January 18, 2013
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU BEAUTY EVENTS

Caitlin Murphy
  01.18.2013   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

THE HOTSPOTS

The holiday shopping season may be over, but that means it’s the ideal time to enjoy some January shopping deals.  Head to Nordstrom’s flagship downtown Seattle store or visit the swanky University Village shops for fabulous beauty events and deals this month. After all, looking your best is the perfect way to usher in the New Year!

THE SCHEDULE

Downtown Seattle Nordstrom: January 18-19

Bobbi Brown Master Class with Beauty Team Artist Dillion Pena. Bobbi Brown is famous for her naturally beautiful makeup. If you’ve had a chance to see Katie Holmes’s gorgeous new campaign. you’ll want to stop by this event for expert recommendations, tips and tricks from Pena and the Bobbi Brown team. 

Chantecaille’s Healing Facial Event features luxurious Jasmine and Lily Healing Emulsion facials. Plus, you will receive a four piece gift with any $125 dollar purchase. 

The Dior Skincare Team is ready to help you find your perfect skincare regime with the Skincare Studio Event. 

The Blissful Beauty Event is a great way to learn about everything from eye serums to BB creams. Simply stop by any beauty counter and receive a complimentary skincare consultation along with free samples. 

Book an appointment for the Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift at the Advance Skincare counter. Kate is the skincare expert to the stars and this is one of her most popular treatments.

University Village

Calidora Skin Clinic is offering January specials through the 31st. If you buy five facials you can get one free and if you buys three Laser & Light Therapy treatments you receive two free. 

Tuesday January 15- Friday, January 28 L’Occitane en Provence is hosting skincare events featuring mini-facials, honey hand massages and treats from Provence.  The treatments are free of charge so be sure to book you appointment soon!

Every Tuesday at Swink Style Bar you can get a blowout or drystyle for only $25!

GUEST LIST

Updating your beauty regime is essential ,so these events are a must for anyone. You’ll be sure to run into ladies of all ages (and maybe a few men too!) who love to pamper themselves.

EXTRA DETAILS

To book your appointment call Nordstrom or University Village or visit their websites.

Nordstrom Downtown Seattle

500 Pine Street

Seattle, WA 98101

206.628.2111

University Village

2623 Northeast University Village Street

Seattle, WA 98015

(260) 523-0622

December 4, 2012
15 BEAUTY GIFTS FOR EVERY WOMAN AT EVERY PRICE

STOCKING STUFFERS, PALETTES, GIFT SETS AND MORE
Tanya Sharma  12.04.2012   |   TANYA SHARMA    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

Beauty makes the world go ’round…or is that love? It turns out the two aren’t mutually exclusive, as this well-edited list of treasures for the holiday season proves. Wrap up your favorites and be prepared to delight the lucky women on your list with these beauty gift ideas. And don’t worry if you’re watching your wallet – there are plenty of budget-friendly picks in the mix, along with a handful of luxury gifts that will delight even the hardest to please ladies in your life.

bareMinerals Set

bareMinerals Simply Irresistible Collection, $49

These nine pieces are all she needs to achieve a party-perfect look at any time of year. The kit includes three versatile eye shadows, pink cheek tint, highlighter, lip gloss, black mascara and two brush applicators.

Chantecaille Set

Chantecaille The Elephant Palette, $82

Four dramatic hues imprinted with elephants add festive star power to this palette, of which five percent of proceeds go to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in support of baby orphaned elephants in Kenya. Consider it a must for the do-good glamour maven!

Tom Ford Set

Tom Ford 16 Color Nail Set, $480 

There’s a hue for every mood in this chic set of nail lacquers, which range from polished naturals to vampy bolds. Each high-shine shade packs a serious punch with true, lasting color that punctuates tips and toes with a glossy finish.

Pacifica Trio

Pacifica Love Your Lips Color Quench Lip Tint Trio, $14.40

Drenching lips with moisture, these lip balms are infused with coconut and avocado oils and are 100 percent vegan. For the price of two, get three sheer shades that offer just the right amount of color: raisin, berry and coral-pink.

LORAC Set

LORAC Eye Candy Full Face Collection, $59

The packaging alone could sell this sextet of palettes for the eyes, cheeks and lips, but fortunately what’s inside is just as great: wearable, lasting colors with rich, true color payoff.

Sonia Kashuk Set

Sonia Kashuk Limited Edition Mini Nail & Lip Set, $12.99

Stuff a stocking or two with this set of coordinated lip and nail colors. Included: a fiery combo of sizzling, Marilyn-worthy reds and a succulent berry duo perfect for day or evening wear.

Jo Malone Cologne Collection, $95

A must for the fine fragrance aficionado, this set includes five 9ml bottles of Jo Malone’s best: Lime Basil & Mandarin, Pomegranate Noir, Nectarine Blossom & Honey, Amber & Lavender and Blackberry & Bay.

Zana Cosmetics Brush Set

Zana Cosmetics Pro Brush Kit, $11.50 (on sale Wednesday)

Kissed with a cheeky pout print, this charming pouch contains seven high-quality brushes for the face, lips and eyes and is available in your choice of black and pink.

