Beauty And The Blog

Would you pay a "Botax"?

2009-11-20T16:19:00.003-05:00

Here's a tidbit sure to raise some eyebrows (if your face allows): A provision in the proposed healthcare reform bill wants to tax elective cosmetic surgeries like Botox, tummy tucks, nose jobs and lifts. 5%, to be exact, which would earn Uncle Sam about 5.8 billion smackeroos over the next decade. Any reconstructive surgeries deemed truly "necessary" for medical reasons would remain untaxed, of course. So what do you say? Should the only things certain in life be death and ... Botaxes?

--photo courtesy of biojobblog.com

Beauty in the News: Scents are DOA

2009-11-20T13:15:00.005-05:00

Anyone who hasn’t been living without television, radio and the Internet knows that tonight is about the undead (and hot-guy warewolves). So it stands to reason that a fragrance that gives new meaning to the statement, “I die,” has been getting a ton of buzz lately.

The new line of bespoke scents is fashioned by using the DNA of dead celebrities. Yes, you read that right: Dead people. According to a recent piece in the New York Daily News, a Beverly Hills-based company analyzes the genetic makeup of the deceased by examining strands of hair. (In case you are wondering where it comes from, there is a well-know collector of dead people’s hair and he lends it to the project. Aside: Really, I can’t make this stuff up!) A fragrance is then developed to reflect the aura of the personality utilizing some scientific properties extracted from the DNA. (Anti-Clone worriers: Don’t. There is no way to reverse the genetic codes to create a being.) The personality choices are varied and retail for about $60. There are ultimate divas, infamous pop stars, US presidents and even a scratch-your-head category that includes geniuses and murders. I don’t know about you, but this is a big pass in my beauty book. Oh, and another thing: It’s official the eau du celebre is dead. --Jenna Mahoney

Leslie Blodgett in Times Square

2009-11-20T12:01:00.002-05:00

Leslie Blodgett lit up Times Square on Wednesday night. The lovely CEO of Bare Escentuals was at the Sephora Times Square store to celebrate the launch of her new fragrance line, Perfume Diaries, and first-ever perfume, Bare Skin. Inspired by Leslie's trips to sunny beach locations, Bare Skin is a very personal note for all of her loyal devotees.

While taking photos and autographing Bare Skin products for fans, Leslie shared little tips about Bare Skin (the key is layering) and talked about the one essential beauty item she always travels with (“Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Foundation – there’s no way I would actually leave the house without my foundation!”) About creating her first fragrance, Leslie said, “I've always wanted to do this my whole life. It has woody notes and dries down to a beautiful sweet vanilla – you can wear it day or night,” she said.

Leslie also divulged a bit about her upcoming second fragrance, Santa Barbara. “I spent my childhood visiting Santa Barbara in the summers. The scent is a gorgeous beautiful floral that reminds me of the breeze with the flowers all mingled together.”

I know, we can't wait either – thank goodness Bare Skin is available now!

Bare Skin Eau de Parfum, $55
Bare Skin Solid Perfume (in pocket-watch case), $35
Bare Skin Perfumed Body Cream, $30

Rx for Brown Skin in Puerto Rico

2009-11-20T09:08:00.002-05:00

Attention Puerto Rico! Get the skinny on achieving a beautiful complexion with Rx for Brown Skin. Hear expert advice from Annika Garcia, Lead Educator and Esthetician, and sit for a complimentary skin consultation with a beauty pro.

Saturday
Plaza Las Américas
(787) 771-0240

Beauty in the News: It's So Taxing

2009-11-19T17:16:00.005-05:00

It's serious time here at B&TB:
Last year a (self-proclaimed ugly) guy in Argentina proposed taxing the beautiful. His argument for the measure was that it would truly create a democracy, because pretty people get little shortcuts in life. This year the concept of a beauty tax has reached our shores.
As part of the health care overhaul that was presented by the US Senate Democrats a cosmetic surgery tax would be implemented. The levy would solely apply to elective procedures. Exempts have been made for procedures that target needs based on a congenital abnormality, an injury from an accident or trauma or disease. (Nor does it exempt US lawmakers)
Experts estimate that a 5% tax on elective surgeries could raise nearly 6 billion dollars over 10 years. That’s a ton of cash! What the proceeds in turn would specifically fund has yet to be determined, but I think it would be nice to invest it back into necessary cosmetic medical treatments and programs. It would also be great if they used it for education on self-esteem and body image, but I seriously doubt that will happen. What do you think? Is this a fair and just tax? And where should all that money be allocated? –Jenna Mahoney

