ProductWhores

New Pantone Universe

Sephora has released their new collection of Pantone Universe (you'll remember last year's was Tangerine).  This year is a stunning Emerald collection and I am crazy for the new Color Theory Shadow Block in Bionic.  First of all the packaging is ridiculously cool - you slide apart the two sides of the box (I know you're supposed to throw it away but it is just too pretty to trash) and then the little well that houses the shadow palette actually slides out like a drawer.  Then, once you're over the amazing-ness of the packaging you can actually get to the real highlight the shadow block!  The box itself has a sliding top with magnetic corners so it swings open (um, awesome) and the bottom has a separate mirror which swings out, as well (um, double awesome).  The colors are super wearable and fun and unlike anything I already own - matte emerald, shimmery metallic white and a deep navy.  They look stunning on and are such a unique combo you'll get a ton of compliments which isn't such a bad way to start the day, now is it?

Note:  A sample of the product was sent by a PR representative working with Sephora.

Prisma Chrome

I love metallic shadows - whether day or night they always make eyes look gorgeous!  At night you look sexy and alluring and during the day metallics make you look fresh and awake.  Sephora's new Prisma Chrome collection of eye shadows are downright spectacular and an absolute must-have.  I was bummed when Sephora discontinued their last collection of metallics so I was happy to see they came to their senses and released these stunners! Collection includes Pearly Golden, Golden Peach, Golden Taupe, Purple, Taupe, Taupe Silver, Black and Lilac.  These fantastic shadows, however, are limited edition so better make the trip to Sephora soon...

Lipstick Love

Uch.  You guys, I have so many lipsticks already that even the thought of spending money on another one right now is a bad idea, but I still did it anyway.  In fairness to me, I haven't been buying products lately because I've been spending all my spare money on my new condo, but in fairness to my bank account, that's what should be happening anyway.  But then I walked into Sephora this weekend and saw the new Sephora and Pantone Universe Lip Luster Lipsticks and I wanted them all.  All of them!  So I guess I should just take it as a victory that I only walked out of there with one because I swear, if I hadn't moved recently, I would've bought at least three.  They're SO pretty and they look very cool in the tube too, with their metallic core that's surrounded by a crystallized, lip balm.  I bought Claret Red, which oddly enough is described as "a glittery carnation pink," so I have no idea what's going on there, but the shade was so pretty I just had to have it.  It's so pink and glittery and the formula's really moisturizing too (plus the shade is super pigmented, so I feel like it was money well spent since it doesn't disappear a minute after putting it on).  I love all five of the shades, but if I could only buy one more (and let's be honest, it's going to happen), it would probably be Cayenne, a glittery pepper-red, just because I do love a good red lipstick (especially one that glitters!)  I guess serving bowls will have to wait until next month.  Then again, Thanksgiving IS still three months away.  What am I feeling guilty about?  Bring on the new lipsticks!

Bronze Away

It's coming to that time of the year when I have to start using even more bronzer than usual to make my pasty white skin look like it's not, well, pasty white.  Because during the winter, I'm somewhat okay with looking so pale, but come on, I live in Los Angeles.  When the weather gets really hot and most of the rest of the people are walking around with a little tan, I feel the need to as well.  This year, I kinda want to try this new Silk Blush Bronzer Duo from SEPHORA COLLECTION.  It's $22, but I saw it at the store and it's HUGE, so it would last forever.  Plus, the colors seemed really natural and I feel like they'll do a good job of making me look tan instead of just dirty, which is what some bronzers do.  According to some of the reviewers on Sephora's site, it looks a lot like NARS' Orgasm and Laguna Highlighting/Bronzing Blush Duo, which is almost twice the price at $41, so if they're right, that's a big score.  Has anyone tried it yet?  Do I desperately need it or can I muddle through the summer with one of the bronzers I already own?

Color Of The Year

I am really digging this whole orange being the color of the moment thing.  It sounds weird because I've never been an orange person, per se, but there are so many great products in stores right now with a gorgeous orange glow and I'm somehow finding myself obsessed with all of them.  It might have something to do with the big SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE Color of the Year displays that are right at the front of every Sephora store.  Anytime a display is that big, I'm going to stop.  It's my kryptonite.  Due to my newly appointed makeup budget (which I'm actually sticking to!  Sort of!) I would only let myself buy one thing, so I went with the Color of the Year Lipgloss Set.  For $20, you get four different orange-y lipglosses in Tangerine Tango Vivid (Tangerine), Tangerine Tango Luminous (Tangerine with Shimmer), Tangerine Tango Glaze (Tangerine with Gold Shimmer) and Tangerine Tango Opal (Tangerine Pink with Gold Shimmer). They're all fairly similar so under normal circumstances I wouldn't say you needed them all, but since they come in a set and basically cost what one "normal" lipgloss at Sephora goes for, it's totally worth it.  The glosses are all vivid and highly pigmented (no see thru colors here!)  I like the shimmery ones the most, but they're all kind of fabulous.  I really like the way they brighten up a neutral eye instead of going with another boring nude gloss (which even I am getting sick of on myself). I really want to buy a few of the other sets in the Color of the Year displays - definitely The Collector's Edition Set at least. Viva la orange! 

Prisma Cream Collection

Ooh, how fun do these look?  The new Prisma Cream Eyeshadows from SEPHORA COLLECTION look so fabulous.  I saw them in a Sephora I was shopping at for Christmas gifts two weeks ago, but I stupidly didn't buy one and now I'm regretting that.  According to its official description on Sephora's website, "The new wave in eyeshadow, Prisma Chrome brings together the best features of baked, powder, and cream shadows.  Its revolutionary effect captures light perfectly, delivering a prismatic effect with an unbelievably smooth and true color finish."  Sounds great, right?  There are ten different shades, ranging from light colors to more dramatic ones, and they're a very reasonable $15 each.  I think the first one I buy will be Burgundy Gem 45, a dark plum.  Oh yes, it will be mine...

Extra 20% off at Sephora.com

While Christmas may be over, it doesn't mean the fun has to end!  Sephora.com just announced today that from now until 1/3, all their sale items online are an additional 20% off with the code EXTRA.  Honestly, there are some super-awesome items on the list - the Fearless and Flawless set by Bare Escentuals will now be $8.00 (original price $17.00) and Charlotte Ronson's Masquerade Collection is now $14.40 (original price $39.00) to name just a few.  Definitely worth a check-out.

Brush Up On Your Favorites

Hhhm, I was just browsing around on Sephora's website as I do every so often (fine, every night) and I stumbled upon this Collector's Edition I.T. Brush Set from SEPHORA COLLECTION.  I really, really want it.  I know I already have a bunch of great brushes, but these have the coolest look to them and they come complete with a brush stand so I could easily display them in my bathroom instead of hiding them away in a drawer like I do now.  I can't really justify spending the $80 right now (damn you, Christmas presents still to buy!) but if the set goes on sale, it is so coming home with me.  Make it happen, Sephora Gods!

Hello Kitty's Street Style

Even if you're not a fan of the kitty (which I happen to be a huge fan of myself), you will love the new collection out at Sephora.  Seriously adorable palettes, brushes and cosmetic cases and everything is limited edition which means - think quick, my friends, and get to the mall! 

Hello Kitty Beauty takes to the streets for Fall 2011 with the new, limited edition Hello Kitty Graffiti Collection. This colorful and edgy compilation pays tribute to the daring graffiti artists that decorate Hello Kitty’s urban landscape with hints of creative surprise and color.  Presented exclusively at Sephora, Hello Kitty Beauty is decidedly grown up, artistic, stylish, and with a sophisticated flair, combining coveted designs with luxurious formulas and iconic accessories and tools. It’s the ultimate must-have beauty collection for Hello Kitty collectors and beauty enthusiasts alike.

• Graffiti Palette ($35) - Hello Kitty Beauty’s signature, limited-edition tiered compact goes edgy with stylish graffiti décor and smoky shades. The top tier contains four eyeshadows in shimmery gray, charcoal, soft pink and grayish teal, while the bottom tier holds a  dusty pink and bronzy peach blush/bronzer duo.

• Graffiti Brush Set ($49) - Hello Kitty Beauty’s top-selling brush set has been “tagged” with the funky Graffiti Kitty print for a fun and charming new look. Inside the Hello Kitty-shaped holder are five synthetic brushes that provide a professional touch to any beauty look.

• Graffiti Rollergirl ($18) – This enchanting and uplifting fragrance has a new look that’s as fresh as the iconic scent. Containing fruit, flowers and spice, the fragrance captures Hello Kitty’s sweetness, fun and unexpected surprises.

• Graffiti Kitty Cosmetic Bag ($28) - Featuring the same Graffiti Kitty print in a tarnished silver, faux-leather design, this medium-sized carry-all is roomy enough to hold all of your Hello Kitty makeup while adding a touch of downtown flair.

• Graffiti Compact Mirror ($18) - Touch up in style with this cool compact mirror decorated in the edgy Graffiti Kitty print. The dual sided mirror design includes regular and 3X magnification.

Exclusive to Sephora, Hello Kitty Beauty Graffiti Kitty Collection is available in all Sephora stores while supplies last.  For more information call 1-877-SEPHORA or log on to sephora.com via computer or smartphone.

Pocket Palette

I was at Sephora this weekend (big shocker there) and while I was standing in line drooling over all those little bins of goodness, I came across a new Sephora palette I hadn't seen before.  This adorable little guy is small enough to fit in a clutch, perfect for travel and is only $15.00.  The Color Flip comes with 8 shadows, 8 glosses, 1 blush and 1 highlighter and everything in the palette is definitely wearable.  I especially love the turquoise shadow and the glittery golden highlighter.  Also, if you haven't tried Sephora glosses before, this is the perfect chance to do so - their formula is really hydrating and the shades in this collection are beautiful.  I actually bought three of the Color Flips because, well, two of my friends will love them and I had to have one myself (really, it's only fair).