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Sabrina

Travel

Travel Gift Guide for the Girl on the Go/Jetsetter

December 2, 2015

Today’s gift guide is for the traveler and girl on-the-go. I’ve done a few travel posts before focusing on travel beauty which have been well received so I’ve included some favorites for gift ideas. I love that so many of you have given me recommendations in the past, I think they are so helpful to see what’s really useful and worked. If you have any to add it would be greatly appreciated!
  1. Wool and Cashmere Scarf – Nordstrom makes my favorite classic wool and cashmere blend scarves, they come in a lot of colors. These makes great gift for those who travel a lot because it’s compact and easy to store in your bag or purse.
  2. Frends Layla Headphones in Rose Gold/White – These have to be the prettiest headphones I’ve ever seen, I have and love the Bose Quietcomfort 25 Noise Cancelling ones – you don’t know how good they are until you use them on the plane, they are super pricey but well worth the splurge if you travel a lot.
  3. Canon Powershot G16 Camera – I have and love the Canon G16. I use it for a lot of blog photos and travel. It’s easy to use and works really well in low light situations. Another popular option is the Canon Powershot G7x which has a flip screen.
  4. Le Metier de Beaute Kaleidoscope Kits – I love these because they are so versatile and the well-coordinated colors make them super easy to use. Full Stream swatches + review here.
  5. West 57th Luggage Tag – I love Henri Bendel for cute and affordable accessories. This one is affordable chic option made of Saffiano leather.
  6. Passport Case – this one comes in a variety of colors and you can also personalize it!
  7. Mophie Powerstation Charging Unit – Maybe not the most exciting gift, but I have several of these and find them essential for last minute recharging on-the-go.
  8. Clemency Silk Sleeping Mask – This is so pretty I want one for myself. Also available in this pink floral option.
  9. L’Occitane Hand/Foot Cream Duo  – I think hand creams are usually on hand for most women I know, but often times foot creams are forgotten! It’s something I always wish I had while traveling so I end up using hand lotion on my feet instead.
  10. Anya Hindmarch Inflight Travel Case – This is my favorite travel accessory. It makes packing so much easier because it really helps you limit your beauty items to just the essentials. It has two compartments which allows you to flip it over and have easy access (no digging around). You can see what I fit inside mine in this post here.
  11. Byredo Bal D’Afrique Roller Ball Perfume  – I think buying perfume as a gift can be tricky unless you know the person well. For the traveler – if you know what her favorites are, pick up a travel size option. My friends who frequently have to travel at a last minute’s notice usually appreciate having a purse-size travel option on hand to throw in their bag.
  12. Kowonhye Easy Go Compact Brush Set from MustaeV – A good brush set is essential for any traveler. There are so many options these days it’s easy to find one. I’ve really liked the MustaeV Easy Go brushes and the Kowonhye Set has six very well made brushes for eyes, cheeks and face. It comes in a sturdy zip pouch that protects all your tools as well.
  13. Truffle Clarity Clutches – I think those who read this blog could bet $$$ that I would include this in my travel gift guide. I use these on a daily basis. Last year I stocked up on quite a few during their sale. They make really good quick and easy gifts for anyone.
  14. Longchamp Expandable Travel Tote (21″) – My husband and I bought this while in Paris because our carry-on situation wasn’t quite working (full story here). We found it to be the most affordable option that would allow us to carry a little bit more while still working as a carry on. The associate assured us when fully zipped it would pass all airline size requirements for under the seat. We were able to use it without any issues. Another good tote option for travel is the Tumi Just-In-Case Tote. It folds up into a compact square that you can put in your suitcase for those just in case moments.
  15. Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist and Sheet Mask – Anyone who travels frequently knows how easy it is for skin to become dry and parched with air travel. I hands down recommend Tatcha gifts – especially the travel sized versions. (Friends and family sale is still going on for 20% with code FF2015 at checkout, valid until 12/6.)
  16. T3 Featherweight Compact Folding Dryer – I bought one during the Nordstrom sale over the summer and really like it. Although most hotels these days have hair dryers, unless you stay at the same hotel in every city you travel, you never really know what kind of dryer will be in your room (or how old it is). This one folds so it fits nicely into your suitcase or bag. Review in this post here.

