Beauty in the News: Spending Stats

We interrupt these holiday wish lists with an interesting update on shopping habits. For years now, experts have talked about the Lipstick Index, an economic indicator that is inversely related to the market. The theory goes that if the economy is headed downtown, then lipstick sales tend to surge. Why? Well, it’s the little indulgences that we can make space for in our household budget. In 2008, that jump was as high as 40%, according to a New York Times report I quoted in November of that year. Well, these days,despite the bad news from Ireland and the national pay freeze here in the US, beauty is still experiencing an increase. But it seems that lipstick is getting a run for its money. In fact, experts are now looking at nail polish as the latest economic indicator. According to today’s New York Post the uptick in polish sales is as high as 60%. Folks quoted in the piece say it may be due to the fact that women are willing to experiment with more color. And I for one can agree—in the past few weeks, I’ve painted my toes and fingers colors I’d never imagined before. I’ve gone griege, navy and taupe when before I was all about the neutral pinks. What about you? Are you finding color more tempting? –Jenna Mahoney

Introducing: Bare Escentuals High Shine Eyecolor

The name of this newly released eyeshadow is no exaggeration. Bare Escentuals High Shine Eyecolor truly provides intense color and shine. The wand applicator is pretty unique for a shadow formula, and really easy to use—just swipe and go. There are six beautiful metallic shades to choose from—bronze, teal, silver, sand, plum, and khaki—and they’re all shining and electric in color with a foil effect, and only available to buy online right now. As always with Bare Escentuals products, there are no preservatives or chemical irritants, so expect long-lasting, healthy eye color that’s safe for everyone, including those who wear contact lenses.

Tip: When opening, carefully hold upright, pulling the wand up so as not to spill the formula. Though it is a creamy shadow, there are loose particles and they will spill out if you tip the bottle.

Sephora’s Beauty Bloggers’ Holiday Gift Picks

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us (but our full bellies are still front and center) we wanted to share our own personal gift picks—because you need to think about yourself a little during the holidays, too. We’ve been talking a lot about what we’re getting for our dear pals and family members, but what beauty items really get the Sephora blog writers drooling? See for yourself here:

Bo Young Lee
Normally a happy hermit at heart, there’s something about the holidays that turns me into a social butterfly, fluttering out to festive happy hours, parties, and special events. So by the time January 1st rolls around, I’m exhausted and dehydrated, and of course it all shows on my skin. In anticipation of my post–New Year recuperation period, I’m putting the Bliss At-Home Oxygen Blast Set on the top of my Christmas list. I’m a huge fan of Bliss’s in-spa treatment, and this set will allow me to bring that indulgence home, where I’ll probably be hibernating for the remaining winter months.

Daisy Barringer
I have a really hard time rolling out of bed in the morning, which means I’m always rushing to put on my makeup and blow dry my hair. The Sultra Sophisticate Power Dryer defends hair from heat damage and leaves it super-shiny, but best of all: it’s lightning fast, so I’d be able to hit the snooze button one more time. The gift of healthy hair and sleep? There’s nothing I’d rather find under the tree.


 

Sydney Pfaff
I’ve been in love with the Dior Miniaudière Palette since I first laid eyes on it when previewed in an Allure magazine spread this summer. It’s as pretty and fashionable as a Dior handbag. The clutch’s chic details—vintage kiss clasp, engraved gold plaque, and embossed houndstooth pattern—are enhanced by five must-have makeup shades, including three neutral eyeshadows and two shimmering pink glosses. Oh, yes—it will be mine.


Nerissa Pacio Itchon
You never know what sort of scent you'll encounter in a hotel room, at grandma's house, or any other place you may find yourself landing as a guest over the holidays. That's why I never travel without at least a couple of fragrant travel candles to create that perfect spa-environment—even when I'm on the road. Tocca's Candele de Viaggio Travel Set, exclusively at Sephora, features four deliciously scented candles that ooze relaxation and aren't the least bit cloying. Tiny enough to slip into your carry-on, each candle burns for up to 12 hours. I'd be happy to get this chic-meets-practical present any time of year!

Andy Bosselman
Pangea Organics’ natural bar soaps come in guy-friendly scents—but after opening presents, it’s the eco-cool packaging that I’d show off. Pangea had the industrial design firm IDEO come up with one of the most innovative boxes I’ve ever seen. They come in packages made of a material like egg cartons: it’s 100% compostable and has a little hole so that you can see and smell the soap before buying it. If I had to choose just one scent, I’d go with Canadian Pine with White Sage. There are matching shower gels, too!


