SEPHORA by OPI Jewelry Top Coats

Loving SEPHORA by OPI Jewelry Top Coats ($9.50). It’s a brilliant finishing touch that acts like jewelry for your nails. And they are very buildable. You can go from subtle to crazy glam with multiple coats.

Beauty Stocking Stuffers

Beauty products are one of my favorite kinds of stocking stuffers (along with yummy candy and chocolate). I want all these from Nordstrom, which you get free shipping right now.

MARC JACOBS Rollerball Trio ($104 Value) $38. The perfect gift, great as a stocking stuffer. Enjoy a rollerball trio in a fun reusable metal tin. The roller trio includes Daisy, Daisy Eau So Fresh and Lola rollerball (0.34 oz. each).

stila ‘stila loves bp.’ palette (Nordstrom Exclusive) ($62 Value) $14. An exclusive palette created exclusively for BP., featuring four ultra-wearable eyeshadows that can be worn wet or dry, a cheek color and a highlighter in one cute, collectible palette. Also included is a mirror and a detailed face chart to help you create an exquisite look in only minutes!

THE NEW BLACK ‘Rover – Ombré Nail Shades’ 5-Piece Set $22

THE NEW BLACK ‘Horizons – Ombré Nail Shades’ 5-Piece Set $22

L’Occitane ‘Desert Rose Hugs & Kisses’ Collection ($22 Value) $19

Lancôme ‘Juicy Tubes – Dazzling’ Gift Set ($76 Value) $29.50.

Bobbi Brown ‘Classic To Go’ Palette $25. With three eyeshadows, two lip colors, plus a mini high-shimmer lip gloss, this compact includes everything you need to achieve a classic but modern look.

Online store – eBeauty.ca and new nail polishes Butter London

I’m very excited to add another beauty boutique site to my list of must-shop online stores, especially one that caters to Canadian readers . Go check out eBeauty.ca. It offers an extensive assortment of bath, body, and beauty products available to Canadian shoppers. With over 300 brands and new arrivals added daily, you’ll be able to find all of your favourite products, all of your can’t-live-without-must-haves, as well as discover a wide selection of new and exciting products available as soon as they hit the market. Which is where I discovered these fab new nail polishes from the brand Butter London. As you know I’m not a big on nail polish, it somehow just chips way too fast when you have to deal with a toddler constantly. But I LOVE nail polishes, especially when I see colors like these.

“Founded in 2005 by Londoner Sasha Muir and nail expert Nonie Creme, Butter London has made a rapid rise to the top of the nail industry. A self-proclaimed “cult phenomenon”, the company has become famous for taking high-fashion and pop-culture trends and turning them into custom nail colours, adored by fashionistas from around the globe.

Fabulous colours, with adorably cheeky names, Butter London’s polishes are inspired by rock and roll, Great Britain, and the fashion industry, but they are also inspired by something else: purity. Utilizing a unique “3 Free” formula, all of Butter London’s products are made with no formaldehyde, no toluene, and no DBP, making them some of the most hygienic nail products to ever grace your fingertips! ”

Butter London 3 Free Lacquer – Fiesty Tints $17

Butter London 3 Free Lacquer – Shades of Sunshine $17

Butter London 3 Free Lacquer – Colours of Romance $17

Butter London 3 Free Lacquer – Rock’n Jewel Tones $17

Besides the super pretty colors, you get these fantastic base coats, top coats and nail treatments.

Butter London Horse Power Nail Fertilizer $24. A proven rejuvenating formula that strengthens and repairs your nails, allowing them to grow to glorious lengths.

Butter London Nail Foundation Flawless Basecoat $21. A non-toxic basecoat that provides the ultimate cover for your nails, smoothing imperfections and setting up the “foundation” for your polish.

Butter London Hardwear P.D. Quick Topcoat $21. A super-shine topcoat that protects colour and keeps your nails looking freshly painted for days on end!

Butter London Handbag Holiday Cuticle Oil $18. A beautifully scented oil that works to heal and nourish your cuticles for your most flawless nails ever.

Enough makeup to last me a long time

It’s been a long time since I got a big load of makeup all at once. Sure makes me happy. I recently cleaned out of my makeup drawer, threw out a bunch of old stuff. And I always have a bad habit of losing lip glosses where I can’t find them, so I was in need of some fresh new ones, I decided to stock up on Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF 15 from e.l.f. (I think I got every color except the clear gloss), that should last me a looong time. Along with a bunch of other stuff:

Waterproof Eyeliner Pen. I could never use a liquid eyeliner for the life of me. This one has an easy to use pen felt tip, not much trouble for me to draw it on. The staying power isn’t the strongest. My oily lids made the liner disappear in the afternoon. I just had to reapply again. But overall for a buck, this eyeliner’s not bad.
Also got two Eyeliner & Shadow Sticks from their new Studio line, one in pearl/glow and one in black/smoke. These are pretty handy. The gel eyeliners and eye shadow sticks glide on smoothly with a subtle shimmer and plenty of intensity. But I do need to set it with powder eyeshadow afterward or it doesn’t take long to be smudged.
Got three new shades of Duo Eye Shadow Creams in Olive, Mocha Swirl, and Black Licorice. I had Butter Pecan and Berry Mix, I was quite pleased with the shades. I just use my finger tips to apply. It’s supposed to be crease resistant, but I still set it with powder eyeshadow to make sure it lasts much longer.
Earth & Water Mascara Duo is an old standby. It’s pretty much the best value for a decent mascara out there.
Got two Shimmering Facial Whip in Citrus and Golden Peach. They are just fun as a blush and highlighter. I really like the pearlized texture. Just toss it in my bag and I can put it on when I think my cheeks need a boost of glow.
And I wanted new pink and red Nail Polishes. These are surprisingly long-lasting and chip resistant. The pinks are really cute.

I was most excited about the Stila Charmed Eye Shadow Palette! This palette features four highly-pigmented new shadow shades all infused with genuine 24kt gold. The colors are stunning and rich. The shimmer is fine and sophisticated. This one is perfect for going out at night, makes I feel kinda glamorous .

Wow this eyeliner from Rock & Republic is perfect!  It is comparable to Bobby Brown’s famed gel liner.   The color is very saturated and it will not budge or fade all day.  It’s a little pricey but if gilt has a Rock & Republic cosmetics sale again, you should get one

Yves Rocher Green Summer Limited Editions

My mom’s favorite beauty line Yves Rocher, and has fast become one of my favorites as well (I’m always stealing from my mom’s secret stash. I just got Hydra Scrub New Skin Effect so I can do some good sloughing), has some great new products in their Green Summer Limited Editions, starting at only $3. And The packaging is so cute and summery.

Passion Flower Hair & Body Wash $4. Be transported to the heart of richly generous vegetation, to an exotic place where escape awaits: flowers with thrilling aromas, tropical fruits bursting with juice!

Cool lip gloss & charm – rouge jelly $6. Tinted gloss in savory shades for ripe, kissable lips. Apply one coat for lush lips, more than one for an intense, irresistible look.

Trio bronzer -compact bronzing powder $14. A trio of sunny shades to highlight your summer sunkissed skin. Includes 3 shades to use, depending on your skin tone and tan.

Sunny water – Complexion coloring water $10. An all-over gorgeous bronze effect with Witch Hazel water and melon extract. An alternative to self-tanners and tanning powders. This colouring water is removed with makeup remover.An all-over gorgeous bronze effect with Witch Hazel water and melon extract. An alternative to self-tanners and tanning powders. This colouring water is removed with makeup remover.

Nail Polish – Rouge Jelly $3.
Choose your nail polish and change it to suit your mood or your latest whim! Ultra lacquered, intense effect for the Vert-Noir or a candied jelly effect for Rouge Jelly. The look of the season… don’t miss out!

Duo khol liner-violet -black green $5. Two shades in just one pencil. An ultra-comfortable, easy-glide texture, enriched with cocoa butter, for rapid, precise and pleasant application and a line that’s strong in colour!

E.L.F.’s Cuticle Pen

Here’s a little something to keep your nails looking fabulous all through the summer for just $1. E.L.F.’s Cuticle Pen! The unique pen delivery system moisturizes cuticles effectively and the quick dry formula allows for a no mess application. Fortified with Vitamins E, A, C, Pro-Vitamin B5 and Aloe, this fast-acting complex deeply hydrates, nourishes and seals in moisture. The key ingredients Avocado and Almond Oils help to condition nails and cuticles for improved appearance. The result is softer, easy to manage cuticles and healthy hydrated nails. Just brush onto cuticles and bare nails as often as needed.  I’d get five of these at once.

Chanel’s Roberston Exclusive

Has anybody picked up these hot neon-colored nail polishes from Chanel’s Roberston Exclusive set ($25 each)? The four-some is named after everyone’s favorite shopping street (and celeb hangout) Robertson. The set includes a fiery orange called “LA Sunset” a sun-kissed yellow called “LA Sunrise”, a pretty little pink shade called “Melrose” and our favorite a passionate purple named after the shopping mecca “Rodeo Drive.” My favorite is Melrose. Head over to Chanel.com to pick them up before they are selling for an insane amount on eBay.

Bright nails for bright summer days

All of a sudden I’ve got a hankering for new nail polish, the brighter the better. Must be the weather. I can’t believe my nails have been nude for a long time (since the winter!). I want my nails to look like candy!

Lippmann Collection Nail Color $15, the Lady Marmalade, Daytripper, and Don’t Call Me Baby shades are fabulous pinks and reds.

Sephora Brand Nail Polish in blue $2. Blue like the deep ocean, so pretty!

Tini Beauty Nailtini Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer Parfait $12, Smooth cool lavender, Vibrant sunrise coral, and Pale blue frost are the prettiest shades.

MAC Nail Lacquer in Shirelle, very hot pink, $10.

Essie Nail Polish in Capri, high-intensity tangerine color, $7. It’s a happy shade!

Nail Polish – Berry Pink $1, super glossy!

