#Beauty Alert! February Launches You Don't Want to Miss! #beautyblog @Influenster

So, here is the 411.  As a member of Influenster, one of the perks is being able to see the latest trends and beauty products to hit the market.  

This February hasn't disappointed me at all!  There are some awesome launches in the beauty world that you do not want to miss beauties!  

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Compact with SPF 50+ - As if we don't already love all of the products in the IT Cosmetics line, along comes another product to impress us!

(Available at Ulta and wherever IT Cosmetics are sold)

Too Cool For School Dinoplats Dear Brachiosaurus Blotting Paper Charcoal-   This Korean beauty line has 2 new additions in their blotting paper line.  This all natural paper are made from Chinese yam paper that is infused with charcoal to help detoxify and tighten pores in addition to reducing the appearance of oils and shine.

(Available at Sephora)

Olay DUO Soothing Orchid & Black Currant Body Cleansing Buffer- Olay rocks as it is, but seriously this new product is way too amazing for words.  Not only does it clean, but it also exfoliates and conditions your skin with its two-sided technology.

(Available at Target)

Burberry Liquid Lip Velvet-  We all know how hot the matte look is for Spring.  Well, now it got even hotter with this line of Liquid Lip Velvet glosses from Burberry.  Ok, you can stop screaming in excitement now.  Oh wait, that was me. 

Did I mention it comes in over a dozen colors?

(Available at Burberry)

These are just a few of the great launches this month.  So, get out there and get shopping!  But, before you do, be sure to check out Influenster for even more February launches!

XOXO

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Great Big Beauty News! Target is Changing Their Beauty Department Forever!

Three cheers for Target!

OK, so here's the deal.  Retail Dive has announced that Target is making major changes based on it's better living through chemistry philosophy.  Target has said it will be pulling certain chemicals from its beauty shelves and will have comprehensive ingredient lists for its own Target-owned beauty line.   Now, you will know exactly what is in the products that you are putting on your skin.

Target's chief sustainability officer, Jennifer Silberman says, "We believe everyone should have access to better-for-you products and our comprehensive strategy is designed to give our guests and families greater peace of mind and confidence in their purchases." 

I say Bravo to you Target for caring about your customers and putting their best interest at heart.

According to NewBeauty.com, Target also is committed to removing phthalates, specific unwanted parabens, formaldehyde, formaldehyde-donors and other nasty chemicals from their beauty, baby care, personal and household cleaning categories by 2020.

Not only that, but they are also vowing to invest up to five million dollars in green chemistry innovation and research by 2022. This includes producing textiles without adding flame retardants or perfluorinated chemicals that are potential carcinogens or can pose harm.

I look forward to seeing new products that are good for my skin on their shelves over the next few years.

Target gets a Big Beauty Thumbs Up! 👍

Spring Cosmetic Trends 2017 - Get Ready to Pucker Up and Blush and Glow ! #beautyblog #beauty #cosmetics #beautytrends

Blush is playing a huge part of the Spring cosmetic trend, according to Harper's Bazaar Best Makeup Trends of 2017  

Heavy and bold or light and demure, be ready to see new looks in the applications of blush that you may not have seen before or in quite a while. This is not for the subtle ones.

Many top models are being seen on runways wearing blush from cheek to temple and the trend is really hot right now.   From dark reds to light pinks, the look is making a huge color statement.

(photo source:  Harpers Bazaar)

Another trend according to Harper's Bazaar is bold lips and we aren't just talking red.

Colors like peach, electric orange, fuschia and even color blocking in daring shades like purple and grey were seen backstage at many fashion shows.  Lip textures are also a big trend this Spring.

Look for matte cherry and neon pinks.  Get ready to make a statement beauties!

(all photos source: Harpers Bazaar)

Glow sticks are making a big statement this Spring.  I actually received a beautiful glow stick in my Allure beauty box by Cargo Colorstick in Champagne.  I love the color and it highlights my face with a pretty warm glow.  It is available on Cargocosmetics.com

(photo source: Cargo)

I love this fresh dewy look.

