Beauty-full (last minute) Stocking Stuffers!

by Alyssa on December 18, 2012

 

Last Minute Beauty-full Stocking Stuffers on Beauty Debutante

Are you a procrastinator? I am – 100%. Christmas is in a week and I’m STILL not done shopping. At this point, online shopping is out of the question unless we’re trying to pay a fortune in shipping to get it in on time. So if we have any hopes of finishing up our lists, we’ve got to get up off our booties and march into your nearest beauty store. If you’re in need for gifts for a lady near and dear to your heart here are some items shes is sure to love!!

Perfume

HB closer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Halle Berry’s “Closer”

I don’t know one single person who doesn’t enjoy a delicious smelling perfume. And it’s one of those things that no one really like to buy for themselves. So slip this under the tree, she’ll be stoked! This fragrance blends 2 opposites; masculine accord with a luscious feminine blend of violet flowers and mimosa. A rich, warm center is surrounded by delicate notes and a bubbly ozonic top accord, it melds seamlessly into the skin and leaves a complex and intriguing aura. The result: a woodsy floral fougere that is utterly modern and original. This perfume smells AMAZING. I am constantly getting compliments on it!
$19.99 at Target

 

Makeup

 

eye canvas

Laura Mercier – Eye Canvas

This should be a staple in every gal’s makeup routine. Pat this on your lids and your eye shadow will stay in place till the wee hours of the morning. No smudging, no creasing just perfect lids all day long.
$27 at Sephora

 

lash genius

Anastasia – Lash Genius Waterproof Mascara Top Coat

Do you have a ski bunny or boarder chick on your list? Does she like to stay cute while ripping up the  mountain? She can use her favorite mascara to achieve a lush fringe, then top with this waterproof top coat to stop melting mascara in its tracks! Total must have this winter.
$21 at Sephora

 

Skincare

FNS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Osmotics Cosmecuticals ‘FNS Nutrilash’ Eyelash and Eyebrow Enhancer

It’s been a recurring theme on this blog that I am obsessed with thick lashes. Mine are decently thick but I want MORE DRAMA! I’m in the middle of trying out this product and I’m already seeing results. Does you’re gal want thick lashes, too? This is the perfect stocking stuffer for her. 4 tubes of a nutrient rich formula that you apply to the Chronicles once a day. Easy peasy way to get the lashes you’ve always dreamed of.
$48 at Nordstrom

 

What are you waiting for?! GET SHOPPING! 

 

 

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Be a Bronzed Beauty Even in Winter!

by Alyssa on December 3, 2012

 

You guys already know my deep dark secret of being a slave to the tanning bed. I am pretty obsessed with having a glow at all times and that’s what led me to tan almost every day during the winter. Yikes! Well, since I’ve totally given up tanning beds I’m always looking for ways to get my glow on sans skin cancer.

I was able to try out Manna Kadar’s Bronze Beauty Self Tanning Lotion. I TOTALLY loved it. The lotion is super dark, so you can see where you’re putting it on and helps to avoid blotchy application. It also smells amaze – not like starchy crackers. It smells like almonds, so yummy! It’s formulated with natural ingredients such as Aloe, Vitamin A & Vitamin E that serve to moisturize, hydrate & protect the body. Even without the self-tanning qualities, this stuff would make an awesome lotion.

The color is very natural looking and not orange at all. I was really pleased with it! This self tanning lotion is available in 2 sizes: 2.4oz for $20 and 4oz for $29 at mannakadarcosmetics.com.

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Mastering Fall Trends with Laura Mercier

by Alyssa on November 26, 2012

Whether you like it or not, the trend this season is Bold Lips. You’ve seen this look on almost every single star. Here, I’ll focus on Florence Welch of Florence And The Machine. Her bold lip is stunning against her milky white skin tone and copper hair. Want to know how to achieve this look? Then you’ve got get your hands on these products!

 

I had the chance to review some products by Laura Mercier that were used to create Flo’s stunning look above. (Hope she’s cool with me calling her Flo). Eye Canvas, Creme Cheek Colour, Caviar Eyeliner and Lip Pencil.

The Eye Canvas in EC-2 is simply amazing. Use it before applying eyeshadow and your make-up will stay in place all day. I mean it! No smudging and no creasing. This has quickly become an absolute staple in my morning make-up routine.

 

 

 

 

The Creme Cheek Colour in Praline is the perfect peach color. I have a hard time matching blush to my skin tone, it almost seemed like this color was made for me! The blush is slightly tacky when using your finger but it blends beautifully on the skin to create a natural looking flush.

