KatiesFaves

3 for the price of 2 Mascara at Nordstrom

2012-12-05T20:59:00.000-08:00

Mascara never goes on sale.

Which is exactly the reason why you need to mark your calendar for Nordstrom's Mascara Madness event on Saturday, May 26.

On this one day, you can get three tubes of mascara for the price of two. Any kind, any brand. Total dealio.

If you use a popular brand, like Diorshow, go to the Nordstrom counter BEFORE the sale date and ask them to do a pre-sale for you, to make sure you get the kind you like.

And remember, mascara doesn't start to go bad until you open it, so even if you through mascara slowly it's still a totally smokin' bargain.

Late to the Party on this One

2012-05-14T22:17:00.000-07:00

I lost my favorite pair of tweezers. For a few weeks I've been hoping for them to turn up. But you cannot wait for missing tweezers...if you get my drift. I'd had the same pair for 10 years and never thought I'd find another pair as good.

But since I had to buy another pair before the chin hairs got really out of control I went with everyone's old reliable: the Tweezerman Tweezers.

Okay. WOW.

Now I know what the fuss is all about.

These things are amazing. They grab the hair perfectly, have a great grip at the tip, and don't break the hair off.

So, I know I'm late to party, but these have by far become my new favorite pair. Go get 'em if you're in need of some pluckage. Or just better pluckage.

Tweezerman Professional Tweezers - Slant tip
$22.00

I'm Now Kevin's Girl

2012-05-10T21:38:00.001-07:00

Kevin Murphy's Luxury Wash ($28) amd Hydrate-Me Rinse ($28).

I recently got my hair cut and since just prior to my appointment I'd made a big mistake on some great-smelling but super nasty shampoo, I decided I would go back to a true salon brand and buy something from my stylist.
She told me this combo of Kevin Murphy's Luxury Wash and Hydrate-Me Rinse would be best for my dry and coarse hair.

She was so right. I'm so in LOVE with this shampoo combo. Kevin is Australian, so really, what's not to love? After weeks of using this stuff, I still get excited to wash my hair.

The shampoo is thick, works into a great lather, is totally softening and moisturizing, and is so concentrated you only have to use a little. I really mean that, you don't have to use much. It's great for my colored (and coarsely gray) hair.

And then, the conditioner is even better. It's super thick, smells divine, and makes my hair really soft and reflectively shiny. Again, it's true when I say you don't have to use very much because this stuff is ultra concentrated. Even though it's thick, it's not heavy, and I can still go a day or two between hair washings, no problem.

Hands down, this is the best shampoo/conditioner I've ever used. I love it. Kevin Murphy? Consider me yours.

As you know, I'm a sucker for packaging and I love the square bottles too. Just sayin'.

December 2011 Birch Box Video

2012-01-04T21:39:00.000-08:00

Hey Peeps. How the heck is it already 2012? I can't believe it.

2011 went out with a bang! Birch Box-wise, that is. I got the best one in a while for my December edition.

Three reasons to watch this video:
1) I accidentally inhale the perfume sample.
2) I share Molly's best-red-on-the-planet nail polish color.
3) Our Christmas cards in are focus, but I am slightly not. (Yay photography skills!)

Enjoy!

Speed Up, Freshen Up, Clean Up - Get more life outta your stuff

2012-01-01T13:57:00.000-08:00

Since it's a officially the new year I thought I'd share a few mini-revamps for some commonly used beauty things. They'll save you some dough, and speed up, freshen up and clean up some of the things you use every day.

Think of it as a New Year's Resolution that takes less than five minutes.

1. More Power for Your Blow Dryer
Have you ever noticed how your blow dryer loses power over time? My normally tornado-like blow dryer had gotten kinda weak. I remembered seeing something on the packaging (that I threw away) about cleaning the lint trap, but I'd never done it. Turns out it's super easy to get rid of the linty buildup on your blow dryer. For most blow dryers, just unscrew the air intake cap. Then, rinse the cap in the opposite direction of the air intake to rinse away the lint & dust.

