Black Friday: My Reality Check

Don’t tell the economy watchers, but I take a big pass on Black Friday. I bargain shop enough during the year that I simply don’t feel the call of the doorbusters. Instead I have a ritual that most normal people would be embarrass to admit: I park it on the couch, eat leftovers and don’t compliment each other, and marathon-watch reality TV.

It may sound like a colossal waste of time, but there is something about consuming so many real lives on film that actually makes my mushy brain’s synapses fire—the beauty bonanza. I get obsessed with the makeup, analyze the hair and wonder aloud to my parents’ dog how I can achieve the ubitquitous, even-ish sun-kissed effect. And I often find myself mutli-tasking to troll the online home store for goods to make me camera-ready. Here’s what I found this week:

Sevin Nyne Tanning Mist ($35) Reality Rule Number One: You must have a deep, all-over glow. This antioxident-rich formula imparts an even, caramel color in a simple spray.
Frederic Fekkai Fekkai Salon Color—Blondes ($30) Whether buttery or golden, the hair hue of choice is overwhelmingly blonde. This amazing at-home kit boasts a professional style brush and bowl that promise to aid in achieving a perfect application.
Sephora Brand Long Lasting Eyeliner ($10) From biggest losers to amazing racers, winged liquid liner is another de rigueur for the reality set. The eyeliner’s fine brush makes lining lids a snap. Bonus: The glittering black makes the look a little more dramatic.
Dior DiorShow Black Out Waterproof Mascara ($24) Fights, table turning and wedding dress selection don’t stand a chance against this fantastic formula. Lash out with this deepest black, ultra-lengthening eye opener.
Juicy Loves Sephora Charm Head Band ($20) Ever notice that blowouts are followed by secret-sharing sessions with the girls? Keeping hair off the face are as paramount to the whine times as the Kleenex. –Jenna Mahoney

Illamasqua Animates and Advocates

From Illamasqua's blog:

In 2007, 20 year-old Sophie Lancaster and her boyfriend Robert Maltby were kicked, stomped on and left unconscious – for nothing more than looking different. Sophie later died from her injuries.

As a brand that promotes the right to experiment and self-express through the way you look, Illamasqua is committed to changing attitudes towards subcultures.

In tribute to Sophie, Illamasqua has commissioned ‘Dark Angel’ – a short film by award-winning French director, Fursy Teyssier. It's a haunting rendition of Sophie’s story, featuring the music of iconic British band, Portishead.

Thanks for sharing this with us, Illamasqua. It's a heart-wrenching, yet beautiful, reminder for all to accept others' differences. Let's all keep this message in mind not only through the holiday season, but always.

To find out more, please visit www.sophielancasterfoundation.com.

NARS 15X15 Giveaway

Marc Jacobs as China Machado (a 60s supermodel).

Here at Sephora we are totally in the spirit of giving. So when we heard that the profits from the new NARS 15X15 book would be distributed among 15 charities–chosen by the celebs featured in the book—we knew we had to spread the word.

François Nars celebrated NARS' 15th anniversary by featuring 15 celebrity portraits, each inspired by a NARS product shade and based on an iconic reference chosen by François himself. He also personally did the makeup of each celeb and photographed every portrait. Did someone say... talented? The book is available for purchase on the 15X15 Online Gallery at 15x15project.com

In keeping with the spirit of giving, NARS is graciously donating three books to our B&TB readers. Just write in the comments section which icon you would want to re-create on yourself and why? Our top three stories will take home the book. Don't forget to include your e-mail address, so we can get in touch.

François Nars applying makeup to supermodel Shalom Harlow.

Anti-Aging: There's an App for That

Do you ever sit around and think: “Hmm, if I were a techie genius. What kind of must-have app would I create?” Sometimes I do. (In fact, a few months ago I was asked that same question by a human resources rep.) Admittedly, my thoughts of inventive breakthroughs are generally focused on ways to go shopping without actually spending any money. But, as any self-respecting beauty lover should, I also ponder the power of prettifying with the help of my trusty smart phone. And it looks like I’m not alone.

