Holiday Gifts: Giving Back

You know that on this blog I share all thing beautiful, shiny & sparkly. I'm that girl & I don't apologize for wanting to make the world a prettier place. But last night, I got some heartbreaking news. One of my best friend's brother passed away suddenly at 39. Losing anyone ever is horrible, but right around the holidays is a double bowl of suck. I'm a fixer, I always try to fix things- but I can't fix her heart right now & I feel powerless.
So today's post will be about gifts that give back- gift that will make you feel good about giving them. If you've never seen a FEED bag, you might not know about the amazing concept behind it. Founded by the truly inspiring Lauren Bush, FEED's bags directly feed third world countries in need. This collection from Clarins gives back! For around $40 (both Nordstrom & Sephora have versions) you get a make-up bag plus 3 Clarins essentials while providing 15 school lunches for a child in need. Think of how much we spend on a Starbucks cup of coffee.  I had the pleasure of sitting in on an interview with Ms. Bush & she truly is inspiring- I urge you to check out the FEED site. There are cute bags that with the purchase of one- you will be providing a child with school lunches for a YEAR. Enough said.

My cousin just had a little girl & I do believe it's never too early to shine! Tom's Shoes is such an amazing organization that donates a pair of shoes to a child in need with every pair purchased.  Toms was the originator of this concept, before big corporations joined in as a PR move. We should all have a pair of Toms!

I love the Heifer Organization & feature it every year. You can donate livestock to families in need. It's concept of teaching a man to fish versus giving him a fish is right on.  I put a fun spin on it like "you're a cool CHIC" when donating a bunch of baby chicks. If a friend of family member loves a particular farm animal or has always had allergies, you can give an animal in their honor. But you don't need to even look online for giving back, we can look in our own backyards. The Wounded Warrior Project is amazing, my sister adopted 2 families that were hit hard by Hurricane Sandy & I will be focusing on Charm City Animal Rescue in honor of losing my beloved Butterscotch this year. Lend a hand, hug someone you love today. Life is too short.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Wish List

Wow- I'm in the mall so infrequently I almost forgot about Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale going on now! Though I'm trying to cut back on my beauty purchases since I have enough make-up to last me my lifetime, the offers are too good to pass up! Let's start with this Clinique kit- if you love soft pinks & purples, this is right up your alley! This kit offers both skincare & make-up for only $45 {I would set these aside for great holiday gifts!}

Often it kits there's a dud or two, Bobbi Brown's is a slam dunk if you gravitate towards peaches & browns- all great wearable colors & basics that won't gather dust. This kit is very affordable for her line coming in at only $80.

I'm a sucker for anything quilted & I go thru liner like no one's business wearing my cat eye almost everyday. The credit card sized cream liner compact builds your make-up wardrobe & a girl can never have too much gloss or mascara! This Smashbox collection is a steal of a deal at $59.


I adore Trish McEvoy's Eye Base Essentials & a deluxe travel size is included in her Timeless Beauty kit, complete with red bow organizer for $125. Have you popped over to the Nordstrom page & taken a peek? What caught your eye- do tell! Worth noting- Estee Lauder has a nice GWP so if you already use their stuff, it's time to stock up! Happy Shopping!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Nordstrom Beauty Haull

So I guess I know myself pretty well, since I picked up exactly what I said I would at the Nordstrom Sale! Interestingly enough I had originally picked this Bobbi Brown kit($75) up for my sister's birthday. But in comparison to the promo picture I felt the brown is very warm & coppery in person, but the majority of the kit is very cool in undertones...
So I flip flopped & decided to give her this Trish McEvoy kit($85). This kit is perfect for fall & the warm eyeshadow shades will compliment her hazel eyes beautifully! Whether you have warm or cool undertones, both of the kits are a great value each worth over $130 if sold separately.Kits are a great way to try out a good portion of products, as long as you'll wear the majority of the shades. If you know you won't it's not worth it or save some of the pieces for stocking stuffers! What have you guys picked up at the Nordies Sale?
Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Nordstrom Beauty Haul

In addition to picking up some sets at Nordstrom's sale which I'll show you tomorrow, I scooped up some singles. I was hitting pan on my MAC bronzer, so I went with this bronzer from Estee Lauder & I'm not going to lie- I was totally motivated by the free gift! Estee's current GWP at Nordstrom is awesome & I'll show all GWPs I got this week, too. This compact is actually much bigger than it looks in this picture, almost the size of a CD- so it should last me forever!

I went with Laura Mercier's single shadow in Sterling over Bobbi Brown's new Denim single shadow since the Bobbi one did not even show up on my hand. In the container, both shadows might look a little intimating shade of blue with sparkle...
But as you can see as applied to my lid, it's surprisingly very soft & gives a brightening effect. I actually wish this shadow had more payoff! I had considered returning it, then got complimented on it when wearing it the first day so it stays!

I also picked up another shade of my favorite undereye concealer from Clinique. This time I went for their lightest shade 01- I guess I truly am the fairest of them all since I'm so pale- ha ha! I stocked up on two Lancome Maquicomplet Correcteurs to score their free gift even though that & a Chanel shadow I advance purchased were already sold out on the first day of the sale by 3pm! What can I say the ladies at the Nordstrom sale, myself included, were doing our part to stimulate the economy!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Wishlist Wednesday

The Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale starts this Friday girleens & they have some amazing make-up collections! This Blue & Brown kit ($75)from Bobbi Brown has everything you need for a classic, yet gorgeous look. There's not a dud in the batch! If the blue in the eyeshadow kit makes you a little nervous, just use it as a liner.

I have to hand it to Trish McEvoy, she keeps coming out with her adorable planner collections (& did anyone catch her cameo on Gossip Girl this past season?!) These shadows are neutral, but with dimension & great texture to keep them from being boring. This small kit($85) also includes her new undereye concealer which I'm dying to try! Most of you know how much I heart her lid primers, a mini is included.

Here's the bigger bag ($95)that includes face shades, as well to give an all over soft sensual glow. Again everything in this kit is a winner with everything being very wearable. A little secret? Estee Lauder's GWP looks very much like this bag, so if you love it, but want to save some moolah- keep your eyes out for that. I couldn't find a picture to upload, but I'll be snatching it up! Also Lancome has a nice GWP as well, so I will be stocking up on some concealers. Have you seen the sale catalog? What will you be scooping up my beauties?
Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M