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Enter to Win $500 Gift Card!

The Beauty Blog Coalition is a group of Beauty Bloggers who work to bring you the latest on all things beauty. This spring we have collaborated to put together a giveaway of $500. Follow the Rafflecopter instructions below to enter. Giveaway is open to international participants.

Here is a list of the member's participating in the current giveaway - be sure to check them out for some enjoyable reading:
The Beauty Blog Coalition is a group of Beauty Bloggers who work to bring you the latest on all things beauty. This spring we have collaborated to put together a giveaway of $500. Follow the Rafflecopter instructions below to enter. Giveaway is open to international participants. Here is a list of the member's participating in the current giveaway - be sure to check them out for some enjoyable reading:  
Blushing Basics 
PolishGalore  
Clumps of Mascara  
Justina's Gems  
Beyond Beauty Lounge  
Beauty 101  
Cosmetics Aficionado 
Just For Trendy Girls  
Peek & Ponder  
Pretty In Pink  
Aquaheart's Obsessions  
InTruBeauty  
Beauty Info Zone  
Moxie Reviews  
Prime Beauty  
Midnight Manicures 
Geniabeme  
Blushing Noir  
Beauty by Miss L  
Peace Love Lipgloss  
TheFabZilla polarbelle  
My Highest Self  
MinaSlater.com - Fabulous Awesomeness  
george&bear  
Lipgloss Break  
Painted Ladies
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Round Up


  • Mama Fashionista: Find out why Quinn has traded in her foundation, now that she's discovered Smashbox's CC Cream!


  • BeautyTidbits: Addicted to your flat iron? Beat the heat damage with the new Agadir Argan Oil Hair Shield 450 plus Spray Treatment!
  • Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: If you favor luminous foundations or the perfect tinted moisturizers, then say hello to Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 15! It is nothing short of perfection!
  • Emily Hudspeth, hair design and makeup artist: DIY Prom Makeup Tips
  • Beauty Info Zone: Are you looking for an inexpensive but highly effective eye mask? Beauty Info Zone has found the answer.
  • The FabZilla: You've heard it but don't really know much about it. So what is this thing called maracuja?
  • Lipgloss Break: Lipgloss Break is giving away a Modella travel cosmetic bag. Enter to win!
  • The Advice Sisters Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle: Elixir Collection is a unique new collection from I Colonialim an iconic Italian bath & body brand
  • Beauty 101: Casey knew that she found the perfect way to clean her brushes when she tried the Koren Zander Pro Brush Soap. Check out her review!
  • Beauty Professor: Have a job interview coming up? The Beauty Professor's shares her tutorial on polished interview makeup!
  • Midnight Manicures: Looking for a bronzer that lives up to the hype? See what Jeanie thinks of the Milani Bronzer XL in the new Radiant Tan.
  • Midnight Manicures: Midnight Manicures announces a new Contributor to the team, Jamie, the creator of Sea Lore Polish. Check out Jamie's newest collection Sea Lore "Spring Seas".
  • Peppermint Lips Beauty Blog: Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman Brushes Review!
  • D.G.S.Beauty: Learn a fun, simple and affordable way to create your very own makeup brush holder
  • The Lacquered Lady: Looking for some lightweight moisture this summer? The Lacquered Lady reviews Vaseline's new Spray and Go Moisturizer
  • Pammy Blogs Beauty : Turn Your Shower into a Spa! Pammy Blogs Beauty tests it out ExfoliKate Body


  • NARS Hearts New York City

    I love this palette more than NARS loves New York! This limited edition gift set features  4 shadows (Biarritz, Nepal, New York & Galapagos) and a blush/bronzer (Amour Blush and Laguna Bronzer). It also includes a compact version of Chinatown Nail Polish and Dolce Vita lip gloss.

    Set is available May 1 at select retailers including Barneys, Lord & Taylor, Saks, Henri Bendel & Bloomingdale's.



    7 Tips for Selling through Consignment Shops

    With Macklemore’s ‘Thrift Shop’ running through our heads, my husband and I packed up spring and summer clothes from last year and dropped them off at our local consignment shop. I’ve been doing this for the past year and found it to be an easy and fun way to make a few dollars to put towards new items in my wardrobe.

    Consignment shops will take new and gently used items and sell them for a discounted price. Once your item sells, you get a percentage of the sale. The percentage you earn varies by shop. The consignment shop I go to, Trading Closets in Brighton, MI, offers you 50% of the selling price. They mark down items each month, and then after 60 days, you can either pick your items up if they don’t sell, or they will mark them down to 80% without any commission or donate them.

    The first time I went I really had no idea what to expect. I gathered up about 10 items in my closet I no longer wore and brought them into the store. To my surprise, the store only kept one item! I was floored, and a little insulted, until the consignment shop employee pointed out the reasons she didn’t accept the other items. Slight discoloration…out of season…loose hem….after the run down I totally understood why they didn’t take the rest of my items.


    I took what I learned from that trip and applied it to future drop offs, carefully inspecting every item before I left the house. Now, I usually have a 90% success rate when I drop clothes off!

    Here are some tips to use when going through your closet and gathering items to bring in:

    1. Check the store’s website or call ahead to find out what ‘season’ of clothes they are taking. If it’s March and they only want Spring/Summer clothes, you’ll be wasting your time if you bring your sweaters in. Usually they will be very explicit on what they are accepting.

    2. Steam or iron your items before bringing them in the store. Most consignment stores look for items they can transfer directly to their racks. Presentation is everything.

    3. Bring clothes in on hangers. Usually stores don’t keep them, but again, it’s all about presentation.


    4. Some of the ‘signs of wear’ they look for: deodorant marks on the insides of the arms of tops, fabric balling up (sweaters tend to do this), snags, holes, broken zippers, loose hems, discolorations and stains, just to name a few. Also make sure your items are smoke and pet hair free.

    5. Some stores have a special light they put the clothes under to help spot stains or discolorations. It’s helpful to bring your own clothes outside in the sunlight and inspect them before you bring them in. Sometimes indoor lighting can hide imperfections.

    6. Depending on the store, they may also accept accessories (purses and jewelry), home goods, furniture, DVDs, and beauty products. Check out the website or store before you go in.

    7. Don’t watch over the consignment shop worker while he/she is looking through your clothes. This is just nerve wrecking! Shop around while they are going through your items. You may find some hidden gems!


    And remember, don’t be insulted if they don’t take your items! The consignment shop employees know what sells best in their store. They may already have 20 of the same type of item they can’t get rid of. If you find yourself returning home with items, you can always donate them to your local Purple Heart or Salvation Army.


    ZOYA Earth Day 2013 Nail Polish Exchange


    The nail polish exchange is back! Zoya is helping you with your spring cleaning. Get 50% off Zoya nail polish when you send in your old polish. Check out Zoya.com for details. Hurry and place your order...you have until Friday, April 26th!


    Giveaway Break - Modella Weekender Bag

    Since I already shared with you my top tips for packing my travel cosmetic bag, I thought I'd share with you a giveaway for you to win one!

    Modella wants to give away one Floral Diaries Weekender bag to a lucky Lipgloss Break reader.

    ***Giveaway***
    Enter to win a Modella Weekender bag!

    Fill out the form below to win! There are also several different ways you can get extra entries: sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me & retweet on Twitter , follow me on Pinterest, follow me on Instagram or become a fan on Facebook; just make sure to list the number of extra entries in the form below. Enter up to once a day!

    This giveaway is open to US residents only. The contest will end on Thursday, May 23rd. 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 Weekly Roundup

     

    Catch up on your weekly dose of beauty info, all in one post!
     

  • Mama Fashionista: Mama Fashionista shares the products and tools she's been using lately to get her curls sleek and straight, while maintaining their health!


  • Emily Hudspeth, hair design and makeup artist: Beautiful Spring Wedding Featured on Style Me Pretty
  • Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: It is no secret that Clarins makes so many gorgeous products, but their new Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in Petal Shimmer No. 4 is simply pure magic!
  • BeautyTidbits: Check out the the swatches and review of the new Prestige Cosmetics Total Intensity Bold Eyeshadow trios over at BeautyTidbits.
  • Peppermint Lips Beauty Blog: L'oreal True Match Super Blendable Crayon Concealer Review!
  • Painted Ladies: IMAN Cosmetics Blush in Allure is a budget-friendly win, says Sheila at Painted Ladies.
  • Scottish Beauty Blog: Outdoor hot tubs and pampering packages, Sarah from Scottish Beauty Blog is hanging out at Scotland's Stobo Castle.
  • TheFabZilla: TheFabZilla shares how you can update cat-eyes for spring and summer!
  • The Advice Sisters Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle Website: OMG! The most beautiful collection of colors for Spring are blooming at AVEDA
  • Blushing Noir: RocksBox just may be the only jewelry subscription box that is a WIN every time!
  • Lipgloss Break: Lipgloss Break shares tips on how to efficiently pack (and stock) a travel cosmetic bag!
  • D.G.S.Beauty: Looking for new skincare products? Check out D.G.S.Beauty's review on a few B. Kamins products
  • Fabulous Awesomeness: Heard the fuss about keratin but don't know what it is? Mina Slater will tell you in What Is Keratin & Why It's In My Hair Care!
  • The Lacquered Lady: Check out this gorgeous gray holo!


  • Oh Snap! It's Giveaway Time!



    Get excited...I've teamed up with some fabulous bloggers...again....to bring to you a fabulous giveaway. 10 different prizes, all listed below, with lots of chances to win. Make sure to take advantage of every way to enter!

    a Rafflecopter giveaway


    My Top 7 Tips for Packing a Cosmetic Bag

    Modella cosmetic bag
    I’ve come a long way since my days of over packing for trips. I use to have to check a large suitcase for a 3 day trip! Now, after a lot of practice, I don’t panic when I have to pack for a few nights, and I can even get everything in my carry on, in under an hour.


    One tactic that I have used that has streamlined the packing process is always keeping my makeup and toiletries bag packed. I like to keep a separate travel cosmetic bag packed with all of my travel friendly sized necessities. The Modella Weekender Cosmetic bag is one I have been using lately. 

    The Weekender has 3 main zipper pockets (2 on the inside, one on the outside) that can fit all of my cosmetic items and toiletries. I like that one side is a meshed zipper pocket for toothbrushes and makeup brushes, which will help them dry/breathe if you have to put them in damp. The front pocket also contains travel size bottles which you can fill with your face wash, shampoos, etc. With this always packed and ready to go, I only have to worry about my clothes and accessories when packing for a trip.

    Here are my top tips for packing (and stocking!) makeup products and toiletries fast and efficiently!



    1 - Keep a container of all your travel size items. I put mine in a separate basket in my linen closet, so when it's time to pack, I know right where they are at and can easily sort through the ones I need to take.



    2 - Call ahead and ask the hotel or your host if they have a hair dryer you can use. Hair dryers are bulky and if you don't have to pack one, you'll have more room for shoes :)

    3 - Redeem Sephora and Ulta points for travel size items. Free gifts with purchase are also commonly travel size items. Save these for travel. Don't use them every day unless you run out of your full size product. Birchbox and Glossy Box monthly beauty subscriptions are always great for stocking my travel size collection.



    4 - Prescription creams, ointments and liquids do not have to be under 3.4oz and do not have to fit in a quart size bag, saving you more room for beauty products.



    5 - Opt for towel or powder versions of products when traveling. Towel cleansing facial pads, towel self tanners, powder foundations (instead of liquid), dry powder shampoo, etc.
    This will allow you more room for your liquid necessities if you want to carry your luggage on the plane.



    6 - Little vials of perfume aren't just sample size, they are travel size! Whenever I get a sample I like I immediately add it to my travel makeup case. I would just recommend putting it in a little Ziploc bag before putting it in your makeup bag for traveling.


    7 – I usually use the shampoo and conditioner provided by the hotel, but if you require your own, the mini bottles in hotel rooms are perfect for this. Recycle the mini bottles provided to refill with your own shampoo and conditioner for your next trip!

    Remember, liquids have to be below 3.4 ounces. You'll be seeing more of the '3-1-1' rule through security lines now. Here is what the TSA.gov site says:

    3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less (by volume); 1 quart-sized, clear plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3.4 ounce (100ml) container size is a security measure.

    What are your travel tips and tricks? Please share! And stay tuned for a cosmetic bag giveaway this week! 

    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. 


    Yoga + Kettlebells = Cosmic Kettlebells

    kettlebellsMy kettlebell coach had once told me that Minneapolis has a huge kettlebell following, so when I was there last year, I attended a local kettlebell studio, Southside Kettlebells, and had a blast. So when I was in town last week, I wanted to try out a new studio. I came across Four Gates in my searches and decided to check out a class called Cosmic Kettlebells.

    Cosmic Kcttlebells is a combination of vinyasa yoga and kettlebells. Here's the description on the site:

    "The word “yoga” means “to integrate” or “union”, and this definition is very well exemplified in this one of a kind class. We merge sun salutations, kettlebell lifts, Qi Gong exercises, and full body hooping to create a state of cosmic bliss and universal strength. We recommend that students attend one kettlebell expansion class first."

    I was really curious how the class was going to flow. I was pleasantly surprised at the balance between yoga and kettlebells. I got a great cardio workout in while stretching and meditating in the same hour.

    It was American style kettlebell moves which I'm not totally use to, but caught on quick. We picked up our bells from the squat position to start each kettlebell circuit, and then once the circuit was over we did traditional yoga moves.

    I was really sore the next day from all of the stretching and deep squats. I will definitely be taking the class again when I visit Minneapolis again. I highly encourage checking out a new class or gym when traveling for work or pleasure. Every class is different and it's always fun to learn and try something new!

    lululemon

    And on a separate note, to end my trip, I swung by the Mall of America before I caught my flight, and guess which store was right by my entrance??? Fate!