Estée Lauder’s scientists figured out how to put pure black pigments ( Carbon Black and Black Iron Oxides ) through an ultrasonic process in order to give them a deep, inky color you usually don’t find outside of falsies.

A luxurious collection of rich, intensely saturated black mascaras and sultry, smoky accents for big, bold, dramatically alluring eyes.

Now beautifully bold, dramatic eyes are just a wave of the wand away. Don’t be shy, make your eyes the center of attention with Estée Lauder’s new Blacker Than Black eye collection. This unique collection features six of Estée Lauder’s most popular mascara formulas each in a richer, more concentrated, more dramatic black shade for eyes that appear bigger, bolder, more dramatic!

Because the mascara is so concentrated, it creates a contrast that defines and frames the eyes for a look that is at once highly sophisticated and utterly alluring.

Whether your look calls for lashes that are lengthened, defined, volumized, lifted, curled or a combination, you can achieve the look you want as each of these luxurious mascaras offer the same unique benefits as their original formulas, but now with the deepest, intense jet black effect.

The mascaras include Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara, Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara, Projectionist High Definition Volume Mascara, TurboLash All Effects Motion Mascara, MagnaScopic Maximum Volume Mascara and the More Than Mascara Moisture Binding Formula.

Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara in Blacker Black offers dramatic length and sensationally long wear in one effortless stroke and won’t budge, smudge, smear or flake for up to 15 hours; This is my favourite mascara – lasting, clumps & smudge free finishes.

Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara in Bold Black turns even your sparsest lashes into daringly full, lavishly lifted lashes without the clumping, spiking or weight normally associated with volumizing mascaras; My curling mascara although I don’t see much volumization.

Projectionist High Definition Volume Mascara in Jet Black envelops each individual lash with high volume and exceptionally sharp definition for a sleek, striking look; I don’t like this as it tends to clump.

TurboLash All Effects Motion Mascara in Turbo Black combines an innovative formula and brush design with a unique, power-performing, micro-pulsing effect that enables the brush to penetrate deep into the lash bed and comb through lashes more quickly and effectively, delivering all effects – volume, length, definition, separation and curl – in one tube. I don’t like battery operated devise to be used close to my eyes, so I haven’t try this out.

MagnaScopic Maximum Volume Mascara in Black transforms lashes with dramatic volume, making them appear extravagantly full for a powerfully eye-opening effect; I like the volumizing effect but again this tends to clump & flake.

More Than Mascara Moisture Binding Formula in More Black features a moisture-binding formula that conditions lashes as it defines and separates them for a look that’s smoother, fuller and longer; This gives a glossy, natural finish and my lashes would become brittle despite continual use.

Black Smoke Signature Eyeshadow Quad

As for the Signature Eye Shadow Quad, it contains four “sultry, beautifully smoky shades” that appear to be different levels of gray instead of all-out black. The microfine powder is designed no to crease and to glide on smoothly, blending seamlessly for a flawless, long-lasting look.

Onyx Double Wear Eye Pencil

Instantly frame eyes and complete the look of rich, smoky intensity with Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil in Onyx. This pencil’s unique lightweight, creamy formula glides on effortlessly for rich, stay-true color that sets in seconds and wears for 12 hours; I find this really long lasting & smudge-proof.

Wow, I was just going to write a quick update about the new Clinique Purchase with Purchase, but instead found so many new offers for you! I’m still going to write more tomorrow including any coupons and additional sales I come across but so far here is what I have found:

Clinique Purchase with Purchase at Belk, Bon Ton, Clinique.com, Dillard’s, and Macy’s. While supplies last you can purchase this limited edition set (a $62 value) for only $25 with any Clinique purchase:

• 7 Day Scrub Rinse-off Formula (1 oz)
• Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion (1.7 oz)
• Take The Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes & Lips (1.7 oz)
• High Definition Lashes Mascara in Black (0.14 oz)
• Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Bamboo Pink (0.07 oz)
• Limited-edition Colour Surge Eyeshadow Quad in shades Rum Spice, Champagne, Chocolate Chip, and Lucky Penny (0.16 oz)
• One year subscription to Allure Magazine (subscription card will be included with your order)
• White and Silver Tote (13 1/2” wide x 3 1/2” deep x 11 5/8” high)
• Shipping at Clinique.com is free with any $25 purchase (end date unknown)

Estee Lauder Gift with Purchase at Lord and Taylor. While supplies last with any $39.50 Estee Lauder purchase you will receive this free gift (valued at $110): 

• Your choice of moisturizer: Either Time Zone or Resilience Lift Extreme (14 day supply)
• New Advanced Night Repair (10 day supply)
• Pure Color Crystal Lipstick
• Sumptuous Mascara
• High Gloss
• Mirrored compact with six eyeshadow shades and a blush plus two mini brushes
• Two cosmetic bags
• For a limited time spend $50 on Estee Lauder and get free shipping

Estee Lauder Gift with Purchase at Belk. While supplies last with any $55 Estee Lauder purchase you will receive this free gift: 

• Beautiful Eau de Parfum Spray
• Beautiful Body Lotion
• Pure Color Lipstick
• Sumptuous mascara (10 day supply)
• Deluxe fold-up comb/mirror for purse or travel

Estee Lauder Purchase with Purchase at Dillard’s. While supplies last with any Estee Lauder purchase you can buy this collection for only $29.50: 

• 8 Eyeshadow Compact: Pure Color EyeShadow in Sugar Cube, Ivory Box, Pale Moon, Slate, Sand Box, Cinnamon, Smokey, and Onyx
• Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick in Black Cherry
• Artist’s Eye Pencil in SoftSmudge Black
• More Than Mascara in Black
• High Gloss in Jewel
• Golden Eyelash Curler
• Black Tote with Crocodile Pattern Trim
• Black Crocodile-pattern Cosmetic Bag

Lancome Gift with Purchase at Dillard’s. While supplies last with any $29.50 Lancome purchase you will receive this free gift: 

• Renergie Microlift RARE Moisturizer SPF 15 Sunscreen
• Renergie Microlift RARE Eye Cream
• Definicils Mascara in Black
• Color Design Sensational Effects Lipcolor in Designer Bloom
• Eye Shadow quad in shades in Latte, Kitten Heel, Color du Jour, and Statuesque
• Cosmetic case with matching companion bag
• The Lancome Juicy Tubes Gift Set is currently on sale for only $29.50 (was $39.50)

Elizabeth Arden Purchase with Purchase at Bon Ton. While supplies last with any Elizabeth Arden purchase you can buy this collection for only $28.50: 

• Ceramide Plump Perfect Ultra Lift and Firm Moisture Cream SPF 30 (0.25 oz)
• Deluxe compact with four eyeshadows in Smoke, Sparkle, Pale Gold, and Brick Brown and one cheek color in Sun Blush
• Exceptional Lipstick in Beauty
• High Shine Lip Gloss in Rosegold
• Sliver glossy tote with outside deco zippers

If you haven’t yet purchased the 2009 Lancome Beauty Box, it is currently on sale at Nordstrom for only $42.90, no minimum purchase required, while supplies last. Nordstrom also has a ton of beauty sale items mostly holiday gifts sets from brands like Bare Escentuals, MAC, Philosophy, Lancome, Laura Mercier, Prescriptives, Smashbox, and more.

Dillard’s is having a sale on over 55 Prescriptives items.

Through December 31 spend $40 at Lancome and receive free shipping plus six free deluxe samples: Absolue Premium Bx Cream, Genifique, Eye Shadow Quad, Color Fever Shine Lipstick in Old Flame, Dual Finish Versatile Powder Makeup in Matte Buff II, and Macquicomplet Concealer in Correcteur. Just enter code HAPPYNEWYEAR at checkout by December 31 (good while supplies last).

When I am in a rush, but need to look human & presentable ( fresh & ready ); I turn to my trusted life savers ( time savers ).

Giorgio Armani Face Fabric Second Skin Nude Makeup SPF 12 – superb blending without streaking, optically creates a fine porcelain like canvas for my complexion, semi-matte finish ( aka no need to powder up )

M.A.C. Flower Mist Dew Brightening Pink Beauty Powder - unfortunately a limited edition product, gives a faint wash of innocent flushing & morning-after dewiness, and it’s impossible to overload this product on my cheek due to its sheerness !

Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero Smudge Lengthening Mascara – single coating in smooth, gliding strokes for subtly enhanced lash line.

Art work by Danny Roberts

I present to you: Lust List, the Christmas Edition!, since Christmas is coming up and I will definitely be getting everything I want. Everything, I tell you! (Also, I figure the more extravagant gift-givers out there doing some last minute shopping might get some ideas.)

1. Estee Lauder “Beautiful” Year of the Tiger solid perfume compact ($89.00)

Doesn’t this look *gorgeous*? It’s scent is described as “a tender bouquet of Lilies and Roses, Marigold and Orange blossoms… all warmed with a rich, woody base and brightened with a touch of citrus.” Now, I’m not usually into floral perfumes, but I still think that sounds dee-lish! Maybe I’m just being hypnotized by the tiger’s eyes… I am such a packaging sucker! It only holds .03 oz of perfume though, which isn’t much considering it’s $89.00 :/

2. Leica D-Lux 4 “Safari” ($995.00)I didn’t even know Leica made cameras until a few days ago, when I stumbled across this baby. I love how vintage it looks – until you see the three inch screen on the back, that is It’s pretty damn expensive, but for a cheaper alternative the regular Leica D-Lux 4 is “only” $699, and I’m pretty sure it’s the exact same thing except… not green. Although to be honest I would settle for pretty much any camera this Christmas

3) M.A.C. Baroque Boudoir Sheer Mystery Powder Compact ($60)

I blogged about this before, and I’ll do it again. I WANT THIS!  The day I have enough money to spend $60 on a powder compact, this will be the first thing I buy.

4) Urban Outfitters Crosley Alarm Clock Radio Speaker ($58)I love the vintage-y vibe this has got going on, and the pretty blue color. But obviously the real reason I need it is practicality *shifty eyes* I’ve always used the alarm on my iPod, but that one’s pretty damn quiet and I’ve developed a tendency to sleep through it.

So…. anybody care to send me something? ^_^

In last week’s ‘Cause She’s A Lady post on how to get the look of Christian Dior’s party-on-the-top, business-on-the-bottom (or vice versa) ensembles from the Fall 2009 Couture collection, I promised to bring you the makeup finds on how to create the beauty looks. There were really two different looks in this collection. The first was a strong, classic retro beauty look with silver eyes, sharp black winged eyeliner and bright red lips.

Christian Dior Fall 2009 Couture

How to get this look:

1. Urban Decay Cream Shadow in Moonshine, $22 at Sephora
2. Estee Lauder Gel Eyeliner in Black, $23 at select The Bay counters across Canada for a limited time
3. Lancome L’Absolu Rouge Lipstick in Absolute Rouge as part of the Gold Fascination Collection, $35 at The Bay counters starting January 1

The second was a softer, though no less stronger,  sugary look with with lilac on the eyes, black winged eyeliner and pale pink or fuchsia lips. Both of these are perfect looks for your holiday parties, depending on whether you want to go more tough vixen or bad-girl-next door.

Christian Dior Fall 2009 Couture

How to get this look:

1. MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo in Devil-May-Care, $23.50 at MAC counters and stores
2. Estee Lauder Gel Eyeliner in Black, $23 at select The Bay counters across Canada for a limited time
3. Revlon Creme Gloss in Fiercely Fuchsia,  $11.95 at drugstores and select department stores

— Jodi Goulart

There is a new Lancome Gift with Purchase at Belk. While supplies last with any $29.50 Lancome purchase you will receive this free gift (a $112 value) that includes:

• Absolue Premium Bx Absolute Replenishing Cream
• Definicils High Definition Mascara in Black
• Eye Shadow Quad in shades Honeymoon, Bikini Golden, Dill, and Guest List
• Le Rouge Absolu Lipcolour in shade Mars
• Juicy Tubes in Magic Spell
• Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover
• Signature Cosmetic Bag

The Estee Lauder Fragrance GWP I mentioned yesterday (at Dillard’s) is now also available at Belk and Macy’s (and also in-store at Bon Ton).

