Review: VASANTI Cosmetics

 

I was dying to play around with these puppies from VASANTI Cosmetics from the second they arrived in my mailbox.  Vasanti is a well known Canadian cosmetics and skincare line that has recently launched here in the U.S., and is one you should watch for.

  

 

The packaging alone was fun and enough to get me excited.  Paying homage to it's name, which means “of spring” in Sanskrit, vibrant pink and orange swirls create the image of a flower, against a sleek silver background.  It's not uncommon for people to be swayed and by fancy packaging, only to be disappointed when the product turns out to be a dud, but not in this case.  Vasanti's sexy look was only a prelude to what was inside! 

 

 

I love a glowing, more natural look and Vasanti's Charmed Life Blush Duo and Love Brights Gel Matte Lipstick are ideal for achieving it.

Retail: $29.00

 

L-R: bottom shade, top shade, blended

 

 The Blush Duo is advertised as soft, blendable, tone-on-tone designed to add a natural looking pop of colour.  It is enriched with Vasanti's unique Flower Power Complex ™ that contains Lotus, Orchid and Evening Primrose with anti-oxidant and hydrating properties to help nourish your skin.  They also boast using pigments and soft sheens, without the use of heavy shimmers or sparkles (insert massive applause here).

 

If I had to dream up a perfect blush, this would be it.  There's so much to like about it.  Charmed Life is described as a "glowing nude flush".  One shade is a pinkish/beige, the other a more golden/beige.  Both are pretty worn either on their own, or blended for a more striking look.  No matter how I wore them, they simply enhanced my natural look, and kept me from appearing overdone. 
They're so beautifully pigmented, that a few swipes went a long way, especially on my fair complexion.  I wore them over a BB cream and they blended beautifully.  The darker beige turned out to work for contouring too.  The formula is so lightweight that if it wasn't for glimpsing myself in the mirror here and there, I'd have forgotten I was wearing any.  It gave smooth, even coverage that was easily buildable.  Considering how light the formula felt, I expected it to wear off by the end of the day, but nope!  The colour was as evident and glorious as it was when I left my apartment at 8am.       

 

Check out all five shades here 

 

Retail: $19.00

 

 

   The concept of a gel matte lipstick intrigued me and I started crushing pretty hard on Puppy Love .  It's described as a "true baby pink", and advertised as:

Beautiful. Bold. Long Lasting. Comfortable. Matte.

8 stunning shades developed to look beautiful on a wide range of skin tones.

Innovative formula with the perfect amount of moisture to keep lips comfortable while still offering long lasting color and a true matte appearance.

Unique bullet designed by Vasanti - sleek and functional, offering you beautiful, precise application.

Infused with luxury ingredients such as Cherry, Pomegranate and Evening Primrose oils. 

This lipstick advertised things that I'd normally be skeptical of, but I'm shocked to say it totally delivered.  The gellified oil complex created an ultra smooth, creamy texture that glided on surprisingly well.  It felt more like applying a soothing blam than a matte lipstick.  Unlike most matte lipsticks that dry my lips out almost instantly, this one maintained a silky feeling for a couple hours after application.  The formula is heavily pigmented and the color applies super vibrant.  By the end of the day, it had left behind a nice stain.  Even though the silkiness was gone, my lips seemed to be holding up well, whereas normally they would have been screaming for chap stick.  Something else I loved was the yummy, fruity fragrance, which I'm guessing is from the various oils.  It's certainly the first of its kind that I've experienced, and I can definitely see myself using it a lot in the future.   

Check out the other shades here 

    

 

What do you think?  Are you interested in trying VASANTI Cosmetics? 

Holiday Gift Guide for the Girly Girl

 

Earth Kiss  is the fabulous line of at home facials that I fell in love with at the SHE's Fit event, and mentioned them in an earlier post.  It's a line of 6 different face masks that cover a range of skin types, all energized with 85 plant micronutrients found in Himalayan Shilajit.  The fun part?  The brand is running an awesome giveaway from now through December 21, 2015, and all you have to do is click here to enter!  Holiday shopping made easy?  I would say so!    

 

   

 

Retail: $49.99

  

True fashionistas know that full, natural looking brows are on trend and can sometimes make or break your look.  Achieving them can be a serious challenge, especially when you don't have much to work with (like yours truly).  RAMY beauty therapy Brow Master Set  is designed to take care of that in one fell swoop!  The kit includes three different stencils to customize your brow shape, and the Arch Angel Color Transforming Brow Gel, which applies white and transforms into a universal neutral as you comb it through, creating your ideal look.  This is perfect gift for the girly girl who wants a fast, easy way to keep those brows on fleek!  

 

 

 

Retail: $250.00

 

I've been undoubtedly blessed throughout my life when it comes to my pearly whites.  No cavities, braces, fillings, nothing of the sort.  And while science and genes do play a huge part, one of my go- to products this year has been Dazzlepro's Elite Sonic Toothbrush. 

 

It advertises that at 40,000 brush strokes per minute, the Elite Sonic Toothbrush blasts away plaque while gently polishing your teeth for a whiter appearance.  The lab tested UV Sanitizing Charging Base kills germs and bacteria while keeping your brush charged for the next use. The 30 Second Area Change Alert and Two Minute Smart Auto Timer make it easy to meet the dentist recommended brushing time.

I've used electronic brushes in the past, but only on occasion so my gums were really sensitive to the strokes at first--  it tickled!  A recent trip to the dentist proved the brush has been successful for me.  My dentist actually admitted my teeth were incredibly clean, and I was in and out of his chair in less then 30 minutes.  This is the perfect gift for the health conscious girly girl who's always looking to better her smile! 

 

  

 

 

Retail: $24.00

 

 

 

I'm all about the functionality and practicality of products, and the RAMY  Perfect Eye Wand Liner & Shadow is ideal for the girly girl on the go.  The sleek, double sided silver wand comes with both a shadow and a liner to make life a whole lot easier.  I tried out the shadow in neutral taupe grey, and loved how easy it was to maneuver and get even coverage.  It went on smoothly with no dragging, and the formula is buildable so I was able to play around with the intensity.  To me, the color applied more like a metallic, olive/ silver.  The mahogany liner glided on as a rich, matte brown.  Even though I'm fair with red hair, I always insist on the blackest mascara and liner I can find.  I don't know why.  I just like the boldness I suppose- but surprisingly, I loved the more subtle effect of the brown.  Together they're the perfect smoky eye combo and can easily transition a conservative office look into a sultry smoky eye for happy hour!   

 

 

 

 

 How is your holiday shopping going?  Are you interested in any of these products??

 

 

 

 

FreeBeautyEvents December Giveaway

If you don't already know about Freebeautyevents.com then it's a good thing you're reading this.  The site is a great tool for all beauty lovers alike.  It helps keep you up to date with beauty happenings in your area and serves as an awesome way to snag some killer free samples. Yes- FREEE!!  Each month the site gives away a bundle chalk full of the industry's finest and this month's mouth watering goodies are calling your name.. so let's check them out!  

 

 

December's Beauty Basket Giveaway includes products from Dove, Rimmel, Burt's Bees, KISS, Sally Hansen Miracle Gel and more! The Contest runs from now through 12/31/15, and winters will be chosen on 1/10/2015 and notified by 1/15/2015.  Entering is simple!  Visit FreeBeautyEvents on Facebook (don't forget to like them!) or enter directly on their website. 

 

Besides the monthly giveaways, the site also offers great beauty advice and product reviews on their blog.  Like any of the products you read about?  Keep your eyes open for your chance to stock up!  Easy as 1-2-3, just enter your zip code into the site's search bar to find out which locations in your area might be handing out samples.  It's a helpful way to keep up to date with the beauty events happening in your town.    

   

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Do you read FBE?  Are you going to start?

Holiday 2015 Aurora collection from CND

Inspired by the Arctic tundra, the colors in CND's 2015 holiday Aurora collection are so different then any other and I'm soo obsessed with it.  Instead of your traditional reds and gold shimmers, the Aurora collection boasts four sexy new shades like Nordic Light, Winter Glow, Glacial Mist and Tundra.

 

 Retail: $10.50

 Glacial Mist

Glacial Mist is a beautiful sparkling, glittery teal.  The glitter is very evident and eye catching, and is easily removed.  You definitely don't have to worry about soaking this one off.  I like this because even though the glitter is evident in the polish, you still see a nice color pay off, which gives it a really cool dimension. 

Winter Glow

I can't get enough of this color.  I love pinks and neutrals, and this is the perfect combo.  It's very soft and natural looking.  

  Nordic Lights

I'd say this is the shade I'll probably wear the least often, but again, I love that the color pay off is good despite the prominent amount of glitter.  This is probably the closest to the more traditional holiday colors and will be great for holiday parties.  It's a bold purple/ reddish mix, which also makes it ideal for fall.      