 
Mari Tzikas
Here’s the truth: What I really want is the MAKE UP FOR EVER Rock For Ever Dany's Essentials set. Who wouldn’t? Dany Sanz is a genius, and therefore, so is this set—starting with the beyond-luxe traincase studded with gold and silver grommets. Inside it lies 29 high-artistry products, including fancy lashes, bestselling HD formulas, and intense pigments for eyes, lips, and cheeks. It must be mine!

Amy Gurvitz
To some, getting a Silk’n SensEpil for the holidays is as glamorous as being the recipient of a vacuum cleaner on your anniversary, but not me. Delivering results as effective as in-office laser hair removal on arms, legs, underarms and bikini line, this device is the gift that keeps on giving—giving its owner days and weeks without the worry of shaving or waxing, that is.

#NEWAMERICANBEAUTY Twitter Giveaway

Sephora Twitter Sweepstakes

Official Rules

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). 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.

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: Sweepstakes Period will begin at 10 a.m. PT and will end on 3:00 p.m. PT on November 29, 2011.

6. Selection of Winners: The winners 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 immediately following the end of 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.) 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:

Prize	Prize Value
2 Tickets to Kat Von D’s New American Beauty Show in Miami, FL	$100

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 $1000.00. 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 December 15, 2011, 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.

Editors' Picks: Holiday Sephora Favorites Kits

Like a little kid on Christmas, when I received some of the newest Sephora Favorites Kits on my desk, I ripped off the (clear plastic) wrapping and tore into the box. Then I felt like a kid in a candy store.

They were better than I imagined.

The imagery on the boxes may be enough to make you drool, but they do not do justice to the amazing products inside. To give you glimpse, I snapped these shots to share. But the best way to behold these one-of-a-kind collections is to get your own. Here are my top three to help you choose which to get--and give. ("Amazing gift alert," everyone.)

LashStash Mascara Deluxe Sampler ($140 Value), $40
This set of 10 mascaras (plus a sleek-spring-y Tarte eyelash curler) includes my personal favorites, Buxom Lash mascara, and Benefit BadGal. But it also features all the formulas I've been dying to try from MAKE UP FOR EVER, Josie Maran, Blic, Laura Mercier, SEPHORA COLLECTION, Hourglass, Too Faced (full-size!), and Tarte. Your winks will be absolutely spoiled.











Give Me Some Lip ($134 Value), $40
This fully stocked library of lip glosses will make any makeup fan giddy. Featuring different the silkiest of formulas and vivid, versatile shades, this collection includes favorites from LORAC, Smashbox, Buxom (full size!), SEPHORA COLLECTION, Too Faced, Tarte, and Cover FX. I have my eyes on the Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in "Tease" (a sultry wine color) and the Cover FX Mint Glaze Moisturizing Lip Treatment.










Glitz & Glam Shimmer and Shine Makeup Deluxe Sampler ($121 Value), $39
There's no better time than now to stock up on party makeup--and this box is the holy grail of holiday glamour. The sparkliest glosses, the most shimmering shades, the prettiest powders. Containing a LORAC Multiplex gloss, Josie Maran Bronzing Argan Oil,  NARS Orgasm Illuminator, and eight other dazzlers in too-cute-for-words mini sizes, it might just make you squeal with excitement.

We've Hit One Million Sephora Facebook Fans

Thank you for being a friend! Because of your support, our Facebook fan page has surged to one million members. To celebrate, we’re showing our appreciation by paying it forward. We'll be donating 10% of online purchases made by Facebook fans through this link http://bit.ly/sephoramillion to a charity. (Now through 11/30.) Vote for your favorite charity on our poll http://on.fb.me.../charityvote and we’ll donate a percentage based on total amount of votes to each charity via Facebook causes.

As an EXTRA thank you, we’re giving you a FREE deluxe sample with your order. Choose from one of these:

Boscia Luminizing Black Mask: Enter code MILLIONBOSCIA
Bliss Lemon + Sage Body Butter: Enter code MILLIONBLISS
Buxom Lip Stick in Shanghai: Enter code MILLIONBUXOM

Here's to many more!

Sephora's Week of Thanks-Giveaways: Laura Mercier

To celebrate the love and warmth that comes along with Thanksgiving, we're giving away a little love and warmth in the form of free goodies.

Did you know that world-renowned makeup artist Laura Mercier started her career as a painter? She eventually became more interested in art as it related to the ability to transform the face, and created her own line of cosmetics with the purpose of bringing out the natural beauty in all women, no matter what their age or skin type.

