A WORK OF ART LAURA MERCIER COLOUR COLLECTION (LIMITED EDITION) - NEW

Collect Laura's exclusive work of art filled with Paint Wash Liquid Lip Colours and Eye and Cheek Colours all tucked into a black lacquered keepsake box.

Laura brings her artistic eye to this exclusive work of art filled with 5 fabulous Paint Wash Liquid Lip Colours, 6 Eye Colours and 3 Cheek Colours tucked into a lacquered keepsake box. The best part, there are 2 empty go-anywhere compacts that you can customize and take with you! Just pop, lock and go!

Retails: $285.00 USD

The set includes 5 Paint Wash Liquid Lip Colours in Golden Peach, Petal Pink, Coral Reef, Orchid Pink and Red Brick. The custom compact contains 6 Eye Colours in Stellar, Cognac, Ginger, Morning Dew, African Violet and Kir Royal. Plus 3 Cheek Colours in Lotus Pink, Orange Blossom and Lush Nectarine.

Availability: Neiman Marcus

NORDSTROM BUY 2 GET 1 FREE MASCARA MADNESS - NOV 8TH 2014 / PRE-ORDER NOW!

Nordstrom is already taking pre-orders for their HUGE Mascara Madness event. 

Nordstrom already hosted the event in May and now they are offering it again this coming Saturday, November 8th. This one day only event will be held all day and most Nordstrom stores will accept pre-orders up until Friday, Nov 7th.

For those who are unfamiliar with this event - Nordstrom allows shoppers to purchase (in store and online) two mascaras and then receive a third mascara for free. Last May there were no limits on the number of mascaras pre-ordered (I pre-ordered 9 of the Guerlain Maxi Lash mascaras) and you were able to purchase from across multiple brands. Just remember the lowest priced mascara will be the freebie so keep that in mind while shopping.

When you pre-order for the promotion you are guaranteed your mascaras and you will not be billed for them until a day or two before the event. If you decide to wait and make a purchase on the day of the event then quantities will be limited and your favorite brand might already be sold out. The same applies for making a purchase online as well. Additionally, online purchases will only apply to select brands while in-store and pre-orders will apply to all cosmetic brands.

So don’t miss out on this exclusive Nordstrom opportunity! Hurry in and get your pre-order before your favorite brand is sold out!

There are some exclusions - the B2G1 free promotion does not apply to lash primer or enhancing products (i.e. lash plumping serum). **Please note** All information listed in this post (including the exclusions) are subject to change. I will be sure to update this post immediately should that occur.

Last May, several readers had questions about the event so I'm posting those here:

a reader asked how do they pre-order - 

To pre-order one can visit their local Nordstrom department store and pre-order from any cosmetic counter. If you don't have a Nordstrom store nearby you can call the closest one and they will let you pre-order over the phone. Then they will mail out the mascaras to you. Or if either option is not feasible then you can order online from the Nordstrom website the day of the event. Keep in mind though the more popular mascaras will sell out quickly the day of the event so don't wait!!!

a reader asked for mascara recommendations - 

It all really depends on what kind of eyelashes that you have and personal preference. When choosing a mascara it all depends on several things - how wiry (hard) or thin (soft) your lashes are, do you want volume (making them look longer) or fullness (making them look thicker) and the last thing to consider is how far apart are your lashes spaced. Are they clumped together with little to no space between them or are they kind of sparse and spaced far apart. Lancôme HYPNÔSE DRAMA is a good mascara that doesn't flake, smudge or smear but it applies wet and over time dries out rather quickly. Chanel Le Volume (one of my favs) is another great mascara but it takes several swipes to get a good application onto the lashes. Guerlain Maxi Lash is great as well and I pre-ordered three of those. I do not like Benefit They're Real - it smudges, it flakes and I hate the wand. However others have had a great experience with it. Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill mascara is another good one too. My last pick would be Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume Lash Building Mascara which is another fav that I am currently using. I've tried Bobbi Brown's mascara but it makes my eyes itch so its a no go for me. Most of my favs are based on the fact that my lashes are super soft, medium length and spaced close together with no gaps. So I can recommend what works for me but I would suggest start collecting samples. Most high end department stores carry samples of their top mascara and that way you can try it before you spend a bunch of money on something that may not work for you.

a reader asked about picking up pre-orders - 

If a paid pre-order is not picked up the day of the event then the store holds the items for you. As a courtesy please call the store to let them know you will stop by later. Or upon request they will mail them to you if necessary. If pre-orders are not paid in advance then the store may not hold your items after the event ends UNLESS you call to make prior arrangements. Communication is a must!!

