The Beauty Pirate

Too Faced Palettes & Cosmetics Collections

2012-01-31T12:14:00.000-06:00

I love Too Faced products in general, but I'm especially a big fan of their palettes. These are a great way to get an all inclusive face without spending all the money on full sized products to build up your own set. I love to experiment with products, shades, colors, etc , so when it comes to makeup I generally prefer palettes so I have some variety. Across the board, their palettes and collections rank at the top of the ratings chain. (I'll be updating this with a video of palette swatches soon.)

One of my absolute favorites of their products!!!!!

I love this one- At some point I intend to get one of these as an emergency glam kit to keep in the car.

Sephora Color Play Palette on MASSIVE discount!

2012-01-31T11:46:00.000-06:00

THIS IS ON SALE FOR NINE FREAKIN DOLLARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! wowowowowowowowow!

What it is:A versatile eye, lip, and cheek set with five interchangeable color stories.What it does:Presenting Color Play 5-in-1, a limited-edition set inspired by the beautiful looks of Shopbop.com, the premiere online destination for fashion-forward women. This collection comes with five runway-inspired sub palettes, each its own color story. The five sub-palettes can be removed from the main array to fit easily into a conveniently portable compact.

$150 value, originally $30.00. I bought mine full price and thought it was totally worth it- this is a crazy good deal! I'll update with a video soon as I get a chance.

Mini Winter Beauty Cache available- only $15 Updated With Video

2012-01-31T09:34:00.001-06:00

How FREAKIN cute is that tote bag?!?!?!?!?! It includes one full sized mystery product as well, so you can guess the retail on that (based on previous mystery freebies to be in the range of 30-50 $ value) Mine is on the way, so when I get it, I'll try to get a video up showing you guys how it looks in person. In the meantime, I say jump on it, these usually don't last long.

Okay- got mine yesterday, I'll get a video up ASAP. In the meantime, the bag is FREAKING ADORABLE!!!!!! It's a big full sized tote, and it's lined and made of a heavy material, so it'll make a great shopping bag. I received

Retail $8.00

Nuxe Reve de Miel Gentle Cleansing Gel .5oz (retail value roughly $3.00)

Suki Jump Start Balancing Kit (retail $17.00)

Nia24 Skin Strengthening Complex (retail roughly $18.00)

Being True Dual Eye Liner Pencil with sharpener (Retail $17.80)

There was also a 20% discount gift card. So this comes out to about $72.00 worth of product for only $15!!!!! SCORE!

Q Beauty 6-pc. Sampler Bag III - Super Cheap!

2012-01-31T09:31:00.000-06:00

DUDE! This is only $15!!!!!! Awesome deal! Updated With Video Review

Q Beauty 6-pc. Sampler Bag III
What is it: A collection of beauty products in travel and deluxe sample sizes from some of QVC's most popular beauty brands. Who is it for: Anyone looking to sample a variety of products at an unbelievable value. Why is it different: Perfectly giftable for others and yourself! These travel-sized versions of some of QVC's best beauty products are a great way to indulge and try new items at a great price. How do I use it: Apply a nickel- to quarter-sized amount of Living Proof Full Shampoo to wet hair. Massage into a rich lather, covering all areas of the scalp and hair. Rinse thoroughly. Apply a nickel-sized amount of Living Proof Full Conditioner to clean, damp hair from root to ends. You may also choose to apply from mid-shaft to ends only. Rinse thoroughly. Put a dime-sized amount of Nick Chavez Amazon Hair Body Building Styling Clay in the palm of your hand, rub together, and get into the root of your hair to style into pieces. Apply philosophy when hope is not enough facial firming serum morning and evening after cleansing and before moisturizer. Place three to four drops in the palm of the hands, and apply to face and neck. Avoid the eye area. Massage a small amount of Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser over dampened face and neck. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. For optimal results, use two to three times weekly. Follow with recommended Murad toner and treatment. To apply philosophy divine long-wear creamy eye color duo, gently glide the sponge applicator over your eyelid to the crease of the eye. Using a sweeping motion, blend color to the degree of intensity you desire. For an added impact, layer the formula. Includes:

I used to think QVC was lame, but it's amazing how cool they've become! These are some freakin' high end products, and they have really great deals on them!

The individual products enclosed are:

Living Proof Full Shampoo & Conditioner 8.0 oz
What is it: This Full Shampoo and Conditioner duo is formulated specifically for flat, limp, or lifeless hair. It enhances hair's natural volume by effectively cleansing without stripping and detangling, and conditioning weightlessly, so hair looks and feels fuller, thicker, and healthier. This breakthrough duo enhances the performance of Full Thickening Cream or Mousse to deliver an incredibly beautiful thick, full, volumized style. Who is it for: Ideal for anyone with flat, limp, or lifeless hair. The duo is the best start to a volumized style with Full Thickening Cream or Mousse. Why is it different: Living Proof scientists developed Full Shampoo and Conditioner starting with a new, sulfate-free surfactant system to completely cleanse dirt, oil, and product residue from the hair without the stripping that occurs with many sulfate based shampoos. Even better, this unique sulfate-free surfactant system builds into a rich lather unlike many sulfate free systems on the market today. The conditioner utilizes a blend of lightweight conditioners at optimal levels to add softness and shine, without the weight. It delivers superior detangling and smoothness without the use of any silicones or heavy oils. How do I use it: Apply a nickel- to quarter-sized amount of shampoo to wet hair. Massage into a rich lather, covering all areas of the scalp and hair. Rinse thoroughly. Apply a nickel-sized amount of conditioner to clean, damp hair from root to ends. You may also choose to apply from mid-shaft to ends only. Rinse thoroughly. From Living Proof. Includes:

philosophy divine color long-wear creamy eye color duo
What is it: A silky, creamy eye color duo that provides vibrant color in one easy sweep. Who is it for: Anyone who wants classic, creamy eye color that stays beautifully crease-proof and vibrant. It's also perfect for anyone who wants one-sweep, easy eye color in seconds. Why is it different: Make your eyes pop with classic, vibrant color. These silky, creamy eye colors glide on effortlessly without tugging or pulling and dry cream-to-powder for vibrant color that stays put. Built-in angled sponge applicators fit the contours of the eye for easy, flawless application. The formula contains an emollient that helps provide even application and keeps color in place, while antioxidants and aloe help condition the skin. The weightless color stays beautifully crease-proof, fresh, and flawless. They wear beautifully alone, layer for a more dramatic effect, and blend well with other shades to create your custom divine look. How do I use it: Gently glide the sponge applicator over your eyelid to the crease of the eye. Using a sweeping motion, blend color to the degree of intensity you desire. For an added impact, layer the formula. From philosophy.

The clay is what's in this sampler-
Nick Chavez Amazon Grab Bag
What is it: A five-piece grab bag of products from Nick's Amazon line in convenient travel sizes, to use while on the road or as a space-saver at home. Who is it for: Anyone who wants extraordinary body, bounce, and fullness with touchable hold. Why is it different: These products remove toxins, chemicals, and pollutants while creating beautiful bounce and improving the gloss in the hair. How do I use it: Apply a small amount of Amazon Hair Body Building Shampoo and massage into a lather. Rinse with cool water. Repeat if necessary. After shampooing, squeeze out excess moisture and apply a small amount of Amazon Hair Body Building Conditioner 2" away from scalp to the ends. Rinse with cool water and repeat for added conditioning. Work a small amount of Amazon Hair Body Building Styling Clay onto fingertips and scrunch through dry hair. Towel dry hair. Spray Amazon Hair Body Building Styling Clay through damp hair. No need to rinse out. Blow dry and style. From Nick Chavez. Includes:

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, 6.75 oz
What is it: An intensive cleanser that polishes away dullness and locked-in impurities to improve skin texture and tone, revealing smooth, hydrated skin. Who is it for: Anyone experiencing the signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, and a dry complexion. Why is it different: Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is part of the Murad Age Reform line. These scientifically advanced antiaging products were specifically developed to effectively reduce the signs of aging, diminishing the look of fine lines and wrinkles and restoring resilience and firmness. This powerful cleanser features salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acids that help dissolve dull, dry surface cells for a softer, smoother complexion. Jojoba beads help polish and smooth skin. How do I use it: Massage a small amount over dampened face and neck. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. For optimal results, use two to three times weekly. Follow with recommended Murad toner and treatment. From Murad.

Maylee's Garden - A SAFE laundry alternative

2012-01-30T11:19:00.000-06:00

I came across Maylee's Garden on Artfire when I was searching for handmade laundry detergents. I had found myself reacting to commercial detergents more and more frequently. I never really thought of my skin as being particularly sensitive, but I suppose over time it can have a cumulative effect. Especially my sheets and undies- eek! Nothing like an itchy bra to make your day that extra bit special and exciting......Blugh......

For an interesting and informative (if a bit scary!) article on the hazards of commercial laundry detergents, check out this link.

Not only are these detergents gentle on the skin, but they also are safe for the environment. They are full of wonderful and gentle ingredients that leave your clothes soft, clean, and smelling great. I've tried the Ginger Orange and the Chai Tea scents and they are DIVINE. The scent fills your house, but doesn't permeate your clothing in a fake, sickly sweet way. You also don't need to use fabric softener because of the oils she uses to make her detergents. Your clothes really do come out really clean, even using cold water like I do.

Most laundry detergents are actually really awful for your clothing. They cling to and coat the fibers of the fabric, eventually making them a dirt magnet and eroding the fiber structure. No problems with that using these, so they're safe for even the most delicate fabrics. A little goes a long way, too. You only need a mere teaspoon full of the detergent to clean a whole load!

In addition to detergents, she also makes soaps and bar shampoos (I love love love bar shampoo, so I'm eager to give those a try!) You can also get her to do custom items for you, and who can say that Tide ever did that?

Total Beauty Deals Vouchers

2012-01-26T12:00:00.001-06:00

Save 50%-75% on ANY Beauty Product from Your Favorite Brands (Wow!)

How This Works

We negotiate with the top beauty brands (Dermalogica, Bobbi Brown, etc.) to deliver you exciting stuff like:

- $40 for a $100 gift card to your favorite skin care brand's online store
- $25 for a $55 gift card to that swanky makeup brand's online store

From there it's just 1, 2, 3:

We alert you via email, Facebook and Twitter
You buy it, we email you a coupon code.
You go shopping on the brand's website and buy anything your little heart desires.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

Our sales are amazing events, and thus, they sell out pretty darn quick.

Want to be guaranteed you'll have dibs? Sign up for email alerts.

Just Fab is Simply Fabulous! 2 For 1 Anniversary Blowout!

2012-01-26T11:10:00.000-06:00

Just Fabulous is another awesome shoe club similar to Shoe Dazzle. Their stuff is super well made and I always get TONS of compliments when I wear their shoes. You get loyalty points to redeem for not only free shoes, but you can also get things like FabSoles (Made by the delightful foot angels at Foot Petals.) They have recently teamed up with the design house Iron Fist to create exclusive designs for Just Fab customers (like my crazy super awesome Fuggs that I'm wearing right now that feel like I'm walking on baby angel butts!) They also have jewelry, bags, clothing and more! Right now they are having a 2 for 1 anniversary sale, and if you join through the link, I believe you also get a discount on your first order.
Just Fabulous

Here's some of the items I've gotten from them previously that I'm emotionally attached to :-)

New Beauty Test Tube - Limited Edition Q Beauty Version is available!

2012-01-26T10:34:00.002-06:00

These sell out CRAZY fast, so if you want one, you better jump on it!!!

New Beauty 10-Piece Test Tube with Magazine Limited Edition
What is it: The NewBeauty TestTube is a collection of some of the hottest and most in-demand products in beauty. In this tube, you'll receive the January issue of NewBeauty magazine, along with a mix of full-sized, travel-sized, and deluxe-sized samples from Mally, tarte, Kate Somerville, philosophy, Calista Tools, and more. Who is it for: Anyone looking to sample a wide variety of fabulous beauty products at an unbelievable value. Why it is different: The NewBeauty TestTube combines luxurious beauty products with extensive product and how-to information. NewBeauty magazine, included in the test tube, provides insider information on trends and hot topics within the beauty world via respected experts from the beauty industry. How do I use it: This TestTube includes a booklet with instructions on how to use each product. Colors may vary. From NewBeauty. Includes:

Super Easy 2 Step Smoky Eye Tutorial

2012-01-25T11:14:00.002-06:00

MAKEUP HOW-TO

Hazy Gaze

This video will teach you how to master a smoky eye in just two easy steps.