This made a MAJOR difference in the power of my blow dryer. The volume of air coming out is much more intense and I feel like it's new again. Your blow dryer should be able to blow your wet hair around fiercely. If it doesn't, check your lint cap and see if it needs to be cleaned. If it's still weak, by a new one because you're wasting your time with a wimpy blow dryer.

Bottom line: Don't waste time with a wimpy dryer. Check the lint trap and see if you get more pep. If not, toss it.

2. Old Polishes New Again

Gunky polish is nasty. Plus, it doesn't go on easily, clumps up, and shows brushstrokes. What you DON'T want to do add nail polish remover into your polish. While it may help the problem temporarily, it will eventually accentuate the gunk problem. You want to use nail polish thinner. I bought a bottle of this stuff 4 or 5 years ago and STILL have it. It lasts forever, and just a few drops will make your polish last until it's gone.

Bottom line: Go spend $3 on thinner and get tons more use from your $9 bottles of polish. AND NEVER use remover to thin your polish.

3. When Was the Last Time You Cleaned Your Brushes?

Oh, what's that? You've never cleaned your makeup brushes? Now's your time. Use baby shampoo, it's the gentlest of formulas and will keep your brushes from drying out. Wet your brushes, add a few drops of shampoo and work into a lather. This is actually kind of fun as you watch the colors wash down the sink. [Personally, I do not like the alcohol brush-cleaning sprays. While they may keep your brushes from becoming a petri dish for bacteria, it seems like they make the bristles dry and feeling crispy after extended use.]

Oh, and don't use hand soap (Ahem, experience speaks here...). Baby shampoo is really mild and rinses well. Dry your brushes flat, since you don't want excess moisture to seep through into the barrel. It's recommended to clean your brushes once a week, but if you ask me, you're in good shape if you do this once a month.

Bottom line: Clean brushes equals clean skin.

These small fixes will continually extend the life of some of your day-to-day faves. Give them a shot!

Don't Feed the Hand Models

2011-12-22T21:46:00.000-08:00

I recently had my first hand-modeling gig. I'm adding it to my resume. Really.

As any model will tell you, modeling is hard work.

The world's best sock company, Solemate Socks was my first gig. And believe me, these people are world class.

Here's a play-by-play of a ~~day~~ evening in the life a hand-model:

6:00 - Arrive at studio (cute house in NE Portland. Looks very homey).
6:15 - Eat pizza and play with one of the cutest babies I'll ever meet.
6:30 - Put on coziest socks on the planet and get in place (Hm, I have several pairs of these socks!).
6:35 - Lighting director and prop master arrange the set. Cute baby occassional complicates this.
6:40 - Take direction from both photo director (husband/dad/bicyclist/lighting director) and creative director (wife/mom/marketer-extraordinaire/prop master). Both two of the most creative people I know.
6:41 - 7:30 Do continual ab crunches as my hands are photographed wrapping around my feet to capture the bottoms of the best socks ever. Is this what exercise feels like?
8:00 - Mission complete! Six-pack abs, check! New socks, check!

This handmodeling thing is awesome. Why did I bother going to college?

In a roundabout (really roundabout...) way, this brings me to this great set of nail polishes from Sephora by OPI. Several mini-bottles of nail polish - perfect for trying lots of different shades.

One of the best shades is Don't Feed the Hand Models. It's an opaque pink beige, pictured far right. The others are my favorites from the set.

Metro Chic, Let's Do Lunch, Keep Me On My Mistletoes, and Don't Feed the Hand Models

I also love Metro Chic, above. Lots of compliments on this. Look, I'm hand modeling again!

So, now you know a hand model. If you'd like to hire me for a gig, please note: you should feed this hand model. She likes pizza, or just a handful of wheat thins will do.