Mercier says, “My philosophy is, and always will be, to accentuate every woman’s individual beauty, and realize that imperfections are what make us all unique and extraordinary.”

As we wind up our week of Thanks-giveaways, we wanted to take a moment to remind everyone that, during a week when you make the time to express the many blessings in life for which you’re grateful, don’t forget to take a moment to be give thanks for the quirks, imperfections, and unique characteristics that make you... YOU.

Celebrating the spirit of individuality, Laura Mercier sent us a set of products for our Thanks-giveaway that will enhance your natural beauty.

Three lucky winners will receive:

Bonne Mine Healthy Glow For Face & Cheeks Crème Colour Palette, a universal face and cheek compact that “wakes up” your skin and gives it a healthy glow.

Full Blown Volume Lash Building Mascara that leaves lashes super-shiny, soft, and clump-free all day long.

Almond Coconut Milk Scrub for fresh, supple, and moisturized skin.

Shimmer Bloc in Pink Mosiac, which blends together to give your skin a healthy, youthful, all-over glow.

For a chance to win this fabulous set of Laura Mercier products, tell us: Inside or out, what makes you beautifully unique?

Post your comment by 9 AM EST on Thursday, November 25, 2010, to be eligible. Be sure to leave your name and e-mail address in the post so we can get in touch if you are selected to win.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Kate Somerville’s Top Skincare Beauty Tips

As one of Hollywood’s most sought-after skincare gurus, Kate Somerville knows the importance of taking extra special care of your skin during the busy holiday season. Celebs and VIPs from all over the world visit her LA-based spa and clinic looking for the best treatment for their skin, especially on award show nights and before big A-list parties. Here, she’s given us her top five tips for keeping your skin healthy and clear during your busy holiday party season.

1. “Holiday skin needs a quick polish to prep for the party season. For those of us in harsh winter climates, we develop what is called surface dryness. The only way to treat it is with exfoliation. Look for a product that contains both physical and chemical exfoliators, but avoid natural physical exfoliants like pits or seeds, as they are rough and can damage the skin. Look for a formula that contains smooth beads. For the chemical component, look for fruit enzymes like pineapple and papaya. ExfoliKate is the next best thing to an appointment at the clinic.” 

2. “Exfoliation is just as important below the neck, especially when baring a little skin in your new party dress. A larger physical bead can help to exfoliate the dryer areas on elbows and knees.”

3. “The next step for party prepping: apply a self-tanner! It’s a quick, safe, and easy way to give your skin an overall glow. Somerville360° Tanning Towelettes hydrate your skin, match any skin tone, and truly are foolproof to apply.”

4. “If a pimple appears the day of your event, don’t pick it! Simply apply ice it to reduce inflammation and follow with EradiKate to flatten the pimple in a pinch.”

5. “Avoid trying a new procedure or treatment or begin using a new product right before the big occasion. You don’t know how your skin will react, so play it safe.”

Play Beauty Envy on Facebook: Keep, Swap, Steal & Win!

‘Tis the season for White Elephant parties, a festive and oftentimes hilarious gathering where friends and co-workers give, swap, and steal tacky gifts that no one really wants but still bring a smile to everyone’s face.

And while we love a good (and by “good,” we mean “kitschy”) White Elephant party, we couldn’t help but think: What if we threw a similar party, but with beauty gifts you’d actually find on everyone’s wish list?

Announcing: Beauty Envy, Sephora’s new Facebook game! Keep, swap and steal virtual gifts, and best of all: enter to win your current Beauty Envy gift in our daily drawing. That’s right, if you’re picked as a winner, you’ll get to keep the gift you unwrapped or stole from a friend!

Here’s how it works:

1. UNWRAP: “Open” one of over a hundred virtual gifts. 

2. KEEP: Love it? You can keep it, but you’d better hope your friends don’t love it also. If they do, they can steal it! 

3. SWAP: Don’t love the gift you unwrapped? You can unwrap a new gift once a day. 

4. STEAL: Got Beauty Envy? Steal gifts from your friends. 

5. WIN: After playing, enter to win one of 30 real Beauty Envy gifts from Sephora in our daily drawing. 

6. ENJOY: As a thank you for playing, get a FREE limited-edition tokidoki tote with any Sephora.com purchase.


Visit our Facebook page to play Beauty Envy! 

But before you play, tell us: What’s the best (or worst) White Elephant gift you’ve ever given or received?

