Today is World Oceans Day

Well...THIS is timely, considering what's happening down in Louisiana.

June 8th is World Oceans Day. Officially recognized by the UN in 2008, but unofficially celebrated since 1992, this day allows us the opportunity to delight in our world ocean and explore our personal connections to the sea.

Depth recognizes the absolute importance of the ocean and its inhabitants—their hair, bath and body products utilize sea-based ingredients that clean, nourish and refresh skin and hair—so to commemorate and honor World Oceans Day, Depth will donate $1 from each unit sold at Whole Foods and on www.wholefoodsmarket.com from June 8th through June 15th to the National Audubon Society for Gulf oil spill recovery.

Depth utilizes these essential, sea-based ingredients to stimulate skin with a surge of moisture like no other. Depth enhances the skin’s ability to remain healthy, hydrated and resilient. The therapeutic sea botanicals within Depth are best known for their moisturizing properties, but they also serve to supply essential fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamins and amino acids to protect and detoxify the skin. Drawing upon three different classes of sea botanicals – Brown (Phaeophyta), Green (Chlorophyta) and Red (Rhodophyta) algae – delivery of hydration and minerals to the skin has never been so moisturizing. Together, these algae powerhouses act as detoxifiers, while individually delivering their own unique skin benefits.

I'm hoping to try out some of these products soon--when I do, I'll be sure to report back.

The Depth collection consists of shampoos, conditioners, hand soaps, body wash, hand and body lotions, and shave creams in four exclusive scents: Mangrove Citrus, Sea Berry, Orange Blossom and Bay Coconut.

Hair Care ($9.99 each) - Infused with a unique blend of sea botanicals, certified organic aloe vera and natural emollients, Depth Shampoos and Conditioners are ultra-hydrating, refreshing, and moisturizing.

• Refresh Daily Shampoo – For all hair types. Keeps hair soft, healthy and nourished with a nutrient-rich blend of vitamins and sea botanicals
• Drench Hydrating Shampoo – For dry and damaged hair: Gentle cleansers work to nourish and restore essential moisture, ideal for color treated hair
• Immerse Daily Conditioner – For all hair types. Nutrient-rich to maintain healthy, beautiful hair without weighing it down
• Submerse Deep Conditioner – For dry and damaged hair. This creamy conditioner provides deep nourishment and ultra-hydration for extra healthy hair
  

Hand Soaps ($7.99 each) & Body Washes ($9.99 each) - Luxurious, refreshing and extra-gentle, Depth Hand Soaps and Body Washes are enriched with ultra-hydrating sea botanicals and organic aloe vera to naturally cleanse, moisturize and soothe the skin.

Hand & Body Lotions ($9.99 each) - Lightweight and quick absorbing, Depth Hand & Body Lotions are enriched with ultra-hydrating sea botanicals and organic aloe vera to moisturize, soothe and nourish the skin.

Shave Creams ($6.99 each) - As smooth and silky as algae, Depth Shave Creams are enriched with hydrating sea botanicals and natural emollients to provide an effortless glide for a soft, comfortable shave, while an abundance of organic aloe vera moisturizes and nourishes the skin.

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Okie Dokie, tokidoki!

Have you been anywhere near a Sephora lately? If so, you've no doubt been bombarded by cutesy products from tokidoki.

When I first saw the products, I shrugged them off. I had never used anything by tokidoki, and the graphics seemed a little too tween-ish for my taste. I figured tokidoki was all about packaging and that the actual quality of the product would be an afterthought.

But then I actually tried something by tokidoki--their Prisma Lip Gloss (in Bullets)--and my mind was changed. Apart from being a bit too fruity, I adore this lip gloss. The color is subtle, the shine is insane, and I love the way it feels--and looks!--on my lips. The applicator takes a bit of getting used to: it's a clear silicone paddle that makes lip gloss application a snap once you get used to it.

Based on my experience with Prisma Lip Gloss, I feel a bit better about the tokidoki collection and would recommend checking it out--especially if you're buying products for a slightly younger woman.

Here's what Sephora has to say about their tokidoki products:

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to add a pop of color to your palette! Whether you are an au naturel gal or glam goddess, the new criminally cute tokidoki collection exclusively at Sephora has you covered with the hottest shades of the season. From shimmering bronzer to long-lasting lip stains and eye-popping shadows, the collection offers all you need to create an irresistibly edgy new look!

