Case of the Mondays: 6 Beauty Products To Help Start The Week

Happy first Monday of August! My fiancée and I just got back from a weekend vacation in Chicago and now I'm preparing for my 30th birthday on August 10th. It's strange to say goodbye to my 20s, but I'm so ready for my 30s! I'm at a great place in my career, my wedding is next July, and we're planning to look at buying a home soon. I pray for a spare bedroom to store my makeup collection! Anyway, here's this week's Case of the Mondays.

NARSissist Dual-Intensity Blush Palette, $59

Work your angles with this new all-in-one cheek palette! You can use wet or dry and shades can highlight, blush, and contour all skintones. Set features shades Soft Tulle, Damask with Gold Sheen, Peony, and Titian. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in Moonchild, $40

::Insert unicorn emoji:: 
After the internet went wild for this rainbow highlighter, Anastasia Beverly Hills launched this unique palette with shades like "Blue Moon" and "Purple Horseshoe." Magically-Metallic highlighters make up the glow kit and create the perfect kaleidoscopic, shimmering effect. For a brightly amplified glow, apply with a damp makeup brush or sponge. While the kit may be sold out at the moment, Anastasia will be restocking mid-day on 8/1.

Ole Henriksen POWER Bright™, $55

I blame Ole Henriksen for my lack of makeup wear lately and it's all due to this phenomenal three-step brightening system. I tested the kit back in June and I swear my skin has never looked better. The system has an unprecedented 25% vitamin C concentrate to deliver maximum radiance in as little as one use. You find improvements in dullness, uneven skintone, and fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C is my secret to healthy skin and Ole has known this secret for quite some time! Not only does Vitamin C help brighten complexion, it promotes firmer and more youthful-looking skin over time. Trust me, you need this in your skincare routine immediately. 

IT COSMETICS Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing Mascara, $24

In a sea of great mascaras, IT COSMETICS has really rose to the top. My lashes look longer, fuller, and thicker than they have in a long time. Proprietary Elastic Stretch Technology wraps each individual lash in a volume-boosting, lengthening and ultra-conditioning black cape of power. Thanks for the superhero powers, IT COSMETICS!

Suave Coconut Oil Infusion Treatment Oil, $5.99

Give me anything with Coconut Oil and I'm a happy lady. Suave just bottled up magic with their new rich Coconut Oil Infusion Treatment Oil. The formula goes to work instantly smoothing rough cuticles, taming flyaways, and delivering healthy, long-lasting shine.

The Estée Edit by Estée Lauder - Beam Team Hydrate + Glow, $42

Beam Team Hydrate + Glow is definitely my summer staple. It's a lightweight daily moisturizing lotion that illuminates and hydrates skin, leaving behind a sheer golden-beige hue or a sheer sun-loving bronze. Just apply and go!

What products are you using this Monday?

New Beauty: May 2016

Every month, new and exciting beauty launches are released. It's hard to keep up with brands constantly releasing products and we want to help make it easier for you. In an attempt to keep things simpler, we'll be rounding up our favorite beauty launches every month. Here's our top picks for May 2016! 

Charlotte Tilbury Instant Look in a Palette, $75,

Instant Look in a Palette contains seven of Charlotte’s revolutionary makeup secrets to create an effortless, glowing look that enhances natural beauty. Including shades from three Charlotte Tilbury cult-favorites — Filmstar Bronze & Glow, Luxury Palette and Cheek to Chic — this universally flattering, glowing look is for every woman and is so easy to use.

BECCA & Jaclyn Hill Limited Edition #ChampagneGlow Collection, Varies from $38-$52

This collection is in celebration of Champagne Pop, the best-selling highlighter in collaboration with Jaclyn Hill. This peachy shade works well on all skin tones and the brand has decided to create a full collection around this hue. The collection with feature a Champagne Collection Face Palette with a brand new shade, Prosecco Pop, a liquid Shimmering Skin Perfector, a Shimmering Skin Perfector Poured Crème, and Champagne Collection Eyeshadow Palette. The collection is available exclusively at Sephora and launching on Sephora.com on 5/26 noon EST and in Sephora stores on 6/16.

