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.

BuyBeauty Pink Friday Sale 20% off + Free Shipping - Today Only!

Beauty addicts, stock up on skincare and makeup products today at BuyBeauty.com! It’s their Pink Friday One Day Sale - get 20% off sitewide with the code PINK20 and free shipping! A lot of the items are already on sale. That’ll save you a bundle for sure. It’s for today only, so don’t miss out. Beauty products make the perfect stocking stuffers for any girl!

Sugar Cosmetics Palette Set (eyes & lips) $14.99 11.99. The Perfect 10 Lip Palette holds 10 gorgeous gloss shades that are perfect for any season. Each slick shade glazes you lips in kissable color that smells and tastes just like sugar. The Sugar Eye Palette brightens eyes with another burst of candy-colored shadows in glittering silver, sky blue, light lime green, pretty pink, and lemon. Prism comes in a Sugar signature palette with a double-sided brush.

Lancome Colour Dose All Day Wear Creme Eyecolour $20 $16. All day long color that is waterproof and crease resistant, it is excellent for layering and simple to apply.

Styli-Style Flat Eye Pencils $7.5 $6. The Flat Pencil provides both thick and thin performance in one unique pencil. Improved performance. Ingenious design provides breakthrough improvements to every pencil use. More precise lining and maximum control for shading, blending and application. Use the edge of the eye pencil for that ultimate Kajal look.

Emani Magic Sealer $12.50 $10. Uniquely formulated to help neutralize the oils on your eyelids while keeping your eye shadow colors looking fresh all day. Magic Sealer is water soluble and absolutely gentle on the eyes.To use, roll a thin layer on lid, blending with fingertips and apply a neutral base color. Use any colors desired to create a 3-D look by using highlighting and contouring colors.

Benefit Black Orchid Cheek Highlighter $18 $10.39. Light, easy to use highlighting creams for cheek bones, brow bones, and upper eyes. These pearled alabaster and cameo cream shades bring instant attention wherever they are applied and look great on everyone.

Christian Dior Teint Poudre - Dual Powder Foundation $42.50 $20.80. glides on like a second skin giving smooth, even coverage. Used dry or with a moistened sponge, it has the same smooth coverage giving your skin a radiant glow.

Too Faced Quickie Chronicles Vixen $24.99 $11.99

ELF The Ultimate Kit $9.99 $7.99. Have it all with the Ultimate Kit! The perfect blend of soft and feminine colors for eyes, lips, and face. Give it as a gift to yourself or to a friend, it’s the ultimate present for any girl! Kit Includes: Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF 15 in Angel, Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF 15 in Pink Kiss, Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF 15 in Candlelight, Plumping Lip Glaze in Oasis, Plumping Lip Glaze in Plum Pout, Plumping Lip Glaze in Baby Doll, Brightening Eye Color in Butternut, Brightening Eye Color in Nouveau Neutral, All Over Color Stick in Pink Lemonade, Hypershine Gloss in Blossom, Hypershine Gloss in Honey, New Moisture Care Lip Color in Baby Lips, New Moisture Care Lip Color in Pink Lemonade, and New Moisture Care Lip Color in Cherry Tart.

Vein Away $29.95 $23.96. Vein Away quickly and painlessly reduces the appearance of spider veins with ingredients such as K, , aloe vera gel, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Vitamin A & E, Green Tea Extract.

Biogenesis Facial Skin Freshener with Botanicals $14.25 $11.40

Esencial Skincare Argireline Wrinkle Relaxer Serum $69 $31.96.

The prices shown are after the 20% discount

Coutorture’s Weekly Giveaway - Tarte Cosmetics

This week we are giving away this fabulous 4-piece discover set from Tarte Cosmetics, we wish you health skinvigorating™ gift set! This set includes mini clean slate™ face primer, mini lock & roll creaseless eyeshadow duo (shade: slate), mini lights, camera, lashes! 4-in-1 mascara, and mini Inside out vitamin-infused lipgloss powered by BORBA (new shade: serenity). I love Tarte! This will be perfect gift for yourself or somebody you love. Enter your email in the badge in the side bar! Good luck to everybody!!

Are you easy to shop for?

We were so busy shopping for Christmas gifts this past weekend. We had to do it early because many of my guy’s family are far away so we need to mail everything out in time. I picked out the gifts for the ladies in his family, and I think I did fabulously again. They always love my gifts. I was “griping” to my guy that every year all I get from his family is scarves and gloves, not that I’m not grateful, I’m grateful for any gifts I receive. But a girl can only use so many scarves and gloves. He said his family thinks it’s very hard to shop for me. I was SHOCKED. I said I’m the easiest person to shop for. I don’t need anything expensive or fancy. I’m a simple girly girl, I get so much joy from a pretty little lip gloss, a good smelling hand lotion, a cute little cell phone charm…even if everybody got my gifts from Walmart’s cosmetics section or H&M, I’d be a happy camper. So I don’t know why they think I’m hard to shop for. What about you? Are you tough to shop for? Do you have a “no socks”(substitute socks with anything you don’t want) policy?

theBalm Balm Shelter Tinted Gloss Girl Next Door (light pink shimmer) $18

E.l.f’s free gift and new bath & body line

This is quite a nice gift from e.l.f. cosmetics - shop e.l.f products and get 2 free Brightening Eye Liner Pencils. Use coupon code ETCENAW!

And e.l.f’s got a new line of bath & body products that include bath jel, hand soap, hand cream, body lotion and body butter. All cost only $4! There are 5 flavors to choose from, peony petal, cucumber melon, lavender blossom, pineapple mango, vanilla coconut. They all look so yummy, at $4 a pop, I don’t have to choose

112 colors in 1 palette!

Literally 112 colors in 1 palette in this incredible limited edition Sephora Brand Blockbuster Palette for only $48! This sleek, mirrored, palette is loaded with 64 eyeshadows (both powder and cream!), 32 lip colors, seven cheek colors, one translucent shimmer powder, four double-ended shadow applicators, two blush brushes, and two lip brushes. I know, who really needs this many colors?! But it’s just so much fun to play with them, I’d be like a kid in a candy store. It’s all about experimenting with colors that you normally wouldn’t buy. And it will definitely make a great holiday gift! I don’t know any girl who wouldn’t like this.