Wednesday, October 31, 2012

October Favorites

Favorites post's are always a challenge for me. Unless I am buying new stuff I struggle to find new favorites ( and I try not to buy a ton of new stuff a lot). I think if I shop my stash more in the future this might help but currently I am trying to use up some of the same things. I have a mix for October of skinare, nailcare, makeup, and of course a Bath & Body Works products.

October Favorites
October Favorites

Sunday, October 28, 2012

November 2012 Giveaway

I have a great giveaway for November. I picked up for Breast Cancer Awareness month this special Clinique set. I also picked up two new drugstore products which may be limited edition but I am not sure. I got a beautiful Loreal infallible for you guys and a new Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Suede lipstick. In addition to all of that I have also been collecting for you all of my mascara samples. I have some very high end ones. so if you love trying out new mascaras then this giveaway is for you. I think there is something for everyone here. The value of this giveaway is over $45 USD. To enter the givewaway visit my giveaway page here. 


November 2012 Giveaway
Left to Right: Laura Mercier Full Blown, Chantecaille Faux Cils, Benfit Badgal lash, Fresh Supernova, Lancome Hypnose Dolls, Lancome Hynose Drama, Stila Forever Your Curl

October Empties

So I swore last month that my empties each month grew bigger and bigger. People kept telling me they couldn't believe how much I had used up. Well I think that last month being such a huge month is why this month is much much smaller. I've also not only been trying hard to use things up but I've only started a project declutter. I just simply have too many "things". I save tend to buy things when they are on sale, to have backups, etc. From this point on I am stopping this. I will buy what I need at that time and if that means spending a little bit more money in the long term but having less clutter in my apartment I think it will be worth it to me. I'm excited about this and I'm sure you will see more on my blog sale because of this.
October Empties
October Empties

Saturday, October 27, 2012

New Items Added to Blog Sale

I just wanted to let everyone know that I added some fun new stuff to my blog sale and I am also running a special deal if you spend $25 or more that you can get one free item up to a $5 value. I am always adding new things so always check back to see what I have added.

Some of the new stuff includes Ojon, Wen, Korres, OCC Lip tars, Bath & Body Works, Algenist, Clinique and much more. Happy shopping everyone!

Visit my blog sale page here: http://nycmakeuplover1.blogspot.com/p/blog-sale.html.

Friday, October 26, 2012

Favorite YouTubers of October

These are some of the YouTuber's that I want to highlight this month. I've found a few new people this month which is always exciting. I always wonder if I am going to run out of people to highlight but month after month I still have new favorites. These are my favorites for October.

myhousewifelife
This is a channel that I really watching because Jen seems just very down to earth. Lately she has been doing a log of vlogging videos which I enjoy watching. She is super organized and I just love seeing how she decorates for each season, about her workouts, her healthy eating. She just has a lot of really great ideas for staying organized, healthy, and fit. She also will do hauls, beauty box reviews, and other fun stuff. Here is her most recent video:


Wednesday, October 24, 2012

What's in My Influenster Beauty Bloggers VoxBox 2012

I was recently contacted by Influenster to qualify for the Beauty Bloggers VoxBox. Influenster is a program where you fill out survey's on their website and can quality for badges. Depending on your badges you may quality for different boxes. These boxes are always free and are only sent to "influencers" and those who share feedback on the products that they share. This is my first ever VoxBox and was so excited to get it because it makes me feel more part of the beauty blogger community. I'm excited to share with you all my thoughts on the items in this box. 

What's in my Influenster Beauty Bloggers VoxBox 2012
Beauty Blogger VoxBox 2012

Monday, October 22, 2012

Dior Amber Diamond Powder Shimmer: Swatches, Photos & Review

Dior Amber Diamond is one of those cult favorite product's. It's one of those products that everyone talks so much about that many often wonder if it's worth the hype. I think most people are hesitant about purchasing this because of its high price tag. Dior Amber Diamond doesn't come cheap at $44 USD for .35 oz. You do get a lot of product which so that helps a bit. Amber Diamond has 5 separate colors that are described as Ivory, Champagne, Tan, Bronze, and Peach. Sephora describes it as, "These five micro-shimmering tones set off sparks of brilliance, highlighting your complexion. The ultra-fine, super-blendable formula virtually fuses with your skin for a sheer, radiant luminosity."

