Glamour Squad Weekly Reads

ThinkThruFashion shows how to wear a trendy leather
dress different ways

Clumps of Mascara debuts her "Official Nail Polish post and video

The Beauty Alchemist finds delicious Godiva Candles


Krasey Beauty spotlights a fun and festive Borghese Nailpolish Set perfect for gifting this holiday season.


DivaDebbi continues her interview with Dr. Elizabeth Chabner-Thompson in Fill Her Up Part 2

Aly explores the fashion scene of Macau, China!


The Product Pasha has found a new home - and is loving it!

Illamasqua and The Sophie Foundation

For those of you who haven't heard of Sophie Lancaster, allow me to take a moment to bring her story to your attention. The video below was made in the memory of one courageous young lady whose life was ended abruptly due to hatred and prejudice. Please watch the video, and support this noble cause.



In August 2007, Sophie Lancaster was kicked to death, simply for dressing differently. Two years on, and in tribute to the outgoing, bubbly girl who was denied the chance to live life her way, cult new British make-up brand Illamasqua has commissioned a short film by award-winning French director, Fursy Teyssier.


Produced by creative agency Propaganda, in association with iconic British band, Portishead, Dark Angel is a beautifully haunting rendition of Sophie's story.


The aim of the film is to raise awareness of The Sophie Lancaster Foundation and generate £500,000 to help educate young people about tolerance. Since Sophie's death, we've been working with behavioural experts Huthwaite International, to put together an interactive youth workshop that does just that.


But this essential education programme can only be delivered with your help.


Please, please show your support watch the film and make a donation.


Were hoping to reach over 1,000,000 hits, so forward the link and help us spread the message. If you have your own website, blog, Facebook, MySpace or You Tube page, or a Twitter profile, please display a link to the film. For added impact, download a specially designed web banner at www.illamasqua.com/sophie/ now.


As well as being available to view online, the film will also be running for a week on MTV from 26th November Sophie's birthday.


Stand up for Sophie act now and buy an Illamasqua Sophie pencil, wristband or make a donation.


Together, well help stamp out prejudice, hatred and intolerance everywhere.

Holiday Beauty Gift Guide- Celebrate the Holidays with Lippmann Collections 'Celebrate'

There is another new nail polish brand that is absolutely, positively rocking my world of late. Gather round the proverbial campfire as I tell you a tale of fame (kinda), fortune (sorta), and the most bling-tastic chunky glitter polishes this beauty blogger's eyes have ever seen. A fun contrast to the gorgeous ultra-glitters we have been seeing this season, Lippmann Collection's 'Celebrate' Nail Lacquer Set has three shades of polish full of chunks of glittery, flecky goodness. This completely giftable set is delicious, divine, and a great heaping spoonful of awesome.

For more pics and swatches, take the jump!

On a Roll with the FOTD's, and An OOTD to Boot!

I took the time I had 2 weekends ago as a chance to really get my creative juices flowing. I am not home on weekends all that often, so being home and having all of my palettes and materials at my disposal was a fun change of pace.

This look was for a lazy Sunday out with the boyfriend. I haven't shown love to my beloved MUFE 92, and that of course needed remedying.

To find out what I used, see the outfit, and for more pics. Take the jump!

Cyber Monday Friends and Family Deals!

Hopping on the bandwagon, here are a couple of deals for you to enjoy on this Cyber Monday.

Bobbi Brown

Lierac

Will you be indulging? Do tell!

Daily Nars-ism: Behind the Scenes with Amber Valletta

Already smoldering in her own right, Amber is all big hair and a soft contoured eye. A gorgeous contrast to some of the more dramatic looks we have seen so far.

Daily Nars-ism: Behind the Scenes with Francois Vincentelli

Francois Vincentelli is another heartbreaker, gorgeous with his silver tinged hair, and perfectly natural in an easy breezy white shirt and minimal makeup. That man couldn't look bad if he tried.

Daily Nars-ism: Behind the Scenes with Lisa Marie

Platinum blonde, smoky eyed Lisa Marie looks like a robot from the future, and I absolutely love it.