A smoky eye is one makeup trick that every girl needs in her beauty repertoire. It’s basically the sexiest thing you can do with makeup, and, when done well, it creates an aura of instant allure. The good news is that you can master this gorgeous eyeshadow look in just two easy steps. Watch our video tutorial and learn the secret to this low-maintenance smoky eye. Anyone can do it—we promise!

Valentine's Love at Kokokahn

2012-01-25T10:59:00.000-06:00

Valentine Hearts Moisture Bars

Love Potion No. 9 blended in mango butter and jojoba oil.
This little heart is so much fun!

Suggested Uses:
~ Massage your partner with it
~ Use as a lotion for yourself
~ Pop into a romantic bath with your Loved one.

Wrapped and ready to give in a mini heart shaped box.

Love Potion No. 9
I'm so excited about this blend! Aphrodisiac ylang ylang essential oil blended with peppermint and lavender in a Roll On and Heart shaped Moisture Bar.

Available as a Gift Set packaged in a heart shaped box or individually.

I absolutely LOOOOOOOVE them! Kokokahn is one of the finest aromatherapy companies out there. (See previous product reviews) What a wonderful Valentines gift- a massage is always popular :-) The gift set is also really cheap, only $14.95! I know what I'm getting for my punkin! Hey baby, get your motor runnin! Grrrrrrr.......

Dry skin recommendations and 20% off at Skincare RX

2012-01-25T10:48:00.000-06:00

Ulta 20% off coupon and current specials

2012-01-25T10:44:00.000-06:00

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel

2012-01-24T11:55:00.000-06:00

I LOVE this stuff! It's perfect for polishing up your skin, but doesn't irritate my sensitive, rosacea prone skin. It gives immediate results, and really gets you glowing. I love everything by this brand that I've tried so far.

Shoe Dazzle is, well, DAZZLING!

2012-01-23T11:52:00.000-06:00

Shoe Dazzle -

is a monthly subscription service with some of the most gorgeous shoes out there! If you join through the above link, you get your first pair at a discount. You start out by taking a style quiz so they can pull the best recommendations for you. They give you a gazillion options, including specially curated collections. They also have a daily Dazzle Deal, which is generally something that isn't a shoe but is super stylish, at a special price way below normal cost. They also have handbags and AWESOME jewelry, and everything is comparable to all of the hottest looks that you'll see in the mags, but at waaaaaaay below the regular price.

If you don't want to make a purchase that month, you just decline for the month, no problems, and they do free shipping on returns if you don't like what you get. You also receive bonus points for every item you buy which adds up to a free item credit. (let's see Designer Shoe Warehouse do that!)

Here's some of what I've gotten from them in the past:

I'm wearing these right now!

(These are Converse All Stars)

(also Converse All Stars)

(I wore these yesterday!)

(this is a set of three different body shapers)

Xquisitely Lady M Chainmaille Review and GIVEAWAY!!!!

2012-01-20T09:20:00.001-06:00

Xquisitely Lady M

You know what I love most about the world of handmade? The wonderful people I get to meet! You can't walk into most stores and get to know about the person who designed and made your piece. There's also something so special about wearing something one of a kind that makes me feel, heck, extra pretty! Lady M is no exception. Today I'm wearing a pair of her gorgeous chainmaille earrings and one of my students complimented me on them. I thanked her and she kept staring at them. "Wow, those are just so, wow!" Now THAT'S the kind of reaction I like to get!

(I'm totally buying this bracelet when I get paid, ya'll! - unless someone beats me to it, and I will not begrudge you. Well, maybe a little....)

Lady M's pieces are not only beautifully detailed and extremely well made, but also are incredibly unique and attention grabbing. These would make PERFECT pieces for a wedding party, and she will do custom work. She even has a layaway plan and free shipping to the US and Canada!

I had a chat with the Divine Miss M about her work, and here's what she had to say.......

How long have I been doing this?: I got bored one day about 6 years ago and decided to teach myself chainmaille...and got addicted.

Where do my ideas come from?: My ideas come from all sorts of places like characters on TV shows or in movies and the fashion runways, but most of them simply come from my imagination.

What are my favorite things to make?: That's a toughie. I love to make things with color and I love some of the more intricate (aka time-consuming) items, but it all really boils down to my mood and what's in my head.

What do I do when I'm not making jewelry?: A lot of time is spent marketing and networking. I'm also a full-time student and will be graduating with my Masters degree next year. I'm extremely excited about that! Then I'll take a break and start pursuing my Doctorate. I also do volunteer work with Veterans organizations.

Is this a full-time or part-time job?: It's definitely full-time! I want to relocate to Houston and I've started looking for employment in that area, but this will still be a full-time endeavor for me.

(I hope she does move to Texas! Then I can meet her in person!)

What/who inspires me?: First of all, my sons inspire - probably far more than they'll ever realize. There are just oodles of amazing artisans that also inspire and motivate me. They're far more than friends and their passion about what they do, why they do it, and just for life is simply incredible. When people aren't inspiring me, I look to stars and nature. The patterns in nature are amazing and to be able to duplicate those would be phenomenal. I'm working on translating Zodiac signs into chainmaille...stay tuned :o)

(I'm dying to see the zodiac pieces! Let a girl know when you come up with Pisces, okay Miss M?)

One of the things I love most about her pieces is how amazingly LIGHT they are. Despite my earrings being drop down chains, it feels like there's nothing in my ears at all. Amazing when you look at how many pieces make up the whole.

Argh! It's so hard to pick only a few pieces to show you, but visit her store and see for yourself how amazing all of her work is! Oh, but wait- the hair sticks! I LOVE my hair stick!

Okay, so I bet what you're wanting to know about is the giveaway, huh? Well, the lucky winner will get one of her handcrafted chainmaille pendants, an $18.00 value. Just use the form below! Easy peasy :-)

So here's the giveaway form!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Current hot deals from BH Cosmetics

2012-01-19T11:19:00.001-06:00

New Year Exclusive! Buy a $100 Gift Card for only $85 at BH Cosmetics! Enter NEWYR upon Checkout! Get Gorgeous, Shop Now!

Buy any BH Cosmetics 120 Color Eyeshadow Palette and get a Free Liquid Eyeliner! Enter LIQDEYE upon checkout. Get Gorgeous, Shop Now!

New Lip Gloss at BH Cosmetics! Take an extra $1.00 OFF each Lip Gloss when you enter NEWLIP upon Checkout! Hurry, Save Now!

I have the 120 color eyeshadow palette and the big lip gloss palette and they are AWESOME, especially if you like to have one of a kind, hard to find colors.

I HEART Julep - Coupon code for FIRST MONTH ONLY 5 BUCKS! (updated with video)

2012-01-19T10:02:00.001-06:00

Blow me down! Seems like new concepts in the cyber club market are popping up all the time, and I love seeing how creative each niche can be. Well Julep takes the cake as far as innovation. They are a monthly program focused on nothing but your sweet rocking mani/pedi! As with other monthly beauty programs, you fill out a questionnaire that determines your basic style. I turned out to be an "It Girl". Then each month after that, you'll receive a package customized to your style. As a bonus, if you've got a girlfriend with an upcoming birthday or such, you can send your month's shipment to someone else as a a gift! Julep is a series of boutiques in the Seattle area, and their all natural products are free of such nasties as formaldehyde, toluene, and parabens, too!

In my first shipment I received 3 polishes, a base coat/nail strengthener, as well as 2 lotion sample packettes. Well, my dears, the polishes are amazing. Rich, deep colors with excellent coverage, super smooth application and minimal drying time. Absolutely superb. Right now you can join and get your first month for only five dollars!!!!!!!!
Use the code FIRST5

Just did the math and my box value is FIFTY EIGHT DOLLARS!!!!!
Featured in:

They also donate $1 for every bottle of polish sold to a program called Powered By Girlfriends, which assists groups that provide support to various women's causes.

My polishes

Trina

Kim

Julep Nail Therapy

Christina

Umba Box review

2012-01-18T19:24:00.001-06:00

Umba Box is a curated monthly service that sends you handcrafted and artisanal suprises. I've received 2 of them so far, and attached is a video review. I'll keep signed up for at least another few months so I can form a well rounded picture of the service, but these are my impressions so far.

My first package included a note card gift set from Poochie Prints that retails for $32.00.

Quite lovely and extremely classy, but not necessarily my cuppa. No problem- I still hadn't figured out what to get my stepmom for Christmas, and these were perfect. $26 is about what I would have spent anyway. She loved them, so win/win!
Interestingly, I just discovered that if you don't like what you receive that month, you can return it to Umba and they will credit your subscription by one month! Myself though, I like to keep a stockpile of giftable items on hand so I'm always prepared. I'm SUCH a Girl Scout.

This month I received a GORGEOUS sailor's knot necklace from BROOKLYNrehab that retails for $20.00

and an art photo from September Wren which from what I can tell, seem to go for $14.00 (this isn't the photo I got, this is one of her other pieces. You can see the one I received in the video.)

I would say that if you're looking for a HUGE steal, this ain't it, but if you want to receive a monthly suprise from the indie crafters market, then sign up and give 'em a try, it's totally been worth it so far!

Nine Hits And A Miss

2012-01-18T12:20:00.000-06:00

Sephora Lash Curler and Comb Duo
Okay, I owned this for like a year before I realized it had the retractable eyelash and brow comb. I'm freakin' BRILLIANT. It's great for keeping in your purse or for travel cause it's small and sturdy. The way it's designed is great for those with arthritis because it's spring powered and very ergonomic. I keep mine in my makeup bag at work. It's no Tweezerman or anything, but it's five bucks- not too shabby! I read some reviews on the Sephora site from people saying theirs broke, but like I said, I've had mine a long time and it's still going strong. I hate to cast aspersions, but maybe they weren't using it right or something? Works best on smaller eye shapes.

Ulta Super Shiny Gloss in Bellini is another cheap deal. It runs a mere $3.99 and is a super smooth neutral gloss. You can wear it over a color or stain, but I like to wear it alone for a natural amplified look. Really shiny and it feels great. Right now, Ulta has a Buy 2 Get 2 Free deal! Special Offers: Sale Items, Clearance and Free Gifts at ULTA

bliss Peeling Groovy Facial Serum works WONDERS. It is mega super concentrated, you literally only need a few drops. It sinks right in and doesn't leave your skin feeling sticky. You do need to follow with a moisturizer. It's called "microdermabrasion in a bottle" and if you use it daily you'll soon see why. It evens out skin tone, softens skin, and lessens pores and fine lines. I noticed immediate results with one use, but once you get to the end of the bottle you'll be amazed. If I didn't have to move on to my next serum experiment I'd be buying my next bottle right now, but the Pirate must be off to discover new treasures....
:-)

bliss Fabulous Face Lotion SPF 15 has replaced An Ounce Of Prevention AM with what appears to be gentler ingredients. It works on all skin types and is a great lightweight moisturizer. I've found that most moisturizers with SPF are heavy and smell weird, so I like that this is not only unscented, but also extremely sheer and absorbs easily. Not the highest SPF out there, but definitely better than none at all. It isn't greasy, so your makeup goes on well over it.

Doll Face scored a 2 out of 3 with me. The miss? Yeah, it's a Doll Face product. My hopes were high. First off, I'm a SUCKAH for cute packaging, which they have in spades. All natural, biodegradeable and sulfate free? Check. Calling their products "beauty cocktails"? Check. First I used the Hoopla Enzyme Facial Wash. FABULOUS. It gets your skin really clean and busts all the goo out of your pores without anything to upset your skin's PH balance. Non soap ingredients so you don't dry out your skin. Love it!