 

 

Disclaimer: I am VERY picky when trying new eyeliners. I usually use black/brown liner since I have brown eyes. I don’t like anything too dark – however, I like it to be dark enough to notice. The Caviar Eye Liner in Chestnut is a wet liner that you have to use a brush to apply. I used an angled eyeliner brush to apply and I found that it wasn’t dark enough on it’s own. My favorite way to use it is to create a smokey eye. It blends well and has some serious staying power.

 

 

Lastly, the Lip Pencil in Redwood. I don’t wear much color on my lips, ever. It freaks me out and I feel like I look like a prost. (-itute). Not a good look for me. BUT I had to give this Pencil a try. And oddly enough, I have a lip gloss that matched almost perfectly. The Lip Pencil did it’s job, the lip color didn’t run outside the lines and stayed put.

 

 

 

 

The two products I would recommend the most – the Eye Canvas and the Creme Cheek Colour. I am seriously loving this stuff right now!!

The Eye Canvas in EC-2 retails for $26. Creme Cheek Colour in Praline for $22. Caviar Eyeliner in Chestnut for $22. And the Lip Pencil in Redwood for $20.

Gonna give ‘em a try? Or do you already own these products? Let me know in the comments!

 

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Skincare Review: Murad Clarifying Wipes

by Alyssa on November 12, 2012

One step to clearer skin. Yep – ONE STEP. These wipes are the best! No water needed, just wipe and go and your face is left clean and refreshed and without acne.

These were SO convenient. I’ve told you guys about this before, my nighttime skin care regimen is pretty non-existent. So when I was able to try these I was pretty stoked to have a quick way of taking off makeup and fighting acne. I used these pretty much every chance I got – the mornings, after the gym and before bed.  The wipes are incredibly soft and leave your skin supple, hydrated and clean.

Formulated with Witch Hazel to tighten pores and help control excess oil, Algae Extract to regulate excess sebum production, and Grape Seed Extract and Vitamin E to help protect skin from free radical damage, Clarifying Wipes is ideal for those who suffer from acne and oily skin – like me!!

These are sold in packs of 30 and retail for $18 on Murad.com. You can also now find them at Sephora and Ulta stores nationwide.

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This mani is so fun! I got the inspiration from pinterest and upon further investigation of the original post I found that these nails were done by a professional manicurist FREEHAND. After finding that out, I was a bit discouraged but then realized I’d be able to duplicate he chevron/zig zag using tape. Here it is!

 

 

Here’s what I used:
Pink – Duri Summertime Turns to High
White – NYC French Tip White
Black – Wet ‘n Wild Black Creme
Glitter – NYX loose glitter in Hot Gold

I have also been trying out a new 4-step nail strengthening system from Duri. It’s friggin’ awesome. Rejuvacoat, Miracoat, Drop n’ Go and a Sage infused Herbatherapy base coat! My nails are SO strong and my nail polish lasts forever! My favorite part is definitely the Drop ‘n Go quick dry spray. I have like zero patience when it comes to letting my nails dry and this stuff dries them in 2 minutes flat. Through and through. If you’re looking for a strengthening system I would 150% recommend this!

Find all of these products here. http://secure.cartsvr.net/catalogs/index.asp?category=322833&count=1

 

Here’s a bit more information on each of the 4 steps:

STEP 1:  Rejuvacote, a strengthening base-coat formula that will heal and mend split, peeling and cracked nails while repairing the damage caused by acrylics. In a matter of weeks, you will enjoy the look and feel of strong, healthy, natural nails.

STEP 2:  Miracote, an extremely fast, non-yellowing top coat, will completely dry both base coat and polish in a matter of minutes, creating a tough, durable and magnificently glossy finish.  Miracote will not strip moisture from the nail, leaving it better able to cope with “whatever!”

STEP 3:  Drop N’ Go, a formula that dries the nail enamel from top to bottom in seconds, delivering a brilliant gloss, while remarkably improving the “wearability” of nail polish. Just one or two drops of Drop N’ Go after you’ve applied base, polish and top coat, and manicures will stay gorgeous for days.

STEP 4: Herbatherapy is the perfect finishing treatment and preventative therapy for once nails are on their way to optimum health and beauty.  Herbatherapy is a blend of natural extracts and oils for nails and cuticles.  Each bottle contains a real sprig of thyme, which releases vitamins and micro-elements into the formula, softening damaged, dry cuticles and nourishing and moisturizing the nail plate, creating flexibility for the growth of new, strong nails.  Herbatherapy can be applied as often as desired, but should be used once daily to help cuticles look and feel soft, not ragged. Combining the use of Herbatherapywith Duri’s other strengthening formulas creates a powerful 4-Step tool kit for repairing damaged nails.

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