My Favorite Beauty Sets of 2012

Need a gift for a sister, mom, girlfriend or secret Santa? Here are my 3 favorite sets of 2012. Each palette is very versatile. You can create several 'looks' with each one, great for every type of skin tone and style. 'Tis the season to shop beauty....

Urban Decay, Naked Basics - Great to keep on you at all times. You can go from day to night with just a few color changes from this kit. These matte shadows are a staple for every beauty counter.

Pixi Beauty, Early Bird Kit - I love Pixi Beauty in general. They are high quality products with great prices. Their blushes look so natural and there's always a good variety for different skin tones. The center column of shadows are bases that help to keep the color shadows on longer. I sometimes use these bases alone when just going to the gym or running errands.

Senna Cosmetics, Haute Nudes - I was able to try this set out in Mystic. The kit comes with directions on how to apply two different looks, for day and night. These are the best makeup kit application directions I've ever seen. Very easy to create and everything is in the kit, even the brushes. I like this kit for traveling. I'll pack this set, a mascara and gloss and I'm good to go.

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.

Giveaway Break - Clos du Bois & Pixi cosmetic kit

Do you like wine? Do you like makeup? Well, here is the perfect gift for you or someone who has the same taste! Clos du Bois wines has launched a new red blend called Rouge, and have partnered with my personal favorite, Petra Strand of Pixi cosmetics, to develop a cosmetics kit inspired by Rouge. Even better, all of the proceeds from this cosmetic kit are being donated to the Step Up Network.

The kit includes Nail Rouge, Gloss Rouge, and Water Rouge, all in a gorgeous red cosmetic bag (which could also be used as a clutch!).

The Nail Rouge is a deep burgundy that will probably go with practically everything in your wardrobe. It's a power color. Wear it to work and you'll feel like you can accomplish anything!

The Gloss Rouge is a sheer red that looks great layered over a lipstick or by itself. It comes with a key chain hook so you never have to worry about leaving the house without a gloss.

My favorite part of this kit is the Water Rouge. I just started trying out cheek and lip stains and I love this one. It gives you the healthy flush look you get once you enjoy a glass of wine. A few brush strokes on the apples of the cheeks, blended quickly, gives a flushed color. You can also dab it gently on your lips for the 'bitten' look.

You can purchase the set from the Clos du Bois website, with a bottle of wine ($30) or by itself ($19). This is a great gift for a girlfriend, bachelorette or holiday hostess!

***Giveaway***

Enter to win one a Clos du Bois cosmetic kit with Pixi cosmetics. I have 5 to give away!

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 , follow me on Pinterest 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 residents only. The contest will end on Sunday, January 6th, 2013(!). I will randomly select five winners and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!

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.

Shop the Editors' List at Forever 21

Forever 21 partnered with four Conde Nast Editors from Glamour, Teen Vogue, W and Details to select the season's best looks. Each editor's picks will be featured in 480 Forever 21 stores across the U.S. through the holidays. 

Participating editors included Laurel Pantin, Glamour's Associate Shopping and Accessories Editor; Mary Kate Steinmiller, Teen Vogue's Senior Fashion Market Editor; Lindsey Frugier, W's Market Editor; and Justin Berkowitz, Details' Market Editor.

Beauty Blogger Coalition Round Up

Midnight Manicures: Check out swatches of Zoya's Gilty Pleasures Limited Edition Trio which includes an 18k gold flaky top coat. Enter to win your own Zoya Gilty Pleasures Trio and 5 of Zoya's most popular nail treatments!

Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Two lovely Nubar polishes are featured!

datyorkLOVES: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 Movie Review & Nails

TheFabZilla: So you want the best gift to your sister, mom and bff at a reasonable price. TheFabZilla shares her best holiday gifts for $25 and under.

BlushingNoir: BlushingNoir shows you her favorite way to use the Chanel Harmonie du Soir Quadra Eye Shadow

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Lola's Secret Beauty Blog is in love with Susan Thompson Cosmetics Mim's The Word Liquid Blush- enter for your chance to win your very own liquid pink perfection!

Pammy Blogs Beauty: It is time for another Birchbox Box Opening! Pammy Blogs Beauty shares what is inside November's Birchbox!

BeautyTidbits: Harshleen from BeautyTidbits is giving away 5 bottles of Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum. Enter to win!

Beauty Info Zone: It's time to think about the kids and their stocking stuffers. Lush has a product that will bring them nothing but fun.

