Do or Don't: Celebrity Endorsed Products

It seems like every time you turn around (or, I should say: every time you turn the page of a fashion magazine!) a new "celebrity" perfume hits the market.  Whether it's Sarah Jessica Parker's Lovely, Prince's Get Wild,  JLo's JLo Glow, or Miss Piggy's Moi, it seems like if you're a celebrity in any form, there's going to be a scent marketed with your name and face on it.  Because they're so prevalent...and because there's probably a ton of money involved in the celebrity fragrance world...it doesn't seem like the trend of celebs hawking scents is going anywhere anytime soon.

Recently, Total Beauty ran a piece about the best and worst celebrity perfumes.  The fave?  Hilary Duff's With Love (a scent I have in my collection--one that I actually kind of like!).  The worst? M by Mariah Carey.

Here's my question for you this week: does celebrity endorsement of a fragrance help or hurt?  Or does it depend entirely on the celebrity?  My take?  I normally shy away from celeb scents. I want to smell like classic, good things...like flowers, nature, woods, etc....I don't want to smell like Britney Spears, thank you very much.  I avoid celebrity perfumes and never really give them a chance.  I'd rather have the scent speak for itself without putting me in the "OMG, I'm a huge Gwen Stefani fan so of course I wear L.A.M.B." camp.

Ultimately, fragrance selection is hugely personal and who am I to judge? If you love, love, love Electric Youth (Debbie Gibson!), then rock on with your bad self.  Me?  I'll stick with my non-celebrity endorsed scents.

Embrace Fall Colors Sephora

I LOVE the fall.  It's my absolute favorite season.  I love the weather, the way the trees change colors, and all the new fashion and makeup trends.  It's the best time of the year.

Now that summer has met its end for 2010, it's time to start easing into fall beauty trends. With the virtually unlimited product selection at Sephora, incorporating fall colors and fragrance is effortless!

Here's a selection of fall beauty must-haves available at Sephora:


Sephora Collection Colorful Palette in Kiss From 10 ($24) - Give the neutral eye a twist using this natural toned palette perfect for all skin complexions. The four shadows and matte liner featured are all formulated with a color-intensifying HIBOOST complex to ensure a look that lasts.

Sephora Advanced Lash Booster ($17) - The first lash booster mascara that doubles as a cosmetic AND treatment product. It works to improve the four most important lash characteristics - Length, Thickness, Fullness and Strength - for healthy, beautiful lashes.


Sephora Ultra Shine Lipgloss in Dazzling Violet ($14) -This lip gloss combines form and function with a new generation of “multi-holigraphic” shimmers, a special “ultra hydrating complex” to help stimulate hyaluronic acid synthesis in the lip, and an elegant, transparent tint that showcases the perfect shade of violet that will give lips an overall boost.

Sephora by OPI Nail colour in Just A Little Dangerous ($9) - Purple is the trend shade for fall. The dramatic eggplant purple will add an edge to any look.

Kat Von D Adora Eau de Parfum ($55) - This new fragrance from Kat Von D exudes a sensual and passionate aura with notes of lychee, boysenberry and thyme, the perfect mix for transitioning your scent to the new season.

Oh Happy Day!

I'm rather surprised to be typing this, but--despite having to go back to work--I had a pretty darn good day yesterday!

As soon as I left my agonizing, slow day at the office, I headed out to my salon for a much needed dye job.  My horrid roots were touched up and I left with shining platinum hair.  I also made the decision to switch from a side part to a center part.  I haven't had a center part in years!  I forgot how much I liked having my part in the middle--it makes my hair really easy to style.

Here's a shot from my powder room of me with my new hair (and my old, trusty iPhone).

Now that I'm fully platinum again, I can wear red lipstick (yay!!).  The shade I'm wearing in the photo is something I picked up at Target yesterday.  It's Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Cinnamon Stick.  It's a bit heavy, but I'm liking it...and it seems to last a good long while.

I ended my day by going out to dinner with my husband, sister, and nephew.  After dining on super yummy pizza, we headed over to the mall and found ourselves in Nordstrom.  I wandered through their cosmetics section (they ARE having their anniversary sale after all!) and I accidentally fell in love with a perfume: Victor&Rolf's Flowerbomb.  Nordstrom was out of the rollerball, but my husband grabbed his iPhone and checked Sephora's online inventory.  He said they had it, so off to Sephora we went...and I left with my fabulous find...a rollerball of lovely Flowerbomb (thanks, hubby--you rock!).

