New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2014

I had trouble sleeping last night because I was so excited for this morning. I'm flying into NYC today for Fashion Week! Last year was my first year attending and it was a ton of fun, but extremely intense. I had great NYC blogger friends (shout out to the Collective!) who gave me advice and tips, but it was still a really hectic week!

Me at Daily lounge during NYFW '12

This year I feel much more prepared, but I'm sure it will be just as much of a whirlwind as it was last year. If you'll be in town for your first Fashion Week in NYC, here are my tips to you (paying it forward!):

• Stay organized by adding all of your shows to Google Calendar or some kind of calendar that will send you reminders. Sync this with your phone so you have it handy at all times. Make sure to add physical and email addresses into the invite details.
• Leave yourself time to get in between shows. Basically, don't overbook yourself! Map out the shows on a map if they're not all in Lincoln Center to make sure you have enough time to get from one to the other.
• There is a lot of pressure to wear horribly uncomfortable shoes to look good...if you must, pack comfortable ones in your purse to switch out in between shows.
• Bring band aids for blisters. There's a lot of walking to be done!
• Pack your make up for touch ups. It's going to be a warm weekend and you may work up a sweat getting between shows. You always want to be camera ready when at shows.
• Gift bags and swag are great, but remember that you will have to carry these bags around all day...so keep this in mind and only take what you truly want. 
• Bring snacks!
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. 
• Fashion show etiquette: If you RSVP for a party or show, go! If you can't make it, email your contact and let them know. Chances are, there are several people on a waiting list, wanting to attend.

If you can't make it to NYC but want to stay up to date with shows, trends and the behind the scene action, check out the following....

• Some designers are streaming their shows live from their websites or YouTube channels. For example, Rebecca Minkoff is starting to stream at 3pm EST on Sept 6. Tune in for show and behind the scenes action. Live stream can be viewed from www.rebeccaminkoff.com.
• The official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week site will also be live streaming some shows. 
• Popsugar.com/Fashion is providing up to date coverage all week.  
• Pinterest has a Fashion Week page to keep up to date on fashion forward pins. Check it out here.
• Last but not least, Fashion and Beauty bloggers are also a good resource to check out during and after Fashion Week to get the behind the scenes scoop and pictures from the runway. Check out these NYC blogger Instagram accounts:
• instagram.com/fashionistanygirl
• instagram.com/alexshook
• instagram.com/nessasusana
• instagram.com/lolbeauty
• instagram.com/starcrossedsml  
• instagram.com/beautyinnewyork
• instagram.com/fashionablypetit 
• instagram.com/jaclynsiu
• instagram.com/digitalgent
• instagram.com/thetinytierant
• instagram.com/collegewalk   
• instagram.com/lipglossbreak - that's me!

Bobbi + Katie Collection

The Bobbi Brown and Katie Holmes' makeup collaboration has launched: the Bobbi & Katie Collection. Such a beautiful palette!

Katie is the brand's first ever celebrity face. She worked closely with Bobbi to create 'a capsul collection designed to for the on-the-go needs of modern women like Bobbi and Katie themselves.'

Now available at all Bobbi Brown Cosmetics counters and at BobbiBrownCosmetics.com, the collection includes a palette for eyes, cheeks and lips, along with a brush set, all housed in a chic and trim bag perfectly sized for your purse (which means it's travel friendly, even better!).  

Zoya Cashmere Collection

I couldn't get to this collection fast enough to swatch on my nails, so I decided to give you sneak peak on a nail wheel. This is Zoya's Cashmere collection. The colors are so rich and perfect for Fall. Now that we're into September, I think it's time to go darker on my nails... 

My favorite colors from this line are Livingston and Sailor. Livingston is a bright red that will be fun to wear with neutral color clothing, especially with black, it will really pop. Sailor is a deep, deep, blue that I will wear to an upcoming University of Michigan tailgate for sure. It can look black in some light. With leather in this Fall, this will look great paired with a leather jacket or a top with black leather trim.

I'll report back on the wear time for this line in a later post. In the meantime, please leave me a comment below and let me know what your favorite Fall nail polish is...

Labor Day Sales

What's a holiday weekend without sales? Here are a few that caught my eye...

Bloomingdales - Big Brown Bag Sale, 20-65% off select items
Nordstrom - Tons of marked down items and 40% of shoe sale
Perfumania - 20% off sitewide through Sept 2., enter LABOR20
Neiman Marcus - September Real Deal sale, up to 50% off on items
ShoeMall.com - 25% off sitewide and free shipping through Sept 3, enter LABORDAY at checkout
Express - 40% off everything, no coded needed
Tarte Cosmetics - 15% off, enter LDAY at checkout
Juicy Couture - 30% off dresses and rompers through Sept 2.
J.Crew - 25% off denim

Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup

Mama Fashionista: Do you know Joey New York? Let Quinn introduce you to her Fab Five Favorites from this cult fave brand!

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Aftelier Perfumes Lavender Face Elixir with Clary Sage and Cistus is an amazing potent anti-aging oil serum that is sure to delight the skin and senses!

TheFabZilla: It's the perfect brick red lipstick. See TheFabZilla's fascination with Givenchy Le Rouge Intense Color Sensuously Matte Lipstick 308 Rouge D' Exception

BeautyTidbits: Still looking for the perfect daily sunscreen for your oily, acne-prone skin? Head over to BeautyTidbits to find an SPF moisturizer that won't leave your oily skin cringing!

Painted Ladies: The Foreo Luna isn't just another Clarisonic knock off. Find out what makes this nifty facial cleanser a skincare must!

My Highest Self: New contributor Miranda reviews Mary Kay Makeup Finishing Spray!

D.G.S.Beauty: D.G.S.Beauty has the perfect compact and travel friendly eyeshadow and blush palette. See what she has to say about the BH Cosmetics San Francisco Palette

A Little Polish: Looking for something to spruce up your stamping manicures? Stephanie shows us how stamping over a sponged base can create a whole new look!

In Her Makeup Bag: Stephanie shows her super simple ombre nails using Sally Hansen Pacific Blue!

Geniabeme: Check out the Couture Gel Nail Kit! It lets you do salon quality nails at home!

Beauty by Miss L: Does Wet n Wild Fergie Turn Up The Volume Mascara really turns up the promised volume & length?

Advice Sisters/Leather and Lace Advice: How you smell makes a powerful statement. Alison of The Advice Sisters and Leather and Lace Advice has Written a "Fragrance How-to"

Icy Nails: Icy Nails shares Ageless Derma Lip Polish is Petal Pink. Beautiful and nourishing, it makes lips pretty and plush.

Beauty Professor: Ever on a foundation hunt, the Beauty Professor weighs in on the NARS Radiant Cream Compact Foundation with a review and video!

The Dark Side of Beauty : The Dark Side of Beauty finds a drugstore dupe for the YSL Midnight Garden palette in the Revlon eyeshadow palette in 'Muse'.

Pammy Blogs Beauty : Are you ready for Fall Fashion? Pammy Blogs Beauty previews some Fall OOTDs (outfits of the day) with her latest boots from JustFab and some cute tees from Before + Again!

Tailgating Season

Well it's that time of year again....the weather is getting cooler, fall clothing fills the racks, and it's college football season!

As I've gotten older my tailgating 'tastes' have evolved, but nonetheless, I can still throw a great tailgate! Here are some some tips for food, logistics and of course, fashion....