If you are not yet a member of the New Beauty Test Tube beauty sampling program, right now you can sign up to try the program and receive your first Tube for  only $9.95 (offer is for new subscribers only). If you join by January 15 you will also receive a free one year subscription to New Beauty magazine (this magazine is particularly helpful for those considering cosmetic surgery).

I’m leaving for my two week vacation on Sunday, that means my blogging schedule will be disrupted slightly due to travel and the holidays (but I’m taking my netbook with me so I will blog whenever I can). If I can squeeze in a quick post on Monday morning I will but my next full post will be on Monday night.

There are almost 30 coupons expiring this weekend, please see the Coupon Page for codes; here are today’s new coupons:

Beauty.com coupon: 12th day of 12 Days of Beauty offers, all valid today only: Free blotting papers in pink mirrored compact with any purchase; free Red Flower Indian Jasmine Soap in pouch with any natural beauty purchase; buy any Alterna Caviar Working hair spray, get one free; with any $30 Peter Thomas Roth skincare purchase receive a free full size Mega Rich Anti-Aging Cellular Masque ($60 value). All offers valid today only.

Benefit Cosmetics coupon: Today only with any $30 purchase receive a free BADGal Big Black Kohl eye pencil ($20 value). Add pencil to your cart and enter code BADGAL18 at checkout. Valid today only. If you spend $35 you will also receive a free full size Silky Powder Eyeshadow in shade Low Profile, it won’t show up in your cart but it will ship automatically with your order. Can be combined with code PRETTY50 at checkout to also get free shipping on purchases over $50, enter badgal18 code first and then free shipping code.

Bliss Spa offer: With any purchase pay for standard shipping and get a free upgrade to 2 day shipping. No code needed just select 2 day shipping at checkout. Ends December 22.

Bobbi Brown coupon: Free second day shipping with any purchase. Enter code 2DAY9 at checkout. Expires December 21.

Clarins coupon: With any $100 purchase receive free overnight shipping. At checkout select overnight shipping and enter code OVNT. Expires December 21.

Crabtree & Evelyn offer: Select standard shipping at checkout and they will upgrade you to 2 day shipping for free. No code needed. Ends December 21 at 10 AM EST.

Dr. Brandt coupon: For a limited time you can purchase these seven products for 50% off plus you will receive free shipping: “C” gel, Contour Effect, V-Zone Neck Cream, Laser Lightning Night Cream, Microdermabrasion Body, and Laser Tight. Special pricing ends December 21.

DuWop offer: Spend $25 and get a free Venom Rocks set ($21 value). Spend $50 and get a free Venom Rocks set plus free shipping ($27.70 value). Spend $75 and get free Venom Rocks set, free shipping, and a free Moodswing Luxe Palette ($69.70 value). No code needed, free gifts will automatically ship with your order. Expires December 21.

Estee Lauder coupon: Free shipping with any $25 purchase. Enter code FINALDAY at checkout. The Coupon is valid all day today only but if you want guaranteed Christmas delivery you must order by 3 PM EST.

Jonathan Product coupon: With any purchase receive a free full size Stylist Professional Series Prep Spray ($20 value). Enter code PREP at checkout. Expires December 21 or while supplies last. They offer free shipping with every purchase; free Redo Freshen-up Wipes ($20 value) when you purchase two full size products; and for a limited time all shampoos, conditioners, and select stylers are 20% off.

Lancome coupon: With any $40 purchase receive six free deluxe samples: High Resolution Refill-3X eye cream, High Resolution Refill-3X cream, Color Design Lipstick in Pale Lip, Juicy Tubes in Miracle, Ombre Absolue Radiant Smoothing Eye Shadow quad, and Brush Subtil duo in shades Mocha Havana and Bronze Glow. Enter code HOLIDAYBONUS at checkout. Expires December 21. If you spend over $50 you will also receive free priority shipping.

NARS offer: Free two day FedEx shipping with any $25 purchase. No code needed just select two day shipping at checkout. Ends December 21.

Philosophy coupon: With any $85 purchase receive free express shipping. At checkout select Express Shipping and enter code express. Expires December 20.

Sephora offer: While supplies last you can buy a 4 oz Philosophy Chocolate Chip Cookie shower gel for only $5.

Shu Eumura coupon: Spend over $50 and get free express shipping. Enter code EXPRESS at checkout. Expires December 20.

Tarte coupon: Today only you can purchase MultiplEYE natural lash enhancer for only $32.50 (normally its $65). Enter code multipleye5 at checkout. Valid today only.

Ulta coupon: Today only take $7 off of 7 different value sets (from Stila, BareMinerals, Smashbox, Lorac, Cargo, Pop Beauty, and Urban Decay). Enter code 36160 at checkout. Valid today only.

Zirh offer: Free shipping with any purchase. No code needed. Ends December 22. Spend $50 and also get a free corduroy travel organizer, a free holiday bar, and free deluxe samples.

Updated: There is a new Estee Lauder Gift with Fragrance Purchase at Dillard’s, Belk, and Macy’s (and also in-store at Bon Ton). While supplies last with any $55 Estee Lauder fragrance purchase you will receive this free gift:

• Pleasures Eau de Parfum Purse Spray
• Beautiful Eau de Parfum Purse Spray
• Sensuous Eau de Parfum Purse Spray
• Refillable atomizer
• Golden metallic cosmetic case
• If you haven’t picked up your Holiday Blockbuster yet, this is also available at Dillard’s (a $340 value for only $55); add it to your cart from this page
• There is also an Estee Lauder fragrance PWP available at Dillard’s (with a silver jeweled evening bag, $27.50 with any Estee Lauder fragrance purchase)

Sold Out! At Lord and Taylor today only, while supplies last, you can purchase the L&T brand Beauty Now color palette for 50% off (normally $20, today only it is $10). The palette includes 48 eye shades, 4 face powders, 1 shimmer brick, and 6 lip shades. The Clinique GWP is still running at Lord and Taylor, shipping is free if you spend $50 on Clinique or $99 site wide.

Today’s new coupons:

Ahava offer: With any $100 purchase receive free shipping and a free Ready Set Jet travel set ($40 value). No code needed. Ends December 30 or while supplies last. 