(source: Harpers Bazaar)

Are you ready for bold eyes?

  This Spring,  one of the trends is all about the bold and dramatic eye or the other extreme of nude eyes.  Paris models were seen wearing bold purples, blues, emerald greens and more.

If you notice, although the shadows are bold, the rest of the eye is naked.  This, to me, helps to tone down the look and make it more attractive.

Finally the smokey eye continues to stay on trend, with a bit of a smudged twist.  Eyeliners should only be worn smudged and imperfect this spring.

If you fall asleep with your makeup on, you could probably just wake up and walk out the door and be on trend.  I am not trying to tell you to do that, but I am trying to give you an idea of how casual the look of your eyes should be for Spring.  No precision application needed.  Just smudge and go, literally.

I love this Giorgio Armani look

(Photo sources: Harpers Bazaar)

This look was achieved with navy eye shadow smudged on top and black eye liner traced on bottom.  This, to me is a perfect night look. (Notice the bold earrings)

Get out there and show your confidence this Spring beauties!  Oh and don't forget the glitter

Yes, glitter brows were seen backstage at Maison Martin Margiela.  They certainly are futuristic.

See the full story and photos at:

Story and Photo Source:  Harpers Bazaar

How To Pick The Perfect Lip Color For You #lips #beauty #cosmetics

With so many different color lipsticks on the market, you probably find yourself standing in front of the makeup counter scratching your head sometimes.  You are not alone.  Picking out the perfect lip color can be intimidating, especially when you are planning for a big event.  I am here to help you find your perfect shade.

Here are a few quick tips when it comes to lipsticks, then we will go a little more in depth.  Hang onto those lip brushes girls, we are going in!

Quick Tips:

If you have fair or light skin you should look for pinkish red or coral colors, even a pretty raspberry would look nice on you.

If you are tan, medium or olive toned look for bright or cherry red. The more true the red, the better.

For those of you with deep skin colors with warmer undertones you should look for blue-based red.

But wait!  There are more than red lip colors out there!  There is a whole rainbow of colors.  So how do we decide on them?

Let's explore, shall we?  Who better to go to for advice than the best, Allure!

According to the 10 Commandments of  Lipstick there are 10 rules you should follow when it comes to caring for your lips and choosing the right color.

The first rule is to exfoliate your lips.  A simple mixture of sea salt and almond oil made into a paste is all it takes.  Once a week rub this mixture on your lips and wipe clean.  This will get all of the dead skin off of your lips and leave you with a soft kissable pout.

Next Step:

Avoid over sparkly lipsticks.  Shimmer can cheapen the look of a lip color.  Instead, opt for creamy finish lipsticks.  You want the light reflection of your lips to come from the moisture in the formula, not metallic flecks.  Brands like Dolce & Gabbana Passion Duo Gloss Fusion Lipstick and Clinique Butter Shine are 2 great moisturizing lipstick brand lines.

Number 3

Find the perfect bright color.  If you prefer bright shades, pick one that is based on your natural lip color, not your skin tone.  Here is the breakdown:

Pale lips - cherry red or coral (ex: YSL Rouge Pur Couture in 01)

Naturally reddish lips - hot pink, orange or cranberry (ex: MAC Lustre Lipstick in Lustering)

Dark lips - brick red or burgundy (ex: L'Oreal Paris Infallible Le Rouge in Bold Bordeaux)

Quattro

Nudes! and I don't mean streakers!

Nude lips are my favorite go to look.  I love a soft natural lip.  Here are tips on finding one that fits you.

The prettiest nude lipstick should be slightly brighter or deeper than your skin tone.

