Black Friday & Cyber Monday Beauty Sales

Ok Dolls, I've compiled a great list of BLACK FRIDAY and CYBER MONDAY online sales. ENJOY!

In honour of Black Friday, MAC is reissuing limited quantities of their coal black cult classic, Dark Knight Cremesheme Lipstick. Only available online Friday.

1. Too Faced is offering 50% off vintage set + Free shipping. Use code: BLACK11 (Friday)

2. Sephora will have 10 Specific items will be $10 each (Starts Thanksgiving day)

3. Urban Decay is taking $20 OFF of Books of Shadows IV Also get eye shadows, mascara, glosses, and colored pencils for $6. Nail polish sets and eye palettes are $12. (Friday)

4. ButterLondon is taking 30% OFF entire site for their Friends & Family celebration. Use code: CELEBRATE11 (Now through Monday)

5. The Balm is offering 40% OFF entire site. Use code: BLACKFRIDAY (Friday)

6. SaksFifth is giving a $25 gift card to those that spend $100 on and beauty products or fragrances. Use code: BEAUTYSFA (Friday)

7. YSL Beauty is offering 20% OFF on entire site and free shipping over $50. Use code: FRIENDS (Friday)

8. Lorac is offering their Cyber Monday beauty set priced at $100 for $25. (Monday)

9. Tarte is taking 30% off the entire site and $15 off limited edition Holiday items. (Monday)

10. Nars is taking 17% off orders of $70 or more. (Friday)

11. NYX Cosmetics is taking 50% off entire site. (Friday)

12. Smashbox is taking 20% off entire site. Use code SBXFF11. (Now through Monday)

Lorac Holiday Haul

The holidays are approaching! And nothing screams LET'S CELEBRATE more than high shine gloss and sparkly looks. With the high request of holiday parties, I took a special trip to stock up on some sparkle glitz and glam. I particularly went to LORAC's section because they seem to have a vast array of shimmery products.

I started with the LORAC Little Black Palette. This super sexy packaging holds 4 of the most pigmented and creamy baked eyeshadows and a mini shadow primer.

I picked up the LORAC Bejeweled Lip Gloss Collection. 5 lipgloss for $25 was a steal. These sizes are .11oz. A regular lipgloss is .17oz for $22. I liked the combination of colors and the jewel encrusted tops. LORAC's lipgloss has great staying power and the formula isn't super sticky.

(top to bottom: Red Ruby, Peach Moonstone, Bronze Topaz, Hot Pink Sapphire, Rich Garnet, Pink Diamond)

I also picked up LORAC 3D Liquid Lustre. If you could extract blood from a fairy, this is what it would look like. This product is pure sparkle in liquid form and is used as a top coat over eye shadows.

A mini drop of the 3D lustre.

Fall Leopard: The New Black

From the Runways in Paris to this month's Cosmopolitan cover, leopard print has been dominating the Fall Fashion scene. Paired with a bold red lip and patent leather belt, it can be just as sophisticated as BLACK.

I gathered some of the hottest leopard pieces for the fall.

1. Topshop Leopard Leggings
2. Asos Scarf
3. Leopard Capsleeve Dress
4. Bebe Wedge Calf Hair Bootie
5. Escada Leopard Blazer
6. Topshop Leopard Dress
7. Topshop Satin Leopard Dress
8. BUTTER London Leopard Nail Sticker

Miss Piggy for MAC

Miss Piggy has become quite the businesswoman and Beauty Icon over the years. She has her own polish with OPI and now she has collaborated with MAC in what they call "The World's Most Perfectly Pink Eye Shadow." This adorable collection launched today and is available online only.

Her collection includes an eye shadow in Miss Piggy Pink (frosty midtone blue pink), lashes, and an Penultimate Eye Liner in Rapid Black.

I already own the Penultimate Eye Liner in Rapid Black and it is my least favorite eye liner from MAC. It's great if you like a subtle liner or cat eye. It applies very faintly. If you like a more intense liner then I would suggest MAC's Superslick Liquid Eye Liner. Below is a swatch of both to compare.

(Top: Penultimate Eye Liner in Rapid Black - 2 swipes. Bottom: Superslick Eye Liner in On The Hunt - 1 swipe)

Dear Diary: How can I get ME back?

You may have recently gone through some hard times and you can't quite figure out how to regain your confidence. Whether you've just broken up or lost your job, devastating times seem to weigh heavier on women. We are still expected to maintain our sanity while being a mom, a homemaker, or simply a shoulder for another girlfriend. Here are a few things that you can do to get YOU back.

1.) Dress up for NO Reason: Have you ever been dressed a little fancy for a place that didn't require the effort? For instance the grocery store or to pick up the kids from school? You would either get funny looks or someone will ask "Why are you so dressed up?" Deprogram yourself to believe that a party is the only time to celebrate. Throw on those 4-inch pumps in the back of the closet and celebrate the NEW YOU.