NARS Limited Edition Orgasm Blush, $39

Limited Edition-Orgasm Blush features the same, iconic, universally flattering shade, now in a larger, one-of-a-kind compact. Orgasm Blush gives cheeks a sheer, perfect pinky-peach flush and subtly highlights with accents of golden shimmer. The perennially pleasing, universally flattering shade is repeatedly a makeup artist and beauty editor favorite.

AERIN Mediterranean Honeysuckle EDP, $110

Escape to the sun-drenched, azure-blue waters of the Mediterranean with AERIN's newest EDP. It blends a unique combination of sweet Honeysuckle and sparkling Grapefruit. Sophisticated Italian Bergamot is paired with Mandarin Oil and Grapefruit for an effervescent citrusy glow alongside Bourgeon de Cassis. Packaging was inspired by the beautiful tiles of Capri. Available in EDP (1.7 oz and 3.4 oz.), Rollerball, Body Cream, Body Wash and Bar Soap.

Christian Louboutin Red Nail Extensions, $50 each

This May, Christian Louboutin introduces three new never-before-seen red-inspired Nail Colour shades. Having created countless red designs over the last 20 years, Christian Louboutin has a discerning eye for the colour, and thus each shade is carefully developed for exceptional colour payoff and high-shine. Christian Louboutin’s new red nail collection launches just in time for the glamour of the summer. Stylish and seductive, these shades are perfect for the runway-like entrance of the Met Ball and parties on the French Riviera. Shimmering Jazzy Doll dazzles at an evening premier, deep raspberry Lady Peep adds the finishing touch to an after-party look, and bright EdgyPopi turns heads on the Promenade de la Croisette.

Case of the Mondays - 6 Beauty Products To Help Tackle The Week

Today was a very busy Monday for me! I'm finding that all of my weekends are jammed packed all the way up to Christmas Eve. I'm not sure if it's just the end of the year finally catching up or just wanting to spend more quality time with my family. The jammed packed weekends leave less time for errands, so Mondays is my get things done day! Here are the products making me feel more put together for this week's Case of the Mondays.

Olivia Palermo x Ciaté London, Smokey Suedes Eye Palette, $39

Olivia Palermo's Ciaté London collection is basically what my own makeup collection would probably look like. The collection is perfection with shades for the ultimate smokey eyes, bold cheeks and sultry nude lips. This new palette sold at Sephora is perfect for day to night eyes. You can soften it up in AM for the office and darken your crease in PM for a night out.

Dove Nourishing Pump Body Wash with NutriumMoisture, $8.99

There's only body wash I always have in my shower and that's Dove. This creamy, nourishing body wash is my ultimate fave. Skin is left luxuriously smooth and the scent is even better. Now this favorite body wash is available with a pump (#mydream) and in a 34 fl. oz. bottle!

DESSANGE PARIS Purifying Clay Balancing Pre-Shampoo Mask, $11.99 

The DESSANGE PARIS Purifying Clay Balancing Pre-Shampoo Mask is the first clay-in-mask pre-shampoo regulating treatment to help oily scalp! The 30% mineral green clay concentration works to absorb excess and regulate oil production over time. You can use once a week on dry hair, applying it generously to the roots with the application brush. Leave on hair for 5-10 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Best if used followed by the DESSANGE PARIS Purifying Clay Balancing Shampoo. Fresh hair on a Monday morning is always a good idea.

NARS Cosmetics Audacious Mascara, $26

It's rare that a new mascara comes along and blows me away like the Audacious mascara did. The wand is the magic! It was designed with over 200 molded bristles. The bristles evenly grips and coats lashes from root to tip while simultaneously separating, lengthening and amplifying with every stroke. Hello lashes! 

Rodial Instaglam Compact Deluxe Bronzing Powder, $57

I recently discovered the new Rodial Sculpting Makeup collection and fell head over heels! It launched in July and features a full collection of makeup products designed to sculpt and define the face. Founder, Maria Hatzistefani, sought to create a collection of products that were easy to use to achieve the desired sculpted look. The formulations are buildable and suits all skin tones. The Instagram Compact is my go-to everyday bronzer to define areas of my face easily.