All in all, it was a pretty good day.  I feel prettier than I did before I got my hair done, and I can't wait to wear my new scent.  Here's hoping to more awesome days this summer!

Scents for Spring

Now that it's Spring...and now that the weather is starting to get nicer...it might be time to think about changing your fragrance. I personally use a slightly heavier fragrance in the fall and winter and switch to something lighter and more floral when the warmer months come around.

Here are some fragrances--some new, some old--to check out:

For both men and women
I love unisex scents! Here's a new one from Hermes called Voyage d’Hermes.

Inspired by a vision of a gender-free perfume, Jean-Claude Ellena - exclusive in-house perfumer of Hermès - has created a new fragrance "to share", designed for both men and women. For Voyage d'Hermès, Jean-Claude Ellena has not depicted the portrait of a man or woman, of a city or a natural landscape, of a moment or an era¼ He was not interested in designing a fragrance with the scent of wood, of a flower or of any particular substance. His fragrance is a play of paradoxes, of complements, of new alliances.

And a couple that I once wrote off...


Forever by Mariah Carey is a bit too girly for me, but it wasn't unpleasant. It wasn't as strong as I thought it would be and there's something a little musky mixed in with the floral scent. What I love, love, love about Forever is the bottle. Seriously, it's packaged beautifully. The bottle would look great on a vanity.

With Love by Hilary Duff shocked me. I was expecting something ultra-feminine, something flowery and way too girly for me. But instead it reminded me of one of my all-time favorites, Dune by Christian Dior. I likey! And the bottle is pretty which is a bonus.

Hippety Hoppity...

Apparently Easter is this weekend. I say apparently because I never seem to remember when Easter pops up on the calendar. I only know that I keep seeing plastic eggs and crazy bunnies in all the stores I've been going to lately.

If you're like me, you'd rather skip the Easter egg hunt and opt instead to fill up your own brand of basket--a Sephora basket--with some Spring-inspired goodies. Bunny-hop to Sephora and treat yourself to these wonders:

• Sephora by OPI in Iris I Was Thinner ($9) – This pale, iris purple is the perfect way to wear an Easter pastel without spending a fortune. I really hate the name of this shade, but it's pretty, so I'll give it a temporary pass.
  
• Leslie Blodgett Santa Barbara Eau de Parfum Rollerball ($16) –This luminous scent lingers on the skin for hours and the travel-friendly packaging makes it great for a quick pick-me-up on the go!
  
• Sephora Colorful Mono Eyeshadows ($12) – Let your peepers make a festive statement with these high-pigment shadows. Now available in 79 shades.
• Tarina Tarantino Gem Gloss ($19) – Coat your lips with this sweet shade of lightweight vitamin-enriched gloss. Available in 12 shades.
  
• Sephora “Tricks of the Trade” Perfecting Lash Primer ($14) – Your mascara will outlast your biggest expectations with this primer that helps volumize and lengthen your lashes.
  
• Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Blush ($25) – This cream blush naturally sculpts and highlights cheeks for a healthy, spring glow. Available in 14 shades.
  

Sephora's Winning Lineup!

The Super Bowl may have come and gone, but Sephora still has top beauty brands’ MVP and Rookie must-haves. Proven all-stars show off in the MVP category – but don’t let the rookies fool you. They have some cool new moves that will make you want to change your game plan.

Sephora’s 2010 MVP Roster:

• Dior DiorShow Mascara ($24) – A cult-classic that leaves lashes thick, long and curled, making it Sephora’s MVP – most valuable product, that is!
• Philosophy Hope In A Jar ($38) – No games played here, this long-loved moisturizer provides soft, healthy and glowing results.
• NARS Blush in Orgasm ($25) – A five-year-long Sephora winner, this beauty editors’ favorite is a universally flattering shade of pinky-peach.
  
• Kinerase Intensive Eye Cream ($62) – A “lineman” of wrinkle fighting cream that works to minimize flaws and maximize the tone and texture around your eye area.
  
