my beauty faves...

i share many products that i enjoy and grow to love with you here in BGM. and while i have nothing against this {that's the point of keeping this blog after all}, i've realized that the majority of the recent product reviews have been that of products sent to me by the brands.

one thing i don't want is for you to think is that i never buy anything {so not the case}! i buy many products. in fact, now that my daughter is 13 {and quite the budding makeup and hair aficionado if i do say so myself}, i've discovered and purchased items i wouldn't normally consider {so fun!}. i've also enjoyed introducing her to my classic must-haves.

unfortunately, when it comes to reviews, it's those products that always seem to get put on the back burner! so, i'm making it my goal to share my thoughts about those goodies more often...

:)

all of this is to say, i'm here today to share my love for the products i use every day.

my must-haves.

my i'd-be-devastated-if-they-stopped-making-this items...
you have those, right? of course you do! well...these are mine.

take a look...

St Ives Naturally Indulgent Lotion ~ Coconut Milk & Orchid Extract
a simply splendid lotion; from the smell to the fact that it leaves my skin moisturized beautifully without feeling heavy or sticky, i used this beauty year round.


Anastasia Perfect Brow Pencil ~ Soft Brown
i visited the brow salon years ago and was introduced to the range of fabulous products. from tweezers to an amazing brow gel, i love this line. the pencil, however is one i grab most often since it's so easy and the color is perfect. for a natural everyday look it's a great shade for everyone, regardless of hair color.

MAC lip pencil ~ Spice
a makeup bag must-have for many beauty girls, i'm sure. this neutral lip liner is fabulous because it works with any shade of lipstick you want to wear, and is even fine to wear on its own.

MAC Pressed Blot Powder ~ Dark
love, love, love this powder! it's great as a foundation setter, but is at its best when it does its main job ~ combating shine without adding additional color.

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup ~ 5W1 Bronze
i don't know how to describe my absolute love for this foundation. it will always be the one i go back to. it covers every imperfection, flaw and discoloration with ease, leaving my skin with an amazing finish and it feels like i'm wearing nothing at all.


L'Oreal True Match Blush ~ Apricot Kiss
i've been using this amazing peachy-pink shade for years and i haven't grown tired of it it the least. it has just the right amount of shimmer to always gives me a fresh glow and makes me feel so pretty.


Neutrogena Gentle One Step Makeup Cleanser
sensational for removing makeup {even long-wearing products} and is so gentle. no stinging to my eyes and a little goes a long way.

Neutrogena Gentle Makeup Remover Towelettes
i love how effective these towelettes are at taking off my makeup. like the cleanser i've never experienced irritation or eye sting from these.


tell me: what are your go-to, must-haves-no-matter-what-new-product-comes-along products? 

pics taken by me :)

5 Expert Tips for Gorgeous, Glowing Skin

actresses Rachel Bilson and Vera Farmiga flaunt glowing complexions every time they step onto the red carpet. these ladies regularly turn to Dr. Debra Jaliman, board-certified dermatologist {and author of the new book, Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist} to keep their skin in top shape.

i'm happy to say that i have 5 tips from the doctor herself, so you and i can also achieving celeb-worthy skin! and because i feel it's my beauty-loving duty, i'll add my "two-cents" with product suggestions. enjoy...

tip #1: remove makeup before going to sleep ~ Dr. Jaliman says, "i cannot emphasize this enough: never go to bed without cleansing your face. if you don't, the results will be clogged pores and breakouts. if you’re really too exhausted to wash your face with water and cleanser, at least have cleansing pads by your bed and use them to wipe makeup off."

cleansing wipes are a must-have for any beauty girl! my faves include MAC Wipes and Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes.

tip #2: exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate ~ "even the best skin in the world will look dull if it's not well exfoliated. you can exfoliate on a daily basis with your cotton washcloth or a disposable cotton pad and a cleanser. if you have normal or oily skin, in addition to your daily exfoliation, once or twice a week use something stronger, like a scrub with fine granules or microspheres," advises Dr. Jaliman.

this couldn't be more true! for my oily skin i use a washcloth daily and reach for ExfoliKate by Kate Somerville for more intense exfoliation 2-3 times a week.

