sephora VIB rouge and VIB sale event -- fall 2015

get your shopping carts ready for the Sephora VIB sale event! 

this is a great way to stock up on items you know you already love and use often, AND, it's also a chance to try those new products that you have been eyeing (or perhaps they are already in your shopping cart?! -- no judgement here!!). instead of repeating any skincare products i can't live without, see these posts here on my skincare routine must haves: 3 makeup items for an everyday look // AM // PM.

who | Sephora
what | 20% off all purchases!
when | VIB rouge (spends $1000 per calendar year): 11/06/15 - 11/09/15; VIB (spends $350 per calendar year):  11/13/15 - 11/16/15
where | sephora.com or in store
use promo code at checkout | VIB Rouge: ROUGE20; VIB: VIB20

sharing a few of my picks with you! some items have sold out already but hopefully it'll come back in stock again or you can search for it using the store locator option. 

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01 | Kevyn Aucoin the sculpting powder in medium -- i'm surprised i haven't wrote about this yet! but it is my FAVORITE contouring powder. there are a dozen out there and for a while i was using a bronzer to do this #whatwasithinking. this is a universal color, not at all muddy, or orange and helps to give you that sculpted effect. think of Adele in her latest video 'Hello.' if you want perfectly chiseled cheekbones, you need this. (in conjunction with the celestial powder). i've had mine for almost two years now and finally seeing a peek of the pan show through! #thefeelingofhittingpan
02 | NARS Steven Klein collaboration one shocking moment cheek palette -- NARS is known for their blushes and they are great blushes to start out with. this palette features four blushes (robotic, blaspemy, luster, and dolce vita), a contour and highlighter duo, and their famous bronzer in laguna. great palette for traveling. 
03 | Burberry wet & dry silk eyeshadow -- this is a great time to pick up ANYTHING Burberry. so let's go with the Burberry eyeshadows. my friend introduced these to me and these are like butter (BUTTAH) in makeup form. i only own three of the old formulation (they were re-formulated them earlier this year) in trench, midnight brown, and pale barley. pale barley is my favorite, what a beautiful neutral brown. the packaging on these are quite exquisite, metal casing and comes with a velvet pouch. now if i only knew how to apply these like the pros. PS -- i've read that people start using these eyeshadows in the top left hand corner. :) 
04 | Koh Gen Do aqua foundation SPF 15 -- a cult favorite in terms of mineral foundation. though it comes in limited shades (use to only be like three!!) these always look amazing on the makeup artists i see wearing them. if i had time for foundation, this is what i would be getting. formulated w/o parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. 
05 | Caolion premium hot & cool pore pack duo -- this is apart of the korean beauty feature at Sephora. i like the concept of this duo mask, "... a steaming mask that opens and deeply cleanses pores, then a cooling mask to tighten and minimize the appearance of pores." so far it has pretty good reviews, i definitely want to pick this up to try it. another k-beauty item i'd like to try is the Too Cool for School egg cream sheet mask, described as "a sheet mask infused with egg white and egg yolk extract to instantly hydrate for a bright and radiant complexion." both are formulated w/o parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. 
06 | Kiesque liquid palisade easy peel polish barrier -- when i saw this i was like WHOA! genius. (for people who can't paint nails... like me.) it's basically a "nail tape" that protects the cuticles from stains during application!! #easilyamused
07 | Anastasia dipbrow pomade (i use this in ebony) -- while i don't draw in my brows (i actually should because one is lighter than the other! #browsnotcreatedequal) all you need is the tiniest amount. the two or three times i've used this i lightly dip it into the pot and have to take some off onto a kleenex (basically wasting product) because it is EXTREMELY pigmented. but talk about #browsonfleek! color and holding power all-in-one. when this came out, it was all the craze. for those who don't want to mess with a separate brush for application, try her bestselling brow wiz in pencil form
08 | belif the true cream aqua bomb -- another line from the Korean beauty feature on Sephora. i've seen this on instagram a lot and it seems to do really well. it is described as, "gel-cream that 'floods' the skin with a rush of refreshing hydration and minimizes the appearance of pores for soft, smooth, supple skin for normal to combination skin types, including oily skin, and dry skin types looking for a lightweight moisturizer." it also comes in a smaller size and formulated w/o parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. 

what did you HAUL?! 