My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog shows you the beautiful ghd Pink Cherry Blossom styler!

Polarbelle: Polarbelle found a great all-around face palette by Khroma Beauty - Khloe's Kardazzle. You're going to love it!

Beauty by Miss L: Miss L shows her cute manicure done with Models Own nail polish in Indian Ocean which is very pretty duo chrome.

Mama Fashionista: Forget Calgon! Mama Fashionista shares why the scent of White Sands Orchid Bliss Shampoo and Conditioner transports her (and makes her hair pretty too)!

Sweet Tart Beauty : Onsen Secret believes in developing products that will help your skin renew and protect itself from day to day stress

Beauty Professor: After a month of usage, the Beauty Professor reviews the Somme Institute 5-Step skincare regimen!

Curls N Pearls: This week, Christina from Curls N Pearls reviews Sally Hansen's Insta-Gel Strips, an easy 2 step gel manicure in a strip with no dry time & that removes easily with acetone polish remover. Click through for a review, tutorial, tips and tricks!

Lipgloss Break: Angela from Lipgloss Break tells you how she can't live without the Clarisonic Mia 2.

The Advice Sisters: Lip colors are magic wands that can change your look and how you feel, in just one swipe. Alison Blackman of advicesisters.net explores some of the season's best colors and products

Fabulous Awesomeness: Mina Slater reviewed the Ofra Pro Palette, a magnetic eyeshadow palette by Ofra Cosmetics. Plus she's having a giveaway for Ofra eye primer and the eyeshadow palette!

The Lacquered Lady: Ready for some new nail polish? The Lacquered Lady swatches polishes from the Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Apart inspired collection from China Glaze.

Beauty Blogazon Weekly Roundup

• The Convenient Beauty: Despite its huge price tag, Tom Ford Narcissist Cheek Color has now become The Convenient Beauty's all time favorite blush.
• Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Looking for some older Zoyas to covet? Check out the four Destany features!
• Cosmetics Aficionado: Have you heard of Sation nail polish? For Better or Never might make you take notice.
• datyorkLOVES: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 Movie Review & Nails.
• TheFabZilla: Check out TheFabZilla's glittery pick from butter LONDON's holiday lips and tips combo. Yep, it makes a lovely present to your bestie!
• Midnight Manicures: Check out swatches of Zoya's Gilty Pleasures Limited Edition Trio which includes an 18k gold flaky top coat. Enter to win your own Zoya Gilty Pleasures Trio and 5 of Zoya's most popular nail treatments!
• Beauty by Miss L: Are The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture shampoo & conditioner Miss L`s new favorite haircare products?
• Crows’ Feet, Cupcakes, and Cellulite: Crows’ Feet, Cupcakes, and Cellulite profiles a revolutionary new polish that has everything built right in for a complete mani/pedi!
• Makeup Demon: Blue and purple smokey eyes makeup.
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Lola's Secret Beauty Blog is entranced and captivated by the Susan Thompson Cosmetics Limited Edition Holiday Sets- they are simply stunning and infinitely affordable!
• The Beauty Think Tank: The Beauty Think Tank loves Illamasqua, so what happens when she tries out Skin Base Foundation? Only the blog post knows!
• My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog shows you the beautiful ghd Pink Cherry Blossom styler!
• Polarbelle: Have you heard of SaFloJo Nail Polish yet? Polarbelle would like to show you a Hidden Gem of a nail polish.
• The Passenger Element: nyx lip haul/swatches.
• Mama Fashionista: TotalBeauty.com's Beautygasm Box has great goodies to keep you looking good from head to toe (literally)! Mama Fashionista shares the details...
• Addicted to OPI-yum: Lovenailpolish wants you to know about the Most Beautiful Blue Nail polish she has ever seen. And she has seen a blue or two!
• Vicerimus : Follow Vicerimus, for she will lead the way to the white rabbit...or, at least, nails inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
• Sincerely Stephanie: Check out this week's Wal-Mart Wednesday for some glitzy glam nails that are perfect for the holidays!
• Beauty Professor: Already a fan of the Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick, the Beauty Professor shares swatches of all shades!
• Lipgloss Break: Angela from Lipgloss Break reviews the Clarisonic Mia 2!
• Baking Beauty: Does Maybelline's One By One really give clump free lashes?
• Love At First Site!: A holiday's "unpolished" look, just color and light coverage.