Holiday Survival- Hairdo by Jessica Simpson and Ken Paves

Fact: I suck with hair. Give me a brush, a palette, and a face, and I can create virtually any makeup look your mind can think of. Give me hair accessories and a full head of hair however, and I am more clueless than a socialite on a chicken farm. Sure, I can flatiron my hair, but that is wear my mane prowess ends. Holiday functions abound, I find myself wanting to spice things up a bit, and I think I have found my own personal solution in HairDo extensions and wigs.

Hear me out on this one. Wigs aren't just for your Halloween costume, they are also a great accessory that can change up your look with virtually no effort. You can literally change your hair length, color, and texture in a minute flat, with no commitment, at all.

Daily Nars-ism: Behind the Scenes with Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs is the love of my life, and having him in video with Francois sends me into all kinds of giddy. I know of no other man who can rock a red lip/nail like Marc can.

Its Sale Time- Bare Escentuals and Shu Uemura!

As you know, Black Friday is THE time to get all of your shopping done. Here are two special sales going on this week.

Bare Escentuals

Shu Uemura

“Black Friday” November 27^th through Tuesday, December 1^st

• Enjoy free shipping and 20% off purchases of $50 or more made at www.shuuemura-usa.com. 
• Enter the promotion code WISH09 upon checkout.

“Cyber Monday” November 30^th

• For an extra special treat, shu uemura will give 7 deluxe samples to customers who spend $125 or more plus free shipping and the 20% discount!  The deluxe items include (see picture attached):
• mesh bag
• mini-gloss
• brightening cream
• red:juvenus intense vitalizing concentrate
• pleasure of Japanese bath – hinoki
• cleansing beauty oil premium A/O
• depsea water mist in chamomile
• powder foundation
• Enter the promotion code WISHDELUXE09 upon checkout. 

Who else is feeling the urge to haul? ;) The fun begins as early as Thursday, so get thy credit cards ready.

Happy Thanksgiving!

A Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. What are you grateful for this Thanksgiving?

Daily Nars-ism: Behind the Scenes with Jennifer Jason Leigh

The beautiful Jennifer Jason Leigh gets the Nars treatment with smoky eyes, a pink pout, and a top hat to boot. That bow tie is simply adorable.

Holiday Beauty Gift Guide- Slippers Done Right with Beech and FlexFlop

Do you remember as a kid those times when you would receive socks, underwear and slippers as your holiday gift? You would feign excitement (you wanted a pony, gosh darnit), and quietly accept your less than exciting (read: practical) present. Those times have long since past, but I am sure we still dread the practical gifts we are sure to both give and receive without fail, year after year. I am going to say that practical doesn't have to be boring, and giving slippers as a gift can actually be a fun option. Here are two finds for the holidays from Beech and Flexflop.

Daily Nars-ism: Behind the Scenes with Tyson Ballou

If Tyson doesn't make you want to swoon, I don't know who well. The apollonian model looks like a greek god of old with his bronzed skin and feathered headdress.

An All New Illamasqua Website

Just when I thought I couldn't love Illamasqua any more than I already do, they go and create an absolutely revolutionary new website.

Here are the highlights!

An innovative section chock full of youtube video tutorials and reviews

A super fun gallery that brings you inside the world of Illamasqua via photo and film

A New Layout

Swatches! Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the updates, visitors now have the ability to see crisp, clean swatches of nearly every product. Those who have swatched know what a hassle it can sometimes be, but the Illamasqua team took the guesswork out of purchasing

I am beyond beyond beyond impressed with the changes to the site. Have a visit, and tell me what you think.

Illamasqua!

Holiday Beauty Gift Guide- Borghese Mini Nail Polish Set

Here is one nail polish gift set that has the ability to bring a whole lot of cute to someone's stocking this holiday season. At a super affordable $10, the Borghese mini nail lacquer kit contains four glittering shades of polish in adorable little heart shaped bottles.

These sparkly polishes applied smoothly, and I found three coats to be the magic number. Drying time was average, and the only real issue I had with this polish was that the teeny tiny brush required several passes over my nail. I am finding myself pretty impressed on my first experience with the Borghese nail line. The colors and glittery finish are perfect for the holidays, and they just look so gosh darn pretty on my digits.