High Art: Getting Nailed

2009-11-19T09:29:00.007-05:00

Molly Surno is a Brooklyn-based photographer who just happens to love nail polish. She also really admires graffiti art. And what do you get when you blend the two: Why nail art of course, the inspiration for her photography project The Smallest Canvas.

Since we are always interested in learning more about beauty-loving cool girls, we caught up with Molly and asked her a few questions about her show, her love of nail polish and—of course—her favorite products.

B&TB: What inspired you to create this show:
Molly: The week I moved to Brooklyn, I noticed that almost every woman had nail art. I was living in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood and was shocked how many salons there were—more than my obsessively look conscious home city of Los Angeles. The things I have seen on people’s tiny fingernails are so expressive: Their national flag, loved-ones names, sunsets, skylines, colors that match their sneakers, whatever.
B&TB: How did you translate this into an art project?
Molly: Brooklyn is so culturally rich and I think this artistic expression among women tends to get overlooked. I see nail art as this feminist form of public art. The body becomes a platform of self-expression, which is why I call the project The Smallest Canvas.
B&TB: Can you tell me more about public art?
Molly: Since the 1970s, the art world has considered murals and graffiti as public art pieces, all of which are primarily dominated by male artists. While there are many female graffiti artists, a more common art form in the projects of New York City is highly decorated, long, intricately designed nails. In a lot of ways nail art is like graffiti. It blends personal expression in an open area. In my show, I’ve melded this form of personal street art and art that is in a gallery. It’s my way of showing that these women who work in salons are artists. It’s such a creative process and the women who get their nails done so intricately are so expressive. My images celebrate this vibrant and alive culture.

B&TB: What are your favorite nail colors?
Molly: I love blues. They are a great platform for other nail colors. White, bright green, silver, gold, pink—they all look so striking on a blue nail.
B&TB: What are your favorite Sephora by OPI Shades?
Molly: I recently learned about the line, but now I have four colors: Mermaid to Order [shimmering deep green-blue], Brightener [a treatment coat], Blue Grotto [deep ocean] and Lagoon-a Beach [shimmering pale blue].
B&TB: What are you favorite non-nail products?
Molly: Bliss The Youth as We Know It Eye Cream ($75), Mane n’ Tail Shampoo (It’s for horses, but leaves my hair so soft), Clarins Extra Firming Day Cream ($78)The Smallest Canvas can be viewed as part of “Nefer/Nfr” show at Capricious Space in Brooklyn or on Molly’s website.–Jenna Mahoney

Beauty Bargain Roundup: Week of 11/23

2009-11-18T18:59:00.019-05:00

Starting Monday 11/23, here are the Weekly Specials and Sweet Steals on Sephora.com we can't wait to get our hands on. Don't know where to go to find these juicy deals? Just check our homepage for Weekly Specials, and you'll see the Sweet Steal of the week when you click into your shopping basket (even if its empty, you'll still be able to see it).

Coming up...

* From 11/23 to 12/1, get 20% off Bare Escentuals BareMinerals Get Started Kits!!

* Get Jurlique's Herbal Recovery Gel free (a $34 value) with any $25 purchase

* Love DDF's Glycolic Face Wash? Get a free travel size version (a 2-3 week supply) with any online order.

* Calling all Harajuku Lovers fans! Buy the adorable Snow Bunnies Baby fragrance and get five Harajuku Lovers Barrettes free.

Can't wait till next week for a deal? Check out the newest Sale Items we're breaking open the piggy bank for - available now!:

Juicy Couture Pave Lip Gloss Heart Ring (50% off)

Laura Mercier Eye Design Kit (the perfect luxury gift for mom, sis or best friend)

Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Solid Perfume Dog Tag (guy gift alert!)

TEMPTU in Puerto Rico!