• Marc Jacobs Daisy Gift Set ($84 Value, $65) – This set has the spirit of a playful innocence with its fresh and feminine kick. Perfect for the tomboy in you.

Sephora’s 2010 Rookie Lineup:

• Dior DiorShow Extase Mascara ($28) – Plump up your lashes, inside and out! With built-in treatment benefits and twisted wand layers for strong, high-impact lashes, it’s hard to believe this mascara is new to the game!
  
• Philosophy Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Moisturizer ($55) – New to the team, but packing a punch, this age-fighting hydrator will balance, nourish and soften your skin.
  
• NARS Orgasm Illuminator ($29) – Joining the NARS Orgasm family in a must have, an illuminator! Get an instantly refreshed, radiant and glowing look with a new twist of the brand’s most beloved shade.
  
• Kinerase Restructure Firming Eye Cream ($55) – A rookie formula with the results of a seasoned veteran, this revolutionary elastin-strengthening, firming hydrator will lift and smooth!
  
• Marc Jacobs Lola Gift Set ($70, $107 Value!) – Treat yourself to this trophy-worthy trio! With a spray, lotion and gel, your skin will smell sweet and sexy.

Need a Makeover? Get Thee to Sephora!

Tired of the short days and long, cold weather? Revive and revamp your look with Sephora’s trend-setting beauty. From accessories designer Tarina Tarantino’s sparkling new line-up, to Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries’ second fragrance, Santa Barbara, you’ll find something to spice up your mid-winter lull! Rejuvenate yourself with these fresh and fun favorites:

• Tarina Tarantino Pearl Glow Primer ($36) – Get glowing again! Made with pearl powder and light-reflecting pigments, this makeup base leaves your skin looking healthy and radiant.
• Tarina Tarantino Fleur De Lash Mascara ($19) – Create full-volume lashes with this superior mascara formula, infused with Vitamin E and Shea Butter.
• Tarina Tarantino Conditioning Lip Sheen ($22) – A lightweight, vitamin-enriched lipstick creates a gorgeous satin finish while moisturizing your lips in one easy swipe. Available in 12 shades.
• Tarina Tarantino Eye Dream Hypershadow ($19) – Sweep this finely milled powder over lids for a high pigment payoff. Available in 24 shades.
• Tarina Tarantino Fuchsia Revolution Brush Set ($69) – Inspired by Tarina Tarantino’s signature hair color, this set of five professional-quality brushes are perfect for effortless makeup applications.
• Tarina Tarantino Sparklicity Shimmer Dust ($39) – Sprinkle this shimmer dust on skin for a light, sparkly glow, or use it on your hair for a playful touch.
• Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries Santa Barbara ($55) – Inspired by Leslie’s travels, escape to blue-skied Santa Barbara, with a scent that captures the true essence of the sea.
• Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries Santa Barbara Roller Ball ($16) – Create your own fragrant memories with this travel size scent that glides on effortlessly and lasts for hours.

Get Your Fragrance Fix! Perfectly Petite Perfumes …Only at Sephora

Need a holiday gift idea? Why not give that special someone a delicious new fragrance to start the new year. Find your favorite fragrance in affordable and portable miniature rollerballs and solids. These perfumed pieces are perfect for your everyday cosmetic case or your chic evening clutch. Check out these fragrant finds:

• Kat Von D Saint or Sinner Rollerball ($16) – Whether you’re feeling sultry or sweet, Kat Von D has you covered with these handy rollerballs that will keep you smelling fabulously fragrant wherever you go.
• Sephora Collector’s Edition Fragrance Sampler ($75, $160 Value!) – Let them pick their present this holiday season! This set of seven samples of Sephora’s most popular fragrances for him or her comes with a gift voucher for a full-size bottle of their favorite!
• Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries Perfume Solid in Bare Skin ($35) – Just a dab of this spill proof solid housed in a pocket-watch compact will freshen your scent and linger on your skin for hours.
• La Vanila The Healthy Fragrance Mini Rollerball Set ($28, $48 Value!) – This set of four rollerballs offers a healthy scent from every fragrance family: fresh, fruit, oriental, and woody. Worn alone or layered, these scents are ideal for touchups.
• Michael Kors Very Hollywood Solid Perfume Cocktail Ring ($40) – Smell sweet and stay fashion chic with this glamorous sparkle piece of adornment.
• Stella McCartney Stella Rollerball ($18) – This sophisticated yet powerful fragrance of felinity, slips easily into a handbag or pocket for a sensual scent on the go.
  