What are your favorite travel essentials that you would recommend gifting? P.S. I’m hosting a giveaway via Instagram – if you’re interested you can enter here.

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Uncategorized

Lately On Instagram

December 1, 2015

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend! Did you score anything good for Black Friday or Cyber Monday? Please share! I drove to the mall on Black Friday thinking everything would be less busy in the afternoon. I saw the parking situation was really bad and left immediately. I did venture to do a little shopping on Saturday but didn’t really pick up much that was on sale.

A few highlights and news bits from my Instagram feed. Since the holiday season is upon us, if you’re wanting to wear a red lip but are a neutral makeup lover like me, I rounded up 9 sheer red balms that are more natural looking than the traditional bold red.

For neutrals, I did a B2M for a few MAC Lipsticks in Koi Coral, Velvet Teddy and Patisserie. MAC lipsticks still make my lips dry out and peel, but the colors are so good I can’t stop wearing them.

Chanel relaunched the Les Tissages de Chanel in Tweed Pink – full review in yesterday’s post here. Did you end up purchasing it? Or are you waiting for spring to arrive at counters?

Last week I was thrilled to attend the Tom Ford Lips and Boys preview at the Beverly Hills store with Rae from The Raeviewer. We had so much fun and swatched up a storm. I’m waiting for a few to arrive this week and also my face is recovering from an allergic reaction – so thanks for your patience while waiting for the swatches. First impressions are that this year’s new colors are almost all shimmery. The one cream that stood out was Austin which is a nude pink cream. My heart belongs to Jake which is the perfect natural pink shimmer. I can’t wait to share the swatches of my picks.
Right now my favorite perfume is the L’Occitane Pierre Hermé Jasmin-Immortelle Neroli Eau de Toilette. I’m seriously considering a backup even though I’ve almost never backed up a perfume (I did it once for a limited-edition Jo Malone one).

My latest discovery is the Le Labo x The Laundress Detergent and I’m in trouble with this one. I bought Rose 31 and used it to wash our sheets and pillow cases and it’s amazing! I haven’t bought any Le Labo fragrances although I have smelled them at Barneys on numerous occasions. If you’re a Le Labo fan – please let me know what your favorites are!

Last but not least, if you’re a Nespresso lover, the holiday variations are out in three flavors: Vanilla Cardamom, Vanilla Amaretti and Ciocco Ginger. I ordered all three and my favorite is the Ciocco Ginger. I need to restock before they’re gone!

Hope your week is going well so far!
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Chanel

Chanel Les Tissages de Chanel in Tweed Pink – Cyber Monday Launch

November 30, 2015

On the nails: Chanel Le Vernis in Beige Rose

Today for Cyber Monday, Chanel launches their Les Tissages de Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect Blush in Tweed Pink #10 ($48, 5.5 g/0.19 oz, limited-edition, Chanel.com exclusive). This is a blush inspired by the iconic Chanel tweed fabric. The blush has a sparking overspray of gold and silver sparkles and once removed, a mix of two colors of pink blush is revealed underneath. Today I’m thrilled to be able to share the Cyber Monday launch of Tweed Pink #10.

Long time Chanel fans like myself will remember these Tweed Effect blushes from many years ago. There were a number of shades and limited-edition colors and then much to my dismay they were discontinued. These were among my favorites because they give the cheeks the perfect natural glow. Tweed Pink #10 was a classic used on me on almost every Chanel makeover I had. As soon as I saw the news that it Tweed Pink would launch for Cyber Monday I was extremely curious to see if it was a new one or a repromote. They share the same name and same product number. I pulled out the one from my stash and after testing, I do think the newly launched Tweed Pink does seem to me almost identical to the original. Those who missed out might want to explore this one now that’s it’s back. I have a full review + swatches of the 2015 release and if you scroll down you will see comparisons from the original to the new version.

