SEPHORA 2013 MERRY CRAZY EXCLUSIVE VIB REWARD CARD

VERY IMPORTANT BEAUTY INSIDERS (VIBs) start checking your postal box for Sephora's MERRY CRAZY EXCLUSIVE REWARD CARD. The $20 VIB reward card is Sephora's way of saying "Thanks!" for being such a valuable part of the VIB program.

The reward card can be redeemed one-time starting Wednesday, Dec. 4th and is good until Monday, Dec. 16th, 2013. The $20 reward card can be used online at Sephora.com or in-store but there is a $50 minimum purchase that is required and you must have qualified for VIB status as of October 1st, 2013. 

#ShopOn

"GIVENCHY LE ROUGE LIPSTICK OF THE MONTH CLUB" GIVEAWAY SWEEPSTAKES

OMG, YES - I do want to win!

Do YOU want a chance to win a year's worth of lipstick? Then enter HERE to win a set of Givenchy Beauty's sleek, leather-encased Le Rouge lipsticks.

Ten entrants will be chosen.

The official sponsor of the "Givenchy Lipstick of The Month Club" giveaway sweepstakes is Into The Gloss.

For the official rules and disclosures click here.

SOLD OUT! - ALLURE WINTER HOLIDAY BEAUTY BOX

Now Available: The Allure Winter Beauty Box --> Click here to purchase the Allure Beauty Box or copy the link below into your web browser: 

https://www.allurebbfulfillment.com/anov13tg/

Below is a list of all the wonderful items you will receive with the purchase of the Beauty Box:

ALMAY COLOR + CARE™ Liquid Lip Balm**

Combining the lip-conditioning care of a balm with the shiny color of a gloss, NEW ALMAY COLOR + CARE™ Liquid Lip Balm drenches lips with 2X hydration.***
almay.com

AVEENO® Daily Moisturizing Lotion

This dermatologist-recommended, naturally nourishing lotion absorbs quickly and is clinically proven to moisturize your skin for a full 24 hours.
aveeno.com

CETAPHIL® Moisturizing Cream

This non-greasy, dermatologist-recommended cream is excellent for anywhere that requires intensive moisturizing.
cetaphil.com

E.L.F. Studio Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder

Create a healthy glow with the e.l.f. Studio Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder for just $3. Available at eyeslipsface.com.
eyeslipsface.com

FIRST AID BEAUTY® Ultra Repair® Cream

Banish dry skin, even eczema. First Aid Beauty® Ultra Repair® Cream instantly improves hydration and delivers long-lasting moisture from head to toe.
sephora.com

JULEP Vixen Polish Duo

We believe beauty is about connection, not competition. Julep Maven creates 10 new runway-inspired nail colors and two socially innovative beauty products each month.
julep.com

L’ORÉAL PARIS® Extraordinaire by Colour Riche®**

The new vision of liquid lipcolor for the most perfect lips. Richer color. Smoother lip surface. Magnified shine.
lorealparis.com

NEUTROGENA® Crease Proof Eye Shadow

An antioxidant-rich formula with light-reflecting pearls to instantly brighten eyes, while a built-in primer prevents creasing, fading, and smudging.
neutrogena.com

NEUTROGENA® Healthy Skin Primer

A lightweight formula with natural soy and optical modifiers to help even the look of skin for eight hours, with or without makeup.
neutrogena.com

NEUTROGENA® Pore Refining® Daily Cleanser

An alpha and beta hydroxy formula clinically proven to visibly smooth over uneven patches and tighten pores.
neutrogena.com

NOT YOUR MOTHER'S® Knotty to Nice™ Conditioning Detangler

Infused with keratin protein, Knotty to Nice™ moisturizes your hair and separates tangles with ease.
nymbrands.com

NYX Love in Paris Eye Shadow Palette**

Highlight your eyes' seductive glimmer with these brilliant, high-fashion palettes, featuring nine richly pigmented shades and a dual-ended applicator for easy, on-the-go touch-ups.
nyxcosmetics.com