Dolce & Gabbana Sophia Loren No. 1 Lipstick, $37

This signature red is just what the doctor ordered with the temperatures drastically dropping in NYC. Sophia Loren's lipstick collection with D&G is creamy and beautifully scented. It's a combination lipstick and lipgloss for ultra shiny lips. After all, Sophia Loren knows best!

Palette Dreaming: The Newest Palettes On The Block

1. NARS Foreplay Cheek Palette ($49.00) 
2. Urban Decay Smoked Eyeshadow Palette ($49.00) 
3. Anastasia Beverly Hills 'She Wears It Well' Eyeshadow Palette ($34.00) 
4. Tarte Amazonian Clay Eye & Cheek Palette ($44.00) 
5. Too Faced The Return Of Sexy Eyeshadow Palette ($48.00) 
6. Smashbox The Master Class Palette ($59.00)

LORAC Cosmetics Pro Line For Fall 2012 Review + Swatches

LORAC Cosmetics new PRO line screams sophistication and drama. The new FALL 2012 collection is designed to make you look intense and luxurious. The new product line includes a new palette, cream eyeliners, powder cheek stains, nude gloss duo and mascara. I'm such a LORAC addict. The brand just keeps getting better and better. This collection is no exception. Keep reading after the jump for my review.

The Only Blush Palette You'll Ever Need -- NARS Cosmetics Limited Edition Danmari All About Cheeks Palette

You know that moment when you see a product in a store and you know you MUST have it? That's what happen to me with the NARS Danmari All About Cheeks Palette. I saw it and instantly knew it would be mine. I'm a sucker for NARS blushes and this one came with six! My beauty loving heart stopped and it was over.

Laura Mercier Spring 2012 Collection Review + Swatches

Laura Mercier knows how to launch a Spring collection. It screams COLOR! I love the way beauty transcends into Spring. All of sudden pops of color appear on the runway, magazines and then on the streets. Already in New York, I see women with corals on the lips and bold cheeks. You start to see vibrant pinks, bright oranges and playful coral. I was ecstatic when I saw this collection. It has everything you need to get through Spring fully prepared.

Smashbox Softbox Palette Review & Swatches

Smashbox Holiday Launches 2011 Review & Swatches

Laura Mercier Limited Edition Luxe Colour Portfolio Review + Swatches

Laura Mercier is quickly becoming one of my go to cosmetic brands. They've got products that keep you coming back for seconds and each new collection gets better and better. I'm a huge fan of their tinted moisturizers, shimmer blocs, and concealers. Strangely enough --I had never tried their eye-shadows. Shame on me for not trying sooner and you'll see why shortly. I'm loving their limited edition luxe colour portfolio ($98) that launched Holiday 2011. It's got all the essentials -- eyeshadow, blush, eye liner & brushes. What more does a girl need?! Wait till you see the swatches...

Express Launches Makeup Palette And Nail Polish For Spring 2012

Express is a brand known for their awesome products that keep fashion lovers everywhere ready for each new season. This time they decided to venture into something else -- Cosmetics! When asked to review their new cosmetics line, I was really excited to see what they whipped up and I wasn't disappointed. I tried  the Runway Makeup Palette Spring 2012 and Limited Edition Spring 2012 Nail Collection. 

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette -- In Stock On Sephora Online

Hey loves!

Just wanted to give my readers that were waiting for the Naked 2 a heads up. The palette is now available at SEPHORA.COM until it's sells out. Retail is $50 and if you purchase online your eligible for free shipping (woo hoo). The palette will also be hitting stores end of Jan 2012. Happy Shopping ☺

Will you picking up Naked 2?

