Goodies for the weekend

Hey followers!

Sorry I've been missing the last couple of days! Today, I come armed with loads of online discount goodies

M.A.C. Cosmetics- Use the code "TRIBE" at checkout for free shipping

Laura Gellar- In celebration of her newly redesigned website, use code "NEWLG" at checkout for 20% off your entire order and a free full sized "seal and heal" lip balm

Ulta- If you use code "54395" you'll get free shipping on any order over $25.

Origins- With any online order, you'll get 3 travel sized products for free! No code required! If you spend $50 or more, you get free shipping.

Philosophy- Save 10% on all orders with code "1nj198614"

Sephora- lots of stuff in their clearance section! Plus, use code "BLACKDIAMOND" at check out for a big sample of Stila's Black Diamond Mascara.

There you go! Happy shopping this weekend!

And now for something completely different...

Look! A blog about something other than hair products. I can feel your excitement through the screen.

So, I know I've talked about primers before. You know- it's like spackle for your face. The main purpose for using a primer is to smooth out the surface of your skin so that your makeup can adhere to it better and it also creates a more flawless finish. Well, did you know there are different types of primers?? You can get them in moisturizing, mattifying, oil control, etc, etc. But! My current favorite is made by Urban Decay. They call their product "Complexion Primer Potion." The variety I tried and subsequently loved was the "Brightening" formula (shown above). Now, I don't know about you all, but my skin is certainly in need of a pick-me-up. Winter dullsville. I got a sample of this stuff and was intrigued. Could something that was going underneath all my makeup really going to make any kind of a difference? Pfffft.

How glad am I that I tried it! I don't know what kind of fairy dust is in this stuff. But, my skin just looked...happier. Like I'd had a bunch of sleep and been to a spa or something. The good news is that even if you don't wear foundation normally, you can still use a primer to help even out your skin. This stuff would look wonderful on anyone since it's colorless.

So, if you're short on sleep/energy/awake-looking-skin, definitely look into this stuff! You can get it at http://www.urbandecay.com/ or http://www.sephora.com/.

Can you tell I'm on a certain kick right now?

Yes, I know. I've been focusing a lot on hair products recently. I can't help it- there are all these great products out there that YOU need to know about!

I know I talked about L'Oreal's "Everpure" line for my girls who have colored hair. No salts, no sulfates, amazingly moisturizing. It was all good all the way around. Well, L'Oreal has done it again. Their new line of shampoos and conditioners is called "Ever Strong." It is also free from all those harsh chemicals, but it is specially formulated to help hair increase it's strength. How does it work? Well, the geniuses at the lab added a "Bio-Ceramide Complex that mimics your hair's natural ceramide to...restore the integrity of the hair fiber." Stronger hair means less breakage and more shine and movement.

There are 3 varieties: Hydrate, Bodify, and Reconstruct. The good news is that this stuff is affordable and easy to find. I've seen it everywhere from Wal-Mart to drugstores and grocery stores. If you go to http://www.lorealparisusa.com/, you can sign up for special deals and coupons. If you go the Ever Strong page on the site, you can get a coupon for $1 off just by answering a few questions about your hair!

Products for all hair types? What?

So, I got this sample of a hair product and darn it if it isn't the best stuff I've tried in a VERY long time! It's Jonathan Product Straightening Lotion. It makes my hair so smooth and fuzz free. Even after I wake up in the morning after using this stuff the day before, my hair is still straight and smooth!

Well, I'd heard of Jonathan Antin before (he had a show on Bravo called "Blow Out" and is also currently on the show "Shear Genius.") He is Mr. Hairstylist to the Stars and all that stuff. I wandered over to his website http://www.jonathanproduct.com/ and took a peek. Wow- he has certainly covered his bases with products! I was highly impressed with the selection. And, for my granola girls, all his stuff is certified vegan!

The interesting thing is that it seems like there's always some sort of deal or sale or something going on. For instance, I ordered one of the full sized Straightening Lotions and I got a sample size of some shampoo plus a full sized Prep Spray FOR FREE!!! Oh, did I mention that shipping is free from the website all the time? So, that means for $20, I got 2 full sized products and a sample size. That's pretty amazing.

So, if you have some time today, wander into his virtual store and see if there is something there that suits you. Look under the "specials" tab for all the current goodies. I think you'll find something that you really might like.

Ahhhh, Saturday.

First and foremost, a big congrats to the winner of the spring lip kit, Cristin K! Cristin, send me your address to toobeautylicious@yahoo.com so I can pop it in the mail for you.

Secondly, your tip for the day- if you are someone who absolutely HATES clumps in your mascara or you are perfectly happy with the width of your lashes and just want some length. Then, you need to look for a mascara that has a comb for application instead of a brush! Why? Well, the comb actually pulls the mascara through the lashes as opposed to a brush which deposits the mascara onto lashes. So, you're going to get a very natural look as opposed to a thicker/more artificial look.

Some mascaras that have combs:
Clinique's High Lengths Mascara
Clinique High Definition Lashes
Bare Escentuals Big Tease Mascara
Lorac Visual Effects
Lancome Fatale Exceptional Volume

What the heck is that?

I know you've all heard of serums for your face. And, I'm sure there are some of you who are thinking "What is that? Do I need that? What's the deal?"

Here's the cool thing about a serum- it wears several hats. First, it packs a WALLOP of anti-oxidants for your skin. That helps your skin fight off all the junk that's floating around in the air every day. What does this mean for you? Oh, it only helps ward off those wrinkles/age spots/etc that show your age before you want them to.

Another plus? If you use a serum and then use a moisturizer on top of it, the serum acts like a microscopic ferry boat, if you will. Carrying the moisturizer deeper and more effectively into your pores.

Finally, some serums can also act as chemical exfoliants. Yet another way to get those pores cleaned out, making them appear smaller!

So, what serum is right for you? Choose one based on your skin type (dry? combination? oily?) and needs (age spots? clarifying?). A few that I think are note worthy would have to be Philosophy's "When Hope is Not Enough", First Aid Beauty's "Anti-Redness Serum", Patricia Wexler's "Acnescription Anti-Aging Acne Serum", and Olay "Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum."

The fabulous all in one product

Have we talked about this? Smith's Rosebud Salve? Ok, this stuff is bananas. Why? Well, first off, it's like $6. But, you can use it on (wait for it)- chapped lips, dry spots on your face, cuticles, fingernails, scrapes, scars, undereyes, knees, elbows, rashes, sunburns, split ends, etc, etc, etc.

I personally like to use mine at night on my lips and cuticles. Highly moisturizing and the smell is UNREAL. Like a fresh cut rose. It somehow manages to not be greasy, but do a great job at re-hydrating anything you put it on. It was also created to help soothe cuts and scrapes. So, feel free to use it on that, too. And, let's be honest, the cute retro tin that it comes in surely doesn't hurt, either. It's the perfect size to throw in your pocket and just go.

The Color Wheel

If any of you out there are artists, you are familiar with the color wheel. For those of you who aren't, the color wheel (see above) breaks down the primary colors and the shades that occur between them. Why am I bringing up the color wheel today? Well, it goes a little something like this-

Most people tend to think that they should always wear shades of the same color. That is what "matches." If you're wearing a purple shirt and neutral colored pants, then your makeup and accessories should either be purple or completely neutral. Not necessarily. Some of the best color combinations come from the exact opposite shade on the color wheel. (again, see above). So, if you're wearing something orange, don't be scared to have something blue going on. Even if it's something subtle like a navy eyeliner. Likewise, wearing something yellow can look fantastic with purple accessories or makeup. Don't believe me? Well, think about how great black and white look when worn together. They are so starkly opposite that they make each other pop.

So, the moral of this story is DON'T BE AFRAID OF COLOR!! More than that, don't be afraid to combine colors that you wouldn't normally think about. I think you'll like it.

A little something to ponder

Instead of my regular tip for the day, I wanted to give you a quote that I read and LOVED. Kevyn Aucoin was an absolutely brilliant makeup artist who was taken from us far too soon. He made up the faces of anyone and everyone in Hollywood, the fashion world, and the music world. He had this to say:

"It's better to be noticed for blood-red lipstick or bright blue eyeshadow...than to walk around with timidly applied, conventional makeup looking like a great big question mark."

You do everything else in your life with purpose, don't you? Apply that same purpose to your face!!!!!

Don't forget about my contest. If you want to win a fun kit of spring lip colors, leave me a comment or shoot me an e-mail (toobeautylicious@yahoo.com) about a particularly favorite tip or post and I'll choose the winner on Friday!

Saturday give-away!

So, I have a mini lip kit with 3 pretty pinks that would be great for spring. Want it?

Here's what you need to do. I want to hear from you. What has been your favorite posting/tip that you've read on Too Beautylicious? Anything in particular stand out for you? You can either leave a comment on this post or send me an e-mail at toobeautylicious@yahoo.com. I'll read them all and select a winner on Friday, Feb 19.

It's just that simple!

Another Friday is here!

So let's see what kinds of things I could drop on you for the weekend...

New York Fashion Week is currently going on and I don't know if I'm the only person who gets a little nerdy about it or not. Wait, apparently makeup companies do, too. They've started branding their looks for each designer. And the good news is that you can buy the looks! For example, Stila is doing the runway looks for several designers. The products they used in the BCBG MaxAzria show can now be purchased as a set for much cheaper than you could buy them a la carte: www.stilacosmetics.com.

Tarte Cosmetics has a really cool promo. If you go to their website and enter to win a 3 piece eye collection, Tarte will donate $1 to the Red Cross for the relief efforts in Haiti. Just go to www.tartecosmetics.com and go to the icon at the bottom of the homepage to enter.

Free shipping on clinique.com with the code "WEEKEND". No minimum purchase required

And if you are currently living somewhere that is going to be cold and wet and/or snowy this weekend., please remember to take care of your skin. Rich creams for elbows, knees, and heels. Balm for your lips. And don't forget to keep drinking plenty of non-caffeinated beverages for hydration! Hot tea is always a great choice!!

For my minimalist ladies

Ok, ok. I hear you. There are some of you out there who are saying "Look, Too. Enought with the crazy lip color recommendations. You're nuts. I just want something I can wear that is an all in one, natural looking color. Help a sister out."

Well, if this describes you or if you're looking for something you can toss in your pocket or purse for all day spring adventures, here are a few suggestions:

Elizabeth Arden's 8 Hour Cream Lip Protectant in Honey- http://www.elizabetharden.com/. This stuff is sheer and comes in a light or dark shade, depending on your preference. It's incredibly moisturizing and makes your lips look soft and smooth for hours. Oh, did I mention it also has an SPF of 15?

Clark's Botanicals Lip Tint in Alexandra Rose- http://www.clarksbotanicals.com/. It softens. It shines. It's a fantastic natural lip color.

Burt's Bees Shiny Lip Gloss in Juicy Peach or Sweet Pink- http://www.burtsbees.com/. All natural, affordable, and these things smell unbelieveable.

Tarte Cosmetics 24-7 Lip Sheers- http://www.tartecosmetics.com/. You really can't go wrong with any of these shades. They are perfectly sheer and also have the SPF 15 added. Right now, they have essentially a buy-one-get-one-free with some pretty pink colors: www.tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-pinks

If you live near a Target, go to the makeup section and look for Sonia Kashuk. She has a fantastic Sheer Lip Color and Plumping Glossy Tint that comes in several colors. Plus, you'll have the benefit of actually seeing/sampling the color before you buy it.

Happy sheer lip color hunting!

Sometimes, size does matter

The size of the makeup brush you are using has a LOT to do with what shade you are applying. If you are using a particularly vibrant or deep colored blush, you need to use a smaller blush brush. That way you don't end up with giant clown cheeks. Same for your eyelids. If you're using a nice, neutral shade, you can use a pretty big brush to cover most of the eyelid. But, if it's dark or INTENSE, you need a smaller, finer brush.

After reading this, if you are thinking about your current brush collection and it totals less than 5, then skip on over to http://www.eyeslipsface.com/ and stock up. There's no excuse when the prices are that affordable.

The flip side

So, there you are, putting on your mascara. Everything is going well. You're almost done when AAAAHHHHH! Either, you've globbed on too much out of nowhere. Or, you have a giant clump. Or, there's that wonky lash near the end that looks funny and doesn't have the same amount of mascara as the other lashes. WHAT DO YOU DO!!!!!????

Easy. Take the wand and instead of trying to fix the problem from the underside of the lashes (where you normally apply your mascara), try fixing it from the topside. What I usually do is take the wand and place it on top of my lashes. Then, I GENTLY rotate the wand through my lashes. You might feel a slight tug as you're doing this. That's ok. It's normal. This may take some practice. Have a q-tip handy in case you get some mascara on your eyelid.

If you do this correctly, it should remove any clumps, pull out the glob, or even out the product on your lashes. It has always worked for me. Yep, I said ALWAYS.

Yay Friday!

Easy weekend lip look? Yes please!

Lip balm+lip pencil= a cool sheer look that kind of turns into a stain the longer you wear it. Slap on a light layer of lip balm and then fill in your lips. You can blot if you like, but you shouldn't need it.

Mix it up!

Now, I do looooove me a well made up eye. It's kind of my thing. I love eyeliner and mascara and eyeshadows perfectly blended. But today, I said SHAKE IT UP, GIRL! I decided that I wanted to have a fabulous lip instead. So, I applied a coat of mascara and NO other eye makeup. Then, I used a fantastic violet lip stain with some glossy violet balm on top. The result- super cool and a very nice change of pace for me.

So, I challenge you all to do the same. Whichever area of your face you normally emphasize, don't. Move the color around and see if you don't really like the result!

Squeaky clean

When you wash your hair, be sure to get it SOPPING wet before actually applying the shampoo. Why? Well, shampoo is designed to work with water. Hence, the wetter your hair is, the cleaner it will get. Also, by making sure your hair is fully saturated, this will also allow you to completely rinse all the shampoo out when you're done. And if shampoo does get left behind, it's like a dirt magnet. So, be sure to start with very, VERY wet hair, shampoo (from the roots down, of course) and then rinse thoroughly. That way, your "second day hair" won't be greasy or limp from leftover shampoo or attracted dirt.

A couple of Tuesday highlights

First off- order anything from MAC Cosmetics online and use the code "PINK" at checkout for free shipping. No minimum order!!! (Too recommends Tinted Lipglass in Cha Cha. It's a fantastic coral that would look good on any skintone!)

Secondly- if you have a Belk near you, it's Bonus Time at your Clinique counter! I got the flyer in the mail showing what was in the gift with purchase and was highly impressed! You actually get to choose your eyeshadow colors based on your eye color. Hello! Why have they not offered that before?? It's also got their famous eye makeup remover, a lipstick, a mirror, and a couple of other goodies as well as a super cute cosmetics bag. Check it out!

Tools and whatnot

Please, please, PLEASE tell me that you all own at least a baby kabuki brush. If you said what's that, it was like a pain in my heart. A regular sized kabuki brush is pretty large. It is meant to literally sweep powder or highlighter all over your entire face. A baby kabuki, however, is just the right size for blush, bronzer, highlighter, whatever! It's rounded top and small size deposit the perfect amount of color. You can swirl it lightly in circular motions for just a little color deposit. Or you can really zero in on one area (say just below the apples of your cheeks) to create a great dramatic effect. Here's the good news. You can get one anywhere. I mean that. I was just at Wal-Mart and they had one there for $4.00. E.L.F. (http://www.eyeslipsface.com/) has 2 options- one in their studio line and one in their minerals line. Each are $5.00 a piece.

And repeat after me "I will not be afraid of color. I will not be afraid of color." Why am I having you say this? Because Sephora has their spring Colorbox out! (http://www.sephora.com/) It's loaded with just-the-right-sized eye shadows, blushes, lip colors and applicators that are perfect for spring! This way, you can try new colors without committing to purchasing the full sized items. And what will you be paying for this 56 piece treasure trove? $24. Yep. That's it. Now, I don't know about you, but where I come from- that's a STEAL!