ONE 'N ONLY® Brazilian Tech™ Keratin De-Frizz Wand

Smooth untamed flyaways in an instant! Unique, convenient wand adds shine and keeps your hairstyle polished wherever you go.
one-n-only.com

RED CARPET MANICURE Youth Crème

Professional salon-strength Youth Crème instantly delivers non-greasy hydration to even the driest of hands, nails, and cuticles.
ulta.com

RIMMEL Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner

This ultra-smooth and creamy pencil glides on easily with instant color impact. Smudge-proof, waterproof, sweat-proof, heat-proof, humidity-proof and...scandal-proof
rimmellondon.com

RUSK® Deepshine® Color Care Invisible Dry Shampoo

This dry shampoo instantly absorbs excess oil and odor, leaving a fresh, clean scent with no white residue. facebook.com/ruskhaircare
@ruskhaircare

RUSK® Deepshine® Color Care Lock-In Treatment

Offering maximum color protection from fade-out, this treatment helps extend the time between coloring. facebook.com/ruskhaircare
@ruskhaircare

SALLY HANSEN® Airbrush Legs® Liquid Makeup

This lightweight leg makeup gives you flawless-looking, irresistible, sexy legs in an instant! Now in trial size, ready for on-the-go beauty!
sallyhansen.com

SALLY HANSEN® Complete Salon Manicure™ Dry & Go Drops™

These fast-working drops dry any nail polish in 60 seconds! Grab a smooth, glossy mani without the wait!
sallyhansen.com

SALLY HANSEN® Insta-Dri® Anti-Chip Top Coat

Top it off with Insta-Dri Top Coat and give your mani no-chip shine that lasts up to 10 days!
sallyhansen.com

SALLY HANSEN® Triple Shine™ Nail Color**

Get ready for the shiniest nails ever! Water to workout, day in and day out, nothing will dull these nails.
sallyhansen.com

SATION On Cloud Wine

Miss Professional Nail offers seasonal and limited nail-lacquer color collections as well as professional-grade nail-care products.
misspn.com

SMILE SCIENCES Teeth Whitening Pen

Get up to 10 shades whiter with zero sensitivity with this made-in-the-USA, FDA-registered whitening pen.
smilesciences.com

ZOYA PixieDust Nail Polish in Tomoko

This unique, gorgeously textured, sparkling champagne-silver matte polish requires no base or topcoat. Big5Free** formula.
zoya.com

PINK PRISM LAURA MERCIER BRILLIANT GLACÉ - SWATCHES AND REVIEW

PINK PRISM BRILLIANT GLACÉ is part of the LAURA MERCIER White Magic collection. There are a total of three glosses with this collection: Pink Prism, Rose Prism, and Nude Prism. They each retail for $24.00 USD and contain .22 fl oz. of product.

Fortunately for me the Laura Mercier collection had just arrived at department store counters here in Charlotte at the SouthPark mall. So I was able to purchase the gloss while they still had plenty of stock on hand. As you can see from the pictures below the gloss provides a high quality shine and has an almost yellow gold iridescent pearl finish. The shimmery golden pink gloss was opaque with just one application and it didn't bleed or feather on my lips. However, after application the gloss did feel a little heavy but the gel-like texture soon absorbed into my lips leaving behind a beautiful pink color. Now while it didn't dry out my lips, it did feel a little "drying" and not as moist as you would expect from a gloss but there wasn't any tackiness or sticky residue. Overall this gloss is a really nice "splurge" for the upcoming holidays and I can see counters selling out of it rather quickly.

Brilliant Glacé is a sheer lip gloss with translucent colour and brilliant prismatic shine. Non-sticky formula feels lightweight and comfortable on lips.

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ALLURE WINTER HOLIDAY BEAUTY BOX - Nov 19th @ 12:01PM EST (IMPORTANT / HELPFUL TIPS)

GET READY! On November 19th at 12:01PM EST the ALLURE WINTER HOLIDAY BEAUTY BOX will go on sale!

