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.

Sweet Treats For Valentine's Day

 Seeing as how I need no additional chocolate temptations in my life on Valentine's Day(& in fact should probably cut down on the quantity consumed the remaining 364 days of the year...) here are some beauty sweet treats for the loved ones in your life!

This Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush ($29) from Too Faced is brightening & flattering on all skin types. It's like that love flush every gal wants. 

Besides I heart (get it?;) Too Faced's packaging- it's so girly & glam. 

Super sweet from Stila, this Valentine's Day Cheek Palette ($14)  definitely packs more of a vibrant color punch. 

I collect make-up as art & this Sexy Booster Sexy Glow Bronzer ($13.99) from Physician's Formula is too cute. I'm sure that in all honesty this would get more use for most women than an actual negligee!

Here's another product from Physician's Formula & another new addition in their Happy Booster line. They claim this line can actually boost your mood. This Glow & Mood Boosting Illuminating Bronzing Veil ($13.99) does make me smile just looking at the confetti like heart bronzing pieces. So why gift something like chocolate that's gone in 12 minutes (in my case) or overpriced flowers that die in a week? Give the ones in your heart a make-up treat & they'll be feeling the love all year long!

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.

Beauty Deals

I'm back from my travels abroad Beauties & oh how I have missed you! I can't wait to tell you all about it, but first I had to let you know of 2 great beauty deals happening today. First it's Urban Decay's Friends & Family Event. The holidays are closer than you think (I hate to be the bearer of bad news.) Get a head start with 20% off all purchases & be sure to take advantage of the free shipping with purchases over $50 with coupon code: FFHolday12 .

Second, have you all heard of Coterie?  It's like my beloved Gilt & Rue La La shopping sites, but dedicated to all things BEAUTY! *Swoon* Today starting at noon, this Stila collection is up for grabs for $60. This collection which has four full sized products & retails for $100 includes: One Step Bronze, Prime Pot Eye Shadow Primer, Stay All Day Liquid Liner and Coconut Crush Lip & Cheek Stain. It will help you keep your glow as we head into colder months. Hop over to the site to check it out. It's causing quite a stir in Beauty Bloggerland! I'm always here to get you the scoop on the latest & greatest deals!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Fabulous Finds Friday: Stocking Stuffer Edition

Let's face it- the holidays aren't cheap. Never mind you the joys of Christmas music, decorating & cookie baking- crossing everybody off your list really adds up & doesn't my VISA bill know it! My favorite part of presents is unwrapping the little treasures nestled deep into the needlepoint stocking my mom made for me. Now that I'm a grown-up too(that could be up for debate) we all pitch in on the stockings. Those little treats get expensive. Here are some great ideas, that you can break up into stocking stuffers or little gifts for girlfriends & coworkers. I always like to take advantage of value sets offered around the holidays & break them up. This Mally Deluxe Automatic Waterproof Liner Collection has 10 pencils for $50- that's a great deal at $5 a piece!
This Stila Holiday Lip Glaze set has 8 minis(still an ample amount, but not full size.) It's only $25- breaking down to an unbelievable $3.25 per gloss!

I received this all natural Biggs & Featherbelle body sampler set from a girlfriend recently- it's like a clown car full of body treats! Seriously packed inside are 18 soap samples, 2 lip balms, 3 bath salt samples, 2 milk salt samples, 5 body scrub samples & a partridge in a pear tree! Just kidding about the last part, but if you break up the set- you could have three stockings or 3 gifts easily completed for under $24!

I'm actually not one for hand creams, but in the winter my hands get especially dry with all the hand washing in between seeing clients. This travel Juara hand cream transports me to somewhere tropical, while the candlenut oil deeply hydrates & smells divine! I keep one on my desk & one in my purse- it's an affordable little luxury at $10

I read about these EcoTools brushes (I think) in Lucky Magazine & they're a steal! They feel amazing & are cruelty free to boot! Again with these, I would break up the kit & wrap them individually for more wow factor. Getting kabuki brushes for under $4 is pretty much unheard of- as is this line. They're found at Target, though you might have to search for them. I asked a salesperson who said they didn't carry it, then I found them. Grab them while you can as they're limited edition. What are you're favorite little treats to unwrap under the tree?

