butter LONDON's AH-MAZ-ING Summer Giveaway

 

 

 

 

 

Hello dolls! butter LONDON has been known for doing some really killer giveaways, but this one is AH-MAZ-ING.  butter LONDON and Nicole Miller want to spice up your summer style, so the fashion maven and beauty powerhouse are teaming up for an exclusive giveaway to do just that. Starting tomorrow, Wednesday, July 30 through Tuesday, August 5, you can enter to win Nicole Miller’s Flower Spike Denim Dress along with a set of bespoke nails that complement the edgy design hand-painted by butter LONDON’s Global Colour Ambassador Katie Jane Hughes. The winner will also receive the Colour Hardwear Nail Art Tool Kit and all seven nail lacquers, including favorites British Racing Green, Cotton Buds and Slapper, used to create the bespoke nail look.

 

"I really look forward to working with Katie and the entire butter LONDON team each season. The best part after our nail tests is when I get a sneak peek of the new shades – my nail polish collection has tripled since I've become a butter LONDON addict!" – Nicole Miller, designer

 

“These nails are the ultimate accessory to complement Nicole’s dress, but can hold their own with any outfit. I chose the colours and the design to mimic the print of the dress. The striping and ombré brushes from butter LONDON’s nail art tool kit were essential to creating the look. For an edgier look, try pairing them with an all-black ensemble.” – Katie Jane Hughes, butter LONDON Global Colour Ambassador

 

 

The winner will be announced on August 6, 2014.

 

Remember to enter and good luck to all!!

 

XOXO

 

Find and follow these beauty babes on twitter:

 

@butterLONDON 

@KatieJaneHughes 

@NicoleMillerNYC 

#bLxNM

Free Beauty Events: July-September Contest

 

 

Who likes freebies??!! :D Well it's that time again my lovelies, to enter FreeBeautyEvents fabulous monthly giveaway!  For July-September's contest, five lucky winners with receive an amazing beauty bundle including: Revlon ColorBurst Balm Stain-Romantic, Revlon ColorBurst Lacquer Balm-Vivacious. Revlon Age Defying Wrinkle Remedy Line Filler, and  Simple Facial Wipes, Cleansing. The Contest runs from 7/1/2014 to 9/30/2014, winners will be chosen on 10/1/2014 and notified by 10/15/2014. To enter, visit here and supply your name, email (only used to contact winners), and zip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FreeBeautyEvents is a truly amazing resource and it doesn't get said enough.  It gives all us beauty junkies the chance to keep up to date with all the beauty happenings in our area.  Just enter your zip code into the search bar and ta-da!  Behold the fabulous list of makeover, gift with purchase, spa open houses and sampling events happening near your home.  The site also has a blog where they feature product reviews and dish expert advice.  Another perk is the quarterly contest where they offer up another chance to win additional smaller prizes.  Vendors are welcome to benefit too!  Posting your event is free and easy by clicking here. 

 

 

 

 

 

 You can follow FreeBeautyEvents at:

 

Twitter

Pinterest

Facebook

Google+

 

Good luck my beauties XOXO

 

 

Have you checked out FreeBeautyEvents??   Did you attend any events that you found after using it?

Review: GlamNatural Mascara

 

 

 

 

You may recall me raving about a brand new favorite from my June Beauty Box Five  reveal: Glam Natural Mascara.  I've been using this baby SO MUCH these past couple weeks.  I love this mascara for a lot of reasons.  For starters its Gluten-free, paraben-free, hypoallergenic and has a vegan formula.  It isn't often, but I do fall victim to a nasty stys from time to time, so it is nice to have a mascara on hand that is extra gentle.    

 

 

 

The brush is a traditional shape with a bristle applicator.  The packaging is sleek and cool looking. The top of the applicator wand feels like a very soft rubber, and the tube is actually clear.  When I first opened it, I could see through the top of the tube (although now the product has dissipated throughout).  The gold lettering is simple but chic.     

    

 

 

Typically I look for volume before length when shopping mascaras, and even though this one doesn't give crazy volume, it adds considerable length and I LOVE it.  The great thing about this mascara is that the formula is so lightweight, my lashes stay curled and lifted. 

 

 

Before

 

You can see a noticeable difference once applied.  The volume is not fantastic, but the length is amazing.  I applied two coats here, but the formula is so feather light, that even after three or four coats my lashes are still divalicious.  It creates a wide eyed, fan effect that I just love.  Something that surprised me was that, no matter how many coats I applied, my lashes still felt soft.  I never experienced any flaking or raccoon eyes, no matter how hot it was outside.  The removal process is fast and easy too- no furious rubbing or elbow grease involved.  I'd say this one does a pretty good job delivering its "Glam Natural" look and feel.  

After

Check out more from GlamNatural!  

 

 

Do you have a favorite mascara this season?

 

Beauty Box Five: July Box Reveal

 

 

Hello my darlings, it's time for this month's Beauty Box 5 reveal! 