I love wearing heels in the most random places, especially the airport. No matter the time of my flight I always fly the friendly  skies in a pair of pumps. It's so fun and it gives you a sense of celebrity. People wonder who is she and where is she going. Don't let the attention intimidate you. You need the confidence boost at this point. Of course it's more comfortable and easier to wear sneakers, but again deprogram yourself to thinking that you only have to dress up for obvious reasons. Getting YOU back is a celebration!

2.) Exercise: Being physically fit plays a major role in having self confidence. You don't have to be overweight to exercise. Everyone needs a healthy heart no matter their size. If you are a little intimidated with going to the gym, try yoga or zumba.

3.) Surround yourself with positive people: Positive people are usually happy with themselves and the way their lives are going. These are the types of people than can quickly uplift you. Get rid of the negative friends. Besides, will they be happy for you once you're in a better place?

4.) Complete some of the things on your bucket list: It is important to broaden your expectations and experiences to avoid making the same mistakes over again. Try something that you've never done to remind yourself of how rewarding life can be. Each time you try something new you will be able to look back on your life and clearly see what was lacking. Do you want to go back to those times?

5.) Daily Affirmations & Positive Reads: Trade in your daily fix of celebrity gossip for inspirational books. Continue to read them for the positivity reinforcement even if you start to feel like you are on track.

Here is a list of some of my favorite positive reads:
-Miror,  Miror by Venesha
-Fabulosity: What It Is & How to Get It by Kimora
-Your Best Life Begins Each Morning: Devotions to Start Every Day of the Year by Joel Osteen

Other ways to get YOU back:

-Set goals and execute them

-Become your own best friend

-Compliment others

-Sit in the front row

-Remember what you’re good at

Gold Digger Nails

I took NARS Bad Influence and SEPHORA by OPI Only Gold For Me to create Gold Digging Nails.

1. Start with a base coat.
2. Apply 2 coats of NARS Bad Influence.
3. Once dry, apply a full coat of SEPHORA OPI Only Gold for Me.
4. Once dry, apply another coat of SEPHORA OPI Only Gold for Me on the tips of the nail. Apply enough coats to intensify the glitter on the tips. This gives you the digging for gold effect.
5. Apply a clear top coat.

A dupe color to NARS Bad Influence is OPI You Don't Know Jacques. They are pretty much the exact same color.

MAC Violetta

MAC Violetta debuted last year in the Disney Venomous Villains Collection as a PRO color. MAC has re-released this Amplified Purple shade as a regular color. It's slightly similar to MAC's Girl About Town, but a little darker. I love the color, and it has a slight shimmer.

NARS Danmari Blush Palette

I almost fell out of my chair when I stumbled across this beauty on Sephora.com. A 6 NARS cheek set for $65.00 was an absolute steal. NARS blush is normally .16oz, this palette contains blush sizes as .12oz.

(Top Row: Hungry Heart Duo (1), Orgasm, Desire)
(Bottom Row: Casino, ,Super Orgasm, Sin)

This palette has one highlight, contour/bronzer, and 4 blush colors. All are super pigmented and perfect for the holidays. NARS Orgasm has been on my wishlist for so long. I'm glad I waited because this palette has Orgasm and SUPER Orgasm.

Hungry Heart: Is a highlighting shade made of champagne and tiny flecks of gold shimmer.
Orgasm: Peachy Pink with gold shimmer.
Desire: True Barbie Hot pink (matte)

Casino: Dark Brown with gold shimmer
Super Orgasm: Peachy Pink (but more pink) with big gold glitter
Sin: Beautiful Mauve/Rose with gold shimmer

Overall I LOVE this palette, I give it 5 stars. I think it will make a great Holiday gift for make-up lovers. Check it out on Sephora HERE. I had to wait a couple of days for the item to restock. So be sure to check back if it is sold out.

Guest Article: The Importance of Physical Activity During Cancer

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and as an introduction to my new section on Health, I am happy to feature an article by guest Author David Haas.

The Importance of Physical Activity During Cancer

For decades, the prevailing belief in the medical community was that exercise was unhealthy, even detrimental, for people suffering from cancer. In recent years, however, numerous studies have provided irrefutable evidence that that the exact opposite is true. Exercise is absolutely extremely useful to people undergoing treatment for cancer. Exercise after cancer is just as important, and is associated with a significant decrease in the likelihood of recurrence.

The benefits of beginning or maintaining physical activity during cancer treatment are numerous, and can have a profound impact. The natural mood enhancing effects of exercise help to foster a positive attitude, keep depression at bay and improve quality of life. Engaging in regular physical activity has been reported to fight the more unpleasant side effects of treatment, such as nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite and aches and pains. It has also been shown that increased energy levels may make treatment more effective.

Consistent physical activity boosts the immune system, allowing the body an opportunity to fight against the cancer in a natural way. This increase in immunity is especially important for people who undergo radiation, since they tend to have compromised immune systems. This may also help with postoperative recovery and to reduce the possibility of subsequent infection.

Another huge benefit of exercising is weight loss. Excess weight is not only linked to several types of cancer on its own, but it makes the recurrence of cancer far more likely. Patients with hormone-based cancers usually suffer from weight gain, and can benefit greatly from staying active.

