Eyeliner is one of the trickiest cosmetics to master. It’s also the one piece of makeup that will intimidate novices and masters alike.  All it takes is one wrong move to mess you up and force you to start from scratch. The real trick to eyeliner success is all in the hand(which comes with practice)…and a great eyeliner. Lo and behold, I found five fabulous eyeliners that are easy to use and fun to wear. Check them out below!

1- Too Faced Lava Gloss Eyeliner in extreme black gloss $16.50 at Beauty.com

I’m not a fan of most pencil eyeliner but Too Faced Lava Gloss is so soft and easy to use. It’s not the kind of liner that will cause you to tug on your eyelids during the application, it’s the kind of liner that goes on smooth.  I love it but there is one small caveat, its real easy to smudge. While I realize that this is actually a plus, for me it makes it a little easier to mess everything up.

Hot Beauty Tip: don’t draw the liner on your eyes, instead you should create small dots right above your lash line and then blend it with an eyeliner brush.

2- Tokidoki Perfetto Eyeliner $16.00 at Sephora

What looks like a cute little artsy pen is actually a waterproof liquid eyeliner. Tokidoki Perfetto Eyeliner features a perfectly pointed tip that only makes the application process more precise and virtually fool-proof. It also comes in a wide array of fun colors like Rodine Love(white), Donutella, (medium pink), SANDy(dark green), Ciao Ciao(periwinkle), Carina(eggplant), Sabochan(black), Arlecchino(dark blue), and the exclusive Captain Banana(rich chocolate).

Hot Beauty Tip: Here are three eyeliner tips from  Sephora:

-Thin: use the point of the tip for a slender, exact line

-Medium: hold pen at a slight angle to create a bold, thicker line

-Heavy:hold the pen horizontally and color over the eyelid area for an eyeshadow like coverage.

3- L’Oreal HiP Studio Secrets Professional Kohl Eyeliner($6.60 at eCrater)

This eyeliner is a little different than anything else I have tried before but I can’t really categorize it. It’s not liquid, it’s not pencil, it’s not even a cake eyeliner but it works great. Unlike a lot of liners, this features loose kohl to create an iridescent shimmer.  It comes in a small plastic container and features a slightly pointed applicator. L’Oreal HiP Studio Secrets Professional Kohl Eyeliner comes in six amazing shades including Black Kohl, Brown Kohl, Gold Kohl, Burgundy Kohl, Teal Kohl, and Navy Kohl.

Hot Beauty Tip: Apply the black or brown kohl eyeliner as usual on your upper and lower lines, and apply the gold kohl liner in the inner-rim to open up your eyes.

4- Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Liner($18.00 at Sephora)

Love glitter? Paint yourself pretty with Urban Decay’s glitter liner. This liner is a mix of glam and punk rocker- it’s the perfect choice for the nights(or days) you want to really stand out! It also comes in a variety of fun colors like Air Guitar(blue), Baked(gold bronze glitter), Catfight(bright pink), Distortion(opalescent pearl), Glam Rock(silver), Groupie(pale pink), Metalhead(dark purple), Midnight Cowboy(beige), Mullet(green), Spandex(pewter), and Stagedive(bright turquoise).

Hot Beauty Tip: Electrify your look by applying an ultra-thin line on your upper eyelid starting at your inner-corner then taking it just past the outer-corner to create a line that goes just past the corner of your eye to create the cat-eye effect. Then apply another thin line on your waterline.

5- Bobbi Brown Ink Liner($24.00 at Bobbi Brown)

Have you tried Bobbi Brown’s latest eyeliner?  It’s an awesome product that’s essentially just a liquid liner in a pen. The amazing thing about this one is that it features a soft felt tip applicator which makes it go on smoothly. The only downside to this product? It comes in one color: Really Black.  I’m hoping that Bobbi will create a collection of Ink Liners in more colors like gold, brown, and blue.