Add a little mischief to your makeup bag with these colorful must-haves:

• tokidoki Perfetto Eyeliner ($16) – Channel your inner artist and draw a temporary tattoo on the skin or expertly line the eyes with this innovative chisel-tipped liquid liner. Available in eight bold shades.
• tokidoki Fantastico Lip Stain ($15) – This unique marker pen applicator will provide lips with intense color for all-day wear.
• tokidoki Luminosa Powder ($22) – Achieve a luminescent, radiant glow with this highlighting powder.
• tokidoki Cromatico Eyeshadow ($15) – Housed in signature tokidoki heart and crossbones packaging, these high-pigment shadows layer beautifully for a velvety finish. Available in 16 shades and multiple textures.
• tokidoki Brillante Glitter Eyeliner ($14) – Make your eyes sparkle with these vibrant, glitter-infused pencil liners. Available in 14 vivid shades.
• tokidoki Prisma Lip Gloss ($15) – Add sexy shine to lips with this non-sticky, moisturizing formula in a sweet blueberry flavor.
• tokidoki Inferno Bronzer ($22) – A shimmering bronzer gives your face a glowing, warm color that looks stunning solo or over makeup.
  

Blend art and beauty for a criminally chic look with the new tokidoki collection available exclusively at Sephora stores.

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Yay for Sephora!

I'm back from my extended long weekend. After writing this blog for about 4 years, I do need a break every now and then.

Anyway, the Memorial Day weekend was rainy and chilly in the Seattle area, so my husband and I didn't do much. Sometimes a quiet weekend is a good one. One thing I DID do was visit my local Sephora.

Like many of you, I go to Sephora on a regular basis and spend way too much money there at times. That's one of the hazards of being a makeup blogger, I guess! Anyway, usually I just go to Sephora, get what I need and don't think anything else about it. I suppose I take my poor little Sephora for granted to some extent.

When I went over the weekend (to the Alderwood Sephora), I had a great shopping experience. I got what I wanted, sure, but I also got killer customer service. When I checked out, the Sephora girl noticed a problem with my rewards card. She took her time to actually look into the issue and made sure that when I left, my rewards card was properly updated and that I was satisfied with my experience.

So--yay for my local Sephora! Yay for taking time to make sure I was taken care of in a professional, friendly manner. Though I usually take Sephora for granted, I'm glad to find that they don't always take US for granted.

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The Eyes Have It At Sephora

I feel like I am in an eye rut. I always tend to wear shade of brown shadow, though I'll eventually get crazy and try out a gray or purple hue. I almost always use a deep brown eyeliner (that's probably a little too old to be considered hygienic....yes, even beauty bloggers have bad habits), and black mascara. I need to break out of my boring routine!

I was just at Sephora over the weekend and left without anything for my eyes. But if I had made finding a new look for my eyes a priority, there are plenty of options at our favorite beauty mecca. Here are some bright-eyed options from Sephora:

Kat Von D High Voltage Eye Primer ($15) – Use this lightweight, non-greasy eye primer to keep your colorful lids fresh all day long.

Sephora Collection Eyelash Curler ($16) – Make your eyes pop with this pinch-proof eyelash curler that gently and comfortably give your lashes a dramatic curl.

Sephora Colorful Mono Eyeshadow ($12) – Color your lids with these high-pigment paraben-free shadows that deliver intense, long-lasting results! Available in 25 rich new shades.

tokidoki Perfetto Eyeliner ($16) – This waterproof, liquid, quick-drying liner pen with a unique, innovative chisel tip makes for an easy, precise application every time! Available in eight bold shades.

Tarina Tarantino Fleur De Lash Mascara ($19) – A long-lasting formula that dramatically thickens and lengthens lashes for a seductively long look.

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Last Minute Gift To Spoil Mom

Let's face it: Moms put up with a lot from us. If you want to spoil your mom this year and you're still trying to hunt down the perfect gift, head over to your local Sephora and check out these fun gift ideas:

Tarte Be Good To Your Mother (Earth) 24.7 Reusable Natural Cotton Tote Set ($35 a $62 value) – This reusable cotton tote contains three naturally glamorous lip sheers, so you can be good to your mom and the earth.

