Liebster Award

Hi Beauties!!



I received my very first Liebster Award last week courtesy of the lovely Frances, from "Spot ofTea" http://hellofrances.blogspot.com/ I think these awards bloggers give each other are really cute and it's always good to support one another, so THANK YOU!!! Xo
I swiped the info below from her page where I was awarded....and now let the award ceremony begin!

So for those of you who do not know what Liebster means, it's a German word meaning "Dearest." The award is given to up and coming bloggers with less than 200 followers who deserve some recognition and support to keep blogging. Because frankly, blogging is not an easy thing to do and it's nice to be appreciated and supported by your fellow bloggers!

Here are the rules:

1. Link the person who gave you the award in your post.

2. Put the award in your post.

3. Choose 5 blogs with under 200 followers to receive the award.

4. Let them know you awarded them.

Blogs I nominate:
http://laurenslodown.blogspot.com/
http://pamperedprince.blogspot.com/
http://lisagiraudtaylor.blogspot.com/

http://mcubedmakeup.blogspot.com/
http://mariaortegamakeup.blogspot.com/

I picked these love bugs because they are all talented in one way or another & I like to keekee with them on twitter!! Lol! So I wanted to shine some light on these ladies (and gentleman), so show them some lovey love & check them out!
Xo

Keep it pretty!

*Stephanie*

Nail Of The Week-"Pink Diamond" Gellish Mani

I got my first gel manicure almost a year ago when my nail stylist, Julie, talked me into one. Regular manicures are $15 and the gel is $30. The gels last 2 weeks so it's really the same thing. They have the OPI gel formulas but I like the Gellish brand.
The first one I got was a piping hot magenta! Then I got a silver-ish color w/this multi size glitter as a top coat, so the combo of the two looked like shining diamonds when the light hit my nails! The mani stays so shiny and crisp! I've gotten a few since because I like how nice they look for so long, definitely better than a regular manicure.
I started calling the first sparkly mani I got the "Diamond mani." Julie showed me I could do the same thing in pink, which I did before, using a lighter base coat than the one I have here and 2 coats of the pink glitter.
All of the polishes are numbered so I have no idea what the names are, which is why I started giving them my own names! Lol! It might look like just glittery polish to some but it looks so twinkly when it catches light. Plus, I like getting my "Diamond mani" because the colors are neutral enough to wear with everything, so I don't feel like I have to change my polish every week. I love it!

"Pink Diamond Mani"

Keep it pretty!

*Stephanie*

NYX Liquid Crystal Liner

I was in Ulta yesterday to pick up spa goodies for my giveaway this week when I saw these little sparkling beauties! They were $4.49 & buy one, get one 50% off so I got 2 to try. So I ended up getting both for under $7. I think that's good considering most brands are at least $10 for 1.
I got the Crystal Pewter because it's a pretty light purple. If you look closely, you can see tiny specks of pink, silver & blue. I got the Crystal Silk because I didn't have a goldish glitter liquid liner. They are both gorgeous! The brush is teeny tiny so you can start thin and build a thick line if you want. Love that!

Top-Crystal Pewter

Bottom-Crystal Silk

Of course I swatched them out so you could see how pretty they are. 

I wore the Crystal Silk yesterday as soon as I got it and I had very light makeup on so it brightened up my whole look w/out looking like a 14 year old going to a school dance. Lol!

I have to say I'm really loving NYX Cosmetics because everything I try of theirs is amazing and the prices are just so good.

 Anyhoo, these come in different colors like pink, silver, green & blue, just to name a few. I want to get them all now and while the sale is still going on. Haha!

**I am partnered with Ulta so you can shop NOW by clicking the photo below & it will take you directly to the Ulta Website where you can purchase this item for $4.49!
Enjoy! XO**


Keep it Prettie!

*Stephanie*

May Giveaway...Week 2...Spa Goodies

I have to admit, I LOVE doing these giveaways! I'm always giving products away to friends and family anyway and this gives me a chance to give my readers something to play with ;-)

Ok so...I went to Ulta yesterday to get these specifically for this giveaway! I knew I wanted to do something different for each of the 4 giveaways this month so I this week I went with spa treats!! I also picked up 2 NYX glitter eye liners which I'll write about later because they're amazing ;-)

To enter this giveaway you must do ALL:

1. "Like" my facebook page
facebook.com/TheNewBeautyReview

2. Subscribe to my blog (if you aren't already)
TheNewBeautyReview.com

3. Follow my twitter
twitter.com/NewBeautyReview

4. Get a friend to "Like" my facebook page.
You have to let me know you sent them and their name or I won't know it was you. The more the better ;-)

That's it!