*Holiday News Alert* Now through December 18th Sephora Claus is taking over Sephora’s Twitter (www.twitter.com/sephora), giving away beauty products everyday for 31 days. For beauty buffs who would like to enter, simply tweet on Twitter an @Sephora message and tag your wish with a #sephoraclaus “hashtag.”

Plus, you can “share” your wish on Facebook and receive one of three deluxe samples, including YSL Black Mascara, Philosophy Inner Grace Body Lotion or Mini Nars Duo Lipgloss. To get your glamorous goodie, enter any of these gift with purchase codes: WISHME, Claus, or Clause.

For more Sephora Claus details, visit www.Sephoraclaus.com. You must be 18 or older and a US citizen to win. Prizes must be found on Sephora.com and less than $150. Shop for these travel-friendly fragrances – available at Sephora stores, by calling 1-877-Sephora or by logging onto Sephora.com.

Get Your Yum on at Sephora!

This Thanksgiving, satisfy your cravings without an ounce of guilt! From creamy lotions to hydrating cleaners and luscious lip shines, Sephora offers an array of skincare essentials that will have you glowing at your fabulous feast.

Check out these sumptuous deals:

Sephora Sweet Candy Gloss Trio ($18 a $21 Value) – Better on your lips than on your hips, this set of hydrating lip glosses will leave your lips soft and deliciously irresistible. Choose from delectable flavors like Guava Passion, Tropical Jasmine, and Apple Pomegranate.

Sephora BODY Super Supreme Body Butter To Go ($15) – This rich, hydrating body balm literally melts into the skin for a one-of-a-kind experience. Made with shea butter, it moisturizes, nourishes, protects, and leaves skin silky and smooth.

Philosophy The Gingerbread Man™ Foaming Bubble Bath and Shower Gel ($16) – Pamper yourself with this ultra-rich, moisturizing shower gel that’s decadent, creamy, and perfect for daily use.

Philosophy Pumpkin Spice™ Muffin Flavored Lip Shine ($12) – Pumpkin, spice, and everything nice collide in this luscious indulgence, which works to hydrate and soothe while offering a high-gloss shine with lots of flavor.

Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Spray Perfume Set ($24) – This set of natural spray perfume, signature soy candle and customized box of matches is a delight to your sense with its addictive Tuscan Blood Orange scent! Spritz it on, light it up and enjoy.

*Holiday News Alert* Beginning November 18th, just in time for the holidays, Sephora Claus is taking over Sephora’s Twitter (www.twitter.com/sephora), giving away beauty products everyday for 31 days until December 18th. For beauty buffs who would like to enter, simply tweet on Twitter an @Sephora message and tag your wish with a #sephoraclaus “hashtag.”

Plus, you can “share” your wish on Facebook and receive one of three deluxe samples, including YSL Black Mascara, Philosophy Inner Grace Body Lotion or Mini NARS Duo Lipgloss. To get your glamorous goodie, enter any of these gift with purchase codes: WISHME, Claus, or Clause.

For more Sephora Clause details, visit www.Sephoraclause.com. You must be 18 or older and a US citizen to win. Prizes must be found on Sephora.com and less than $150.

Who Are You Wearing?

Here's a question for you: does a perfume's brand matter to you?

Here's why I'm asking. My sister and I were walking around Ulta, sampling perfumes. I noticed that I gravitate towards classics scents by Chanel, Dior, etc. She was a little less discriminating and sniffed all kinds of products. And the two she kept going back to were fragrances by Gwen Stefani and Ed Hardy. Now, I can support her getting a Gwen Stefani perfume but Ed Hardy? Eek. I think we all have bad associations with Ed Hardy thanks to that douchebag Jon Gosselin.

Anyway...I digress. My point is this: if you just smelled a perfume without knowing who it was by, you'd probably be more honest about what you like and don't like. And you might be surprised with who you might end up wearing.

