Givenchy Croisiere Collection for Summer 2012: New Brushes

The Givenchy Croisiere Summer 2012 Collection is supposed to be released in June in the US. The makeup portion of the collection and the kabuki brush (£32.50) are already available for purchase at Sephora*. If you follow me on my blog, then you know that I bought the kabuki brush the other day and I have updated my last post with a few more pictures of it. 

The powder (£32.50), blush (£27) and foundation brush (£25.50) have not been released in the US, yet. However, they are available online at Harrod's, Debenhams, and House of Fraser, but US folks will be subjected to high customs duties and shipping fees. I guess I will just have to patiently wait for it to launch at Sephora.

*affiliate link

Will you be getting anything from the Croisiere Collection?

Got the Givenchy Kabuki Bronzer Brush for $24 at Sephora!!!

Pre-wash (Givenchy Kabuki)

Post wash (Givenchy Kabuki)

The Givenchy Kabuki Bronzer brush* recently launched at Sephora and retails for $48. Wonder how I got it for $24? Check out my post on Pinterest! ^_^ The brush feels so soft and is slightly denser than the MAC Gareth Pugh 182 brush (full review). It's great for applying bronzer to the face or the decollete and for buffing out over-applied products, such as blush. I'm so happy to score this amazing deal and it's such a lovely addition to my kabuki collection. 

*affiliate link

Follow Me On Pinterest for Beauty Hauls and Monthly Favorites

Hey beauties! I recently found the Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Sea Star Bronzing Blush at the Estee Lauder Company Store for $21. It retails for $34, so I'm really excited that I got a good deal on this and I just had to share this with you all on Pinterest. Follow me there for more beauty related hauls and monthly favorites. ^_^

By the way, I am in the process of posting pictures of all the drugstore products that I have accumulated since last year (thanx to one of my lovely friends who's trying to break away from her beauty-hoarding and extreme-couponing habits). There's no way that I'm going to be able to use all those makeup products (over 250) and she's making me into a beauty hoarder. So, please let me know on Pinterest which items you would want as a giveaway prize and which items you would just rather me swatch and review. =)

OOTD + Maybelline Colossal Waterproof Mascara (Before + After Photos)

I usually don't do Outfit of the Day (OOTD) posts because by the time I get home, 

the sun is already down and my bedroom lighting is horrendous. 

However, due to popular requests, I decided to post one up for you all. =)

Dress: €35.95 at Zara 

(I bought this at a Zara store in Greece. I didn't see it in stock at any Zara store in the US.)

Belt: $8 at Wet Seal

Shoes by Nine West: $39.99 at Marshalls

Burberry Check Satchel pictured for size reference, only

I also received several emails requesting me to post a picture of me wearing 

the Burberry Check Satchel for size reference. 

I am 5'5" with heels and vertically challenged 5'2" when barefoot.

(I received the Burberry handbag a few years ago as a birthday gift. 

Everything else was purchased with my own funds.)

Please excuse the lighting. The picture was taken in the bathroom. So, the colors are not accurately portrayed. 

However, the result of the mascara is accurately portrayed.

Left: bare naked lashes
Right: with 2 coats of mascara

My makeup never looks complete without mascara because I have non-existent short and thin lashes. I have tried over 20 mascaras from various brands and the Maybelline Volum' Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara in Classic Black is one of the better ones that I have tried. 

The wand is not flimsy, which I like because the firmness allows for better control and the bristles are so dense that they easily coat all my lashes. I find that it lengthens and volumizes better than the Maybelline Falsies and L'oreal Voluminous Million Lashes mascara. The formula is also slightly wetter, which I prefer because it's easier to build up the mascara. Also, it holds my curl and doesn't clump or smudge throughout the day. However, after 2 and a half months of opening, it started to clump my lashes. I tried to remedy the situation by separating my lashes with my Royal & Langnickel BC515 metal comb, but the mascara would flake throughout the day. So, I had no choice, but to stop using it after only 2 and half months of opening. Generally, mascaras should be tossed out after 3 months of opening; however, I've used some mascaras longer than the expiration date and I didn't experience any eye infection or anything negative. So, I just wish the Maybelline Colossal mascara would last a little bit longer, but I really don't mind because it's so affordable.

Note: The Maybelline Volum' Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara in Classic Black is available at Ulta, Target, and drugstore.com for around $6.99. 

*This post contains affiliate links.

Have you tried the Maybelline Colossal mascara?

DermStore 2012 Coupon Code: 20% Off ALL Orders + FREE Shipping (no minimum)

DermStore is offering 20% OFF Sitewide plus free shipping (no minimum). Use coupon code RFBOLK at checkout. Offer expires June 19, 2012.

DermStore carries many popular brands, including Amazing Cosmetics, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Becca, Butter London, Cargo, Clarisonic, CoverFX, Deborah Lippmann, DHC, Dr. Jart, DuWop, Hourglass, Japonesque, Jemma Kidd, Kevyn Aucoin, Korres, Laura Gellar, Lorac, Paul & Joe, Paula Dorf, Philosophy, Pixi Beauty, Pop Beauty, Stila, Sue Devitt, Sunday Riley, Tarte, theBalm, Too Faced, Vincent Longo, and much more.

*affiliate link

Review + Swatches: By Terry Blush Terrybly Ultimate Radiance Blush

(Hypnotic Copper ~ Erotic Pink ~ Beach Bomb)

Beauty.com had a 20% off sale last month, plus Ebates* was offering 13% cashback and I get free 2-day shipping through Shoprunner*. So, it was a great opportunity to purchase some By Terry products. (The sale is over now, but you can still get $10 off your $50 Beauty.com order* by clicking the link.)

(MAC 12g compact, By Terry 5g compact, MAC 6g compact)

Packaging:  The compact comes in a large purple box, which I find to be quite unnecessary considering the size of the blush, but I absolutely appreciate the detail that went into creating the packaging. 

The blush is designed in a quilted pattern that's embossed with By Terry's brand name. Also each one comes with a mirror inside, a cute satin pouch for storage and a mini brush that's not too dense or too flimsy, but it doesn't feel as soft as my other mini brushes, such as the Chanel and Burberry ones. Also, I wish there was a plastic cover like this one that separates the brush from the powder so that the blush won't get unsanitary or scratched. However, this is not a deal breaker for me, personally because I rarely use the mini brushes that come in the compacts to touch-up throughout the day.

The metal compact feels sturdy, but it's highly reflective and it attracts fingerprints. Also, it feels very heavy, although it's significantly smaller than the "standard" compact. It is actually the heaviest compact that I own. I definitely would not carry this in my purse or bring it with me when I travel, but it sure feels luxurious and expensive. Ha! 

(#4 Hypnotic Copper)

(#4 Hypnotic Copper)

#4 Hypnotic Copper (5g/0.17oz) is a peachy salmon shade with a semi-matte finish. It translates into a more peachy tan shade on my NC30/35 skin tone. It warms up my complexion and acts as a blusher for me as well. I love wearing it when I'm going for an "everyday neutral look." You can't go wrong with it because it works well with any eye look. However, it may be slightly orange on lighter beauties. 

(#2 Erotic Pink)

(#2 Erotic Pink)

#2 Erotic Pink (5g/0.17oz) is a pinky rose shade with a semi-matte finish. This is actually the most wearable shade of the bunch. It's suitable for any occasion and for light, medium and tan skin tones. (However, it may be too ashy for darker beauties.) It does not look chalky at all on my medium complexion and I love that it's not too subtle for the night time or too vibrant for the day time.

(#5 Beach Bomb)

(#5 Beach Bomb)

#5 Beach Bomb (5.5g/0.19oz) is a reddish coral shade with a semi-matte finish. It contains tiny sparkles, but it's only noticeable under direct sunlight. The specks of shimmers are almost non-existent under natural and artificial lighting. The color looks similar to Erotic Pink on my NC 30/35 medium skin tone. I could barely tell the difference when worn side by side on my cheeks. However, I recently got sunburned darker and Beach Bomb looked amazing on my tanned skin. I highly recommend it for anyone who's an NC40 and up.

(Heavily Swatched)

The By Terry blushers claim to offer "radiance," "anti-dehydration," "firmness" and "plumping" effects and are targeted for people with dry and mature skin. My cheeks are neither dry nor oily and I don't have any sagging skin, fine lines or wrinkles on that area. So, I can't speak on the anti-aging effects of the product, but it doesn't leave a sheen to my skin or a "radiant glow" when worn over a matte foundation, such as Dior Forever. The finish of the blush looks semi-matte, which I actually prefer because it doesn't look flat and I still have the option to create a glowy finish by adding a highlighter. (When worn over a dewy or natural foundation, such as Revlon Age Defying DNA Advantage or Make Up For Ever HD, the finish of the blush looks slightly glowy.)

All the blushers have a floral scent, but it quickly dissipates within minutes of application. They look sheer when you apply the first layer, even when used with a dense brush, such as the Sonia Kashuk Multi Purpose brush (mini review), but they are all easily buildable. It can actually look overdone if you use a heavy hand when you apply the second layer. I recommend using a regular blush brush that's not too flimsy or too dense, such as the MAC 168 (mini review). For the first layer, swirl the brush all over the pan, tap off any excess and then apply onto your cheeks. For the second layer, tap the brush into the pan one time, apply and it'll give you the perfect amount of color on your cheeks without looking clownish.

As for longevity, they last about 6 hours without fading when worn over liquid foundation + setting powder. (I'm assuming it's because of its hydrating properties that causes it to fade faster than the average blush.) The wear time is not the best, but it's not a deal breaker for me because I can just carry a retractable brush with me to touch-up throughout the day and it's so easy to reapply.

(Blended)

Bottom Line: I love how well each shade compliments my skin tone and the packaging is exquisite. These blushers are the first products that I've tried from the By Terry line, but they definitely won't be my last. 

Note: The By Terry Blush Terrybly Ultimate Radiance blushes are available at Beauty.com*, B-Glowing* and By Terry's online store for $75 each.

*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.

Have you tried these blushers or any products from By Terry?

Philosophy Friends + Family Sale 2012: 30% OFF All Orders

Philosophy is having a Friends & Family Sale and is offering 30% off all orders*! This is the best time to stock up on all your favorites. =) Offer expires June 16, 2012. Enter coupon code  PHILOSOPHY12 at checkout.

*affiliate link

Clarins Coupon Code 2012: FREE 5 Samples with any order (over 30 to choose from)

Clarins is offering 5 free samples* with any order (no minimum). Choose from skin care, body care, makeup, sun, and ClarinsMen. There are over 30 products that you can choose from. No coupon code needed. Offer expires June 9, 2012 at 2:59am EST. 

Also, receive a deluxe 1oz travel size ClarinsMen Active Face Wash* with any $45 purchase. Use coupon code GIFT4DAD at checkout. Offer expires June 7, 2012.

*affiliate link

Lord & Taylor Coupon Code 2012: Family & Friends Sale 25% OFF

Lord & Taylor is offering 25% OFF* (10% off cosmetics, fragrances, beauty accessories and home electrics/electronics) almost all regular and sale items when you use promo code FRIENDS at checkout. Offer excludes Smart Value Items, Fast & Fab Events, Regular and Sale Price Items from Allen Edmonds, Aquatalia, Coach, Dyson, Ecco, FitFlop, Frye, Herve Leger, Hunter, Jeffrey Campbell, Johnston & Murphy, Longines, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Merrell, Movado, Nicole Miller Bridal, Stuart Weitzman, Tag Heuer, Tumi & Ugg; men’s Cole Haan, men’s Lacoste shoes; diamond solitaire rings and special event promotions in Fine Jewelry; charity-related merchandise and gift cards. Cannot be combined with any other offer. 

Free shipping will be applied to all cosmetics and fragrance orders of $49 or more.

*affiliate link

Sephora Coupon Code 2012: 10% OFF All Beauty

Time to stock up again! =) 

Sephora is offering 10% off any order*, today only. 

Enter coupon code THRILL at checkout. 

*affiliate link

Benefit Coupon Code 2012: FREE Porefessional Primer + Marvel SpyGal Comic Book

Benefit is offering a free deluxe size POREfessional Primer and Marvel SpyGal Comic Book* with any order. The primer (review) contains 7.5ml/0.25oz and is valued at $10. You can also get free shipping with any $50 order or more. Offer expires June 30, 2012 at 11:59pm PST. Enter SPYGALME at checkout. 

*affiliate link