Purchased by Me, Gifts & Press Samples (Affiliate Links)
When The Beauty Spotlight Team decided to launch the "What's in My Purse" Series, I was thrilled. I so enjoy such posts, and delight in the voyeuristic thrill of seeing what other people carry around with them. However, what at first seemed like an easy task, soon revealed itself to be a bit more confounding. The problem is I made a deal with myself that if I was going to collect some nice things that I actually needed to use them. I'm interested in enjoying the things that I covet rather than simply storing them in their dust bags and only pulling them out for special occasions.
I have always had a penchant for beautifully made purses and wallets, and Italian leather goods have been my lifelong preference. The craftsmanship is just superb, and the materials are extraordinary. Furthermore, the attention to detail given to both the areas seen and unseen makes each handmade piece a true masterpiece. Therefore, it became evident to me while I was trying to select a purse to feature that I have been getting equal use out of two purses and two wallet, and thus I opted to show you both.
The Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Tote was a lovely gift that my mom and sister gave to me, and when I first saw this stunning purple patent leather bag I nearly shrieked at its utter magnificence. As far as I'm concerned it's a triple threat because it's purple (my absolute favorite color my entire life), it's an Yves Saint Laurent purse (I swoon at the thought), and it's patent leather (what's not not love?). While this bag seems to have long ago been discontinued, they can periodically be found at The Real Real(which is precisely where my mom and sister found this gem). In fact, they currently have two available in purple (here and here, but they also have a few others here). Perhaps what is the most surprising about this beauty is the fact that it actually holds a great deal of stuff, and the roomy interior zipper pocket is big enough to house my colossal iPhone 6 Plus. Recently I have been using this purse when I am out and about, and find that I need to carry more things than the mere essentials.
Description: Purple patent leather Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Tote with gold-tone hardware, dual zippers and snap closures at top, satin lining and single pocket at interior wall with zip closure.
Measurements: Handle Drop 7", Height 13", Width 13", Depth 1.5"
I was able to fit a huge makeup bag, an iPad Air in its case, and big wallet, an iPhone 6 Plus and my keys in this YSL purse without any trouble. I don't always carry my iPad, but tend to if I know that I will be going somewhere for a lengthy period of time.
Top to Bottom (Clockwise): Rebecca Minkoff Black Leather Makeup Bag, Saint Laurent Zip Around Wallet, keys and iPhone.
When I first saw this Saint Laurent Zip Around Wallet I was overjoyed. It is a beautiful example of extraordinary Italian craftsmanship. I chose this burgundy shade called Dark Magenta, but there are several other lovely colors that can be seen here, but the fuchsia (here) and red (here) are particularly gorgeous. This beauty fits everything that I need to carry, and more! It has a roomy interior, ample credit card and bill slots, and is simply extraordinary in every way.
Description: Classic Saint Laurent Zip Around Wallet with Embossed Saint Laurent Signature and Engraved Discrete Zipper.
Dimensions: 8.2 X 4.1 X 0.8 Inches
100% Calf-Skin Leather
2 Bill & 2 Receipt Compartments
Zip Around Closure
12 Card Slots, 1 Zip Pocket
I'm very pleased with this purchase, and even more pleased that I managed to get a sizable discount on mine because they were no longer carrying that color where I purchased it.
It was love at first sight when I saw the Milly Zig-Zag iPad Case, and I was elated to get it at a deep discount from Barneys New York Warehouse. They seem to have quite a few left, and if you need an iPad Case this is a great one to consider. I find so many great things at the Barneys New York Warehouse, and at a fraction of their original prices. It fits my iPad Air perfectly, and with a little room to spare.
Engraved metal logo plaque at front, polished silvertone hardware
Padded fabric-lined interior
Approximately 10.25" height x 8.00" width x 1.00" depth
I love the geometric pattern and the fun pops of pink, but it is also a very durable bag that keeps my iPad well protected.
I received this large black leather Rebecca Minkoff Cosmetics Bag as a gift with purchase during the Bag Event at Neiman Marcus a couple of years ago (featured here), and it has been a favorite ever since. It has enough space to carry an obscene number of lip products, but I did try to demonstrate some degree of restraint here.
Here's what I am currently carrying in my makeup bag:
1) Balm Chicky Balm Balm Hot Chocolate Love Lip Balm (reviewed here): I am currently completely obsessed with Balm Chicky Balm Balm Lip Balms! They are moisturizing, and they taste great! My favorite (at this particular moment) is Hot Chocolate Love!
