Beauty Giveaway
July 22, 2008, 4:50 pm
Filed under: Beauty Giveaway | Tags: , ,

Tell us your favorite summertime beauty tip and you could win a pair of Scott Barnes Marissa faux lashes, courtesy of Beauty or Bust!

* These gorgeous, natural looking lashes add instant glamour!

* The winner will be announced August 1, 2008.



Best of the Beauty Blogs

THE BEST NEW BEAUTY POSTS - Tuesday, July 22

My prayers have been answered! Charu Suri from ButterflyDiary.com introduces Mystic Tan’s Tanning Booth In A Tube.

Do your dark circles make you look like Vince Vaughn? Jocelyn at MakeHerUp shows you how to get rid of dark circles so you look like you actually slept last night.

A mini vacay in a bottle! TheMakeupGirl reviews Sephora ’s deliciously scented Dry Oil.

Plane-friendly fragrance! All About the Pretty is loving LUSH’s solid perfume in American Cream Fragrance.



Walgreen’s Beauty Sales - Thru July 26

Revlon ColorStay Cosmetics - 40% Off

Skintimate Shave Gel - $1.99 with coupon

Bic Comfort 3 Disposable Shavers - $2.99 with coupon

Garnier Fructis Hair Care - 3 for $10 with coupon

Crest Pro-Health Dental Care - 2 for $7

Crest SpinBrush or 2 pack Replacement Brush Heads - $4.99

L’Oréal Cleansers - $5.99

Clairol Perfect 10 Hair Color - $11.99

L’Oréal Revitalift Skin Care - $11.99

L’Oréal Age Perfect Radiance Perfector - $15.99

Banana Boat - Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off

John Frieda Hair Care - Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off

alli Weight Loss Supplement - $49.99 with coupon

Cetaphil Cleanser, Cream or Lotion - $6.99



ULTA Special Offer!
July 22, 2008, 3:18 pm
Filed under: > Ulta, Beauty Sales | Tags:



Sephora Deal of the Week for Beauty Insiders ONLY!
July 22, 2008, 2:40 pm
Filed under: > Sephora, Beauty Sales | Tags: , , ,

Beauty Insiders, listen up! As a member, you get first dibs on Stila’s Backstage Beauty Eye Shadow Palette - The Front Row Look! It’s not yet available to the public but you can get yours in advance by joining Sephora’s Beauty Insiders club. The palette includes a three-pan, softly smoky eyeshadow palette with a Kajal Eye Liner and a rosette you can wear anywhere! Available ONLY at Sephora for $40.



Best of the Beauty Blogs

THE BEST NEW BEAUTY POSTS - Monday, July 21

Get gorgeous hair…as nature intended! Josi Lauritzen at TheMakeupGirl reviews Simply Organic Beauty.

Another drugstore gem! Erin at Make Her Up gushes over Cover Girl’s new Wetslicks AmazeMint!

Tricks of the trade! Cover Girl makeup artist Molly Stern tells you which brushes to use for a flawless finish!

Get gorgeous…without the guesswork! Shannon at Makeup Minute discusses new fail-proof makeup line Eyes By Design.



Duane Reade Beauty Sales - Thru July 25

Garnier Fructis Products - 3 for $10 with Duane Reade card

Coppertone Suncare - $2 off with Duane Reade card

Lever 2000 Bath Bar Soap - Buy 1 Get 1 Free with Duane Reade card

RoC Skincare - $3 off with Duane Reade card

Revlon Mascaras - $5.99 with Duane Reade card

Skala Hair Care - Buy 2 Get 1 Free with Duane Reade card

Aveeno Lotion - $7.99 with Duane Reade card

Almay Eye Makeup Remover Pads - $3.99 with Duane Reade card

Garnier Nutrisse Hair Color - $5.99 with Duane Reade card

BiC Comfort 3 Disposable Razor - $3.99 with Duane Reade card

Duane Reade Whitening Dissolving Strips - $16.99 with Duane Reade card

Just for Men/Touch of Gray - $7.99 with Duane Reade card

Conair Ionic Cordkeeper Dryer and 2″ Instant Heat Straightener - $19.99 with Duane Reade card



Co Bigelow Deluxe Facial Moisturizer
July 21, 2008, 2:47 pm
Filed under: Reviews | Tags: , , , ,