2009-11-18T09:57:00.006-05:00

Beauties in Puerto Rico, are you ready for your close-up? Put flawless pro airbrushing at your fingertips with TEMPTU, the first spray-on tool perfected for easy at-home use. Pop in for a personal demo using this groundbreaking, ultralightweight formula, and prepare to be amazed.

Plaza Las Américas
Thursday, November 19
Friday, November 20
Saturday, November 21
(787) 771-0240

Meet Caudalíe Cofounder in NY, and Score a Mini Spa Treatment!

2009-11-18T09:44:00.003-05:00

Come talk skincare with Caudalíe cofounder Mathilde Thomas, and enjoy a mini spa treatment using Premier Cru La Crème, the brand's exceptional new antiaging cream. Stop by this exciting event and be among the first to try—and buy—this luxurious new beauty. I can tell you from personal experience, your skin will thank you!

Tomorrow!
Sephora 86th & Lexington
11 AM-5 PM: Consultations
12 PM - 4 PM: Meet Mathilde

Friday
Sephora Union Square
(212) 995-8833
11 AM-5 PM: Consultations
12 PM-4 PM: Meet Mathilde

Space is limited. Walk-ins welcomed.

Best Bag Bets: Holiday Minis

2009-11-17T23:48:00.011-05:00

If I had to choose my favorite part about the holidays, I’d say it’s the getting gussied up for all those Yuletide gatherings. I love donning my long silver gloves, my handsome velvet capelets and my sparkling special occasion costume jewelry. Attending all the holiday parties means I also get to break out my collection of vintage clutches. (Insert a glee-filled dance number here.) Little bags mean my old stand-bys won’t be able to cut it. So I’m making a list (and hope Husband is checking it twice) of some super minis that will get me through the party circuit season.

Laura Mercier Flawless Face Kit ($65) Smooth, luminous skin trumps all beauty needs. The multiple minis prime, perfect, camoflauge and set a pretty, party-ready face. Not all pieces may make the clutch-cut, but it’s nice to have the mix-and-match option.

Benefit Pocket Pal ($20) Double-wanded and from the Ford twins, makes this lip/cheek color a small-bag must-have. One side boasts the company’s calling card product, Benetint check and lip stain. The slick gloss on the other can be used over the rich stain or solo for under-the-mistletoe kissable lips.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Collection ($35) This only-at-Sephora set of pigment-rich pencils add a bit of sparkle to eyes. Five different shades translate into a festive new face at each fete. The super emollient formula makes application a chinch (a total bonus for someone who is a bit remedial at the art of eye makeup like me).

Tocca Brigitte Solid Fragrance ($30) Holiday parties call for deeply sexy—and spicy—scents. This spill-proof solid is a medley of ginger, saffron and sandlewood with a musky finish.

Carol Daughter’s Kizzi ($9.50) Tame flyways, infuse shine and reset finger waves with this Naturally-Sephora pomade. The formula is sweetly infused with the scent of apple, peach and pear and blissfully free of parabens, sulfites and other synthetics. --Jenna Mahoney

Meet Leslie Blodgett in Tampa and NYC!

2009-11-17T09:43:00.004-05:00

Come talk beauty with Leslie Blodgett, and celebrate the launch of her exclusive new fragrance collection, Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries. Sample Bare Skin, the premier scent from this deeply personal line, and if you're one of the first 100 to buy a bottle on the day of the event, Leslie will sign it!*

Tomorrow!
Sephora Times Square
(1500 Broadway between West 43rd & 44th Streets)
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
(212) 944-6789

Thursday
Sephora International Plaza
6 PM - 8 PM
(813) 872-2600

Won't be in either of these locations? Bare Skin is available now!
Bare Skin Eau de Parfum, $55
Bare Skin Solid Perfume (in pocket-watch case), $35
Bare Skin Perfumed Body Cream, $30

*Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries purchase required for bottle or packaging to be autographed.

Space is limited. Walk-ins welcomed.

Holiday Get the Look: Sexy Siren by Lorac

2009-11-17T00:06:00.017-05:00

Created by Carol Shaw, the genius behind the fabulous Lorac line, this wow-them-at-the holiday party look was created especially for you. The day-to-night showstopper is one of three festive faces that Shaw developed for us here at Beauty and the Blog this season.

