Minerals Mate Special Holiday Sale for Blog Readers!

Minerals Mate Makeup Application & Mixing Trays are ingenious tools for anyone who uses mineral, or loose makeup of any kind. The company is generously offering a substantial discount to you for the holidays. See my review here to learn more about the trays themselves.

Milo & Zeus in Cahoots?

I received a request to post something about Zeus and his recent shenanigans from a Zeus devotee- so I thought that this picture would be funny. As you all know, Zeus is a really unusual kitty with respect to his character. In fact, he's really the least cat-like cat that I have ever known. He definitely leans into his penchant for demented behavior, but while he reigns under the guise of Caligula- he also has a certain balletic elegance in the way that he moves. We even call him Billy Elliot because he's really got some amazingly refined moves. I cannot help but feel that Milo is somehow being coerced into something that does not befit his gentlemanly demeanor. Their dilated pupils, coupled with Zeus' gentle restraint of Milo's left leg may indicate that something is amiss. I have learned to sleep with one eye open because I am fairly certain that one day I will awake to learn that Planet of the Cats will have overthrown my life as I know it, and that we will officially have to bow to every demented whim Zeus envisions.

Empties Post: Volume IV, November 2012

Skincare products: I was a bit surprised that I was able to get through so many samples during the month of November, however upon deeper reflection it makes perfect sense given the events that occurred this month. There were two primary factors that facilitated this seemingly excessive use of products: 1) I was away from home working for most of the month, and 2) most of the time that I was home in November I had the flu! The former encouraged me to travel as lightly as possible- therefore I used sample packets of what I had whenever possible. For the latter I used lots of sample packets as well- since I was one germy hot mess- so it made far more sense to use samples in an attempt to avoid contaminating anything (everything) in my stash.

Of the products in the skincare category I found myself madly in love with the Suki Facial Lift Ultimate Firming Cream and the Tatcha Classic Rice Enzyme Powder. As you can see, I finished up a full sized Suki Facial Lift Ultimate Firming Cream while traveling (the bottle was about 1/3 full), and have to say that it most definitely rivals the best luxury face creams that I have ever used, and it does so without the chemicals that others rely upon so heavily. This is a healthy luxury anti-aging cream that is as good as it gets! The Tatcha Classic Rice Enzyme Powder is truly one of my greatest recent discoveries-- it is without question cleansing perfection incarnate (I will review it soon).

Haircare & Body Products: I didn't make a tremendous dent in my hair and body products stash this month primarily because I opened several new full size products, and they will take a bit of time to get through. I ended up using the Alba Botanica Plumeria Conditioner at a much faster pace than the accompanying shampoo because I have long curly hair, which causes me to use a disproportionately large amount of conditioner to keep my tresses tame! I really loved this conditioner, and at some point will likely buy more.

Makeup & Fragrances: Yet another month of using up piles of perfume samples! They are simply perfect for traveling-- they are good for several uses and take up almost no space. However, my most proud achievement here is having finished my two MAC eyeliners (Uniform and Feline that I showed you partially used in my September Empties post).

What were your empties this month? Do tell!

Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly Roundup November 27, 2012

Fabulous Awesomeness: Mina Slater shares photos and more in her recap of The Makeup Show Orlando!

Love For Lacquer : Feast your eyes on the new beautiful Behind Closed Doors collection from Cult Nails!

datyorkLOVES: Week Review Plus Mini Contest! If you are great at naming polishes this will totally be up your alley!

Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: OPI Schnapps Out Of It! is featured on Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom as part of Dealing With Your Family week :)

TheFabZilla: No time for hairstyling tools? Then a statement headpiece is the next best option to look fantabulous this holiday season. TheFabZilla shares a quick hairstyle for the hostess with the mostest!

My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog plays with color using the BareMinerals Eyeshadow 8.0 palette in The Cocktail Hour.

Beauty Info Zone: Senna Cosmetics has a nude kit you don't want to miss. Beauty Info Zone has all the details on this Sultry set.

InTrubeauty: Looking for the perfect holiday gift for that perfume lover on your list? Look no further than InTrubeauty's Review of Beyonce's Midnight Heat.

Mama Fashionista: Mama Fashionista did a "swap" with Cafe Fashionista! See what goodies her FIB sent her way!

The Advice Sisters: Archaeologists have found evidence that even “bronze-age” women used makeup such as a bright green paste of copper minerals. Millennia later, we still love it! The Advice Sisters recommend mineral makeup holiday gifts!

Beauty by Miss L: Miss L found out if Reviva Labs All Natural Seaweed Soap helps to reduce cellulite.

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Lola's Secret Beauty Blog has a delightful array of must-have beauty picks from the Sephora V.I.B. sale!

Midnight Manicures: Check out Jeanie's review of the Swarovski Crystal embellished glass fashion items by Mont Bleu from the Czech Republic.

Mimi's Mani's: Mimi's Mani's shares a great holographic for the winter months

Painted Ladies: Sheila has her eyes on Make Up For Ever's All Eyes On You set for Holiday 2012.

Susan Thompson Cosmetics Limited Edition Holiday Sets- Lola's Secret Beauty Blog Exclusives!

Just in time for Cyber Monday, Susan Thompson Cosmetics has rolled out stunning holiday sets that you will definitely want for yourself!! 

For a chance to win Mim's the Word Liquid Blush, enter the giveaway contest here!

