Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Scoring The Perfect(ly Fast) Tan

It's 4th of July weekend here in the states, and you've got a BBQ to attend/pool to lay by/beach to hang out on, plus the perfect sundress/cover-up/bikini to wear to it. Surely you're not accessorizing that perfect outfit with perfectly pasty "I missed the solstice" skin, are you?

If you need to glow gold in a hurry, we've got your fix: Makeup artist to the Hollywood stars and their red carpet events, Carol Shaw of Lorac cosmetics, shows you how to muster up a little bronze ambition in time for the weekend.


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^ Use this, get gold!

Try Bare Escentuals Not-Yet-Released Foundation Now (FREE!)

Raise your favorite tap, swirl, buff brush if you're a Bare Escentuals' fanatic.

Bare Escentuals - fans, you know this story - is the mineral makeup company that started the craze. They're doing it again with the first-ever matte version of their best-selling bareMinerals foundation.

This matte version is everything you love about the skin-lovin' pure crushed original formula, only it controls and absorbs oil, minimizes pores, and promotes cell turnover for smoother skin. Love!

It's launching later this summer (and only Sephora will have it!), but you can try it before it comes to shelves, FREE. Get a 10-day sample in the shade of your choice, plus a baby kabuki brush, by entering BEMATTE at checkout on sephora.com.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Become A Fan On Facebook (We're Making It Worth Your While)


Are you a fan of Sephora on Facebook? If not, you might wanna consider it, and here's why: this week, we're offering a new deal every day. Woot Woot! In case you missed, it here were the deals of the weekend:


Summer Saturday alert! Go bronze and get your oil controlled in one spot - try Cosmedicine's new mattifying bronzer FREE when you spend at least $25 at Sephora.com, enter COSMEDLAB at checkout for a generous sample.

Sunday's Fresh squeezed deal! Get a Juice Beauty Moisturizer sample FREE with any order - enter JUICE during checkout @www.sephora.com

Bridal Beauty: Traditional Look

Any traditional bridal beauties walking down the aisle soon? This look is for you! I already covered general bridal beauty tips from Sara and how to achieve a perfect complexion for those wedding photos. Now it’s on to the first look! Of course, what defines a traditional look for a bride is to each her own. For me, Sara created defined yet subtle eyes, perfected brows and a darker lip.

Sara began with the eyes, applying MAKE UP FOR EVER Shadow in Espresso 17 ($19), a neutral base color, from the lower lid to right up under the brows. She next used MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes in Black Purple 6L ($17) just along the lash line, blending it out to the lid with a brush. She chose liner over shadow for a longer hold and picked a plum shade because she said it’s “a big color that people use in a traditional bridal look. You can mix it with browns or neutral tones, and it will still make the look very enhanced.” Sara then added a little bit of MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes in Matte Black OL ($17), close to the lashes for an extra pop. (Waterproof makeup, of course, is staying-power insurance for those poignant toasts or teary vows!)

Next was a little MAKE UP FOR EVER Star Powder in Iridescent Beige 926 ($19) right in the center. According to Sara, for women who aren’t totally comfortable with doing their own makeup (this is where I say “I do”), loose shimmer is a great way to cover up any potential messes. It reflects light, concealing mistakes and perfecting the look. She finished with Dior DiorShow Black Out Waterproof Mascara ($24) on the lashes.

If you’re unsure whether you’ve applied enough eye makeup, have someone take a picture of you rather than just looking in a mirror. The look in photos is the one you’re going for!

On cheeks, Sara suggested a cream blush for a dewy look. She used NARS The Multiple in Orgasm ($37) just on the apples, cautioning against overapplying. For my oh-so-pale complexion, Sara brushed on Stila Sun Bronzing Powder with SPF 15 in Shade 2 ($28). She stressed, “Don’t overdo your bronzer. Put it only on the spots where the sun would naturally hit your face – a little bit on the forehead, cheeks, bridge of the nose, and chin.” If you don’t use bronzer, you can extend your blush out more.

Brows were next, a necessity for the traditional look, according to Sara. “The brows frame the face and eyes, really bringing out your gorgeous makeup," she said. She also advised getting brows professionally shaped a month before the wedding.

