Beauty and All That November 2009 Posts

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

Original posts by Beauty and All That
* Everyday Minerals' forum update and Try Me Free kit
* Meg's Makeup Gift- Second Package
* Puma's Holiday Party Remix
* Free Shipping At Sephora
* Happy Thanksgiving!
* Black Friday with Sephora
* New York & Company Friends and Family -30% Off
* Shecky's Holiday Night Out in New York City December
* Armani Warehouse Sale in NYC November 19- 21, 2009
* Holiday Series #6: Travel Essentials with Yes to Carrots
* Everyday Minerals Holiday and Winter Collection
* Holiday Series #5: Holiday Nail Colors from Borghese
* Roberto Cavalli Sample Sale in NYC- November 12-14
* Sephora- Free Metallic Flower Clutch with Samples
* Yes to Carrots Facial Starter Kits
* Clinique Bonus at Nordstrom's
* Product Review: Kairos Clarifying Complexion Clear
* Skin Care Updates- Tips to Reduce Acne Scars
* Holiday Series #4: Best Holiday Gifts for your Bud
* NYC StyleFixx Girl's Night Out
* Review: SensiClear Acne Treatment Kit

Lovely TotalBeauty.com posts
* Save Cash with these Holiday Discounts
* Top 20 Earth-Friendly Beauty Gifts
* How-to: Fight Adult Acne
* Holiday Series #7: Holiday Tipping
* Top 12 Products for Oily Skin
* Quiz: Could Your Winter Hairstyle use a Boost?
* How-to: Moisturize your Dry Winter Skin
* Holiday Series #4: Best Holiday Gifts for your Bud
* Celebrity Hairstyle Trend: Twists

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Puma's Holiday Party Remix

(Click here to see a larger image)

Want to play DJ Hero & get an exclusive discount while shopping at Puma stores? Check out the kiosks at participating stores at their Holiday Party Remix in December. For the first 100 shoppers, you will also get a free gift with purchase.

RSVP now at facebook.com/puma or email at: shoppingevents@puma.com


Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Free Shipping at Sephora

Super excited to share this.. Free Shipping at Sephora.com through Monday, November 30. Can't wait to see what other CyberMonday Deals there will be this year!

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Save Cash with these Holiday Discounts

Save Cash with these Holiday Discounts

Check out these great deals, beauty freebies and free shipping offers that'll last the rest of this year

We could all stand to save a few bucks while holiday shopping this year, and these deals will be a major help! We found tons of stuff, from sites offering free shipping, to discounts, cool gifts-with-purchase and more! See deals

(Disclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link.)
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from Beauty and All That! What are you thankful for this year?

Beauty and All That has lots to be thankful for this year, especially another great blogging year! I am thankful for all the wonderful opportunities that Total Beauty has given to my blog, including meeting new friends and going to events I never would have able to participate without Total Beauty. I am also thankful for all the support from family and friends and all the good things that I have!

I hope all my readers have a wonderful and safe holiday!

Tomorrow is Black Friday.. will you be shopping? :)

Be sure to check out my other blog, Crafty and All That, for all cute, crafty things!


Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Black Friday with Sephora

On Black Friday, November 27- Get this Kat Von D bag with any purchase of $25+! Beauty-insiders only!

Also, have you noticed that so many retailers are already having "Black Friday" sales on Wednesday- 2 days before Black Friday? :)




Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Everyday Minerals' forum update and Try Me Free kits

The Everyday Minerals' forum is gone.. It has actually been a few days since they closed it. I'm a bit sad that they did this because it was such a great opportunity for customers/fans of EDM to interact and engage with each other. Also, it was a great resource to see hauls, swatch pictures, etc. They have replaced it with their updated blog which is nice and will take some time to get used to. For now, R.I.P. EDM forum. There are other forums out there where people still go to, but I forgot what they are.

Drama?- The week before the forum went "offline," I remember the admins were adamant about not bashing other members, ie: keeping the forum a place where things were civil and happy. I completely agree- who would want to go to a forum where people were mean to you and bullied you? The root cause may have been stemming from these so-called "group orders." From what I read, it seemed like someone participating in a group order- where one person ordered items for a number of people who wanted to participate in order to get the 45% discount and only wanted just one item- did not pay the person back in time. Not sure if this was true or what exactly happened because I wasn't checking the forum 24/7 and they had deleted those posts. However, it is sad that people just did not communicate enough so if there were any problems in payment, it could have been resolved in a more timely, fashionable manner. Instead, it had to blow up and was probably the last straw for EDM.