Dior Amber Diamond Powder Shimmer: Swatches, Photos & Review
Dior Amber Diamond

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Project X Pan Update

I posted about my Project X Pan about 3 weeks ago. I said I wasn't going to buy anything until the Sephora Friends & Family. For the most part I didn't really buy anything except maybe one MAC lipstick which was pretty good for me. I wanted to update you all with what I used up and what I still have left. I have been trying really hard to work through the products that  listed in my previous post. Click here to see my original post. 

Project X Pan Update
What I Started with 3 Weeks Ago

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Sephora's Personal Beauty Advisor is All About You

As a Sephora VIB, I received an email last week thanking me for being a loyal VIB and inviting me to experience a dedicated 90-minute PERSONAL BEAUTY ADVISOR (PBA) CONSULTATION ($125 VALUE). This one-on-one session includes a custom makeover, personalized skincare routine, and more. Although I have been a VIB for a while I was not familiar with this service. I had to speak with my store's PBA whose name is Emily Branska at the 711 Lexington Avenue store in NYC.

Private Consultation Station at Sephora
Private Consultation Station at Sephora

Friday, October 19, 2012

Nail of the Day- Sephora by OPI Under My Trench Coat

Today's NOTD is Sephora by OPI's Under My Trench Coat. This is one of the few nail polishes that I have from this brand. This is an amazing neutral color and I've had it on my nails for quite a while which means that I've really been enjoying it. These nail polishes sell for $9.50. That could be part of the reason why I don't have so many. This color is described as an opaque light grey khaki with metallic gold. The shimmer is super faint but it's there in the sunlight. This is a just a great go to neutral that will go with everything and can really be worn year round. 

Nail of the Day- Sephora by OPI Under My Trench Coat

No Tricks, Just Treats: Tarte 20% Off Coupon Code

Tarte made some changes to their website recently and in trying to promote their new site I guess decided to send out a 20% off coupon code. It's amazing that they are doing this since it doesn't look like the Sephora Friends & Family is happening. So that's the good news. The bad news is that I couldn't get the code to work on some of the holiday stuff. I ended up picking up 3 things and used ebates to get an additional 4% off. I also got 2 deluxe samples which was pretty cool. This sale is only through October 21st so I would check it out since Tarte has great makeup.

No Tricks, Just Treats: Tarte 20% Off Coupon Code

Thursday, October 18, 2012

MAC Pro- Now Available Online to All

MAC announced today that they will be selling all of their pro products now online to all consumers at maccosmetics.com. Prior to this you could only buy pro products at a pro store or with a pro card online. If you are a huge fan of MAC this will be super exciting news for you. I'm excited to explore more some of MAC's pro line as I'm sure that they have some great items. Check out temptalia.com for some of her favorite MAC pro picks.

MAC Pro-Now Available Online to All

Ulta Friends & Family 2012 Coupon Code

Since it doesn't look too hopefully for Sephora Friends & Family, I wanted to let you all know that Ulta is also having their Friends & Family sale now with 20% off. There are some exclusions (most of the stuff I want is excluded from coupons) and this is an online only coupon but this is still a great option if Sephora doesn't work out. The sale runs through Saturday, October 20th.

Ulta Friends & Family 2012 Coupon Code

Laura Mercier Artist's Palette For Eyes: Swatches, Photos & Review

Laura Mercier recently launched at Sephora the exclusive and limited edition Artist's Palette for Eyes. The palette retails for $48 USD but is an $88 value. The palette is a dozen eye shadow colors, hand-selected by Laura Mercier, in shimmer and matte finishes. The top row features a range of dark to light shimmer shades in Chocolate, African Violet, Sable, Guava, Cameo, and Sunlit. The bottom row includes light to dark matte finishes in Vanilla Nuts, Plum Smoke, Cafe au Lait, Coffee Ground, Deep Night, and Rich Coffee. I had originally picked up a single in African Violet but ended up returning it when this palette came out.

Laura Mercier Artist's Palette For Eyes: Swatches, Photos & Review

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

What's in My October Birchbox

So this month Birchbox contacted me to see if I would be interested to opt-in for the Goop box instead of the regular Birchbox. I wasn't sure what to do but decided to choose the Goop Birchbox. Goop was founded by Gwyneth Paltrow in 2008 to share recipes, fashion, travel guides, wellness tips, cultural notes, and more. I figured I might get some good high end products with this box so that's why I decided to get it instead of the regular box. Read on to find out what I did end up getting in my box.