Lorac Cosmetics Bejeweled Holiday 2011 Review & Swatches

Childhood ME rather excited about the Christmas outfit I'm wearing (Sometime after 1986)

The holidays are upon us and I'm a fan of this time of year for many reasons. There is just something about the holidays that makes you feel all warm & fuzzy inside. Sort of like a hot chocolate and a warm blanket on a cold winter day kind of feeling. My top reasons I LOVE the holidays are:

1. Family Time -- You can rest assured you will see your family more than ever now (even the ones you don't like.)

2. Holiday Decorations --There is just something about putting up a Christmas tree and decorating the house that makes you smile. Plus, the city is all light up and the windows are FANTASTIC.

3. Holiday Music -- Give me Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" any-day!

4. Gifts -- Ahh, yes, The one time of the year you can make a list of what you want and it may actually come true.

5. Food -- This actually starts around Thanksgiving and doesn't end till the New Year. YIPPIE!

6. The Mrs -- I mean, she makes me love everyday, but she makes the holidays so special by just being here and celebrating with me. Oh + she also has the cutest little excited face on Christmas morning!

7. Holiday Discounts -- It's like a giant sample sale all at once.

8. Holiday Beauty Launches -- Beauty launches get better and better each year. With it being so competitive out their for brands, they all strive to give you the best deal with the best products. The best time to shop is normally the holidays because you get the most bang for your buck.

That brings me to this fantastic holiday palette from LORAC. Yes, my friends, they've done it again. This box is jammed packed with all types of goodies: an ENORMOUS bronzer, two eyeliners, two glosses and two eyeshadow palettes; one for day and one for night. It's a steal at $56 and is exclusive to Sephora.

 *Products in post sent for consideration*

Urban Decay Launches Naked 2 Palette

Urban Decay's original naked palette broke records in sales and demand. With every neutral color you could possibly imagine, they've done it again and launched a brand new "Naked 2" in a handy tin that includes 12 eye-shadows, a double ended brush and a mini naked lip-gloss. This palette includes 5 NEW shades and I'm sure will sell out fast. Only 5,000 are available TODAY and more on the way next week. Order one  A.S.A.P to get in time for the holiday season. Retail is $50 and will be available at Sephora, Ulta, and Macy's in late January 2012.

                                 Will you be picking up Naked 2?

Too Faced's New Smokey Eye Shadow Collection

The question I get asked most often is what's the best way to create the perfect smokey eye. As a makeup artist I know that their are tons of different smokey eyes that can be created. It's really about what kind of smokey eye you'd like; the colors, the type, the mood. This is where Too Faced comes to the rescue. Too Faced is known for their fun kits with easy to use instructions. They just recently launched their new smokey eye kit, so I decided to check it out.

Top row

Second Row

Third Row

What I love about this kit is the array of colors. It's not just for that "classic" smokey eye. You can create smokey eyes with color like blue, purple, and silver. You can even create a "natural" smokey eye using the entire top row. My favorite color of the bunch is firefly, which is the first color in the palette. It's a silvery taupe color and I have nothing like it in my collection.

Retail: $36 at Too Faced, Sephora & Ulta

Have you ever tried Too Faced Cosmetics?

Be Soap Opera Ready With The Balm & The Beautiful Palette

I have been a lover of The Balm's products for quite some time now. I became hooked once I tried one of their eye-shadows. The pigments are super creamy, long-lasting and gorgeous. What's not to love?! I was ecstatic when I found out about their upcoming palette launch for "The Muppet Palette." I even made the list to order one of the 1000 limited edition palettes. Then I heard that The Balm launched the exact same palette with the same exact colors called "The Balm & The Beautiful" and it could be found at TJ Maxx. Being my discount savy self, I ran over and found the palette for $19.99 (oh yes!) + some other cosmetic discount goodies.

Top Row of Eyeshadows

Second Row of Eyeshadows

Third Row of Eyeshadows

Fourth Row of Eyeshadows

Lip-glosses

This palette was a steal and if you have a TJ Maxx near you, I definitely recommend going and seeing what Balm products they carry. The one in the city carried The Balm single eye-shadow pigments, bronzer, palettes and their entire skin care line.

Have you ever purchased products from The Balm?