Runway to RealLife: Marc Jacobs Beauty

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Marc Jacobs enters the world of color cosmetics with a new beauty brand and collaboration with Sephora. 

The new range covers sixteen different categories—from foundation, powder, bronzer, and lipstick to twenty-four shades of plasticized nail lacquers, including the high-gloss Jezebel (oxblood) and Shiny (clear) that debuted on Jacobs’ Fall runway. What makes these nail polishes—and the eye liners and concealers that are displayed beside them—different from all the others, of course, is Jacobs himself. “The passion does come through,” he insists of the very active role he played in the creative process. “You’re left with something appealing and seductive because there’s heart in it.”

The first product tried and tested: Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner – Gel Crayon – crazy good. Ro (Cocoa) is the perfect bronze eyeliner. Not too shimmery, this color defines and enhances the eye.

The Highliner is waterproof, long-wearing and richly pigmented. The formula applies like a gel pot but with the precision of a pencil. Super-malleable, this eyeliner glides on smoothly then sets in place for all-day wear.

Swatching all the colors, I noticed the shimmer is more of a sheen/reflection rather than tiny particles of glitter. Color looks almost “shiny.”

A built-in sharpener makes sure the crayon always has a perfect point for an instantly sharp look on the go. A true breakthrough product that provides easy application with intense color.

Pint-Sized Palette: Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

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Launching in the US tomorrow, November 29th, is the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette. This pint-sized palette features five matte shades and one demi-matte shade. Four of the six shades are new and exclusive to this palette.

Perfect for travel or on-the-go, this palette can fit in your wallet or purse. It contains six full-sized eyeshadows, which include: Venus (soft, off-white demi-matte), Foxy (very light yellow/beige matte), Walk of Shame (very light pinky nude matte), Naked 2 (rosy taupe matte), Faint (warm, dusty brown matte), and Crave (deepest, darkest brown/black matte).

Urban Decay’s matte eyeshadows are some of the best I have used. They are in no way chalky, powdery or dry but super silky, finely-milled and pigmented. They are also long-lasting and true-to-color.

Starting on November 29th the Naked Basics Palette will be available at Urban Decay, Sephora, Ulta and select Macy’s. If you love neutrals and nudes to create a subtle and dramatic definition, then you will love the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette.

Black Friday Favorites

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For great cardio après-Thanksgiving, tackle the stores or stay inside with great online deals. Whatever you choose, get a jumpstart to your Black Friday shopping with Glow-T’s favorite deals.

Opening Ceremony: Score 30-40% off collections, including Opening Ceremony, Band of Outsiders, Juun J, Mary Katranzou, Carven, Jeremy Scott x Adidas, PushBUTTON, Goen J, and Jean Paul Gaultier.

Topshop: Nov. 23, the retailer is hosting 30% off select merchandise online and in stores. Plus, spend $30 and get $10 off, spend $50 and get $20 off, and spend $100 and you’ll get $50 off your purchase.

Goldyn: From Nov. 23-26, treat yourself with 25% off everything from the retailer’s extensive array of designer goods with special code GIVEANDGET25.

H&M: Find fall fashions starting at just $5, and the first 100 people in line at H&M stores will get scratch-off tickets, valued up to $300.

A-Thread: Nov. 23-26, receive 10% off orders up to $150, 15 % off orders between $151-$200, and 20% off orders $200 or more with the following codes: BLACKFRIDAY10,BLACKFRIDAY15, and BLACKFRIDAY20.

AllSaints: Get select merchandise at 20% off, like biker boots and holiday dresses for $220.

Nordstrom: Not only will you be able to score clothes, shoes, and accessories on the cheap, stop by Nordstrom’s for pre-sales of the latest collections from Prada, McQueen, and Michael Kors.

Saks Fifth Avenue: Stock up on cold weather duds for him and her for 40-50% off and take an additional 50% off sale items. You’ll also receive a $25 Saks gift card if you spend $100 or more in cosmetics or fragrances, and after noon, you’ll get an additional 10% off sale merchandise if you use a Saks credit card.

Rebecca Taylor: Take an additional 25% off all sale items with secret code RTEXTRA2512. This deal is good from Nov. 22-25.

French Connection: From Nov. 21-26, receive free shipping, plus 30% off all orders of $150 or more.

Yoox: Get a deal on top of a deal at this luxury designer outlet on Nov. 23 and get up to 50% off your favorite pieces from the likes of Isabel Marant, Givenchy, and Marc Jacobs.

Mackage: From Nov. 23-26, save up to 25-50% off the brand’s sleek designs online and in-stores.

Bare Necessities: Nov. 22, you’ll score 25 percent off sitewide, but the sale doesn’t stop there — Nov. 23, get up to 40 percent off.