Tweed Pink #10 is a light soft pink mix of two shades. All the Les Tissages de Chanel had an overspray and this year’s version also has a light dusting of gold and silver sparkle. Underneath you see a mix of two colors intertwined in a tweed-like effect. Tweed Pink has a mix of a deeper pink and a pale pink, both on the neutral-cool side. The color is glowy with super fine shimmers mixed in. On me I’ve found these to be a blush-highlighter mix in one. The colors are very natural and impossible to overdo which is nice for those who want a natural-looking blush. On the skin Tweed Pink is a light silvery cool pink but after it sits and warms up on the skin it does darken very slightly to give a natural baby pink flush.

With overspray removed:

Swatches below, I removed the overspray first and swatched the true color underneath. This is on bare skin without any base:

At an angle with flash, the flash captures the sparkle/dimension, on the skin it’s more of a subtle shimmer, not frosty at all:

Now for a few shots featuring the original versus new. The effect is almost identical, the difference is in the light pink color. The original Tweed Pink has a warmer light pink color, almost beige while the newer one has more of a cool pink undertone. The effect on the face/cheeks is still almost the same. You will be able to see them swatched side by side below as well to judge for yourself how similar or different they are. I do believe the newer version is slightly cooler-toned with a more visible glow. Comparing the labels, the product weight/amount from original to new is the same.

Close ups of the pans:

Swatch comparisons to a few other baby pink blushes:

Burberry Light Glow Natural Blush in Peony and Misty (reviewed here)
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour Stick No. 21 (reviewed here)
Chanel Joues Contraste Lumière Coups de Minuit (reviewed here)

I’m really happy that Chanel had decided to bring this back. I hope this means that they will be launching more colors in this formula as I really like the natural glow these provide (although at this time I don’t have any more information). In my blush testing experience the Tweed Blushes are easy to use, impossible to overdo and effortless to apply. For those who like a classic natural blush look to compliment the rest of your beauty look, I think you will really like Tweed Pink.

If you’re a long-time Chanel fan, do you still own any of the tweed blushes? If not, what’s your current favorite baby pink blush? The Les Tissages de Chanel in Tweed Pink ($48) is available in limited quantities, currently exclusively at Chanel.com.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=MeQoh28EORo&subid=&offerid=407615.1&type=10&tmpid=17022&RD_PARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chanel.com%2Fen_US%2Ffragrance-beauty%2FMakeup-Blush-LES-TISSAGES-DE-CHANEL-88711%2Fsku%2F88712

Many thanks to the Chanel team for sending Tweed Pink for review.

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Sales

Cyber Monday Beauty Deals, New Product Releases, Promo Codes and More

November 30, 2015

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Here’s a roundup of Cyber Monday beauty deals along with a few new launches. Some of the Black Friday deals have extended to Monday, others are brand new offers:

A few good non-beauty deals on my radar:

  • Ann Taylor – 50% off everything with code EVERYTHING
  • Banana Republic – 40% off everything with code BESTCYBER
  • Bloomingdale’s – 25% off regular-priced sale items (exclusions apply)
  • J.Crew – 40% off 507 styles, 30% off everything else with code MONDAY
  • Joie – 25% off everything with code THANKS
  • Kate Spade – 30% off everything wide code SHINE
  • Shopbop – Use code GOBIG15 at checkout for:
    • 15% off orders $250+
    • 20% off orders $500+
    • 25% off orders $1,000+
  • Splendid – 40% off everything, including sale, with code CYBER
  • Truffle – 25% off your entire purchase with code GIFTING25, ends 12/1
  • Williams-Sonoma – Cyber Monday Sales and Saving, also use code SAVEMORE to get:
    • 10% off $50+
    • 15% off $100+
    • 20% off $200+
    • 25% off $500+
  • Williams-Sonoma Home – use code SAVENOW to get:
    • 10% off $250+
    • 15% off $500+
    • 20% off $1,000+
    • 25% off $2,000+
Happy sale shopping! 

