Holiday Makeup Look featuring Smashbox Cosmetics

Smashbox sent me* some fabulous lippies and other goodies to help me come up with a fun holiday look. since all of the gloss colors were amazing, immediately knew what look i was going to create.



as you can see, i decided on a cat-eye look-- yet another look i don't wear often enough.



i used Smashbox Oil-Free Photo Finish Primer as a base before applying my foundation. i highlighted my cheeks and added a bit of color to my eyelids using a mini version of the Fusion Soft Lights in Dusk, then applied a creamy eyeliner and blended it, creating a little cat eye effect.

on my lips i used glosses in Tease (raspberry) and Radiant (a shimmery pink plum), both featured in the limited-edition Wish for the Perfect Pout Set.



i finished with a couple of coats of Lash DNA mascara and voila! a fabulous holiday makeup look. what do you think?

find all these products and more at smashbox.com

xo
*products featured were sent to me by a representative of Smashbox for the purpose of this post.

(Very) Last Minute Gift Ideas

if you're among the many individuals who have had to put off holiday shopping for one reason or another or are procrastinating because it's just something you always do, here are my picks for last-minute shopping...





bareMinerals Happiness Collection-- this 9-piece set features mineral products infused with a mood-boosting plant-extract complex called Happybelle believed to mimic the effect of endorphins and induce a sense of happiness. even if that isn't true, the products in this kit will make any makeup-loving gal happy just the same.




Banana Republic Silk Blend Abstract Print Scarf is a a great gift for the woman in your life who is impossible to shop for. she may have a plethora of scarves, but hopefully not this one. :)




a journal like this one from Peter Pauper Press is a great way to encourage your recipient to keep track of the events or most important happenings in their life during 2010.




an iTunes gift card is always a great way to go for the music lover in your life. be as generous as you can-- they will definitely appreciate having new tunes to serenade them into the new year.

good luck & happy shopping for the holidays!

xo

Holiday Gift Idea: Nordstrom Fragrance Atomizer

practical items make great gifts but let's face it, they can sometimes come off as dull. thankfully, Nordstrom's Jeweled Fragrance Atomizer is anything but. this travel-friendly goodie is ideal for the glitzy gal on-the go who never wants to be without her favorite scent.

a fabulous and yet still very practical gift-- i wouldn't mind finding this in my stocking (hint, hint, wink, wink,). :)

xo

Holiday Look Featuring Raw Natural Beauty

Raw Natural Beauty was kind enough to send me some products so i could create another holiday-inspired look for you. when i first recieved the products i sort of had an idea about what i wanted to do, but once i started playing with the eyeshadows, i changed my idea. i decided i wanted to create an "icy" look-- something that is natural, fresh, shimmery and definitely unlike what i normally wear on a typical day (but still very pretty!).



the products i used for this look:

VitaFirm Foundation Duo in Dark
Perfect Balance Concealer and Highlighter Trio in Dark
Mineral Eyeshadow in Lily*
Mineral Eyeshadow in Rose*
Mineral Eyeshadow in Lavender*
Primal Pigments Pure Botanical Lipstick in Nectar*



the shadows are all loose, and i really like that they are sheer, but buildable shades. after placing a bit of the Highlighter to my cheeks and inner corners of my eyes, i applied Lily all over my lid and Rose and Lavender very lightly in the crease to add a hint of depth.

Nectar was the perfect complimenting shade for my lips. this lipstick leaves my lips feeling so smooth and nourished thanks to ingredients like cocoa butter, omega-6 and omega-3-- love it! following this, i used a similar shade of blush i have in my stash to give a little color to my cheeks.

visit rawnaturalbeauty.com for more info on all the products featured.

xo
all products sent to me from represntatives of Raw Natural Beauty; * represents products sent to me for the purpose of this post.

Holiday Look Featuring Prescriptives

Prescriptives announced a few months ago that it will no longer be in stores come january 31, 2010 (sigh...), but their makeup is still around now (and will be online while supplies last). in fact, they just released the Lustre Holiday Collection, featuring baked shadows, lip glosses, liners and shimmering cheek colors.

so here i am sporting a fun, smokey eye look using the Cool Lustre Baked Eye Color Quad, Shimmering Cheek Color in Cool and Reflective Gloss in Ruby. i also used Longwear Kohl Liner in Black and ColorScope Lipcolor in Posh Honey, a limited edition lipstick from their fall '09 Well-Suited collection.



btw, the roses in the back were given to me by my fabulous hubby. at the time i took this pic, they were almost 2 weeks old-- aren't they pretty? :)

visit prescriptives.com to view the entire Lustre Holiday collection and stock up on your faves before they're gone forever!

xo
all products sent to me by representatives of Prescriptives

Holiday Makeup Looks featuring MAC Cosmetics

i love this time of year when i can really play with different makeup looks and brands offer a wide assortment of new goodies to try (well, i guess technically they do that every season, but this time of year is especially fun for me).

