Posts Tagged ‘beauty’

photo: the cobra snake

Thanksgiving was last Thursday and I’m still full. I managed to eat an entire apple pie all by myself – not sure how it happened…it’s all very hazy. I didn’t have the energy to go to the gym, but I did manage to drink a lot of alcohol on Saturday night with some of my favorite people in the world. This led to an impromptu dance party around midnight in the parking lot of a grocery store (while the hubbs was inside the store buying more alcohol). Great night! I am ridiculously tired today, though, and have decided to wear all black to work to mourn the loss of the vacation weekend. I have also eaten 5 peanut butter cups since I sat at my desk.

I managed to get a killer deal on a Miss Sixty coat (in black, of course) at Overstock.com – that place is the shit.

normally $156, on sale for $56 and free shipping – here

I’m also contemplating this article that I recently read about the proper age to quit shopping at Forever 21. I have a love/hate relationship with that damn store. I do think it’s possible to find age appropriate items there for any age (excellent place for basics and accessories), but I also think the store is stifling the creativity and personal style of the youngsters out there. There’s a free-standing department-store sized one right across from my work and I go there on lunch breaks every now and then (ok like 4 times a week). The teenagers who shop there are like little clones of each other. At first glance I say, “oh she’s cute..that’s a cute thing she’s got going on..” and then I notice about 80% of the girls are dressed the exact same way. Right now, the popular thing seems to be leggings, boots, a beanie and a plaid shirt. Come on girls – express yourself a bit more…like these lovely ladies:

caroline’s mode

fashion toast

olsen’s anonymous

Maybe it’s better to shop there when you’re older, your personal style has developed a bit more and you know how to mix cheaper items with designer items. That way, you can successfully weed through the never-ending piles of trendiness without looking like a 15 year old fashion victim.

Side note: this and this is making me feel way better about this horrendous Monday.

As any fashion fanatic knows, inspiration can come from anywhere – movies, books, magazines, pictures, walking down the street..you get the idea. For me, it’s pictures. Whether they be from a random site, blog, book or magazine, over time, I’ve accumulated quite a collection of images with something fashionably inspiring in them.

But what the hell do I do with them? Sure, I love to  look at them to get ideas for outfits or shopping or what-have-u, but it’s kind of a pain in the ass to get on the computer to look through everything. It’s just not convenient. Plus, the tons of pictures I’ve collected are taking up space on my hard drive. But the problem-I really don’t want to get rid of them because each picture has something in it that I absolutely love. They’re inspiring to look at because they remind me of why I love style. They give me new ideas and remind me that I am actually a girl and should dress and act accordingly.

So, I came up with a genius idea (at least I think it’s genius). Each month I’m going to put all the photos I’ve collected during the previous month in a photo book. You know the ones, iPhoto makes them as well as a host of other companies. Submit your pics to the site, adjust your layout and tada! – your own personal fashion inspiration book. This way everything is kept in one convenient and bound place – which will motivate me to look at the beauties more often. Putting all the pics in a book will allow me to keep them for way longer, too.

It would be rad to have a collection of fashion photo inspiration books for my kids (when they are eventually planted in my uterus..don’t get ideas mom..no I’m not pregnant), no? I think so.

I saw this picture the other day – this is why I love english bulldogs. They are the cutest things ever as puppies…makes me want another one.

For this contest, I asked whoever wanted to enter to tell me what their ultimate 3-in-1 product would be. It was very hard to choose a winner but I chose Sandra A., who said her ultimate product would be the 3-in-1 husband: the handy guy who can fix anything, the nurturer who is sensitive and can tap into those infamous womanly feelings, and the romantic. Sounds pretty perfect to me! Congratulations Sandra!

New giveaways are in the works…stay tuned!

The lovely Ms. Reese Witherspoon has partnered with Avon and is launching her very own fragrance, In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon. I think Reese is an awesome role model for both girls and women and, furthermore, only good things can come from her partnership with Avon. She is the perfect example of how a strong, independent and career-minded woman can successfully balance a home life, personal life and work life. Avon is lucky to have her on board.

The fragrance is an invitation to experience the sensual side of a woman (and, um, hello?! we all love that side, right?). Precious and exquisite, the scent combines delicate femininity with seductive allure and mysterious beauty – pretty much the perfect woman!

“In developing In Bloom, I found myself drawn to the scents of my childhood in Tennessee,” explains Reese. “We had a great big magnolia tree in the backyard, and its that beautiful white blossom that inspired the perfume. In Bloom is indicative of where I am in my life today. I’m feeling very strong and independent, and so happy, so full of life. The fragrance truly captures that feeling – it’s very sensual, very romantic and alluring.” She is one amazing lady, I tell you.