• Go early to get a good spot! At the University of Michigan, you wanted to be on the one of the golf courses. This is where the parties were at! 
• Start your day off with caffeine, drink coffee! I'd go to Tim Horton's and get one of the big carafes of coffee. It was always a crowd pleaser. Feel free to top with Kahlua. 
• Libations! Jello shots are also a lot of fun, especially when in your team's colors.
• Tailgating games: corn hole, flip cup, beer pong
• Costco is your best friend. Buy things in bulk to save money. In my experience, tailgates tend to blend together so you may end up feeding your tailgating neighbors.
• If you want to keep it simple buy sub sandwiches. Easy to eat and always a crowd pleaser. 
• Buy lots of water, especially for after the game.
• Always wear your team's colors. Don't be one of those girls who gets all dressed up with no team colors.
• Comfortable shoes are key. 
• Check the stadium's website beforehand to see if you can bring in a purse. U of M doesn't allow you to, so I have to be strategic about which lip balm and gloss I'm taking with me into the stadium...only so much room in my pockets!
• Wear sunscreen and bring extra for friends.
• Don't forget your sunglasses! 

University of Michigan football fashion by lipglossbreak featuring Kiehl's

Lanvin sunglasses / Old Navy Mens College Team Tees - University of michigan / Kiehl's lip treatment / Sun Bum bath body product / RFSJ University of Michigan School Spirit Travel Coffee Mug / TOMS University of Michigan Women's Campus Classics

And the Winners Are...

Miracle Skin Transformer giveaway - aitch77
The Limited $50 gift card giveaway - megaanc

So many great giveaways are still going on...keep entering for your chance to win a full size L'Occitane Verbena EDT and a Brew Over Ice prize pack (valued over $50!).

Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup

Mama Fashionista: It's only the second month of her subscription-does Quinn think her August ipsy bag is a hit or a miss?

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Obsessed with The Organic Pharmacy? Then learn about their fabulous Virgin Cold Pressed Rose Hip Oil!

TheFabZilla: Are you into facial serums? TheFabZilla shares her experience with FutureDerm Vitamin CE 16+2 Serum

A Little Polish: Stephanie shows us a great way to wear on trend nail art that is appropriate even in the office!

My Highest Self: New contributor Miranda reviews Bodycology Flawless Glow Luminous Lotion!

BeautyTidbits: Find out why Harshleen is so smitten by Amarté Cosmetics Natural Finish BB Cream!

Painted Ladies: Painted Earth Skincare's Tranforming Lipstick makes Sheila's lips feel soft, supple, and highly pigmented.

Nuts 4 Stuff: Mary B. of Nuts 4 Stuff shows how to go beyond thick lashes for the dreamiest eyes ever with her review of IT Cosmetics new Tightlight Full Lash & Length Black Mascara Primer!

Beauty by Miss L: Miss L has read that Oriflame Aqua-Rhythm Tinted Moisturiser is good, but now she tried it herself and shares her thoughts about it.

Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Destany shows off the wonderful Ninja Polish Pacific Coral!

D.G.S.Beauty: The Batiste Dry Shampoo in Lace is amazing! See what D.G.S.Beauty has to say about it.

Lipgloss Break: Check out what's in Lipgloss Break's beach bag...Alterna Bamboo Beach collection for beachy waves.

Beauty Professor: The Beauty Professor shares swatches and first impressions of the Mark Jacobs Beauty line in a video!

Geniabeme: I got to try some products from LondonTown. I am loving my pink matte mani!

My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura shares the contents of her August Wantable Box.

Brew Over Ice Giveway

If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter you know I post a lot of pictures of coffee mugs, and probably often with a hashtag #ineedcoffee. I'm a huge fan of coffee, and love trying new flavors, which is why having a Keurig machine has pretty much changed my life. I have about 5-8 different flavors at all times. I love choices!

The latest K-Cups I've been obsessing over are the Brew Over Ice cups. I usually opt for an ice coffee during the summer months. I tried both French Vanilla & Hazelnut Brew Over Ice cups and they are delicious. 

It's pretty simple to use the Brew Over Ice K-Cups. You literally just brew your K-Cup over ice. I use a hard plastic tumbler and fill it over half way full with ice. Then you brew your K-Cup like normal. Since a lot of the ice melts I usually add some more in afterwards, along with some almond milk. It's a nice, refreshing way to start the morning!

