Showing posts with label Sephora. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sephora. Show all posts

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Holiday Time!

Okay okay - I know that it is only a couple days after Halloween but I can't wait to talk about all the fun that is happening over at Sephora!
This time of year is one of my favorites at everyone's destination for beauty supplies...
Why you ask?

Well....the winter holidays at Sephora equal one thing....

GIFT SETS!

All that fabulous packaging, all the fun little goodies waiting to be found! Now of course, these are designed to be purchased for others- so they say! I believe that Sephora and all the cosmetic companies put out these multi-faceted wonders to tempt those of us who are regular Sephora goers. They know the glossy pics and the promise of something new inside will convince us to buy more than we intended when we walked in ( like that doesn't already happen anyway!)

My favorites so far this year...

Too Faced Glamour Revolution - $39.50


Stila Smudgepot Collection - $32


These are just two of the gift sets I will be getting this year....I have seen a ton of other awesome choices in the store and online but these two will be the first of many that I pick up. I love Too Faced for many reasons and their shadows are the ones that I use almost daily. And Stila's smudgepots are the gold standard when it comes to cream eyeliner.

What gift sets are you going to get for yourselves and others?
Do you already have a favorite?

Have a great Monday and keep looking fabulous!
BGND

Monday, May 11, 2009

Safety First!

Today I present you with the perfect kit for anyone who either needs sunscreen, loves sunscreen, hates sunscreen or is afraid of sunscreen...so yup- this baby is perfect for everyone.Introducing the Sephora Sun Safety Kit - ONLY $22.50!!

This product smorgasbord is amazing. It comes chock full of 13 different kinds of sun protection for you to try, love, hate or pass along to friends. This is perfect if....

1 - You are someone who knows you need sunscreen but you don't have a go-to favorite.

2 - You love to try new things out and have expensive taste for brands like Murad, Peter Thomas Roth and Clarins - but you don't have the deep pockets to match.

3 - You want to be prepared with a ton of mini sized bottles to throw in your purse, your car, in your airline carry-on...basically wherever the wind takes you.

I could go on and on with all the reasons that this kit is a winner but I will stop at three. Seriously though, you get an array of choices from full body sun care, to eye care to facial care and these are from some amazing brands. And it all comes in a very Eco-friendly brightly colored back-pack for the summer season. This baby is available online and in stores so it is an easy buy for those who love the brick and mortar shopping experience and those who prefer the web.

Sunscreen at your local drugstore can be $8 and up and here you get 13 small bottles for less than $23! Perhaps you will find your new summer love here instead of on the beach...

Happy Monday and keep looking fabulous!
BGND

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Product of the week - March 26th, 2009

This week's POTW is soothing, affordable and fresh.

Sephora Body Butter - $16 (Sephora stores nationwide and online at Sephora.com)
I absolutely love this Sephora brand product. I have been using the Coconut Cream scent as a luxurious night cream before I hit the sheets. The scent is coconut with vanilla, almond and musk accents and makes me feel relaxed just by smelling it.

This cream seems to be the best of both worlds- nice and thick in the container and when it first hits your skin. Then just like the name (butter) it miraculously melts into your skin leaving soft, subtle but not overpowering scent. My bf has commented many times how this is his favorite of all of my lotions in rotation and I have to agree. It heals my cracked, parched late winter skin but is light enough that I know it will be in use year round (perhaps as a perfume replacement in the hot months?)

I have only been using the Body Butter but I know that the Sephora specific scents come in a complete collection for each unique fragrance (Body Butter, Body Scrub, Bubble Bath, Shower Gel and Dry Oil Spray). So if you like this cream and want to spread out it is possible!

Affordable and chic!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Friday, March 20, 2009

Samply Fantastic...

So we all know that Sephora loooooves to give away little free samples. (And let's be honest, we love getting them.) However, nine times out of ten the sample gathers dust and then goes into the garbage unused, or we use it - it is just kind of blah and in the garbage it goes. Well lately I have been on a free sample kick, trying all the ones I can. As a result, today I have a list for you of legitimately good - some great- free samples that I received from Sephora. Of course, the whole point of free samples is to get you to want to buy the real product. And in the case of a few of the following- I am very tempted.

I have listed the full size prices for each sample I am reviewing and they are all available at Sephora.

So, in no particular order...my favorite samples of late:

N.V. Perricone M. D. Cosmeceuticals - Face Finishing Moisturizer - $65

Initially I was slightly weirded out by this moisturizer - it seemed to light, too well...nothing. But with Perricone's reputation I had to give it a try and I was pleasantly surprised. Lightweight but plenty moisturizing, this lotion did give the impression of not only hydrating but of getting my skin ready for make-up and the rest of my day. It is chock full of anti-oxidants and it does a great job of smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. It almost feels like a moisturizer and primer in one. I can get behind that. Downside? No SPF.


