Beauty and All That October 2009 Post

Here are the September 2009 posts that you can see on Beauty and All That @ http://igknowidea.blogspot.com

Original posts by Beauty and All That
* October Beauty & Fashion Events in New York City
* Pilates for Pink 2009 - Updates
* Garnier Nutritioniste™ Skincare Products
* Support Breast Cancer Awareness at Plaza Beauty by Warren-Tricomi
* Meg's Makeup Gift from Makeup Points
* Disclaimer on Product Reviews
* Review: Victoria's Secret VS Pro Concealer Palette
* PrettyCity presents NYC Beauty Sample Sale
* Clinique Bonus at Macy's in October
* Sephora Friends and Family 20% off Discount
* Girl on Top Book Tour Event at The Limited
* Girl on Top Book Tour's Goodie Bag

Holiday Series posts
* Introducing 2009 Holiday Series
* Holiday Series #1: Cosmetic Bags from Apple & Bee
* Holiday Series #2: Sephora Beauty Gifts
* Holiday Series #3: Pür Minerals Holiday Collection

Lovely TotalBeauty.com posts
* Quiz: Skin Care Routine
* 10 Best Beauty Budget Tips
* Quiz: Does your Hair Care Routine Need a Makeover?
* Major Hair and Skin Issues- Solved!


Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Holiday Series #3: Pür Minerals Holiday Collection

Get ready for your Holiday soirees with a glam Pür Minerals look! Their cosmetics are simply pure- free of chemical dyes, talc, etc. and includes shea butter and Vitamin E to nourish your skin. The products shown here will help you achieve the picture perfect look while you're out having fun with your friends and family.

Start with a flawless face by using Pür Mineral's Pressed Mineral Foundation and Chisel Brush.

For the Holidays, get a glamorous look with these products from Pür Minerals that I received to test: (From left to right) *Mineral Lip Pencil with Lip Brush in Ruby *Eyeshadow in Champagne Citrine *Eyeshadow in Gold Dust *Mineral Eye Defining Pencil with Smudger in Chocolate Mica *Mineral Shea Butter Lipstick in Red Ruby (bottom)

Here are swatches of the two eyeshadows. The one on top is Champagne Citrine. It's slightly yellow-based and actually looks like the color of bubbly champagne. Delicious and gorgeous as a highlighter. The shade below is the Gold Dust, a bit more coppery but also pretty as a highlighter or a base. Depending on your look, both shades have enough shimmer to last you all night! (Tip: Intensify your look with a wet application.)

What I like best about Gold Dust is that its subtle enough to wear as a monochrome color during the day and it looks great, too! Yes- this is what I wear during work.

The shadows are amazing to use; the colors go on smooth and silky. Read my TotalBeauty review here.

Now that you have the perfect shadow shades on your eyes, complete the look with a soft, brown eyeliner. The Pür Minerals Eye Defining Pencil has the color on one tip of the pencil and a sponge-tip smudger to create a smokier look or to simply clean up any boo-boos. To get your cherry-red lips, line them first with the Lip Pencil and color in with the Shea Butter Lipstick. It's a bright color which looks good to brighten your face. If you're not comfortable wearing this bright color, you can use a bit of gloss in a nude shade over it to make the color less subtle. (Tip: Blot powder on lips after application and reapply lipstick. This will make the color last longer) Use your favorite blush to finish the polished look.

To see a closeup picture of the products,


(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)



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Girl on Top Book Tour's Goodie Bag

The NYC Girl on Top book tour event this month gave away goodie bags to attendees. It was filled with fun treats!

Here are some of the items from the goodie bag: a letter opener (I think), Moxie pads, Vosges Matcha Bar (chocolate-yummy!), and a Tarte eyeshadow book.

The Vosges Haut Chocolat Matcha Bar was absolutely delicious! What is a Matcha Bar? It's made of Japanese matcha green tea mixed with deep milk chocolate- 45% cacao. For more information, check out: www.vosgeschocolate.com

The Tarte duo eyeshadow in Kalalau Trail is a gorgeous couple of complementary colors to create a beautiful smoky look. The left color is a black smoky color and the right color is a golden shimmery color. This convenient case also contains a mirror. You can get this as part of the GlamourEYES set at Sephora.

