Too Faced Beauty Brooches

Too Faced Beauty Brooches $28.50 $21.38. Yes, these are cameo brooches that you can wear filled with shimmering lip gloss suspends from each safety pin-esque brooch embellished with funky, retro charms. How cute and ingenious is that? There is more and more makeup in pretty jewelry-like packages on the market. One of these days we are going to give all our jewelry the double duty, definitely a fun idea

An anti-sebum and sweat-proof powder!

Ahh I think I may have found the perfect powder foundation for my oily skin! Behold the new shu uemura Powder Foundation ($32.50). The magical ingredients derived from the deap sea are anti-sebum and sweat-proof. It totally soaks up the oil but doesn’t leave the skin chalky. On the contrary, it gives that healthy glow that we all love so much, and it’s especially difficult for us oily-skinned girls to achieve (right?) because that glowy look usually ends up looking greasy after a couple of hours. The color stays true all day, which means less touch-up too. I know it’s still cold now we don’t have to worry about sweating yet. But I’m sure when the hot weather comes, I imagine this one is going to be a god-send! And on top of that, it has SPF 20! It has everything I want in a powder foundation. The only thing that I don’t like is the sleek black compact that it comes in is sold separately for $12.50. Boo! As if the powder isn’t pricey enough.

My new favorite store - StrawberryNET.com

On the weekend I went to Toronto’s Pacific Mall (North America’s biggest Chinese mall. Anybody from Toronto? Raise your hand :). I freaking love that mall, I can spend a whole afternoon there. With some vendors you can even haggle the prices ;). You can find all the popular skincare brands from Asia there. I splurged on some Kose products. Kose is so immensely popular in Asia, and its toner is one of the most highly demanded skin-brightening products. My cousins all sear by it. I got this Kose Medicated Sekkisei for $65. Then I went on StrawberryNET.com and it’s only $45! Now I know where to check first before going to the stores. StrawberryNET.com’s awesome. Their prices are really competitive, up to 50% off all skincare, cosmetics, and fragrances’ retail prices. And they offer FREE SHIPPING worldwide! So it’s great to try out brands that aren’t available in your area or if they are, they are probably marked up ridiculously in stores. If you become a new customer this month you can get a FREE Lancome lip color with any purchase over $25!

A Gift from e.l.f. for St. Patrick’s Day‏

e.l.f. cosmetics is giving you this Pot O’ Gold due eyeshadow for free with purchase. Just use the code EGLUCCO. I gotta say the color looks yummy! I love green eyeshadow, if you have dark eyes like mine, green eyeshadow can really make them pop.

Too Faced Galaxy Glam Eye Shadows

I’m sure so far you’ve seen those “crazy” makeup from Sephora’s Beauty As Art selections. The colors of the eyes and lips are at their most vibrant as I’ve seen in a long time. My favorite look is the Impressionist eyes. “From eggplant to violet to burgundy, purple lids are spring’s most avant-garde trend. On the runways, purples were given an Impressionist flare; different tones and textures were layered for a shimmering, Water Lilly-like effect. This approach may seem dramatic, but it’s actually quite wearable. The light, shiny highlighters will soften the darker purples—start out bold, and take the color down with highlighter till you reach your perfect degree of purple haze.” And the eye shadow that I find most intriguing is the Too Faced Galaxy Glam Eye Shadows ($19.50). That is the most innovative presentation of an eye shadow I have ever seen. Doesn’t it look like a mini galaxy captured by a magical ball? The colors go way beyond your standard smokey eye shadow. Your eyes will look like they have a million little stars twinkling around them. If you want to experiment a different dramatic look on a Friday night, these will be perfect.

TheBalm Two-Timer Mascara

I have another fantastic mascara to add to my favorite mascaras list. And with this one, it’s like you get two mascaras in one — TheBalm Two-Timer Mascara ($19). You get different looks depending on which end you use. The side with the weird-looking brush, LASHALOT, deposits a lot of mascara on your lashes to make them incredibly fuller and fluffier without clumping. It’s really a dramatic look. The other side, FINETUNE, has softer bristles to define the lashes. It lengthens and separates, creating lashes that fan out and appear longer. My lashes need both wands. But if you find yourself liking one wand more than the other, you can just switch the tubes because both wands fit in both tubes if one starts to run out. How neat!

Avon’s Spring Trimmings 6 Piece Beauty Collection

Boy, does Avon have a hot deal for you — Spring Trimmings Beauty Collection a $70 value for only $22.50!

