New Fall Frargances by Narciso Rodriguez & Alaïa

 

Retail: $150.00

3.3 fl oz. 

 "But this is an Alaïa!" I kept thinking as I oogled the much anticipated debut fragrance from fashion designer, Azzedine Alaïa: Alaïa Paris Eau de parfum.  Inspired by childhood memories in Tunisia and described as "the smell of cold water falling on hot chalk".  Sound alluring?  It is.  

Created under license with Beauté Prestige International, the truly unique blend of warm v. cool notes is unlike any other.  The scent is floral, spicy, and feminine and mysterious all rolled into one.  It starts out bold with crisp, airy notes and pink pepper.  Then softens into the sweetness of freesia and peony at the middle.  The base becomes more raw with musk and "animalistic" type notes.  It's addictive and keeps you craving more.  The scent is so perfect that I would never have known this was designer's very first fragrance.  Alaïa managed to develop a scent that embodies the traits of a strong but sensual and sophisticated woman without even breaking a sweat.  

"I dreamed of it like an archeologist dreams of sculptures from antiquity lying at the bottom of the sea for millennia, sculptures of perfect bodies, matched only by the women of today – an ideal and timeless beauty"- Azzedine Alaïa

 

Its luxurious bottle is just as stunning.  Designed by renowned furniture designer Martin Szekely, the heavy black glass bottle portrays a leather like appearance, with its name in gold lettering across the front.  The eye catching gold metal topper mimics that of a delicately spun spool of thread.  Absolute perfection and I know I'll wear this one for years to come.   

  

Retail: $98.00

3.0 oz 

Also newly released is NARCISO eau de toilette.  Described as a new chapter in the story of alchemy of attractive and the art of seduction begun with NARCISO Eau De Parfum.  

The eau de toilette interprets a new facet of femininity with a vivid magnetism; capturing the ineffable nature of attraction precisely embodied by the new close-up portrait of Raquel Zimmerman. In this new image, the top model is mesmerizing as her unwavering gaze sends a powerful invitation that reflects the addictive, seductive nature of NARCISO eau de toilette.  

Bright top notes of white peony meld with Bulgarian rose to compose a heady white floral bouquet that transforms the signature musc into a crystalline yet sensual heart. Enhanced by voluptuous woody accords - black and white cedars and a most elegant vetiver - the eau de toilette is hypnotizing.  

 While NARCISO eau de parfum and eau de toilette naturally share the same graphic codes, a palette reversal highlights their differences. Also a transparent glass cube, the sculptural bottle now reveals a soft sculpted half-oval suspended within, a rich black almost heart-like shape that echoes the purely provocative image of Raquel Zimmerman. The name of the fragrance remains a simple logo now in pure white. Adding yet another element of mystique, the signature rectangular top is transparent, as a tribute to the crystalline signature musc.   Today, NARCISO eau de toilette celebrates a new facet of seductive femininity with an irresistible olfactory composition beautifully embodied by the hypnotizing new portrait of Raquel Zimmerman.

 

Have you tried either of these fragrances?  Do you have a fall favorite?

 

MyCarmex Launches “Straight From Your Lips” Campaign

I've always said I never go anywhere without my lip balm.  And last year I discovered the be all end to the ultimate lip balm: Carmex .  If you haven't tried it yet, you should- and now is the perfect time!

Carma Laboratories, Inc., the manufacturer of Carmex^® lip balms and Carmex^® Cold Sore Treatment  products, is pleased to announce the launch of the MyCarmex.com “Straight From Your Lips” campaign. The campaign’s objective is to introduce the new MyCarmex.com “Reviews” feature which gives consumers the ability to leave product reviews in exchange for a chance to win Carmex^® products, cash prizes, and branded merchandise.

The Carmex “Straight From Your Lips” campaign launched on September 1 to promote the importance of consumer reviews. From September 1 - October 13, 2015, each time a consumer writes a product review they will be entered for a chance to win weekly prizes of either a $100 gift card to a popular retailer, or cool Carmex^® gear. Six winners will be randomly selected each week.² This exciting promotion is available by visiting here.

While the current campaign will end after six weeks, the reviews feature will remain permanently on the product pages so that loyal Carmex users and new visitors to the site will always have an opportunity to leave product reviews. 

Additionally, the site will offer a variety of coupons and offers throughout the year. Current offers of $.25 - $3.00 off a range of Carmex^® products are available, and users can access printable coupons by visiting here.  You can also sign up for the Carmex^® Newsletter to receive email updates on these special offers.

“Our goal for the MyCarmex.com ‘Straight From Your Lips’ campaign and 'Reviews’ feature is to convey to our consumers that their opinions are extremely valuable to us,” stated Jona Mancuso, Marketing Director for the Carmex^® brand. “We want to make it easy for them to share their thoughts and product experiences with us, and we hope that the newly redesigned MyCarmex.com website will serve as a useful tool for consumers looking to learn more about the products.”  With this new campaign, Carmex^® consumers have the power to have their opinions heard.