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Lately, I am surprised to say I have been rather unimpressed with gifts with purchase. {Check out the window for pigs flying!} Yes Clinique & Lancome & all the big brands have theirs down, but I'm often uninspired. Though this make up case is not really my style, I'm sure my 7 year old niece will swoon over it!{Bonus points for favorite Aunt will also accrue.} But it's always inside that counts- yes? This latest offer from Beauty.com is jammed packed with deluxe sized samples, just how mama likes them! Stila, Tarte, Urban Decay & It Cosmetics just to name a few of the brands! If you know you need to stock up on your essentials- now's the time to do it as this gift is yours with any $100 purchase.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Fabulous Finds Friday

Forget chocolate, bring on the *um* powder? Bring a smile to any Valentine on your list with Physicians Formula's new Happy Glow & Mood Boosting Powder. Besides the super cute heart motif, this perfecting powder is infused with Euphoryl. What is it? A blend of plant extracts that promotes a feeling of happiness by mimicking the effect of endorphins! Happiness without additional calories? Yes please! Retails for $13.95

A gal can never go wrong with Stila lip glazes. I'm surprised to be saying that Stila has the better deal on Fabulous Finds Friday, but they do with this exclusive online collection for Sephora. $20 gets you their Make Me Blush heart compact + lip glazes in Huggs(creamy rose) & Kisses(sparkling red.) How adorable is that? So go on, have a heart!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Super Stocking Stuffers & Small Gifts

I know for me it's hard to stay on budget around the holidays, especially when your gifting list grows by the minute! If you have a good amount of co-workers or clients, what do you do without breaking the bank? Homemade is always a lovely gesture, but I have realized between time spent & money on ingredients- it can be just as expensive! I often tend to stay on theme with what I do & often make a play on my mantra Peace Love Lipgloss. I have been saying it for over a decade, and it meshes well with the fact that I'm an esthetician & make-up artist. I often grab a set & break it up, like this Stila holiday lip gloss set. A cute card & one of these glosses is a perfect little gift which breaks down to only $3.12 a piece!

On the same page this Korres shower gel & body butter sampler is perfect to split up! I would put one of the shower gels together with one of the body butters with a mesh body sponge as the bow(you can find them at the dollar store.) You have a practical, yet pampering without being too girly gift for right around $5!

I heart Philosophy's packaging. Their play on words is truly one of a kind. This set gives the best of both worlds- a little bath care & lip gloss. I would garnish each set with an actual item relating to the flavor. I'd stick the bubbly items in a champagne glass(again from the dollar store), actual peppermint bark, candy canes, etc. This price would be a smidge higher, but still rather affordable at around $10 a piece. What thrifty, yet fabulous gift ideas have you come up with this holiday season beauties?

Peace. Love. Presents. M

Day 3 of my Blogaversary Celebration!

It's Day 3 of my week long beauty bonanza! How time flies, just like the 2 years I've been blogging. In honor of day 3, there are 3 prizes up for grabs!

To take that summer glow into fall & winter, I'm giving away this Stila bronzer duo. The compacts are huge, so they should last until next summer- unless you're Snooki!

This mini collection of Benefit's bestsellers offer the perfect size to take with you on a beach getaway- Labor Day perhaps. 'That Gal' is a great lightweight primer & Posie Tint gives a gorgeous natural flush that stays put in hot weather.

This Pixi lipgloss collection has every color you need in one complete kit(I said need, doesn't mean you won't want more!) It's an entire wardrobe of colors! I keep this in my professional kit to be able to tone down, pump up or switch up a lip color on a model.

So girleens, here are the ways you can enter to win these fabulous prizes {you don’t have to leave a separate comment if something is worth more than 1 entry & please do tally your entries for this girl on the go!}:

1. Comment on your absolute favorite skincare product
2. Follow the blog {2 entries}
3. Subscribe to my blog {2 entries}
4. Follow me on Facebook {1 entry}
5. Follow the spa on Facebook {1 entry}
6. Follow me on Twitter {1 entry}
7. Follow the spa on Twitter {1 entry}
8.Tweet about our giveaway {2 entries}
9. Blog about my giveaway {3 entries}
10. Grab the giveaway button {6 entries}

Good luck my beauties!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Day 2 of my Blogaversary Celebration!