Avon Sampler for Her

Avon Fragrance Sampler for Her, $23

Offering the perfect way to sample eight of Avon’s best scents, this box contains deluxe try-me sizes of Unplugged for Her, Step Into Sexy, Far Away Exotic and more, plus a coupon for a full-size bottle.

Fresh Set

Fresh Sugar Perfection Duo, $22.50

Soften, smooth and leave lips bright with this pairing of luxe lip products, including a pot of gently exfoliating Sugar Lip Polish and a tube of Sugar Passion Tinted Lip Treatment with SPF 15.

Bobbi Brown Caviar & Oyster Palette, $75

A sweet confection cleverly housed in a slide-open package, this palette marries soft pinks and mauves with edgy blacks and violets and contains eight eye shadows and one multipurpose highlighter.

Lipstick Queen Set

Lipstick Queen Dancing Queen Set, $45

Whether for the ABBA fanatic, the party girl or the lippie lover, this set is a must. Inside are three sheer-matte finish lipsticks in soft peachy nude, coral pink and rose.

Joy Gryson Case

IIIBeCa by Joy Gryson Beach Street Cosmetics Case, $78

Cosmetics junkies can revel in tossing all of their on-the-go essentials in this fine leather case, which features a removal inner lining that doubles as a pouch (perfect for tossing in a purse).

Benefit Pocket Pals

Benefit Posiepal and Pocket Pal, $20 each

Super cute, pocket-sized essentials that she can stow in her purse for on-the-go touchups, these both feature a best-selling cheek highlighter on one end and a luminous gloss on the other.

Tocca Set

Tocca Love Yourself Fragrance Collection Sampler, $18

They’ll savor every note of these world-inspired, trial-sized scents, including beloved Cleopatra, Florence, Graciella, Stella, Giulietta and Violette, all tucked inside a chic round container.

November 12, 2012
EYELINER 101

Christina Marrale
  11.12.2012   |   CHRISTINA MARRALE    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

Have you ever struggled with choosing the perfect eyeliner? Due to false claims and underwhelming product performance, it’s no wonder the search can be stressful! Time to break down the basics, making sure we find the perfect formula for each type of look:

 Lets start with gel based: This is my favorite type of eyeliner. It works on every skin type, dries well and is easy to apply. Whether it be natural and straight across or a playful cat eye, it’s the perfect product for the job. For application, an angled brush works best, as it helps to create a sharp, clean edge for whatever look you are trying to achieve. My pick: MAC’s Fluidline and Bobbi Brown’s gel liner.

 Liquid Based: If your looking for a more dramatic effect, liquid liner is the way to go. Paired best with dark shadow to really define your look, or with false lashes, it will get you the definition you want. Typically liquid eyeliner comes with an applicator brush, if not…simply grab an angled brush to create the look you desire. My pick? Eyeko’s Skinny Liquid Liner.

Pencil and Kohl: These types of liners have been around for ages and look best when your creating a  “smokey eye” effect. The texture smudges perfectly, but does not spread as easily. So if you’re looking to add a “wing” to your liner, avoid pencil at all costs. For application, take the pencil right to the lashline, no brushes required, unless you would like to smudge it out a bit. If so, take a pencil shaped brush or q-tip to get the job done. My pick? MAC’s Eye Kohl’s.

It’s as easy as that! My advice would be to play around with each type of formula, finding what works best for the look you had in mind.

June 15, 2012
Summer Makeup Must Haves

5 Things You Need For That Perfect Summer Look.

Caitlin Murphy  Posted Friday, June 15, 2012 by ,

As the seasons change, it’s important to switch up your makeup, but the good news is summer’s switch is one of the easiest. With it’s light foundations, unfussy eyes, and simple lips, summer makeup is a cinch to pull off. To make your perfect summer look even easier to accomplish, I’ve compiled  five items that are  must haves in your makeup bag. Not only will these five items ensure you look your best this summer, but they also work together to create a quick, summery, polished look in no time. So you can be out the door to enjoy a little summer R&R.

 

Sunscreen is one of the MOST IMPORTANT things to wear all year round, but in the summer, it’s not negotiable. You need a high SPF, but no one wants that goopy, sticky feeling under their makeup. That’s why I love this Kate Sommerville SPF 55 Serum Sunscreen. Celebs like Cameron Diaz and Nicole Richie love this sunscreen, and you will too since it has a a great texture. You can learn more about it in my review here.

 

Tinted Moisturizer is my foundation of choice during the the warm summer months because I get coverage, but it’s light enough that my skin can still breath. You can easily apply tinted moisturizers with your fingers, and the formulas are goof proof. Plus, they look chic, yet low key enough for summer’s relaxed fashions. I’m obsessed with this one from Laura Mercier because it has an SPF 20, great coverage, and leaves my skin feeling hydrated. All of which contribute to a beautiful, dewy look that’s ideal for summer. 