Sephora's Week Of Thanks-Giveaways: SEPHORA COLLECTION

To celebrate the love and warmth that comes along with Thanksgiving, we're giving away a little love and warmth in the form of free goodies.

Celebrating its 5^th anniversary this year, the SEPHORA COLLECTION Blockbuster Palette has fast become one of our favorite holiday traditions. With 187 products that fold into a signature Sephora shopping bag palette, this year’s edition is bigger and better than ever. And it can be yours—for free.

Since tomorrow is one of the biggest getaway days of the year, we want to hear your best travel-related beauty tip. Do you have a secret to packing products in your Ziploc bag? Switch to powder foundation and sunscreen while on the road? Suck it up and get by with whatever toiletries your hotel offers so you don’t have to take up valuable suitcase space?

Post your comment by 9 AM EST on Wednesday, November 24, to be eligible. The Blockbuster Palette, now available at Sephora and Sephora inside JCPenney, will go to the person who comes up with our favorite tip. Make sure to leave your name and e-mail address in the post so we can get in touch if you are selected to win.

Give Hope for the Holidays: As Seen on Oprah's Ultimate Favorite Things 2010

Give Hope—and one of TV’s most beloved talk show queen’s “favorite things"—for the holidays.

Philosophy created a commemorative, limited-edition version of their best-selling moisturizer, Hope in a Jar, just in time for gift-giving season. It comes in a dazzling box covered in sparkling red glitter and features a picture of Oprah as a little girl in Mississippi. Philosophy says, "Here's to 25 seasons of hope, joy, and love. The Oprah Winfrey Show will always be one of our favorite things." We couldn't agree more.

Limited-Time Beauty Bonus: Buy Philosophy's Limited-Edition Hope in a Jar and get FREE standard shipping. Enter promo code FAVE at checkout.

What are you hoping for this holiday season?

Holy Moley!

The key to your aging process might be right on the front of you. The international press has been reporting on a study that links moles to a longer life expectancy. Yes! You read that correctly. According to scientists at the King’s College in London, people with more than moles tend to have stronger bones and muscles than those with fewer beauty marks. Researchers hypothesize that people with an overabundance of the spots may also have white blood cells with some special DNA-carrying chromosomes. And that is beneficial, why, Jenna? Well, apparently having spare DNA can amp up bone and muscle fiber production, which can prevent against osteoporosis and other age-related degenerative diseases. And get, this: If you’ve got more moles, you’re also less likely to have wrinkles, say researchers. That’s thanks to the pigmentation of the beauty marks, which can combat the effects of the sun. Who knew having moles could actually be beneficial?

PS Just because this is good news, you should still get regular mole checks, because irregular ones are still bad news. –Jenna Mahoney

How To: Get Glam with LORAC’s Box Office Sensation

Carol Shaw, makeup artist to the stars and creator of LORAC, shares her tips and tricks for using her newest item (and one of the amazing items from our Thanks Giveaways), the Box Office Sensation. With 49 different makeup products in a beautiful faux-croc train case, the possibilities are endless. Here, she shares her top four looks using this glamorous kit.

Sparkle & Shine
EYES
Using the top left eyeshadow shelf, start by applying the lightest shade to highlight from lash line to brow bone. Use the bronze shadow all over your eyelid and softly blend in the crease. Then, apply the dark brown shade in the crease and outer corner, and then softly smudge along both the top and bottom lash line. For more drama, line and define bottom lashes with the black shadow.
CHEEKS
Give your cheeks a warm glow using the bronze blush.
LIPS
Use the light pink lip shade for punch of color.

Retro Meets Modern

EYES
Using the top right eyeshadow shelf, start by applying the lightest shade to highlight from lash line to brow bone. Use the yellow-gold shadow all over your eyelid. Then, apply one of the dark green shades in the crease and outer corner, smudging along top and bottom lash line. Lastly, blend the mango-colored shadow on the brow bone.
CHEEKS
Apply the peach blush to the apples of your cheeks for a healthy pop of color.
LIPS
Use the peach lip color for soft, beautiful lips.

Old Hollywood
EYES
Using the bottom left eyeshadow shelf, start by using the lightest shade to highlight from lash line to brow bone. Smudge the black shadow along the upper lash line starting at the inside of the eye and gradually thickening towards the outer corner while winging up and out for a cat eye effect.
CHEEKS
Get a soft flush of color using the pink blush.
LIPS
Dab on the red lip color using your fingertip for a natural-looking just-kissed look.