2) Glee Gum is one of my very favorite brands of gum, and I always have a pack on me!
3) Susan Thompson Cosmetics Double Mirror Compact (reviewed here): I never leave home without this lovely mirror! It's definitely my very favorite mirror of all time.
5) Tom Ford Beauty Lip Color in Nude Vanilla (reviewed here and here): This is one of my very favorite lipsticks of all time. As I said in my review, "it is the perfect nude lipstick that possesses a chameleon-like effect because of its ability to melt into the lips and morph into a color that differs a bit from the tube." On me, it becomes a warm pale pink, and I couldn't be happier with it if I tried!
6) Tom Ford Beauty Lips & Boys Lip Color in Flynn (discussed and swatched here): The entire Lips & Boys Collection was utterly brilliant, and unsurprisingly Flynn (a neutral, on the verge of cool-toned, nude pink) was among my favorites.
7) Dior Addict Lipstick in Urban No. 178 (reviewed here): This is a gorgeous pale, slightly frosty, cool pink. It is on the sheer side, but it is nothing if not stunning!
8) Dior Addict Lip Maximizer in Pink 001 (reviewed here): I often wear this delightful sheer pink lip plumper alone, but I really love pairing it with Dior Addict Lipstick in Urban No. 178. Together they create pink pout perfection!
9) The Honest Company Hand Sanitizer Spray (reviewed here): To date, this is my favorite hand sanitizer. Not only is it effective, but the easy-to-use spray bottle is super convenient.
10) L'Occitane L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream: I have gone through numerous full size tubes of this richly moisturizing hand cream, and will likely go through many many more! I love the smell, the thick texture, and its unbelievably ability to moisturize dry winter hands!
11) Susan Thompson Cosmetics Lola's Secret Creamy Lipstick (reviewed here and featured here): When my close friend created Lola's Secret Creamy Lipstick for me I was moved beyond words. In fact, it is difficult to express the level to which I am touched and honored by this loving act of friendship. Furthermore, this is the most beautiful pink lipstick that I have ever had the honor of wearing! If you buy one lipstick this year, let it be Lola's Secret.
12) BITE Beauty High Pigment Lip Pencil in Bouquet (reviewed here): The BITE Beauty High Pigment Pencil formula is described a long-lasting, matte lip color. As noted in my review of their High Pigment Pencil in Madeira, these are twist up pencils apply smoothly, wear evenly and they do not settle into lip lines. I find that the formula provides the perfect amount of cushion and is very comfortable on the lips. I neither find it particularly moisturizing, nor do I find it in the least bit drying. I get several hours of wear-time before needing to reapply. Bouquet is a gorgeous neutral peachy pink.
I often switch out the larger YSL Tribute Tote for this older Prada Purse. This is a hand-me-down handbag that my sister purchased years ago, and when she stopped using it my mom took it and used it. It then happily made its way to me, and I just couldn't be happier. While there is no zipper top, the strap is quite short allowing it to tuck neatly under your arm. It is made of very durable leather, and despite its age it shows no signs of wear whatsoever. I usually take this bag with me to work to use when I am not toting around my big book bag.
When I use this purse I only carry my wallet, keys, phone and makeup bag. The Rebecca Minkoff Cosmetic Bag is simply too big for this purse, so instead I use the Origins makeup bag that was part of their wonderful Let Us Glow Gift Set (reviewed here).
The real star of the show is undoubtedly this VALEXTRA Zip Around Wallet in Malva Purple, and how I came to find it was nothing short of miraculous. I had been stalking it on the Barneys New York website for what felt like an eternity, but the price was prohibitively expensive. Then one fateful day, during their holiday sale, the price for this particular color was radically reduced (a serious understatement since it ended up about 75% off), and I acted fast and managed to track the last one down. They have a pink version as well as numerous other colors, and they are all absolutely divine. This is truly a whole different level of luxury, and the craftsmanship and attention to detail is unparalleled.
The classic soft calfskin zip purse features vintage-inspired designs, rich leathers and premium quality Italian craftsmanship. Features twelve credit card slots with the brand's distintive 'V' detail, two multi-use compartments, double division for banknotes & documents and a central zip pouch for coins. Interior lining in supple leather and llight gold hardware. The signature “Costa” lacquered ink piping has been hand applied several times to the sheared edges and buffed to finish the piece.