 

Bronzer is something most of us use year round, but for summer, it’s essential. The important thing is to make sure you pick the right one for your complexion, and apply it with a big fluffy brush. Since I use mine frequently, I’m happy to make it a bit of a splurge…so I love this Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder. While it will run you $50, it is well worth the money for the gorgeous bronzy glow it creates. Just a quick swish, and you look like you’ve been sunning yourself in San Tropez!

 

Bright Lips are everywhere, as I’m sure you’ve seen on the red carpet, in fashion mags, and all over style blogs. They are such an easy way to wake up your face and make your eyes sparkle, so they are a must for summer. While I love a nude lip a la’ JLO in the early 2000′s, a bright lip is so sexy and summery this season. To make it super easy, skip liners and lipsticks and go with a fool proof products like Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm. It’s soothing, comes in fab bight colors, and it’s easy to apply…even at the beach!

 

Shimmer Bricks, like this one from Bobbi Brown, are a great multi purpose product that can seamlessly take your look from day to night. Use the lightest shades in a “C” shape from your temple, across your cheekbones for a highlight, and in the inside corners of your eyes. Swirl the colors together to create a shimmery blush or iridescent shadow, and you are ready for a hot summer night.

June 2, 2012
bluemercury Opens in Virginia

The beauty hotspot arrives in bustling Clarendon

Tanya Sharma  Posted Wednesday, May 30, 2012 by ,

ABOUT

It’s about time! Beloved spa and beauty retailerbluemercury, which has long held court in Dupont Circle, Farragut North and Georgetown, has branched out of the city and into Arlington, Virginia. That’s great news for NoVAers who can’t quite make it into the district on crazy days, yet still need to satiate their insane inner beauty junkies (we all have those urges during our commutes home, right?). The new store is a much-needed addition to the always-buzzing Market Common Clarendon.

AMBIENCE

Just like every other bluemercury store in the area, the Clarendon location is a  pristine, wall-to-wall beauty feast for the senses. There are the expected brands, of course – NARS, Kiehl’s, Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier and Trish McEvoy, to name a few. Mingling among those are a variety of equally beloved brands that fly a little lower on the radar – think Dennis Gross, Darphin and Revive. If you can tear yourself away from the bottle-laden shelves and color-filled counters, you may wish to direct your attention to the spa. The extensive menu includes everything from glycolic peels and microdermabrasion to waxing and facials.

EXPERIENCE

Stepping inside a bluemercury store has always been a rather therapeutic experience for this beautyholic, mainly because DC’s hustle and bustle leave me craving the kind of peace and relaxation that this chic boutique happens to exude. While Clarendon is far more relaxed than the city, the new bluemercury store is just as soothing to the senses. There’s a certain calm involved with the store’s incredibly neat aesthetic, and that, coupled with the vast array of must-have merchandise makes it a rather memorable experience – and that goes for anyone, whether they’re new to the store or inordinately familiar.

IN CROWD

Expect to find a chic mix of VA’s finest: everyone from curious passersby to eager beauty addicts.

WALLET WATCH

Facials run from $95 to $220. Wax services run from $15 to $60. A half hour massage is $50.

NEED TO KNOW

bluemercury
2855 Clarendon Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22201
            703.248.0028      

April 3, 2012
Let Your Face Dance in a Tangerine Tango

Beauty Products in This Year’s Hottest Color

Samantha Wilson  Posted Tuesday, April 3, 2012 by ,

Tangerines aren’t just delicious to eat; they look delightful on the face as well. From Sephora’s collaboration with Pantone to Bobbi Brown and the team at L’Oreal, make-up brands are jumping on board to Tangerine Tango.

Sephora + Pantone Universe have combined forces to bring beauty junkies everywhere a collection of products in the color of the year. With the Color of the Year Crème Lipstick in “Tangerine Tango Crème” ($18) you can saturate lips in a creamy, tangerine tinted lipstick. This exclusive, brightly hued shade surprisingly works for all complexions.

For a pop of peach on the cheeks, try Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Tipsy ($25). This cute coral color brightens up your complexion while Amazonian clay balances skin by minimizing oil and hydrating dry spots. Apply with a fluffy blush onto the apples of the cheek for color you’ll love to wear day and night.

For a glossy pout try Bobbi Brown Neon’s and Nudes Lip Gloss in Citrus ($23). Part of the Neon’s and Nudes collection, this alarmingly bright gloss may look intense in the tube, but it looks sheer on lips. Apply to bare lips for a light burst of color, or layered on top of any lipstick for added color and shine. Pair on top of a citrus-hued lipstick for a glossy orange pout, or on a pink tinged lipstick for a more muted tangerine lip.

For long lasting color, try a lip and cheek stain in a juicy mango shade such as Benefit’s Cha Cha Tint ($29). This easy to apply sheer stain can be applied straight from the brush or with your fingers. Super bendable and super gorgeous, this tint will leave you looking sultry and sun-kissed.

Don’t forget to decorate your digits in a fruity tangerine-hue, such as Essie’s nail polish in Oranges ($8). From fingers to toes, this color will make any skin tone feel like summer. Adorn your nails in this punchy color to be decked out in tangerine from head to toe, or stick to just fingers for delicious color. Just don’t forget to rock those Color of the Year sandals to show off your look

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