Luminous skin is a perfect canvas for deeply defined eyes. Vibrantly painted lips bring the diva drama to any holiday event. Here’s Shaw’s step-by-step using Lorac products.

Skin:

Prep with aquaPRIME Oil-Free Makeup Primer ($30)

Perfect with Oil-free Wet/Dry Powder Makeup ($36)

Conceal spots with Double Feature Concealer/Highlighter ($24) Writer note: Have I mentioned my love of this?

Set with Translucent Touchup Powder ($32)

Eyes:

Highlight from brow to lash line with Sand Eye Shadow ($18)

Smudge Dreamy Eye Shadow ($18) (a metallic grey tone) on the crease, softly blend out at outer corner and under lower lash line

Define eyes by lining along the upper lash line with Font of the Line Pro Liquid Eye Liner in Black ($22)

Lengthen lashes to the max with two to three coats of Visual Effects Curling, Separating & Lengthening Mascara in Jet Black ($19.50)

Lips:

Line with 03 Red Lip Pencil ($16)

Paint on Breakthrough Performance Lipstick SPF 15 in Leading Lady ($22) for Hollywood-infused holiday glamour

*For a sheer wash of color—read: day look—swipe on Couture Shine Liquid Lipstick in Sheer Luxe ($22) —Jenna Mahoney

Sky High: The Latest Gift with Purchase

2009-11-16T23:56:00.004-05:00

File this under way over my head: The experts at Allure recently reported on a most curious customer incentive program. It seems that Finnair is now offering cosmetic surgery procedures that can be bought with miles earned on the airline’s flights. The rewards available include hair replacement surgeries; “multi-layer facials;” eye lifts; and—wait for it—boob jobs. Less invasive experiences, like spa days, may also be purchased rewarded. (And yes, in case you are wondering, Finnair is still gifting the traditional buy-backs like upgrades and free seats.) So now comes the class participation portion of this post: Tell me do such incentives make you more willing to fly the friendly (although quite likely judgmental) skies? –Jenna Mahoney

All I Want for Christmas is a New TEMPTU

2009-11-16T20:30:00.013-05:00

We asked Sephora Color Consultant Jenni Mennella to clue us in on what's happening in Sephora stores. During last week's V.I.B. shopping event, she indulged shoppers with complimentary TEMPTU applications, a service she loves to do since she's a huge fan of the product itself! Here, she muses on why she loves the airbrush makeup tool--and why you should, too. Thanks, Jenni!

Working as a color consultant at Sephora — especially during the holidays — is a bit like being one of Santa’s elves. If it’s shimmery, sparkly, or shiny, just send it my way, and God help me, if it’s something that’s truly brand-spanking-new. The words, "Exclusive, Only at Sephora, and Limited Edition," might as well be giant neon signs of “Hey Jenni, over here!” Tell me it’s revolutionary, never-been-done-before, or guaranteed to change your life, and I’m putty in your hands.

This year, the item at the top of my list (and hopefully yours) is the Temptu AIRbrush Makeup System. Based on the same formula used by Hollywood’s top artists, this easy-to-use system makes you look and feel like a pro in your own home. The oil-free formulas glide on and are totally buildable to get the perfect coverage and color you want without that heavy mask-like feeling.

Finding the right shade of blush is a thing of the past since all four shades look great on every skin tone. I wear the 002 Ivory foundation, and I’m obsessed with the 404 Sheer Berry blush for that fresh-faced, just-took-a-brisk-walk glow. Add the 301 Champagne highlighter on your cheekbones — and even your browbones — and they’ll swear you were just smooched under the mistletoe! Best of all, it’s transfer-resistant, so feel free to add some highlighter to your shoulders, collarbone, or anywhere else without worrying it’ll get on your clothes (or anyone else’s).

Now before you say, “There’s no way I can use that thing,” Temptu has an all-in-one, handheld RETOUCH option for every shade. Just press the button once to release the perfect amount onto the built-in brush, and you’re all set.

As with anything Sephora offers, if you have any questions, stop into your local store and ask one of the consultants to demonstrate it for you. --Jenni Mennella

P.S. New York City gals, feel free to visit me at the 34th street location. Happy shopping!