Sephora: Shop Sephora’s $10 One Day Wonders, which include cosmetic packs from brands like Stila, Tarte, Lorac, and Buxom.

Target: Receive special prices on everything, from clothes to electronics, with additional 5% off everything if you use a REDcard.

Holy Grail: Make Up For Ever Full Cover Extreme Camouflage Cream

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Make Up For Ever Full Cover Extreme Camouflage Cream is my go-to, holy grail concealer. The opaque cream covers everything from acne to tattoos while still feeling lightweight and looking natural.

I initially bought this concealer years ago for the main issue of a bruise on my leg. I asked a Sephora representative what would be the best product and she immediately grabbed for Make Up For Ever. It worked amazingly, camouflaging the bruise and stayed-put all day. Assuming the product was too “hardcore” for the face it wasn’t until later I attempted to use on the face, primarily for redness around the nose and pigmentation issues. It concealed like a dream and did not feel heavy or look cakey on the skin. I now use Full Cover for everything from under-eye concealer to spot treatments. The versatile product can also be mixed with your favorite face moisturizer or sheer foundation when you do not want to wear a lot of makeup but need a bit more coverage.

What sets this product a part from the millions on the market is it’s waterproof properties. It is not going to budge once it sets and can be worn to the gym/beach/pool without it sliding off your face. Keep in mind that because of the waterproof capability, you will have to work the product fast – before it sets.

The 0.05 oz tube packs a highly pigmented punch. A little goes a long way as far as coverage and pigmentation.  Full Cover is silicone-based, and formulated without any oils, so it is great for all skin types. Since silicone molecules are larger than pores, they will not settle or cake. That’s means the product is non-comedogenic, and perfect for acne-prone skin. The silicone also creates a sort of webbing, like a primer, that will not accentuate flakey patches or dry skin.

Eyebrow Enhancer: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz

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Creating a natural looking brow has never been easier. A flawless brow can frame your face and totally change your look. With Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz, you can have well-groomed brows in mere seconds.

This aptly named pencil is ultra-fine and mimics the appearance of tiny hairs. The dual-ended mechanical pencil features pencil on one side and an essential spooley brush on the other.

The Brow Wiz is available in four shades: Ash Blonde – suggested for light to dark blonde hair. Medium Ash – suggested for light to medium brown and silver hair. Brunette – suggested for medium brown to black hair. Caramel – suggested for light brown hair with warm undertones, auburn, and strawberry blonde hair.

Application is a cinch with Brow Wiz. For optimal results, use short strokes and a light touch to fill in the brow, and extend where needed. Always blend pencil with the spooley brush for even and natural color.

If eyes are the window to the soul, then brows are the window treatments. Here are some tips and tricks from celebrity brow expert Anastasia Soare, founder of  Anastasia Beverly Hills:

· Stay away from tweezers, if your tweezing twice a week you’re doing too much.

· Make sure your brows are the right shade! Half the time a complimentary brow shade will do wonders much like hair color.

· Keep your brows close to your hair color just a touch darker if you’re a blonde, and if your brunette matching them is fine but don’t ever go too dark its overpowering.

· I love pencil for clients that have sparse brows or holes, I can use the pencil to spot touch and still keep the look natural.

· Never leave the house with naked brows. You don’t leave without mascara so don’t leave without pencil or brow gel. Well kept brows will pull anyone together in one minute and that to me is worth it.

 ABOUT ANASTASIA SOARE:

Combining her artistic interests with more technical ones, Anastasia trained professionally as an esthetician in Romania before moving with her family to California. While working as an esthetician at several prestigious beauty salons in Beverly Hills, Anastasia developed her own specific Golden Ratio™ technique behind the science of shaping eyebrows and helping to enhance the overall eye area. With her extremely loyal following and the growing buzz behind her brow shaping techniques, Anastasia opened her first full service salon on Bedford Drive in Beverly Hills, named Anastasia Beverly Hills, in 1997. The success of her first salon led her to opening a second full service salon in Brentwood, CA in 2010. Her product line can be found in stores like Nordstrom, Sephora and Ulta worldwide. A highly regarded expert in the field, Anastasia Soare has dedicated her lifetime to the pursuit of balanced natural beauty through the use of innovative ingredients and techniques. Never one to close the book, she will continue to develop products that combine the beauty of Anastasia with the science of skincare.

Summer Makeup Collections 2012

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Summer Makeup Collections are my absolute favorite. The bright colors and fun, free-spirited nature embody what the summer should resemble. The color-palette in these collections are always inspired by some exotic destination and being swept away to a beach with blue skies, hot sun, pristine white sands and tropical surroundings. The following six collections embrace summer with delightfully sunny shades, bronzed/sun-kissed skin and vibrant bursts of color.

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Summertime De Chanel 2012 is currently available online and at your local counters. Peter Philips, Creative Director of Chanel Makeup, replicates the natural glow of radiant, sunbathed skin. The collection includes two bronzers, an eyeshadow duo, eye crayons, lipsticks, lipglosses, and nail polishes (all limited edition). It is saturated with luminous bronze, gold and copper shades with a pop of coral perfection.

Must Have: Soleil Tan de Chanel & Rouge Coco Shine in En Vogue (bright coral)

Dive into summer with Yves Saint Laurent Summer Collection 2012. Available online and at department store counters May 2012, the collection features both limited edition and permanent collection items. The collection consists of universally flattering hues that aim to boost the radiance of the complexion and emphasize natural beauty.  The collection combines discrete nudes infused with subtle shimmer and pops of aqua blues.

Must Have: Mascara Volume Effets Faux Cils Waterproof in Majorelle Blue

Dior Summer 2012 Croisette Collection is a magnificent compilation of limited edition and permanent items available May 2012. La Croisette is French for Little Cross Drive, the name of a prominent street in Cannes that stretches along the shore of the Mediterranean Sea. This collection is inspired by a walk down the famous La Croisette, the colors of the seaside mixed with the glamour of the French Riviera. The Croisette Collection interlace tranquil aquatic shades with soft pastels and shimmering silvers.

Must Have: 1-Couleur Eye Gloss in Sunset & Tan

Guerlain + Emilio Pucci Terra Azzura Summer 2012 Collection is now available and is exclusive to Sephora and Nordstroms. Guerlain teams up with Italian fashion house, Emilio Pucci for a new color range that is inspired by “summertime on the Italian Riviera”. The collection features a bronzer/blush palette, an eyeshadow quad, a mascara, three lip glosses, two nail polishes, a blush brush and Guerlain’s famous powder pearls (Meteorites Perles d’Azur) packaged in and designed by Pucci.

Must Have: Meteorites Perles D’Azur

NARS 2012 Summer Collection is available now online and wherever NARS is sold. The collection features intensely pigmented earth inspired hues that are spiked with a bit of shimmer to illuminate the complexion and create a healthy glow. From icy peach to terracotta this collection is extremely chic and versatile.

Must Have: Liberté Blush

Thakoon for NARS Founder and creative director Francois Nars has partnered with fashion designer Thakoon Pachnigul to develop a limited edition nail polish collection inspired by Thakoon’s Spring 2012 collection shown at New York Fashion Week. The new polishes include 6 bright colors that were inspired by the spices found on Indian markets – bold, spicy and vibrant.

Must Have: Koliary Nail Polish  (cyan blue)

Set sail for summer with MAC Hey Sailor! Summer 2012 Collection. Available May 24 (North America), May 2012 (International) this entire collection is limited edition. Hey Sailor! is a nautical-inspired collection combining vintage pin-up looks with nautical/aquatic shades. Decked out with stylish sailor-striped packaging the collection features a fleet of eye shadows, lipsticks, lipglass, powder blushes, pigments, Powerpoint eye pencils, Pro Long Wear lip pencils, nail lacquers and a new mascara – Zoom Water Fast Lash. Also featured in the collection are a boat-load of bronzing powders, Pro Long Wear bronzing powders, High-Light powders, MAC to the Beach body oil, Suntints and a new face blender brush 167SH.

Must Have: Zoom Water Fast Lash Mascara

Glow-T Gift Guide: Bath & Body

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Glow-T’s Gift Guide continues with bath & body. Give the gift of relaxation with creamy, bubbly bath products. Pamper loved ones with luxurious holiday bath sets that aid in relaxation. From mood-changing natural oils to decadent bath bubbles and balms, here are a few gift ideas for an at-home spa experience.

Space NK ~ Rodial REHAB Bath & Body Gift Set: $60.00

BeautyHabit ~ Kai Bubbles & Light Gift Set: $49.00

BeautyBar ~ Elemental Herbology Botanical Bathing Infusions Gift Set: $42.00

Sephora ~ L’Occitane Best of L’Occitane Set: $75.00

Nordstrom ~ Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Body & Bath Trio: $60.00

Glow-T Gift Guide: Beauty Stocking Stuffers

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Glow-T’s Gift Guide continues with beauty stocking stuffers. Fill your holiday with tradition and your stockings with tiny treasures. These simple, small, easy-to-pick-up beauty necessities are thoughtful and useful. From a washable makeup bag that will last forever to the “can’t live without” makeup sponge, here are a few stocking stuffer ideas.

Emi-Jay ~ Hair Ties (Pack of 3): $5.99

BeautyBlender ~ BeautyBlender Single: $19.95

Neiman Marcus ~ Prada Trapezoid Cosmetic Case: $170.00

Sephora ~ Sephora Collection Vanity Brush Set: $48.00

Sephora ~ Urban Decay The Revolution High-Performance Lash Curler: $20.00

Glow-T Gift Guide: Skincare

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Glow-T Gift Guide continues with skincare. Every girl loves to pamper themselves with luxurious skincare. Holiday sets are a great way to try new brands and different products to find a routine that works for you. From high-tech solutions to all-natural skincare, here are a few gift ideas for the holidays.

Sephora ~ Kate Somerville Ageless Solutions Kit: $75.00

Sephora ~ Clarisonic Mia Skin Cleansing System: $129.00

Space NK ~ Eve Lom Daily Collection: $85.00

DermStore ~ La Roche-Posay Winter Skin Solution Kit: $55.00

REN: Combination Skin Kit: $30.00

Glow-T Gift Guide: Eyes

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Glow-T’s Gift Guide continues with eyes. Give the gift of  beauty this year with glamorous holiday sets. Playful, sparkly, pretty and glittery, these sets provide hundreds of beautiful eye-looks. From coveted neutral palettes to amazing collectors items, here are a few gift ideas for the glamour girl in your life.

Nordstrom ~ Bobbi Brown Long Wear Eyeliner Kit: $42.00

Beauty.com ~ Too Faced Brushes Essential 3 Piece Set: $39.00

NARS ~ Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself Eyes: $85.00

Urban Decay ~ Naked 2 Palette: $50.00

Sephora ~ MAKE UP FOR EVER Wild & Chic Aqua Cream Collection: $175.00

Glow-T Gift Guide: Lips

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Glow-T’s Gift Guide continues with lips. Give the gift of kissable lips just in time for mistletoe. These holiday sets will moisturize, repair and color lips with a fantastic compilation of products. From a beautiful anniversary palette to a collection of must-have’s, here are a few ideas for the lipstick lover in your life.

TIP: Stretch these holiday sets by divvying them up. Use the lip products as gift-toppers to add something extra. Or make each one into tiny ornaments by adding a simple bow and hand out to friends and family.

Nordstrom ~ Bobbi Brown ’20th Anniversary’ Lip Palette: $60.00

Sephora ~ Fresh Mini Sugar Kissing Trio: $28.00

Macys ~ Bliss Fabulips Collection: $45.00

Sephora ~ Sephora Favorites Give Me Some Lip: $25.00

Sara Happ ~ The Gift Set by Sara Happ: $40.00

Glow-T Gift Guide: Nails

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Glow-T’s Gift Guide begins with holiday sets for the lacquer-lover in your life. Instead of purchasing a single polish, make the most of these festive deals and grab a gift set. The holiday packaging and sparkling colors will make anyone mad for manicures.

TIP: Stretch these holiday sets by divvying them up. Use the mini nail polishes as gift-toppers to add something extra. Or make each one into tiny ornaments by adding a simple bow and hand out to friends and family.

Happy Holidays!

Neiman Marcus ~ NARS Kabuki Mini Nail Polish Coffret: $35.00

Sephora ~ Sephora by OPI Glimmer Wonderland Eighteen Piece Mini Nail Color Set: $48.00

Nordstrom ~ Le Métier de Beauté ‘Rock ‘n’ Romance’ Mini Nail Lacquer Set: $25.oo

Ulta ~ Butter London Dressing Table Duo Black Knight & Tart w/Heart: $25.00

Nordstrom ~ Yves Saint Laurent Holiday Nail Trio: $45.00

Beauty Bar ~ Deborah Lippmann Get This Party Started Set: $42.00

Introducing: Boscia B.B. Cream

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Boscia B.B Cream SPF 27 PA++

Last week, one of the first B.B. Cream products was released to the US market. It is manufactured by Boscia, a Japanese botanically-based skincare brand. 

What is B.B. Cream?

B.B. Cream stands for Blemish Balm Cream. It was formulated in Germany and initially used on laser surgery patients to protect and soothe their highly sensitive skin. It is sold and obsessed-over mainly in East and Southeast Asia but is gaining momentum worldwide. Known for its skin-regenerating functions, whitening and brightening effects, sun protection and anti-aging benefits, B.B .Creams are a multifunctional product used to create flawless skin.

After trying a handful of Asian-brand B.B. Creams, my main concern was the color shade options. The majority of brands only offer a selection of one or two shades, developed primarily for Asian skintones. 

Available on Boscia’s website and now at Sephora, this B.B. Cream comes in a self-adjusting, universal shade that should complement most skintones. It’s formula is much lighter than other B.B. Creams and not as pigmented. It produces an extremely sheer coverage that has the same feel and texture as a tinted moisturizer.

Though it feels pleasant on the skin and offers many skincare benefits, due to the lack of coverage, I will use this B.B. Cream primarily for it’s sun protection, SPF 27 PA ++, when outdoors this summer.