A UAE-based company recently announced an anti-aging app along with 10 other beauty-focused ones to be rolled out in January. The AntiAgingApp promises to alleviate a slew of beauty-related ailments like slackening skin, excessive hair and fine lines with the power of light and sound wavelengths that emanate from your phone. The company also purports that these powerful color light and sound therapy waves can spur collagen production and increase elastin to smooth skin and erase wrinkles. Acne is also said to be alleviated by the application.
Now, I don’t know about all that power coming out of my trusty phone, but for $2.99, I’m willing to give it a try. Heck, you’ve all heard my relentless cries of skincare woes, so why not? Tell me would you? And while you are at it: Got any awesome app ideas for us here at Sephora? Swak. –Jenna Mahoney

photo courtesy of Apple

Free tote by Kat Von D

Happy Black Friday! You're likely getting inundated with specials, discounts, and extras--but our kick-off-the-shopping-season offer is truly limited edition and unique.

This mesmerizing tote, which is covered in Kat Von D's very own sketches, is free with any $25 purchase in stores or online. Use code KVDTOTE at checkout.

Large, reusable, and custom-made for Sephora, it's the perfect Black Friday shopping partner. (It holds a ton!)

Get more details here >

Sephora for Him: Guys' Picks for the Holidays

With Thanksgiving over (and the turkey still stuffed – in my tummy), I am able to give my full attention to Christmas. Since I started working at Sephora, getting holiday or birthday presents for my girlfriends, sisters, and mother has never been easier. I keep a list of any new products or gift sets that would be perfect for the ladies in my life. But I keep reminding myself that Sephora is also great for guys too.


My fiancé is a collector of colognes (even though he rarely actually wears any of the scents!). He insists on taking two shelves in our cabinet for different bottles. So of course, when he saw the Sephora Favorites Collector’s Edition for Men, he has been dropping hints. As for me, I will have to decide whether I truly believe in the spirit of giving because my selfish side reminds me how valuable cabinet space is in our tiny New York apartment. Then again, all seven colognes come in miniature size with a certificate to exchange for a FREE full-size bottle of his favorite! My worry is he'll buy all of them in full size.

He also plays a ton of sports outside in the summer, so I might slip Peter Thomas Roth Ultra Lite Oil-Free Sunblock in his stocking. Even though it'll be winter, we'll soon be heading to the beach for our honeymoon!


My friend Joe is the typical guy who cares about his skin but doesn’t want a lot of fuss. “I don't want too many steps when I just want to wash my face,” he told me recently. He likes Jack Black Face Buff Energizing Scrub, which I'll get for him this year, while pairing it with Jack Black Double Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20 since I’m always lecturing him about the importance of SPF protection.


My poor father ... his birthday falls right on Christmas, so unfortunately, he usually gets the single “Merry Christmas, and, er, also Happy Birthday” present. One thing I have always wanted to get for him is a good shaving cream. He only uses soap (and one that doesn’t even foam well), which always makes me cringe. At a recent group dinner, I asked the guys what shaving cream they used, and surprisingly, they all recommended Zirh Shave Cream (surprising because it’s so convenient for me to get!). Their wives and girlfriends seconded the pick, saying they loved how soft their guys’ skins were post-shave. I’ve also heard great things about The Art of Shaving. One thing about my father is that he loves options when he starts up something new. I could get him The 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave Starter Kit – Unscented for Christmas and Zirh Starter Kit for his birthday!

Now with gift lists completed for my friends and family, I can finally concentrate on creating my own wish list. Just kidding! (I finished that weeks ago.)

The Beauty Of Break-Apart Gifts - A Beauty Editor's Gifting Strategy

A few weeks ago, you may have received an email from us about gifts that can be broken up and given to multiple recipients on your list. Well, as a Sephora Beauty Editor, one thing my friends and family can always count on every year is getting stocked up on beauty products for Christmas by yours truly (me). Anyway, this genius email got me thinking, "what are the possibilities?" To start, I am loving Korres' Never Too Many set - it's totally perfect to break apart 6 ways, each person would get a shower gel and body butter - and i'm keeping the Guava set (sorry, family).

