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Net-A-Porter Beauty Holiday Kit

November 6, 2014

Net-A-Porter Beauty has launched a limited-edition set called The Holiday Kit ($100). It contains 14 selected Net-A-Porter favorites including their must-have skincare, makeup and hair products for this season. It comes beautifully packaged in a black box and is a great sampler option for those looking to try something new or for the friend who likes surprise options. The Net-A-Porter team was kind to send me one to share with you today, it was quite an unexpected surprise. Note quantities are limited.

Inside the kit include a mix of sample and full-sized items:

  • Tata Harper’s Rejuvenating Serum (15ml/0.5oz.)
  • Erno Laszlo’s soothing Phelityl Pre-Cleansing Oil and cult-favorite Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar (15ml/0.5oz.)
  • Verso’s Retinol 8-infused Day Cream (15ml/0.51oz.)
  • Susanne Kaufmann’s multitasking Shower/Shampoo treatment (50ml/1.7oz.) 
  • SHOW Beauty’s Divine Thickening Lotion (150ml/5.1oz.)
  • Sleep Plus Pillow Spray (5ml/0.17oz.)
  • Renouve’s No.1 collagen-boosting, skin-regenerating Anti-Aging Everyday Defense Hand-Sanitizer (30ml/1oz.)
  • De Mamiel’s Rosehip and Coconut-enriched Salvation Body Oil (30ml/1oz.)
  • B the Eyebrow Experts’ Clear Brow Gel (5ml/0.17oz.)
  • Malin + Goetz Vitamin b5 Body Moisturizer (29ml/1oz.)
  • Earth tu Face’s Face Balm (25ml/0.9oz.)
  • Ilia’s nourishing Bang Bang Lip Conditioner (4ml/0.14oz.)
  • Chantecaille’s Liquid Lumiere Anti-Aging Face illuminator in Sheen (23ml/0.8oz.)

I haven’t had a chance to try everything yet, but immediately dove in to try the Malin + Goetz Body Moisturizer (it has a refreshing scent and lightweight feel). The Chantecaille Liquid Lumiere has been on my list for AGES to try, but I keep forgetting to check it out at the counters, Sheen has a lovely pink-pearl finish. The Susanne Kaufmann Shampoo/Shower Gel smells absolutely amazing. The Salvation Body Oil has this soothing therapeutic scent that smells like a spa.
This set has a lovely mix of items that gives you plenty to discover. I am looking forward to testing the other items in the upcoming weeks. If you have friends who are hard to shop for, this is a great sampler set.
The Limited-Edition Net-A-Porter Holiday Kit ($100) is available exclusively through Net-A-Porter, while supplies last.
Many thanks to the Net-A-Porter team for sending me this kit.
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Sephora VIB Rouge and VIB 20% Off Sale Event

November 5, 2014

The Sephora VIB Rouge and VIB 20% off promotional event starts this week! For VIB Rouge Members, the event starts today online with promo code GIFTROUGE. It’s valid through November 10, 2014 11:59 PM PST. The promotion will also available in stores. VIB Rouge Members should have received a mailer with the voucher and event details, there is an early-access instore shopping event tonight (the 5th) for VIB Rouge Members but you need to RSVP to your store (hours vary per store).

If you’re a VIB Member, the promotion starts tomorrow November 6, also valid through November 10, 2014 11:59 PM PST. You can shop in store with the voucher you received in the mail, or online with code GIFTVIB.

For both qualifying VIB Rouge and VIB shoppers, you should have also received an additional coupon in the mail to bring a friend with you in store (you need to be present with them in order for them to be able to get the 20% off discount as well.)

If you’re in need of ideas, Sephora has great ideas by price point, recipient, and all different kinds of categories. I think sets or palettes can be hit or miss, but this year all the brands have really good offerings and value sets. Some ideas and inspiration below.

