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.

Back to Regular Scheduled Posting...

cleegiants — Fri, 29 May 2009 09:00:00 -0700

LIfe is kicking me in the butt right now. Just when things seem to be getting better, something happens to bring you down and the happiness factor drops precipitously. I'm not in a good place right now and honestly, it feels like things will never change even though I think it has to at some point. So why haven't I been posting? I offer no good reasons except that I just didn't feel like it. In order to ramp back up (next week probably), here are a couple of coupon codes to use.

First off, save 20% at Smashbox.com by entering the code FFBS9.

Second, save 20% at Benefit with the code MAKEUP20

Sorry for the late notice, but both codes are only good until the end of today, 5/29.

Okay, here's to hoping things get better next week. Whatever the case, you'll hopefully just be hearing from me in general!

Smashbox Untamed Summer

cleegiants — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 09:00:00 -0700

Spring is a month in, but Smashbox's summer collection is already available online. Entitled Untamed Summer, it's a small release of 2 eyeshadow trios, eye pencil, cheek color, and 2 lip glosses. Simple, bronze, safari summer.

Untamed Creamy Cheek Color
This luxurious creamy cheek color instantly gives you a sexy summer flush. The sheer formula with vitamin E glides on easily and blends flawlessly with no streaking or fading. Packaged in a chic mirrored animal print deco compact for touchups anywhere. ($22)

Shadow/Liner Trio: Exotic (L) and Savage (R)
Take a walk on the wild side and create beautifully bold eyes with these waterproof shadow liners in vibrant shades of the tropics. Completely waterproof, crease-proof and ultra-blendable for fearless, all-day wear. Packaged in a chic mirrored animal print deco compact for touchups anywhere. Airtight lid keeps product fresh. ($29.each)

Double-Ended Eye Brightener
This double-ended brightener instantly highlights and brightens for eyes that roar for attention. Use one end to brighten the inner corners of eyes and the other to highlight brow bones, bridge of nose, over brows and on the cupid’s bow. The easily blendable, lightweight formula has vitamins C & E for added healthy-skin benefits. ($22)

Lip Gloss: Raw (L), Flesh (R)
Two fierce new lip gloss shades with major bite. Glide over lips for luscious color and shine. ($18.each)

According to Smashbox, here's how to get this look:
Eyes: Define and groom brows using BROW TECH and ANGLE BROW BRUSH #12. Using DEFINER BRUSH #15, apply the purple shade from WATERPROOF SHADOW LINER TRIO in EXOTIC to the outer corners of eyes, from lashline to just above crease. Use CONCEALER BRUSH #4 to sweep the same shade along lower lashline, then use ARCED LINER BRUSH #21 to line the inner rim. Apply the vibrant green shade from WATERPROOF SHADOW LINER TRIO in SAVAGE over the inner half of lids to just above crease using DEFINER BRUSH #15. Highlight the inner corners of eyes with the gold shade from DOUBLE-ENDED EYE BRIGHTENER, then sweep the fleshy nude shade over browbones. Apply one coat of a water-resistant mascara (try BIONIC MASCARA in JET BLACK.)
Lips: Blend the fleshy nude shade of DOUBLE ENDED EYE BRIGHTENER over the cupid’s bow for a plumper looking pout. Generously apply UNTAMED LIP GLOSS in FLESH.
Face: Blend PHOTO FINISH FOUNDATION PRIMER all over face using fingertips. Apply SHEER FOCUS TINTED MOISTURIZER using FOUNDATION BRUSH #13 for radiant skin with light coverage. Dab and blend HIGH DEFINITION CONCEALER under eyes and over any imperfections. Get a natural flush by applying UNTAMED CREAMY CHEEK COLOR to cheeks. Add a soft highlight and enhance cheekbones by blending PHOTO OP UNDER EYE BRIGHTENER over the tops of cheekbones.

Eyes: First define and groom brows using BROW TECH & ANGLE BROW BRUSH #12. Using DEFINER BRUSH #15, apply a mix of the deep purple shade from WATERPROOF SHADOW LINER TRIO in EXOTIC and the deep brown shade from WATERPROOF SHADOW LINER TRIO in SAVAGE all over lids from lashline to just over crease. Apply the vibrant green shade from WATERPROOF SHADOW LINER TRIO in SAVAGE halfway across upper lashline starting at the inner corner. Thickly line lower lashline and inner rim with the deep brown shadow liner using ARCED LINER BRUSH #21, then smudge well using DEFINER BRUSH #15. Dab the gold shade from DOUBLE-ENDED EYE BRIGHTENER in the inner corners of eyes. Finish the eyes with multiple coats of BIONIC MASCARA in JET BLACK.
Lips: Generously apply UNTAMED LIP GLOSS in RAW for a berry-stained, shiny pout.
Face:> Start with bronzed, glowing skin - apply PHOTO FINISH BRONZING FOUNDATION PRIMER all over face using fingertips. Dust HALO HYDRATING PERFECTING POWDER over any shiny or uneven areas using POWDER BRUSH #1. Blend HIGH DEFINITION CONCEALER under eyes and over any imperfections using fingertips. Contour cheeks by patting on UNTAMED CREAMY CHEEK COLOR underneath cheekbones and blending back towards ears.