With this Korres set as the "jumping off" point, common denominator, whatever - let's explore the possibilities, shall we?

For the natural beauty junkies on my list, I would buy Korres' Never Too Many Set, Lavanila's The Healthy Fragrance Mini Roller-Ball Set, and Tarte's Crown Jewels Lipgloss Multi-Gift Set.

Put these babies in a burlap sack with a red ribbon and your good to go.

Hmm, for the mom's, aunts, grandmas on my list, the Never Too Many Set still works, but I would also split up Sephora's Radiant Skin Regimen Deluxe Sampler, and the Collector's Edition Fragrance Sampler For Her since all the "older ladies" on my list are all about the skincare and the fragrances. These little bundles would be gift-ready in the Clutch Bowler from Sephora's Holiday Magic Pink Bag Collection. (Hint: Use the voucher in the fragrance sampler for yourself!)

Luckily for me, all the guys on my list LOVE Korres so in addition to the Never Too Many Set, I would also split up Sephora's Collector's Edition Fragrance Sampler For Him (the enclosed voucher will go to my hubby), and the Hydroplane Super-Slick Shave Cream 5 Pack by Billy Jealousy. Add Smith's Rosebud Minted Rose Lip Balm, toss into a dopp kitt, and voila!

The younger gals on my list are all about the makeup, which will be a breeze with Urban Decay's amazing 24/7 Super Stash, Stila's Lip Glaze Collection, and Juicy Couture's Fragrance Pen Gift Set.

Got a winning combination gift idea you'd like to share? Let's hear it. I'm still pondering other possibilities myself. Would love to hear what you came up with shopping Sephora.com! Happy Thanksgiving and best of luck shopping on Black Friday, everyone!

- Joannie McIntyre

Black Friday: Gift Card Giveaway in NYC

Calling all New York City gals!

Sephora 34th Street will be opening at 6am on Black Friday, November 27. The first 100 shoppers to arrive will receive one randomly selected gift card with a value of $10, $25, $50, $100 or $500, redeemable immediately at any Sephora location in the United States or online at Sephora.com.

Here's what's up for grabs:
Seventy (70) $10 gift cards, sixteen (16) $25 gift cards, eight (8) $50 gift cards, five (5) $100 gift cards, and one (1) $500 gift card. No purchase necessary.

For more details, visit the store on 34th Street, located between 6th and 7th Avenues, or call 212-629-9135.

What’s Your Biggest Beauty Worry?

I’m obsessed with obtaining a perfect complexion. And I’m pretty sure I think about getting glowing more times than I covet the body of a Hollywood trainer. Lately, my quest for perfection is lasered on those little lines across my forehead that aren't so small anymore. And it looks like I’m not alone. According to a recent study conducted in England, we women think about the signs of aging more than 250 times a week. Break it down daily and we worry about our bodies 36 times each day on average. The study concentrated on negative thoughts (don’t we all? I mean when was the last time you thought, Wow! I love my _blank_?) that are especially linked to aging. And I’ll admit that the further I get away from 20, the more I worry about looking/feeling/sounding young. Aside: Good thing I’m well versed in all things Twilight. So I’m wondering are you girls in the same boat? Is growing old gracefully one of your biggest beauty concerns? And if not what is? My second biggest: Having amazing hair. –Jenna Mahoney

Beauty Bargain Roundup: Week of 12/1

Starting Tuesday 12/1, here are the Weekly Specials and Sweet Steals on Sephora.com you shouldn't miss. Don't know where to go to find these juicy deals? Just check our homepage and click on Weekly Specials, and you'll see our Sweet Steal of the week when you click into your shopping basket (even if its empty, you'll still be able to see it - go on, click!).

Coming up...

This totally gift worthy bonus is wrapped and ready:

Buy Vera Wang Bouquet, Sheer Veil, or The Fragrance, get a free fragrance candle, mini eau de parfum, perfume pen, and sachet in a gift box.

Just add a dopp kit and you've got the perfect guy gift:
Free Matte For Men cleansing cloths - Buy the Man Powder & Antioxidant Daily Facial Cleanser, get the Complete Cleansing Cloths free!