Here are a few ways you can try out Brew Over Ice K-Cups for yourself:
1 - Visit the Brew Over Ice sweepstakes page and play the game to enter a win huge prizes.
2 - Visit www.brewoverice.com/coolwaytobrew to download a $2 off product coupon and watch the Brew Over Ice video.
3 - In the past, I've purchased my K-Cups from www.bedbathandbeyond.com, but you can also enter my giveaway for a Brew Over Ice prize pack and win a few for free!

 

***Giveaway***

Enter to win a Brew Over Ice Prize pack, including 3 Brew Over Ice K-cup samples, a Brew Over Ice tumbler, 4 Brew Over Ice coasters, plus a Brew Over Ice light-up ice bucket and tongs.

Fill out the form below to win! There are also several different ways you can get extra entries: sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me & retweet on Twitter , follow me on Pinterest, follow me on Instagram or become a fan on Facebook; just make sure to list the number of extra entries in the form below. Enter up to once a day!

This giveaway is open to US residents only. The contest will end on Thursday, September 26th. I will randomly select one winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck! 

L’Oreal Triple Resist Haircare

From years of highlighting and heat styling, my hair has had it's fair share of damage. I always like to take extra special care of it between styles and highlighting, so that it stays healthy for a long time to come. Here are some healthy hair rules I try to follow....

• I try not to wash my hair everyday. I know, I know, it sounds difficult and no one likes oily hair, but when I skip a day of washing, I'm allowing my natural hair oils to build up and nourish my scalp. On days I don't wash I use a dry shampoo to soak up oil and to restyle.
• I only use fabric covered elastic hair ties for my pony tail. Rubber hair ties are more likely to pull and/or break your hair when you take them out.
• I get frequent haircuts and/or trims. Get rid of those dead ends!
• I use hair care lines that help strengthen hair, like L'Oreal Triple Resist. Make your hair products work for you!

The L'Oreal Triple Resist products work together to help reinforce your hair from root to core to tip. This line contains concentrated Arginine-K Complex, which is like an amino acid, and reinforces hair fibers to promote healthy hair growth. 

I've been using the L'Oreal Triple Resist Shampoo, Conditioner and Ultimate Strength Solution for a little over a week and I can tell a visible difference in my hair. It's much softer and the ends don't get frizzy after styling. 

I use the shampoo and conditioner in the shower, and I use the Ultimate Strength Solution on my wet hair, before styling. I apply this very generously, making sure I spray all layers of my hair. I gather the sides of my hair in my hand, and spray the ends up close (which I think helps smooth my ends out while blow drying). I also lift my top layers up so I can spray close to my roots. I then take a comb through my hair to help distribute the product. As an added bonus, the products smell great and the scent lasts throughout the day.

You can find L'Oreal Triple Resist at your local drugstore or buy online at www.drugstore.com.

You can also try out L'Oreal Triple Resist line thanks to Glam. Visit this link to get a free sample! First 500 sign-ups will get a sample. 

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Get instant results and lasting transformation with Advanced Haircare Triple Resist from L'Oreal Paris. The triple action power of the formulas with concentrated Arginine reinforces strands and helps hair resist breakage. Change the life of your hair.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by L’Oreal Paris via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of L’Oreal Paris.

Zoya BOGO Sale

Zoya is having a Buy One Get One free sale...don't miss this! It ends August 25th. Enter the code 'SCHOOL' at checkout. Visit Zoya.com to shop!

Chanel nail polish in Jade Rose

This is an oldie but goodie. I received this nail polish 3 years ago in NYC, while touring the city with Total Beauty. Came across it in my nail polish drawer and thought it was a good fit for this week. Traveling most of this week, I needed something neutral that would go with all of my outfits. This peachy nude was perfect.

You can find Chanel nail polish at www.nordstrom.com. 

When traveling for work or vacation, what is your go to nail polish color to last throughout your trip? Do you go bold with a red? Or neutral with a nude or light pink?