In the meantime, I've been on Meg's Makeup plenty to get my daily beauty fix! EDM members are also on here too! :) Read the forum on Meg's makeup to hear what happened to EDM.

Check out my first makeup goodies from Meg's Makeup here and my second package here.


I'm still a fan of Everyday Minerals- adore their products and they recently updated their Try me Free kits for eyes. Even though it says $5, you can add any one of these kits for FREE (hence, they are called "Try Me Free Gifts.") All you have to pay is shipping!

They also have beautiful Christmas and New Year Palettes in their Collection.

The Winter Wonderland collection offers sample sizes of:
- Floating Feathers: a white, light color great for a highlighter and inner corners of your eyes
- Swing Set: a matte, grey-ish blue color for an all-over lid (I own this!)
- Bubble Tea: A shimmery blue color

The Trim the Tree collection offers samples of:
- Parasail: light pink shade, good for highlighter
- Freckles: an olive green color
- Shopping Spree: a very pretty purple! (I own this too!)

Since I already own one of the colors in each set, I won't be getting these. I can't wait for their new kits though!



(Disclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link.)
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Top 20 Earth-Friendly Beauty Gifts

Top 20 Earth-Friendly Beauty Gifts

The hottest skin care, makeup and hair care on every green chick's holiday wish list

Why not try something a little different this season and look for eco-friendly gifts? Any of the products in this round-up will fit the bill -- they're all eco-friendly and tested and approved by (notoriously picky) TotalBeauty.com readers. See products

(Disclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link.)
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Meg's Makeup Gift- Second Package

If you haven't heard of Meg's Makeup yet, that means you didn't check out my previous post on this wonderful blog community. This is one of my favorite sites to go to because you get to read product reviews on beauty products and everyone is so lovely there! An extra benefit? By being an active member, you accumulate points to get makeup goodies! Become a Meg's Makeup member now!

I received my second 250 point package in the mail this week and I am in awe of Meg's generosity. I received three fantastic products!
- LORAC croc palette (valued at $36 on Sephora)
- Urban Decay eyeshadow primer potion (valued at $17 on Sephora)
- Aloe Eye Make-Up Remover (available at magicofaloe.com)

Check out my first Meg's Makeup gift package here.

	Isn't the packaging amazing? Swatches coming soon.. I couldn't bear to use it just yet. This is my Christmas gift from Meg's Makeup!
	Urban Decay EyeShadow Primer Potion- Listed as #8 in the article "15 Best Products of All Time" in December's Marie Claire

Reviews coming soon!

Isn't it time that you be a member of Meg's Makeup?


Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

How-to: Fight Adult Acne

Everything You Need to Fight Adult Acne

What causes it, how to treat it and more is all here

Got adult acne? Join the club -- nearly half of women over 25 do! Luckily, there is something you can do about those annoying blemishes. With this guide you'll get everything you need -- from products to tips and more -- to have the clear skin you want. Because acne is something that's definitely better left to the young-ins. See guide

(Disclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link.)
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Quiz: Could Your Winter Hairstyle use a Boost?

Quiz: Could Your Winter Hairstyle Use a Boost?

Find out with this quiz, and get tips to kick it up a notch

Sure, you may spend most of your time these days bundled up in coats and scarves, but that doesn't mean your look can't still have an edge, right? Find out if your style is lacking and what you can do to change it with this quiz. Take the quiz

(Disclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link.)

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

New York & Company Friends and Family -30% Off

The New York & Company is having their Friends and Family sale this weekend, until November 22! Use code: 1745 to shop online or to get a printer-friendly version to bring to a store, click here

Coming soon, my New York & Company must-haves for the holidays!



Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Holiday Series #7: Holiday Tipping

Holiday Tipping Cheat Sheet

Who deserves an extra treat this year? Find out!

Money is tight, we know, but it's still nice to give a little something extra to the people who make our lives easier all year round. Find out who you should be tipping this season and how much (don't worry, it won't break the bank!). See tips

(Disclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link.)
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Shecky's Holiday Night Out in New York City December 17-19, 2009

Shecky's is back in New York City this December, with more shopping, fun, drinks and another reason to hang out with your girlfriends! Bring your friends to spread the holiday cheer at this 3 day event happening only in NYC on December 17-19, 2009.

They are currently offering a fantastic 50% off deal on tickets, so they're only $15 for a goodie bag ticket plus admission, UNTIL NOVEMBER 30, 2009. If you would rather just skip the bag, you can still attend Thursday and Saturday for FREE just by being a Shecky's Insider (email-subscriber actually).

This is the NYC Girl's Night Out goodie bag from October 2009, so I imagine the Holiday event may look similar or even less... we shall see.


