Nordstrom Christiana Mall Opening Day Beauty Bash

Nordstrom Christiana Mall Opening Day Beauty Bash

Friday, April 8th – 8 to 10am at the Nordstrom mall entrance on the first level

132 Christiana Mall
Newark, Delaware 19702

For more information, call 1.866.504.9860

Bring your girlfriends and start shopping the world of cosmetics while you wait for the new Nordstrom Christiana Mall store to officially open. You’ll get the inside scoop on new products and trends, plus tips and tricks for looking your best. You'll also enjoy special beauty demonstrations, gifts with purchase and other fun surprises. And don’t forget to check out fantastic items exclusive to Nordstrom, including Estée Lauder Nutrious Skincare.

The first 1000 Beauty Bash attendees will receive a free Nordstrom Beauty Swag Bag with goodies inside to help get the Nordstrom Christian Mall experience started!

In addition, you’ll receive a deluxe train case (while supplies last) with your purchase of $150 or more from the department as Nordstrom's exclusive grand opening gift to you. Plus, meet your new best friend in beauty! The Nordstrom Beauty Stylist will give you free personalized advice and help you find the best cosmetics, skincare and fragrances across all our brands. No appointment necessary. For more information on the Beauty Stylist service, call 1.800.7BEAUTY.

Special Gifts with Purchases and Events on April 8

Philosophy Oxygen Peel
Great Skin is in! Please join Nordstrom's skincare team of experts for a complimentary Oxygen Peel and skincare consultation. Receive a 5-piece gift with any $50 or more purchase of Philosophy.

Enhance Your Style with Estée Lauder
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Join Estée Lauder and InStyle magazine to celebrate the grand opening of Nordstrom's newest store and enhance your style for spring. Receive a complimentary style consultation with an InStyle representative, plus take home a copy of InStyle’s book, Instant Style, when you make a qualifying purchase of Estée Lauder products.

Clarins Beauty Party
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Meet makeup and skincare experts and learn about the latest trends in signature Clarins beauty and skincare products. You’ll receive two deluxe-size samples with your two-item Clarins skincare purchase.

Shiseido Facial Massage
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Experience the signature Shiseido facial massage. After your relaxing treatment, receive a makeup lesson using Shiseido's amazing spring color collection created by master makeup artist Dick Page. Plus, receive a makeup pouch filled with Shiseido samples with your two-item skincare purchase.

Tria Beauty 'At Home Laser Hair Removal' Event
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Experience Tria Beauty At Home Laser Hair Removal. Tria Beauty experts will be available to demonstrate and educate customers on how to acheive hair-free skin in just six months. Plus, with your Tria beauty purchase, receive a full-size oil-free SPF 32 sunscreen.

April 8-9

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare 'Peel the Difference' Event
Enjoy a one-to-one consultation and experience better skin tone, smoother texture, a softening of fine lines and wrinkles, and more. In addition, receive an Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel with your $100 purchase.

Peter Thomas Roth ‘Undo the Damage’ Event
Get skincare tips and tricks from Peter Thomas Roth expert during a complimentary consultation and mini facial. In addition, receive a deluxe gift with your $75 purchase from the line.

Elemis 'Teaser' Event
Enjoy a mini Anti-Aging Facial and Exotic Hand & Arm massage during a one-to-one consultation with an Elemis Skin Expert. Plus, with your $150 purchase from the line, receive three deluxe Elemis skincare samples.

Meet Dior National Makeup Artist Rodderick Gregg
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Meet Dior celebrity makeup artist Rodderick Gregg. Rodderick and his team will show the latest tricks and trends for the spring season. You’ll take home a complimentary Skincare Starter Set with your Dior purchase of $125 or more. Please reserve your appointment with a Dior Beauty Advisor.

Jack Black Neck, Shoulder and Hand Massages and Mini Facials for Him
April 8, Noon – 8:00 p.m.
April 9, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Relax and experience Jack Black Skincare and Grooming products during professional treatments. Experts will be available to customize a skincare and grooming routine that’s best for you. With your qualifying Jack Black purchase, receive a special gift.

