Lipgloss Break: November 2009
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Review & Giveaway - Z Palette

Did you know that you can save money by buying eye shadow and blush pans, minus the packaging? MAC cosmetics offers eyeshadow and blush pans for $11 or $15, as opposed to $14.50 and $18. Stila, Avon, Victoria Secret Beauty, and more, also offer a discounted price for when you buy just the refill. You may ask yourself, "how will I organize all of these pans?" That's what Z Palettes are for.

Zena Shteysel was working as a makeup artist for film and television, and always had to carry around an enormous makeup kit. She realized that several brands only make palettes to fit only their product, which is hard for someone who wants to downsize their makeup collection. To solve it, she designed the Z Palette, which is the "ultimate customizable makeup palette" that helps the 'everyday woman' to get organized, streamlined, eco-friendly and save money.

The Z Palette is genius. It helps you to remain organized while saving money by buying just the pans. It's great for traveling too. You can customize your palette for the blushes and shadows you want for you trip, and its slim and sleek, which makes it easy to pack.

Check out all of the cosmetic brands that offer discounted prices on pans.

***Giveaway***

Enter to win a $20 gift certificate to ZPalette.com!

Fill out the form below to win! For extra entries, you can sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me and retweet on Twitter , or become a fan on Facebook; just make sure to list the entries in your comment. Enter up to once a day!

This giveaway is open to US & Canada residents. The contest will end on Monday, December 21st. I will randomly select the lucky winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!



Cyber Monday Deals

Bath & Body Works - 25% off online order, use code CYBERMONDAY at checkout
Pur Minerals - 25% off and free shipping
BeautySak.com - $20 off $100 purchase or more

Origins Online (ELC)

Piperlime - 20% off and free shipping
Old Navy - 20% off and free shipping


Crocs - Exclusive 5% OFF Stackable coupon! This coupon can be used on ANY purchase between now and Dec. 18th. Simply enter N9DWZLKY3ISA.

Luna Twilight at Nordstrom

Check out the Luna Twilight cosmetics collection launching at Nordstrom!

This breakthrough blend of mousse and cream blush glides on effortlessly for a satin finish that perfectly emulates a vampire’s ethereal glow.

Highlight collarbones, arms and legs with a light-weight, hydrating body illuminator that leaves skin dazzling.

Apply this Venom-laced lip conditioner for a crimson stained pout with an intensely potent bite. Check out my review for the Lip Venom!

Smudge on this duel shimmer and cream shadow for a mysterious smokey eye effect.



Total Beauty Break

TotalBeauty.com
Save Cash with these Holiday Discounts

Check out these great deals, beauty freebies and free shipping offers that'll last the rest of this year


We could all stand to save a few bucks while holiday shopping this year, and these deals will be a major help! We found tons of stuff, from sites offering free shipping, to discounts, cool gifts-with-purchase and more!

See deals



Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals

Benefit Cosmetics

Get FREE US shipping with any $25 Benefit Cosmetics order. Enter SHIP2009 at checkout. Offer valid 11.27.09–11.30.09. Not valid with other offers. Excludes sale items & sharpeners. Offer valid one time per customer.

Get FREE international shipping with any $100 Benefit Cosmetics order. Enter CYBRINTL at checkout. Offer valid 11.27.09–11.30.09. Not valid with other offers. Excludes sale items & sharpeners. Offer valid one time per customer.


Clinique



Bobby Brown

Receive 20% off at BobbiBrown.com from November 30th - December 2nd.



Total Beauty Break

TotalBeauty.com
Stocking Stuffer Quiz: Find Perfect Gifts for Everyone On Your List

Answer a few quick questions and get ideal recommendations for the loved ones on your shopping list


Everyone has that someone (or someones) on their list that are practically impossible to buy for. Rather than wander the mall aimlessly for days trying to come up with a gift they'll like, just take this quiz to find gifts they'll love. It's almost too easy.

Take the quiz



Giveaway Break - Perricone Cold Plasma Giveaway


It's been way too long since I posted my last giveaway break....

Perricone MD just came out with a new product to help enhance your current anti-aging routine through the power of biochemical individuality. Perricone Cold Plasma is a universal skin care product; suited for anyone, no matter how old your skin is, what your skin type is, or wehther you're male or female.

