I love this holiday. Not for the food (okay, not JUST for the food), but because it’s one of those days each year that people pause for a moment and really assess the number of things they have in their lives that are wonderful. I have a fantastic family and wonderful friends, and just here in the beauty blogging community I’ve met so many amazing people who I  feel lucky to converse with daily. Often we forget about all these fantastic things in our lives, and I think that any moments we get to remember that are a blessing. Try not to wait a whole year before you sit down to be thankful again, okay? Beauty comes from within and happiness and peace are wonderful beauty tools!

I will be working at the crack of dawn and I usually skip Black Friday shopping anyways, but there are plenty of online deals to be had if you plan on staying home(hooray for the internets!). I am particularly fond of Zoya’s Green Friday event, which is a great deal and sounds like a ton of fun. Since Black Friday is SO last year, Zoya will reward  your $20 purchase from them with 6, count ‘em SIX, of their favorite green polishes for FREE. That’s a $42 value! Just make your purchase from now through 5 pm EST Friday afternoon and enter the code: GREENFRIDAY at checkout. Simple, no? And if you’re looking for something other than polish for stocking stuffers this year, might I reccomend picking up a few of their new Hot Lips Glossy Lip Balms? I grabbed Marachino, Meow, and Luck during the free gloss promo a few weeks ago and I have to say that I pretty much love them. They are a perfectly pigmented gloss with a hint of fruit punchy flavor. They aren’t the least bit sticky and they really leave my lips feeling soft and moisturized. Meow is a little lighter than I personally care for, but it is exactly as advertised and I adore the two others I recieved.  So look at it this way: You can buy 4 glosses, keeping two for yourself of course, and still have goodies to gift to 8 of your girlfriends for next to nothing!

Also out there right now is Lancome’s Friends and Family deal. Through November 30th you can save 20% on purchases from lancome-usa.com with the code: HOLIDAYJOY2 at checkout. Of course there are some exclusions (not valid on eGift certificates, Gift Sets or Beauty Box purchases), but if you wanted to stock up on your cleanser or try something new (like the La Laque Fever lipshine, which I love) this is the time to treat yourself.

So get off the computer and enjoy some time with those you love. Don’t worry, we’ll still be here when you get back!

I am so happy to be moving out of the  pastels and bronzes of spring and summer. The light soft colors are fun as the buds begin to bloom for the first time, but I’m soon anxious for a splash of color and a little more pizzaz. To be fair, some of the big trends for fall have nothing to do with color. Once again we’re seeing the super smoky eye, which is really no surprise considering that there’s only so much you can do without repeating a previous trend. Since this is the “super” smoky eye we’re supposed to feel that it’s something new and different, but it’s really just another chance for all of us to walk around looking like raccoons. Stick with your regular smoky eye look and resist the urge to follow the adage that “more is better”.  And gray shadow is popular, which can be a bit dull, though there are some lovely purple and blue hued grays that are great for day wear. Or try them in the evening with black liner for a super hot cat eye. A pop of color on eyes with a nice pink cheek and lip leave me feeling all giddy, and dark vampy lips have me practically begging the leaves to start falling and the chilly breezes to blow. (more…)

For those who love Lancome lipsticks and would like a chance to name a new shade, read on!

We’re thrilled to announce that we’re bringing back the Pout- à-Porter Lipstick series! The previous four lipsticks in this collection were collaborations with celebrated designers Behnaz Sarafpour, Proenza Schouler, Peter Som and Thakoon. All four of the lipsticks sold out and one Proenza Pink lipstick even sold for $122.50 on eBay. So many of you have been incredibly supportive of this project and it would not have been such a huge success without you. (more…)

I know that everyone and their mom covered Spring collections already, but I just HAD to give my two cents. I don’t think it’s physically possible for me to keep my opinion to myself, especially when everyone is going gaga for things I’m not really impressed by. Time to give my thoughts instead of press kit snippets!

The Dior Lady Dior collection is beige, taupe, pink, brown. Excuse me, New Look beige, Elegant taupe, Couture pink, and Actress chestnut. But look, they added shimmer to a couple of them! Same old, same old, this isn’t really collection material. Yawn.

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Absolu Rouge Lipstick – Advanced Replenishing & Reshaping Lipcolor Pro-Xylaneâ„¢ SPF 12 Sunscreen ($29)

Absolutely Voluptuous Lips. Pamper your lips with this creamy and luscious formula. Lancôme brings Pro-Xylane™; its complete and powerful replenishing molecule, to a lip color for visibly fuller and smoother lips. (shade in picture:  Absolute Rouge)

Rich, satiny, saturated color wraps lips in luxury. Lasting color precisely defines contours.

To start off, I love this lipstick container.  Classic black, streamlined and functional.  The lid has a slight magnetic pull to keep it on securely.  How smart is that!? 

The lipstick formula is smooth, moisturizing, offers true color that has pretty decent staying power.  Everything that I want from a lipstick. (more…)