The other day I received some fragrances to try, notably Forever by Mariah Carey and With Love by Hilary Duff. Normally I would never give these scents the time of day. But I stopped and checked them out. And I have good things to say about both.

Forever by Mariah Carey is a bit too girly for me, but it wasn't unpleasant. It wasn't as strong as I thought it would be and there's something a little musky mixed in with the floral scent. What I love, love, love about Forever is the bottle. Seriously, it's packaged beautifully. The bottle would look great on a vanity.

With Love by Hilary Duff shocked me. I was expecting something ultra-feminine, something flowery and way too girly for me. But instead it reminded me of one of my all-time favorites, Dune by Christian Dior. I likey! And the bottle is pretty which is a bonus.

Bottom line: Don't judge a perfume by it's maker! If you have an open mind, you might just be surprised at what you end up liking.

Disclosure: A press sample of Forever and With Love was provided.

Attack of the Killer Perfume!

This news story is currently making its way around the Interwebs:

FORT WORTH, Texas - At first, fire officials suspected that carbon monoxide or some other toxic fumes had sickened almost 150 people at a Texas bank call center.

It turned out that perfume was to blame.

MedStar ambulance spokeswoman Lara Kohl says 34 people were taken to hospitals, 12 by ambulance, after reporting dizziness and shortness of breath Wednesday at a Bank of America call center in Fort Worth. Medics treated 110 at the scene.

Fort Worth fire Lt. Kent Worley says the incident started with two people complaining about dizziness after a co-worker sprayed perfume. Others reported being sick when an announcement was made that anyone with similar symptoms should exit the building.

Investigators do not know what type of perfume was sprayed.

Ok, so this brings up two thing:

1. I can't wait to know what perfume caused the problem
2. The perfume wearer should have read my tips for appropriate perfume usage...and you should read it too, unless you want to cause this sort of office mayhem!
   

Sephora Samples in Time for Summer Travel

Planning for your pretty weekend or summer getaway? Be sure to tote these travel-friendly treats from Sephora! From multi-purpose mascaras to skin-sational moisturizers and fabulous fragrances, Sephora offers everything you need to make it through security…while looking snazzy! Slip these travel savers into your makeup bag and you're good to go.

Travel is made easy with these vacation necessities. And let me tell you, these samplers rock! I, for one, can't wait to try some of these babies out!

SEPHORA FAVORITES Naturally Gorgeous Skincare & Make-Up Sampler ($40 a $111 value) – Be a natural traveler with these eco-chic pieces: Korres Natural Primer, Tarte EmphasEYES, Tarte Lash Hugger, and Bare Escentuals 100% Natural Lip Gloss.

SEPHORA FAVORITES Splashstash Waterproof Deluxe Sampler ($36 a $65 value) – Made to make - and take - a splash, this waterproof sampler includes Tarte Lights Camera Splashes, Too Faced Mini Lash Injection, Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash and Make Up For Ever Sens’Eyes Makeup Remover.

SEPHORA FAVORITES Eau Girl Fragrance Deluxe Sampler ($40 an $80 value) – This scent-sational pack of petite spritzers includes some of Sephora’s most notable fragrances such as Marc Jacobs Daisy, Christian Dior Miss Dior Cherie, and Prada Infusion d’Iris.

SEPHORA FAVORITES Get Pink’d Pink Lip Deluxe Sampler ($37 an $80 value) – Pucker up with Sephora’s most kissable lip glosses, including Smashbox O-Gloss, Urban Decay Lipstick in Jilted, DuWop Prime Venom, Sephora Super Shimmer and Stila Cherry Crush.

SEPHORA FAVORITES Face Quenchers Moisturizer Deluxe Sampler ($37 a $100 value) – Treat your skin to Sephora’s ahhh-mazing face refreshers including Philosophy Hope in a Jar, Korres Wild Rose 24-Hour Moisturizer, Fresh Soy Face Cream, and Murad Protecting Day Cream SPF 30.

SEPHORA FAVORITES Fix-Its Skincare Deluxe Sampler ($40 a $118 value) – This emergency skin kit includes: Kinerase Extreme Eye Lift, Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Eye Mask and Perricone MD Ceramic Skin Smoother, so pack them on for instant skin rejuvenation!

SEPHORA FAVORITES Lashstash Mascara Deluxe Sampler ($39 a $96 value) –You’re your bevy of lashes with these mini-mascaras. Including Buxom Lash, Smashbox Bionic Mascara, Lancôme Cils Booster, Sephora Atomic Volume Mascara and more, the options are eye opening!

Make Over Your Makeup Bag at Sephora

Make over your makeup bag this spring…only at Sephora!

Spring has arrived…and so has spring beauty. Spring cleaning means out with the old, in with the new – new beauty that is! Get a fresh new look and give yourself a makeover with the hottest and the latest. From color palettes to skincare essentials, Sephora has it all. Stop by to have one of their friendly specialists give you a consultation that will have you springing towards the right direction.

I made a visit to my local Sephora recently and got some good stuff. Here are some other ideas to revive your look for less with the season’s freshest finds:

Sephora ColorPlay Palette ($22 a $120 value!) The color star of spring! Save big with an all-in-one ensemble featuring 36 shadows, 12 glosses, 3 blushes and 1 bronzer, spring beauty never looked so pretty.

Sephora PURE Palette ($36) – Get gorgeous…naturally! This green makeup palette features six eye-mazing shadows and a blush in a chic eco-friendly case.

Marc Jacobs Splash - Cucumber ($68) – Beauty-full scents are in full bloom! This crisp, cool fragrance of cucumber will leave you feeling clean and rejuvenated.

Korres Materia Herba Moisturizing Cream Oily to Combination Skin ($15) – Let your flawless skin flourish with this all-natural lightweight moisturizer that helps control oil while regulating skin hydration.

Urban Decay Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss ($19) – Turn heads, literally! This highly pigmented gloss releases pheromones with each application to enhance mood and attraction!

Josie Maran Earth Day Essentials Green-On-The-Go Kit ($48 a $98 value!) – Give your makeup a healthy jumpstart with this all-natural kit packed with a lip gloss, mascara, eyeliner, blush and organic argan oil for glowing skin!

When Worlds Collide...

I have an older sister. Growing up, I was the girly-girl younger one, and my older sister was more the tom boy. She has always been a huge fan of Star Wars, Star Trek, and almost all things Sci-Fi. Me? Yeah, not so much. I was forced to attend a Star Trek convention with my sister and saw all sorts of people dressed up like Klingons and other non-humans. It was bizarre. I appreciated the strangeness of it all even though I am not a fan.

Well, I saw this article from the Seattle Times and chuckled to myself. It looks like the world of Star Trek and the beauty world (the perfume world, specifically) have collided together. There must be a warp in the space-time continuum.

For your reading pleasure, I give you information about the upcoming Star Trek line of fine fragrances:

"Star Trek" fragrances boldly go where no cologne has gone before
By John Lendman, Chicago Tribune

The world of fragrance is about to boldly go where few have ventured before: the Trekosphere.

Hoping to profit from the May 8 release of J.J. Abrams' new Star Trek film, chronicling the beginnings of Captain James T. Kirk and the USS Enterprise, Maryland-based Genki Wear will release three Star Trek-themed scents on April 24.

John McGonigle, president of Genki, said the two men's colognes and one women's perfume will retail for about $30.

Soon, Trekkies will be able to channel their inner Starfleet commander — or inner William Shatner — with "Tiberius," based on Kirk's character. The scent which carries the tag line "Boldly Go," is described by Genki Wear as having a "warm vanilla, white musk and sandalwood" base.

For those living like the next workday could be their last, there's "Red Shirt." This cologne, with the tag line, "Because tomorrow may never come," is in honor of the unnamed Enterprise officers who don't typically survive past the TV show's first scene. It's described as having a "leather and gray musk" aroma.

But it's the "Pon Farr" perfume that may require a double take. That's right, it's for the ladies. Perhaps a great gift for mom for letting you crash in the basement for 50-some-odd years? Maybe not. It actually refers to the Vulcan mating ritual which occurs every seven years. So maybe this one's only for special occasions?

John Tenuto, merchandise editor of TrekMovie.com, the largest independent Star Trek news site, said fans have responded positively to the fragrances.

