holiday 2014: last minute gift ideas

there are so many options for gifts and it can become quite overwhelming. with time for holiday gift buying becoming less and less, getting down to basics are great ways to reduce the stress, but still know you're giving a fabulous gift. these simple products can be spruced up creatively, and if your recipient loves to be pampered, they'll be thrilled when they're unwrapped!

use pretty bows and notecards to gift highly effective {not to mention pampering} Lumene skincare products {i recommend the Bright Now line and Time Freeze looks great too}!

use candy canes to match her mani and the Salon Clip Bow from Scunci!

you can always let the glosses do the talking! the Smashbox amazing Be Legendary Lip Glosses in holiday colors {with or without sparkle} should do the trick.

if she's not a gloss gal, these Sun Bum lip balms are a beautiful option!

for the one on your list who loves to smell good...Soap & Paper Factory Solid Perfume in Bella would be a great choice. it makes the perfect gift since it travels well and can be tossed into any handbag. this hand-poured scent is created with jojoba oil and pure beeswax with notes of bergamot, grapefruit and black pepper, it's described as uplifting and citrusy, but you can find it in other formulations on their website. {SoapandPaperFactory.com}

last but not least…gift a not-so-basic Conair hair brush, but glam it up to make her daily mane-keeping ritual a bit more special.



you can find all of these products online and in stores now. happy shopping!

info and images provided by representatives of the brands featured.

beauty review: Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream Eyes

as i grow older more fabulous, i've found myself using concealer under my eyes on a more frequent basis. the use of eye creams, anti-aging serums, gels and the like are not new to me, and i'm a huge fan of highlighting/illuminating products. so, as one might expect, when i was introduced to Smashbox BB Camera Ready for Eyes, i was obviously very curious and excited to try the new multitasker. 

 and it is a multitasker!

not just a concealer, this beauty is also a treatment, a primer, an illuminator and offers spf 15 sun protection. 

love it!

and just when you think it can't do any more, it does. BB for Eyes can also be used to highlight your brow bones, giving your face a more lifted appearance, and you can use it when contouring around the cheeks, creating a more defined look.

have you tried Smashbox BB for Eyes yet? visit smashbox.com for more info. 

product featured sent to me for review consideration; pic taken by me :)

summer beauty: 5 beach bag must-haves

are you enjoying your summer, beauties? i hope so! with the season in full swing, i feel it's my beauty duty to keep you in the loop of fabulous products that will keep these warm days fabulous and beyond beautiful. on that note, here's another set of goodies sure to help you look and feel your best, before and after your fun in the sun...

 Smashbox Full Exposure Waterproof Mascara ~
i love this mascara! it not only leaves lashes full and soft, but it's waterproof, so there's no worry about looking like a raccoon on the beach or poolside.

 Sun Bum Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion {shortie} ~
available in spf 15, 30, 50 and 70, this lotion contains breathable, oil-free ingredients {like vitamin E and antioxidants}. the smaller 3 ounce size ensures an extra dose of sun safety without compromising space {also available in 8 oz}.

 Lumene Sensitive Touch Gentle Cleansing Wipes ~
remove sweat, sand and other impurities with these alcohol-free cleansing wipes. non-waterproof makeup quickly dissolves from the skin, so you can quickly reveal that gorgeous glow!

 Conair Infinity Pro Argan Oil Treatment Strip Finishing Brush ~
sand and salty beach water don't have to ruin your locks! with the new Infiniti Pro Argan Oil Finishing Brush, you can give your hair a treat every time you brush., thanks in part to its {replaceable} argan oil conditioning strip.

 Scunci Everyday & Active 3X Stronger Braided Hair Ties ~
want to give your ponytail a bit more pizazz? these bold and colorful hair helpers fit any mood and style, maintain a tight grip on your hair without damage or snagging, oh, and of course, they look super cute around your wrist!


what products will you be including in your bag of summer must-haves? share in the comments!

Smashbox Full Exposure Palette {review + swatches}

the hottest palette you need now? Smashbox Full Exposure!

like {most} everything you'll read about here on BGM, this is a fabulous gem worth gushing about to you ~ it's fabulous, beauties! if you've already seen the latest palette from Smashbox, you either a.} already own it or b.} are completely in love with it, but still on the fence and unsure to buy.

so, this is where i come in and say, if you're on the fence, jump off on the side of buying! you will not regret it. this palette offers everything from versatility to gorgeous neutral shades with amazing pigmentation, not to mention it comes with a bonus Full Exposure mascara {more on that in a bit}. this is truly a must-have for your beauty arsenal!

another thing i really love about this palette is the fact that this has 14 shades that are equally split into matte and shimmer finishes {best of both worlds!}. so you can apply them beautifully, it also comes with a dual-ended brush {labeled for which end to use with each finish}, and everything is housed in a sleek, black case.

as i mentioned before, the palette includes a travel-friendly size Full Exposure mascara; with its big brush and build able formula, it gives lashes a big, lush look ~ the perfect finish for any makeup look! and to help create that look, you'll find a very helpful eye shape chart to help achieve {or at least inspire} your most gorgeous look. 