Peanut Butter & Banana Pancakes Recipe

After testing out several different clean eating, protein, oatmeal pancake recipe variations, I finally came up with one myself! I made these twice this weekend and my husband said, and I quote, 'these are the best pancakes you have ever made!' And I agree! Here's the recipe:

Ingredients
2/3 cup of dry oatmeal
7 egg whites
1 medium sized ripe banana
2 tbsp of all natural peanut butter
1 tbsp of Raw Cacao Nibs (optional)
1 tbsp Coconut oil for pan
Blueberries to top (optional)

1. Combine the oatmeal and egg whites in a mixing bowl and stir
2. Add in banana and mash/mix it in to the bowl
3. Add peanut butter and optional cacao nibs
4. Pour batter into blender and blend until smooth
5. Heat nonstick pan over medium heat and put a small portion of coconut oil to grease pan
6. Add a portion of the batter (depending on how big you like your pancakes) to pan for approximately 3-5 minutes, then flip to cook other side (this will vary based on how hot your pan is and size of pancake

My husband and I topped these with sugar free syrup (for him) and low-sugar syrup (for me). I added blueberries to the top of mine for some extra sweetness.

This recipe should make approximately 4-6 ‘silver dollar size’ pancakes. These are pretty dense – 2 pancakes filled me up!

What's in my Beach Bag? Alterna Bamboo Beach Collection

It's always a bummer coming out of the lake or pool with tangled, ratty hair. I always try to keep a large comb and hair products in my bag in case I don't have time to shower and blow dry my hair after swimming. Most recently, I've been keeping Alterna's Beach Bamboo collection in my beach bag to help tame my hair after a day on the lake.

After I'm done swimming, I'll spray my hair with Alterna Bamboo Beach Sun Recovery spray and comb through with a large tooth comb. Once my tangles are out I'll spray on Alterna Bamboo Beach Summer Ocean Waves spray and scrunch my hair with my hands. Voila, beachy waves!

Both products smell amazing. Light scent of coconut and a little fruitiness. The Summer Ocean Waves spray is really light and doesn't make your waves super 'crunchy' like some curl enhancers do. Both products are free of parabens, sulfates, and synthetic colors.

You can find Alterna's Bamboo Beach line on their site, Amazon.com & Drugstore.com.

Have you rocked the 'beachy waves' look this yet this summer? What was in your beach bag this past weekend?

Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup

Mama Fashionista: Find out why Quinn says it's a Lavanila Summer!

TheFabZilla: Hello Gorgeous! TheFabZilla reviews Alima Pure makeups- for the naturally gorgeous you.

Beauty Professor: The Beauty Professor interviewed Australian beauty line creator Napoleon Perdis...read all about it here!

BeautyTidbits: Harshleen reviews one of the new arrivals from Midnight Velvet's Fall collection and is also giving away a $50 gift certificate to Midnight Velvet!

Painted Ladies: Sheila has found a blush by Physicians Formula that gives good glow without breaking the bank.

Fabulous Awesomeness: Hey gorgeous, hold on to that old toothbrush! Mina Slater shares 7 ways to use a toothbrush for beauty!

My Highest Self: Enter to win a Vitabath Prize Pack (Body Wash, Lotion, and Fragrance Mist of your choice)!

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Ever on the quest for the best anti-aging powerbroker? If so, then meet The Organic Pharmacy Collagen Boost Mask! It's remarkable!

D.G.S.Beauty: Looking for a new pair of false eyelashes? Eylure has some awesome falsies perfect for anyone.

Beauty by Krystal: Summer isn't over yet, check out this glamorous teal and gold nail art how-to

My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog shows us the IT Cosmetics Limited Edition 6 Piece Vanity Brush Collection.

Nuts 4 Stuff: If you're looking for a delicate scent to embrace seduction, Mary B. of Nuts 4 Stuff shares L'Occitane's fourth La Grasse fragrance review with Vanille & Narisse Eau de Toilette!

Beauty by Miss L: This week Miss L showed this very simple Fall manicure.

Pammy Blogs Beauty : Pammy Blogs Beauty has stumbled upon her new favorite skincare device!!! Another sonic/spinning brush? Not this time! Introducing the totally unique FOREO LUNA cleansing device!