 

Tundra

Tundra is a gorgeous metallic, silky looking pink.  This shade is my absolute favorite and I see myself wearing it all year round. It's chic and classy and great for any look, whether it's breezy and casual or a fancy holiday party.  I also like it because it's one of those shades that make your nails appear longer then they are!

Featured Benefits: 

CND® VINYLUX® Weekly Polish is a breakthrough system that endures a week of fashion perfection; two-step application for perfect color that lasts; Color Coat with built in base coat; increased durability with natural light; dries in minutes and provides 7-day, chip resistant wear; “5-Free” – no formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin or camphor

 Availability: 

CND Salon Locator

Loxabeauty, 

 ULTA

What do you think of the colors?  Are you planning to rock any this season? 

Holiday Gift Guide for the Fitness Junkie

I'm always on the prowl for new workouts and am totally guilty of obsessing over the latest fitness gear.  So this season, after attending the recent She's Beautiful She's Fit event and experiencing some awesome new studios, I thought it'd be fun to put together some of my favorites to help you shop for the fitness junkie on your list.   Let's take a look!

 

Tritan Flavor Infused

Retail: $9.99

It might sound strange but lately I've had a hard time finding a reliable water bottle to take along on my workouts.  But, this stylish little number from Rove new Diamond Collections is a definite game changer and is great for several reasons.  1. Inside is a flavor infuser which allows you to add a lil something to your water.  A lot of people don't like the taste of plain water and this makes it easy to add in some fresh lemon slices, cucumber, whatever moves you!  The slices stay put in the infuser and only the juices are released into the water.  2.  It snaps shut to prevent leaks, thus reliving you of pulling a potentially half soaked tank out of your gym bag, right before spin class.  But what I like best is that the mouthpiece is it is hard plastic- NOT rubber.  Meaning, I don't have to worry about water getting trapped inside the nozzle and creating nasty mold.  I've had to toss two bottles because of that in the last 3 months alone *tear*. 

 

 

Acumobility Ball

Retail: $24.95

The Acumobility Ball is described as the go to ball for trigger point release and stability exercises and is firm enough for most deep pressure release.  This aims to result in an enhanced length, greater power, improved performance, and less injuries.  It's a great tool for any gym rat looking to amp up their workout, or .  I like them because they're small and easy to store around the house, and light enough to toss in your gym bag and take with you.  There is a sale happening now if you decide to buy two!  The number used are dependent on the type of movement one wants to do.

My Custom Yoga Mat

Retail: $45.00

 

My Custom Yoga Mat is perfect for the yogi lover in your life.  It's a fun way to get creative and a add a personal touch!  You select the mat color, thread color, font style and then personalize it with a name, monogram, initial, inspirational word, nickname, special date-- the sky's the limit!  I own a purple one with my name scrawled in hot pink (duh) and at least one person in every class always takes notice.  The mats are great quality too- very soft and decent thickness.  The site also sells customized pet mats, place mats, bags, etc.- definitely worth browsing for the holidays.

 

Founded by Celebrity Trainer and Bestselling Author, Alycea Ungaro, Real Pilates is the largest studio in NYC dedicated exclusively to the Pilates method and recently debuted its new SoHo location.  The studios feature top of the line equipment including: Reformers, Cadillacs, Wunda Chairs and Towers to name a few.  Classes are offered on a rotating circuit basis so you can get a full body workout over the course of each week, and I was fortunate enough to try one out!  

I'm addicted to mat Pilates and was totally psyched because this would be my first time using the apparatuses.  I attended a private Spring TONE class led by Jordan, where we performed sets of threes, and incorporated the springs/ pulley into various combinations for added resistance.  I was shocked to see how much cardio was involved.  Jordan was super nice, and made sure we kept powering through!  By the end, I was breathing heavy and sweating bullets.  A single group class runs you about $32.00 and is a fab gift idea for the Pilates lover looking to amp up his/her game and seeking a new challenge!  If you're getting tempted reading this, you should know the first class is free when used before December 31, 2015.  Happy sweating! :)

 

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals

Happy Thanksgiving all!  I hope everyone is having a great day and enjoying all the food :) Make sure you take advantage of these amazing Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals on everything from makeup to workout gear! Some have already started and you don't want to miss out!

