Update!

Where have I been? If you were wondering, I have some new info…
My husband and I moved back in November. My blogging slowed down in the months before because of packing, back to work, etc. We finally got into our new place mid-November. After about a week, I noticed that our neighbor was very loud. So loud, that I could hear every word of Rihanna’s greatest hits. I asked her about it kindly and she was so nasty. The second time, I actually put in a noise complaint with NYC. We also spoke to our landlord.

Though it got a little better, I then had to worry if I would hear her screaming- at anyone or thing. One afternoon, I heard her fighting with a male- screaming back and forth. A few days later, the music started up. Again. My husband and I looked at each other and decided it was time to move. We lived in the apartment for two months.
My mother-in-law happily took us in and we moved this past Thursday.
I can only imagine the next few weeks are going to be busy between unpacking and getting settled. At this point, I will probably be taking a break and it will be for some time. As much as I love my products, I also love my sanity!

I hope to be able to back soon and miss you all!
Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

What’s In My Bag?!

I recently noticed a post on Pink Lady Beauty and figured a “What’s in My Bag?” post would be fun. I love pocketbooks. It is no secret. Some of my prize possessions are my bags. As sad as that may sound, I just can’t help myself. It started at a very young age. My grandmother worked at A & S and would manage to snag four year-old me the hippest pocketbooks that were on sale. Anyway, my obsession still continues and the wanna-be celebrity in me wants you to see what I have in my bag!

I currently am carrying an MZ Wallace bag. This bag is maybe from two seasons ago but their styles are pretty unique to the brand. I got this bag from my aunt. It sat in her closet for quite some time. It figures that it is one of my favorites and that it gets a lot of use.

Nylon with leather trim, this bag can take a beating. I am super hard on my bags and after a year of pretty frequent use, it still looks good.

The outside has two zippered pockets that are pretty generous in size. I find I don’t use them as much unless it is something I need to grab fast.

I keep things like tissues or um feminine products in the front pocket.

My only gripe with the bag is the top zipper to the main compartment. If you pull the zipper too far when opening it, it gets stuck and makes the bag pretty impossible to close. I do love that the attached short strap still fits under my arm and over a heavy winter coat and that there is a detachable cross-body strap, making it hands-free and shopping friendly. The inside of the bag is also roomy and there is an inside pocket with a zipper along with a few other pockets.

I use pouches in my bag. It’s an OCD thing.

Oh! There is also a back outside pocket! Hand sanitizer and lip balm are totally accessible in that pocket and I can just grab them quickly as I need them.

Sanitizer and lip balm in the back pocket. More lip product, hand cream, and blotting papers I keep in the inner zipper pocket.

Caudalie’s Hand and Nail Cream is delightful and leaves my hands feeling silky instantly so I can use my smart phone right after applying. Jouer”s Conditioning Lip Treatment feels lovely and gives lips that pillow look. My blotting papers are from Forever21 and there is also a mirror in the compact. I am hoping to be able to reuse the compact for other blotting papers.

My teacher pencil case!

My mom-in-law bought me the “Stuff” pencil case a few Christamases (is that a word?) ago and it is perfect for the work items I need to have on me. There is my random gaggle of pens and pencils, a USB drive that looks like a Carress bottle, some post-its and my work key lanyard. I thought the penguins were cute. I also stuck my “Never Judge a Book By Its Movie” button on there to remind people to READ!

The wallet is by Elliot Lucca. I have a thing for keychains and the pouch is from Ipsy!

My husband bought me an Elliot Lucca wallet last year. It  is a big wallet and I pretty much throw everything that has to do with cash, receipts, credit cards, loyalty cards, change in it… you get the picture. I love that there are billfolds on either side to organize cash and miscellaneous paper. My keys have a Croc on them because my husband loves Crocs. I keep an Italian horn and the charm to ward off the malocchio- the evil eye.  I also carry an ipsy pouch for my make-up.

Inquiring minds want to know!

I always have a few staples in my little cosmetics bag that never come out. Too Faced Lip Insurance Lip Primer is a necessity since I love my pigmented lipstick. This sample is perfect but I do have a full size when I finish up this guy. I also keep Too Faced Borderline Anti-Feathering Lip Pencil, which is pretty much a clear waxy lip pencil. It is smooth and terrific because it keeps pesky colors from bleeding without altering the shade. That little nub on the left is Sephora Nano Eyeliner in Pearl Beige. It is great for perking up tired eyes by adding a little to the inner corners or a quick highlight when blended on the browbone. I always have eye drops on hand if my eyes get dry or if my allergies make them itchy. I don’t use the drops too often but like them nearby. Ibuprofen Cold & Sinus clears up some congestion or those annoying sinus headaches.  Bare Minerals Ready Touch Up Tinted Mineral Veil helps me stay shine free and is great if I didn’t get a chance to do my face before leaving the house. Don’t even get me started about the three sample perfumes in the pouch. I heart Marni’s eponymous perfume and wear it pretty often, so that is pretty much a mainstay. I currently am trying out Cartier’s Baiser Vole. It is very sophisticated and I am pretty much done with this sample. The last is D’Anjou by DSH Perfumes. It is a really pretty pear scent and I received it in my October Bergamot box. In fact, I liked it so much, I bought it! Finally, the lip colors. I switch them up daily but I think Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Radiant may be another product that stays in the pouch all of the time. It is a shimmery rosy pink that is very flattering and great for throwing on in a pinch. My lipstick of the moment is Em Cosmetics by Michelle Phan in Nude. The color is fabulous- it is a nude that does not wash me out and with my primer, lasts a long time!

And that is pretty much it! What is your favorite bag? What do you lug around with you?

I know I would be lost without my pocketbook!

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

HauteLook Summer Essentials Are Pretty Necessary

A week or two ago, I wrote a post about the HauteLook with Nordstrom Summer Beauty Bag. (You can check out that post here.) I was totally annoyed, as the bag was $29 US and had mostly “deluxe” samples.  About a week later, HauteLook released its Summer Essentials bag and I ordered it. For $20,  I thought it might just be better. Lucky for me, it was.

What have you got in there?

There are 13 products in the Summer Essentials bag and though many are fun size, the full size products up the retail value of the bag. I’ll start off with skin and body care. For the face,  there is a small jar of Miracle 10 AHA Cream. An exfoliator for dry skin, this soothing cream is supposed to bring on even skin texture and fight aging. I will use this eventually but not during the summer. My skin has a tendency to burn, so even putting gentle AHAs on my face frightens me. (Interested in trying Miracle10? Visit Miracle10.com to get Super C & AHA Cream for $82 US. Enter promocode HAUTEBAG13)

Another miracle?

Yay! Another self-tanning product. I have so many tubes and sheets of glow goop that I don’t even know what to do with it. This single TanTowel is good for half body application and can even be used on the face. I loved the spray on one I used last week (there are still remnants on my legs) but I might just have to try a sheet, too. (Hey- don’t you want to know what happens?)

Vacation in a towel.

In order to keep your faux tan looking glowing and not blech, slather on Whish Body Butter in Orange Cream. I have tried Whish Shave Cream and the scent was reminiscent of Fruity Pebbles. This tiny tube will be good to throw in a getaway bag but I have a feeling there will be no getaways this summer. L’Occitane Shea Hand Cream is a cult classic and a little goes a long way.  Cooler weather will be here before we know it, so this will come in handy. (Handy- get it?)

Creamy.

I love Diptyque fragrance because though they are complex, they are magically singular. I find the fragrances to truly smell so natural on the body and wear Eau Duelle, a spicy vanilla, I now have a sample of L’Ombre dans l’Eau, which translates to The Shadow in the Water. On first spray, it is very green but rounds out to a floral with rose and blackcurrant. It actually reminds me of a perfume I used to wear but can no longer recall. Such is life!

Secret like a shadow.

Your crowning glory is up next. Blow Pro After Blow Strong Hold Finishing Spray is a quick dry spray that claims to keep frizz and flyaways at bay. I probably will never find out if this spray works but it sounds good.