But some Trekkies still have doubts.

"I predict incredibly stinky Trek conventions in the near future," one online comment said.

Others simply made fun of the idea: "No Worf scent? You know, peaty, with a hint of lilac."

Stimulating the Economy

Maybe it's the bad economy, maybe I've been in a funk....whatever, but I haven't been shopping as much as normal. Now, that is not a bad thing, but I realized that I hadn't taken a trip to Sephora in quite some time.

Well, this weekend I made my first visit to Sephora this year and spent lots of time (and money) wandering around, checking out all the lovely goodies. I'm sure I'll be blogging about some of these things later, but here's what spent my money on this weekend:

• Benefit's Girls Night In Kit: a fun zipper bag containing a lipstick, two cream eye shadows, a makeup brush, and cute mannequin magnets, $48.
• Dior Iconic Look Diva to Go Kit: this comes with a nice case, a tube of mascara, and a small-sized high shine lipstick, $27.
• Cargo blu-ray High Definition Lip Gloss: this has something called "Timestrip" technology that I'll be telling you about soon, $24.
• Clean Shower Fresh: a rollerball of perfume to go, $22.
• Sephora Brand Slim Pink Atomizer: what I originally came in for! Add your favorite perfume and viola, you have an instant travel-size of your favorite scent, $10.
• Fekkai Dry Shampoo: since I spent so much money, I got a free trial of this product. I've been dying to try it for ages now, and I've mentioned it a few times on my site...now I get my chance without spending any money. Nice!

Like I said, I'm going to blog these items in no time. I forgot how fun it can be to get a black and white Sephora bag filled with new goodies to try out!

Shop to Your Heart's Content at Sephora!

Cupid’s bow is aiming for a beauty-full place this Valentine’s Day. Follow his arrow and it’ll lead you to Sephora, where an alluring array of beauty bounty awaits you. Anything and everything that will light her fire and spice up his night is available, affordable and above all, romantic. From soothing skincare sets to fresh fragrances, there is something that both you and your Valentine will adore.

Treat your sweetie to beauty:

• Sephora Brand Chocolate Espresso Bath & Body Collection ($12 - $16) – Create your own at-home spa experience for less with this delicious blend of energizing espresso with indulgent chocolate.
  
• Kat Von D Painted Love Lipstick in A-Go-Go ($18) – Seal his V-Day card with a kiss after you’ve slicked on this rich and sexy red lipstick from Kat Von D.
  
• On10 Hershey's Chocolate Fans Scented Soy Wax Candle ($20) – Give in to her chocolate cravings with this mouth-watering natural soy wax candle tucked in a portable tin.
  
• Anthony Logistics’ The Perfect Shave Kit ($50) – This ensemble is a must-have for a romantic weekend getaway, making sure his skin is smooth and refreshed for those close-ups.
  
• Sephora Brand Sweet Candy Lip Gloss ($7) – Pucker up! In eight yummy flavors, this skin-conditioning treatment will leave your lips moist, soft, and deliciously irresistible. The color choices are decent, and the price sure is right!
  
• Lily Pulitzer Eau de Parfum Spray ($48 - $68) – She’ll smell as sweet as candy with this delightfully pink, pretty, and flirty celebration of feminine style and gusto. Plus the bottle will look great on her vanity.
  
• NARS The Love Set ($49 a $73 value) – Get pretty in pink with this sleek black box packed with pinky peach hues of blush, lip gloss and lip pencil. This includes their famed Orgasm blush and likewise suggestively titled Pillow Talk lipgloss and Sex Machine velvet matte lip pencil. What more could you need?
  
• Jean Paul Gaultier LE MALE Eau de Toilette Spray ($39-$77) – Let your sweetie indulge in this scent-sational blend of cinnamon, cumin, wood and musk. Jean Paul Gaultier's packaging is unique and cheeky...just like him!
  
• Philosophy Candy Hearts Lip Duo ($20) – Show your lips some love with this seriously tasty treat in two irresistible flavors – pink bubbly and angel food cake. These tubes will make your lips shiny and yummy. Plus they're packaged with iconic conversation hearts on them--cute!!
  

Head over to Sephora before Saturday, or go online to place your order.