Have you tried Carmex?  What did you think?

Fall Favorite: Jane Iredale Ready to Wear Fall 2015 Collection

 

 The new Jane Iredale Ready to Wear Fall 2015 collection is a total must have for this season.  Aside from the sleek gold packaging, the colors are totally gorgeous.

The collection comes complete with everything you need to let you transition into fall without batting an eye.  There are seven new shades of PlayOn Lip Crayons, four new shades of PurePressed Eye Shadow Singles, a Facial Primer & Brightener and the PureLash Lengthening Mascara.  

Let's take a look!

  

(L-R) 

Forest: matte deep green

Mermaid: shimmery sea foam 

Retail: $ 19.00

 

 (L-R) 

Iris: matte cool violet 

Steamy: shimmery pink copper

The beauty of these is their versatility.  They're mineral based pressed powder that can be worn wet or dry, and on lips or cheeks as a stain.  The colors are bold and fierce and nicely pigmented for long wearability. Steamy is my favorite because the copper tones look great against blue eyes.  

Retail: $24.00

You can't achieve a truly fierce look without a killer mascara and PureLash Lengthening Mascara comes with a unique double sided brush designed to create fuller looking lashes.  For me, mascara is the one beauty item I can't live without and I can't resist applying coat after coat.  Sometimes I feel a little guilty and say a prayer my poor lashes can handle it.  What I like about this mascara is the formula is free of lacquers, shellac and petroleum- based ingredients.   Instead, it contains elements like Panthenol to condition lashes and is made with a propriety blend of Seaweed lipids and Wheat Protein that are supposed to help thicken, curl and strengthen.      

 

 Retail: $48.00 

 

The new Smooth Affair for Oil Skin Facial Primer & Brightener has all the makings of a super star.  It has all the same benefits of its predecessor, but now in a version for oily skin.  Its advertised as one that fights blemishes and clogged pores, reduces shine and appearance of pores, and most importantly, adjusts to your skin to create a smooth, matte finish for make up application.  

 

 (L-R)

Retail: $18.00

Charming- a creamy bubblegum pink

Naughty- creamy brick red

Luscious- creamy rose brown

Blissful- shimmering sheer nude

Yummy- creamy sheer peach

Hot- creamy pink red

Saucy- creamy hot coral   

All of the colors are gorgeous and I've already received compliments while wearing Blissful and Charming.  I'm psyched to start wearing Luscious and Naughty- two of my favorites!  They glide on pretty smooth without dragging- which is usually my biggest beef with lip crayons- but these are easy to control and have great pigmentation.   Overall, I'm in love with this collection and it's functionality. It's a definite win for transitioning your look into fall!

Have you updated you makeup bag for the new season?  Are you interested in the Jane Iredale collection?

 

BeautyBox5: September Reveal

 

 

 

Happy almost fall!! I'm so excited for the weather to cool down and the chance to bust out my flat iron.   Just in case you don't feel quite ready for the change in season, Beauty Box 5 has your back.  For the newbies out there, BeautyBox5 is a monthly subscription that selects five beauty industry favorites and delivers them straight to your door.  There are various subscription options to chose from, but my lucky self receives a complimentary box each month in exchange for my thoughts :) So lets check 'em out!

This month's theme: Fall on Fleek! 

 

"Don't let the September issue intimidate you!  Even the most daunting trends can be worn by the everyday girl with a little practice, fearlessness and flawlessness n fashion and makeup alike, it's all about being adventurous while stating true to hue.  Smolder out of summer colors into metallic eyes and rosy cheeks and give supermodels a run(way) for their money"- BB5 

  Beautiful Nutrition Lemon Rinse Gentle Clarifying Treatment 

Retail: $10.00 13.3 oz.

 A capful of this restoring remedy root to tip after washing, is supposed to leave your hair shiny and weightless.  Plus it's citrus scent smells delish! 

  

 

 Harvey Prince Sincerely Mini Roller

Retail: $21.00 

This herbaceous blend of cedarwood, freesia and orange flowers is smells absolutely amazing.  It's sweet and floral but the cedarwood gives it a really nice musky twist.  I think this is my favorite fragrance out of all the ones I've received from BB5.  Love this one.  

 

  Elizabeth Mott Tints & Sass Lip & Cheek Stain

Retail: $22.99 .035 oz.

A glossy, lightweight stain to help create a soft glow.  It has an easy to control, doefoot applicator to let you just swipe the color on either your lips, cheeks or both!

 

 

Bellapierre Shimmer Powder in Snowflake

Retail: $19.99

I can never have too many highlighters.  This is a white shimmer that has worked well for under my brows or at the inner corner of my eye.    

 

Be a Bombshell Cosmetics Eye Crayon in Well Played

Retail: $14.00

I'm a lover of anything gold, especially eye shadows.  Colors like these make blue eyes really pop and they're also perfect for the upcoming holidays. 

 

  

Overall I thought this month's box was pretty good!  I see myself using almost all of the products and it was nice that three of them were full size.

Do you receive any beauty box subscriptions? Are you interested in BeautyBox5?

New Release: CND VINYLUX® Weekly Polish FALL 2015 Contradictions Collection

As much fun as summer was, I'm so ready for fall.  Bring on the flat irons and those delicious new polish shades!

CND has released its VINYLUX® Weekly Polish Contradictions Collection for fall and I'm already itching to start rocking every color.  Described as a collection where "textures and tones collide for an unexpected elegance: leather and lace, street and chic, metal and pearl" it's a diverse range of fresh 

"This season's trends celebrate an unexpected clash between gritty street elements and elegant details for a dynamic combination of glamour and grunge" says CND Co- founder and Style Director Jan Arnold.  "Nails evoke an edgy narrative with blackened pigments and heraldic ornaments.  Enhanced almonds in purple and red are deepened and oxidated with smoked pearl and steel finishes".   

 

Tartan Punk is a classy pop of red with some subtle gold shimmers.  I love shade this because it'll be great for the holidays and all the parties!

 

Poison Plum is a deep, purplish/ burgundy with some sexy glitter flecks.  The glitter is more subtle because the flecks are the same color as the polish.  To me, this just screams fall.  It's perfect for nights out when you want to glam up your look without looking over done.  

 

 

 

Peacock Plume took me by surprise.  I didn't think I would like it as much as I do!  It's a vibrant, aqua blue with blue shimmers.  I usually shy away from pops of color in the fall, but this one is dark enough that it works.  

Safety Pin is an edgy, silver metallic.  I'm not really into the super sparkly shades, so for me this is more of an accent nail type of color.  But if you love the bling-bling, this one has your name on it!

 

 Naked Naiveté is one of my favorites from the collection.  I love soft neutrals, especially pink shades like this one.  It will look really beautiful against my winter whites!

 

Grommet is a pretty blue/ silver mixture.  It isn't my favorite shade, but it's unique because it's casual and elegant at the same time.

Couture Covet is a fun new shade for me because I don't have anything like it.  It's a dark teal and I like it because it's pretty versatile.  It's chic enough for the office but also adds a little funk to casual jeans and a tee.

Retail: $10.50

Available:

ulta.com

BENEFITS: VINYLUX® Weekly Polish system includes a self-adhering Color Coat that eliminates the need for Base Coat; Top Coat becomes more durable with exposure to natural light; dries in just 8.5 minutes and provides week-long chip-free wear.

Have you revamped your collections for fall?  What do you think of CND's new release?

FreeBeautyEvents:September Giveaway

Summer's winding down and it's got everyone a little cranky.. but have no fear, FreeBeautyEvents is here!  For those who don't know, FreeBeautyEvents is an awesome beauty resource and a great way to snag some killer free samples. Each month the site gives away an amazing beauty bundle chalk full of the latest haves, and I must admit this month's basket is pretty sweet.  

This month's Beauty Basket Giveaway includes products from Revlon, Olay, Biore, Neutrogena, CoverGirl, Simple Skincare, Vaseline, Milani Cosmetics and more! The Contest runs from now through 9/30/15, winners will be chosen on 10/5/2015 and notified by 10/15/2015. Entering is easy peezy.  You can do so directly on their website or head over to their Facebook page (don't forget to like them!)  

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.    

  

Get more on FreeBeautyEvents.com:

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Courtney Allegra Swim

 

 Last call for all beach goers!  This weekend is the summer's last hurrah and that means yours truly will be found livin it up on the sand with a cocktail in her hand.. and lookin stylish of course!

Courtney Allegra Swim is a trendy line that offers everything from modern metallics, luscious patterns, and go-to solids.  The fun part is you even have the option to mix tops with bottoms to customize your look so you will always stand out! (No one's gonna steal this girl's look! ;)  

Created by 18- year old fashion maven and stylist super star Courtney Allegra, each design is inspired by exotic locations around the world.  

 

 

Retail: $58.00

PR sent me this gorgeous sample to try, but since it wasn't my size, I sadly can't attest to what it wears like.  But I can confirm it's ridiculously sexy.  The top is the South Africa style in Bronzer; a bold, brownish metallic shade with eye catching copper highlights. 

 

I love the gold CA embellishment on the front because it's the perfect bling detail every beach look should have.

 But without a doubt, the three straps across the back are my favorite part.  They give it a sexy, beach kitten kind of feel and I definitely don't own another suit like it.    

  

Retail: $56.00

The bottoms are ideal for all the bootylicious girls out there!  They are Cape Town style in Bronzer (*update* these seem to no longer be available) and are advertised as having medium coverage and "cheeky".  The ruching up the back adds some dimension and if you've been werkin it out all summer, these are the perfect bottoms to show it off!

Happy weekend all and savor these last days of summer in style!

Available at: 

Courtney Allegra.com