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Holiday Series #2: Sephora Beauty Gifts

While the Sephora Friends and Family discount is still valid, here are a few items that look holiday-worthy! These items are featured on my wish-list (hehe) but there are tons of more great products on the site than I could wish for this Holiday. However, it would be impossible for me to use everything..

Source: Sephora.com

1) Tarte Treasure Chest- I got a similar Holiday palette last year- the tarte vanity limited edition palette and this year's is even better! It has 16 more eyeshadows but doesn't have brushes and a mascara, which is fine since the matte shadows are worth it! Isn't this divine? :) I'm debating whether I should get this yet.. but I still have the one from last year to finish using.. (eek! *_*)

Source: Sephora.com

Source: Sephora.com

2) The Harajuku Lovers Snow Bunnies fragrance collection is a Limited Edition set. Based on the original fragrances; the Snow Bunnies collection has an updated wardrobe; tres chic and fashionable for the snow bunny in each of you! My fave fragrance of the set is Love. :) I think it's her hair with three buns, which is why I like her best. I probably won't get this since I got her in the old outfit this summer..

Check out the rest of my Sephora Holiday Wishlist...

Source: Sephora.com
3) Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange is my new secret! Accidentally found at a Borders shop this summer, (I can't believe they sell this either!) and I fell in love with this scent. Tuscan Blood Orange smells so sweet and bloody delicious that you just wish you could take a bite out it. I only got the bar soap but I will have to go back and see if they still sell the kits. But I'm glad that Sephora is selling this. I only want the Solid Perfume because it's just the scent that I want.. :)

Source: Sephora.com

The Stila Gift of Appreciation set contains many must-have Stila items! Their eyeshadow trio in Gold Glow looks like something they have included in previous sets.. but it is still a gorgeous set. I would get this but there are a few lip items I wouldn't use.. like the plumping lip glaze..

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Major Hair and Skin Issues- Solved!

12 Major Hair and Skin Issues -- Solved!

Get help for everything from cystic acne, hair breakage, psoriasis and more

Sure, we all get the occasional breakout or dry patch of skin, but if you're suffering from a more serious hair or skin issue then you need serious help. That's why we asked Dr. Heidi Waldorf, director of Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, Arielle N. B. Kauvar, M.D., director of New York Laser & Skin Care, Jerry Teuschler, Principal Scientist for Proctor and Gamble Beauty and Grooming Science, and Head & Shoulders hairstylist Ryan Trygstad to weigh in. They gave advice for the big issues facing TotalBeauty.com readers, so read on for relief from your hair and skin woes. See issues

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Girl on Top Book Tour Event at The Limited

Girl on Top, is a new book that shows you how you can apply 20 dating rules to your professional work life. Written by career expert Nicole Williams, she features rules such as "Play Hard to Get" and "Don’t Give Away the Milk for Free." My goodie bag tote actually has the last rule on it. (So cute!) I haven't read the book yet, but I will once I get the chance to pick it up at a bookstore.

So the book tour is across the country at The Limited Stores! It's exciting because you can mingle, shop and grab a copy of the book while you're there. I was so happy to be a part of their first tour date (NYC).





Check back soon to see my goodie bag!!!!

If you're interested in attending, visit them at a location near you! Check out the rest of the tour dates..
10/15 New York City - Pop Up Shop, 134 Spring St., New York
10/20 Los Angeles
10/23 Miami - 7535 Kendall Drive, Miami
10/26 Nashville - 1800 Galleria Boulevard, Franklin
10/28 Dallas - 8687 Northcentral Expressway, Dallas
10/29 Dallas - 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas
10/30 Houston - 5085 Westheimer, Houston
11/04 San Francisco - 2855 Steven's Creek Boulevard, Santa Clara
11/06 Seattle - 315 S. Center, Seattle
11/09 Vancouver - 788 Robson St., Vancouver
11/11 Minneapolis - 60 West Broadway, Bloomington
11/13 Chicago - 5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg
11/17 Boston - 1245 Worcester Road, Natick
11/18 Boston - 250 Granite St., Braintree
11/20 Cherry Hill - 502 Cherry Hill Mall, Cherry Hill
11/23 Washington DC - 1100 South Hayes St., Arlington
11/25 Toronto


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Quiz: Does your Hair Care Routine Need a Makeover?