Stila My Mother, My Hero ($38 a $110 Value) – Set your mother's heart and skin aglow with shadow, bronzer, mascara and lip color stylishly tucked away in a brushed gold clutch (that will double as an evening tote if she’d like).

Philosophy Unconditional Love ($40) – Surround your mom with love and a sweet scent with this lasting fragrance that will leave her feeling fresh from dusk til dawn.

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Thymes for Mom

It's almost Mother's Day. Now, if you're a good little girl (or boy), you've already figured out exactly what you're getting your mom this year. But if you're like the rest of us, you could use a few suggestions. Over the next couple of days, I'll give you some helpful suggestions. Because moms should be pampered on Mother's Day and nothing pampers them more than some beauty products or other gifts that are a little more personal in nature than a greeting card.

Today: Gift ideas from Thymes for all the moms in your life (or for yourself!)

Thymes makes yummy scented products that any mom will appreciate. If you hurry up and order from their site, you can get free shipping on orders over $50 (and I said hurry-this deal ends tomorrow!).

Some of my faves from Thymes:

Offerings candles ($26). I love candles and burn one almost nightly, a habit I picked up from my grandmother. The Offerings candles come in lovely frosted cups and you can select from 8 scents/sentiments (Good Luck, Happiness, Love, Friendship, Thankfulness, Abundance, Peace, and Health)
Anything from the Ambersweet Orange Collection ($5.50-$30). Ambersweet Orange is a new fragrance from Thymes and it smells so good! It's got a citrus kick without being sticky sweet, and has notes of vanilla and sandalwood. The collection includes hand cream, soaps, body lotion, bath salts, etc. Anything from this collection will make mom feel special!

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Get Shopping!

Tax day was yesterday, and if you're one of the lucky ones, you may have a few extra dollars burning a hole in your pocket thanks to a tax refund (if you had to pay, I feel your pain!). If you have a CVS near you (and I don't since I live in the CVS-deprived area of Seattle!), you're in luck! They're having some great beauty deals from now until May.

Check out these in-store deals:

Week of April 18
* L’Oreal Excellence Hair Color: $5.49
* Crest Premium Toothpaste 6.2oz: $1.88 – lowest price of the year!
* VO5 Shampoo/Conditioner: $0.66
* Sally Hansen Complete Line: Buy 2 Get 1 Free

Week of April 25
* Revlon Complete Line: Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off
* Pantene 12.6oz Shampoo/Conditioner: 2 for $5.00
* Designer Fragrances ($14.99 and over): Buy 1 Get 1 50% off – Mothers day is May 9th!
* Value Robe: $5.99
* Essence of Beauty Complete Line: Buy 2 Get 1 Free

Month of May
Hot looks and even hotter prices continue with exclusive “scan and save” CVS ExtraCare card offers. In-store, shoppers can simply scan their ExtraCare card at coupon centers and get a new beauty savings coupon each week throughout the month.

And if you want to shop online, CVS.com has you covered! Join their email list and check out some of these web deals:

* 25% off all Beauty and Skincare (April 12 – April 13)
* 20% off all Beauty and Skincare (April 13 – May 9)

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Cosmetique's Not Just for Skin Care (GIVEAWAY!)

Last week I introduced you to Cosmetique. They're a site that sells exclusive skin care and beauty products. And, last week, I highlighted some of those skin care products.

Well, this week it's all about the beauty, baby!

Check out some of these lovely products sold by Cosmetique. Leave me a comment at the end of this post and all of these items could be yours. Yes, I'm giving them all away to one lucky reader (and they'll come to you in a cute makeup bag to boot)!

Ok...on to the goods:
Princess Livia Define and Shine Lipcolor (in pink cloud): a magical pairing of genuine beauty. Define your lips with the Lip Pencil … it applies smoothly and effortlessly. Then add colorful shine with the Lip Gloss. It always feels wonderful and glides on easily … leaving lips shiny and moist.

Madeleine Mono Special Effects Face Powder: add a lit-from-within glow with Special Effects Face Powder. This unique luminizing finishing powder helps to diminish the look of imperfections and add a subtle, wearable sunlit radiance to your skin. Swirl all of the shades together with the included brush, or enhance your skin one shade at a time. They all work with every skin tone, and will have you glowing in no time!

Sistina Cafe Colori Eyeshadows: inspired by the beauty of Italy, five sophisticated neutral eyeshadows are featured in this beautiful, one-of-a-kind compact that is a true work of art.

Be sure to leave a comment to enter and I'll announce who wins next Wednesday.

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Live in Seattle? Check This Out!

I just got some very cool information about an event going on at the University Village Kiehl's and wanted to share it with all my Washington readers. Quick side note: The folks over at the U Village Kiehl's are great! They're helpful without being pushy and are very customer focused. They make spending a ton of money on high quality products a very pleasurable experience.

If you're a skin care fan and an animal lover in the Puget Sound, be sure to check this out.

Press release from Kiehl's.

Kiehl’s Since 1851 is steeped in traditions of community service and outreach to all of our customers and family members, women and men, big and small, two-legged and four-legged! (We even have a pet wall in our stores to honor our four-legged family members, and a line of products created especially for them.)

It is in this tradition that Kiehl’s Since 1851 in University Village honors our pets and the Seattle community with a Pet Adoption Event and Fund-Raiser to benefit Motley Zoo Animal Rescue, a Seattle organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals locally, nationally and internationally. We’re hosting both an in-store pet adoption, and a week-long fund-raising program to encourage our customers to support Motley Zoo Animal Rescue.

EVENT DETAILS:

WHO: Kiehl’s Since 1851 and Motley Zoo Animal Rescue

WHAT: Pet Adoption and Fund-Raiser Kick-Off

Kiehl’s Since 1851 is a skin, body and hair care apothecary dedicated to serving women and men formulas made with uniquely efficacious, natural ingredients, and committed to giving back to the communities in which we do business. (www.kiehls.com)
Motley Zoo Animal Rescue is dedicated to improving the lives of animals locally, nationally and internationally by alleviating their suffering and elevating their status in society through the rescue and rehabilitation of animals in need and through the education of their community on responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. Motley Zoo Animal Rescue advocates the value of all animal life and works to end the neglect and abuse of animals. Motley Zoo Animal Rescue addresses the devastating pet overpopulation epidemic through spay and neuter advocacy. (www.MotleyZoo.org)

WHEN: Saturday, April 10, 2010 11 AM to 3 PM
(Fund-raiser is April 10 through April 17)

WHERE: Kiehl’s Since 1851
2611 NE University Village St.
Seattle, WA 98105
206-985-4414

WHY:
The Mission of Kiehl’s states that “a worthwhile firm must have a purpose for its existence. Not only the everyday work-a-day purpose to earn a just profit, but beyond that, to improve in some way the quality of the community to which it is committed.”

• Motley Zoo Animal Rescue will bring a number of animals looking for homes to Kiehl’s, in hopes of making a match.
• Each customer who adopts leaves with a Kiehl’s gift box
• Kiehl’s will donate $500 to Motley Zoo Animal Rescue, in support of the organization’s advocacy on behalf of animals.
• Kiehl’s customers are also encouraged to donate to Motley Zoo Animal Rescue. Each customer who donates $10 or more to Motley Zoo Animal Rescue on the day of the event, and through Saturday, April 17, may choose between a complimentary Creme de Corps body moisturizer (4.2 oz. size), or a Spray-N-Play Cleansing Spritz (one product per customer)

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Hippety Hoppity...

Apparently Easter is this weekend. I say apparently because I never seem to remember when Easter pops up on the calendar. I only know that I keep seeing plastic eggs and crazy bunnies in all the stores I've been going to lately.

If you're like me, you'd rather skip the Easter egg hunt and opt instead to fill up your own brand of basket--a Sephora basket--with some Spring-inspired goodies. Bunny-hop to Sephora and treat yourself to these wonders:

• Sephora by OPI in Iris I Was Thinner ($9) – This pale, iris purple is the perfect way to wear an Easter pastel without spending a fortune. I really hate the name of this shade, but it's pretty, so I'll give it a temporary pass.
  
• Leslie Blodgett Santa Barbara Eau de Parfum Rollerball ($16) –This luminous scent lingers on the skin for hours and the travel-friendly packaging makes it great for a quick pick-me-up on the go!
  
• Sephora Colorful Mono Eyeshadows ($12) – Let your peepers make a festive statement with these high-pigment shadows. Now available in 79 shades.
• Tarina Tarantino Gem Gloss ($19) – Coat your lips with this sweet shade of lightweight vitamin-enriched gloss. Available in 12 shades.
  
• Sephora “Tricks of the Trade” Perfecting Lash Primer ($14) – Your mascara will outlast your biggest expectations with this primer that helps volumize and lengthen your lashes.
  
• Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Blush ($25) – This cream blush naturally sculpts and highlights cheeks for a healthy, spring glow. Available in 14 shades.
  

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Sephora's Skincare Challenge!

Our favorite beauty store, Sephora, is gearing up for a new Spring promo. If you love Sephora and are in need of some skincare help, check this out:

Stop by Sephora and make your 2010 skincare challenge pledge! Get a glowing complexion with a daily routine that will have you put your best face forward in four simple steps:

1. Cleanse
2. Treat
3. Moisturize
4. Protect

Let Sephora help you start – and maintain – a skincare routine by signing up for the Beauty Insider Program to get your Skincare Challenge card. When you shop, show your Skincare Challenge card and earn a stamp for each facial skincare item you buy. With four stamps, you will receive a featured reward product, for free!

With personalized consultations to help you find the right products, advice from Sephora’s beauty pros and a free reward product upon challenge completion – Sephora is committed to your skin success!

Come join the ultimate beauty mission. Stop by for a complimentary consultation and jump-start your Skincare Challenge with a FREE personalized sample bag.

Sounds good to me! This deal runs from March 25th through April 14th.

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Budget Friendly and Ready for Spring

I don't care what the weather is doing or what the thermometer says: Spring is officially here. I, for one, am glad that winter is now just a memory. Now that we're in a new season, it's time to start thinking about new looks--new colors, new products...new everything!

If you're looking to update your makeup for the new season without breaking the bank, consider products from both mark (by Avon) and e.l.f. Here are a few of my faves from these budget-friendly brands:
Try these products from mark (available in mid-April online or through a mark rep):

• Totally Balmed Tinted SPF 15 Lip Balm ($8): Available in four shades (a tawny cocoa, a plum, a light pink, and a pink/coral) these handy-dandy balms have a minty flavor and provide a hint of flattering color while moisturizing. A big bonus is that this also has SPF protection and includes antioxidant vitamins like A, C, and E. I am a huge fan of tinted balms, but the added SPF makes this lip balm stand out!
• Glowdacious Illuminating Powder ($12): This pressed powder promises to brighten your skin, giving an instant glow no matter what time of the year. The compact is made up of three shades pressed into one easy to apply powder. Comes in light, medium, or dark to match any skin tone.
• Rio Rhythms Fragrance Mist ($18): It's a good idea to lighten up your fragrance for the new season, and I like the fragrance profile of this one. It contains jasmine, coconut water, peony, gardenia and lilac, but also has undernotes of vanilla, wood and amber. It's pleasant and interesting. mark also has another scent called Rio Bikini that is a bit more fruity, but also nice.

And to really pinch your pennies (without sacrificing beauty!) try these from e.l.f. (available both online and at Target):

• Mineral Lipstick ($5): Available in 16 shades, this lipstick hydrates your lips and provides a lasting color. The shades are subtle but pretty--perfect for the spring/summer. They contain vitamins like A and E to sooth and moisturize, and the product doesn't feel heavy like some lipsticks can.
• Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder ($3): This duo will help you get a healthy glow without stepping out in the sun (or spending time in harmful tanning beds). The pink gives you a flush of color while the bronze side adds contouring and can be applied any place where the sun normally hits your face. And the price will keep you smiling!
• Studio HD Powder ($6): I love loose powder, though I rarely use it. This is a lovely little formula that helps hide fine lines while leaving your face feeling soft and looking great. Unlike pressed powder, loose powders like this make your skin feel dusted, not coated. It will help cut down shine without gunking up your skin.
  

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Need to Shop? Go to HauteLook!

Awhile back, I mentioned a few online sale sites that have incredible deals. One place I may not have mentioned is one of my favorites: HauteLook.

You can get shopping by going to this link and signing up. I visit HauteLook daily and have even made a purchase or two (I got an amazing pair of earrings for a steal). Along with clothing, they often sell beauty products, stuff for your house, and jewelry on their site. Today, they're having a sale on Laura Mercier products.

Like I said, click here, sign up, and get shopping. They feature some killer products at amazing prices. It's the perfect place to get a gift for your friends, family, or yourself!

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Valentine's Day Deals for You (and you hair!)

Here's a quick deal for today: If you need/want to get new hair brushes, you can get a great deal over at Brush Love. Between now and Monday, you can get 50% off of everything (except the Mason Pearson brand of products) by entering the code "luv50" at checkout.

I've reviewed Brush Love products in the past--they're very good quality and are very affordable, so I encourage you to get shopping. Remember: The deal ends on the 15th.

Happy Valentine's Day!

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Sephora's Winning Lineup!

The Super Bowl may have come and gone, but Sephora still has top beauty brands’ MVP and Rookie must-haves. Proven all-stars show off in the MVP category – but don’t let the rookies fool you. They have some cool new moves that will make you want to change your game plan.

Sephora’s 2010 MVP Roster:

• Dior DiorShow Mascara ($24) – A cult-classic that leaves lashes thick, long and curled, making it Sephora’s MVP – most valuable product, that is!
• Philosophy Hope In A Jar ($38) – No games played here, this long-loved moisturizer provides soft, healthy and glowing results.
• NARS Blush in Orgasm ($25) – A five-year-long Sephora winner, this beauty editors’ favorite is a universally flattering shade of pinky-peach.
  
• Kinerase Intensive Eye Cream ($62) – A “lineman” of wrinkle fighting cream that works to minimize flaws and maximize the tone and texture around your eye area.
  
• Marc Jacobs Daisy Gift Set ($84 Value, $65) – This set has the spirit of a playful innocence with its fresh and feminine kick. Perfect for the tomboy in you.

Sephora’s 2010 Rookie Lineup:

• Dior DiorShow Extase Mascara ($28) – Plump up your lashes, inside and out! With built-in treatment benefits and twisted wand layers for strong, high-impact lashes, it’s hard to believe this mascara is new to the game!
  
• Philosophy Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Moisturizer ($55) – New to the team, but packing a punch, this age-fighting hydrator will balance, nourish and soften your skin.
  
• NARS Orgasm Illuminator ($29) – Joining the NARS Orgasm family in a must have, an illuminator! Get an instantly refreshed, radiant and glowing look with a new twist of the brand’s most beloved shade.
  
• Kinerase Restructure Firming Eye Cream ($55) – A rookie formula with the results of a seasoned veteran, this revolutionary elastin-strengthening, firming hydrator will lift and smooth!
  
• Marc Jacobs Lola Gift Set ($70, $107 Value!) – Treat yourself to this trophy-worthy trio! With a spray, lotion and gel, your skin will smell sweet and sexy.

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Need a Makeover? Get Thee to Sephora!

Tired of the short days and long, cold weather? Revive and revamp your look with Sephora’s trend-setting beauty. From accessories designer Tarina Tarantino’s sparkling new line-up, to Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries’ second fragrance, Santa Barbara, you’ll find something to spice up your mid-winter lull! Rejuvenate yourself with these fresh and fun favorites:

• Tarina Tarantino Pearl Glow Primer ($36) – Get glowing again! Made with pearl powder and light-reflecting pigments, this makeup base leaves your skin looking healthy and radiant.
• Tarina Tarantino Fleur De Lash Mascara ($19) – Create full-volume lashes with this superior mascara formula, infused with Vitamin E and Shea Butter.
• Tarina Tarantino Conditioning Lip Sheen ($22) – A lightweight, vitamin-enriched lipstick creates a gorgeous satin finish while moisturizing your lips in one easy swipe. Available in 12 shades.
• Tarina Tarantino Eye Dream Hypershadow ($19) – Sweep this finely milled powder over lids for a high pigment payoff. Available in 24 shades.
• Tarina Tarantino Fuchsia Revolution Brush Set ($69) – Inspired by Tarina Tarantino’s signature hair color, this set of five professional-quality brushes are perfect for effortless makeup applications.
• Tarina Tarantino Sparklicity Shimmer Dust ($39) – Sprinkle this shimmer dust on skin for a light, sparkly glow, or use it on your hair for a playful touch.
• Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries Santa Barbara ($55) – Inspired by Leslie’s travels, escape to blue-skied Santa Barbara, with a scent that captures the true essence of the sea.
• Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries Santa Barbara Roller Ball ($16) – Create your own fragrant memories with this travel size scent that glides on effortlessly and lasts for hours.