PINK GLOW LAURA MERCIER BONNE MINE STICK FACE COLOR - SWATCHES AND REVIEW

Laura Mercier Bonne Mine Stick Face color is a sheer but build-able stick blush. There are four shades to choose from: Pink Glow, Peach Glow, Coral Glow and Bronze Glow. Each currently retails for $32.00 USD and contains .4 oz of product. They are available for purchase at Nordstrom and Belk and are a part of the Sun-Kissed Healthy Glow collection which consists of a baked bronzer, a bronzer brush, and the four stick blushes.

The concept of a stick blush isn't new - we've seen Nars, Bobbi Brown, Maybelline, Josie Maran, NYX and many other brands who have previously launched a version quite similar to the Laura Mercier one. However, what makes the Laura Mercier stick face color blush so different from the other brands: the quality, the pigmentation and the matte finish. The Laura Mercier Bonne Mine Stick Face blushes will work for any skin type - dry, oily or normal it doesn't matter and they aren't just for the cheeks. They can be used anywhere a flush of color or a healthy glow is needed.

The creamy stick formula applies easily and blends into the skin leaving behind a beautiful flush of color with a matte finish. No more greasy patches on the cheeks or face and the stick blush has a wear time of eight hours before slightly fading. For best results apply the blush in light layers and blend into the skin. If a more intense look is desired then apply with a heavier hand and don't blend into the cheeks as much. 

Give your skin a boost with a radiant, healthy glow thanks to Bonne Mine Stick Face Color by Laura Mercier. The sheer, blendable formula gives you that no-makeup radiance with a natural, soft and sun-kissed look.

How to use: Apply to skin where a healthy glow is desired. Touch onto apples of cheeks then softly blend color up your cheekbones and toward temples until desired coverage is achieved.

TULIP LAURA MERCIER LIP GLACE - SWATCHES AND REVIEW

Laura Mercier recently launched thirteen new shades of her most popular lip gloss: Lip Glacé. The non-sticky formula glides on smooth for an even application all over the lips. It is a highly pigmented gloss that creates the appearance of fuller sexier lips with long lasting color and extreme shine. Lip Glacé is available in a variety of finishes: shine, sheen and shimmer and the coverage ranges from sheer, to medium to full coverage. They retail for $25.00 USD, contain .15 oz of product and can be found at most department stores and at Sephora.

I purchased TULIP which is a creamy blue based pink gloss. It didn't feel sticky just slightly heavy on the lips. It took only one application for complete coverage and it seemed to last about 4-5 hours wear time. Then it was just a few sparse areas on my lips that needed a smidge of a touch-up. Now even though I didn't notice any plumpness to my lips I was really impressed with the way the Lip Glaze wore. It didn't settle into my lips and it kept my lips really moisturized and the majority of its wear time the gloss stayed...well...glossy!

Here are the thirteen new shades:

• NEW Pink Pop
• NEW Bare Baby
• NEW Nectar
• NEW Poppy
• NEW Daiquiri
• NEW Wildflower
• NEW Azalea
• NEW Tulip
• NEW Orchid
• NEW Black Cherry
• NEW Garnet
• NEW Cosmic
• NEW Chocolate

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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BEST OF HAUTELOOK BEAUTY BAGS - ON SALE NOW

HauteLook has brought back their 2013 Summer Beauty bag and the Crown Brush beauty bag for a limited time. Both bags are on sale for only $10.00 ea. plus shipping and handling. If you spend over $100 then shipping is free. Click here so you can get yours too!

Happy Shopping!

HauteLook has brought you relief to your summer beauty woes. Packed with exclusive summer essentials, this beauty bag is a must-have for your everyday routine and convenient for your traveling needs.

- Set of 13
- For directions and ingredients, see "More Info"
- Imported

Bag includes:
- Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain - Forever Pink (sample size)
- Kate Somerville 360 Body Tanning Towelettes (15ml, Made in USA)
- Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 - Nude (14.7ml, Made in USA)
- Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer (5ml)
- Blow Pro Beach Blow Texturizing Mist (60ml, Made in USA)
- Supergoop CC Cream - Light/Medium (3ml, Made in USA)
- Ahava Firming Mineral Body Cream (40ml)
- Aveda Hand Relief Hand Moisturizer (40ml, Made in USA)
- Estee Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara - Black (6ml)
- Sole Goddess Blister Protection Foot Balm
- Emi-Jay Ponytail Holder (Made in USA)
- Xen Tan Face Tanner Luxe Daily Self-Tan - Medium/Dark or Xen Tan Deep Bronze Luxe Premium Sunless Tan (30ml, Made in USA) randomly selected
- Cosmetic Case (5" H x 6" W x 2" D)

HauteLook Crown Brush Beauty Bag:
- Set of 6
- For directions and ingredients, see "More Info"
- Made in USA

Beauty Bag Includes:
HauteLook White Cosmetic Case (7" H x 9.5" W x 1.5" D)

Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil with Built-In Sharpener
- Color: Black
- Size: 0.2 oz.

