance will keep your eyeshadow from creasing while mainting the pigmentation.

.....

Lash Injection (Available in Hot Chocolate and Pitch Black)
Originally: $19.50
With promo code: $13.30

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Product appeal: An exellent Wedding Day mascara, Lash Injection is the solution to watery eyes and sporadic cries. This mascara creates tubes around lashes that can be removed with warm water. Even animal lovers dislike the raccoon eye effect - with Lash Injection it won't even be a concern!

Pink Leopard Bronzer
Originally: $28
With promo code: $19.60

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Product appeal: Too Face's Pink Leopard Bronzer mixes pink and bronze, making it useful not only as a bronzer, but as a blush as well.

Natural Eye Kit
Originally: $34
With promo code: $23.80

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Product appeal: The Natural Eye Kit has all the shades needed for a neutral, day-time eye, in a compact little box.

...

Smoky Eye Kit
Orginally $34
With promo code: $23.80

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Product appeal: Like her sister kit, the Smoky Eye Kit has all the shades needed to create a sultry, night-time eye, in a compact little box.

Click here to start shopping the Too Faced sale with promo code TFDC30!

Toodles, Treasure!

xoxox

Product Review: Japonesque Heated Eyelash Curler - A HOT Item!

Again, pun intended.
Though we all know what "they" say about assumptions, let us make an exception; in my case, it is fair to assume that the pun is always intended.

Today I tried out an alternative to the traditional eyelash curler - for those of us who don't particularly care for the traditional metal clamp advancing towards our eyelashes and our pretty lil' peepers. Now we lashclampophobes (that's the clinical term, right?) have an alternative that will spare us lash-curler anxiety attacks - no more fear of the pinch! We all know the pinch.

Japonesque Heated Eyelash Curler (Mini) $16

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How it works: Apply mascara and allow the curler to heat (the package indicates 15 seconds should be sufficient but see what works best for you). Place the wand along your lashes and wiggle it so that they make contact with the heated coil. Then, using the same technique you used to apply your mascara, bring the wand up along your lashes, rotating it as you do. A few passes along your lashes and voila! curl sans crimping or pinching.

For those of you who'd prefer to use a traditional lash curler but haven't fallen in love with one yet, an upcoming Shu Uemura review may be helpful to you...

Sayonara, Sweetheart!

xoxox

The Big Unveil!

Having referenced bareMinerals' Mineral Veil in the My Time in the Sun post, I decided that further explanation of the product and its variances might be helpful. Mineral Veil or a similar setting powder is an essential step in ensuring that your makeup lasts throughout the day. Mineral Veils can be used in conjunction with other mineral-consistency products or with liquids, stains, mousse formulas - whatever texture you prefer. As the veil is going to be effective in setting your makeup, it should be used over all other face products; i.e. foundation, blush, bronzer, highlighter, etc. Many brands offer setting powders and advertise them for use with their own line of products, naturally. I am particularly pleased with the bareMinerals veil options for face and would suggest Dermablend's Loose Setting Powder for body, as if applicable.

bareMinerals Illuminating Mineral Veil (initially named Featherlight) $19

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My personal preference in setting powder, the Illuminating Mineral Veil, creates a subtly luminescent glow. The powder, though appearing a very light shade in its container, applies translucent with a softly shimmering effect. The shimmer is in no way glittery or overpowering, however, it will best suit those seeking a luminous finish, not matte. Added perks are its SPF 15 and its ability to keep your makeup fresh with only a small amount of product. I have had this veil for 4 months and estimate it lasting at least one more!

bareMinerals Hydating Mineral Veil $19

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The bareMinerals Hydrating Mineral Veil offers a water-based formula and a finishing powder in one. While the product will be effective in setting your makeup, the hydrating promise will not provide a free-pass to forgo moisturizer. Additionally, those with dry skin should continue to use a primer, as this will help create a smoother surface to work with.