April 8-10

Clinique Gift with Purchase
With your purchase of $25 or more from Clinique you’ll receive four smile-brightening lip shades, instant pick-me-up eye cream and more! Turn your smile at least one shade brighter with a lip palette filled with four shades of Clinique Brighter Smile Lip Colour - only in this gift. For healthier-looking skin, there’s radiance-enhancing Clarifying Lotion, fresh-face cleanser and de-puffing eye cream. Add lash-boosting mascara and a cheery cosmetics bag and you’re happily glowing.

Lancôme Exclusive Gift with Purchase
Choose five of your favorite eleven Lancôme items as our gift with your purchase of $32.50 or more from the line. Plus, receive a four-piece makeup brush set with your purchase of $75 or more from the line.

MAC 'Quite Cute' Event
Receive pastel shades for Eye Quads, Lipstick, Plushglass, and Nail Lacquer. And by popular demand, MAC is completely revamping three favorite Lip Pencil shades from last season that will join in on the fun and frolic. You’ll love the Mineralize Blush with the sweet heart baked right into it. If it shines, shimmers and pops it’s completely, contagiously cute!

Nars 'Best of Bronzers' Event
Discover the makeup essential for summer as NARS beauty experts custom match the perfect shade of bronze to your skin tone. Plus, receive a mini lipgloss trio with your purchase of $85 or more from the line.

Anastasia Brow Event
Receive a personal eyebrow consultation to achieve the ideal eyebrow that complements your hair, eyes and overall complexion. An Anastasia-trained Brow Expert will shape, create and educate you on what eyebrow shape flatters your facial structure. Plus, with your $85 Anastasia purchase, you’ll receive a complimentary
service bounce-back card to use toward a brow service on your next visit.

La Mer 'Skin Essentials'
Enjoy a luxurious treatment during a personalized consultation with La Mer expert and discover why devotees say the La Mer Miracle Broth is a secret well-worth knowing. Space is limited; please inquire for further details and reserve your appointment today.

Mario Badescu 'Mini Facial'
Come and have some one-to-one time with a Mario Badescu skin specialist. Whether you need to maintain your complexion or solve a skincare quandary, experts will create a regimen to fit your individual skin type and lifestyle. In addition, with your $50 purchase receive three deluxe samples of Mario Badescu skincare in a signature cosmetics bag along with a mirror.

Clarisonic 'Sonic Cleansing and Infusion' Event
Stop by our Clarisonic Station for a quick cleanse or lift prior to your skin or makeup consultations. Learn about these innovative tools and the sonic technology that make both the Clarisonic Skin Care Brushes and the Clarisonic Opal so effective. Plus, receive a travel case and replacement brush head with your Clarisonic
purchase of $149 or more.

Deborah Lippmann Nail Collection Event
Preview the season’s hottest colors and experience this chic, sophisticated collection of nail lacquers and treatments during a one-to-one consultation. Plus, with your $30 purchase receive a full-size nail lacquer.

Xen Tan 'Perfect Tan' Event
Xen Tan tanning experts will demonstrate the natural color and delicious vanilla scent of Xen Tan self-tanning products. Plus, learn tips and techniques to a perfectly beautiful, year-round tan.

Prevage 'Skin Scanner' Event

Meet the Prevage experts and discover the latest in diagnostic technology, the Skin Scanner. This powerful tool will analyze your skin and reveal signs of premature aging that the naked eye can’t see, such as sun damage, dehydration and enlarged pores. Plus, with your $98 purchase from the line, receive a special tote with Prevage deluxe sample.

Jo Malone 'Fragrance Combining and Hand & Arm Massage' Event
Experience the Jo Malone lifestyle by learning about the art of combining fragrances - mixing, matching and layering fragrances on the skin to create a bespoke scent that’s unique to you. Relax as Jo Malone treats you to a complimentary hand & arm massage using the sought-after line of Jo Malone hand and body products.