For more details, go to:
http://www.sheckys.com/holiday/nyc/winter2009/


Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Armani Warehouse Sale in NYC November 19- 21, 2001

On November 19-21, the Armani warehouse sale will take place, selling men's & women's clothing and accessories! All the action will take place at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City, home to many sample sales.

Click on ad for a larger image!


Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Holiday Series #6: Travel Essentials with Yes to Carrots & Virgin Airlines

Source: YTC Facebook page

After checking our Yes to Carrot's facebook page, I found out that they are teaming up with Virgin Airlines to provide an exclusive travel amenity kit. Called the "How Could I Forget?" Kit, this package makes me want to forget my essentials just so I have a reason to purchase this!

This adorable sampler pack for only $10 includes generous sample size items of:
* Yes to Carrots Shampoo
* Yes to Carrots Conditioner
* Yes to Carrots Night Cream
* Yes to Carrots Body Butter Lotion in a tube
* Yes to Carrots Shower Gel
* Lip Balm (rando flavor, I think)
* Breath Mints
* And a zip-lock bag to get back through security fast (I guess this is useful on your way home, since you will purchasing this on your destination flight.)

If you haven't tried these products before, this is a great way to sample the variety of Yes to Carrots products. If you're looking for other value kits to try the Yes to Cucumbers or Yes to Tomatoes brand because you have more sensitive (Cucumber) or oily/combination (try Tomatoes) skin, check out their new Yes to Carrots new Facial Starter Kits.

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Everyday Minerals Holiday and Winter Collection 2009

Source: www.everydayminerals.com

Everyday Minerals, also known as EDM to many, are currently selling their Holiday colors from last year! Called "Reissue Parties," EDM has been selling popular colors from previous collections that are no longer available on their website, on a temporary basis. They have had about 2 reissues so far which lasted about 4 days but this time, they have no specified when these Holiday colors will stop selling. According to the forum, they will probably stop selling these when they sell out.

Also, today is the debut of their Winter Collection ! I was so excited to see what they would offer but I am not that impressed. It includes 1 blush color called Wild Vines, is supposed to be a bright pinkish color similar to their popular shade, Apple. It also includes 4 eyeshadows, All Spice, Cardamom, Juniper and Nutmeg. They're very neutral, taupe-ish shade- like light brown, greys, and they look a bit blah if you have light, pale skin. You definitely need to use the Juniper which looks like their darkest color to provide some contrast. Otherwise, I have to say this collection would not look good on those with fair complexions and would just wash you out.

Are you a fan of EDM? What are your favorites?
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Holiday Series #5: Holiday Nail Colors from Borghese

I received these Borghese Holiday nail polishes in the Serena set to try and have found the colors I will be wearing throughout this Holiday season. This fall, I was loving the burgundies and purples and so glad this set includes similar colors with glitter! Read about the fall nail polish trends here.

The four colors in this set are dark, festive, and perfect for this season's trend of deep, vampy colors. The kit contains 2 solid colors with the dark burgundy- my absolute favorite- and dark navy, and 2 glittery ones, similar to the effect of the popular Sephora OPI 212 nail polish.

Review: The satin finish of these nail polishes are amazing.. can't stop touching them! The luxe polishes are also long-wearing, no chipping for at least 3 days, and come with a Duale Curve Tip Brush that help with your polish application. This means less nail polish on your skin!

I am extremely pleased with this set and they only cost $2.50 each polish, since the set costs ~$10 at your local drugstore. This is a bargain especially if you're looking for an affordable way to change up your holiday nail look for different parties and events you're going to this season.

Swatches coming soon!

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

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Top 12 Products for Oily Skin

Top 12 Products for Oily Skin

Stop grease and shine with oil-controlling makeup and skin care

If you have oily skin, you know it can be tough to prevent mid-day shine and keep grease at bay. Here, our fellow oily skin readers share feedback on the products that keep them looking matte all day. See products

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Roberto Cavalli Sample Sale in NYC- November 12-14, 2009

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Sephora- Free Metallic Flower Clutch with Samples

Get this gorgeous metallic clutch filled with 8 beauty samples (will vary from picture) for FREE when you spend at least $50 at Sephora. You can either get this in-store with a print out of the page here: http://www.sephora.com/go/clutch/ OR enter code: CLUTCH4U Get this while supplies last!!

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Yes to Carrots Facial Starter Kits

In a recent newsletter by Yes to Carrots, they introduced their Facial Starter Kits. Having had the trouble of finding these products available in the past, I am super excited to see these value kits available with trio products in each set. They're only $20 and considering each product can cost about $10-15 each, this is a bargain!