Made In Italy. Size: 8" × 4"
The interior details are truly astounding.
I put all of the contents of the Rebecca Minkoff Cosmetic Bag into this cute Origins Cosmetic Bag, and the fit was perfect.
Nothing seems to quell my urge to switch purses, totes and wallets because I am one of those people who likes to change things with some frequency, but rotating these two purses and wallets has been so satisfying that I feel as though I have achieved a state of purse and wallet nirvana.
What do you carry in your purse? Do you switch out wallets and purses with any frequency, or do you tend to use them for longer durations?
Purchased by Me, Gifts & Press Samples (Affiliate Links).
Each month BB5 creates a theme-based box, and this month is all about the celebration of their third birthday! Happy Birthday, Beautybox Five! How are they celebrating? With. "marvelous makeup and skincare, of course!"
This box contains:
1) Revlon Colorstay Nail Enamel in Spanish Moss (109) (Full size | Retail $3.99 0.4 oz.): Spanish Moss is a pretty mossy sage green cream. #revlon
2) Avon Big Color Eye Pencil in Sunkissed (Full size | Retail $3.49 0.056 oz.): Sunkissed is a gorgeous warm golden peachy orange shade that is creamy-dreamy and glides across the skin effortlessly! The lovely color evokes golden summer sunsets! #avon
3) GlamGlow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment (Sample packet | Retail for full size $69.00 1.7 oz.): This is an anti-aging mask that tingles while it works. You leave it on for 10 minutes ad then rinse off while massaging in a circular motion, and it doubles as an exfoliator. #glamglow
4) Absolute New York Absolute Love Lip Balm in Bubble Gum (Full size | Retail $5.00 0.42 oz.): Not only is this a super cute lip balm, but it smells and tastes of bubble gum! It also has a slight pink tint that makes it even better! #absoluteny
5) Marsk Mineral Eyeshadow in Vanilla Frosting (Full Size | Retail $22.50 0.04 oz): This is a gorgeous iridescent loose mineral shadow with all of the glorious sparkle that you could hope for. Vanilla Frosting is the perfect way to celebrate BB5's birthday! #marsk
6) BB5 Bonus: A $20.00 yourMinerals Gift Card. yourMinerals is an all-natural line of shadows, foundations, blushes and brushes. #yourminerals
Overall Assessment: The BB5 February box offered a nice selection of skincare and makeup products, and as always the value exceeded the cost of the box. Happy Birthday BB5! xoxo
You can win full size versions of the products offered this month by sharing your box on Instagram. Simply state which products are your favorites and use the hashtag #bb5fav and use their handle @beautybox5.
Get an extra box free with any subscription purchase. Use Code: FREEBOX1 (Valid for first-time subscribers only.)
About Beautybox Five: Beauty Box Five is a subscription-based, beauty sampling program that delivers a box filled with 5 cosmetic samples to your door every month. Aimed at introducing women to new cosmetic products and educating them on best practices, Beauty Box 5 scours the market to find the best products for your lifestyle.
Select the subscription plan that works best for you. Every month we will send you a mixture of carefully selected travel, deluxe and full-size samples. Their monthly plans begin at $12.00, but they offer a quarterly plan for $30.00 and a yearly plan for $99.00.
All members receive free shipping. Receive exclusive discounts from our partner brands.
Press Sample Courtesy of www.beautybox5.comAll views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate links).
After having recently reviewed a very expensive luxury face oil, I was flooded with emails from readers who wanted it, but said that it was far too expensive to even consider. Several of them asked for recommendations, and there were a couple who specifically asked what I thought about the Origins Plantscription Youth-Renewing Face Oil because that one seemed great and was within budget. As luck would have it, I have been testing this oil for some time so I decided to expedite the review in order to accommodate their requests to learn more about this lovely oil.
According to Origins,
This lightweight face oil is fortified with 20 precious oils from around the world. Our youth-renewing blend including Argan, Sweet Almond, Sunflower, Rose and Raspberry Oils plus Anogeissus helps repair skin's barrier and mimic the natural lipid oils lost with age. It absorbs instantly to help hydrate and delete fine, dry lines with no greasy residue. Skin looks and feels youthfully-smooth, radiant and glowing. Best for reducing lines & wrinkles. Best for all skin types.
Origins Plantscription Youth-Renewing Face Oil is a lightweight and fast absorbing oil-based serum that has a silky texture and a delectable mild clean herbal scent. Upon contact with the skin, it immediately bolsters hydration levels, and leaves skin soft, smooth, supply, and glowing. With consistent use, the texture of of my skin was visibly improved. Fine lines were plumped, dry patches were eradicated, and dehydrated areas were left nourished and deeply moisturized.
Aside from all of the obvious benefits to the skin, there is also the added benefit that using Origins Plantscription Youth-Renewing Face Oil offers a lovely tactile experience. For me, this is an essential part of using luxurious skincare products. If I am to enjoy my skincare ritual, the products must enhance the luxurious experience of their use. This oil checks all of those boxes, and I can say without reservation that it is a true joy to use.
Overall Assessment: A lovely luxury face oil, indeed. Origins Plantscription Youth-Renewing Face Oil delivers all of the desired effects of a luxury face oil, but does so at a far lower cost. If you are looking to try a new oil, or you are new to face oils– then this is definitely one to consider.
Hautelook is having a truly amazing Rouge Bunny Rouge Sale again, and you really don't want to miss it this time! There are so many truly amazing deals, and the prices are so extraordinary that you can now afford to stock up on all of the things that you have been wanting! While you are there, check out their Mario Badescu Skincare and purminerals sales!
There is no question that Milani makes extraordinarily high quality products that continually reaffirm the fact that the gap is rapidly closing between the quality of cosmetics found in drugstores and department stores. However, Milani's products are also beautiful– as their Rose Powder Blushes clearly demonstrate. The gorgeous rose-laden blush is almost too pretty to blemish with use, but the quality is so lovely and the price is so affordable that you will quickly want to dip into this lovely compact.
Milani Rose Powder Blush in Romantic Rose 01 is a lovely warm and muted mid-tone pink. It can be built up or sheered out, and it effortlessly glides across the skin depositing color evenly. The formula is finely milled, but firm enough to retain its shape. Milani suggests that this formula is a new kind of matte shade, and it is indeed just that. Unlike many matte blushes, Milani's offers a very natural finish that is not in the least bit flat. This is an amazingly high quality blush that is well-worth having! The remaining two colors are Coral Cove and Tea Rose, and they are absolutely stunning and worth getting. They are part of the permanent collection, therefore you will have ample opportunities to find them.
According to Milani,
Milani’s Matte collection, releasing in January 2015, features a new kind of matte finish. Every product feels great, is easy to apply, is long lasting and looks amazing in Instagram selfies. From eyes to lips to cheeks, the Matte Collection includes: Matte Rose Powder Blush – Gorgeous in the compact, even prettier on the cheeks, this petal soft, matte-finish powder shapes and contours. Streaks? Never. Easy to use? Always. Available in three ultra-flattering shades. Now this is a blush that deserves to be seen! Gorgeous in the compact, even prettier on cheeks, this petal soft, natural-finish powder shapes, contours and highlights. Streaks? Never. Easy to use? Always. In ultra-flattering shades that you just can’t live without.
Directions: Glide a brush through the color and lightly tap off excess powder. Lightly apply to cheeks, forehead, chin and/or nose and blend well for a soft glow.
Ingredients: Talc, Synthetic Wax, Aluminum Starch, Octenylsuccinate, Hydoxylated Lanolin, Isopropyl Lanoate, Petrolatum, Cyclomethicone,, Lanolin Alcohol, Cetyl Actate, Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol, Methylparabne, Proprylparaben. +/- May Contain: Synthetic Flourphlogopite, Mica, Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 7 (CI 15850), Red 28 (CI 45410), Red 36 (CI 12085), Blue 1 (CI 42090), Carmine (CI 75470), Ultamarines (CI 77007), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Manganese Violet (CI 77742).
Left to Right: Multiple passes and then blended out.
Overall Assessment: A lovely formula and a beautiful blush. If it were housed in a luxe compact, it would easily sell for ten times the price! I now need to find Tea Rose!
$7.99 for 0.60 oz. from Milani and CVS (Unaffiliated Links).
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright @ 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.
