Friday, November 29, 2013

Beauty and Style Steals - Cyber Monday and Black Friday codes





It's time to get your holiday shopping face on, but no need to leave the house - you have the Internet! Here are some top picks from my favorite brands and stores for your cyber weekend!


STYLE

J Crew | 30% off site wide, use code HOLIDAY at checkout

Piperlime | 25% off site wide, use code GIFT at checkout

Ann Taylor | 40% off everything, use code GET40

Banana Republic | 40% off everything, use code BRGIVING at checkout

ASOS | 20% off everything, use code GIMME20 at checkout

Shopbop | Save up to 25%, use code BIGEVENT13 at checkout

Baublebar | 15-35% on Black Friday depending on how many items you purchase

Ted Baker London | 30% off through Monday, use code TED30

Diane Von Furstenburg | Up to 30% off through Monday, no code needed

Madewell | 25% off your entire order, use code Feast25 at checkout

Tory Burch | 20-30% off + gift with purchase, use code holiday




BEAUTY

Beautylish | $25 off $100 

Becca cosmetics | 20% off with code FAMILY13

Bliss | 20% off full size bliss

Butter London | 20% off site wide, use code CYBER13

Dr Brandt Skincare | 40% off entire purchase, 11/29 only

Giorgio Armani | 20% off $75+ purchases, through 12/5

NARS Cosmetics | 20% off + free shipping, use code NARSFRIENDS

Peter Thomas Roth | 20% off entire site

SAKS | $25 gift card when you spend $100 on beauty/fragrance, use code BEAUTY13

Smashbox | 25% off everything with $50+ purchase, use code HOLIDAY25

Tarte Cosmetics | 25% off everything, use code TURKEY

YSL | 20% off $75+ orders and free shipping


Sunday, November 24, 2013

A Model's Top Ten Beauty Product Reommendations for Camera Ready Photos.


I have been asked so many times to reveal my All time favorite beauty products, so I thought I would start with my TOP TEN tried and true go-tos. These are the beauty choices I make every time I'm on television or need to be camera ready - for they have never failed me! 

1. Giorgio Armani Maestro Foundation. One of the highest rated foundations by makeup artists for flawless perfection. Great coverage with a satin, light luminous finish - perfect for those high definition cameras!

2. Lorac's TANtalizer. My best feature are my legs and living in Arizona I get to show off nearly every day wearing shorts and skirts. My absolute best recommendation besides self tanning is this product to give a nice bronzed glow. Great to use all over before a swimsuit photo too ... anything darker recedes in photos and everything helps for those days.

3. HOURGLASS Aura Sheer Cheek Stain. I have to admit, I own all three colors. The great part of using a cheek stain is that it doesn't fade like powder or smear down like cream blush. Don't be intimidated by the color - it is VERY sheer and does not go on as dark as it appears. Secret trick: Layer this underneath highlighting blush and it will last all day long.

4. Beauty BlenderIf you thought all sponges were created equal when it comes to makeup application, this one will prove you wrong. I have no idea why, but this little gem makes it look like you have almost used an airbrush to apply. No edges means no lines and the tip is perfect for getting underneath your eyes perfectly.

5. Amazing Cosmetics Concealer. One of my favorite concealers because it blends and erases any hyper-pigmentation so easily. Water resistant and  it comes in lots of different shades. 

6. Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer. This is a must have for anyone who wears eyeshadow. Not only does it prevent creasing, but no matter what brand of eyeshadow this will help it look better and last longer. I am also a big fan of the under eye primer in this line too. Both brighten the eye instantly.

7. Makeup Forever HD High Definition Powder. This year is all about a matte looking face, but there's a difference between matte and dry. This powder not only sets my makeup, but it mattifies the skin flawlessly which is key in front of high definition cameras that can see every pore. It is translucent which means it is invisible color for all skin. You can wear as a finishing powder or on a bare face alone.

8. Brazilian Blowout Acai Smoothing Serum. I use this every morning on my wet hair before blow drying. Not only does it prevent frizz but it coats the cuticle to protect it, locking in moisture and giving great shine.

9. YSL Touche Éclat. A concealer/highlighting pen that literally brings light to your face without any sparkle. Using this product always makes me look well rested. Check out my post about all the places on your face you should be highlighting {HERE}.

10. Givenchy Mister Mat Mattifying Foundation Primer. I must admit that I have tried alot of primers - far too many to remember or count. No matter what I buy or try, I always go back to Mister Mat. A primer makes the difference in flawless foundation application, but many times they are too greasy or have so much silicone that they literally "ball up" on my face. I especially love Mr Mat because he doesn't leave me with an oil slick when I'm done putting on my face. Key for on camera work and makes it so I need less powder too.


Friday, November 22, 2013

Best Monthly Subscription gift boxes - Holiday gift ideas for everyone on your list!


Back in the day, a subscription to a magazine seemed to be a good holiday gift idea, but now the subscription market has exploded beyond anyone's expectation. And with Christmas just over a month away these boxed deliveries will allow you to check everyone off your list - there is literally a subscription for everything and everyone!


What's in your box? Watch the video {HERE}

The Beauty Box

The most widely known monthly box service. I am a subscriber to many of these monthly programs and when my package arrives it feels a little like Christmas! I get to try out new makeup without having to research and purchase. Plus, if you can imagine what a beauty bloggers' bathroom cabinets look like then you'll understand when I tell you that my collection has exploded far beyond into other areas of the home which is why I appreciate trying before buying full size product.


  • Birchbox is one of the original sample subscription boxes. I am a faithful member and at $10 a month this is still one of the best values out there! They send out 4-5 deluxe samples each month and usually one full size product and offer video tutorials and you can earn points for purchasing products through their website. {Subscribe to Birchbox}
  • IPSY formerly myGlam - I also subscribe to this box. This box was created by You Tube beauty guru, Michelle Phan. Very similar to Birchbox, also $10 a month for a variety of samples that arrive in a super cute zippered pouch. {Subscribe to IPSY}
  • GlossyBox has been an international success UK and Canada. Now launching in the U.S.Included each month are 5 high end and emerging beauty treats from around the globe for around $20 a month depending on your plan.  I just received my first box and was very impressed which contained a full size Tarte Lights Camera, Flashes Statement  Mascara with a retail price of $23. {Subscribe to GlossyBox}
  • New Beauty Test Tube - This comes straight from the editors of one of my favorite magazines, New Beauty. This is sent out quarterly and for $29.95 you receive a large tube with awesome products valued over $150. {Subscribe to New Beauty Test Tube} 

Man Boxes

  • Birchbox has also rolled out their program to the men so that they can discover the best new grooming and style products geared for them. This subscription is $20 a month. {Subscribe to Birchbox for men}
  • Mystery Tackle Box. 
  • Ashton Kutcher Fancy Box. Each month Ashton will be sending you the coolest gadgets, hippest t-shirt, electronic accessories and more. $39 monthly gets you over $80 worth of products. {Subscribe to Fancy Box}

Personal Style Boxes


  • Pop Sugar Must Haves. Every month the editors of Pop Sugar will send you full size items worth over $100. The "must have" in fashion, beauty, home decor accessories and more. {Subscribe to PopSugar Must Have Box}
  • Wantables. A monthly subscription that sends you hand selected items that match your style. Three categories: Intimates, Makeup and Accessories. Cost is $36 and each has a value between $80-100. You enter your profile of likes, dislikes and loves. You never get your dislikes. My first box I received a statement necklace, super cool ring that fit me perfectly, and Betsey Johnson houndstooth boxer pj bottoms - that all fit my style perfectly! WOW I was impressed. {Subscribe to Wantables}
  • FabFitFun VIP Box. Giuliana Rancic and her team 4 times a year for $49.99 per season will send you full sized premium products worth over $120 in beauty, fitness, fashion and wellness. Yes, pretty fabulous! {Subscribe to FabFitFun VIP}
  • Stitch Fix. Fun clothes, chosen by your own personalized stylist delivered straight to your door. You fill out a detailed questionnaire and they send you a box of 5 clothing/accessories hand picked for you based on your profile. Yes your personal stylist. You pay $20 for the styling fee which also includes delivery. You have 3 days to try on and decide what to keep or send back. Your $20 will be applied as a credit for anything you decide to keep. Keep all 5 items and get a 25% discount! {Subscribe to Stitch Fix}


Children's Boxes
  • Citrus Lane. Babies to preschoolers will love this box tailored to grow with each stage of your child's life. Products chosen by moms for moms. A great way to try and discover new brands. around $20/month. Your Citrus Lane box will be filled with healthy treats, books, engaging toys and sometimes a goodie for the parent. {Subscribe to Citrus Lane}
  • Crafter's Crate. Designed for girls ages 5-10. For $20 you will receive 4-5 complete craft sets to make. Perfect for busy moms who want to do something fun with their child. {Subscribe to Crafter's Crate}
  • Fab Kids. Every month you will get a new play outfit for your son or daughter. Girls or boys sizes 2 to 12. $39.95 a month. {Subscribe to Fab Kids}

Pet Boxes


  • Bark Box. $29/month. We love a box that gives back. 10% of all proceeds given to shelter and rescues for animals in need. 4-6 items each month including all natural treats, toys and pet products not typically found in big box stores are sent depending on the size of your dog, small, medium, large. {Subscribe to BarkBox}