Pale - Look for a color with a hint of pink (ex: Burberry Beauty Lip Cover in Nude Rose)

Yellow, Olive Tone or Dark Skin -  Look for sandy beige colors (ex: CoverGirl Lip Perfection in Delish)

Number 5

NO VAMPIRES!

Seriously, blue and black-based shades that are too dark can give you a severe look and even age you.  They may even be a bit intimidating.  By all means, if that is what you are going for, as far as a look, all power to you.  But if it isn't, here is a better alternative.  Look for lipsticks with berry undertones instead.  (ex: Elizabeth Arden Exceptional Lipstick in Wild Winterberry,  Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lip Colour in Burgundy Lustre SPF 18)

Six

What about the liner?

Liner isn't a must anymore.  Back when I was younger, lipsticks use to bleed.  This is why most women and makeup artists used lip liners.  Nowadays, lipsticks really don't bleed anymore.  If you still like using liner, opt for a color that matches your lip color, not your lipstick. This way you can use it no matter what color lipstick you are wearing. ( Bet I just saved you a ton of money)

#7

Give those pretty lips a soft edge.  No need to be too precise.  Just give your lips a little slight smudge on the border.

Eight

Always start your lipstick application from the middle of your lips.  This goes the same if you use a lip brush.  And please, don't apply lipstick to the corners or your mouth.  It will give your lips a heavy clownish look.

9

Lighten up that heavy lipstick shade by lightly applying it on your lower lip, pressing your lips together (mwah), and then using your finger to distribute it over your mouth.

And finally Number 10

Blot! Grab those tissues!

Always apply your lipstick, blot it and apply it again.  This will create a basecoat, followed by the second coat that will give you the coverage and shine you want.

Pucker Up Beauties!  You are ready to face the world!

Source for article: Allure

Photos Source: https://pixabay.com

Are You Properly Caring For Your Perfumes? #beautyblog #fragrance

Many of us make fragrance a part of our every day life. We have different fragrances to support our different moods and occasions.  But did you know there are proper ways to store and care for your precious fragrances?  Here is a list of Dos and Donts of Storing Perfume according to eBay.


1. Keep Perfume Out of Direct Sunlight - The sunlight can degrade your perfume and make it weaker.  Also, look for perfumes that are in darker colored bottles, this will help keep their fragrances longer.

2. Don't Expose Your Perfume to Heat - The heat will break down the chemical bonds of the perfume and make it weaker.   It can also ruin the bottle that your fragrance is stored in.  Be sure to store your fragrances away from direct sunlight, windows, radiators and heat vents as well.

3. Keep Your Perfume Stored at a Consistent Temperature- Temperature fluctuations can actually hurt your perfume.  Do not store your fragrances in the refrigerator.  Just like heat is bad for your fragrances, so is extreme cold.  A cool environment is is best, but the cold of the refrigerator is too extreme and puts stress on your perfume.

4. Keep Perfume Away from Humidity-  Do you store your perfume in the bathroom?  Most people do.  Unfortunately, the excessive humidity can break down your perfume.  When you turn the hot water in the shower on and off, the humidity that enters the room is bad for the perfume.  This also applies to makeup.  If you must store your fragrance and makeup in the bathroom, make sure it is in a cabinet or area that doesn't get exposed to steam.  A better storage room would be a bedroom.

5. Limit How Often You Open and Close Your Perfume- Always keep the cap on your fragrance.  Be sure that it is properly sealed at all times.   This is because air, temperature fluctuations and humidity can break down the fragrance.  Spray bottles and atomizers are best for storing perfume.  These help prevent the bottle from being opened and closed and limits damage of the notes.

6. Don't Shake Your Perfume Bottles- Some people think that they have to shake their perfume bottles to mix the scent.  This is bad for the perfume.  Unless it is stated on the bottle, do not shake it.  Shaking the bottle gets air into the fragrance and forces it to break down quicker.  It can also cause the bottle to slip from your hand and break.

7.  Limit Using Applicators- Perfumes that are stored in roller balls or dabbers can cause oils or dirt to get into the perfume bottle.  Spray bottles are better applicators.  If you prefer direct application, look for disposable applicator wands that will not add new oils, dirt or contaminants back into your precious fragrances.

8. Don't Store Bottles on High Shelves- For obvious reasons, it isn't a good idea to keep your perfume bottles on high shelves.  Although they look pretty on display,  this is actually not good for the fragrance.  The bottles become exposed to light, which breaks down their fragrance and can also cause you to fumble the bottle and spill or break it. Hot air rises; too much heat can damage your bottle.  Also, the light weight of the perfume bottles can easily be knocked off shelves or even force them to move around a lot, which once again gets air into the bottle and breaks down the fragrance.

9. Use Linen Closets and Decorative Boxes to Store Perfumes- These are probably the best places to store your fragrances, as long as they are located in cool areas of your home.  They keep the bottles from being bumped around and knocked off shelves.  The decorative bottles help you to transport your bottles safely and help limit their exposure to the elements that can break them and their fragrances down.  Always be sure to store your bottles with their caps on.

10. Buy a Travel Container-  Many fragrance companies sell travel size bottles.  If your fragrance isn't available in a travel bottle, purchase an atomizer and fill it with a small amount of the scent you want to take along on your trip.  Keep the rest at home.  If you like to reapply your scent throughout the day, you should consider purchasing a small container to keep in your purse.

I hope this information helps you to take better care of your perfumes.  Learn more about storing and purchasing perfumes on eBay by visiting this link  (PERFUME STORAGE)

Image source: Pinterest

AHAVA Overnight Destressing Cream

I am a huge fan of AHAVA products.  I have been using them for many years.  I was recently sent a sample of the AHAVA Mineral Radiance Overnight Destressing Cream to sample.

I love this product so much.  It is light weight, has a very light pleasant natural scent, feels light and refreshing on my skin and I wake up with my skin feeling fantastic and radiant.  The name is very fitting for this cream.

Living close to Manhattan, I can't begin to tell you the pollution that is in the air around me.  My skin feels heavy and dull by the time I am ready for bed from the every day stress of the environment around me.  This skin cream is a real pick me up for my face.

For those of you who don't know much about AHAVA products, they have been around since 1988 and have some of the finest skincare products on the market. Here is a little bio about them:

https://www.ahava.com/discover-ahava/our-story

If you would like to purchase this product, please visit:

AHAVA

Disclosure:  I received a full size sample of this product as a member of Beautystat to review.

HoneyCat Cosmetics Gift Bundle Giveaway

HoneyCat Cosmetics Gift Bundle Giveaway

Sponsored by:

HoneyCat Cosmetics

Hosted By

Amy & Aron's Real Life Reviews

~ 1 Winner~

Open to US

2/22  12am ~ 3/8 11:59pm

~Prize~

The prize has been hand-picked by HoneyCat Cosmetics for Amy & Aron's Real Life Reviews Readers!!  YAY

Find HoneyCat Cosmetics on Facebook and Twitter

A special shout out to our Co-Hosts 

Deliciously Savvy

Missy's Views and Savings Clues

Oh My Heartsie Girl

Now for the fun stuff. This giveaway is open to US. There are daily bonus entries so please check back tomorrow. Share it with your family and friends, they'll want to enter to win too!!

I can't ask you to "Like" our pages but, if you see something you like, let us know so we can bring you more of it.

We LOVE it when you "LIKE" our pages.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

  If you have any questions about this giveaway,  reviews, or any of our other giveaways, please feel free to email us directly at grovesamy81@gmail.com or amy@aarlreviews.com

Disclosure: Great Big Beauty is not responsible for prize distribution. This giveaway is being hosted by Honeycat and Amy & Aron's Real Life Reviews.

GET THE COMPLETE ZOYA CHARMING SET FOR $40 #beauty #nails #beautyblog

Check out this great offer from Zoya!