The Cherry Pie Holiday Set includes: Cherry Pie Liquid Blush (NEW), Pro Palette Lipstick Wheel (containing True Love, Kelsey, Madelynn, Kayla, Cleo and Joplin- swatched below),  Evelyn's Journey Pout Popper (swatched below, reviewed here), a sample of Renate's Love Liquid Blush (swatched below), and a gorgeous red velvet draw string bag.

Cherry Pie Liquid Blush is a brand new color that is perfectly on trend for this holiday season. It is unquestionably the perfect cherry red for the lips and cheeks that is sure to please even the most discriminating tastes!

The Chi Chi Holiday Set includes: Chi Chi Liquid Blush (reviewed here), Pro Palette Lipstick Wheel (containing True Love, Kelsey, Madelynn, Kayla, Cleo and Joplin) Picture Vanessa Pout Poppers, a sample of Mim's the Word Liquid Blush (reviewed here), and a gorgeous red velvet draw string bag.

The Mim's The Word Holiday Set includes: Mim's the Word Liquid Blush (reviewed here, mentioned in my REDBOOK interview here), Pro Palette Lipstick Wheel (containing True Love, Kelsey, Madelynn, Kayla, Cleo and Joplin), Mother Nature Pout Popper, a sample of Pretty in Pike Liquid Blush, and a gorgeous red velvet draw string bag.

The Pretty in Pike Holiday Set includes: Pretty in Pike Liquid Blush, Pro Palette Lipstick Wheel (containing True Love, Kelsey, Madelynn, Kayla, Cleo and Joplin), Christina Perri Pout Poppers, a sample of Mim's the Word Liquid Blush, and and a gorgeous red velvet draw string bag.

The Pro Palette Creamy Lipstick Wheel can be found in the makeup kits of many well-known Hollywood makeup artists- including Susan Thompson herself- who initially created it for her own kit. The colors that you can create from this one palette are endless, and if I had to choose but one lippy it would be this one!

1) Cleo, 2) True Love, 3) Kayla, 4) Kelsey, 5) Madelynn, and 6) Joplin

The Creamy Lipstick colors are all buildable, saturated, comfortable, and utterly gorgeous.

True Love is a gorgeous neutral pink nude.

Kelsey is a complex nude neutral kissed by a touch of copper.

Madelynn is a luscious kissable berry shade.

Kayla is a gorgeous sandy nude.

Cleo is a gorgeous on trend vampy wine.

Joplin is a classic and timeless blue-based red that is über chic.

Pout Popper Boxed Gift set in your choice of Mother Nature, Christina Perri, Picture Vanessa, and Evelyn's Journey (shown). Additionally, the set includes a sample of Mim's the Word Liquid Blush. Purchase TWO Pout Popper Gift Sets and receive a free full-sized Creamy Lipstick (a $20.00 value) in your choice of Joplin or True Love.

Mother Nature is an angelic pink with gold flecks.

Christina Perri is a multi-toned complex shade made up of berries and pinks.

Picture Vanessa is a complex multi-tonal caramel nude.

Evelyn's Journey is a luscious deep vampy plum with gold flecks.

Renate's Love is a sophisticated berry with gold flecks.

Mim's the Word is a gorgeous blue-based ballerina pink.

Pretty in Pike is a complex warm peachy pink with a kiss of coral.

Chi Chi is a gorgeous warm peachy nude caramel.

Thompson Crest Double Mirror Compact (reviewed here). I never leave the house without this compact, ever!

Key Features of Susan Thompson Cosmetics:
High Definition Makeup
Paraben Free
Cruelty Free
Recycled Packaging
10% goes to charity (The ASPCA and The American Red Cross
Made in the USA

The Liquid Blush Holiday Sets are $65.00 each (a $100.00+ value) including tax and shipping in the US, and $5.00 shipping to Canada (does not include any costs associated with customs).

The Pout Popper Holiday Boxed Sets are $18.00 each including tax and shipping in the US, and $5.00 shipping to Canada (does not include any costs associated with customs).

Thompson Crest Double Mirror Compact are $25.00 each including tax and shipping in the US, and $5.00 shipping to Canada (does not include any costs associated with customs and international shipping).

All Canadian orders must be paid in USD.

To order visit Susan Thompson Cosmetics. To redeem these exclusive Lola's Secret Beauty Blog Specials use Code: Lola's Secret Holiday 2012

For more information about Susan Thompson Cosmetics click here.
For all Lipstick swatches and overview click here.
For all Liquid Blush swatches and overview(except Cherry Pie which is swatched above) click here.
For all Pout Poppers swatches and overview click here.
For more about the Crest Compact click here.

GIVEAWAY- Susan Thompson Cosmetics Mim's the Word Liquid Blush! See rules and partake here! 

PR samples. All opinions expressed are categorically my own.

The Beauty Spotlight Team Weekly Roundup November 24, 2012

Pammy Blogs Beauty has a new blog series: Check out MAC Matters: Building a Core MAC Collection with less than $21 per month!

Obsessed with her hair, Teri constantly tests and tries the latest hair tools. On Beautiful Makeup Search this week, she has the hottest hair tools for the hair you want this Holiday season.

Wouldn't it be great if you could indulge in your chocolate cravings without the calories? Prime Beauty shows you how with the LORAC Sweet Temptations Holiday Collection!

The Pink Sith has gone plum crazy over her MANNA Cosmetics Plum Crazy Eyeshadow Palette!