Hot Beauty Tip: Take the eyeliner pen and press it gently on your upper eyelid starting at the inner-corner and glide it over to the outer-corner. Repeat that step to create a thicker line, then take an flat liner brush and gently smudge it to meet your eyeshadow, apply mascara, and you’re done!

I’m probably getting a little too old for this, but I must confess that I still love cosmetics that feature a little shimmer. Maybe this, along with my affinity for all things Hello Kitty and Spongebob Squarepants, is just another another excuse for me to delay the process of growing up. Whatever the reason is, I’m going to continue wearing shimmery and (slightly) glittery products for at least a few more years.

One product that recently caught my eye is the new e.l.f. Studio Shimmer Sheets. Each pack contains twenty shimmery sheets that you can gently press over your eyelids, cheekbones, decollete, arms, legs, wherever! You’ll get a little bit of shimmery color that’s perfect for day or night- and it won’t make you look like you’re trying to hard to recapture your youth. The sheets come in four shades, check them out below.

Each shimmer sheet package retails for $3.00 a pop- so pick your favorite shade today and click the link below to shop.

* indicates an affiliate link

Dry lips are never chic. Soften up your pout with Maybelline Baby Lips. It’s a luxurious moisturizing lip balm with a hint of color, SPF 20, and hydrating formula that lasts for eight hours. I think the best thing about this lip balm is that long-term use of this visibly renew your lips.

The lip balm comes in six different shades varying from clear to pale peach- you can check out the entire color chart below.

 

You can purchase Maybelline Baby Lips balm for just $2.97 at Walmart.

Welcome to another roundup of drugstore beauty deals from Walgreens, CVS/Pharmacy, and Rite Aid! The sale prices and special offers mentioned below are good from Sunday February 12(today) through February 18(Saturday). The prices mentioned below were obtained from local ads and may vary depending on where you live. Please double compare your local ad inserts with the ads mentioned below before you head to your local drugstore. You can find your ads on the following websites

Walgreens CVS/Pharmacy Rite Aid

Here are a few things to keep in mind. Many of these deals will require a savings card(like CVS and Rite Aid). Signing up for these cards are free and easy so if you haven’ already signed up for one, I’d suggest you do that now. Some of these deals will require a coupon and I will note that. The only way to obtain these is by having a copy of the insert and cut out the coupon from it. If you don’t have such ads, you can ask your friends for spare copies.

Walgreens

Buy 1 get 1 50% off Maybelline eye cosmetics

Buy 1 get 1 FREE Conair hair styling tools & accessories

Save 20% off Olay moisturizers

L’Oreal Feria or Preference hair color kits just $7.99 each

Sinful nail lacquers just $0.99 each

Earn $5.00 in Register Rewards with purchase of Dark & Lovely or Soft Sheen Optimum Care hair relaxing products

Buy 1 get 1 50% off Motions hair relaxing kits, Vaseline moisturizers, and Dove hair care products

Buy 1 get 1 50% off Cover Girl foundations, concealers, powders, blushes, and eye cosmetics

Buy 1 get 1 50% L’Oreal cosmetics

Buy 1 get 1 50% off Revlon foundations, concealers, powders, blushes, and lip cosmetics

Buy 1 get 1 50% off Almay cosmetics

Buy 1 get 1 50% off Gold Bond, Clean & Clear, or RoC skin care products

Buy 1 get 1 50% off John Frieda hair care products

Buy 1 get 1 FREE Finesse, Salon Grafix, Renpure, and FX hair care products

Save 20% off select Aveeno skin care products & earn $2.00 in Register Rewards

Buy 1 get 1 50% off select Olay and Secret skin care products

*Coupon for $10 off Crest 3D Whitestrips(14 to 56 pck)

Save $10 off Crest 3D Whitestrips(8 to 40 pck)

Save 25% off select Nivea skin and lip care products & earn $1.50 in Register Rewards

Earn $3.00 in Register Rewards with purchase of select Venus razor system and cartridges

