Evian Facial Spray: Refreshingly cool.

Hello Divas!

Worrying only produces wrinkles and stress. So don't sweat life.  It all works out in the end.

I love a product that wakes me up, cools me down, and keeps me refreshed.  Evian facial spray is this product.  I have the 1.7 oz sized bottle and it is perfect for traveling and easily fits in any size purse.  I started using this product last summer at the beach.  It instantly cooled me down while also making me feel awake and refreshed.  I used it on myself and the luxe kids.  They thought it was the coolest thing ever!

Evian facial spray contains the mineral properties of the original Evian water.  It also has a neutral PH.  It is great for all skin types and works best when it is used several times a day.   I still use it in the Winter months.  While it is cooling and refreshing it also moisturizes the skin.  Sometimes I spray it over my make-up to create a soft dewey look.  Creating a dewey look in the Winter months is a hard feat, but Evian facial spray make it easy.

Evian facial spray retails for $10 and is sold exclusively at Sephora.

Toodles!

Smashbox Photo Finish Targted Pore & Line Primer: Believe the Hype!

Hello Divas!

Life is so beautiful. Why waste it with negative energy and feelings.  Always channel the negative into the positive.

About 3 months ago, I was given the opportunity to try Smashbox's Photo Finish Targeted Pore & Line Primer.  I have tried other primers that I absoluely love like Laura Geller's Spackle.  Love it!

Smashbox's Photo Finish Targeted Pore and Line Primer creates a truly perfect complexion.  Divas, I promise this primer is magical.  After applying the primer, it truly fills every line and imperfection and creates a smooth and flawless canvas for foundation application.  It is very thick and does not go on as smoothly as other primers I have used, but the results are stunning.  The primer is a bit dry and not as smooth as other primers.  But this particular primer has oil or shine absorbing qualities and I am sure the dry texture helps to reduce oil and shine.  In addition, a little goes a long way.  I only use a fingertip full and spread it evenly on my face.  I wait about 5 minutes and then I apply the rest of my make-up. It is truly fabulous!

Smashbox Cosmetics is known for its primer.  Smashbox primer has repeatedly been voted the #1 primer in the world!  So you know it has to be good!  Smashbox Photo Finish Targeted Pore & Line Primer is available exclusively at Sephora and can be purchased online here.  It retails for $32.

Toodles!

Disclaimer:  This product was provided complimentary for review.  However, my opinion and experience with the product is 100% mine and true.

Boscia Facial Toner: Cleansing and Moisturizing

Hello Divas!

If you have a dream or a goal, don't ever give up.  Despite all circumstances, ANYTHING is possible.

A few months ago, I was given the opportunity to try some Boscia facial products.  Boscia is a Japanese based skin care line that features botanically-based and preservative-free skincare products.  Overall, I have been very pleased with the brand.  However, I have been particularly pleased with the skin toner.

The toner comes in a spray bottle and when I spray it on my face it is instantly refreshing and soothing.  I usually let it sit on my face for about 30 seconds before removing it with a cotton pad.  The toner does lift excess dirt and make-up from my face.  But unlike other toners that leave your face feeling dry and stripped of natural moisture, this toner leaves my face soft and smooth.  It is genius!

Boscia has a host of skin care products such as facial cleansers, masks, and moisturizers.  You can visit their website here for a complete list of products.  Also Boscia is sold exclusively at Sephora.  The toner retails for $24 and is well worth the price!

Toodles!

Disclaimer:  Product was complimentary via Boscia.  However, my opinion is 100% true and mine.

Sephora Sundays 2011 #1: It's back!

Last January, I started a Sephora Sundays mini series that included products that I liked and available at Sephora's website. (See last year's series here!) I can spend hourssss just browsing on Sephora.com to checking out their new products, samples and just to look at products I really want to try. For 2011, I wanted to start it again since it's the new year and there's always lots of new stuff being added.