Cold Plasma works through this system to deliver optimal nutrition to skin cells to help skin achieve a healthy, glowing, youthful appearrance.

It does so by helping combat the 10 signs of aging, which include:

  1. Firmness
  2. Elasticity
  3. Clarity
  4. Radiance
  5. Smoothness
  6. Texture
  7. Redness
  8. Blotchiness
  9. Fine lines and wrinkles
  10. Dryness

***Giveaway***

Comment below to win Perricone Cold Plasma.

To enter: leave a comment on this post telling me how you feel you can benefit from using Cold Plasma. For extra entries, you can sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me and retweeton Twitter, or become a fan on Facebook; just make sure to list your extra entries in the comments.

This contest is open to US residents only. The contest will end on Wednesday, December 16th. I will randomly select one lucky winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!




Free Kat Von D Tote at Sephora


Get a free Kat Von D tote at Sephora with any $25 purchase. Enter TOTE09 at checkout. You have to be a beauty insider to receive the tote, which is free to join.




Zoya's Green Friday Event


That's right, Green Friday, instead of Black Friday. Get 6 Zoya green shades for free with a purchase of $20 or more at www.zoya.com. Zoya Tangy, Zoya Envy, Zoya Midori, Zoya Irene, Zoya Suvi and Zoya Veruschka...all free! Perfect for re-gifting as stocking stuffers!

Code will activate on Thanksgiving at 5 pm (EST). Code will expire on Friday, November 27, at 5pm EST.

Read more about Green Friday on Zoya's Blog.


Cyber Monday Deals at The Fairest

Looking to give the gift of beauty this year? Or looking for a cosmetic or beauty steal for yourself? Look no further than The Fairest! Email me today so I can send you a free invitation to join, so you can be ready for the special deals they are having on Cyber Monday! Apparently they are having MAJOR discounts on prestige beauty products!

Email me at lipglossbreak@gmail.com for your invite!

Conde Nast Magazines - Friends & Family Sale!

Give the gift that keeps on giving...a magazine subscription! There is a magazine out there for everyone on your shopping list. Check out the great deals that Conde Nast is offering until November 30th.

Nordstrom Color Blockbuster Palette

Nordstrom Color Blockbuster Palette When planning a vacation, be prepared for every cosmetics situation with the Nordstrom Color Blockbuster Palette. Packed with 156 colors, this palette is will keep you glamorous with 144 eyeshadows and 12 of your favorite blush colors. Developed by professional makeup artists for everyday use, it includes every color option imaginable. High in pigment shades range from trend setting cutting edge cools to basic everyday warm colors, perfect for any and all occasions. Open the satin touch, button locking lid to find 4 stackable sliding trays, a vanity mirror, 2 double ended professional quality applicators and a blush brush. This is truly a cosmetics masterpiece, packed with value, and offered for a limited time.
Price: Only $29.50 ($150.00 Value) at Nordstrom stores and www.nordstrom.com

Need to buy a gift for Mom or a sister? This is perfect. Huge selection of colors...perfect for someone who likes to experiment with color!


Ursula Stephen, Celebrity Stylist


At the 2009 Women of the Year hosted by Glamour Magazine, Rihanna’s truly looked stunning from head to toe.


Ursula Stephen, Motions Celebrity Stylist, created Rihanna’s flawless hairstyle. Ursula proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune to create flawless looks and that you can take an edgy cut and make it glamorous! Follow these simple steps to achieve Rihanna’s stunning style:


1. Straighten hair using a flatiron, smoothing each section towards the right side of the head.

2. Using a medium barrel curling iron, gently curl the front section of the hair away from the face, creating a sexy, old Hollywood-wave.

3. Apply Motions Light Hold Working Spritz to hold the look through the night.



Philosophy Good Energy Shower Gel & Bubble Bath


A gift that gives back...

We could all use some good energy to fuel our souls. philosophy's good energy high-foaming shower gel and bubble bath 16 oz. was created to gently cleanse and condition your skin, while sending you good energy with its uplifting, orange cassis scent. Enjoy an invigorating, rich, foaming lather that leaves your skin feeling soft and your soul vibrant. 100% of philosophy's net proceeds from the sale of this product are donated to Young Women's Leadership Network.

Price: $20, available at philosophy.com




Time to Shop!

Who's ready for Turkey Day? Better yet, who is ready for Black Friday???

Starting this week, I'll be highlighting special cosmetic and beauty brand deals and gift ideas. Enjoy and happy shopping!

Twilight Lip Venom


I can't wait to see the New Moon movie. Twilight was so entertaining, and the books (I just started the fourth one) are the perfect guilty pleasure.

Along with the Twilight movie and book craze, Twilight Beauty emerged to give girls the chance to look hip and vampire-edgy. I was able to try the Twilight Lip Venom, which is a lip stain with conditioners and plumping powers.

I'm loving this stain and it's plumping effects. It has a high shine and makes my lips look more full when it's on by itself or over lipstick. It plumps and hydrates with argan oil, avocado oil, olive oil and vitamin E. According to the TwilightBeauty.com, here are the directions:
This product should be shaken before use to represent the blending of the human and vampire worlds and applied repeatedly until lips are plumped, revitalized and the desired intensity of color has been reached.

Timed with the premiere of the second film in the Twilight saga, Twilight Beauty is offering a commemorative New Moon Venom designed to bring color and warmth to even the coldest of vampires' lips. The two-phase moisturizing lip stain features a venom-laced lip conditioner on top and an intense shimmering crimson stain on the bottom.

The limited edition New Moon Venom is free with any purchase of $50 or more from www.TwilightBeauty.com. Offered only during the film's opening weekend - November 20-22 - moviegoers can now flaunt the just-bitten look.

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

THE TOP 4 FRAGRANCE TRENDS

BEAUTY PRESS
There’s no beauty product that’s more powerful than perfume. One spritz, and the experience becomes highly personal: Suddenly, you’re overcome by memories of your grandmother’s rose garden, find the confidence to take a chance on love, or shake out a grumpy mood for a bright and cheerful one. Despite the economy, fragrance will always be an attainable luxury that suggests escape, says Kate Greene, vice president of marketing, Givaudan Fine Fragrance. Where will it take you next? Here’s a sneak peek at four fragrance trends, coming soon to a beauty counter near you.

LOOK TO THE PAST: With economic stress, expect to see a return to nostalgia. “We look to history to provide a glimpse into the future. We watch how the pendulum is swinging as a forecast. For example, during difficult times, consumers seek what is nostalgia and comfort; and most often gravitate towards classic florals. During the Great Depression, it was the big bold floral statement of Joy by Jean Patou that was popular, while Chloe was a top seller during the turmoil of the 70’s—both comforting, classic florals. There’s a sense that the demand turns to what’s familiar and safe,” says Greene. Recently, big floral perfumes have been bestsellers, in response to the current economic recession. In the next couple of months, be on the lookout for new perfumes dominated by floral notes that your mom and grandma loved, like rose and violet. “Those scents remind you of a simpler time, and that memory can be a great comfort when you’re stressed,” says Sue Phillips, owner and founder of Scenterprises Limited, a global fragrance consulting firm.

SPOT A BRIGHTER FUTURE: For 2010 launches, think bold, exciting and fantasy. “The perfumes coming down the pipeline are going to be vibrant, saturated, a collection of technicolor ingredients. As we move out of sobering times, the consumer will crave escape and color, and will be much more experimental. We’re all ready for some fun,” says Greene. Sophisticated, rich scents are also having a moment, edging out light citrus and watery florals, as the heart and soul of new perfumes. Look for warm, woody notes, like sandalwood, amber and resin that have heft and character. “These notes are natural, down to earth and last longer,” says Mary Ellen Lapsansky, vice president of The Fragrance Foundation. “Traditionally, strong woods have been associated with the men’s fragrances, but the lines between men and women’s fragrances have been blurring for some time now.”

