NEW! BOBBI BROWN SCOTCH ON THE ROCKS 2014 HOLIDAY COLLECTION

Warm, glowing skin. Rich, sultry eyes. Statement lips. Bobbi's Scotch on the Rocks Collection is a gorgeous combination of sexy, strong and confident. Featuring a luxurious eye palette, a range of party-ready lip colors and glosses, and other Limited Edition products to get you through the holiday season in high style.

This gorgeous collection has a little something for everyone no matter your income. Pieces from this collection will range from $75 for the eyeshadow palette to $15 for a nail polish. The entire collection is available on Macys.com and they offer free shipping for orders $50 and over. Also don't forget to use Ebates to earn an additional 3% back from your purchase as well.

CHANEL HOLIDAY 2014 PLUMES PRECIEUSES DE CHANEL COLLECTION

Every year I'm always excited to see what new products Chanel will be releasing for the holidays. This year the two "Must Have" items are the highlight powder, Camelia De Plumes, and the eyeshadow palette, Oiseaux De Nuit. Both are gorgeous and are sure to be favorites among Chanel fans. The entire collection is slated to be available starting November 2nd but we all know that many of the pieces from this collection will start showing up at counters as early as Mid October. Currently several pieces, namely the highlight powder, the eyeshadow palette, and both lipsticks are already available at Bloomingdales.com

(I will update the post when more information becomes available).  

CAMÉLIA DE PLUMES HIGHLIGHTING POWDER - $77.00 USD

Illuminate cheekbones, eyelids or décolleté with a translucent veil of silver and gold. Inspired by Gabrielle Chanel’s original Fine Jewelry creations, this precious, limited-edition accessory is embossed with a feather motif in the shape of a camellia.

LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW SHEER COLOUR SPF 15 - $57.50 USD

With an effortless touch, this innovative, versatile powder makeup enhances, brightens or bronzes the complexion for a custom glow. On its own, it heightens skin's natural beauty; over foundation, it provides a sheer, luminous finish.

Advanced technology protects against skin-dulling environmental stressors, while White Rose and Cotton Flower offer absolute comfort for even the most sensitive complexions. In seven no-fail shades; each, with its own sculpted half-moon brush.

N°30 - sandy beige (repromote)

JOUES CONTRASTE POWDER BLUSH - $45.00 USD

180 CARESSE - shimmering peach (limited edition)

LES 5 OMBRES DE CHANEL - $80.00 USD

A dazzling, limited-edition palette of antique gold, luminous silver, rich greys and black adorns eyes with sophisticated elegance. Inspired by Gabrielle Chanel’s original Fine Jewelry collection, this stunning colour range illuminates the eyes with softness and grace.

OISEAUX DE NUIT - luminous white, soft grey, lavender grey, black, antique gold (limited edition)

ILUSION D'OMBRE LONG WEAR LUMINOUS EYESHADOW - $36.00 USD

847 ENVOL - shimmering peach (limited edition)

STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF LONG-LASTING EYELINER - $32.00 USD

987 OR BLANC - white gold (limited edition)

INIMITABLE INTENSE MULTI-DIMENSIONAL MASCARA - $30.00 USD

10 NOIR - black (repromote)

ROUGE ALLURE LUMINOUS INTENSE LIP COLOUR - $35.00 USD

227 VOLAGE - peach rose (limited edition)

ROUGE ALLURE VELVET LUMINOUS MATTE LIP COLOUR - $35.00 USD

337 LA FLAMBOYANTE - bright orange red (repromote)

LE VERNIS NAIL COLOUR - $27.00 USD

687 PHENIX - bright orange red (limited edition)

18 VAMP - black red (repromote)

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL! May your day be filled with joy, laughter, happiness and many blessings. Take the time to let someone know just how special they are to you. Whether it is a loved one, a coworker, or your next door neighbor - share the gift of love with them.

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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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)

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

837 FATAL CHANEL ILLUSION D'OMBRE LONG WEAR LUMINOUS EYESHADOW - limited edition

Around the end of September, the Chanel 2013 holiday collection (check out the link below for more information) started arriving at major department store counters. One of the items I purchased from the collection was 837 FATAL. This limited edition cream eyeshadow currently retails for $36.00 USD and it contains .14 oz of product. There were two Illusion D'Ombre long wearing luminous eyeshadows released with the collection, the other was 827 Initiation, so be sure to check out the link below for my review of it.

Chanel describes 837 FATAL as a silver purple however when swatched and applied it is a beautiful shimmery cranberry with slight hints of brown and purple. The shimmer effect translates more as a metallic frost finish rather than sparkle or glitter which I am really happy about. The texture of the eyeshadow is creamy and smooth. It does apply rather sheer but this will allow you to build up the intensity of the color. When worn without a base the eyeshadow lasted six hours with slight creasing and some fading. When I wore a base underneath I experienced a longer wear time of at least ten hours and minimal fading or creasing.

Read about the Chanel 2013 Holiday collection here: HOLIDAY 2013 COLLECTION NUIT INFINIE DE CHANEL

Read about the other illusion D'ombre eyeshadow here: 827 INITIATION CHANEL ILLUSION D'OMBRE LONG WEAR LUMINOUS EYESHADOW

CRAZY PEARLS GUERLAIN METEORITES ILLUMINATING POWDER

Guerlain celebrates the holidays with its Crazy Paris collection, full of bright, vibrant shades for your eyes, lips, face and nails. Meteorites pearls illuminating powder gives you a more luminous, even skin tone with one simple sweep of your brush. The limited-edition color combination for the Crazy Paris collection features a blend of beige, pink, white and gold so you can achieve that perfect radiant glow.

GUERLAIN CRAZY PEARLS METEORITES (CHAMPS ELYSEES METEORITES) is a limited edition illuminating powder. It is part of the 2013 Guerlain holiday (CRAZY PARIS) collection and currently retails at $58.00 USD for 1.05 oz of product. The pearls are a mixture of pink, white, purple, gold, and beige colors that once blended give a nice healthy pinkish glow to the skin.

I love Guerlain products, especially the meteorites, and these live up to all the hype. The color payoff is exceptional and the lasting power was a solid six hours with slight fading after seven to eight hours. The Crazy Pearls are rather cool toned so those with darker complexions might experience a somewhat ashy look depending on how well it is applied and/or blended in. Also, the pink meteorites seem to overwhelm the overall color mixture making this more suitable as a blush but with a really light hand it could still be worn as an all-over the face product. The powder texture of the meteorites is somewhat chalky which tends to be a bit messy and it will enhance the pores ever so slightly if not blended in properly. However, once blended in it gives the skin a beautiful and healthy glow. So even though it does take some work (trial and error) to get the optimum results with the Crazy Pearls meteorites it is totally worth it. 

I am so glad I purchased them ♥

Suggested Usage:
-Swipe beige and rosy beige to even out the skin, mauve to refresh, white to light up, gold to illuminate and pink for a healthy glow.

-Pink is accentuated to revive tired complexions and deliver an uplifting energy boost.