Co Bigelow is an 168-year old apothecary company, originally from New York’s trendy West Village. The products are now carried in outlets of Bath and Body Works so that the rest of America can enjoy their expertly formulated range of skin and body care. I am a huge fan of the range, and my current favourite product is the Deluxe Moisturizer. With my sensitive skin, I am always on the hunt for lightweight formula’s which will moisturize my skin, without leaving it too heavy. The Deluxe Facial Moisturizer or no. 301 as they call it, is a great example of a hydrating lotion with a lightweight formula. Containing extracts of Chamomile, know for its ability to soothe and calm the skin, the product does not irritate even my very sensitive skin. The product is easily absorbed and helps balance and control oiliness, which is a great bonus. In the winter, however, when skin is really dry, it may not provide enough moisture in certain areas (I get a very dry nose for example which needs extra moisture), but it is perfect for the summer. To top it off, it smells divine - a mixture of blended aromatherapy oils. Try it out - I’m sure you will love it.

Where to Find It: Co Bigelow is available from Bath and Body Works. A 4oz bottle of Deluxe Facial Moisturizer is $20.



Best of the Beauty Blogs
July 17, 2008, 7:07 pm
Filed under: Best of the Beauty Blogs | Tags: , , ,

THE BEST NEW BEAUTY POSTS - Thursday, July 17

My lipgloss brings all the boys to the polls! All About the Pretty reveals how you can rock the vote, glam style!

Your loofah has expired! Try something new! Cybele at Cybele Says introduces an alternative to your bacteria-lovin’ loofah!

Get a diva-licious makeover by MAC! TheMakeupGirl shows you how to get Keri Hilson’s TRL look.

Another Ford Model moment! MyStyle shows you how to make the most of your features with a flattering hair style.



Current Cravings!

Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes Mascara

This Sephora-exclusive new product perfectly curls and separates lashes. It has a high-tech, patented round sphere at the tip of the precision wand that reaches every lash and adapts to all eye shapes. Find it only at Sephora for $27.

Sephora Summer Safari Pocket Brush Set

This wallet-size brush set includes five high-quality brushes for all your beauty needs. The brushes (including a powder brush, an eyeliner brush, an eyeshadow brush, a concealer brush, and a lip brush) come in an adorable faux-alligator-skin case available in four different colors. At $20, you’d be crazy NOT to pick up this little number! Perfect for travel or everyday toting! Available at Sephora now.

LORAC Hollywood Heat Set

Get a California glow with LORAC’s latest gift set, which includes a Bronze Bombshell Eye Shadow Trio, a mini Hot & Spicy Blush/Bronzer Duo, a travel-size TANtalizer Body Bronzing Luminizer, and a mini Mocktail Flavored Lip Gloss in Tropical Dream. At $35, this summer set is a steal! Find it exclusively at Sephora.

Philosophy Never Let Them See You Shine Velvet Touch Primer

This new mattifying primer from Philosophy promises to dramatically reduce oil production, leaving you with a smooth canvas for your makeup. Touted as an alternative to blotting papers, the primer contains a powerful anti-irritant cocktail that enhances skin exfoliating and trans-epidermal water loss. Sounds good to me! And at $20 (much less than Smashbox’s Photofinish Primer), its definitely worth a try! Find it at Sephora for $20.

Bliss Lover Handler

Does the idea of getting into your bikini this summer fill you with horror? Well this is the product for you. The unique formula contains an extended 8 hour caffeine release and mint oil to help increase circulation. The product should be applied to the stomach area once or twice a day and apparently clinical studies showed that over 50 per cent of women reported an improvement in tone and contour. The best thing about it? - It gets working in just two weeks, so there’s no time to ‘waist’(!) girls. The product retails at $36 and can be found at Sephora.

Murad Age Spot & Pigment Lightening Gel

There is no greater beauty frustration than having bad skin. What’s worse - even after beating acne we’re left with scars and discoloration to remind us of our struggle. Well, no more! Murad Age Spot & Pigment Lightening Gel promises to fade those scars and improve skin’s clarity by exfoliating skin cells and brightening it with the number one brightening agent, Hydroquinone. Purchase wherever Murad is found (including Sephora) for $58.