BE YOUR OWN NOSE: Once reserved for only those-in-the know, personalized, custom fragrance is gaining popularity, thanks to newer, more accessible ways to get it. The $10,000 bespoke blend still exists, but customized perfume is happily now at a realistic price point, about the same that you’d pay for a bottle of fine fragrance from a niche perfumer. Look for custom fragrance bars at department and chain stores, where you can sample single notes. Another custom trend: Perfume parties that let you create your own formula with three or four harmonizing blends. A consultant guides you through the notes and accords, and you walk away with a true signature scent. “Women want something that reflects their individuality. Everyone is focusing on what’s the wisest way to spend their money now, and this is an affordable luxury that you can honestly call your own,” says Phillips, who also works with The Perfume Studio, a company that organizes custom fragrance parties and seminars. Designing your own fragrance is well worth the investment—you spend time getting to know what you like, experiment with different aromas, and leave with a memorable, transporting experience.

TELL A TALE: Perfume companies are realizing that it takes more than a whiff of the scent to get people interested. “Right now, story telling is especially relevant. People want to know how a fragrance is made and the work that has gone into it, as well as tap into its emotional connection. Fragrance sends a very personal and emotional message,” says Greene. And with more than 1000 perfume launches last year, a story is the advantage a new fragrance needs to stand out. “There’s a real quest for authenticity at the moment. When you know why the perfumer chose the notes and his inspiration, the whole experience draws you in and becomes more genuine,” says Celene Aguilar, director of US sales and marketing for L’Artisan Parfumeur. How to get the story told? Salespeople, of course, but companies are also experimenting with innovative new outlets, like social media, blogs, dvds and short films, that ultimately, leave a lasting, and fragrant impression.

Source: beautypress.com


Get The Skinny on Duchess Marden


The Skinny is having a private sale on Duchess Marden products.

Background about this line:
This line was inspired by a journey founder Marla Steuer took to Southeast Asia. Following a desert trek in India, she came upon pure rose water and discovered charm, ritual, scent and pleasure all at once. When she learned of the many benefits of the rose, she was smitten. Wishing to share her discovery, she created Duchess Marden, incorporating the healing properties of the rose, once only for royalty, into a completely natural skincare line. Model Josie Maran is a fan of this line.

Email me at lipglossbreak@gmail.com for a free invitation to shop The Skinny private sales!

Shopping Break - The Body Shop Sale

I just caught wind of the Body Shop Sale. I think it's in-store only. From 3-6pm ONLY, everything in the store is 3 for $30 (which is a huge deal for The Body Shop!). Call your local store for details!

Lancome Nutrix Royal Body Cream


Lancome Nutrix Royal Body, Intense Lipid Repair Body Cream, is not only ridiculously moisturizing, but it's smell is ultra comforting. This cool, creamy lotion is super hydrating and great for these colder months.

Nutrix Royal Body cream relieves the tightness in your skin that is caused by extreme dehydration. It uses Royal Lipideum, which is a unique technology enriched with Royal Jelly that supplements skin's own natural lipids for intense hydration.

The price point is at $34 for 7 oz. Yes, it's expensive, but if Lancome is offering a bonus gift with purchase, it would definitely be a good item to invest in. Plus, it's light pink container and gold top makes for nice counter decor.

New NARS Holiday 2009 Gifting

Toasting the year and its 15th anniversary, NARS is celebrating with red-hot holiday-packaged gifting that boast a variety of products. Below are the highlights:

15th ANNIVERSARY PALETTES- $75.00 each

NARS introduces two palettes to celebrate 15 years of color innovation.

Everlasting Love contains intense eye hues to create the perfect smoky eye and Wild at Heart featuring bold lip shades for a deeply pigmented pout.

PLEIN ETÈ MINI MULTIPLE SET$45.00

An exclusive set of mini Multiples boasting three best-selling shades.

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS MINI NAIL KIT- $30.00

The perfect gift for any stocking, this miniature collection includes four glamorously festive shades: Arabesque, Chinatown, Candy Darling and Saratoga

D. LOVELY LIP GLOSS DUO SET- $45.00

Four smaller versions of the successful Duo Lip Gloss in a variety of mix and match shades: Misbehave/All Night Long, Pillow Talk/Sandpiper, Orgasm/Chihuahua, and Greek Holiday/Stolen Kisses.

The Holiday 2009 gift sets and palettes are currently available at narscosmetics.com and the Plein Etè Mini Multiple Set is available exclusively at Sephora.




Limited Edition Holiday Design Nails from Kiss

Spice up the holiday season with one of these four limited edition designs, available in Medium and Real Short lengths, by Limited Edition Holiday Design Nails from KISS.