36 Color Eyeshadow Palette in Leopard Case
- 36 shimmer colors
- Size: 8.1 oz. (total)

Non-Latex Foam Wedge - Set of 12
- 12 pieces included
- Size: 0.7 oz. (each)

Disposable Kabuki Set - Set of 4
- 4 brushes included
- 2" length (each)
- Size: 1.3 oz. (each)

Professional Brush Set - Set of 12
- 12 pieces included
- Powder Brush (8" length)
- Blush Brush (7.5" length)
- Deluxe Fan Brush (8" length)
- Eye Shadow Brush (7.25" length)
- Shadow Blender Brush (7.5" length)
- Concealer Brush (7" length)
- Smudger Brush (7.25" length)
- Brow Brush (7" length)
- Lip Brush (7" length)
- Brow/Lash Groomer (7.5" length)
- Lash Brush (7.5" length)
- Liner Brush (7" length)
- Size: 5.8 oz. (total)

MYTH LAURA MERCIER ROUGE NOUVEAU LIPSTICK - SWATCHES AND REVIEW

Rouge Nouveau Weightless Lip Colour

Laura re-invents lipstick with this 100% wax-free lip colour that delivers pure, long-lasting breathable colour and comforts with lip-nourishing hydration. The light-as-air formula feels completely weightless on lips. The secret is a unique wax-free base that allows pigments to deliver true custom colour impact.

They are available here: Laura Mercier

Available in 15 colour-true shades and three unique finishes: Sheer for naturally stained lips, Matte for velvety lips, and Crème for luminous, creamy lips. Shade names begin with the same letter as their finish, so they are easy to remember (Coy is Crème, Moi is Matte and Shy is Sheer).

From this new collection I decided to purchase Myth, a matte lipstick. Myth is described as plum rose in color and retails at $24.00 for .06 oz. The lipstick applied smoothly and was light-weight on my lips. I noticed a slight settling into the lip lines but it was hardly noticeable. Normally, I don't wear a matte lip. I typically wear a lipgloss or a semi sheer lipstick so I am used to having to reapply my lip products throughout the day. However, with this lipstick it took some getting used too. It wore so well I didn't need to reapply and it seemed as though my lips were bare even though they weren't.

Overall this product performed better than what I expected especially for a matte lipstick. Total wear time was at least five to six hours before I noticed any fading of color.

LAURA MERCIER ROUGE NOUVEAU WEIGHTLESS LIP COLOUR - NOW AVAILABLE

Laura re-invents lipstick with this 100% wax-free lip colour that delivers pure, long-lasting breathable colour and comforts with lip-nourishing hydration. The light-as-air formula feels completely weightless on lips. The secret is a unique wax-free base that allows pigments to deliver true custom colour impact.

They are available here: Laura Mercier

Available in 15 colour-true shades and three unique finishes: Sheer for naturally stained lips, Matte for velvety lips, and Crème for luminous, creamy lips. Shade names begin with the same letter as their finish, so they are easy to remember (Moi is Matte and Shy is Sheer).

Rouge Nouveau Weightless Lip Colour - $24.00 USD

MUSE - brick red (matte)

MYTH - plum rose (matte)

SHY - baby pink (sheer)

SEXY - rose red (sheer)

SIN - plum (sheer)

STAR - pale brick red (sheer)

SILK - pink rose (sheer)

MOD - coral red (matte)

MOI - red (matte)

MINK - brick red (matte)

MALT - dirty rose (matte)

CAFE - rose nude (creme)

COY - pink nude (creme)

COZY - plum brown (creme)

CHIC - berry pink (creme)

• 100% wax-free formula feels completely weightless on lips

• Provides custom colour impact in multiple finishes: Sheer, Matte and Crème

• Comforts and conditions with lip-nourishing hydration

• Glides on for pure, long-lasting breathable colour

• Revolutionary colour-true formula with vibrant colour payoff

• Smooth texture applies evenly and provides an easy lay down of colours in one swipe

