Wednesday, June 30, 2010

OutInAPout Free Gift Exclusive From
Beauty Story and Il-Makiage!


You're special, and we all know it! After all, you're one of my readers, which offers strong support of the theory! If you don't believe me (or your Mom) just ask the folks at beauty sale site Beauty Story. To prove just how special you are, they are offering my readers an exclusive gift! Use the coupon code MAKIA at checkout and receive your choice of any one IL-Makiage lip gloss or lip pencil FREE!*

For those of you not familiar, founder Ilana Harkavi pioneered 'the makeup artist's makeup line' back in 1972 with the launch of IL-Makiage. One-time mentor to world-renowned artists such as Bobbi Brown, the late Kevin Aucoin, Francois Nars, and Dick Paige, Ilana introduced innovations that are now industry standards. Her line has been a favorite on fashion and beauty shoots since its inception, and is revered by a list of celebrity of clientele including Madonna, Demi Moore and Naomi Campbell.

Who's shopping? I'm eying the Eventones Color Correctors, and I've read great things about their multi-purpose shadows, so I may give those a try too! Offer ends 7/4 at 11PM EST.

*Coupon value is $8.69, so you really pay a penny for your freebie. Still, it's a penny. All normal shipping fees apply.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Farewell Aromaleigh

Yesterday, the lovely Miss K of Aromaleigh Cosmetics announced that the line will be ending production and closing up shop. Though I hadn't gotten around to writing about Aromaleigh much here, I know many of you will be familiar with this home grown brand and it's charismatic leader.

In a heartfelt letter to her long time customers, Kristen briefly alludes to the motivations behind the decision to close her 12-year-old business. As a thank you to her loyal clientele, she is currently offering a 35% discount on Aromaleigh's remaining inventory, which I suppose is the silver lining if there is one to be had. (Use code ADIEU35, offer good for the next 2 weeks).

I've enjoyed using Aromaleigh products and often have found inspiration in Miss K's visions, presented not only in her product line, but via her blog, tumblr feed and tweets. Kristen has the soul of a true artist; I wish her luck in all of her endeavors, and sincerely hope this is not the last we've seen of her.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

This Week's Sales
Il-Makiage, Vincent Longo, Laura Geller,
Tarte 4th of July Sale...and more

Starting off at Beauty Story, check out Metropolis Technology on Monday, June 28th followed by Pangea Organics on Tuesday, Il-Makiage on Wednesday and a month ending Mega Sale on Thursday, July 1st. If you're not a member yet, click here for a personal invite!

Elsewhere on Monday, Gilt Groupe has Babo Botanicals (in the children's section), and The Top Secret has DermaNew.

Brand Alley (UK only) features Summer Skincare by Murad, Erno Laszlo, Fusion Beauty and Designer Fragrance this week. Speaking of which, if you've not yet created your Brand Alley account, help us both earn a £10 voucher! Just click here and I'll send you an invite.

Beyond the Rack features Steven Victor MD (the skincare, not the actual man) on Tuesday, June 29th with Men's Designer Fragrances following on Wednesday.

On HauteLook, check out Supersmile on Tuesday, and Vincent Longo on Thursday, July 1st.

Rue La La features Exhale Mind Body Spa on Tuesday, June 29th and Laura Geller on Wednesday. Same day, different place- Ideeli showcases Olive Care on Wednesday.

Next, hop over to Row Nine for their Women's Fragrance sets on Thursday, July 1st.

If none of the members only sales are doing it for you this week, check out the Tarte Cosmetics "Red White and Beautiful" sale- July 1st through July 5th, get 30% off sitewide on Tartecosmetics.com! Just plug the code FIREWORKS in at checkout...free shipping on orders over $40 too!

Make sure you check back later this week for a revised post (some sites like keeping us in suspense) or follow me on Twitter for in the moment updates!

Friday, June 25, 2010

Armani Beauty Friends & Family

Here we go again! Another friends and family discount- now through Sunday, June 27th use the code FAMILY and get 20% off all cosmetics and skincare at Giorgio Armani Beauty online. As you can see, Armani is even footing the shipping bill if you spend over $75! Yet again, I'm tempted to try their famous Luminous Silk foundation....anyone else biting?