I put these on for Halloween and they were a hit! They stayed on flawlessly for two days. The perfect amount of time for my work Halloween party on Friday, and for Halloween on Saturday.

The Design Everlasting French Nail Kits contain: 28 Nails in 14 sizes, 2g Glue, Mini-File, and a Manicure Stick.

New Technology

The bonded layers in the manufacturing process of this new nail create the most durable French nail ever, that won’t chip - guaranteed. The tips of previous French nails often chipped within 3-4 days of excessive wear and tear. But the new plastic tip is now made with colored molding, instead of air-brushing, so chipping is impossible

Price: $6.99

Availability: The Design Everlasting Nail Kits will be on shelves November 1st 2009 at all major drug stores nationwide including Rite Aide, CVS, Duane Reade and Kmart.



Review & Giveaway - The All Nighter


Loving this stuff. It's the perfect incentive to sleep in and not have to worry about washing my hair. The All Nighter is a styling powder that works magic for 2-day year old hair.

Normally I can't use dry shampoos or baby powder tricks because I have short hair and once slept on, sticks up like I stuck my finger in a socket. When I try to blow dry my 2-day year old hair straight, it ends up looking oily and mashed down.

I stayed out way past my bedtime this past Saturday, and slept in on Sunday. Waking up late and not feeling like washing my hair, I decided to try The All Nighter. I sprinkled some of the Neutral powder in my hair and 'fluffed it' like the bottle says too. The powder disappeared quickly into my hair. I then blow dried the back straight again and added more powder once finished. Voila! My hair looked freshly done! The All Nighter helped me to feel less guilty about staying out until 2am!

It comes in 6 different hair color shades, including a Neutral for those people who like to change their hair color often (me!).

***Giveaway***

Enter to win The All Nigher of your choice!

Fill out the form below to win! For extra entries, you can sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me and retweet on Twitter , or become a fan on Facebook; just make sure to list the entries in your comment. Enter up to once a day!

This giveaway is open to US & Canada residents. The contest will end on Wednesday, December 16th. I will randomly select the lucky winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!



Kmart Bluelight Specials

Bluelight Specials are back, and to celebrate in style Kmart will be giving shoppers on Twitter a chance to win a $50 gift card everyday! In addition to the chance to win daily, everyone following @KmartDealsnNews on Twitter will be automatically entered for a chance to win a $500 Kmart shopping spree!

The sweepstakes runs from November 12th until December 23rd .

All you have to do is follow @KmartDealsnNews on Twitter from your personal Twitter account and issue a Tweet everyday using our hashtag: #KmartBLS. Each day is a new opportunity to win, so the more often you tweet - the better your chances are to win a Daily prize!

For more info on sweepstakes details, check out: http://tr.im/kmartBLS, and for Official Rules: http://tr.im/kmartBLSrules.



Bath and Body Works and LeSportsac Team Up



For a limited time, LeSportsac is offering its iconic collection of bags with Bath & Body Works PocketBac waterless hand gel, providing a stylish way to keep healthy! What a great idea!




The pocket-sized bottle contains natural ingredients and powerful germ killers that get hands clean without water (or the alcohol scent), anywhere, anytime. From November 16th to December 24th, stop by LeSportsac stores or log on to http://lesportsac.com/ to snjag the bags plus a Pocketbac waterless hand gell and a bounceback card good toward you next Bath & Body Works purchase.


There's No Place Like China Glaze...


Click your Ruby Pumps and come travel with China Glaze down the yellow brick road to meet “The Wizard of Ohh Ahz”! Just in time for the holidays, China Glaze is re-releasing the ever-so popular Wizard of Ohh Ahz collection! Very similar to the original version that was released in 2001, these colors will remind you of exactly why China Glaze glitters are always in the forefront! Colors in the 6 piece acetate include (from left to right as shown in the photo above):


· Ruby Pumps: An all time red glitter favorite!

· Cowardly Lyin’: Gold frost with specks of gold micro glitter.

· The Ten Man: Silver frost with specks of micro silver glitter.

· Dorothy Who?: Blue polish with massive amounts of silver and blue glitter!