Physical activity is not without its benefits during treatment as it helps the body to adapt to using a single lung and increases the efficiency of oxygen use. Patients with mesothelioma are not likely to be able to engage in the same intensity or types of exercise as people with common types of cancer like breast cancer, but they can still engage in light activity like walking and yoga.

It is recommended that any exercise be of moderate or light intensity. Vigorous exercise strains the body and may exacerbate side effects, as well as suppressing the immune system. Although physical activity shows the most benefit in the early stages of cancer, it still helps late stage patients stay independent longer while providing feelings of well being.

The Anatomy of Building a Brand: The Wonderful World of Marketing

MARKETING is the battery that keeps your business running. Now that you've selected the perfect business name and logo, it's time to present your masterpiece to the world. Here are a couple of strategies to get your company out to the right audience.

1. Marketing materials is a MUST: Often times when professionals create their business budget, they tend to put the least amount of money into marketing. You will need to start with business cards, postcards/flyers, and a website. Other things such as stickers, buttons, pens, car wraps, etc, can be purchased when you become more established.

2. Reach out to Bloggers: Business owners are starting to rely on bloggers to test their products and services, and then report their opinions to millions of visitors. Find a list of blogs related to your business topic and offer to send your item or service for exposure on their blog. Make sure you are 100% prepared to showcase your business to the world, because bloggers are giving their honest opinions to millions of viewers.

3. FREE .99: Consumers LOVE to get things for free. It can be something that they don't need or will never use, but they want it anyway. Offer something for free with your services. How many times have you gone to a sandwich shop to eat just to get your card stamped? You know that after the 8th sandwich, the 9th one will be free. Sometimes my goal is to get the free sandwich, even though I've already spent money buying 8. The point is that it makes me anticipate the free item. Put that same anticipation into your clients, and offer something for free with your services.

4. Run Contest: Holding contests is a great way to bring attention to your company. Again, you are giving your consumers something to anticipate...A PRIZE. Carefully think out your contest and be sure to provide clear details. My clients, New York Times Best Selling Authors, Ashley & JaQuavis are famous for their contest when releasing a new novel. The contests usually mandates the contestants to do something on Youtube, Twitter, and Facebook. With the right strategy, this can become one of the easiest ways to market your business because you are letting your contestants market for you.

5. Become Your Own Walking Billboard: Aside from the marketing materials that I listed above, it would also be wise to invest in items such as t-shirts, tote bags, umbrellas, etc. Whenever I do makeup at an event, wedding, or any place where there will be a lot of people, I wear a t-shirt with my logo and web address on it. If you do your local traveling on public transportation, carry a tote bag or umbrella with your business information on it. You want your logo and company info visible to as many people as possible.

6. Sponsorship: This is a great way to expose your business to a broad audience as well as give back. As a sponsor your logo and business information is usually placed on banners, programs, giveaway bags, etc. Of course your objective as a business owner is to make money, however donating your services can double your exposure for a good cause.

Hopefully this series of tips have been helpful to you. Please feel free to leave feedback below on other methods that you use to market your company.

Beauty Brands Pair up with Breast Cancer Research Foundation for BC Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Every year, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation partners with a variety of companies to produce special products to encourage the public to shop pink for the cure. Below are some of the most adorable items on sale this month.


Clarisonic Skincare Brush - BCA Pink: With every Pink Clarisonic purchase, Sephora will make a donation to help fund the fight against breast cancer.
BUY NOW

Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Pink Ribbon Collection. The set features Pink Lip Color and Bellini High Shimmer Lip Gloss
With each purchase, $10 will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation®
BUY NOW
 
 

Dogeared 'Give Better - Wish for a Cure' Necklace:
Dogeared will donate a percentage of net profits from every necklace purchased toward fighting breast cancer, supporting groundbreaking efforts by top experts in cancer research.
BUY NOW

 

Sonia Kashuk Breast Cancer Awareness Proudly Pink Brush set - 6 piece set:
BUY NOW

Movado 'Small Bold - Breast Cancer Awareness' Watch (Limited Edition):
Movado will donate $50 from every watch purchased to Breast Cancer Research Foundation, up to a maximum donation of $15,000.
BUY NOW

Upcoming OPI Muppets Holiday Collection

As an 80's baby, I'm sure you can understand my everlasting love for the Muppets. When I saw the preview for the new Muppet movie I instantly had a nostalgic flashback of the days when I watched Muppet Babies on Saturday mornings.

In collaboration with the upcoming Muppets movie, OPI will be releasing a beautiful and sparkly collection for the Holidays.

Polish Titles: Fresh Frog of Bel-Air, Excuse Moi, Gettin’ Miss Piggy With It, Gone Gonzo, Rainbow Connection, Divine Swine, Designer de Better, Warm & Fozzie, Meep-Meep-Meep, Animal-istic, Pepe’s Purple Passion and Wocka Wocka

This collection is set to release on November 23.