15 Minute Beauty shares which beauty products the founder of Tavarua Skin loves!

Marcia from Beauty Info Zone seems to be obsessed with subscription boxes. She’s constantly on the hunt to find the latest and greatest. Since there’s a new nail polish box, Color Me Monthly, she just had to see what it was all about.

Looking for No-Fail Beauty Shortcuts? Check out what Helen from Lola's Secret Beauty Blog had to say in her REDBOOK interview!!

Perilously Pale has found the perfect traditional grey toned smoky eye palette with a kick. Taupe and sparkle! Check out why she's so smitten with the Yves Saint Laurent Pure Chromatics Palette in #12 released as part of YSL's Holiday 2012 collection.

Whilst it’s all about the holiday collections at the moment, the Becca Fall Smoke & Grace collection has made a quiet appearance. Beautiful soft smoky eyes paired with a nude lip, Visionary Beauty thinks this is definitely not a collection to be missed.

Jessika from polish insomniac shows us her favorite polishes from the China Glaze Holiday Joy collection.

With all of the talk (ie, jokes) about the new Chanel No.5 commercials with Brad Pitt, Paula from Older Girl Beauty wants to remind you of the history of this iconic scent.

Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed gets a chance to take the new MAC In Extreme Dimension Mascara for a test drive. Y'all can't buy it until after Christmas but until then, feel free to admire her lashes!

The Beauty Blogazons Weekly Roundup November 24, 2012

• The Convenient Beauty: The Convenient Beauty shares her first impression on the Tom Ford Beauty Haul.
• Beauty by Miss L: Check out Miss L´s sweet and cute manicure that glows in the dark.
• TheFabZilla: Looking for hairstyle inspiration for the holidays? TheFabZilla shows her version of Celebrity Loose Waves (Photo & Video Tutorial).
• datyorkLOVES: Week Review Plus Mini Contest! If you are great at naming polishes this will totally be up your alley!
• Vicerimus: If you can't have a dessert - have it on your nails, like Vicerimus did!..and then just have it :)
• Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Need some help dealing with your family during the holidays? Destany at Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom is offering some aptly-named nail polishes for such a dillemma, starting with OPI Schnapps Out Of It!
• Trouble-Maker On Heels: Trouble-Maker On Heels received her first MUA Cosmetics order.
• My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog plays with color using the BareMinerals Eyeshadow 8.0 palette in The Cocktail Hour.
• Sincerely Stephanie: Check out this multi finish colour blocking mani featuring some holographic goodness!
• Jamegackie: Loved Skyfall and James Bond? Check out these Bond Inspired Nails!
• Très Beau Glamour: Every female has their favorite scents. When it comes to body washes, Nay Denise has her top 5 body washes and she's sharing it with you. Take a look and read on.
• Love At First Site!: A new love for this winter by The Body Shop! Monoi Body Balm from the the Spa Wisdom Polynesia series.
• Addicted to OPI-yum: Check out this easy Rihanna inspired DIAMONDS mani!
• Mama Fashionista: In the first installment of the Mac Matters series, find out what Quinn chose to start her "core collection!"
• Beauty Apocalypse: A glow from to toe (and beyond), Beauty Apocalypse reviews Total Beauty's Beautygasm collection.
• SoFlaJo: Thankfully, Everybody Loves Nail Polish.
• Polarbelle: Polarbelle has explored the Anastasia Beverly Hills Want You To Want Me and would like you to experience this great gift set.
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Burberry, anyone? Lola's Secret Beauty Blog is around the bend for Burberry- see what is inside all of those pretty boxes!
• Midnight Manicures: Check out Jeanie's review of the Swarovski Crystal embellished glass fashion items by Mont Bleu from the Czech Republic.

SPECIAL GIVEAWAY: Susan Thompson Cosmetics Mim's The Word Liquid Blush as Featured in my REDBOOK Interview!

I thought that I would kick off Black Friday with my first-ever contest featuring one of my top pick Holy Grail products.

As you are all aware by now, I am a devoted fan of Susan Thompson Cosmetics, and have yet to meet a more talented makeup artist. In fact, one of my all time favorite products from any line is her Mim's the Word Liquid Blush (for my full review click here). I love this product so much that I specifically referred to it in my recent REDBOOK interview when asked about great multitasking products (link to entire REDBOOK article). They wanted my advice on multitasking products that could be applied when you have little time or patience to use all of your regular products, and when you need to get out of the house quickly while still looking put together and polished. I said, "One of my very favorite products is Susan Thompson Cosmetics Liquid Blush in Mim's the Word, it's a gorgeous pink that is as lovely on the lips as it is on the cheeks, and it applies effortlessly, flawlessly, and quickly with the fingers."

Multitask

If you don't have the time or patience to apply all of your regular products, Seicento suggests opting for formulas that work all over. "One of my very favorite products is Susan Thompson Cosmetics Liquid Blush in Mim's the Word," Seicento said. "It's a gorgeous pink that is as lovely on the lips as it is on the cheeks, and it applies effortlessly, flawlessly, and quickly with the fingers."

Read more: Quick Beauty Tips - Easy Makeup and Hair Tips for Women - Redbook

Multitask

If you don't have the time or patience to apply all of your regular products, Seicento suggests opting for formulas that work all over. "One of my very favorite products is Susan Thompson Cosmetics Liquid Blush in Mim's the Word," Seicento said. "It's a gorgeous pink that is as lovely on the lips as it is on the cheeks, and it applies effortlessly, flawlessly, and quickly with the fingers."