For me, Sara used Anastasia Brow Ex-press ($38), a kit that includes stencils, a brush, two colors to blend for a perfect match, a highlighter, and wax to apply on top for a longer hold. She started in the center of the brows, explaining it gives better control to balance the look out. If you start in the front, it’s easy to go heavy in the front and lighter in the back. If you start in the back, you could create an overly high arch.

Finally, lips completed the look. Most traditional bridal looks usually use a pink, a maroon, or a cranberry shade. Sara said, “Lips should look alive when you’re taking pictures or when you’re walking down the aisle. But you also have to be comfortable with your choice of color. If you want neutrals, a good peachy nude shade is good with a neutral gloss. And if you want darker lips, then don’t forget the lip liner to ensure it stays on.”

Sara first primed the lips with a bit of concealer (the wax from it fills in fine lines and keeps lipstick on longer). She then used MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Lip Waterproof Lipliner in Matte Dark Raspberry 11C ($17), followed by Laura Mercier Lip Stain in Mulberry ($20) on top. She applied the stain with a brush, which she stressed was necessary for building better pigment and ensuring a longer-lasting finish.

Tips for lips:
1. If you’re not used to working with darker shades, after lining your lips, dip a Q-tip in makeup remover and outline the outside for a nice defined lip.

2. For women with fuller lips, stay away from liner and focus more on gloss, dabbing it in the center. Brides with thinner lips, on the other hand, should always use liner to create more definition and shape.

Next look coming down the aisle: romantic!

Friday, June 26, 2009

Temptu Is Here: Hollywood's Airbrush Comes To Sephora

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For the last 28 years, Temptu has been the we need this on set stat! airbrusher for just about every Hollywood TV show and movie you've seen since 1981 (Gossip Girl, Desperate Housewives, Heroes, SNL...you get the idea). It's got what you could call a cult following, but A-listers and their makeup artists know a flawless face when they see one.

For the first time ever, Temptu is coming to Sephora! This schnazzy machine gently airbrushes makeup evenly over your face with a silicone-based formula that's waterproof (the airbrush applicator is $225; a 2-month supply of foundation is $55). And nope, Hollywood-level application skills aren't needed. Take a peek at our beauty blogger Nicole giving herself a first-ever airbrushed complexion. Yes, it's that easy.

Temptu is a Sephora exclusive that launches online later this month (it comes to stores in September). However, I call dibs on the first one. I can already tell this will be a must-have.

Get The Look: More Mermaids

Did you sea our last mermaid-inspired summer look? If you loved it as much as we did, you'lll be glad we created a second look.

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Get the product picks here>

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Glitz Up Your Lids: Adding That Gleam In Your Eye

Several months ago, Sephora PRO Beauty Member Sara Biria showed up at a photo shoot with the most dazzling purple glitter liner I'd ever laid eyes on. After months of serious eyenvy, I finally booked an appointment at the 5th Avenue Sephora store to upgrade my gaze - and was sure to take careful notes.

Sara first lined my eyes top and halfway across bottom with MAKE UP FOR EVER's Aqua Eyes eyeliner in Turquoise. Next, to light up my lids, she mixed two shades of Urban Decay's Heavy Metal Glitter Liner in Air Guitar (blue) and Baked (gold). To keep it more in the hint of glitz realm rather than spangle overboard, she only added glitter from the inner corner of my eye to the middle, leaving the out corner untouched.

The result? It's official: I'm a member of the Glitterati.


Time Out: Scents That Take You Back

Feeling a little nostalgic? There's flipping through your high school yearbook (AAHH! How high were those bangs???), or, there's getting a sniff of something that stimulates the release of old memories without the scary visual cues. Those scents would be marjoram, basil, balsam fir, and cypress.

Next time you feel a case of the, "Remember whens" coming on, be ready with these picks:


Miller Harris' Tangerine Vert mixes citrus fruits and marjoram for a sweet and earthy scent.






One of the newest scents in the Korres bath and body collection is basil - coincidence that it reminds us of good times? We think not.





Getting nostaligic for his frat days? No. Thinking about what a wonderful time he's had with you? Yes. That's what balsam fir will do to a guy in John Varvatos' body collection.





You love your blasts from the past - when you're not too busy walking the fine line between nice and naughty. Luckilyy Juicy's got notes of cypress in their Dirty English spritz.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

More FANTASEA looks from a SEASTRUCK beauty writer


A few weeks back, Jenny and I posted some looks we test-drove wearing shocking shades of blue and green. Well, this just in: We've just posted four new gorgeous looks from Urban Decay on Sephora.com that'll give you MORE ideas to play with. There's an all-over green eye look called Pretty As Sin, and there's a cool blue-under-the-eye-only look called Get Baked. So pretty. Can't wait to try it. Enjoy!

- Joannie McIntyre


Oh, Lighten Up: Summer Hair

Planning on lightening your locks this summer? No one would call the summer blondification (no, it's not a word. But shouldn't it be?) of hair a new trend - after all, it's an activity your mom was doing before she even graduated from high school. Still, we're detecting a recession-friendly theme when it comes to lock lightening: sunshine. Which is free, easy, and readily accessible - all factors which make for happier wallets.

Several of our favorite glossies recommend squeezing lemons over your tresses, then letting the sun do the rest of the work. But Glamour magazine takes this trick a step further with a recipe that not only calls for produce, but a trip to your liquor cabinet, too: Mix equal parts lemon juice and vodka and put it in a spritzer bottle. Splash this sauce on your locks, then let it dry in the sun or hit it with the blow-dryer.

Trendcentral then trumped Glamour's booze and fruit with a report that Sun-In purchases are on the rise. In fact, one trend spotter's own hairdresser told her to try it, recommending she pour it into a plant spritzing bottle, cut it with water, then gently mist the solution over her head for a more subtle approach.

Are you planning to lighten up this summer? Whether you go with lemons or a stylist - or a mix of both - we're all for going gold. Just don't forget your sunscreen.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Multicolored Manis: Would You Wear This?


Last week, our own beauty blogger Nicole was sporting a different color polish on each finger. Bright blue! Beachy coral! Sizzling neon! And that was just the right hand.

The rest of us just couldn't resist. "Can't make up your mind, Nic?" "Did someone spill a bag of Skittles on your hand?" "Are you charging admission to your ten-digit Tilt-A-Whirl?"

And then we saw this: Fashion Indie reports Hollywood stars are flashing a new hue on each finger. Color us wrong; we're clapping with monochromatic manis over Nicole's savoir fashion faire.




Top Nots: How Not To Wear Your Hair

No Comb Hair Days. Every girl has them. Some days you wake up with enough time to get yourself into hair and makeup; sometimes you're lucky if you can get your face done on the bus.

Our favorite No Comb style is the ballerina bun. Simple, elegant, and chic enough to fool people into thinking you did that 'do on purpose. But Who What Wear is seeing a new trend: Top Knots. Essentially scraping your hair to the top of your head and cinching it with a few pins.

We fully realize the goal of a No Combs is not combing. But isn't a top knot pretty much sweat pants for your head?

Get The Look: Summer Beauty

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Dive into the pretty end, gorgeous! If you loved how we rocked the seashore with blue and green shadows, and if you've gone overboard for Sephora by OPI's true blue hues, take a peek at our newest summer beauty tricks in our Get The Look video - we'll turn you into a clamtastic beauty this summer.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Official Rules for Sephora Twitter Sweepstakes


1. NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THIS SWEEPSTAKES. A PURCHASE WILL NOT AFFECT OR IMPROVE THE CHANCES OF WINNING. This sweepstakes (“Sweepstakes”) is subject to all applicable laws and regulations. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW.
2. Sponsors: Sephora USA, Inc., 525 Market Street, 32nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105 (the “Sponsor”). This Sweepstakes is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Twitter, Inc.
3. Eligibility: Sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of the United States (excluding Puerto Rico, Guam and all other U.S. and foreign territories and possessions not otherwise mentioned herein) who are 18 years of age or older as of the date of entry and who have a non-protected Twitter account (no purchase or payment is necessary to sign up for a Twitter account). NOTE: Due to the way the Twitter service is operated, Sponsor may not receive entries from Twitter users with “protected” updates (i.e., where only people the user has approved can view updates). [Note: Please confirm.] Sweepstakes is not open to employees, independent contractors, officers, directors, agents or representatives of Sponsor or of Sponsor’s parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, successors and/or assigns, Sponsor’s advertising, promotion and fulfillment agencies, legal advisors, and the immediate family members (mother, father, brother, sister, daughter, son or spouse, regardless of where they live) and persons living in the same household (whether or not related) of any of the foregoing (collectively, “Sweepstakes Entities”).
4. Entry Method: To enter a Sweepstakes, follow the instructions in any call to action provided in any tweet message received from Sponsor during a Sweepstakes Period that indicates there is a chance to win a prize. Instructions may include tweeting a specific message or unique term or hashtag, or tweeting a reply to a question posed by Sponsor. Sponsor may, at its sole discretion, accept a technically incorrect term or message. To qualify for entry, a tweet message must be a targeted reply to Sponsor’s Twitter account (i.e., @sephora) using Twitter’s @Reply function. If an entrant’s Twitter account is set to “protected mode” your updates/responses may not be visible in Sponsor’s @Reply inbox, and may not be received by Sponsor unless entrant has previously consented to permit Sponsor to view entrant’s Twitter updates. @Reply messages not received by Sponsor will not be entered into the Sweepstakes. [Note: Please confirm.]
Only one (1) entry, per person, per Sweepstakes Period will be accepted. Subsequent attempts made by the same individual to submit multiple entries by using multiple Twitter accounts or otherwise may be disqualified. Entries generated by a script, computer programs, macro, or other automated means will be disqualified. Entries that are incomplete, lost, late or misdirected, deceptive or otherwise not in compliance with these official rules may be disqualified at Sponsor’s sole and absolute discretion. Sponsor is not responsible for late, incomplete, misdirected, delayed, or undelivered entries, including without limitation entries not timely received due to telephone failures, Internet or website failures and disruptions, and ISP problems. Incomplete information may result in disqualification of entry. In the event of a dispute over the identity of an entrant, entry will be deemed submitted by the authorized account holder of the email address associated with the Twitter account of the entry, which the entrant will have the obligation to establish. All entries carry an equal chance of winning.
5. Sweepstakes Period: Each Sweepstakes Period will begin at 12:00 a.m. PT each weekday (Monday through Friday) and will end on 11:59 p.m. PT on that day. The first Sweepstakes Period will begin on June 6, 2011 at 12:00 a.m. PT and the last Sweepstakes Period will end June 17, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
6. Selection of Winners: The winner of each Sweepstakes Period will be selected from all eligible entries received during the applicable Sweepstakes Period (as determined by checking the Sephora @Reply folder for qualified and complete responses to Sponsor updates calling for entries) in a random drawing conducted by Sephora on [the business day] following the Sweepstakes Period. The potential winner will be contacted by Sponsor via a direct message to the potential winner’s Twitter account, and for that reason, must be a “follower” of Sephora’s Twitter account in order for Sponsor to be able to contact the selected winner. (This requirement is only for the purposes of facilitating eligibility verification and prize fulfillment communication and may be discontinued following that process.) [Note: Please confirm, including whether winners will be selected the business day following each Sweepstakes Period.] Odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received as of the end of the applicable Sweepstakes Period. All decisions of Sponsor are final and binding on all entrants.
7. Prizes: Five (5) winners will be selected for each Sweepstakes Period to win the prize listed below that corresponds with that Sweepstakes Period: [Note: Please confirm prize names; some prize titles were cut-off in email.]

Sweepstakes Period
Prize
Prize Value
Monday, June 6, 2011
T3 Single Pass Compact Iron
$ 79
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Pequi Oil
$ 32
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
BAMBOO Shine Shampoo and Conditioner
$ 62
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Climate Control, Botanical Boost and Moisture
$ 60
Friday, June 10, 2011
Straight, Full Mousse, Firm Hold Hairspray
$ 79
Monday, June 13, 2011
Winner can select their color
$ 24
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Phyto Keratin Collection (shampoo, conditioner)
$ 72
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Damage Reverse (Restorative Shampoo)
$ 82
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Let it Shine (shampoo, conditioner and spray)
$ 71
Friday, June 17, 2011
Bombshell
$ 130

Prizes are non-refundable and non-transferable, cannot be combined with any other special offer or promotion, and must be accepted as awarded. Prizes may not be exchanged for cash value or substituted, except that Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to substitute with either the cash value of the prize, or a prize or prizes of equal or greater value. Applicable federal, state or local taxes and any other costs or expenses associated with the prize are the sole responsibility of the winner. There will be no other prizes. All prizes will be awarded. Total approximate retail value of all prizes is $3,455. Prizes will be delivered to confirmed winners to a valid U.S. address.