Geniabeme: Do your own ombre dotted nails with my easy tutorial!

Midnight Manicures: Jeanie shares with you her swatches and review of the Zoya Cashmere Nail Polish Collection. Enter the giveaway to win a collection.

Lipgloss Break: It may take a little longer, but beauty school pedicures are relaxing! Check out my review from my latest trip to the Aveda Institute.

Icy Nails: Icy Nails shares a review of the Ageless Derma Stem Cell and Peptide Anti Wrinkle Cream.

Painted Ladies: Do you or someone you know have Celiac Disease? Sheila tells you why it's important to go gluten free with your beauty products.

The Advice Sisters Beauty/Fashion/Lifestyle: Braids were everywhere on the Fall runways at Fashion Week. The Advice Sisters offer you a how-to video fro, AVEDA, for an easy and sophisticated wrapped braid look that's appropriate for more than just schoolgirls!

In Her Makeup Bag: Stephanie shares her top four drugstore products for a totally flawless complexion!

Blushing Noir: The Fall 2013 Nail Polishes from Laura Mercier have me Bewitched!

Beauty 101: Looking for the best way to customize your Alcone at Home Palette? Casey from Beauty 101 explains the process and even shares a way to save big on products!

Beauty School Pedicures

Even though the weather is turning colder, I'm still holding on to summer clothes and colors. Here's a nice summery color for nails, Spa Ritual in Last Tango. 

I picked this polish up when my friend and I got pedicures at the Douglas J Aveda Institute in Ann Arbor. I love going to the beauty school for pedicures. The way I look at it, I'm just helping a student get their hours to graduate!

In the express pedicure, they do the normal pedicure foot soak, nail polish removal, shaping, cuticle care, buffing, exfoliation and lotion massage.When I got in the chair the student gave me a neck pillow that smelled so good I've been on the hunt for the scent ever since. After polishing the student then has to have his/her instructor come over and check out their work.

In my experience, the students are usually a little nervous, but always very friendly and careful. And I feel like they pay special attention to detail because their instructor has to look over everything. The take a little bit longer than normal pedicures (I would block off at least 1.5 hours of time), but honestly, I don't care at all. To me, it's just extra time to relax! 

At the Aveda Institute it's $32 for an express pedicure, and you get to keep your polish. They use to have OPI but have since switched to SpaRitual, which I really like. They have a strict policy against no tipping, but this may not apply to all schools, so I would highly suggest asking when you book your appointment.

Have you ever went to a beauty school for a manicure, pedicure or hair service? If so, what did you think?

Trump Hotel Chicago

Sometimes, a girl just needs to be pampered...which is why I get giddy like a school girl when I get to stay at the Trump Hotel Chicago. Half of my sales team sits in our Chicago office, so when I visit, I'm able to stay at the Trump which is walking distance from our office.

I appreciate good customer service and experience, and consistently, the Trump Chicago has exceeded my expectations. Here's what I love about this hotel...

• They get to know you...when you fill out a profile as a Trump Card Privileges member (free to join), they truly honor your special needs. Favorite magazine, snacks, etc. I specified that I eat healthy and came back to my hotel room one night with a full on exotic fruit spread. It was amazing.
• Each room has a Nespresso machine with both regular and decaf options.
• Turn down service is on point. Bottles of water are left behind for at night slippers are placed by your bed.
• They leave behind a note card each day with the weather for the next day. Super helpful.
• The gym is amazing. Amazing view, large amount of cardio and weight machines, and the locker room is like a spa. They even have takeaway mini booklets with different workout programs, depending on what your goal is.
• They have their own line of amenities that smell great. We were lucky enough to stay in a spa room one stay and got bonus bath and body products, body scrub and body butters...
• The bathroom mirror has a TV in it...enough said.
• Extremely comfortable beds

The Trump realizes that they get a lot of work travelers, so they do their best to make you feel comfortable, pampered and at home. If you're in a city where there's a Trump, I definitely encourage you to splurge. It's a celebratory type of hotel.