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Uncategorized

Skincare Cleaning Devices: Foreo Luna Mini and Le Mieux 4-in-1 Ultrasonic Anti-Aging Skin Perfecter

November 29, 2015

I’ve been testing a few skincare devices since last summer. I’ve been a huge fan of my Clarisonic Aria (now called Mia 3) and use the Cashmere Brush head (both reviewed here). It’s a skincare cleaning tool that I’ve been using for over a year and after and found that it’s been really good in keeping my skin clearer. It’s also been instrumental at improving skin texture. Out of the brushes I’ve tested, the Cashmere is my favorite for sensitive skin. After using it for a few months I switched back to the Normal Brush for a day and felt like it was extremely abrasive and rough – so I immediately ordered a replacement for my Cashmere brush head. If you like the concept of using a facial cleaning device that uses sonic technology but don’t like the concept of using a brush, I have two alternatives to share thoughts on today. I was fortunate to receive samples of a few devices to test, one is the Foreo Luna Mini ($139) and the other is the Le Mieux 4-in-1 Ultrasonic Anti-Aging Skin Perfecter ($189).

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First up is the Foreo Luna Mini ($139) in Cool Grey. This is an ultra compact cleaning device that gives the skin a deep cleanse with something called T-Sonic technology. These are pulses that are delivered through the silicone brushes to your face which helps loosen dirt, oil, dead skin cells and makeup residue in the skin.

The Luna Mini device channels 8,000 T-Sonic (transdermal sonic) pulsations every minute. For those who feel that brushes are too harsh for the skin, the quick-drying, non-porous silicone cleansing brushes offer a more gentle alternative. When testing this, I preferred to use a two-step double cleanse for evenings. I first removed all my makeup with cleansing water or cleansing oil (right now loving the Bioderma Sensibio for the dry weather and my sensitive skin). Then I followed with a regular cleanser and this device. I tested this with the cleansers I already owned, I found the ones with a creamy finish worked better than gel cleansers. The thicker ones just lathered up better for a deeper clean when using the Luna Mini.

There are two speeds with this device, I found both gentle enough for my skin and didn’t really have a preference for either one. I have small hands but long fingers so with this one I did find there was a slight learning curve to learn how to hold this without feeling like it would slip through my fingers. I like that it’s super compact and completely waterproof. A huge bonus is that a full charge is supposed to last up to 300 uses (they say about 5 months) which I think is really impressive. I haven’t used this that long (only a month now), but will report back after testing it.

Three of my favorite cleansers I used this with: First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser With Red Clay, First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser, and Amore Pacific Treatment Cleansing Foam (mini from the Moisture Bound Oil-Free Set).

The device is designed for all skintypes. There are different kinds of brushes on the device, the front has thinner touch-points gently cleanse sensitive or dry skin. The description says the backside has broad touch-points to refresh oilier skin on the back. I tried both and prefer the front – it’s more flexible and more gentle on the skin.

After testing this for a month 2-3x per week instead of the Clarisonic, I’ve found it to be a really good alternative to the Clarisonic. The silicone is very gentle on the face but still really effective. I like that it seems more sanitary compared to the brushes although I’ve never had issues with the Clarisonic brushes (I spray them regularly with alcohol). It does make the skin feel cleaner and less oily around the nose. If your skin is prone to irritation from brushes this is an excellent alternative. I really like the compact design. I think it will be really easy to carry while traveling. Right now Foreo is having their Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale, all devices are 25% off (no code needed). If you’ve been eyeing this, now is a great time to save.
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Next up is the Le Mieux 4-in-1 Ultrasonic Anti-Aging Skin Perfecter ($189 at QVC). I was really hesitant to try this tool because it looks like a skin scraper. I watched several demonstration videos before braving this and am really glad I did. This is a device that gives the face a micro-massage through 28,000 ultrasonic vibrations per second. It cleanses, tones and stimulates the skin to allow for a deep clean.

This is a 4 in 1 tool because it’s a cleanser, exfoliator, extractor and infuser. This chart from Le Mieux explains everything better than I can so I’ve added a screen shot. I’ve tested this since September using it 1x per week to really put it to the test and see if it worked as described. I have used this as a second or third cleanse step as well. You only need to add water to your face and then use the device, but I prefer to clean the skin entirely and remove all traces of makeup. This is gentle enough for my skin – it glides along the face easily, no tugging at all. I think it’s been really good for my skin in terms of exfoliating the sides of my face and along the chin. It really does help clean out the pores – especially along the sides of the nose and chin (my problem areas).

