Blog Tag: My Favorite 2010 Sephora Launches

Some of my favorite launches from 2010
are behind-the-scenes players that not
might be as glamorous as my beloved
YSL mascara or NARS lipstick, but
are just as important in helping me
put my best face forward.

Philosophy Miracle Worker

If I had to pick my single favorite launch of 2010, this would be it. I’ve tried for years to even out my sun-damaged skin, and with this three-step regimen I’ve seen a huge improvement in discoloration, texture and radiance. A miracle worker, indeed.

Bliss Poetic Waxing At-Home Hair Removal Kit

Simply put, peach fuzz drives me crazy. This set costs less than a single visit to a salon, and allows you to wax ‘til your heart’s content in comfort of your home. (I stick to my face and leave the rest to the pros. Kudos to you brave self-bikini-waxers out there.) The pre- and post-wax oil makes the process virtually painless, and leaves you with soothed, Bliss-Spa-scented skin—and not a hair in sight.

Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo & Conditioner – Luxury Size

I’ve been hooked on this shampoo and conditioner since I started working here—they’re the first I’ve found that really live up to the “won’t-weigh-your-hair-down and you-can-go-longer-between-washes” claims. My only wish was that they came in a larger size. Living Proof has answered my prayers with these 24-oz. jumbos.

Smashbox Lash Revival Treatment & Conditioner

Like Bo, I was blessed with fine, short lashes (with blonde tips that make them look even shorter), so I need major help in the fringe department. While my lashes won’t yet be mistaken for falsies, I’ve seen improvement in length and fullness after just a few weeks—and look forward to the results I get when I start remembering to put it on every night (one of my New Year’s resolutions).

That's it from us for the year. Wishing you all a happy, healthy 2011!

Blog Tag: My Favorite 2010 Sephora Launches

I can't believe the last day of the year is here already—where did the time go? Out of all the new product launches at Sephora from 2010 it wasn't easy to pick just a few of my favorites. After a careful look at my beauty routine, I narrowed it down to these gold-star picks. Hope you like them as much as I do.

Lately my skin has been acting out. The tone is dull, random pimples pop up (everywhere from my chin to my back), dry patches in certain spots and how can I forget about those unwanted fine lines! My saving grace has been the Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel from Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare. Every night after I wash off my makeup, I sweep the pre-soaked two-step pads over my face, neck and back and noticed fewer breakouts and a brighter glow.

On the set of the Spring 2010 catalog photoshoot, makeup artist Christopher Ardoff and I fell hard for the Illume Creme-To-Powder Bronzer Duo from Hourglass. He loved the lightweight creamy textures and natural finish and I loved the easy fingertip application and two-in-one packaging with a 360 degree swivel mirror. I use this every day after I apply my tinted moisturizer. I contour with the bronzer and then add a pop of color to the apples of my cheeks with the blush. I promise this is a makeup bag must-have!

My hair is long (which I like) and pin-straight (which I don't always like) and gets oily at my scalp pretty fast, so in the spring I got a "digi" perm to add some wave and texture. Since my hair didn't take to the perm the first time, I did it again a few weeks later, which finally gave me some waves. To treat my two-time permed strands I coated it daily with Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum. It instantly added shine thanks to the Vitamin E, antioxidants and Argan Oil packed in the formula.

Once my perm grew out I discovered The Bombshell by Sultra. Perfect timing! It's super easy to use and comes with a hot pink glove so you don't burn your fingers while wrapping sections around the barrel. The Japanese Kyocera Ceramic technology it's made with is gentle and doesn't burn or damage hair.

If I ever try to get away with second day hair I must use Oscar Blandi Pronto Invisible Volumizing Dry Shampoo Spray. It takes away any excess oil and adds volume all while cleansing without water. The biggest beauty time saver in 2010.

Happy New Year and tag Amy, you're it!

Blog Tag: My Favorite 2010 Sephora Launches

I’m a creature of habit, so although I love sampling and testing new products, it’s not often when something can seduce me away from my tried-and-true staples. My favorite launches from 2010 are the formulas that have freshened up my beauty routine, giving me a bright boost into the new year.

Boscia Luminizing Black Mask

I admit, part of the reason why I like this product is my delight in peeling off the glossy jet-black mask. But why I love it is the smooth radiant skin that's revealed underneath. Made from mineral-rich clay that includes potent ingredients, like maritime pine bark extract and witch hazel, this mask purifies pores and exfoliates skin, leaving a healthy-looking glow.