Choose from 2 palettes (Warn Honey or Cool Rose) in this 6-piece collection. Each collection includes:
1. Ruffled Beauty Bag

2. Glazewear Liquid Lip Color

3. ANEW Alternative Intensive Age Treatment SPF 25 Day AM

4. Daring Definition Mousse Mascara

5. True Color Eyeshadow Single

6. Ultra Luxury Eye Liner

Here’s what they say about the collection:
“For skin: Anew Alternative Intensive Age Treatment SPF 25 Day moisturizes, evens out skin tone and protects against age damage.
For a fresh, flirty Spring look: Apply Ultra Luxury Eye Liner along the lash line. Smudge for a subtle look. Apply True Color Eyeshadow Single shade all over eyelid from lash line to crease and lightly under your lower lashes for a halo of color. Finish eyes with one to two coats of Daring Definition Mousse Mascara, starting at the base of lashes and gently moving wand back and forth while sweeping out to the tips. Finish your look with Glazewear Liquid Lip Color for irresistibly colorful shine.”

Sounds pretty good to me! I need to try Anew’s SPF 25 daytime moisturizer. Anew is Avon’s hottest anti-aging line. This moisturizer alone costs more than $22.50. And I love the Glazewear lip glosses. The colors are much richer than the other glosses and they are uber moisturizing.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Duo Mat Powder Foundation

My girlfriends and I met up for dinner the other night, and we were amazed at how amazing C’s skin looks. She was going through some tough time due to work stress, so her skin was breaking out all over the the place. But there was no trace of any of the breakouts. She coyly said even though the breakouts have calmed down quite a bit, but she still has the residual red marks. We were like “no way, we can’t see anything on your face!” She said that’s because she was wearing makeup. And we were like “you must be lying, your skin does not look like it’s got any makeup on!” And that was true, I couldn’t see a trace of foundation on her face. So she finally said her secret weapon is Make Up For Ever Duo Mat Powder Foundation ($32). We couldn’t believe that just one powder foundation can do all that. So after dinner, we booted over to Sephora. I had to try it on. The girl at Sephora said the formula is silicone-based, that’s why it feels buttery smooth. I put it on my face, it blended on like a second skin with a non-chalky matte finish which is perfect for my oily T-zone. The result was truly amazing, it looked like my second skin and all my pores were gone! That’s really something for a powder foundation to achieve.

Gifts are secondary. Love is the most important thing. But gifts are nice…

I love Valentine’s Day not just for the gifts and flowers and candy, but it is a day when you unabashedly declare your love for somebody, even if you have been with your loved one for a long time, you will feel the love you have for each other renewed and strengthened. It’s a day for promises for the future. I know it somehow has become sort of a cliche, in a lot of people’s minds, for guys to propose on Valentine’s Day, but I still think it’s incredibly romantic and sweet. I guess I’m not jaded. And I hope I will never be. I really encourage the self-proclaimed non-romantics (although I don’t believe it when people say they are not romantic, everybody needs romance in their life) to confess and profess their love to their loved one with reckless abandon. That in itself is a precious gift. Other gifts are just icing on the cake. It’s always so nice to see the twinkle in their eyes when they open the gift box, right?

For Her:

Marc by Marc Jacobs Padlock Heart Charm Watch, Red $125

Me&Ro Flowers & Beloved Pendant $190

D&G Dolce & Gabbana Peek-A-Boo Watch, Black $175

Molton Brown Celestial Maracuja Gift Set $149. Luxuriate in a rich body experience. A sublime infusion of organic Amazonian maracuja passion flower and rich essential oils, this is indulgent bathing at its very best, all packaged in a stylishly zipped, blush-hued vanity case. Including Body Soufflé, Shower Crème and Aromatic Dew, the ultimate gift for someone special.

DuWop New Mini Venom Trio $21, the most popular lip plumper on the market, just the thing to help her look and feel sexy on V Day.

The Tink Treasure Chest Pendant in Cream by Disney Couture Jewelry $60, the little chest can be opened and closed. There’s a Treasure Chest ring as well, so cute.

For Him:

Paul Smith Love Heart Cufflinks $95, your man can’t be shy to wear these.

Paul Smith Heart Polka Dot Cufflinks $115, for the guy who’s not afraid to show his softer side.