current lemmings -- february 2015 beauty products

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01 | CHANEL Le Jardin de Chanel blush -- from the CHANEL spring Reverie Parisienne 2015 collection. looking at the entire collection will have you excited for spring! the embossed cameillas in this blush are varying shades of light to muted-pink. so pretty.
02 | NAILSINC gel effect polish -- for my nailpolish lovers! these are supposed to deliver "a gel effect for salon-quality nails." what's great is that you won't need the UV lamp or the professional removal process. available in nine different shades. 
03 | Hourglass modernist eyeshadow palette in Atmosphere -- the latest from Hourglass (a brand i love). however, reviews seem to be mixed on these. Goss Makeup Artist gave it great reviews. Temptalia not so much. 
04 | NARS all day luminous weightless foundation -- for my foundation lovers! this is the latest from NARS. even though i don't have time for foundation... but i am always intrigued by them. beautylookbook.com gave it a thumbs up! 
05 | Maybelline lash sensational mascara -- although i try different drugstore mascaras, i always go back to my all time favorite--the full n' soft by Maybelline. i will be picking this one up soon! a "full fan effect" volumizing mascara. reviews look good so far. 
06 | Charlotte Tilbury lip magic -- FINALLY, CT has come to the US!! her line consists of amazing items i've read about including the infamous Filmstar Bronze & Glow face sculpt and highlight compact. i have yet to try CT since there is not a counter near me, the horror! but i digress. the lip magic is a rejuvenating lip balm that promises younger dewy lips. 
07 | Yves Saint Laurent spring couture palette in desir de jour -- this limited edition palette... is stunning. (swoon). love the color combination and really wished i could apply eyeshadow. i must go see this in person ASAP. the colors are described as, "a combination of rich camel beige and a seductive golden brown, two deep, warm colors that are clashed by the luminosity of intense pink and iridescent champagne."
08 | CHANEL stylo yeux waterproof long lasting eyeliner in ardoise 919 -- this is also apart of the CHANEL Reverie Parisienne spring 2015 collection. i have one this eyeliner in expresso (gift from bestie!) and it works great. ardoise is a steel gray... and i don't have a steel gray eyeliner... soo.... 

the black peplum skirt & crop top

crop top got nothin' on me. 

as my bio states, "when it comes to fashion, i believe in staying true to your style, but also stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something completely different! make it yours and rock it!" here is a great example... the crop top is something i wouldn't normally wear because it's out of my comfort zone. but, i quickly learned there is nothing to fear. i've seen it styled many ways, but i discovered what works for me as you will discover what works for you. here are a few tips and tricks to rock the crop top:

1. the key is to keep it classy and pair the crop top with a high waisted bottom. no need to have your entire mid-drift showing! i personally think the crop top looks best with a midi skirt, whether it be fitted or a fit and flare. but, don't limit yourself! try some high waisted shorts and pants. oh, and add a blazer? yes, now we're talking. 
2. pick a crop top that is fitted, not tight like a sausage casing! 
3. go for a high neck crop top versus a v-neck/scoop neck. since you are already showing some skin on your waist there is no need to be more revealing. unless.. that is the look you are trying to achieve. 
4. add some bright lips and wear it all with confidence. yea yea!  

true confession... i love this skirt but it has sat in my closet for about a year now because A) i couldn't find the perfect top to wear it with, B) i had no idea where i would wear it because it is... quite a statement. but now... the frequent saying is... it's #fortheblog (insert emoji monkey covering eyes) 

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top | H&M high neck crop top (sold out) -- similar / similar and textured
skirt | ASOS scuba pencil skirt with peplum hem in black (only avail in tall now) -- similar and color blocked fun!
bag | Tory Burch adjustable clutch w/removable chain (old) -- similar
shoes | LuLu's elsi single strap heels in black suede (i highly recommend some padded/gel inserts for the balls of the feet with these!)
earrings | Kendra Scott tima stud earrings in gold (currently out of stock)
bracelet | Kendra Scott ailee link bracelet in abalone shell (sold out) / etsy stacking and midi rings
rings | Kendra Scott isha stacking rings (set of three) in abalone shell multi
lips | NARS semi-matte lipstick in funny face (favorite fuchsia)

rock the crop top,
JD

sephora VIB rouge and VIB sale event -- fall 2014

it is that time of the year again when Sephora hosts their VIB Rouge and VIB sale event. a few years ago this used to be a friends & family affair, but now it is only available to those who are beauty insiders (their loyalty program, free sign up) who hold a VIB Rouge status (spend $1000 per calendar year) or VIB status (spend $350 per calendar year). know anyone with that kind of status? ....take them to lunch, then casually stop by Sephora..... 

who | Sephora
what | 20% off all purchases online and in-store. 
when | 11/06/14 - 11/10/14 (online & in-store)
where | Sephora.com and in-stores 
use promo code at checkout | GIFTVIB

if you are a friend of a VIB Rouge or VIB member, you can... 1) ask to piggyback on their online order, or 2) accompany them in-store. both member types should have received a coupon voucher to use in store as well. 

this is a GREAT time to buy gifts! that's right. START EARLY. Sephora has released a ton of gift sets to jump start the season so check them out! gift sets are always a good way to try a few bestsellers from a particular brand. in addition, there is a gift set for any beauty product lover--nails, hair, lips, eyes, fragrances etc... again, if there is something you can buy off Beauty.com's F&F do that first since you can get it tax-free. 

i tried to order this morning and the site actually crashed a few times due to the amount of traffic! 

here are my picks: 

01 | Bobbi Brown mini long wear cream shadow stick trio in  smokey topaz (brown heather mauve), espresso bean (rich black chocolate shimmer), pink sparkle (light pink sparkle) -- great for the quick and easy eyeshadow application, or even liner! 
02 | Formula X the X look: holiday edition in obsessed (opaque classic merlot), impassioned (purple pearl), thrilling (opaque heather grey), temptation (iridescent gold pearl) -- gorgeous holiday colors!

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03 | NARS digital world lip pencil coffret in two velvet matte lip pencils in Cruella (passionate scarlet red), Iberico (intense coral), and three satin lip pencils in peach coral, shocking pink, yu (shocking pink) -- haven't tried these but love the range of colors.
04 | Hourglass opaque rouge liquid lipstick -- i picked this up in the travel size tube in icon, a blue red. haven't tried it but i'm sure it won't disappoint considering it is by Hourglass
05 | Radical skincare skin perfecting screen SPF 30 -- this is a new brand to Sephora, i've read a lot about it and picked it up to try. SPF is ALWAYS A MUST. 

beauty.com friends & family -- fall 2014

if you haven't shopped on Beauty.com, you are missing out! this is one of the sites i visit to purchase beauty products TAX-FREE! i repeat, TAX-FREE! i am always a fan of saving a couple bucks here and there. their friends & family sale just started today. details below:

who | Beauty.com
what | 20% off on any Beauty.com purchases. exclusions listed on beauty.com 
when | 11/04/14 - 11/07/14 (online)
where | beauty.com
how to get the discount | there is no promo code. the discount is link based. soo... 1) create an account on beauty.com first or 2) use the retailmenot.com link. the discount will automatically appear in your basket. note: the discount will not show for the items that are temporarily out of stock. 

beauty.com has some brands that you cannot find at your typical Sephora or department stores. a few highlighted brands: BY TERRY, Eve Lom, jouer, Kevyn Aucoin, Lipstick Queen, NUXE, and TEMPTU

my picks:

01 | Clarisonic Mia 1 sonic cleansing system in white or pink, or the Mia 2 -- if you haven't already, check out my clarisonic mia review. this is a brush you must invest in! if you do anything for your skin, let this be it. now is the only time you will be able to purchase this brush at a discount and tax-free (great combo!), so i highly recommend that you jump on it! UPDATE: it looks like the Mia 1 is already temporarily out of stock :( however, have no fear, the Mia 2 is still available.

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02 | Clarisonic replacement brush heads in sensitive -- stock up on the brushes you already use, or try some new ones. 
03 | Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S. thirst quenching serum -- this is holy grail stuff right here in terms of hydrating. a staple i will never stray away from. 
04 | Kevyn Aucoin the sculpting powder in medium -- this is a great universal contouring powder, i love the finish and color. 
05 | NARS audacious lipsticks -- temporarily out of stock but hopefully they will be back soon. there is a shade for everyone in this collection. i love packaging on these. it is not the typical rubber NARS packaging, so it does not attract dirt. and it has a MAGNETIC closure, which i thought was super cool. my friend bought one recently and i'm jealous!