Mascara Survey - I'll Share the Results

2011-12-06T21:15:00.000-08:00

Makeup lovers and makeup minimalists seem to always have one thing in common: Mascara. Whether it's one of 15 things you put on, or the only thing, chances are it's a don't-go-without kind of item.

Since it's a frequent topic of conversation, I thought I'd take a quick survey on what's important to people, what their favorite brands are, and how much they're willing to spend.

Would love your thoughts!

Take the brief Mascara Mania Survey (takes about one minute)

In a couple of weeks I'll write a post with the results...stay tuned!

Birch Box November & a cute pair of earrings.

2011-12-03T18:02:00.000-08:00

Better late than never with a Birch Box video, which includes a great smelling perfume. Also, I shared my $4.80 earrings from Forever 21 that I LOVE.

Here are the earrrings I talked about: Forever 21 - $4.80. Seriously, what can you buy for less than $5 these days?

Just looking at these gets me excited for the holiday parties. It's not too soon for bubbly, is it?

Ten Gift & Stocking Ideas Under $20

2011-11-24T20:20:00.000-08:00

Tis the Season! On the eve of black Friday, here are a few ideas for some fun stocking stuffers, all under $20. Whether you're buying for a friend, your sister-in-law, or your mom, here are a few ideas as you prep for the holidays. Or, combine all these into a cute gift basket for a fun (and dare I say it, practical) gift!

1. Nail files - Less than a buck.
People never buy new ones on their own and they get grody fast. Plus, they are cheap. Here are the ones I like from Sally's. Pair it with a polish for a cute token of affection.

2. Mini champagne bottles - $5 - $10
Cost Plus has a great selection of small bottles that you can mix n match. For anyone who loves bubbly this is a treat. Plus, these mini bottles are easy to sneak into the movie theatre (or?), if one ever wanted to do that. Go check out Cost Plus. I could wander in that store for hours...

3. MAC Makeup Wipes -$19
I guarantee that whomever you give these to will LOVE them. They smell divine and work perfectly to melt makeup. To me they are the one and only makeup wipe. Find 'em here.

4. Emerald or Coral Earrings - $15 - $18
These are so pretty. So classy. Somehow they feel sort of Jackie O-ish. A steal for $18. Get the emerald or coral online before they're gone.

5. Magazine subscription - About $12.
The gift that keeps on giving...requires virtually no effort and is such a treat.

6. Sharpie Pens of All Kinds - $3 - $10
I don't think I'm alone in loving Sharpies. In fact, I know I'm not because my Sharpies always seem to disappear. Buy a couple of fun colors in a set or just get different sizes. Very handy. Pair it with a set of notecards if you're feeling saucy.

7. Personalized Compact Mirror - $15
Wouldn't it be great to whip this out when someone tells you you have something in our teeth? Rather than keep asking, is it gone? It's engravable too.

8. Pop Rocks - $1
Kids of any age love these. I recently saw these at a discount store and I'm kicking myself for not buying, like, 10 packages.

9. This dotted Hobnail Tumbler - $10
Probably the most inexpensive thing you'll find at Anthropology (I often feel like I'll need to sell a kidney to buy a dress there). But there are so many uses for this adorable glass gem. Q-tips, makeup brushes, candy, toothbrushes, flowers, take your pick. You can find it online here too.

10. Over-the-knee socks - $2.50
Personally, I've been shopping everywhere and finally found these adorable feet at Forever 21 of all places. The had tan, orange, blue and pink at my store. Looks like there are lots of other choices online. Super cute sticking out of the top of your boots. Adorbs.

Happy shopping!

Five Dollar Falsies - Ok in a pinch

2011-11-21T21:56:00.000-08:00

I wouldn't call it a crisis, but I was headed to an event and needed a new mascara because the one I had been using was all dried out. I'd been wanting to try the Maybelline Falsies because I've been seeing it a lot. Lots of mascaras are coming out with a "fake lashes" version.