October Goop Birchbox

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

What's on My Sephora Friends & Family Wishlist

I want to apologize for my lack of posting over the past few days. I had been away traveling for work and didn't have the ability to post while I was away but I'm back now and excited to get back in the groove. I would like to also address some questions that I am getting about the Friends & Family sale. A lot of people have been saying that it will only be given to employees. I don't work for Sephora so I don't know for sure how it will work. I'm hoping that we will have access to the code. If I am able to access a code that I can share with you all I promise to do so. Because I do shop in Sephora so much I am friendly with some of the staff so we shall see what happens. Let's just hope that they are nice enough to share it with everyone. Another option is that a lot of times people who get the code will share in online. That may be an option as well. Let's just hope for the best and wait and see what happens.
Korres - Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping FacialUrban Decay - The Feminine PaletteYves Saint Laurent - ROUGE PUR COUTURE<br>Vernis À Lèvres Glossy Stain

Friday, October 12, 2012

Nail of the Day-Essie Chinchilly

Today's NOTD is Essie Chinchilly. This is an Essie color from a few years ago but I believe it is permanent. This is a great classic Essie color. I know a lot of people have it in their Fall favorites. It's very work appropriate and I think it would look great on most people. The color is what I would call "Greige" or a grey/beige color. I love this color and even painted the walls in my apartment this color but in a much lighter version.

Nail of the Day-Essie Chinchilly

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

New Maybelline Color Sensational High Shine Gloss in Raspberry Reflections-Swatches, Photos, & Review

Very recently Maybelline launched a new product in their Color Sensational line. The Maybelline High Shine Glosses are available in 12 shades and have a very wide color range. I purchased the one in Raspberry Reflections to try out. I couldn't be happier with my choice and I'm excited to tell you why in this post. 

New Maybelline Color Sensational High Shine Gloss in Raspberry Reflections-Swatches, Photos, & Review
Maybelline Color Sensational High Shine Gloss in Raspberry Reflections

Monday, October 8, 2012

Urban Decay Friends & Family Sale 2012- 20% Off Coupon Code

Starting tonight at midnight, Urban Decay will start its Friends & Family sale. The sale ends on 10/13. To receive the 20% discount enter code FFHOLIDAY12 at checkout.

Urban Decay Friends & Family Sale 2012- 20% Off Coupon Code



Depotting MAC Eyeshadows

I recently purchased two limited edition MAC eyeshadows that I wanted to depot as I prefer my eyeshaodws in a palette. Depotting means taking the eyeshaodw and removing it from the plastic container so that is is just in pan form. You can buy eyeshadow in pan form from MAC but not typically when it is a limited edition eyeshadow. I was extremely nervous about depotting these as this was only my second time depotting MAC eyeshadows and also because they are limited edition I couldn't buy them again if they broke. Everything luckily worked out and I am going to explain in this post how I depotted them and what you will need.

Depotting MAC Eyeshadows

Boscia's Fight Against Breast Cancer

Boscia is doing a very generous thing by offering to donate 100% of their net proceeds from the sale of their Balancing Facial Tonic to the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation during the month of October. I really love this toner a lot so I think if you are interested in trying this out you should because you will also be donating to a really great cause. The toner is $24 and can be found at www.bosciaskincare.com

 

Sunday, October 7, 2012

September 2012 Maybelline Color Tattoo Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to the winner, Life According to the Intern who has won the two limited edition Maybelline color tattoo eyeshadows. 

Thank you to everyone who entered. The winner was selected today through random.org as you can see below from my screenshots of those who had entered the contest. I will also announce this on Twitter as well and will notify the winner via Twitter.  Best of luck to everyone in future giveaways. Please check out my current October giveaway with a Limited Edition Sephora Blush sampler.


Saturday, October 6, 2012

Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm Review & Photos

Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm ($19 USD for 15 g) is described as a concentrated lip balm to help nourish, repair, soothe, and protect lips. The main ingredients in this balm are honey, plant oils, shea butter, and grapefruit essence. I picked this up after hearing so much hype about it and can't wait to share with my thoughts with you on this product. I picked mine up on the Birchbox website with my Birchbox points. 

Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm Review & Photos

Sneak Peek of New Sigma Makeup Coming Soon

For Fall 2012 Sigma will be launching some new and exciting makeup. They haven't announced the exact launch dates yet but once I find out I will let you all know. In addition they also recently announced that they will be opening their first store ever in the Mall of America. This is pretty exciting for all of you Sigma lovers. If you live near the mall you are very lucky.