Here are some of my current items on my wishlist:

	1) Pacifica I Love fragrance - This set contains 5 solid perfumes, including Tuscan Blood Orange, Tahitian Gardenia, Hawaiian Ruby Guava, Indian Coconut Nectar, and French Lilac. I have already tried all of these except French Lilac.. and they're all yummy! See my past Pacifica reviews here.
	2) Tarte Radiant & Rested Luminous Complexion Collection- This kit is also a limited edition set from Sephora that contains 5 products to give your face a radiant look for the new year! This set contains: Natural Cheek Stain in Glisten, EmphasEYES™ Inner Rim Brightener, Recreate™ Silicone-Free Primer With Wrinkle Rewind™ Technology, Smooth Operator™ Illuminating Serum, Park Ave Princess Mineral Bronzer. I am def. interested in the inner rim brightener.. :)
	Josie Maran Eye Love You Too Palette- Looks like the packaging upgraded but the colors are so perfect for the Spring season. Love the light pink, green and blues. :) It's $42 which is a bit pricey for me right now since I've tons of other eyeshadows to use. :)

All pictures, courtesy of Sephora.com!

Disclaimer: I'm not affiliated with Sephora.com at all. Just a huge fan! :)

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SUPER by Dr. Perricone Limited-Edition Skin Nutrition Kit

i received an email regarding SUPER by Dr. Perricone's newest product release and thought it was so incredibly cute-- i just had to share!

this Skin Nutrition Kit comes in a retro lunch box (yes, it's made of metal so you can reuse it however you'd like!) and offers users the perfect taste of good-for-skin products. if you're looking to get your skin off to a good start in 2011, consider Skin Nutrition. it contains daily allowances of antioxidants and vital nutrients, all in three full-sized SUPER products: Face & Eye Cleanser, Detox Elixir and Hyper Hydrator.

Face and Eye Cleanser is loaded with antioxidant acai, a powerful amazonian berry and defends against damage-causing free radicals. to quench your skin's thirst, refreshing Detox Elixir refines pores, hydrates and detoxifies. finally, Hyper Hydrator is a daily moisturizer that absorbs quickly to nourish depleted, dry skin with the help of essential nutrients from coconut water.

the limited-edition SUPER Skin Nutrition is available nationwide at Sephora and sephora.com beginning this friday, january 13, 2011, for a limited time only.

xo
info and image courtesy of the brand's PR company.

Sephora and Hello Kitty Beauty Partnering with eBay for Special Cause

happy first friday of the year, beauties! i don't know about you, but i am so excited about Hello Kitty Beauty!

thankfully, the wait will be over soon (the collection will be hitting shelves towards the end of this month)!

if you haven't already heard, this amazing collaboration between Sephora and Hello Kitty will combine the playful spirit and designs of Hello Kitty with luxury makeup formulas and iconic accessories. the collection will offer a range of must-have beauty goodies for eyes, lips, face and body, perfect for both Hello Kitty collectors and beauty enthusiasts alike.

to celebrate the launch, Sanrio and Sephora are partnering with eBay to offer fans of both brands the chance at winning exclusive Hello Kitty Beauty packages that include trips to exclusive launch events through 2011.

in addition to having the chance to bid on these exclusive, must-have Hello Kitty Beauty items, all proceeds benefit the Starlight Children's Foundation!

so, be sure to visit ebay.com/sephorahellokitty to sign up for email reminders and to participate in the auction, beginning january 17, 2011 (ending january 27, 2011).

xo
click on the image to enlarge

Day 14: The Perricone Presciption

Hello Divas!

Holidays are about spending time with the ones you love.  So don't stress and just enjoy it!

Chamele is finishing off her 30 Days of Luxetips! Enjoy!

Ever since reading the "Perricone Prescription" six years ago, I have been aware of  the role inflammation plays in aging. While I have had some trouble cutting back on those sugars, I have been experimenting with products that help prevent and erase the damage I have done. Thanks to Dr. P.,  I became familiar with Ester C, which is twice as beneficial as Vitamin C.  Dr. Perricone's meticulous study of vitamin C and its properties fighting inflammation had me hooked.  I then began to familiarize myself with the Perricone  line.

This year, Dr. Perricone has introduced a new line of products called "Super by Dr. Nicholas Perricone" This line contains super foods including apples, acai, ginger and yogurt. I am eager to try all of the products, but particularly the four listed below.

This time of year, the weather can strip our skin of oils and leave the skin looking lack luster. Trust me. I know. I love facials and I love ginger so I am especially excited about the Super 3-Minute Facial with Ginger.  It is a  fast facial that leaves the skin hydrated. $50.00 for a 2 oz serving.

Next up, is the Super Acne Treatment with Green Apple. Even though I am aging, I am still experiencing  periodic breakouts.  The Super Acne Treatment exfoliates and fights acne with salicylic acid. I am all too familiar with salicylic acid. It is a life saver.  The Super Acne Treatment also contains quercetin, a natural antioxidant. I had recently been trying out some new products with quercetin and  noticed a huge improvement in my laugh lines.  I am uber-excited about the Super Acne Treatment because it will simultaneously fight acne and aging. Multifunctional products are where it's at!  $50.00 for a 1 oz serving of the Super Acne Treatment with Green Apple.

I also want to try the Super Hand & Cuticle Cream with Yogurt. The cream claims to heal and soften hands and cuticle by stimulating collagen production with yogurt probiotics. If you are not familiar with probiotics you should be! It is no secret that some of the worlds most beautiful queens, for instance Cleopatra, bathed themselves in milk. Why?  The bacteria of course. This is probably the best time of year to indulge your hands, and I trust that Dr. Perricone has engaged in a thorough study making his products most effective. $30.00 for a 2 oz serving.

Finally, I plan on indulging my soup coolers with the Super Lush Lips with Coconut Oil .  Yummy! The name alone makes me want to wear it.  But the delectable coconut oil  it contains is a huge source of vitamin E.  Vitamin E plays an important role in healing, and the Super Lush Lips purports to "nourish, quench, and shine lips."  $20.00 for a 0.5 oz serving.

All products are free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes and petrochemicals. I know the prices seem steep but trust me, a little goes a long way with the Perricone products. It doesn't take much to save your skin; and besides, you are an investment! All products are available exclusively at Sephora.

Until tomorrow,

Chamele

Getaway Kit from Sephora

Right now Sephora is offering this Getaway Kit with online purchases of $25 or more! It comes with a TSA friendly clear zipper-pouch with 10 samples. I was interested in getting something at Sephora so this was a great bonus. Plus I was interested in trying the samples and hoped I would get everything in there.. Alas I got mostly everything. Can you see the difference between mine and theirs?



What I bought at Sephora...


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Sephora: Free Clutch + Samples ... Yummy!

Who can resist a booty of free beauty samples, especially when packed inside a chic and oh so useable little clutch bag? Not I ... now only to decide what I want to purchase to get it.

Free with any $25 Sephora online purchase.  The clutch is equipped with four pockets (perfect to keep your cell phone hidden), has a glossy black finish, loaded with 12 fab samples from great beauty brands.  These are the kinds of promos that speak to me!

Hurry ... supplies won't last long for this one! Check sephora.com for all the deets.

Hoping to get back to beauty blogging soon and I apologize it's been so slow, hit and miss.  I've some absolutely fantastic products to tell you about in reviews. Been so busy at the office!  : (

xo

Sephora- Free Clutch with $25+ purchase

To get your free clutch with 12 samples, use code: ONTHEGO (available online only.)

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Carol's Daughter at Sephora

(L to R; Friend of Julissa, Julissa and Lisa from Carol's Daughter)

Back in September, Carol's Daughter held a special modeling contest at their Harlem store in NYC to search for the face of their new Hair Milk campaign. I've heard so many great things about this brand. (Read more reviews here.) I even heard the founder, Lisa, speak at an event a few years ago to talk about how she started experimenting with her fragrances in her own home in Brooklyn and sold it to friends and family. Talk about a true entrepreneur!

Now, the brand Carol's Daughter is sold in Sephora stores nationwide and is such a success. Although I have never tried their haircare products, I am fan of their body butters. They make great natural body lotions with cocoa and shea butter- a great moisturizer especially in the winter time.

Check out this Perfect Almond Cookie Set, sold at Sephora.com. Don't forget- it's Friends and Family at Sephora so everything is 20% OFF!! Use code: FF2010 at checkout.

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Giorgio Armani: Acqua di Gio Parfum

Hello Divas!

I hope your day is just fabulous! 

Chamele is back!  Check out her post on this Armani Parfum!  I have to try it!

Day 29

 

Growing up, I could rarely wear perfume. Strong perfumes flared my sinuses and to add insult to injury I would endure topical breakouts. Slowly, I grew out of that and developed other allergies. Sigh... However, I developed a love for fragrance once I could actually indulge myself.

 

In high school, my favorite was Gio by Giorgio Armani, not to be confused with Aqua di Gio. Gio is a musky scent, but not to heavy and totally alluring. It was great with my body chemistry (body chemistry is key. We cannot all wear the same perfumes. That is  with the exception of Pleasures. Everyone seems to smell good in that one, but I digress.) Sadly, Gio is a little hard to come by. It was created  in 1992 and includes green florals, gardenia, and orange blossoms with hints of amber wood and vanilla. Yum.

 

On my wedding day, my sister bought me a Sensi  also by Giorgio Armani. It was created in 2002.  I have gotten several compliments on it, mostly by members of the opposite sex. There was definitely something working in that mix,  so I decided to look it up and see what it was:  kaffir; jasmine, another fave;  and benzoin,  a tropical resin too complex for words.  Like Gio, Sensi is now hard to come by and rather expensive when you can find it. Therefore, I have been looking for a new signature fragrance, and I don't have to look any further than Armani.

 

I want to step into Thirty with the newest Giorgio Armani fragrances, Acqua di Gioia. It wafts from  the pages of my Vogue and Elle magazines. The fragrance is a mix of  crushed mint with hints of  "Italian Limone Primo Fiore Femminelle" - quite literally the first buds of a lemon tree, which sounds far more intoxicating in Italian. The perfume is further enhanced with cedar and brown sugar. Who doesn't love brown sugar?  It also contains labdanum, a resin from a rare plant with which I was unfamiliar. Labdanum is described as a plant that "reach[es] deep into our subconscious and bring back memories, pictures, feelings and moods." * It is also associated with warmth, strength, and sensuality. Enough said; I am sold.

Acqua di Gioia is much lighter than the two Armani fragrances I have worn before. It is airy and refreshing without being too perfumey. While Acqua di Gioia would make a great "summer scent,"  it is too delectable to not to wear it year-round.

 

 

Acqua di Gioia Eau de Parfum, 1.0 oz

$39.50, Macy's

acqua_di_gioia.png 97K   View   Download

flawless beauty: HD Complexion Travel Kit

when it comes to makeup, HD is where its at. my favorite brand for these formulations? Make Up For Ever, of course. i love this line! my last purchase: the HD Complexion Travel Kit.

in this kit you'll find three MUFE travel-size, best-selling HD products: HD Elixir (a gel serum that boosts skin's moisture and keeps it hydrated all day), HD Microperfecting Primer #0 Neutral (this oil-free, silicone-free base helps support foundation for a long-lasting, smooth effect) and HD Microfinish Powder (made of 100% mineral silica powder, gives skin the best soft-focus effect).

all of these products work well on their own, but together are a winning beauty team! the sizes are small, but worth the price. so, if you've been curious about trying any of these gems, this kit is the way to go.

fing the MUFE HD Complexion Travel Kit is at Sephora and sephora.com.

xo
pic taken by me :)

Dolce and Gabbana Eau de Parfum: The One

Hello Divas!

I hope your Monday has started off beautifully!

One of my favorite relaxing activities is to peruse the scent aisle at Sephora.  I am always looking for a new fragrance to try.  I actually had my eye on the Marc Jacobs Daisy, well because the bottle is too cute!

