Do Your Brows Need Help? Frame Your Face with Billion Dollar Brows

Nothing finishes your look better than well groomed brows. I always hear from makeup artists that brows "frame your face" and that you should never neglect them. I have even heard that if you only have a few minutes to do your makeup, that brows are a top priority. Even though I know this, I must admit, I often neglect filling mine in.

I constantly struggle with my brows. They are thick and unruly. Yet, they have sparse patches as well. While my hair is blond and highlighted, my brows are dark. So, I don't need to draw or fill in my brows to make them visible. I need to groom them and pluck them to keep them from getting too thick and crazy. Honestly, if I gave up plucking, I would probably have a unibrow! Thank God for tweezers!!!

There are a few key things to think about with brow grooming:

• Shape: Brows should be plucked (waxed, threaded, etc) to create an ideal shape. This shape is different for everyone depending on the topography of your face. 

• Trim: If your brow hairs are long, they might need to be trimmed.

• Color/Fill-in: If you have very light brows, you might need to draw them. If you have sparse patches, you should fill them in. 

• Set: To hold brows in place, you can set them with a clear or colored gel or a setting wax. 

Whew! That is quite a task list for brows. No wonder mine often get neglected. It sounds like a lot of work! Well, no worries! Billion Dollar Brows is to the rescue. They have quite a variety of kits and products to help you sculpt and shape your brows into the ideal shape.

I tried out a variety of items from this line and am happy to say that I have been very pleased with the improvements in my brows! To check out my reviews for Billion Dollar Brow's Brow Buddy Shaping Kit, Brow Powder, and Brow Brush, please keep reading!

Zombie-fied Halloween Manicure with Pure Ice Polishes!

"Now I'm feeling Zombie-fied" (with my zombie-esque Halloween nails!). If you get this song reference, then I totally love you! lol

Happy Halloween!!!

Since Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, you know that I couldn't resist posting a Halloween-inspired NOTD! Nothing says "Halloween" more than some black crackle polish! It gives almost any color some "instant edge"!

Pure Ice is one of my favorite brands for super inexpensive polishes (each bottle retails for about $2). So, I am excited to recreate one of Pure Ice's Halloween looks!

Here is my Zombie-licious Halloween Manicure. It is Pure Ice's Crackle polish in Shattered over a black Julep polish. I love the pea green effect of this Pure Ice Crackle! Very zombie. Very Halloween. Love it!

What manicure are you rocking for Halloween? Does it coordinate with your outfit? Be sure to check out Pure Ice's Facebook page to see more Halloween looks!

Thanks so much for reading! Happy Halloween!!!

Anti-Aging Skincare Tips from the Experts at RoC: Your Questions, Answered!

One thing is for certain. We are all getting older! As we all know, much of the skincare and beauty market is geared towards looking younger and fighting aging. All of the treatments and products out there can be overwhelming and confusing! So many options. So many ingredients! So, what is a girl to do?

As a RoC Beauty Ambassador, I recently had the opportunity to take part in a Webinar with the skincare experets at RoC. You may remember me asking for anti-aging blog reader questions on my Pammy Blogs Beauty facebook page (If you do not follow me there yet, be sure to click the link!)? Well, I was able to submit those questions to the experts. I found those answers for you and many more! Keep reading as your questions are answered below.

The Webinar's speakers were Dermatologist Dr. Erin Gilbert, MD, PhD, FAAD and Menas Kizoulis, Principal Scientist of Skincare, Research & Development for Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. It was so amazing to have an opportunity to hear skincare wisdom and tips from such cutting edge researchers! So cool to e-meet the people that are directly involved in the formulation of the RoC and Johnson & Johnson products that we all know and love.  I literally sat there with my laptop and a notebook furiously taking notes on absolutely everything they had to say.

Now I get to pass on the information to you! :) I am going to break down the webinar into the major points and biggest "take aways".

Makeup Wars: Our Favorite BB Creams

It is time for another Makeup War!!! This time we are searching for the Best BB Creams out there!

I am just thrilled that "BB Creams" is the Makeup Wars topic for the week as searching for the perfect BB Cream has been one of my main missions with my Foundation Fairy review series! If you happened to miss that series, feel free to check out that intro post here: Foundation Fairy: The Fair Girl's Guide to Foundation.

I will fully admit to being a bit picky when it comes to foundations. If you are going to apply something all over your skin (that you work so hard to keep clear!), the product better be fabulous, right?!?! It can be so hard to find the perfect foundation-type product. That task is compounded with having very fair and hard-to-match skin! Often even the lightest foundation shade from any given brand is just a bit too dark for my skin.