Read more: Quick Beauty Tips - Easy Makeup and Hair Tips for Women - Redbook

This gorgeous multitasker can be used on the lips or the cheeks and is without question the perfect pink that gives you a natural flush of color that is simply irresistible! Susan Thompson Cosmetics is a Cruelty Free line.

Susan is well aware of my obsession with her line, and knows that I believe Mim's the Word is the end all be all color- so she very generously has offered to give a Mim's the Word (retail value $20.00) away to one lucky Lola's Secret Beauty Blog subscriber!! It is open to subscribers in the US & Canada, and you must be 18 years of age to qualify. The deadline for entries is Sunday, December 30, 2012 at midnight Pacific Standard Time.

Here's what you have to do:

1) You must be a Lola's Secret Beauty Blog subscriber via Google Friend Connect and/or via email subscription (found in the right margin). If you read the blog, but haven't yet subscribed then you will want to do so to be eligible.

2) Leave a comment below stating A) why you would really love to have Mim's the Word, and B) how you would use it (be as creative as you want to be, but your answer must present a realistic method of use). Be sure to include your GFC screen name and/or email address so that I can easily identify the winner (for your own safety it's best to spell out your email address i.e. mimstheword (at) gmail (dot) com). 

Fine print: Evidently giveaways are legally designated as sweepstakes or contests. Sweepstakes are those in which the winner is drawn at random, whereas a contest requires that the entrants are asked to answer a question, or to write something specific to the particular giveaway. This giveaway therefore is a "contest" because the winner will be selected based upon the responses given.

-You must be 18 years of age.

-The winner will be contacted by me once chosen, and will have 48 hours to respond. After 48 hours the prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

-The winner must provide me with their name and a legal street address (not a P.O. Box) which will only be shared with Susan Thompson Cosmetics since the company is furnishing and sending the gift directly to the winner.

-Once the winner contacts me and provides the required information I will announce the winner in this post.

-The product shown above is an example of the new, unopened product that the winner will receive.  Please note the ingredients in the product are shown above so that you can see everything and determine whether you are allergic to any of the them.  If you have an allergic reaction to the product, or simply do not like it, by entering the contest you expressly agree to release Susan Thompson Cosmetics and Lola's Secret Beauty Blog from any and all liability whatsoever.

-The product will be shipped directly from Susan Thompson Cosmetics who will not be held liable should the parcel be lost or stolen in transit.

-If you have any questions concerning the rules governing contests in the State of California, here is the link to the California Department of Consumer Affairs (Business and Professions Code sections 17539-17539.3, 17539.35).

Read more: Quick Beauty Tips - Easy Makeup and Hair Tips for Women - Redbook

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Lolapalooza: Burberry Bender Revealed!

Based upon the number of emails that I have received asking me (read: cajoling me) to tell you what I bought in my newfound crazed state of Burberry love-  I thought that I would do a quick post to show you. TADA! I will swatch and review them very soon!

Lolapalooza: The Damage That I did at the Sephora V.I.B. Sale!!!!!!!

I decided that the most appropriate way to describe my shopping adventures during events the likes of the Sephora V.I.B. sale or the Barneys Bag Event is to call them Lolapalooza-- since for me it really is a happy type of festival, and I arguably hear music when roused by these events. So with that said, here are the things that I brought home from my most recent Lolapalooza! 

I had a few gift cards with decent balances on them to mitigate the damage that I did- so I came out relatively unscathed. I really didn't need anything, but I really wanted to get a bottle of the Caudalie Divine Oil that I ostensibly bathe myself in every single time I walk into Sephora. I figured that it was time to just break down and get a bottle of this deliciously luxurious oil, and I am so happy that I did. For some reason I walked out of there with more haircare products than I had intended, but I am ever on the lookout things that work well for my finicky naturally curly hair. I had been meaning to swing by Chaz Dean's Salon on Fountain Avenue in Hollywood for the last few years, but I always manage to forget to go despite the fact that it easily accessible. Therefore, when I saw WEN at Sephora I finally grabbed a bottle of the Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner. Ouidad products have been on my list to try for a while, but when one of the Sephora sales associates gushed over my whacked-out spiral locks-literally as I was leaving the store- he said that he had a pile of samples that he wanted me to try. He was so sweet, and the products felt so good that I grabbed one of the sets and headed back to the growing line at the register. Cha-Ching!

I had just about run out of my beloved FutureDerm Time-Release Retinol 0.5% (review forthcoming), and needed something quickly so I decided to try Glow by Dr. Brandt since I have heard favorable things about it, and I wanted to try a 2% concentration of retinol.

All I can say is just you wait to see the gorgeous color of this Guerlain KissKiss Gloss-- yes, I hear you-- I need another lip gloss like I need a a hole in the head, but please-- this was too gorgeous to pass up. You know I'm a magpie at heart and need to bring these pretty shiny things back to my nest to fawn over them.

I also have wanted a few of the Hourglass lipsticks for a while, but settled on a single gorgeous shade. Now does that show self restraint, or what? I was clutching a handful of them in one hand while the other arm was a ridiculously swatched up mess-- so coming out with a single shade was a feat of self-control that cannot be sufficiently underscored!

That sums up the extent to which I engaged in the reverie of my Lolapalooza. Did you partake or refrain?

vbeauté Skincare Overview & Initial Assessment

vbeauté is a paraben free, fragrance free, gluten free, oat free, nut free, and cruelty free luxury skincare line that I have been very curious to try for a while. Sometimes I am so taken by a skincare line that I'm all in when it comes to testing it. By this I mean to say that I have a self-imposed cease and desist order from the use of all other products and use only the new line to really understand how it works. This is precisely the approach that I am taking with vbeauté. 

My first impressions are exceedingly favorable, and it is safe to say that this is a very thoughtfully created high quality luxury skincare line that I find quite compelling. I have been using the line for about a week, and while I need to use it for a longer period of time before giving an in depth review of each individual product, I can say that I am quite impressed by the line. Stay tuned!

According to vbeauté, "Before the age of 30, Julie Macklowe managed a multi-million dollar hedge fund, was a fashion socialite, a mom, achieved “It Girl” status, and lived an on-the-go lifestyle. After years of searching for skincare products that could make a difference, meet her daily multitasking needs, be luxurious, sensual, yet results-driven, she realized nothing like that existed and began her journey to re-invent serious skincare for the modern woman. Intense research and extensive networking—the tools of her financial world success—helped Julie find the rarest botanicals and the most advanced skincare bio-technology that would focus on the dramatic delay of aging skin. Julie found and partnered with CRB High Performance Lab of Geneva, Switzerland, a world leader in innovative skin treatment, and started working with their top molecular scientists. These scientists introduced Julie to the Swiss botanical stem-cells from the Alpine Rose plant, one of the Longevity Botanicals that have developed near miraculous anti-aging abilities as they’ve adapted over centuries to the harsh conditions such as cold, UV and severe dryness in the High Alps."

Julie Macklowe posits, “My chemists were able to infuse the original recipe with 21st century bio-chemical power that makes our exclusive vComplex a breakthrough. vComplex allows healing, anti-aging and DNA protecting abilities that track with your skin’s own cellular needs. No matter your age, climate, stress level or lifestyle, v gives your skin exactly what it craves.” The vComplex is a potent Swiss cellular concentrate based on Swiss Alpine Rose Botanical Technology (ARBT), an age-antagonist that provides antioxidant protection in relation to UV damage. Age-altering ingredients. Serious skin treatments. Innovative technology that works on a cellular level. vbeauté helps correct the sins of the past and protect the skin of your future. Prevent premature aging before it has a chance to happen; put time control in your control. V is your victory over time."

Products shown back row left to right:
1) Lite Up (reviewed here)- "Lite Up® Intense Brightening Agent has the power to rev up your skin wattage no matter how life has dulled your glow. Alpine Rose Botanical Technology fights free radicals to maintain your porcelain beauty while Watercress Skin Lightening Complex and Niacinamide work to banish age spots, discoloration and surface blemishes. Oil free." $150.00 1 oz.

Dispense one pump of serum into the palm of your hand. Smooth over the entire face and neck using your fingertips, or apply to troubled areas as a spot treatment (AM & PM).

Ingredients: Aqua (water), Alcohol Denat., Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Zinc PCA, Carbomer, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Menthyl Lactate, Sodium Hydroxide, Chlorella Vulgaris/Lupinus Albus Protein Ferment, Nasturtium Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Isomalt, Lecithin, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Leaf Cell Culture Extract, Lactic Acid.

2) Undercover Agent (reviewed here)- "Undercover Agent® Anti-Wrinkle Protecting Serum is a power-plant cocktail of bio-botanical age-delay properties, that helps the skin repair itself from the inside out. Undercover Agent® is an intensive serum bringing together Alpine Rose Botanical Technology and BioCellular Peptide as an antidote for age signs. Oil free." $135.00 1oz.

Dispense one pump of serum into the palm of your hand. Smooth over the entire face and neck using your fingertips (AM & PM).

Ingredients: Aqua (water), Propanediol, Glycerin, Trehalose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Benzoate, Panthenol, Potassium Sorbate, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Citrulline, Phenoxyethanol, Isomalt, Nicotiana Sylvestris Leaf Cell Culture, Lecithin, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Leaf Cell Culture Extract, Lactic Acid.

3) Evidence Eraser (reviewed here)- "Evidence Eraser® Gentle Foaming Cleanser is formulated to erase the evidence of the day or night with tender attention to your skin's everyday needs. This luxe foam-burst gel cleanser gently washes away makeup and dirt so your skin can feel pore-minimized, softened and toned. Oil free." $48.00 3.4 oz.

Cleanse morning and/ or night. Massage a pearl sized amount of cleanser onto pre-moistened face and neck to achieve a gentle lather. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. *Use AM when not using Rub Off (can use AM & PM)

Ingredients: Aqua (water), Butylene glycol, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan), Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Propylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Allantoin, Hexylene Glycol, Benzoic Acid, Isomalt, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, CI 42090 (Blue 1), Lecithin, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Leaf Cell Culture Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Lactic Acid.

4) Rub Off (reviewed here)- "Rub Off™Gentle Facial Exfoliator whisks away the day's accumulated debris and perhaps those old dull cells you're finished with anyway. This exfoliating cleansing gel also helps to regulate oil, purify, and minimize pores. Exfoliate morning or night. Oil free." $48.00 3.4 oz.

Use daily or 2-3 times a week as needed. Apply a pearl sized amount of cleanser onto pre-moistened face and neck and gently buff skin using small circular movements. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Ingredients: Aqua (water), Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Polyethylene, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Lauric Acid, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cellulose Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Xanthan Gum, Tetrasodium EDTA, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Alcohol, Isomalt, Lecithin, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Leaf Cell Culture Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Lactic Acid.