Anthony Logistics The It Kit $50, set of six best-sellers for the ultimate clean, smooth shave for the guy who’d rather eat dirt than shave. The kit includes Glycolic Facial Cleanser, Facial Scrub, Pre-Shave Oil, Shave Cream, After Shave Balm, Sea Salt Body Scrub.

D&G Dolce & Gabbana Aviator with Top Bar Sunglasses $135, I don’t know what guy doesn’t look fab in a pair of sleek classic aviator sunglasses.

Lacoste ‘Sport Retro’ Messenger Bag $125, clean, fresh, and no fuss.

Tarte’s adorable blushes

Tarte has such fun blushes, the usage and packaging are so different from the traditional way. These are my current two favorites. They are pricey, but great blushes are worth paying for. I read in a magazine (either Elle Canada or FASHION) that you can skimp lip glosses as there are many great cheap options, but you just might have to pay a little more for fantastic blushes because the pigmentation technology used in high-end blushes is more advanced to ensure a foolproof application and true color long-staying power throughout the day. I can attest to that. Some blushes somehow change shade at the end of day, like one of my soft rosy color turned orange-y. I don’t know if you have this experience. It’s not pleasant.

Tarte Cheek Stain Doll Face $28, Tarte’s most popular product! I love the water-based gel, it goes on so clean and you don’t need any tool, just dab it on your cheeks. And the shades are so pretty.

Tarte Natural Swirl Cheek Stain Full Blossom $28, for a even more natural glow, this one is perfect. And with a super blend of antioxidants and fruit extracts, it’s like a skincare product in disguise.

Feeling frisky?

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. Us girls are going to be waiting for our flowers, chocolate, and jewelry, right? But don’t make the guys do all the work. Why not make it a fun day with some yummy treats for the two of you? BootyParlor.com is a must-see place to help you plan the perfect day. Hollywood stars love that store. Now you can take 10% off with code FRISKY.

Massage a Trois $32, an indulgent collection with 3 sexy bedroom essentials, all in one sexy box. It includes Booty Parlor’s original Don’t Stop Massage Oil The intoxicating that can also double as a sultry bath oil, a warming massage oil called All Fired Up, and a 2-in-1 massage gel and lubricant called Thrill Me. You can be playing with these three for hours!

Melt Chocolate Body Fondue $15, delicious chocolate fondue and a “paint brush” for creating sexy body art before eating it

Naughty Bubbles (2.1oz) $10, make your bubble bath extra sumptuous and naughty with this luxurious bath gel.

Sex Bombs $45. Be irresistibly sexy with a little help from this trio of sexy beauty boosters. This is a celebrity favorite. The kit includes Don’t Stop Solid Perfume With Pheromones, Dust Up Kissable Body Shimmer, and Get Flushed Sexy Lip And Cheek Tint.

Laura Mercier Mineral Powder SPF 15

I talked about how much I love Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 - Oil Free, it’s the best tinted moisturizer out there for me. When I saw Laura Mercier Mineral Powder SPF 15 Soft Porcelain ($35), I couldn’t wait to try it, I knew I would love it. 20% of the ingredients is zinc oxide, which makes me trust this product to provide sufficient sun protection right off the bat. And zinc oxide by nature is very absorbent, so it keeps the shine on my face under control. It blends Overall, the finish is very silky, matte and non-sparkley (unlike some other mineral makeup powers I find, which is not attractive on oily skin).

Sweet Deals $1 to $5

That’s a sweet deal, y’all. Go to BuyBeauty.com right now! All these are less than $5.

More gifts under $20

More gift ideas for little money, thanks to all the great sales going on right now. I don’t mind knowing if my presents were on sale. On sale doesn’t mean crappy. My sister-in-laws are all bargain hunters, it amazes me sometimes what kind of great stuff they get for dirt cheap.

Frenchi® Pleated Miniskirt $30 $8.90. I love plaid skirts. It’s one of those things that just stay in style. I’d wear this under an oversized long cardigan.

As U Wish V-Neck Dress $70 $19.90! I really like the bubblegum pink and the a-line skirt, it’s so girly. And can you believe the discount?! If you know any girl could use a pretty party dress, this one will not go wrong and who would’ve believed that it only cost $19.90

Click Cowlneck K-Way Pocket Roomy Dress $20. Epic cowlneck! The girl’s practically swimming in this dress, lol. But there’s something quite quirky and cute about it.

