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Honey on the Lips

Posted By cleegiants on Oct 2, 2009 at 9:00AM

I'm a lipstick fiend and while I have entirely too many, I am always trying out different combinations and usually return to old standbys.  In fact, in a smaller clutch that I put in my purse, I have a bunch of lipsticks, glosses and balms that I take with me so I always have a variety of colors.  One of the colors is Clinique's Black Honey Almost Lipstick.  It's a very wearable shade despite how dark it looks in the tube.  It makes me feel like I have natural lips, just with more color!  Adding the Lipgloss (currently only available at Sephora in the Black Honey shade) gives it a little more pop, but both are wearable alone. The gloss is sheerer than the lipstick although as you'll see in the picture, looks dark in the tube.

Here's Black Honey by itself.

with the Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss:

The gloss by itself:

And just for reference, here's what the tubes look like:

Simple and neutral, but still put togehter.  I like it!

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Nordstrom Beauty Exclusives

Posted By cleegiants on Jul 16, 2009 at 10:30AM

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.

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To my faithful readers

Posted By cleegiants on Jul 14, 2009 at 9:00AM

Hello world!  Did you think I forgot about you?  I've received some unexpected sources of encouragement to continue this blog, so despite my recent silence, rest assured I am still here and hopefully ready to enlighten you with my (somewhat) limited knowledge of the beauty-full world we live in.

First of all, one of my favorite new products has been this Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss.  For those of you unfamiliar the the Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, it's one of Clinique's best sellers and now is available - only at Sephora - in a wonderfully moisturizing lip gloss.  Don't let the dark color scare you; despite it's deepness, it's surprisingly sheer and adds quite a natural color. I love that i can wear it alone or add it as a top coat to other lipsticks.  There are other colors if you don't like Black Honey, but i personally find it quite flattering!  It retails for $13.50 and Black Honey is only available at Sephora.

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Clinique Fresh Bloom

Posted By cleegiants on Jan 29, 2009 at 12:00PM


Most of the country is still in the middle of winter, but for those dreaming of warmer weather, here is the Clinque Spring 2009 collection.  It's entitled "Fresh Bloom" and its colors are pastel pinks, greens, and light grays.  Light colors aren't the most flattering on me, so I don't immediately see any must-haves.  If I get the chance, I will go try them out though. The collection is available in February.

Fresh Bloom Eyeshadows: $16.50
Apple Blossom: pastel green and whitish silver

Cherry Blossom: raspberry pink, pale pink

Maple Blossom: brownish silver, silver gray

Tiger Lily: peachy pink, coppery-peach

Quick Blush: I think of these as Blush-on-the-go. The blush color is in the cap, twist the brush to get the color and you're done!
Available in four shades: Peach-in-a-Pinch, Hurry Honey, Minute Mocha, Berry on Time  $21.50 each.
source: Daily Cookie
Long Last Glosswear with SPF 15.  It will come in 4 shades: Honey Shimmer, First Blush, Air Kiss, Whisper.  $14 each.
source: Temptalia.com
source: Daily Cookie

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Lipstick combos

Posted By cleegiants on Jan 23, 2009 at 10:30AM

I mentioned in an earlier post that I usually combine lipstick with some sort of lipgloss, so here are a few pictures.

Stil Lip Glaze Stick: Starfruit + Smashbox Gloss: Stunning

The following 2 are pictures are lip glosses from Smashbox.  Combined with Maybelline Lipstick in Plum Wine


Lancome Juicy Tubes: Fifth Avenue Frosting + Maybelline Lipstick

Nars Dolce Vita Lipstick

More combos after the break

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Mark your Calendar

Posted By cleegiants on Jan 20, 2009 at 11:18AM

REMINDER! THIS IS TODAY!

Attention!  In 1 week, on January 20th, head to your local department store and pick up your choice of a free product.  Thanks to a cosmetics settlement, consumers are welcome to select their choice of a number of products.  Who doesn't love free stuff, especially in these economic hard times?
A couple of guidelines though. First off, you can only select one of the following products, not one from each brand.  Secondly, it's first come first serve, so plan accordingly.  Third, here are the stores you can get your free product:

  • Bergdorf Goodman.Bergner’s.Bloomingdale’s.Boston Store.Carson Pirie Scott.Dillard’s.

Gottschalks.Herberger’s.Macy’s.Neiman Marcus.Nordstrom.Parisian.Saks Fifth Avenue.Younkers

I'm not sure what stores carry what products though, so if you have your heart set on something, I'd check to see if a store normally carries it.

And lastly, what can you get?  I've found descriptions for the products, so you don't have to!  Some of the products are full size, others appear to be a sample.  I've included the prices and pictures of the retail product, as I'm not sure what the giveaway will look like.

Boucheron: Femme Eau de Toilette (1 oz) sample size
1.7 oz retails for $76 at Dillard's                          
"A classic floral with an Asian influence."

Coco Mademoiselle Body Lotion (3.4 oz) sample size
6.8 oz retails for $47.50
"a modern oriental fragrance, fresh and sensual."