Victor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb
Experience the floral explosion of Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb fragrance. Receive a special deluxe gift with your qualifying Flowerbomb purchase.

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist
Enjoy the ultimate pampering experience - fragrance experts will help you discover the Cashmere Mist fragrance that is right for you and help personalize your fragrance experience. You’ll also receive a hand massage using our soothing lotion and cream. With your qualifying Cashmere Mist fragrance purchase, receive a special gift. Exclusive gift sets are also available.

Angel by Thierry Mugler Gift with Purchase
With your qualifying Angel fragrance purchase, receive a deluxe token as their thanks.

Marc Jacobs 'Create Your Own Button' Event
This spring, Marc Jacobs wants you to experience the World of Marc Jacobs fragrances. Add your own unique touch to the World of Marc Jacobs fragrance with your very own personalized button pin - it’s a collectible!

Gucci 'Guilty Pleasures' Event
Are you a Guilty or a Flora lady? Take a Gucci Personality Test to make the best choice for your personal style. With your qualifying Gucci fragrance purchase, receive a special gift.

Narciso Rodriguez for Her
Come experience the best-selling fragrance harmony of Narciso for Her and Narciso Essence. With your qualifying Narciso purchase, receive a special gift.

The Art of Shaving 'Lather Up!' Event for Him
Want to find out how to get the smoothest, cleanest shave? Join The Art of Shaving as they demonstrate the 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave. Specialists will focus on the features and benefits of wet shaving, and with your qualifying purchase, receive a token of appreciation.

MAC Earthly Harmony Nail Lacquer

Two weekends ago, Mr. Spoiled Pretty sweetly offered to watch Westley for the day so that I could rejoin the living and get my shop on. So I drove to the King of Prussia Mall and proceeded to give my Visa a workout.

While perusing the MAC counter at Nordstrom, a new nail polish caught my eye. Earthly Harmony, one of six new shades created by renowned nail guru Jin Soon, immediately reminded me of OPI's You Don't Know Jacques (one of my all time favorites) – a slightly lighter version with frosty sparkle, anyway. It took me about three seconds to decide I couldn't leave without a bottle on my person. Sadly, it was not meant to be. The saleswoman apologetically explained that they had sold out of the shade and wasn't sure that they'd get any more in stock.

While forced to leave the store empty handed, I decided that I wouldn't leave with nekkid nails. So I brazenly took the tester bottle and gave myself a quick mani right there at the counter. How tacky is that? I know, I know…I’m a mess. Ain't no shame in my game.

Undeterred, I left Nordstrom and headed to MAC's freestanding store in another section of the mall. Once again, in the words of Cher Horowitz, I was brutally rebuffed. Another MAC artist informed me of the shade's popularity and explained that it had sold out almost immediately. So when I returned home, I juiced up my laptop and ordered myself a bottle online. Thank God for e-commerce.

Earthly Harmony and the rest of the MAC Nail Trend F/W '10 collection is available, for a limited time, at maccosmetics.com and nordstrom.com. Heed my advice and nail this shade down before it's going, going, gone.

MAC Haute & Naughty Lash

As much as I adore MAC Cosmetics (y'all know I do), I’ve always been a little meh about their mascaras. So when the company sent me a sample of their new Haute & Naughty Lash, the package actually sat around for weeks before I tried it.

When I finally got around to reviewing it, I wanted to smack myself upside the head for waiting so long – and for doubting the makeup masterminds at MAC.

Haute &Naughty Lash lets your lashes lead a double life, thanks to a two-in-one dual wiper system. For natural, genetically blessed look, use the wand with the pink end. For doe-eyed, dramatic fringe, use the wand with the pink and disco purple end. The hydrating formula prevents flaking and comes off easily with eye makeup remover.

Peep these photos and see for yourself how Haute & Naughty transformed my lashes from blah to bladow!

Before: nekkid lashes looking a bit bald

After: Haute & Naughty lashes

Haute & Naughty Lash is currently available at nordstrom.com and maccosmetics.com. In September 2010, it will be sold at all MAC stores and counters. MAC products have a way of selling out, so if I were you, I’d get this mascara while it’s haute!

Lancôme Définicils Precious Cells Mascara Giveaway!!!

Lancôme's latest mascara, Définicils Precious Cells, is now available exclusively at Nordstrom and Nordstrom.com. Définicils Precious Cells is the first mascara from Lancôme to regenerate the condition of lashes, all while delivering definition with lash by lash fullness. Lancôme’s newest ambassadress Julia Roberts is the face of the new mascara.

Définicils Precious Cells Mascara contains the nourishing apple lysate ingredient found in Lancôme's Absolue Precious Cells skincare collection, and boasts an entirely new creamy texture. Just as with the original best-selling Définicils, this formula not only defines lashes beautifully, but also creates a fuller lash look. A blend of five, triple-coated waxes delivers lash fullness from the lash root to tip. Additionally, the new Définicils Precious Cells Mascara formula glides on smoothly while enveloping lashes with conditioning agents. It’s also super-easy to remove, reducing the chance of lash loss.

It wouldn’t be a Lancôme mascara without an innovative, performance-driven brush and Définicils Precious Cells Mascara is no exception. The new multi-faceted brush was specifically developed to work with the creamier formula. The short bristles help deposit the formula in between the lashes, while the flexible, longer bristles allow for a clean application. In combination, the formula and brush deliver optimal lash by lash fullness.

Définicils Precious Cells Mascara is $29 and, as I mentioned before, is now exclusively available at Nordstrom. In August, you can find it at Lancôme counters nationwide and on lancome-usa.com.

But this week, you can score a tube for FREE! Yup…that's right. Lancôme is sending me a sample to try (I wonder how it compares to my favorite lash lengthener of all time, Lancôme Hypnose Drama) and another mascara to give away!!!

Enter to win by leaving a message in the comments section. Make sure to leave your email or another way for me to get in touch, just in case you're the lucky pretty woman!

Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Friday, July 9, 2010. Good luck!

Kristen Stewart Debuts Red Hot Hair at Letterman and NYC Eclipse Premiere

Fekkai Celebrity Stylist Adir Abergel transformed Kristen Stewart's tresses from day to night (for her David Letterman appearance and the New York premiere of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse), and collaborated with Marie Robinson to color her hair strawberry blonde.

DAY: Abergel created a feminine and flirty style for Kristen's David Letterman appearance.

GET THE LOOK: Abergel started by applying the Fekkai Advanced Full Blown Volume Styling Whip at the roots and working throughout the hair. Using a round brush, he blow-dried the hair straight, and spritzed the Fekkai Advanced Brilliant Glossing Sheer Shine Mist for added shine. Adir curled the hair using a 1-inch curling iron, and sprayed with Fekkai Coiff Ocèanique Tousled Wave Spray to create the flirty texture. He then pulled the hair back loosely and secured it by knotting at the nape of the neck. To finish of the look, Adir sprayed Fekkai Advanced Sheer Hold Hairspray.

COLOR: Adir teamed up with Clairol Celebrity Stylist, Marie Robinson, to dye Kristen's hair strawberry blonde. Abergel encouraged Stewart to return to her natural roots, and pulled images from the 1950's for inspiration.
GET THE LOOK: To achieve Stewart's strawberry blonde color, Abergel suggests using the Fekkai Salon Color 6R Copper-Lucy.

NIGHT: Abergel created a soft and romantic braid for Kristen Stewart’s Premiere in New York for The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.

GET THE LOOK: Abergel started by applying the Fekkai Advanced Full Blown Volume Styling Whip at the roots and dried her hair with his hands. Next, Adir applied a dime of Fekkai Coiff Nonchalant Piecing & Forming Wax for added texture. Creating a side part, he braided the hair across the side line towards the opposite side of the head. With his fingers, he carefully pulled pieces of hair to soften and shape the face. To secure the look, he tied the hair into a loose knot. Adir sprayed Fekkai Advanced Sheer Hold Hairspray for all night hold.