Blow Pro then Grab and Go!

I’m loving L. Erickson Grab n’ Go Pony Compact. The compact isn’t very sturdy but it holds a few ponytail elastics in a place where they won’t get lost in my bag. Thank goodness.

Onto the make-up! Start off with great brushes. Since I love my Crown Brushes, I was happy to receive their Travel Brush Set. I don’t like to bring my big brushes on the go and  this set will make it easy.  I am also curious to try Lashfood Nano-Peptide Natural EyeLASH Conditioner. It is supposed to make my lashes stronger. After the lash perm I tried last year, I think this is a safer option.

Long lashes, little brushes.

For some more lash love, there is a tube of LORAC Special Effects Mascara in Black. One side has a primer and the other has a lengthening mascara. I remember when Revlon had a mascara like this many years ago and I miss it so this should be fun to try out.

Long and lovely lashes.

Now, we go from lashes to lips. There are three lip products in the bag and they are pretty fabulous. First in line is an NYX Lip Smacking Fun Color Lipstick in #597 Margarita. It looks more like a watermelon margarita to me, as it is a shimmery pink-orange shade. This lipstick is in the round tube and is under $4 US. I love NYX lipstick and am more than happy to add this to my collection.

NYX Lips

Margarita!

We are almost done! To keep lipstick in line, there is an Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil in Naked. Since it is a neutral color, I think it can be used with pretty much any lip color.

Lining and a bomb!

The bonus in the bag is a Mirenesse Lip Bomb Glossy Lacquer Stain in #27. It is a coral that errs on orange I’m guessing it is a gloss that will impart shine and stain the lip for lasting color. I have another lip product from Mirenesse that I really like, Maybe one of these day I will do a comparison.

What would you like to try from the HauteLook Summer Essentials bag?

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

Related articles

• HauteLook Summer Essentials Beauty Bag Review (genuinelyheather.com)
• Hautelook Summer Beauty Bag 2013 (addictedtobox.wordpress.com)

I Have A Lot of Beauty Boxes to Recycle

There were more. Trust me.

And I only mean that after I have opened them and emptied the contents! I got FIVE beauty packages in the mail this week. In this post, we will take a gander at my GlossyBox and Birchbox deliveries. In the next post, we need to discuss the HauteLook Summer Beauty bag and a package all the way from someone Short (and Sweet) in Texas. I will give you a quick rundown of each box and then pick and choose the items I really think you need to know about in future posts.  Here we go!

First up is the July GlossyBox, le Grand Bleu, or the Big Blue, or the Grand Indigo (I made that up.) Very disappointing delivery- probably most disappointing of the lot and there was no magazine! Actually, that’s good news because that means things will be looking up from here. There were five products plus a “bonus.” At $21 a month, I deserve a bonus. Unfortunately, I will not use three of them and only one is a full size product and the cheapest in the box.

Okay, give to Cindy, give to my sister, okay, throw in travel bag, give to someone that needs it

The Brazilian Blowout Acai Deep Conditioning Mask will be used up when I need to deep condition. (Remind me to tell you my Rio acai story sometime. I was fun in my 20s!)  Bvlgari Eau Parfumee au the Blanc Shampoo & Shower Gel is the third product from the white tea fragrance line. Though I like the scent, enough alread, my friend Cindy likes the smell and just like I passed off the soap to her, she will get the shower gel. Nails Inc. Baker Street Nail Polish may look like a regular bottle but it is small and I know because I already own it. My sister is lucky. That girl ends up with everything. Figs & Rouge Cherry Blossom Tinted Balm Tube is full size and is $9 US. I thought it was an L’Occitane hand cream. Nope. I will use it since I like the way the tube looks. My “bonus” is Nicka K New York Absolute! Make-Up Cleansing towelettes. I have said it before and I will say it again- they sell this brand at my local beauty supply and the make-up runs around $3 US on average. Lastly is the Evologie Intensive Blemish Serum. I rarely get acne and I like my good old tea tree to handle that.  I am not impressed with this month’s selections- they are way too run of the mill and small!