You will receive over $300 worth of "WINTER HOLIDAY ESSENTIAL" beauty products for the low cost of only $39.99 with an additional $10 for shipping and handling. The total cost is $49.99 plus tax. Typically $5 of the purchase price goes towards a charity of their choosing. This year it is the "I AM THAT GIRL" foundation - "A global community, a support system, and a movement of girls (8-108) turning self-doubt into self-love". You can read more about the charity here.

I've always purchased the beauty boxes in the past (check out the 2012 Fall box here and here) and I am always surprised by all the great products included in them. Check out the 2013 Summer Beauty Box here. Check out their 2013 Fall beauty box here. There is always something for everyone in them and there is plenty to share with others too.

*** PLEASE NOTE ***

Important / Helpful Tips
1. If you want to be alerted for when they go on sale again you can sign up to be a beauty enthusiast here. There is no cost to be a member and there are a lot of great opportunities to receive free samples or deals on many new and old beauty products. I would recommend signing up now so the day of the event all you will have to do is log-in and wait for the link to become active.

2. The link when it becomes active will be an image similar to the above pic. You must click on the image and it will take you to the order form. Fill out the order form as quickly as possible and be sure to have your credit card ready as well.

3. In the past people have experienced dead links, or unable to load page, or any other issue with the Beauty Box link that Allure posted on their Allure.com webpage then please use this link: AllureAccess.com. It is a direct link that allows you to purchase the Beauty Boxes or any other products, contests, etc. that are sponsored by Allure.

4. I'm not sure if this is true for all but according to others who commented on Allure's Facebook page in the past if you used a web browser other than Firefox you may experience difficulties accessing the site. Personally I have always been able to access it just fine but then again I use Firefox as my web browser.

I'll be sure to update this post with the direct link for the 2013 Allure Winter Holiday Beauty Box once it has become active. The link for the beauty boxes will be active until all quantities have been sold. So when the sale first starts you may experience some slow down with the web page but it quickly passes. However, if the link quits working or fails to load then you know the beauty boxes are sold out. In the past it has taken 24-48 hours to sell out but the Summer Beauty Box took less than 10 minute and the Fall Beauty Box sold out in less than five. So you might want to jump on this ASAP.

RESCUE BEAUTY LOUNGE 50% OFF SALE! #IWantMyRBLHaul50off

In my inbox today, I received the following notice about RESCUE BEAUTY LOUNGE having a five hour 50% off sale starting Sunday, November 17th at 12PM EST. The sale will last until 5PM or until everything is sold out - whichever comes first! The sale DOES NOT include non-nail polish items, the Bloggers Collection 2.0 nor does it include the Fan Collection 2.0 either (Read the full disclosures below).

Now, knowing how amazing these polishes are, I am sure this is one sale event you do not want to miss. So far I have six polishes on my lemming (must have) list and plenty more that I am seriously considering. So dish! What polishes are you planning on getting during the sale event?!?

DISCLOSURES:

#IWantMyRBLHaul50off

This is a public event no code necessary.
No free shipping see below for updated details. Non-nail polish items, The Bloggers’ Collection 2.0, and The Fan Collection 2.0 are not included, but they can be ordered along with sale items to be shipped together. Your shipping date will not match the date in your e-mail notification. Many hugs in advance for the expected technical meltdowns—even though we’ve geared up bazillions of gigabytes of server space, this is always a possibility—and lastly, this might be a very long packing party.