Jurlique Herbal Recovery Gel
- $67
Here is a serum for the nature lover in all of us. Formulated without all of the garbage that goes into regular serum, this gel is still a power player when it comes to the anti-aging game. I felt the tightening almost immediately and was pleasantly surprised that the effects lasted throughout my day. (I used this for several mornings in a row.) It is made with plant oils and herbs and still has a lovely smell(although it does remind me a bit of a spa massage oil.) Overall, a great serum for anyone looking for power but something natural at the same time. A word to the wise, if you buy this- the product is meant to be tapped into the skin not spread. It won't have the same effect if you rub it in.

Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer - $20

I knew this product would be great- Smashbox rarely lets me down. This lid primer is just like their regular face primer but tinted and designed for the eyelid. It evens out skin tone, smooths out fine lines, moisturizes and gets your peepers ready for any make-up that will be applied and makes that make-up last.
My only thought on this sample? If you are trying to save money you can probably skip it. If you have the $20 and are having trouble with the eyelid area than this is your go-to product. But if you are like me and the $20 is a little bit too much right now, I recommend using your under eye concealer on your lids as well. I have been doing this for years as my lid primer and it has all the same effects as the Smashbox primer minus the anti-oxidants. However, when I can justify the $20, I will probably splurge on this item.


So are you going to get any of these samples? Who knows? Maybe some of them will permanent BGND fixtures!

Have a great weekend and keep looking fabulous!
BGND

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Nailing down the problem...

So today I am totally digging Sephora. I mean, I always love Sephora but lately I have been routinely impressed with their "in-house" lines. I have used and loved their brushes, cases and tools for years but lately have gotten more into trying out their in-house make-up/products and I have NOT been disappointed. But considering they are the world leader in beauty- I should have know the products would be dynamite!

My love today?

Sephora by OPI - $9 (Sephora nationwide and online at Sephora.com)

I recently had an online Sephora purchase that needed just that little extra something for free shipping (don't you love that?). Well I decided to throw a bottle of this in to the mix since I had seen it in store and was intrigued. In a word- it is great. The color is beautiful and solid (just as it appears in the bottle) and not thin or runny like some other nail color brands. Pretty much just like the label says- OPI quality nail polish, in amazing Sephora colors. (There are more than 54 by the way...) And not only that - the polish is made with "green" ingredients. On my toes at the moment? Wardrobe Change. (The color shown above is Available 24/7.)

OPI
and Sephora have truly delivered a good deal for anybody looking to kick-start their manicure or pedicure but not wanting to spend salon money right now.

Great quality, great colors and environmentally conscious? SOLD!

Keep looking fabulous!
BGND

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

If you are shopping for....

Hey all! So today I start a special holiday- themed blog series..."If you are shopping for..." Once again my brilliant friend Beth has come up with a great blog idea (you are the best Beth- keep them coming!!!). She suggested that I do a series of gift ideas for my readers...and I thought that was BRILL! So here you are ladies and gents, the first in the series!

So...


If you are shopping for....

Your lovely co-worker!


It is always awkward trying to get something for a co-worker. Do you just bake them cookies? Do you simply give them a card? Or do you go with the easy gift card route? Well today I suggest you hop on over to your local favorite store and mine - Sephora. They have about a million gift ideas and the one that caught my eye today?


Philosophy The Recipe Box - $18





Okay seriously - how cute is this little package? Philosophy is always tops when it comes to packaging and design and when you want to impress your co-worker and get her something she will swoon for but don't want to spend $50 then this is the way to go. You get three fabulous and yummy scents of Philosophy's 3 in 1 cleansers plus this adorable "recipe" box with recipe cards to mix and match the 3 scents. Love it!!


Now, if you want to spend a bit more and get even more into the holiday spirit....


Philosophy The Holiday Cookbook - $35



Here you get 6 instead of 3 seasonal scents and they come in a realistic sized "cookbook". SO cute!

Now if you don't think either of the above would be good for your co-worker...fear not, this is just the tip of the gift iceberg at Sephora. There are many many options to go round, a bunch of them under $25! Gotta love that. So get out there and get a little something to impress your cubicle mate and if you don't need (and/or want) to buy anything for your work neighbor- get one for yourself!

Keep looking fabulous!
BGND

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

It's beginning to look a lot like...




Travel season! Yup, the long airport lines...the many many hours in the car..they are all before us. Well, today I was thinking about all the new fees that the airlines have been imposing (those baggage fees are NOT fun!) and it got me pondering ways to cut back on the amount that we all travel with.
And lo and behold, as they have done many times before, Sephora has come through with a great answer to the packing dilemma we all face.