Every year, the Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) have the Insiders’ Beauty Awards. Birchbox curated two boxes of winners. They were recently on sale- $26 for both. I thought that was pretty good and had some points left, so I managed to score both for $23.31. I’ll start with the Prestige Headliners – Birchbox for CEW. Originally priced at $18 US, this little box had the stuff you could buy at Sephora or a department store.

Birchbox Prestige Headliners

Since there are so many, I’ll list:

-IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Brow Pencil (might be a full size- Sam over at Samandro22 got me into filling in my brows!)

-Living Proof Prime Style Extender (Decent sized tube. Eh.)

-Julep Nail Color in Teri (It’s a full bottle!)

-Julep Essential Cuticle Oil (Another biggie! For my dry cuticles, I need a miracle.)

-Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Triple Defense Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 50 (“Deluxe”Sample)

-La Fresh Eco-Beauty Oil-Free Face Cleanser, Scented (2 wipes. I’m cool with that.)

Next is the Birchbox for CEW Mass Market Finalists. This box is a treasure trove of drugstore finds and I have only tried two out of the six! Five of the products are full size, making for a great value.

On the cheap.

-Olay Pro-X Spot Fading Treatment (Sample tube but it should last a bit because you only use a few drops at a time.)

-Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey (Love these!)

-L’Oreal Paris Infallible Eye Shadow in #557 Glistening Garnet (I hope it is way better than the Armani Eyes to Kill one I bought.)

-Burt’s Bees Ultimate Care Hand Cream (Full size tube- since I finished my most recent favorite, I will try this next.)

-Nivea A Kiss of Olive OIl & Lemon Moisture Rich Lip Care (Finally! My favorite balm is LaBello- it is Nivea in the States and this flavor is more European!)

-Simple Revitalizing Eye Roll-On (I love eye rolls…)

What do you think? I have a lot of work ahead of me, huh?

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

–

Wanna-Be London Girl

My sister, Shazzer, and my Mom, returned from their trip to London last week. My mom came over yesterday and brought me a bunch of goodies from across the pond. I just took some quick pictures and I really can’t wait to start trying everything! Shazzer and Mom are the best!

When I visited England in 2005, I got to visit Portobello Market. I loved all of the cool items they had for sale and bought a military jacket and great amber earrings. My mom remembered my fondness for the colorful street and brought my presents in this…

A 9 year old created the design. As a teacher, I can really appreciate their talent. Note my thigh. At least I shaved.

Portobello Market is in Notting Hill, I think!

I had a few cosmetic requests and almost fainted when I saw Shannon was in Poundland. She picked me up a few things from there, as well as some Barry M. and a lipstick from 17.

I’m so glad I have this sparkly goodness in another color, too. There is a Barry M. eye pencil, 17 lipstick, a lip balm, and nail polish. I need to use one. NOW.

More glitter!

I don’t know what Chit-Chat Mascara is but I will soon find out!

Cheaper than Armani- even with the exchange.

I also got some pretty eye shadows. The neutral palette looks like it has a primer with two colors. I had a powder from Collection 2000 from my trip to Ireland. It is long since gone but I can’t wait to try this lime eye shadow.

Mix and match?

For my nails, a Bewitched glitter polish and Barry M. polish that mimics a lightening bug.

Glitter and glow.

I requested a magazine, too, and when I can pick up British Glamour here in the States, I do. They picked up Glamour for me. It was two British pound sterling, which comes to $2.99 USD. Magazines are at least $3.99 US AND they never come with ModelCo. Lip Gloss which retails for $16 US. US publications better get a clue. Just sayin’.

And Daniel Radcliffe.

When I was in Dublin, I bought a purse by Paul’s Boutique. My sister knows I love the fun and quirky style of Paul’s Boutique bags so she picked up this really cute wallet. The chain is just really funky and I can’t wait to use all of the crazy buttons. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!

We finally get Paul’s Boutique in the USA. The original PB website ships to the US and ASOS also carries the line.