Pink & Grey V-Neck Long Cardigan $20. Right now I love the loose relaxed cardigan look as opposed to the tight form-fitting cardigan. The cuffed sleeves are adorable. It feels young whereas the fitted cardigan feels mature and “sweater-puppy-ish” if you know what I mean, not that it’s a bad things, it depends what look you are going for I guess.

STARFISH $38.50 $19.99. What a cute hoodie, love the blue color, puff sleeves, and the sparkly star.

Jensen Peep-Toe Pump $19.99 $16.99. Sexy snake-print peep-toe pump. Love it!

CHALET BOOT $39.50 $19.99. Warm and fuzzy

MADISON BALLET FLAT $29.50 $9.99. Can you really have too many ballet flats? I think not, especially when they are this cute and this cheap!

Urban Decay Afterglow Powder Blush, Quickie $17. Urban Decay has some of the best blush powders. The color goes on true and smooth, and it stays on all day. Any girlfriend would love to get one.

CARGO DailyGloss Lip Gloss - 30 Day Supply $12. CARGO has such an ingenious idea. You can break open a different color of gloss everyday. Great for travel. Oh remember last Christmas they started making those cute GlossyGreetings™ Tags and GlossyGreetings™ Cards? They are such great ideas, this year I’ll be sure to get more.

Morn Creations Panda Rug $20. So totally cute for a play room (or computer room for me. Imagine putting your feet on the soft rug

Beauty Value Sets Under $60

If you’ve been in a Sephora store lately, you’ve seen how it’s totally packed with gift sets. They’ve really bundled up great products in one incredible value. Here are some of the values sets that are under $60. Don’t they just look so yummy and pretty? I’ll definitely be treating myself to one or two. For a limited time customers can get FREE SHIPPING on orders of $50 or more at Sephora.com. Just enter code SHOPNOW5 at checkout.

L’Occitane Open Up To Shea ($52 Value) $38. L’Occitane assembled their best-selling shea butter products in this Open Up To Shea set. The verbena soap cleanses skin, while preserving its natural moisture balance. The body cream protects and rejuvenates the skin. The hand cream penetrates quickly to nourish and moisturize hands, leaving them soft and smooth. The foot cream moisturizes and relieves irritated and tired feet. The set includes a 3.5 oz Shea Butter Verbena Soap, a 2.6 oz Ultra Riche Body Cream, a 2.6 oz Shea Hand Cream, and a 2.6 oz Shea Foot Cream.

Laura Geller Baked to Perfection ($126 Value) $60. For fresh, flawless, dewy skin with an impeccable finish, try Baked to Perfection. Each silky powder dome combines a meticulous blend of colors that work together to enhance the contours of your face, cheeks and eyes. The primer and corrector provide a base for the Ethereal Rose Baked Powder, a pearlized product that covers your face with a sheer veil of radiance. Next, apply blush to add a beautiful rosy glow to your complexion. The Baked Marble Eyeshadow Duo is a combination eyeliner and shadow in one. Then just add a finishing flourish of mascara and the look is complete.

Philosophy Pure Grace Layering Set ($72 Value) Pure Grace Layering Set $55. A three-piece collection of Philosophy’s soap and water-scented, Pure Grace products. This deluxe set is the quintessential gift for any one who wants to feel like they just stepped out of the shower. The set includes a 8 oz Pure Grace Foaming Bath and Shower Cream, 2 oz Pure Grace Spray Fragrance, and a 4 oz Pure Grace Perfumed Shimmer Body Lotion in a beautiful, keepsake box.

Juice Beauty Organics To Go ($45 Value) Organics To Go $29. This complete organic skincare routine for day and night cleanses, brightens, helps to smooth and firm, and provides essential vitamins and antioxidants for healthy, radiant skin. The set includes a 2 oz Cleansing Milk, 0.17 oz Antioxidant Serum, 0.25 oz Green Apple Peel - Sensitive Skin, 1 oz Hydrating Mist, and a 1 oz Oil-Free Moisturizer, plus an organic bamboo washcloth.

Urban Decay Best Of Urban - Midnight Cowboy Rides Again $32. A selection of best-selling Urban Decay products for the eyes, including the urban legend, Midnight Cowboy Rides Again Eyeshadow.

Bare Escentuals Classic Rock Flawless Diamond 9-Piece Color Collection ($145 Value) $59. The best mineral makeup on the market.

FREE Lip Gloss Ring with any merchandise order at Sephora.com. Enter code GLOSSRING2 at checkout. Offer valid through 12-31-07, or while supplies last.