Beauty.com coupon: 11th day of 12 Days of Beauty offers, both valid today only: Free shipping with any purchase; free Zebra Tote with any $30 Elizabeth Arden purchase. Both offers valid today only.

Benefit Cosmetics coupon: Today only get 20% off any purchase. Enter code TWENTY15 at checkout. Valid today only. If you spend $35 you will also receive a free full size Silky Powder Eyeshadow in shade Low Profile, it won’t show up in your cart but it will ship automatically with your order.

Fresh coupon: Free second day shipping with any $75 purchase. At checkout select “second day” as your shipping method and enter code SECOND. Expires December 18.

H2O Plus coupon: 40% off all holiday gift sets. Enter code giftset at checkout. Expires December 19.

Jurlique coupon: Free standard shipping with any purchase. Enter code FREESHIP at checkout. Expires December 25.

Kiehl’s coupon: With any $50 purchase receive free two day shipping plus a deluxe sample duo. Enter code EXPRESS at checkout. Expires December 19.

L’Occitane coupon: Free express shipping with any $50 purchase, no code needed. Spend $60 and also get a free Cherry Blossom Hugs & Kisses set ($18 value) with code FACEBOOK at checkout. Expires December 18.

Lab Series offer: Today only receive free shipping with any purchase. No code needed. Valid today only.

MAC Cosmetics coupon: Free second day shipping with any purchase. Enter code 2DAY at checkout. Expires December 19. You can also upgrade to overnight shipping for only $5.

Sephora coupon: For Beauty Insiders only, with any purchase receive a free Sephora Collection Glitter Shimmer Pot in your choice of six shades. Enter code GLITTER at checkout. While supplies last.

Sephora Sweet Steal offer: While supplies last you can buy a 4 oz Philosophy Oatmeal Raisin shower gel for only $5.

Smashbox Let’s Do Lunch offer: Today only make any purchase and checkout between 9AM-2PM PST and you will receive a free full size Blush/Bronzer Duo in shade Cosmopolitan ($30 value). You will also get free shipping. No code needed, cannot be combined with other offers.

Tarte coupon: Today only you can purchase Slide Tin Lip Balm for only $6 (normally its $12). Enter code lip5 at checkout. Valid today only.

Prescriptives:  One Customer’s Quest for Makeup

Today, I went to the mall in search of a replacement for my dwindling bottle of Prescriptives foundation, which I love. First I went to Nordstrom, where I originally found it. The Prescriptives counter was very small, and a salesperson from a different counter “helped” me.  She was not very familiar with the brand and she said they were out of what I needed. Next stop, Bloomingdales. I looked everywhere and no Prescriptives counter. I asked someone who answered me with a look as if I had just asked for Cover Girl, that Prescriptives does not have a counter at Bloomingdale’s. I walked out.

Next stop was Macy’s. A young sales guy informs me that Prescriptives is being discontinued. This is news to me. I ask whether I can purchase the foundation online. He tells me no, but that he can custom blend some foundation from me at exactly double the price. I asked if I could find a similar foundation with the parent company, Estee Lauder. He says probably, and walks me over to the Estee Lauder counter, where he explains what I need to a saleswoman who then proceeds to ignore me. No joke. I walk out.

Finally, I get to Lord & Taylor. I find their Prescriptives counter and the salesperson tells me they are sold out of that particular foundation. She shows me a couple of others,  which I don’t like. She assures me I can find something similar at Estee Lauder. We go over there, and the Estee Lauder looks up in her sales book and yes, she finds the “equivalent” to my foundation in the Estee Lauder lineup. OK. She is a good salesperson. She is nice and helpful and I buy the Estee Lauder offering.

I get home. I check on the Internet and guess what? I can buy my exact foundation online. I do it.

What is the moral of this makeup quest? A company must communicate with its associates and the public just a wee bit better.

• First, I did not know Prescriptives was being phased out. It is probably buried in some news somewhere but a large ad would have made that clear to me.
• Second, the counter people did not know enough to say the following: Prescriptives is being phased out. You can still purchase our existence here or check online until X date. One of these sales people even had the wrong information. Not helpful.
• Third, the physical displays/counters at the stores did not have any of the above information.

Prescriptives is part of Estee Lauder. It is in EL’s best interest to make sure that Prescriptives customers migrate to one of their brands, and be happy about it. In order to do this, the company needs to communicate better. Period. End of story.

Have you ever had to deal with a brand that was being discontinued? What did you do?

Ain’t nobody snoring though. Go figure. No one sleeps when it rains here. Everyone’s pretty excited because it doesn’t rain very often. But it sure rained a heck lot yesterday. My University campus was like flooded. The water level was ankle high. There was a water level in my boots as well. Call me stupid but yeah, I had no idea that water permeates through leather. I mean, they never taught this stuff in school.

Chapter 1: Don’t wear leather shoes in rain.

Gumboots (rainboots) and wellingtons are the way to go. I wonder if they sell them in Dubai, though. People will think I’m balmy. No one complains too much about the rain and having to buy shoes to wear in the rain or cold, etc. I’ve been looking for warm stuff to wrap myself in for like a month now. Never found anything. My friend was wearing purple ballerina pumps. When she took off her shoes, her toes were purple because all the color from her shoes came off. Lol. Those wearing slippers had no complaints. They were kind of loving it. Their slippers were easy to clean, as were their feet. My feet looked like prunes. There was water in my boots for maybe 3-4 hours. Instead of the usual tick-tock of my shoes, I could hear the squish-squash. But, my friends, there was a silver lining. Oh yeah. Big time. My toes got tanned during the summer and it looked awful. (I wear a lot of sandals and slippers, so my little toes are almost always exposed to the desert sun.) So having the water in my boots, kind of made my legs fairer. The dark lines on my feet have disappeared and my toes don’t look grayish anymore. I scrubbed my toes hard and for so long, for so many days and weeks and months and they never got lighter. But this totally did the trick! I have to say though, there are some callouses. I don’t put a lot of cream on my legs (which I should do) and so the water also kind of made up for the lack of moisturizing.

Chapter 2: Carry an umbrella.