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Great Deal, Just for You!

Great news! The folks over at Michael Todd are offering a 20% discount to my readers!

In appreciation, for the rest of this month (Feb), my readers will receive 20% discount off of all purchases made. Just enter the coupon/promo code "Lydia" at checkout to receive the discount.

Michael Todd offers some killer products, including the new anti-aging cream, KNU. Head over to their website and get shopping!

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Resolution #4: Pinch Your Pennies

With the economy still in the shitter (though starting to improve) and with the gluttony-filled holiday season just getting behind us, a lot of us are looking for ways to reign in our spending. Here are a few tips for when to save and when it's better to spend.

Awhile ago, Real Simple did a great overview of whether it's best to splurge or spend when buying particular beauty products. Here's what they recommend:

• Facial Cleaners: Save--it's only on your face for a few seconds and more expensive cleaners are virtually the same as their cheaper counterparts.
• Day Cream (moisturizer): Save--just make sure your moisturizer contains sunscreen!
• Anti-Aging/Night Cream: Spend--the more expensive brands are able to afford better research and typically contain superior ingredients.
• Eye Shadow: Spend--more expensive brands have richer color and go on better. But, if you are trying out a new color, or are opting for something trendy, go with the cheaper stuff.
• Foundation: Spend--it's best to have a make-up consultant help find the right color for you, or, better yet, to mix a color just for you and your skin type. Again, be sure your foundation contains some sort of sunscreen.
• Blush: Spend--for the same reasons as the eye shadow.
• Lipstick/Lip Gloss: Both--spend on a great everyday lipstick. More expensive brands are creamier and often contain vitamins. Save money on the gloss because you're going for shine, not color density.
• Mascara: Save--again, there is almost no difference between the budget brands and the spendy ones.
• Powder: Spend--for the same reasons as foundations.
• Shampoo: Save--all the fancy-schmancy ingredients in expensive brands just go down the drain, so don't bother.
• Conditioner: Spend--high end products have advanced delivery systems that penetrate the hair shaft in order to protect and restore hair.

The folks at Allure also chimed in on the subject. Here's their advice:

BROWS
Splurge on: Professional brow-shaping. The pros can work magic on shabby brows but you can keep costs down by plucking stray hairs that pop up between visits.
Scrimp on: Brow products. You can use your inexpensive eyeliner to lightly fill in your brows or find a drugstore-brand brow pencil to give your brows a better shape.
Skip: Brow gel. You can use Vaseline to keep crazy brows in place. Or pick up some cheap clear mascara to coat your brows. One word of caution: the mascara may flake a bit, so be prepared!

SKIN
Splurge on: Anti-aging creams if you need the help. Try to get something containing retinoids to help reduce wrinkles and increase firmness. If you really want the most bang for your buck, visit a dermatologist and get a prescription-strength treatment.
Scrimp on: Expensive treatments. Instead of a professional peel at a doctor's office, try an at-home microderm abrasion kit. Just be sure to use the product regularly to achieve the maximum benefit.
Skip: Facials. They don't do much any way. Just be sure to wash your face regularly, use your daily moisturizer, and don't forget the SPF!

HAIR
Splurge on: Highlights. You cannot achieve the same rich, high-definition highlight at home that you get in the salon. If you need to save a few bucks, opt for a partial foil rather than a full color/foil. Just having the highlights around your face will brighten up your look.
Scrimp on: Shampoo. Really cheap shampoos only contain cleaning agents that may strip your hair of moisture and shine. But shampoos in the $5 range are all you really need: they clean and moisturize perfectly. The same goes for hair products. Stay in the middle of the price range and you should be a-okay!
Skip: Salon blowouts. Unless you have a special occasion to go to, you don't need to have a pro do your hair for you. When your in the salon getting your highlights and cut, ask your stylist to show you how to blowout your own hair. Try out a few things like flatirons and large Velcro rollers to add volume to your hair.

No matter what resolutions your made this year (if any), I hope you have a happy, healthy, and beautiful 2010!