• Breathable thin film allows the formula to become one with the lips

• Comforts and conditions with lip-nourishing hydration and a non-drying formula

• Feels extremely comfortable on lips throughout the day

• Dermatologically and allergy tested

• Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive

• Size: 1.9 g/ 0.06 oz

STEALS & DEALS: SEPHORA VIB MEMBERS

5 FREE SAMPLES, A NEW VIB 500 PT. PERK plus VIB SHIPS FREE w/ code: VIBSHIP

JUST IN FROM SEPHORA:

FREE WITH ANY ORDER: HANDPICK YOUR GIFT BAG

Fill a bag with 5 samples of your choice. Grab your favorites - or find some new ones.* Ends August 28. Online only.

* Receive your free custom collection of samples packed in an airplane-friendly Sephora bag with your online merchandise order. Valid while supplies last, or until August 28, 2012 at 11:59 pm PDT. Not valid in retail stores, on previous purchases, or purchases of eGift certificates and gift cards. Offer not valid at Sephora inside jcpenney. Sephora reserves the right to end or change this promotion at any time. Only one of each sample can be added per order. Substitutions will be made for out-of-stock samples.

JUST IN FROM SEPHORA:

VIBS SHIP FOR FREE:

Enjoy free shipping on ALL online items until August 31. No minimum purchase required.

Enter code VIBSHIP at checkout.*

BEAUTY INSIDER REWARD

Congratulations, you have 500 points.

Online and In Stores: Reward yourself with Laura Mercier's Flawless Colour Kit - it's waiting for you at checkout.**

This 5-piece sample set includes:

- Volumizing Mascara in Black

- Top-rated Lip Glace in Sparkling

- Bestselling Baked Eye Colour in Black Karat

- Long-wearing Kohl Eye Pencil in Black Gold

- Foundation Primer in Radiance

* Offers valid only to Beauty Insiders who are qualified for VIB status at the time of qualifying purchase. Enter promotion code VIBSHIP from 8/27/2012-8/31/2012 to receive free standard shipping with your online merchandise purchase. Available to US clients only. Offer not valid with Canadian online orders, in retail stores, or at Sephora inside jcpenney. May not be sold or otherwise transferred. Cannot be used in conjunction with other promotion codes. Sephora employees are not eligible. These offers are subject to change, alteration, or termination by Sephora in its sole discretion at any time.

** Available online and in select stores. Offer not valid at Sephora inside jcpenney. While supplies last. Samples may vary.

SAVINGS ALERT: LAURA MERCIER

LAURA MERCIER SHOPPERS: 
ENJOY FREE SHIPPING NOW ON ALL ORDERS...

*Valid only on Lauramercier.com. Free standard shipping available June 17th - June 23rd, 2012 (11:59pm EST) on orders shipped to U.S. addresses only. Enter promo code: LM6FS12 at checkout. Samples are available while supplies last and are subject to change. Offers cannot be applied to previously placed orders.

Orders placed after 2pm ET will be shipped the next business day.

NOTD: LAURA MERCIER FLAMINGO NAIL LACQUER

Laura Mercier Nail Lacquer creates beautifully manicured nails with long-lasting, chip-resistant, protective color and high shine. The ultra-smooth pigment enhances any nails and a fast-drying element expedites the drying process.

LAURA MERCIER NAIL LACQUER in FLAMINGO is a beautiful creamy bright pink color with no shimmer that was first available in the Spring Tres Chic 2012 collection. To my knowledge, I believe this color is no longer available which is a shame. It is such a beautiful shade of pink that even though its considered a bright pink it can still be work appropriate. It is that versatile. Also this polish is very pigmented and is extremely long lasting. I can get about a week to two weeks normal wear time with no chipping.

When I first saw Flamingo it reminded me of the main character from the Legally Blonde movies, Elle Woods. Her signature color was pink and just about everything she wore was pink. If you haven't seen the movies then you really need to watch them. They are so funny and kinda corny but I love them! Anyway, this color is exactly what I would expect her to wear. I think it can best be described as a "Barbie Pink".

Laura Mercier nailpolishes currently retail at $18.00 for .35 oz.
Limited Edition. The ultra-smooth formula provides chip-resistant, fast-drying and long-lasting color. Nail Lacquer does not contain formaldehyde, toluene, or dibutyl phthalate (DBP).