So we were off to a good start. Next was the Shanghai Conditioning Toner with cucumber and ylang ylang. Gentle, soothing, excellent for sensitive skin. Ahhhhhh.

So at this point, I was thrilled with my new regimen- then BOOM! I hit a brick wall. Perpetual Moisture Cream. IT BURNS!!!!! I thought maybe I was having a weird sensitive skin day so I kept using it. AND IT BURNED EVERY TIME!!!! I gave myself a week thinking I maybe just needed to get used to it, but I finally gave up. It went into the trash. Oh well, aren't you glad I do these things to myself so you don't have to?

Raw Skincare Ambiaty Daily Revitalizing Cream renewed my hope for moisturizing. Even though it's touted as a day cream, I tend to use it at night since it doesn't have SPF. When I use it during the day though, it makes my skin so smooth and perfect that I don't even need to use makeup primer! It smells WONDEFUL. Completely natural ingredients, no synthetic anything. The best way to describe this is intense. I can't believe that something that feels so nourishing could be so light and absorb so quickly! Your skin seriously feels like a baby's heinie after using this. Even on hardcore rosacea days, this calms my skin and reduces redness. I used this when I had a really bad butterfly rash going on that made me want to claw my skin off, and this made my skin feel as if it had just been kissed by angel wings. Seriously BAD ASS stuff!!!! Cannot recommend it highly enough!

Michael Kors Very Hollywood is so sexy I want to make out with myself. The main tones are mandarin, gardenia and vetiver, so while it has floral tones, it's still crisp and grounded. It does start out more floral, but since it's gardenia it's not cloying like a lot of floral scents are on me. You'll get used to the scent pretty quickly, but don't freak out and douse more on, trust me, others can smell you. I wore this a few days ago and was stopped by a total stranger who wanted to know what perfume I was wearing. I put it on in the morning, and that evening my husband could still smell it. The husband rating? Well, it got me tackled by the pantry and I had to beg to be allowed to finish dinner ;-) Of course he's a dude, which means he's a horndog, but he did say it was the perfume working!

Ole Henrikson Truth To Go Wipes
Korres pomegranate wipes are still my absolute fave wipes, but these run a close second. They get every last bit of gunk, they smell divine, and the cloth is thick and substantial. They even get off stubborn eye makeup! Your skin feels clean and soft with no nasty residue. I like that they have a real lid on them so they don't dry out- why can't they all have this packaging?

Homemade Body Glitter Gel

2012-01-17T12:21:00.000-06:00

Possibly one of the EASIEST things in the world to make at home, and makes a cool gift for your girly friends as well. Once you make your own, you'll get addicted.

You will need:
fragrance free aloe vera gel

extra fine glitter (if you have it available, cosmetic grade is best because it is less likely to irritate eyes if it gets in there. If your local craft store doesn't carry it, don't worry, standard extra fine works great- just don't put it on your eyes.)

essential oil or fragrance (optional)

food coloring (optional)

in a plastic container, mix 1/2 cup unscented aloe gel with one teaspoon extra fine glitter. Most craft stores have an awesome selection, but if you want something super fancy, you can get it online. Mix it all up. Duh.

If you want to add some color to the gel, add TWO- not TWENTY- but TWO drops of food coloring. Any more and people will laugh at you because it will take days for the color to wear off.

If you desire scent, add a drop of essential or perfume oil. I like to use scents like rose attar, cardamom and ylang ylang. I recommend using a scent oil instead of regular perfume because alcohol based scents will disappear from your gel mix pretty quickly.

And voila! I'd tell you how to apply it, but surely you're smart enough to figure that out on your own, aren't you?

Sampler Village Yummylicious Treats

2012-01-13T10:39:00.002-06:00

Hugs & Kisses Sampler Boxes Available 9am Saturday, January 21st

Sampler Village has started offering not only their fabulous sampler boxes in two sizes, but now you can get a Yummylicious box option as well! This box is for those of you who live to try out all the handmade yummies out there! Because the only things in the box are edible, you don't have to worry about heavily scented products corrupting the flavor of your goodies, too. ( That's my one wish is that when people contribute edibles to a sampler that they would seal them up to keep the flavor fresh. I have a Seal A Meal, and those are perfect for this purpose- I mailed a gift to a friend that included both soy melts AND fresh cookies and the cookies arrived completely unadulterated, and I was told they tasted oven fresh!) So what can you expect in a Yummylicious box? Here's a listing of the contributors to one of the boxes......(PLEASE NOTE- these are previous contributors just to give you an idea of the quality to expect, not necessarily what would be in the current box.)

Designer Label Gal cupcake topper

LolliDreams cake truffles

Estell Vanilla Sea Salt Caramels

The Sweet Shop Cookie Company iced sugar cookie

Sweet 'n Treats edible cupcake topper

The Caramel Jar Fleur de Sel caramels

Southern Cheese Straw Company classic sharp cheddar cheese straws

Southern Girl Bakery sugar cookie bites, cake bites, whoopie pies

Zanitea Peace & Quiet organic herbal tea blend

Flour On Her Nose meringue cookies

Bake Me Pretty marshmallow Peep

Say It So Sweetly chocolate chip cookie dough brownie

Candy Lane Creations mini marshmallows in Banana Berry Cream (no picture available, but these were YUMMMMMMYYYYY!)

The Honey Company pure raw honey pouch

Tracy's General Store peanut butter and grape rock candy

Amys Sweet Dream lollipop

Artsy Alcie Carrot Cake Pop

Cooper's Fancies chocolate cake balls

Heather's Teas Mammary Magic chai tea

Pernilla's Something Swedish

Sugar Lips Bakery chocolate chip cupcookies

Sugar Co. sparkly fondant cupcake topper

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Rafflecopter Giveaway for an iPad or a Kindle Fire!!!!!!!!!!!

2012-01-12T10:33:00.002-06:00

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AWESOME Elizabeth Arden freebie TODAY ONLY

2012-01-12T10:02:00.001-06:00

AVAILABLE AT ULTA

Oh.... HauteLook..... you make me drool....

2012-01-12T09:55:00.000-06:00

Hautelook.com is having some super awesome flash sales this week, I SERIOUSLY pray that they don't sell out of the boots I want before payday :-( One of the brands they're featuring is Skyn Iceland, who I've talked about before. I really like their cleansing wipes, which they have at discount!

Current Deals at Soap.com

2012-01-12T09:39:00.000-06:00

Shop at Soap.com and Enjoy Free 1-2 Day Shipping on $39

Save 20% off your 1st purchase of any brand of vitamins with code 20VIT

Save 15% on your first order + Free 1-2 Day Shipping on $39 or more with Code SOAPAFF. Limit $20.

Buy One Flintstones Vitamins, Get One 50% Off at Soap.com + Free 1-2 Day Shipping on $39+

Save 25% On All Emergen-C Products at Soap.com + Free 1-2 Day Shipping on $39+

Buy One Culturelle Product, Get One 50% Off at Soap.com + Free 1-2 Day Shipping on $39+

Cyb3r Burn - Gas Mask of The Future

2012-01-11T11:27:00.000-06:00

Cyb3rburn sells some of the coolest futuristic, steampunk, cyberpunk accessories out there. I purchased an LED respirator mask from him on Etsy about a year ago for an apocolypse themed event I was attending, and I was stopped literally every few minutes by people FUHREAKING OUT about it.

Watch the video to see this baby in action.... I think I broke some people's brains!

There's also steampunk goggles, light up gloves, and more. Enough to make children and people on drugs lose their everloving minds, and REALLY impress just about everyone else.

Many of his pieces are customizable, and the guy who's store it is is super nice. When I bought my gas mask, I found it a mere few days before needing to leave to go out of town. He went above and beyond to ship them to me rush and I had them THE NEXT DAY. Awesome, fast service and well priced too.

January Ulta deals

2012-01-11T11:13:00.002-06:00

(1/1-1/28) $15 Off $75 and Free Shipping with Code: ONLINEDEAL1
(1/8-1/21) Free Shipping on orders of $25 or more with Code: ONLINEJAN12

Clarisonic Put To The Test By Good Morning America

2012-01-11T10:44:00.002-06:00

Who raves about the Clarisonic? Why, that would be me, of course! I've written about it before, and I hadn't realized until recently how addicted I've become to it. A few months ago, I agreed to do a clinical study testing the efficacy of a rosacea skincare regimen. Unfortunately, I was told that I couldn't use my Clarisonic during this time. First I noticed that cleaning my face took twice as long and seemed like a chore. My products felt like they were just sitting on my face, not soaking in. My pores became enlarged and I started getting blackheads no matter how thoroughly I cleaned my skin. In other words, my skin had gone back to it's lazy, business as usual state. Ah, but last night I got to go back to my mistress, and our reunion was tender and full of joy. This morning I looked in the mirror and was shocked at what a difference just two uses made. Now my face will love me again......

Good Morning America did a product test on the Clarisonic and they converted her as well. It's a cult, I swear. When I went to the clinic for my final evaluation, another woman there and I began chatting and it turns out she too had been experiencing Clarisonic withdrawal. We joked about how we were going to run home and let our lovely gadgets make sweet sweet love to our faces.....
Clarisonic video

Bloom.com is a great place to buy one from. You get free shipping, a one year satisfaction guarantee, 10% cash back, and 10 samples of your choice (5 trial size, 4 deluxe, and one full sized product. ) Right now, use code Bloom10 for 10$ off your order.

I really wish this one had been available when I bought mine, though. It's puuuurty.

Clarisonic PLUS bliss Face & Body Collection
What is it: The ultimate spa experience, combining the Clarisonic PLUS skin care brush and bliss spa products that cleanse and moisturize from head to toe! The rechargeable Clarisonic PLUS is the first step in your skin-care ritual. It cleanses so well other products absorb better. The bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash is a 2-in-1 rinse-off cleanser and exfoliator that soothes with botanicals and brightens with exfoliating beads. Lemon+Sage Soapy Suds Body Wash+Bubbling Bath is a citrus-scented liquid soap for the shower or bath. Lemon+Sage Body Butter is marvelously moisturizing and paraben free, to help make rough and scaly skin history. Who is it for: All skin types. Why is it different: The Clarisonic PLUS has three speeds for the face plus a spot therapy mode for areas of the body. This sonic micro-massage gently cleans pores, loosening dirt, makeup, and oil as it reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles. The oil-free, non-stripping Face Wash instantly dissolves excess oil and makeup and lifts away dead cells to leave skin clean, nourished, and fresh. The Body Wash whips up a luxe lather that cleans and conditions for supremely soft skin. This body butter contains coconut oil and has a unique texture that is perfect for professional massages and daily wear. How do I use it: Use the PLUS for one minute, twice a day. It's waterproof, perfect for the shower or tub. For the face: Remove eye makeup, then wet skin and brush head. Gently massage the face in small circular motions. For the body: Attach the spot therapy brush head. Wet skin and brush head. Gently massage area in a circular motion. Apply Face Wash to slightly damp skin and massage over face and neck. Rinse well. Use the Body Wash to shake up your shower or pour a bit into the bath for a more stimulating soak. Apply Body Butter after showering, anywhere below the neck, to trap high levels of hydration. From Clarisonic and bliss. Includes:

Oh, and speaking of the Bliss Lemon + Sage Soapy Suds and Body Butter? Oh HELLZ YEAH. I just used up my set of these two products, and oh mama..... They both have a light, invigorating lemon scent with a tiny level of herbal clean running underneath. PERFECT for in the morning to wake you up. Not a cloying smell at all, so you can still use your scent products, but you will have a subtle 'clean' scent. The soap is extremely concentrated and makes a luxuriously rich lather. I recommend using it with a scrubbie to really get the most bang for your buck.

The body butter is also thick and rich, perfect for dry skin. Luckily it also absorbs really well (a lot of body butters are just TOO thick). I love to slather this on after shaving my legs for that perfect satin skin feel. I just discovered that they also have a shampoo and conditioner in the Lemon+Sage, so I'm gonna try that out soon.....