Get Clean with Clarisonic

Have you ever tried a new product and thought, 'how did I live without this for so many years?' Well, that is what went through my mind when I first tried out my Clarisonic. My skin has never felt so clean!

This review is way overdue. I started using my Brazilliant Orange Clarisonic Mia 2 during the extremely hot NYC summer. The hubby and I would spend all day on the weekends exploring the city, going in and out of the steamy subway system and hitting the hot pavement. By the end of the day, the little makeup I wore would be totally erased from my face from sweat. I could not get the greasy or dusty polution feeling off of my skin with cleanser or a wash cloth alone. Using the Clarisonic made my skin feel squeaky clean. My skin looked brighter with only a couple of days of using it.

I have ultra sensitive skin, so I was a little timid to use the Mia at first. I purchased the Delicate brush head to use and haven't had any irritation. The Mia comes with the Sensitive brush, which I let my husband use (he loves my Mia too!). I wash my face two times a day, but only use my Clarisonic about 5-7 times a week.

The Clarisonic Mia 2 comes with the following:
*Universal Voltage Charger
*Sensitive Brush Head
*1 oz. trial size cleanser
*Protective travel case
Retails at $149 at Clarisonic.com

The Mia and Mia 2 are great for traveling and every day use. If you are looking to take your skincare routine to the next level, this is it. I always tell my husband, you only get one skin, so take care of it!

A Clarisonic is also a great gift for any special lady on your Holiday shopping list. It's a higher price point than most, so round up your siblings and go in on this for mom. It's the gift that keeps giving!

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.

Cyber Monday Deals

Loft.com
50% off everything!

Piperlime.com
20% off, use code CYBER

Coach Factory outlet
Additional 30% off and 10% off at checkout.

TINte Cosmetics
30% off, enter CYBER at checkout

Nordstrom.com
Special Cyber Monday markdowns

Shoebuy.com
30% off plus free s&h

Barneys.com
Women's Sale & Men's Sale

Soap.com
30% off, use code SBATTLE

OldNavy.com & Gap.com
30% off entire order, use code CYBER

Per-fekt Beauty
Discount kids, use code HOLIDAY10

Bath & Body Works
25% off entire site, code CYBER2012

Shoes.com
20% off, use code CYBER

Bloomingdales.com
Up to 50% off select items, and $50 off for every $250 spent

UrbanDecay.com
1/2 off select makeup kits

JCrew Factory outlet
50% off everything + Free S/H

Ulta.com
Free gifts with purchase & additional sale items

Loehmanns.com
40% off everything! Use code CYBER40 at checkout.

Bloom.com
Up to 50% off your purchase. Use code THANKFUL35

StephanieJohnson.com
40% off. Use code MONDAY.

A Magazine Subscription, the Gift that Keeps Giving

My friend Dan owns a magazine subscription website, Deekins.com, and is offering Lipgloss Break readers a special holiday discount (you may remember the same sale last year as well). Thanks Dan!

Magazines are the gift that keeps giving all year around. There's a magazine for everyone on your list at Deekins.com. Here are the deals he's offering:

For the Fitness & Healthy Living lover...

Yoga Journal - coupon code: lipglossyoga 

Final price - $2.99

Weight Watchers - coupon: breakweight 

Final price - $2.49

For the Fashion lover...

Elle - coupon: elle4lgb 

Final price - $6.99

And everyone in between...

20% off any purchase - coupon: lpbreak20

I hope this helps you cross a few more names off your list! 

Dark Chocolate Espresso Granola Bars Recipe

Now that I'm back in Michigan I realized how much I missed my big kitchen. I love prepping clean meals and snacks on the weekends, to eat throughout the week. I get a lot of my recipes from the lovely Tosca Reno Eat Clean Diet cookbook and site and Oxygen Magazine. The latest snack recipe I tried was for  Dark Chocolate Espresso Granola bars, from Oxygen. I know, they sound sinful, but they are clean and so delicious!

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup whole-grain flour
2 scoops vanilla protein powder
1 tbsp raw honey
2 oz dark chocolate-covered espresso beans (70% or higher coca content).
1/2 cup canola oil
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 tsp sea salt (I left this out)
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla or almond extract

1 - Preheat oven to 325F
2 - Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Mix with a wooden spoon to combine.
3 - Spread mixture evenly in a 9x9 inch baking dish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden around the edges. Let cool and slice into 8 bars. Serve or refrigerate for later.