Win a Dream Trip to Italy from Milani:
Milani launched the “Win a Dream Trip to Italy” contest, inviting women to design a look inspired by an Italian beauty legend of their choice. Entrants are encouraged to share their selfies with Milani for the once in a lifetime chance to win a dream trip for two to either Milan, Venice, Rome or Florence for five days, inclusive of hotel and airfare plus $7,500 for spending. Milani is accepting submissions at www.milanidreamtrip.com now through March 31, 2015 11:59PM EST and will announce the grand prize winner based on creativity, uniqueness and brand relevancy on April 5, 2015. Beyond the grand prize, Milani will be rewarding over 500 entrants at random with exciting new Milani products.
Margot Robbie sizzled on the red carpet at Sunday’s 87th Academy Awards. The sultry Australian actress, a presenter at the awards ceremony, looked breathtaking in a black Saint Laurent dress, a vintage Van Cleef & Arpels necklace and fiery orange-red lips. "We were inspired by old Hollywood glamour and wanted to make a statement," says makeup artist Tyron Macchausen. "It's the Oscars after all."
Origins Creates Antidote for Skin’s Quarter-Life Crisis: Original Skin™ Renewal Serum (full review forthcoming) is formulated to address Millennial skin concerns.
Our 20s are a time of self-discovery. College is over and the reality of adulthood has begun to sink in. Everyone says that these are supposed to be the best years of our lives, but sometimes it just feels like we are having a quarter-life crisis. In fact, as Millennials, we account for nearly one-fourth of the American population and are the most stressed out demographic in US history*.
When life transitions so does our skin. We recognize that lifestyle plays a big part in the overall quality of our skin, but we are also learning that subtle biological and physiological changes occurring under skin’s surface can actually damage its quality at a younger age. New research highlights that during our 20s, pores become enlarged and more visible, skin tone becomes uneven and age spots start to appear, leaving our skin more dull and less radiant. What we are experiencing are quarter-life skin concerns, which are less visible and intrusive than teenage acne and midlife lines and wrinkles, but are just as destructive to our skin.
Origins has created a high-performance solution, Original Skin™ Renewal Serum with Willowherb, to specifically target quarter-life skin concerns – rough texture, enlarged pores, stressed skin, flaws and loss of radiance – in one product driven by two key factors.
•Intrinsic = Cell turnover. Cell renewal is vital for skin vibrancy which is a prominent sign of youth. As we get older, cell turnover slows down and degrades our original skin. When cell turnover is increased, fresh plump cells are brought to skin’s surface boosting skin’s ability to reflect light and increase translucency.
•Extrinsic = Carbonylation. Pollution and smoking are external stressors that trigger an increase in carbonylation, a protein change in skin’s surface. Carbonylation negatively influences skin tone and vibrancy making it appear more opaque, yellower, dull and less radiant.
Developed with an innovative blend of ingredients from nature with immediate and long-term benefits, Original Skin™ addresses quarter-life skin concerns by refining texture, enhancing radiance and glow, shrinking pores, blurring imperfections and restoring overall quality for glowing and smooth skin. Here’s how Original Skin™ works:
•Refines Skin’s Texture and Minimizes Pores. Featuring Chestnut Seed Extract, originally found in Europe and known for its skin refining properties, a renewal complex helps boost skin cell turnover and eliminates roughness, counteracts flakiness and improves overall texture. Together with nutrient rich algae extract found in North East Atlantic Ocean, Laminaria Saccharina helps balance skin’s production of sebum to tighten and shrink the appearance of pores, making them appear smaller.
•Restores Radiance and Rebounds from Stress. The potent extract, Canadian Willowherb, helps restore skin’s clarity and luminosity to help recreate original glowing skin. Found in Northern Canadian prairies, it has traditionally been used as an herbal supplement to treat medical ailments. Anti-irritant, Persian Silk Tree, works in tandem to help keep skin at peak health. Native to Eastern Asia and used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, this active boosts translucency for optimal looking skin.
•Visibly Blurs Skin: A blend of optics immediately corrects dullness and visibly softens the appearance of pores and imperfections giving skin a flawless finish.
Origins is a leader in harnessing the power of nature to discover potent ingredients that deliver advanced skincare results. Original Skin™ Renewal Serum with Willowherb is specifically developed with powerful ingredients from nature to provide a multi-dimensional one-step solution to these issues.
Original Skin™ features a floral and citrus essential oil blend including notes of soft rose, grapefruit and amyris.
Original Skin™ is offered at a value price point of $39 and will be available March at www.Origins.com (Affiliate Links).
Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Roloxin Liftis a revolutionary breakthrough facial treatment that reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores, and the results are amazing!