A Video From Benefit Showing You Uses For Highlighters

2012-01-11T09:23:00.000-06:00

I think most people assume that all highlighters do the same thing, but a lot depends on the color of the highlighter and it's texture and consistency. For instance, I have a shimmery pink highlighter that looks lovely and youthful on my cheeks, but I once used it around my eyes and I suddenly looked like I had consumption. Benefit is quite famous for it's highlighters, and rightfully so. This video compares some of their bestselling highlighters.

Right now they have this awesome highlighter set on sale called Finding Mr Bright. It's got rave reviews and I'm contemplating getting one for my emergency makeup kit because it's so versatile.

Get a FREE some kind-a gorgeous mini (medium shade) with any $50 order. Enter SKAGMINI at checkout. Offer valid 1/10/12 to 1/16/12.

New years Deals at QVC plus 4 month easy pay

2012-01-10T11:46:00.000-06:00

Fall Fashion Clearance at QVC.com! Buy now and pay over 4 months with easy pay!

Shop affordable luxury with Dennis Basso select clearance available with payments spread out over time. Shop QVC.com!

Skip the spa with bath & beauty items at QVC.com! Everything you need to feel pampered and luxurious without breaking the bank.

Home Clearance Under $25! Spruce up your space for less at QVC.com today!

Spanky Luvs Vintage Giveaway Winner

2012-01-05T13:25:00.000-06:00

Congratulations, Lacey B! You will be emailed with directions on claiming your prize! If you didn't win, keep your eyes peeled, a new contest will be up in the next day or so.....

50% off on purchases at E.L.F.

2011-12-22T11:47:00.000-06:00

Spanky Luvs Vintage review and GIVEAWAY!!!! Updated with video

2011-12-22T10:59:00.000-06:00

Spanky Luvs Vintage

All right, I moved the contest entry form up here, because folks were missing it......

Click on READ MORE to pull up the full article and get the entry form.......

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Updated with a video review below....
Okay, first off I have to tell you that besides making awesome pieces, Rhonda is also one of the coolest chicas on the internet! Okay- that out of the way, let me tell you a little about her store. She has TONS of pieces up, from vintage finds to her own designs. What I love is that she takes vintage pieces and reworks them into completely her own vision- things that most people would toss or overlook in the junk bin at an antique store gets turned into stunning one of a kind works of jewelry art that not only draw ooohs and ahhhs everywhere you go, but are also crazy affordable.

For example, this piece uses the springs from vintage pens!!!!!! HOW genius is that?!?!?!

And this piece began it's life as a money clip!

The intricacy and detail of these pieces is flabbergasting- when I wear my necklace that she made I get stopped by people who spend at least 5 minutes taking in each tiny detail.

And the prices on her vintage pieces? These are 4 bucks. In an antique or vintage store (at least in my neck of the hipster woods) they'd be two or three times that, easily.

I could easily post picture after picture on here, because it's almost impossible for me to pick out a favorite, but better yet- how about you go and check out her store and see for yourself! I double dog dare you to not find something to fall in love with.
(this little beauty? 15 bucks!)

Her store sections show off her delightful sense of humor as well, with sections titled things like Got Wood? and Funkytown USA. She also tells you a little about each piece with poetry, ruminations and inspirations.

I was going to get Rhonda to answer some questions for you, but voila! With perfect timing she was chosen as Zibbet's Zibbeter Of The Week, so they did the heavy lifting for me :-) To read the interview, visit HERE. You can also visit her BLOG to find out more about her.

A few questions that weren't in the interview that I asked her:

But the question what is my fave thing to make? I think I get the biggest kick out of making sock monkeys for friends and family--- I take something from their personality and make a little poem about them and the recipients have been so thrilled when they got them :) I have had degenerative arthritis and taken insaids since I was 30 and now fibro and my hands are really starting to bother me with that type of sewing and intricate things so now when I make them I know that it is something I won't be able to do someday ( But I am only telling you this because I saw one of your videos about taking a muscle relaxant and I know exactly how those kind of days are :) - (Beauty Pirate here- this is a reference to my hilariously disastrous Laura Mercier review video when I was QUITE MISTAKENLY under the impression that I could be coherent while on Soma!) Anyways... Here is a blog link that shows some of my sock monkeys...

Sock Monkeys

And also the question about where I get my ideas...Sometimes I have dreams or like in the case of "Crazy Doll" (your necklace)--I couldn't sleep that night and "After 12 is where you'll find me" just popped into my head...and crazy doll was born LOL!--but most of the time--I just start with a focal piece and add as I go along---I think I have always been someone who looks at something and I see it for what it could be and what I could turn it into ... and not for what it presently is (probably the reason I dated so many losers when I was younger) hee-hee.
To see my gorgeous girl, visit here

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Today's Lil Bit 'O Happiness

2011-12-21T11:50:00.000-06:00

Heaven And Earth Essentials Berry Bliss Whipped Sugar Scrub is soooooooooo, well, heavenly! Right now it's 15% off at their site and while I have Berry Bliss, it's available in a staggering number of choices. It's highly concentrated and leaves your skin crazy soft. Since every nutjob in Texas has been cranking their heat up to 90, my skin has been getting dry and itchy. Using this is like getting a wonderful scratch that covers your whole body. Afterwards your skin will be so moisturized that there's no point in even using lotion.

"With wonderful ingredients such as Organic Cane Sugar and Jojoba Oil. It is a scrub that is simply beautiful and effective. Upon contact with water, this unique formula emulsifies into a creamy lotion scrub, leaving you completely moisturized and exfoliated with no greasy residue. This creamy formula also allows you to scoop it (consistency of spreadable frosting) without a mess, or losing a majority of the product. And no slick tub mess!"

As a company, they're also quite impressive. All products are handmade in small batches AFTER you order them, so your product is always fresh. They always include a sample of something else for you to try with your order, and they rely on recycled materials for all of their packing materials. Their site is a fabulous maze of handmade bath and body products, handmade perfume oils, metaphysical items, organic teas and more. FABU!

BVLGARI OMNIA GREEN JADE by Bvlgari EDT SPRAY 2.2 OZ for WOMEN is THIRTY DOLLARS cheaper through this link than it is at Sephora. Whoo hoo! It smells fresh and clean and is excellent for the office space as it's non offensive and subtle. I ADORE this stuff. When I wear it, I huff on myself like I was a bottle of glue (JK!)

Notes:
Spring Water, Green Mandarin, White Peony, Nasturtium, Pear Tree Flower, Jasmine Petals, Fresh Pistachio, White Woods, Musk.

Plus, their spokemodel is Julianne Moore. Who says no to Julianne Moore?

Korres Body Butters 7.95 oz Guava Body Butter is a winter go to for me. SOOOOOO thick and rich, but it still absorbs quickly and doesn't leave you feeling greasy, just hydrated. If you put it on right after you bathe, it traps the moisture into your skin and leaves your skin feeling downright plumped. I like to put it on after my evening bath so I feel super soft and cuddly. Slightly sweet tropical scent (it's available in tons of other scents as well, but guava is one of the most popular) that's light enough to be non-offensive and doesn't hang in a heavy cloud of scent over you. Also excellent for using on super rough patches like heels and elbows.

Designs by Taylor 2U makes absolutely ADORABLE stuff! You can get customized pieces where you get to choose what you want on your jewelry and I SOOOOOO need to get one that shows Dallas! The charms! The cuff links! Seriously original, seriously handmade, seriously awesome. When you check out, you just let her know what location you want on your piece (the map pieces) and easy breezy, puddin and pie, there you go! I have a few of her hairpins that I like to wear on an almost daily basis because they're not just beautiful and unique, but also sturdy. Go take a browse through the store and see what you think!

Borghese Botanico Eye Compresses are excellent! They're a great deal, too- you get 60 compresses, so enough for 30 treatments. After I use them, The Husband likes me to let him use what's left and they make even his Italian eye bags go away a bit! I popped these babies on the last time I did a mud bath ( see previous blog on Dead Sea mud) and felt like I was being pampered in a high end spa.....

November GoGoGirlfriend

2011-12-21T09:48:00.001-06:00

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At the moment, GoGo Girlfriend has a waiting list- I think they were shocked at how many people signed up so quickly. So as to best serve their current members, they are not taking any new members until the beginning of January, I believe. I'm impressed by their integrity to serve their current customers instead of letting customer service slip in the name of making more moolah.......

So what is GoGo Girfriend? It's a monthly sampler ($12.99) full of health and beauty products, many of them from smaller companies that you might have otherwise missed out on. There's a lot of organic and natural products, which is nice. They also do giveaways, sometimes a few a week- of full sized products and often will mail members extras "just because". I had a review published on their site and they sent me a full size bottle of the item I reviewed! They've also sent me great freebies like a full size (HUGE) bottle of B12 drops and organic face wipes. Members earn reward points for rating products which can be used towards a free box or products in the store (where members also get a discount off of retail.) I recently used some of my points to get an enormous jar of French Green clay powder for a friend's birthday.

PLUS:

5% of Your Membership Fees are Donated to the Lynne Cohen Foundation for Ovarian Cancer Research

So here's what was in my December box, along with reviews of each product. (most items available in the GoGo Girlfriend store)

Full sized Blossoms Eye Shadow in Dreamy Girl (member price $5.95, non member $9.95)

I'm really wanting to try the Hibiscus- it's such an interesting color!

Camille Beckman French Vanilla 5 Piece Gift Set (includes Glycerine hand Therapy, Coronet Cream, Silky Body Cream, Hand & Shower Cleansing Gel, and Bubble Bath.) $9.99 - you can get the set at

And can I just say OHMYGOAWD!!! This stuff is amazing. Their Hand Therapy has a massive cult following, because it's possibly the BEST HAND LOTION EVER MADE! GGGF members can get Beckman items discounted in the GGGF store.

Oluv Fresh Olive Leaf Body Scrub retails for $6.00 and came with a little wooden scoop so you don't have to get your grubby fingers in the jar- cool!

I'm super excited about these Crystal Essence Pomegranate Mineral Deoderant Towelettes. I love deoderant crystals, but they are incredibly inconvenient at times, especially if you're my husband, who has managed to shatter 2 of them in the last 2 months. Nothing like trying to soldier through and rubbing shattered salt crystals on your pits..... These are brilliant! Also available in chamomile and green tea.

We got a scent sample of the FABULOUS Dolce & Gabbana light blue

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue 0.8 oz Eau de Toilette Spray

A stunning perfume, overwhelming and irresistible like the joy of living. Surprising and colored: the liveliness of Sicilian citron, the happiness of Granny Smith apple, the spontaneity of bluebells. Feminine and resolute: the intensity of jasmine, the freshness of bamboo, the charm of white rose. Deep and true: the character of cedarwood, the fullness of amber, the embrace of musk.Notes:Sicilian Citron, Bluebell, Granny Smith Apple, Jasmine Sambac, Bamboo, White Rose, Cedarwood, Amber, Musk....

And last but not least, an Eye Crease Brush from e.l.f. which is super soft and perfectly tapered to get your eye crease.

Ten Hits and a Miss

2011-12-20T11:39:00.000-06:00

Herban Essentials towelettes are available from Birchbox and they are AWESOME! Just brilliant. They're moistened antibacterial wipes that contain no chemicals or alcohol. Instead, they use essential oils with natural antibacterial properties to clean without drying out your skin or coating you in triclosan. The wipes are a really good size, so they can be used for just about anything, and they're also biodegradable. Perfect for oopsies or wiping down something scary. Since they're individually wrapped, you can throw some in your purse or glove box and not worry about them drying out. A life saver if you have to change a flat on your way somewhere or the public toilet is nasty. They also leave your hands soft with a light clean scent. Love!

John Frieda Root Awakening Shampoo, Conditioner, Smoothing Lotion- wow! I was really shocked that a drugstore brand could be so awesome! I've gotten burned so many times, but this stuff is easily as good as some of the big salon names out there. My hair showed results with the first use, and I loved that it didn't weigh down my baby fine hair. After a trim, using this kept me from getting split ends and my hair seemed to grow really quickly. The smoothing lotion gave my hair body and definition without weighing it down. SCORE!

