Hello everyone

Good afternoon beautycallers.

I know it has been WAY TOO LONG and my sincere apologies.

I have recently joined Chick Lit Central as their promotional associate. These responsibilities, in addition to applying to jobs/trying to find work, are unfortunately not allowing me to dedicate the time to blogging here. I wish this wasn't the case, but it is what it is. You must know, though, I am still a beauty junkie, and will ALWAYS be a beauty junkie.

If any of you enjoy reading chick lit books, reviews and giveaways, come on over to Chick Lit Central, I promise you will love it!!

Check out Chick Lit Central on Facebook and Twitter.

And for those who don't I would love to still keep in touch on Twitter.

All the best,

Amy

I WON! GIVEAWAYS!

Hi Beautycallers. I must apologize for being MIA. I haven't been feeling well and had some family stuff I needed to take care of. I hope everyone has been well. Talking about being well, whoever is on the East Coast, BE SAFE! Did anyone else go to multiple stores yesterday and water, flashlights and batteries were all sold out? And SO crowded. Yep it was not fun.

I've been wanting to share 2 beauty giveaways I won this spring & summer.

The first one was from the awesome Blinging Beauty. The win was Tarte's Amazonian 12-hour blush in "Blushing Bride." Look how pretty.

A great color for fall & winter

The second was from the lovely Red Lip Gloss. It was her blogiversary, where she celebrated with a summer giveaway including:
Handmade beach bag
Matching beach towel
Matching cosmetic bag
Pocket mirror
Sally Hansen Forever Stay Moisture gloss in Creamside
Rimmel London Sun Shimmer Shimmering Maxi Bronzer in Sun Kiss
Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Moisturizer in Lime Coolada
Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch SPF 30 Sunscreen
A pair of very chic sunglasses
A chick-lit book: Lunch In Paris by Elizabeth Bard. Check out Lisa Bard on her website,
Facebook, & Twitter.

I had to include the card. I luv it!

Talking about chick-lit, which I'm a HUGE fan of, here are a bunch of giveaways:

Chick Lit Central:

"500 Acres and No Place to Hidw by Susan McCorkindale

"Another Bad Dog Book" by Joni B. Cole

Choice of one of Jessica Degamaro's e-books

"40 Love" by Madeleine Wickham (audio)

"Little Black Dress" by Susan McBride

A Novel Review:

"Little Black Dress" by Susan McBride

The Girl from the Ghetto:

"Little Black Dress" by Susan McBride

Chick Lit is Not Dead:

"Summer Rental" by Mary Kay Andrews

Girls Just Reading:

"Little Black Dress" by Susan McBride

Chick Lit Reviews:

"Before Ever After" by Samantha Sotto



I'd love to know your favorite summer beauty products. Good to know for next year b/c summer is almost over :(

Avene skincare & giveaways

Good afternoon beautycallers. Hope you are all staying cool today, it's a scorcher here.

I first heard of Avene while watching Lisa Eldridge's "My Favorite Skincare Products Part 1" video. I LOVE all of her videos. Because I would LUV to meet her, I've been asking on her facebook page when she will be in the NYC area. You can also find Lisa on twitter.

Avene's products are targeted for sensitive skin. I was breaking out a bit, on the right and left side of chin, usually known as hormonal break outs. Damn those stubborn blackhead suckers. If you are oily, combination or dry, your skin always needs moisture. Hence all of their products contain water. Not just any water, Thermal Skin Water, from the Cevennes Mountain in southern France. Per their website here are some details behind this water:

A 40-year journey in the Cevennes Mountain allows the water in Avène to acquire the perfectly balanced mineral composition and become gradually enriched with the trace elements and silicates.

For additional information read Water, the essential source of skin health.

The three products I purchased were the Gentle get cleanser, for normal to combination sensitive skin, Thermal spring water, for all skin types, and the Cream for intolerant skin.



Here are the cleanser's benefits per their website:

• Gently and thoroughly removes impurities and make-up without drying
• Moisturizes skin and provides anti-oxidant protection leaving skin soft, supple and smooth
• Pleasant fragrance tolerated by sensitive skin
• Oil-free, soap-free
• Avène Thermal spring water to soothe and soften skin
• Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic

For additional information read Gentle Gel Cleanser. I absolutely love this cleanser. I was advised by the girl at the store to gently wipe off with a washcloth. By using a washcloth, you are getting an extra benefit of gentle exfoliation. As I'm sure you all know, exfoliating is SO important.

As I mentioned all skin types need moisture, and this spray is the BOMB. Almost all skincare lines have some type of refresher spray, but I love this one. You know the feeling you get when you put your face in a natural spring source? This feels the same exact way.

Here is additional information on this water spray.


Because those chin areas were itching, I bought the Cream for intolerant skin. I do not have intolerant skin, however the sales girl said this cream will help calm the itching (because this particular girl went attended several training classes, I felt and sensed that she thoroughly knew what she was talking about).