Today's glamour goodies in celebration for my 2 year blog anniversary are tried & true products that I use on a daily basis!
Stila's Lip Glazes are my fool proof go to gloss ro keep in my evening bag. They offer shiny color with nice staying power. The brush applicator ensures precise application & scores bonus points for me. This set has 8 mini glazes in a full spectrum of fabulous colors!

The brow highlighter in this Mini Brow Kit from Anastasia was one of my winners in this year's glammies. I luurrvveess it! You can use it alone on the brow bone, use it as a shadow primer, use it in the inner corners of the eyes & it even can be used to lighten up your lip color or make it more creamy. It's so versatile- I keep several on hand. Of course since I'm known as the Brow Whisperer, I had to have a brow kit in my giveaway!

Here's how you can enter to win these fabulous prizes {you don’t have to leave a separate comment if something is worth more than 1 entry}:

1. Comment on your absolute must have beauty product- be specific!
2. Follow me through Google Friend Connect {5 entries}
3. Subscribe to my blog {2 entries}
4. Follow me on Facebook {1 entry}
5. Follow the spa on Facebook {1 entry}
6. Follow me on Twitter {1 entry}
7. Follow the spa on Twitter {1 entry}
8.Tweet about our giveaway {2 entries}
9. Blog about my giveaway {3 entries}
10. Grab the giveaway button {2 entries}

Good luck gorgeous gals!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

The Make-Up Show

I don't know about you, but I love the whole vibe of Stila. I love it's whimsical packaging, but I don't use a huge amount of their entire line- just a shadow here & multiple lipglosses there! I wanted to try their new One Step foundation so I picked that up. This new formula claims to be a primer, foundation, concealer & powder in one! The verdict? Pretty impressive! The texture is almost mousse like without feeling like a huge amount of silicone is in it. Silicone is what gives most primers their slippery, glass like feel. Oily skin people like moi don't tend to love that feeling. It covered beautifully with medium to full coverage. I did use my regular under eye concealer, because, well I have some serious sleep deprivation!

I also picked up three of their new Smudge Stick Waterproof Gel liners at the urging of fellow blogger, Gouldylox. She is obsessed with them, as were the make-up artists at the show. These were the only shades left out of eight! You can see the subtle, but beautiful sparkle in them.

Here are swatches from what I scooped up. The liners are great- creamy & intense. I'm still on the quest for a liner for the inner rim of my lower lash line that just won't budge. I have had bad allergies the last couple of days, but for the most part these liners are holding their own amidst watery eyes! I'm very happy with my foray into Stila land & will definitely be trying more of their new launches.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Beauty Bounty

I had a 20% off coupon for Ulta so of course I put it to good use! I scooped up 2 mascaras that I've been using lately, my favorite being Rimmel's new Max Volume Flash. Love the bright pink tube & I heart everything about the actual product, especially the price tag. Since I try to pitch my mascara every two months, I love finding affordable mascaras!

A friend had picked this Stila Jewel Box up & I had to have it! Four tiny (& I do mean petite) creamy powder shadows are packed full of glitter. The texture is quite fun & easy to work with. It's a great product to turn to when you want to step up the sparkle factor of your look, but it is a bit pricey at $38.

If you've never heard of NYX, be sure to check out the line. It's full of heavily pigmented, affordable products( love their shadows!) I picked up a beautiful lip glaze of theirs that retails for under $8. Love the brush applicator and the fresh color.

I swear I have ten of these lip glazes & I hadn't been reaching for them lately. But the lipgloss addict in me picked up another! I fell back in love with the product after discovering the Banane shade. It is the perfect hue to top over any liner or lipstick to make it a glossy nude and it smells deliciously of fresh bananas (not in an obnoxious way) All in all I was really happy with everything I picked up. What's your latest favorite find from Ulta my beauties?

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M