Get the complete 6 piece Charming set for $40 

plus Free Shipping and the NEW lipstick, Violette.

http://www.zoya.com/content/category/ZOYA_COLLECTION_CHARMING_SPECIAL.html

Use Code: SPRING

Valid: NOW - 2/28/17

Shipping: 3/1/17

Open to US and Canada only.

Paul Mitchell Beauty Schools Giving $1 Million Dollars in Scholarships #beauty #beautyschool

BE THE FUTURE OF STYLE

Paul Mitchell schools are giving away $1 million in scholarships! Don't miss this opportunity to start your dream career!

Hey Beauties!

Have you ever thought of a career in beauty?

Check out Paul Mitchell Schools and enter for a chance to win a scholarship!

Visit https://paulmitchell.edu/nationalscholarship

for more information

20% Off Your First Order At Drunk Elephant #beautyblogger #organic #organicmakeup

Receive 20% off your first order of some of the best organic skincare products I have ever used.  I love Drunk Elephant products so much.   Some of my favorites are the Lippe Lip moisturizer-  this lip product is an anti-aging lip balm.  It nourishes, moisturizes and protects and leaves my lips feeling baby soft.

The B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel is a moisturizing gel that I use daily.  It feels so good on my face.  It is a hydrating vitamin B5 gel that nourishes, replinishes nutients and helps brighten and improve the appearance of my skin.  I love wearing it.  It is like a glass of water for my face.

Another great product is the Virgina Marula Luxury Facial oil.  This oil is high in antioxidants and omegas that are critical for my skin.  It is so light on my face and feels so wonderful.  It adds nourishment and makes my skin look so healthy.

To learn more about and order, please use this link

https://www.talkable.com/x/cA0HlZ

Disclosure:  I will receive an incentive if you purchase through the provided link.  

SAVINGS ON BELLA AND BEAR MAKEUP BRUSH SET ! #beauty #makeup #makeupbrush #ad

Hey Beauties!

Are you familiar with Bella and Bear?

Bella and Bear make some of the most beautiful beauty accessories on the market.  Their distinction trademark rosebud pattern provides vintage beauty to my makeup ensemble.

Check out all of their beautiful pieces on their website!

Right now you can get the above Kitten set on sale by using the promo code listed below.

About this set

• Professional Makeup Brushes By Bella and Bear. A Professional Quality 15 Piece Makeup Brush Set with Deluxe Case to Protect Your Brushes. Lynx Kabuki Brush included. Makes A Great Gift For Women
• PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP BRUSHES -  Don't pay hundreds of dollars for makeup brushes. Our Makeup Brushes are made from the highest quality combination of Natural and Synthetic Hair. We only use the best materials in producing the Bella & Bear brushes so when you invest in a set you know they will last you a lifetime.
• Our Make up Brushes make a GREAT GIFT for women of any age. Surprise your mom or girlfriend, daughter, friend or sister with one of our quality 15 piece Brush Sets or take a look at our other items which all make great Birthday Gifts.
• HIGH QUALITY HARD CASE embossed with the Bella and Bear Logo - This case will keep your  brushes protected and safe from damage guaranteed! FULL COLOR GUIDE included which provides a rundown on each Brush and it’s best uses.
• A COMPLETE PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP BRUSH SET -This makeup brush kit has been designed by a makeup artist, we wanted to ensure you got the most use out of your makeup brush set, therefore each and every brush has been carefully selected to ensure you get a wide range of brushes with a multitude of uses!
• UNIQUE MAKE UP BRUSHES - Our brushes are named after the world’s wild cats, many of which are endangered. By doing this we hope to make more people aware of the plight of some of these animals. By purchasing this product you are contributing to the preservation of these beautiful creatures all over the world. As seen in Elle Magazine.

15% Off with code KITTEN15

SHOP NOW!

Have a beauty filled day!

Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links