Wine on the house because of a reservation mix up

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  View from treadmill

  

  Nespresso machine and mini bar

Nordstrom Beauty Gift with Purchase

It's close to being the 'most wonderful time of the year'....not the holidays, but Nordstrom free gift with purchase time! Get a Nordstrom beauty spot iPhone 5 case and 15 beauty favorites in a clear cosmetics bag with your $125 beauty or fragrance purchase.

Don't need any beauty items for yourself? Well then think of others! Early holiday shopping, someone's birthday coming up? Two perfumes or colognes could get you this fun gift to keep for you!

Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup

Fun Fierce Fabulous Beauty Over 50!: Find out why Sephora's $16 Black Magic Palette is getting rave reviews!

Mama Fashionista: Quinn shares her latest and greatest favorites from Smashbox Cosmetics!

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: The Organic Pharmacy Rose Plus Marine Collagen Complex is a potent and highly effective anti-aging product that REALLY beats the competition!

BeautyTidbits: A super-hydrating lip gloss and an anti-aging lip serum all in one? Say hello to the new Vitality Lip Flush Butter Glosses from It Cosmetics!

Painted Ladies: Find out how Summer's Eve makes it easy to be fabulously fresh and enter to win a $100 Spa Finder gift card.

Peppermint Lips Beauty Blog: MAC Impassioned Lipstick Review, Dupe & Swatches!

TheFabZilla: TheFabZilla officially ends her summer posts as she looks forward to fall. Check out what made it to her top 10 most loved products this summer!

Luminous Lacquer: Borrow and wear Designer Jewelry? Very awesome! Check out her review of RocksBox!

Midnight Manicures: Do you subscribe to monthly beauty boxes? Jeanie shows you her favorite, Wantable.com, and why she ended up with 2 boxes this month.

Beauty by Miss L: This week Miss L did a purple & golden manicure.

Geniabeme: The ladies of Makeup Wars are having a Color War! See what products I picked for the color purple!

D.G.S.Beauty: D.G.S.Beauty shares her customized wristbands. Learn where you could a wristband of your own.

Advice Sisters Beauty?Fashion/Lifestyle Website: Alison of the Advice Sisters explores a bunch of beauty tools to DRY For!

The Stepford Witch: Looking for a radiant setting powder that doesn't break the bank? Check out this week's review of Mary Kay's Translucent Loose Powder.

Beauty 101: Looking for the best products to create the perfect nude lip? Casey from Beauty 101 has you covered!

And the Winners Are....

We have our winners - thank you so much to everyone who entered! 

Joico Hair Products giveaway - nicolegriesmer, lynntrish30, jill190
L'Occitane hair care mask - mihaeladay, sabryant, wallindeb

Two more giveaways are still going. Enter to win a $50 Limited gift card and a full size L'Occitane Verbena EDT. Happy Sunday!

Kate Upton Elle cover

I'm currently obsessing over Kate's Elle cover. Not only is Kate a fresh faced beauty, but her jewels are to die for. Looking forward to getting this copy in the mail.

 

Giveaway Break - L'Occitane Verbena Eau De Toilette

I've been doing a lot of reviews of L'Occitane lately. I've really been impressed with all of their new products I've been trying, including their hair mask and colognes. They have definitely done a great job at going beyond their lotions and creams they are known for. Their website has even received a fresh new design. 

LOccitane.com now has a responsive design, which means it seamlessly adapts to all screen sizes, including tablet and mobile. Some of their other updates include:
 - Skincare Diagnosis and fragrance finder
 - Rich video content
 - Simplified checkout process
 - Glossary featuring over 200 Mediterranean ingredients
 - VIP sign-up to receive special offers and invitations from L'Occitane

L'Occitane is way ahead in this space, and I give them props  for adapting their web experience to help us consumers have a great expeirence! To help celebrate the launch of their new site, L'Occitane is sponsoring a giveaway on Lipgloss Break!

***Giveaway***

Enter to win a L'Occitane Verbena EDT! 

