Huge Tarte Holiday Collection Just $60!!!

Here is a fantastic deal you can get on a huge Tarte Cosmetics collection from QVC!

The Tarte Holidaze of Giving Collection is exclusive to QVC and includes 15 gorgeous, full-sized products. If you are unfamiliar with Tarte, this is a high end, high quality makeup that is cruelty-free, free of nasty chemicals and really performs.

All of this for just $60!

What you get:

-Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 mascara (this is like holy grail status right here!)

-Silk Amazonian Clay Eyeliner (4 of these beauties)
  *Black
  *Bronze
  *Plum
  *Navy

-LipSurgence Lip Crème (3 shades)
  *Decadence
  *Regal
  *Adorned

-LipSurgence Lip Gloss (2, one shimmery and one glossy)
  *Fearless (shimmery)
  *Exposed (glossy)

-Maracuja C-Brighten Eye Treatment

-Amazonian Clay Eye shadow and Cheek palette (TIMES 2!)
  12 eye shadows
  *Pearls & Twirls
  *Mix & Mingle
  *Sequin Stilettos
  *Bust a Mauve
  *Save the Date
  *Dressed to the Wines

  *Confetti Cake
  *In the Spotlight
  *Make a Toast
  *Golden Years
  *Dancing Shoes
  *Chocolate Martini

  2 Blushers
  *Overjoyed
  *Rejoiced

-Blush Brush

-Eye Shadow Brush

These are pieces from my collection. I was seriously stalking the tracking info. waiting for it to arrive. The mascara is one of my favorite ever and the eyeliners are so smooth and glide beautifully without tugging. Love this kit!

This collection is a crazy good value at only $59.94 OR 5 payments of $11.98 (sweet)!  Be sure to order by November 30th to get this insane price before the sale ends.

HOT: $20 off $40 coupon for new HSN Customers

I know some makeup junkies who are going to LOVE this coupon! Right now Home Shopping Network is offering NEW customers a coupon code for $20 off a $40 or more purchase. 

Enter code 150136 at checkout 

(Expires November 30th, 2015)

Even sweeter, make sure and shop through Ebates where you can score a whopping 6% cash back on HSN purchases.

This makes for some fantastic deals on big name brands like Too Faced, Smashbox, and Benefit!

Some goodies I spotted and think would make great gifts:

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette- 

$29 

after the $20 coupon savings and FREE shipping 

Too Faced Le Grand Chateau Collection (Limited edition holiday set)- 

$29

after the $20 coupon savings and FREE shipping

Benefit Cosmetics Party Poppers 12-piece Set

$25

after the $20 coupon savings and FREE shipping

This one is so fun and like the 12 days of Christmas in a makeup edition! What a neat Advent Calendar for makeup lovers and a great way to try out many new items without spending a fortune on full sizes.

Smashbox Step-by-Step Contour Kit- 

$25

after the $20 coupon savings and FREE shipping

Smashbox Art. Love. Color. Lashes set PLUS Art. Love. Color. Lips set - 

$20

after the $20 coupon savings and FREE shipping 

Or Browse here to see all the awesome makeup HSN has available.

I love hearing about the deals you all come up with! Please leave a comment and share with us what you end up getting.

HAPPY SHOPPING!

IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil: Review

I have spent quite some time fearing brow products. Every time I tried a pencil, a powder, or gel, it looked funny. Always too dark or too orange. However, I recently discovered Brow Power Universal Brow Pencil in universal taupe from IT Cosmetics. This thing is like something the makeup gods sent down from makeup heaven just for me!

This pencil is a double-ended product with a brow spooley on one side and offers a twist up design, that I love, to eliminate the need for annoying sharpening. Not only do you not have to sharpen it, the product is formed into a flat shape so that you always have a nice crisp tip to work with.

It gives a natural, hair-like look while adding some definition and drama to my brows. I never have to worry about having my brow game TOO strong with this product. Other similar brow products forced me to use a very soft, gentle hand when applying. I struggled with that as I tend to have a heavy hand naturally. The Brow Power allows me to use strokes that are comfortable for me while still giving me the results I expect.

What's even better is that it is intended to be a product that can be used for any brow color. It is absolutely phenomenal.

The pressure you apply determines how dark the shade is.

It is crazy the difference a brow makes.

Be sure to check out IT Cosmetics and

save 25%

on your order of $30 or more 

during their friends and family event!

Going on NOW!



NEW! TWO Target Beauty Boxes Just Released! HURRY!

Excited that Target just released (2) TWO brand new college-themed beauty boxes on their site! Hurry and get yours before they sell out. At just $5 each and a value of over $20, PLUS free shipping, they sell out FAST.

Target® Beauty Box - Back To College: Head of the Class ($20 Value)

The deets on this Target Beauty Box:


1. Goody Ouchless Elastics
Hair ties made without metal for reduced snags and pulls. (colors may vary)

2. Bathery Pumice Stone
Dual-textured pumice stone that smoothes and refines rough skin. (colors may vary)
 
3. Hollywood Fashion Tape
Easy-to-use, clear double-stick apparel and body tape helps clothes stay put.
 
4. CoverGirl Colorlicious Lip Gloss
Lustrous, vibrant shine and rich color without the stickiness. (colors may vary)

5. wet n wild Max Volume Plus Mascara
Macadamia nut, jojoba and olive oils strengthen lashes while offering 10 times the volume.
 
6. Herbal Essences Wild Naturals Illuminating Dry Oil Spray
Refreshing hair oil that hydrates & seals each strand for a radiant, glossy look.
 
7. Yes To Cucumbers 10–Count Wipes
Hypoallergenic facial towelettes made with natural, soothing ingredients like cucumbers & aloe vera to cleanse, remove makeup and nourish your skin.

• Item Type: Beauty Sample Box
• Number of Pieces: 7

Target® Beauty Box - Back To College: Honor Roll Box ($20 Value)

The deets on this Target Beauty Box:

1. Bathery Delicate Pouf
Gentle netting creates a rich lather for cleansing even the most sensitive skin. (colors may vary)
 
2. John Frieda Luxurious Volume 7-Day Treatment
Semi-permanent treatment transforms fine hair, leaving it full even after multiple washes.
 
3. Olay White Strawberry Body Wash
Hydrating body wash refreshes your skin with a cooling white strawberry and mint scent.
 
4. NYX Butter Gloss Strawberry Parfait
Buttery soft and silky smooth gloss tastes sweet and makes lips shine without being sticky.
 
5. Goody Ouchless Elastics
Hair ties made without metal for reduced snags and pulls. (colors may vary)
 
6. CoverGirl Outlast All-Day Primer
Preps skin for smooth application & extends the wear of foundation.
 
7. Burt’s Bees White Tea Facial Wipes
Hypoallergenic facial towelettes made with natural soothing ingredients like white tea & aloe vera to cleanse & remove makeup.

• Item Type: Beauty Sample Box
• Number of Pieces: 7

7 Beauty Favorites for May

I have been trying out tons of new beauty products lately and have pulled  seven of my absolute

Favorites for the month of May! In no particular order, here they are.

1. Simple Skincare Micellar Cleansing Water- Price: $5.97 at Walmart

I got my first bottle for testing purposes and  wasn't quite sure of the concept. It is said that, "Micellar Water is a perfect blend of multi-vitamins, skin loving ingredients and gentle cleansers to cleanse the skin while removing make-up. Skin is left feeling clean & hydrated." All you do is wipe it on your face using a cotton ball or pad. No scrubbing, no rinsing. I was skeptical but started using it on busy mornings and I fell in love! I have repurchased it since.

See my other Simple Skincare Favorites!!!

2. Sun Laboratories Ultra Dark Self Tanning Lotion- Price: Varies

I have spent YEARS trying to find self tanners, fake bakes, faux tan, tan in a can, or whatever you like to call them that appear natural on the skin and fade off evenly rather than rubbing off and leaving tell-tale signs of being totally fake. Even spray tans by technicians who have tons of positive "not orange" stories, leave me orange tinted. I purchased the Sun Labs Ultra Dark Tanning Lotion on a show special at the Women's Expo last year but it is available for purchase on their website, too. I am obsessed with the results I get from it! I will purchase again and again.

What I thought about the Arizona Ultimate Women's Expo!!!

3. NARS Satin Lip Pencil in the color Rikugien- Price: $26 for full-size

 Photo Credit: ecewy123 on Ebay.co.uk

Prepare: Generation Beauty by Ipsy

The end of the school year and Summer are sneaking up on us. This year I have decided to take a girl's weekend (extended weekend) trip to California, at the end of May, to go to the 2-day Generation Beauty event in Los Angeles. We are ridiculously excited since this is the first girl's only trip most of us have had since becoming moms. This event features tons of beauty brands and many popular beauty gurus all in one place and is said to have the "BEST GOODIE BAG EVER!" This is the third year this convention-style event has been put on and is quite popular among beauty enthusiasts in and around the L.A. area. I was not sure what to expect so I have spent quite some time researching to gather a good feel for the event and be able to share it with all of you beauties, in one place.

 

Important information to know:

- Generation Beauty is a two-day event that is held at L.A. Live.

- This year the dates for the event are SATURDAY, May 30th, 2015 and SUNDAY, May 31st, 2015.

- Early Bird pricing of $89 (covering both days) is still available until April 30th. Use Promo Code GB2015 until April 30th to get your tickets for $75.  On May 1st, ticket prices go up to $150.

Target Beauty box is HERE!!

 

So excited to announce that the Target Spring beauty box is now available. Get yours before they sell out (and they WILL sell out quickly). Some of us wait all year for this. :) You can order yours for just $5 and that includes shipping! The box will include five (5) beauty goodies. The best part is you get to see what you are getting before you pay for it. Here is what you get.

 

***GET THE TARGET SPRING BEAUTY BOX NOW***

Ipsy: April Glambag Beautifully Bohemian Sneak Peeks

Each month Ipsy delivers the most fun and exciting beauty bags in their subscription. For the month of April, each member will receive 5 products in a beautiful themed cosmetics bag. The best part? It only costs $10 a month!! Ipsy is by far the best value for subscription beauty boxes, in my opinion, of course. I am so excited about this month's Glambag. The theme is going to be "Beautifully Bohemian" which I am totally in love with right now. For the sneak peeks, continue reading! They are totally fab.

***BECOME AN IPSY SUBSCRIBER***

 

 

SNEAK PEEK #1:

 

I spy some amazing goodies and am so thrilled with the first sneak peek!

Last Minute Easter Basket Fillers and FREE Tickets to see "Home" From Dreamworks!

I was at Walmart today and stumbled across a fantastic deal! Buy any specially-marked DVD and receive up to $7.50 towards one movie admission to see the new DreamWorks movie "Home". Offer expires 5/31/15 and is valid at participating theaters.

 

This is a total steal since most of the DVD selections were only $5 each! I picked up five movies that will be used in my kiddos Easter baskets.

My Love of Simple Skincare AND a FREE Sample!

I have had the chance to try out quite a few products from the Simple Skincare line. Let me tell you, I was super skeptical and nervous to try it because I had already fallen in love with my Younique skincare. My skincare was starting to get a bit too pricey for my liking and I really wanted to find a more budget-friendly routine that offered the same great results. I have really finicky and sensitive skin that breaks out, dries out, gets oily, etc. with many different skincare products so I was waited quite awhile to switch things up. What I found when I decided to take the plunge into the Simple line is that my skin loves their products! What makes it even better is that I can easily access them as they are available at all the major retailers I frequently shop. I have now switched over to having a daily skincare routine that is made up of mostly Simple products and I wish I had done it sooner.

Simple advertises themselves as being "Sensitive Skin Experts" and boasts

No dyes

No artificial perfumes

No harsh irritants to upset skin

Dermatologist tested

Hypoallergenic

Non-comedogenic

Those are some claims I can stand behind. The fact that they don't add any perfume is great because that means I can talk my husband into using them without fear of "smelling like a woman". Here are my short and sweet reviews on the products I have tried thus far. Believe me, I have intentions to try out more.

Cleansing Facial Wipes

Banana Muffin Recipe

I love baking homemade treats for my family and sharing my recipes with others. Here is one of our favorites. I love dense banana bread but sometimes I really want a fluffier, lighter version. This is exactly that! I am in love with them. Please feel free to tweak to fit your preferences. Include nuts, chocolate chips, raisins, etc. if desired.

Fluffy Banana Muffin Recipe

                                  
Ingredients

3 large eggs

1/3 cup plain greek yogurt (or sour cream)

3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

2 medium bananas, mashed (about 1 cup mashed bananas)

3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line muffin pan with paper liners or grease.

2. In a large bowl lightly beat the eggs.

3. Add the sour cream, melted butter, sugars, bananas, and vanilla, and whisk until combined.

4. Add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt and stir just until combined.

5. Divide the batter evenly between the 12-14 prepared muffin cups.

6. Bake for 18-20 mins. Muffins are ready when toothpick can be inserted into center and come out clean.

7. Let muffins cool 5 minutes before serving.
ENJOY!

 

House Party: Celebrate Kindness with Simple, Presented by MAKERS

A few months back I had the fabulous opportunity to work with House Party, Simple Skincare and Makers by hosting a Celebrate Kindness House Party. I was so excited to do this event because I absolutely love the idea behind it and have fallen in L.O.V.E. with Simple products. I could probably rant all day about them BUT I will save that and you can read some of my Simple product reviews in another post. ;)

Some of my closest gals and I got to watch the premiere of a new episode of Makers.
Makers: Women Who Make America is a documentary series highlighting the struggle for women's equality, starting in the 1950's.  This three part series first aired on PBS in February of last year. On September 30th, PBS  premiered the first of six new episodes of Makers that expand on the impact the women's movement had on six fields once largely closed to women: business, space, Hollywood, comedy, war, and politics.  If you haven't seen it, definitely take the time because it is worth the watch.

In addition to the show, we were sent a very generous party pack full of Simple Skincare products for us all to try out and take home in swag bags.

6 Tips to Enhance Your No-Makeup Makeup Routine

We all have those days where we want to enhance our natural beauty without looking like we put on makeup to go to the club. Here are some sneaky tricks to help you achieve it.

Skip Heavy Foundation:

For normal to dry skin, opt for a BB cream or tinted moisturizer. Oily or combination skin are better suited for a pressed powder foundation that will help even out your complexion and minimize shine while keeping the natural look.

Subtly enhanced brows: