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.

Benefit's Bathina

Since I shun the sun & am currently at the beach- I'm blindingly pale. I've accepted that & tell myself that I'll be the youngest looking 75 year old around when I get older. I often reach for a luminizer of some sort to at least give my arms & legs a pearly gleam.   

This weekend I packed Benefits' Bathina. I scooped it up after a girls weekend in NYC, where my friend Heidi went on & on about her love for it when we were at Bendel's. The retro tin is admittedly adorable, though a bit bulky for packing.

Though not very sparkly or intensely shimmery, the solid balm gives a lovely sheen to the skin & isn't greasy. Plus it's scented with Benefit's signature white blossom notes. I detect a little Lily of the Valley- which is delicious.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Benefit Ultra Plush Gloss

To match their much adored cheek colors, Benefit recently launched coordinating lipglosses to match! Having a hard time deciding which shade I wanted to try, I opted for the Ultra Plush Glosses First Class Set which had baby sizes & will be perfect for when I travel abroad in the fall.

This collection features Bella Bamba, Coralista, Dandelion & Sugarbomb. They're all wearable hues just like the best selling cheek colors they coordinate with.  This set cost $26, versus the full sized versions ringing in each at $16.

From top: Coralista, Bella Bamba, Sugarbomb & Dandelion.

The textures are interesting- there is no really tack whatsoever. If you've ever tried Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics' Lip Tar, that is what this reminds me of texture wise. Don't be afraid of the brighter shades, as these are all completely sheer. The slant tip applicator is convenient feature. On the swoon worthy scale, these glosses rate about 3 out of 5 stars.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Fabulous Finds Friday

I love Benefit Cosmetics- their cleverly named products & the fact that their products address real skin concerns & issues. I have countless highlighters from them! They have a cult following for their blushes such as Georgia, Dallas & their latest Hervana. They usually come in these whimsical cardboard boxes with a coordinating brush.

This is Benefit's best selling highlighting & bronzing duo '10.'Look similar? Hard Candy is carried exclusively at Walmart, so whenever I'm there I check out what's new. I recently spotted & scooped up their Fox in a Box Bronzing Duo in Skinny Dipping. The box houses shades that are dead ringers for Benefit's Dallas & Coralista. The color payoff of Hard Candy for a mass line is great quality. Plus, the California beachy colors in the Skinny Dipping Duo give the perfect glow as we head into summer!

One thing about the Hard Candy version is that the compact doesn't completely close, which is probably due to it being displayed open for view ability. It's not a big deal for me- as I'll probably pop the blush out & stick it in my Z Palette, anyway! For $6 vs $28- it's a steal of a deal for sure!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M