Christian Dior: J'Adore Eau de Parfum (15 ml) sample size
1.7 oz retails for $68 at Nordstrom's
"a brilliant bouquet of orchids, the velvet touch of damascus plum and the mellowness of amarante wood."

Clarins Energizing Morning Cream (30 ml) sample size
1.7 oz retails for $59 at Nordstrom
"An innovative complex that minimizes the appearance of fine lines and promotes skin's suppleness."

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm (30 ml) sample size
1.7 oz retails for $45 at Nordstrom
"An exceptional beauty booster which immediately eliminates all signs of fatigue: facial features appear rested and smooth"

Calvin Klein Euphoria Body Lotion (6.7 oz)
Retails for $38 at Macys.
"The Fragrance - Exotic fruits, seductive florals, sensual champaca flower and a rich creamy texture of liquid amber, mahogany wood with an addictive cream accord."

Vera Wang Princess Foaming Body Polish (5 oz)
Retails for $32 at Macy's.
"Playful. Unpredictable. Spirited. A new attitude in fragrance- it plays upon contradictions of a modern princess."

Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely Shower Gel (6.7 oz)
Retails for $28 at Nordstrom/Macy's
"Inspired by her love of layering unexpected fragrances, Sarah Jessica Parker blends a scent of pure innocence with the exotic nature of a precious oil and the sophistication of a fine perfume. Lavender, orchid and amber mingle with apple martini, paper whites and musk"

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair (.5 oz) sample size
1 oz. retails for $46.50 at Nordstrom/Macy's
"By night, it uses the body's natural rhythm of renewal to help repair visible signs of aging and speed recovery from UV and environmental damage. By day, it neutralizes environmental irritants, including up to 90% of free radicals, before they can affect skin's appearance."

Clinique Moisture Surge (1 oz.) sample size
1.7 oz. retails for $34 at Nordstrom/Macys
"Enjoy rapid refreshment and a full 12 hours of soothing moisture with an addictive by-a-waterfall feel"

Guerlain: My Insolence Eau de Toilette (15 ml) sample size
1.7 oz retails for $68 at Macy's
"This utterly adorable floral fragrance embraces innocence, grace and spontaneity."

Lancome: UV Expert 20
Retails for $35 at Nordstrom/Macy's
- Minimizes the effects of daily UV exposure, the #1 cause of wrinkles, age spots and loss of firmness.
- UV Expert with MEXORYL™ SX helps protect skin from UV rays that cause premature aging.

Lancome: Cils Design Pro Mascara
Retails for $35 at Nordstrom/Macy's
"Transform your eyes with a true false-lash effect. Create designer lashes in just two easy steps!"

Lancome: Fatale Mascara
Retails for $23 at Nordstrom/Macy's
"Sculpt your lashes with exceptional volume. Glamorous lashes to die for."

Lancome: Courbe Virtuose Mascara
Retails for $23.50 at Nordstrom/Macy's
"A Lancôme first: 100° lash curve with divine length all day. CurlGuard™ formula lengthens and holds a divine lash curve for 12 hours. The KeepCurl™ brush provides an outstanding eyelash curler effect. Long-lasting formula is virtually smudge-proof, tear-proof and easily removable."

Lancome: Primordiale Skin Defense
Retails for $64 at Nordstrom/Macy's
"Fight oxidation, fight aging! Reveal virtually lineless, radiantly touchable skin. Now, Lancôme blocks 99% of damaging free radicals¹ for visible skin perfection."
*editor's note: I'm not sure if this is the right product as I don't see a product by that exact name.  I'm familiar with the line and since it went through a name change, the actual item might be a lotion or a serum.  Whatever the case, this item would be worth it!

Lancome: Hypnose Shower Gel
Retails for $38.50 at Macy's
"Hypnôse is a captivating fragrance for a charming woman with a surprising and intriguing attitude.Slip into this luminous oriental fragrance that instantly captivates with Passion Flower, Vanilla and Vetiver notes."

Ralph Lauren: Romance Sensuous Shower Gel
Retails for $37.50 at Macy's
"Discover the sensual essence of velvety woods, extravagant florals and seductive musk. A timeless scent for all seasons."

Giorgio Armani: ACM Shower Gel
Retails for $29
"Code combines a citron cocktail of bergamot and lemon with soft notes of olive tree blossom, warmed with Guaiac wood and Tonka Bean. A sexy fragrance blend for the contemporary man in the know."
*Editor's note: I think this is for the men's product, but I can't really be sure.  There is an Armani Code for Women.  If it is for men, that's great!

Givenchy: Very Irresistible Eau de Toilette (15 ml) sample size
2.5 oz retails for $70 at Macy's
"A red carpet of rose petals illuminated by star anise and the sparkle of verbena and red berries. Elegant. Spontaneous. Irresistible. A sparkling personality. A certain innocence. An absolute original."

So there you have it.  20 products, you choose 1.  What would you get?  My picks would be any of the Lancome Mascaras, the Skin Defense, or the full size shower gels and lotions.  Unless you need a travel size of the Advanced Night Repair, pass on it since Estee Lauder usually includes it in a gift with purchase.  The Clarins items would be worth a try.  And the fragrance items are way to small, especially compared to the value of the full size items.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

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