Maybelline Falsies Black Drama

I wanted to try Maybelline because they're the ones that make the famous green and pink tube mascara that so many people love. Target was on the way, so I popped in to grab it. Amazingly, it was the only thing I bought. I tend to go to Target for one thing, and leave with $200 of things that looked cute, seemed fun, or that I only semi-needed. Target sucks me in! Anyway, today I held strong and walked out with just mascara.

I put it on in the car, and while I wouldn't say it gave me a false lashes look (nearly impossible with my stubbies), but I was probably worth the $5.85 I paid for it. The brush has soft bristles that point in all directions, which helps it go on well and coat the lashes, but the second coat did start to clump together a little bit. It has really good volume and decent length. If you had an eyelash comb it'd probably be even better. After five or so hours it did start to run though. Not bad for a cheapie mascara and definitely okay in a pinch.

....now, if I can get outta Target for $5 ever again...

Sparkling Sand at Freddy's

2011-11-06T11:34:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned before, PP and I took an amazing trip to Greece. I got a new camera and thought I would show off a couple of my favorite scenic pics.

Santorini, Greece

Mykonos, Greece

So, it was an awesome trip, and Greece was as great as everyone said it is. Now it is back to grind...which for me means back to the grocery store. Oh, and special shout out to Fred Meyer, who had all 16 lanes open on a Sunday with efficient, real, live grocery checkers at each one!*

*All the other stores have decided to do the self-checkout...and for the record, NO ONE is good/fast/efficient at self check. And if I have to wait while another person asks for the code for bananas, or hear the electronic voice say "please place the item in the bag" one more time I might snap.

After picking up a few essentials for PP, I took a gander through the nail polish aisle again and found these gems. I took these pics with my iPhone.

LA Splash Nail Polish for $3.99

These LA Splash (I agree, the name is a bit lame) polishes caught my eye because the colors are so great. And - let's be real - because they are $3.99. They have a HUGE selection, and I really like their pinks (on the right), but the glitters looked especially fun.

Pretty Jellyfish

I loved this Sparking Sand color and bought it. I have a couple of nude polishes, and I think this champagne (goldy-pink) glitter color will look awesome over the top of it. Also, since the glitter is more subtle (not huge chunks), I think it'd even look cute alone.

Sparking Sand

As a bonus this stuff is made in the USA (check labels, some inexpensive cosmetics are being made in China now, so I try to buy US when I can). It'd also be something fun for holiday parties. There you go, a bargain for under $4!

Mascara Deal on Saturday

2011-11-03T20:31:00.000-07:00

With mascara, I think it's all about finding the mascara that works for you. For some folks, the cheapies are great, and I have a friend that swears by the pink-and-green tube of magic. I've got another friend who will hardly spend a dime on makeup but insists on only buying Lancome definicils, and bribes people to go to the mall to buy it for her (she hates the mall).

I pretty much will try anything, but recently I've been loving Dior Diorshow Iconic mascara. I think the curling part of it is great for my microscopic lashes and I really like the brush.

Anywho, if you like department store mascaras, you gotta go to Nordstrom's mascara event this weekend, where you can get...

THREE MASCARAS FOR THE PRICE OF TWO on Saturday, November 5th at Nordstrom. One day only.

Yep folks, it's pretty much the only time mascara goes on any kind of sale. So go get some. Or buy one or two for stocking stuffers!

And - did you know you can spend $70 on this mascara? Let me know if you try this, and next time I see you we'll sip on bottles of Dom Perignon and eat caviar like guacamole. REALLY? $70 on mascara?

Three Blogs I Love

2011-11-01T19:15:00.000-07:00

When it comes to blogs, I am a total nerd. I save them in my favorites, scan them regularly, and love to read the author's "about" page (does anyone else do that?).

Multiply all this nerdness by 10, and that's how I feel about beauty blogs. So many blog writers are creative, great at describing mysterious products, hilarious about the wackiness of some beauty items and ultimately, just really informative about what is out there that's good and what sucks.

I thought I would share a few other bloggers whose sites I visit regularly. I bet you'll like 'em too!

Product Girl - http://www.product-girl.com/
This blog posts regularly about tons of different products and the writer seems like an authentic junkie. She recently just got a job doing social media for Nordstrom, which is pretty cool. She's a West Coaster and uses a lot of pictures in her posts...two things I enjoy!
Good post: Trader Joe's Lavender Body Oil Spray,

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic - http://15minbeauty.blogspot.com/
I don't know how this girl has time to write, and she posts A LOT. She is a mother and full time pediatric physician (I'm suddenly feeling lazy...). Her posts are simple, I appreciate her brevity, and she's great at the "how-to's." She uses a cute little schedule: Mascara Mondays, Skincare Tuesdays...so you get lots of variety.
Good posts: DioShow Iconic - Finally a clump-free mascara from Dior, My Current Favorite Products

Vampy Varnish - http://www.vampyvarnish.com/
You know how I love nail stuff... and this blog has a lot of it. I like that she blogs about cheap polish and high-end lacquers. It's also pretty adorbs that her husband helps her out with her blog. If you only go to one page, check out her FAQ page. Such a great resource!
Good posts: Why Fake Nails Are Tacky, Revlon Glitter Review

If you've got questions, these blogs have answers...

Also, if there are any other blogs you love please share them in the comments below. I'm always looking for new ones!

Baby Soft! Laura Mercier Intensive Moisture Mask

2011-10-29T13:02:00.000-07:00

In a recent Birch Box post, I mentioned a mask that I'd used after a recent VERY LONG plane trip.*

*This plane trip involved 4 flight legs, 5 airports, 4 taxis, 3 laps of the Logan airport, 2 decent plane meals, 1 unplanned night in Boston and no partidge in pear tree. We'd travelled for over 48 hours and were still not home. Poke. My. Eyes. Out.

Intensive Moisture Mask, $32, 3.7 oz

In a recent GWP from Laura Mercier I'd received this Intensive Moisture Mask and thrown it in a drawer. When I dug through my stuff looking for something to soothe my plane-dried-out skin, I found it again.

This stuff blew me away! It is awesome.

I love a lot of Laura Mercier products, but haven't used much of her skincare. I would totally recommend this stuff. We're talking baby soft skin.

You smear a thick layer of this stuff on your face and leave it on for 15 minutes. That thick layer slowly gets absorbed into your skin and leaves just a thin film (At first seeing the mask disappear freaked me out!). After the time is up, you can tissue it off or wash it off.

Afterwards, your skin will feel great. I seal it all in with another thick layer of moisturizer, but depending on your skin's dryness you could adjust accordingly.

I will definitely be taking this with me when I have another long (and hopefully, easier) flight.

P.S. On my trip in Greece, these Almay Makeup Remover Swabs were AMAZING. Go buy 'em now. Best $5 you will spend --You will totally use them! Super handy.

This Is My Costume - Orly Purples

2011-10-27T21:02:00.000-07:00

Halloween is not my favorite holiday. It's not that I don't like it, but I have a hard time getting into the costume stuff, party themes, and general gore.

This year though, I found these nail polish colors that will likely be my costume.

I know, watch out! Pretty scary!

Orly's Plum Noir is a great plum-y purple, with a slight reddish undertone. Wild Wisteria is a cool, dark, blackish purple with more of a dark blue hue. Both are great, and I've always really liked the quality of Orly polish. I use it with my Orly bonder and it lasts for a week at least.

Since they're purple I feel like they might be as festive as I get this October. Not bad for less than $6 a pop.

At Long Last - Nars Eyeshadow & Brow Powder

2011-10-23T19:55:00.000-07:00

Has anyone had their makeup bag/gym bag/backback/camera stolen or lost?

Yeah, it's super annoying to spend money on replacements, but the real bummer is the stuff that you'll never be able to replace.

Sometimes it's pictures, your favorite sportsbra, the hairbrush you've had since third grade. (All things I'm STILL missing from multiple car break-ins).
A few years ago, my entire makeup bag was stolen. (add dramatic music here) In it? My favorite brow powder.

Sidenote: Brow powder is what people use when their friend/loved one/relative tells them it's probably not a good idea to just swipe the mascara wand over their brows. You know who you are.

I've looked for a replacement of just the right shade for two years. I've tried tons of shades from tons of brands and never found one that looked natural. They are all too orangey or browny for me. It's clear that I'm still mourning the loss of the old, perfect, brow powder shade.

Anyway, let's breathe a collective sigh of relief. The search is over, I finally found this Nars shadow, which doubles perfectly for brow powder.

Nars Eyeshadow in Bali

If you've got black brows and light skin, this non-orangey, mostly gray, completely matte shade is perfect to fill in any sparseness, without looking like fake like most brow powders do. If it's possible to get excited about brow powder, I am.

Also, in case you need another reason to try it, it's a pretty nice, neutral shadow to boot. And if you're still just running the mascara wand over your brows? Stop. And go buy yourself a nice little brow powder.

Greece Find - Korres Watercress Potent Moisturizer SPF 6

2011-10-21T20:57:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned before that I have dry skin. So put me on an airplane for 20+ hours and my skin will pretty much look like a raisin and feel like sandpaper.

When we arrived in Greece, even the moisturizer I normally use wasn't enough, so I decided to take a gander in the cute little Greek pharmacies. I love shopping for products overseas, it's so fun to check out the new skin care, makeup, shampoos, etc. And don't think that I just shopped in one pharmacy, I might've hit a few (six?).

A cute little salesgirl found this stuff for me, after I insisted on buying something Greek. Korres Watercress Potent Moisturizer SPF 6. Really, this stuff is like buttah!

For once, when something says it's for very dry or dehydrated skin, it actually is!

I've used Korres products and they're great because they're paraben free and contain no mineral oils (among other great perks) - but this stuff is FANTASTIC. It's really thick, sorta like body butter for your face. When you put it on, it stays white for a few minutes, then soaks into your skin pretty quickly. It's not gummy and doesn't pill. My tinted moisturizer goes on great over it and the good feeling lasts almost all day, rather than just a few hours like many moisturizers I've used.

For an added bonus it has spf 6, which isn't enough but is better than nothing.

The bad news is that I'm already stressing about what I'm going to do when this stuff runs out. It looks like this particular product is not widely available in the US. If anyone goes to Europe soon, can you pick me up one? Thanks a mil.

Birch Box October 2011 - What I Got

2011-10-17T22:06:00.000-07:00

Hi there - So I received my second Birch Box and wanted to show you what I got it!

This one is better than the last one! I'll keep you posted if there's anything I end up loving...

Cheapo Degreaser - Tresemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo

2011-09-28T23:17:00.000-07:00

PP and I have tickets to Greece!

(Yes, financial crisis and all...)

I've already been thinking of all the fun stuff to eat -- I could live off Greek salads and pitas -- and buzzing around the islands on mopeds.

Knowing that it might not be convenient to do the wash/dry/straighten/curl combo every day while we're traveling, I've been thinking about trying a dry shampoo. I don't really have greasy hair, so I haven't ever really needed them, but I thought this trip would be a good time to give it a shot.

I ended up buy this one, Tresemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo, since it happened to be on an end cap at Target for, like, $5. They make a few variations, and I bought the one for dry hair. (They also have volumizing and smoothing versions.)

I tried it on my day-old hair tonight, and shockingly, I loved it.

I took small section and sprayed it on. When I looked closely my hair was just a tiny bit dusty looking. Then I ran a brush through it a few times, and any greasy bits on the temples and around my bangs were gone. No white powder, no dusty look. My hair smelled lightly delish, and looked spruced up. It even felt better on my scalp, ya know, a teensy bit cleaner (is that possible?).

While I wouldn't say it was brand-new hair, it was definitely fresher looking, and wearable for another day. And to me THAT makes it totally worth $5. Other similar salon-brand sprays are $15-30 so this is a good bargain.

I will say that I can't compare it to a lot of other versions, but pros include: totally works, great scent, cheapo price, no white residue. Did I mention cheapo price?

I think even the Greeks could afford this one...

Mail is Great - Birch Box

2011-09-22T21:43:00.000-07:00

In a recent post I wrote about how I subscribed to Birch Box, a beauty sample subscription service.

Well, I received my first one and here's what I got, check it out.

P.S. This is the first video I've ever done (kind of embarrassing, but whatevs!) Oh, and I obvi need to trim my bangs!

Nordstrom Beauty - Fan Favorites

2011-09-14T20:55:00.000-07:00

Confession: On my lunch hour, I've been known to browse the beauty section at Nordstrom. It's really close to my office. No really, it is.

I'll maybe spray a few scents...dab a couple creams... test a color...grab a sample of something good....check out who has the best gift with purchase...look for the most outrageous/ridiculous/unwearable item...marvel at the people getting their eyebrows waxed it public (?!)...wonder why the Clinique ladies dress up to look like doctors...

Does anyone else do that? Oh? just me? Hm.

Anywho, last week Nordstrom announced their customer Beauty Favorites list. These are the products that customers love most, including everything from moisturizers to mascaras. It's fun to see what products everyone else loves.

Here's the email announcement I received. Use any of these? Looks like some old standbys are still favorites.

Here's the full list:

I always wonder what came in second place, or what else was nominated. So the cool thing is that you can check out the full list of nominees, too.

Have a favorite product, or use one of the ones above? Add it in the comments below.

Hot Lips - MAC Insanely It

2011-09-11T21:48:00.000-07:00

I love weddings.

I love getting dressed up. I love celebrating the big day with the couple. I love dancing to 80s songs and drinking cocktails with my friends. I love all the talk about love. There's pretty much nothing about weddings that I don't like.

PP and I are lucky enough to have back-to-back weddings this September, one of which we went to last night. The party was epic, the bride and groom were stunning, and we danced until 2:30 in the morning with a great group of friends.

My feet, my voice, and my headache this morning all told me I had a good time.

Since I wasn't wearing a new dress, I decided to spice up the outfit with lipstick. Not just new lipstick, but the brightest pink I could find. I wanted it to look costume-y, but also cool. The girl at Nordstrom found me this:

MAC Sheen Supreme Lip Sheers in Insanely It, lined with a MAC Lip Pencil in Beet.

Here's what it looked like on:

It took me a little while to get used to something so bright, but I ended up loving it. The MAC Lip Sheers have really high impact color but a really glossy sheen. It felt really good on my lips, and didn't dry them out.

So, if you want a change of pace, or a little spice for a special occassion, I think you should go to the makeup counter and see what they have that DOESN'T look natural. It's fun, it might just get you out of a rut, and my guess is that you'll end up finding one that you love.

Wedding number two is next weekend, and this lipstick (and the fake eyelashes) will definitely be making a repeat appearance. Can't wait!

Beauty Buys - LORAC Cosmetics on HauteLook

2011-09-11T19:08:00.000-07:00

I need another eye shadow like a hole in the head. But this steal of a deal makes me want to buy more.

On another blog I heard about HauteLook, which gives you temporary, amazing deals on clothing, home stuff, jewelry, and of course beauty products. From what I've seen, most items are 50% off or more.

Go sign up for it.
Now.

Okay, so now that that's done, check out the deal they have going on LORAC right now.

Smokey or warm eyeshadow palettes for $14 - yes! (orig $36)
Individual shadows for $2? - whoa! (orig $22)
Five lip glosses for $10 - seriously. (orig $25)

The deal only goes through Tuesday, 9/13, at 8:00am, so make a date with your computer and check it out. Such a steal!

P.S. The HauteLook app is pretty great and makes browsing really easy. Easy to download from the app store.

The Best Compact Ever - Unii

2011-09-06T21:16:00.000-07:00

When I set my alarm, I plan to wake up and have enough time to do everything I need to do to get ready. Exactly. To the minute. No time to spare.

I do not account for anything to go wrong...such as losing my keys, losing my sunglasses, where's that other earring? do we have any soap? I thought I put that receipt right here? You know the drill.

Sure, call it a character flaw. But I don't plan for unknown extra time when the alternative is sleeping.

Anyway, this means that my makeup routine is often what I end up skipping before I leave the house, and that means that my makeup bag has become a permanent part of my purse. Ya know, so that I can put it on in my remaining spare morning minutes (read: traffic lights, coffee lines, etc). It's with me wherever I go!

Soon my makeup bags turns into a collection of all my compacts/colors/stuff because I'm never exactly sure what I'll be in the mood for.

That's why this little gem is PERFECT for me. And really, it's perfect for anyone who has an array of colors, old compacts, new compacts, a single shadow, favorites from a collection, etc., that can all be combined into one.

Meet the UNII Makeup Palette.

The UNII Makeup Palette allows you to transfer all your favorite shadows, blushes, and eyeliners into one handy compact. Each piece is then completely movable, to swap out anytime in the future.

Here's how I moved all my favorites into the UNII.

Start by taking your shadow out of its compact (if you can) and place the container on a hot flat iron. Check the UNII website for tons of info on de-potting. Extreme heat will loosen the glue and make the pot easier to get out.

Use a knife to pop the makeup pot out of the shell.

Continue this with all the pots you want to fit in your UNII. Here are all mine. Already, I'm super stoked I won't have to carry around all these compacts.

Here are all my de-potted shadows, blushes, and eyeliners. I used mostly Laura Mercier and YSL brands, which all came out surprisingly easy.

The UNII comes with a sheet of magnet that you can cut to match the shape of your pots. Write the color on one side, and then peel off the sticky backing.

Stick the magnet onto the pot! You'll want to label with the brand and color, in case you ever want to buy it again.

Once you've labeled all your pots, arrange them in the UNII to maximize space. Don't worry, you can take them in and out as much as you want - no commitment necessary.

Voila! Four makeup compacts have become one.

Not only is this super handy, it's a time saver. Now I won't be sifting through my makeup bag during precious morning seconds (...since EVERY single Laura Mercier compact looks exactly the same on the outside, I never know which is which until I read the tiny print. This costs me valuable time in my morning sprint). If time is not an issue, just think of how handy it'd be to consolidate color compacts you just haven't been able to throw away because you still like a color or two in them.

I have to add that the UNII feels really quality, like it's durable. I especially like the latch, how the flap snaps over the edge. It's a good design for something that gets repeat use, and it looks like it'll stand up to wear and tear. Plus, it easily comes apart for cleanup. They really thought of everything, because it even includes a repositionable thumb grip (looks flowery above) to hold onto.

The UNII is available from their website, and it's $29, no shipping, tons of color choices. I think just for the organization factor alone it's a total bargain, and now it's easier than ever to rotate in my fave colors.

If you're organized, or just want to be, I can guarantee you'll be excited about the UNII.

Green with Envy - Orly Nail Color

2011-09-03T09:15:00.000-07:00

I'm not the kind of person that needs to bedazzle everything (or anything, really), but a coworker recently showed me her bedazzled nails and I thought -

OH, I WANT THOSE.

So without going too crazy, I toned it down a little and added my favorite holiday gold-fleck nail polish, Sephora's Only Gold for Me, over my bright green Orly nail color, Green with Envy.

I think it turned out kinda fun. I mean, I wouldn't call it subtle, it's a bit flashy. But if you're wearing something conservative, add some flare with similar double-duty nails. I've decided I'm going to do it over bright red for the holidays and over black for New Years. Fun!