Here’s a close up of the device. There are three settings, Lo, Pulse and Hi. I like to use the Lo setting. Hi was ok too, just too intense for my skin on super sensitive days. If you read the user guide there are lot of different ways to use the device. My preference is to keep things simple, I used it with the lo setting and as a cleaner/extractor starting from the center of the face moving outwards.

If you watch the demonstration videos on QVC.com it will make sense to see how this works. For now I have a few photos demonstrated on my hand. Wet the skin with water, turn on the device and the move it along the skin.

 

Moving it will result in a super fine mist that comes from the device. It’s the sonic pulses moving along the skin and water to help clean out the oil and dirt from your pores. I found it really cleaned out the pores along the nose. It’s helped keep skin clearer and works as a super gentle extractor. For areas I’ve had some dry patches and flakes, it’s gently removed the layer of dead skin without ripping or breaking the skin.

Both are really good skincare discoveries for me. If you’re one who prefers at-home treatments rather than regular facials, these are good DIY kind of devices that you can use in between treatments. Both are on the expensive side but have made a significant noticeable difference in my skin. I like that they are both compact and don’t take up a lot of bathroom or shower space. They both seem to be travel-friendly as well.
I had my husband try both and he still prefers his Clarisonic Alphafit by far (review here, also Clarisonic is also having a sale this weekend, 20% off all devices with code CYBERWKND, ends 11/29). He says hands down if you’re looking for a good gift for the men in your life, the Clarisonic Alphafit is something he highly recommends. It’s something he doesn’t think guys would normally get for themselves, but it’s something they will definitely use and like if gifted. (I bought it for him and he uses it every day.)

For me, I still haven’t decided whether I prefer the Foreo or Clarisonic. My husband has expressed multiple times that he doesn’t like my Clarisonic Mia 3 because he finds it big and bulky. After testing the Foreo, I do feel the Clarisonic is a lot bigger, but it’s a different concept and design so I don’t know how it could be designed to be more compact. I do think for Clarisonic there is a big gap between the texture of brushes – I like the Cashmere brush but many have said it doesn’t do anything for their skin. The Foreo is a good one because I do think it’s more universal to fit more skin types and sensitivities.

Foreo devices can be found at a number of different retailers like Nordstrom and Sephora, but right now there is a 25% off sale at Foreo.com until 11/30 (no code needed). The Le Mieux 4-in-1 Ultrasonic Anti-Aging Skin Perfecter can be found at QVC.com.
Have you tried either Foreo or Le Mieux? If yes, what do you use and what are your thoughts? Would love to hear input on the Foreo cleansers or if you’ve tried any of the other devices.
Both the Foreo and Le Mieux devices were provided as press samples for review consideration. As always, all opinions my own.
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Tatcha Holiday Gifting / Friends and Family Sale 11/27 to 12/6

November 27, 2015
Tatcha has some of the most beautiful gift sets and the ones for this holiday are even more stunning than ever. If you’re looking for something extra special, you can’t go wrong with anything in their holiday lineup. Right now Tatcha’s Annual Friends and Family Event is happening where you can save 20% off everything through 12/6 with code FF2015 at checkout. Last year the sets sold out very quickly – if you have your eye on any I suggest you order soon.  Today I have three gift sets to share.

First a bit of some background on my Tatcha loves. I have very sensitive skin that is prone to flaring up and react to a number of skincare products or foundations. Tatcha has been a regular go-to for me to help keep my skin clear and glowing. It’s also a great line to help calm my skin with flare ups. When my skin goes crazy, Tatcha is one of the few lines I can use while my skin is recovering because everything is gentle but still very effective. If you have extremely sensitive skin, I can’t rave enough about how much I love this line.

The packaging this year is simple but exquisite. Each one comes beautifully wrapped – the paper and gold ties are gorgeous!