These are perfect to grab on your way out the door for an early morning workout or a mid morning pick me up snack. Enjoy!

CND Shellac in Cityscape

This was my Thanksgiving Day manicure. I would normally go a bit darker for Fall but because it was a bit warmer, I thought I'd do a lighter color.

This is from CND Shellac's newest line of colors. It's called Cityscape, and it's a light, creamy gray. I love colors like this...they go with practically everything, and I don't have to spend extra time planning my outfits around my manicure (yes, sometimes I do this!). 

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Beauty Deals

Biggest shopping weekend ever is here. Here are some sales to check out...

Ouidad.com
Black Friday Weekend - Friday through Sunday, head to Ouidad.com to receive 25% off all orders by using the code FFCURL during check out.
Cyber Monday - Still get 25% using the code FFCURL at checkout and receive 2 days of free shipping on all orders.

Murad.com
Cyber Monday - get $25 off all purchases over $100. Use promo code CYBERMONDAY.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare

Friends & Family (25% Off) is also going on Nov 24-27th.

BobbiBrown.com

11/21-11/25: Black Friday Exclusive! Enjoy a beauty trio of your choice and a free specially-sized Lip Gloss with every order. Plus receive free standard shipping.

COOLAsuncare.com

COOLA will offer a 25% discount this Cyber Monday on all products (excluding MineralBaby and the Sun essentials kit) on coolasuncare.com. Enter the code happymonday and get all of your favorite sun and skin care products in time for the holidays!

Clinique.comBlack Friday is here! Get 3 FREE Minis with any $25 purchase. Plus, all orders ship FREE. Use code SMOKY

Sephora.comThis Friday, rise and shine early to grab their $10 Black Friday Doorbusters including full-size favorites from their best-selling brands. Supplies are limited so get them while you can. To celebrate Cyber Monday, pick up their Mystery Sample Bag goodies and get Free Shipping with any $25 purchase.

BEAUTYSAGE.COM
Offering 20% site wide from Wednesday November, 22rd – Saturday, November 24th.

C.O. BIGELOW (BIGELOWCHEMISTS.COM)
Offering 20% off site wide now through Tuesday, November 27th.

VotreVu.com

Nov 22-26. Free shipping on every purchase and free Eiffel Power mascara with every $100 purchase.

BobbiBrown.com

Beginning Wednesday, November 21st, enjoy Black Friday with a beauty trio of deluxe sized samples, free shipping AND a specially sized lip gloss with every purchase through Sunday, November 25th. Then, on Monday, November 26th, Bobbi Brown celebrates Cyber Monday by offering 5 samples of your choice AND free shipping with any order.

Natures-gate.com
Nature’s Gate is offering 40% off any product(s) in their NEW Facial Care collection in honor of the brand’s 40th anniversary. Shoppers simply enter discount code CYB40 at checkout. Nature’s Gate Facial Care Collection includes 7 facial care products – from cleansers to serums—each containing gentle, dermatologist-tested formulas and a wide variety of anti-aging benefits.

Beauty.com
- Buy $40 in Origins products at Beauty.com and receive a free Liquid Lip Duo in Hot Date & Juicy Details ($24 value!). While supplies last. 
- Buy $40 in Peter Thomas Roth products at Beauty.com and receive a free Mega Rich Intensive Anti-Aging Cellular Creme ($37.50 value!). While supplies last.
- Free Shipping

Lumene.com

In honor of Black Friday, Walgreens is offering 40% off all Lumene products! All good things must come to an end, though. Be sure to head to your Walgreens (or Walgreens.com) by 11:59pm as promotion ends after November 23^rd.

BeautyBar.com

Black Friday Offer (enter code BBGWPBF at checkout) - Shoppers who spend $50 at Beauty Bar will receive an ultra-pampering gift with purchase from Philosophy. This exclusive gift set includes three ofPhilosophy’s newest offerings ($20 value):

·         Purity Made Simple Foaming 3-in-1 Cleansing Gel for Face and Eyes

·         Eyes Wide Open Instant Refreshing and Depuffing Eye Gel

·         The Microdelivery Exfoliating Body Wash

Cyber Monday Offer (enter code BBCYBERMONDAY at checkout)

Shoppers who spend $100 will receive $20 off their purchase for one day only.

In addition, from November 23^rd – November 30^th, all WrinkleMD products will be 20% off, and shoppers will receive free refill patch treatments with any WrinkleMD purchase.