What are the Makeup Wars?
The Makeup Wars group blog hops/blog blasts about the same topic about every other week. We link to each others' posts through the themed graphic at the top of the post (see the last cream, next cream links) and the blog logo links at the bottom of this post. We encourage you readers to click the links and scroll through all of our blogs to see what manicures we are loving this year for Halloween!!! Our posts all go live at the same time. I am always so eager to click through to see what my other lovely and creative Makeup Wars girls came up with!!!

Did you miss our last few Makeup Wars? Be sure to check out those posts here: Battle of the Taupes, The $20.00 Face Challenge, Battle of the Favorite Summer Lippie, the Most Expensive Face Challenge, the Best Brush, Favorite Fall Polish, Favorite Red Lipstick, Best Fall Look, and Halloween Manicure.

Back to BB Creams: BB Creams in a Nutshell:
BB Creams have completely flooded the market. Just about every major brand has released either a BB Cream or a tinted moisturizer repackaged as a BB Cream. BB Cream stands for Blemish Balm or Beauty Balm. They originated in Asia as post-laser treatment skin care products. Soon they became a cult favorite and eventually their popularity prompted Western brands to jump on the trend. While BB Creams vastly differ in what they offer, for the most part they are a amped-up tinted moisturizers. So, they are foundation-like products containing skincare ingredients like moisturizers, SPF, and anti-aging ingredients.

To find out what BB Cream (or Creams!) that I picked for this Makeup Wars Challenge, please keep reading!

Project Runway All Stars: New Season with Laura Mercier! Winning Look "How To"

Is anyone else excited about the new season of Project Runway "All Stars"? I sure am! Project Runway is one of my very favorite shows on tv!!! The talent, the fashion, the makeup, the competition, and the drama...so fun to watch! The "All Stars" incarnation of the show is great because you get to see some of the fan's favorite designers from previous seasons compete again.

This "All Stars" Season has a new host: supermodel Carolyn Murphy. The judges for this season are Isaac Mizrahi, Georgina Chapman (how gorgeous is she!), and mentor Joanna Coles (former Editor-in-Chief of Marie Claire). While Project Runway is just not the same without fashion-wise Tim Gunn, Joanna Coles is amazing too. She has seriously the most fabulous style ever and is so pretty and sophisticated. The special guests this week were Rachel Roy and Mondo Guerra. I just LOVE Mondo!!!

Rather than Project Runway's usual L'Oreal sponsor, this "All Stars" season is working with Laura Mercier for makeup! As ya'll know, I am a HUGE Laura Mericer fan. So, I will be doing weekly "Get the Look" posts featuring the winning makeup looks from the show! :)

This week the contestants had to create two mini collections using attitude as a theme. I won't give away the winner just in case you haven't watched yet! I know I am always a few days behind on my DVR. :) 

Photo Credit: Project Runway and Laura Mercier PR

Here is how you can get the winning Makeup look!

Flawless Face:

·         Prep the face with Laura Mercier Tone Perfecting Creme ($95).

·         Then apply Laura Mercier Oil-Free Suprême Foundation ($43).

·         Camouflage dark circles using Laura Mercier Secret Concealer ($22).

Eyes:

·         Apply Laura Mercier Eye Canvas ($26) on the eyelid to create an even canvas.

·         Next, brush  Laura Mercier Illuminating Eye Colour in Gilded Rosegold ($24) on the eyelid and the inner corner.

·         Then apply Laura Mercier Sateen Shadow in Burnished ($22) on the edge, inner eye and under the eye.

·         To make the eyes pop, use Laura Mercier Kohl Eye Pencil in Brown Copper ($20) on the top lash line.

·         Add the final touch using Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara ($24).

Cheeks:

·         Lightly dust Laura Mercier Bronzing Pressed Powder in Sun Bronze on the t-zone and cheekbones of the face.

Lips:

·         To complete the look, apply Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Portofino Red ($26).

Throughout the season, be on the lookout for more “get the looks” from the show, as well as special news! It is so fun to feature looks from one of my favorite shows and makeup brands! :)



How do you like this season so far? Have you picked which designer is your favorite of the group???

 

The Beauty Spotlight Team: Weekend Links

15 Minute Beauty shows exactly how she gets her amazing lashes.

Looking for a serum to fight aging? Pammy Blogs Beauty finds a great one with StriVectin SD Power Serum for Wrinkles!