tip #3: the wrong makeup can make acne worse ~ "people with acne cannot use heavy foundations and oily concealers, period. i've had several celebrity clients whose acne did not clear up until i personally spoke to their makeup artists -- all that heavy TV makeup was ruining my carefully prescribed skincare regimen. every major makeup company now makes oil-free and non-comedogenic foundations. people with very oily skin can use mineral foundations, which keep skin matte longer."

when it comes to mineral makeup, i love BareMinerals and CoverFX, but i recently started using a powder foundation from a brand called Mia Mariu. they offer fabulous botanical products and a full line of mineral color cosmetics {i'll be featuring my experience soon}.

tip #4: don't wait until wrinkles appear to start using anti-aging products ~ "collagen production starts decreasing in the late twenties, so that's when people should start using retinols, antioxidants and collagen boosters, especially around the eyes," says Jaliman.

when it come to skincare, prevention is always the best {i have my mom to thank for that knowledge}. though, i admit, i thought it was a little silly to begin using anti-aging products when i had no wrinkles in my mid-twenties, but i am definitely glad i did {still no wrinkles at 32!}. when it comes to anti-aging products, my go-to products come from Estee Lauder and L'Oreal.

tip #5: store your makeup and skincare in the fridge ~ ;"the warm, steamy environment of the bathroom makes products deteriorate faster. if you have very expensive creams or have bought several jars of lipsticks that you don't use every day, keep them in the fridge for best results," recommends Dr. Jaliman.

i love this tip! for eye creams, the cold temp of any formula on the skin will help decrease any puffiness; for face creams, especially since it's summer, this makes for a refreshing treat.

hope these tips have taught you something new-- many thanks to Dr. Jaliman! visit her website and stay tuned -- i'll be bringing you my thoughts on her book, Skin Rules soon.

Joan Smalls Named Estee Lauder's Newest Global Spokesmodel

last week, the Estee Lauder brand announced it signed Joan Smalls, one of fashion’s rising runway and editorial stars, as a new face of their cosmetics and skincare line. Joan, who is from puerto rico, will join the brand's roster of global beauties (Hilary Rhoda, Carolyn Murphy, Elizabeth Hurley, Constance Jablonski and Liu Wen) and debut in global advertising campaigns beginning in may 2011.

as the third new model signed to EL this year, Joan is a fabulous addition. says Aerin Lauder, senior vice president, "her smile, warmth and positive energy are perfect for the Estee Lauder brand."

Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Global Brand President, adds, "we are thrilled to introduce Joan to women around the world. she truly reflects Estee Lauder's modern vision of global beauty."





a little background on Joan: she made her debut in the world of high fashion in january 2010 when she was featured as the exclusive model for Ricardo Tisci's Givenchy F/W 2010 Couture show in paris. she has quickly ascended to fashion's top ranks by appearing on the runways in new york, paris and milan, for designers including Marc Jacobs, Prada, Gucci, Jil Sander, Derek Lam, Givenchy and Louis Vuitton.

Joan has also become a favorite of top fashion photographers including Mario Testino, Steven Meisel, Patrick Demarchelier, Mikael Jansson, David Sims and Craig McDean. she has appeared in editorials in the american, french, german and italian editions of Vogue, as well as in Interview and I.D. Magazine.

great addition, don't you think?

xo

Introducing New Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss

as usual, i'm excited to share with you a new product collection! Pure Color Gloss from Estee Lauder is a collection of 34 seductive shades in 3 brilliant finishes and includes a custom collection by world-renowned makeup artist and Estee Lauder creative makeup director Tom Pecheux.



the collection features the brand's exclusive True Vision™ Technology, which wraps pigments in a crystal-like coating to provide intense, brilliant color and shine to lips.

sounds so luxe, right?



the new Pure Color Gloss collection will be available at all Estee Lauder counters nationwide and esteelauder.com beginning mid-june 2010.

Pure Color Gloss Custom Collection by Tom Pecheux features 6 high-performing shades-- his secret weapon for creating runway looks from avant-guard to natural femininity.



the limited-edition Pure Color Gloss Custom Collection by Tom Pecheux will be available exclusively at Nordstrom stores nationwide and nordstrom.com also beginning mid-june 2010.

i'm intrigued and can't wait to try these lippies! what about you?

xo
info and images courtesy of Estee Lauder

Estee Lauder Names Two New Global Faces

today it was announced that Estee Lauder has signed two new spokesmodels. these women are two of fashion's brightest runway and editorial stars-- french model Constance Jablonski and chinese model Liu Wen.