GILT GROUPE: EXPLAINED & HOW YOU CAN JOIN

Gilt Groupe is an online shopping website that offers members instant access to exclusive designer labels. The merchandise, such as clothing, handbags, home furnishings, jewelry, food, travel, etc., is offered at up to 60% off retail. In 2009, FastCompany called it the "darling of luxury-obsessed bargain hunters." and you can definitely find some great bargains too! They were even featured on ABC's early morning TV show, Good Morning America; now how cool is that!

Here are some of the requirements / details for accessing the website:

• You must be a member to view the sales and to shop the website.
• All sales will be available only on www.gilt.com.
• There are no monthly fees, nor is there any cost for you to sign up and/or join either.
• New sales typically start at Noon EST, but have been offered as late as 9PM EST as well.
• The sales usually last either 24-36 hours or 36-48 hours.
• You will receive a preview e-mail announcing the start of the day's sales shortly before the sale starts.
• All orders are taken on a first come, first-served basis.
• In the event a popular item becomes unavailable, sometimes you are given the option to waitlist the item.

If you are still unsure, that is okay, because I was at first too. Now I am constantly buying from their website. These are just some of the items that I have personally purchased from the Gilt Groupe website:

kate spade sunglasses
Evan Square Frame

Havaianas  
Brazil Flip Flops (2 Pack)

 Havaianas  
Crystal Heart Flip Flops

Laura Mercier  
Colour Clutch Collection

Laura Mercier  
COLOUR WARDROBE

Kate Spade
York Street Noel Rue Tote

Heather Moore  
Stone Charm

Feel free to ask me any questions about my experiences with them. Just leave a comment below and I will try to answer them as quickly as possible. Also, let me know if you have purchased from them before and how was your experience and what did you buy? Happy shopping! ♥♥

SEPHORA 2011 FRIENDS & FAMILY HAUL / SHOPPING SPREE

This year there was a change in the way that Sephora offered their 2011 Sephora Friends and Family 20% discount. I'm not going to go into the details again, but you can read my earlier post here to find out exactly what happened.

Anyway, on to the good part...my Sephora haul!!!

Here are the items that I purchased in no particular order:

• Nars Blush - Oasis
• Nars Nail Polish - Bad Influence
• Fusion Beauty IllumiFill Line Filling Luminizer
• tokidoki compact mirror
• Laura Mercier Luxury sized Hydrating Foundation Primer
• Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel
• Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick - Rose Quartz
• Clinique Black Honey Shimmering tones powder
• Nars Danmari All About Cheeks palette

In addition to the above items, I really wanted some of the Bobbi Brown eyeshadows but I decided to hold off on those for now and mainly focus on building up my blush collection.

Upcoming: 
Chanel, and even more Chanel. Yep, I picked up some goodies from my local Chanel counter and I'm so excited to share it with you all! Also, I will be posting swatches / reviews of all the items listed above so check back ♥♥

SEPHORA 2011 FRIENDS & FAMILY: Wishlists and Survival Skills

So the word on Twitter is that Sephora is having their "Friends and Family Sale" starting Thursday, October 20th and it will last until November 2nd. Typically Sephora offers 20% off everything in store and on their website with little to no exclusions. If you've never shopped a Sephora Friends and Family sale before, then you really should keep reading...

Start by visiting your local Sephora store and make a list of the products that you know you want to buy. Then check the Sephora website for those web-only exclusives that might garner you a better deal than those found in the stores. Next, scour the web for reviews, swatches, videos, etc., for any of the products that you have on your list that you are wanting to try for the first time. It saves you time and heartache when you know ahead of time if the product is any good. But keep in mind that although it didn't work for one person someone else may have had more success with it.

Check to see if there are any combo sets or value sets that include any of the products that are on your list. This is a good way to try out a variety of products from the same brand without having to spend a lot of money. Another thing to remember is the more popular a product is, then it will likely sell out within the first day or so of the sale. So if there are any of those items on your list make sure that you purchase them immediately otherwise you might not get them.

Some of the items that I have on my wishlist include foundation primer, some nail polishes, a few makeup brushes, a couple of blushes, two highlight powders, and a couple of gift sets for my sisters. I might even try some Bobbi Brown products as well. I really like that brand but I find it to be a little more expensive than what I want to spend so this might be the perfect opportunity for me to pick up some of her products. One thing to keep in mind is that Sephora has an excellent return policy. So if you get caught up in the excitement and then later you have buyer's remorse, it is very easy to return the products to your local Sephora store.

GET YOUR SHOP ON... ♥♥♥