Cosmedicine Healthy Cleanse Foaming Cleanser & Toner in One To Go

This two-in-one facial product is perfect for traveling - when you’re skin is especially dry and irritable. Its a non-stripping face wash with witch hazel, a natural toner. It promises to remove makeup, cleanse and tone skin all in one easy step, without any irritation! In clinical trials, participants saw a 94% reduction in oiliness and an 85% reduction in sebum immediately after use, with zero irritation to the skin or eyes. Best of all, its only $10 and airplane friendly (under 4 oz.). Purchase at Sephora.

Too Faced Tanning Bed in a Tube

There’s a buzz surrounding Too Faced’s new Tanning Bed in a Tube, and for good reason. Its a gradual self tanner that promises no streaks or orange tints - just a gorgeous beachy glow. TBiaT imparts an instant bronze glow while it develops your perfect tan - so you don’t have to wait! It retails at Sephora for $22.50.

Anastasia’s Tweezers Anonymous

For the over-plucker, this kit is sure to get your brows back in shape. The kit features a compilation of Anastasia’s best products, including Brow Enhancing Serum (”a gel-based formula designed to help condition, repair, and restore over-plucked and undernourished brows” - Sephora), Brow Stix three-piece stencil set, Duo Brow Wand (”a new powder featuring a dual-sided applicator with Brunette and Ash Blonde Brow Powders”), and a Mini Duo Brush. The set retails at Sephora for $55.

Medi-morphosis Self Adjusting Exfoliator To Go

A Sephora exclusive,this little tube contains a highly effective exfoliator with special stop-action crystals that adjust to individual needs and pinpoint areas requiring more attention. Its perfect for all skin types as it automatically eliminates the potential for overdoing the exfoliation process (shuts off when uniform smoothness, brightness, and luminosity are achieved). It promises to accelerate the release of cellular debris, roughness, dullness, and skin damage (without the risk of irritation, redness, and sensitivity), help erase the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, help fade pigmentation and age spots, perfect skin’s appearance, and refine pores. Best of all, its only $12.50 at Sephora.

Max Factor Erace Secret Cover-Up

Style.com says that this concealer comes in a “user-friendly matte cream formula (just stroke on and blend with a fingertip)” that expertly conceals under-eye circles and blemishes. Best of all, its only $4.75 at drugstores!

02m.jpg

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Red Lipstick in RD165

Touted as complexion-flattering, these new moisture-rich lipsticks are made up of hybrid pigments “un-replicated by others” to give women of every skintone a red that works for her. Finally! With a ceramide shield to keep your lips moisturized and comfortable, this new lipstick promises to be a spring must-have! For shade choices, go to shuuemura-usa.com. Available at Sephora or shuuemura-usa.com. $23

1057_ver_lg.jpg

Ted Gibson Brazen Brown Shampoo

Those who color their hair know that keeping color vibrant can take frequent touch-ups. Enter Ted Gibson’s color-depositing shampoos. They are “intensely moisturizing” and contain temporary hair color to prevent fading and keep your locks looking vibrant! These color saving shampoos also contain jojoba extract and silk protein infusion to keep hair protected from harmful environmental damage. Purchase at Sephora.com or tedgibsonbeauty.com. 10 fl oz: $36.00



Anthony Logistics for Men - A Clean Start Kit

* NOTE: In an effort to bring you the best in beauty, we’re expanding our reviews to include men’s products. My boyfriend has graciously agreed to do the first review. Show him some love! xoxo, Crystal

Using a high-end shaving kit is a lot like tasting a high-end ketchup—no matter how exotic or decadent it is, you just can’t shake the fact that it doesn’t taste like the good ol’ Heinz you grew up with. So when my beautiful girlfriend Crystal surprised me with A Clean Start Kit by Anthony Logistics for Men, I hesitantly stuffed the old Gillette can into the cabinet and embarked on a taste of the finer life. And just like a fancy ketchup, I was put off at first, but now I’m hooked—with a couple caveats.

A Clean Start Kit is a starter pack of shaving essentials, including a travel sized facial scrub, glycolic facial cleanser, shave cream, after shave, and a tube of lip balm for good measure. The set comes in a package that is neither too tacky nor too metro, and includes a small sheet with handy shaving tips. (Did you know that you should wait 20 minutes after waking before shaving? I didn’t.)

The glycolic facial cleaner and facial scrub were the biggest disappointments. The scrub was decent, but didn’t have that intense, deep-clean feel you might get from a far cheaper drugstore brand. The cleanser had a viscous consistency that felt greasy on the skin. They both washed off just fine and I can’t say I’ve had any acne in the past month, but you’ll find cheaper products at the drugstore that both make you look and feel clean.

