Make Me Brighter

Sales and Discounts Oh My!

cleegiants — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:00:00 -0800

Happy Thanksgiving! I don't know who will read this today; I for one am enjoying turkey and stuffing (myself). I used to be a little blase about Thanksgiving but it has become my favorite meal of the year. And my pants definitely feel it at the end! Okay, enough of food talk. Once you're ready, it's time to shop! Whether you do it online or brave the crowds tomorrow, there are a number of discounts to be had. Here are threethat are online, so no risk of being stuck in traffic or suffering a worse fate.

Lancome Friends and Family

Bobbi Brown - Save 20% at BobbiBrown.com

Smashbox, Save 20% online with the code SBFF9. They have some cute holiday sets and kits that would be a stea at 20% off. Also, if you've balked at the price of the primers, you can save some money now.

Also at Saks Fifth Avenue, if you spend $100 on beauty products, you'll receive $25 Saks gift card. Use code: BEAUTY9 online

Nordstrom Beauty Exclusives

cleegiants — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:30:00 -0700

I am getting back into this blogging thing just in time for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. How is that? Well just fo you, here are the "Beauty Exclusives" that are released just at Nordstroms, either online or in store. Most are available in stores, but there are some that I admit I have never seen in stores. There are a lot more exclusives that I'm not mentioning here, so head to this site to check them all out. Everything is available for preorder now (and has been, sorry!) but it starts tomorrow, so I'd head tho a Nordstrom's quickly if you have any intention of picking up some stuff. I'll note which ones I think are more likely to sell out, if not sold out already.

MAC Look in a Box: Three looks titled Seductress, Sun Siren, and Sweet Tease. These are good for those who need an introduction to makeup. Each look includes 2 eyeshadows, a lipstick/lipgloss, a powder and brush, and a mascara. All the items are permanent and would have a total retail value of about $100. For Nordstrom's, it's $59.50. I think these will sell out, especially Sun Siren. If you don't have the eyeshadow Shroom or if you want to get a Dazzleglass, Sun Siren would be a good kit.

Graphic Gardens eyeshadow palettes. Fresh Cut (L) and Graphic Gardens (R), $35 each.

MAC Lip Bags. Those bags are really, really tiny - probably would hold about 4 lipsticks. Just saying...I was like, why so small? But it's a group of prodcuts valued at $57 for $35. Very neutral and probalby one I will be skipping, but that's just me.

The two brush sets, 5 brushes each, for $49.50. For the novice/intermediate user, these brush sets are a quick way to start building a brush collection, but if you really want to build a collection that will last a long time, the quality of these special edition brush sets is usually a little lower than those in the regular collection. The good thing about these brushes is they generally have shorter handles, so they're great for traveling. The bags are cute and graphic. Actually I think all these MAC sets are likely to sell out, even if I won't be buying.

Bobbi Brown "Must Have" Set. Wow - there's a lot of product here for $75. A lip palette with 7 lip shades, the gel eyeliner (fabulous!) in Espresso, plus the brush, a mascara, and a two pan eyeshadow (can be replaced with new shadows when it's empty). It's a $122 value if purchased separately, so if you love Bobbi Brown's neutrals, this is a great kit. The gel eyeliners are great - I gave the one I had to my sister and have been looking for another one. Hmm...better hurry, this well probably sell out.

Oh Chanel how I love you. $45 for this palette of 2 shadows and 4 lip products. The 2 green shadows are at the bottom are just lovely and are reminiscent of the nail polish I heard Chanel is releasing this fall. A typical Chanel quad of shadows is in the $60+ range, plus with lipsticks in the $25 range, I think this is quite a bargain for Chanel. Not cheap, but reasonable for Chanel. Will.Sell.Out.

If you're a fan of the Chanel No. 5 scent, you may want to pick up this bath oil. I like the three colors, but personally find the scent too flowery for my liking. $75.

Dior "Jazz Club" Eye Palette. $65 for six shadows in a nice palette. The purples, pinks, and grays would combine to create a nice range of looks ranging from the dramatic to the neutral.

