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

"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