Products shown front row left to right:

5) Eye Never (reviewed here)- "Eye Never® Nourishing Repair Eye Crème is like an eyelift in a jar. An age-defying, line-concealing eye cream that immediately smoothes and silkens the delicate skin around your eyes. Caffeine minimizes the appearance of puffiness, BioCellular Peptide and Sensytens correct lines and wrinkles, and Nylon 12 leaves you looking instantly younger." $85.00 0.5 oz.

Gently pat a small amount onto the orbital bone using ring fingertip (AM & PM).

Ingredients: Aqua (water), C12-18 Acid Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Dicaprylyl Ether, Triethylhexanoin, Octyldodecanol, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, Squalane, Glycerin, Nylon-12, Potassium Behenoyl Hydroxyproline, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Dimethicone, Stearoyl Inulin, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Panthenol, Behenic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Caffeine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Lecithin, Maltodextrin, Punica Granatum Bark Extract, PEG-8, Caprylyl Glycol, Isomalt, Tocopherol, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Rubus Idaeus Leaf Cell Culture, Ascorbyl

6) Buying Time (reviewed here)- "Buying Time® Everyday Crème is twice as nice as any daily moisturizer you've ever encountered. It watches over your skin both day and night with powerful replenishing ingredients, including Alpine Rose Botanical Technology, BioCellular Peptide and Ceramide 2 and 3. Think of Buying Time® as your round the clock way of putting time in your hands." $135.00 1.7 oz.

Smooth a liberal amount all over face and neck (AM & PM).

Ingredients: Aqua (water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Isostearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Polyacrylamide, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ceteareth-20, Panthenol, Boswellia Serrata gum, Allantoin, Laureth-7, Xanthan Gum, Disodium Edta, Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Hydrolyzed Ceratonia Siliqua Seed Extract, Hexyldecanol, Alcohol, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed

Where to find vbeauté.

Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly Roundup: November 18, 2012

Madame B Fatale: Madame B Fatale trials the new Philips Lumea Pricision Plus IPL

Libby's Pink Vanity: Kimberly, from Libby's Pink Vanity, becomes a mad nail polish scientist

Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Destany features one of her many Barielle polishes, Let's Tango!

Makeup by Kim Porter: Kim Porter reviews her favorite Real Techniques brushes and she thinks you should try them, too!

TheFabZilla: TheFabZilla celebrates her 2nd year in blogging with a huge giveaway. Win fabulous mix of makeups & accessories. Ends November 20.

BeautyJudy: BeautyJudy had fun playing with Franken-Polish at The Makeup Show Orlando; it's a new product coming soon from Amerikan Body Art!

The Advice Sisters: Sometimess when you are searching for something, you find something else. That seems to be one of the lucky surprises that the biotechnologists at Algenist, experienced. Alison of the Advice Sisters investigates Algenist skin care

Beauty by Miss L: Miss L did cute manicure with 3D metal foil stickers.

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Looking for a must-have eyeshadow palette? Lola's Secret Beauty Blog has found it! Say hello to the beauties in Anastasia's Want You To Want Me set!

Spontaneous Chick: Check out our Own Skincare review and then enter to win the entire line.

datyorkLOVES: Charity N.Y.C. New York Color Straw Nails

Midnight Manicures: Find out which Microdermabrasion Scrub that both Mother and Daughter at Midnight Manicures loves best!

Mama Fashionista: It's the season of giving (and receiving)! Mama Fashionista has some great gift ideas from Josie Maran Cosmetics to add to your shopping (or wish) list!

Beauty Info Zone: Are you looking for beautiful yet unusual gifts? If so Beauty Info Zone has some gorgeous mirrors you need to see from Mont Bleu..

Peace Love and Glitter: Use lip liner to change your lipstick color! A fun way to play with your makeup without having to buy anything new!

Pammy Blogs Beauty: Pammy Blogs Beauty continues her Holiday Makeup Shopping Series with her review of Pixi's Early Bird Kit and a preview of other great Beauty Items from Target!

Endless Summer: Elena from Endless Summer enjoys brighter, glowing skin with Sanctuary SPA.

The Beauty Spotlight Team Sends Modesty Brown to a Desert Island

This week it's Modesty Brown's turn to visit the Beauty Spotlight Team's Desert Island and she gets a little carried away. The products are pretty good, so it is worth glossing over the fact that she's clearly 'lost' it! Let's see which twelve products made it into her desert island bag. 

The original picture below was from ABC's Lost site (though Modesty Brown did have some fun with it).

Disney and Barneys New York Electric Holiday Video

For more on Electric Holiday, visit Barneys New York- the happiest place on earth!

The Beauty Blogazons Weekly Roundup: November 17, 2012

• The Beauty Delicacy: My cruelty-free October picks for hair, skin care + makeup!
• The Convenient Beauty: The Convenient Beauty isn't feeling the hype of Giorgio Armani Maestro Foundation.
• Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: The creamy orange of Barielle Joytini is featured on Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom!
• TheFabZilla: TheFabZilla celebrates her 2nd year in blogging with a huge giveaway. Win fabulous mix of makeups & accessories. Ends November 20.
• Très Beau Glamour: Nay Denise has been embarking on a 7 day lipstick challenge, which was quiet fun for her. Her favorite lip look was one that included Mac's Smoked Purple. It's her new perfect "vampy" lip.
• Lacquer Buzz: Is it matte? Is it shiny? Find out how Catrice's new Brushed Metal Effect looks like!
• My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog swatches Chanel Holiday 2012 quad Harmonie Du Soir.
• Mama Fashionista: Mama Fashionista and Pammy Blogs Beauty are starting a brand new series/challenge called "MAC Matters!" See what it's all about (and join in the fun)!
• Love.Life.Beauty.: My picks for the best Holiday 2012 Gift Sets!!!
• Beauty by Miss L: Miss L reviewed monthly subscription box called Adorebox and shared her thoughts of it.
• Midnight Manicures: Join Jeanie at Midnight Manicures as she brings you the second new Barielle Fall/Winter 2012 collection - Times Square.
• Polishy of Truth: Looking for a little something different in a neutral? Polishy of Truth shows you a gorgeous new shade by Elevation Polish that will flatter many skintones!
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Lola's Secret Beauty Blog is crazy about Tweezerman products, but is madly in love with the whimsical and highly effective tweezers and nail files from their Limited Edition Cynthia Rowley Collection!
• Ishah x Beauty: Super cute Hello Kitty holiday collection shoes from JustFab.
• Lisa's Nail Obsession: A comparison of OPI's Did You Ear About Van Gogh? and Essie's Yogaga.
• Polarbelle: Polarbelle has some Mac Cosmetics Glamour Daze eyeshadows to show you this week.
• Baking Beauty: Baking Beauty shows you how to get an easy daytime smoky eye.
• Addicted to OPI-yum: Iovenailpolish got a helping hand naming her very first frankenpolish.
• Beauty Apocalypse: Beauty Apocalypse provides a man's perspective on an Albuquerque day spa!
• Amber Did It!: Amber shares a swatches & a review from Darling Diva Polish.
• datyorkLOVES: Fun twist on a classic manicure.
• Love At First Site!: Latest empties and mini reviews... Avene, Bioten, Caudalie, Fresh Line, Galenic, L'occitane, L'oreal, Lierac.
• SoFlaJo: Celebrate the holidays and well into the new year with the new Party Time collection from indie nail polish maker SoFlaJo.
• The Beauty Think Tank: It's November, and you know what that means, another Birchbox review!
• Beyond Beauty Lounge: Holiday Nail Colors from 365 days of color.
• Lipgloss Break: Angela from Lipgloss Break is giving away Jon Bon Jovi Unplugged Fragrance set - enter to win!
• The Socialite's Closet: Ever wondered about Starbox? The Socialite's Closet shows you hers.
• Cosmetics Aficionado: L'Oreal's The Temptress' Touch nail polish is a golden green gem.
• Peace Love and Glitter: Tarina Tarantino's eyeshadow formula is AMAZING! Check it out in her Emerald Pretty Palette, currently 40% off at Sephora!

Helen from Lola's Secret Beauty Blog was Interviewed by Kelsie Blazier from REDBOOK Magazine!

When the ever-lovely Kelsie Blazier from REDBOOK Magazine asked to interview me for an upcoming article on 40 No-Fail Beauty Shortcuts- I naturally jumped at the chance to work with her.  The article sets out to address specific issues, and to provide numerous shortcuts for busy women on the go. Blazier asserts that, "Finding time to look good when balancing a busy lifestyle can be a little daunting — but it doesn't have to be. Use these quick tips and you'll be out the door looking better than ever in a cinch."

Click here to see the full article. Click on the following links to see my specific responses: Emphasize Your Eyes, Multitask, Try a retinol, Oil be-gone, Shower power, & Highlight the pounds away.

For another version of the interview, check it out on Yahoo Shine.

I hope that you enjoy reading the article as much as I enjoyed partaking in it!
REDBOOK logo source.

Shannon's Soaps Lavender Mint Balm- Review

It should come as no surprise at this point that I am madly in love with everything that I have ever tried from Shannon's Soaps, and as long as the delightful Shannon is making her glorious products I will be using them, period! This is a line that I can stand behind without hesitation, and I couldn't recommend her products more emphatically. Everything is made with the highest quality ingredients that smell delicious, and feel amazing on the skin.

My newest favorite product from Shannon's Soaps is her phenomenal Homemade Lavender Mint Balm- it is so great, in fact, that I can hardly believe that I am only just now starting to use it. This delightful balm is hardworking, highly effective, and it boasts a phenomenal sensory aromatherapeutic experience. I really had the perfect opportunity to test the efficacy of this product because my lips have been more chapped than ever thanks to a couple of unforgivingly drying lipsticks that I wore for a couple of days. In fact my lips were such a red, chapped and peeling mess that I nearly avoided leaving the house. I began applying this beautiful balm to my lips and within about two hours the redness had diminished significantly, and within a day my lips looked normal (though still healing). It was on the morning of the third day that I noticed that my lips were not only restored to normal, but that they were also unbelievably soft and supple. The smell is delicious and calming, and the texture is unbelievably emollient and refined. This beauty is also very concentrated, so only the smallest amount needs to be applied to the lips to produce astonishing results.

According to Shannon's Soaps, this glorious balm is "Loaded with healing oils and natural waxes" and "can be used virtually anywhere your skin needs extra healing help - like hands, lips, cuticles, and rough spots on your heels or elbows."

I also tried the balm on my hands, cuticles, elbows, and heels to see how it performed, and as suspected it did a fantastic job of deeply moisturizing everything that it touched!