I passed on Marc Jacobs Daisy and the sales associate suggested I try The One by Dolce and Gabbana.  I tried it and all I can say is wow!  I absolutely love this scent.  It has notes of vanilla and amber, and musk, but with a twist of mandarin, bergamont, and lychee.  Results?  A sensual fragrance that also is light and airy.  If you have been reading my blog, you know I love scents with citrus, vanilla, and musk, notes.  They just work wonderful with my body chemistry.

The packaging is not bad either.  It is a classic square bottle and it is timeless...maybe just like the fragrance.  The One has won several international fragrance awards and apparently has been around for a few years.  How did I miss it?

A 1 oz. bottle of The One retails for $50 and you can purchase it online at Sephora.com or at any Department Store.  If you purchase it online at Sephora, you get free shipping. Nice!

Toodles!

Clinique's 7 Day Scrub Exfoliator

Hello Divas!

I hope everyone is having the best day ever!

I have been using Clinique's 7 Day Scrub Cream for the past 10 days and it is simply phenomenal.  I received this cream as part of a Clinique gift with purchase and really never paid it any attention.  But I wanted to give myself a mini-facial and realized I had run out of my favorite exfoliating scrub and decided to give this exfoliator a try.

Per Clinique's ad, this cream will "gently reduce the appearance of fine lines and refine skin."  I can attest this scrub has definitely made my skin tone appear more even and smoother.  I love that it is very gentle.  The micro beads are small so the scrub is not rough or abrasive.  It also is very moisturizing and does not dry out your skin.  I also love the creamy texture of the scrub.  It really feels nice and soothing on my face.  Plus I have not experienced any break-outs using this cream which is always a winner for me!

Clinique's 7 Day Scrub Cream was voted by Allure Magazine as a Reader's Choice Award Winner.  Many women attest to the scrub's ability to improve their skin's texture over a short period of time.  I am so glad I tried and it is now a permanent part of my beauty routine.

Clinique's 7 Day Scrub Cream retails for $18 for a 3.4 oz tube and you can purchase it online here or a any Sephora.

Toodles!

Sephora Sun Safety Kit

For the past couple of years I have seen Sephora selling their Sun Safety Kit. A friend of mine got this last year and raved about thisgreat deal. For $25 you get more than 10 skin-care trial-sized products with SPF all in a cute reusable makeup bag. Best of all, all the net proceeds will go to The Skin Care Foundation. It is so important to protect your skin from the UV rays and prevent skin cancer.

This Kit contains the following items:
- 0.14 oz Murad Essential-C Eye Cream SPF 15
- 0.23 oz DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew UV Moisturizer SPF 15
- 0.10 oz Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 in Lemon and Chamomile
- 0.25 oz Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Defense Lotion SPF 30
- 0.16 oz Kate Somerville Protect SPF 55 Serum Sunscreen
- 0.27 oz Clarins Delectable Self Tanning Mousse SPF 15
- 0.16 oz Cover FX BritePrep FX Brightening Foundation Primer & Photo-Aging Defense SPF 50
- 0.34 oz Bliss Best of Skintentions Daily Moisturizer SPF 15
- 0.23 oz Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 60 PA+++
- 0.25 oz Ole Henriksen Herbal Day Cream SPF 15
- 0.25 oz Smashbox Photo Finish UVA/UVB SPF 15
- 0.02 oz Bare Escentuals BareMinerals Multi-tasking Face SPF 20 in Summer Bisque
- Pink Sephora makeup bag
- 2 x single-use UVSunSense UV monitoring bracelets

The annual Sephora Sun Safety Kit is available at Sephora until end of June or while supplies last.

Please note that if you have sensitive skin, you should do a skin-test of these products before normal application. I can't use many SPF products but I can only use products with Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide only. :)


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Hot Item! LORAC Co-Star Lip Color and Gloss in French Kiss

Hello Divas!

Long time no see!  I have been busy busy busy. 

As you Divas recall, I won some beauty products at the Sephora Pampering Event.  One of the products I won was a tube of Lorac Co-Stars lip color and lip gloss.  This product includes a long wearing lip color on one end and a shiny lip gloss on the other.  Here is a pic.

I must admit that I love the color French Kiss.  It is a pinkish mauve color and it works very well on my skin tone.

On skin:

The lip color is smooth and creamy and it glides on like a dream.  This color is a perfect compliment to a natural look or with a more dramatic look while keeping the lips toned down.  The product claims that the lip color lasts for 8 hours.  Well I did not find that to be true.  The color lasts for about 4 hours without any smudges or fading in color.  After 4 hours it is a distant thing of the past.

You can wear the color alone or underneath the lip gloss.  The lip gloss does produce high glossy shine and it slightly dilutes the color for a more pale version of the original color.  I absolutely love the gloss.  It has high shine, but is not sticky.  This gloss is a winner!

Overall I love this product.  I like that you get a beautiful lip color and gloss in one.  I can wear it with or without lip gloss depending on my mood or where I am going.  And the price is not bad either.  You get two products for $20.  In the luxury cosmetics business, that is a steal.

You can purchase LORAC Co-Stars lip color and lip gloss in a range of gorgeous colors here or at any Sephora.  I am actually going to grab a couple of these to add to my beauty arsenal.  They are so worth it!

Toodles!

Sephora's Makeup Madness- 15% Off

Last Sunday as part of my Sephora Sunday series, I gave a sneak peek on the upcoming Sephora's 15% discount for Beauty Insiders. Finally received the coupon in my inbox this week. Use the code MADNESS by April 19, 2010 or print your coupon!


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Sephora Beauty Event Recap! LORAC, NARS, and More

Hello Divas!

How is life? I hope wonderful! It is so beautiful in Atlanta! I am so thankful for great weather!

This past Saturday I ventured to Sephora for their Beauty Pampering Event.  It was so much fun.  There was a live DJ and major beauty brands were set up to showcase their latest and greatest!  Fab MUAs were giving complimentary makeovers and there was also skin consultations.

I must admit I have never used any LORAC products but after Saturday, I am converted! Fabulous.  This skin illuminizer is INSANE on brown girls. Trust me on this one.  It is a sheer peach bronze liquid with beautiful shimmer.  The MUA applied it underneath the eye and on the tops of cheeks and the brown girls were looking like beach bronze queens. Loved it! This product is perfect for Summer.

I was also impressed with NARS Taos blush.  Now I have tons of NARS blush, but I have never tried Taos. Gorgeous on brown skin!

I also won a prize! Whoohoo!  I won a LORAC Co-stars lip color with high shine gloss in French Kiss, Make Up Forever Aqua Smoky Lash Mascara, and a  Temptu ReTouch Powder.  This  powder comes with an all in one brush and you simply press a button and the powder is majically dispensed through the brush onto your face.  I love all in ones!

It was a fab event and I can't wait to share my reviews of the products!

Toodles!

Luxe Item of the Week: Tarte's Maureen's Favorites Exclusive Set

Hello Divas!

I hope your week kicked off to an AMAZING start!

I received an email from Sephora featuring a superb set from Tarte Cosmetics.  This set is valued at $103 and is only $39! Wowza!  Check out what you get:

Natural Cheek Stain in a new limited edition shade.  My friend, funkidivagirl, swears by this Cheek Stain and she always has a beautiful glow.

Park Avenue Princess Mineral Powder Bronzer.

The new LipSurgence Natural Lip Stain.  It is clinically proven to increase lip moisture by 6000%.  I have to try this for myself!

Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara.  This Mascara claims to increase the appearance of lash volume by 424%.  I must admit Tarte is making a lot of claims and I have to test out these percentages.  They are bold claims. I'm just saying!

Lock, Rock, and Roll 12-Hour Eyeshadow in a Deep Amethyst color.  I Love this color!

All of the above products come in a cute make-up bag with a flower pin.  How adorable.  You get it all for $40.  Hey you just have to try out on GP (General Principle).

You can purchase this set online here or at any Sephora.  It is a limited edition, so get one before they sell out!

Toodles!