Smashbox.com

Skip the long lines at department stores and still save with Smashbox’s Black Friday Friends & Family deal! Enjoy 20% off orders on Smashbox.com for purchases of $50 or more. To receive the discount, enter the code FRIENDS2012 when checking out. (Discount Dates: November 21st – November 26th)

MallyBeauty.com/cyber-monday

MallyBeauty.com is going to kick off “Pink Monday” (Monday, November 26^th, 2012 starting at 12amEST) by offering 25% off all face products. If you are a Mally Beauty email subscriber, you will receive 25% off all site items. The Promo code for 25% off all face products is 25FACE. Please visit: www.mallybeauty.com/cyber-monday to redeem the 25% off site wide if you sign up for Mally Beauty emails.

On Tuesday, November 27^th, 2012, the 25% off site wide sale will apply for any users that “Like” the Mally Beauty’s Facebook page! Not a fan? Join in on the deal by clicking here: www.mallybeauty.com/cyber-monday and to redeem the 25% off all site items.

On Wednesday, November 28^th, 2012, the sale will be extended to Mally Beauty’s Twitter followers. All of Mally Beauty’s Twitter followers will receive 25% off all site items. Not following Mally Beauty on Twitter? Click here: www.mallybeauty.com/cyber-monday and to redeem the 25% off all site items.

UniqueVintage.com

From Black Friday all the way through Cyber Monday, UniqueVintage.com will be discounting 25% off of EVERYTHING on the site. It's the perfect time to shop for everyone on your holiday gift list, including yourself! 

Beauty Blogazon Holiday Giveaway

Your favorite beauty bloggers have joined together to offer an amazing Holiday Giveaway. Enter to one of five $100 Visa gift cards. Perfect timing for holiday shopping and treating yourself to something nice this year! 

Enter to win by following the instructions on the rafflecopter widget below. The giveaway begins at midnight EST the morning of November 21, 2012 and ends December 21, 2012. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Carly Rae Jepsen at 2012 AMAs

Photo provided by Votre Vu

Carly Rae won best new artist last night at the American Music Awards - so happy for her! Not only did she win but she also performed her new song last night, 'This Kiss,' and then of course, ended it with her hit, 'Call Me, Maybe?'

Carly got all dolled up by celebrity makeup artist Tina Turnbow. Tina used one of my favorite lines on Carly, Votre Vu. Here's what she did to create her soft, feminine, sexy look...

For her face: Prepped with Votre Vu Attentive Serum Delicat Pour Le Visage first, and then the Attentive Creme du Jour over to provide a moisturized base for the foundation. 

For her eyes: First applied Votre Vu Lingerie Pour Le Yeux to create an event base. I personally love this product. I swipe it on when I'm wearing minimal makeup to help brighten my eyes.

To create her soft, defined eyes, she linked them with the Votre Vu Le Joli Crayon in Charbon, and smudged it up and out with the sponge tip to create a smokey cat-eye effect. I think Carly Rae is born to wear a smokey look. It looks so good on her! Lastly for her eyes, Tina used Votre Vu Eiffel Power Mascara (another favorite of mine from this line!).

For her cheeks: Tina applied the Votre Vu Vu-On Rouge Cheek and Lip tint in Bouquet Rose to her cheeks, which gave her a natural flush. 

To set the entire look, Tina used Votre Vu A Votre Sante misting spray. Carly Rae looked flawless on the red carpet and while performing. 

What do you think of Carly Rae's look? Which celebrity topped your list for best dressed and all dolled up? 

Photo from Zap2It.com

Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup

• 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!

Birchbox Launches Limited Edition Home Box & Online Shop

I'm a huge fan of Birchbox, the monthly beauty sampling program. They just announced that they are launching a Limited Edition Birchbox Home box and online shop, featuring decor and entertaining products from premier lifestyles brands such as a Jonathan Adler, Dean & Deluca and C. Wonder. 

It's priced at $58 with a value of over $140. It's stuffed with cocktail party accessories, kitchen tools, gourmet foodie finds and more! 

Customers can purchase the box and explore the Birchbox home shop at www.birchbox.com/home. If you are into home decor or entertaining, this should be on your holiday wish list!

Kristen Stewart at Twilight Part 2 Premiere

Where are all of my Twilight fans at!? I read the entire series but I'm two movies behind. I plan on having a marathon movie night this weekend so I can go see the finale in theaters. 