Plum Wonder
EYES
Using the bottom right eyeshadow shelf, start by using the lightest shade to highlight from lash line to brow bone. Apply the light lavender all over your eyelid and softly blend in the crease. Apply the dark purple shade in the crease and outer corner, smudging along the top and bottom lash line. For added drama, smudge the black eye shadow along the top and bottom lash line.
CHEEKS
Apply the dusty rose-colored blush on the apples of your cheeks for subtle elegance.
LIPS
Use one of the neutral lip shades for subtly beautiful color.

Artist Profile: Keren Richter

Keren Richter is a Brooklyn-based artist whose fashion-influenced imagery has a smart, cool-kid vibe. From retro-pretty patterned backdrops used in magazine spreads to her psychedelically stylish drawings printed on girls' sneakers and iPhone cases, all kinds of things have been graced with her girl-friendly style.



And now Richter's first project for Sephora is available: her illustration is on the cover of a limited-edition makeup palette (above), which features 18 of our highly pigmented Mono Eyeshadow shades. On her blog, she referenced the metallic ink used on the cover. "Maybe you can’t tell in the photo, but the illustration is shiny silver ink on a black gloss case. In real life it’s very SPARKLY!"


Working toward the palette's nightlife-inspired theme, Richter recalled the women whose fashion she loves. "So often I’m drawing girls I wish I was, or who I admire, or whose outfits I really like. Sometimes I insert my friends into my art and only we know that they’re in there," she said in an interview with Style.com.



We love the cool-girl looks Richter creates, so here we're showing off a few pieces of her work, including (from top to bottom), a short film showcasing her process, and a studio shot featuring a series of panels that were a part of her 2007 solo show at The Cakeshop in New York. Then there's one of her signature sneakers for Vans. Next is this blue painting: "It's for a magazine I am putting out called Space is the Place," she said. The last image is one of her iPhone cases.


While we were talking to Keren, we had to ask: What's in your own makeup bag?

"I love Chanel's Chance perfume. Lancôme's Définicils mascara is great, too," she told us. "Almost everything else I own is NARS. Lately I've been into dark, sorta gothy lipstick, so I've been wearing NARS Fire Down Below."

If you know someone who might be interested in the palette with Keren's illustration, now is the time to get your hands on it: made for this year's holiday season, it was created as a limited edition run: Sephora Collection: Colorful Artist Palette - 'Till Dawn Edition, $34 ($51 Value).

A Gifting Strategy That's 100% Guaranteed

Of my many talents, one is that I am amazingly gifted at gifting. How do I do it? It's a secret trick I adapted straight from the Financial Times: hedging.

It may be neurotic, but it works every time: Presents from me come in at least two parts: one part conservative and one part risky. Sephora makes it very easy with its sets. My sure bet this year is SEPHORA by OPI's Eighteen Piece Mini Nail Colour Set, which features a to-die-for assortment of classic reds and of-the-moment metallics.

Another genius gift with a built-in hedge is Sephora's Deluxe Fragrance Samplers: It's a diversified collection of 12 scents and a voucher to redeem a full-size bottle of your favorite scent. It's the perfect combination of a gift card's choice and a thoughtful present you can wrap up and put a bow on.

When I am feeling particularly adventurous, I pick my own bets. I start with something already in her rotation (that's the conservative return). For example, my sister loves DiorShow Mascara. Then, I'll add something new that will get her heart racing (the risky bet). I am eying the limited-edition Dior's Miniaudiere Palette in our gifts category.

Everyone has different levels of risk-aversion. When holiday shopping, risk is measured by specificity. Can you confidently pinpoint her style and lifestyle? If you haven't seen her for an entire year, if she's broken up with her boyfriend, if she's recently back from living abroad, she might be hard to read. Guess wrong, and you totally lose your cool credibility or be considered grossly out of touch. Whatever you do, be brave. A risky component can elevate a generic gift to a memorable one. If you're still not sure, minimize the uncertainty to a stocking stuffer. If you know her well, I'd do a 80 new to 20 tried-and-true ratio. It's my secret algorithm that will let you shop like a champ.

An Antiaging Discovery in Skincare

Meet HSP70, an age-defying protein that plays a dual role by protecting and repairing skin from premature signs of aging. Where can you find HSP70, you might ask? In Givenchy's new serum, Vax'in For Youth. This silky formula strengthens and repairs the skin's defense mechanisms, which slows down wrinkle formation, leaving a complexion luminous and boosting the efficiency of your other skincare products.