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Quick Tip:
Tweezer Resurrection

Ever go to pull out an errant brow hair only to notice that your tweezers have lost their pluck? If you're a smart girl (or boy) you've invested in a good quality pair of Tweezermans, and you can simply pop them in the mail, because they offer free lifetime sharpening (didn't you know?) My favorite are the slant tips (trust me, the point tweezers are deadly!) but that doesn't help us here and now does it? To wit- I actually own 2 pairs of Tweezermans (or is it Tweezermen?) so that I have one to use while the other is in the shop. BUT the road to hell...blah, blah, blah...intentions...best laid plans...well, it still doesn't mean I never run it to this conundrum. Fortunately, I've discovered a quick trick that will give your tweezers a few extra days.

All you need is the tweezers themselves and a medium grit double sided nail file. Take your tweezers, and sandwich the file between the two pincers. Clamp the tweezers down on the nail file. Now, here's the technical part, so read very carefully. While keeping pressure on the tweezers, pull the them off of the file. Repeat a few times. That's it. I suppose if you didn't have a nail file around, you could even fold a piece of sandpaper in half and do the same thing, you just wouldn't have the fancy, hi-tech feeling you get from using the nail file. Your choice.

You may want to dip your tweezers in some rubbing alcohol after you do this, to rinse away any metal dust, though I've never noticed any loose particles after doing it myself. Oh, and I promise I don't work for Tweezerman or anything- they're just good stuff.

Monday, June 21, 2010

This Week's Sales:
Kevyn Aucoin, Anatomicals, Creed and more...

Start off the week in style when HauteLook hosts Kevyn Aucoin on Monday, June 21st. I don't want to fuel the rumor fire, but I hear tell that the brand's cult favorite Sensual Skin Enhancer is being discontinued. I have a hard time believing it, but you can bet I'll be on the lookout for it when the sale starts tomorrow! As for the rest of the week, StriVectin pops up on Tuesday, along with InStyler on Wednesday and Alterna hair care on Thursday.

Rue La La features Lake Austin Spa Resort on Monday, with Rivera Resort and Spa and Dr Michelle Copeland Skin Care on Thursday, June 24th.

Ideeli pops up with a surprise Lia Schorr Skincare boutique on Tuesday and Biotherm on Friday.

For my dears in the UK, check out Brand Alley for their Summer Clearance- up to 90% off on beauty brands like Paula Dorf and Anatomicals (which I'm dying to try!) Oh, and if you have a super tiny foot (UK size 3.5), there's a killer pair of Marc Jacob heels you'd be crazy not it snatch up (just saying!) The site is also featuring K by Beverley Knight, Bare Escentuals, La Compagnie de Provence and Aromatherapy Associates this week, so don't miss it! BTW, if you aren't registered there yet, you can help us both earn a £10 voucher- just click here and I'll send you an invite.

On the Beauty Story menu this week we have Lady Primrose on Tuesday, Prada beauty and fragrance on Wednesday, Caron Paris on Thursday and Exuberance on Friday, June 26th.
Of course, members only need apply- log in with your Editors' Closet info or click here if you're not already a member.

Wednesday, June 23rd, Editors' Closet will be showcasing renowned fragrance house Creed.
If you're not already a member click here for a personal invite from yours truly!
Gilt Groupe has been suspiciously quiet all week, but on Friday they come out loud and proud with a Beauty Summer Essentials sale featuring Rodial, Hampton Sun and 29 Cosmetics.

Finally, maybe it's a day late and a dollar short (OK, hopefully it's a bunch of dollars short) when Row Nine hosts a selection of Men's Fragrance Sets starting Thursday, June 24th. Stock up for the next big holiday or (hey!) grab a set & get a jump on Father's Day 2011!

Once again folks, let me know if you're missing the individual brands' links in the post! I'll admit, it's tons easier this way, but you know I'll do anything for you guys! Anyone have any products you'll be searching out this week? Share your faves with us, and have a great week, shopping or no!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Ask OutInAPout:
Which Red Lipstick is Right For Me?

I swear, I didn't write this question myself, though my expertise on the issue goes way beyond being a makeup artist. I still fondly remember my first tube of red lipstick- it was a rosewater scented, fire engine red (OK...not exactly what we called it then...but much more polite!) It came in a classy, vintage-inspired gold tube, printed with the signature Coty white flower motif. I was 14, and I'm pretty sure I bought it to wear whilst portraying a street urchin in the musical Little Shop of Horrors. Ever since, red lips have been my signature look. When I started working as a makeup artist, I loved nothing more than to hear the phrase "I wish I could wear red..." Not because it showed how uniquely fabulous I was for looking good in red lipstick, but because it always provided the opportunity to show someone that, YES, they too could wear red lipstick. Which leads us to...

