Brilliant Baubles

Jewelry, Shoes, Makeup, Fragrance- My Loves!

Shoe addict?  Check.  Makeup Addict?  Check.  Jewelry Addict?  Check.  

Who doesn't love the transformational power of jewelry?   Jewelry can elevate a mood, change the look of an outfit, bring forth wonderful memories...

I thought I would share some of my pieces.  I like to mix high-end with low-end, vintage with everyday costume pieces, stack rings and bracelets, mix silver and gold.  Jewelry Rules?  Not for me.  My goal is to just have fun.

One of my favorite rings below.  My beloved grandmother used to tell me that she picked me out of a rose garden in heaven when I was born.  Needless to say, I love "rose" items.

Joan Boyce Crystal "One Perfect Rose Ring"

Here's a fun cocktail ring below that came with the Michael Kors Very Pretty fragrance set last year.  The fragrance solid is nestled inside the ring.

Michael Kors "Very Pretty" Cocktail Ring

Fun bracelets that I have blogged about before in this post here: 

L- Ann Taylor Loft Bracelet  R-Paula Abdul Cuff

I would love to hear about some of your favorite pieces!

Little Bit of Luxe

Steve Madden Luxe- Zesty

While on a recent shopping excursion looking for the perfect outfit for a planned night-out, I came home empty-handed and slightly miserable.  Emphasis must be noted on the slightly miserable part, as I did find a rather gorgeous pair of heels that most certainly elevated my mood.  

The above Steve Madden Luxe shoe is named Zesty and was purchased at my local DSW for $79.95.  When I tell you I absolutely do not need another pair of heels, you must believe me (read here for my shoe obsession).  However, who could pass up on this black satin platform pump with a 4" heel and over-sized girlie black bow?  Not I!  

I also love them in red too as I think they would make the perfect holiday heel!  

This is my first pair of shoes from this particular Steve Madden line- Luxe.  I wore them out and they were quite comfy and substantial and garnered a few compliments.  Do you have any shoes from this line?  

Happy Shoe Shopping!

Wake Up to Glowy Skin

Over the past six months or so, I have fallen in love with a skincare product.  Each morning, I simply adore awakening  to glowy, even-toned skin thanks to Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair - Synchronized Recovery Complex.  The goal of this formulation is to erase past damage to the skin, while simultaneously protecting against future damage.

I wanted to share my experience with this serum; as I believe it is worth raving over.

My Skin Type:  

Oily and sensitive

I wholeheartedly was extremely weary of trying this product as I was fearful it would breakout me out or make me oilier than I already am.  So thrilled to report that it did neither.  Rather, I wake up each morning with fresh looking, healthy skin.  My skin even looks younger, with less fine lines.  I adore this product!

How I Use It:

Each evening after I wash my face with a gentle cleanser, I apply 3-4 drops from the dropper all over my face and neck.  I rub any excess into my decolletage. I follow it with an oil-free moisturizer.

What Estee Lauder Claims:

PRODUCT DETAILS

The one formula beautiful skin can't live without.

This comprehensive, high-performance anti-aging serum-inspired by groundbreaking DNA research-brings your skin a dramatic reduction in the visible signs of aging.

Use it every day to help continuously repair the appearance of past damage, prevent future damage and deliver high levels of hydration.
If you want younger, healthier-looking skin now and in the future, don't go a night without it.

Feel free to read more about it HERE on their website.  

I suggest visiting an Estee Lauder counter to see if they have a sample on-hand for you to test.  Also, many times a sample bottle is given during one of their GWP events.  

They offer two sizes of the serum on their website or at the counter:

1.0 oz  $47.50

1.7 oz $74.50

I grabbed one at a CCO in TN on a family vacation for about $10 off the listed prices. While the price is rather steep, I am on my same bottle that I purchased six months ago.  If you try the product, I hope you are as smitten with it as I am.  Get ready for glowy, healthy, radiant, younger-looking skin!