1. Hold the trigger like a pen with your index finger controlling the airflow.

2. Keep it 4 to 6 inches from your face and work in circular motions.

3. Aim downward when applying blush to follow the contour of your cheekbones.

Want to hear more from Jenni? Tell us what you want to know about the inner workings of a Sephora store!

What Are Your Can't-Live-Withouts?

2009-11-16T16:45:00.005-05:00

I’m on a house-buying diet. That means I am under strict orders from Husband for no extras. Multiple soy lattes are a no-no and quick-fix sample sale spending must be curbed. And I’ve been checking up at the happenings at Brokelyn, a hyperlocal site on "living big on small change" a lot.
So, the other day, when I read about one writer’s experience with a $10 haircut (one of my Husband’s favorite money-savers, by the way), I got to thinking about what is really important to me in terms of beauty. Let’s be honest: I’d never pay less then 50 dollars on a haircut. Quality of layering and the even-grow-out factor are paramount to me, so I skimp on frequency. (Yes, I sometimes go six months without a trim.) And the same could be said for my skin. I’m in the good-skin-trumps-all camp. So I invest in cleansers, anti-aging moisturizers and under eye brighteners they way Husband examines emerging markets. I also believe in the power of a well-made scent (LAVANILA Vanilla Spice $56 is one of my all-time go-tos!) and the magic of the perfect tinted moisturizer, which means they get placed on my can’t-live-without list. While extras like eyeliner (I need lessons in applying) and deeply toned shadows (I’m remedial at blending) reside in the can-skimp-on-it during the diet category.

Now it’s your turn. What are your absolute beauty can’t-live-withouts? --Jenna Mahoney

Sneak Peek: Living Proof Full Thickening Cream

2009-11-13T18:41:00.004-05:00

Much like this week’s weather in New York, my hair doesn’t know what mood it wants to be. Some days it is full bounce, others it’s hot rock n roll, then I’ve got those flat and lifeless it needs those clear paddles from Seattle Grace incidents. Even though I’ve been blaming the barometric pressure, that hasn’t helped my look. And my mood has been swinging with the winds.

That all changed when the boss lady here at B&TB handed me a hot-off-the-presses tube of the about-to-launch Living Proof Full Thickening Cream (available February 2010). You know those “you had me at hello” moments? Well, this delicately scented, super lightweight formula and I totally had one.

Living Proof fashioned the Thickening Cream with a few goals in mind. One: Amp volume. Two: Infuse moisture. And three: Strengthen strands without being too sticky or brittle. So a group of scientists including one from MIT created the patented Beta Amino Esters technology, which promises to fortify and hydrate with flexible polymers. I’m not so sure on the specifics of the science, but I can tell you that I felt like my hair had received a hit from those clear paddles. It was full of bounce and shine. And it had a gentle movement that lasted well until last call. In fact, my hair looked so great a friend and her fiancé both commented on my desirable do. Word to the wise: Don’t overdo it. The next day I put in double the allotted amount and had a bit of flaking.

Look for Living Proof Full Thickening Cream ($24) here and at your favorite brick & mortar Sephora in February.

--Jenna Mahoney

Beauty Bargain Roundup: Week of 11/16

2009-11-13T17:16:00.026-05:00

Starting Monday 11/16, here are the Weekly Specials and Sweet Steals we can't wait to get our hands on. Don't know where to go to find these juicy deals? Just check our homepage for Weekly Specials, and you'll see the Sweet Steal of the week when you click into your shopping basket (even if its empty, you'll still be able to see it). Coming up...

* YSL's new scent, Parisienne, is oh-so-quintessentially French, and when you buy the fragrance, you'll get a handy 2009/2010 Zagat Guide of the most Parisian cities in the U.S. Ooh la la!

* Get a huge beauty bundle in the Decade of Glamour Beauty Wardrobe Makeup Collection for just $19.50 (originally $40). Inside you'll find 6 eye shadows, 2 lipsticks, a full size Lip Injection, and more!