Meet your new favorite holiday shadow:
Sweet Steal: NARS Silent Night Eye Shadow, was $22, now $9

Stocking stuffer alert!:

3-piece Philosophy set for $5 - The "Grace Me With A Kiss" set includes a 2 oz Amazing Grace Buffing Wash, 2 oz Inner Grace, and Kiss Me Pink Gloss, a $25 value for only $5!

Tarte's Treasure Chest

(pic at left) A natural everyday work look created with Tarte's Treasure Chest.

Oh, the perks of being a beauty writer at Sephora! Last week I was lucky enough to receive an eye shadow tutorial from Tarte's Director of Education Sonia Hodzic that I'd love to share with you (check out the video below). Sonia stopped by the Sephora offices and shared her tricks on applying shadow (how cool was the rolling technique she used with the brush!).

She used Tarte's Treasure Chest, demonstrating how we shouldn't be intimidated by—the tons of color packed in this holiday palette. Each tray is packed with a different product and sorted by matte and shimmery eye shadows to make applying super easy (those girls at Tarte are so clever!). At $52 (with a $686 value) this makes the perfect holiday gift for any of your favorite girls, whether it be mom, sis or your bff.

5 Simple Ways to Stretch Your Holiday Budget

As I left 34th street last night, I saw the sound stage already set up for the Thanksgiving Day Parade, which only means one thing: Black Friday is just around the corner! Now before you panic, here are a few tips on how you can get your shopping done without losing your mind or blowing your budget.

1. KEEP IT SIMPLE

Perfect for office grab bags with a set price limit, the Tarte Crown Jewels Lipgloss Multi-Gift Set features three individual boxes with five super shiny lipglosses in each one. Pair the whole set with a Tarte Three Carats Mini Cheek Stain Set for real treat.



2. ASK FOR SUGGESTIONS

For the second year in a row, my hands-down favorite gift is the LORAC Double Booked Full Face Collection. Covered in sleek white mock croc, the magnetic book features 16 silky smooth eyeshadows and 4 blushes sorted by cool or warm tones. The best parts are the 2 mini lipglosses that pop out and can be taken with you for touchups throughout the day.

3. THINK BIG AND SAVE BIG

While the $249 price tag might seem a little steep, the Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes Collector Set has 25 FULL-SIZE pencils, making each one about $10. Whether you surprise one person or share the wealth, they’ll be thankful for the waterproof formula since there won’t be a dry eye in the house.


4. THE HOUSE ALWAYS WINS

Think of the Sephora Favorites Boxed Kits as our Greatest Hits CDs. With truly unique collections of our best-selling skincare, fragrance, and color items, everyone will be singing their praises, including the littlest makeup fan who will adore My First Makeup Kit. Be sure to pick up some Express Service consultation cards for tips on creating different holiday looks.


A gift that makes perfect scents is the Collector's Edition Fragrance Sampler. Available for Her or for Him, each set features miniature bottles of our best-selling fragrances plus a gift certificate redeemable for a full-sized bottle of their choice.




For the rock star on your list, check out the Kat Von D line available exclusively at Sephora. Fill up Kat’s Pandora’s Box train case with a True Romance Eyeshadow Palette - True Love, a Kat Eye Brush Set, and a Lightning Sheer Lip Gloss Set. Can’t decide if she’s been naughty or nice? Give her the Sinner and Saint fragrances, and let her decide.



5. ONE SIZE FITS ALL

When all else fails, a Sephora Gift Card is available in denominations of $25 to $250 and can be redeemed in store, online, or through any of our catalogs.




—Jenni Mennella

Holiday Get the Look: Soft Winged Smokey Eye with Natural Glossy Lips

Sitting at your desk and daydreaming of how to fashion your makeup this holiday season? Well, wonder no more. Makeup artist extraordinaire and founder of the fabulous Lorac line created three holiday faces just for B&TB readers.

