My Life in Loubies’ Vanessa – What’s in her bag?

One of my summer’s Chick Lit reads was My Life in Loubies by Erica Negi.  In conjunction with the author and Dress to Kill – Austin blog, we styled the book’s main character in her three locales from the book.   I had a blast working with Erica and thinking through all my cosmetics and what would fit in Manhattan, the Hamptons and Palm Beach!

Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Liner, $22
Bobbi Brown Oil-Free Even Finish Compact Foundation, $42
Le Metier De Beaute Peau Vierge Correcteur Concealer, $95
Blush – NARS Orgasm, $27
Le Metier De Beaute Colour Core Moisture Stain Lipstick, $32
(Nominee) Dior ‘Diorshow’ Mascara, $25
Laura Mercier – Flat Eye Liner Brush Long Handled, $38
Skii Facial Treatment Essence (215ml), £113
Essie Nail Polish Merino Cool One Size, $8
La Mer | Crème de la Mer, $250

Le Metier de Beaute ‘Peau Vierge Anti Aging Complex’ Tinted Treatment…, $125
Dolce & Gabbana Make Up Perfect Finish Powder Foundation Bronze, £34
Ysl Mascara Singulier Nuit Blanche In No. 2 Vibrant Plum, £22
Nars Lipgloss, $24
Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner, $20
Clarins Sun Control Face Cream, $30
Bobbi Brown ‘beach’ Body Oil, $30
Benefit Benetint Lipbalm SPF 15, $20
Shiseido Sun Protection Stick Foundation Spf 35 Pa++/0.31 Oz., $27
Bumble and bumble Surf Spray 4 oz., $23

CHANEL LES 4 OMBRES DE CHANEL QUADRA EYESHADOW | Nordstrom, $57
Guerlain Parure Gold Compact Foundation Spf 10/.31 Oz., $79
Clé de Peau Beauté Extra Rich Lipstick, $60
Cle De Peau Beaute Cream Foundation Spf 26, $120
Yves Saint Laurent Easy Liner For Eyes Automatic Eyeliner, $34
Frederic Fekkai Salon Technician Color Care Shampoo, $38
Rodin Face Oil Olio Lusso Face Oil, $140
Le Metier de Beaute Nail Lacquer Magnolia One Size, $15
Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection SPF 50 PA+++, £75
La Mer | The Lip Balm, $45

Le Métier de Beauté ‘Creme Fresh’ Tint for Lip and Cheek

Can you believe it? I had never tried cream blush. I was intimidated in the same way liquid eyeliner and red lipstick once made me freeze with fear.  Now, I am kicking myself that I didn’t give it a whirl sooner.

And of course, leave it to Le Métier de Beauté to do it right. I have Poppy and, while it is a gentle wash of color, I love the pop of bright pink it alludes to.  When I use my fingers to initially apply to my apples, it looks really vibrant.  But I use my Le Métier de Beauté Kabuki brush to blend it seemlessly into my complexion.  The cream is actually very easy to use. The formula “relaxes” into the skin, staying on my skin for a good 4-6 hours.  The main difference I find is the cream formula looks much more natural than a powder blush.

I have also used the Crème as a lip stain.  There is so much moisture in it relative to other stains.  The poppy looks great with a transparent gloss applied on top.

What’s Your Take? Curly or Straight? – Sierra

Having had naturally curly hair since the day I was born, I learned to embrace my curls but never knew quite how to tame them. The secret to my happy and curly hair now? A Hollywood actress example is Kate Hudson, who does a wonderful job at creating a beach like wave and it is very similar to the curls that Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream produces. It is a very natural and feminine look and reduces frizz.

Straight hair has never been easier to create due to the infamous CHI Flat Iron. I remember when Taylor Swift showed up at the AMAs with a gorgeous straight hair style. She transformed her curly tresses into a chic look for the event and stole the attention of the crowd.

I love having my hair either curly or straight so often times it is impossible to choose. With today’s beauty technology you honestly can’t go wrong with both styles and Sally Beauty Supply coupons certainly help with beauty product expenses.

Bio: Sierra is a featured fashion blogger for JoeShopping.com, a social shopping site dedicated to saving you money through coupons and more. Sierra can also be found on her Ocean Dreams blog.

Maybelline Eye Studio Master Drama Eyeliner

In a blind test, I know I would guess this liner is far more than its $7 price tag.  The pigment is insanely rich, the roll-up pencil glides beautifully, and staying power is unbelievable. 

I created a cat eye with Midnight Master – easy to fine tune, worked well on lower lashes and dramatically pigmented.  The packaging, overall, is adequate.  There were a couple hiccups rolling up the pen, but with the quality product and amazing price, I am not going to complain.

This fall, bright hues are huge, so I plan on picking up Sapphire Strength or Vibrant Violet.  This is a great option to experiment with a trend with a relatively small investment.

Guerlain Gigolo (70) Rouge G Lipstick

You get what you pay for, and in this case it is a jewel lipstick compact with a white-gold shimmer designed by Lorenz Bäumer, a Parisian jeweler.  Channeling James Bond, a mirror pops up when the compact is opened. The case is very heavy, yet with some serious glam.

My lips have been exceptionally dry this summer, so, besides this stunner packaging, I was impressed with its skin care capabilities.  Somehow, they are able to package very long term wear while still being highly moisturizing. And according to my nose, this is essentially scent-free.

Gigolo (70) is a cooler tone that works MUCH better on me than shades containing orange. Plus, your teeth appear whiter.  While it is sold as a plum, it actually appears berry-red on me.

This is a pretty penny at $47, but, like I said, the packaging is extraordinary, lip color has great staying power and it is a lip treatment to boot.

NARS Opaque Nail Polish in Galion

I have always adored OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark, so a statement polish in grey or black doesn’t really scare me.  That being said, I would also recommend this color for someone who hasn’t really gone to the dark side on their nails.

I love that Galion is softer than stark black, but still “stormy” evoking a cozy fall day.  I am so enthusiastic about this dreaded summer finally ending that I wore this color all last week.  At first it appeared very dark, but in the sunshine the grey really shined through. It is absolutely opaque with no shimmer. While the finish is glossy, it is a uniform color.

I hadn’t had much luck with NARS polish staying on, but the two coats, with a few touch ups, lasted from Thursday to Monday night.  It came off Tuesday when the chips became obnoxious.

Jewel tones are huge for fall, but I like that this color compliments the trend colors rather than being spot on wearing the exact trend.