For more pics and swatches, take the jump!

Big News- I have been Nominated for a Blog Award!

I am extremely excited to announce that KraseyBeauty has been nominated for a blogging award! Specifically, it was my article on beauty for twi-hards that put me in the running for the honor.

Now this, dear readers is where I ask for your help. Nomination is only half the battle, and I need your votes to help propel me to the top. All you need to do is click on the banner below, register, and vote for yours truly.









It would mean the world to me if you could all take the time to vote. If you like what you see here on Krasey Beauty, I only ask that you support what I do. :) Pretty please with a lipgloss on top?

Daily Nars-ism: Behind the Scenes with Shalom Harlow

For her 15x15 portrait, the gorgeous Shalom Harlow does it up dramatic with elaborate hair, plumed headdress, and intense smoky eyes to compliment her porcelain complexion. Simply stunning is what I call it.

Holiday Beauty Gift Guide- Crazylibellule and the Poppies Fragrances

I am a firm believer that fragrance gifting options shouldn't be limited to typical forms or brands. In fact, it sometimes irks me to smell something I consider my "signature" spritz on someone else. A bit irrational, I know, but it ruins the scent for me. On that note, I have been turning my nose towards scents that aren't as common, in both scent combinations, and in appearance. For a good variety of unique scents, cute packaging, and a certain kind of French allure, Crazylibellule and the Poppies ventures slightly off the beaten path to bring holiday gifting options that go beyond the usual scented suspects.

Born in Paris, Crazylibellule and the Poppies specializes in solid stick fragrance. The 'crazy sticks' as they are called are alcohol, paraben, and artificial color free, and come in a vast variety of scents. Each push-up scent stick comes in its own decorated tube.  

Out of the scents that I had the opportunity to try, my favorite has to be Vanilla Lemon Pie. I always gravitate towards florals, but the hints of lemon and warm vanilla sugar in this scent have their own endearing and invigorating qualities.

For a fun, quirky, unique gifting option that looks and smells great, these are it. You can find Crazylibellule and the Poppies Solid Perfume online and at your local Sephora.


*The products in this post were provided as samples by a PR firm for post consideration. Rest assured that the opinions expressed in this review are 100% sincere, honest, and genuine. I do not accept payments for posts.


This post contains an affiliate link. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at KraseyBeauty@gmail.com

Glamour Squad Weekly Beauty Reads

DivaDebbi finds the Holy Grail of Frizz fighters and her hair never looked better.

The Beauty Alchemist is giving away 3 sets of MISSION Skincare to giveaway

ThinkThruFashion styles a sequin top from the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection.

Krasey Beauty spotlights a gorgeous Makeup Designory eyeshadow palette perfect for gifting this holiday season.

The Product Pasha faces her retrograde ways and plans her very first online purchase.

Butterflydiary uses a Secret Weapon to fight frizz and wins!

Clumps of Mascara shows you the magic that can happen with eye shadow palettes and velcro.

Reminder- Rue La La's Elle Inspired Little Black Dress Shopping Event- Happening Right Now!

The Rue La La Little Black Dress Sale has begun, so get ready to do some serious shopping. At 30-80% off retail, the great deals will keep on coming.

Timeless and classic, you really can't go wrong with a little black dress. Dressed up or down, they will always flatter no matter what the occasion. A girl can never have too many, so  be sure to check out the full selection, and tell me your favorites. :)

*This post contains a referral link.

Daily Nars-ism: Behind the Scenes with Olivier Theyskens

All cool, male arrogance, Olivier pulls off a pout like none I have ever seen on a man before. Gotta hand it to him, the man rocks the heck out of the guyliner.

Fall Foliage FOTD

I wanted to get back into the habit of posting fun makeup looks for all of you. For this particular look, I made it my mission to feature many of the products that I have been loving lately.

This look is inspired by the golds and bronzes of the late fall, but would also rock for a holiday party, I am sure. In case you were wondering, the hair is courtesy of Jessica Simpson's Hairdo. That will be featured in a post very soon.

 

Find out what I used, and see more pics after the jump!

Holiday Beauty- An FOTD for the Holidays

It has been quite a while since I posted an fotd for you all, huh? This one is actually from the archives, and features a look I did over a year ago. Using shimmering silvers and pinks, I tried to capture an essence of luminescence. This look was also the first time I played with false lashes.

Find out what I used, and see more pics after the jump!

Daily Nars-ism: Behind the Scenes with Daphne Guiness

Daphne Guiness is a fashionista through and through. Ms Guiness continuously pushes the fashion envelope, and this avant garde outfit combined with fiercely strong eyes gives me goosebumps in a good way.

Rue La La + Elle = Sale Love in the Form of a Little Black Dress

I have been a long time fan of online sample sites in general, and of the sample sale site Rue La La in particular. As someone who has shopped many an online sample sale, I can attest to the fact that Rue La La stands out with its daily deals on some amazing designers. That being said, I wanted to let you all know about a special shopping event happening next Monday, November 23. Just in time for the holiday season, Rue La La has partnered with Elle to bring online shoppers the LBD (little black dress) Boutique.

*A little black dress, never wrong, always so right...

Timeless and classic, you really can't go wrong with a little black dress. They can be dressed up or down, and will always flatter no matter what the occasion. For this event, Rue La La partnered with Violet Moon Gaynor, Senior Fashion & Accessories Editor at Elle.com, to hand pick 16 dresses from top fashion designers including: Badgley Mischka, Carmen Marc Valvo, Laundry, and Robert Rodriguez. If you know those names, you will know the stunning dresses the lines put out. I seriously cannot wait to see the full selection.

The sale starts at 11am, and lasts for only 48 hours. Fashionistas, be sure to mark your calendars and get ready to do some serious shopping. At 30-80% off retail, you really can't go wrong.

*This post contains a referral link.

Holiday Beauty Gift Guide- Beauty for Twi-hards:

With New Moon coming out today (insert collective squeal here), the time has come for me to fess up to being a Twi-hard... yes, I admit to it. I have read all the books, watched the movie a few times, and have imagined myself as Bella more times than I would care to admit. Oh, and Team Edward all the way.

Anywho, I introduced all of you to the Twilight Volturi and Luna makeup collections not too long ago. Happily, the Twilight Luna line is now available at Nordstrom. 

Feast your eyes on some of these gorgeous pieces, perfect for indulging your inner teeny bopper, or for gifting the Twilight lover in your life.

Daily Nars-ism: Behind the Scenes with Dayle Haddon

For 15x15, the already stunning Dayle Haddon got the retro glam treatment with a smoky eye and pale pink lips. The pearls and lbd are sheer perfection.

Backstage with NARS and the 15x15 Project

Heads up, beauties. I wanted to call to your attention some awesome new media in the YouTube world.



I have written so much about how krasey in love I am with NARS, and now I want to show you why. Feast your eyes on exclusive, behind-the-scenes footage with the master himself. These photos feature all your beauty/fashion favorites, doing what they love most.

Enjoy the clips, and then tell me in the comments, how much love do these clips inspire? Which clip is your favorite? I love these little glimpses so much, I will be featuring one video each day for the next 13 days (for 13 clips).

Smashbox Pretty Points

There is a new rewards system in town, and it's name is Smashbox's Pretty Points. There are tons of incentives to joining in terms of rewards certificates, deluxe samples, and more. The main perk is that every dollar you spend on the site earns you 5 pretty points. Gain 500 pretty points, and you get a $10 reward credited to your account. The reward opportunities are endless, and signing up is a snap.

Sign up today, and your wallet (and face) will love you forever.

Holiday Beauty Gift Guide- Smashbox Wish Collection

Leave it to Smashbox to knock it out of the park with their amazing holiday collection and gift sets. The WISH collection is huge, beautiful, and beneficial to a great cause. I dare you not to fall in love with the offerings.

Wish for the Perfect Pout

Shopping for the Cause- Children's Aid Society's Miracle on Madison

Every now and then, an announcement for a great cause happens to find its way into my inbox. That was the case today, with an email I received about a shopping event called 'Miracle on Madison', sponsored by the Children's Aid Society.


This holiday season, we all want to treat ourselves to something special -- maybe some new jewelry, a chic pair of shoes or that "must-have" toy for the kids...

But what if your wishes could make a REAL difference, not just in your own home, but in the lives of children who need a lot more than just a new toy?  If you had that kind of magic at your fingertips... what would YOU wish for?

Well, now you do.

Join us for the Miracle on Madison, a shopping extravaganza, on December 6, 2009 from 12-5 pm to fulfill your wish list and ours.  The Children’s Aid Society will receive 20% of the day's proceeds from all participating stores, and that money will provide vital health services to the under-served children in NYC!

Plus, before December 6, visit our blog on the Miracle on Madison page and let us know what your REAL holiday wish list would look like (http://blogs.childrensaidsociety.org/childrensaid/miracle-madison/),

Because we all love new shoes, sweaters, games and toys -- but some wishes on our list can't fit in a gift box.

This holiday season, help your gifts go just a little farther. Save the Date and Save a Child.

I do hope my fellow New Yorkers will try to make it out there, and shop for a great cause. :)

Holiday Beauty Gift Guide- Kanebo Sensai

SENSAI by Kanebo is one of those beauty brands that I have heard tons of great things about, but haven't yet had the opportunity to truly appreciate. Knowing that this brand is readily accessible to those in Europe and Asia, I resigned myself to the fact that I might never have the chance to play with the line's offerings myself. Blissfully, I was wrong, as I recently learned that my taste of Asian beauty only requires a short trek over to Bergdorf Goodman. This holiday season, SENSAI introduces four new Holiday gift sets which will be offered exclusively through Bergdorf Goodman starting November 2009.

SENSAI Platinum Edition Coffret Gift Set- $80

Adorn your skin with a sheer, light layer of pure platinum and be the star of the party with this Platinum Edition Coffret Gift Set featuring the first-ever USA debut of the SENSAI Platinum Highlighting Powder. The shimmering pressed powder is formulated with both Silky Pearl Powder, Airy Powder and for the first time ever, Platinum. A soft-haired, original SENSAI brush will leave you with a flawless finish with just one stroke. Also included is the Platinum Body Lotion (1.1 oz.)– encased in a soft, black velvet clutch perfect for an evening affair.

SENSAI CELLULAR PERFORMANCE CREAM Gift Set- $130

The SENSAI Cellular Performance collection was designed for skin affected by stress and negative environmental influences – a must-have for the Holiday season when stress levels hit its annual peak and frequent travel leaves skin tired and dehydrated. This Gift Set will help revive and bring out skin’s inner beauty with a full size sample of the SENSAI Cellular Performance Cream (1.4 oz.), and a full deluxe sample size kit including the Cellular Performance Mask (0.7 oz.), Cellular Performance Lotion (1.1 oz.) and Cellular Performance Eye Contour Cream (0.07 oz.). All four products work together to leave your skin refreshed.

SENSAI CELLULAR PERFORMANCE INTENSIVE RECOVERY CONCENRATE Gift Set- $220

The SENSAI CELLULAR PERFORMANCE RECOVERY CONCENTRATE Gift Set includes everything you need for an intensive skin-energy boost, especially during the cold, blistery winter months. Featuring the Intensive Recovery Concentrate (1.4 oz.) in a full size and Intensive Recovery Concentrate Cream (0.3 oz.), Intensive Recovery Concentrate for Eyes (0.07 oz.) and an Intensive Recovery Concentrate Ampoule Treatment (0.07 oz.) to support the core product, the set addresses signs of aging, as dull skin tone, dehydration, lack of elasticity, and photo-aging at the cellular level.


Key ingredients include the signature Koishimaru Silk Extract, Shilan Extract to promote effective cellular communication using Kanebo’s exclusive “Beauty Chain Reaction” technology, CPX Vital Extract and the Oriental Relaxing Fragrance, the collection helps the fight for youthful, radiant skin. By the end of the Holiday season, your once tired skin will be stronger on a cellular and visible level, healthier, and silky smooth!