Givenchy conducted a study with biogerontologist and world renowned researcher, Professor Suresh Rattan, where results concluded six hours after applying Vax'in, the production of HSP70 increased by 24%, which is proportionate to the skin cells' daily needs. Pretty impressive!

For a limited time (while supplies last), Givenchy is offering a FREE cosmetic pouch when you buy Givenchy Vax'in For Youth. Just enter the promo code VAXIN at checkout or click here.

Sephora's Week of Thanks-Giveaways: Tarte

To celebrate the love and warmth that comes along with Thanksgiving, we're giving away a little love and warmth in the form of free goodies.

When I saw this glamorous golden compact filled with 47 gorgeous makeup shades, it got me thinking of my first "big girl" jewelry box. I might be dating myself here, but I clearly recall there was a delicate ballerina that would twirl to music once I wound it up. I also remember placing my 14K gold bracelets and charm necklaces into the little compartments, sometimes mixing in a few pieces of colorful costume jewelry. Whatever was placed in that box, at the time, had a very special place in my heart.

Celebrating the holiday spirit, Tarte sent us three of their limited edition The Jewelry Box compacts for you, our loyal and supportive readers. Share with us your special jewelry box moment and why you would be thankful if you won, and we'll pick our three favorites. Post your comment by 9 AM EST on Wednesday, November 24, to be eligible. Make sure to leave your name and e-mail address in the post so we can get in touch if you are selected to win.

Ingredient Spotlight: Peppermint

Have you ever thought about peppermint at any time other than the holidays? Well, you should. The hybrid plant—a mix of water mint and spearmint—has an uplifting aroma that stimulates your senses. In addition to giving your nose a little wake-up call, peppermint is used in a lot of beauty formulas to stimulate your skin. Sometimes, even hair formulas contain peppermint because it creates a cooling and calming sensation for the scalp while leaving your hair minty fresh.

There are a number of Bliss products that contain peppermint oil, ranging from foot formulas to exfoliating scrubs to their minty soap bar. They often rely on the menthol in peppermint oil as a stimulant in their products, as it works to increase circulation, invigorate the senses, refresh your skin, and produce a pleasant cooling sensation. Boscia also discovered the benefits of peppermint and added it to their holiday repertoire. They took their all-natural blotting linens and infused them with the essence of peppermint to add energy to their beloved makeup removers. The result: Peppermint Blotting Linens.

So give your senses a little peppermint pick-me-up when you’re feeling low on energy and feel instantly awakened. Next time you see those red-and-white peppermint rounds, you may think twice about the powerful aroma they carry and how stimulating they truly are for your senses.

Hourglass's Gina Brooke Shares Tips

Recently at Sephora 34th Street, Hourglass Artistic Director Gina Brooke came to talk to some of our beauty experts. While demonstrating her considerable skill and sharing different techniques and tips, Gina provided diverting personal stories, from the difficulties in getting started as a makeup artist (when moving from NY to LA, the movers lost all of her portfolio photos!) to her experiences working with the iconic Material Girl. We snagged a few minutes with Gina to ask her some questions to share with you!

What product should every woman have in her makeup bag?
Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Crème Lipstick is every woman’s answer to the perfect lipstick. This lipstick gives you full coverage without making you feel like you have something sitting on your lips the entire day. The pigment is gorgeous, the texture is beautiful, and the colors are a wide range from pale pink to orange to reds and to berries.

How should we be adjusting our makeup for the cold winter months?
Going into winter, it’s really important to take care of our skin because it's is more susceptible to our environment, especially when the weather is changing. The foundation to beautiful makeup begins with the skin, and I highly recommend using a primer. I use Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15 to make makeup last through any weather. And I love this primer because it’s reliable. It doesn’t matter if someone has rosacea—it’s going to draw the redness out. It doesn’t matter if someone has dry skin—it’s going to hydrate the skin. And if someone has oily skin, it’s going to keep the moisture in. It’s beautiful and gives flawless coverage.

The next step is foundation. What I recommend is Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 15. It’s not your average moisturizer or foundation. It’s actually a really beautiful coverage that makes your skin look luminous and glowing. This is especially important during the winter months because our skin tends to get drier, and when our skin gets drier, it really emphasizes fine line and wrinkles. We have to have hydrated skin. This foundation's name is Illusion, and it does give that illusion of glowing skin during a very dry time of the year.

Plus, check out the video below, where Gina stresses the importance of expressing individuality through makeup.