bareMinerals Original Mineral Veil (now available with an SPF 25!) $19

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The Original Mineral Veil has now been re-formulated to include an SPF 25! Though, I must say that even with the SPF 70 I wore to the beach recently I somehow got a tan. Is the sun getting closer?? I kid and I'll spare you a global warming comment. Continuing, the Original Mineral Veil is simply a translucent powder. Though they appear similar in the pictures above, the Original Mineral Veil and the Illuminating Mineral Veil differ in that the Original Veil will not have the luminous effect that the Illuminating Veil has. The Original Mineral Veil will work nicely for those looking for a matte finish.

bareMinerals Tinted Mineral Veil (now available in SPF 25!) $19

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Though the Original Mineral Veil is translucent, the Tinted Mineral Veil is intended for use with Tan to Deep skin tones. Darker tones should use this Mineral Veil to avoid the chance of a light cast or lighter tones can use it to create an extremely subtle sun-kissed glow. Do not attempt to utilize this product in lieu of a bronzer or for similar effect, as the product is quite sheer and will not produce your desired results. The Tinted Mineral Veil is great for setting and creating a flawless matte look.

All of the bareMinerals Mineral Veils are going to help to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and will create a somewhat airbrushed effect. The powders are very light and effective in maintaining the look and feel of your makeup throughout the day. Apply with a Kabuki brush or your favorite powder brush in small amounts (using the swirl, tap, buff method demonstrated here) - as with all bareMinerals products, a small amount goes a long way!

Sweet dreams, Darling!

xoxox

Excuse me! I'd like to MAC an announcement...

Whilst perusing MAC's site I happened upon very pleasant news: Saint Germain is back a-gain! Alright, so I wasn't necessarily perusing...I suppose I was more...stalking.

Dun dun dun...

It all began during a search for the perfect light pink lipstick (you know, pastels are really taking 2010 by storm). My efforts led me several different directions, none of which were quite right. Paula Dorf's Flamingo was a bit too nude; N.Y.C.'s Chiffon was much too frosty; NYX's Harmonica was a moisturized version of Chiffon; Bourgois Paris' Rose retabli had a peach-red undertone; Smashbox's Pout was a glaze-type formula that lost pigment against my lips. Having seen reviews of the seemingly elusive Saint Germain, I knew that since its departure with the Sugar Sweet Collection, it would now only be available through the Euristocrats Collection in the UK; out of my reach.

Luckily, the introduction of Viva Glam Gaga appeased my Barbie-pink hunger and paired with the pastel purple-pink of Snob, I found myself happy as a clam. If I were nine inches tall with plastic features and a dream house, and Barbie saw me wearing the Snob and Viva Glam Gaga combo, I'm sure she would have wanted to be my friend.

Of course, you always remember the lipstick that got away. Thus, upon hearing that Saint Germain might be returning in a MAC collection this year, I began my daily site-searches. And finalmente! The time has come! Saint Germain is back and though I am unsure of the collection or duration of its stay this time, I offer this suggestion: purchase yours online now or [potentially] forever hold your peace. Even better - use code LASH510 at checkout for free shipping and a free mascara sample!

Warning: Saint Germain is not the usual everyday go-to color - it's pale pink. If you like the Barbie-pink lip look, go for it!

Buy Saint Germain here!

My Time in the Sun.

My days in Savannah are numbered as the date of our departure back to the Golden State draws closer, so yesterday, we opted to take a trip out to Tybee Island to appreciate the beach that is only thirty minutes away from us. Despite the beautiful weather, we packed three bags of items we could potentially need in any situation because we like to be prepared on road trips (even small ones)! I even followed the SPF instructions and slathered 70 screen on at least thirty minutes prior to sun exposure.

Most of the items we hauled along with us included snacks, towels, beach blankets and extra clothing in case of wind, rain, snow, sleet, a typhoon...you never know, right? I did, however, pack a small cosmetic bag with just a couple of essentials. Items in my beach touch-up makeup bag included:

A Physician's Formula bronzer in Baked Tan $11.49

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The Physician's Formula Baked Tan bronzer gave me a pleasant surprise as it was the perfect tan hue and had a nice texture. It was extremely easy to blend and will work nicely for contouring as well. At just over $10, I had no worries in regard to taking it to the beach with me as I would have with other, more costly and fussy products.

Loreal True Match liquid foundation in Nude Beige W3 $8.99

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An excellent liquid foundation that provides a nice amount of coverage. This product applies smoothly and is easy to blend. You will see best results when using this over a primer and under a setting powder like the bareMinerals Mineral Veil. It has an SPF 17, but I suggest using other SPF products as well, especially for days at the beach (hence the SPF 70 I mentioned above). Not only does this product's performance gain it kudos from me, the selection is shoppable as well. The shades offered are clearly organized as they are grouped into W, N, and C depending on whether your skin tone is warm, neutral, or cool. I have warm (golden) undertones and am a level 3, with level one being the lightest, seven or eight being the darkest. Though I have tried liquid foundations from varying price points, I am most pleased with this product as an everyday liquid foundation.


A powder brush like this one from Ulta $30

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One of the aforementioned VS lipsticks $12 in a nude hue and two other MAC lipsticks in
Viva Glam Gaga and Snob $14.

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I ended up not even needing to touch my touch-up bag once! It did, I must admit, make me feel a bit better knowing that I had it at my disposal just in case...perhaps similar to a child's baby blanket, my touch-up bag makes me feel a bit more comfortable.

Best of luck packing your bags, Beautiful!

Cheers to adventures.

xoxox

Product Review: Victoria's Secret Makeup

Having discovered that Victoria's Secret is now selling a full makeup line, I, like any other Gal might do, found myself falling victim to a 1-2 punch. Googly-eyeing the makeup, I pictured the flawless faces of Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima and determined that they must use these magical products as well. Yes, I somehow found myself reasoning that though pretty panties and structurally-sound underthings with straps that connect fifty different ways may have been the store's previous forte, VS must also have the winning formulas for makeup as well, as their entire livelihood is built upon beauty. Realizing the new VS makeup line existed was punch one.

You see, as a Gal who loves being made-up, the realization of a new product collection anywhere would make my day. We're talking Ace Hardware with a lipstick line based on paint samples and I'm through the roof. So, as I was reeling from recovery of the initial discovery, punch number two came and took me out. If the display would have had hands, I would have been putty in them. The salesgirl, who I'm sure was only legal by a parentally approved work permit, didn't even need to tell me that I could play with the testers. I had already started, and much to my husband's dismay, a forty-five minute fawning of shadows, blushes, glosses, liners, and lipsticks ensued. By the time I had finished my hands looked like I had completed a very involved art project. And now that the dust from my shadows and powders has settled, I can clearly see which products are yays and which are nays.

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The Luminous Face and Cheek Highlighter (pictured above) was an attractive purchase because I love a nice luminous cheekbone (as I am sure you detected from my post The Highlight of My Day), unfortunately I feel that this product (which I purchased in the shade Desert Rose) doesn't dispense easily and for the price ($14) there are other options that are far more effective. The product works nicely along the nose, but I would rather not spend $14 on a product that I am only using to accentuate my nose, of all things. The packaging feels cheap and the stick formula works against my liquid foundation as it doesn't glide on easily at all. I would not repurchase this product and would urge you to reference the products in The Highlight of My Day for an idea of other highlighters that are worth the money.

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The Mineral Eye Shadow Palette (pictured above in Jungle Heat) seemed to have excellent pigmentation when I swatched it at VS, however, when using brushes I found that the colors didn't hold pigmentation as well as I had expected, wet or dry. The gold lightweight plastic packaging again feels cheap instead of the chic result they must have hoped for. At $15 for four shadows the product isn't a ridiculous expense but I don't deem it to be worth repurchasing, either.

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I purchased two VS Blush Trios, Bliss and Wild. At $14 I found the trios to be priced reasonably for the product. Again, the finger swatch test returned skewed results as this product does not apply as pigmented from a brush.