"Estee Lauder has always searched for global beauties that define a generation," said Aerin Lauder, senior vice president, creative director, Estee Lauder. "Constance and Liu Wen are the beauties of our time. both models have quickly captured the attention of the fashion and beauty world."

Constance and Liu will join the roster along with current models Hilary Rhoda, Carolyn Murphy, Elizabeth Hurley and Gwyneth Paltrow. look for them to debut in global advertising campaigns beginning june 2010.


xo

Estee Lauder Wants to Play Makeover!

have you ever wanted to see what you'd look like wearing a certain shade of lipstick, blush or eyeshadow before buying it? then you're in luck, Estee Lauder has just launched their new Virtual Makeover Widget-- the first-ever branded makeup widget of its kind that allows online customers see how makeup products will look on their own face before buying.

working with TAAZ.com to create the most realistic visual experience, this new state-of-the-art technology enables you to play with the entire Estée Lauder makeup collection. from customizing looks product by product to instantly applying 'one click looks' from current advertising campaigns and new color collections, you'll discover what the shimmer of the brand's eyeshadow or the wet shine of their lipgloss will really look like on you.

you can download the Estée Lauder Virtual Makeover Widget to your desktop or social media page, upload your own photo and do anything from finding the right foundation and lipstick to discovering your best blush and eyeliner-- the possible looks are endless!

so what are you waiting for? head over to EsteeLauder.com and have some fun!

xo

Fall Beauty 2009: Estee Lauder Sensuous Gold Collection

i know, it's sweltering outside, but the fall color collections are launching as i type. one of them being Estee Lauder's limited edition Sensuous Gold, a uniquely feminine, luxurious new color collection. this amazing collection is inspired by the ease and sensuality of the season's fashions.

the colors have been created to give skin a luminous, warm, radiant look, while eyes are delicately defined in soft shades of golden amber and peach accented by rich, regal amethyst. lips are luxuriously dressed for the season in sateen finishes of coppery nudes and supple plums. Sensuous Gold creates a look that is at once sophisticated, luxurious and naturally feminine.




Signature Eyeshadow Quad
for a dramatic look or subtle glamour, these palettes make it easy, enabling you to mix, match and blend each of the four eyeshadow tablets to expertly create the look you want. packaged in a specially designed signature compact that has been dressed in rose golden for an ultra-luxe look and feel, the Signature Eyeshadow Quads make precision application a breeze with its coordinating dual ended applicators.

*Rose Gold
*Rose Amethyst


Shimmer Powder
a luxurious handcrafted, marbleized domed face powder of illuminating rose gold tones that shimmer like precious minerals. inspired by italian marble crafts and artistry, the mineralized powder provides a dimensional, yet natural shimmer in a perfectly sheer wash of luminous color.

*Gilded Rose




Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick
packaged in a contemporary new rose gold color fluted case, the lipstick features a multi-dimensional pearl overlay for an added touch of shimmering illumination.

*Rose Amethyst
*Plum Amethyst
*Plum Terracotta
*Cinnamon




Pure Color Multi-Shimmer Gloss
sensuous, high shine, emollient gloss features three tones of semi-precious color in one elegant package, which when opened, combine together into one perfect shimmering shade that can be applied alone or over lipstick for a sensual lip look.

*Rose Gold
*Rose Amethyst


Pure Color Nail Lacquer

*Black Amethyst
*Rose Gold

available now, visit esteelauder.com to see and order the Sensuous Gold collection-- here's to a gorgeous fall season!

xo

Estee Lauder Giving Away 250,000 Samples of NEW Advanced Night Repair

mark your calendars, ladies! this thursday (tomorrow!), july 23rd, Estée Lauder will kick off its largest sampling program to date- America's Night to Repair. for 4 synchronized hours 5pm to 9pm (all local times)– Estée Lauder beauty advisors will be distributing 250,000 10-day samples of new Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex at ALL Estée Lauder department and specialty store counters nationwide– one per customer while supplies last!

visit esteelauder.com/AdvancedNightRepair for additional information



i've been using the deluxe sample i received from the brand for over a month, and have to say, if you aren't already using Advanced Night Repair, you will want to take advantage of this offer! this serum is amazing-- the formula, with 20 patents worldwide, is lightweight, hydrating and helps skin rebuild the damage that may have been caused to it.