Fill out the form below to win! There are also several different ways you can get extra entries: sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me & retweet on Twitter , follow me on Pinterest, follow me on Instagram or become a fan on Facebook; just make sure to list the number of extra entries in the form below. Enter up to once a day!

This giveaway is open to US residents only. The contest will end on Tuesday, September 10th. I will randomly select one winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck! 

Friday Favorites

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I’m always on the hunt for travel size beauty products. I rarely check my bag when traveling for work so I have to make sure that everything I bring is under 3.4oz. I recently received a sample from L’Occitane Eaux de Colognes new line and I’m obsessed with the scents. And I’m in luck, they also come in a travel friendly size!

I have Ravissante & Captivante and love them both.  Captivante is a light, fresh every day scent. The bottle is huge, but looks really pretty on my bathroom vanity. Kind of like décor. 

I seriously love my new phone. The Samsung Galaxy 4 has the best camera! It kept my niece and nephew entertained during an hour long car rid. They loved putting 'stickers' on pictures of themselves. 

 Palmer's Cocoa Butter (added bonus, SPF 15)...need I say more?

 

Love me some Nordstrom Rack. The one in Lake Orion, MI was very organized and clean. I scored  these Me Too flashy flats. Can't wait to sport them in the fall! 

Chicago skyline at night. Beautiful! Can you spot the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel? Taken with my new Samsung Galaxy 4. 

Nexxus Youth Renewal Elixir

Years of highlighting and sun have definitely taken a toll on my hair. At 31 years old, I've been shifting my focus away from products that strip my hair clean and enhance my highlights, to products that help reverse the signs of aging. This is why I was excited to try out Nexxus Rejuvenating Elixir from their Youth Renewal line.

The Nexxus Youth Renewal line has a shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo, blow dry spray and an elixir. Each product is suppose to help combat 8 signs of aging hair: volume loss, breakage, roughness, less shine, dryness, brittleness, unruliness and loss of color vibrancy. I experience both brittleness and dryness the most, and I can tell that I am starting to have volume loss.

After washing my hair, I followed the bottle's directions and I put 4 drops (okay, maybe 5) in my hair, focusing on both the roots and the ends. I combed through to make sure it was evenly distributed and then I dried my hair. I could definitely tell a difference in how my hair dried. My hair looked shinier even after one use, so I'm looking forward to starting using this 3-4 times a week to get all of the benefits. Two added bonuses: it's small enough to travel with and has a fun fruity scent.

Along with anti-aging products, you can also do the following to help protect your hair:
 - Wear a hat or scarf if you'll be outside in the sun for awhile.
 - Don't wash your hair every day. I know it sounds weird, but it's good for hair to build up natural oils.
 - Frequently trim your hair to get rid of dead ends.
 - Go easy on the hot styling tools. If you have to blow dry and straighten your hair, use a heat protection product.

Interested in trying out Nexxus for yourself? It's your lucky day! Fill out this form to receive a sample for yourself! Hurry up, only 500 samples available! 

NeXXus Youth Renewal combats 8 signs of aging hair. Our Vita-8 Complex helps improve color radiance, shine, strength, and volume, as well as reduce frizz.

--> Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Unilever via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Unilever Nexxus.

OPI Gelcolor in My Vampire is Buff

Last minute manicure! I ran to the the nail salon closest to my office in Chicago. 2Q Nails on State St. in River North. I normally don't get gel manicures in salons (my best friend Tina usually does them for me) but I'm in crunch and won't have time to do my nails before my brother in law's wedding this weekend!

I wanted to go with a neutral nude so it would match whatever I decided to wear to the rehearsal and to wedding this weekend. CND Shellac's pale pinks (check out my Shellac swatches) are all so sheer, so I decided to try out OPI Gelcolor. I love how the color turned out! I chose My Vampire is Buff. It's a creamy nude that will go with any outfit color choice. I've only had it on for a day so I can't report on the wear yet, but I will definitely follow up and let you know how long it lasts!

I love being able to not have to worry about my nails for at least a few days....Happy Friday!