My New Love

I had zero need for a new blush. Actually less than zero. Not only do I have a ton currently in rotation, but I have a bunch in my "to sell/give away" pile right now. So had logic prevailed, I never would have come home with my new Laura Mercier Second Skin Blush in Rose Petal, but I'm quite glad that I did.

The Laura Mercier site describes Rose Petal as a matte fresh pale pink, though in reality the shade has enough warmth in it to work with my coloring, though not so much that it could be called a true peachy pink or coral. I'd call it a sheer, warm light pink. It applies beautifully and looks very natural. I love the transparency that these blush have--it really makes the color look like it's coming from within and is a big improvement in my opinion over Laura Mercier's previous blush formulation.

These blushes are $24 and the Laura Mercier website currently has a gift with purchase until 5PM CST with a $75 purchase. It's not the most thrilling gift to me, but a nice treat if you were going to spend that much anyway.

I've Started To Use A New Skincare Line

I've mentioned below that the Short Hills Malls (technically The Mall at Short Hills but I'm just no that fancy) is "my" mall, the mall I grew in so to speak. There was a time where I knew every inch of it, every, store, every parking garage, every line it carried. It's undergone some changes over the last few years, incorporating even more luxury level stores and remodeling some of the older ones. Every time I go back to visit there seems to be something new, and this time was no exception.

In place of what I *think* was the old Samsonite Black Label (which I know used to be the old Temple St. Clair boutique) is a beautiful new venue housing skincare line Om Aroma & Co. The space is pretty large for a skincare boutique and very nicely done.

Om deems itself anti-aging organic luxury skincare and is free of parabens, formaldehyde, sulfates, and other toxic chemical fillers. They've won several awards and all products are manufactured and packaged in the US. The prices are towards the luxury end of the market but the ingredients are high quality and organic.

I picked up a trial package fro Normal skin--my skin is dry in the winter but I've been having some breakouts on my forehead of chin for some reason so I'm leery of using anything overly hydrating--($49) as well as the Pumpkin Seed Night Serum ($58). It's only been a few days but so far so good. I'll report back as I continue to test the products. Here's what I'm using:

• Elixir de Beaute Facial Cleanser ($38)- A gentle foaming cleanser with crushed champagne grape seeds, rosemary and aloe. A tiny bit goes a long way and foams without harsh detergents. Ingredients: Organic Olive (Olea Europaea) Oil*, Organic Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis Seed) Oil*, Organic Coconut (Cocos Nucifera) Oil*, Vegetable Glycerin/Gum Extract, Blend of crushed Champagne Grape Seeds and powdered Mother of Pearls, Organic Aloe Vera Gel (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice)*, Essential Oils, Rosemary Extract (Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract)
  
• Aromatonique Toning Mist ($28)- I've never been a fan of toners but the sales associates says that the lavender is anti-bacterial and would help with the few blemishes on my forehead. I like that this is alcohol free. Ingredients: Blend of Chamaemelum nobile (Roman Chamomile) Distillate* and Lavandula hybrida (Lavender) Distillate*. Lonicera japonica (japanese honeysuckle) extract.
  
• Pumpkin Seed Night Serum ($58)- Rosehip Oil based with pumpkin seed and meadowfoam oil. High in Omega Fatty Acids and vitamin for cellular rejuvenation. Ingredients: rosa canina (rosehip) fruit oil*. cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed oil*. limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil. helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil*. extracts of lavandula angustifolia (lavender)*, daucus carota sativa (carrot) root*, lonicera japonica (honeysuckle) flower*, symphytum officinale (comfrey) leaf*, foeniculum vulgar (fennel) fruit*. fragrance (100% essential oils). *certified organic.
• Extrait de Caviar Eye Cream ($58)- with Co Q-10 to reduce fine lines and filled with hydrators. Ingredients: organic avena sativa (oats) kernel meal infusion. carrier oils of oenothera biennis (evening primrose) oil*, rubus idaeus (red raspberry) seed oil, cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed oil*, rosa canina (rosehip) fruit oil*, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil*, oryza sativa (rice) bran oil. glycine soja (soybean) oil* (and) helianthus annuus(sunflower) seed oil* (and) extracts of caviar, secale cereale (rye) seed, ginkgo biloba (ginkgo) leaf*, lavandula angustifolia (lavender)*, daucus carota sativa (carrot) root*, prunus armeniaca (apricot) fruit*, lonicera japonica (honeysuckle) flower*,symphytum officinale (comfrey) leaf*, foeniculum vulgar (fennel) fruit*. emulsifying wax nf (veg). theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter*. vegetable glycerin. butyrospermum parkii (shea butter)fruit*. stearic acid (fr.soybean). tocopherol (vit.e). silk amino acids. coenzyme q10. polyaminopropyl biguanide.
• Creme Luxe Truffle ORganic Age-Defying Face Cream ($72)- this comes in 3 formulas depending on skin type: Oily/Light, Normal/Combination or Dry/Mature. I am using the Normal Version. This version has Sweet Almond, Rice Bran and Red Raspberry and Silk Protein. The Oily one features Papaya, Apricot and Oats and the Mature iteration contains Red Raspberry, Meadowfoam and Rosehip. Ingredients for Normal: organic avena sativa (oats) kernel meal infusion. carrier oils of rosa canina (rosehip) fruit oil*, cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed oil*, rubus idaeus (red raspberry) seed oil, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil*, oryza sativa (rice) bran oil. glycine soja (soybean) oil* (and) helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil* (and) extracts oftuber magnatum (white truffle), ginkgo biloba (ginkgo) leaf*, lavandula angustifolia (lavender)*, daucus carota sativa (carrot) root*, prunus armeniaca (apricot) fruit*, lonicera japonica (honeysuckle) flower*, symphytum officinale (comfrey) leaf*, foeniculum vulgar (fennel) fruit*. theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter*. emulsifying wax nf (veg). vegetable glycerin. butyrospermum parkii (shea butter) fruit*. stearic acid (fr. soybean). tocopherol (vit. e). silk amino acids. fragrance (100% essential oil). polyaminopropyl biguanide (1% paraben/formaldehyde-free preservative).