Want to know more about The Best of Beauty Award winners? Check out Lola's Secret Beauty Blog's exclusive interview with Allure Magazine's Assistant Editor Sophia Panych!  

Modesty Brown shares her Sunday morning skin saviours.

What do you and Faith Hill have in common? You both wear the same fragrance thanks to Prime Beauty! Enter to win ALL 3 of Faith Hill's fragrance collection at Prime Beauty!

Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed feels that her fall nails need more colour and loves the lacquers from the Mary Kay Hollywood Mystique collection - come check out her swatches and see if your life (nails) need more colour too!  

Beauty Info Zone loves to discover new brands. When the brands are cruelty-free, gorgeous, and fun to use like Whip Hand Cosmetics the fun is magnified. Come learn about the brand with us.

A powder to "fill wrinkles, pores and imperfections to leave the skin even and flawless", who wouldn’t be tempted by the By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Powder, unfortunately it didn’t quite hit the mark for Visionary Beauty.

Don't you hate it when you finally pick out a polish to wear and the bottle won’t open? Check out polish insomniac’s trick to unstick a bottle of polish!  

London MakeUp Girl has a guest post on SciArt Colour Analysis on her blog this week, written by a reader who has recently had this done in London. Read all about it at Guest Post: Colour Analysis with Nikki Bogardus.

Paula, from Older Girl Beauty, has a hard time getting over a bad hair coloring when she uses White Sands shampoo and conditioner to help her out.  

Perilously Pale continues her love affair with the new Make Up For Ever Aqua Rouge Waterproof Liquid Lip Colors with the shade #2 Rosewood.”

The Pink Sith has fallen in love with the nostalgic looking and violet scented brightening powder from Besame Cosmetics.

October 2012 GLOSSYBOX: Box Opening!

It is GLOSSYBOX time again! Yes, it is time for another GLOSSYBOX box opening! October is flying by. It seems like I just reviewed last month's GLOSSYBOX. This month's box opening post is going to be a little bit different ya'll...

Sharing my thoughts: I might cancel my subscription: Here is why:
As usual, I am completely pleased with my GLOSSYBOX. However, I wanted to discuss my thoughts with you guys on if I should continue subscribing to GLOSSYBOX.

While I really do love my GLOSSYBOXes, I am considering canceling my subscription. I am just in a place where I have so many samples that I am using and need to use and just do not "need" to subscribe to so many sample box services. Since GLOSSYBOX is the most expensive one that I subscribe to, I might cancel it. I pay $21 per month for GLOSSYBOX. $21 a month is actually a really good deal considering how many great samples and full sized products I get in my GLOSSYBOXES. Usually the value of the items inside far exceeds the cost of the actual box by a landslide. However, when you look at the cost over time, it really adds up! We are talking $252 annually. When I look at that price I think that I would rather take that $252 and use that to pay for cosmetics that I pick out and choose myself. Sure there are plenty of items that I use and love from GLOSSYBOX...but, I am not sure if there are $252 worth of products that I love.

As a beauty blogger, I am constantly testing out skincare. GLOSSYBOX does a great job of packing a variety of items into a GLOSSBOX: hair, skincare, makeup, and body products. However, often the skincare items do not get used right away as I am already in the midst of skincare testing.

The other reason that I might cancel is that out of all of my beauty sample subscriptions, GLOSSYBOX seems to have the fewest rewards for membership. With Birchbox, you earn points for product feedback and membership referrals. You can use those points towards product discounts in the Birchbox online store. I love that system! The feedback for products surveys are super quick and easy. So, you feel like you are constantly earning points. I love Julep's system too! Granted they have re-vamped their Julep rewards with the "Jules" program. So, I am not sure how that will translate. But, so far, I have been very happy with Julep's boxes and use the Julep polishes and products all the time. So, I am totally getting my money's worth with each Julep Maven box that I get.

With GLOSSYBOX you can earn GLOSSYDOTS for surveys and the GLOSSYDOTS can accumulate over time to be applied towards a free GLOSSYBOX. What I am finding is that the surveys are quite long to complete and it takes forever for your points to add up! Plus, there is no GLOSSYBOX "store" on site. Also, while you can invite friends to GLOSSYBOX over email. There is no system in place to allow for referral credits through an web link.

My other thought is that if I cancel (and I am quite sure that I will), I want to take that $21 per month that I saved and use it to purchase makeup items that I pick out myself. Actually, I am considering an entire year-long blog series about building a basic core makeup collection with $20 per month. I am curious. Just for the sake of experiement to try this! I think it would be a much better use of my $21 per month!