Does Your Hair Care Routine Need a Makeover?

See what steps you should change to get perfectly soft and shiny hair

Lather, rinse, repeat. Seems pretty simple, right? Not so much. Taking care of your hair (especially when it's color-treated) can be tricky, and so many things out there (heat styling, the sun, hair dye) can keep you from your best locks. This quiz will show you what you may be doing wrong -- and how to make it right, so you can have the hair you've always wanted. Take the quiz

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Holiday Series #1: Cosmetic Bags from Apple & Bee

I am dedicating my first Holiday Series to Apple & Bee's wonderful cosmetic bags because not only are they made of durable material, this company is carbon neutral and donates part of their profits to environmental organizations. Hurrah! After my fabulous, fun night at the PrettyCity Beauty Sample Sale, I knew I had to showcase my Apple & Bee bags. Apple & Bee's table stood out in the crowd (literally- the place was packed) because they had gorgeous cosmetic and travel bags and a friendly and helpful staff!

A 100% Australian owned company, Apple & Bee provided a generous selection of bags to choose from. It really took me a while to figure out which bags I wanted to get.. My friend and I were checking the table out, thinking we were only going to get 1 or 2, but at the end, we got a whole lot more! :) They make wonderful gifts for girlfriends, so I am saving a few for the Holidays! (Not shown so they will be a surprise.)

"These are a few of my favorite things..." - Sound of Music

The quality of the bags is amazing; They are made of certified organic cotton, bamboo silk, hemp (for inside layer of the smaller makeup bags) and genuine leather for their label. The inside is just as lovely as the outside!

The largest bag in the trio, called the Bowling Bag, is my favorite. This print is one of a kind so I am a proud of owner. :) Here are some of the popular prints in the same style (Click to enlarge):

Print: Red Apple Blossom

Print: Black Japan

Print: Ivory Turtle Dove

Check these out and many other Apple & Bee bags at Vitamin Shoppe now!

To see more detailed pictures of my bags..


Above is my bowling bag! Isn't it gorgeous? :)


Here is an upclose picture of Delicious Grass Green pencil case. This style is not available in the Vitamin Shoppe, but you can get this print in a small makeup bag (see below) here.


This is the small makeup bag size. This print is not available but there are many other wonderful prints on the site. Check it out! :)


Each bag comes with a dust bag, to protect your NEW bag.

Apple & Bee also carry baby bags and travel bags!!

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Sephora Friends and Family 20% off Discount - Oct 19 to November 2

In case you haven't heard yet, Sephora's Friends and Family discount started today! Get 20% off your Sephora purchase (stock up on your holiday gifts for friends, family, and yourself of course)

Use the online code: FF2009
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Introducing 2009 Holiday Series

Beauty and All That is proud to introduce a new feature called the 2009 Holiday Series. This is all about getting ready for the Holidays! I know it's early (only mid-October) but why not start early and spread the cheer?

This series will help you get ready for the Holiday parties with Holiday makeup tools/looks, beauty must-haves on my wishlist, news, and my favorite things that remind me of the Holidays!

Stay tuned for the first of the series! :D


Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Clinique Bonus at Macy's in October

(Source: Macys.com)

It's baaack! I completely forgot about the fall Clinique Bonus at Macy's until I saw a post on a forum. (Check out the Spring Clinique bonus here.) A lovely member was showing off her cute bag (the green one) and I couldn't resist.

Did I need anything from Clinique? Maybe. Did I want to get the bonus? Yes!

With a $21.50 purchase at Macy's or Macys.com, you can get one of the larger makeup bags (green or red delicious apple color) with its accompanying apple-shaped smaller makeup bag. In each you will get:
* Lash double Mascara in Black
* Colour Palette
* 7-Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula
* Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
* Different Lipstick in Spiced Apple

Speaking of makeup bags, stay tuned next week for my Apple & Bee cosmetic bags haul from the PrettyCity Beauty Sample Sale. You don't want to miss this. :)


Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

PrettyCity presents NYC Beauty Sample Sale

This past Wednesday, was the annual PrettyCity Beauty Sample Sale, partnered with Shape Magazine. It was a great event, I got an amazing goodie bag, won prizes at Shape's Spin & Win giveaway, and bought the most adorable makeup bags from Apple & Bee.

Recap of the event: I spent about 10-15 minutes in line, which was great. Last year, I believe I spent over half an hour or even more because the line was ridiculously long. Why the difference? I think because last year Shape magazine had a code that offered this event for free and this year, the event admission was $10. It's still a great deal because it gives you one drink ticket, an awesome goodie bag, and a night full of fun!


The event took place at R Bar, great place!


The walls right behind the bar area of the R Bar..


This is the Spin & Win area.. it was SO packed!


To check out the contents of my goodie bag...(You don't want to miss this)




As you can see, I received the following:
* October issue of Shape magazine
* Sundari Chamomile Eye Oil
* a nailpolish from Creative
* a Skin Polisher masque from Montagne Jeunesse
* Hollywood Fashion Tape
* VitaFusion vitamin samples
* Whish shave cream sample


Make sure to check out next year's event! Insiders tell me there will be another one early next year! ;)
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Review: Victoria's Secret VS Pro Concealer Palette

We all know Victoria's Secret is known for their lingerie but they have expanded their line with clothing and beauty products. I had gotten in the past their palettes, filled with lip glosses, eyeshadows, and blushes. If you know me, I am obsessed with makeup palettes!! I admit: there's something wonderful about getting all these choices of colors to play with in one little cute box.



Victoria's Secret has a Pro Makeup line, which is sophisticated and inspired by the backstage and runway shows. I was given this product by VS to try their Camouflage FX Concealer Palette. I have been looking for a good, creamy concealer to use to hide blemishes, scars, whatever else on my face. So far, I like the consistency and it gives good coverage, so I'm happy with the results.



As you can see above, it has three concealer colors (obviously, the lightest shade matches my skin the closest) and two corrective shades (the two on the right). The green is used to counteract redness in blemishes and a peach color for darker spots. The green works well on my skin but I can't seem to make the peachy color work (it's way too dark). I can still use the medium concealer as a contour color (area under cheekbones) so it is not a complete waste.

So, out of the 5 colors in this concealer palette...

only 3 works. I am thinking of using the dark concealer as a blush. Will it work though? It has to be applied extremely lightly and since the formula allows them to blend well, I can probably use it by dabbing a spot of it on my cheek and rubbing it.

For $14 at Victoria's Secret, this is a bargain for its quality and versatility.

(Disclaimer: I received this product to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

10 Best Beauty Budget Tips

10 Best Budget Beauty Tips

How to use household items (even leftovers!) to look gorgeous on the cheap

Does your tight budget make even drugstore beauty products a luxury? Don't fret. These bargain beauty tips will show you how to turn kitchen leftovers and more into everything you need to look great. Bonus: these tips all use natural ingredients -- good for you, good for the earth! See tips

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Disclaimer on Product Reviews

Due to FTC regulations/standards, bloggers are supposed to say whether products reviewed on blogs are from paid advertisers, sent from companies, paid for by bloggers, etc.

So here is my disclaimer/disclosure:

All reviewed products on my blog are my 100% opinions only. I don't waste my time writing about something if I didn't care about and wanted to share with you about something I like/don't like, so I wouldn't want to waste my reader's time as well.

I do not get paid by anyone to review any products.

Unless I have stated that the products were sent given to me by a company or a company's PR agency, I have bought the reviewed products myself either directly or through gift with purchases (ie. samples with a purchased order, event's swag bags because I went to an event which means companies did not seek out to send me the product, gifts from friends, etc.) Hence I paid for them myself.

Also, if I am raving about a product and I don't say that I actually bought it, I am just writing about it for informational purposes. I do not get paid to endorse them either.

Almost all the products I have written about are ones I like/love/use/am interested in/am curious about/etc.

Affiliate links:
- Birchbox (extra points)
- Ipsy (extra bonuses I think)
- KlutchClub
- Total Beauty
- Meg's Makeup (only paid in free makeup to write more fab reviews!)

About my Giveaways: Information collected on giveaways is for the sole purpose of sending the gift! I do not sell personal information here! Information given is voluntary and at your own risk. Winners do not have to pay for shipping for the giveaways. Beauty and All That will choose the winners randomly at our own discretion. Beauty and All That and affiliates are not responsible for any damages of products once items have been shipped and for any damages that my incur with usage of any kind of the giveaway items. Beauty and All That is not responsible for carelessness of any kind!