Save 20% off select Walgreens brand skin care products

CVS/Pharmacy

Buy 1 get 1 50% off all Revlon cosmetics and beauty tools

Buy 1 get 1 50% off select designer fragrances for women and men

Buy 1 get 1 50% off select body sprays and fragrances for women and men

Earn $5.00 Extra Care Bucks(ECB) with $50 or more spent on beauty products

Buy 1 get 1 50% off all Almay cosmetics

Buy 2 Revlon Colorsilk hair care products for $6.00 & earn $1.00 ECB

Buy Olay Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System for just $29.99

Select Olay Regenerist, Facial Care, Total Effects Tone, or UV Moisturizing skin care products just $20.99

Earn $5.00 in ECB with purchase of select L’Oreal skin care products

Earn $3.00 in ECB with purchase of select Olay Regenerist products

Buy 1 get 1 50% off select Olay skin care and anti-aging products

Earn $5.00 in ECB with the purchase of 2 LOreal lip products

Earn $5.00 in ECB with the purchase of 2 CoverGirl Naturalluxe skincare products

Buy 1 get 1 50% off all Trim beauty tools

Buy 1 get 1 50% off all Physicians Formula cosmetics

Earn $5.00 in ECB with purchase of $15 or more of John Frieda hair care products

Earn $3.00 in ECB with purchase of select Nivea skin care products

Buy 1 get 1 50% off select Aveeno products

Buy 1 get 1 50% off all Cetaphil skin care products

Buy 1 Vaseline lotion(20.3 to 24.5 oz) get FREE 3 oz. Vaseline Moisturizer

Earn $5.00 in ECB with $15 or more purchase of select Dove, Caress, Lever, Irish Spring, or Lady Speed Stick products

Earn $5.00 in ECB with purchase of 2 select L’Oreal hair care products

Rite Aid

*Coupon for $2.00 off L’Oreal Preference hair color kit

Earn $2.00 up reward on the purchase of 2 TRESemme hair care products

Save 40% off Almay eye cosmetics and makeup removers

Buy 1 get 1 FREE select fragrances from Jovan, McGraw, Stetson, Adidas, Celine, Beyonce, and Heidi Klum

Buy 1 get 1 50% off Neutrogena lip and eye cosmetics

Buy 1 gt 1 50% off CoverGirl face cosmetics

Earn $5 +up rewards on purchase of 3 select Neutrogena skin care products

images courtesy from Macy’s

If you love shopping for cosmetics and scoring freebies along in the process, you will love Beauty Week at Macy’s! Here is a small list of the special offers and free gifts you will find during the event.

Get 3 free fragrance samples with purchase of select fragrances of $65 or more. You’ll get three small vials of Nine West Love Fury, Givenchy Very Irresistible, and Alien by Thierry Mugler. No code needed. Samples will be applied automatically to purchase.

Get free Estee Lauder Wear Makeup Lesson How-to DVD with qualifying purchase. Offer good on select purchase of Estee Lauder fragrances and beauty products. This offer is also good on other beauty product purchases as well.

Get free Tote Bag with any beauty purchase of $75 or more. Just in time for spring, this pretty printed blue tote features a zip top closure and faux leather handles. No code needed. Free gift will be applied automatically to purchase.

Get free 8-piece Gift Set with any Elizabeth Arden purchase of $27.50 or more.

Get free 10-day supply of Advanced Night Repair with any Estee Lauder purchase of $35 or more.

Get free 3-piece gift set with Lancome purchase of $60 or more.

You’ll find even more deals on Macy’s website. These deals are valid for online purchases only.

There is a reason we love M-A-C Cosmetics. We love the bold hues, the rich formulas, and avante garde advertising campaigns. But now it appears that (one of) our favorite cosmetic brands has gone au naturel. The M-A-C, Naturally line includes mineral based products that enhance your skin and complexion. This collection is all about enhancing the beauty that nature gave you. Here is a brief look at their products. You can purchase the cosmetics featured here on their official website or at a M-A-C- counter near you!

Eye Pencil Get in line. The M-A-C Eye Pencil was designed to create a smooth line that defines the eyes. It comes in two natural colors:Coffee and Ebony.