My last reason that I might (and probably will) cancel is that I am on a tight budget! If I am going to spend $21 per month on something, I would rather pick the items out myself! Sure I pay $10 per month for Birchbox, that is an easy price to justify for samples. I pay $20 per month for Julep but the great thing with that is that I actually do choose which Julep box that I get...and if I don't like the box offerings (which has actually never happened), I could always choose to skip that month. So, my point again is that if I am going to spend that $20, I would rather spend it on something that I am picking out myself. I just made the transition to stay-at-home Mommy this year and I am still adjusting to the lack of a paycheck! ;)

So, in summary, I will likely cancel before the end of the month. However, if and when I do cancel, it might not be forever! If I find that I am really "missing" my GLOSSYBOXES or if my budget loosens up, I will likely subscribe again! 

If you are curious about beauty sample subscriptions: try GLOSSYBOX!
With all of that said, if you do have $21 extra dollars to spend a month, I think that GLOSSYBOX really is a fabulous deal! If I was still working and getting a paycheck, there is no question that I would continue my subscription! If you are looking for a high-end/luxury beauty box subscription, I think that GLOSSYBOX is really the way to go. You get a lovely box filled with amazing samples! Plus, you feel like you are getting such a nice present for yourself.

If you are a nail polish lover, I totally recommend the Julep Maven program. If you are looking to spend less, but still get a great beauty sample box, then I totally recommend going with Birchbox!

So, lets jump into this month's GLOSSYBOX shall we? To find out what I got this month, keep reading after the jump!

The Un-French Manicure: Get the Look with Layla's Soft Touch Matte polish and Ceramics Effect

Creative nails are just so "now"! What is a classic French Manicure lover to do? Throw in the towel? No need to get that drastic! Just try these modern twists on the classic French Manicure: The "un" French Manicure! This is a great new take on the Matte trend with a classic French twist!

photo source: from Layla Cosmetics (PR)

photo source: Layla Cosmetics (PR)

Layla's PR team recently scent me these two looks posted above. Do you want to try to recreate this manicure that Jessica Beale recently sported or a similar look? Try using a matte finish polish like Layla's NEW Soft Touch (matte textured polish) for the base and a shiny finish polish like Layla's Ceramics Effect to create this unique nail look.

I love creating an "un-French" manicure with these beautiful matte polishes! The overall effect is subtle yet striking. I like using polishes in the same color family with only a difference in finish to define the french tip. For my Nail Of The Day (NOTD), I used Layla's Soft Touch Effect Polish in shade #07 as the base and OPI's I'm Really Not a Waitress (as I do not have a Layla Ceramics Effect Polish) on the tips. So pretty! Layla's shade #07 is a beautiful matte shimmery deep red shade. Just beautiful!

What are Soft Effect polishes?
Layla's Soft Effect polishes are matte textured polishes. They have a slightly gritty feel and are packed with beautiful shimmer. It is interesting to me how a polish can have shimmer yet be matte at the same time! This polish does this very well! It looks shiny when it is first applied. It dries very quickly into a matte finish.

Here is how:

• Apply the new Soft Touch to a clean nail bed that has been filed down, no top coat needed
• Apply a second coat, we love Noir Black!
• Just to the tip apply the New Layla Ceramics Effect in Black Star
• Clean up any smudges with a q-tip dipped in remover
• Viola! Have a fun and funky “un” French Mani in minutes…no top or base coat needed!

I find Layla polishes to be incredibly quick and easy to work with. They are specially formulated to work without a base coat. I am able to get full and beautiful coverage in one coat! Not using a base nor top coat makes this pretty much the quickest and easiest manicure that I can whip out! Literally, this look takes me only about 2 minutes to complete! 

I just love the elegant and subtle look of the "Un-French" Manicure! Plus, if you don't want to go "totally matte", this gives your look a little bit of shine while still rocking the matte trend.

Thanks for reading!
XOXO!

    of the Layla polish

    the OPI polish

Flats and Clutches for $15? Check out this great promotion at JustFab!

Those of you who follow my JustFab monthly review series know that I am a huge fan! If you haven't checked out the JustFab site yet, now might be a good time with this Fab promotion!