The Sweepstakes is an independent promotion for consumers conducted by Sponsor and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any of the above-listed products or retailers. Third party trademarks and logos, including without limitation, the individual names of the products and retailers, are the property of their respective owners.

8. All entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned. By participating, each entrant agrees to comply with these official rules and agrees that Sponsor is not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Sweepstakes or by any technical or human error that may occur in the processing of entries in the Sweepstakes. Sponsor assumes no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communications line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to, or tampering with or hacking of, the web site or any technical failure or malfunction, or any injury or damage to an entrant’s or any other person’s computer or property.
IN NO EVENT WILL SPONSOR OR ANY SWEEPSTAKES ENTITIES BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR LOSSES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ENTRANT’S PARTICIPATION IN THE SWEEPSTAKES, ANY PRIZES WON, ENTRANT’S ACCESS TO OR USE OF SPONSOR’S WEB SITES OR THE TWITTER WEBSITE, OR THE ACCESSING, DOWNLOADING AND/OR PRINTING OF ANY MATERIAL AVAILABLE ON SAID SITES. SOME JURISDICTIONS MAY NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR EXCLUSIONS OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES SO SOME OF THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY.
9. By accepting a prize in this Sweepstakes, each winner grants to Sponsor, where permitted by law, the right to use and publish (worldwide and via the Internet) his/her name, city and state of residence, portrait, image, picture, voice, likeness and comments for advertising, trade and promotional purposes without notification, review or approval, and without additional consideration. To receive a prize, each winner will be required to provide entrant’s full name, mailing address, telephone number and/or email address. A winner may also be required to complete, sign and return an affidavit of eligibility and liability/publicity release. A winner’s prize will be forfeited and awarded to an alternate winner at Sponsor’s sole discretion upon the occurrence of any of the following: (i) the failure of winner to confirm acceptance of the prize and return any required documents within seven (7) days of prize notification by Sponsor; (ii) the return of a prize or prize notification to Sponsor as non-deliverable; or (iii) the determination by Sponsor that winner is ineligible or otherwise not in compliance with these official rules.
BY ACCEPTING A PRIZE, EACH WINNER AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS SPONSOR AND ALL SWEEPSTAKES ENTITIES FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY INJURY, LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND TO PERSONS, INCLUDING DEATH, AND PROPERTY, ARISING FROM OR IN CONNECTION WITH ACCEPTANCE, POSSESSION, USE OR MISUSE OF ANY PRIZE, PARTICIPATION IN THIS SWEEPSTAKES OR ANY SWEEPSTAKES-RELATED ACTIVITY.
10. Sponsor is not responsible for any changes or unavailability of the Twitter service that may interfere with the Sweepstakes (including any limitations, restrictions or conditions on Sponsor’s ability to use the service for the Sweepstakes) or ability of entrant to timely enter, receive notices or communicate with Sponsor. If, for any reason, the Sweepstakes is not capable of running as planned because of circumstances including, but not limited to, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, changes in the Twitter service, or any other causes, which, in Sponsor’s sole judgment, corrupts or affects the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of this Sweepstakes, Sponsor reserves the right, in their sole discretion and determination of fairness, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Sweepstakes and to select the winners from entries received prior to such event or interruption. Sponsor may disqualify any entrant who tampers with the entry process or operation of the Sweepstakes or who violates these official rules. If the Sweepstakes is terminated due to tampering or technical difficulties prior to its expiration date, notice will be posted on Twitter via a Sponsor update and/or on the site(s) where these Official Rules have been posted.
11. By registering to enter the Sweepstakes, each entrant acknowledges he/she has read, understands and will abide by these official rules. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these official rules, or the rights and obligations of entrants and/or Sponsor in connection with the Sweepstakes, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of California, without regard to the conflict of laws principles.
12. For a list of names of winners or a copy of these official rules, send a self-addressed stamped envelope for receipt by June 20, 2012, to: “Sephora Twitter Sweepstakes,” Sephora USA, Inc., 525 Market Street, 32nd Floor, San Francisco CA 94105. Vermont residents may exclude stamp on return envelope.
13. The personal information collected from each entrant with respect to the Sweepstakes will be used by Sephora for the purposes of administration of the Sweepstakes.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Sephora Favorites are here!