Bare, Dare, and Flare Eye Shadow Base Kits





Friday, October 5, 2012

Sephora Friends & Family Sale 2012

I wanted to give you all a heads up that the Sephora Friends & Family Sale 20% off sale will be from October 18th through October 31st. I always hate it when I buy something and then find out there is a sale so hopefully I can help you guys wait to buy what you want until the sale.

Sephora F&F Friends Family discount 20% 20 % sale coupon code 2012

Tory Burch Friends & Fans Sale Code 2012

I don't usually share posts about fashion but I just had to share this with you all. I love Tory Burch and this is a great sale that she does every year around this time. The sale will run today through October 8th and is for 25% off with code TBFRIENDS at checkout. There are some exclusions that apply. Happy Shopping!

Favorite Fall & Winter Lipsticks Swatches, Photos, & Review

To continue along with my favorite Fall & Winter makeup series I will be discussing some of my favorite lipsticks in this post. This was harder for me than the blushes because I have a ton of lipsticks and not as many Fall/Winter blushes. I also have more drugstore lipsticks than high end. I think I went through a phase of buying a lot of drugstore lipsticks. I've stopped doing that now though since its so hard to know if the color will work for you without trying it out first. I've bought too many colors that I haven't really liked. I hope you will find a color in this post that might work for you.

Nail of the Day-Chanel Frenzy Le Vernis

Chanel Frenzy Le Vernis ($26 USD for .4 fl oz) is described as a "lilac grey". It is part of the CHANEL’s fall 2012 ‘Les Essentiels de CHANEL’ collection. I think its a combination of a taupe, a light grey, and mixed with a lilac almost but leans more taupe/grey. I have heard that Essie Sand Tropez is similar to this color. I don't have Sand Tropez so I'm not really sure. This color is super classy and chic. It gives you an almost nude nail without being too nude. 

Nail of the Day-Chanel Frenzy

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Top 5 Favorite Fall & Winter Blushes Swatches, Photos, & Review

I picked out for you my favorite Fall & Winter blushes. I have a lot of pink blushes but wanted to pick out for you the ones that I would reach for more in the Fall & Winter and not as much during the rest of the year.  I tend to lean toward mauve & plum colors with golden shimmer in some. I am very fair skin so with some of these I have to really use a light hand but I still love all of these colors. 

Top 5 Favorite Fall & Winter Blushes Swatches, Photos, & Review
Top Row: Tarte Exposed, Estee Lauder Audacious Plum, Illamasqua Naked Rose
Bottom Row: Nars Sin, Nars Luster

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Sneak Peek of the Too Faced Holiday 2012 Collection

Too Faced does a great job with coming out with some fun gifts for the holidays. I am going to preview some of those in this post for you all. These I believe are all available at Sephora and on the Too Faced website. The gifts are all very feminine and girly which I absolutely love. Included in this years collection are:
Too Faced - Sweet Indulgence Palette

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer-Radiance Swatches, Photos, & Review

Laura Mercier is well known for her primers and for many they are holy grail. In the last year or so she came out with the Radiance primer. This primer is meant to be the canvas for your foundation giving you a smooth and silky surface while adding a sheer healthy glow.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer-Radiance Review, Swatches & Photos
Partially Used Laura Mercier Foundation Primer in Radiance

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Free Target Beauty Bag is Back!

Each season Target offers a free beauty bag that they will mail to you if you like their Facebook page on sign up on Facebook. These sell out very quickly so you should sign up right away if you are interested. Click here to sign up for your bag! Hope you all get one.

Free Target Beauty Bag is Back!




Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate Review & Photos

I am a huge skincare junkie and put on some type of serum morning and night. I like to use more active serums at night and more moisturizing or hydrating ones in the morning. Kiehl's developed and formulated this with 10.5% pure vitamin C that according to their website is clinically-demonstrated to improve overall skin texture, tone, and radiance while reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. "It is supposed to give your skin a triple boost by stimulating collagen production, providing anti-oxidant protection and exfoliating skin to reveal healthier-looking skin." 

Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line Reducing Concentrate Review & Photos

Monday, October 1, 2012

Laine Blogger Award

I was recently nominated for the Laine Blogger Award by Perla. You can check out her blog here. She is super sweet and has been a great supporter of my blog which I truly appreciate. 

NARS Andy Warhol POP Goes Sephora!

To all of the NARS lovers out there, Sephora is now introducing the new exclusive and limited edition NARS Andy Warhol Collection. "Driven by Francois NARS longtime admiration for Andy Warhol, this electrifying beauty collection invites you to turn repetition to reinvention." 

Nars Andy Warhol POP Goes Sephora!