October 26th:
$15 Flats & Clutches
Promo Code: HH15

The Skinny on the Promotion:
Just add a Flat or Clutch for $15 with every item purchased at regular price!
(While Supplies Last; No Rainchecks. Discount eligible on multiple items; 1 discounted item per reg. priced item purchased)

Promo Starts at 12am EST 10/26
Promo Ends at 11:59pm PST 10/26

Not familiar with JustFab? Here is the scoop:
JustFab is an online shopping and styling service that features monthly releases of trendy and affordable shoes, handbags, jewelry, jeans, and accessories. When you sign up to become a VIP member,  you take a style quiz. Then JustFab pairs you with a stylist who creates a personalized online boutique for you to shop from. Everything on the site is $39.95!!! You will be charged a monthly fee (unless you elect to "skip a month" then you won't be charged) which gives you credit for one item. Of course, you could always purchase more than one item a month. Plus it seems as if they are almost always running an amazing deal like the $15 promotion in this post!

If you missed my previous JustFab reviews, be sure to check those out here: Monthly Shoe and Accessories Subscription with JustFab, September JustFab Shoe/Bag Love, October: What is In My JustFab Diaper Bag? and The JustFab Fowler Collection.

Happy Shopping! Let me know what you get! :)

Make Up Bag Remix: Make Up For Ever is Coming to Atlanta for a Makeover Event!

Hi there local Atlanta readers! I have a fun beauty event to announce! The pros from Make Up For Ever are coming to Atlanta on November 9th and 10th!!!

This MUFE (Make Up For Ever) mobile tour has a unique twist: Makeovers with makeup from your own personal makeup bag! How many of you have items in your makeup stash that you would love to learn how to use properly? (I am totally raising my own hand here!). For example: I know that I sometimes impulse buy those smokey shadow kits only to feel limited in my skill to create a fabulous smokey eye! Well, never fear, MUFE is here to help out. Just sign up using the link below for your one-on-one makeup consultation and bring your own makeup bag. The MUFE artists will show you how to get a beautiful look using your own products. Such a cool idea!

Here is the direct information from MUFE's press team:

MAKE UP FOR EVER’s Make Up School will be hitting the road and heading to Atlanta for our first ever ‘Make Up Bag Remix’ tour on November 9th and 10th.  We’re doing something that no make up brand has done before… we know that nearly every woman owns at least one impulse beauty buy that she has no idea how to use, so we’re inviting consumers to bring us their make up bags and we’ll teach them how to use what they already own.  They can bring any brand and any kind of product.  Our goal is to teach women how to actually do their own make up, not just have it applied by a make up artist which is what usually happens when you sit down to have your make up done.

There are two elements to the Mobile Make Up School – 1) Make Up Bag Remix Apt:  30 minute one-on-one make up bag consults and 2) Focus Lessons:  Quickie make up lessons for those on the go.  Full information is attached in this media alert, along with an image of our Mobile Make Up School.

Each client will walk away with a new make up bag, a custom face chart detailing how to use the products they brought, and a list of any additional products recommended by the artist to round out their look. A professional photographer will also be on-site to capture each client’s “after” look, which will be uploaded to an album on the MAKE UP FOR EVER USA Facebook page.

When: Friday, November 9th & Saturday, November 10th, 2012 12:00pm – 8:00pm

Where: Atlantic Station (at Central Park)
            18th Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30363

I am so excited about this event! I will be there at noon and I hope you local readers will consider coming out too. If you see me at the event, don't feel shy to introduce yourself to me!!! I love to meet my readers and I hope to see you there! I am making an afternoon out of it with my Bestie. It is always great to have some girl-time. Plus, a free makeover. Can't beat that!!!

Here is the link to sign up for your appointment (through MUFE's facebook page):
Make Up For Ever Facebook sign up

What is in my Diaper Bag? JustFab October Handbag Selection: The 760!

 photo credit: JustFab

It is time for my monthly JustFab LookBook selection and review!As ya'll know, I "JustAdore" JustFab! Cute shoes, check. Trendy handbags, check. Ha, ha! I couldn't resist that one!

This month I decided that I wanted to be "practical" with my selection. I brainstormed this month's selection with the girls over at JustFab.  I searched amongst their selection for the largest handbag that I could find because I wanted to turn it into a diaper bag! I mean, what is a diaper bag anyways but a very large tote style handbag?!

What is JustFab? 
JustFab (short for JustFabulous) is a website that sells trendy and affordable shoes, handbags, jewelry, jeans, and accessories. When you sign up to become a VIP member,  you take a style quiz. Then JustFab pairs you with a stylist who creates a personalized online boutique for you to shop from. Everything on the site is $39.95!!! You will be charged a monthly fee (unless you elect to "skip a month" then you won't be charged) which gives you credit for one item. Of course, you could always purchase more than one item a month.