1  /  2  /  3  /  4  /  5  /  6  /  7  /  8  /  9  /  10  /  11  /  12


For reference, you can see my previous reviews on the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette, Simple Human Sensor Mirror and Elizabeth & James Nirvana Black (full size & mini).



https://thebeautylookbook.com/2014/10/hourglass-ambient-lighting-blush-palette.html

https://thebeautylookbook.com/2014/08/simplehuman-sensor-mirror.html



https://thebeautylookbook.com/2014/08/elizabeth-and-james-nirvana-black.html



The fine print I received with my VIB Rouge e-mail. If you’re a VIB or VIB Rouge Member, be sure to check your mailer or the e-mail Sephora sent you for terms and conditions.
Online, use promo code GIFTROUGE. VALID NOVEMBER 5, 2014 THROUGH NOVEMBER 10, 2014, AT 11:59 PM PST. May be used in Sephora stores, in Sephora inside JCPenney stores, and online with any merchandise purchase. Offer limited to Sephora VIB Rouge members only. Voucher must be presented at time of redemption when used in store. No minimum purchase required. May not be combined with any other promotions or employee discounts. Not valid on previous purchases, purchases of eGift certificates or gift cards, or with orders shipping outside of the U.S. or Canada. May not be sold or otherwise transferred. Return of discounted merchandise will be for the price actually paid. Not valid for cash or cash equivalent. Not responsible for lost or stolen promotion codes. This offer is subject to change, alteration, or termination by Sephora in its sole discretion at any time. Not valid for Sephora employees.

Free Sephora Limited-Edition Tote (13.5″ x 11.5″ x 3.5″) and Shashi Jewelry bracelet available in stores with any merchandise purchase on November 5, 2014 from 7-9pm or while supplies last. Must be a VIB Rouge or guest of a VIB Rouge member to redeem. Not valid on previous purchases, or purchases of eGift certificates or gift cards. This offer is subject to change, alteration, or termination by Sephora in its sole discretion at any time.

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Edward Bess Lasting Kiss Enhancing Lip Stains

November 5, 2014

Edward Bess has released four new lip stains called Lasting Kiss ($36 each for 0.49 oz/14.5 g, made in USA). These are liquid lip colors that have intense pigment and impressive staying power. They are full-coverage and all shades are without shimmer. The finish is in between satin and velvet, it has a very slight sheen to the finish which prevents them from looking flat (like some matte or full coverage lip creams can do). These come with Edward’s classic fig scent which I’m a huge fan of.

The Lasting Kiss Lip Stains come in a sleek black tube with a slightly angled sponge applicator. The tip is quite study but not stiff. It allows for precise application around the edges of the lips. The four colors include:
  • Risque which is a bright coral pink
  • Au Naturel which is a neutral-cool nude pink
  • Surrender is a cool blue-based baby pink
  • Deep in Love is a medium-bright plum rose

The colors are quite intense. They are vibrant shades which will be great for those who like color. I’m a nude/neutral lip lover at heart, so of course I fell in love with Au Naturel. Straight from the sponge tip, these go on the lips with super rich color. The color stays put once applied and doesn’t budge. If you layer on like a gloss or lipstick, you will find some of the color might transfer to a cup if you drink something shortly afterwards. However these are lip stains and you will still see the color stay put on your lips. I haven’t found anything that lasts as long as these do.

Swatches below on the arm with a heavy swatch and then a blended swatch. You can blot the lips after application for a more stained lip look. I find they apply very smoothly on the lips straight from the tube and require only a tiny bit of blending around the edges.

Swatches on the lips straight from the tube with the sponge applicator. Note that my lips pull cool-toned colors weird. Most of the women I know can easily pull off cool-toned pinks beautifully. On me they tend to turn fuchsia-ish (like with Surrender). For skin tone reference, I used Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet in B30 (swatches and review here).

My top two picks are Au Naturel and Deep In Love. Due to the rich pigment of these I find you do need to take a bit of care in applying precisely around the edges of the lips. If you’re looking for a bold lip or something that lasts on the lips for what seems like forever, these are definitely worth looking into. If you’re a more natural lip lover or want something deeper and less bright, I highly recommend Edward Bess’s Ultra Slick Lipsticks.