Loopy Gal Creations Scrubbies are possibly my favorite handcrafted scrubbies out there. They're a good size, thick, and quite lovely to boot. I've got a number of these, and they have a permanent place next to my bathroom sink. I not only use them to wash my face with, but I also keep one just for applying toner. This way I'm saving cotton balls! I love the unique design that she incorporates, it gives them a one of a kind flair and also make them extremely efficient for face washing! I have them in tons of colors (my orangey rainbowy one is for my toner.....)

Talika Eye Decompress- these things are so ridiculously cool. I love it when a beauty product also doubles as a squeal inducing grown up toy! Watch this quick video to see how they work:

Groovy, huh? And let me tell you- these things WORK! I don't know how something that I put over my eyes can do a better job of perking me up and removing red eyes than eyedrops, but these work better than anything like, ever. And, because they're in these wicked cool packets, they're great for travel or keeping in a desk drawer for a 5 minute work nap!
Talika Eye Decompress
Are your eyes : - puffy in the morning? - irritated - red? - feeling de-hydrated? Talika, the eye specialist, has created the miracle solution to soothe it all in one go! Talika Eye Decompress refreshes, soothes, relieves congestion and revitalizes tired eyes. Directions: Place the pastille into the capsule containing the blue solution. The pastille immediately absorbs the solution and transforms itself into an eye mask. Open out the mask and apply it on the eyes for a few minutes. Net Weight: 9 Disposable Treatments. Ingredients: Active Ingredients: Cornflower Extract.

Benefit So Hooked On Carmella, well, it's just not for me. It's gotten astoundingly good reviews across the board, so I can only assume it's my specific body chemistry, but on me the vanilla is so sweet and powdery it's gag inducing. The listed scent notes
Top notes: lemon, grapefruit, rhubarb
Middle notes: cyclamen, peony, tiare flower
Bottom notes: vanilla, sandalwood, amber

Seem like they'd be perfect for me, but somehow it just DOESN'T WORK on my skin. I know I'm in the minority here, but this one's just a no-go. I'd recommend finding your nearest Ulta or Sephora and giving it a test squirt before committing to a full bottle. I've smelled it on others and it was fabu, so it's just my own bad luck :-(

so hooked on Carmella

iQ Derma Glacial Hydrating Gel mask- Mama Mia! It's very cooling- perfect for the summer or for sensitive skin. When I use this, my normal skin redness stays away for days and it hydrates without any greasiness. I have yet to use an iQ Derma product that wasn't tops in it's field, and they knocked it out of the park again with this one. Since it's a gel, it also does a great job of clearing out the pores. With regular use, this will make your skin absolutely glow. It's a BIG tube and a little goes a long way, so this will last you forEVAH. Right now it's also 20% off at the link below!

Adovia Dead Sea Mineral Mud is just, like, wow dude. I slopped this all over my nekkid self in the tub and lay there for about 20 minutes to let it dry. This is a good time to try some zen meditation, cause you don't want to be trying to read a book or walk around. You will be a scary mud monster.

It is a jar of 100% pure Dead Sea Mud (one of the few companies allowed to export it out of Israel) and no words can describe how incredible this is for your skin. it pulls toxins out of your pores, helps drain lymph nodes, smooths cellulite, and eases joint and muscle pain. It eases itching from eczema and rosacea and knocks out acne and blackheads. Seriously a miracle product. Be prepared to give your tub a good scrubbing afterwards, I've bathed my dog after a day in a mud pit and not had the tub so full of gunk! Soooooooo worth it. You will feel like you stripped a baby of it's skin and made an Ed Gein skin suit for yourself.

Seaside Soap And Candle Lemon Verbena Soap and votive candle

A little about the company first, from their website:

Hi! Welcome to Seaside Soap and Candle, this is a mother and daughter adventure. We create beautiful pearlescent candles made from pure palm wax, cosmetic grade fragrance oils and color.

Our soaps are handmade in small batches for quality control and made with an old-fashioned recipe using saponified olive oil, coconut oil, and palm oil. Soaps may contain cosmetic grade fragrance oil, color, apricot meal or oatmeal.

Our intention is to provide you with products that nourish your senses,spirit and body.

We use local ingredients when possible and work with companies located in the USA. Hope you like what you see and will try our products. Samples available.

Please take a moment to view our handmade soaps and handcrafted candles.

Our handmade soaps are created with 100% pure olive oil, which is loaded with antioxidants. They also stimulate, protect, heal, moisturize, tone and firm our skin.

Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids that rejuvenate skin, keeping it soft and supple. Our handmade soaps are excellent for all skin types.

Grape Seed Oil is rich in Vitamin E and linoleic acid - an essential fatty acid also known as Omega-6. It is a potent antioxidant that aids in skin repair and in diminishing the damaging effects of the sun. Grape seed oil's excellent emollient properties also nourish the skin keeping it smooth and supple. It helps tighten and tone while locking in skin's precious moisture.

We make our handmade and hand poured soaps in small batches to provide our customers with the freshest and most natural ingredients possible. Using our handmade soaps on a regular basis may help to nourish troubled skin and may be effective in preventing acne, psoriasis and eczema.

Our handcrafted candles are created using pure palm wax. Palm wax naturally creates beautiful crystal structures that form as the candle cools. These handcrafted candles have an appearance that is pearlescent and they shine from within as they burn. Our palm wax comes from palm trees which are cultivated on private plantations. Our handcrafted candles are created using palm wax that is eco-friendly, and comes from a sustainable tree crop. There is no threat to the rain forests.

So their palm candles are beautiful with a natural sparkle to them, and their soap? Holey moley! I don't know how they do it, but a bar lasts FOREVAH. Even keeping it in my shower where it stays humid, this puppy didn't even begin to melt, it lasted an eon and now I have the sliver left that I put in a soap saver, and it's STILL going strong! I think I'm going to be able to pass this bar of soap down to my grandchildren! The smell is subtle, so you have a pleasurable bathing experience without having to forgoe your scent choice after you bathe. It also makes you squeaky clean without drying the skin.

Earth Rinse Aloe Vera Laundry Detergent

I have become so obsessed with natural and handmade laundry detergents of late. There's been a lot of information out there lately about all the nastiness going into our water supply, and the sulfates and chemicals in commercial laundry detergents are hideously notorious for the damage they cause to both wildlife and the environment. My husband told me that there have been cases recently of people using nasal pots and DYING from bacteria present in their TAP WATER. Shiver.....
EarthRinse laundry soap is

- environmentally friendly
- Fels-Naptha free
- particularly good for babies and people with sensitive skin problems such as psoriasis or eczema.
- low sudsing and therefore harmless to front loaders
- harmless to washing machines, plumbing and septic tanks in general
- does not contain dyes, phosphates or chlorine
- not tested on animals
- neutralizes perspiration odors
- takes care of collar and cuff stains, food (e.g. mustard, chocolate, blueberry, cola, meat, grease spatters, olive oil) and other stains (e.g. make-up, blood, grass, clay)
- works well with cold water

It's unscented and leaves your clothes soft and clean. I tend to wash in cold water to preserve my clothing, and this worked absolutely fine in cold.

Etsy Shop Fun Favors

2011-12-19T10:31:00.000-06:00

Fun Favors has a wide assortment of stuff to help you create a memorable party! I first heard of them when I received a package of the most ADORABLE cupcake wrappers from them in a Sampler Village sampler. Just in time for a friend's birthday who is quite deserving of the title Princess! Go to their store and you'll see all KINDS of stuff, however!

First you have your customized party favors, invitations, cupcake toppers and more. You can even get a full Deluxe Party Package with everything from customized invitations to a banner!

There's TONS of adorable edible favors. You can get custom designed chocolates and cookies and one of my favorites, chocolate covered pretzels. The Silhouette Cookie Favors are especially ingenious- they actually use your real silhouette!

The cookies are made fresh to order, so you can be sure that you'll get oooohs and ahhhhs.

I'm pretty sure my absolute favorite is the Dia del Muerto cookies, however. The detail is stunning!

So in other words, if you want your party to stand out with one of a kind flair, check out Fun Favors and tell 'em The Beauty Pirate sent ya!

Juara 20% Off EVERYTHING until 12/31

2011-12-14T09:22:00.001-06:00

I LOVE LOVE LOVE their rice milk cleanser!!!!!! This is a great time to try them out- you will be in awe, I promise. Use code HOLIDAY20 for 20 % off. They also have a bunch of awesome gift sets with slashed prices right now!

JUARA is a unique fusion of natural Indonesian skincare treatments of ancient royalty and modern science. Utilizing high concentrations of pure and powerful active botanicals native to this lush tropical archipelago, JUARA's effective yet safe and gentle skincare line focuses on maintaining skin wellness, while feeling luxurious, elegant, and sensual to the touch.

How Well do you know JUARA?

Our ingredients come from Indonesia and are Indonesia inspired.
We don't use parabens, phthalates, sulfates and our products are not animal tested.
Our products are 100% vegetarian!
We use natural ingredients such as active botanicals such as rice, tamarind, turmeric, candlenut oil, healing teas and red sandalwood.

Skincare RX Clearance Sale -INCLUDING BEAUTY CACHE!!!!!

2011-12-12T10:54:00.001-06:00

WOW! What a great time to stock up!

SkinCareRx.com is having an enormous clearance sale! Stock up for yourself or get cheap (normally expensive) gifts for others.

What's super groovy is that to make room for the new Beauty Cache which will be coming out in a few weeks, they are discounting the current one to only TWENTY BUCKS!!!!! WOW! That's an incredible deal.

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Another thing they have on clearance is a shampoo that I'm quite fond of, Topix Hair Repair. It's on sale right now for $7.58, and I quite liked it. I just finished up my bottle a few days ago, and saw it as one of the sale items when I went to go buy some more. Score! It made my hair shiny and gave it a lot of body- seems to really get rid of any gunk like hairspray quickly and easily without drying out my hair or scalp. I noticed that after trimming my hair then using this shampoo, I didn't get split ends as readily as I normally do. Not the fanciest packaging in the world, but it makes it super easy to recycle the bottle when it's empty and I'd rather get quality product that works than something that's overpriced because it looks good sitting on the side of the tub. No heavy scent to get in the way of your other products. FYI- vegetarians avoid, it does contain animal protein.
My 3rd Quarter cache included (I have calculated the approximate retail value of each item based on full size retail)

2ml Ahava Extreme Day Cream -$2.72
15 ml Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser- $4.50
15 ml June Jacobs Papaya purifying Enzyme mask- $8.25
.5 oz Peter Thomas Roth Oil Free Moisturizer- $13.87
30 ml Phytomer Tresor Des Mers- $9.60
10ml Boscia Skin Perfecting Primer -$9.00
1oz SkinMedica Enviromental Defense Sunscreen 30spf- $12.67
10ml Nia24 Physical Cleansing Scrub- $3.18
1oz Glytone Soothe Calming Cream -$30.00
.5oz Nucelle Mandelic Eyelift Cream -$32.60
2oz Kinerase Photofacials Daily Exfoliating Cleanser- $18.00
5ml Phytomer Accept neutralizing Cream -$5.48
Sunforgettable Mini Orb in Almost Clear- $11.90

FOR A TOTAL VALUE OF $165!!!!!!

Benefit Freebie and Product Review

2011-12-11T19:11:00.000-06:00

Get a free mini total moisture with ANY purchase. Enter BLITZEN at checkout. Offer expires 12/14/11 at 11:59pm PST.

They have the most awesome holiday related apps on their website right now! Here's a picture I doctored up using their holiday photo app....

Loving my most recent Benefit products! See below for a video review of the products.....

stay don't stray

POREfessional

dr. feelgood

Complexion Balm (This stuff is brilliant!)

automatic lipliner duo pencil

in Bare Your....

ultra radiance facial re-hydrator mist

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Laura Mercier Flawless Face

2011-12-09T19:32:00.000-06:00

Man oh man- I wish I could tell you that Sephora still had the Mini Flawless Face kit available for their 500 point perk, but it was so wildly popular that it was off their site in a matter of days. It did give me a chance to try some Laura products that I hadn't tried before, and what can I say? I was BLOWN AWAY. Seriously worth buying the full size. Not a dud in the bunch!

Mini Full Blown Volume Lash Building Mascara in Black
Mini size: 0.2oz
(Full Size: 0.4oz $24)
Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume Lash Building Mascara Black
This made my lashes look awesome with just one coat! The brush is the perfect size and gets even the tiniest corner lashes. one of the best mascaras I've used in a long time.

Mini Eye Basics in Wheat
Mini size 0.1oz
(Full Size: 0.25oz $24)
Laura Mercier Eye Basics Wheat
An excellent lid primer. I put this on in the morning, and come 12 hours later, I had barely a crease in my shadow. The color was still perfectly in place, I could have smudged the crease a tad and rocked it the rest of the night! I like that it's tinted so it conceals this weird red mole I have on my eyelid. Also works as an undereye concealer! All about the multitasking! It did crack me up to read negative reviews on Sephora from people who thought it was an eyeshadow. "This is pointless! It's the same color as my eyelid!" Duh, it's a shadow primer, you tool.

Mini Face Polish
Mini Size: 0.4oz
(Full Size: 3.4oz $30)
Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Face Polish 3.4 oz
An absolutely astounding product. Technically an exfoliator, but it's so creamy and gentle! Afterwards my skin glowed and my pores were diminished. My face products soaked in like butter after using this. Not only were my pores all good and cleaned out, but my skin looked fabulous for days afterwards. Ooooooooh, now I'm absolutely CRAVING to run home and use this again!

Mini Tinted Moistureizer SPF 20 in Nude

Mini size: 0.5oz

(Full size: 1.5oz $42)

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 - Oil Free Nude

Just enough tint to be able to forgo foundation giving you a "yes my skin IS this perfect" look. I've found that a lot of tinted moisturizers look streaky on me if I'm not careful, but this one blends in perfectly. I LOVE that it's got an SPF, so I'm moisturized, protected and perfected with one product!

Mini Foundation Primer
Mini size: 0.5oz
(Full Size: 1.7 oz $30, 3.4oz $40)
Laura Mercier Foundation Primer 1.75 oz
Most primers are silicone based, but Laura's is a water base filled with vitamins A, E, and C to add extra antioxidant protection. Not only does it keep your makeup put all day, but it protects your skin and keeps you from getting super shiny.

Here's a review of it that I wrote almost 2 years ago
Laura Mercier Foundation Primer
is oil free, so it works for both dry skin and oily skin. If you have oily skin, the primer will keep your face grease from mixing with your foundation and changing it's color or making it slide off. If you have dry skin it will keep the powder ingredients in your makeup from sinking into pores or fine lines and holds in your skin's moisture. This formula lokos like a cream, but seems to transform into a gel as you smooth it on. I find this one to be most effective if you ignore the "apply liberally" directive and use a light touch- just enough to cover the skin but not so much that it doesn't 'settle in'.
How is Laura's Foundation Primer more than just a primer?
Laura's primer contains "unique light-reflecting ingredients" which create a "soft-focus appearance." This soft focus causes fine lines and imperfections to smooth over as well as gives skin a soft, luminous, and healthy looking glow. Not just for under foundation, in fact Laura considers Foundation Primer a must for non-foundation wearers. The same soft focus appearance makes bare skin look beautiful and naturally flawless. Top with a little Loose Setting Powder and you have a smooth and luminous, beautiful and natural, barefaced look.

This Primer also has added skin care benefits to improve the skin's appearance. Potent antioxidants Vitamins A, C, and E help protect skin from the harmful and dramatically aging effects of the environment. Foundation Primer also contains botanicals such as lavender, orange, jasmine, rose, geranium, grape, kiwi and aloe extracts to soothe and refresh the skin.
I learned a cool tip too- store your primer in the fridge and it will work even better to tighten pores, refresh your skin, reduce redness and puffiness, and in the summer will feel faboo! I will say that the one thing I do not like about this primer is the scent. Luckily it dissipates rapidly so it's really a moot point.

I also happened to be wearing Laura's Lip Glace in Opal, of which I previously said

"Laura Mercier Opal Lip Glace is a glossy but not overly shiny neutral that looks particularly sophisticated when paired with a touch of a nude liner for added definition. Not one bit sticky, and made with deeply nourishing ingredients, it almost feels like a balm instead of a gloss. Tiny bits of glistening sparkle add the illusion of plumpness (that really seems to be the big thing lately, wouldn't cha say?)"

I used all these products in conjunction in the AM and then filmed a review video in the evening to show how everything lasts all day. Unfortunately, I also took a muscle relaxer since my back hurt when I got home so I'm a bit loopy!

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Over 65% Off e.l.f Palette Set- Today ONLY!

2011-12-09T10:44:00.001-06:00

This is called The Complete Makeup Collection, and is normally $95!!!!

3 Great Giveaways!

2011-12-09T10:33:00.000-06:00

3 Giveaways VIA Out Of The Box Sampler

We're giving stuff away

December Giveaway's are up...come & enter to win.

I know the holiday shopping and decorating are keeping you busy, but I hope you have time to stop by and enter our current giveaways. We have two on our blog and one on our Facebook Giveaway App.

Up for grabs are two beautifully handcrafted necklaces from Vowangems, on our blog, and two santa buckets filled with yummy chocolate lollipops, from Nubia's Edible Florals. One of these buckets is on our blog and the other on our Facebook app.

So that's twice the fun and ways to win...good luck!

If you haven't grabbed a December sampler yet, there are still 12 left. So spoil yourself with a box of handmade goodies. Grab a box Here. Rumor has it that 4-5 yummy things come with each sampler too. I'll leave you to drool over the yummy stuff, you may find in your box, below :)

And here's a little peek at our Santa-bulous Sampler's too :)

Happy Holidays!
Michelle
Out of the Box Sampler

December's Discount Codes & Coupons, from our contributors, can be found Here

♥ DO YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING THE HANDMADE WAY ♥

$5 Off a $10 Purchase at DHC

2011-12-09T10:31:00.000-06:00

MAN! Everybody is having such awesome holiday deals!

!GORGEOUS! Free Mark Gift With Purchase

2011-12-09T09:51:00.000-06:00

One for you, one for me, one for you, two for me......

Spend $40 at meetmark.com and get a Merry Must-Have Gift set FREE plus FREE SHIPPING (a $71 value)! Use code GIFT40. Valid 12.5-12.9.

Whoa! Free palette from E.L.F.! TODAY ONLY

2011-12-07T11:18:00.001-06:00

Ahhhhhh, the holiday season! So many freebies, so little time.... This is a super great deal, and you can get some basics for yourself then gift this free palette (or else keep it for yourself, as I am prone to often do....) I like E.L.F. products, they're super inexpensive but still a good quality.

Oh! You also get a free year subscription to Lucky magazine (they do not give your card info to the publisher, I checked- no worries about it getting automatically renewed.)

Get $1.95 shipping, plus a free 24K 15 piece eyeshadow palette with orders of $13.50 or more. Use coupon code 195GOLD, now through 12/7.

I'm excited about their new cream eyeliners. Only $3.00 a (huge) jar and in 11 available colors!

Some new items available?

e.l.f. Studio Beauty-On-The-Go Single Palettes
$3.00

e.l.f. Studio Beauty-On-The-Go 6-Palette Storage Case
$10.00

e.l.f. Studio Makeup Clutch Palette
$10.00

e.l.f. Essential Nail Polish
$2.00

e.l.f. Studio Glitter Gloss
$3.00

e.l.f. Essential Eyelid Primer
$1.00

e.l.f. Studio Cream Eyeshadow
$3.00

e.l.f. Studio Pigment Eyeshadow
$3.00

e.l.f. Studio Cream Eyeliner
$3.00

Today's Holiday Freebie From Benefit

2011-12-06T10:58:00.000-06:00

Find out what the top sellers are at BenefitCosmetics.com!

Snowflakes Keep Fallin' From My Head......

2011-12-06T09:47:00.000-06:00

Yes, I get dandruff. I have come out of the closet! Seriously, why do people get so freaked out about it?

According to Wikipedia, approximately HALF of the human population has had it at one time or another.

Dandruff is sometimes caused by frequent exposure to extreme heat and cold. Well guess who has that happen every day of the year? Yeah- me. When it's 120 degrees outside, every place in Texas is air conditioned to be 20 inside. And in the winter, vice versa. Apparently in Texas, the idea of moderate temperatures is anathema.

For people with dandruff, skin cells may mature and be shed in 2–7 days, as opposed to around a month in people without dandruff.
WOW! That's a HUGE difference! Don't know if it's related, but my hair also grows freakishly fast.

hot water can exacerbate dandruff or itching. Using slightly cooler water (not cold) during regular hair washing and rinsing has been found to reduce dandruff in some individuals.
Ooopsie! Doesn't almost everyone use hot water in the shower?

So now what to do? Well, I can tell you that

Philip B Anti Flake Relief Shampoo did nothing for me. It had rave reviews, so I thought I'd give it a try, but nyet. Oh, and it's THIRTY FIVE dollars a bottle. If it worked, I'd lump it, but it not only did nothing for me, it also REEKS. It's made with coal tar, so I smelled like my grandpa. I read a review that said the smell rinses out. I call BS on that- I could still smell it after my hair was dry.

Now leave it to me to find a shampoo that works WONDERFULLY but takes some searching to find (you CAN often find it on Amazon). Homocrin Natural Rebalancing Shampoo is great. It uses things like milk enzymes and coconut oil to rebalance your scalps protective acid mantle. The first few times I used it, I freaked out because it seemed like it actually made it worse, but I quickly realized that it's like when you use something to deep clean your pores and then break out before having gorgeous skin. It looks watery, so the first few times I wound up using too much- it's actually fairly concentrated. You HAVE to follow the directions and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing. Worth searching out.

I've also previously reviewed Matrix Biolage Anti Dandruff conditioner (which is awesome) in a previous blog entry, The Beauty Pirate: Bloom Circle Bounty

So hold your head up high! You are not alone, it's not as gross as it seems, and with research and patience it can be taken care of. In the words of the immortal Sufi proverb, This Too Shall Pass.

ONE DAY ONLY ---- BENEFIT FLASH SALE!

2011-12-05T10:15:00.000-06:00

I LOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVEEEE Benefit! All of their products turn you into a pinup girl!

December 5 only! Flash sale on BenefitCosmetics.com - receive a free total moisture mini with any Hervana purchase. Use promo code HERVANA.

Get FREE US standard shipping with any purchase of $50 or more. Enter promo code PRETTY50 at checkout.

Happy Harvest With Out of The Box!

2011-12-02T10:22:00.000-06:00

Out Of The Box Sampler really knocked it out of the park in November! The links below are from their store list for November. Sorry for my overenthusiasm for rocking in my porch swing- I promise it doesn't happen during the entire video.

Lovin' our Box Sponsor for November!

Each and every one of you will receive a cool jersey headband from our box sponsor this month...Stinkbug Designs!

The cafe is coming to your this month with these cafe brulee all natural sugar scrub samples!

Full size, to spoil you again, with big red apple lip glazes!

3 pack samples of delightfully scented perfumes!

Just discovered this company and I'm in love! You'll get your hands on these 3 pack samples of their blush and eye shadow mineral makeup.

You know what season this is...it's candy corn season! And these adorable cly candy corn pins will help you celebrate it!

A cute mixture of Thanksgiving scrabble tile and poker chip pendants!

Some people are so creative and Debbie is one of them. Too cute, caramel apple hangers!

Chocolate mint 2 pack tealight samples from a favorite company of mine!

I absolutely love these granny smtih's green apple pie soap bars and you will too!

Shower gels, body sprays, lotions in big sizes and a fabulous variety of scents!

Love to bake? Then you'll love these two recipe cards for Brown Sugar Cookies and Chocolate Oat Bars...so yummy!

Perfume samples in Iris Musk...a wonderful fragrance!!

Grubby cake tarts in scrumptious spiced cider. Wish I could drink these!!

Pumpkin sandwich tarts in a creamy orange dreamsicle...oh so good!

Another wonderfully creative person...Nancy sent in the cutest fall pins & decor!!

Two pack sample bags shea butter soaps and full size lip balms!!

Super cool headbands are here from Pink Flamingo Studio!!

A smorgasboard of votives, soaps, lip balms, sugar scrub cubes and potpourri bags...all smelling wonderful!!

Tarts in a spicy mulled cider scent are perfect to warm up your home for the holidays!

Lotion bars scented in Lavender and made with soy and beeswax!!

These spices can help any cook whip up the best dishes...Herbes De Provence, Italian, Pumpkin Pie and Apple Pie!

Full size votives in a slew of different scents (don't you just love full size)!

Handcrafted and perfectly executed crocheted facial scrubbies!

Any pumpkin is perfect, but these pumpkin spice body scrubs smell splendid!!

Adorable glycerin heart shaped soaps from Just Dani Soaps!!

All the way from New Zealand! Pacific Perfumes "Goddess" solid perfume pots!

All in one stop shop with these soaps, body scrubs, lotions, lip balms and more!!

Treating you to her big 2oz tart cups, clamshell's and even air freshners this month!!

Barb the owner of SBS Teas, is simply elegant and so our her teas! You'll be sipping on winter white earl grey soon!

You'll be longing for lavender with these glycerin soap samples!

Who said turtles can't be cute...these crocheted ones are adorable!

This is definitely a new favorite company of mine...their samples are so good! You'll be scenting your home with these 2& 3 pack melts in sugar cookie, pumpkin pie, grandmas kitchen and more!!

Your skin will soak these butter bars and body butter right in!

Create a little "night magick" with these aromatherapy perfume oils!!

Wow...full size cupcake and ice cream scoop soaps in a super duper fall favorite...pumpkin apple!

I can't even describe how cute these turkey felt barrettes are!

Thanksgiving cards with envelopes that are adorably detailed!!

Mineral eye shadow samples...and coupon cards too!

Pink marshmallow scented tarts....ooey gooey goodness!

All natural beeswax lip balms...keep your lips kissable this winter!!

Holiday pins and ornaments too!

The goats are working overtime to provide these coffee bean soap samples just for you!!

Trip your tree with these candy cane horses!!

I'm just blown away by how cool these soap samples are and you wouldn't believe how they smell! Shaped in swedish fish, gummy bears, licorice whips, rock candy, popcorn and even bath salts too!!

Mouthwatering Maple Cream melts!!

You'll be a sucker for these Turkey lollipops in delicious butterscotch, pineapple, apple, grape and more!!

Spoiling you and those you love with her gift bags, tags, gift card holders and clips!!

Jasmine, chocolate, lavender and chocolate mint bath soap slices!!

Preppy embellished clothespins for the sophisticated redneck!!

Beautifully detailed Christmas themed soaps or lip balms....either way, you'll love these!!

You'll gobble up these cute turkey tarts in a yummy brown sugar pound cake scent!

A mixture of wire rings, feather barettes and bracelets are heading your way from Handy Crap!

Full size necklaces, bracelets and earrings from a favorite designer of mine...Vowangems!

Your skin will soak these butter bars and body butter right in!

Enjoy a coupon Card,for 20% off, from Lost Lemonade in this month's boxes!

Today's Cuppa

2011-11-30T09:38:00.000-06:00

I don't drink a lot of coffee, because I've seen what it does to it's dedicated adherents. My poor husband is so addicted that he'll get a raging headache if he goes without, and I know when I've had it more than a few days in a row, I was sluggish and unable to wake up without it. Tea however- oh am I ever a tea gal. I generally go back and forth between rooibos, tisanes, and caffeinated. Today is a caffeine day, so I turned to my beloved SBS Teas Ice Wine black tea.

To make ice wine, Vidal or Riesling grapes are left on the vine until after the first frost hits: usually in late November. The grapes area picked on freezing cold nights when the temperature is less than 17 degrees. At this temperature the frozen grapes are as hard as marbles and thus during pressing, water is driven out as shards of ice. This leaves a highly concentrated juice very high in acids, sugars, and aromatics--the required elements for perfect ice wine. This premium high grown Ceylon tea, infused with natural flavors and Ice wine captures the romance and flavor of this exotic treat. There are beguiling sweet pear notes with hints of berry and caramel. YUM!!!

I love that they also sell a Personal Tea Bag, an environmentally friendly paper filter specially designed for loose-leaf teas. Simply put tea into bag, fold the flap and smooth and use just like a regular tea bag. There is even a string with a paper tab for easy manipulation. These are great for me to keep on hand at work for my loose teas since it's a pain to clean out a tea ball here. (though I DO still need to get a few new ones, just in case.)

Not only are SBS Teas prices supremely low, but they also have awesome gift sets and their grab bags ROCK! These make for super Christmas presents and at the same time you get to support an independently owned business! Right now they're having a blowout sale on their beautiful stoneware and porcelain mugs- only $1.50 each! One of these with a $5.00 tea grab bag and you just put together a gift that looks like it cost WAAAAAAY more!

Cyber Monday freebie deals extended at Mark!

2011-11-29T12:49:00.000-06:00

The more you spend the more you get at meetmark.com! Get your free products on Black Friday and Cyber Monday (up to a $69 value) with code FABFREEBIES. Valid 11.25-11.29.

Julep Two For One Tuesday Flash Sale

2011-11-29T12:36:00.001-06:00

Julep

Painted Laydies Mineral Makeup

2011-11-29T12:15:00.000-06:00

Painted Laydies Mineral Makeup is an independent cosmetics company that specializes in hand created mineral makeup. Their formulas are multipurpose so you have multitasking cosmetics that can be used on eyes, lips, nails, etc. What I like about their website is they actually have a page that describes in detail exactly how to use minerals for uses other than just eyeshadow (they even give shadow application tips though). There's even a tutorial on how to use mineral colors on your eyelashes!

There's a whole page dedicated to helping you pick out the best colors for your skintone, with guidelines to determine which shade range you're in, not to mention another page dedicated to helping you perfect your eyebrows!

Besides mineral pigments, there's also three types of foundation, from heavy to light coverage depending on your needs. Within each style of foundation there are tons of colors to choose from, so you can be sure to get the right color for you.

I have two of their colors- Desert Wind and Tramp. Desert Wind appears to be a bricky red/brown in the jar, but when applied it has these underlying flashes of purple and orange that give it an amazing optical effect. This looks gorgeous applied to the lips.

Tramp is a soft pink with gold highlights that looks AMAZING on cheeks, the gold creates these highlights that are incredibly eye catching and mimic certain expensive brands of highlighters. While it also is a beautiful eyeshadow, it really reminds me of Nars Super Orgasm Blush (and at $6.50 compared to Nars $27, is a bargain to boot!) you’re wearing nothing.
Painted Laydies is a makeup that not only enhances your natural beauty, but helps to protects your skin while you’re wearing it. This is a mineral makeup that helps prevent and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while helping to protect from the sun's damaging rays to keep your skin looking young and healthy.
It is designed to make your skin look and feel clean, silky and fresh, not cakey or pasty like some other makeup. It gives you a flawless, beautiful finish every time. It is also very concentrated, so a small amount will last longer than many store brands or traditional items with binders and fillers that dilute the end product.
Mineral Makeup offers the following:
*sun protection
*dose not clog pores
*contains no waxes, dyes, chemical preservatives
*provides a color pallette for any shade of skin and can be mixed to get your perfect shade
*ease of use

BLOOM CYBER MONDAY- 40% Bloomdollars Back! EXTENDED

2011-11-29T11:36:00.000-06:00

update- they have extended the 40% back deal thru today!!!!

Whoo hoo! Today only, Bloom.com is giving you 40% back in BloomDollars! BloomDollars are as good as cash, so you're getting store credit to spend on whatever you want in the store. As always, Bloom still has the best free samples in the beauty biz since you get increasingly bigger and more freebies based on what you spend (including your choice of an additional full sized freebie if you spend $100) and if you become a Bloom member (it's free) we can be in each other's beauty circles and get bigger discounts in their store! This is a great time to try them out. I can vouch for their wonderful deals, their awesome selection and their superb customer service.

Sephora Cyber Monday Deluxe Sample pack

2011-11-28T10:49:00.000-06:00

This Week Only! Get the OPI Must-Have Holiday Duo for $10, ($19 value.) No Code Needed.

Hot items you might be interested in----

SEPHORA by OPI Glimmer Wonderland Eighteen Piece Mini Nail Colour Set ($81 Value) Glimmer Wonderland Eighteen Piece Mini Nail Colour Set

Fresh Citron de Vigne Set ($44 Value) Citron de Vigne Set Sephora Favorites Glitz & Glam ($113 Value) Glitz & Glam

Pernilla's Something Swedish

2011-11-25T14:15:00.000-06:00

UPDATE! Use code BEAUTYPIRATE and get 10% off your order! Awesome Christmas gifts!

Pernilla's Something Swedish is a seller with something for everyone. Jewelry? Check. Candies to kill someone for? Check. Cute little sculpted gnomes? Check. (Really!) She has both an Artfire shop and an Etsy shop, as well as a blog. Some time ago I ordered a gourmet chocolate sample pack and fell in love!

Everything literally melted in my mouth and I hid the package from my husband so he could only have the little tiny nibbles I doled out to him. This stuff was precious. This stuff was gold. The flavors! The variety! The unique combinations! Sigh.... Not only that, but she threw in some extras, including one of the most gorgeous necklaces ever! (Sadly, I wore it to stay the weekend out of town and it got left there and supposedly disappeared. I have my suspicions though- hey, this was a really rad necklace!)

Pennie uses all natural ingredients and offers sugar, gluten and soy free options! She can customize anything to your desires and needs. One of her feedbacks on her Etsy store was so effusive about the sugar free fudge you'd have thought it was a commercial! Pennie has got a loyal army of followers, and I highly encourage you to become one yourself! You will not be disappointed, I guarantee.

Her jewelry is absolutely lovely. I ADORE her tangled ball pieces- truly one of a kind and sure to draw attention. (Ahem- missing necklace- for example!) She does a lot of wire wrapping in her pieces giving them a depth and complexity that I love.

And remember the gnomes?

Told you I wasn't making it up! If you have a gnome fetish like I do- these are just too adorable. What an excellent one of a kind gift for the gnome lover in your life!

Here's my interview with the lovely Pennie herself!

You're originally from Sweden. What did you do there?

Yes, I am sooooo Swedish, lol! :) I did a lot over there, right before I moved to the US, I had my own Beauty Salon. I owned it for about 10 years and I loved my job every single day. I have always been very interestead in "taking good care of ourselves from the inside and out". I belive that it is so important to do.
I also had my own Skin care line. Besides that, I am educated as a special need child care provider, so I have been working with kids in all kinds of different ages and with special needs. I also owned horses, dogs, kats, cows etc, I am a real country girl and I could never deal with not living close to nature and Animals. That is a must in my every day life. I have also trained dogs, including my own a little bit on the side of my other jobs.

Why did you move to the U.S.?

People ask me this all the time, and I always tell the the same, MY HUSBAND, LOL! Yes, it is true, it is because of him that I am here, he is American. I do have a long distant Amarican family on my fathers side. And, my great grand father on my mothers side came here to the US for about 8 years to work. (Long story) lol!

How long have you been making jewelry and yummy candies?

I have been making my Candy and Jewelry for as long as I can remember. I have always been making yummy treats for the family and the same with my Jewelry and crafts. Me and my sister, we use to sell our Creations at craft shows in Sweden all the time. That is a lot of fun. I do that here in the US too, but I sell most of it through My Online Shops.

What or who got you started making your goodies?

Well, I would have to say my mother and my grand mother. They both have always Loved to bake and cook, so I was quick to follow in their foot steps so to speak. I just have such a passion for it all, and I think that it is a must to be passionate about what you are doing if you want it to turn into something Great and Wonderful.

What inspires you?
My Family, My Dear Friends and My Wonderful returning Customers! They inspire me the most. Also, sellers who have been choosing to follow me, those who wishes to make what I make or make something simular to what I have, that makes ME feel very special, and then I know that My very own Design and Creations are something Really special and Awesome!