The site has a few specials if certain products are purchased together as well as the sample kits I mentioned above. The sizes in the samples are very generous (.5 oz each for the most part) and will last a long time. Definitely check out the lovely store if you're visiting the mall and the website if you can't make it!

Mini Aveda Haul

I did way to much shopping for my own good this Black Friday. One of my favorite things about going home to visit my parents is spending time at The Mall at Short Hills, "my" mall growing up. Imagine all of the lovely, wonderful, high end stores you'd love to have gathered in one place without any of the "filler" stores like Piercing Pagotas and Game Stop. I rarely venture into Aveda but wanted to stop in and see if anything. I found myself leaving with their loose Comforting Tea and a Lip Shine in Juneberry.

I love the Aveda tea for the evenings. It's caffeine free and is one of the very few teas that has a natural sweetness to it so it doesn't require sugar. It's perfect for when you're craving a snack but don't want the calories. They say it contains licorice root and peppermint but I'm a die-hard anise/fennel hater and do not find this licoricey at all. I find $24 to be expensive to tea but you only need a teaspoon at a time so it should last quite a while.

I so did not need another lip gloss but this Lip Shine called to me. It has the signature Aveda scent that I love in a non-sticky, all natural formula with fruit and vegetable extracts to provide anti-oxidant protection. The shade, Juneberry, is a little different for me but not so far out of my comfort zone that I won't wear it. It's a deep, blushy, just plummier than natural lip shade with a hint of sparkle and a translucent formula. Very pretty on it's own or over lip pencil.

Manicure of the Week

This is Rimmel London Steel Gray, a shade similar to Sephora by OPI Metro Chic and OPI You Don't Know Jacques. The Rimmel polishes have these amazing flat, wide brushes that allow you to coat the nail in one stroke. I think they're genius!

L'Occitane Fleur Cherie Makeup Collection

When L'Occitane released their Peony fragrance line in the spring, it was accompanied by a complementary capsule makeup collection. Though the fragrance remained part of the line, the cosmetics disappeared. With the debut of the new Fleur Cherie products for the holiday season L'Occitane has again released a small group of makeup that will only be sticking around for a limited time.

The fragrance and shades are not exactly reminiscent of the season. The fragrance is a light floral and the makeup in shades of coral, rose and pink. Even the peach and white packaging connotes spring in my opinion. Nonetheless, some of the products are lovely, particularly the sheer coral lipstick I picked up, Corail Brocart. The lipstick is semi-sheer and quite smooth and moisturizing. It contains orange blossom extract, ostensibly for softness. The packaging is a paper tube evocative of the early Stila lipsticks and the lipstick itself has a light, non-offensive fragrance. There are 5 shades from which to choose t $14 each, though my store only had 3.

Other products include a highlight powder a la Guerlain Meteorites (image below. This item had already sold out at my local boutique), blush duos, eye shadows, a lip gloss compact, eye liners and wand-style glosses. Again, while the website has 5 shades available for purchase, my boutique had only 2 remaining. You view the full collection online or stop by your local shop to see them in person for a limited time!

Nice Gift With Purchase At SpaceNK

SpaceNK is offering a really nice goodie bag with a $150 purchase online. Click on the picture to view details (no, I'm not compensated in any way, shape or form if you click. It simply makes the picture and text larger).