Peter Thomas Roth Lashes to Die For Platinum

I have no idea where my adorable five-year-old nephew got his long fluttery lashes, but his not-as-lucky aunt is thankful for the Platinum version of Peter Thomas Roth's widely popular lash formula. I keep this tube next to my toothbrush to remind me to apply it every night before bed.

Per-fékt Cheek Perfection Gel

I’m all about multitasking makeup, so when Per-fékt Beauty founder Richard Anderson gave us a personal introduction to his new product, I was instantly smitten. With only a little dab, the silky formula beautifully highlights and enhances my cheek while giving it a natural subtle flush.

Cheers to 2011! And Nicole ... TAG!

Beauty in the News: 911 What's Your Emergency?

My nails! Come Quick!
That’s what a woman in Florida said—four times.
If I were to use my fingers to count the amount of times I’ve been victim to a bad manicure, I’d need extra hands. Infractions against my polished perfection have included poor painting, inconsistent shaping and even the contraction of an infection (aside: heed the warnings against getting your cuticles cut). And although I’ve wanted to call out these crimes, I generally stick to never going back instead of actually phoning the police. But in Florida the other day, one woman got the cops to show up at the salon after she dialed 911 complaining that the length of her nails were not to her liking. There was an alercation about the payment and apparently the technician was injured in a scuffle, but in the end it was the patron who got burned—she was arrested for using 911 in a non-emergency situation. –Jenna Mahoney

Get a Second Chance to Win

Did you miss the opportunity to win the Sephora Silver Ticket Sweepstakes? Here’s your chance to try again. If the winners of the original Silver Ticket Sweepstakes don’t respond in time, we’re giving you the opportunity to enter again by simply submitting your information online. It’s free, easy to enter, and open to everyone. (Note: you can only win once.)

Here’s a reminder of the fantastic prizes that you could win:

One Grand Prize winner will receive:
·     $1,000 Sephora shopping spree
·     One-year supply of SEPHORA COLLECTION products
·     $1,000 donation to the Arbor Day Foundation in the winner’s name to honor the wood gift tradition

Five Second-Place winners will receive a one-year supply of SEPHORA COLLECTION products.

Enter now—2nd-chance winners will be randomly chosen in February.

Sephora Hot Now Week Twitter Giveaway

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Blog Tag: My Favorite 2010 Sephora Launches

Working at Sephora with access to a ton of product is one of the reasons I love coming to work. With so many things to test and so little time, separating the crème de la crème was not an easy task. I decided to go back to the basics with three industry breakthroughs that raised the beauty bar, changing my standards, and best of all letting me roll out of bed with less makeup, and more confidence.


Radiant Skin
2010 was a year full of compliments on my skin, thanks largely to Clinique's Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector. While it did nothing to dispel pregnancy rumors among my aunts, it gave me remarkable results. Three months of this velvety treatment, and the spots did indeed come off, and I noticed my face overall was softer and smoother.







Wide-awake Eyes
Beauty sleep got better this year because of Ole Henriksen's Truth is in the Eyes, a highly effective treatment that brightens dark undereye circles while you sleep. It's hard to be a morning crank when you truly look bright-eyed and bushy-tailed upon waking. It also got me more compliments than my modesty could handle. I highly recommend it, especially if (like me) you've been in an epic struggle with dark circles.





Shiny (and Almost Effortless) Hair
When the workaholic husband notices, it must mean I look drastically different. That was the case with Phyto's Phytodensium Mask, which I fondly think of as my blowout in a jar. Not only does my hair look clean and glossy (i.e. not the usual stringy frizz), all it takes is a zippy five minutes in the shower for soft, bouncy layers.



That's the last you'll hear from me in 2010. Here's to a beautiful 2011!

The lovely Ms. Bo Young, you're up next!

Tie-Dyed Beauty

I recently visited the amazing de Young Museum here in San Francisco. They have had an exhibit up since the summer called To Die For: A World Saturated in Color. It features numerous textiles from different cultures and tons of colors and textures, including some tie-dyed pieces. What’s this have to do with makeup, you’re asking? It brought to mind the newest collection of LORAC lip glosses, the Tie Dye For Lip Gloss.

The limited edition set of five lip glosses includes a range of flattering shades with cute names like Flaming Mix (red), Shocking Twist (fuchsia), Social Mixer (pale pink), Berry Blender (purple), and In the Mix (nude). The tie-dye swirl gives each gloss one-of-a-kind color and the rich formulas are packed with acai berry and pomegranate to feed lips with healthy antioxidants. They moisten, nourish, and color your lips differently with each application. I had long been under the impression that tie-dye had died out in fashion, but it’s still alive and well in the beauty world.

What's Your Beauty Secret?

This may be one for the record books: The other day while visions of sugar plums danced in my head along with the looming list of holiday errands that were nowhere being completed, I found myself in front of my bathroom mirror armed with a pair of tweezers. Well, you say, doesn’t seem too dramatic, after all, who doesn’t want to spruce up the brows before the Christmas family bash? Except I wasn’t brushing up eye-area, instead I was plucking all the grays from my head. Shh…but it’s true. I brushed my hair and noticed a bunch of wiry strands, so I did what any anti-aging obsessed girl would do—I got rid of the evidence. Now, it’s your turn, what’s your beauty secret—you, know, the thing you’d never admit to? Swak –Jenna Mahoney

Kate Somerville New Year’s Giveaway

We’re just days away from ringing in the New Year, and to celebrate, we’ve teamed up with Kate Somerville for a skin-renewing giveaway.

Five Celebrate ExfoliKate kits are up for grabs. The new, limited-edition sets come with the large sizes of both ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment and Body Intensive Exfoliating Treatment. These bestselling products work to reduce acne, blackheads, and discoloration all over. Your body and face will be celebrating clean skin and a clear complexion all year long.

To enter, leave a comment telling us about your New Year’s resolution. Don’t forget to leave your name and email address so we can contact you if you’re a winner. Winners will be chosen next week. Happy New Year!

Blog Tag: My Favorite 2010 Launches

When it comes to my everyday makeup, I only have one rule: Everything (from creams to colors) has to go on flawlessly in seven minutes or less. I believe in putting my best face forward, but also realize that no one's going to care if I'm wearing lipstick, if I'm constantly showing up late.

These are the top finds of 2010 that brightened up my morning routine as well as my face, while also ensuring I never missed my bus. Okay, fine, *almost* never.

Benefit Cosmetics Girl Meets Pearl
I have a hard time waking up in the morning, but this highlighter is all my face needs to fake a healthy “awake” look. It goes on super smooth and gives my skin a fresh, glowing appearance. I pair it with a tinted moisturizer and skip the foundation.








Josie Maran Argan Color Stick

I love a healthy glow and this sheer color stick gives me just that. It’s creamy and easy to blend and I love the natural flush Petal Pink gives my cheeks. it can also be used lip color, so it’s the perfect product to keep in your purse for a quick touch-up.






Smashbox In Bloom Eye Shadow Palette & Brush

Pretty shimmers and soft mattes… It’s all so girly and fresh, I can barely handle it! The best part? The 10 shades are arranged in vertical duos, so I can easily achieve a gorgeous look even before I’ve had my morning coffee.




Hourglass Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss

While I’ve always loved the idea of lip gloss, I tend to swipe it on only to find that it’s almost completely disappeared less than 15 minutes later. That is never the case with this sheer, ultra-hydrating gloss. It lasts much longer than any gloss I’ve ever used, and it’s not sticky, so my hair doesn’t cling to my lips on those windy San Francisco days when I'm *forced* to run to catch the bus. Plus, the flat packaging allows you to easily slip it in your pocket or clutch for those times you don’t feel like schlepping around your heavy, oversized handbag.

Okay Cheryl: TAG! You're up next...

Blizzard Beauty: A Snowed-in Sale

The weather may be frightful, but we'll keep you happily hibernating with our sephora.com sale—going on right now. Without leaving your house, get an extra 20% off already marked down beauty from the likes of Stila, KORRES, Urban Decay, and more. With the additional sale on sale, we're feeling especially giddy over the assortment of palettes and value sets. We spied a few dramatic deals including Stila's Fabulous in Fiji Travel Palette, originally $65, now $8(!). Wouldn't you agree tropical breezy is much better than trudging through the snow?

For these amazing savings, enter promo code EXTRA at checkout. The sale ends January 1st.