The Twilight cast got spiffied up for the premiere, including the usual tom-boyish Kristen Stewart. I thought she looked stunning in her dress. It was see-thru, yes, but still had an elegance to it. I thought it gave her an 'elegant edge.' It could have been worse, she could have worn her Converse shoes...

Below is how you can get her Veronica Lake-inspired style with a modern, deconstructed twist, by Adir Abergal for Frederic Fekkai.

HOW TO:

1. Begin by applying Fekkai COIFF Bouffant Lifting & Texturizing Spray Gel from roots to ends to create texture and memory.
2. Next, hand-dry the hair until it is completely dry to enhance your natural texture and create volume before making a deep side part.
3. After the part is created, take 1" sections of hair, spray them with Fekkai COIFF Sheer Hold Hairspray and curl them around a 1" barrel curling iron. Pin the curls in place and allow hair to cool. Continue this process around the entire head.
4. Once you’ve finished curling your hair, gently brush out the curls with the Fekkai Classic Brush and apply Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream to the ends to create separation and give hair a high-shine effect.
5. Add a modern twist and some edge to the style by slicking back one side of the hair and pinning it in place. Finish your style withFekkai COIFF Sheer Hold Hairspray to ensure for touchable hold. 

All products by Fekkai. Fekkai COIFF Bouffant Lifting & Texturizing Spray Gel ($25), Fekkai COIFF Sheer Hold Hair Spray ($23), Fekkai Classic Brush ($95) and Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream ($25). All products available at Fekkai.com, ULTA.com, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

*Photo compliments of Devries PR

Giveaway Break - Jon Bon Jovi Unplugged for Him and Her

We've all sang 'Living on a Prayer' on the top of our lungs before, usually with a huge group of friends. Jon Bon Jovi hits, like 'Living on a Prayer' and 'Dead or Alive,' are classics. If you're a Jon Bon Jovi fan, you'll want to check out Avon's latest celebrity fragrance launch with him!

The new fragrance line, Unplugged, just launched for both him and her. Read more about their notes below...

Unplugged for Him is a woody floral musk is a rich blend of spicy pepper bourbon, seductive black dahlia and warm cashmere woods. Retails at $29

Unplugged for Her is inspired by the natural effortless sensuality of the muse, which draws in the most charismatic men, leaving them always wanting more. It's a floral oriental, sultry melange of sparkling saturated plum, rich black dahlia and creamy woods. Retail at $30

***Giveaway***

Want to try try out this rock star scent? Enter to win the set!

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 , follow me on Pinterest 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 residents only. The contest will end on Thursday, December 13th. I will randomly select one winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!

Beauty Blogger Coalition Roundup

Destany at Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom is loving Zoya Gia!

Blushing Noir uses the Guerlain Les Ombres Turandot Ecrin 4 Couleurs Eye Shadow Palette to create the perfect holiday eye look!

Pink, Purple, and Red Gradient Sugar Spun Nails & Tips

Will Christina Aguilera's Red Sin fragrance be your holiday pick? Alison Blackman of the Advice Sisters is " on the scent" of this new product!

Are you a nudist? Then check out Dior Grege at Cosmetics Aficionado

Sheila from Painted Ladies review and demos a look from Make-Up Secrets, a new beauty book from makeup pro Jemma Kidd.

BeautyTidbits gives you the skinny on the new Coola Plant UV Face SPF 30 Unscented Moisturizer. Find out why this all-natural sunscreen has been a welcome addition to her skincare arsenal!

Say no to racoon eyes and yes to Chanel Stylo Yuex Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner! Hop on over to The Stepford Witch's blog to read her review & swatches of this amazing product.

Mama Fashionista has Great Gift Giving Ideas for the Men that Make your World Go Round!

NEVO Hydra Pearls are said to be power shots of Drops of the Amazon. Always a fan of hair serums, Christina from Curls N Pearls shares her opinion of the NEVO Hydra Pearls this week.

If you are looking for high quality makeup that is budget friendly, then Lola's Secret Beauty Blog urges you to take a look at Prestige Cosmetics!

Flawless skin never looked sweeter! Check out these 6 SPAtacular tips -- plus an amazing DIY at-home facial and raw honey facial mask -- to melt those environmental blues!

TheFabZilla shares how you can achieve smokey eyes using only one shade.

With this year's Victoria's Secret fashion show just finished, Sarah from Scottish Beauty Blog finds out how to copy the Angels' glowing gorgeous look with Sara Hill from The Academy of Makeup Scotland.

Pammy Blogs Beauty's Holiday Shopping Guide 2012 series continues with her review of Laura Mercier's beautiful Color-To-Go Palette.

Looking for a new matte lipstick? The Beauty Professor swatches all 12 shades of Burberry's beautiful recent release, Lip Velvet.

Shalini from Be Beautilicious shows her new found love for Red MAC lipstick in Eden Rouge from MAC Style Seeker Collection.

Want the most awesome and easiest curls ever? Check out the Verge Bubble wand at Beauty Info Zone.

Angela from Lipgloss Break shares her splurge and steal options for bold red nail colors.

Mai over at Portrait of Mai does a thorough post on the Anastasia Holiday Kisses on my List Kit, check out the swatches and her review!

Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog shows us her makeup through her first trimester of pregnancy.

Elena from Endless Summer found an eye makeup remover which doubles up as a facial toner. Is your makeup remover versatile like that?

Stephanie Louise- All Things Beautiful Shows the New L'Oreal Infallible Shade in Blinged & Brilliant Dupe Alert & Comparisons!

Mimi's Mani's shows some gorgeous polishes in time for Christmas nails! 

Currently Loving...

Coffee pics. I love coffee in general, but fun cups and mugs make it that much better. This one put a smile on my face even though I had a 5 minute wait for the train. It's from the W 87th and Broadway bodega I stop at when I want to treat myself on the way into work.

I love fun chairs. These aren't practical for my house, but fun to see out and about. This one is at the Hotel Palomar Chicago (which has a complimentary coffee bar every morning, which I also love). 

I love sushi, but healthy sushi rocks my world. Imi Sushi on 92nd and Amsterdam makes mean brown rice rolls. They even take it up enough with cucumber wrapped rolls. They are my go to restaurant when I get grubhub.com to deliver.

I'm currently loving accessories. Big, chunky necklaces...can't get enough. I about fell over when I walked into Pink accessories in Midtown. 

I love views from high up. This one is of Chicago and Lake Michigan, from the John Hancock building. Note the shadows of the buildings on the water. Kinda eerie.

 

See what other fabulous bloggers are Loving Lately....

And the Winners are...

Congrats to the ladies who won the latest giveaways...

Argan Oil giveaway - lmariegrimm
Playboy VIP fragrance gift set giveaway - dfox111359

Be sure to continue to enter the Faith Hill fragrance giveaway here. 

Waxelene - a Petroleum Jelly Alternative

I'm pretty much obsessed with lip balm. If I don't have one within reach at all times I go into panic mode. I normally just settle for petroleum based jelly balms, but recently discovered a new petroleum jelly alternative, Waxelene.

Waxelene contains no petroleum, parabens or artificial ingredients, they don't use animal testing and it's made in the USA. You can use it for anything you would use petroleum jelly for. I've been using it on my lips at night, to remove eye makeup from underneath my eyes, and as a cuticle moisturizer. It's not greasy and has only a slight hint of a beeswax smell. I love the way it feels on my lips, and when I use it on my face and cuticles it soaks in fast and doesn't leave a greasy finish. 

I always look for products and foods with the least amount of ingredients, which means they are that much closer to being natural. Waxelene contains the following: Organic Soy Oil, Beeswax, Natural Vitamin E Oil, Organic Rosemary Oil. Normally I don't like wax based balms, but it's not a hardened wax, but more like jelly and easy to spread. The 2 oz. & 9 oz. jars retail for $5.99 and $15.99. You can find them at Bed Bath & Beyond and several other retail locations. Find the location nearest you here. Waxelene is a must for everyone's nightstand and vanity - I'm now a petroleum jelly alternative believer! 

Patriotic Reds for Election Day

Looking for a new fiery red? Below are some Splurge and Steal options!


SPLURGE

CND Shellac in Hollywood is a bold red with light gold specs in it. Make sure that the salon you choose for CND Shellac applications is a certified CND salon. If not, you will not be getting your money's worth out of your Shellac mani!

SEMI-STEAL

Jessica Nails nail colour in Scarlett. I am a huge fan of Jessica polish. The colors are always rich and it wears really well.

MAJOR STEAL

Essence Colour & Go in Fame Fatale is a bright and shiny red and super affordable. Available at Ulta stores and Ulta.com for only $1.99.

Now go out and VOTE!