* Looking to try a dry shampoo, or need to replenish? Here's your chance to do it for a steal - A Sweet Steal that is. Get a full size Pronto Dry Shampoo by Oscar Blandi for $8 (originally $19)

Sale Items We're Salivating Over:

Zeno Pro Acne Clearing Device

Sephora Film Noir Lace Bags

Lorac Summer Of Style Makeup Collection

15 for $15 or Less

2009-11-13T16:35:00.005-05:00

It's Friday! Pick up a special treat to kick off your weekend. Need ideas? Here's a whole wall of (clickable) inspiration. Which is your favorite?

Code Red: The Vampire Treatment

2009-11-12T22:12:00.023-05:00

I have no problem admitting it: I’m a vamp tramp.

That’s right. I’m obsessed with vampires. "Yeah, yeah," you say, "so is everyone in the free world." But trust me. I get seriously amped for vamps. Fact: I own the entire Buffy DVD catalog and The Lost Boys (yes, including the new straight-to-video one that only one of the Cs was in). I’m pretty sure I can recite the entire second half of Once Bitten. And I have a photo of me in front of the creator of Lestate's house in NOLA.

So when I heard about the newest trend in facial fillers—the Vampire Filler—I couldn’t wait to share the news.

Technically called Selphyl, the filler is mixture of a patented tissue building elements and platelet-rich plasma, sourced from the patient’s own blood. Since the major component of the injectable comes from your own body, it is said to plump sagging skin and fill fine lines with little side effects. Results are seen within three weeks—it apparently takes that long for your body to spur collagen growth—and last about 4.5 months. The entire procedure is a lunchtime one taking 20 mintues from the drawing to the cleaning to the injecting. A special centrifuge machine extracts the nutrient-rich platelets, which in turn encourage collagen growth. And strong collagen fibers equal looking like you’ve never aged—a vampire treatment indeed.

Call me a Goth, but I don’t think this sounds so bad (a little creepy at first, maybe, but not bad). I mean the science makes sense to me—your body needs itself to regenerate slackening spots. All the stuff before has been synthetic or animal-based. And to be honest, this new trend sounds a whole heck of a lot less painful that siphoning the fat from your rear and placing it on your face. In fact, I might just try it. Well, I would if it didn't cost almost a $1,000. Tell me would you?*

*said in a Thriller voice. —Jenna Mahoney

Fall Fashion & Beauty with Allure and Whitney Port!

2009-11-12T15:39:00.001-05:00

Super-sweet Whitney Port, star of MTV's, The City made a special appearance at Sephora 5 Times Square recently to celebrate her new fashion line, Whitney Eve. While checking out the spring 2010 collection displayed throughout the store, fans also got to chat beauty and fashion with the star, take pics and snag an autograph. V.I.B.'s who attended received $10 off their purchase for the night and a goody bag that included Allure's December issue and Cargo Botanical Lipstick in Eve Pinky (a shade designed by Whitney herself!).

Sephora beauty pros created day and night looks that complement Whitney's chic fashion line.

Our very own autograph!! Whitney, we love you too! xo

You Ask. We Answer.

2009-11-12T08:29:00.007-05:00

When we posted a bronze-based Holiday Get The Look by one of our favorite makeup artists, Carol Shaw of Lorac, we got a question from a reader:

“I’m fair (even my eyebrows are a really light color) with some light freckles and just don’t think I can pull off the bronzing products. I've been afraid to try them for fear of looking like an Oompa Loomp. So my question: is it possible for someone of my skin color to pull of some of the lighter bronzing products but still look natural?”

Intrepid beauty girls that we are, we hopped right on over to Carol Shaw and poised the Q to her. 1up and all you other fair maidens out there, this one is for you:

“YES you can! I am fair myself and freckle when I burn or go out in the sun. I was afraid of bronzer too until I created TANtalizer Baked Bronzer. It gives me the perfect amount of color with a beautiful glow. Now, I’m addicted. And I use it on my celebrity clients.”

Carol’s pro tip:

“The right bronzer doesn’t make you look orange or unnatural, just really pretty. If you’re fair, choose a powder formula with a bit of pearl in it. That will impart a warm glow. Also stay away from orange-y shades. Darker skin types should go with deeper tones; one that is too light will look more like a highlighter.”