Sephora Favorites are here! From pink lips to fluttery fringe, these limited-edition boxes let you sample our most-wanted beauty--for $40 or less!




Sephora Favorites Lashstash Mascara Deluxe Sampler, $39

Come out with your lashes up! This eye-batting arsenal packs 11 of Sephora's most wanted mascaras, each of which brings out your flutter's most arresting features. Prepare to look criminally good.


Sephora Favorites Splashstash Waterproof Deluxe Sampler, $36

We're having a pool party, and you're invited! This budge-proof collection packs 7 of Sephora's most wanted waterproof eye essentials, each of which is guaranteed to make—and take—a splash. Bring on the H2O.




Sephora Favorites Naturally Gorgeous Skincare & Make-Up Sampler, $40

Go green, gorgeous! This eco-chic set stocks 9 of Sephora's best-selling natural beauties, each of which is gentle on your skin and the planet. Now you can face the future—naturally.



Sephora Favorites Face Quenchers Moisturizers Deluxe Sampler, $37

Buy your skin a drink! This thirst-quenching kit stocks 6 of Sephora's most wanted face moisturizers, each of which will nourish, protect and provide deep-down hydration. Talk about skinnovation.





Sephora Favorites Skin Saviors Moisturizers Deluxe Sampler, $24

Buy your dry skin a drink! This thirst-quenching kit stocks 5 of Sephora's most popular body moisturizers to nourish, protect, and provide head-to-toe hydration. Talk about skinnovation.




Sephora Favorites The Fix-It Kit Skincare Deluxe Sampler, $40

Go ahead and fake it—we won't tell! This skin-perfecting set packs 6 of Sephora's most sought-after secret weapons, each of which smooths, firms, and softens away imperfections. Let's face it, flawless is possible.




Sephora Favorites Eau Girl Fragrance Deluxe Sampler, $40

Bigger isn't always better. This scentsational set packs 8 petite versions of Sephora's most sought-after spritzes, perfectly sized for even the smallest clutch. Ready, set, eau!





Sephora Favorites Blink, Winks & Brows Eye Deluxe Sampler, $40

Eye caramba! This medley of must-haves packs 10 of Sephora's most coveted essentials, created to help you master a pro-perfect wink. Go ahead, flip your lids.





Sephora Favorites Get Pink'd Pink Lip Deluxe Sampler, $37

Get glossed up, totally plumped, and tickled pink! This lip-smackin' set boasts 9 of Sephora's most kissable essentials, created to help you score a perfect pout. Pucker up, gorgeous.




Sephora Favorites Eau Boy Fragrance Deluxe Sampler, $40

Bigger isn't always better. This scentsational set packs 8 of Sephora's top-selling men's fragrances, perfectly sized for the man about town. Ready, set, eau!

HOURGLASS COSMETICS: Meet Creator Carisa Janes Who Dishes On Her Beauty Faves At Sephora

























In just 4 days (June 23rd), Hourglass will be unveiling a whole new look for their brand boutique on Sephora.com that spotlights their amazing complexion line and Calligraphy pens, plus a Behind The Brand look at the founder (and beauty prodigy) Carisa Janes. Here, we pick her brain about the things she splurges on when she shops at Sephora, including the Hourglass essentials she can't live without. -Joannie McIntyre

PHOTO: Carisa at home with her beloved pups, Bella and Rafa.


Sephora Brand Snag-Free Hair Elastics:
"I have naturally curly hair so I always make sure to have these handy. They store perfectly in your wallet and can be worn discreetly and easily taken off without damaging the hair."

Living Proof Wave Shaping, Curl Defining No Frizz Styling Spray for Fine to Medium Hair

"Living at the beach with all the humidity, this is a must have product for my hair. I spray it on before blow-drying to help tame frizz and boost shine."