Choose from: Lavender Mint (a natural essential oil scent), Tropical Coconut (fragrance oil scent), Jasmine (fragrance oil scent), or Monoi de Tahiti (fragrance oil scent).

Overall assessment: The best of the best! You need this in your life, period! The price is so reasonable for what you get that it is worth picking up a few of them!! I definitely want to try Jasmine next!

$5.00 1.5 oz. tin available from Shannon's Soaps. Shannon's Soaps is a Cruelty Free company.

PR sample sent for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are categorically my own.

Cynthia Rowley for Tweezerman Collection: Slant Tweezer & FileMate- Review

Tweezerman, a name that is synonymous with the highest quality tools, has created a really fantastic Cynthia Rowley Collection that will put a smile on your face every time you tweeze and file! The colorful design of these beauties is whimsical, colorful and delightful- thus making them easy to see and thus the first to grab.

According to Tweezerman, A ‘Best of Beauty’ winner chosen by Allure editors and positively the finest general use tweezer in the world - top eyebrow artists always recommend our original, award- winning Slant for expert brow shaping.  The perfectly aligned, hand-filed tips are slanted to grab every hair, every time with the smoothest, true precision.

Fashion designer Cynthia Rowley has added sporty and graphic prints to this year’s designer series collection for Tweezerman, bringing her colorful chic aesthetic to the premium quality beauty tools that give you the most beautiful brows, hands and feet. These special edition Sporty Foulard prints are available on the award winning Slant Tweezer in two special edition colors: Light Blue and Cobalt Blue. Also available on the famous Mini Slant Tweezer and the Filemate Nail File in Signature Red.

Tweezerman Slant Tweezers have been my regular go-to everyday tweezers for as long as I can remember. I use them for plucking strays, and they remove hairs swiftly, effortlessly, and painlessly. My brows are always clean, tame, and well-groomed because of these high efficiency tweezers. These tweezers are real precision tools, and they are so finely crafted that hairs never have the chance to evade them. They are perfectly balanced and ergonomically crafted in a way that makes them very comfortable to use. It is easy to see why Allure editors have chosen these tweezers as a "Best of Beauty" winner for 11 years-- because they really are that good.

According to Tweezerman, Our new and improved FileMate nail files are perfect for nail fixes on the go. Paired with a plastic case that keeps the nail file clean and protected and makes it perfect for purse and travel. These special edition Sporty Foulard prints are available on the award winning Slant Tweezer in two special edition colors: Light Blue and Cobalt Blue. Also available on the famous Mini Slant Tweezer and the Filemate Nail File in Signature Red.

The FileMate is a really great nail file, and the fact that it comes in a plastic case really does makes it perfect to carry in my purse. I highly recommend it!

Overall assessment: Awesome products, as one expects from Tweezerman! I love both of these items for their quality and effectiveness, but I really delight in their whimsy! Both are well worth having. A+

Cynthia Rowley Slant Tweezer $25.00 and Cynthia Rowley Filemate $5.00 both are Sephora exclusives, and while they were currently out of stock online, but I have seen many at Sephora.

PR samples sent for review. All views expressed are categorically my own.

NARS Andy Warhol Sets

Andy Warhol Silver Factory Set $200.00

According to NARS, 

"Inspired by Andy Warhol’s Silver Factory studio, this dynamic set captures the essence of the superstar-saturated scene of glamorous rebels and downtown divas."

Set Includes:

NEW Silver Factory Multiple—aluminum

NEW Shadows Trio Eyeshadow—matte black, bright deep purple, silver

NEW Chelsea Girls Pure Matte Lipstick—innocent flesh tone beige

Desire Blush—cotton candy pink

Via Veneto Larger Than Life Eyeliner—black

Blush Brush

Large Domed Eyeshadow Brush

Deluxe cosmetics bag

Andy Warhol Beautiful Darling Set $49.00

"The ultimate blond bombshell and Andy Warhol’s greatest actress, Candy Darling thought beauty was a duty, and worked harder at it than anyone. NARS commemorates Candy’s legendary look with a silver deluxe cosmetics bag filled with tools for making your mark and doing your beauty duty."

Set Includes:

NEW Candy Darling Mini Nail Polish—electric pink

NEW Femme Fatale Duo Eyeshadow—sheer white shimmer and fresh mint green

NEW Woman in Revolt Mini Larger Than Life Lip Gloss—hot pink

Small cosmetics bag

Andy Warhol Edie Set $75.00

"Exploding on the scene like a comet, Edie Sedgwick was the quintessential sixties ‘It Girl’ and Andy Warhol’s most memorable muse. Presented in an authentic 16mm film canister, NARS celebrates Sedgwick’s iconic style with superstar essentials. Your world is your screen test."

Set Includes:

NEW Film Star Pure Matte Lipstick—60s nude pink

Edie Eyeshadow—cream with a little bit of shimmer

Carpates Eyeliner Stylo—black

Mini Blush Duo in Deep Throat and Amour—flirty, sheer peach and peachy pink

16mm film canister

Andy Warhol Photo Booth Nail Set $35.00

"Andy Warhol believed a trademark look was essential to achieve superstar status. Certain to make its mark as a cult classic, NARS’ exclusive polish set smolders in camera-ready shades—from tomato soup red to scintillating silver."

Set Includes:
Back Room -- Black
Soup Can -- Vivid red
Chelsea Girls -- Modern beige
Silver Factory -- Aluminum

All images from NARS.

Are any of these sets beckoning you? The Edie Set is tempting me!