what do you think? is Full Exposure a palette you plan to make part of your beauty product collection? you can find it now at sephora and online at smashbox.com.

product featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

holiday gift idea: Smashbox Wondervision Mega Palette

 i'm a fan of Smashbox, so i was intrigued by the Wondervision Mega Palette. of course, this time of year is all about gifts ~ palettes make for some of the best options. of course, you can also take advantage of unique color combos and often the price makes it a great value.

the fabulous Emily reviewed Wondervision on her Beauty Broadcast Express YouTube channel and i absolutely fell in love!

the set includes 30 Eye Shadows (blue, citrine, dark blue, golden, green, mint, orange, peach, pearl, pewter, red, silver, slate, turquoise, umber, almond, beige, black, brown, chestnut, chocolate, fawn, glitz, grey, lavender, maize, pink, purple, taupe, violet)
4 Blushes (baby pink, sherbet, glow)
1 Bronzer in bronze

valued at over $200,the mega palette is less than $50! truly something to take advantage of. with so many colors and textures ranging from matte to metallic, your recipient {or you!} will be able to create a plethora of looks, from subtle and casual, to bold and uber-smoldering. Wondervision also comes with "Get the Look" cards so you can personalize your look with a fabulous exclusive color slide system!

the Smashbox Wondervision Mega Palette is exclusive to Ulta, in stores and online at ulta.com.

a few new favorites to welcome the autumn season...

summer is officially over, so for those of you {like me} who love the fall {!!!}, it's time to be most excited! the days are getting shorter, temps are cooling down {loving the crisp, cold mornings}, we can start layering, wearing the fabulously rich shades we've been swooning over and make room for new goodies along the way...

these are a just a few fun products on my radar that i thought you should know about!

 i love that just stepped in from the cold, rosy-cheek look. i'm thinking Blush Rush from Smashbox {@smashbox on twitter} will be a gorgeous choice for creating that perfect natural looking glow; it has a built-in swivel mirror, perfect for touch ups on the go and is available in 8 colors.

noya {@noyabeauty}, a new and all-natural line of lightweight lip balms, offers pure and simple ingredients like olive oil, coconut oil, and beeswax to keep lips nourished and moisturized. perfect for those of you who are particular about your puckers, they come in four yummy flavors: classic, vanilla, cherry and spearmint.

i've recently become obsessed with all things owls {and foxes}, so these Boho Owl Pillows from naturallife.com {@natural_life} have my attention ~ they're adorable with their cheerful layers of color, and would easily liven up any space {not to mention keep you comfy on the couch} during this dark, chilly season!

here's to a beautiful, happy autumn!

fall beauty 2012: Smashbox Image Factory

hope you're enjoying your week, beauties! there's a little more than a week to finish out the month, and hints of fall are popping up all around...

in addition to homework, cooler temps and the anticipation of fall tv premieres, new beauty goodies are hitting shelves, including this one, Image Factory, from one of my favorite brands, Smashbox Cosmetics.

Lori Taylor, global pro lead makeup artist for Smashbox says she loves this collection because "it's really all you need to create your own unforgettable look...totally on trend for fall."
from the looks of it, we're in for a most beautiful autumn season! so grab your fave note-taking tools, take a look at the collection, and add the goodies you see {and want!} as you scroll down to your beauty wish list...

Photo Op Eye Shadow Palette ~ create the most gorgeous eye looks with this palette of velvet-textured, ultra-blendable shadows in the season's trendiest shades. richly pigmented, crease and fade-resistant, includes double-ended brush. shades: Icon, Muse

Airbrush Whipped Cheek Color ~ a luxe, lightweight mousse blush gives cheeks a naturally radiant glow. easy-to-blend, ultra-fine pigments and silicone elastomers diminish imperfections and leave an airbrushed effect.
shades: Berry Bliss, Dusty Rose

Waterproof Shadow Liner ~ line and define eyes effortlessly! creamy, mistake-proof shadow liner has a versatile formula for soft definition in one quick step; smudge as a liner or blend as a shadow for radiant, all-over color.
shades: Bronze, Charcoal

Lip Enhancing Gloss Duo ~ an ultra-cushiony applicator allows you to apply this longwearing, high-shine formula, for a perfect, glossy pout.
shades: Fab/Snappy, Luxe/Chic

Image Factory is available now at Sephora, Sephora Inside JC Penney, ULTA, Nordstrom, QVC, Beauty.com and select Macy's and Smashbox.com

info and images courtesy of Smashbox Cosmetics

new melt-proof shadows from Smashbox

transfer-resistant, sweat-resistant and humidity-resistant, the new Smashbox Limitless 15 Hour Wear Cream Shadows promise to create alluring eye looks for day and smoldering ones for night...

available in 12 stunning shades to compliment every eye color, Limitless Shadows also boast a luxurious formula enriched with vitamins A and E {fabulous antioxidant protection}.

i'm looking forward to trying these shadows, especially in the days and weeks ahead that are increasing in temps. if they resist creasing, caking or flaking, they'll definitely make this beauty girl happy!