These make great gifts and you can definitely try all three or share with a friend. Having a combo/oily skin, I will, of course, reach out and look for the Yes to Tomatoes kit. This particular kit will contain full-sizes of Facial Wash, Hydrating Lotion, and Facial Mask. I am a fan of their Hydrating Lotion, now that I have added moisturizer to my daily skin care routine to reduce acne scars.

I haven't seen these at a local drugstore yet and I realized why. They are only available at select Meijer, Target, Walgreens and Drugstore.com!

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Clinique Bonus at Nordstrom's

Get your Clinique Bonus at Nordstrom's now until end of November. For only a $25 purchase, you get all the goodies here. I frankly wish I had waited to get this instead of the Macy's GWP (Gift with Purchase). Why? You get such a prettier bag AND beauty tools! Also this eyequad is so gorgeous.

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Product Review: Kairos Clarifying Complexion Clearing Shampoo and Conditioner

Last month while battling with my stubborn acne, I was using the Kairos Clarifying Complexion-Clearing shampoo and conditioner, that I received to test. What makes this product truly unique is that the formula not only washes your hair clean and smells minty fresh, it also contains ingredients to fight acne! Of course I was curious to try this!

My hair: I have straight and fine hair and it can also be oily at times. My hair-washing habits? Every other day, because I don't want to damage my hair and I don't have the time. I never used to condition my hair as much also but I have found that it really moisturizes it even though I may think I have oily hair.

Routine: So I have used Kairos' shampoo at least twice a week and the conditioner during the other times when I don't use the shampoo. The reason why I stick with this routine is that I don't want to use salicylic acids twice on my hair. It will strip my hair dry and my hair just doesn't feel normal.

For my Overall verdict: It smells wonderful.. I'm a sucker for minty shampoos that feels invigorating on my scalp. The additional benefits of cleansing any acne is definitely a plus! Here's a true and tried tip: The shampoo can also be used, while diluted, as a face/body wash for acne during the shower. I am sticking with this shampoo while I have noticed fewer bumps or tiny zits around my forehead.

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


Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

How-to: Moisturize your Dry Winter Skin

The Cure for Dry Winter Skin

Find out which top hand hydrators our testers found desk drawer-worthy

We spend hundreds on youth-enhancing face lotions -- but when's the last time your hands got some love? "Hands show aging more than the face," says Los Angeles-based dermatologist Dr. Howard Murad. Good point. So we had 10 testers review hand creams for two weeks. Which ones offered the best hydration -- and which were just greasy? Find out in the ratings. See products

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Skin Care Updates- Tips to Reduce Acne Scars

The week after my review on the SensiClear Acne Treatment kit, my skin has been cooperating and acne-free, for the most part. All I have left are battle scars. I thought this day would never come especially since I've had this for a few months. I still cannot figure out the cause- I have not changed any of my eating, sleeping, etc. habits. I have not tried new products on that area of my face that would have caused this. It was probably stress, but it's over! YAY!

So back to the battle scars.. I decided to change my routine just a bit this week. I am only concentrating the use of SensiClear on problem areas and skipping a few steps ^_^ (mostly toner). In lieu of toner, after cleansing I am using a moisturizer! My skin feels a bit dry and tight especially since it is getting colder so using a moisturizer this past week before putting on any acne treatment, has helped tremendously.

Yes to Carrots (YTC) Facial Hydrating Lotion- Given a sample of this product from Yes to Carrots earlier this year in April, (see YTC product sampling here), I did not fully appreciate this lotion until now. I thought since my skin is so oily/combo I wouldn't need moisture but that is actually false. After cleansing can be too drying for your skin, so your skin will actually produce more oil to compensate. So I'm still using the other sample and it's been great!! Will be picking up one of these when I can find it at a drugstore..

To learn about my all-natural remedy..
Honey- It's not a brand, it's just plain old honey you may have in your fridge. I've been using this since October actually to see if it helps. I have seen a slight improvement in the fading process, I think. If not, at least it's all natural so it doesn't hurt to have the yummy goodness of honey on your face anyway. Caution- It's sticky so tie your back and do not eat this off of your face afterwards! (Can you say ew?)