This collection is available now, online at Smashbox.com

Lipgloss Swatches

cleegiants — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:30:00 -0800

Here are three lipglosses that I've never posted pictures for. They're from Smashbox's Rapturous collection, which I think came out for Christmas 2008. I had a 20% coupon at Ulta, so I was able to pick up 6 lipglosses for about $25.

Stunning: it really is. Sparkly, bright pink, well pigmented.

Ravishing: a shimmery coppery brown. It's more sheer than Stunning, will be good to layer.

Lovely: a sheer pink. Adds a nice bit of shine without a lot of pigment.

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!

Purple Eyes

cleegiants — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:30:00 -0800

I attended an event last Friday for The Sold Project - check out their website and preserve young girls' innocence - and this is the look I wore. My favorite color is not purple, but I grabbed a purple shirt without thinking and thus played up the purple factor. I tried to take pictures along the way to show the process, but they didn't turn out as well as I hoped, so I just have a few shots.

As I've mentioned the difficulty in keeping my eyelashes curled, you will notice that I have mascara on in all these shots. I spent about 10 minutes curling, separating, and applying mascara before starting on the eyeshadow application. This mascara is Cover Girl Lash Blast.

Here's the complete list of products used:
Eyes: MAC Grain, Warming Trend, Smoke+Diamonds, Illegal Cargo; Smashbox Hot Date Trio (liner), Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara
Face: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, MAC studio Finish Face Fowder; L'Oreal Glam Bronze Duo: Sunkissed Copper
Lips: Bobbi Brown Berry Mauve Lipstick

The look starts with a base of MAC shadows in Grain and Warming Trend

MAC Smoke+Diamonds and Illegal Cargo provide the color. Smoke+Diamonds was used just in the crease. I did more blending after I snapped the photo.

Even though this is not the best angle, you can see the purple. You'll also note that in less than 10 minutes, I'm losing curl in the eyelashes.

I applied more eyeliner than normal. It didn't dawn on me that I had purple liner, but discovered this Smashbox trio in my collection. The purple liner (top) completed my purple eyes.

After another application of mascara, I'm done.

Yeah...those are my eyes opened about as wide as I can get them.

Mascara Trial 4

cleegiants — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Continuing the hunt for the perfect mascara leads me to this one: Smashbox Bionic Mascara in Jet Black. It's also available for a limited time in Black Violet. I'm not sure if it's my photography skills (or lack thereof), but I honestly think that this mascara looks better in person. While glancing at myself in the mirror, I thought it looked pretty good, but these pictures don't look that great. Oh wells. I'll have to keep experimenting with my camera settings.

I think that this would be a pretty good everyday mascara for me. It adds good blackness, length, and volume-without being too dramatic. Office appropriate? Yes. Good for your 70s disco nights? Probably not. You won't get every lash, but clumping isn't as bad as with others. It also held curl a lot longer than I ever expected; an hour after applying (hey that's a lot in my world!) my lashes were NOT pointing down yet.

Bionic Mascara gets a good 4/5 rating from me. Available at Sephora or Smashbox counters for $19.

Previous Mascara Trials:
Mascara Trial 1: Cover Girl Lash Blast
Mascara Trial 2: Maybelline Define-A-Lash
Mascara Trial 3: Imju Fiberwig

Lipstick combos

cleegiants — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:30:00 -0800

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

Smashbox Spring 2009

cleegiants — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 10:30:00 -0800

Next Spring '09 Collection is from Smashbox, entitled Muse. I love the eyeshadow palette (big shock!) and the packaging. It's like an artist splashed paint all over the box, which is appropriate given the title of the collection. Compared to other brands, this release only includes a few items.

The 10 colors are: Chocolate, Biscuit, Dark Celery Green, Soft Green, Dark Blue-Grey, Light Silver Blue, Deep Orchid, Sheer Lilac, Coffee, Rose Copper. Includes the brush, $48.

This rich, creamy lip gloss glides effortlessly over lips for soft color and brilliant shine. Create your own one-of-a-kind artistic hue by mixing and layering shades.
Muse Lip Paints in Luminary (Creamy Nude), Artiste (Creamy Berry), Virtuoso (Creamy Pink). $21 each.

Four ultra-creamy, vibrant eye liner pencils to create a masterpiece all your own. Wear each shade alone, blended together, or smudged with shadow – experiment with color and get inspired! Includes 4 pencils in LAPIS, IMPERIAL, SLATE & ANTIQUE GOLD. (Retail Value $64) $36

Get a gorgeous rush of color with this ultra-luxurious, long-wearing blush in a one-of-a-kind mirrored compact for glowing cheeks befitting any muse.
Blush in Masterpiece (warm peachy coral), $24.

Get instantly smooth and glowing skin and create a perfect canvas for makeup application with this revolutionary dual formula PHOTO FINISH FOUNDATION PRIMER and ARTIFICIAL LIGHT. It’s packed with vitamins, antioxidants and botanicals for added healthy skin benefits. Wear under foundation or alone for a gorgeous natural glow. Can be used all over face for a radiant complexion or blended over cheekbones, brow bones, the bridge of nose and chin to highlight.
Hybrid 2 in 1 Luminizing Primer in Bare Canvas (Luminous Champagne), $34.