What's your favorite of your edible treats?

Ohhhhh, Now that is one hard question, LOL! I have sooooo many Favorites, but right now I would have to say My Sugar Free BlueBerry Butter Cookies. :)
Otherwice as I am Swedish, I am Totally in Love with My Black Licorice Fudge and My Swedish Munks.

So run, don't walk to Pernilla's Something Swedish and tell her The Beauty Pirate sent you!

Cynthia Rowley Curated Birchbox

2011-11-25T14:01:00.000-06:00

I have gone on and on about Birchbox since they first came out. This was their first celebrity curated box and was done by none other than fashion icon Cynthia Rowley! To read a Birchbox exclusive interview with the designer, Click here

Birchbox is a monthly surprise and delight, and if you'd like to join yourself, just CLICK HERE

For a peak inside, here's a video for you!

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Eco Emi - A Completely Eco Friendly Sampler Box!!!

2011-11-24T18:34:00.000-06:00

Eco-Emi has a heartbreaking yet compelling back story- Check it out here

This is a monthly sampler program similar to Birchbox, however all of the items in it are green and eco-friendly. As with other samplers, this is a great way to try out a product you might be unfamiliar with without having to cough up the full cost for something you may not like. I just received the November box- my first, and I have to say, I'm really pleased! The products came inside of a reusable plastic zip up makeup bag, which I need because this one is the perfect size to hold essentials in one place but still fit in my smaller purses. My one suggestion would be to not individually wrap items, saving on packaging . (Though that does look pretty, it kinda negates the point of going green)

For reviews of the products included, here's a vlog entry that I did on the box and it's contents after trying them all out. Check out Eco-Emi and tell her The Beauty Pirate sent ya!

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Here's what was in the box with links to the sellers (click on the photo)


Vanilla & Sweet Orange Mist Spray By: Hugo Naturals	Keeki Ooh La La Lip Shimmer By: Keeki Pure and Simple	Eye Shadow Sunlight By: Earths Beauty

Foot Cream Candy Mint By: Deep Steep	Dark Chocolate By: Sweet Riot	Organic Excellence Wild Mint Shampoo & Conditioner

Ugandan Shea Butter Hand Cream By: Planet Botanicals	Refine Clay Renewal Face Mask By: Blissoma	Pin Button By: Soul Flower

Me Likey

2011-11-23T11:14:00.000-06:00

Stuff that I've been enjoying lately....

Borghese Gel Delicato is an absolutely wonderful eye makeup remover, especially for delicate or sensitive eyes. Because it's a gel and not a runny liquid, you don't waste any and it's easy to use in the exact area you want it. It's very soothing and cooling and after a long day, it makes my eyes feel refreshed. A little goes a long way, so it'll last you a really long time. It gets rid of every last bit of NON-WATERPROOF eye makeup (if you're wearing waterproof, you should probably use an oil based like Lancome Bi-Facil) and also any lipstick stain as well. There's no pulling or tugging with it, it glides across the skin smoothly. So gentle that I have gotten some actually ON my eyeball and it didn't burn, making it perfect for getting every last bit that's up all in your eye. (I'm a klutz- that's how I roll, dawg.) A bottle of this bad boy is sitting on my bathroom sink at this very second.

Elemis Herbal Lavender Repair Mask was my summer go-to, so it was only fitting that I used up my last little bit last week right as winter is now around the corner. The clay really cleans out those pores making them appear smaller and more refined, as well as clearing up skin congestion. I used it because I had gotten a few blemishes from slacking on my beauty routine post surgery and within a day or so my skin was more than back to normal, it was in excellent shape. The lavender is really calming to reactive and sensitive skin like mine and rosemary zaps any buggerboos hiding in your pores. It only takes the tiniest bit and it's aroma-therapeutically very relaxing. (unless you don't like the scent of rosemary, thyme or lavender- I did read one bad review from someone who objected to the scent of the herbals.) I steam my skin first to really get those pores open then go to town.

fresh Umbrian Clay Absolute Concealer is a lightweight concealer that walks this weird line between sheer and being able to cover up even under eye circles. It has a lightweight coverage, but is easily buildable without looking chalky or gunky. This is great for when you need extra coverage over larger areas like if you have rosacea and don't want to pile on the foundation- this will blend in smoothly and cleanly with your foundation. There's a lot of colors available making it easy to find your perfect shade, I use the #1. Because of the clay in it, it's excellent for covering blemishes as it also provides a medicinal effect to help diminish spots. I like how easily it blends in and looks so natural instead of just sitting in a big thick layer.

Fresh Umbrian Clay® Absolute Concealer® 1

GoSmile Touch up Ampoules are so super cool! They're these little tubes that you snap with your fingers like a glow stick and they have a little scrubby at the end that absorbs the liquid inside and lets you apply it to your teeth. Great for carrying in your purse or what you to use after eating, drinking or smoking. much better than gum or candy to freshen breath because it also brushes your teeth and contains ingredients that prevent stains from things like coffee, tea, wine or cigarettes from settling into your teeth. Perfect for those folks who have long days- just flip, snap and rub! I ALWAYS have these around.
GoSMiLE Touch Up Variety Pack with Carrying Case

Big Girl Cosmetics has the coolest back story! The founder was in the audience when Oprah gave everyone a car. not needing the car, founder Kiley Russell sold the car to use the money to start her own cosmetics company! Check out this piece from Inside Edition

They have a really good mission statement too:
"At Big Girl Cosmetics it is our mission to not only provide the best, state of the art products in the cosmetic industry but to also offer affordable beauty products that improve women's lives. Our goal is to empower women to take control and honor their bodies to make more informed choices and feel more secure with their own definition of beauty. "

I have the Bling Diva Lipgloss which is a luscious sparkly gloss with a beautiful tint of color and I love the twinklies! This is a really rich, nourishing gloss that isn't gloppy and feels delightful on your
lips.

For women of color, they specialize in liquid, loose mineral, and dual powder foundations that have been chosen time and time again as top picks for darker skin tones (I'm not in the position to judge, as I'm pretty darn pale...). They do free shipping on orders of $25 or more. I love that they aren't afraid to flaunt some kapow colors in their shadow range! They've got a shadow palette that I'd really like to try out, as these colors would make the green in my eyes really pop....

Black Friday Deals at Soap.com

2011-11-22T12:18:00.000-06:00

Black Friday Sale - Save 20% Off Your First Order at Soap.com

Code: TODAY20
11/23/2011-11/28/2011

Save up to 50% on all Method Products
Use Code: SOAP30 for 30% off Method and Code: TODAY20 for an additional 20% off your first order

11/23/2011-11/28/2011

Save up to 50% on all Covergirl Products

Use Code: SOAP30 for 30% off Covergirl and Code: TODAY20 for an additional 20% off your first order
11/23/2011-11/28/2011

Save up to 50% on all Aveeno Products

Use Code: SOAP30 for 30% off Aveeno and Code: TODAY20 for an additional 20% off your first order
11/23/2011-11/28/2011

Save up to 50% on all Neutrogena Products

Use Code: SOAP30 for 30% off Neutrogena and Code: TODAY20 for an additional 20% off your first order
11/23/2011-11/28/2011

Holiday Deals and Discount Codes at Full Beauty

2011-11-22T12:03:00.000-06:00

30% off Highest Priced Item + Free Shipping on $100 or more. Use code FBA7570.
11/25/2011 - 11/28/2011

Free Shipping & Free Returns on $25 or more. Use code FBA6175.
11/22/2011 - 12/31/2011

Sleepwear Sale up to 30% off
11/1/2011 - 12/31/2011

Semi-Annual Bra Sale: Save up to 75%
12/1/2011 - 12/31/2011

Newest Sephora Goodies, Bargains, and Free Pucci Deluxe Mini

2011-11-22T11:57:00.000-06:00

SEPHORA COLLECTION Makeup Studio Blockbuster ($440 Value) Makeup Studio Blockbuster

Josie Maran Moroccan Getaway Travel Case - Argan Oil Infused Travel Essentials ($74 Value) Moroccan Getaway Travel Case - Argan Oil Infused Travel Essentials

Philosophy Amazing Grace™ Fragrance Layering Collection ($72 Value) Amazing Grace Fragrance Layering Collection

L'Occitane Hand Cream Confections ($50 Value) Hand Cream Confections

The Beauty Pirate

Too Faced Palettes & Cosmetics Collections

Sephora Color Play Palette on MASSIVE discount!

Mini Winter Beauty Cache available- only $15 **Updated With Video**

Q Beauty 6-pc. Sampler Bag III - Super Cheap!

Maylee's Garden - A SAFE laundry alternative

Total Beauty Deals Vouchers

Save 50%-75% on ANY Beauty Product from Your Favorite Brands (Wow!)

Just Fab is Simply Fabulous! 2 For 1 Anniversary Blowout!

New Beauty Test Tube - Limited Edition Q Beauty Version is available!

Super Easy 2 Step Smoky Eye Tutorial

Valentine's Love at Kokokahn

Dry skin recommendations and 20% off at Skincare RX

Ulta 20% off coupon and current specials

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel

Shoe Dazzle is, well, DAZZLING!

Xquisitely Lady M Chainmaille Review and GIVEAWAY!!!!

Current hot deals from BH Cosmetics

I HEART Julep - Coupon code for FIRST MONTH ONLY 5 BUCKS! (updated with video)

Umba Box review

Nine Hits And A Miss

Homemade Body Glitter Gel

Sampler Village Yummylicious Treats

Rafflecopter Giveaway for an iPad or a Kindle Fire!!!!!!!!!!!

AWESOME Elizabeth Arden freebie TODAY ONLY

Oh.... HauteLook..... you make me drool....

Current Deals at Soap.com

Cyb3r Burn - Gas Mask of The Future

January Ulta deals

Clarisonic Put To The Test By Good Morning America

A Video From Benefit Showing You Uses For Highlighters

New years Deals at QVC plus 4 month easy pay

Spanky Luvs Vintage Giveaway Winner

50% off on purchases at E.L.F.

Spanky Luvs Vintage review and GIVEAWAY!!!! Updated with video

Today's Lil Bit 'O Happiness

Notes:Spring Water, Green Mandarin, White Peony, Nasturtium, Pear Tree Flower, Jasmine Petals, Fresh Pistachio, White Woods, Musk.

November GoGoGirlfriend

Ten Hits and a Miss

Etsy Shop Fun Favors

Juara 20% Off EVERYTHING until 12/31

Skincare RX Clearance Sale -INCLUDING BEAUTY CACHE!!!!!

Benefit Freebie and Product Review

stay don't stray

POREfessional

dr. feelgood

automatic lipliner duo pencil

ultra radiance facial re-hydrator mist

Laura Mercier Flawless Face

Over 65% Off e.l.f Palette Set- Today ONLY!

3 Great Giveaways!

$5 Off a $10 Purchase at DHC

!GORGEOUS! Free Mark Gift With Purchase

Whoa! Free palette from E.L.F.! TODAY ONLY

Today's Holiday Freebie From Benefit

Snowflakes Keep Fallin' From My Head......

ONE DAY ONLY ---- BENEFIT FLASH SALE!

Happy Harvest With Out of The Box!

Today's Cuppa

Cyber Monday freebie deals extended at Mark!

Julep Two For One Tuesday Flash Sale

Painted Laydies Mineral Makeup

BLOOM CYBER MONDAY- 40% Bloomdollars Back! EXTENDED

Sephora Cyber Monday Deluxe Sample pack

Pernilla's Something Swedish

Cynthia Rowley Curated Birchbox

Eco Emi - A Completely Eco Friendly Sampler Box!!!

Me Likey

Black Friday Deals at Soap.com

Holiday Deals and Discount Codes at Full Beauty

Newest Sephora Goodies, Bargains, and Free Pucci Deluxe Mini

Mini Winter Beauty Cache available- only $15 Updated With Video

Notes:
Spring Water, Green Mandarin, White Peony, Nasturtium, Pear Tree Flower, Jasmine Petals, Fresh Pistachio, White Woods, Musk.