· C-C-Courage: Purple Frost with specks of purple micro glitter.

· Good Witch: Pink Frost with specks of pink micro glitter.


China Glaze will take you to that special polish place…some where over the rainbow with these gorgeous glitter polishes!


China Glaze colors may change from season to season, but our formula remains the same longwearing lacquer with hardeners. Designed with the professional in mind, our 220-strand brush is great for ease of application. Best of all, our non-thickening formula provides even coverage. China Glaze nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. For more information, visit: www.chinaglaze.com.



Total Beauty Break

TotalBeauty.com
Top 10 Celebrity Hair Icons

Female stars have been defined by their hairstyles for decades. Here are the top 10 hair icons in recent memory


Starting before movies, television, photography or even electricity, hairstyles have defined female celebrities and vice versa. We take a moment to pay homage to the top 10 most iconic celebrity hairstyles in recent history, including a few from right now.

See icons



And the Winners Are...

ZannClip Giveaway - Kimandrory, Jeansinbox, Skeetersden, Missecho2, Oceangirl621

David Babaii Hair Products - Samanthacash, Paulina7m, Zestywonderland, Brian_nucci, HawaiiJack, Chlorinebrain, Jennabarson

Naat Cream - Freeburg77

H20 Ultra Hydrator - Bevmaye

All winners have been contacted already through email. Didn't win? Don't fret! There are still a ton of giveaways going on...check out the Giveaways page!


Urban Decay Friends & Family Event

Urban Decay Friends & Family Event - 30% Off November 9th - 20th...Stock up now!

Yves Saint Laurent Parisienne



"Parisienne is a scent that suits this eternal woman: she has personality, she is paradoxical, and she plays with convention. There is nothing obvious, only hints..."

I was really excited to try this new perfume by YSL. Normally I'm not a fan of 'rose' scented products, but it's a very subtle note in this perfume and it's not over bearing. It's a very girly, classy scent that I can wear to work and out at night.


THE TOP NOTE adds the shine of vinyl, an ultra
modern wink to gloss, varnish or the metal of a spike
heel, before the tartness of cranberry adds a point of
bitter sharpness - the evocation of a certain
impertinence softened by sparkling, succulent, fruity
blackberry, symbol of an epicurean PARISIENNE.

THE FLORAL HEART beats wildly with the absolute
femininity of the Damas rose, which harmonizes
perfectly with the powdery violet, sensual and
carnal like leather worn by Kate Moss. In contrast,
the peony gives a breath of PARISIENNE youth and
a hint of morning freshness.

THE BASE NOTE brings tumult and intensity in
its woody wake. First with patchouli, the ultimate
in mystery. And when the masculinity of vetiver
flirts with the feminine eroticism of musk and
sandalwood, one knows that this PARISIENNE
knew a “night of love”.

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.



Alterna at LA Fashion Week


Alterna created the recent hairstyles for fashion designer Kevan Hall at LA Fashion Week. Designed exclusively to complement Hall’s vintage-inspired designs, Alterna created modern-day beehives using Alterna’s CAVIAR Working Hair Spry and HEMP with Organics Spray Shine.


Here are the steps to recreate the modern-day beehive seen at the show:


1. Mount volume-enhancing mousse, such as Alterna’s Life Solutions Volumizing Spray Mousse, into damp hair from root to tips.

2. Blowdry hair straight with a round brush.

3. Backcomb the hair to achieve tons of volume and height on the top of the head, while keeping the sides of the head smooth and sleek

4. Secure the hair into a bun in the back of the head with pins

5. Smooth the top layer of the hair to gently shape the look, combing hair over the bun and securing with a pin, to give a smooth beehive style.

6. Finish with a flexible hair spray, like Alterna’s CAVIAR Working Hair Spray, and shine spray, like HEMP with Organics Spray Shine, for intense shine.




Total Beauty Break

TotalBeauty.com
The Cure for Dry Winter Skin

Find out which top hand hydrators our testers found desk drawer-worthy


We spend hundreds on youth-enhancing face lotions -- but when's the last time your hands got some love? "Hands show aging more than the face," says Los Angeles-based dermatologist Dr. Howard Murad. Good point. So we had 10 testers review hand creams for two weeks. Which ones offered the best hydration -- and which were just greasy? Find out in the ratings.

See products



Finding The Perfect Fragrance

Holidays are all about families and fragrance certainly fits right in. Here’s a guide that puts personality style together with the fragrance family to ensure the perfect fragrance gift.

First, know your nose! Perfumes are like musical compositions. The overture is the ‘top” note or the first impression when you try the scent on or open the bottle. The impact is immediate and sets up the next chorus of the fragrance which is the “middle note”. This is the very heart of the fragrance that stays with you longest before the final “base note” comes into play signaling the moment when the fragrance has truly developed to its fullest, lingering on the skin for many pleasurable hours.

Next, let’s talk fragrance like a pro. According to The Fragrance Foundation, who wrote the book on all things fragranced, perfumed and scented, fragrances are grouped into “families”. Florals, Orientals, Chypre (pronounced Sheep-ra), Woody, Fruity, Floriental, Citrus and Green are the most well-known. “It’s the magic and alchemy of the perfumer’s art to blend and mix the hundreds and thousands of ingredients that can make up an infinite variety of “scentsational” scents. Just like a composer does with music”, explains Rochelle Bloom, President of The Fragrance Foundation.

Now that you get the idea, here are some personality types that you might recognize on your holiday gift list and the fragrance “family” ingredients that would appeal to them:


For Her

Sporty Look for a fragrance that is light and sparkly. Citrus and green. The crystal-clean fresh tang of such fascinating ingredients as lemon, orange and lime. The zest and energy of freshly cut grass and dewy-green leaves.
Classic Think Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel. Often single florals like rose or gardenia, sometimes balanced by a variety of contrasting, sophisticated notes from the perfumer’s palette.
Fashionista A cutting edge Italian designer. A little black number from Paris or a style maven from the US? The fashion designer today uses individualist notes that range from sophisticated and mysterious to spicy and oriental. Get their style through a signature scent.
Romantic Chypre and Floral Orientals work their magic. Often an uninhibited blend of exotic flowers, herbs and spices.

For Him
Athletic Citrus. Fresh and Brisk. Clean and simple.
Earthy Fougere forest notes from oak moss, resin and geranium oil.
Dynamic Smoky, pungent,masculine leather notes.

BeautyPress.com November 2009


Pearlescent Perfection - Bare Escentuals & Honora

Two QVC favorites have come together this season to offer amazing holiday items at budget-friendly prices, perfect for gift-giving or dressing for the season. On November 7, viewers will enjoy two perfect presents for one-time-only prices, delivered in plenty of time for the holidays! This year, give the gift of beauty without breaking the bank or treat yourself to a glamorous accent to that holiday outfit with Bare Escentuals, Honora and QVC!


BareMinerals “Beautiful in Pearls” 10-Piece Collection
QVC Item #A92182 Approximately $54.00
For the Glamour-ista on the list, Bare Escentuals offers this 10-piece collection with rich depth and texture, reminiscent of fine pearls. Each shade in the collection matches a hue of pearls on the “Beautiful in Pearls” necklace created by Honora.
BE TSV 021Includes:
  • Brightening Pearl Mineral Veil
  • Blissful Pearl eye color (seashell peach)
  • Magnificent Pearl eye color (charcoal taupe)
  • Precious Pearl blush (dusty pink)
  • Big & Bright Mineral Eyeliner Pencil
  • Flawless Definition Mascara
  • Sugared Strawberry 100% Natural Lipgloss
  • Precision Eye Defining Brush
  • Tapered Blush Brush
  • Flawless Application Brush



Honora "Beautiful in Pearls" Cultured Pearl 18-Inch Strand
QVC Item #J143756 Approximately $ 52.00
BE TSV 004Ideal for the woman with classic style and sophisticated taste, Honora presents this single-strand necklace crafted from cultured freshwater pearls. This piece is timeless with a modern twist, using mocha, caramel, and peach colored pearls throughout. Each colored pearl matches a shade of the bareMinerals “Beautiful in Pearls” collection. Measures approximately 18-inches long by one and ¼ - inch wide.



Tune into QVC a Nov 7th at Midnight for the kick-off, and noon, 4pm and 10pm ET or shop online all day atQVC.COM