MAC is a great brand when it comes to creating dramatic looks, and some of my friends believe that the products are a bit too dramatic for them (just because the girls at MAC wear dramatic makeup doesn't mean that's the only way the makeup can be worn). i created the following looks to debunk that myth and show that you can create more subdued looks that are still pretty.

these are the MAC products i used:

*Studiofix Foundation plus Powder

*Studiofix Liquid Foundation

*Mineralize Blush in Conjure Up**

*Mineralize Blush in Ablaze

*Mineralize Eye Shadow Quad in Eccentricity

*6 Sorceress Eye Shadows Palette**

*Softsparkle Eye Pencil in Iris Accents**

*Dazzleglass in Phiff!**

*Lipstick in Total Wow!**




though you can't really tell, my eyes were much darker in person than in the pic. this look is very daytime-friendly. most of the makeup is on the upper lid (i used the darkest silver from the palette on the lid and the darkest purple as a liner), but i did apply some of a the gold from the Eccentricity shadow quad along my lower lashline. Conjure Up blush on my cheeks and Phiff! on my lips.




a more colorful look. :) i used only the two purple shades in the holiday palette and the Softsparkle liner along my entire eye for this look. i used Conjure Up on my cheeks and added a bit of bronzer to add more definition. the lipstick alone added the perfect flush of color.

for this look i only used the mid-tone silver from the holiday palette. i applied a couple of layers to my eyelids, then blended it up into the crease. i always like the effect that this technique gives with any darker shade shadow. i then lined my eyes with a black eyeliner along the waterline and added two coats of mascara. on my cheeks i used an old fave, Ablaze, which has no shimmer to it. my lips have a bit of lipstick with a coat of Phiff! on top.

a huge thank you to MAC for providing some of their holiday products for this post!

most of the products featured can be purchased at maccosmetics.com

xo
**products pictured in first photo that were also sent to me by MAC for the purpose of this post

Just in Time for the Holidays: Enjoy 30% Off Korres!

hello beauties! i'm thrilled to share that Korres is extending a fabulous gift of 30% off their products and free shipping on orders over $35 using promo code BEAUTYGIRL just for you-- just in time for the holidays!

if you're like me, you like to get as much of your holiday shopping done as soon as possible. if you're not, that's ok, too. just be sure to take advantage of this opportunity! need some suggestions? here are some great picks to consider:



limited edition Sugar Plums color collection-- this set features a Cherry oil lip gloss in Plum, Plum lip butter and Sunflower and Evening Primrose shimmering eyeshadow in Plum. all three products are gorgeous, all-natural and would make a fabulous gift for any beauty-lover.




Triple Threats Little Gift Set-- this limited edition value set includes three travel approved shower gels in scents of Jasmine, Gauva and new Japanese Rose! each shower gel is enriched with Active Aloe®, wheat proteins and vitamins C, E & zinc.

visit korresusa.com, browse around, and you just might find that perfect gift for that special person! if you do, don't forget to enter code BEAUTYGIRL at checkout. :)

xo
products featured sent to me by Korres

Holiday 2009: Napoleon Perdis

during the holiday season, most people take the opportunity to reflect, regroup, relax and in most cases, reward loved ones (and themselves!) with a gorgeous gift or two. it's for this reason Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics is offering a captivating array of holiday-themed goodies handpicked by the makeup maestro himself.

this stylish, desirable and moderately priced "Guilty Pleasures" collection includes limited-edition mini brushes, mega makeup palettes, lip glosses, eye shimmers and bronzing products. everything is graced with the midas touch. each palette shines with glittering gold fabrics, the eye shimmers come in three divine metallic shades, and the lip glosses are embellished with a filigree of glistening metal. when purchased online,customers who spend over $100 will also receive a gold tote bag destined to be dangling from the chicest wrists this winter.


"Guilty Pleasures" is made up of affordable little luxuries-- so much so that you are most likely to think, "one for you. two for me!"

take a look...




Gold Digger Glimmer

"like mini pots of gold at the end of the rainbow." -Napoleon

three brilliant highly-pigmented shimmer pots for eyes include yellow gold, white gold and bronze—an ideal offering for the height of the party season. wear them solo or blend for dramatic and seductive tonal effects. the effect is always dazzling. brush applicator included.


Deco Deluxe Lip Gloss

"create a pout with memorable clout!" -Napoleon

from their sparkling tubes to their radiant shades, these limited edition lip glosses are the height of festive glamour. their juicy flavors (Strawberry, Peach, Raspberry, Tangerine and Watermelon) make them an absolute delight to wear, while jojoba seed oil helps to effectively hydrate your pout. the gloss tubes are bedecked with an art deco-inspired filigree that makes your lip application a fashion statement.



Bronze Bonanza

"you glow girl!" -Napoleon

sun-kissed beauty—with a twist. this intriguing trio of products consists of pressed powder, bronzing brush and lip gloss housed in one convenient kit. the shimmering powder can be used on cheeks, decolletage and limbs for a decadent all-over luminosity. the bronze lip gloss is perfect for jet-setters.



Golden Girl Palette

"welcome to the golden age of makeup." -Napoleon

one ravishing palette, one million looks. available in three variations, each Golden Girl Palette boasts 16 riveting eye shadows, three delightful cheek colors and two brush applicators, all enclosed in an eye-catching gold fabric wallet. that's a whole lot of razzle-dazzle, and all you need for day-to-night transformations.



Gold Fever Brush Sets

"brush up on your makeup skills with these stellar tools." -Napoleon

Shake Rattle and Brush Roll Set features six plush travel-sized brushes: powder brush, blush brush, eye liner brush, concealer brush and two eye shadow brushes in a blend of natural and synthetic hair. the brushes come in a swanky gold brush roll.




Eight is Enough Brush Set comes with eight elegant travel-size brushes including a powder brush, concealer brush, liner brush, lip brush, mascara brush and three eye brushes in a blend of natural and synthetic hair. the brushes are presented in a stylish gold wallet with built-in mirror.

all of the products, along with some other goodies, are available now at napoleonperdis.com. to find a location near you, click here.


xo
images and info courtesy of Napoleon Perdis

LORAC Holiday Smoked Out Collection

if you're looking for an amazing, wallet-friendly gift for your makeup-loving friend or family member, this limited-edition LORAC Holiday Smoked Out Collection is definitely one to consider. sold exclusively on loraccosmetics.com, this set includes fabulous products to create everything from a sweet to a sultry look.

here's what's in this set:

*Starry Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio in Rising Star
*Midnight Sparkle Pencil Eye Shadow/Liner
*Cheek Stamp in Island Spice
*Lip Polish in Bliss
*Black Makeup Bag

if you're still not convinced, know this: Starry-Eyed Baked eyeshadows retail for more than this whole kits costs-- that's a serious deal!

visit loraccosmetics.com to get more info and to order.

p.s. -- in addition to this, there are many products on sale right now from about $5 (click on the vip discount tab), so take advantage and happy shopping!

xo

Holiday 2009: NARS Gift Sets

Nars is celebrating the holidays with red-hot packaged gifts that boast a variety of products. these are definitely on my wishlist! check these out:




15th Anniversary Palettes

Nars is including two palettes to celebrate 15 years of color innovation. Everlasting Love contains intense eye hues to create the perfect smoky eye and Wild at Heart (pictured at top) features bold lip shades for a deeply pigmented pout.






Plein Etè Mini Multiple Set

this exclusive set of mini Multiples contains three best-selling shades.






Drop Dead Gorgeous Mini Nail Kit

gift your nail polish fanatic pal with this cute set. it also makes a great gift in any stocking; includes four glamorously festive shades: Arabesque, Chinatown, Candy Darling and Saratoga




D. Lovely Lip Gloss Duo Set

with four smaller versions of the brand's best-selling Duo Lip Gloss, this set is a variety of shades that can be mixed and matched: Misbehave/All Night Long, Pillow Talk/Sandpiper, Orgasm/Chihuahua, and Greek Holiday/Stolen Kisses.

The Holiday 2009 gift sets and palettes are currently available at narscosmetics.com and the Plein Etè Mini Multiple Set is available exclusively at Sephora.


xo
info courtesy of Nars Cosmetics

Holiday 2009: Bobbi Brown Chrome Collection

meet Bobbi Brown's newest collection-- Chrome, a fierce, hip and very downtown-feeling collection.

Bobbi says: "Chrome is cool and icy–it's a very modern, but still pretty, way to illuminate the skin."





with this collection comes the Chrome Palette- Bobbi's cool, contemporary take on holiday beauty. housed in a fold-out palette, it features icy, shimmering accents for eyes and lips. it's everything you need to create countless party-read looks including: 10 eye shadows, 4 lip shades, a Mini Eye Shadow Brush and a Mini Lip Brush.






Chrome lips are another trend Bobbi is loving this holiday season, which is why she is introducing three new limited edition products for lips: Port Lip Color, Chrome Metallic Lip Color and Plum Pearl Metallic Lip Color.



also included is Bobbi's holiday Chrome Mini Brush Set- the perfect present for the beauty-junkie in your life (or yourself!). the set, which comes in a chrome zip-around cases features a Mini Face Blender, our new Mini Angle Eye Shadow Brush and a Mini Eye Liner brush.


watch Bobbi share the Chrome look:





i personally am liking what i see in this collection-- what do you think of it?

be sure to visit bobbibrown.com for more info

xo
info courtesy of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

Holiday 2009: Yves Saint Laurent

YSL wants your holiday season to be a glamorous one with their holiday collection. inspired by their sophisticated Fall Look, the Holiday Look 2009 is smokey, vibrant and elegant (and if you love red lipcolor, you're going to love this-- they have a great new shade of it).




for face:

new Teint Resist Long Wear Transfer Resistant Foundation
Touche Éclat Radiant Touch #1 Luminous Radiance




for eyes:

Dessin du Regard Haute Tenue Eye Pencil #1 Intense Black
Ombres Duolumières Eyeshadow Duo #1 Heavenly Beige / Astral Brown
Volume Effet Faux Cils Luxurious Mascara #1 High Density Black




for lips:

new Fard à Lèvres Rouge Pur Lipstick #150 Sublime Red

also available, a collector's Limited Edition Duo Lip Color Palette-- the case was inspired by the YSL lugguage tag-- fabulous!-- and comes with a lipstick and a gloss.




as if that weren't enough, check out the Limited Edition Mini Touche Blush-- absolutely adorable and a must-have for getting your holiday shimmer on.


visit yslbeautyus.com for more info on what's new in makeup and skincare for Holiday 2009!

xo

nail color of the week: Sapphire in the Snow

this week's nail color comes from OPI's Holiday Wishes Collection. Sapphire in the Snow is a fabulous deep purple that leans so much toward blue, it doesn't quite photograph the way it looks in person (the pic was taken with a flash). it's a great color worth adding to your polish collection. :)

xo
pic taken by me :)

Holiday 2009: Nars

to wrap up the year that is the 15th anniversary of the brand, Nars has created a fabulous collection for Holiday '09. in it you will find shades that are deep and bold with festive shimmer-- ideal for creating a sophisticated and sultry look.

"for the holidays, i think it's a great time to feel beautiful and sexy...with a little bit of movie star attitude," says Francois Nars, founder and creative director of Nars Cosmetics.




Soft Touch Shadow Pencil

a new addition to the Nars product line that is sure to be a favorite for the season. this pencil offers a convenient delivery system and multi-purpose formula, is available in three playful shades-- Goddess, cool, divinely ethereal, glistening pink champagne. Aigle Noir -- a smoky, bold black infused with gold shimmer named for the dark, noble raptor that soars the Himalayas – graceful and rare. Skorpios--an irresistibly iridescent copper named for the alluring Greek isle of the famous and flamboyant.




Duo Eyeshadow

Brousse– deep, subtly shimmering hues of eggplant and the darkest wood create an earthy, yet sophisticated palette.

Eurydice– bordeaux with hints of iridescent blues and coal rich with metallic greens make for a modern holiday pairing.

Taiga– a surprising contrast of bright, yet intense hues in the sheerest of textures.



Mousson Cream Eyeshadow

a shimmering, spicy pine cream eyeshadow named for the monsoon – natural and unpredictable.





Rouge Andalou Nail Polish

long-lasting and lustrous, like its namesake region-- this classic, incandescent candy apple red nail hue is sultry, sexy and steeped in tradition.

Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

Pop Life– coat lips instantly with this bold, bright and modernly matte holly red hue that slips on with a velvety texture.

Toundra– richly pigmented, this barolo wine shade is creamy, long-lasting and matte for strong, seamless color.





Luxor Multiple

an iridescent pink to be used on eyes, cheeks, lips and body for dynamic highlights and a perfect, glowing complexion.


the Holiday 2009 collection is currently available at narscosmetics.com.

so what do you think? will you be running to your Nars counter to check it out?? let me know in the comments...

xo
images and info courtesy of Nars