Veil Fluid Makeup in No. 3
"This is my absolute favorite from the line. It looks natural yet provides coverage and the SPF, anti-aging, and refining benefits makes this a great product for everyone."

Veil Mineral Primer
"I like to mix 1 part of this with 2 parts of the Veil Fluid Makeup before applying with a foundation brush. It truly makes my complexion more radiant and flawless."

Superficial Lash in Carbon
"It’s volumizing. It’s lengthening. It’s applies on easily without clumping. It’s everything I look for in a mascara."

Clarisonic Skincare Brush
"This gently massages as it deeply cleans my face. I like that it feels as if I’m giving myself a mini-facial everyday."

Get The Look With Kat Von D's Gypsy Palette


What can you do with Kat Von D's new Gypsy Palette? Beauty blogger Scrangie picked one up for her birthday, and showed us what it could do:






"Hawkwind all over lid, Birdcage from middle third to outer crease, Ego Sum in crease blended out and Gunner to darken crease and line under eye.

I also used Kat Von D Autograph Liquid Liner in Black Metal Love (hell yeah!). It's matte black, absolutely no shine, but with tiny flecks of silver microglitter. I admit, I bought this just for the name but I find myself using it almost every day. I'm almost finished with it! I never finish things!

I LOVE this palette. The colors all go so well together. The thing I like the most about it is Hawkwind eyeshadow- it's a white that flashes bright green. When you layer other colors on top of it, or you layer it on top of other colors, it adds a vivid bright green flash. It's so amazing. Reminds me of an old Urban Decay shadow... Fluorescent maybe? I don't remember the name. I wish they would sell Hawkwind all by itself, I foresee myself hitting pan on this color!

I also adore Gunner. It's so rich and sparkly. It's the emerald green I've been looking for! It looks like black with green glitter in the pan, but once you put it on your skin it becomes a bold, deep, dark emerald green with bright green sparkles. So amazing."

Read her full review here>

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

What's In Your Makeup Bag?

Maggie Ford Danielson knows a thing or two about makeup. Her mom and her aunt are Jane and Jean Ford, the gorgeous twins behind Benefit Cosmetics, and Maggie's own sister, Annie, works at Benefit with her, too. Beauty definitely runs in the family.

So when I caught her at Sephora on Lexington in New York, I had one question: "What's in your makeup bag, Maggie Ford Danielson from Benefit Cosmetics?" Not only did she obligingly dump out he contents, but showed me the 4 things she never leaves home without (and one awesome trick with Benefit's Eye Bright).
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Free Sample Alert! Get To Know A New Brand

There's a luxe new brand at Sephora. Want us to introduce you? AmorePacific is a blend of potent Asian botanicals (nice to make your acquaintance, skin-strengthening bamboo sap!) that combat aging, tired, cranky skin.

AmorePacific's commitment to beauty and health began over 60 years ago when the company's founder, Sung-Hwan Suh, discovered that ingredients like bamboo, green tea, and Korean red ginseng could boost skin's longevity, good health, and youthful glow. Magic? Maybe. Or just good harvesting (each plant is harvested at peak times to ensure the highest nutrient potency possible) for the best skin-perfecting and skin-pampering results possible.

We could go on and on for-ev-uh, but it's best you two meet in person with a free sample. Pick up the Treatment Enzyme Peel sample with any order - just enter AMORE at checkout. Coz that's Amo- oh , never mind,

Faces Agree: No Foundation Foundation Saves Skin

First the girls at Lucky magazine raved all about it, and now the beauty editors at Vital Juice Daily are saying the same thing: Perricone MD's No Foundation Foundation rocks their faces off. In fact, VJD is dropping the L-word (light, obvs):

We think we've met The One. It's light, comfortable and it gets along with everybody. It's good for us, too.

We were skeptical, but Perricone MD's new No Foundation Foundation won us over with its sheer, natural coverage and dewy finish. It didn't look like we were wearing makeup--our skin just looked less blotchy, more glow-y. Like any good partner, it also has our back. The foundation has a built-in non-chemical SPF 30 to ward off damaging UV rays and DMAE and alpha lipoic acid to firm skin.