The question:
I have very pale skin (yellow undertones), very dark hair and eyes, and my teeth are quite yellow. I want to buy a red lipstick. Which one would you recommend, or should I stick to neutrals?


My Answer:
Are you kidding me? Red is neutral- and perfect for your coloring. Hey, Snow White had pale skin & black hair, and what color were her lips? Granted, I don't recall Snow White having a Starbucks addiction, so the yellow teeth probably weren't an issue for her.

I actually have very similar coloring (and, unfortunately, me likey the Starbucks!) Personally, I love red, and wear many shades regardless of the fact that they may make my teeth look less-than-gleaming. I can tell you that reds with a blue base (like MAC Ruby Woo) will make your teeth appear whiter, while those with a yellow undertone (MAC Lady Danger) will emphasize the yellow. Oh, BTW: Crest White Strips= your best friend!

Since you have yellow undertones in your skin, you'll have to find a happy medium; a lipstick blue enough that it enhances your smile, but not so blue that it clashes with your skin. I try to stay as close to true (neutral) red as I can- once a red strays toward "cherry" or "berry" I always feel like its too blue on me. Keep in mind, this is truly just personal preference, really there are no rules in makeup and you should always feel free to experiment.

One other quick tip to help you wear any red you can think of is to line your lips underneath the lipstick with a brown lip pencil. This can be tricky at first; you have to line, then fill almost to the center of your lip. Blend the line with your finger before applying the red lipstick, and then blend the red in with a brush after you've applied. The brown is meant to neutralize the red- you shouldn't be able to see any of the brown liner underneath or around the red. For other tricks on how to ease into red lips, check out this blog post.

Finally, one last bit of advice. Red isn't just a color, it's an attitude. Wear it with confidence (even if you have to fake it at first.) I promise, before long, people will be saying to you "I wish I could wear red like that..."

Bare Escentuals 2010 Friends & Family:
Including Bare Minerals, Buxom and
MD Formulations!

Most of what you need to know is right there: 20% off, starting today! Use the code SHARE when you check out at BareEscentuals.com or print out this coupon and take it to your nearest BE boutique.The deal goes through Sunday, and, of course, is only valid at the company's official websites (and those of their sister brands listed on the coupon). That means you can't march in to Sephora or Ulta and expect to use this baby, nor will it work on random websites that carry the above brands. Official site or boutiques only, got it?

Any Bare Escentual, bare Minerals, Buxom or MD Formulation fans out there? I honestly can't say I've ever purchased a product from any of these brands, so let us all know what your favorites are!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Ask OutInAPout:
What Do You Use on Your Skin?

Whether it's a testament to my profession or the condition of my skin I can't say, but one question I've always been asked is: What do you use on your skin? I'll admit, I've been told more than once that I have "perfect skin". I've always tried my best to assure people that this is definitely NOT the case; I owe the illusion of perfect skin to a hand deft in the application of concealer, foundation and highlighter. Having said that, I've always taken care of my skin, and though the specifics of the routine change, there are some fundamentals that I never stray from. Here, then, is what I do to keep my skin as close to perfect as possible.

Day time:


Generally I use this twice daily; once at night to remove makeup and once in the morning to refresh. I love Purity because it removes all of my makeup without drying out my skin. Being as obsessive about my skin as I am, I'm actually a double cleanser- at night when I'm removing makeup I actually wash twice, just to make sure everything is gone. I don't really think this is necessary with this cleanser, it just makes me feel better. Also, since my skin ranges from normal/dry to severely dry, sometimes I don't cleanse in the morning. Provided that I've been good and removed my makeup the night before, I may just splash my face with water when I wake up, then proceed with my normal routine. For a more detailed look at this product, you can check out my review here!

I've recently returned to this old standby. I searched far and wide for a serum to soothe and protect my skin from environmental damage, while offering a nice moisture boost. Something with hyaluronic acid was a must- this wonder ingredient holds 1000 times it's weight in water, so it not only adds hydration, but helps your skin to retain what's already there. After months spent browsing product ingredients on-line and in-store, I decided I needed to return to my roots, and I'm so glad I did! I already knew of the soothing properties of this serum (I've even used it on sunburn before!) it's also got great antioxidant properties- back in my days at the counter, we'd cut open an apple and slather this on the cut side of one half- the treated half of the apple won't brown because it's being protected from oxidation (aka free radical damage.)

Despite it's name, I actually use this as my daytime treatment- the light and non-greasy texture make it perfect for under makeup and of course, skin needs free-radical protection during the day as much as it does at night!


The moisturizing component of my skin care routine is probably the one that changes most often. Constant technological development in this realm means that many creams and lotions skirt the line between moisturizer and treatment, so I often find myself switching up this element of my routine in search of my holy grail.

One aspect of my day time routine that has NEVER changed is that I ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS use a moisturizer that contains sunscreen. If I have anything to be vain about, it is the fact that for a 32 year old woman, I have very few wrinkles. (I've actually had relatives sling thinly veiled Botox accusations!) The fact is, I haven't left the house a day in almost 2 decades without sun protection on my face. That, dear readers (and relatives) is why I've had very few wrinkles.

I'm currently testing the Canyon Ranch moisturizer; a medium-weight lotion that contains a physical (as compared to chemical) sunscreen. While this may be a plus in some people's books, I personally prefer chemical barriers; I find them generally more comfortable on my skin, and physical sunscreens zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can feel chalky and make skin appear unnaturally white in photos.

This moisturizer does have anti-aging and antioxidant complexes, as well as ceramides to help keep the skin's protective barrier in tact, so there are some definite pluses. I've only been using this one for a couple of weeks, but stay tuned for a more in depth review of this product in the coming months.

Night time:

For night, my routine only changes slightly. On the off chance that I've used waterproof mascara (basically, if I've been swimming or to a wedding or funeral) I'll remove it with a dual-phase eye makeup remover like Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover. Then I cleanse just as I do in the AM.

Treatment- Prescription Tretinoin

Tretinoin is available by prescription only under several brand names, the most popular being Retin-A and Renova. It is also available in a generic form. Tretinoin is a member of the Vitamin A family, and is the only chemical that has ever been approved by the FDA to reduce wrinkles and sun damage. Tretinoin isn't cheap- even the generic of the drug runs about $90, and of course you also have to pay for an office visit to a dermatologist to get a prescription in the first place. I finally took the leap because I felt like I was wasting my money on over the counter treatments. There are so many serums, moisturizers, masks, peels, etc...out there that are writing checks that their ingredient lists can't cash. I finally figured, if I'm going to spend the money, I'm going to spend it on something that's scientifically proven to work. Makes sense, huh?

Tretinoin is available in different concentrations and formulas- since I'm sensitive and dry skinned, I'm starting out with cream in the lowest concentration available (.025%)- which is still 20 times more potent than it's non-prescription counterparts. Since the cream base contains several emollients, I often don't need a separate moisturizer, which makes the price seem less of an issue.


On the nights that I need extra moisture, or that I don't use my Tretinoin (since I'm still transitioning into it, my skin sometimes gets irritated and I may take a day off to recover) I've been reaching for this drug store staple. As far as night creams go, CeraVe Cream is pretty bare bones- it contains ceramides to help strengthen the skin's protective barrier, as well as glycerin and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and help skin retain moisture. It's also time released, non-comedogenic and fragrance free.

Before I used my Tretinoin, I would have insisted on a souped-up anti-aging cream, but now that I'm confident I'm getting those benefits elsewhere, I kind of like the simplicity of the CeraVe. Having said that, the line recently released a PM lotion that contains Niacinamide- an anti-aging multi-threat. Though I'll likely never run out of my CeraVe Cream (it comes in a honking 16 oz jar!) I'm increasingly tempted to pick up the new night version.

If anyone is wondering, I don't use a separate eye cream for my eye area. Those of you who have been with me for a while may recall my realization that eye creams are basically the same as most facial moisturizers, except they're 3 times smaller and twice the price. I even had my suspicion confirmed by celebrity dermatologist Dr. Jeffrey Benabio.