 The theme of this month's box was "Defining Moments" and celebrating the amazing events that have made you the fabulous you that you are today :)  I feel really fortunate to be a part of the official BB5 review team, which means I receive complimentary boxes in exchange for my thoughts, and get to tryout some of the industry's top picks.  The beauty experts behind BB5 select five of the beauty industry's hot items and send them straight to your door.  The nice thing about BB5 is the many subscription options.  You can experience enough boxes to see if it's right for you, without committing to too many.  Now that you got the run down... let's get into the good stuff!  

 

 

 

 

  HASK Argan Oil Intense Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment

Retail: $2.49

 

Put simply, you can never have enough Argan oil I your life.  It is a great thirst quencher for dry, damaged hair and helps to  add shine and restore life into dull hair.  Exactly what this girl's mane always needs! 

 

Anna Naturals Glowing Mama Walnut Face & Body Scrub 

Retail: $ 10.99 4 fl oz.

 

Named a favorite of all- natural beauty devotees and expecting mamas, it is a vegan scrub infused with moisturizing botanicals.  It contains no parabans, harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances.  I have never tried Anna Naturals before, but I can tell you this smells delicious.  It's a light citrus scent and has a gorgeous texture.  The exfoliating beads are quite small so they don't irritate, and the cream they're in is so luxe and rich.  My skin felt soo soft and moisturized after.

 

Body Drench Candy Licious Lips

Retail: $ 3.99

 

I'm forever stocking up on chap sticks and balms so I was happy to see this!  While I haven't always been too impressed with Body Drench in the past- I love this balm.  The texture is nice and rich so it coats your lips and really soothes them.  The "Grape Lillipop" name rings true to its scent.  I happen to like grape so for me it's a win.  Typically, I pass over these super slim balms because they never last me very long.  I can devour one of these in two weeks because I reapply so obsessively.  But this one has a slightly thicker texture then most, which so far seems to last longer on my lips, keeping me from feeling like I constantly need to reapply.  

 

Starlooks Lip Liner was one of those products that at first glance, didn't impress me much.  When I removed the cap, the point was a little dull and kind of dry looking.  For some reason I was expecting to experience dragging and lousy color pay off.  But that soo wasn't the case.  Startlooks "Tickle Me Pink" is actually a gorgeous shade that had a super creamy texture.  It is surprisingly pigmented and the color pay off is pretty good.  Sometimes I will line my lips, then decide to just fill them in completely with the pencil and, even though this is a thin tip, it is great for that because it just glides on.  The look is matte and it's a pretty shade for summer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revlon Bold Lacquer Mascara

Retail: $7.99

 

 

 

And now for the bell of the ball!  I was so excited to see Revlon Bold Lacquer Mascara was going to be in this month's box.  I'm all about new mascaras these days and I was anticipating this one.  First word that came to mind while using it: Lightweight.  Very, very lightweight.  The formula AND the bottle.  (I took notice of it's.24 fl oz. which seems to be on the lighter side then my other mascaras).  It advertises length and volume but sadly, I didn't see too much of either.  The brush is pretty standard with traditional style bristles.  No hour glass shape or rubber applicator.  It isn't a bad mascara, just nothing spectacular.  It didn't flake off or clump or cause my lashes to droop, but I didn't see the "bold" effect I hoped for.  My lashes are long, but not full, so I was disappointed to see it didn't even give me the volume.  It is nice for day to day wear or running out for errands, but it won't do much if you're looking for some serious "look at me" lashes.   Ah well <sigh>.  On to the next one!

 

 

 

Do you subscribe to Beauty Box 5?  Are you interested in subscribing?

The Violet Files: Liv Tyler American Woman

 

 

The Violet Files' showcases the gorgeous Liv Tyler in this month's cover story: American Woman.  Upstate New York serves as the breathtaking back drop and Liv is just stunning with a fierce, electric cat eye look.  

 

 

 

 

Get the Look:

 

Eyes:

Dior Waterproof Crayon Eyeliner in Captivating Blue

Dior Dior Addict It Liner Eyeliner Liquid in It Blue

Dior Diorshow Mascara in Catwalk Black

 

 

Face:

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer

Laura Mercier Primer Radiance

By Terry Light Expert Perfecting Foundation Brush

Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Colour in Canyon

Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder

 

 

Lips:

NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Lodhi

 

 

 

Photos by: Guy Aroch at Jed Root for VIOLET GREY

Review: Yardley London Shea Buttermilk Sensitive Skin Moisturizing Bath Bar

 

 

Retail: $1.59

 

Don't you love it when you wake up one morning and your skin feels surprisingly soft?  Truthfully I was a little confused when I first noticed my skin's new found smoothness, but suddenly remembered I had started using Yardley London's newest addition: Shea Buttermilk Sensitive Skin Bath Bar. 

 

Since I have sensitive skin, extreme seasons like winter or summer always take a toll on it, so I was eager to try this one out.  It is the brand's first natural- inspired, moisturizing bath bar that combines sensitive skin benefits with natural botanicals.  The creamy buttermilk and chamomile are intended to soothe skin, and boy do they ever. 

 

After showering, my skin felt refreshed, but in a different way from most other bars.  I think because it is so mild and gentle, it created this zen- like feeling on my skin.  The most impressive part was how quickly (and effectively) it worked to add moisture and rejuvenate my skin.  Within a couple days my skin was noticeably softer to the touch.  I didn't do it everyday, but I did try it on my face on and off.  I never experienced any dryness or irritation.  One thing I would mention is that this might be a good alternative to use should you fall victim to a pesky summer burn.  It seems so mild that I don't see it agitating like some washes will do.    

 

The scent is sweet with a light hint of chamomile that I found very pleasant.  A clean, "fresh out the shower" kind of fragrance that is so perfect for summer!

 

 

Advertised as good for all skin types its benefits include:

 

- Extra gentle/ Dermatologist tested

- Allergy tested

- Lightly scented

- Free of Synthetic Dyes

- Paraban Free

 

 

Available at:

Walgreens

Rite Aid

butter LONDON Year of Lacquer Giveaway

 

 

For any butter LONDON addict or nail polish lover out there, it doesn't get much better then this.  From now until the end of July, butter LONDON is giving you the chance to enter their Year of Lacquer Giveaway in which you could stand to win a year's supply of nail lacquers!!  

 

Now, tell me that isn't an amazing kick start to your summer?!    

 

Giveaway ends 11:59 PT 7/30/14

 

If any of you lucky darlings are the superstar winner, please come back and share the deets of your glorious new prize!!

Review: Dear Clark Hair Care

 

 

 

 

Dear Clark is a high end hair care line from Texas, that I was fortunate to learn about at a past beautypress event. Created by founders Holly Dear and Kaycee Clark, the aroma therapy inspired line consists of the Resurrecting Wash, Resurrecting Rinse, Smoothing Elixir, Thickening Balm and Finishing Salve. All are handcrafted in Texas using Texas-grown ingredients. High performance natural elements in each product target stressed hair with using: Aloe Vera to moisturize, Sunflower Seed Oil to protect, and Rose of Jericho to rejuvenate.  

 

 

 

 

 After the event, I worked with samples of the Resurrecting Wash (shampoo) and Resurrecting Rinse (conditioner).  I got a "no nonsense" kind of impression from the packaging.  It was simple and modest, with very clear labeling about what each did and what they contained.  While I can appreciate some glam style packaging, sometimes it's the less flashy looking products that work the best.  I suppose that's why I should be so surprised that this pair did a really awesome job on nourishing my hair.    

 

 

 

 

 

Both of them had a very distinct scent.  I could detect the Rose of Jericho right away.  But the scent was soothing and was a nice bath time treat!  The consistency of both was pretty light and easy to rinse out.  The shampoo had a really good lather.  I used an amount the size of about 2-3 quarters (which may sound like a lot) but considering my hair is about halfway down my back now, it is actually not that much.       

 

 

 I liked the overall effect it had on my hair.  I didn't experience any buildup and my hair felt refreshed afterwards.  I have used aroma therapy products on my hair in the past and hated them.  Somehow they managed to dry out my hair, and cause it to become severely matted.  These were gentle and kept my hair soft.  I've even noticed a slightly glossier sheen. 

      

Line includes:

 

Dear Clark Resurrecting Wash (Price $22.00 Size 8.5 oz): Redemption for stressed hair. This soothing shampoo fragrantly revives and instantly hydrates all hair types, leaving color and keratin alone, to resurrect you and your hair. The first ingredient is Certified Organic Aloe Vera.

Dear Clark Resurrecting Rinse (Price $22.00 Size 8.5 oz): Salvation for stressed hair. This super effective, super hydrating conditioner is color safe and keratin safe to turn back time and let hair be born again. The first ingredient is Certified Organic Aloe Vera.

Dear Clark Smoothing Elixir (Price $24.00 Size 4.0 oz): Dear Clark Smoothing Elixir calms and controls willful tresses to smooth hair into submission to eliminate frizz and protect from humidity leading you down the true path to shine.

Dear Clark Thickening Balm (Price $24.00 Size 4.0 oz): Dear Clark Thickening Balm plumps, protects and shines each strand, so even the finest hair feels fuller and acts thicker than you ever thought it could, would or wanted to.

Dear Clark Finishing Salve (Price $24.00 Size 3.0 oz): Dear Clark Finishing Salve heals, seals, and saves your style to protect from heat and humidity.

Dear Clark Haircare is:
*Sulphate Free
*Paraben Free
*Cruelty Free*Gluten Free

 

 

dearclark is also the preferred haircare line on the set of  

TNT’s hit drama ‘Dallas’. Even celeb Emma Bell is a fan!

 

“my hair can go through the ringer with all the different looks used on the show. Using Dear Clark products has kept my hair healthy and happy. It’s incredibly important to me to support natural products as I’m a firm believer in less chemicals in beauty products. And I’m crazy about how good it smells.”- Emma Bell

 

 

Have you ever tried dearclark?  Are you interested in any of the products?