Here are the cream's indications per the website:

• Allergic reaction to fragrance, colorants, parabens, and/or other cosmetic ingredients
• Sensitive, irritated skin
• Burning, stinging, itching, scaling skin
• Post-procedure: Chemical peel, microdermabrasion, laser
• Adjunctive care to relieve the drying effect of acne medication treatments such as isotretinoin

For additional information please read soothing cream.

Here are some additional sites to purchase Avene:

spalook

DERMSTORE

SkinStore

Drugstore.com

Amazon


On a totally different topic, I want to share with you this Essie polish I discovered, yesterday called coral reef.




I always like to share the love, so here are two awesome beauty giveaways:

Check out RedsBeautyBlog's International Giveaway. Sleek. MUA Illamasqua and Beauty UK. Make sure you carefully read the entry rules as there are two parts.

Check out Makeup Diary's Huge "Just Because" Thank You Giveaway! Three Winners!
No doubt about it, this is HUGE.

FOTD, visiting my BFF & Giveaways

Hi beautycallers. Hope you all are having a nice weekend.

Yesterday was a happy day but a also a sad day. I visited my best friend Emily and her 4 month old son Nathan. He's SO SO SO CUTE! Next week she is moving to Maryland because her husband just began his fellowship at Johns Hopkins University. Yes it's an incredible an opportunity, but sad because she will no longer be close by. It's not "goodbye", it's "see you soon."

Unfortunately because I was running late (what else is new) I wasn't able to do as an elaborate eye as I wanted to. But it's all good :)

(It looks like I'm sleeping here but I am awake)

FACE
Bobbi Brown corrector "light bisque"
Clinique airbrush concealer "neutral fair"
Jouer Cosmetics luminizing moisture tint "pearl"
Tarte Amazonian clay 12-hour blush "tipsy"
Tarte smooth operator Amazonian clay finishing powder "bronze"
Tarte Amazonian clay shimmering powder "champagne"

EYES
Smashbox Brow Tech To Go "brunette"
Anastasia Brow Duality "matte camille/sand shimmer "
Tarte emphasisEYES clay shadow stick "bronze"
Tarte emphasisEYES waterproof clay shadow/liner "black"

Loreal luxurious color eyeliner "navy" (I've had this liner forever, I don't believe this particular line is made anymore. I can barely read the wording on the pencil, hence it's time for a new navy liner)
Tarte Amazonian clay mascara

Mally LightWand Eye Highlighter in tear ducts

LIPS
Sue Devitt lip enhancing gloss "coral sands"


Emily before gloss w/ Nathan

Applying gloss on Emily. Wish I could have done her entire face but that was not happening with Nathan around. It's ok b/c I had SO much fun playing with him.

I found this picture/quote about best friends & friendship. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Remember, best friends don't come around very often, so make sure your best friend knows how awesome they are. Here's to you Emily:



BEAUTY GIVEAWAYS:

Check out Lauren's Beauty Tips Giveaway Once I Reach 550 Followers!!

Check out D.G.S Beauty's Summer Giveaway. THIS IS HUGE!!!!

Check out Aquaheart's Obsessions Conair You Wrap and Wave Review and Giveaway.

SAKS FIFTH AVE & Mini Ulta Haul

Hi everyone. Sorry I have been MIA for a little while. Looking for a job is a job in itself. Speaking of jobs, I had an interview on Friday and guess what store was right across the street? That's right, Saks Fifth Avenue. In my opinion, no other Saks store compares.

When I saw the store I thought to myself this would be a great idea for a post, to share some pictures of the bottom floor with you, COSMETICS, SKINCARE & FRAGRANCES GALORE. When any of you are in NYC, you have to go inside the store, and let me tell you, you will DROOL.

How gorgeous is this fish tank with LA MER products inside

I'll take one of all of these please

I'm sorry about the poor quality of these pictures. I was not expecting to take pictures that day, hence I only had my phone. I wish I was able to take more pictures but unfortunately a security guard saw me and I was asked to stop...stupid store policy. However I took a short stroll uptown and took some more pictures which I hope you will enjoy.

Another love of mine CHOCOLATE, especially dark



What do you guys think of this necklace?

I have needed a haircut for a while now. I called the Ulta near me and they were having a special, $25 for cut AND blowdry! Pretty good deal if you ask me. I only purchased two items, Wet n Wild nail polish in "caribbean frost", and Sue Devitt lip enhancing gloss in "coral sands." I discovered Sue Devitt a while ago and love her products. What I love is that they have anti-aging properties so they are good for your skin. I have been looking for a peachy/coral lip gloss and they looked a bit too orange on me. This is the exact color I was looking for. I feel the picture is misleading, it is NOT a pink. I have an idea many of you know this...many Macy's stores now have a beauty section called "Impulse Beauty" where you can find Sue Devitt products.

