Black Friday Deals and Sales

Now, this list will in no way be exhaustive but I'm on a ton of mailing lists so I have plenty of Black Friday sales to share. 

If you know of a sale that I haven't included in the list, please feel free to leave the details in the comments below.

I'll update the list if I get any new info.

Happy shopping!

• Smashbox -- 25% off orders of $50+ plus free shipping. Use code HOLIDAY25 at checkout. Valid through 12/2 at 11:59 PM PST.
• Tarte -- 25% off all orders.  Use code TURKEY at checkout. Valid through 12/1 at 11:59 PM EST.
• NARS -- 20% off all orders plus free shipping on all U.S. orders. Use code NARSFRIENDS at checkout. Valid 11/29 at 12 AM EST through 12/2 at 11:59 PM EST.
• BECCA Cosmetics -- 20% off orders of $50+ plus free shipping. Use code FAMILY13 at checkout. Valid through 12/2 at 12 AM PST.
• em Cosmetics -- $10 off $30, $20 off $50, and $50 off $100.  Valid 11/29 at 12 am EST  through 11/30 at 11:59 PM PST.
• Senna Cosmetics -- 20% off all orders. Price reflected on website.  Valid through 12/2 at 11:59 PM PST.
• Missha -- 40% off all items (excluding items in VIP Shop). Prices reflected on website. Valid through 12/25. (Seems crazy, right? But that's what it says!)

Happy Thanksgiving!

I just wanted to wish everyone in the States a very happy Thanksgiving full of lots of good food, family and friends. If you're not in the U.S., then I hope you have a lovely Thursday all the same.

I'm thankful for so many things, but especially everyone who takes the time to read and follow this blog.  You guys are awesome.

Later today, when I take a break from all the festivities, I'm going to start compiling a post of all the beauty-related sales that are going on in the next couple of days so keep an eye out if you're looking for some good deals to start your holiday shopping off right.

Sale Alert -- The Balm is Back on HauteLook Tomorrow!

 

 

Note: I apologize for being MIA the past week or so. Between Thanksgiving coming up here in the States and some other family stuff that I had to deal with unexpectedly, I've been totally off schedule.  

I'm hoping things calm down after this weekend, but who am I kidding?  Then I'll be all stressed out with holiday shopping, baking, and decorating -- I will still find time to blog, though.  I promise.

 So here's some exciting news -- starting tomorrow, November 27th, at 11:00 EST, The Balm will be back on HauteLook.

If you've been reading the blog for a while, you know that I'm absolutely crazy about this brand -- I would pretty much recommend every product that I've tried from the line.

I'm not sure which products will be available, but The Nude'Tude, Meet Matt(e) Nude, and Balm Jovi Palettes are all fabulous, as are The Shady Lady Palettes. Their classic blushes Frat Boy, Down Boy, and Cabana Boy are all fantastic, and the Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighter is one of my favorite all time highlighting products.

You seriously can't go wrong with any of those products.

If you're not a HauteLook member, you can sign up here. (That's my invite link.) Membership is free, but you must be a member to purchase from the event.

For those who decide to pick up anything from the sale, feel free to share you haul below. I likely won't be buying anything for myself since I have virtually everything from the line that I would use, but I may do a little holiday shopping for friends and family.

Happy shopping!

Product Alert -- bareMinerals Crystallized Full Face Collection

I was a really good girl during Sephora's recent VIB sale.

Well, by my standards anyway.

I only purchased two items -- one that shall remain a secret for the time being as it's intended for the holiday giveaway I'll be doing in a couple of weeks and one treat for me, the bareMinerals Crystallized Full Face Collection.

I hadn't known about this kit until I happened to stumble upon it while I was browsing the Sephora website.  It looked promising so I bought it on a complete whim.

While I haven't played with it enough to do a full review, I think it's safe to say that it's a real winner so you might want to check it out for the makeup lovers on your holiday shopping list ... or for yourself if you've been extra good this year.

Tarte Journey to Natural Beauty AD #3

Last week, the UPS man showed up the third (and final) AD installment of the Tarte Journey to Natural Beauty TSV from QVC.

I first ordered this kit back in January, I believe, and while it's probably not the most exciting Tarte TSV that I've ever ordered, it's one that I will remember fondly since it introduced me to two products that have quickly become staples in my makeup bag. You can read my reviews of the first and second installments, if you're curious.

The third installment included:

• Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation 
• The Brow Architect Brow Shaper, Liner & Definer
• Lights, Camera, Flashes! Mascara
• Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Inspired
• Amazonian Butter Lipstick in Roseberry
• Foundation Brush

Review -- Tarte Tight & Bright Eye Perfector

I'm not a fan of gimmicky products.

I much prefer simple, no frills products that don't promise the moon and the stars and the sun.

But I'm also pretty curious by nature, so sometimes when a new product comes out that makes some lofty claims, I can't resist the urge to try it.

That's what happened with the Tarte Tight & Brighten Eye Perfector Double-Ended Priming Serum & Brightener.

Tarte does promise quite a bit with this product -- they claim the double-ended priming serum and brightener can help you fake a good night's sleep by reducing dark circles and softening the appearance of fine lines. It is also meant to enhance the wear your under eye concealer, which is something I'm always looking to do.

Review -- Tarte Beyond BB Perfecting Liquid Foundation

I have plenty of foundations in my makeup collection at this point, but I can't seem to stop myself from trying a new one.

There's no reason for it, really -- I have a few that I already love and can rely on for a flawless face whenever I need it -- and yet, when I saw the Tarte Beyond BB Perfecting Liquid Foundation show up on the QVC website a few months back, I ordered it without hesitation.

That's probably because I have tried quite a few of Tarte's other foundations and like them quite a bit.  The description of the product as a medium- to full-coverage moisturizing foundation with a semi-matte finish is what really drew me.

That pretty much hits all the major points on my foundation wish list.

The one thing that annoys me about the foundation -- and I've mentioned this before about other products -- is that Tarte felt the need to include the much hyped "BB" designation in its title.  What's particularly silly about that is the fact that Tarte isn't even trying to pretend its a BB cream. The title says it plain as day: *Beyond* BB.

But why is that necessary?

Isn't the step beyond BB cream just a regular old foundation?

Review -- The Balm Balm Voyage! Makeup Palette

 If you've been following the blog for a while, you know that I am a complete and utter fanatic when it comes to The Balm.

In fact, it's probably the one brand that I would actually call myself a "collector" of -- it's pretty much a given that I'm going to buy any and everything that they put out.

That's why I didn't hesitate for a second to order The Balm's new holiday palette, Balm Voyage!

And as usual, I'm certainly not sorry that I did.

The Balm Shady Lady Special Edition Palette Giveaway Winner!

Thank you to everyone who entered The Balm Shady Lady Special Edition Palette Giveaway!

I'm happy to announce that Kate Dotson is the lucky winner.

If you didn't win this time around, don't get too down -- I'm planning a holiday giveaway in the next month or so that you should keep an eye out for.

And as always, another big thank you for reading the blog. I appreciate more than I can say.