DOMESTIC SHIPPING RATE:

1-12 BOTTLES $5.50

13-20 BOTTLES $12.50

21-37 BOTTLES $20.50

FREE SHIPPING FOR ALL ORDERS OVER $200 (remember some items are $18.00)

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING RATE:

1-12 BOTTLES $13.50

13-20 BOTTLES $25.50

21-28 BOTTLES $35.50

29-37 BOTTLES $45.50

FREE SHIPPING FOR ALL ORDERS OVER $300 (remember some items are $18.00)

LUCCIOLE RESCUE BEAUTY LOUNGE NAIL POLISH - REVIEWS AND SWATCHES

LUCCIOLE is a very unique color - it is a deep metallic purple with copper sparkles. It is part of the RBL Fan Collection 2.0 and there are a total of six nail polishes that are available. The nail polishes retail for $20.00 USD and they contain .4 oz. of product. Just like the other two polishes (see links below) the brush applicator is small but it does not hinder the application process. I actually prefer the smaller brush applicator because it seemed as if I had more control over the brush and how the polish was applied. I didn't experience any streaks or imperfections and with two coats the polish was opaque. The wear time for this polish was the best out of the three that I had purchased. I didn't experience any chips or peeling and after a week the polish still looked fresh.

The polishes can be purchased here: RESCUE BEAUTY LOUNGE

Check out the other two polishes here:

RÉVELLION RESCUE BEAUTY LOUNGE NAIL POLISH - REVIEW AND SWATCHES

COQUETTE RESCUE BEAUTY LOUNGE NAIL POLISH - REVIEW AND SWATCHES

RÉVELLION RESCUE BEAUTY LOUNGE NAIL POLISH - REVIEW AND SWATCHES

RÉVELLION nail polish is a pale icy blue with pink pearlescence and silver sparkle. It is part of the RBL Fan Collection 2.0 and it was released with five other polishes. The brush applicator is rather small but it allowed for an even application and it picked up just enough polish to make things manageable. The nail polish applied smoothly and I didn't experience any streaking. In the photos below I applied two coats but the color is nearly opaque with just one. Wear time for this polish was pretty awesome. I experienced minor chipping at the tips of my nails by the second day but overall wear time was a solid week and this was with no base coat or top coat.

The polish currently retails for $20.00 USD and it contains .4 oz of product.

COQUETTE RESCUE BEAUTY LOUNGE NAIL POLISH - REVIEW AND SWATCHES

COQUETTE is a semi-sheer warm pink polish with miniscule flecks of light reflecting sparkle. The polish was extremely easy to apply however it did take two coats of polish to achieve a nearly opaque look. Also, it has a gel-like consistency so it may take the polish longer to dry as well. Coquette is part of the RBL Fan Collection 2.0. There are a total of six polishes released with the collection and I purchased three of them: Coquette, Lucciole and Reveillon. They currently retail for $20 USD and they contain .4 oz of product.

HELPFUL TIPS / WISHLIST: 2013 SEPHORA 20% VIB HOLIDAY EVENT

HELPFUL TIPS:

The first day of any Sephora 20% VIB event is always crazy; especially when it is around the holidays. Folks stock up on their everyday staples while others start shopping for gifts. Whichever category you fall under there is always a sense of urgency with these types of sales. If you are contemplating a gift set for a special someone my best advice is to buy now and return later. YES, I'm serious.

The really cute and affordable gift sets ($30.00 or less) are the first to sell out quickly (typically within the first 24 hours). Next are the mid-range sets (over $30.00 but less than $55) these include fragrance sets as well. Those will be the next to go. Finally, the higher end sets usually sell out by the end of the event. Typically to those who procrastinated and now don't want to get caught around the holidays without a gift for someone.

So if you are undecided, just buy it - you can regret it later! Keep in mind Sephora does have an excellent return policy if you do need to return anything.

WISHLIST:

1. MAKEUP BRUSHES: On my Sephora wishlist I have several different brands of makeup brushes that I would like to try out - think Sephora Prestige Sets, Marc Jacobs, MUFE, etc. 
2. PERFUME: I love the fragrance samplers! These gifts sets are a great way to try out a variety of fragrances without spending a fortune for just one tiny bottle.
3. LIPGLOSSES: I don't have a particular brand in mind but I typically purchase from a brand that I have never used before. If I end up liking the brand / formula then I will add it to my Christmas list.
4. GIFT SETS: YEP, I'm a sucker for those bundled gift sets. Especially the sets with a variety of makeup / skincare products - those are AWESOME. I can try a multitude of items without breaking my wallet! Then if I fall in love with something I can always purchase a full size later.
5. SALE ITEMS: This year in September I qualified for VIB Rouge status so trying to spend $50 for free shipping doesn't apply now. However, in year's past, I would peruse the sale items ($15.00 or less) to try and boost my total purchases over the $50 free shipping threshold. Surprisingly you can find some really great items!   

So, tell me what do you have on your wishlist for the Sephora VIB Event? Any "MUST HAVE" items?

Starting TODAY, Thursday, November 7th through Monday, November 11th, Sephora is hosting a 20% VIB HOLIDAY EVENT for all VIB (Very Important Beauty Insider) members. This will be a five day 20% off online and in store celebration and all you do is simply enter the code: VIBTOPIA at checkout when shopping online. For in store purchases just simply present your voucher or a printout of the e-mail from Sephora at the register during checkout.

**Some Sephora stores will allow the use of smartphones to display the barcode in lieu of the paper printout.

SEPHORA DISCLOSURES

* 20% off promotion valid for Sephora VIB's on November 7-11, 2013 11:59pm PST. To redeem online: Use promo code VIBTOPIA when prompted at checkout. To redeem in stores: Present this voucher at the register. VIB friend offer is only valid on a single purchase and is limited to one friend per VIB. To redeem in stores: VIB friend must be with a registered VIB. To redeem online: VIB friend will be sent a unique, one-time use promo code. Offers not valid on previous purchases, or purchases of eGift certificates or of gift cards. Valid in Sephora stores and online. May not be combined with any other offers, be sold or otherwise transferred. Coupon has no cash value and may not be altered. These offers are subject to change, alteration or termination by Sephora in its sole discretion at any time. Cannot be combined with employee offers or discounts. Learn more about the VIB program at any Sephora store or online at Sephora.com/VIB.

** Free Sephora Limited-Edition Tote (15"x12"x4.5") valid in stores or online with any merchandise purchase while supplies last. Must be a VIB to redeem.
Not valid on previous purchases or purchases of gift cards. May not be combined with any other offers or employee discounts. Coupon has no cash value and may not be altered. This offer is subject to change, alteration, or termination by Sephora in its sole discretion at any time.

† Online and in stores. While Supplies last. Quantities of each reward are limited, sample substitutions may occur. Offers are valid with 100 Beauty Insider points or 250 Beauty Insider points in stores and online with a purchase. Non-transferable. Must be a registered Beauty Insider to redeem offer. No returns or exchanges.

CHARMING OMBRES MATELASSÉES DE CHANEL EYESHADOW PALETTE - REVIEW AND SWATCHES

The highly anticipated CHANEL OMBRES MATELASSÉES DE CHANEL CHARMING EYESHADOW PALETTE started hitting counters last Monday. I managed to purchase mine on Thursday of that same week. The palette is from the Chanel Holiday collection and was released in the second wave of products. It currently retails for $80.00 USD and contains .32 oz of product. Check out my links below to read more about the whole collection or some of the individual pieces.

Check out the entire holiday collection here: HOLIDAY 2013 COLLECTION NUIT INFINIE DE CHANEL

Check out my review of some of the individual products from the holiday collection here:

837 FATAL CHANEL ILLUSION D'OMBRE LONG WEAR LUMINOUS EYESHADOW

827 INITIATION CHANEL ILLUSION D'OMBRE LONG WEAR LUMINOUS EYESHADOW

84 ACCENT CHANEL JOUES CONTRASTE POWDER BLUSH

87 ÉMOTION CHANEL JOUES CONTRASTE POWDER BLUSH

The Chanel Charming palette is a nice mixture of finely milled eyeshadows with a variety of finishes. It can be worn alone or paired with the Chanel Illusion D'Ombre eyeshadows. While $80 is a hefty price to pay for this palette I definitely think this is the "Must Have" palette for the holidays. The diversity of the eyeshadow colors and finishes make this very versatile for all skin tones / complexions. There is something for all - from a work appropriate look to a dark and sultry smokey eye.