It does not look as stupid as some might think. At least you won’t feel the raindrops hitting your head. I was wearing a beanie under my jacket hood. So my head was covered but my forehead and face kept getting wet. Not to mention handbag.

Chapter 3: Don’t carry a leather purse.

If possible, carry the cheapest purse you might have. Better yet, don’t even carry a purse. I got lucky because someone recently gifted me a purse that had a plastic covering. So there was no water in my purse. Hurrah! Except for the middle section. But that’s a section that has no zip. It’s held together by a little magnet thing in the center. So that doesn’t count.

Chapter 4: Raincoats, anoraks, windcheaters.

Our best friends. I was thinking it would be a good idea to wear a warm sweater underneath an anorak or something. Water won’t get through and I would be so warm then. If I just wore a sweater, water would totally soak through. I wore a hoodie that was thick, but made of cotton. It got wet but not too much. I was wearing a sweater underneath it as well.

Chapter 5: Wear jeans.

They’re easy to wash and colour doesn’t really come off, unlike other materials. It’s always better though, to wear pants that stop above your ankle (or fold them till there) so that your pants don’t get soaked at the bottom.

Chapter 6: DO NOT wear white.

Never ever wear white. NEVER. If you’re a girl, no one will take their lust-filled eyes off you. And if you’re a guy, no one will want to look at you. Ever.

What a day it was to rain. I had an Accounting exam yesterday morning. There was a lot of traffic. I was going to take the metro to Uni but luckily, my friend called me and said she would be able to drive me there. I also broke my Estee Lauder perfume bottle. How, you ask? I was removing a pouch from my purse in the washroom and my perfume bottle, which is very pen-like, was under the flap of the pouch. And I didn’t see it until I removed the pouch in a very macho-man type of motion and the next thing I knew, I had flung the perfume bottle which hit the wall and fell down, and shattered. The washroom smelled awfully nice then, though. It was a good perfume. RIP. I love you, Perfume.

Lucky for me though I have another bottle of it. I was gifted two! So there was really no need for all the melodrama that I just finished expressing.

There was news that a thunderstorm might be heading our way. It was supposed to happen yesterday. I kind of waited for it. I couldn’t sleep because of it. I kept looking out the window. Then eventually, sleep kissed my eyes. And when I woke up, it was bright and sunny. All the muddy puddles are gone. The roads are dry. My shoes are dry. Yes. It feels an awful lot like a summer day today though. The only difference is that there is still cold wind blowing.

The temperature hasn’t gone below 18 degrees Celsius. But I, I freeze. I feel like I’m living in a refrigerator.

Yeah, totally ‘cool’.

This weekend with any $75 purchase from Laura Mercier you will receive a pretty gift valued at $60:

• Full Size Amberstone Mineral Cheek Powder
• Deluxe Flawless Skin Day Creme SPF 15
• Mini Flax Eye Basics
• Micro Mini Nude Tinted Moisturizer Oil-Free SPF 20
• Mini Black Thickening and Building Mascara
• Mini Chocolate Truffle Creme Body Wash
• Pink cosmetic bag

No promo code is needed, just add $75 worth of product to your cart and the gift (if still available) will be automatically added to your cart. You will also receive free shipping. This is available through December 13 or while supplies last.

At Nordstrom if you spend $75 on women’s fragrance you will receive three free fragrance minis ($25 value): Couture Couture by Juicy Couture Solid Perfume (0.06 oz), a deluxe mini Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum (0.24 oz), and a deluxe mini of Prada L’Eau Ambree Eau de Parfum (0.2 oz). Available online only while supplies last. If you spend a total of $125 on either men’s or women’s fragrance you will also receive a free limited edition Nordstrom snow globe. Shipping is $5 with any $50 Beauty purchase with code BEAUTY or free with any $100 purchase with code HOLIDAY09.

Today is Clinique Happy Day. Stop by your local Clinique counter for a free mini Happy Fragrance Pencil (0.16 oz, a $10 value), no purchase necessary. Spend $30 and you will also receive six limited edition Christmas cards featuring artwork by the kids at Big Brothers Big Sisters. Promotions vary by location, call or stop by your local counter to see what they are offering.

The Estee Lauder Fragrance PWP that has been available online at Macy’s is now available at Dillard’s ($27.50 with any fragrance purchase). Macy’s has a gold evening bag and Dillard’s has a silver bag with different lip colors.

If you spend $75 on fragrance at Bloomingdale’s, you will receive a free pretty pair of cubic zirconia stud earrings, while supplies last.

Today’s new coupons:

Aveda coupon: Today only with any $40 purchase receive free shipping and a free travel size Rosemary Mint Hand and Body Wash (1.7 oz) plus choose three samples at checkout. Enter code MINT129 at checkout. Valid today only.

Beauty.com coupon: 7th day of 12 Days of Beauty offers, all valid today only: Free deluxe sample of 100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream with any purchase, enter code DEC11PURE; free full size Bare Minerals Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish in shade Brandy ($18 value) with any $30 Bare Escentuals purchase, enter code DEC11BE; 20% off all hair brushes and combs; free deluxe sample of Pronto Dry Shampoo Spray with any Oscar Blandi purchase (you can use both codes, just enter them one at a time). All offers valid today only.

Benefit Cosmetics offer: Enter to win the items on your wish list valued up to $200. First create a wish list (if you don’t already have one) and then enter the contest. Conest ends December 18.

Benefit Cosmetics offer: With any $35 purchase receive a free full size Silky Powder Eyeshadow in shade Low Profile. No code needed and it won’t show up in your cart but it will ship automatically with your order. You will also receive two free samples, one of which will be a mini Dr. Feelgood. Shipping is free with $50 purchase with code BOUTIQUE at checkout.

Benefit Cosmetics offer: Saturday only, with any $40 purchase receive a free pink to please a woman…gold to get the guy! palette ($30 value). Enter code DECLOVES at checkout. Valid Saturday December 12 only.

Bobbi Brown coupon: With any purchase receive free shipping plus a mini Pink Buff Rich Color Gloss. Enter code GIFT12 at checkout. Expires December 13.

