Sephora Haul (Pic heavy)

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I somehow managed to find a smidgen of time to head to Sephora.  After all, was I simply to waste my $15 off Sephora "Beauty Insider" coupon?  Of course not!  I told my husband that would be like throwing money right out the window! (wink, wink)

Now, on to the goodies:

First up, I purchased the Oscar Blandi "Pronto Invisible" Volumizing Dry Shampoo Spray.  I have a number of other dry shampoos, but what attracted me to this one was the fact that it sprays clear and does not leave a white residue.  I used it quickly today and I loved the fact that it didn't look like I poured baby powder in my roots.  The smell was also tolerable to me, not too musky.  I picked up the smaller can to test the product.  Price point:  $11.

Next up is the bareMinerals Buxom lips Diamond "Celeste". I always love voluminous lips and I love shimmer so the combination seemed perfect for me.  The packaging says its infused with antioxidants vitamins A and E.  I picked a shade I thought would go with a variety of lipsticks, although I did like it alone too.  "Celeste" is a peach, pink tone with lots of micro-shimmer.  Price point:  $18.

After reading countless reviews and seeing endless Youtube videos, I decided to get  Korres Lip Butter in "Jasmine."  The balm appartently melts into the lips and leaves a soft, tinted finish.  Shea butter and rice wax are the hydration agents.  "Jasmine" is a sheer baby pink color.  I used it today and did like the feel of it.  Only time will tell if it leaves my lips soft and supple.  Price point:  $10.

Always on the hunt for eyebrow products since I have unruly brows, I picked up Anastasia's Perfect Brow Pencil in Brunette.  I recently ran out of my MAC Lingering brow crayon so I thought I would try something new and hopefully better (what frustrates me about the MAC is that you can't tell how much product remains and I seem to run out at the most inopportune moments).  So far, the color is nicely pigmented and it glides on easily and lasts all day.  Overall, I am happy thus far.  Price point:  $22.

I was in need of finding a great soft brush to use with my Laura Mercier Mineral Foundation.  Alas, I came across the Sephora Collection Professional Mineral Powder Brush #45.  I am in love!  The brush is super soft and fits perfectly in the crevices of my face to apply the mineral powder.  The handle is nice and sturdy too.  Price point:  $26.

I cashed in 100 beauty insider points to get a deluxe sample size of Make Up For Ever's HD Microfinish Powder.  Currently, as stated above, I am using and loving Laura Mercier's Mineral Foundation, so I don't think I will be using this for a bit of time as I don't want to layer powder over powder.

Finally, I purchased "Boo Boo Bling."  Let me be perfectly honest here, I wholeheartedly did intend to give this to my neighbor's darling 7 year old daughter; HOWEVER, I think I will keep these sparkly bandage covers for myself as I am a MAJOR KLUTZ. ;)  Price point:  $6.

Has anyone tried any of the products mentioned above?  I would love to hear your feedback!

XO

Jolene

Speaking of Giveaways...Check this out!

My absolutely stunning friend Elise over at Blush is the New Black is hosting a marvelous giveaway.  Her blog is one of my favorite reads, and her photos are gorgeous!  She has an amazing sense of fashion and I adore her writing style.  Head over and check out her great giveaway!

If you haven't done so already, don't forget to also enter my "Bling in the New Year" Giveaway!  See photo below for prizes:

Good luck to all and happy blogging!!

XO

Jolene

"BLING IN THE NEW YEAR" GIVEAWAY! (NOW CLOSED)

I am elated to announce MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!  I've entitled it:  "Bling in the New Year" as I felt the upcoming New Year was the perfect occasion to host my first giveaway and include sparkly presents.

This blog has proven to be such a wonderful outlet for me.  I have immensely enjoyed all of the fun comments and wonderful friendships I have formed since the blog's inception and I look forward to more delight in the upcoming year.

"Bling in the New Year" List of Prizes:

• Lancome Juicy Tubes Gift Set- "Sparkling Pinks" (Set includes the following 6 colors:  Butterflies, Sweetheart, Pink Bling, Raspberry Ice, Miracle, and Dreamsicle)
• NARS Highlighting Blush Powder - "Albatross"
• OPI "Simmer & Shimmer" Nail Lacquer
• NYX Blush -"Pinky"
• NYX Blush - "Peach"
• NYX Glitter Cream Pallet - "Paradise"

RULES:

• Must be a public follower of my blog (either new or existing)- MANDATORY
• Post comment below stating "ENTER ME" (please include your email address so that I can contact you should you win) -  1 ENTRY
• Additional entries may be earned by (OPTIONAL):
• Blog about this giveaway and include the above photo and link back to my post.  Must provide the link in the comment section.  2 ENTRIES
• Post about my giveaway in your blog's sidebar and include the above photo and link back to this post.  Must provide your blog's link in the comment section.  1 ENTRY
• Tell me your one most meaningful New Year's Resolution in the comment section below.  1 ENTRY 
• Maximum Number of Entries = 5

• This giveaway is open WORLDWIDE
• Anonymous posts will not be accepted
• Giveaway will be officially closed on January 11, 2011 (1/11/11) at midnight.
• Winner will be announced on my blog January 12, 2011.  Please remember to leave your email address so that I can contact you.  Winner will have 72 hours to respond to my email.  Should winner not respond in that time-frame, an alternate winner be selected and notified.
• Winner will be chosen via Random.org's number generator.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!  

Here's my most meaningful resolution for the year:  To finally and absolutely take ballroom dancing lessons (specifically Argentine Tango lessons).  I have dreamed about this for years and have done nothing to pursue it .  I guess you could say that my overall resolution is to pursue my passions in 2011!

XO
Jolene

HOTD: Farrah Fawcett Waves

I wanted to share some photos of my hair today.  I went into my salon for a quick trim and my stylist gave me a blow-dry with pretty waves.  When I got home, my husband so adorably said "Well hello Farrah Fawcett".  His little comment put a grin on my face so I though I would share the look.  After my stylist blew my hair straight, he created the waves using both a flat iron and a curling iron.  

In terms of color, we highlight half a head of hair every 8-10 weeks (new growth only) and we leave the back alone.  The dark underneath color you see is my natural hair color.  

 View of my hair from the back:

 Thought it was a fun look, hope you enjoy it too.  Have a great weekend!!

PS- As I am typing this my older son just saw the title of the post and said:  "What are you mom, the Hottie of the Day?"  LOL!!!!

"Dreaming of a White Christmas"

I wanted to share my white Christmas tree.  Yes, it is a bit nontraditional, but it brings me so much joy to see this little baby each year!  Approximately five years ago, I told my husband that I had always dreamed of having a white tree to decorate with sparkly silver ornate ornaments.  Guess what?  He said that he always wanted a white tree too!!  With that, we have enjoyed our tree immensely since then.

Two of my favorite ornaments:

Happy sparkly, blingy, glittery Holidays to all!

Current Obsession: Fur-Trimmed Ankle Boot

Simply enamored by this style boot, I have found 3 variations; all of which I would be more than happy to have in my "shoe-drobe". 

Featured below is the Christian Louboutin "Toundra" fur boot.  It is available here at Bergdorf Goodman for a mere $2,095.  I am smitten!!

Next up is a similar style with plush tufts of fur wrapped within the ankle straps.  They are the Dolce Vita "Tatum" ankle boot and are available here via Nordstrom for $248.95.  

Finally, I am equally as infatuated with these babies below.  They are the Aldo "Vanderau" bootie available in both taupe and midnight black.  They can be purchased here at Aldo for $110. 

Does anyone else find this style as intriguing and lust-worthy as I do? 

My Lushest Lashes- New Secret Weapon

Using Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base

In my never-ending quest to find the perfect mascara, I have stumbled upon mascara base gold!  As I have previously mentioned here and here, I have barely visible lashes.  Therefore, I covet luxurious and opulent lashes to no end.  As it turns out, I am still on the hunt for THE ONE mascara, however, I am very impressed with the results of utilizing Shiseido's Nourishing Mascara Base under the mascaras in my current rotation.

Shiseido claims the product:

• Intensifies volume, length, and curl
• Conditions and makes lashes more supple
• Provides an elegant glossy finish when worn alone

After over one month of continual daily usage,  I concur with these statements (although I have never worn the product alone, it does make your lashes glossy prior to mascara application).  The base is a clear gel consistency- which I adore as other primer/bases that I have tried in the past have been white and often dilute the color effect of black mascaras to more of a gray finish.

When using this under my mascara, my lashes are full and long and the curl holds all day.   It makes my best mascaras appear more dramatic (which I LOVE).  I have paired this with a number of mascaras, including: YSL Faux Cils, YSL Singulier, Maybelline The Falsies, and DiorShow Iconic.  So far, I have discovered that I get the best, most dramatic results when I pair it with L'Oreal Voluminous in Carbon Black (as used in my first shot above).

As far as my application technique, I simply swipe Shiseido's Nourishing Mascara Base all over my clean lashes and let it set for about 10-15seconds.  I then apply a second coat of the product and simultaneously push my lases into place.  At this point, I can visually see my lashes are curled and look much longer (and they are glossy).  I wait another 10-15 seconds and apply 2 coats of  L'Oreal Voluminous on top.  Shiseido's website does not specify if you should wait until the product is completely dry prior to mascara application.  I have tried waiting a minute or so and I ended up with crunchy lashes and therefore only wait 10-15 seconds before putting on my mascara.

The price for the product is $23 and I will happily re-purchase again and again.
Note:  I have never tried the original Shiseido mascara base and cannot offer a comparison.

I hope this review was helpful.  I do recommend you give this product a shot if you crave over-the-top lashes as much as I do!!  Has anyone else ever tried this product?