Bottom line love. In my mind Edward can do no wrong, I’ve been smitten with (and devoted to) his line for years. You can find the Lasting Kiss Enhancing Lip Stains at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and edwardbess.com. These are also available now at BG in NYC (ask for Lauren 212-872-8826) and Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills (ask for Morgan at the counter 310-550-5900).
The lip stains were kindly sent from Edward for review consideration.
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L’Occitane Shea Butter Whipped Collection

November 4, 2014

This year marks the 20th anniversary of L’Occitane’s best-selling shea hand cream. In honor of this event they have released a new limited-edition Shea Butter Whipped line with a special lightweight cushiony texture. The new items look and smell amazing, the collection smells good enough to eat (I have resisted so far). The new items available include:
  • Hand Cream ($12) has a 25% concentration of Shea Butter. It’s just as hydrating as their Classic version but more lightweight in texture. It has a whipped/airy formula. The scent is soothing but slightly more fresh compared to the other items in the Shea Butter line. The Whipped Shea Butter hand cream has a nice dry down and is really nice for dry hands.
  • Body Cream ($24) is a whipped body cream. This has a 10% shea concentration and is very hydrating and creamy but easy to blend. It absorbs quickly into the skin and has a nice medium dry down so there isn’t any greasy feel but you can still feel the moisture on the skin. There are few body moisturizers that work as well as L’Occitane does on my sensitive skin. It can get itchy and dry during fall and winter months, my favorite is the Extra Gentle Hand and Body Lotion.
  • Shower Foam ($20) is a unique liquid shower foam. It has a pump that creates a foamy texture once you dispense the product. This is a nice treat to have, for me a week of use (for both myself and my husband) used up about half the bottle, but it does feel nice and lightweight while hydrating the skin. It’s definitely worth trying, but might end up being a bit pricey if you use it up quickly like me. (This Shower Foam + Body Cream Duo gives a slight price break.)   

Close up of the packaging:

Shower foam in action (Burberry Elderberry on the nails):

The hand cream and body cream are musts for me, especially this season when my skin tends to feel dry. The shower foam is nice to have (or try) but not a must. I see it as more of a luxurious splurge or nice treat. The packaging and product design are both really unique though.

You can find the collection online at L’Occitane and also in their boutiques (Store Locator here). If you’re starting to shop online for holiday gifts, be sure to check out their deals and promos. L’Occitane always makes it to my gifting list every year, they have great stocking stuffer ideas and nice gift sets. I find them perfect for those who are hard to shop for. There’s always something new to discover.
Thanks to L’Occitane for sending these samples for review consideration.
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Four Ways To Win Chanel Cosmic and Magic Le Vernis

November 4, 2014

Chanel lovers are well aware of the words “Chanel regret” after waiting too long to purchase a limited-edition nail polish only to find it has sold out. I have backups (both brand new) of last year’s Chanel Cosmic and Magic Le Vernis shades and one winner will receive both (swatches and original post here). Both shades are no longer available for purchase. There are four ways to enter, this one is a US only giveaway. You must be 18 years or older. Enter for a chance to win via the Rafflecopter widget below (comments in the post will not be considered qualifying entries).

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 


Entries will be collected through November 8, 2014. Please refer to Terms and Conditions in widget for more information.

Good luck!
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Holiday Beauty: Champagne and Gold Shimmers

November 3, 2014
The holidays are just around the corner and the next couple of months will be very busy ones. During the holiday season I find myself always gravitating towards warm gold and champagne shimmery shades. They are easy to coordinate with different outfits and makeup looks. I find warm golds and champagne also help brighten and warm up the complexion. Holiday beauty releases are starting to trickle in at Nordstrom and I’ve teamed up with them to share my some recent holiday beauty discoveries – all gold and champagne themed.

I have my picks split into different categories for lips, eyes, highlighters and nails:

For lips, there are a number of stunning shimmery gold and champagne glosses new this season. I like neutral golds for layering. They can bring a nude lipstick to life or when layered over a brighter pink, peach or red, soften the lips and give them a nice glow.
  • Dior Gold Rain is new from the Golden Shock collection which is a sheer but sparkling gold.
  • Burberry Nude Glow Lip Glow isn’t a new shade but I like to use this one year round. It’s a soft gold shimmer.
  • NARS Soleil d’Orient is a shimmering champagne that has a slight hint of pink. It’s pigmented enough to wear alone but also looks good over nude lipsticks.
  • Charlotte Tilbury Ibiza Nights is good for those who want more sparkle, it has the prettiest mix of shimmers but isn’t over the top. 
  • Bobbi Brown Malt Shimmer Lipstick comes in a special-edition gold packaging this holiday which is fun. It’s a warm shimmery coppery shade with gold shimmer.  