“Reese was the perfect partner on the fragrance – she was fully involved in the whole process from the development of the juice and packaging to the fragrance name. I logged many miles flying between NY and LA to work with her to make sure the end result was a true reflection of Reese’s style,” says Isabel Ryan, Director of Avon Creative Development.

Info on In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon:

• Top: Georgia peach, tea leaves and crisp greens;
• Heart: Star gardenia, magnolias and night-blooming jasmine: and
• Base: Cashmere woods, hypnotic florals and amber wood crystals

The fragrance will be available all over the world come November, in two sizes: a 1.7 oz eau de parfum for $34 and a 1 oz Limited Edition version for $59. Also available will be a body mist, body lotion and shower gel, all for $15.

I will (hopefully) be giving away an In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon in the very near future (this scent sounds amazing so whoever gets it is going to be one lucky lady). Samples haven’t been released yet so stay tuned for updates! Also, don’t forget to enter this week’s giveaway featuring Avon’s Pro 3-in-1 Lip Wand. The winner will be announced Saturday, June 20th!

Courtesy of my friend Jill at BeautyTicket.com, I was informed of a killer deal on the new Nail Glam polishes from POP Beauty! If you’re not familiar with them, they are on InStyle Magazine’s “Best Makeup Under $15″ Top 10 list for Summer 2009. The code is for 25% off, is only good at the Pop Beauty website and expires July 1, 2009. The website is located in the U.K. but those who live in the U.S. and Canada only have to pay domestic shipping charges! Use the code “BEAUTYTICKET” to get your discount. Enjoy!

Avon is rolling out a brand new lip line and I got the chance to try out 3 new products: Spectra Color Lipstick, Ultra Color Rich Extra Plump Lipstick and the Pro 3-in-1 Lip Wand. These products are brand new and are being unveiled this summer (the 3-in-1 won’t come out until July). I have to say I was a little wary at first because I’ve never really used Avon’s products, but I think they just gained a new loyal customer with this one! One of the most amazing qualities of the products I tried out is definitely the fact that they are all under $10, which is nice for an unfunded girl like me!

SpectraColor Lipstick – I can’t count the number of times I’ve bought lipstick, tried it out when I got home, and ended up wishing it was “a little more pale” or “a little deeper,” which causes me to never use the stuff again and ends up being a big waste of money (which is why I have a plethora of once used lipsticks in my makeup repetoir). SpectraColor is completely revolutionary because it allows you to to get seven shades of lip color packed into one sleek, innovative packaging. This amazing product features SpectraDial Technology, and holds a light and dark version of your fave shade in side-by-side chambers with a full spectrum of hues in between. All you gotta do is twist the dial to create your perfect shade.

“Now you can create a customized lip throughout the day and into the evening,” says Jillian Dempsey, Avon Global Creative Color Director. “By clicking the dial, go from the palest hue to the deepest, most saturated color. It really is like having seven shades of lipstick in one tube that you can mix and match.” Formulated with Vitamins A, C and E, this lightweight, high-shine formula delivers beautiful color that lasts for hours, is never sticky and won’t bleed.

I tried out “The Lilacs,” but there are a bunch of different color ranges: The Berries, The Peaches, The Browns, The Pinks, The Caramels, The Raisins, The Roses, The Nudes and The Wines. SpectraColor just came out this month and is completely affordable. Avon is actually having an intro special on it right now and is selling it for $7.50 (normally $9.50). Purchase here.

I thought SpectraColor was pretty flippin’ sweet. The convenience of having 7 shades in one tube is just….there are no words! Each color came out perfectly hued, stayed on and packed a big shine. On top of that, the forumla of the actual lipstick is SO MOISTURIZING. It was like sunscreen on my lips but it wasn’t the least bit greasy. It was also extremely lightweight, which is a plus because I absolutely hate feeling like I have lipstick on. In spite of it being lightweight, there was still color! There are many lipsticks and glosses that are lightweight but are too sheer to see any color. You can definitely see the color of SpectraColor with each shade you pick. The tube is a bit tricky to figure out at first, but once you get the hang of it you’re good! All in all, WELL worth your dollars.

Ultra Color Rich Extra Plump Lipstick – This lipstick lets you take your lips from pretty to pouty in an instant (no joke)! The magic is in the center core, which ispacked with plumping power and intensely hydrating moisturizers. Your lips will tingle to let you know the formula is working. Ultra Color Rich Extra Plump Lipstick is formulated to increase circulation and saturate lips with spectacular, moisturizing color. Using the Vita-Plump Complex, it is also formulated to boost collagen. For beautiful, look-at-me lips, rich color surrounds the center core. With color that won’t feather or bleed and lips that are left full, soft and smooth, Ultra Color Rich Extra Plump Lipstick gives you everything you could ever want in a lipstick.

