The Luxe List: QVC Beauty Christmas Advent Calendar

So my discovery of probably the most fun holiday beauty gift this year began when I got my Goddaughters advent calenders. My thought was that selfishly they would have to think of me once a day for 25 days- I like to be on their minds, since they live out of state;) Then I saw Benefit's Countdown to Love Calender & thought why not get their mom an advent treat, too! Unfortunately it was sold out everywhere I checked.

So imagine my delight when I spotted QVC's very own Beauty Christmas Advent Calender online. Yes, it's a bit pricey at regularly $96. However, it's at an event price now of $78.96 & this sucker is huge! It's substantial in size & makes a great impression straight out of the box.

It honestly took a lot of strength not to keep it for myself. It was so tempting to sneak a peek into the numbered doors, but I quickly wrapped it. I think it's just a fun way of transfering that holiday childhood delight to us adults. My Bestie promised she would text me a pic of her beauty treat everyday so I can live vicariously through her (hint hint Santa.)

I actually think this offering is even better than Benefit's in terms of gift giving, because it features so many different brands: Bliss, Fresh, Ole Henriksen, Philosphy, Dr. Perricone, Dr. Denise, Nick Chavez, Stila, Tarte, Mally, Julep- the list goes on & on! Great for sisters, besties, daughters- I wanted to give you as much time as possible in case you wanted to grab one for gifting & send it on its way. Can you believe December is going to be here in a few days!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

The Luxe List: Hourglass' Ambient Lighting Palette

 

When Oprah's talk show was on the air, it was known among insiders that her lighting budget was the most expensive in the industry. Every make-up artist knows the importance of bringing light to the face. When done properly- everything looks better! Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder has become a cult favorite since they launched last year.

 For holiday & all the good little girls this year, they introduced the swoon worthy Ambient Lighting Palette ($58) with their 2 best selling shades + a limited edition shade. You know you want to see the inside....

Tadaaa! The palette features 3 shades: (L) Dim Light, (M) Limited Edition Incandescent Light & (R) Radiant Light. As an oily skinned girl, I ran from any type of face with sheen in my 20's. But the key is all in where it's applied. As we get older, where drooping occurs due to losing volume- shadow results.  Bringing light to the area brightens & gives the illusion of lift.  I consider these powders, glow powders. They're incredibly soft- enough to use all over the face, which is why I don't want people to shy away from them that are afraid of traditional highlighters.

As you can see - even when finger swatched, the colors are all very sheer. Colors from- (L) Radiant Light, (M) Incandescent Light & (R) Dim Light.

I always highlight on the cheekbone & down the bridge of the nose- here I used Incandescent for those areas. I then built the Radiant Shade into a blush for my cheeks.  This is a gorgeous palette that really could suit all ages- the light reflective pigments really help diffuse any imperfections like hyperpigmentation. Because isn't this the season to be merry & bright?

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.
* gifted for review

Files From The Brow Whisperer

Often clients who come to me with petite brows overdo it on filling them in. The stick powder of pencil on every hair the do have & it makes the brows look very 'blocky." It even accentuates the fact that they do not

This visit was this client's first to me & she said she was sensitive.  I used my hard Cirepil wax above & in between the brows.

I still was conservative in my shaping. I left a few hairs at the beginning of the brow, in hopes that we can grow in that area.

I then gave her a tutorial on brow powder, choosing a shade accenting her auburn hair. That way we  extended the tail of brow a bit to make them look more proportioned. I was able to give an arch & show her how to replicate the look at home. This photo is looking at her straight on, as you can see this helps open up the eye & give the illusion of the lift.

Peace. Love. Brow Whisperer.

Polish Pic{k}s

How I love a good gray! From the Essie Fall 2013 Collection I'm wearing  #847, Cashmere Bathrobe. My pinky features Face Stockholm Polish in #164, just to add a little metallic to the mix.

Peace. Love Polish.