Lippmann Collection of nail polishes. $35 for 3 nail polishes is a little steep, but these polishes are gorgeous. Ruby Red Slippers, Funky Chunky (sequined sheer black glitter) and Superstar (copper-flecked fugde glitter) are amazing looking and are one item I haven't seen in stores.

Lancome "Declaring Indigo" Brush Set. Four brushes for $52. While more expensive than the MAC brush sets, i love the cobalt blue bag and blue detail on the brushes. A pre-cursor to the indigo nail polish Lancome is coming out with later. Yup. I'm excited about the fall nail polishes. That's another post =).

Smashbox "After Hours" collection. I'm a little perplexed by Smashbox's identity; I'm not sure if they're supposed to be a fun color young lady or a sulty, smoking evning mistress. With this collection, I'm leaning toward the latter. $59.

Nars "Modern Love" Palette. These are 6 eyeshadows that are part of the permanent collection, but as one of the two shades in a duo. A nice way to get your $55. People love Nars though, and so I suspect it will sell out.

Ahh Clairsonic. I want one, but even a $225 special package isn't enough. You get the Clarisonic, some trial sizes of cleansers and an 2 extra brush heads (one sensitive, one normal). The Clairsonic won't sell out, but I'm sure this package is limited to just the anniversary sale. A regular Clairsonic is $195, plus the $25 brush head

La Mer "The Signature Collection" Have you heard of Creme de La Mer? The creme that costs over $100 an ounce? Well add a lifting serum for face and for eye and you're at $300. But for a limited time, this is only $240. Fans of La Mer, hurry! The rest of us? Get back to me when the economy picks up.

Ahh Clinique, a little more wallet friendly. This "Best of Clinique" set is only $45 and gets you 6products. Youth Surge w/ SPF 15; All About Eyes; Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser; Almost Lipstick in Black Honey; Cream Shaper for Eyes; High Impact Curling Mscara.
And no picture necessary, but get a value sized (6.7 oz) bottle of the ubiquitous Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion or Gel for $35.

Juice Beauty "Organics to Glow" set. 3 Lip Moisturizers, 2 facial moisturizers, a hydrating mist, and a green apple full strength peel. Only $29.

Okay like I said, there are lots of other Beauty Exclusives, so head online or to Nordstrom stores tomorrow. Oh, the rest of Nordstroms will probably have specials too.

Save at Bobbi Brown

cleegiants — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:00:00 -0700

Sale alert ladies! Starting tomorrow, June 9th, through Thursday June 11th only, save 25% on your online purchase at Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. Spend $60 and you also get free shipping. No code needed, so just head over there for three days only!

Wednesday Wishing Well

cleegiants — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:00:00 -0700

Ahhh Wednesday. Much cooler in the Bay Area today, after the 90+ degree weather we had on Monday and Tuesday. I've emerged a little less pasty white, so I'll more summer ready

Did you achieve any of your wishes from last week? My room is still a mess, guess I should get on that again =) But on to this week's wishes.

1. I wish weeds didn't grow. I spent the morning weeding the yard and I think I'm going to be sore tomorrow. (sorry, not really something realistic or practical, but very current this week)

2. I wish I knew how to fix cars, do the plumbing, remodel the bathroom myself. Basically, I wish I was more handy.

3. I wish I could afford those two Bobbi Brown foundation and lipstick palettes I showed you last week. But really, I can spend my nearly $500 somewhere else. Why can't makeup be cheap (and of superb quality!)?

Okay readers, how come nobody's sharing their wishes? Comment away!
1. What I wish for this week. (practical)
2. What I wish for in life (hopes and dreams)
3. What I wish for in the beauty world (expensive and probably unrealistic)

All the Colors of the Wind

cleegiants — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:30:00 -0700

One of the things I've been trying to accumulate in my extensive makeup collection is foundation and concealer that will match everyone's skintone. Obviously this won't be accomplished in 1 product, but here's a palette that will.

The Bobbi Brown BBU Palette. It features: 9 shades of Corrector for extra dark circles, 12 shades of Creamy Concealer for average undereye darkness, and 17 shades of Foundation Stick to give skin a smooth, even finish. Corrector (.04oz./1.2g each); Concealer (.03 oz./ 1.1g each); Foundation Stick (.05 oz./ 1.7g each).