Golds are always in for me. They are neutral but easy to dress up. I like neutral gold eyes because they won’t overpower the face if you wear a bolder berry, pink or red lip.
  • Armani Eyes to Kill Intense Eyeshadows are a long-time favorite. I like these applied on the lids with a brush. The pigment is really incredible and easy to layer for more intensity. If you use a damp brush the color transforms into a more intense and more metallic look. Any variation of Armani gold looks good on most skintones, they create some of the prettiest universally flattering shades. My favorite Armani likes to wear Eyes to Kill 6 packed on the lids and combine it with soft peach cheeks and a nude lip, the look is really quite stunning.
  • Dior Versailles 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette is a beautiful palette of pale shimmers and one deeper chocolate shimmer. The middle gold shade has a bit of a chunky sparkle which is nice for subtle layering. 
  • Laura Mercier Rosegold Caviar Stick Eye Color (mini) is another year-round classic. I like this as a base on the lids to help bring out the pigment in shadows. It’s also good as a highlighter. Sometimes on lazy days I’ll wear this on the lids and just finish with mascara for a no-fuss look.

Gold shimmers and highlighters are a must for me, especially during the holiday. The warmth of the gold ones can enhance the skin naturally and make the complexion look more alive.
  • Armani Fluid Sheer 10 is a nice neutral gold. I like this dabbed on top of the cheek bones (after powder, foundation and blush) with a foundation brush to add highlight. It’s also good as a cheek base to use underneath blush.
  • Bobbi Brown Bronze Glow Highlight Powder is a shimmering warm gold. It feels almost like it has a slight gel texture but it’s still a powder. The shimmer on this one is medium-to-high, but not frosty.  
  • Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow is another good gold highlighter. I like this used all over the face as a primer to illuminate the skin or mixed in with foundation to give it a glow.

Gold and red seem to be the hit shades this holiday for nails. There are a number of different gold polishes, some with glittery effects, others more subtle. I’ve been playing with three over the weekend.
  • Dior Mirror is a sheer white gold shimmer in the special holiday packaging. It has a transparent quality with two coats, I prefer three with this one.
  • Guerlain Coque D’Or Night at the Opera is a neutral gold shimmer (this one is my favorite).
  • Bobbi Brown Scotch is an interesting warm copper sparkle. It has smooth even coverage with two coats but the color is primarily sparkle.

Left to right: Guerlain, Dior and Bobbi Brown

What are your favorite colors to wear during the holiday? Do you have any favorite gold or champagne makeup shades or do you prefer the more dramatic plums and reds?

Thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. 

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Tatcha Travel Kit – Back in Stock on Tatcha.com

November 1, 2014
https://thebeautylookbook.com/2014/09/tatcha-travel-kit.html

I’ve received numerous e-mails about the Tatcha Travel Kit I featured about back in September. It sold out shortly after I reviewed it and was out of stock for weeks. The good news is that it’s finally back in stock on Tatcha.com!

You can see my original post for more details and thoughts on the contents, but here is a quick recap of what the Travel Kit set includes:

  • LUMINOUS Deep Hydration Lifting Mask – 20ml | 0.68oz
  • LUMINOUS Dewy Skin Mist – 40ml | 1.35oz
  • LUMINOUS Deep Hydration Revitalizing Eye Mask – 5ml | .16 fl. oz.
  • INDIGO Soothing Silk Hand Cream Travel Size – 10ml | .34 fl. oz.
  • PETAL FRESH Original Aburatorigami – 30 sheets
  • GOLD Camellia Nourishing Lip Balm – 8ml | .28 fl. oz.
  • Zip TSA-Friendly Pouch
It retails for $125, currently exclusive to Tatcha.com. (All items are available for individual purchase except the pouch which is currently available only as part of this Travel Kit.)
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