This festive face is all about the eyes. Dramatic peepers seriously pop against a flawless complexion. A sweet slick of gloss gives lips a kissable sheen for that mistletoe, countdown or just because.
Here’s her how-to with Lorac products.
Skin:
Prep with aquaPRIME Oil-Free Makeup Primer ($30)
Perfect with Oil-free Wet/Dry Powder Makeup ($36)
Conceal spots with Double Feature Concealer/Highlighter ($24) Writer note: Love, love love.
Set with Translucent Touchup Powder ($32)
Eyes:Use the Only at Sephora Red Carpet Reveal Eye/Cheek Palette ($35) for all your dramatic needs
Highlight by sweeping the lightest eye shade Debut from brow to lash line
Blend the shimmering medium brown tone Pose across the lid and into the crease
Elongate the look of your eye by applying the dark brown color Interview on the outer corner crease of the eye and blend out
For extra drama smudge Black Eye Shadow on the lower lid and under the bottom lash line
Define eyes with an application of Font of the Line Pro Liquid Eye Liner in Black ($22)
along the lash line
Lengthen and dramatize lashes with two to three coats of Visual Effects Curling, Separating & Lengthening Mascara in Jet Black ($19.50)
Cheeks:
Impart a natural rosy glow with Main Attraction the blush in the Only at Sephora Red Carpet Reveal Eye/Cheek Palette ($35) to the apples of the cheeks
Get a festive holiday glow with a dusting of Perfectly Lit Luminizing Powder ($32)
Lips:
Prep pout with 06 Lip Pencil in Taupe ($16)
Slick Couture Shine Liquid Lipstick in Glam ($22) for an infusion of high-shine color –Jenna Mahoney

An Ode To Paris: YSL Parisienne - The Fragrance, The Inspiration and a Special Gift!

In January, it will have been a year since my first visit to Paris last year. Am I still smitten? Absolument! So of course, I was excited to hear YSL would be launching their new scent Parisienne at Sephora, which literally 'takes me back' in just one whiff.

The scent is described as a "grand floral" with a "woody structure." It's main notes are Blackberry (yum!), Damask Rose (unmistakably feminine), and Sandalwood (adds a little warmth). It's just what I would imagine the gardens in Paris would smell like in the Spring, walking in the Jardin des Tuileries. (Sigh)

But I really wanted to blog about this for all you American Parisians and Paris lovers out there, if you buy the 1.6 or 3.0 oz Eau de Parfum spray on Sephora.com, you'll get a free Zagat Guide that lists all the restaurants and nightlife in Chicago, L.A., Miami, New York, and San Francisco that rock the Parisian vibe. Perfect for someone like me, fiending to go back, but can't just yet. Till then I'll be spritzing on my daily dose of Parisienne and visiting the cities mentioned in this Zagat Guide for a cappucino and a croissant, pretending to be like the famous model in YSL's dreamy commercial (see below). Sure, its a stretch, but it'll suffice till I see my beloved Paris again someday.

Ever been to Paris? Are you fiending to get back like me? What did you love about it? Do tell!

- Joannie McIntyre

Winter Skin

I’m lazy. With limited closet space in the apartment, my sweaters and warm clothes are still packed away, dreaming of summer. As a result, I’ve been braving chilly commutes in thin blouses and shirts, shoving gloveless hands in my coat pockets. Fortunately, my skin doesn’t listen to my weak excuses and demanded a change weeks ago. Because although I can handle shivering on my walk to work, my complexion insisted on switching out to my winter routine.

My chapped lips especially can't handle the seasonal change, which is why I’ve been keeping Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 close by. And the dry patches on my skin are loving Caudalíe Crushed Cabernet Scrub. Now all I need are my sweaters and scarves, and it’s hello, winter! (But let's be honest, I'll probably suffer through another couple of weeks.)

How does your beauty routine switch out with different seasons?

What’s Your Beauty Nightmare?

I sleep like a baby. I get solid shut-eye for two to three hour tops. I often wake up and do things like count sheep, check Facebook and wonder why I can’t sleep. When I do actually get some rest, I often have very vivid dreams. They usually involve themes like work, vampires and Pilates classes. But this weekend, my dreams became super scary!