Mineralize Eye Shadow These tiny compacts of marbellized mineral eye shadows. The colors blend in beautifully to create a look that’s natural. If you haven’t tried M-A-C products yet but you’re itching to try something from them, I’d recommend their Mineralized Eye Shadows. They come in five colors including Twilight Falls, In The Sun, Daylight, Cloudy Afternoon, and Summer Haze.

Mineralize Blush A lightweight mineral powder that brings a little bit of color to your cheeks. This blush is lightweight and super sheer, it also comes in three shades:Subtle Breeze, Early Morning, and Fresh Honey.

Mineralize Skinfinish Here is a powder that goes on smooth to define and highlight the skin. It also leaves a metallic finish to add a little color. You can use this as an allover face cover, blusher, or eyeshadow.

Lipstick You will love the way these four natural looking lip colors provide coverage and a hint of color. It comes in four amazing but subtle shades including Sweet Sunrise, Beach Sand, A Perfect Day, and Pillow Talk.

Tinted Lipglass The same soft textured lipgloss and glossiness you love now comes in fresh new shades like a deep red(Hot Spell), cool pink(Fresh Air), baby pastel pink(The Wee Coquette), or a lovely nude(Naked Space). These luxe glosses were also enriched with jojoba oil for a softer pout.

#gallery-1 { margin: auto; } #gallery-1 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-1 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-1 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; }

Do you need to stock up on hair care or skin care products? Are in need of a new nail color or eyeliner? This is your lucky week as all three big drugstore chains(including Walgreens, CVS/Pharmacy, and Rite Aid) have some some super stellar sales on your favorite brands. Since there are so many equally amazing deals to choose from, I’ve rounded up the best one for you in my weekly Drugstore Beauty Deal roundup.

Here are a few things to keep in mind. Many of these deals will require a savings card(like CVS and Rite Aid). Signing up for these cards are free and easy so if you haven’ already signed up for one, I’d suggest you do that now. Some of these deals will require a coupon and I will note that. The only way to obtain these is by having a copy of the insert and cut out the coupon from it. If you don’t have such ads, you can ask your friends for spare copies.

Walgreens

Buy 1 Get 1 50% off Revlon Cosmetics and Beauty Tools

Buy 1 Get 1 50% off Pantene Hair Care Products

3 for $10 TRESemme Hair Care Products

Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off Almay Cosmetics

Buy 1 Get Get 1 50% off Maybelline Cosmetics

Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off John Frieda Hair Care Products

Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off Nexxus Hair Care Products

Save $10 Off Select Designer Fragrances

Get 2 Revlon ColorSilk Hair Color Kits for $6.00(coupon)

Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off Skin Care Products from Jergens, Curel, and Biore

Select L’Oreal Cosmetics Just $5.99

Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off Cover Girl Cosmetics

Spend $8.00 On Select Schick Products, Earn $3.00 Register Rewards(RR)

Purchase Select Gillette or Venus Products, Earn $10 RR

Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off Dove and Vaseline Skin Care Products

Dove or Degree Antiperspirant Just $1.99(coupon)

Skintimate Shave Gel Just $1.99(coupon)

Save $10 Off Crest 3D Whitestrips(coupon)

CVS/Pharmacy

Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off Revlon Cosmetics and Beauty Tools

Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off Nivea Skin Care Products

Save $1.00 Off Aquaphor Skin Care Products

Earn $5.00 Extra Care Bucks(ECB) w/purchase of La Roche Posay Anthelios Skin Care Products

Olay Facial Hair Removal Duo Just $22.99

Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off All CeraVe Skin Care Products

Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off Secret Antiperspirant Products

Buy Jergens or Curel Skin Care Products, Earn $2 ECB

Degree or Dove Antiperspirants Just $7.99 Each

Select Pond’s Skin Care Products Just $5.99 Each

Dove, Yeardly, Lever, or Ivory Soap Bars Just $0.99 Each

Vaseline Body Moisturizers Just $4.99 Each

Save $2.00 Off Select Biore Skin Care Products

Spend $10 On Dial, Dry Idea, Tone, or Right Guard Products, Earn $3.00 ECB

Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off Rimmel Cosmetics

Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off Physicians Formula Cosmetics