My sister had a few things on her “bucket list.” One was riding the London Eye. I scored a mirror on a key chain. It will get a lot of use. More than I should admit.

Eye told you.

And then… Shazzer and Mom went to see Robbie Williams! He very rarely plays in NYC and my sister managed to purchase tickets.

And all I got was this lousy key chain…

I love all of my presents! I am sure there will be a few reviews soon. A special thanks to Shazzer and Mom for going on a make-up hunt and fueling my product hoochie-ness!

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

ipsy-licious!

Hi Lovlies! I am home today with a nasty cold. I can’t hear out of my ears and my head is pounding. Great fun for a Friday. To ease my feeling yucky, I figured I would write about my ipsy delivery. I read about the June bag over at Pink Lady Beauty. Melissa got a slightly different bag but I am happy with the contents.

The theme of this month’s bag is “On the Wild Side.” I think the products I received actually fit into this idea quite nicely!

For the birds!

J. Cat Beauty Sparkling Cream Palette ($4.49 US) : These glitter creams are neutral and that is better for me. If they were colorful I might have more trouble using them than I already will. I am not big on glitter and though these are really pretty, I probably won’t have much use for them. On the description of ipsy’s website, it says to NOT use them on the eyes, which makes it more problematic.

Lots of lights in this bag.

Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil($18 US) :  This pencil will get some serious use. I usually use the beige NANO pencil from Sephora and this one is a chubby pencil that I can use in the corners of my eyes or under my brow bones. This pencil can also help conceal redness and blemishes. This type of pencil is great for people that wear glasses. I do and I swear by some highlighting to help enhance the area that is hidden by my specs.

Starlooks Lips Pencil in Tickle Me Pink ($12 US): I have read a few reviews on Starlooks boxes and am intrigued. If I didn’t already get ipsy, GlossyBox, and Birchbox, I might have taken the plunge. The Starlooks line claims to have quality make-up at pro-prices (I guess they mean a discount.) The color seems to be very vibrant and I will probably use it this summer with a nice gloss over it.

Putting the pieces together.

NYX Mosaic Powder in Dare ($7 US): I love my NYX cosmetics! This powder has shimmer and matte colors. This is more of a rosy gold and I think will make it easy to use, as it can almost double as a light bronzer.

And I hope this next one gives you a giggle. I have now received my fourth bottle of… DRY SHAMPOO. I. CAN’T. EVEN.

My best secret?

Psssst! The TRUE Original Dry Shampoo (Travel Size $2.99 US): Great for sopping up oily roots and adding volume, Psssst! is the matriarch of dry shampoos. Basically, you spray in and brush out- which I why I probably can’t use it. If I put a brush to this head, you’d be looking at Frankenstein’s Bride.

Wild Things!

I am pretty pleased with the month’s bag. It far exceeded the $12 monthly charge.

You still have a few days to enter my giveaway. Click  here for a chance to win!

Until next time…

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

A Better Birchbox

Do good things really come in small packages?

Well, it is about time. After month upon month of disappointment, I finally got a decent Birchbox. I know that last month was better than most other boxes because I received two boxes but this month’s box is way more PH friendly than last month’s.

More on the “New Look” later.

This month’s theme is “wanderlust”- “When wanderlust strikes, it sticks.” The box contains some travel-friendly products, as well as something full sized.

The adorable postcards set the tone for quite a journey…

I’m partial to this set- my home and my favorite city.

Not that England and Spain are too shabby!

Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk Deluxe Sample: I have heard plenty about this dry shampoo. I don’t really use dry shampoo BUT I do suffer from second day oily roots sometimes. I might even say third day oily roots. TMI? This is probably the third dry shampoo sample I received from Birchbox and I guess I might take the hint. (Full Size $18 US)

Nails, Hair, and Anchors AWAY!

Birchbox + Color Club Professional Nail Lacquer  Mini Polish in Reign in Spain from the Wanderlust Collection: A Birchbox exclusive, this polish is a collaboration with Color Club to encourage the traveler in all of us. Reign in Spain is a cool peach that is a bit more coral. I actually love the color. (Full Size $8 US)

Twistband Birchbox Nautical Hair Tie Collection: I only got one in my box. These don’t tear the hair out of my head but I find they do stretch quickly and a pack of five or six is $14 US. That’s a lot of money for a ponytail.

Oscar de la Renta Something Blue (perfume vial): It is the latest scent from Oscar de la Renta and is a blend of mandarin and linden blossoms. Sounds like a pretty summer scent. (Full Size $85-$115 US)

You can’t borrow mine.

Mirenesse Glossy Kiss Lipstick: Yay! A full size product in my Birchbox! This pen can be used as a gloss when layered or a stain when blotted. There were also instructions on how to use it as a cheek tint. ($26.55 US)

Double Trouble!

This box made me a happy wanderluster.

If you are not a Birchbox subscriber and are thinking of getting a subscription, they recently revamped the site. They want to reach a more diverse audience and are pushing Birchbox Man. I also think that the site maybe more user friendly. The old site was a little annoying to shop. One thing they did not change was the point system. Every dollar spent is one point, with 100 points equaling $10. You can really clean up there if you are a savvy shopper! I also have a referral code so if you are indeed interested, send an email to producthoochie@gmail.com.

There is also time to enter my giveaway! Click here for the Rafflecopter link. You can enter daily so get to it!

Keep calm & Primp On! XOXO

BirchBox (Squared)

Image via CrunchBase

Two deliveries from BirchBox, you ask? You know it! I I received my usual box and then was happily surprised (well, not that surprised) by the extra delivery of the box of Nuance by Salma Hayek beauty products. Now, I have two boxes to contend with. I really have a only-like-a-little/hate relationship with BirchBox but this month was a bit better… and that’s only because I got the Nuance by Salma Hayek Bonus Box!

English: Salma Hayek at the Cannes film festival (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The May box was better than usual but that is still not saying much.

SPF and Eyeliner that won’t move- or so it claims!

COOLA Classic SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face: A sunscreen with a pleasant scent, this ec0-friendly formula protects and works on age-reversal. I am a little afraid. My eyes are sensitive and I only use Shiseido because it is the only one that doesn’t set my eyes on fire.

Sumita Beauty Suman Contrast Eye Pencil in Black: An eye pencil that is super soft and waxy with “sensational blending abilities,” the Sumita is all that and a bag of chips. Maybe not but I will find out soon enough. I wish I got one of the cooler colors. I have too many black pencils that I don’t use.

You Whish you had $20! (Pardon the picture- my original went missing!)

Whish Shave Cream: A bottle is $20 US. I won’t buy this but it will fit nicely in a travel bag.

DevaCurl 3-Step System: Known for the “No Poo” Shampoo, DevaCurl is a ringlet’s best friend. The system includes the No Poo, Ultra-Creamy Conditioner, and Hardworking Gel. I have wanted to try DevaCurl so this is a nice little intro and the packets are pretty generous so I will get a few uses.

Are you a Deva(curl)? (Another lost picture!) See the hub’s toes?

My BirchBox find is a Pilot Acroball PureWhite Pen that has turquoise ink. It’s pretty!

You got the write stuff…

I know that BirchBox wants to get into my good graces again. A few weeks ago, I received an email asking if I would be interested in getting another box, totally free that would not replace my usual monthly box. An extra box?! For free?! I signed up but there was no guarantee I would actually receive the box. Just yesterday I was wondering if I had been selected and figured that I am on a blacklist in the BB offices. I got home from work today and was pleasantly surprised to see a red BirchBox! I was a chosen one. Woohoo!

The box contains several products from Nuance by Salma Hayek. The line is exclusively sold in CVS and is based on beauty secrets of Hayek’s grandmother. The box is actually generous, as there are two full size products and some travel size.

Mail I don’t mind getting.

First, look in and there is a creamy box with pretty red blossoms.

I hope I channel Salma while using this stuff!

First product I noticed in the box was a small jar of Nuance Anti-Aging Super Cream. I am not one for cream but the container is so adorable and the product is based in Mayan skin treatments. I will give it a try because I never know if something could work on me.

I won’t show you the jar because you may want to steal it.

The two travel sized bottles of Nuance Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner will come in handy for my travels this summer. Not that I have anything planned, but you never know. I am also loving the full size tube of Nuance My Secret Super Moisturizing Body Cream. I am currently using a gradual tan lotion and will switch to this once I am done.

I’ll be clean and soft.

The last piece in the box is actually for my eyes. Nuance makes cool 3 in 1 products- I have a lipstick/liner/gloss combo- and I received a Lights, Camera, Action Eye Trio. The color is neutral and I love that it is all- in-one. Again, good for any journeys that I might have to make. (I’m so hoping- you have no idea.)

Don’t blink or you’ll miss it.

Until I bring you some ipsy…

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

HauteLook Puts A Spring Into My Step!

Yes, please!

A few weeks ago Taneja’s Bride did a post on possible Mother’s Day gifts. She mentioned the HauteLook Spring Beauty Bag. I have been a member of HauteLook for a long time and noticed the bag before, too, but it was always sold out before I could get my hands on it. Of course, after seeing it on Taneja’s Bride, it was sold out. Luckily, a few days later, I got another HauteLook email that there were more up for grabs. Mrs. Taneja was kind enough to email  but I was already on it! I received the bag on Thursday and am absolutely thrilled with the contents!

Perfect for summer

The bag is a shiny vinyl. The interior has a great lining and the entire pouch looks easy to clean. I love the navy and white stripes. I almost feel like I could take this with my for a weekend away in the Hamptons.

First up is a full size jar of Suki Skincare Exfoliate Cleanser. Made with lemongrass and natural sugar, this cleanser rejuvanates the face with alpha hydroxy acid and helps to de-gunk pores and obliterate dead skin cells. I can’t wait to try this out! $32.95 US/ 4 oz 

Suki, suki! Did I mention this is a vegan product?

Keeping with the clean, the bag also has a variety of five LA Fresh wipes, three types of face wipes, a make-up remover wipe, and a body smoother wipe. These are going right into my travel bag! There are also three samples of Stila All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer in pink, rose gold, and bronze shimmer. I’m not one for an unnatural glow but they might be fun to try.

Be fresh, rosy, and glow!

The mini Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten in Berry is a multi-shade blush with a touch of shimmer. I can’t wait t try it.

I am happy to report that the next products are full size and by LORAC! The first is LORAC Eyeshadow in Celebutante ($19 US), a very shimmery teal. Eyes with a pop of color are big this season. I think mine is broken and is now a “loose” pigment- I am calling HauteLook today.  I will try to use this to line my eyes in its loose state. There is also LORAC 3D Lashes Mascara ($22 US) , which claims to deliver up to 3X the volume. I L-O-V-E voluminous lashes.

To apply the lovely eyeshadow, I will use the Crown Brush Pro Blending Fluff. I use Crown Brushes and the quality is amazing. (On sale now at Crown Brush for $4.12 US!)

My eyeshadow is broken!

Another sample in the bag is Jessica Simpson’s Vintage Bloom. I wore a Jessica Simpson perfume for a bit but gave it away. I will give this a whirl- I think I have smelled it in a store and I was a little impressed. The travel sized  Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencil in Demolition will keep me in line with the cat eye trend and NYX full size lipstick in Shiva will help me mouth off in hot pink. I am a fan of both products and can’t wait to try out the shade.

Jessica Simpson, Demoliton, and Shiva

The value of the bag is worth way more than the $25 US I paid and I think it was curated well. I contacted HauteLook about my eyeshadow and… they gave me back $5 US. I am happy with that and their customer service is always fabulous! Well done, HauteLook. I will be buying this again next spring!

AND I ALMOST FORGOT… Some coupon codes!

Smile Sciences $50 US towards Rx Strength Teeth Whitening Pen (Code: hautelook)

15% off at Laura Geller (Code: HLBBAPR13)

20% off NYX Extra Creamy Round Lipstick Shades (Code: LIPCRUSH)

10% off your purchase at LORAC Cosmetics (Code: LOVELORAC)

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

Two Classy Dames

Estee Lauder, in a vivid print from Yves Saint Laurent, puts today’s face on customer by using darker shade of lipstick / World Journal Tribune photo by Bill Sauro. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Hello, fellow PHs! I hope the weekend is treating you well. It is Saturday night here in NYC and I am HOME. After a Friday night of carousing, I took a three hour nap and despite the fact that I will probably be a vampire tonight (be up all night- not biting people), I am not going out again. This week I ordered some goods from Bloomingdale’s, after my trip there about a week ago was uneventful. I ordered a few products because it is Friends and Family week and I found a DKNY dress for $25; however, I was most excited to order some Estee Lauder products. I actually am not too familiar with Estee Lauder cosmetics. A favorite memory of Estee Lauder is because of my great grandmother. She had a box of Youth Dew dusting powder. I remember the box well. It was blue and filled to the brim with a (very) fragrant powder. She had it on her dresser and it just looked so elegant. I don’t think she ever used it but when she passed away, I requested the powder box. I was nine. Yes, the hoochie-ness started then. I always associated Estee Lauder with the older set. Though they use beautiful models and spokeswomen, I just never was very interested-until I heard about the Lilly Pulitzer collaboration. I definitely needed something to get the gift! Besides, if Lilly Pulitzer is good enough for Jackie O, she is good enough for me! (Read more about Lilly Pulitzer here.)

English: Lilly Pulitzer store at the Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I purchased some “safe” products, the first being Pleasures Intense. I first got a whiff of that perfume in a mall. A young girl sprayed it on herself- she had to be about 5- and everyone in the store could smell it. And the smell is gorgeous. I happen to like rollerballs, as I can try a bunch of scents without breaking the bank. Estee Lauder offers a few of their fragrances in rollerball form and they each cost $24 US. It is described on the Estee Lauder website as a “lush floral.” I like richer fragrances and I find that Pleasures Intense, though very bright, has a bit more dimension.

Perfect for spring!

The second product I ordered is Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Fuchsia Fever ($25 US) from the Bronze Goddess Collection. It provides smooth application and has great pigmentation. For fuchsia this errs on very pretty instead of bright and the slight glossiness softens the shade.

Feverish fuchsia! I just noticed that my apartment has some good light.

Onto Lilly!

First off, I love the bag! It is a really great size and is a bit structured so it doesn’t just flop.

In the beauty of the Lilly!

Inside is quite spacious.

Lots of room!

The gift has a number of products. I find the palette to be the most generous.

The contents include a palette of 4 eye shadows and 1 blush and the packaging is gorgeous.

For skincare, there was a choice from three. Being the self-proclaimed greasy beast, I chose Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator and DayWear Creme SPF 15 to defend my face.

Saving face.

There is also a dual-sided tube, one half Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara in Black and the other Double Wear Stay in Place Flawless Wear Concealer in Light Medium. I think this is fantastic to throw in my bag for touch-ups.

Look into my eyes… not my dark circles.

For the kisser, there is a tube of Pure Color Longlasting Lipstick in 88 Rubellite Shimmer. Another pigmented color, it goes on easily.

Ruby lips.

Finally, there is a Pure Color Intense Kajal Eyeliner in 04 Blackened Sapphire, a bold navy and the Pure Color Palette with four eyeshadows and one blush. It has a great mirror and the packaging is pretty sturdy. I chose neutrals with a bit of a spark!

From top left- Pure Color eye shadow in 07 Waves.
From bottom left: 63 Tempting Mocha Shimmer & 30 Sugar Cube Satin. Blush in Lover’s Blush Shimmer

I am quite happy with my choices and the gift. I think the colors will help me transition to the warmer weather!

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

I just learned about the passing of Lilly Pulitzer today, April 7th. It is a sad day in the fashion world.