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Meg's Makeup Gift from Makeup Points

So this summer, I joined this fantastic site called Meg's Makeup. By being an active member, you can gain points by rating, commenting and updating your profile. With these points, you can redeem wonderful makeup goodies that Meg generously gives to its loyal members. After redeeming 250 points, here are the goodies I received this week.

Thank you Meg for being so wonderful! :)


Here is a personalized note from Meg, herself, and other name tags/business cards.



From left to right:
1) Parissa mini wax strips for eye brows- I usually groom with a tweezer; so I stopped tweezing to maximize the usage of these wax strips. Did a test run and they are surprisingly very easy to use! Def. recommend if you're looking for something different. Brows were clean for about a week longer than normal plucking! :)
2) Supersmile toothpaste- This is a great product.. I'm still using this but I believe my teeth are becoming more pearly white :)
3) Klean bath syrup in Lemon Love- This is simply divine! It smells wonderful and the sweetest bath cleanser I have ever used. It's like opening a burst of vanilla cupcake in the shower. It also leaves your skin moisturized and a small dallop will just lather enough for a clean shower.
4) (top) Yoyo lip gloss- A lip gloss with a easy clip on already attached to it? It leaves your pout shiny and you'll never lose it, esp. if you clip it on your jeans! Adorable! Also great gifts for tweens!
5) (bottom) M. Asam AQUA INTENSE HyaluronCream- This has hydrated my skin so much! Definitely use this as night since it's a bit heavy for my oily/combo skin but in the winter, it's great!




Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Support Breast Cancer Awareness at Plaza Beauty by Warren-Tricomi

As you may know already, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Did you check out the Pilates for Pink event on Sunday?

The Plaza Beauty by Warren-Tricomi is offering two fantastic specials for you beauties!

First, if you purchase the Revitalash lash-strengthening formula for $150, you get two free gifts- a mascara and this cute cosmetics case. Also, a portion of the purchase will be donated to support the cause.

If you're looking for a cute headband, this one is for you! Designed by Lucia Tristao, this pink ribbon with rhinestone headband can be yours for $65. A generous 20% of the purchase will be donated as well. Get this exclusive design only at the Plaza Beauty by Warren-Tricomi.

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Garnier Nutritioniste™ Skincare Products

Source: http://www.garnierusa.com/

Are you looking for a skincare product that will deep clean and give you radiant skin? Or are you looking for something that will smooth out wrinkles under your eye and prevent any further sun damage? If you haven't already tried, the Garnier Nutritioniste™ skincare line has something that will fit your needs.

There are five product categories to help with your type of skin. They are:
Nutri-Pure® Cleansers that "Detoxifies. Deep cleans without drying.". Includes towelettes, gel or cream cleansers, and facial scrubs.

Skin Renew- "Moisturize and treat with Skin Renew. Regenerate. Smooth texture, radiant, even-toned skin."

Skin Renew Anti-Sun-Damage - "Moisturize and protect with Skin Renew Anti-Sun-Damage. Helps reverse the signs of sun damage"

Ultra-Lift® - "Moisturize and treat with Ultra-Lift. Anti-wrinkle. Deep lifting action."

Ultra-Lift®Pro - "Moisturize and treat with NEW Ultra-Lift Pro. Now plump skin from within to push deep wrinkles up and out."

Skin Renew Awakening Face Massager: After trying this out for two weeks, I have seen an improvement in my skin's smoothness. It also looks a bit tighter, especially around the cheeks. I felt there was too much gel coming out while I used the rolling applicator. So if this happens to you, you will just have to massage the rest in your skin with your fingers. After using, you may you may have to massage the rest in your skin. Although my skin felt like it had a bit of a residue (probably because there was too much on my skin to begin with), I like how it has made my skin look brighter. So, I will definitely continue using this!

(Disclaimer: I received this product to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Quiz: Skin Care Routine

Skin Care Routine Calculator

Answer a few questions and get a personalized regimen

There are a million skin care products out there, so it can be tough to know what will work best for your skin. Luckily, this quiz takes the guesswork out of skin care. Just put in your information and end up with the perfect routine for you. Take the quiz

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com