 visit Smashbox.com for more info and to order.

tell me: will these new shadows be on your summer must-have beauty list?

info and images courtesy of Smashbox

currently loving...

current things i'm loving...

crisp, clear, mornings; core fusion dvd workouts {they have changed my changed my body in such a fabulous way...i've all but the current release, and let me tell you, i love them all. the precise toning movements, stretching and gentle cardio are so effective, not to mention that no shoes are required!}; autumn leaves in my yard {yep, that top pic is mine}; the sound of my kids' laughter as they play; devouring books; sipping a freshly brewed cup of cafe bustelo coffee...


my adorable deep pink frame ~ j'adore the shiny lacquer finish ~ i found this beauty at TJ Maxx! for now i have an image of SJP, but will soon be replaced by a fab family pic soon...

mark Whipped Up body butter* in Lemon Sugar...need i say more? from the the fresh, light scent to the silky moisture it gives my skin, this is a keeper.


butter LONDON's British Racing Green nail lacquer is a shade i saw and really liked. i didn't anticipate that i would love it as much as i do. yes, my love affair with red polish continues {BL's Come to Bed Red is beyond gorgeous!}, but this perfect, deep hunter green is fabulous!


Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear foundation* {spf 10} has been altogether brilliant with its hydrating, oil-free, buildable-coverage formula. i love that it has a pump and a little goes a long way.

*sent to me by brand PR; pics taken by me :)

holiday gift idea: Smashbox The Gold List Kit

have you started shopping for your holiday gifts yet? it's hard to believe, but it's time to at least start making your list. here's an idea from one of my favorite brands, Smashbox. valued at a little more than $100, you can gift the makeup lover on your list to The Gold List kit for just around $50.

love it!



this gorgeous kit includes travel-friendly sizes of Fusion Soft Lights in Baked Starburst (use the shades individually on eyes or blended together as a bronzer), Photo Finish Luminzing Foundation Primer (gives skin a pretty glow), O-Gloss Gold (creates a perfect rosy-pink lip shade with a gold shimmer) and Photo Op Under Eye Brightener (keeps eyes looking bright and pretty) all in a gold metallic cosmetic case.

p.s., with each purchase from the Smashbox WISH collection, the brand will donate $1 from every purchase, up to $25,000, to Children's Miracle Network, a nonprofit organization that grants the wish of life by providing medical care, life-saving research and ongoing education to help millions of kids overcome diseases and injuries.

pick up this limited-edition set only at Sephora!

xo
set featured sent to me for review consideration. pics taken by me :)

Summer Beauty: Shine-Control Products

with summer comes skin that has a nice glow...

oh, who am i kidding? it's crazy shine! combination and oily (sometimes even dry) skin types can act, um, differently in the summer (i like to call them oil fits). i know i'm especially prone to glowing more-- can you relate? to control this, mattifying or shine-control products applied before applying tinted moisturizer, foundation or powder is critical for keeping your (and my) oily skin in check.

here are some to consider:




MAC Shine Control Lotion is a light, oil-free formula designed to keep skin in balance. it contains antioxidants to give skin a treat, and it absorbs beautifully into skin. for the rest of the day it keeps skin balanced, preventing oil production from going into overdrive.

Dermelect Cosmeceuticals Pore Revolution & T-Zone Mattifier (pictured at top) is a powdery cream that works to control shine, reduce the appearance of large, clogged pores, and also contains salicylic acid and watercress extract to keep skin clear.




Philosophy Never Let Them See You Shine Primer works best when patted onto skin. the soothing product helps control shine during the day and can even be applied over makeup.



Smashbox Anti-Shine offers skin to a cool, refreshing, water-based option. this gel-to-powder formula gives skin a natural, matte finish that lasts through a 6-8 hour day.



CoverFX Clearprep FX Matte Foundation Primer and Anti-Acne Treatment uses its dermaveil-matte technology to control shine and treats problem skin with willowbark extract (a beta-hydroxyacid), salicylic acid, and natural fruit alpha-hydroxy acids. smooths skin to prep for makeup, but can be used alone.



tell me: what is your favorite shine-control product?

xo

Holiday Makeup Look featuring Smashbox Cosmetics

Smashbox sent me* some fabulous lippies and other goodies to help me come up with a fun holiday look. since all of the gloss colors were amazing, immediately knew what look i was going to create.



as you can see, i decided on a cat-eye look-- yet another look i don't wear often enough.



i used Smashbox Oil-Free Photo Finish Primer as a base before applying my foundation. i highlighted my cheeks and added a bit of color to my eyelids using a mini version of the Fusion Soft Lights in Dusk, then applied a creamy eyeliner and blended it, creating a little cat eye effect.

on my lips i used glosses in Tease (raspberry) and Radiant (a shimmery pink plum), both featured in the limited-edition Wish for the Perfect Pout Set.



i finished with a couple of coats of Lash DNA mascara and voila! a fabulous holiday makeup look. what do you think?

find all these products and more at smashbox.com

xo
*products featured were sent to me by a representative of Smashbox for the purpose of this post.