Clinique coupon: Today only with any purchase receive a free mini Happy Fragrance Pencil (0.16 oz, a $10 value), enter code HAPPY; spend $30 and also get free shipping plus six limited edition Christmas cards featuring artwork by the kids at Big Brothers Big Sisters, enter code CARDS. Both codes valid today only.

Elizabeth Arden coupon: With any $25 purchase receive free shipping, free gift wrap, and a free seven piece gift. Gift includes Prevage Anti-aging Treatment (0.17 oz), Double Density Maximum Volume Mascara in Black (0.15 oz), Eyeshadow Quad in Sparkle, Topaz, Moonbeam, and Aura (0.09 oz), Mediterranean EDP Spray (0.16 oz), and Ceramide Plump Perfect Moisture Eye Cream SPF 15 (0.25 oz) in a shiny red tote with black handles. Enter code REDTOTE at checkout. Expires December 13. They also still have a pretty PWP running.

Estee Lauder coupon: Free shipping with any $25 purchase. Enter code WEEKEND at checkout. Expires December 13.

Fresh coupon: Free shipping with any purchase. Enter code HOLIDAY09 at checkout. Expires December 14.

Korres coupon: With any $35 purchase receive free shipping plus a free five piece makeup gift valued at $82. Free gift includes full sizes of Lip Liner in 5 Purple Red, Soft Eyeliner in 01 Black, Cherry Oil Lipgloss in 54 Fuschia, Sunflower and Evening Primrose Eyeshadow in 4S Gold, and Provitamin B5 Mascara in 01 Black. Enter code GLAMOUR at checkout. Expires December 13.

L’Occitane coupon: With any $30 purchase you can buy the Shower Celebration Set for only $10 (a $24 value, normally it sells for $19). Enter code SHOWER at checkout and the set will be added to your cart for only $10. Ends December 13 or while supplies last.

L’Occitane offer: All Stocking Stuffers are buy 2, get 1 free (add 3 to your cart and the lowest priced item will be free). Ends December 13.

Lab Series for Men offer: Today only with any purchase receive free shipping plus a free black and white men’s toiletry bag. No code needed. Valid today only.

Origins coupon: Friends and Family sale, 20% off plus free shipping with any purchase (excludes gift sets). Enter code DecFF at checkout. Expires December 14.

Pangea Organics coupon: Great savings on their Bodycare Gift Set (gift boxed set includes one each of Canadian Pine with White Sage Bar Soap, Malagasy Cinnamon Cassia with Cloves Bar Soap, Pyrenees Lavender with Cardamom Lip Balm, and a Coconut and Bamboo Soap Dish). It is a $34 value and right now you can purchase one for $16 plus free shipping with code BGS4; buy two for $27 plus free shipping with code BGS5; buy three for $36 plus free shipping with code BGS6. All codes expire December 14.

Prescriptives coupon: Last day of 5 Days of Gifts. Today only with any purchase receive free shipping plus choose a deluxe sample at checkout. Enter code DAY5 at checkout. Valid today only.

Shu Uemura coupon: Free shipping plus free gift wrap with any purchase. Enter code WRAP at checkout. Expires December 13.

Stila coupon: Free shipping with any purchase. Enter code STILAELF at checkout. Expires December 13.

I jst purchased a SK-II radiance skincare set for my boy’s mom bdae. quite a good deal actually at S$64. (:

needless to say, i bought myself SK-II highly raved Facial Treatment Clear Treatment Lotion (20ml) as well as its signature Facial Treatment Essence (30ml). i wanted to try out if these two pdts really does wonder for my skin. shall review it once i’ve finished the sample size. and i’ve purchased sooo many skincare pdts this month lahhh – Laneige, Loreal, Olay, SK-II, Estee Lauder, Ponds blah blah… spent a bomb on my skincare.. hopefully i’ll be able to find my Holy Grail after trying these pdts. (:

Now, i shall start by recommending a few good items that is good imo.

1. Laneige Water Sleeping Pack Ex

Comments: It really brightens up my skin upon waking up the following day. Love the QQ feeling on my skin after washing face. Quite a worthwhile buy, which provides intense moisture to your skin. It is recommended for once or twice a week usage.

Retail Price: S$45 for a 80ml tub

2. EL Advanced Night Repair

Comments: Rather ex i would say. But it acts as an insurance for our skin as we are constantly exposed to the environmental pollution, emotional stress and other what’s not. I’ve been using it for the past 4 days, but I have yet to notice any big difference in terms of my skin tone or texture. im relieved that this pdt doesn’t broke me out unlike other pdts. so i shall continue to monitor my skin again after more usage.

Retail Price: S$130 for a 50ml bottle

3. Olay White Radiance UV Lotion (SPF 19)

Comments: THUMBS UP!! this pdt comes in a black cap and a white bottle. i presume it is the older formulation. what this item do is that it helps in brightening my overall skin tone and gives me a subtle radiance even without any makeup. upon closer scrutiny, i noticed some very very small shimmery particles! perhaps these particles aids in promoting radiance! btw, i have acne-prone skin and have a few pigmentation and spots near my eye area. yet this pdt doesn’t break me out! overall, i would say this is an affordable and great pdt with a small price tag!!! (:

Retail Price: S$11.80 for 75ml

Rating: 5/5

alright, ciao!

I don’t specifically remember buying Estee Lauder’s Youth Dew, and yet I came across a bottle of it in the back of my bathroom cupboard the other day. The bottle was full, with a vintage-y vibe, and tied with a gold bow. I thought, well, this stuff must be bad, if it was relegated to the back of this cupboard. I honestly couldn’t remember what it smelled like, and so I was surprised to find it completely inoffensive. I went ahead and applied it to my inner wrists. Youth Dew is a spicy oriental that is warm and woody. Its fleeting top notes are rose, jonquil, and lavender. I wish the lavender was more promintent, and more long-lasting. The middle notes are jasmine, muguet (AKA lily of the valley) and spices, with the spices being most prominent. Finally, the bottom notes are moss, vetiver, and patchouli. So yes, I went ahead and tried out this old-fashioned perfume that I had long forgotten. As I said before, it is  inoffensive, compared to other scents that send me screaming for the hills, so I had a hard time deciding why I didn’t really love it. As the day wore on and I continued to sniff at my wrists, I kept thinking the perfume smelled kind of old and dusty…like it should be worn by a little old lady with puffy, powdery white hair and wearing a housecoat. So that was it, that was how it ended up on the back of that shelf. It’s just too dusty. Once the scent had dried down to the point where I could hardly detect it, I went ahead and sprayed some Prada over it, just for the sake of my own sanity. Maybe when I am a little old lady with my hair in a bun and a little dog at my feet, I will give this perfume another shot. For now it is back in the cupboard, collecting dust, again.

Jean Harlow, Hollywood’s first Bombshell, and our inspiration, adopted her look – platinum blonde hair, pencilled-on eyebrows and bee-stung lips – when she was just 17, (in 1928) It was so influential that women inundated magazines with letters demanding advice on how to copy it.

Beauty editors of the day advised applying ether to the brows to soothe the pain of plucking away the eyebrows, and to massage warm oil into the head to combat the dryness that was the result of drastic bleaching of the hair.

We wouldn’t advise that these days of course, but you can still achieve Jean’s stunning style with modern-day products.

Jean pointed out to her fans that her look was a high-maintenance one.

“Very few people who admire blonde hair realise that every little speck of dust or grime appears on the surface as clearly as it would on

a white dress or coat,” she said.

Her silvery-looking hair had to be shampooed every night to keep it moisturised and shiny.

It’s still a hard look to work to this day. Modern day Bombshells like Gwen Stefani, and Madonna  try a similar style.

So, what’s in Jean Harlow’s Vanity Case….?

If you want to get Jean’s look, you’ll need three main elements – white blonde hair, bold red lips and good eyebrows.

We wouldn’t suggest you go pencil thin like Jean these days, but do get them professionally shaped. Threading is one of the easiest ways to have this done.

Treat yourself at the Ritz of Brow Bars, Shavata, where they can miraculously shape your eyebrows with two pieces of thread. It will set you back around £24, but it’s worth it. Log on to their site for information on your nearest bar.

Maintain that look with BeneFit’s Instant Brow Pencil (£12.50) – this comes in two shades and has a handy brown brush on one end too.

Use a red lipstick with a slight shine for that bee-stung look. We’d recommend Estee Lauder’s Stay In Place  Double Wear lipstick in Stay Scarlet (£16, www.esteelauder.co.uk).

If you have braved the bleach then maintain the silveriest blonde colour you can with a purple tinted shampoo which will tone down any yellowness. We’d recommend Paul Mitchell’s Platinum Blonde, of course!

This fabulous shampoo, £8.30, is available at hqhair.com

Say you want an item from Bobbi Brown’s Pink Raspberry Face Palette from the spring 2008 collection. Or a MAC shadow designed by Alexander McQueen or Emanuel Ungaro from fall 2007. You’re out of luck, right?

Wrong. Just head to the Cosmetics Company Store, an outlet store stocked with past limited-edition collection items from your favorite brands, priced at 10-50% off retail price.

At the Philadelphia Premium Outlets outpost of this store, they carry Bobbi Brown, MAC, Clinique, Darphin, Pacifica, Estee Lauder, Origins, Prescriptives, and various fragrances. On a recent trip, I discovered Bobbi’s Pink Platinum Shimmer Brick for $25 (originally $40), and kits from MAC’s holiday 2008 line.

There also were items from permanent collections. Here are some of the things I spotted:

• MAC Fluidline (4 colors)
• MAC Lip Conditioner stick
• Bobbi Brown Extra Moisturizing Balm
• Bobbi Brown Buffing Face Grains
• Clinique Zero Gravity Repairwear Lift Firming Cream
• Pacifica Bali Lime Papaya Body Butter
• MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF15 (2 shades)

The best overall deal seemed to be brush sets: they were available in nearly every brand in the store at discounted prices. Brushes are extremely hard to find on sale, so if you’re in the market for them, this would be a great stop.

Just keep in mind that products like lipgloss and moisturizers have a finite shelf life. Generally, these things are ok if left unopened, but check the packaging to make sure that’s the case. Also, I would shy away from anti-aging skincare products and things of that nature; those products lose their efficacy after a certain amount of time. Check the packaging for an expiration date if you do decide to buy.

To find a Cosmetics Company Store near you, visit www.mallseeker.com, where you can search by state.

Stop by any Estee Lauder counter for a free lip gloss and hand massage!

]]> http://gwpaddict.wordpress.com/2009/12/04/estee-lauder-free-lip-gloss/ Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:13:13 +0000 beautybonus http://gwpaddict.wordpress.com/2009/12/04/estee-lauder-free-lip-gloss/

Estee Lauder is giving away free lip gloss minis! Tomorrow (December 5) only between 10 AM and 8 PM stop by your local Estee Lauder counter to receive a free mini lip gloss, no purchase needed (they are giving away 130,000 nationwide). You can also get a free two minute hand massage using Beautiful lotion.

If you need to buy any Estee Lauder gifts, you can get up to eight freebies online this weekend, here’s how: Through Sunday you can get free shipping with any $35 purchase plus choose two deluxe samples at checkout, no code needed. If you spend $50 you can get free shipping plus six freebies with code STARS1 or STARS2 (four freebies) plus you can choose two samples at checkout. If you are spending $75 you can enter one of the codes above, choose two samples at checkout, plus you will get additional deluxe samples of Sumptuous Mascara (10 day supply) and a mini Sensuous EDP purse spray. That’s eight freebies, and if you haven’t picked up your blockbuster yet ($55 with any fragrance purchase) they still have those available.

Beauty.com has started its 12 Days of Beauty promotion. (Well, ok, it started yesterday but they announced it after I posted so I missed the first day, so sorry!) They have three offers valid today only (see below), and if you are interested check the site this weekend for deals on Saturday and Sunday because I normally don’t post on the weekends:

• Purchase any hair care product and receive free shipping on your entire order (Jonathan products are on sale!). No code needed just click the link on the 12 Days of Beauty page to redeem the offer in your shopping cart
• 50% off select Comptoir Sud Pacifique fragrances
• 30% off the Somme Institute Mobile Travel Kit

Today’s  new coupons:

Bare Escentuals coupon: Friends and Family sale, 20% off any purchase. Enter code FRIENDS at checkout. Expires December 6.