That’s because this weekend, I had a serious beauty nightmare.

Insert wave-like flashback music: I was on my way to an extra-special event where a new, super spokesmodel was going to be announced for a high-end fragrance company. For some reason, I was backstage getting ready for the fabulous fete. As I went to curl my lashes I looked at the mirror and gasped. My tinted moisturizer had flaked and caked into lizard-like skin. Along the base of my jaw I had a thick, cracking bronze line of reptilian weirdness. And I was unable to remove the patches of makeup on my cheeks and forehead. I tried to blend away the heavy gold hues with a new formula, but nothing worked. Someone at the mirror next to me saw me struggling and just laughed that Thriller video laugh. I did the requisite dreamscape run around looking for a solution and then I woke up.

Freudian theories as to why I had a beauty-product related nightmare are welcome. But the reality is: My beauty nightmare is bad skin. Lately, I’ve been playing connect the dots with blemishes. I’m also in between fantastic tinted moisturizers, which make coverage and luminosity a bit of a white whale.
So, here we go: What are your beauty nightmares? And while you’re commenting, do you have any recommendations for a sheer, yet full coverage, hydrating tinted moisturizer?

Thanks and sweet dreams. –Jenna Mahoney

Photo courtesy of understanding-sleep-disorders.com

20% Off Bare Escentuals Get Started Kits!

Big news: We’re taking 20% off all Bare Escentuals Get Started Foundation Kits now through Monday! Always wanted to try the mineral foundation that started a makeup revolution? Already a die-hard fan? Here's your chance to stock up.

VALUE: $174
WAS: $60
NOW: $48

If you're new to the brand, check out the Bare Escentuals Shade Finder. It will help you identify which foundation shade is fit for your skin tone.

The 20% off is good online (Use promo code GETSTARTED at checkout for free shipping, too.) and in stores through December 1. For those of you who are about to Google similar offers, hold up! You'll only find 20% off at Sephora. No buffing.

48 HOURS ONLY!

Get free shipping on the SEPHORA COLLECTION Ultimate Blockbuster 2009!

Enter promo code BLOCKBUSTER at checkout.

Why do you want it?
-You can create over 60,000 looks.
-It's bigger and better than last year's edition.
-It won Allure's 2009 Best of Beauty Editor's Choice Award.
-It's already one of our most popular gifts of the season.

Free shipping ends 11:59 PST Sunday, November 22, so get yours ASAP!

Would you pay a "Botax"?

Here's a tidbit sure to raise some eyebrows (if your face allows): A provision in the proposed healthcare reform bill wants to tax elective cosmetic surgeries like Botox, tummy tucks, nose jobs and lifts. 5%, to be exact, which would earn Uncle Sam about 5.8 billion smackeroos over the next decade. Any reconstructive surgeries deemed truly "necessary" for medical reasons would remain untaxed, of course. So what do you say? Should the only things certain in life be death and ... Botaxes?

Beauty in the News: Scents are DOA

Anyone who hasn’t been living without television, radio and the Internet knows that tonight is about the undead (and hot-guy warewolves). So it stands to reason that a fragrance that gives new meaning to the statement, “I die,” has been getting a ton of buzz lately.

The new line of bespoke scents is fashioned by using the DNA of dead celebrities. Yes, you read that right: Dead people. According to a recent piece in the New York Daily News, a Beverly Hills-based company analyzes the genetic makeup of the deceased by examining strands of hair. (In case you are wondering where it comes from, there is a well-know collector of dead people’s hair and he lends it to the project. Aside: Really, I can’t make this stuff up!) A fragrance is then developed to reflect the aura of the personality utilizing some scientific properties extracted from the DNA. (Anti-Clone worriers: Don’t. There is no way to reverse the genetic codes to create a being.) The personality choices are varied and retail for about $60. There are ultimate divas, infamous pop stars, US presidents and even a scratch-your-head category that includes geniuses and murders. I don’t know about you, but this is a big pass in my beauty book. Oh, and another thing: It’s official the eau du celebre is dead. --Jenna Mahoney

Leslie Blodgett in Times Square

Leslie Blodgett lit up Times Square on Wednesday night. The lovely CEO of Bare Escentuals was at the Sephora Times Square store to celebrate the launch of her new fragrance line, Perfume Diaries, and first-ever perfume, Bare Skin. Inspired by Leslie's trips to sunny beach locations, Bare Skin is a very personal note for all of her loyal devotees.