FOTD: Featuring Dior Amber Diamond Shimmer Powder

Last night I had a wonderful night out in NYC with some fabulous girlfriends.  I decided to try out the Dior Amber Diamond Shimmer Powder to celebrate the occasion.  This enchanting highlighter gives a "lit from within" glow.  The highlight it produces is really very delicate, not overly shimmery; yet really sophisticated.  The product has 5 color bands (ivory, champagne, tan, bronze, and peach)  that I swirled together for a pretty sheen.  The formula blends like a dream and marries with your cheek color beautifully.  I am thrilled I have this in my makeup arsenal!    

FACE:

Foundation:  Philosophy The Supernatural (Sand)

Concealer:  Bobbi Brown Creamy (Beige)
Powder:  Chanel Double Perfection (Sable)

Cheeks:  MAC Eversun

Highlight:  Dior Amber Diamond Shimmer Powder

 
EYES:

Brows:  MAC Brow Crayon- Lingering

Primer:  Urban Decay Primer Potion

Eyeliner:  Lancome Artliner (Noir) and Urban Decay 24/7 (Zero)

Mascara base:  Shiseido Nurturing Mascara Base

Mascara:  YSL Singulier

LIPS:

Highlight:  NARS Copacabana above Cupid's Bow

Lipstick:  Beaute #37

(Left):  Ann Taylor Loft bracelet  (Right):  Paula Abdul cuff from HSN

Additionally, I wanted to share a fantastic little bracelet I picked up at Ann Taylor -The Loft.  This is another great little jewelry find I've had at this store (for my other great find, read HERE).  I paired it with a cuff bracelet I've owned for about two years now from the Paula Abdul line at HSN.  Not only do I love to stack jewelry, but both pieces have a golden silver undertone to them.  

Happy Thursday everyone! 

First Blog Award!

I am elated to have received my first blog award by two very beautiful bloggers:  Terri at http://fortheloveofallthingsgirly.blogspot.com/ and Rinz at http://miss-rinrin.blogspot.com/

So, I pass this on to the following gorgeous bloggers:  

http://jluvbirdee.blogspot.com/

 http://blushisthenewblack.blogspot.com/

http://rakhshanda-chamberofbeauty.blogspot.com/

http://www.drugstoreandbargainlover.com/

http://nicolettasbeautyspace.blogspot.com/

http://plymouthbarbie.blogspot.com/

http://www.allthingsmarie.com/

http://lorealdes.blogspot.com/
http://helloogorgeouss.blogspot.com/

http://missysassypants.blogspot.com/
 http://pretty--wonderful.blogspot.com/

http://catanyasthings.blogspot.com/

I've been featured on edk.dolce!

I'm thrilled to share with you all some exciting news.  I was a featured follower on edk.dolce!  Please read my feature HERE.  In the post, I share information about myself; including beauty inspirations and my top beauty products.  This fabulous and generous feature follower program created by El'Aundra is designed to help drive traffic to your blog - especially great for new bloggers like myself.  Many different genres of bloggers can be featured including:  beauty, fashion, personal,  and health/fitness.  

Getting featured is easy, simply fill out the appropriate form and send it to her via email  For more information and details, please click HERE.

Happy Reading!

FOTD: Halloween Kitty

I am a leopard-print enthusiast!  When I saw these cute little leopard kitty ears with accessories I had to have them.  So, last night at my son's school Halloween party , I indulged my leopard love.  Please read on for a list of products used:

Face:

Primer:  Dr. Brandt Pores No More

Foundation:  Lancome Teint Idole Fresh Wear in Bisque 9W

Concealer:  Bobbi Brown Creamy - Beige

Blush:  MAC Eversun

Highlight:  MAC So Ceylon

Eyes:

Primer:  Urban Decay Primer Potion

Eyeliner:  A combination of:  Lancome Artliner in Noir, MUFE black liquid, and Victoria Secret Beauty Rush in Platinumania

Mascara:  Maybelline The Falsies in Black Drama

Brows:  MAC brow crayon in Lingering

Lips:

Mac Lipstick in Angel and Estee Lauder in Pinkberry

Nose/Whiskers:

Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil in Zero

My younger son went as "Bling" and my older son went as a "Gangsta" - LOL!