Great sign up deals and sales: Become a VIP Member!
They seem to have a lot of 2 for/ $39.95 deals too. Oh, and depending on what type of deal JustFab is running, when you sign up, you get from 20-50% off your first item!!! The offer is usually right on the front page of the website. Just follow my links to get there to sign up! Another bonus? When you refer friends, you can earn credits towards free items! Also, be sure to check out their sale section (upper right hand tab on the JustFab site)! They have a ton of items on sale for only $25!

Besides the items in your personal JustFab Boutique, VIP Members also have access to shop in JustFab's Special Collections. Their special collections include: looks from New York Fashion Week (JustFab debuted on Charlotte Ronson's runway! Um, yah, I love those shoes!), the edgy Iron Fist collection, featured selections from the MyGlam Girls (Now called "IPSY"), the Denim Shop, Fall Bags, and rocker-chic Abbey Dawn by Avril Levine.

To find out all the details about this great bag, keep reading!

Smile for the Cure and Go Pink for October: Bling Dental

Here is another special Pink edition item for Breast Cancer Awareness Month! A pink power-charged sonic-style toothbrush! I am a big believer in good dental care. A great smile is the best way to look beautiful! :)

The Skinny:
Bling Dental Products has joined with  the Bright Pink organization in its efforts on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer.  So go ahead, flash those pearly whites using the special edition  PINK JÄGER ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH at a SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY
OFFER GOOD FOR THE  MONTH OF OCTOBER at $59 (plus S&H) (regularly $229).  A percentage of sales benefit Bright Pink.

What is "Bright Pink"? 
Bright Pink is a national non-profit organization with an exclusive focus on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer. Giuliana Rancic, host of TV’s E!, teams up with her own organization, FabFitFun, as Bright Pink’s newest partner!
       
I had a chance to try out the Jager iOsonic pink toothbrush. If you are interested in hearing more about the features and my results, please keep reading!

StriVectin-SD Power Serum for Wrinkles: Nice Results! (and special offer for you!)

As a BzzAgent, I recently had the opportunity to test out the new Power Serum for Wrinkles from StriVectin. This is my first experience with StriVectin and I am so impressed! I have been curious about this brand for quite awhile. So, I was very happy to test out this line and share the results!

StriVectin is a line with a results-based philosophy. StriVectin's "SD" products are formulated around their patented and proven NIA-114 (Niacin) molecule for reduction in wrinkles. NIA-114 was actually discovered during anti-cancer research. NIA-114 works to rebuilds the skin's barrier while it repairs skin damage and signs of aging in the skin. The StriVectin Power Serum contains not only the NIA-114 molecule, but also peptides and plant stem cells.

StriVectin's Clinical Trials:
As a research-based skincare line, StriVectin puts their products through clinical testing. StriVectin's testing is hard core! The line was founded on 25 years of research and is backed by over 30 global patents. The research studies are confirmed by medical research organizations. So, you can feel confident in their testing. Their studies on the Power Serum for Wrinkles revealed that 64% expressed that the formula worked better than the other anti-aging products that they have tried, 74% showed a reduction in the length of wrinkles, 64% had fewer wrinkles, and 74% showed a dramatic improvement in skin's luminosity.

My Skin Background:
While I do not have any major lines or wrinkles yet, I sure want to prevent them! As I am in my late 30's, I do have a few fine lines cropping up here and there. I find that they are more visible and apparent when my skin is dry and dehydrated. I rarely break out. Yet, it does happen. When I break out, it tends to be either on my chin or around my nose area. My skin is generally even toned; but, I do have a few stray dark spots remaining after pregnancy. My pores are particularly big (especially in the t-zone). My skin is sensitive and combination (drier in winter and more oily in t-zone in summer).

How did StriVectin's Power Serum for Wrinkles work for me? Keep reading to find out about my results and to find out about a Special Offer for You!

Infuluenster's Fall 2012 Beauty Vox Box: Influenster Site Relaunch and VoxBox Opening!

Are you an Influenster? If you are a blogger and you are not registered with Influenster, I totally recommend that you check it out!

Influenster's All New Website!
Influenster has totally re-vamped their program! If you are already an Influenster and have not logged on in awhile, you certainly must head over there to check out the changes. Everything has changed with their scoring and badges. Personally, I had to pretty much start over with my score and earning badges; but, I don't mind! The site is very easy to navigate and I think the scores make much more sense now.

If you have not heard of Influenster, here is the scoop: Influenster is an online community of social influencers. It is totally free to join! Influenster connects bloggers and vloggers with various programs depending on their individual influence score. Your score is generally based on your social presence and paricipation across your networks.

There are many things that you can do to increase your score! The Influenster site guides you through a variety of tasks to give you a score determining your influence. You can earn badges for your areas of expertise. Mine are: Fashionista, Beauty Queen, and Decorator (but I hope to earn more!). You can also get Lifestage badges like Mother Bear, Bride to Be, etc. In addition, Influenster hosts brand challenges. Member can take surveys to see if they qualify for particular challenges.

The Vox Box program:
Influenster sends out periodic Vox boxes for each badge category. You get selected based on your expert badges, lifestage badges, Influenster score, and demographics. Previously (with Influenster's old system), I got a "Mom Blogger" Vox box which I really enjoyed! This time around I qualified for the Beauty Bloggers 2012 VoxBox! Basically these boxes are filled with items and coupons for your particular category. The best part? The Vox Boxes are totally free! You just have to qualify! I believe that Influenster sends out various boxes each month. However, you will only get boxes that you qualify for. If you keep your Influenster scores high and particpate, you will eventually get a box!

What do you do when you get a VoxBox? The idea is that each Influenster should qualify for boxes to match their interests. So, basically you just get to have fun and test out the items that you get! Influenster will send you a survey to fill out with your honest opinions. If you go above and beyond by blogging about your box, reviewing products on the Influenster site, and informing your social networks, you are more likely to get selected for future boxes. Plus, you can have the opportunity to qualify for specific brand challenges from your box as well. I believe that you can earn badges from the brands in your box. More than anything, this whole process is incredibly fun! I am not sure what it is about earning badges that makes it so fun? Maybe it is the former girl scout in me! lol!

Those of you who read my blog regularly know that I am a total fanatic for quite a few "monthly" beauty box subscriptions. So, I am sure it is no surprise to you that I think that the Beauty Bloggers VoxBox is amazing! It is seriously packed with goodies!

To find out what is inside my Fall 2012 Beauty Bloggers VoxBox, please keep reading!!!

The Beauty Spotlight Team: What is in her...??? Lola's Makeup Bag

It's now time for The Beauty Spotlight Team to wrap up our "What's in her…???" with Lola's Secret Beauty Blog. In this final installment, Lola has packed her regular makeup bag for a last minute out-of-town trip for a couple of days, and decided to travel light and pack all of her beauty needs into this single bag. Can you guess how she managed to to fit all of her skincare and makeup products in here? Click on the link to find out!

NEW from Paperself: Gorgeous Paper Lashes to Finish off your Halloween Look!

Are you looking for that extra "something" to finish off your Halloween look? Well, look no further than these gorgeous and artistic lashes from Paperself! Are you fashion-forward in your makeup looks all year round? Well, then you for sure should check these out! These lashes would complete a bold look for any night on the town if you are adventurous.

There is no question that these lashes are truly works of art! Paperself's newly released Lash collection includes Rose, London Skyline, and Lace Garden.

While I typically do not wear falsies in my day-to-day life, I can't help but appreciate the beauty of these. To see more pictures and hear more, please keep reading!

Blogging On-the-Go: How I Protect my Laptop

These days I often find myself taking short weekend get-away trips. While I usually unplug on these little mini getaways, I always travel with my laptop to at least check up on my email, blog, and facebook accounts.

For the longest time I just slid my Macbook Air into my Vera Bradley messenger bag with my magazines, iPad, and Kindle; but, I never felt that it was fully protected.

Just recently I got this adorable zipper laptop case from Bags of Love. I really do love it! I feel like I can blog on-the-go easier now as I  can travel with my laptop without worrying that it will get damaged. The laptop case keeps it nicely protected and it fits like a glove around my Macbook Air!

Bags of Love uses your own digital photos to create cute bags, media cases, boxes, pillows, tote bags, and etc! Seriously, this site can make just about anything with your photos on it! They have a really great selection of baby items too like baby sleeping bags (totally want one for my baby girl!) and blankets.

For my case, I had Bags of Love use a picture of my baby girl on one side and my blog logo business card design on the other. It is just perfect! The quality is great too. Plus, I just love anything with my baby Skylar's picture on it. So cute!!! :)

For the upcoming holidays, I think that these Bags of Love photo items could be really cute as gifts! I know that both Grandma's love anything with Skylar's picture on it! There is a great selection of items at a variety of price points.

How do you protect your laptop or iPad when you travel? Do you take yours with you or do you totally unplug and leave your electronics/media at home?

Thanks so much for reading!
XOXO!

Pajama Party Slippers from O'Brien Footwear: Now on Zulily!!!

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Have you started Holiday Shopping yet for your little ones? If you are looking for some adorable slippers, then you should certainly check these out on Zulily!

O'Brien Footwear launched an adorable "Dambinos" Pajama Party Collection today on Zulily! These slippers are soooo cute!!!

I am 100% in support of O'Brien as it is a newly started company from some of my very best friends Kelly and Chris! Kelly is no newbie when it comes to footwear. She is the former Vice President of Oka-b. Under Kelly's leadership, Oka-b because a successful worldwide shoe company. As you can imagine, Kelly has big plans for O'Brien!

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The Pajama Party Collection:
The line is called Dambinos. The Slippers features super cute animal slippers for little kids!
They fit most kids aged 3-7 (up to a 2.5 Youth size). Not into animal slippers? There are plenty of other styles as well! What a great way to get your kiddo ready for bed? A fun pair of slippers!

Are you new to Zulily? It is a flash sale website with totally adorable kids stuff. Like many of these sites, you can earn credits with referrals. So, be sure to sign up through my link (cause I will love you!). You can earn a $20.00 credit when you get your friends to sign up and they make their first purchase. So, sign up too and you can earn credits and shop and save! It is a win-win! :)

So, ya'll head on over there and check out O'Brien! You might just get some of your Holiday Shopping done early. Plus, how cute will your little one be with some doggie or piggie slippers! Yah, Skylar might need some of these! ;)

Thanks so much for reading! Have fun shopping!

Coming Soon: My Holiday 2012 Shopping Series (Including tons of great makeup deals!)

XOXO!

Post contains my 
Zuilily referral link

JustFab: The NEW Fowler Collection: Elle and Blair Design Boots and Bags!

Here are a few boots from the collection!
photo credit: JustFab

Is there anything that these gorgeous and talented girls can't do? Not only are they both YouTube sensations, they also have a new makeup line and a book. Well, now the sisters Elle and Blair Fowler have a shoe and handbag collection on JustFab! If you have not stumbled across their YouTube channels yet, you must check them out. These girls are just so watchable!

So with that said, you know that I just had to pick a couple items from their collection for this month's JustFab review!

Limited Edition: Fowler Collection:
Elle and Blair Fowler's JustFab collection is a limited edition "capsule" collection of shoes, boots, and handbags. As with all items on JustFab, I am sure that these will sell out super fast. So, if you are wanting to try some styles, don't delay ordering!!! Often I find myself wanting something from JustFab and then I don't act quick enough and it sells out. With the popularity of the Fowler sisters, I am sure that this collection will go fast!

What is JustFab? How do I sign up?
JustFab (short for JustFabulous) is an online fashion site and styling service. They offer trendy and affordable shoes, handbags, jewelry, jeans, and accessories to subscribers (called VIP members). When you sign up to become a VIP member,  you take a style quiz. Then JustFab pairs you with a stylist who creates a personalized online boutique for you to shop from. Everything on the site is $39.95!!! You will be charged a monthly fee (unless you elect to "skip a month" then you won't be charged) which gives you credit for one item. So, that is one monthly fee for one item (not an item plus an additional fee). Of course, you could always purchase more than one item a month. They seem to have a lot of 2 for/ $39.95 deals too. Oh, and depending on what type of deal JustFab is currently running, when you sign up, you get from 20-50% off your first item!!! Plus, when you refer friends, you can earn credits towards free items. So, be sure to check out the links and sign up! :)

Besides the items in your personal JustFab Boutique, VIP Members also have access to shop in JustFab's Special Collections. Their special collections include The Fowler Collection as well as looks from New York Fashion Week , the edgy Iron Fist collection, featured selections from the IPSY Girls (formerly "My Glam"), the Denim Shop, Fall Bags, and rocker-chic Abbey Dawn by Avril Levine.

Since I am all about this Fall weather, I couldn't resist trying some boots from their line. I decided to go with two very different styles. One pair is sleek yet comfortable and the other is trendy and a bit punky. I like having lots of shoe options depending on what look I am going for!

To find out how I liked JustFab's Fowler collection Bruna tall boot and Tejal combat style boot, please keep reading!