I'm trying to figure out how much product each little well contains, because this palette is not cheap. In fact, it's a whopping $250. If you're serious about becoming a makeup artist, this is a great tool. Not content to just focus on foundation, Bobbi Brown also has a palette of lip colors.

I love this lip palette too! It's $200 though. Man, I wish these weren't Limited Edition, otherwise I'd promise myself I'd buy them by saving $1 a day or something. For those of you like me, who won't be spending $450 on makeup, Bobbi does have the option of building your own customized palette. It'd be a great way to create a personalized kit of all the essentials - foundation, blush, eyes, and lips.

You can fill it with six products, so create a palette of eye colors, lipsticks, blushes, foundations...you name it! Start with this empty palette for just $10, then add your favorite shades.
Foundation Stick Compacts are limited edition, so if you want these in the palette, you'd better hurry. I'd buy a couple, one for the pale winter skin and one for after that gorgeous summer glow.
Shimmer Blush or Regular Blush. $22 each.
Shimmer Bluish: 7 Shades

19 Blush Shades to choose from

Lip Quads: Available in Coral, Pink, or Rose groups.$20 each
If you don't want 4 shades, you can add individual Lipstick or Lipgloss compacts.

Lipstick: 3 shades, $20 each

Lipgloss: 6 shades, $20 each

Eyeshadows: Sparkle or Regular, $24 each. Shades may change seasonally.

All images from bobbibrown.com

Bobbi Brown Platinum

cleegiants — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 09:00:00 -0700

I've been told that this blog is a little too MAC focused, so I'm going to try to focus on some other brands. Most of the spring and/or summer lines are out and I've neglected posting about them, so let's play catch up.

First up is Bobbi Brown's Light Bright Platinum line. It features many of her most popular products, but inn limited edition packaging and shades.

Skin has a soft and luminous glow this season courtesy of Bobbi's newest Shimmer Brick, part of her NEW Platinum Collection. Five color bars-soft pink, platinum, bright pink, golden coral and rose-blend together to light up the face. These shades work beautifully as highlight colors for cheeks or anywhere you want to add shimmer. The special platinum bar is a great new shade for eyes. Custom-made compact features a metallic silver finish and faux-leather detailing.

Eyes this spring are strong and smoky with cool shades of this velvety-smooth formula that goes on easily with a finger or brush-and lasts all day without creasing or smearing. Safe for contact lens wearers. Ophthalmologist tested. Fragrance free.
Shades for spring are: Ash, Heather, Platinum, and Steel

Shimmer Lip gloss: This ultra sheer, shimmering formula can be worn alone or layered over your favorite lipstick for a personalized look. Scented with a hint of Vanilla. Glossy, high-shine lips are the perfect accompaniment to the season’s luminous face. Get the look with Bobbi’s newest shades of Shimmer Lip Gloss, part of her New Platinum Collection.
Shades for spring are: Glacier and Confetti.
Lip gloss in Nougat also released.

Available now at bobbibrown.com or counters nationwide.

My favorite word

cleegiants — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:30:00 -0700

SALE! One of my favorite brands for everyday, work appropriate makeup, Bobbi Brown, is having a sale. It goes through Thursday, March 19th. Head to bobbibrown.com to save 25% on all purchases! A girl can always use some extra cash!

Bobbi Brown Beauty School

cleegiants — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 10:30:00 -0800

If I lived anywhere near Emerson College in Boston, I would be signing up for these classes in a heartbeat. Bobbi Brown is partnering with her alma mater, Emerson College, to bring makeup artistry classes to the next level. There are beauty workshops and professional courses to choose from, all happening this spring and summer.

Here are the descriptions of the courses, straight from the website.