Fekkai products are available At fekkai.com, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue.

Get The Look: Kristen Stewart at Eclipse Premiere

Avon Global Creative Color Director and Hollywood Makeup Artist Jillian Dempsey prepped Kristen Stewart for the Eclipse premier. "We made her eyes pop with shimmery, icy tones and added definition with black liquid liner," she said.

Opting for a more classic look, Dempsey wanted to keep Kristen's look fresh, while playing up the eyes. For the premiere, Dempsey used:

Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Duo Eye Enhancer in White/Jet Black Price ($9.00): One end of the Eye Enhancer contains a creamy, smooth eyeshadow, and the other has a perfectly coordinated luxurious liquid eyeliner.

Avon SuperExtend Mascara in Black ($8.50): The innovative stretch-formula contains triangular-shaped fibers that visibly lengthens lashes up to 55%.

Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Multi Pencil in Raspberry Radiance ($8.00): A double-ended pencil includes a soft, smudge-proof eyeshadow on one end and a complementary cream lip and cheek color on the other.

Frederic Fekkai's Adir Abergel tended to Kristen Stewart's tresses for The Twilight Saga: Eclipse premiere.

INSPIRATION: A soft take on the 1950's pompadour

HOW TO GET THE LOOK: Abergel started by applying the Fekkai Full Blown Volume Styling Whip at the roots throughout the hair. Using a round brush, Abergel blow-dried the hair away from the face, and placed it in pin curls. He allowed the hair to cool before removing the pin curls. He then styled the hair by hand raking the hair into a side pompadour securing with with pins. To shape the face, Abergel pulled a few pieces in front. To secure the look, he then applied Fekkai Coiff Sheer Hold Hairspray for all night hold.

Fekkai Full Blown Volume Styling Whip ($23) and Fekkai Coiff Sheer Hold Hairspray ($35) are available at Fekkai.com, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Harajuku Lovers Sunshine Cuties Fragrance Giveaway!

Sunshine Cutie (suhn-shahyn) (kyoo-tee) n.1. A super cute, sunloving, beach-bumming doll who would never compromise on fashion for a day at the beach!

This summer, your favorite Harajuku Girls are back, this time for a little fun in the sun. With perfectly pedicured toes and fresh new summer scents Love, Lil’ Angel, Music, Baby, and G treat the beach as their own personal fashion playground.

LOVE

Bottle: Darling and demure, Love mixes and matches a vintage inspired one piece with modern wrap around removable sunglasses. A red Hibiscus flower is the perfect accessory to keeping her ponytail in place.

Fragrance: A fruity floral

* Top: Nectarine, Passion Fruit, Lemon Blossom

* Mid: Plumeria, Osmanthus, Rose Petals

* Base: Vanilla Orchid, Coconut Water, Sensual Musk, Sandalwood

LIL' ANGEL

Bottle: Lil' Angel suits up in a teeny weeny navy blue bikini scattered with sweet yellow and white hearts (showing her love for the beach)! Never without her signature headband, she dresses it with a few fragrant Plumeria flowers to channel a tropical vibe.

Fragrance: A citrus vanilla

* Top: Meyer Lemon, Mandarin, Touch of Blackberry

* Mid: Pink Rose, Vanilla Orchid, Tropical Sampaquita Blossom

* Base: Sugared Patchouli, Vanilla Bean, Skin Musk, Golden Amber

MUSIC

Bottle: Music keeps it nautical. Her navy and white striped bikini is trimmed in bright cherry red and accented with some sweet and playful bows. A red Hibiscus hair flower makes the perfect topper. Aye Aye, it’s super Kawaii!