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VS offers lipsticks in three different finishes: Perfect Lipstick, Sparkling Lipstick and Matte Cream Lipstick. At $12 I found the packaging, again, cheap. Unfathomably so considering that MAC lipsticks are offered in an unbelievable range of shades and packaged in sturdy little capsules for just $2 more. I chose-Femme, a Matte, and Spotlight, which is Sparkling, and I find the textures similar to those of Lorac's lipsticks in that they are very creamy. The formulas are nice as they are not noticeably drying to the lips (think bareEscentuals and Paula Dorf) but overall, I would opt for spending the additional $2 at MAC.

So, suffice it to say that VS' forte remains pretty panties and structurally-sound underthings, and perhaps over time they will have evolved their makeup line to include structurally-sound packaging and pretty useful cheek highlighters. As much as I'd like to love the current VS cosmetic offerings, I just do not at this point.

Sorry so glum, Gorgeous.

Bright new possibilities are on the horizon!

xoxox

The bareNecessities.

Today Ulta introduced two new bareMinerals duos. Pictured first is a blush duo which includes Pink Ice and Ginger and second is an all-over face duo that includes Bare Radiance and Faux Tan. At $20.00 they are at par with the usual blush and all-over-face powders from BE, usually about $18.00, but what sold me was the FREE Feather Light face brush that came along with each! The brushes alone cost $19.00 and the BareEscentuals brushes are quite good quality over all. The duos seal and dispense with the new rotating lid that comes on most BE containers now; working similarly to sugar or spice lids.

TIP: Remember to dispense small amounts of bareMinerals products at a time and they will last several months. Trying to utilize too much will only result in a cloud of dust upon application and remnants on your clothes. The best way to regulate is to tap a bit into the lid, swirl your brush to transfer the minerals into the bristles, tap the excess off and buff onto your skin. If you are able to see product on the tips of the bristles after tapping, try dispensing less into your lid next time.

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Ciao for now!

xoxox

TARTE COSMETICS PROMO CODE ALERT!

This just in! Use the code GGAD at checkout on the Tarte Cosmetics website and take 30% off your entire order! Which means that their cheek stains are $21.00 versus $30! Dollface Cheek Stain, below, is one of ten stains that Tarte offers with shades ranging from plum, crimson, peach, and light and dark pinks. Shop Tarte Cosmetics by clicking here. Other reasons to check out the site: a new Anti-Aging Primer is advertised on their home page AND they sell Vegan-Friendly products.

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The Highlight of My Day.

With summer just around the corner and the world clamoring for the perfect sunless tan, let us not overlook the ultimate in creating the effect of a healthy, glowing complexion - radiance.

These three products are excellent for giving the illusion of a higher cheekbone and a radiant glow. Apply them along your cheekbone while concentrating your bronzer just below or your blush at the apple and extending along softly. You can also use these products down your nose for a thinning effect, or atop the bow of your mouth for a fuller-looking upper lip. Apply in small amounts at a time, adding more as appropriate so as to avoid the Edward Cullen-enters-the-sunlight sparkling effect (to clarify that last Edward Cullen reference, click here, another deposit in your pop-culture piggy bank).

BareEscentuals Pure Radiance $18.00

A mineral powder that is targeted for use all-over face. You can opt against total shimmer and use this along cheekbones for a more subtle, glowing look. Perfect for use over both liquid and mineral foundations.

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Smashbox Soft Lights $28.00

A traditional pressed pan that is an excellent highlighter for cheekbones, along the nose, just above the upper lip, and even along the brow bone. The highlighter may appear barely noticeable when applying, but the sunlight will catch for a soft, luminous glow. Perfect for use over both liquid and mineral foundations.

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Benefit High Beam $24.oo

A semi-dense liquid formula that applies with a nail-polish type applicator and rubs in along cheekbones, nose, above the bow of the mouth and along the brow bone. Recommended for use over moisturized skin or over That Gal brightening primer, also by Benefit. Because the formula is not a powder, I would recommend one of the above mentioned for use over liquid foundations or mineral makeup. Perfect for the minimalist who would like a bit of a healthy glow.

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Now get glowing, Gorgeous! And remember to try the products out a little bit at a time until you've achieved your desired effect!

xoxox