While taking photos and autographing Bare Skin products for fans, Leslie shared little tips about Bare Skin (the key is layering) and talked about the one essential beauty item she always travels with (“Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Foundation–there’s no way I would actually leave the house without my foundation!”) About creating her first fragrance, Leslie said, “I've always wanted to do this my whole life. It has woody notes and dries down to a beautiful sweet vanilla–you can wear it day or night,” she said.

Leslie also divulged a bit about her upcoming second fragrance, Santa Barbara. “I spent my childhood visiting Santa Barbara in the summers. The scent is a gorgeous beautiful floral that reminds me of the breeze with the flowers all mingled together.”

I know, we can't wait either–thankfully Bare Skin is available now!

Bare Skin Eau de Parfum, $55
Bare Skin Solid Perfume (in pocket-watch case), $35
Bare Skin Perfumed Body Cream, $30

Rx for Brown Skin in Puerto Rico

Attention Puerto Rico! Get the skinny on achieving a beautiful complexion with Rx for Brown Skin. Hear expert advice from Annika Garcia, Lead Educator and Esthetician, and sit for a complimentary skin consultation with a beauty pro.

Saturday
Plaza Las Américas
(787) 771-0240

High Art: Getting Nailed

Molly Surno is a Brooklyn-based photographer who just happens to love nail polish. She also really admires graffiti art. And what do you get when you blend the two: Why nail art of course, the inspiration for her photography project The Smallest Canvas.

Since we are always interested in learning more about beauty-loving cool girls, we caught up with Molly and asked her a few questions about her show, her love of nail polish and—of course—her favorite products.

B&TB: What inspired you to create this show:
Molly: The week I moved to Brooklyn, I noticed that almost every woman had nail art. I was living in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood and was shocked how many salons there were—more than my obsessively look conscious home city of Los Angeles. The things I have seen on people’s tiny fingernails are so expressive: Their national flag, loved-ones names, sunsets, skylines, colors that match their sneakers, whatever.
B&TB: How did you translate this into an art project?
Molly: Brooklyn is so culturally rich and I think this artistic expression among women tends to get overlooked. I see nail art as this feminist form of public art. The body becomes a platform of self-expression, which is why I call the project The Smallest Canvas.
B&TB: Can you tell me more about public art?
Molly: Since the 1970s, the art world has considered murals and graffiti as public art pieces, all of which are primarily dominated by male artists. While there are many female graffiti artists, a more common art form in the projects of New York City is highly decorated, long, intricately designed nails. In a lot of ways nail art is like graffiti. It blends personal expression in an open area. In my show, I’ve melded this form of personal street art and art that is in a gallery. It’s my way of showing that these women who work in salons are artists. It’s such a creative process and the women who get their nails done so intricately are so expressive. My images celebrate this vibrant and alive culture.

B&TB: What are your favorite nail colors?
Molly: I love blues. They are a great platform for other nail colors. White, bright green, silver, gold, pink—they all look so striking on a blue nail.
B&TB: What are your favorite Sephora by OPI Shades?
Molly: I recently learned about the line, but now I have four colors: Mermaid to Order [shimmering deep green-blue], Brightener [a treatment coat], Blue Grotto [deep ocean] and Lagoon-a Beach [shimmering pale blue].
B&TB: What are you favorite non-nail products?
Molly: Bliss The Youth as We Know It Eye Cream ($75), Mane n’ Tail Shampoo (It’s for horses, but leaves my hair so soft), Clarins Extra Firming Day Cream ($78)The Smallest Canvas can be viewed as part of “Nefer/Nfr” show at Capricious Space in Brooklyn or on Molly’s website.–Jenna Mahoney

Beauty Bargain Roundup: Week of 11/23

Starting Monday 11/23, here are the Weekly Specials and Sweet Steals on Sephora.com we can't wait to get our hands on. Don't know where to go to find these juicy deals? Just check our homepage for Weekly Specials, and you'll see the Sweet Steal of the week when you click into your shopping basket (even if its empty, you'll still be able to see it).