Fragrance: A sensuous floral
* Top: Juicy Pear, Granny Smith Apple, Dewy Freesia
* Mid: Tiger Orchid, Jasmine Petals, Honeysuckle
* Base: Cashmere Woods, Creamy Musk, Precious Woods

BABY
Bottle: Pretty in Pink! Baby is a quintessential girlie girl in a pink on pink polka dot bikini with ruched top and string bottom. A few Plumeria flowers nestled in her hair add the finishing touch to her super Kawaii ensemble.
Fragrance: A dewy floral
* Top: Crisp Mandarin, Wet Neroli, Bright Sunflower
* Mid: White Poppy, Living Valencia, Orange Flower, Jasmine Absolute
* Base: Soft Musk, Rich Vetiver, Creamy Birch Woods

G
Bottle: Leader of the pack!
Reminiscent of one of her stage costumes, G wears a tuxedo bandeau bikini top and for a pop of color, turquoise boy short bottoms. Her sweet headband is adorned with a mix of tropical Plumeria flowers.
Fragrance: A creamy musk
* Top: Coconut Water, Mandarin, Bergamot
* Mid: White Peach, Heliotrope, Exotic Tiare Flower, Orange Flower
* Base: Vanilla Bean, Tonka, Skin Musk, Creamy Sandalwood

Each collectible eau de toilette (10 mL) retails for $30. The fragrances are available at Macys, Nordstrom, Sephora, macys.com, sephora.com. But as summer tans fade and leaves begin to fall the Sunshine Cuties will be making their departure.

Spoiled Pretty and Coty Prestige want to make sure that you get them before they sail off into the sunset, so we’ve partnered for a giveaway. One lucky reader will win the entire set of Sunshine Cuties – worth $150!

To enter the giveaway, leave a message in the comments section. Make sure to leave your email or another way for me to get in touch, just in case you get lucky.

Contest is open to U.S. residents only. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Monday, May 24, 2010. Good luck!

Philosophy The Color of Grace Makeup Collection

the color of grace collection, $20-37.50: Inspired by philosophy's best-selling fragrance (and my favorite), amazing grace, the color of grace is makeup that embraces your inner girl with all things pink and beautiful. Philosophy created skin-loving formulas in perfect pink shades that deliver sheer color and heavenly luminosity for a look that is soft, graceful and inspired. Everyone looks prettier in pink lighting. The color of grace is universally flattering and created for all women who want to feel sweet, kind, pretty and feminine. Available at philosophy.com, Sephora and Nordstrom stores in April.

the color of grace heavenly light pink illuminator, $28: A pink light, liquid luminizer that combines skin-loving moisture and brightening botanicals to restore radiance for heavenly luminosity.

the color of grace amazing grace shimmering face powder, $29.50: a sweetly shimmering, silky, pale pink powder that brightens your complexion and creates a soft focus glow as it releases an uplifting, feminine hint of amazing grace fragrance.

the color of grace art of blushing, $35: a multidimensional palette of three silky, sheer blushes in perfect pink shades surrounded by luminous highlighter, to deliver pure color and light for skin that looks soft, luminous and inspired.

the color of grace amazing grace coloring book, $37.50: a purse-sized palette of perfect pink shades for lips, eyes and cheeks to create the face of grace. two eyelighting shadows, two perfect pink lip glosses, an all-over cream illuminator, powder blush and a shimmering face powder scented with a touch of amazing grace fragrance.

the color of grace go with grace face brush, $20: heavenly pink, kabuki-inspired natural hair brush that provides flawless application and blendability of powder or blush. In a pretty-to-go, retractable case.

the color of grace eyelighting shadow duo, $22: sheer washes of color that light up the eyes with delicately shimmering minerals. Available in a luminous duo: heaven/earth.

the color of grace angel kiss lip gloss, $17.50: Grace your lips in creamy, dreamy goodness. The color of grace angel kiss lip gloss loves lips. It blends high-shine, sheer color with lip-caring goodness. Helps enhance the softness and natural rosiness of lips, while a hint of vanilla-mint flavor refreshes the breath.

Nordstrom.com Beauty Sale: Get On This!

Nordstrom is having a ridiculously amazing online beauty sale, and I didn't want y'all to miss out on these steals and deals! Here's just a sampling of the markdowns:

Laura Mercier Crème Brûlée Duo
Was: $40 Now: $29 (save 25%!)



MAC Lipglass and Lustreglass Set
Was: $29.50 Now: $22.90 (save 20%!)



MAC Miracles Happen Viva Glam Lip Kit (sold out on MAC website)
Was: $22.50 Now: $17.90 (save 20%!)



MAC Magic, Mirth, & Mischief - Do the Trick Brush Bag (sold out on MAC website)
Was: $49.50 Now: $38.90 (save 20%!)



Philosophy The Cookie Exchange Collection
Was: $30 Now: $21.90 (save 25%!)



Bobbi Brown Goldstone Long Wear Eye Palette
Was: $40 Now: 31.90 (save 20%!)



Jo Malone Bath Oil Collection
Was: $85 Now: $67.90 (save 20%!)



Hanae Mori Paris Butterfly Deluxe Set
Was: $75 Now: $55.90 (save 25%!)



Smashbox Eye Wish Palette
Was: $44 Now: $32.90 (save 25%!)



Philosophy Classic Cookbook Gift Set
Was: $35 Now: $25.90 (save 25%!)



Fekkai 'Golden Shimmer' Gelée Mist
Was: $20 Now: $9.90 (save 50%!)



Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Sweet Obsession Eye Color Collection
Was: $48 Now: $35.90 (save 25%!)



Lancôme Holiday Juicy Tubes Set
Was: $39.50 Now: $29.50 (save 25%!)

Clinique Comfort On Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream

A few weeks ago, my skin just up and decided to stage a mutiny. My upper body broke out in a rash. From my hairline all the way down to my torso, I was covered in itchy, sandpaper-like bumps (I now suspect eczema was the culprit). My lips didn't even escape unscathed; they were bumpy and inflated to almost twice their normal size. And on the worst day, my left eye was so swollen and droopy, I looked like a female Forest Whitaker.

As the days wore on, the bumps started to dry out and my skin became dessicated and extremely flaky. It was as if I was a snake, shedding an exoskeleton. The dryness of my face was unbearable. With every facial expression or movement of my mouth, it seemed like my skin would literally tear; it was so painful. Up until this point, I had only been using Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser - as it was all that my traumatized skin could handle. But it begged for more, so I dug through my skin care arsenal looking for a moisturizer substantial enough to quench my skin's thirst, but gentle enough not to send it into another tizzy. I hit the jackpot when I came across a sample of Clinique Comfort On Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream that the brand sent me a few months ago to review.

I can't say enough wonderful things about this cream. My skin is the true testament. After just a few days of using Comfort On Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream, I started to recognize the reflection in the mirror again. And now that the rash (and its remnants) are almost gone, I continue to apply the cream after cleansing in the AM and PM.

According to Clinique, I've got their "exclusive, patent-pending Enviro-Soothe™ Complex" to thank for soothing and saving my face. Clinique also promises that when "used over time, it strengthens skin's lipid barrier to support natural healing."

Comfort On Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream also works wonders on dry, cracked hands. I can't think of a better winter skin care pick than this one; it earns Holy Grail status. If you suffer from reactive, sensitive or dry skin, you'd be a smart gal to add it to your shopping list.

Clinique Comfort On Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream is available at clinique.com, Sephora, Bloomingdale's, and Nordstrom.

Nordstrom Private Beauty Event: Get On This!!!

Right now, Nordstrom is having a private beauty sale. It's not advertised on the main page of their website - but if you click this secret link, it will transport you to where the magic happens.

Enjoy incredible gifts with purchase and special offers from Anastasia, Armani, Bare Minerals, Bobbi Brown, Clarisonic, DDF, Dior, Essie, Guerlain, Jo Malone, Kate Somerville, Kiehl's, La Mer, Laura Mercier, NARS, Prada, Shu Uemura, Smashbox, YSL and many more!

I'm usually pretty good at keeping things on the DL...but when it comes to beauty deals like this, you can bet your bottom dollar that I'm gonna sing like a canary.

*If you spend $100 or more, don't forget to enter promo code HOLIDAY09 for free shipping!

If The Boot Fits: Tall Boots For Big Calves

You know the song "Poor Unfortunate Souls" from the movie The Little Mermaid (don't pretend you didn't sing every one of Ariel's songs in grade/high school)? Well, I've decided it's the theme song for the plight of thick calved girls searching for tall boots.

For months, I've had a serious case of tall boot envy every time I see a chick on the street rocking a knee high boot. I, myself, am short with extra girthy Gastrocnemius muscles. So the thickest part of my lower leg falls in the spot that is usually the thinnest part of the boot.

Since September, I've been trolling shoe stores to find my Cinderella boot that will effortlessly slip over my monstrous calves - only to be dejected and embarrassed when even the roomiest boot won't work its way past my ankle. I even contemplated buying from online retailers like widewiths.com and aylaboots.com. But I'm the kind of girl who can't purchase clothes and shoes from the web; I'm hard to fit and need to try before buying.

So I lucked out two weeks ago during a last ditch mission to Nordstrom's shoe department. I found these Steve Madden Intyce boots on sale ($129 down from $199) and they managed to slip on without the need for elbow grease.

Problem is that the only thing that would fit between my leg and the leather would be a pair of tights or leggings...certainly not a pair of pants or skinny jeans. So I took my new boots to Villa's Shoe Repair (266 S 19th Street in Philadelphia), a fab shoe repair shop a few blocks from my office. They stretched the boots and waterproofed them for less than $30. Plus, the helpful owner punched extra holes in the buckle - free of charge - to further accommodate my zaftig calves.

Thanks to Steve Madden and Villa's Shoe Repair, I can finally stop sipping the tall boot haterade.

Luna Twilight Makeup Now Available at Nordstrom!

Besides their razor sharp fangs, vampires' greatest weapon is their stunning appearance. Glistening skin, blood-red lips, sultry eyes and a barely there flush perfectly play innocence against danger - and what girl wouldn't want to harness that Twilight-inspired spirit?

To celebrate the premiere of New Moon, Nordstrom is launching the Luna Twilight cosmetics collection.

Luna Twilight Mortal Glow Blushing Cream, $20
This breakthrough blend of mousse and cream blush glides on effortlessly for a satin finish that perfectly emulates a vampire’s ethereal glow.

Luna Twilight First Light Body Glow, $34
Highlight collarbones, arms and legs with a light-weight, hydrating body illuminator that leaves skin dazzling.

Luna Twilight DuWop Lip Venom, $16
Apply this Venom-laced lip conditioner for a crimson stained pout with an intensely potent bite.

Luna Twilight Moonshadows Eyeshadow, $20
Smudge on this duel shimmer and cream shadow for a mysterious smokey eye effect.

To check out the entire Luna Twilight beauty collection, hit up your local Nordstrom store or nordstrom.com. Whether you're "Team Edward" or "Team Jacob," these products will seduce to every Twilight fan.

Speaking of teams, you can also show your allegiance with cute tees and jewelry - also available at Nordstrom!

Look What I Bought At Nordstrom: Dolce Vita Whitney Boots

Like a moth to a flame, I am inexplicably drawn to anything with an exposed zipper. So when I spotted some teenager holding the floor sample of these Whitney Boots by Dolce Vita in the Nordstrom shoe department yesterday, I was this close to snatching it out of her hand when she wasn't looking.

After a few minutes of indecision, the girl returned the sample to the display and I pounced on it so fast, I doubt the sole ever touched the table top. The Whitney boots ended up coming home with me, and I can't wait to wear them for the first time. These definitely are the kind of footwear you build entire ensembles around.

If you choose to follow in my footsteps and buy this particular style, be warned - they run small. I usually wear a size 8 boot - but with these, I needed an 8.5.