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Holiday Series #4: Best Holiday Gifts for your Budget

Best Holiday Gifts for Your Budget

Whether you have $20 to spend or $100, we've got beautiful gift ideas for everyone on your list this year

Mom, check. Husband, check. Sister, check. With these 20 gift ideas, you'll have everyone crossed off your list by early December. Pretty nice, huh? Check out this guide of our 20 favorite gifts to give this season, no matter how fat -- or thin -- your wallet might be. See gifts

(Disclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link.)
Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Celebrity Hairstyle Trend: Twists

Hot Celebrity Hairstyle Trend: Twists

From tight knots to loose coils, these hairstyles put a new twist on practical elegance

"The Twist" is more than just a popular 60s dance. It's also a look practically anyone can wear. So check out this celebrity hairstyle that's fun to sport and so easy to copy. See hairstyles

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

NYC StyleFixx Girl's Night Out

StyleFixx's Girl's Night Out event in New York City was a blast! Located at the Metropolitan Pavillion, home of many sample sales in NYC, the Girl's Night Out event had many vendors selling jewelry, makeup products and accessories. This event is similar to the Shecky's Girls Night Out event that I have been to earlier this year and last year. Read about the Spring 2009 Shecky's event here.

I wanted to try something different this year which is why I attended the StyleFixx event instead. I wasn't too impressed with the last Shecky's goodie bag either (I already have 3 anyway), so I was happy to see a different variety of items in the StyleFixx bag.

Comparing the Shecky's and StyleFixx's Goodie Bags:

Thanks to Food and Beauty blog, here is a picture of this year's Shecky's bag. The blogger noted that it was mostly sample size products and hoped to have full-size beauty items.
Here is a picture of the StyleFixx bag. It may look a lot less, but I am glad to have received the Yes to Carrots full-size product as well as the Glamour Kit. You may also notice that there are a few items that were in both bags- Lindt chocolate bars and sample pads.. haha.

More Pictures if you...




Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Review: SensiClear Acne Treatment Kit

To continue my quest to find the perfect skincare, anti-acne regimen for myself I decided to try the SensiClear acne treatment kit.

In September, I was using the Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions and by the end of the month, I did not find the spot treatment helping my acne. Now, the kind I have is something I have never experienced so I wasn't sure what product to use. They were not the occasional whiteheads on your forehead or nose or cheek, but these were along my jawline.
Causes? (k)No(w) idea! :(

For this month, after receiving this product to test, I decided to try the 30-day challenge with SensiClear acne treatment kit which comes in 3 steps:

Step 1: Purifying Cleanser- "It gently purifies and refreshes the skin while removing excess oil, makeup and debris without drying."
Review- The clear gel cleanser is thicker and sticker than other liquid cleansers I have tried, including the Burt's Bees and Boscia cleansers. It doesn't leave my face feeling dry but instead, deep clean and smooth. Great cleanser and you only have to use a pea-size amount for your entire face.

Step 2: Balancing Toner- "A refreshing toner that conditions, firms and lifts away any residue and goes deep to prepare the skin for treatment."
Review- The packaging of this toner, made with 0.5% Salicylic Acid, is quite unusual. Usually I think of toner aka liquid product packaged in a bottle, but this was in a tube. This clear toner can be described as a more liquid version of the cleanser. You simply put it on a cotton pad and wash it off your face when dry. I have learned to use this only in trouble spots so it doesn't overdry the rest of my face. It's an extra step after cleansing but it does firm my skin after washing.

Step 3: Blemish-Free Acne Treatment Lotion- "Treats, heals and prevents blemishes while gentle and non-irritating to sensitive skin. This lightweight and fast-absorbing lotion uses the most effective acne treatment to prevent and control breakouts."
Review- The lotion also contains 0.5% Salicylic Acid and I use this at night or during the day when I have time to put it on. (I usually have 5 minutes to do any kind of makeup in the morning before I rush out of the door!) This light yellow lotion is used for the entire face for prevention. The acne trouble I am experiencing is concentrated on the jawline so I just concentrate using this in that area. So far, so good!

The kit also included a bonus Spot Treatment (Step 4) lotion which I use on top of the treatment lotion.

Overall Review: So after using this for the past month, I am pleased to say that I am happy with the results. It took a while about a week and half to two to really see the results. It was frustrating at first because new zits would pop up (ew, I know) in the same area but after consistently using this, there have not been any new ones. :) Now, I still am going to continue using this regimen since I am halfway done with these products (I have a 60 day kit) to ensure I still get my clear skin.

The only thing I am not liking is the SCARS! I need to get rid of them.. which is another quest I will update you all with once I figure it out.

If you have acne scar remedies, please let me know! Thanks!!

To learn more about SensiClear and its Autoship Program..

According to their website, the "SensiClear autoship program entitles you to receive automatic shipments of SensiClear at discounted prices. You'll also receive special offers and discounts from time to time."

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


Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com