Neiman Marcus Beauty Event

February has been the month for some amazing gifts with purchases.  I've scooped up an awesome one from Bergdorf's , one from Barney's is on its way- now on to Neiman Marcus, Beauties!  Starting today, when you spent over $125 you'll receive this tote packed with samples. The beauty gift is a mix of foil packets & regular samples, but the tote -in your choice of fresh spring colors will come in handy as summer arrives.  If you love a particular line, make sure to check out if they're having a gift with purchase within their own brand- many are like Kiehl's, Nars, Jo Malone, Trish McEvoy, Armani Beauty & Fresh.  As always it's a great time to stock up on your favorite mascaras or what not- plus there's free shipping with code: Febship.

Happy Shopping!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Sephora VIB Sale: My Must Haves

 

 Today is the last day of the Sephora VIB Sale, Beauties. You know I'm powerless to resist my favorite beauty brands being on sale! What's in my shopping basket? Sephora's Glitz & Glam Party Collection, because I believe a little sparkle makes everyone a little happier. This kit includes Stila's beloved Kitten Eyeshadow, Nars much adored Body Glow & Lorac's Liquid Lustre in a new gold version (you can see my review of the original here) I know there will be some winners.  In fact, most of Sephora's holiday samplers have been winners this season.

 I don't even know who this will be gifted to for the holidays, but Sephora's Blinged Palette offers a great neutral shadow wardrobe at an unbeatable price of $15. It will be $12 with my coupon, so it will also make a great stocking stuffer!

 

 I use Illamasqua's Cake Liner in Mislead almost every day of my life. I have one on my vanity, one in my professional kit & a spare in my travel bag. To say I adore it would be an understatement. The fact that it says limited edition strikes fear in my heart, so I tend to stock up whenever I can.

 

  YSL's Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain has achieved cult status amongst beauty editors around the globe. I'm still trying to find an amazing stain in a nude undertone. It's like trying to find the Holy Grail as most are vibrant berry hues. I'm hoping Beige Aquarelle won't let me down.

Last but definitely not least, this YSL holiday collection is the perfect gift for a discerning gal on my list. Besides being a great value at $65, the colors & products are fool proof. The Touche Eclat retails for $40 alone & the black bag is quite chic! So what's on your must have make-up list?

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Nars: Larger Than Life Lip Gloss

For some reason the 'doe' foot or sponge applicator that come with most lipglosses just never makes me as happy as a brush applicator.  These day the majority of lines have switched to doe foot applicators to eliminate the occasional brush fraying & to cut costs. So I was thrilled to discover at The Make-Up Show, that Nars Cosmetics' newly launched Larger Than Life Lip Gloss collection had brushes! Rejoice!  I feel brushes deliver more gloss & more precisely.  From the top I scooped up (t)Born This way, (c)Spring Break & (b)Piree.

These glosses definitely deliver on the high impact shine that they promise.  It has a substantial texture, but isn't very tacky or too thick.  Its staying power also impressed me, we all know most glosses wear off in an instant.  This sticks around for a while. My pick of my haul is definitely Piree. It's my lips, but oh so much better. Born This Way & Spring Break are rather pale, so the might wash people out.  They offer a nice opacity to them.  I'll use those shades in my professional kit in case I need to modify any lip looks I create. The collection includes 12 shades & I will definitely go back for some more. In fact I have my eye on 3 other shades- you know I'm an addict!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Fabulous Finds Friday: ELF Cosmetics

Most beauty lovers have heard of the big 'O' from Nars- Orgasm blush, that is. It's been a cult favorite for ages, and launched an entire collection within the line. This Highlighting & Bronzing Duo from Nars containing the famed Orgasm Blush & much loved Laguna Bronzer retails for $41. It's a great staple to have in your vanity or professional kit.

Now feast your eyes on ELF Studio Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder Duo coming in at a whooping $3! ELF stands for Eyes, Lips & Face and is found at drugstores nationwide. Though the blush in this duo is a little lighter & packs less pigment than the Nars' duo- it's pretty much a dead ringer!

My current favorite blush from Nars is Deep Throat, featured on the right. Though you can see I love Orgasm, too as I've hit pan on the left. The two shades are very similar, however Deep Throat has less gold shimmer- making it an even more universal option. It's entertaining when having a conversation with a client about these shade names, often they 'blush' & I giggle.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Nars Arabian Nights

As a make-up artist, I tend to steer away away from pink shadows. Often pinks, when used near the eyes can make them look bloodshot. However, upon spotting Nars' limited edition Arabian Nights {$45} trio I was pretty enchanted.

I had held off scooping it up until I swatched the palette at Sephora. The colors appeared like regal jewels on my finger tips & the collection had to be mine!

The next day I eagerly delved into the compact, ready to create a major bejeweled smokey eye. The oddest thing happened. After applying my standard eye shadow primer, I patted the magenta shade on inner portion of my lid. What appeared? A deep, matte black color. No sparkle whatsoever. Confused I tried the purple shade on the middle of my lid- matte black again! Just to round out the trio I tried the deepest shade on the outer corner of my lid. Want to guess? This picture shows all three shades applied, which all look the same. Not one to give up without a fight, I attempted again without the primer, thinking that might have thrown the colors off. Nope. Still matte black appeared. I have no idea why this happened, but I must say I was extremely bummed. Alas, these shadows are not what they seem- I'd recommend taking a pass on this one.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Award Winning Beauty Products

Last week a professional organization I belong to- the CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women)had their annual Beauty Awards Event in NYC. Over 50 brands submitted a specific product, which as members we will vote on and decide who receives top honors. In addition...

Tons of vendors displaying the latest and greatest skincare & beauty launches + a swag bag to die for? I was doing a happy dance! Cherry on top? Catching up with my good friend from high school who was also attending, as she heads up marketing for some seriously lux brands.

The place was a mad house. The lines around the building indicated they might be giving away clones of George Clooney. However, it was a great night to network with other industry professionals and learn about some brands that I had never heard of(rare, but it does happen!)

Now to the part you are all dying to see- the swag bag! It did not disappoint, let's just say that. Prestige and Mass Market brands were included in the bag sponsored by Allure. Just to name a few: Murad, Nars, Suave, Estee Lauder, Clinique & Neutrogena. Tomorrow I'll do a further breakdown of the loot and my first review!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M