Spend $20 On Cover Girl Cosmetics, Earn $5.00 ECB

Buy Almay Intense i-Color Gor $5.99, Earn $3.00 ECB

Spend $15.00 On Maybelline Cosmetics, Earn $5.00 ECB

Spend $25.00 On L’Oreal Skin Care Products, Earn $10.00 ECB

Spend $15.00 On L’Oreal Cosmetics, Earn $5.00 ECB

Rite Aid

Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off Olay Skin and Bath Care Products

Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off Secret, Venus, and Satin Care Products

Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off Cover Girl Cosmetics

Save $1.00 Off Select Crest and Oral-B Products Save $2.00 Off 2 Dove Skin Care Products

Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off Maybelline Cosmetics

Save 40% Off Revlon Eye Cosmetics

Spend $10 on Prestige Cosmetics, Earn $3.00 +Up Reward

Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off L’Oreal Face and Eye Cosmetics

Spend $18 on Stetson or Jovan Fragrance, Earn $7.00 +Up Rewards

Save $4.00 Off Select Almay Cosmetics(coupon)

Save 40% Off Wet-n-Wild Cosmetics

Get 3 Pantene Hair Care Products For $9.99

Buy 1 Get 1 Free Marc Anthony or Salon Graffix Hair Styling Products

Spend $15 on BigSexyHair, American Crew, CHI, or Rusk Hair Care Products, Earn $5.00 +Up Reward

Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off St. Ives or Noxema Skin Care Products

Click to make the image larger

A makeup bag is an essential for any fashionista on the go. Ideally, it should be a cute little zip-top bag that’s made from an easy-to-clean material like plastic, and you should fill it up with the essentials. I personally like to keep my lips super-hydrated and my wrists smelling like flowers(or citrus…or lush greenery) so I like to keep my makeup bag stocked with my favorite products like lip balm and miniature vials of fragrance. What else do I consider essential? Read on for my Makeup Bag Must-Haves! What’s on your list?

1. Sonia Dots Double Zip Foldover Clutch by Sonia Kashuk, $12.99 at Target- Because an ordinary cosmetics case won’t do.

2. ChapStick Skin Protectant/Suncreen Moisturizer SPF 15, $1.69 at CVS/Pharmacy- I got this as a stocking stuffer for Christmas and I love it!

3. You Rebel SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer, $30.00 at Benefit Cosmetics- A little color and a lot of moisture.

4. Haiku Eau de Parfum Purse Spray, $5.99 at Avon- This light and floral fragrance will brighten you up instantly no matter where you are.

5. smolderEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof Eyeliner, $25.00 at Tarte Cosmetics- Perfect for creating that sexy smoky eye look.

6- Elle Assorted Metallic Bobby Pins 6-Ct, $10.00 and Elle Animal Print Crimp No-Elastics 6-Ct, $7.00- An assortment of hair accessories for whenever. Elle makes some of the cutest styles!

My 2011 Holiday Gift Guide continues with some chic and amazing beauty gifts! Be sure to check out my previous guide for gifts under $25.00.

Makeup Studio Blockbuster $49.50 at Sephora

What girl wouldn’t love to find this treasure trove of beauty goodies underneath her Christmas tree? The Makeup Studio Blockbuster is a fabulous kit that includes 96 eye shadows, 84 lip glosses, 6 cream eyeliners, 2 eyeliner pencils, 3 blushes, 1 bronzer, 1 mascara, and 4 makeup applicators. This luxe compact also comes with a mirror for added convenience.

Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System $119.00 at Beauty.com

Give them a gift they will use all year long! The Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System makes daily facial cleaning even easier. This starter set also includes everything they need:Clarisonic Mia in one speed, pLink charger, sensitive brush head, and trial size cleanser. The Mia brush set also happens to be the perfect size for frequent travelers.

*Marc Jacobs Rollerball Trio $38.00 at Amazon

As a fan of Marc Jacobs’ fragrances, I can’t help but recommend this tres fabulous gift set, which includes three miniature rollerball fragrances including Daisy, Daisy Eau So Fresh, and Lola. Everything comes in an keepsake tin box that’s covered in pretty flower designs.

Pure Color Lipstick Luxuries $37.50 at Estee Lauder

A little bit of lip color is sure to brighten up her day and this fabulous little kit comes with five lovely red shades. The set also comes with a red shiny quilted zip-top clutch.

Dazzlesphere! Mini Nail Lacquer Ornament x 4, $25.50 at M.A.C

Here’s a clever little beauty gift that’s also in budget. This clear, ball-shaped ornament comes with four luscious nail lacquers including Much Adored(sheer glittery white), Style Tip(coral), Mistletoe(glittery gold), and Dark Angel(rich purple).

Chantecaille Protection Naturelle SPF 46 PA+++ Powder $70.00 at Chantecaille

Looking for that perfect ultra-luxe beauty gift for the friend or relative who already has everything? Give the gift of Chantecaille cosmetics! One notable product is the Chantecaille Protection Naturelle SPF 46 PA+++ Powder. This all-in-one gift includes lightweight mineral powder and a large brush. She will love how this makeup goes on smooth and provides solid protection from the sun.

* indicates an affiliate link

Who says you can’t give your friends and family a chic Christmas or holiday? Here are some of my favorite picks all of which are $25 and under~

1-Crabtee & Evelyn Wisteria of the Valley Sampler: Have a pal that misses summertime in the garden? Give her this elegant fragrance gift which includes 1.7 fl oz Wisteria Bath & Shower Gel, 1.7 fl oz Wisteria Body Lotion, 1.7 fl oz Lily of the Valley Bath & Shower Gel, and 1.7 fl oz Lily of the Valley Body Lotion. You can purchase this gift set at Crabtree & Evelyn for just $15.00.

2-Birchbox Membership: Do you know someone who loves to score beauty samples in the mail? Treat them to a Birchbox membership(starting at $10) and they can look forward to receiving a box every month that’s filled with deluxe-sized samples from brands like Stila, Smashbox, Kerastase, and more. Birchbox also has membership programs for men that include grooming products and bonus gifts he will love(like Skullcandy earphones). Unfortunately, they’re currently accepting backorders right now for $45 but you can join the waitlist and/or signup for their upcoming mailing list.

3- Fairisle Cowl Neck Sweater Poncho: Never let your sister choose between style and warmth again! Give her a beautiful fairisle print poncho that features a pointed hem and ribbed cowlneck design. This trendy poncho retails for just $24.80 at Forever 21.

4- Leopard Print Slippers: Keep their feet warm and toasty this Christmas with a pair of super cute slippers! These shoes feature a chic leopard print design and a single pom-pom on each shoe. These retail for just $24.50 at Ann Taylor Loft.

5-*Fragile Skinny Jeans: If you have a fashionable teen in your life, why not get her what she really wants? A great pair of new jeans. These super skinny jeans feature a low-rise fit, contrast stitch detailing, three pockets, and two faux pockets. You can purchase these jeans at Kohl’s for just $24.99.

6- Striped Scoop Neck Mickey Mouse Nightshirt: Who wouldn’t love a Disney gift that’s chic? This cute cotton sleep tee features a scooped neck, short sleeves, grey horizontal stripes, and four dancing Mickey Mouses on the front. You can purchase this tee for just $24.50 at Disney Store.

7- *Contour & Blush Palette There really is no need to purchase a lot of expensive makeup when you can buy one quality cosmetic palette from BH Cosmetics for less. This kit includes six shades of matte powders that you can use for blushes, contouring, even eyeshadows! During their Black Friday weekend special, this kit is priced^ at $10.42. After the sale, the kit is still affordable at just $18.95!

* indicates an affiliate link

^ indicates a price change in the near future.