Got more burning beauty questions? Leave them in the comments section and we’ll aim to answer. Swak. –Jenna Mahoney

Tomorrow - V.I.B. Holiday Shopping Event

2009-11-11T09:38:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow, we’re closing our doors for our biggest beauty addicts. V.I.B.'s, check your inbox for your all-access pass to pretty, and present it at our V.I.B. Private Holiday Shopping Event. You and a friend will enjoy 20% off!

• Shop ’til you drop with your exclusive V.I.B savings pass for 20% off
• Score first dibs on our spellbinding selection of holiday beauty
• Sample a new holiday look at Express Services
• Share your savings and bring a friend—your guest gets the discount too!

Check your local Sephora for exact times.

Match Point

2009-11-11T09:23:00.008-05:00

With apologies to my mom, here’s the truth: I rarely match. I fancy myself more of a Carrie Bradshaw play-on-color type. One of my favorite clothing combos is my orange, gilded scarf with a purple dress. I sport red MJ sling backs with every single outfit I deem appropriate. And if I’m on the fence, it’s on with the powder pink pumps. Needless to say lips don’t match my nails, my hands don’t match my feet and my eye color doesn’t match my dress. And to be honest, I never really thought about creating a cohesive look. So when I stumbled upon a Glamour Girl asking for advice on which polish to prettify her party dress the other day, I realized I might be in the beauty minority. In fact, my sister is an ace at getting her look to blend with her outfit. And some of my fellow B&TBers are genuine masters when it creating color palettes to compliment their clothes, while I just stick with the tried-and-true natural hues. Tell me: Am I lonely resident on this beauty block? Or do you all, indeed, keep matching makeup in the vault too? —Jenna Mahoney

Are you a Lipstick Lady or a Gloss Girl?

2009-11-10T18:56:00.004-05:00

The other night at dinner 64 floors high above Bangkok, I marveled at the outrageous amount of traffic in the city and made the following observation in an outside voice: “If you wear lipstick, you really wear lipstick.”(Obviously, my gift for language wasn’t working at top speed. I’m blaming the ridic. case of jet-lag.) But my thought behind the declaration was this: Lovers of lipstick seem to wear it 24-7. As a certified gloss girl, I can’t leave the house or the country, for that matter, without at least 6 different tubes of shiny goodness (totally obsessing over Kat Von D’s Lightening Sheer Lip Gloss). And I swipe, swish and shimmer whenever I’m nervous, waiting for the train or feeling like I need an oomph. But the idea of layering on the heavy lacquer frightens me a bit. (Maybe it’s because my attempts always turn me into looking like a clown.)
In fact, I actually admire the Lipstick Ladies. There’s something about them that always seem so confident and so utterly put together. Maybe it’s because they effortlessly pull of deeply painted pouts sans smudges, tooth-wearing incidents or corners caking. Do they have a hidden application talent and staying-put power secret that I somehow missed in my middle school Girl Scout makeup lessons? Or is it more of a personality trait? I’m sort of a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants type. And the fleeting wash of color fits my mood changes. Do LLs love commitment and stability? What’s your take? And while you are at it, let us know are you a LL or a GG? SWAK. —Jenna Mahoney

TEMPTU Stocking Stuffers

2009-11-10T12:51:00.014-05:00

I'll just assume everyone here is wishing for a TEMPTU AIRbrush Makeup System this holiday season--hoping that big box of airbrushing innovation will appear perfectly wrapped and topped with a bow. But good things come in small TEMPTU packages, too. Recommended by TEMPTU and Sephora staffers, these picks offer the brand's signature pro edge in stockings size.

ADORN Temporary Tattoos: It's true, TEMPTU makes temporary tattoos, too. Infact, the brand is responsible for fashioning the faux tattoos you see on top stars in movies and on TVs. Accordingly, their high-grad designs are exceptionally better than the others you've tried. Hand-drawn by a TEMPTU Artisan, the tattoos can be worn as a larger single image or cut into smaller pieces and applied individually. The cosmetic-grade ink and expert delivery system ensure they last for two to five days.

RETOUCH Makeup: These pre-filled, portable brushes contain high-definition blush, powder, highlighter, and foundation that compliment your airbrush makeup application. Sleek and portable, they dispense the perfect amount of product with the touch of a button.

P.S. Still fixated on that AIRbrush Makeup System? Enter our 12 Days of TEMPTU Contest on Facebook for the chance to win one!