Beautyticket.com coupons (reader suggested site!): 15% off all gift sets and kits. Enter code GIFTS15 at checkout. Expires December 15. Or take $5 off a $50 purchase with code 5OFF50 or take $10 off a $75 purchase with code 10OFF75. Those codes expire December 31. Limit one code per order.

Benefit Cosmetics coupon: Today only with any $35 purchase receive a free Eye Bright ($20 value). Add Eye Bright to your cart and enter code EYEBRITE at checkout. Valid today only. You will also receive a free full size Miss Popularity highlighter ($24 value), it won’t show up in your cart but it will ship automatically with your order. Can be combined with code PRETTY50 at checkout to also get free shipping on purchases over $50, enter eyebrite code first and then free shipping code.

Benefit Cosmetics coupon: Saturday only with any $50 purchase receive a free High Beam ($24 value). Add High Beam to your cart and enter code BEBRIGHT at checkout. Valid only on Saturday December 5. You will also receive a free full size Miss Popularity highlighter ($24 value), it won’t show up in your cart but it will ship automatically with your order. Can be combined with code PRETTY50 at checkout to also get free shipping, enter bebright code first and then free shipping code.

Clinique offer: Purchase any Holiday set and receive free shipping. No code needed. End date unknown.

Clinique coupon: Today only with any purchase receive free shipping plus a free deluxe sample (0.5 oz) of Youth Surge SPF 15 Age Decelerating Moisturizer suitable for your skin type: For Very Dry Skin enter code YOUTH1; for Dry Combination Skin enter code YOUTH2; for Combination Oily Skin enter code YOUTH3. All codes valid today only.

Clinique coupon: Saturday only with any $30 purchase receive free shipping plus a one year subscription to Allure magazine. Enter code ALLURE at checkout. Valid only on Saturday December 5.

Clinique coupon: Sunday only with any $30 purchase receive free shipping plus two deluxe samples: Fresh Bloom Allover Colour in Peony (0.06 oz) and High Impact Mascara in Black (0.14 oz). Enter code COLOUR at checkout. Valid only on Sunday December 6.

Elizabeth Arden offer: Purchase any Prevage product and get a free Prevage Shining Stars Kit valued at $100. Enter code 5DELUXE at checkout. Expires December 28.

Elizabeth Arden offer: Friends and Family Holiday Event, certain fragrance gifts are up to 25% off. No code needed. Ends December 7. Spend $25 and get free shipping plus the free 7 piece gift they have right now with code REDTOTE at checkout.

Fresh coupon: With any $75 purchase receive free deluxe samples of Brown Sugar Body Polish (35 g) and Brown Sugar Body Cream (30 ml). Enter code RELAXATION at checkout. Expires December 7.

Godiva coupon: Friends and Family sale, 20% off any purchase. Enter code WISH at checkout. Expires December 7. If you are spending more than $50 (per recipient) also enter code MERRY to get free shipping.

Juice Beauty coupon: Purchase any gift set/kit and receive a free deluxe sample of Green Apple Antioxidant Moisturizer (0.25 oz). Enter code STCKSTF at checkout. Expires December 31. Limit one code per order.

Juice Beauty coupon: Spend $100 and get 25% off. Enter code PEACE at checkout. Expires December 31. Limit one code per order.

Lancome coupon: With any $35 purchase receive free shipping plus two deluxe samples: Juice Tubes Ultra Shiny Lip Gloss in Hallucination and Le Crayon Lip Contour in Caramel. Enter code PRECIOUS4 at checkout. Expires December 15 or while supplies last.

MD Skincare coupon: With any purchase get a free Deluxe Botanical Bar (2.25 oz). Spend $75-$150 and get 15% off; spend more than $150 and get 20% off. Enter code EZ4U at checkout. Expires December 18.

Ole Henriksen offer: Purchase any two items and get a free deluxe sample of Firm Action Mask (1 oz). No code needed. Ends December 31.

Skinstore coupon: $10 off of $75, enter code BUY75; $15 off of $100 enter code BUY100. Both codes expire December 11.

Stila coupon: 20% off any purchase. Enter code FACEBOOKBFF at checkout. Expires December 18. Shipping is free if you spend $50.

YSL Beauty offer: Free shipping with any purchase. No code needed. End date unknown.

White Linen was created by Sophia Grojsman in 1978. It’s an intense fragrance built on the harmony of aldehydes, flowers, wood, amber and musk. The purity of white linen that dries in the sun, a cool elegance of white flowers and green notes. White Linen is classified as floral-aldehyde. Top notes include Bulgarina rose, jasmine…middle note is composed of orris, violet… the base is made of vetiver and oakmoss.

Pure White Linen is a modern interpretation of a classical White Linen which was created in 1978. Aldehydes that are included in the composition give an impression of white cleanliness. In addition to aldehydes, a plentiful of exotic flowers was used for creation of this fragrance. The main notes are grapefruit, mandarin, raspberry, pear, green Granny Smith apple, white ginger, cardamom, red tulips, rose absolute, honeysuckle, gardenia, tuberose, jasmine, iris, osmanthus, cedar wood and heliotrope.

Pleasures For Men by Estee Lauder is a aromatic spicy fragrance for men. The nose behind this fragrance is Pierre Wargnye. Top notes are nectarine, green notes and grapefruit; middle notes are coriander, ginger, lavender, pepper, rose and geranium; base notes are sandalwood, benzoin and oakmoss.

Pleasures Intense by Estee Lauder is a floral fragrance for women. Pleasures Intense was launched in 2002. Top notes are peony, black currant, ylang-ylang and green lily; middle notes are lily, tiare flower, jasmine and moroccan rose; base notes are maple, vanilla and styrax.

Pleasures is a rich bouquet of fresh flowers after the rain, which is designed to suit “every woman in every season and at every moment”. It is a delightful sheer floral created from delicate lilies and peonies, elegant jasmine and exotic Karo-Karounde blossoms, all tingling with the rare essence of exotic Baie Rose. Pleasures reflects a modern woman’s desire to experience life’s little pleasures every day.
The perfume was created by noses from Firmenich in 1995.