A Cheapie But Goody

Ever have one of those days where you just NEED to purchase something as a pick-me-up? I rationalize that it's better for me than scarfing down pie and if the item is inexpensive, so much the better! That is how this lovely gloss made it's way into my life! Burt's Bees Super Shiny Natural Lip Gloss in Juicy Peachy is moisturizing without being sticky and has a yummy citrus fruity scent. The color, while quite sheer, is gorgeous--a shimmery peachy nude. Don't expect long lasting color, but at $7 I don't mind reapplying frequently. The all-natural ingredient list is a plus as well!
Ingredients:
Ricinus communis (castor) seed oil,, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, acacia decurrens flower wax, phytosteryl canola glycerides, silica, flavor, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, tocopherol, glycine soja (soybean oil)., May contain: mica, iron oxides, titanium dioxide, carmine

Be Still My Heart- FINALLY A Decent Sephora Beauty Insider Gift!

Between Friends and Family (I can't believe I still haven't shared my haul!) and the recent VIB coupon, I had racked up a truly embarrassing number of Sephora points. The problem was that none of the 100 point gifts appealed to me at all. A mini shaving cream? Yet another primer sample? No thanks. Imagine my surprise when the recent 100 point gift was not only good but awesome! Mini Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Blushes in #6 Quickie, a gorgeous bright salmon pink! The shade is pretty similar to my Becca Grapefruit Beach Tint but does not have he strong scent and is not meant to double as a lip tint. The formula is also thicker and a bit more opaque but still blends nicely. RUN to your local Sephora to see if they have this gift available (it's not online)!

Becca Grapefruit Beach Tint

I've been looking for a cheek and lip stain for quite a while now. I am one of those people who, despite countless magazine articles insisting that everyone looks good with a just-in-from-the-cold flush, cannot wear pink of berry blushes. This greatly limits my cheek stain options since while deep rose hues abound, peachy pinks are a rare breed. I found bronzes, I found oranges, I even found a deep burnt coral and plum, but alas no stain to suit my coloring.

Then I stumbled upon Becca Beach Tint in Grapefruit. While not a traditional liquid or gel stain, this product does act like a tint for all day indelible wear and lo and behold, Grapefruit is a beautiful peachy pinky coral (similar to Makeup For Ever HD Blush in 6) that flatters my pale skin. I like a stronger cheek and so I apply 2 layers to build the color, but if you crave subtly one will be just fine. It does have a strong grapefruit smell which I neither understand nor care for, but it dissipates in a few minutes. A few Duane Reades in the city now carry the line if you'd like to check out the Beach Tints--there are several lovely shades from which to choose including a peach (another hard to find stain shade).

FREE Chantecaille Tea Rose Lip Chic!

Okay, so it's not totally free--you do have to make a purchase. But Tea Rose is a gorgeous shade and at least Chantecaille isn't going all Neiman Marcus on us and requiring a $300 minimum purchase or something! On Friday, November 26th, every purchase of the Fall 2010 Tiger in the Wild Palette from Chantecaille.com will score you a free Tea Rose Lip Chic if you enter code TIGERS at checkout!

A Steal From Drugstore.com

Years ago, Bergdorf Goodman carried a line of cosmetics by makeup artist and brow guru Ramy Gafni. The hues had cheeky names like Chutzpah, and the line seemed well-edited and quite wearable, if not ordinary. Duane Reade, an NYC drug store chain who's sheer number of outlets seems to rival Starbucks, started making over some of its stores, stocking them with high end cosmetics from lines like Becca, 100% Pure and Ramy. I stumbled across the Whipped Liqui-Air Mousse blushes, silicone based cream blushes in wand-style tubes and found them tempting, but I wasn't ready to shell out the money.

Lo and behold, as I was going through the sale offerings on drugstore.com during the Beauty.com Friends and Family event, I found this blush in the shade Alive on sale for just $4.99 and scooped it up. Alive is a bronzy peachy shade, definitely on the warm side, that goes on and blends easily thanks to the silicone base. Subtle reflective particles impart a glow and the shade sheers down nicely for the palest complexions. A steal at under 5 bucks!

Applied heavily:
Sheered out:

Beauty.com Friends and Family is On!

Save 20% on everything at Beauty.com (except for gift cards and Jane Iredale). You have to click through the email link which unfortunately means no Ebates, but that didn't stop me (for those of you playing at home, we're at 3 Sephora Friends and Family orders in addition to this one). I picked up a ton of drugstore.com staples in addition to Decleor Aroma Solutions Nourishing Lip Balm (there's something so luxe about a high end lip treatment), Philosophy Microdelivery One Minute Purifying Enzyme Peel, and a Ramy Liqui-Air Color in Alive, on sale for $4.99. What will you be picking up?