The shaving products are the real winners here. Just a pea-sized squirt of the shave cream was enough to cover most of my face with a thin, soapy coat—nothing like the thick Cool Whip-esque gunk of most creams. My razor was in heaven: a couple slides down the face and the hairs glided off, leaving my chin softer than I’ve felt it since I was twelve. The after shave is also nice and does the job of cooling down the razor burn while moisturizing at the same time, although I would’ve preferred something a little less goopy and heavy feeling. Both products have a subtle minty scent that make you feel oh-so-GQ.

The kit is a sweet set that even the most machismo guys might appreciate, but if you’re buying it for yourself amigos, I’d stick to the shave cream and the aftershave. Sometimes even ketchup can use an upgrade.

Where to find it: Find some Anthony Logistics for Men products at Bath & Body Works, and the full line at Sephora. Or, purchase online at anthony.com. Retails for $40.



Celebrity Make-up Masterclass

Named one of the sexist film stars in history, Brigitte Bardot is a true style icon. The french-born beauty has a distinctive image and makeup-style which is sought after by many modern celebrities. Her look is fairly simple to emulate, here at Beauty or Bust we have decided to have a go for ourselves, so here is the definitive guide to re-creating the look.

STEP 1: Use a primer to create a smooth base. Try Benefit Dr Feelgood. Then use a mattifying foundation such as Clinque Stay True Foundation.

STEP 2: Apply a light color to entire eye, try MAC Samoa Silk.

STEP 3: Start to apply heavy eye-liner. Use a liquid formula, such as Revlon Colorstay to create a dramatic line, sweeping the brush outwards at the corners of the eye (to create a point at the far outer corners of the eye. Make sure you have covered the entire circumference of the eye.

STEP 4: Use a dark eyeshadow (MAC Black Tied is a great color) on the lids of the eyes and smudge into the eyeliner to create a smoky, smouldering look.

STEP 5: Apply false lashes to the upper lashes only, try Revlon Fantasy Length False Lashes. The best way to put them on this is by applying the glue to the edge of the false set of lashes, leave it for a few seconds and then press firmly along the top lash line. Once in place apply mascara over the top. Use a voluminous mascara such as Maybelline Volume Express.

STEP 6: Its fine to leave brows natural, as long as they are well-groomed. Put some clear gel or Vaseline through them to make sure they stay in place.

STEP 7: Finish off with powder and natural blusher, a pinkish tone like Maybelline Expert Blush in Precious Pink works best. Use a neutral shade on lips such as Cover Girl TruShine in shade 470.



Best of the Beauty Blogs

THE BEST NEW BEAUTY POSTS - Monday, July 14

Get amazingly-soft skin! All About the Pretty swoons over Philosophy’s new Amazing Grace Buffing Wash.

For berry pretty lips, try this! Shannon at Makeup Minute reviews Urban Apothecary’s Mineral Lip Tint SPF 15.

Packaging makes all the difference! Jeni at Savvy Skin tells you which new moisturizer to buy (hint: it comes in a tube).

This summer, indulge! Editors at Allure are gushing over Jo Malone’s Vitamin E Body Treatment.



Sephora Deal of the Week for Beauty Insiders ONLY!
July 14, 2008, 3:34 pm
Filed under: > Sephora, Beauty Sales | Tags: , , ,

Place any order on Sephora.com and receive a sampler set including a Bare Escentuals Baby Buki Brush and a one-time use mini bareMinerals foundation! Quantities are limited, so get yours now! Enter FOUNDATION at checkout.

* Note: You MUST be a Beauty Insider to get this deal. Join today for free at Sephora.com.




Estee Lauder
July 14, 2008, 2:38 pm
Filed under: > Macy's, Beauty Sales | Tags: ,

NEW MACY’S ONLINE OFFER

Free Estee Lauder Sample duo with any Estee Lauder purchase!



Bvlgari
July 14, 2008, 2:34 pm
Filed under: > Macy's, Beauty Sales | Tags: , ,

NEW MACY’S ONLINE OFFER

Complimentary Sample of Bvlgari Omnia Amethyste with your Bvlgari Fragrance purchase!



Elizabeth Arden
July 14, 2008, 2:31 pm
Filed under: > Macy's, Beauty Sales | Tags: ,

NEW MACY’S ONLINE OFFER!

I love my gift! Free Elizabeth Arden Gift with $24.50 Elizabeth Arden Purchase! Plus free shipping and full size 8 Hour Cream with your $55 Elizabeth Arden Purchase! 



Ulta Beauty Sales!

Ulta’s having some serious sales this week! Several items are BOGO or 50% off. Spend at least $10 and save $3.50!

  • Buy 1, get 1 FREE on L’Oreal Revitalift Daily Moisturizing Cream with SPF 15
  • Buy 1, get 1 FREE on select ULTA Haircare
  • Buy 1, get 1 50% off on Garnier Nutrisse, 100% Color or Color Breaks Haircolor
  • Buy any L’Oreal Foundation and receive a FREE L’Oreal blush, powder or concealer
  • Buy 1, get 1 FREE on L’Oreal Lip Colour
  • Buy 1, get 1 50% on Tresemme
  • Buy 1, get 1 50% on Samy
  • Buy 1, get 1 50% off on Marc Anthony Haircare
  • Buy 1, get 1 50% off on LaCoupe Haircare
  • Buy 1, get 1 50% off on Charles Worthington Haircare
  • Buy 1, get 1 FREE on John Frieda Color Care Haircare
  • Buy 2, get 1 FREE on Prestige Cosmetics
  • Buy 1, get 1 FREE on NYC New York Color Cosmetics
  • Buy 1, get 1 50% off on L’Oreal Preference, Excellence or Natural Match Haircolor
  • Buy 1, get 1 50% off on Clairol Nice N Easy, Natural Instincts or Herbal Essences Haircolor
  • Buy 1, get 1 50% off on Neutrogena Haircare
  • Buy 1, get 1 50% off on Pantene Pro V, Expressions or Restoratives Haircare
  • 15% off Herbal Essences Haircare
  • Buy 2, get 1 FREE on Physician’s Formula Cosmetics
  • Buy 2, get 1 FREE on Borghese Nail Color and Nail Treatment
  • 3 for $10 on Maybelline Great Lash, Expert Eyes Single Eye Shadow and Express Finish Nail
  • 2 for $10 on any Almay Eye Cosmetics
  • Buy 1, get 1 free on any L’Oreal Mascara, Eye Liner or Eye Shadow
  • Buy 1, get 1 FREE on Revlon Limited Edition
  • Buy 1, get 1 FREE on Revlon Color Stay
  • Buy 1, get one free on select Designer Sunglasses


Best of the Beauty Blogs

THE BEST NEW BEAUTY POSTS - Friday, 7/11

Get great abs in minutes flat! Shannon at Makeup Minute tells you how to get the look with It Cosmetics.

Never underestimate the power of a groomed brow! Cybele at Cybele Says suggests Anastasia products for perfect brows.

Metal-heads rejoice! Editors at Allure are loving Kevyn Aucoin’s Liquid Metal Eye Shadow in Bronze.

Get clean the gentle way! Christine at 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic recommends H20 Plus Marine Cleansing Gel for gentle cleansing.



Get a Make-up Masterclass
July 11, 2008, 2:01 pm
Filed under: Everyday Beauty | Tags: , , , ,

Across both sides of the pond we have a bunch of make-over shows which tell us how to make the best of our looks - I’m thinking of shows like Ten Years Younger and What Not to Wear. What I love most about these programmes is the make-up lessons they give. I decided I was going to do a little research and find out about how to get my very own make-up masterclass.

Firstly, if you go into a department store such as Macy’s they will often give you a mini make-over and provide you with a mirror throughout so you can see exactly how to apply all the products. My sister and I used to take advantage of this at the MAC store! Even in smaller shops, such as Body Shop, they provide a make-over service if you just ask (and obviously take an interest in their products). But if you want to get a make-up masterclass from your sitting room, then You Tube has a bunch of short videos which you can browse through, such as Ruby Hammer’s on the go-make up tips, check out the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NyXVHuBW3U.

However, if you want more detailed advice and guidance you may want to think about purchasing a video or DVD. Check out Alexis Vogel Makeup Instruction Videos which are sold exclusively on Makeup Connection. You can also check out make-up websites which offer online tutorials such as Barry M. They have brilliant guides to all the latest looks that you can achieve with their products. Also, remember that if you have any questions most websites now feature the ability to have a live chat or ask an expert, so make sure you take advantage of this - they may take a while getting back to you though, so be patient!