Is there anyone in your life that loves coffee as much as I do? Then this Coffee Bean Necklace would make a fantastic gift! They can proudly declare their caffeine addiction around their neck each day. The best part? There is a bracelet and earrings to match.
Necklace, $48 at UncommonGoods.com
I mentioned recently how I was loving the look of the new collection by Estee Lauder called Vintage Jewels. Now I have more photos, and they are just lovely. It is described as “decadent color collection of quiet blacks illuminated by hints of rich Amethyst, Sapphire and Emerald gemstone hues.
I love darker colors for the fall and winter, and these fit the bill perfectly. This is a photo of the Signature Eye Shadow Duos in Sapphire. Also available are Amethyst and Emerald. Complete the look with the limited edition Smoked Eye Pencil in Smoked Amethyst, Smoked Emerald, and Smoked Sapphire. The liners are made not only with pearls to give that true pearly effect, they also have moisturizing oils such as jojoba, vitamin E, and cottonseed so that they don’t tug at the delicate eye skin while lining.
The Shimmering Jewel Powder, seen above, is designed for those holiday occasions where you need just a t
ouch of shimmer. Not overpowering, just enough to add a glow. Wear it over makeup or on it’s own.
Also as part of the collection are two new shades of Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick in Black Cherry and Ruby. Can you tell the lipstick has a special cut bullet to match the gemstone look of the collection? Love it.
Had to give you one more shot of that gorgeous lipstick against the Amethyst colors. Will you picking up any part of this collection? I know I’ll be heading to the counters to see if it works for me.
SparkleShelf.com, a great beauty resource, is giving away a huge Badass Haircare Pak from Badass Hair. The pack includes:
That is a lot of stuff!
I’ve been curious about this brand but haven’t had a chance to try it myself, so if you win, I want to hear all about it! Now, run over to SparkleShelf.com, register to be a member (it’s free), then enter the giveaway. Good luck!
If you’re more of a visual person instead of a wordy person, then this book is for you, especially if you want to be inspired by makeup looks.
Marie Claire Makeup
It’s the step by step descriptions that make this book worthwhile. For example, do you have trouble using false eyelashes? Doesn’t everyone? Marie Claire Makeup
How about the best way to apply lipstick? Brush, tube, or finger? How about ways for each one? That is the type of information you will find in here. From best colors to seasonal palettes, Marie Claire Makeup
Highly recommended! Do you own this book? What do you think?
Q: I’m really interested in the new “dry shampoos” to help preserve my blowout. How do they work, and which one do you recommend?
I love dry shampoos! I don’t wash my hair every day, because it is thick, coarse, and terribly curly, and I have to use massive amounts of heat to get it straight after washing. If I washed it every day, I’m quite sure it would break off from the abuse I’d inflict on it.
Which is why I love dry shampoo so much. It works by absorbing the oil along the scalp, usually with some sort of talc base. After you give it a minute to soak everything up (oil, extra product, dirt, whatever), you simply brush it out, and all of that yuck goes with it.
Another benefit is that “dirty” hair holds styles easier. Have you ever scheduled an appointment for an updo with your hairstylist and you are instructed to come in with unwashed hair? That’s because hair with a bit of grit holds a style longer. Adding dry shampoo to your hair will achieve the same effect.
Which ones do I like? I think they are all great. It really just depends on how much money you want to spend. I’ve put together a little slide show of all my favorites. Pick one that matches your price point.
Photo: Ojon Rub-Out Dry Cleanser
If you haven’t tried Benefit’s B Spot yet, you’re missing out. While it’s still the trademark floral that Benefit is known for, this is a more grown-up and sexy scent.
This gift set includes a bottle of the fragrance, a small travel bottle, and a leather mirror. Gorgeous!
$38 at BenefitCosmetics.com
If you are planning on getting married soon, or if you are already in the throes of planning your wedding, you should definitely check out Spa Week’s partnership with WeddingChannel.com! Not only can you manage your registries, you can get your fill of all the fabulous wedding content right on Spa Week’s pages! Don’t forget to book a relaxing spa day for you and your bridesmaids. Trust me, they deserve it!
It always takes me awhile to warm up to anything Beyonce does. But this one has finally cought on in my head:
Pick it up at 
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Who doesn’t want to be Posh Spice this Halloween? Follow these steps to copy her look |
 David and Victoria Beckham will be the couple costume of the year. Follow these step-by-step instructions from one of Victoria’s makeup artists, Director of Makeup Artistry for MAC Cosmetics Gregory Arlt, and learn how to recreate her signature makeup look. Pair this with a Posh-like wig and you’re set. |
Estee Lauder’s new site will be packed full of new and interesting tools to help you pick the right product, get to know the models, and shop easier.
I’m digging the interactive diagnostic tools on the site. Of course, I’m also enjoying learning how to get the Vintage Jewels look (the holiday collection this year – I’ll be writing more about that later).
I’m so glad that the major beauty brands are adding information and tips to their site. It makes wearing their items so much easier!
Just in time for the holidays, Laura Geller has put out some of her favorites, plus a new lipgloss.
I’ve always thought that Laura Geller’s products were excellent, if a bit on the neutral side, which isn’t a bad thing at all. But some of her new eyeshadows are looking nice and bright which is a welcome change.
The “baked” items start out as a pigmented liquid which are then poured into terracotta plates and baked for 24 hours. The end result is a gorgeous powdered product that is nicely pigmented. Her balance ‘n brighten products are especially popular.
The kit contains:
Kit includes:
- 0.32 oz Balance-n-Brighten (swirled tones of soft tan/ beige/ ivory)
- 0.32 oz Blush-n-Brighten in Pink Grapefruit (beige/ mauve/ pink shimmer)
- 0.06 oz Baked Marble Eyeshadow Duo in Blue Icing/ Coffee Cake (light blue/ blue/ bronze)
- 0.06 oz Baked Cake Eyeliner Duo in Blueberry/ Dutch Chocolate (shimmering dark blue/ matte dark brown)
- 0.07 oz Lip Gloss in Better Than Bare (pink beige)
I just recently came across a cool site for those who are interested in fashion. www.2threads.com is a social network for all things style related. You can create wish lists, upload photos and videos, shop, and check out what others are wearing and wanting.
I believe it’s based in Australia, but don’t let that stop you. Getting inspiration from other places is key to creating a truly unique style. I poked around today and love it. Go check it out!
This is the last of my Halloween offerings, and I figured I’d finish it of with a shot. Always a good way to get the party started!
Spellbound
* 1 part Hpnotiq
* 1 part Liqueur, melon
* 1 part Vodka
* 2 parts Orange Juice
* 1 part Grenadine
Shake ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into shot glasses
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Her over-the-top look is guaranteed to be a hit at every Halloween party |
 In the mood to channel this infamous, disturbed rock star this Halloween? Then follow these step-by-step instructions courtesy of Gregory Arlt, director of makeup artistry for MAC Cosmetics. Complete the look with a ratty, black bouffant wig (an Elvira wig at any costume shop will work perfectly) and you’re good to go. |
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Take control over your skin care (and improve your cooking skills) with easy DIY recipes you can make at home |
 We present our favorite beauty recipes so you can cleanse, moisturize and exfoliate your skin the easy way. (And for those of you who just aren’t DIY-types at heart, we feel your pain; check out the natural store bought alternatives after each recipe.) |