10-Step Beauty Workshop
Saturday, March 14
The ultimate makeup lesson. Learn how to create a skincare and makeup routine tailored to your needs and your lifestyle based on Bobbi Brown’s 10-step technique. We’ll begin with the skin and how to create the perfect canvas with the right skincare, concealer, foundation and powder. Then we’ll show you how to enhance your eyes, cheeks and lips. By the end of the class you will have learned all of Bobbi’s professional tips and techniques and be able to apply them to your everyday makeup routine.
Instructor: Kimberly Soane, Manager of Artistry, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

Special Occasion Workshop
Saturday, April 18
Arrive in style. We’ll show you how to take your makeup from everyday to extra special. You’ll learn how to create a look that’s perfect for the occasion, whether it’s a wedding, cocktail party or fancy night out. We’ll share all of Bobbi’s special occasion tips and techniques-everything from how to make skin look smooth, even and flawless to creating dramatic smoky eyes and choosing the perfect, statement-making lipstick.
Instructor: Kimberly Soane, Manager of Artistry, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

Mother/Daughter Beauty Workshop
Saturday, May 30
Mothers, daughters, aunts, sisters, grandmothers – the women in any family share a special bond and a special beauty. This class focuses on our constant evolution and the changes that come with each passing year. Mothers and daughters will find out how to look and feel their best at any age. We’ll address the skincare and makeup issues that are unique to each decade, from teens to twenties and forties, sixties and beyond, and recommend your ideal skincare and makeup formulas, shades and techniques. (Makes a great Mother’s Day gift!)
Instructor: Kimberly Soane, Manager of Artistry, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

You can sign up for each class individually for $200, or take all three for $570.

There isn't a lot of information about the Professional courses, but should be available later this spring.
The Art and Business of Makeup is the first of our three-course professional programs designed to train those interested in entering the field of makeup artistry through immersion in a week of intensive classroom study and practice. Taught by Bobbi Brown’s top artists, each course covers basic and advanced makeup techniques as well as the business skills necessary to build a successful career in makeup artistry.

Programs of instruction vary based on course level and focus. The courses are designed to be taken sequentially, but may be taken independently of each other with the approval of the program director. The Art and Business of Makeup will cover topics such as Makeup for Photography, Fashion and Television, as well as the Business of Makeup Artistry.

Level 1: Fundamentals of Makeup Artistry
June 2009
Learn Bobbi's signature step-by-step makeup application techniques as well as makeup for special occasions and photography. Classes include text discussion, demonstration and practical makeup applications. Course concludes with a photo shoot with a professional photographer.

Level 2: Advanced Makeup Artistry
July 2009
Teaches advanced makeup application techniques including inspirational makeup and special effects as well as makeup for fashion, television and film. Classes include text discussion, demonstration and practical makeup applications. Course concludes with a photo shoot with a professional photographer.

Level 3: The Business of Makeup Artistry
August 2009
This course is aimed at developing the business and marketing skills needed for a career as a professional makeup artist. Classes include a mix of text discussion and hands-on application and cover breaking into the business, writing a business plan, creating a portfolio, starting a website and networking.

If you're aspiring to be a professional makeup artist, do check this out. Anyone want to send me to Boston for the summer so I can learn master makeup techniques?

Bobbi Brown Blushed Pink

cleegiants — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 09:00:00 -0800

Bobbi Brown's latest collection is entitled Blushed Pink and like many spring collections, uses a lot of pink. I gotta hand it to Bobbi Brown though; her recent releases have had unexpected touches (Brights anyone?) while retaining classic BB wearability.

Included in this collection are:
Sparkle Eye Shadows: Mica, Ballet, Silver Moon, Sunlight ($24.each)
Eyeshadows: New Mink, New Birch ($20.each)
Lip Compact: Baby Glitter Lip Gloss, Blush Pink Creamy Lip Color, Nude Pink Lip Gloss ($20.each)

Available now.

As Blue as your eyes

cleegiants — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0800

I've been playing with more color with my looks, today it's blue.

Eyes: UDPP, MAC Eyeshadows: Parrot, Climate Blue, L'oreal HIP eyeliner: Midnight Blue
Face: Smashbox Photo Finish Primer SPF 15 & Dermaxyl; Giorgio Armani Lumnious Silk Foundation, MAC Loose Powder, Smashbox Soft Lights: Shimmer
Lips: Bobbi Brown: Berry Mauve, MAC Soft&Slow

P.S. What do you think of my new hair cut and color? Thanks M!