Otherwise, that's about it. Yes, there are a few intermittent "helpers" that I turn to (Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner when I'm flaky, MAC Fix+ for a quick moisture boost when I'm feeling tight, even plain old Vaseline for my lips and nose when they get chapped and raw.) But this is the foundation of my routine. Keep in mind, what works for me may not work for you- skin type and concerns are vital indicators of what your best skin solution will be. I don't imagine I'll ever rest on my laurels where my skin is concerned- skin types change over time, and particular concerns with them. Just think of me as a skincare mixologist looking for the best cocktail of products. Of course, you can count on me to spill them all over when I find them!

Sunday, June 13, 2010

This Week's Sales: Pixi, Smashbox, Kate Sommerville & more...

This week's sales start off over at newcomer site Beauty Story, who get out of the gate on Monday when they host Kae Argan Oil Therapy. Next comes Pixi and Lierac Paris on Wednesday, followed by Skin Nutrition on Friday. BTW, all sales at Beauty Story start at 10AM. The new site is brought to us by the founders of Editors' Closet, so if you're a member there already, all you have to do is sign in to Beauty Story with your user info from EC. If you're not a member of either and you need an invite, you know where to get it: just click here and you're on your way!

On Tuesday over at HauteLook the site hosts Smashbox Cosmetics, with Freeze 24.7 on Wednesday, Baby Quasar on Thursday, and Dermelect Cosmeceuticals Skincare on Friday, June 18th.

Gilt Groupe is pretty quiet this week, with only 2 sales listed- stay tuned for updates. So far it's just lonely Kate Somerville on Tuesday, June 15th followed Wednesday by Rsession Tools.

Last but not least, Privatistas features Marc Jacobs' Daisy as well as his signature scent for women. For the guys, the site also has great deals on Armani's Acqua Di Gio and The One by Dolce and Gabbana for Men. Both sales run through Wednesday. You can click the link to jump over, or click here for a personalized invite from me!

Anyone have anything this week that you'll be on the lookout for? Oh, and those of you that visit often may notice that I've changed the format of my sale post a tiny bit. I've always included links to the featured brands in my sale posts, but since it literally takes hours sometimes to edit in all of the links, I've decided I may do away with them. (You guys all know how to work this interwebz thingie, right?) So tell me: do you miss them? If you like the links and want me to keep them in so you can easily jump to a brand's home page, speak up. If it's no big deal, I'd like to hear that too! I'm here for you guys, so comment and make yourself heard!



Monday, June 7, 2010

Beauty Story Grand Opening!

Tuesday June 8th (that's tomorrow, yo!) marks the maiden voyage of Editors' Closet's new beauty-only site, BeautyStory.com. Beauty Story promises to be the "premiere destination for members-only sales in cosmetics, skin care and spa services." Sounds good, right? They're starting off the whole shebang with a grand opening at 10AM (EST) that includes hourly prizes from MAC & Pop Beauty.

If you're already a member of Editors' Closet, then you're all set (just log into Beauty Story with your EC account info.) If you need an invite, no prob- just click here for a personal invite from me!


Sunday, June 6, 2010

This Week's Sales:
Tini Beauty, MD Skincare, Bliss Spa and more!

It seems like a ton of sites got spiffy revamps this weekend, so don't be surprised if you see a new site looking back at you when you check out the sales this week. Unfortunately, it would seems that the sites were so thrilled about their new looks that they forgot to get cool beauty stuff to sell us- consequently, this week is a bit quiet. Make sure you're following me on Twitter for updates, last minute discount codes, contests and a plethora of other non-beauty (but thrilling nonetheless) tidbits. Now, on with it!

HauteLook hosts 'Tini Beauty this Monday June 7th, and Juice Beauty on Tuesday. Thursday they bring in MD Skincare before ending the week with DermaNew on Friday.

In other sale news, the Editor's Closet Fragrance Boutique starts Tuesday, June 8th. The site sports a nifty new look (though it does remind me a bit of road side construction) and is now offering free shipping on all orders, so...yay! If you don't belong to Editor's Closet yet, no prob- just click here for a personal invite from me!

Privavistas is featuring Oliver Ifergan Atelier haircare this week. I'm pretty sure I actually joined without a personal invite, so if you're in a hurry, jump over. If you're feeling sweet, click here and I'll send you a personal invite. It'll net me a credit, so thanks!

Across the pond at Brand Alley (Sorry, UK only) has their designer fragrance boutique wrapping up today, but you can check out Bliss Spa products for the next few days! If you're not a member yet, click here for a personal invite and we'll both snag a £10 voucher to the site after you make your first purchase.

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