Blog Tag: My Favorite 2010 Sephora Launches

It’s difficult to pick just a few of your favorite releases when there’s a new one every week, so I decided to keep it simple and highlight by absolute must-haves. I’ll be taking all of these with me into the New Year and beyond:

Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Stick
I didn’t realize what a multitasker the Buxom Lip Stick was until I started wearing it more and more. It defines lips like a liner, fills them in with color, and plumps them up with a stimulating formula. I’m currently obsessing over the mauve-rose Amsterdam.

Buxom Stay-There Eye Shadow
The vibrant, creamy formulas are really bouncy in texture and go on smooth for a shimmering, velvety finish. They’re named after puppy-dog breeds, which I adore. I prefer the bronze-taupe Mutt shade, in honor of my furry friend, Lulu.

SUPER Supermodel Legs
I’m in love with every SUPER product. A beauty line comprised of one of my favorite things: food. Well, they’re made of superfoods, actually. This one is my all-time favorite: It contains chili peppers, which give your legs a little boost of color and a kick of spice for your senses. It’s not a self-tanner, but it does leave a radiant, shimmering finish, while increasing circulation, moisturizing, and smoothing your skin.

Living Proof Full Root Lifting Spray
I’ve been using this lifting spray every single day since I got it. It gives my hair just enough volume without too much poof and it smells like delicious, fresh fruit. Just a few pumps on my roots, a quick blow dry, and a little pomade is all I need for great hair that lasts all day.

Tag, Daisy — You're next!

Blog Tag: My Favorite 2010 Sephora Launches

Our editors' year-end hit list is back! From now until the end of the year, we'll each be divulging our absolute favorite products to hit Sephora's shelves (and our vanities) in 2010. Here are my most-defining finds of the year. The common denominator? They all made getting "made-up" a lot more effortless.






Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
The first time I used this product back in the June, I really put it to the test. Six months later, I'm still spraying it on for the days I need the extra staying power. It's refreshing and effective, and I'm so glad it's in my arsenal.









Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner
Two words: like butter. These liners roll across my lash line with little effort, leaving a rich, precise swipe of beyond-beautiful color. My favorite shade? Blue Ribbon.

Tarte LipSurgence™ Natural Matte Lip Stain
These crayon-like lip colors impart the most-natural looking flush on your lips--it's as if the pigment just melts in. I've used mine in the shade "Envy" the most out of all my lip colors this year. Bonus: the peppermint flavor is exceptionally delicious.

Laura Mercier Bonne Mine - Healthy Glow For Face & Cheeks Crème Colour Palette
This was my summer go-to this year--and although we're in the thick of winter, I still whip it out for a creamy pop of radiance. Adding warmth and glow is ridiculously easy with this palette in hand.

SUPER Super Lush Lips with Coconut Oil
This balm is a pot of gold! I adore all things coconut, so I was bound to love this product from the start--but it was the silky texture and amazing hydrating results truly got me addicted.







Tag, Sydney--you're it!

The Perfect Presents Are Just a Click Away

I don’t know about you, but every year before the holidays, I promise myself that this year, things are going to be different. I’m going to make a list. I’m going to stick to a budget. I’m going to have everything purchased, beautifully wrapped, and under the tree before I even hear that first holiday song on the radio.

And then, next thing I know, it’s December 24th and the only thing I’ve managed to do for the past month is eat every single Christmas cookie in sight, which means I’m up until 3 a.m. surrounded by piles of wrapping paper, tangled in yards of ribbon, with double-stick tape stuck to every surface in my apartment. Oh. And Santa’s plate of cookies? Devoured hours ago.

Thank goodness for eggnog.

I’m sure none of that has EVER happened to you, but just in case you still have one or two (or six or seven) people left on your list, I’m here to tell you not to stress. There’s still plenty of time to wish your friends and family a happy holiday with a gorgeous gift from Sephora. Even better: we’ve made it so easy, you can do all of your last-minute gift-giving from the comfort of your home (eggnog in hand).

Instant Gifts on Facebook are a quick, easy and super fun way to give a Sephora gift. Send your friends a flirty product or gift card, and it shows up instantly on their Wall. Gifts are redeemable online or in stores. And if your friend isn’t on Facebook, you can send an Instant Gift via email.

There’s something for every personality. Give the rebel of your group Benefit’s A Little Bit of BADgal Lash mascara. The eternal optimist will love Philosophy’s Hope in a Jar To Go moisturizer. For the girl who always gets what she wants? Vera Wang’s Princess Rollerball. We’ll let you decide who deserves Nars Blush in Super Orgasm…

Learn more about sending an Instant Gift.