From right to left:

1. There is the dark smoke-y grey purple with a matte finish. The matte texture felt somewhat chalky but it did apply beautifully. I wore this color two different ways: alone and applied over Chanel Illusion D'Ombre 83 Illusoire. I posted swatch pics below for comparison. *(This eyeshadow is one of my favs from this palette).

The top swatch is just the eyeshadow, the middle swatch is both 83 Illusoire and the eyeshadow applied on top, and then the bottom swatch is 83 Illusoire by itself.

2. Next is the dark brown - the matte texture was soft and smooth. It applied easily and I didn't experience any fallout. This eyeshadow seemed to be the most versatile and complimentary to all skin tones. *(This is my second fav from the palette).

3. Next is the shimmery bronze gold - the shimmery eyeshadow almost seemed like a frost but I think it leans more as a shimmer. It contained miniscule flecks of sparkle but it was quite subtle and the majority of the sparkle seemed to blend in with the eyeshadow.

4. Next is a matte medium tan - the matte eyeshadow texture was extremely soft and I experienced no fallout with this shade. In the pan this seemed like it would lean more brown but it swatched with more of a peach undertone.

5. The last one is a warm vanilla beige - the warm satin finish applied nicely but I did experience significant fallout during application and in the palette as well. It is a nice eyeshadow to use as a brow bone highlight color but as a base color I wouldn't advise it due to the overly powdery texture. If worn as an all-over color, the eyeshadow can be applied over Chanel Illusion D'Ombre 90 Convoitise to counteract some of the powdery-ness. I posted swatch pics below for comparison.

The top swatch is just the eyeshadow, the middle swatch is both 90 Convoitise and the eyeshadow applied on top, and then the bottom swatch is 90 Convoitise by itself.

This limited-edition eyeshadow unveils a seductive shade spectrum for the season’s most striking eye looks. From soft beige to rich purple, matte and pearlized shadows create glamorous effects and offer endless opportunities for custom-blending. The emblematic quilted motif of Chanel embosses the silky shadows for an added touch of elegance. Part of the COLLECTION NUIT INFINIE DE CHANEL.

87 EMOTION CHANEL JOUES CONTRASTE POWDER BLUSH - NEW

If you checked out my earlier post about the Chanel 2013 Holiday collection (see the link below) I made mention there would be two waves (releases) of products hitting counters. The first wave launched around October 15th and it contained the majority of the holiday products. The second wave launched earlier this week and it contained the coveted eyeshadow palette, Charming (I will have a review of it posted shortly). In addition to the eyeshadow palette, Chanel also launched another Joues Contraste blush in 87 ÉMOTION.

It is a beautiful matte pink blush with a hint of mauve. The texture of the blush is soft and smooth - there was no chalkiness. The application process was effortless and the pigmentation was excellent as well. The staying power was beyond amazing! The blush lasted all day (10-12 hours) with minimal fading.

87 EMOTION is one of the best blushes that Chanel has ever released. So if you are looking for a matte Chanel blush then this is it. There is no shimmer, glitter, sparkle or anything remotely similar - it's a truly matte blush. I was so impressed with this blush that I went back the next day and bought another one. It is definitely a blush to add to the "MUST HAVE" list. I would even go so far as to say it could attain holy grail status in my blush collection.

It currently retails for $43.00 USD and it contains .21 oz. of product.

Check out the entire holiday collection here: HOLIDAY 2013 COLLECTION NUIT INFINIE DE CHANEL

Check out my review of some of the individual products from the holiday collection here:

837 FATAL CHANEL ILLUSION D'OMBRE LONG WEAR LUMINOUS EYESHADOW

827 INITIATION CHANEL ILLUSION D'OMBRE LONG WEAR LUMINOUS EYESHADOW

84 ACCENT CHANEL JOUES CONTRASTE POWDER BLUSH