Can anyone recommend a true teal polish? I'd prefer not so expensive, even though, don't get me wrong, I love Essie and OPI. I'm feeling a nail polish kick coming on. So please share, let's say, your top 3 nail polishes.

Summer eyes for an Interview & GIVEAWAYS

Hello beautycallers. Hope everyone is having a nice week.

Does anyone ever wonder what eyeshadow colors to use for going on an interview? If you have then please read on. I had an interview the other day. Don't even think about doing a dark smokey eye or using funky colored eye shadows (I have a feeling you guys know this but just in case). You want your makeup to be conservative looking. How conservative depends on a few factors, those being the industry, financial vs. creative, where the actual interview is taking place, be it at an office or at a Starbucks, or the season. From what I have seen, when women go on an interview, or go to work, they mostly wear neutral colors, brow, grays, taupes, etc. While this is always your safest bet, it doesn't mean you can't add a little color. I went for my Tarte lock & roll 12 hour eyeshadow in rose gold. This color is not a typical neutral, but it's still safe and very pretty, if I say so myself. In the spring and summer I prefer lighter eye shadow colors for during the day.

FACE

CHEEKS

EYES

LIPS








FOTD:

FACE
Bobbi Brown corrector in "light bisque"
YSL Touche Éclat in "2 luminos ivory"
Laura Geller Ethereal Spackle Skin Brightening Primer
Jouer Cosmetics Luminizing Moisture Tint in "pearl"
Tarte Park Ave Princess matte bronzer
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour blush in "tipsy"
Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian clay finishing powder in bronze
Tarte Amazonian clay shimmering powder in "champagne"

EYES
Smashbox Brow Tech To Go in "brunette"
Mally Lightwand Eye Brightener
Tarte lock & roll 12-hour eyeshadow in "rose gold"
Mally Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner in "midnight"
Tarte Amazonian clay mascara

LIPS
Bare Escentuals 100% Natural Lip Liner in "shell"
Eve Pearl lipstick in "blushed"
Mally lip gloss in "baby blush"

I just came across a few beauty and chick lit giveaways:

Chic Beauty blog is have an awesome, huge eye palette giveaway from MUA Makeup Academy.
Enter here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chic-Beauty-Blog/181454715233941

Enter Fully Beatable's Summer Fun Mini Giveaway

Enter Dr.'s Remedy $85 Nail Polish Set


Chick Lit Central is having two book giveaways:

One to win Lennie Ross's debut novel "Blow Me" & another to win Lisa Lim's debut novel "Confessions of a Call Center Gal"

Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation & the Morristown Green

Hello Beautycallers. Thanks for stopping by. I was planning on posting this last night, but due to our toilet overflowing at 1:00am, it just wasn't going to happen. But I'm here now to share my Sunday with you.

I was like a little kid opening the Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation box. And then there was feeling the amazing brush, all I can say is WOW. It should get an award for "best foundation brush." I was hesitant to buy it because I don't like the heavy feel of a full coverage foundation. I prefer sheer to light coverage. But after reading all the glowing reviews on QVC, recommendations from fellow tartlettes, I caved. And you would think it must be amazing if it's always sold out on QVC.





Per the description on QVC, the foundation balances and neutralizes your complexion, absorbing any oily areas, and helping to reduce any dry areas. By using the brush, you will achieve an airbrushed finish. A very important benefit, for me and many others, is that it has SPF 15. I have tried many foundations with SPF, but for one reason or another, I didn't care for them. I am extremely happy that my search is over.




Jason and I spent the afternoon at the Morristown Green in Morristown, NJ. Morristown is a town with character, history and charm.

FOTD

* Face
Laura Geller Ethereal Spackle Makeup Primer - this is one of my favorite primers. If you are interested, now is a great time to purchase it on QVC, where it's offered in a super size for $35.96 with two EZ payments of $17.98. This event price ends Tuesday July 19th at 11:59pm EST
Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation in "light"
Bobbi Brown corrector in "light bique"
YSL TOUCH ECLAT in 2 "luminous ivory"
Tarte Matte Waterproof Bronzer
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in "tipsy"
Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzing HD Finishing Powder
Tarte Amazonian Clay Shimmering Powder in "champagne"
On neck & declotte used Laura Geller Baked Body Frosting in "honey glow"

* Eyes
Smashbox Brow Tech To Go in "brunette"
Mally Beauty LightWand Eye Highlighter in "midnight" on the upper waterline
Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Cream Shadow Pot in "seashell pink"
Mally Evercolor Starlight eyeliner in "midnight" on the upper water line
Studio Gear Invincible Gel Cream Eye Color in "earth"
Tarte eyelash curler
Tarte multiplEYE lash primer
Tarte Amazonian Clay mascara

*Lips
Laura Geller Light Beams Ultimate Lip Shine Gloss in "pink flamingo"