Right now Sephora.com exclusively has some amazing holiday palettes which are not only full of beautiful shades and wondrous products from some of BGND's favorite lines, but with the code SHIPFREE25 all of the palettes will ship free of charge!! (This code is good if you spend $25 or more.) There are collections from Stila, Bare Escentuals, Too Faced, Tarte and Smashbox among others. AMAZING.


http://www.sephora.com/browse/section.jhtml?categoryId=C17625&view=all&cm_mmc=email+ret-_-news1+20081114+palettes-_-bi+hol08std-_-palettes&dicid=366750:14502686684:5757118

New fun colors, awesome products and free shipping. Plus a way to make room for all those presents in your luggage!!


Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

The Limited...

Hey BGND gals!


First off, sorry for my spotting posting the past little while...I am in the middle of opening a new show and my time is not my own. I will try to keep up with everything!


So as you all know, Sephora is every beauty gals go-to store. Well right now in honor of their 10 year anniversary they are bringing back some "Limited Edition" collections...some of the best of the best items they have had over the past 10 years. Here at BGND we are totally excited about this! These are the best products Sephora has had to offer since we all started shopping there and now they are all there at once and in complete collections to boot.


The one I am most excited about?


The Too Faced Quickie Collection - $59.10
(8 vintage lip gloss, shadow and blush colors)


I have used the Quickie Collections over the years and have discovered some of my favorite blush and eye shadows this way...they are a great way to get more bang for your buck.


I am off to Sephora today to pick up this item and some of the other Limited Editions.....check them out!


Keep looking fabulous!

BGND


Monday, September 8, 2008

Another Monday, Another Best of...


Happy Monday!



Don't know if you already saw this as the news was released over the weekend, but Sephora has released their list of the Best of products available at their stores!!! This is one of my favorite 'best of" lists as it gives us Sephora shoppers a guide to the overwhelming amount of products available at their shelves. Plus, these "best of" winners were chosen by people just like you and me so they are proven winners, not just the products beauty editors want you to buy.

There are six categories represented; Complexion, Makeup, Skincare, Hair, Fragrance and Beauty Wows. Some of BGND's faves are on the list of course...Smashbox Primer, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, Tarte Lip Stain and Nars Lipgloss among others.

Click here for the complete list of Sephora's winners as well as the honorable nominees.





Happy Shopping and here's hoping you find your new favorite product....




Keep looking fabulous,


BGND

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

The Inside Scoop....


So as you all know, I am a Sephora girl. I remember when the very first US Sephora opened up in Manhattan ( I had ripped out the announcement in InStyle magazine and had it posted on my fridge forever.) I just love that they have almost all the brands you want in one place (except for Prescriptives - sniff, sniff) and they are easily accessible to the masses in a mall or on a street corner near you.


Well, if you are a Sephora girl like me, there is one thing you should be taking advantage of if you are not already. The wonderful Sephora Beauty Insider club. It pretty much works like your discount card at the grocery store, swipe it at the checkout every time you make a purchase and before you know it you will have a fabulous free gift waiting for you. And unlike some other discount cards, you actually get up to your free gift pretty quickly (I average 2-3 visits to get one free gift.) You will get a choice of three different freebies so you can pick whatever interests you. I have gotten everything from free mascara, to vitamin make-up supplements to my most recent favorite free gift, cute miniature Clinique 3-step skin care one time use pods.


It is a no-brainer to join the club. Totally painless and so worth it!

Check out all the details below:


Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Lashing Out

The holiday weekend is over, we have all survived (barely!) and I am coming to you with a little end of summer pick-up that one of the loyal BGND readers tipped me off to! (Thanks Lauren!)
Hopefully this lovely set from Sephora will get you excited for fall and new products!!
So without further ado.....drum roll please...



The Lash Stash by Sephora - $28 (Sephoras nationwide and online at Sephora.com- see link below)



http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P217701&categoryId=S10510&shouldPaginate=true



This is a fabulous and AFFORDABLE mascara kit that I cannot believe I did not know about! You get 7 travel size mascaras from some of Sephora's best selling lines. Now sometimes I am not a fan of these kind of kits....you end up buying it for one thing and then you never end up using what is in the rest of the kit because the colors are weird or it's some odd product that no one really ever has a use for.

That is not the case here! Mascara is the perfect product to have in a kit like this...you can mix and match and try things out and potentially find your next great mascara love. Plus, even if you don't love the other mascaras as your solid go-to everyday mascara, these travel size tubes are perfect for stashing in your purse to lightly refresh your mascara before you go out at night....or when you leave the house without finishing your make-up....or for when you have been crying at the movies...you get the idea.


One word to the wise, I have used the BadGal Lash from Benefit before and am not really a fan. I love Benefit but the mascara is sub par. However, even if you removed it from the kit 6 other little mascaras to try at $28 dollars is still an amazing deal.

Go forth and bat those lashes!!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND