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Becca Shimmers and Shines!

Well, Christmas is right around the corner so it's officially time to plan out the last-minute shopping (or perhaps even start the shopping if you're me).  First stop might be to your local ULTA where they now stock BECCA cosmetics!  To celebrate the launch at ULTA as well as the upcoming holidays, BECCA and ULTA teamed up to bring their “All That Glitters is Gold” event, which PWs had the opportunity to attend.

The spotlights of this event were the BECCA's Shimmering Skin Perfector Spotlight Kit, the Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Gold, and the One Perfecting Brush in Champagne Gold (so fancy!) which were all presented to attendees by BECCA's Style Director, Kerry Cole.

The Spotlight Kit is a perfectly travel-sized trio of BECCA's famous Shimmering Skin Perfectors, which normally only come in larger 1.7 fl oz. sizes. The colors included are Pearl, Opal, and the limited edition Champagne Gold. If you're like me and have never used these before, they are very pigmented and versatile. You can use them on their own as a highlighter or blend them into your foundation to give you that illuminated all-over glow. At $25, it's great for a gift or if you just want a test the BECCA waters.

Next is the Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Gold. These are like the powdered twins of the Shimmering Skin Perfector even though it applies like a cream. The limited edition Champagne Gold shade is described as a soft warm gold. I think it would work well on a wide range of skin tones in moderation, but it probably would be best on those with a slightly yellower undertone. I can definitely see it being used in the traditional way – applied on the high points of the face – or use it as an eyeshadow to bring warm light to the eyes.

And finally, The One Perfecting Brush. It's a permanent staple in BECCA's collection already, but they are re-releasing the brush with a beautiful limited edition gold handle. This brush claims to be able to replace ten beauty brushes and also be able to swap from liquids to creams to powders all one go. I definitely wouldn't have believed it until I saw it with my own eyes. It's PHENOMENAL. The brush is densely packed and also unbelievably soft, as it's made from cashmere. Even though the care for the brush is a bit more involved that your traditional natural fiber brush, its versatility is totally worth it and is a definite must-have (I know I'm hooked).

Super impressed with BECCA Cosmetics and am happy to say they've found a new fan!  Now, off to ULTA I go to get some gifts for Christmas.

Note:  Samples of the above were provided by a PR representative working with BECCA Cosmetics

Gifts to Love!

I would like to assume most of you have already completed, or are nearing the end of completion, on your Christmas gift list (there is only two weekends left, people!)  But, in case you're still in research mode, let me make it a bit easier and suggest some truly kick-ass gifts that any girl would love to receive! 

Laura Mercier is one my of faves (as you probably already know) and there's a good reason for that - her stuff is fantastic!  Colors are always super wearable, foundation makes you look flawless and the palettes are to die for.  Sure, you have to shell out a bit more, but isn't your friend or family member worth it?  My fave of this season is the Luxe Colour Wardrobe.  This is, by far, the best palette she's ever released (and that's saying something because I obsessessively purchase her new holiday one every year).  The shadows are absolutely stunning (and you get 8 of them!) the brushes are magnificent (you get 3 - well, 4 if you count one as double-ended), 3 powder liners, one pencil liner, two blushes and one shimmer.  I am just so impressed with how many beautiful looks I've been able to create - everything from lovely daytime subtle to sexy smokey eye for night.  Yeah, it's pricey at $125.00 but it's actually a steal if you add up all the items you get in it.  LOVE this one!

Another fantastic palette for this holiday is the Masterpiece Series by Stila.  This palette box set is an absolute STEAL!  It's ridiculous how much you get for only $29.00.  You get three different palettes for three completely different looks (all with the look book, of course, so you can follow their instructions or craft your own if you want).   You get a total of 15 shadows and three blushes and about a billion different looks!  This is a fantastic gift and at the price, you might as well grab one for yourself while you're at it!

If you've got a friend who travels, you have got to check out Katie's Favorites Travel Set by Alterna.  Katie Holmes picked a few of her fave items and packaged them (well, she didn't exactly package them herself, but you see where I'm going) into this cute little cosmetic pouch.  Set comes with Caviar shampoo and conditioner (which are wonderful), Bamboo Translucent Dry Shampoo (amazing time-saver and must-have for any traveler) and my favorite of the bunch - Bamboo Smooth Kendi Dry Oil Mist (quite possibly the best, and lightest, hair oil to give shine and eliminate frizzies).  Retails for $29.95.

For the eye liner junkie, you cannot pass up Urban Decay's Black Market set!  First of all, UD liners are my absolute fave - they are so smooth to apply and smudge perfectly when you want them to and don't smudge when you don't want (if that makes any sort of sense).  I love, love, love this set - comes with some really beautiful liners and 5 out of the 6 are exclusive to this set!  It's a total steal, too, at only $24.00.  This is a wonderful must-have for your friend, co-worker, mom, sister and most-definitely for yourself. 

Note:  Some of the above items were sent to be by a PR representative working with the above brands.

Holiday 2013 Collection of Candles!

It wouldn't be the holidays without some lovely winter-y candles both to burn and to give as gifts.  Without fail, each and every year, I run to the mall and invest in some scents which make me think of the holidays - y'know, fresh baked goodies, noble fir trees, crisp air, warm fruit scents (I realize that reads weird but if you smell one, you know exactly what I'm talking about).  Even though GAP long-ago discontinued my absolute fave holiday scent, I have found some great alternates to fill my house with cheer!

Trapp's Holiday Collection is delightful.  7 fantastic scents to choose from and while I haven't had the opportunity to smell all of them, they all sound fantastic.  Trapp candles burn extremely well - long burning times and the scents really fill a room.  I am extremely impressed with their quality.  Seasonal offerings are White Fir, Orange Clove, Holiday, Lemon Sugar Cookie, Hearth, Snowberry, and Winter Air.  Orange Clove is not a scent I would usually be drawn to, however, it's delightful and embodies that "warm fruit" I was talking about above.  It smells like a mix of vanilla cookies with warm, orange cider - yum!  Each glass candle retails for $25.00. Available at Beauty Collection.

Votivo also has some killer seasonal scents on their roster this holiday!  Much like Trapp, the fragrances are delightfully strong so they fill the room almost instantly (which I adore).  It's really hard to choose which one would be my favorite in the line-up - Christmas Sage, Dulce Caramelo, Icy Blue Pine, Joie de Noel, Red Currant, and Winter Cranberry - but I have spent some quality time with Red Current and it smells fruity and fresh - a wonderful combination!  All candles come in either silver glass containers for $32.00 or travel tins for $15.00.  The tins would make an especially-adorable stocking stuffer - hint, hint to anyone looking to buy me something...  Available at Beauty Collection.

Note:  A sample of the above was sent to me by a PR representative working with Trapp and Votivo.

BareMinerals Holiday 2013!

It's time to start thinking seriously about those holiday gifts now that Thanksgiving, and Black Friday, are only a week away!!  While I'll have my stocking stuffers post live after Thanksgiving, I want to be able to give you a headstart on exploring some of my faves from the BareMinerals holiday collection.  All sparkling, all dazzling and all super gifts for people you love.

The READY Convertible Eyeshadow Palette is brilliant both packaging and product-wise.  This stunning palette contains twelve base, crease and liner shades as well as a multi-tasking brush and tutorial.  But the best part, all the little shadows pop right out so you can mix and match in the super-amazing mini-palette which slides out of the larger one.  So, basically, you get to take whatever three shades you want with you.  Genius!!  Retails for $48.00.

Degrees of Dazzling is one of the most stunning products for the holiday season!!  The delightful tube contains 20 shadows - in both glittery and matte finishes and all the colors are knock-outs.  Love, love, this for a gift.  And I have to say I am so impressed with the formula - creamy smooth and great staying power!  Retails for $79.00.

Perfect 10 is a lovely neutral palette, perfect for everyone.  6 READY eyeshadows, 1 READY luminizer, 1 READY blush and 2 Marvelous Moxie lipcolors are come neatly packed in this very sleek zippered case.  The colors are beautifully neutral and the makeup clutch is just lovely.  Retails for $58.00.

Note:  The above samples were sent to me by a PR representative working with BareMinerals

Christmas Crackers!

My family always has crackers at Christmas to open and they usually contain crappy, yet hilarious, plastic toys and terrible jokes.  So when I saw this latest release from Nails, Inc, I was sold instantly!  While my Dad and brother might not be as excited as I am, all the more nail colors for me!  This would be a fantastic hostess gift.  Retails for $38.00.

Tarte Holiday 2013!

I am seriously overwhelmed by all of the great holiday offerings this year!  And while I'm going to do my "best of" stocking stuffers post (to come), I can't just focus on the top ten faves (really, it's not fair to all the other great items screaming 'pick me! pick me!')  Tarte has some great offerings this season so it's only fair I give a few of my tops a moment in the spotlight!

pure delights 8-piece Lip Surgence Set is ridiculous in the best way possible!  I love, love, love this set for the holidays - the colors are so beautiful and the formula is my absolute fave for lip color (so creamy it's shocking it's in a pencil form).  Comes with four matte and four glossy tints -and it's nearly impossible to choose a fave.  Trust me, this is a definite must-have and must-give. 

Gorgeous Getaways Portable Palette Set made me shriek with delight!  First of all, the packaging is adorable - I love that it's like a little makeup/jewelry box you could use even when the cosmetics are gone!  But packaging aside, this is one amazing set and would make anyone so excited to unwrap for the holidays.  Four unique palettes which all pop into the cutest little gold case and three lovely lipglosses.  I especially love the price - you get a ton of stuff for $48.00.

Off the Cuff is a blush palette so beautiful that it's currently sold out at Sephora and seemingly impossible to find anywear (doh!)  I know, I know, I'm evil for including here when you can't even get it right now, but it's soooooo pretty that if it does come back into stock you're going to want to jump and purchase right away!  Comes with 4 stunning blush colors and one bronzer - all perfect for any skintones.

Note:  Samples of the above were sent to me by a PR representative working with Tarte.

Shimmery Goodness!

Ooooh, with all the Holiday releases, I'm kind of making myself crazy with excitement!  So much greatness to choose from, it's hard to keep my purchases narrowed to only a few.  If there's a definite must-have, this amazing set is on top for me - Laura Mercier's Shimmer Effects Mini Caviar Stick Eye Colour Collection will make you lose your mind.  First of all, all four sticks are absolutely stunningly shimmery and look so beautiful either by themselves or used over a smokey eye.  They blend effortlessly and stay the whole day (no joke). I have been using them on top of my other eye make-up and they almost seal in the color, while adding such a beautiful glisten above my eyes.  I could not love this set more, and while it would make a great stocking stuff, your'e really going to want one all for yourself.  Comes with Pink Opal, Amethyst, Rosegold and my absolute fave Sugar Frost.

Note: A sample of this product was sent to me by a PR representative working with Laura Mercier.

Stuff it!

I'm pretty sure I don't need to remind you that Christmas is quickly approaching.  In case you need some sort of a cheat sheet for some great stocking stuffers, thought I'd pull together my 5 faves (in honor of the fact, well, you only have 5 days to finish that shopping!) for gift-giving this holiday!

1.  Laura Mercier Illuminating Eye Colors which were released as part of the Art Deco Muse Collection for this holiday are so spectacular you'll have a hard time choosing which color to get.  Gilded Platinum and Gilded Rosegold are my two favorites - think holiday glimmer without looking cheesy!  Love the formula (stays the better part of the day) and goes on smooth.  Be forewarned, however, that I'm not the only one passionately in love with them  -they are practically sold out everywhere so you'll need to do some searching but it's oh-so-worth it.  Or, just order on lauramercier.com and skip those crowds anyway!

2.  Stila's Written in the Stars Eye Palette is a must-give!  Super cute palette shape, wearable colors and a price you can't beat ($12.00).  I love all the color combos and am in awe by how compact it is - perfect for anyone who loves to travel but can't be without a selection of shadows (like myself).

3. From the makers of Burt's Bees, GUD hand cream is a really great handcream for a fantastically affordable price.  I love the formula - super-hydrating without feeling greasy or sticky.  I also love you can get at all drugstores so if you're like me on Christmas eve frantically trying to piece together some gifts, hitting a CVS is an easy no-brainer. 

4. Josie Maran makes a killer lipbalm - Argan Lip Treatment.  Yeah it's a bit pricey at $18.00, but whoever you give it to will be so thankful you thought of them that you won't mind shelling out the bit extra.  The formula is very softening, smells sweetly of green apple and comes in the cutest little pot!  Extra score is it's all-natural so no icky chemicals drying out your lips.

5.  Surprisingly great considering the price, The Natural Palette from Jane cosmetics is a definitely great palette for this holiday season!  Wearable shades of light and dark brown along with a lovely shimmery-bronze and a rose blush make this the perfect go-to for everyday wear.  At $9.99 it's a total steal.

Note:  Some of the above products were sent to me by PR representatives.

Holiday Lip Glosses

Okay, I loooooooove the holiday mini lip glace collections by Laura Mercier and I'm totally bummed that both are out of stock online at Laura Mercier!  The Rich Berries collection is my absolute fave - the colors are stunning, the formula isn't drying at all and they smell delicious - I can't figure out if it's caramel or sugar cookie, but either way it's addicting!  I strongly believe Laura Mercier makes the best lip glosses because they offer a nice pigment and are not sticky at all -one my absolute biggest pet peeves when it comes to glosses.  The Rich Berries set comes with the following shades (Sangria - a shimmery, deep red my go-to this holiday season!)

• Violet
• Rose
• Cerise – Limited Edition
• Sangria – Limited Edition
• Bare Beige

Okay, let the hunt begin to find the collection!  I'm thinking you'll need to check out Sephora or a department store maybe  Don't you hate it when I tell you about something fabulous you're going to have a hard time finding?!

Note:  A sample of this set was sent to me by a PR representative working with Laura Mercier

Pixi Holiday Collection 2012

Pixi Beauty has released their holiday collection online and at Target stores nationwide and there are some definite goodies perfect for holiday giving! 

The Early Bird Kit (love the name) is a stunning palette that contains a serious amount of makeup - all in a cute little two-doored case.  You get three cheek colors, two bronzers, one face glow (my fave), four eye base shades (LOVE they include these as most palettes don't), and sixteen eye shadows.  The base shades are amazing and actually help to keep your eye makeup in tact the better part of the day, which is a great thing as you'll love how pretty the eye colors look!  The sixteen shades range from pale champagne and pink shimmers to deep green and blue shimmers.  All have a lovely subtle glitter to them which is especially perfect for the holidays.  Plus, at $34.00 it doesn't kill your wallet.

Lid Last Shadow Pen Duo contains two of their fantastic shadow pens (which glide on so smooth it's insane) in glittery shades perfect for the holidays!  I LOVE this set more than I can put into words.  First of all the colors are perfect for anyone (a shimmery shell pink and a shimmery greyish/brown) and are all you need for a pretty daytime smokey eye.  The shadows go on easily and stay the better part of the day.  Oh, and if that wasn't enough, they're super-inexpensive ($12.00 for the set) and are really portable (perfection for airline travel).

Nail Color Trio retails for only $12.00 and is such a cute stocking stuffer or gift for friends!  The three colors are great - glittery silver, glittery red and glittery white - definitely holiday themed but oh-so-wearable.  Such a cute set and one any girl would be psyched to receive!

Note:  Samples of the above were sent to me by a PR representative working with Pixi Beauty