Not sure what to give? An eGift Certificate from Sephora is guaranteed to put a smile on her face. Order online for delivery to her email inbox.

No lines, no stress, no hassle, no guilt. Just sit back, click, and give the gift of Sephora.

Introducing: DiorShow 360 Mascara

Dior’s DiorShow has long been one of the bestselling and most-pursued mascaras on the market (and backstage). Makeup artists and beauty experts around the world are continuously quoted and acknowledged as fans. Keeping the lash legacy alive is the new DiorShow 360, the most innovative iteration yet.

The DiorShow 360 wand revolves in a complete circle, operated by batteries, to give you instant curve and volume—without having to move an inch. The beloved lash-enhancing formula is blacker than black and conditions lashes with each coat. Spinning to the left or right depending on which hand you prefer to use, it coats each lash while coaxing them out and up. All you have to do is hold it up to your lash line, activate the brush with a simple push of your thumb, and you’ll have Dior’s famous catwalk-ready lashes in seconds. The tool is easy to use and comes with instructions to help you get the hang of it.

Are you ready to roll?

Roundup: Our Most Stylish Fragrance Accessories

When you wear a fragrance, it’s a treat for the nose. Add on a stylish accessory, and it’s a treat for the eyes, too. That’s why we love scent sets that go beyond the blend and include flauntable extras. Here are the collections we’re dying to dress up in.

PLAYFUL
The Marc Jacobs Lola Gift Set is perfect for flirty personalities who enjoy the fruity fragrances of pear and ruby-red grapefruit. The boxed set comes loaded with a large Eau de Parfum, Body Lotion, and an absolutely adorable headband topped off with the red Lola flower.

ROMANTIC
If you prefer something a little more romantic, go for the new Kat Von D Adora Gift Set, complete with a large Eau de Parfum, refillable travel spray and funnel for easy pouring, and your very own assortment of Kat’s temporary tattoos.

SOPHISTICATED
Get a new evening clutch with Dior’s Miss Dior Cherie Set. The fragrance set includes the Eau de Parfum, Showerl Gel, and Moisturizer—all packaged inside a chic velvet clutch that could be used for makeup storage or as an evening accessory.

FEMININE
As we wrote about last week, storing your beauty items correctly is important. Get a free chic train case with the new Bvlgari Omnia Crystalline Gift Set. You’ll get the Omnia Eau de Toilette and Body Lotion, stored inside a limited-edition black case with a zippered top for easy traveling.

Last Minute Gifts Under $25

Are you a procrastinator when it comes to the sometimes daunting task of shopping for gifts? Never fear, for Sephora has once again come to your rescue. Need a last minute hostess gift for your final party of the season? Still looking for the finishing touch or cute gift topper for your best friend’s gift? We have so many amazing things under $25, so you can buy something lovely without breaking the bank. Peruse our final gift guide for a little help with finishing your shopping—maybe you’ll even end up with a little extra dough for a gift to yourself.


Wrap some ribbon through the SEPHORA COLLECTION Metallic Hairband Ball ($8) and you have yourself a great gift topper. The shining metallic elastics are great for anyone fond of ponies and it resembles a pretty ornament on top of any wrapped package.

Give the gift of luscious lips with this three-piece set of KORRES Line-Smoothing Lip Butter Glazes ($24). The set includes Jasmine (sheer pink), Pomegranate (sheer coral), and Raspberry (sheer berry). Each glaze is made of certified organic bees wax and sunflower seed wax to create a super creamy texture.

Looking for a gift for the person who already owns everything beauty? The tokidoki iPhone case ($19) case may be the perfect choice. Each of the three patterns are limited edition and all really different. Pair it with a tokidoki beauty item, or gift it on its own for a colorful techie present unlike anything else.


Tweezerman's Brow Beauty Bubble ($20) comes with a pair of mini tweezers, a mirror, and a snap-shut case for easy storing. This holiday-themed set is travel-friendly and cute enough to top a gift or to wrap up on its own. Who wouldn’t want to receive the gift of perfect brows for the holidays?


How many times have you left for a party empty handed, only to have to stop to pick up a quick hostess gift? Avoid stress and be prepared with Philosophy’s Peppermint Bark Duo ($15). The set of lip shine and their signature 3-in-1 formula smells like delicious peppermint and chocolate. Any host or hostess would love to get something so cute and decadent.