SENSAI Premier Limited Edition Gift Set- $650

The SENSAI Premier Limited Edition Gift Set includes SENSAI’s most luxurious skincare treatments from their most prestigious SENSAI PREMIER line – The Cream (1.4 oz.), Lotion (0.6 oz.) and Eye Cream (0.2 oz.).A coveted, cult favorite at Bergdorf Goodman, SENSAI PREMIER The Cream rapidly slows down the aging process, allowing skin to recover its own natural DNA repair function at the cellular level. Indigenous botanicals such as Bukuryo Extract, Seaweed Extract and Kuwa (Chinese Mulberry) from Asia are combined to improve microcirculation, reinforce the skin’s natural barrier function and restore translucency and firmness and the exclusive Moon Flower Fragrance used for the first time in the SENSAI PREMIER series promotes the natural synthesis of hyaluronic acid within the skin, enhancing moisture and firmness. The deluxe sample size Lotion and Eye Cream support the full-size Cream for a complete anti-aging experience that is timeless and elegant. The SENSAI PREMIER gift set is packaged in a deluxe silk case, wonderful for storing and showing off your premier beauty items.

I must admit, that at the very least the Platinum Edition Coffret is calling my name. I do realize that some of these kits do run a bit on the expensive side, but I like that you can enjoy a lower price point on the sample sizes in the smaller kits.

Does anyone have any experience with the SENSAI line?  If you would like to check it out for yourself, all of these gorgeous gift sets are available through Bergdorf Goodman. To order by phone, the Sensai counter at Bergdorf Goodman can be dialed at 212-872-2537.

Video Phone Music Video Premiere with Beyonce and Lady Gaga

How do we feel about this newest collaboration?

Beyoncé - New Music - More Music Videos

I have mixed feelings about some of Beyonce's makeup looks, like the chola lips. Otherwise, I think the concept is pure genius. Gaga looks flawless, and Beyonce is stunning! Love these two together so much that it hurts inside.

Holiday Beauty- Paint Thy Nails Matte with Zoya Matte Velvet Polish The Winter Edition

Permission to put on the fangirl hat? Dear readers, somehow I am even more 'matte' about Zoya after this latest installment of Matte Velvet nail lacquers. In vampy shades for the season, Zoya has your digits outfitted in lush colors all winter long.

Holiday Beauty Gift Guide- Make-up Designory MUDCARES Palette

This isn't the first time you have seen Make-up Designory(MUD) on Krasey Beauty, and it most certainly won't be the last. In the spirit of holiday month, I want to give you a taste of MUD with a great gifting option, the MUDCares palette. MUDCares palette is a quad of gorgeous, earthy, neutral shades designed to delicately enhance and compliment. One hundred percent of proceeds go to an amazing cause, more on that in a bit.

M Lab- Today on Ideeli

M Lab is a brand you haven't yet seen here on Krasey Beauty, trust that all of that will change very soon. To get the party started, I wanted to let all of you know about Ideeli's M Lab sale, happening today at 11 am.

Until my review, here is a brief introduction:

Science might not be the first word that comes to mind when you're thinking of skincare, but one brand has brought its creams and cleansers into the laboratory for some stunning results. Called the "Rolls Royce" of skincare by the Evening Standard, the M Lab brand combines the latest cosmetic science with the most luxurious ingredients, resulting in products with the highest level of clinically active ingredients in the world. Anti-aging properties are key to each of the products in the collection, all of which are formulated to boost elasticity, firmness, and reduced wrinkles. Recently named Marie Claire's "Beauty Editors' Choice," M Lab has become a favorite among celebrities and entertainers and is quickly gaining a cult following around the world.

The bonus is that every M Lab purchase on ideeli will come with a free .5oz M LAB Anti-Aging Treatment Cream, a $50 value. The Anti-aging treatment features 68% clinically active ingredients, but more on that later.

M Lab as a whole is a fairly pricey line, but this special sale definitely makes it all the more accessible. To indulge, visit the Ideeli M Lab Sale. I am loving the look of the anti-aging travel collection, how about you?

*This post contains an affiliate link. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at KraseyBeauty@gmail.com