Coming up...

* From 11/23 to 12/1, get 20% off Bare Escentuals BareMinerals Get Started Kits!!

* Get Jurlique's Herbal Recovery Gel free (a $34 value) with any $25 purchase

* Love DDF's Glycolic Face Wash? Get a free travel size version (a 2-3 week supply) with any online order.

* Calling all Harajuku Lovers fans! Buy the adorable Snow Bunnies Baby fragrance and get five Harajuku Lovers Barrettes free.

Can't wait till next week for a deal? Check out the newest Sale Items we're breaking open the piggy bank for - available now!:

Juicy Couture Pave Lip Gloss Heart Ring (50% off)

Laura Mercier Eye Design Kit (the perfect luxury gift for mom, sis or best friend)

Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Solid Perfume Dog Tag (guy gift alert!)

TEMPTU in Puerto Rico!

Beauties in Puerto Rico, are you ready for your close-up? Put flawless pro airbrushing at your fingertips with TEMPTU, the first spray-on tool perfected for easy at-home use. Pop in for a personal demo using this groundbreaking, ultralightweight formula, and prepare to be amazed.

Plaza Las Américas
Thursday, November 19
Friday, November 20
Saturday, November 21
(787) 771-0240

Meet Caudalíe Cofounder in NY, and Score a Mini Spa Treatment!

Come talk skincare with Caudalíe cofounder Mathilde Thomas, and enjoy a mini spa treatment using Premier Cru La Crème, the brand's exceptional new antiaging cream. Stop by this exciting event and be among the first to try—and buy—this luxurious new beauty. I can tell you from personal experience, your skin will thank you!

Tomorrow!
Sephora 86th & Lexington
11 AM-5 PM: Consultations
12 PM - 4 PM: Meet Mathilde

Friday
Sephora Union Square
(212) 995-8833
11 AM-5 PM: Consultations
12 PM-4 PM: Meet Mathilde

Space is limited. Walk-ins welcomed.

Best Bag Bets: Holiday Minis

If I had to choose my favorite part about the holidays, I’d say it’s the getting gussied up for all those Yuletide gatherings. I love donning my long silver gloves, my handsome velvet capelets and my sparkling special occasion costume jewelry. Attending all the holiday parties means I also get to break out my collection of vintage clutches. (Insert a glee-filled dance number here.) Little bags mean my old stand-bys won’t be able to cut it. So I’m making a list (and hope Husband is checking it twice) of some super minis that will get me through the party circuit season.

Laura Mercier Flawless Face Kit ($65) Smooth, luminous skin trumps all beauty needs. The multiple minis prime, perfect, camoflauge and set a pretty, party-ready face. Not all pieces may make the clutch-cut, but it’s nice to have the mix-and-match option.

Benefit Pocket Pal ($20) Double-wanded and from the Ford twins, makes this lip/cheek color a small-bag must-have. One side boasts the company’s calling card product, Benetint check and lip stain. The slick gloss on the other can be used over the rich stain or solo for under-the-mistletoe kissable lips.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Collection ($35) This only-at-Sephora set of pigment-rich pencils add a bit of sparkle to eyes. Five different shades translate into a festive new face at each fete. The super emollient formula makes application a chinch (a total bonus for someone who is a bit remedial at the art of eye makeup like me).

Tocca Brigitte Solid Fragrance ($30) Holiday parties call for deeply sexy—and spicy—scents. This spill-proof solid is a medley of ginger, saffron and sandlewood with a musky finish.

Carol Daughter’s Kizzi ($9.50) Tame flyways, infuse shine and reset finger waves with this Naturally-Sephora pomade. The formula is sweetly infused with the scent of apple, peach and pear and blissfully free of parabens, sulfites and other synthetics. --Jenna Mahoney