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Get Your Fragrance Fix! Perfectly Petite Perfumes …Only at Sephora

Need a holiday gift idea? Why not give that special someone a delicious new fragrance to start the new year. Find your favorite fragrance in affordable and portable miniature rollerballs and solids. These perfumed pieces are perfect for your everyday cosmetic case or your chic evening clutch. Check out these fragrant finds:

• Kat Von D Saint or Sinner Rollerball ($16) – Whether you’re feeling sultry or sweet, Kat Von D has you covered with these handy rollerballs that will keep you smelling fabulously fragrant wherever you go.
• Sephora Collector’s Edition Fragrance Sampler ($75, $160 Value!) – Let them pick their present this holiday season! This set of seven samples of Sephora’s most popular fragrances for him or her comes with a gift voucher for a full-size bottle of their favorite!
• Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries Perfume Solid in Bare Skin ($35) – Just a dab of this spill proof solid housed in a pocket-watch compact will freshen your scent and linger on your skin for hours.
• La Vanila The Healthy Fragrance Mini Rollerball Set ($28, $48 Value!) – This set of four rollerballs offers a healthy scent from every fragrance family: fresh, fruit, oriental, and woody. Worn alone or layered, these scents are ideal for touchups.
• Michael Kors Very Hollywood Solid Perfume Cocktail Ring ($40) – Smell sweet and stay fashion chic with this glamorous sparkle piece of adornment.
• Stella McCartney Stella Rollerball ($18) – This sophisticated yet powerful fragrance of felinity, slips easily into a handbag or pocket for a sensual scent on the go.
  

*Holiday News Alert* Now through December 18th Sephora Claus is taking over Sephora’s Twitter (www.twitter.com/sephora), giving away beauty products everyday for 31 days. For beauty buffs who would like to enter, simply tweet on Twitter an @Sephora message and tag your wish with a #sephoraclaus “hashtag.”

Plus, you can “share” your wish on Facebook and receive one of three deluxe samples, including YSL Black Mascara, Philosophy Inner Grace Body Lotion or Mini Nars Duo Lipgloss. To get your glamorous goodie, enter any of these gift with purchase codes: WISHME, Claus, or Clause.

For more Sephora Claus details, visit www.Sephoraclaus.com. You must be 18 or older and a US citizen to win. Prizes must be found on Sephora.com and less than $150. Shop for these travel-friendly fragrances – available at Sephora stores, by calling 1-877-Sephora or by logging onto Sephora.com.

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Cyber Monday is Upon Us!

Well, we've all survived the Thanksgiving holiday and Black Friday. That means today is CYBER MONDAY! Yes, instead of doing our work, we're spending company time, using your speedy corporate internet connection to place online orders and shop the easy way: via computer.

There are tons of Cyber Monday deals out there (and deals being offered throughout much of December), so go to your favorite sites to see what's what. Just be sure to take your time, read all the fine print, enter promotional codes properly, and double check your purchases, what you're being charged for, and look over your shipping/billing addresses to be certain they're right before you hit "place order." With great deals, it's easy to get caught up in the frenzy and make a costly mistake.

A BIT ABOUT ME...
I've been insanely busy lately. I've written thousands of words over the weekend to get to the finish line for National Novel Writing Month and I'm proud to say that for the second year in a row, I am a NaNoWriMo winner and have hit the 50K word count mark. I'm exhausted. I'm sick of looking at my laptop, and I'm not relishing the thought of typing anything at the moment.

I'm also starting my week back by dealing with our auditors at work. Yippee. Today is going to bite on so many levels. I swear, I need to find away to quit my day job so I can focus on doing what I really want: writing and blogging.

Posts may be spotty this week because I'm feeling more than spent.

COMING ATTRACTIONS...
I still have tons to tell you about, especially now that the holidays and prime shopping season are upon us. Here are some things to look forward to in the coming days:

• Raw Minerals mineral foundation overview and review
• New products from Lumene
• Awesome new bags and brushes from my fave, ecoTOOLs
• Burt's Bees, watch out! There's a new bee-inspired lip balm on the market
• Ecofriendly soaps will keep you and the earth clean and beautiful
• PurMinerals is ready for the holidays
• Head to Oz with nail polish Dorothy would love
• ...and much, much more!

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