I tried “Pink Sunset,” but the full range of colors includes: Apricot Shimmer, Blond Ambition, Plump Pink, Caramel Mauve, Rosewood, Coco Plump, Starlet Red, Deep Blush and Winerose. This just came in May of this year so it’s pretty new. Each color is $8 and can be purchased here.

Ok, I knew this stuff would be awesome the second I swiped it across my lips. Unlike most plumping lipsticks and glosses that sting the CRAP out of you within 5 minutes, this lipstick was instantly cooling and tingling (in a good way) which let me know that it was working. It felt so good! The color was rich and moisturizing and, if you can believe it, the plumping action worked! My lips were actually plump and luscious and just…amazing. My favorite part about this lipstick, though, is definitely the way it feels as soon as you put it on. I’m lovin’ the tingle.

Pro 3-in-1 Lip Wand – This is perfect for those who are confused as to how to get a perfectly coordinated lip look. If you’re like me, I get intimidated when it comes to using liner, lipstick and gloss all at once – it gets too complicated and requires you to carry way too much in your bag. Avon, however, is taking the guesswork out of lip color with the new Pro 3-in-1 Lip Wand. Avon Global Creative Color Director Jillian Dempsey lent her professional expertise to design the first lip wand with a coordinating pencil, lipstick and gloss in one – delivering perfect lip sync. Developed to let you play matchmaker with unlimited lip looks, the innovative, streamlined packaging delivers a lip liner, creamy lipstick and high shine lip gloss in one sleek wand. Jillian hand-picked the shades to provide a variety of convenient and expertly matched looks, ranging from natural to dramatic, at your fingertips.

“I love to use all three products together to give lips dimensional color,” explains Jillian Dempsey. “I designed these colors to be perfectly coordinated and take the guesswork out of choosing the right liner and lipstick and gloss.” Get all the benefits—and all the value—of a smooth glide liner, lipstick and gloss in pro-picked, completely complementary shades that help you get your look right every time. To use, first define lips and prevent feathering and bleeding with the liner, then enhance with a layer of lipstick that leaves lips feeling soft, and top off with illuminating, moisture-drenched gloss for luscious lips. “For best results, blend your lip liner with a touch of lip gloss so there are no hard edges showing under your gloss,” says Jillian Dempsey. The products leave lips looking fuller and more defined with satin color and radiant shine. Wear each item alone or use together to create endless lip looks with perfectly matching shades. The Pro 3-in-1 Lip Wand doesn’t come out until July, but I got the hookup and am able to GIVE ONE AWAY!

TO ENTER: Use the contact form at the top of the page to send me a message telling me what your ultimate 3-in-1 thing would be (it doesn’t have to be a beauty product..it can be ANYTHING 3-in-1). The most awesome answer will win a Pro 3-in-1 Lip Wand in Red, and will be announced on Friday, June 20th! Good luck!

P.S. DON’T FORGET TO ENTER THE BOURJOIS “PRETTY IN PARIS” KIT GIVEAWAY! WINNER IS ANNOUNCED FRIDAY!

Announcing Unfunded’s first giveaway! I hope to offer tons of giveaways at Unfunded and I am so happy to announce my partnership with Jill at Beautyticket.com – the amazing site that is sponsoring this giveaway! You know how crazy I am about VIP membership sample sale sites like Gilt, Hautelook and Rue La La. Beauty Ticket is similar in that it has a continuous flow of sample sales, new products and brands weekly, and insane prices at up to 85% off – but has 2 amazingly different qualities:

• No VIP invite necessary, everyone has access to the sales; and
• At Beauty Ticket, it’s all about the beauty products! Where else can you get YSL Nail Lacquer for $7.99?

Beauty Ticket has amazing premium brands like Smashbox, Pout, Pixi, Hard Candy, Bumble & Bumble and Bourjois – to name a few. Love it.

Courtesy of Beauty Ticket, I will be giving away one Bourjois “Pretty in Paris” Kit. This is a 6-piece kit with a retail value of $87 and includes:

• Ombre à paupières shadow in noir precieux 04 (dark purple shimmer)
• Survoltée ombre à paupières waterproof shadow in parme électro 04 (light purple cream shimmer)
• Liner Pineau in Prune Styliste 24 (dark rich purple)
• Volume Glamour Ultra Black Mascara
• Eyeliner brush;
• Smudge brush

To enter, send me a quick little email (using the contact tab above) telling me what you’d like to see more of on this site. The winner will be announced next Friday, June 12. I’ll put all the names of those who entered in a hat, shake them up, and pull out the winner’s name in a video post.

BONUS! Beauty Ticket has offered Unfunded’s readers an exclusive coupon code giving an additional 10% off their ridiculously low prices. Oh, happy day!

THANKS BEAUTY TICKET!