 Macadamia Professional 

 Starting on Black Friday until Cyber Monday, Macadamia Professional will be 40% off site wide with the promo code HOLIDAY40. Be sure to stock up on your essential haircare favorites or check out their holiday sets for quick and easy gifts! Check out everything 

Eve Pearl Beauty Brands up to 60% Off

Promo code: BPTY2U  happening NOW!

Cabana Anna Swimwear 

Get a free pair of Cabana Anna heart shaped sunnies FREE with every order!

AVON 

-Today and Black Friday, receive free shipping plus 20% off purchases of $40 or more, and a train case of travel-sized items with purchases of $65 or more using the code BLACKFRIDAY.

- Saturday, November 28th and Sunday, November 29th, receive free shipping plus 20% off your purchase of $40 or more, and a Merry Makeup Gift Set with purchases of $60 or more using the code GIFTSET.

- Cyber Monday and Tuesday, receive free shipping plus 20% off your purchase of $40 or more, and a tote filled with top-rated products with purchases of $65 or more with code CYBER2015.

MPG

MPG's fashion-forward men's and women's clothes and accessories range from the perfect stocking stuffer, the Flash Compression Sock to our on-trend, functional Puffy Tote as well as techno fabric tops, bottoms and super warm jackets and parkas. MPG shoppers will enjoy an entire weekend of Black Friday deals (November 27-29). Cyber Monday will feature a flash sale on selected items. From December 4-13, a different men's and women's item from the list below will be highlighted at a discounted price for a period of 24 hours only. 

BeautyBox5 November Reveal

Hello, dolls, and happy almost Thanksgiving!!  The days leading up to a holiday are always hectic and that's exactly why I wanted to take a time out and indulge in my latest BeautyBox5 goodies!  For the newcomers out there, BeautyBox5 is a monthly subscription that selects five industry favorites and delivers them straight to your door.  There are various subscription options available but my lucky self receives a complimentary box each month in exchange for my thoughts :) 

Let's take a look!

This month's theme reminds beauty addicts that even "Your basics never have to be boring!"

 La Fresh 

Retail: $40.00

Greet your morning with a little extra pep in your step when you smooth on this hardworking moisturizer that'll perk up your complexion!

Facial Mask 

Retail: $14.95

Give your make some time off and save face with this luxe sheet mask.  You'll be glowing in no time. 

Eye Gel Pads (Set of 2) 

Retail: $20.00

Everyday under eye circles; get outta here!  Pop these on to soothe puffiness, fine lines, and tired skin in just 30 minutes. 

MOODmatcher Luxe Twist Stick

Retail: $8.00

Custom color please!  This shade changing cutie reacts with your lips to create a one-of- a- kind hue that lasts all day!

The All Natural Face Vegan Matte Cream Lip & Cheek Color in Dusty Rose

Retail: $5.75 

Do double- duty and give your cheeks and lips a flirty flush with this buidlable, all natural pigment that fits in your smallest clutch!

Overall, I enjoyed this month's box.  There were three full size products, and the other samples are perfect for upcoming holiday travel plans and parties.  The lip color is brand new to me and I'm excited to try it out.  And I'm definitely looking forward to using my Kaunis face mask for some good ol' fashioned r&r to destress after the holidays!

Do you receive a monthly beauty box?  Are you interested in BB5?

New Release: narciso rodriguez for her l'absolu

 

It was impossible not to fall in love with narciso rodiguez's latest fragrance; for her l'absolu .  Released earlier this month, it is a sexy relaunch of the 2003's For Her, and I'm obsessed with everything about it.

Inspired by Chinese snuff bottles, the bottle is painted from the inside with one of the brand's first signature colors; deep aubergine, with soft pink lettering across the front.  It has an eye catching uniqueness that sets it apart from others on my vanity and I can't stop admiring it. 

Designed to capture a more powerful intensity without being overpowering, the scent celebrates a woman's strength and her vulnerability with logic and beauty in an addictive composition that's both timeless and timely.

Composed of notes like absolute of Jasmin, a voluptuous floral transforms the signature heart of music in an intoxicating olfactive composition.  Soft amber notes and smooth woodsy notes of sandalwood and patchouli add a rich depth.

  

It's an addictive, mature scent that exudes sophistication.  While I have worn it to the office, it's ideal for date nights or luxurious evenings out.  It lingers on the skin and remains just evident enough to make you crave more.  Nothing completes a look better then a little mystery and allure.

I think the die down is my favorite part because it falls into a sweet vanilla.  And I loved that even after a shower, I could still detect light traces of it.  Ultimately, such a gorgeous scent and if I didn't already own it, I'd be adding it to my Christmas list.    

Retail:

$123.00 3.3 oz. Eau de Parfum Spray

$96.00 1.6 oz. Eau de Parfum Spray

Available: 

Fine retail stores nationwide 

Holiday Gift Guide for the Beauty Addict

Tis' the season!  The holidays are will be here before you know it, and this year I'm doing my best to get a jump on my shopping.. (kind of).  But none the less, I've put together a list of industry favorites sure to satisfy the beauty addicts on your list this year!

Airplus Ball- of- Foot gel forefoot cushions

Retail: $5.49

Ball-of-Foot Cushions are great stocking stuffers that any heel lovin gal will appreciate.  They're made with Invisigel to provide superior shock absorption, long-lasting comfort, and relief of foot pain. The nice part about them is the clear colored gel makes it easy for your to wear them with open-toed pumps or a sexy pair of strappies without anyone noticing.  Perfect for day to day wear around the office and straight into happy hour.. without even blinking!

 Carmex Limited Edition 

Retail: $1.59- $4.29

These fantabulous babies are only available while supplies last, so I highly recommend you get on this!  Carmex  (my all time favorite lippie), has released a limited edition duo including its Original balm along with a brand new flavor; Winter Mint.  It smells as good as it sounds and is super festive for the holidays!  The special BOGO offer is a great way to stock up for the season, and try out the brand's best seller.  Also, the brand is always sharing special offers  

 

Z Palette

Retail: $20.00 (Large)

Every makeup hoarder knows storage is always an issue.  There's nothing like fishing around in your organizer for that bronzer that you KNOW was in there yesterday.. wasn't it?  Enter Z Palette.  This eco-friendly, card board buddy lets you store as many eye shadows, bronzers, blushers etc. as your little heart desires, all in one place.  Using the de-potting technique to pop your makeup out of its original compact, you then attach a magnet to its bottom and place it into the Z Palette.  This is a superb gift idea for the makeup junkie looking to save space, and awesome for those who travel. Each palette comes equipped with metal stickers and are available in a slew of sassy shades.                 

 

Earth Kiss Pore Cleanse

Retail:$2.99

We all have someone on our list that deserves a little pampering and healthy R&R.  I learned about Earth Kiss at the recent SHE's Fit event, and I've been addicted ever since.  Earth Kiss contains 6 face masks for a range of skin types, all energized with 85 plant micronutrients found in Himalayan Shilajit.  The Detox Mud  made my skin feel so clean and refreshed, and the .59 oz. packet goes a long way.  They're super affordable and serve as an easy, effective at home spa treatment.  So grab one of each and give all your besties the gift of de-stressing after the holidays!

 

  lauren b. Beauty Nail & Cuticle Balm

Retail: $30.00 

 

lauren b.'s Nail & Cuticle Balm is a definite must have for the nail addict on your list.  This luxe, rich hydrator uses amino acid complex and biotin to restore parched, straggly cuticles to their prime.  Made with sweet almond oil and mango it smells absolutely delicious!  It comes in a convenient click pen and is perfect for the girl on the go.  She can toss it in her purse and dab it on whenever she needs.  EZ as 1-2-3!     

Have you started your holiday shopping yet?  Are you considering nay of the items above?

FreeBeautyEvents November Giveaway

Many of you out there already know about my addiction to Freebeautyevents.com.  It's one of my favorite beauty websites because it's an awesome resource and a great way to snag some killer free samples. Yes- FREEE!!  Each month the site gives away a bundle chalk full of the industry's latest must haves, and this month's is mouth watering goodies could be all yours...

 

November's Beauty Basket Giveaway includes products from Vaseline, KISS, Essie, Nexxus, Simple Skincare, Milani Cosmetics and more! The Contest runs from now through 11/30/15 and winners will be chosen on 12/5/2015 and notified by 12/15/2015. Entering is simple!  Visit FreeBeautyEvents on Facebook (don't forget to like them!) or enter directly on their website. 

Besides the monthly giveaways, the site also offers great beauty advice and product reviews on their blog.  Like any of the products you read about?  Keep your eyes open for your chance to stock up!  Easy as 1-2-3, just enter your zip code into the site's search bar to find out which locations in your area might be handing out samples.  It's a helpful way to keep up to date with the beauty events happening in your town.    

  

 

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