If you’re new to Tatcha or have a friend who is looking for new skincare, the Hakken Special Introduction Set ($95) is the best trial set because it has a little bit of everything. This is a 6-piece set with travel sized skincare items customized to suit your skintype. There four options in Combination, Dry, Sensitive and Oily. Each set has a slightly different variation of products. The one I have featured is the one for combination skin it includes travel sizes of:
  • Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil (25 ml) – one of the best cleansing oils I’ve tried that removes all face makeup, but leaves the skin soft without any film
  • Polished Classic Rice Enzyme Powder (10 g) – the gentlest of exfoliators, it’s a water-activated powder that thickens into a cleanser
  • Radiant Deep Brightening Serum (10 ml) – a super gentle serum
  • Supple Moisture Rich Silk Cream (10 ml) – great for the days I’m extra dry
  • Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 35 (10 ml) – my holy grail sunscreen
  • Ageless Revitalizing Eye Cream (3 ml) – the perfect eye cream for everyday (I’ve been relying on stock-piled minis that come as a promos with online GWPs)
You can buy all the travel sized items individually which is nice for travel or to test something out before committing to the full size. If you were to buy all the items individually the retail price would be $141, so you are getting a good value when you purchase this as a set. Each gift set comes with a beautiful description sheet.

Quick snapshot of the items in the Combination Set. Do note you can select different options online for this exact same style/format. The items will vary slightly depending on whether you pick Combination, Dry, Sensitive or Oily. Do note all items come in their individual boxes with product ingredients, directions – everything is well packed and protected to make sure the items arrive in perfect condition.

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Next up is the Hitomi Bright Eyes Set ($149) which has 4 Luminous Deep Hydration Revitalizing Eye Masks and one 15 ml size of the Ageless Revitalizing Eye Cream. The retail value of the kit is $183 so as you can see, the set does give you a price break. The eye masks are one of my favorites to soothe, hydrate and depuff eyes. When I bloat, have allergies or get headaches, my eyes are always the first area to get swollen (my skin is kinda high maintenance). I swear by these eye masks to remove signs of puffiness. Full ingredient list and description here.

The Ageless Revitalizing Eye Cream is something I was skeptical about since I’m super picky about eye creams in general. I don’t like any greasy feel but at the same time many gels just don’t do the trick to give enough hydration. I put the Ageless one to the test for night time first. It does take a little bit of time to see results, but with regular use I think it really does improve the texture and brightness of the eyes. A little goes a long way so you only need a tiny bit. I love that it’s non-irritating and doesn’t sting the eyes.

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Last but not least, one of the most impressive gift sets is the Complete Travel-Size Kiri Set ($375). This is an 18 piece set that includes Tatcha’s entire lineup of travel-sized products (16 items) plus a roll of the Original Aburatorigami Beauty Papers and the Gold Camellia Nourishing Lip Balm. I broke down the price of all the contents which total $392. The savings isn’t quite as much as some of the other sets, but it comes in a beautiful large box tied in a beautiful purple wrap. I almost didn’t want to show you what it looks like inside because I feel like I’m ruining a surprise, but wow, it’s quite a sight to behold. Below shows a mix of the product with the boxes. Everything in the set comes boxed and padded with beautiful tissue paper. I think this set is absolutely perfect. You can see the full content list online but to recap, it contains:
  • Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil (25 ml)
  • Polished Rice Enzyme Powders in Classic, Gentle, Deep and Indigo (10 g each, review here and also here)
  • Radiant Deep Brightening Serum (10 ml)
  • Supple Moisture Rich Silk Cream (10 ml)
  • Ageless Enriching Renewal Cream (10 ml)
  • Ageless Revitalizing Eye Cream (3 ml)
  • Luminous Deep Hydrating Firming Serum (10 ml)
  • Luminous Dewy Skin Mist (12 ml)
  • Gold Camellia Beauty Oil (10 ml)
  • Gold Camellia Nourising Lip Balm (8 ml)
  • Indigo Soothing Silk Body Butter (30 ml), Hand Cream (10 ml), Triple Recovery Cream (10 ml) (all three currently favorites in rotation as my skin is recovering from a bad allergic reaction right now)
  • Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen (10 ml, review here, I love this one)
  • Petal Fresh Clutch Ready Aburatorigami Beauty Papers (review here)

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Shop all their gift sets here. If you’re the kind who wants to pick out your own items separately, Tatcha has a cute option to create your own Custom Travel Gift Set. You pick three items and they will package it in a zip pouch for you. There are a number of helpful customer reviews on their website, many have helped me order items. I haven’t tested everything from the line but am looking forward to trying a lot of the face creams from the travel set. Of the items I have tried though, my top five picks include:
  • Original Aburatorigami Beauty Papers – the best blotting papers to absorb shine, they won’t disintegrate when they blot nor will they leave any powder residue on your face
  • Pore Perfecting Sunscreen – the best sunscreen that’s super gentle and really does make your pores disappear like magic (I like this as a foundation primer too)
  • Indigo Soothing Silk Hand Cream – best instant soothing hand cream for irritated skin
  • Indigo Soothing Silk Body Butter – same for the body
  • Rice Enzyme Powders either in Classic or Indigo – the most gentle face exfoliating products I’ve tried to clean the skin and gently remove dead skin
If you want to go all out Tatcha has the Complete Kiri Collection, similar to the Hakken set above in the sense that it’s also customizable by skin type. This one has has full-sized items. The sets are priced at $650. The most luxurious splurge of all is the Tabi Ultimate Journey Set which has a selection of full sized items packed into a hand-finihsed calfskin suitcase line with genuine kimono fabric. This one is priced at $1,800.

Bottom line lots to love with a wide variety of options at different price points. All the gift sets for holiday are limited-edition and exclusive to Tatcha.com. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself, stock up on staples, or find a beautiful gift – there’s lots to choose from and the Friends and Family Sale is a great time to save. You can take advantage of the 20% off savings now until 12/6 with code FF2015 at checkout.

Do you have any Tatcha favorites? I actually discovered the line because readers recommended it to me! I’ve been thrilled ever since I tried the Camellia Lip Balm.

Many thanks to Tatcha for sending the gift sets for review.

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Sales

Best of Black Friday Beauty Deals and Launches

November 27, 2015

Black Friday deals have finally arrived! Here’s a roundup of the best beauty deals I’ve found for this year. There are a couple special launches that occur today that aren’t sales mixed in at the bottom. Note all deals and promos are for U.S. sites. If you know of any more let me know in the comments!

  • Bare Minerals – Receive a free collection worth $62 (Bare Tutorials Smoky Eye or Bare Tutorials Eyeliner) with any $75 purchase, valid through end of 11/27
  • Beautylish – Bioderma special bundles for Black Friday here
    • Bioderma Sensibio H2O and Sebium H2O 500 ml include a complimentary 100m
    • Pro Packs 2 x 500ml pump bottles of Sensibio H2O or Sebium H2O include a complimentary 250ml
    • Sebium Pore Refiner includes a complimentary 100ml of Sebium H2O
    • Hydrabio Serum includes a complimentary 100ml of Sensibio H2O
  • Birchbox – 25% off orders $35+ online with code BIGDEAL at checkout, includes subscription services, discount is also applicable in their Soho store
  • Charlotte Tilbury – Purchase the limited-edition Fallen Angel Palette and receive a complimentary Rock N Kohl in Bedroom Black (swatches from last year here) 
    • Update, this set is also available at Nordstrom
  • Clarisonic – Save 20% on all devices and choose a free brush head, use promo code CYBERWKND (review on Men’s Alphafit and Women’s Aria/Mia 3 here), deal ends 11/27
  • Clinique – 20% off orders $65+ ends 11/29, no code needed
  • Diptyque – holiday gift of a baby Baies candle, baby Ambre candle + deluxe fragrance sample with code GIFT at checkout, valid while supplies last through 12/2 (I tested it and it appears to work on orders over $75)
  • Foreo – 25% off all devices, no code needed, valid 11/27 to 11/30 (I have the Luna Mini and love it, review to follow soon)
  • Giorgio Armani – 20% off any orders of $75 or more, on Black Friday receive a full size Eye Contour Brush on orders of $150 or more, valid 11/27 only with code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout
  • Glossier – 25% off sitewide, no promo codes needed
  • Henri Bendel – 25% off orders $150+, 30% off orders $250+, receive a $50 splurge card with any purchase
  • Kate Somerville – $25 e-gift card with any $100 purchase, use code BLACK  
    • Free Full-Size DermalQuench with any $150 purchase (no code needed)
    • Buy 2 Exfolikate Ornaments, receive the 3rd one free
  • Kiehl’s – Enjoy 4 deluxe samples + free shipping on any order, valid through 11/29
  • Jurlique – Save up to 50% storewide, sale ends 11/29
  • L’Artisan – Save 25% off everything sitewide, use code BLACKFRIDAY25, ends 11/29
  • L’Occitane – Various codes and promos valid on Black Friday, some are discounted purchase with purchase, others are gift with purchases
  • Laura Mercier – $25 off any purchase $100 or more, valid through 11/29
  • MAC Cosmetics – 25% off Holiday Kits, valid through 11/30
  • Marc Jacobs Beauty – #BlacquerFriday value sets while supplies last, review/details here
  • Molton Brown – 25% off everything use code MBEVENTUS at checkout, ends 11/30 11:59 pm PST
  • Moroccanoil – Receive a free hand cream trio with any $100 purchase
  • NARS Cosmetics – Give and Take sale, 20% off with code TAKE20 through 12/2
  • Neiman Marcus – Gift of Beauty Event, receive a clutch with samples with any $100 purchase, individual lines also have gifts going on, this Le Metier de Beaute Contour Kaleidoscope GWP looks amazing! good while supplies last through 11/29; receive $50 off purchases $200 or more your select regular-priced qualifying purchase of $200 or more with promo code THANKFUL (including Beauty and Fragrances), expires 11/28 5:30 PM CT
  • Nordstrom – 80+ beauty gifts with purchase options, while supplies last 
  • Nuxe US – 30% off everything, no code needed
  • Saks Fifth Avenue – Receive a $25 gift card when you spend $100 or more online only with code BEAUTY1 at checkout, valid through 11/27 11:59 pm ET
  • Sephora – Black Friday $10 deals go live on Friday
  • Shiseido – 20% off sitewide with code FF2015, valid through 11/30
  • Shu Uemura USA – Free shipping and 25% of orders $100+ or 20% off orders $50+, use code SHUBF, valid through 11/27 11:59 pm
  • Smashbox Cosmetics – Take 25% off orders $50 or more with code HOLIDAY15 at checkout, valid through 11/30
  • Space NK USA – Receive $25 when you spend $125, to redeem at Space NK between December 1-24th, offer valid through 11/29 11:59 pm PST
  • Tarte – 25% off orders and free shipping on $25+, use code FRIDAY, valid thru 11/27
  • Tatcha – 20% off all orders with code FF2015 at checkout, valid through 12/6 11:59 pm PST
  • Temptu – 25% off site wide with code FALLFF at checkout, valid through 12/2
  • Truffle – 25% off site wide with code GIFTING25 at checkout
  • Ulta Beauty – Black Friday Beauty Busters, assorted value sets and sales
  • Urban Decay – 20% off with code CRUSHED, valid through 11/28
  • YSL Beauty – 20% off $75 or more with complimentary shipping and 2 deluxe samples, spend $150 and receive the YSL Signature Brush Set, valid through 12/6

New beauty launches for Black Friday:

One last mention because I’ve featured this Tory Burch Pouch Duo before and it’s on the pricey side. Right now it’s on sale here (49% off) in three colors while supplies last or until 11/30.

Happy sale shopping! Let me know if you end up hauling anything or if you’re waiting for Cyber Monday. Would love to know what you ended up buying. I have my eye on this Lorac Love, Lust and Lace Eyeshadow Palette (at $12, it’s a steal!). I’m contemplating the Becca Afterglow Palette – but the pans seem tiny – if you have this (or tried it let me know what you think). I just ordered the MAC Patentpolish – so excited for it to arrive.

I’ll have another roundup of Cyber Monday sales and codes so stay tuned.
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