Deal of the Week at Sephora.com : FREE Shisiedo SPF 55 Ultimate Sun Protection Cream. Just enter SUNCREAM at checkout.

Get a boatload of e.l.f products

Still hunting for great Mother’s Day gifts? For those of us on a budget but really want to get some fun makeup that costs so little for moms (especially the young moms that have no time for themselves), I can’t recommend e.l.f. cosmetics‘ products enough. It’s been a while since I last ordered from their site. Now it seems they have expanded their lines quite a bit ever since. I just ordered some of my favorite old faithfuls and some new additions that I’m dying to try. Literally a basket full for less than $20! And I’m going to give some to my mom to play with.

Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF Box Set of 5 $5. One of my all-time favorite lip gloss with SPF 15. They are non-sticky and super sheer, gorgeous easy-to-wear shades, nice fruity scent, plus sufficient sun protection. What’s not to love?

Blush Set $5. I really like these Natural Radiance Blushers, Shy, Glow, Coy, and Flushed. They have a very smooth texture that applies evenly and imparts sheer color with a soft glow for a soft shine finish . The soft blending brush is great, too.

Nail Polish $1. e.l.f’s new nail polish in the neat drip bottle. The chip resistant shield gives long lasting nail color with high shine. It’s even got Vitamin E for stronger healthier nails. Talk about getting the bang for your buck! I’m going to get the Berry Pink, Nude, and Light Red shades to try.

Shimmering Facial Whip $1, these shimmery highlighting creams are great for cheeks, eyes, or lips. Fairly easy to blend because it’s non-sticky and non-greasy, and the sheen is subtle if you blend it in really well.

Mineral Starter Kit $20. Everybody’s doing a mineral makeup line nowadays, e.l.f’s not being left behind. I have heard many good things about this kit. Some reviews even say this is comparable to the premium brand mineral lines. The price is considerably less, it’s worth a try. The kit includes Mineral Foundation-SPF 15, Mineral Concealer-SPF 15, Mineral Blush, Total Face Brush, Blush Brush, and Canvas Case.

Bath Sets $15, e.l.f’s new body care line. I’m getting the Vanilla Coconut and Cucumber Melon sets for my mom, two of her favorite scents. Each set includes body lotion, hand soap, hand cream, bath gel, and body butter.

Best beauty offer!

One of Nordstrom‘s big beauty gifts with purchase offers of the year — Customers will receive a straw summer tote filled with deluxe samples from favorite brands with any beauty or fragrance purchase of $95 (from 5/30/07-6/4/07), including:

*Anastasia Brow Gel
*Bare Escentuals® RareMinerals™
*Clarins Hydra-Matte Lotion
*Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
*DKNY ‘Be Delicious’ Body Lotion
*Dr. Weil for Origins Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Face Serum
*Estée Lauder Idealist Skin Refinisher
*GoSMILE B1 Ampoule
*Juicy Couture Body Crème
*Korres Sugar Crystal Cream
*Lâncome ‘Bi-Facil’ Eye Makeup Remover
*Laura Mercier Mini Brown Copper Kohl Eye Pencil
*Lippmann Collection ‘The Stripper’ Nail Polish Remover Towelette
*Miss Boucheron Fragrance
*Prescriptives False Eyelashes Mascara
*Too Faced ‘Lash Injection’ Mascara

That is a boatload of stuff! You gotta get your hands on it.

There are also other great beauty offers, don’t miss out on these either:

Free deluxe samples with any Origins purchase. (from 5/21/07-6/1/07)

Free Bliss samples & tote with $65 purchase (from 5/21/07-6/11/07)

Free Clarins summer samples & bag with $50 purchase. (from 5/21/07-6/11/07)

Sephora Nail Polish Corrector

Nail Polish Corrector Pen $6. I think this clever pen will finally save me from my messy ways with nail polish. I’m so bad at applying nail polish, I rarely draw a perfect nail. And being antsy after I finish putting on nail polish, I always mess it up. Then I try to clean up with cotton balls and Q-tips with nail polish remover, which undoutedly makes things even worse. I get so mad! You’d think I was having some kind of major crisis. Does the product description just sound so easy? “Perfectly polished nails are a snap with this goof-proof pen that quickly and completely erases excess nail polish from the cuticles. Simply glide the pen across the “boo-boo” and watch the excess polish disappear!” Next time I go to Sephora, I have to pick one up.

Bliss Manicure’s Best Friend

Bliss Manicure’s Best Friend .5oz $18.
Arrgh, it’s bitter bitter cold. I have the driest hands and cuticles in the world. I can have hangnails on all my fingers if I don’t religiously apply hand cream, especially in the dry office air (and the cheap ass hand wash in the washroom doesn’t help either). When my cuticles aren’t neat, I don’t even want to put on nail polish ’cause it just looks sad. I’m so glad I picked up this Bliss hand cream. It really is manicure’s best friend. It exfoliates, rehydrates and conditions the cuticle area with butter, jojoba oil and green tea extracts, my cuticles look much smoother and neater. You don’t need much of this stuff to cover both hands. Darn hangnails, be gone!