Giveaway starts today, ends Saturday and I announce the winner (and the new giveaway Monday)

The prizes for this week's giveaway are:

(L to R)

Lavender Nectar (Spongeables), Ooh My Bubble Bath (One Bath & Body), Cool Eyes Eye Mask (One Bath & Body), Stress & Tension Relief Mineral Bath Soak (The Village Company), Citron-Eucalyptus Foot Scrub (Spongeables)

I wrote about everything but the mineral salts in one of my last posts ( Mini Random Spa Haul ) I got a different scent for the Spongeables because I got it free when I cashed in on a reward! If you have an Ulta rewards card, you get free gifts every time you spend a certain amount of money (it's measured in $50 increments from $50-$300) in a certain amount of time. I missed the first one because I threw it away by accident. Lol! So this was my $100 perk. I was all set to get the White Rose scent that I wrote about but the Lavender Nectar was an option for a free gift so I got that instead. It smells so good too!!

Anyway, I hope whoever wins enjoys their at home spa treatments!

May the best Beauty win!!!

Keep it pretty!

*Stephanie*

May Giveaway...Week 1...Estee Lauder Eyeshadow Palette

Hi Loverdolls!

I mentioned before that I would do 4 giveaways during the month of May instead of just 1. May 5th was my blog's 4 month anniversary so I thought I'd give 4 prizes!! I'm thrilled with the support I've received and this is my way of saying Thank You to everyone who has been so good to me ;-)
It's super simple...for every Monday in this month I will announce a new weekly giveaway. I'm mixing it up a bit!
They will all start on Monday & end on Saturday. I'll choose the winner randomly & announce the winner the following Monday then start a new one all together...Got it?

To enter you must do ALL 5:

1-Be a US resident
2-Sign up (if you aren't already) for my blog
3-"like" my facebook page (facebook.com/TheNewBeautyReview )
4-Follow my twitter (twitter.com/NewBeautyReview)
5-RT my giveaway info, once a day.

See? So easy!!

The prizes for this week are:

An Estee Lauder Eye Shadow Palette with 5 big colors in the Color Intensity Microfine Powder eyeshadow formula.

The top 3 colors are called (L to R) Eggshell, Pale & Sky

The bottom 2 are called (L to R) Polished Ruby 

The palette doesn't come with a brush so I added a Crown Brush to apply. It's called a Round Angle Blender and you can use this to contour and apply shadow directly to lid.

May the best beauty win! XO

Keep it pretty!

*Stephanie*

360 Beauty NYC: The Beauty Revolution

Hi Beauty Loves!

I wanted you all to know about this awesome event that's coming up this Saturday In NYC!!

Celebrity Makeup Artist, Jeffrey Paul, is hosting the grandfather of all Master Classes. He'll be talking about Beauty on every level; Mind, Body and Soul.
The beautiful Indie Lee will be there as well as Host & guest speaker!!!

Date: Saturday, May 12, 2012
Time: 8:45AM-6PM
Place: The MPE Penthouse
432 West 45th Street New York, NY 10036

I mentioned in a previous blog post ( The Makeup Show LA Haul ) that I met the incomparable Jeffrey on twitter, of all places...Lol! Long story short, he is amazing. Period. He's been a friend to me and his energy is intoxicating. Right after I met him he gave me some sound advice, that I took and was very grateful for (Thank you JP!! Xo).

He has so much to offer the world of Beauty and if you find yourself in NYC this coming weekend, I strongly urge you to go to this event if it's the only thing you do for yourself this year! 
Anyway, if you are in the business or looking to get into it, there will be something for everyone. After the workshop there's a fab after party so you can schmooze and network with the industry's top professionals!
Please take advantage of this amazing opportunity, I promise you'll be all the better for it!
I attached a link right to the event page so you can get signed up immediately!
Tell him "Mona Lisa" sent you ;-)

http://www.360beautyrevolution.com/

Big cheers to you Jeffrey!!! XO

Keep it pretty!
*Stephanie*

Nail Of The Week- "Blue Iguana" By China Glaze

As promised in my last post ( Mini Random Spa Haul ) my Nail Of The Week is a gorgeous blue!
I have always loved blue and actually got my first bottle of it when I was 8.
I'll never forget it....I was with my Grandma and we went into a Love's Drugstore (this was Manhattan in the 80's so they probably don't have them anymore) I liked these stores because their banner had a heart on it, so of course I was into it. Lol!
Anyway, I was very into Madonna and saw she had on this bright blue polish in a pic. I picked a Brucci (another old school brand that I believe is still out) Blue and used it until it was gone. That's also around the time I started wearing blue lipstick! Lol!
I picked up this blue gem last week at Sally's Beauty Supply. I get a PRO discount because of my Esthetics license, so it was only $3.50.
You can't see it here but there's a purple-ish tint to it when I turn my hand to the side. It has a light sparkle and of course there's no top coat in this pick & it's super shiny! I used 3 coats to deepen it because with 2 it's a little too light for me but with 3 it's perfect!

                                              Blue Iguana-$3.50

Keep it pretty!

*Stephanie*

Mini Random Spa Haul

I just want to say, for the record, I had zero intentions of doing any shopping whatsoever on Sunday when I left my house to get lunch...How I ended up in Ulta, Sally's Beauty Supply, The Container Store and Bed, Bath & Beyond really is beyond me! Lol!

Welcome to my beauty shopping madness!!!!

I went out to grab a bite to eat when I remembered I wanted to get some scrubbing salts and paraffin for my spa treatments. I knew I needed a scrub of some kind because when I do a paraffin treatment, I always exfoliate the hands first. I like to mix oil (preferably Jojoba) with scrubbing salts to exfoliate & moisturize simultaneously. This is done to prep the skin (hands and/or feet)
I went to Sally's to get some paraffin because I was running low. I picked this yummy Pomegranate/Cranberry flavor by Gigi. They had a few different scents but I picked this because I know it not only smells good but the Pomegranate & Cranberry are both powerful antioxidants.

$5.39

Of course, the nail polish wall is directly across from the paraffin shelf so I picked a pretty blue from China Glaze! (See, this is when I should've put the polish down, paid for my paraffin & left but nooooo! Instead I put the polish in my basket & checked out  O_o)

I'm saving it for next week's "Nail Of The Week"...but it's like a bright sapphire, that's all I have to say! You'll see on Monday ;-)

I then went to Ulta. I justified this by telling myself I "needed" a small glass jar to keep in my kit for cleaning dirty brushes w/cleaner & a bag of scrubbing salts...I didn't find a small glass jar but I did find a BOGO (Buy One Get One) sale!!!! Weeeee!

I got a huge bag of Epsom, calming Lavender Salts for $4.99, to make my own exfoliating scrub :-)

In the same isle, I noticed this really cute line of products called, One Bath & Body & they were Buy One Get the second 50% off so of course I had to get 4...I ended up getting the 4th one free bc of the sale so it was worth it, right? ;-)

After taking a closer look, I noticed the bags are recycleable, there's NO use of plastic and the products are biodegradeable, Paraben & Cruelty Free. They are extremely environmentally safe and it makes me want to try everything else they make...like these bath fizzers!

*Bath Fizzers*

As soon as I got home, I ran a nice bath using the Bubble Bath packet & I put the Cool Eyes! eye mask on and took a few deep breaths...I was so relaxed, I almost fell asleep in my tub. My eye area felt cool but not tingling/irritated at all and there were so many bubbles in my tub, it was crazy! Lol! It was like my own mini spa experience!

    (L to R)

Calming Mask (Cucumber Aloe), Cool Eyes! Leave-On Eye Rescue Mask (Cucumber/Chai), Ooh My Bubble Bath (Sweet Chamomile Infused Bubble bath)

$2.49 each

I thought I was done but sitting right next to these little treasures were the.....Spongeables! They're sponges with soap already built in. I thought these were the coolest things ever so I got 2! I settled on the White Rose for the body wash b/c it smells like heaven, plain and simple and I got the Citrus Eucalyptus for the feet b/c I like the tingly, clean feeling on my feet. These were also on sale, buy one get second 50% off. I would've gotten more but I wanted to try them first. Now that I have, I am totally going back for more! Lol!

                                                           $5.99 each





I thought about how sanitary these are bc I use a loofah or scrubby ball anyway but I always squeeze out all the soap & hang them to dry so they won't collect bacteria. I usually toss them out every month or so bc I can get them for $1 at Target so they're not worth keeping anyway. So I wondered if after 20 washes would the sponges be gross and moldy? I can tell you this, so far so good. They're now about half way used and they're not gross at all. The sponge is kind of hard which is good bc I feel like it's doing a better job of exfoliating, that's just my preference.

Anyway, I think these would be perfect for traveling or to have around the house for when guests come by.

I ended up in The Container Store & got a stackable "7 day pill/vitamin organizer" for $2.99 because they're good to pack pigments in so I can take some with me in my kit and leave the other half at home for me to use.

I was looking for a good nail polish rack because mine are in need of a good, solid home. I have a few drawers full and wanted to get a rack like you see in some salons, where they're on display. I was surprised they didn't have something like that, being The Container Store and all...

I finally found my little glass jar in Bed, Bath & Beyond!  It came in the form of a $1.99 empty spice jar. I took the plastic top off so I could dip my brushes in the cleaner and swish them around with ease.

Needless to say, I was in dire need of that Bubble Bath by the time I got home so it was all worth it in the end!

**I am partnered with Ulta so you can shop NOW by clicking the photo below & it will take you directly to the Ulta Website where you can purchase each for $5.99! 

Enjoy! XO**

Keep it Prettie!

*Stephanie*

Loose Lips Share Tips-Vol. 4

This "Lip Of The Day" collection is the last of it for April 2012...Enjoy!

(L to R)

Bold And Brash, Ban This!, Harlot, Gimme That, Vivid Desire, Ophelia, Melon Punch

Bold And Brash, Dare To Wear Lipglass (MAC)

I got all 4 of the Dare To Wear Lipglass glosses at once because I couldn't just get 1. They were SO intense I knew I'd use them all. I will wear this sizzling red alone but it works best over a bright red lipstick. It looks like red glitter! It's definitely a fun red so I always wear this to go out or for work. I think these were just part of a specific collection so I doubt if they're still for sale but MAC always has similar products in the works.

Either way, the crowds go wild when I step out with this beauty!

Ban This!, Dare To Wear Lipglass (MAC)

Times like these I wish I had the time to obsess over taking the perfect picture because I'm not sure you can grasp how lovely this is by this shot here. This is a stunning purple with hints of blue. I will wear this alone or as a lip liner to deep pinks.

Love it!

Harlot, Lip Tar (OCC)

I got this sweetie at The Makeup Show LA this year & was surprised I didn't already have it! It's a bright orange that has no problem standing on it's own. I would use an orangey red lip liner (like Redd from MAC) to deepen this. I've worn this with minimal makeup and it pulled my look together so well.

I used it on a client this week who never wears color on her lips & she loved it too! Naturally ;-)

Gimme That, Dare To Wear Lipglass (MAC)

This hot pink is so bright after 1 application that I had to get a picture of it as is. It's a pretty hot pink with blue undertones so this would go great with soft makeup and maybe a thin line of blue liquid eye liner.

It's also another color that you can wear alone to brighten up any soft look or go punk rock chic & pair it up with dark smokey eyes. The texture of these glosses is creamy & smooth. I knew what I was doing buying all 4! Lol!

Vivid Desire, Luxury Gloss (Ego Faces)

I got this sultry lip gloss a few weeks ago. I met Flo (Ego Faces owner) on twitter & let her know I wanted to try her products. I picked a few items and this gloss blew me away!!

First of all, it's the silkiest lip gloss I've ever used, and I've tried 100's. There's something about the texture that I can't say I've ever felt before. The flavor is like a mix between bubble gum & cinnamon, also something I've never had before. It's super shiny and the color is so seductive!

This is a must have for every makeup case!

Girl Talk, Lipstick (GlamourGirlNYCosmetics)

I met Bridget (GGNYCosmetics owner) on twitter as well. We met up and talked for hours about makeup and life. She's a beautiful, focused woman who has created something for women to really feel good about.

(Hi Bridge!!Xo) I can't wait for her product line to launch soon!!!

She gave me a lipstick to try before the line has even launched (lucky me!) so I did not include it in my pic above. Wait until you see it, you'll love everything! That's a promise ;-)

The texture is nice & smooth! I chose to wear this feminine pink alone so you could see how delicate it is.

It's the perfect pink!

Ophelia, Lip Tar (OCC)

I also got this beauty at The Makeup Show LA and it quickly became my new favorite. lip tar. It's a very chalky pink but on me it settles into a nice baby pink. I LOVE this color! I've used it so many times on myself and clients, we all  love it! In fact, the last person I put it on, went on the website on her phone to order it, that second! Lol!

I wore this with liner and without, depends on what I'm wearing and how tan my face is (using bronzer of course)

;-)

Melon Punch, Color Juice Lip Gloss (L'Oreal)

I've said it before but I really love L'Oreal products. These glosses have been around for years now and I have more than a few. This formula smells so good and leaves your lips looking plump and shiny for hours. I've been on a tangerine kick for a few weeks now and pulled this out of my bag of tricks to show how perfect it is for summer.

I wear this alone but recently put this over Harlot, Lip Tar (OCC) for a client and she went gaga over it!



(L to R)

Sugar Rose, Watermelon Fizz, Quartz, Pink Parfait, CB 96

Sugar Rose,  Juicy Rouge Slim Lipstick (Lancome)

I got 2 of these slim treats from a friend a little while ago. She's thought I'd love them and she was right! They're so subtle but glimmer so beautifully in the light. I wear them during summer months especially because the gold warms up my face.

They're almost like a tinted balm but more intense. I like to wear this with no liner so the true color can pop!



Watermelon Fizz, Pure Color Crystal Lipstick (Estee Lauder)

What I loved about this lipstick when I first saw it was the gold coating it had all around it. If you look closely (not that I'm counting on you seeing them bc my picture taking skills could use improvement), there are little gold stars on the lipstick, I'm such a sucker for that stuff! Lol!

So every time you apply, you get traces of gold on your lips. Not too shabby! Also, it's not an intense application but more of a glossy texture. I like to wear this as is too because it doesn't need enhancements :-)

Quartz, Lip Liner (MAC)

Pink Parfait, Pure Color Lipstick (Estee Lauder)

Quartz is always my "go to" lip liner for when I want to deepen light pinks. This color lipstick is actually very light but when I add the deep liner, it adds dimension to my lips and brings attention to the center, making them look bigger.

Tricks of the trade ;-)

CB 96, Frost Lipstick (MAC)

I decided to use this as the "Lip Of The Day" because I featured a nail polish that matched it almost perfectly, so I thought it would be cute. (Hot Tamale)

This color is extremely similar to Jest (Lustre lipstick-MAC) and I featured it in a past "Lips" post (Jest review) If you look quickly, they look identical! CB 96 is deeper, it has a pinch more red.

I wear this with either light or heavy brown, shimmery smokey eyes or just as the center of my look.

I have so many more ideas coming up so stay tuned!!!

Keep it Prettie!
*Stephanie*

Nail Of The Week- "Hot Tamale" By Pure Ice

For over a month now I've been talking about how tangerine & green were really big this season. I have to say I only go along with something if I really like it, never for the sake of being trendy. In fact, that whole idea is nauseating. True story...
Anyway, last week I wore a beautiful green, "Sally Girl Green" which I got so many compliments on! This week I decided to wear something in the orange family. Last week I was minding my own business when I saw this gorgeous color, staring at me. Lol!
That's how it happens usually! Like yesterday, I had no intention of shopping but I ended up with a mini haul, which I'll be writing about later ;-)
There's so much to love about this color! It's called "Hot Tamale" and looks like fire, which is brilliant. It's the perfect "pick me up" to any monochromatic outfit, adding spark! I have countless lip colors to match it, somehow. The fact that it's so "in" right now is fine but I will certainly not be throwing it away when the season changes. It's the perfect blood orange/gold combo.
I paid $1.97 for it and I would've been fine with just 1 coat but I used 2 out of habit. What you see here is 2 coats with no top coat. I like to do that sometimes to show how shiny the polishes are on their own.
It's just an all around beauty!

                                                    "Hot Tamale"

Keep it pretty!

*Stephanie*

Erika Frantzve...Miss Arizona USA

I have to thank Twitter for this one...I came across Erika's page a few months ago and became intrigued. I started following her tweets because she always has insightful, positive messages to send. I found myself retweeting them because they're so inspirational.
I happened to come across a tweet she posted 2 days ago announcing her send off party and I jokingly responded that I wanted to go too! That's right, I have no shame! Lol!
Much to my surprise, she replied to inform me that it was an open invite and I was more than welcome to come!
Yay!
*Insert my happy dance here--->___*

I admit, I'm not one to follow pageants, not for any reason other than I don't usually have much time to watch TV. I have seen some pageants in the past where the girls just look so vain and clueless about life, it's very disappointing. However, Erika is the perfect choice for the Miss USA title because she has SO much to offer!
She has a Grace Kelly quality about her where she's graceful, beautiful, grounded, mature and she's one smart cookie! She became a CEO & philanthropist at 17 when she founded a charity called Everyday Heroes Like You. Her organization helps people and animals that are in need of hope and materials to survive. Johnny's Locker and PAWS are the programs that do the work! To read more about their countless accomplishments and to find out how you can get involved, I attached the link below...
http://www.everydayheroeslikeyou.com/

As I suspected, Erika is as intelligent as she is stunning! She has a double major in political science and international relations. She graduates from ASU in May with honors. Go girl, beauty and brains rule!
On looks alone, she could easily pass for 18 (she's 23) but she's just so incredibly accomplished for such a young lady. Not only does she have the most beautiful eyes I've seen since Elizabeth Taylor was alive, but she's like an all around bright light. She radiates!  When I walked up to her, her face lit up like the New Year's Eve ball at midnight in Times square! It was blinding!
I also met Britt Boyse. She is the President of Casting Crowns and the Executive Director for Miss USA, UT USA and Teen USA. I also follow her twitter because she always has uplifting positive words to share.
I firmly believe I was in the company of some very blessed people last night ;-)

                                (L to R) Erika, Moi, Britt Boyse

What I noticed first about Alexa Zellers was her dress! It was so cute and reminded me of a fun Betsey Johnson take on the cocktail dress! It was like a bling-ed out tu-tu! I loved it!! 

She worked it out, for sure!!

Miss AZ Teen, Alexa Zellers



All in all it was a fabulous evening! Her level of involvement in her community is remarkable. Erika inspires people and that is what makes for a good leader!
Miss Arizona USA, you absolutely have MY vote!

Keep it pretty!
*Stephanie*

Beauty Army-April 2012 Haul

I'm starting to feel like every time I turn around I'm opening a new Beauty Army kit! Yay! I love it! The month goes by so quick and before I know it, I'm getting new packages. Great way to start the month if you ask me ;-)

(Clockwise from L to R)
Boo-Boo Cover Up, Photo Defense (cellCeuticals), Lemongrass body lotion (Indie Lee), Daily Lip Nourisher (pur-lisse), My Mix foundation-Medium 02(MyFace Cosmetics), Pink Sugar Perfume (Aquolina)

I picked the Lemongrass lotion because the fabulous Indie Lee gave me a sample of it when I saw her few weeks ago and I just fell in love with it on the spot! I like the clean scent of lemon & this is just super fresh! Also, lemon is rich in natural oil so like her body scrub, it's really moisturizing. I tie citrus into summer and as the weather gets warmer, this will be gone quickly!

I actually used the MyFace foundation (Medium 02) to test the consistency. The word "foundation" kinda scares me because I personally prefer tinted moisturizer, nothing heavier than that. So I was happy to see this wasn't heavy at all. In fact, it went on like a second skin and was the perfect shade. Even though it wasn't heavy, I can see this being very buildable for those areas that need more coverage. I would love to stock my kit with this product! Must have for you and your kit...You heard it here first! ;-)

The Aquolina perfume, Pink Sugar, looked so pink and pretty that at first glance it looked like a piece of candy! Lol!
I love perfume and wear it daily so I'm always willing to try something new. I'm trying to think of the best way to describe this scent...It's like a mix between soft cotton candy and Egyptian Musk.
Those are the 2 scents that hit my senses the hardest. I was curious to see what exactly was in it and couldn't believe I missed so many ingredients but I was close! Lol!

I picked the cellCeuticals PhotoDefense Anti-PhotoAging SPF 55+ to keep in my goody bag stash. I know I like the brand already so I'm confident anyone I give it too will as well :-)

Just last month I received a full size of the Boo-Boo Cover Up concealer in my Beauty Army gift basket but I picked this so I could have one for myself as I knew I'd be using the full size in my kit. Never hurts to double up on the good stuff!

Before going to sleep every night I have to moisturize my lips. My nightstands are never without at least 3 different options! I've been doing this forever and I've come to the conclusion that exfoliating my lips with a washcloth (2x a day), keeping them constantly moisturized and drinking a lot of water is what keeps them plump & soft. I liked the pur-lisse lip nourisher because it's simple. No flavor, color and it's really soft. I like that it's petroleum free because contrary to popular belief, I know it's not a moisturizer for lips. Petroluem based products don't penetrate the skin so they may feel good but they're not effective.

The pur-lisse can be used alone day/night but also as a lip primer under lip gloss and/or lipstick. 

Keep it pretty!

*Stephanie*

Caboodles & Caravan Stylist Studio

Most girls I know have, at one point in their life, owned a Caboodles makeup case. I know I've owned a few! My first one was purple, w/sparkles, pull out drawers & a mirror.
Before that, I had a few lipsticks & glosses so I kept them in a pretty box. When I got my Caboodles case, it made it so easy to keep everything organized. Which is good b/c I like everything at my fingertips when I'm getting ready. This is what started that idea for me. Even better that it came in a carrying case so I could take it with me if I traveled.
Since then, I got pink & silver cases of different sizes and something I use to keep my Q-Tips/cotton rounds in. I even had a huge case that opened in the middle with roll out sides. That was my favorite because it was like a compact mini suitcase! I wouldn't board a plane w/out it, as it fit perfectly in my Louis Vouitton duffle bag.
Clearly this was before the airlines would bark at you for trying to carry lip gloss on a plane. I mean, it's lip gloss, not nitro glycerin. Whatever!

I met Alyson (social media director for Caboodles) at The Makeup Show in LA last month. We had actually already been following each other's blogs & on twitter. I didn't know she did work with Caboodles until after we'd met. It was through her that I found out Caboodles was celebrating it's 25th birthday this year and had gotten a major makeover! The cases have all been revamped and are more fashion forward than ever! They're all grown up and not just for teens anymore. They're mature yet fun & sexy, perfect for women in their 20's & 30's. This is not a little girl's makeup box, by any means!
Alyson then put me in touch w/Betsy who invited me to check out the Caravan Stylist Studio in Manhattan.
How could I say no? Lol!
Caravan is a wardrobing studio that brings designers, artists, celebrities together through events thrown at the studio itself, to bring attention to the eclectic mix of brands being hosted at the studio as well as to the Fashion District in general. They offer hair, makeup & wardrobe options for artists so they can learn about the new trends & amazing new designs while the artists can bring recognition to the brands all at once.
Do you follow? : )
It's a brilliant, win/win concept! Caboodles is one of those brands, fortunately for me! Lol!
Located right in the heart of the Fashion District on 38th & 5th Ave, the studio has seen it's share of the "who's who" in entertainment. If you're not a celebrity when you walk in, you will definitely feel like one walking out. I know I did!
I took some pictures to show how amazing this 2,500 sq. ft space really is!

Welcome to Caravan!!

Over in the "West wing" there's a beautiful seating area

Exposed brick AND a ceiling to floor window...Love!

Chic & cozy :-)

The "right wing" (as I call it) leads to wardrobe, hair & makeup or "accessory heaven" as I also like to call it! Lol!...

But before you get there, you have to stop and look at this gorgeous "Enchanted Forest" mural...Pretty, right?

Anthropologie.com

Once you get to the end of the hall, stop & look at the racks of clothes from amazing designers like:

Walter (WalterBaker.com)

Just Taylor (TaylorDress.com)

Marti (ShopMarti.com)

T.Tandon (T.Tandon.com)

Rae Collections (RaeCollections.com)

House Of Gods (Houseofthegods.co.uk)-This was My Fave!

Rebecca Minkoff (RebeccaMinkoff.com)

Eva Franco (EvaFranco.com)

I got in & right away I had my hair washed & styled, makeup ready!

Seriously, I don't usually let anyone do my makeup but Adreanna is as sanitary as she is talented (2 things I look for in a Makeup Artist) She knew what would look best on me w/out me having to say anything, which really impressed me. She also worked wonders on my hair and made the whole experience an absolute dream!!

I wanted to list the products she used on my skin/hair because I really liked & recommend everything!

Hair:

Joico, Shampoo

CHI, Infra Treatment

Warren Tricomi, Blue Gel

Babyliss Hot Tools

Skin:

DDF, Aloe Toning Complex

DDF, Wrinkle Resist Plus, Pore Minimizer

      Makeup: ULTA

Mouse Foundation (Buff Beige)

Bronzer

Eye shadows (Cherry Bomb, Eggplant)

Mineral Eye shadows (Dessert, Embers)

Liquid Liner (Black)

Tinted Balm (Glow)

Mascara (Black)

Voila!

Did I tell you she worked wonders or what?

I had dinner plans after this and I was pretty dressed down but I had this glamorous, cascading hairstyle...Lol! I loved it!

Thank goodness I had after dinner plans as well, I felt way too glamorous to keep it all to myself! ;-)

She really is a brilliant stylist for both hair AND makeup...Cheers to you Adreanna! Xo

So after I got gorgeous, she gave me a makeup bag from Ulta with some makeup/products inside....

Fabulous Face Foundation Primer

Eye shadow quad in "Good Girl"(I say quad bc of the 4 colors but this one is a circle...Lol!)

Nail Polish (Concrete Evidence)

Automatic eyeliner (Black)

Tinted Lip Balm (Glow)

Super Shiny Lip Gloss (Clear-05)

Then I got to pick a Caboodles makeup case!!!

Of course I picked the "Rock Star" case...I actually picked it bc I love lace and this one just seemed the most like Me :-)

This style also comes in silver w/black lace but I wanted pink!

I have a few train cases and carrying systems for my kit but none like this This is definitely the prettiest case I now own!

So femme fatale!

Then I got to pick products & I chose this Deep Cleansing Brush from DDF (Doctor's Dermatologic Formula)in like, 2 seconds! This comes with a full size tube of polishing scrub. Adreanna then gave me 2 products to go along w/it so I'd have a complete system to use. I like taking steps when giving myself facials...Lol!

So now I can exfoliate, treat (serum) & moisturize.

-DDF Amplifying Elixir (Serum)

-DDF Ultra-Lite, Oil Free Moisturizing Dew

I was also given a bottle of Tibi Tonic to try. You're supposed to drink half before you go out drinking (intentionally or not! Lol) then you drink the other half either before bed & you should wake up feeling fresh...aka-not hungover. I have yet to try it but I will let you know how that works out...haha!

After all of this I wandered over to the wardrobe, accessories, shoes and bags section!  

The lovely Lauren was amazing and showed me around while introducing me to all of the designers and products (Hi Lauren! Xo)

I made a bee line right for the House Of Gods rack. They're a UK based brand. The clothes are all hand made & the fabric is soft, almost silky and the tops all had really cool images of rock legends like David Bowie, Iggy Pop & Debby Harry (one of my all time faves!)

Michelle Vale (MichelleVale.com)

Top shelf:

Hats (HatAttack.com)

Bracelets/Bags...Buji Baja (HatAttack.com)

Bottom Shelf:

Shoes...Report Shoes (ReportShoes.com)

Shoes...J. Litvack (Jlitvack.com)

Zariin (AccessoryArtists.com)

Buji Baja (HatAttack.com)

Blu Bijou (MaxAndChloe.com)

We Dream In Colour (MaxAndChloe.com)

Alex Stein Design (AccessoryArtists.com)

Seah (SeahWatches.com)

Renee Masoomian (ReneeMasoomian.com)

Blue Bijou (MaxAndChloe.com)

Remi&Emmy (RemiAndEmmy.com)

The girls were so sweet and told me to pick a bag. I had my eye on the black studded guy on the middle shelf to the left or the red studded bag to the right but then Adreanna pulled out the bright orange bag on the top (middle) shelf. I said, "Yep! That's the one!" Lol!

It was fresh for summer, how could I go back to black? : )

                                         Close up of my new baby!

What closet would be complete without shoes?!

MIA Shoes (Miashoes.com)

MIA Shoes (Miashoes.com)

J. Litvack (Jlitvack.com)

So, I have to admit, I think celebrity life has it's downfalls but this is definitely not one of them! Lol!
I had a blast and loved every second of my royal treatment. I can't wait to stop in again to see the girls and catch up on the latest in fashion and the newest styles around the world!
Thanks again Caravan & Caboodles, I will be seeing you again soon!
Xo

http://www.caravanstyliststudio.com/

Keep it Prettie!
*Stephanie*