But here's what really made us feel like we'd met Prince Charming: The foundation works on all skin tones. Instead of heavy color, it contains specially treated pigments and light-diffusing mica, which softens the look of fine lines, wrinkles and pores.

In sickness and in health; for paler and for tanner skin tones--we're not letting this catch go.

Monday, June 15, 2009

It's Not You: He Really Does Stink

This is not a job I can imagine applying for....but researchers at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia recently conducted a study to see how well fragrances hid or covered body odor. Hey, this is scientific progress, people.

They took foul-smelling scents (uh...gross) and combined them with different perfumes. Out of the 32 fragrances tested, women were only fooled by 2 of them. For men, 19 of the fragrances worked.

<Ding!> That's the bell signaling Round One between your nose and your guy with his "Dude, I showered yesterday." Think of these for-him fragrances as an investment in yourself>


Friday, June 12, 2009

Say 'I do' to a beauty-full new look


Before you walk down the aisle, you New York blushing bride-to-be, stroll on over to Sephora for an afternoon of beauty. Enjoy complimentary makeover services, go gaga over Vera Wang gowns and get all of your big day beauty questions answered by our pros. Plus, a free copy of Bridal Guide magazine is yours—just for showing up.

I know where I'm spending my Saturday. See you there!

Sephora Columbus Circle
Saturday, June 13, 12pm-6pm

Sephora Fifth Avenue
Saturday, June 20, 12pm-6pm

Click! How To Get Picture-Perfect Skin

video

Ok, girls: Are you ready for your close up? We've told you before that high-definition cameras magnify 6x greater than what the naked eye sees - hello, ginormous pores! So how do Hollywood stars counteract the horror of super-size wrinkles on-screen? MAKE UP FOR EVER's HD makeup, which is makeup made for hi-def film.

And even if you're not a Hollywood star...you never know when it's time to face the camera.


Love this video? Share it! And if you're a MAKE UP FOR EVER fan, follow them on Twitter!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Things Other Girls Love: Temptalia's Review Of T3

When would you pay $200 for a hairdryer? When it works so well you wish you could marry it and take it home to meet your parents. So we raise our strands to beauty blogger Temptalia's review of T3 Bespoke Labs Featherweight Dryer - our shiny, quickly-dried locks fully agree:


It BLEW me away. It was my first non-super-duper-cheap blow dryer. This was back when my hair was fairly long, too, and I rarely blew it out, because my old Conair took ten billion years to dry it. It would take so long that I would just give up and let it air dry. I’ve actually since upgraded to the Evolution ($300.00), because I like the addition of the heat controls. The biggest reason why I love both hair dryers is that my hair is dry in less than five minutes (even when I had long hair). They’re both incredibly lightweight (huge plus!). The only downside was that the controls could have been better placed, but you get used to it and it’s a non-issue for me now. I would love to see T3 create these fab blow dryers with retractable cords. Then they’d be perfect!

We're Seastruck For Blue & Green Shadow

From Sephora by OPI's true blue nail hues to the she-rocks-the-seashore look of the mermaids on Sephora's latest catalog...can you blame us for wanting to reel this amaseaing look to land?

Ships ahoy! Arming ourselves with sea greens and sparkling blues, we tried three looks we think rock the boys' boats:

JOANNIE'S GREEN GENES
Have you noticed the trend of undereye-only liner lately? Joannie has, so she picked up Urban Decay's Cream Shadow in Grass. Using Benefit's Get Bent brush, she limed her lower lids with this electric green hue. To keep things bright, she used a neutral brown on top - try one of Stila's perfect nude shades.



JENNY GETS THE BLUES
I decided to dive right in and line all around my eyes with lagoon blues. I started with Urban Decay's Liquid Liner in Radium, then used Benefit's Get Bent brush to tap Urban Decay's Deluxe Eyeshadow in Peace on top. I finished by filling in the inner rims of my eyes with Sephora's Flashy Liner in Flashy Blue.


ABBY GOES FOR THE GLAMSLAM
Upping the ante was Abby, who loaded both green and blue on her lids with Nars' Shadow Duo in Rated R. This set is a double-punch of bright green, which she used at the inner rim of her eye, and cobalt blue, which she used to sparkle up the outer corners of her eye. She finished with a streak of blue as an eyeliner across her top lid.