though i don't have significant signs of aging, i've noticed my skin appears to have a rested appearance even though i haven't been getting great sleep. i have also been spending more time in the sun than i like (with sunscreen of course), so i know this is keeping my skin hydrated and nourished as i sleep.

xo

review: Estee Lauder DayWear Plus

who doesn't love a GWP? they are definitely one of my favorite things, and a true incentive for buying something you may have been putting off. with a little gift with purchase encouragement, i'm typically more likely to buy something i've been eye-balling for awhile. enter Estee Lauder's DayWear Plus, a little gem of a moisturizer plus spf that happened to be in the last two Estee Lauuder GWPs.

DayWear Plus is not only excellent at moisturizing, but it is refreshing with its cucumber scent-- yes, cucumber! it couldn't have come at a better time either. the first time i received it in an itty-bitty jar and the weather was hinting at warming up. from first use, i had to add it to my must-buy-in-full-size list simply because of the smell (not always the best thing, i know-- i didn't even know how my skin would react). needless to say, after a couple of weeks (i only used it once a day), i loved it, and it was gone. ugh, so sad! but, a couple of weeks later, i was in for a surprise...



it just so happened that about a week later i needed to get more foundation. since my fave is from the some brand, and because of the price, i received a new GWP-- a great tote filled with goodies-- including my beloved DayWear Plus, in a bigger size! i could hold off another month or so buying it in the full size. don't you love when that happens?

DayWear Plus comes in two formulas-- dry, and the one i have, normal/combination skin-- they each offer a blend of antioxidant ingredients (grape seed and a combination of vitamins C and E), and both come in the same amazing cucumber scent-- the spf is a bonus!

find Estee Lauder DayWear Plus at your nearest Estee Lauder beauty counter and online at esteelauder.com

xo
pics taken by me :)

Estee Lauder Gift With Purchase

right now you can receive a fabulous gift with purchase on Estee Lauder's website! no code is necessary and with any $39.50 purchase, you can choose your own moisturizer (choose one for prevention, anti-wrinkle, even skintone or lifting/firming), makeup (warm or cool shades), and every gift includes a vial of Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia eau de parfum spray. all of it fits perfectly into the City Square cosmetics bag- it looks very chic and roomy enough to add anything else you may want to tote around.

i personally will be ordering more of my favorite foundation and either a new Double Wear Stay-In-Place Eyeshadow in Precious Jade or an Eye Pencil in Black Plum

this offer is good until june 14 or while supplies last. visit esteelauder.com right now and happy shopping!

xo

Award-Winning Beauty: CEW Winners List

this past weekend Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) announced the winners of its 2009 Beauty Awards! what's so great about that, you ask? in a nut shell, the following is a list of products that represent the best in beauty...

"women don't want to make buying mistakes. they’re looking for performance and value. with the CEW Beauty Awards, consumers have the advice of more than 4,000 beauty experts to lead them to the best products the industry has to offer," says Carlotta Jacobson, CEW president.

these are the creme de la creme ladies, so take a look (and notes if you need to). these are the 2009 CEW Beauty Awards winners:

bath and body:

body treatment-- mass
Avon Products, Inc. Anew Clinical Professional Stretch Mark Smoother

body treatment-- prestige
Ojon Tawaka "The Ball"

scented bath & body-- mass
Vickery & Clarke Natural Apothecary Eucalyptus & Peppermint Cold & Sinus Soak

scented bath & body-- prestige
Fresh Fig Apricot Bath and Shower Gel



facial skincare

acne treatment
Clean & Clear Advantage Blackhead Eraser Exfoliating Cleanser

anti-aging-- mass
Olay Regenerist 14 Day Skin Intervention

anti-aging-- prestige
Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector

cleanser & scrub-- mass
Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser and Deep Clean Foaming Pads

cleanser & scrub-- prestige
Fresh Appleseed Brightening Exfoliant

eye treatment-- mass
Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller

eye treatment- prestige
Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Eye Treatment

moisturizer-- mass
Olay Definity Color Recapture

moisturizer-- prestige
Estee Lauder Time Zone Line and Wrinkle Reducing Moisturizer SPF 15


hair

hair care, style & coloring- mass
Avon Products, Inc. Advance Techniques Grey Root Touch-Up

hair care, style & coloring-- prestige
Living Proof, Inc. Straight Making No Frizz Styling Cream for Medium to Thick Hair


makeup

eye product-- mass
L'Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara

eye product-- prestige
Lancome Oscillation

face product-- mass
CoverGirl Simply Ageless Foundation

face product-- prestige
Giorgio Armani Face Fabric Foundation

lip product-- mass
Avon Products, Inc. Pro-To-Go Lipstick

lip product-- prestige
YSL Rouge Volupte Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick SPF 15



men's grooming

men's grooming
ZIRH Holdings LLC Drenched



scent

men's scent
PUIG USA Prada Infusion d'Homme Eau de Toilette Spray
fragrance supplier: Givaudan

women's scent-- mass
Avon Products, Inc. Bond Girl 007
fragrance supplier: Firmenich

women's scent-- prestige
Harajuku Lovers Fragrances "G"
fragrance supplier: Fragrance Resources



sun

sun product-- mass
Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Spray SPF 70

sun product-- prestige
Clarins Delicious Self Tanning Cream



Indie Beauty Award
NIA 24


tell me: are any of these products in your beauty arsenal?

congrats to all the winners!

xo

Mother's Day Gift Ideas from Estee Lauder

still looking for a gift for your mom? thankfully, it's still not too late to purchase a gift she'll love. i think fragrance can makes a good gift, but can be difficult to give. since this is your mom, you should her well enough to choose a scent she will adore, and it just so happens that Estee Lauder has some great gift sets to offer!



if she enjoys the simple Pleasures in life, celebrate her day with the best of its little pleasures. the Estee Lauder pleasures Best of All fragrance gift set is wrapped in an exclusive, Mother's Day themed box. the sheer, spirited fragrance comes in a trio of products that include a 3.4oz eau de parfum spray, 2.5 oz body lotion and a 2.5oz bath and shower gel.



keep it Classic. the White Linen Fresh Classics fragrance gift set guarantees a happy mother. the soft, crisp, citrus scent is the perfect mix of casual luxury that is perfect for everyday. this modern classic collection includes a 3oz parfum spray, 2.5oz body lotion and 2.5oz bath and shower gel.



she may not be Perfect, but she did the best she could, right? captivate her with the Estee Lauder Youth Dew Always Perfect fragrance gift set. this trio of opulent flowers, rich spices and heavy woods include a 2.25oz eau de parfum spray, 2.5 oz body satinee and a 3.5oz perfumed soap.



have you told her she's Beautiful inside and out? show her you care this Mother's Day with the gift of a thousand flowers. the Beautiful Romantic Favorites fragrance gift set is wrapped in an exclusive, contemporary floral print box and includes a 2.5oz eau de parfum spray, 2.5oz perfumed body lotion and 2.5oz bath and shower gelee.



even mom wants to feel Sensuous. for this consider the Estee Lauder Sensuous Mother's Day fragrance gift set featuring the woodsy, intimate scent in three elegant luxuries including a 3.4oz eau de parfum spray, 2.5oz satin body lotion and 2.5oz silken shower creme.

xo

Estee Lauder Pleasures Limited-Edition Splash Collection

the Estee Lauder Pleasures fragrance was created in 1995, and has since become a much-loved scent. now the brand wants you to experience one of "life's simple pleasures" in three new refreshing ways. it's Pleasures, transformed into refreshing splashes light enough to wear all over your body.

drawing from Pleasures' liveliest notes, each Splash is a light-hearted, high-spirited blend that pays tribute to the iconic fragrance:


Baie Rose Peony Splash is a fresh floral scent that brings together the exotic spiciness of baie rose and the delicate beauty of peonies. tender and luscious, this floral wonder is infused with delicate petals of lily, rose and peony, gently wrapped with wet green leaves for a drenched-in-nature sensation, while baie rose and a warm skin accord balance the feminine floralcy with soft sensuality and comfort.



Jasmine Violet Splash is a green floral scent that blends fresh violet leaves with the rich floralcy of jasmine that can only suggest sheer indulgence. a composition of pure beauty, tuberose and jasmine petals are blended for an intensely exotic, yet weightless white floralcy, while wet, crisp cucumber and velvety violet leaves offer their green freshness. finishing it off is a touch of carnation, which adds a cool spiciness and sense of mystery.



Sandalwood Amber Splash is a woody oriental scent that blends the smooth richness of golden amber with the warm creaminess of prized sandalwood. sensual and warm, this deep blend instantly seduces you with its magic. hints of orange and lemon add a zesty freshness, while karo karounde offers its intoxicating richness. spikes of pepper add vitality to the warmth and creaminess of amber, sandalwood and the nuzzly smoothness of the warm skin accord.

each Pleasures Splash fragrance comes packaged in a delightful carton adorned with graphic, blooming flowers in rich shades of pink, purple and peach, and each splash is presented in a corresponding 8.1oz fragrance bottle, inviting you to lavishly splash it all-over your body for an indulgent treat.

don't these sound lovely? i can't wait to smell each of them! they're all available now at your local Estee Lauder beauty counter and online for a limited time at esteelauder.com

xo

FOTD: My St. Patrick's Day Look

for st. patty's day, and since i'm not of fan of green lipstick (i know, ha ha), i decided to do a little green on the eyes. i haven't worn greens in awhile, so i welcomed the chance to do something a little different.

on my eyes: Wet N Wild Mega Eyes eyeshadow in Amazon Greens, L'Oreal HiP High Intensity Pigments Illuminating Highlighter (this item seems to be unavailable in stores anymore), MAC Eyeshadow in Texture, Wet N Wild Kohl Eyeliner in Deep Blue, Cargo Plant Love Eyeliner in Black, Maybelline the Colossal Volum Express Mascara layered over Maybelline Lash Stiletto (stay tuned for my video review!).

on my brows: Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Medium Ash

on my face: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Makeup in Bronze, Hourglass Veil Invisible Powder (this is another i have yet to officially review although it has been featured many times before here on BGM).

on my cheeks: Bobbi Brown Copper Diamond Shimmer Brick as a highlight and MAC Beauty Powder Blush in Ablaze (this was a limited edition color).

on my lips: J. Lynne Cosmetics Gloss Effects Lip Glaze in Sandra




xo
pics taken by me :)

Summer Beauty 2009: Estee Lauder Vivid Garden Summer Color Collection

Estee Lauder introduces Vivid Garden-- a fairytale-like limited edition color collection for summer 2009. with pops of floral bright colors for a look of youthful vibrancy; graphic elements and shades of teal, lime, and aquamarine complement vivid pinks and playful purples for eyes, while cheeks blush with a luminous sheer glow and lips tantalize with saturated pigments in creamy textures and sheer glazes.

there are two looks for this collection, Jasmine Garden (pictured below) and Orchid Garden




base look for face:

new, limited edition Vivid Garden Illuminating Powder
new, limited edition Duo-Tone Eye Pencil in Onyx Pearl

to create the Jasmine Garden Look (available only at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's and Neiman Marcus):

new, limited edition Signature Eyeshadow Quad in Jasmine Garden
new, limited edition Pure Color Illuminating Gloss in Lotus Blossom
Pure Color Crystal Lipstick in new, limited edition Sweet Lychee
Pure Color Nail Lacquer in new, limited edition Lotus Blossom


to create the Orchid Garden Look (exclusively at Nordstrom):

new, limited edition Signature Eyeshadow Quad in Orchid Garden
new, limited edition Pure Color Illuminating Gloss in Peach Blossom
Pure Color Crystal Lipstick in Crystal Coral
Pure Color Nail Lacquer in new, limited edition Peach Blossom


xo

review: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup is a long-wearing oil-free foundation that gives flawless coverage and an amazing finish. this foundation has become my new favorite liquid foundation and i have my good friend Nicole to thank.

in all of our conversations no matter what, at some point, Nicole and i always get on the subject of beauty products. one day she asked me if i had tried Double Wear (i hadn't), and that she was so thrilled with how her skin looked when she wore it, i had to try it ASAP.

and because i'm never one to turn down such an enthusiastic recommendation...i tried it.

and i tell you, it's amazing! i picked up a sample in my perfect shade of bronze (love Estee Lauder for that!), but of course after using it for a few days, i knew i'd have to purchase it.

Double Wear goes on my skin beautifully, the finish is gorgeous and my skin looks great all day thanks to it's 15-hour staying power. i also love that it let's my skin breath-- it doesn't clog my pores or cause any unnecessary breakouts (who needs that?); the coverage is medium, but buildable (that means even, flawless skin), and it has an spf of 10 (i wear a separate spf, but it's always good to know that this has it as well).

i love it-- thanks Nicole! :)

find Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup (also available in a lighter-weight version) at your nearest Estee Lauder beauty counter (ask for a sample first if you don't want to commit just yet) and online at esteelauder.com

xo

Spring Beauty 2009: Estee Lauder Fuchsia Now

Estee Lauder will soon be releasing their new spring collection, Fuchsia Now, and i am excited about it-- everything looks gorgeous!

Taking cues from the spring runways, Estee Lauder’s new, limited edition Fuchsia Now Color Collection is a feminine, flirty and fun color collection that encapsulates the trend of wearing bold color combined with soft neutrals. Fuchsia Now contrasts light and bright, pairing warm honey and tender peach shades with vibrant fuchsia for a look that is flattering for every skin tone. Cheeks bloom with a hint of fresh color, while eyes allure in shades of deep indigo and rich earth tones. Lips are full, soft and lustrous and are enhanced by perfectly polished nails in complementary shades. Soft petal designs, featured in the collection’s powder compact and eye shadow palettes, highlight the vibrant fuchsia touches and reinforce the season’s upbeat and lighthearted mood.

take a look...




limited edition Fleur de Lys Shimmer Powder

a modern fleur de lys designed palette that combines fresh pink shades with soft muted neutrals. the powder’s luxurious, silky formula delivers a beautiful radiance and sheer hint of color for skin that appears fresh and glowing.



Nude Light

Signature Satin Creme Blush

lightweight and easy to apply, this hydrating blush delivers a naturally radiant look that never streaks, fades in color or settles into pores or fine lines.

Berry Light
Nude Light




Aubergine

Signature Silky Eye Shadow Duo

Indigo (new, limited edition)
Aubergine (new, limited edition)



Earthen Nude

Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick
Rich Berry
Mayfair Mauve (new, limited edition)
Perfect Nude (new, limited edition)
Earthen Nude (new, limited edition)



Honey Flower

Pure Color Gloss

Fresh Berry
Honey Flower (new, limited edition)



Honey Flower

Pure Color Nail Lacquer
Fuchsia
Honey Flower (new, limited edition)


Fuchsia Now is available now online, esteelauder.com, and at your local Estee Lauder beauty counter.

xo

Holiday Beauty 2008: Estee Lauder Vintage Jewels

just in time for the holiday season, Estee Lauder has released a beautiful collection inspired by this season's fashion trends of rich jewel tones, luxurious fabrics of silk, satin and lace called, Vintage Jewels.

this limited-edition collection of eyeshadows, liners, lipsticks and nail lacquer is sure to excite because of it's oh-so-glamorous look and feel! i'm really looking forward to trying the new, limited-edition shimmering Jewel Powder that is said to work for every skintone and give the skin a fabulous glow.

other products featured in this collection:

new, limited-edition Signature Eye Shadow Duos:

Amethyst
Sapphire
Emerald

new, limited edition Smoked Eye Pencils:

Smoked Amethyst
Smoked Sapphire
Smoked Emerald

Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick:

limited-edition Rich Red
new, limited edition Black Cherry
new, limited edition Ruby


Pure Color Nail Lacquer:

Ruby
new Blackberry
new, limited-edition Red Tango


disciver the entire collection and see the Vintage Jewels "looks" at esteelauder.com

xo

Pink Products for Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Estee Lauder

october is breast cancer awareness month, and as you may know, many companies release limited edition "pink" products to help support the cause. it's a great time for us to show support as well--and it's as simple as purchasing these incredible products for yourself or a friend!

the Estee Lauder 'Evelyn Lauder' Lip Trio Set includes some of Evelyn Lauder's favorite pink lipsticks: Pure Color Lipstick in Bali Rose (limited-edition shade) and Candy, and Estee Lauder Signature Lipstick in Berry all packages in a beautiful zippered travel case.









the Estee Lauder 'Elizabeth Hurley' Lip Trio is a set put together by the actress that includes her favorite gloss shades which are High Gloss in Pink (limited-edition shade), Rose and Pearl. they also come in a zippered travel case.





the lipstick set is $22 and the gloss set $16. your purchase will help Estee Lauder donate $500,000 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, dedicated to preventing breast cancer and finding a cure in our lifetime.

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