New Year's Eve! Look Radiant with Benefit Cosmetics' Lust Duster Shimmer Powder

Hello Divas!

It is New Year's Eve! Whoohoo! How are you going to spend your New Year's Eve? I am going to spend it at home with the hubby and kids. However, a champagne toast will be had! lol! When I was kid free, I always went out for New Year's Eve and I had to look fabulous! So for you beautiful Divas who will party it up tonight, I recommend that you use Benefit Cosmetics Lust Duster Shimmer Powder. This shimmer powder will give you a radiant glow that will last until the wee hours of the morning. I love this product! Lust Dusters are loose shimmering powders that come in 10 different shades. You can use them on your eyes, cheeks, or all over to give your face a fantastic sheen. If I were going out tonight and had on a strapless or low cut dress, I would also use this powder on my collar bone and decolletege. I am currently using the Lust Duster powder in Nugget. It is a nice champagne color that I believe looks great on any skin tone. Plus the glimmer is insane! You only have to use a tiny bit of this product to achieve a fabulous glow! This powder is also great for everyday use. I use it on my cheeks and brow bone as a highlighter. Also I use it as a eyeliner and as an all over lid eyeshadow. It definitely "wakes up" your eyes. Lust Dusters retail for $18 and you can purchase them online here or at any Sephora.

Have a Great New Year's Eve!

Toodles!

Sale of the Century! Saks Fifth Avenue

Hello Divas!

I am back! I needed that holiday break! I hope your holiday was fantastic! Well of course I could not wait for the After-Christmas sales and boy was it ever worth the wait! I mean it is bananas! Every store is having a 50%-75% off sale. Some stores are having a sale on EVERYTHING! If you don't have a strategy when shopping these sales you can really go ballistic! But of course I went in with a strategy and stuck to it. I basically made a list of certain staple items that I needed to balance out my wardrobe. My logic is this: during this economic downturn when stores are literally giving away items, stock up on quality or luxury staple items that will stand the test of time. We all know that recessions come and go. So be smart and get the classic trench, black pumps, or luxe everyday bag at a deep discount. You will have these items forever.

Well my first and last stop while shopping was Saks Fifth Avenue. From now until after New Years, you can save 50% to 75% off on select designer items. I purchased a fabulous pair of Elie Tahari wide legged black pants that were originally $188.00 for $40! Amazing! Also if you shop in store or at their outlet Off Fifth, they are deeper discounts on already reduced merchandise. Here are a few staple items I would buy now if you don't have them already. And Divas, if you are experiencing shopping Nirvana this season, please share!

Black sheath. This Theory black sheath dress was originally $385. It is now selling on line for $231. A black sheath is a must for any Diva's closet.


Classic Trench Coat. I love this Brian Reyes Trench coat. The color and pattern is just gorgeous. This coat originally retailed for $1495.00. You can purchase it now for only $358.76.

Wide Legged Wool Trousers. These Milly trousers can go with anything! Dress them up for a night on the town. Or pair them with a fitted jacket for the perfect business attire. They originally retailed for $310.00 but they are now only $74. Divas this is a steal for a pair of quality wool trousers. Buy them!

Christmas Eve! Last Minute Gift Ideas

Hello Divas!

I hope your Christmas Eve is filled with laughter, joy, and good treats! I know this post is a day late, but yesterday was so hectic. Umm I started my Christmas Shopping yesterday...not by choice, but I have been so busy working I could never get out! But while shopping yesterday, I remembered that as a teenager I always wanted to wait until the very last minute to do my Christmas Shopping. I just loved getting caught up in the last minute frenzy! It truly puts me in the Christmas spirit. Well if you are doing any last minute shopping today, there are tons of luxe but affordable beauty gifts for your Diva friend, sister, mom, aunt, etc! Here are a few I noticed while out yesterday.

1. Cargo Boogie Nights Eye Pencil Set. This eye pencil set gives you a lot of bang for the buck. The set includes 5 pencils shades that are sprinkled with glitter! How appropriate for a New Year's Eve Party. You can purchase this set at Sephora and it retails for $18! Plus Sephora will wrap it for you in their signature box for FREE!

2. Carol's Daughter Almond Cookie Body Butter. Carol's Daughter body butters are a MUST HAVE. They are super hydrating, luxe, and smell amazing! The Almond Cookie Body Butter is a cult favorite. Yummy! This product retails for $18 and you can purchase it at Sephora.

3. L'Occitane Lavender Hand Creme. This hand creme is a favorite. I always give it as a gift. The hand creme is so moisturizing. Plus it keeps your hands very soft and it smells like Lavender. Just lovely! This hand creme retails for $10 and you can also purchase it a Sephora.

4. Ped Egg Pro Foot File. I raved about this fabulous foot file here. This is a GREAT GIFT for under $10! You can purchase it at Target.

5. Fold and Tie Jewelry Organizer. I love this jewelry organizer. It is by far the cutest organizer I have every seen. I also love that this jewelry organizer is very compact. It easily slips in your purse. It is only $10.99 at Target.

Of course if you are in a very tight crunch, gift cards are always good. I love to give Sephora and Target gift cards. Divas really do appreciate them! LOL!

I am taking a few days off for the Christmas Holiday but I shall return next week!

Happy Holidays!

Toodles!

Benefit Cosmetics: The Gloss!

Hello Divas!

I hope your weekend was fabulous! This weekend my best girlfriends and I had our annual Christmas get together and it was so much fun! One of my friends, who is a true beauty junkie like me, gave me a really sweet gift...a box of Benefit Cosmetics! Woot! I love Benefit Cosmetics! I love the packaging, the creative product names, and the quality of the products. The eye bright pencil is a must have! Well in this box I received The Gloss. The Gloss is a super moisturizing lip gloss that has tons of shine. I have been wanting to try The Gloss for awhile, so you can imagine my excitement! This lip gloss does live up to the hype. The shine is insane plus it smells like apricot! The Gloss comes in 8 versatile shades. I have the shade Curfew and it looks great with my MAC Chesnut lip pencil! The Gloss retails for $16 and you can purchase it online here or at any Sephora.

Tune in tomorrow for a list of fantastic last minute beauty gifts for $20 and less!

Toodles!

Fun Fridays! Hot Hot Sales

Hello Divas!

I hope your are having a lovely day! Christmas is literally around the corner, so you must get your shopping done soon! I am so behind, but I am so glad that there are some fantastic sales going on right now. I can get my last minute shopping done and save money at the same time!

1. Ulta 20% off discount. One of my favorite beauty emporiums is offering 20% off your entire purchase starting tomorrow December 20th until Christmas Eve. Read my review of Ulta here. This will definitely be a must stop for me when I am searching for beauty gifts this weekend. Click here to get the coupon or code to purchase online.

2. Nars Cosmetics. Nars Cosmetics is offering free 2 day shipping on any orders $25 or more from now until Saturday. This is a great way to get a fantastic Nars Blush, like Lovejoy, which I am buying for myself and not pay any shipping fees. Woot! Nars Blushes and duo eye shadows retail for $25! Visit narscosmetics.com and once you complete your order select 2 day shipping at check out.

Happy Shopping!

Toodles!

Hot Drugstore Find of the Week: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Hello Divas!

I hope you are having a fantastic Wednesday! My hot drugstore find of the week is Aveeno's Daily Moisturizing Lotion. My husband actually purchases this lotion for my son because he has a mild case of Eczema, so we have to keep his skin super hydrated. This lotion is clinically proven to relieve dry skin and when I use it on my son, the dry patches on his skin are healed within 12 hours! Amazing! So of course I had to use it! This lotion is perfect for winter. Like most Divas, my skin becomes very dry during the winter months. But once I apply this lotion, my skin is soft and moisturized. What I love about this lotion is that once you apply it, you do not have to continually reapply it throughout the day. It quickly absorbs into your skin and is totally non-greasy. And I was delighted to discover that Aveeno's Daily Moisturizing Lotion was a Allure Magazine 2007 Award Winner. I just love it when I product I love and have been using is recognized as the best of the best! That means I am on the right track! LOL! You can purchase Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion at CVS or online here. A 18 oz bottle retails for $11.99.

Toodles!

Ped Egg: My Review!

Hello Divas!

I hope your Tuesday is fabulous! A couple of weeks ago I read Funkidivagirl's post on her experience using the Ped Egg foot file. She loved it! In addition, I have consistently read rave reviews about this product so I had to try it. Last night, I gave myself a pedicure and I used the Ped Egg. When I first started using the Ped Egg I was not sure it was working. I initially expected huge amounts of dead skin to slough off immediately. But the Ped Egg does not work that way. The Ped Egg gently and methodically sloughs off dead skin. Actually, it was quite therapeutic. It took about 30 minutes to completely remove all the dead skin. When I was done my feet were baby smooth. I am in love with this product! Plus I love that the Ped Egg includes an emery buffing pad to smooth out your feet after using the foot file. How fabulous is that?!!! The Ped Egg retails for $10.00 and you can purchase it at Target or online here.

Lancome Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Quad

Hello Divas!

I hope your weekend was wonderful! This weekend I attended a Christmas Party and I wore a Tuxedo with a low cut dressy tank. I must say I was looking pretty HOT! Well I wanted to try a more dramatic look so I chose a smokey eye using Lancome's Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Quad. This quad includes Drape, an off white sheen; Click, a dark lavender shimmer; Statuesque, a black intense color; and Makeover, a pretty pink metallic. I received this quad as a gift with purchase and I love it! The eye shadows have great pigment, glide on like silk, and the colors have AMAZING staying power! I usually wear the pink color to add a pop of color to my face. Well Friday night was the first time I tried the smokey eye look. I used Drape all over my lid. I then applied Click in the crease, and I used a Q-tip and lined my upper and lower lash in Statuesque. And it only took 2 minutes! Why? Well Lancome included a step-by-step technique guide which explained in great detail how to create a "Dramatic Look." So for you ladies who are uncertain on how to create a "smokey eye" this step by step guide is perfect. My eyes were gorgeous and I received so many compliments! Lancome has several Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Quads. They retail for $42.00, but you can usually receive a sample of these Quads as a gift with a purchase of $36 or more! You can purchase the Quads here or at any Macy's or Nordstroms.

Toodles!

Fun Fridays! Cool Sale Events

Hello Divas!

I hope your Friday is fantabulous! I am very very sleepy but I have a busy day so I am going to take a shower with a few drops of Eucalyptus Oil to invigorate my senses and wake me up! Try it Divas, it works like a charm. I want to remind my Atlanta Divas about the kick off of A Clothes Encounter taking place tomorrow December 13 at 5pm. A Clothes Encounter is "a one-of-a-kind upscale consignment concept that sells designer and name brand fashions for up to 75% off retail at luxurious Fashion Exchange Parties." There will be fashion, music, and cocktails. For more details and location, click here.

Now this is for all of my Divas! Fabrik Boutique is having a super sale! Buy one pair of high end jeans ( Joes, Paige, True Religion) and get one FREE! Two pair of quality denim for the price of one! I am so there! Also Fabrik is having a 40% sale on select items. Fabrik Boutique is located in Atlanta, but they have an online shop. So Divas go online NOW to order your favorite denim for half price! Fantastic!

Lancome on HSN!

Hello Divas!

I hope your Thursday is wonderful. Fourteen more days to Christmas! Whoohoo! I have not seriously started shopping yet! Yikes! I am so busy with work! Well one of my absolutely favorite brands, Lancome, is making its debut on the Home Shopping Network today and Friday. This is super exciting because Lancome's partnership with HSN will allow flex payment and free shipping on their gorgeous products! So for all of you beautiful Divas on a budget, this is your chance to receive some of my favorite Lancome's products inexpensively. Lancome will specifically feature cult fave and THE BEST eye make-up remover on the planet, Bi-Facil. Read my review of Bi-Facil here. I have been using it since 1997. Fantabulous! They will also feature the best luxury eyelash primer on the market, Cils Booster XL. As I have informed you Divas, Lancome has so many top quality products to choose from like Lancome's new fragrance Magnifique; my favorite Mascara, Defencils; and their flawless foundations. Lancome HSN show times are today, December 11 at 3pm and 8pm and on Friday December 12 at 9 am, 2pm, and 7pm.

Toodles!

Loreal Colour Juice Sheer Juicy Lip Gloss

Hello Divas!

I hope your Wednesday is fantastic! It is rainy and dark here in Atlanta. Blanket time! Today I am going to tell you ladies how to get Lancome Juicy Tubes for less. As many of you may know, Loreal Paris owns Lancome and Loreal's Colour Juice Sheer Juicy Lip Gloss is a direct dupe of Lancome's Juicy Tubes. Loreal's Sheer Juicy Lip Gloss has the same shine, scrumptious taste and smell, and quality as Lancome's Juicy Tubes for half the price! Currently, I am in love with Loreal's Juicy Lip Gloss in Caramel Creme. It is a nice beige color with a hint of bronze. It is perfect for creating a nude lip. Plus it smells and taste like caramel candy! Yummy!!! Loreal's Juicy Lip Gloss comes in 20 delicious colors! They retail for only $7.99! You can purchase them at CVS or online here.

Sonia Kashuk Lash and Brow Groomer

Hello Divas!

Are you getting into the holiday spirit? I am! I love the holidays! I hope your days are filled with lots of joy! My favorite budget friendly lash and brow groomer is from the Sonia Kashuk line. The best part about this lash and brow groomer is the brow groomer. The bristles are very firm and are designed at the perfect angle. With a few strokes, my brows are instantly whipped into shape. It blends brow shadow like a dream! The lash comb is made of metal, so I don't use it. I must admit I am afraid of metal near my eye! Yikes! But I hear it is fantastic for creating perfectly separated eyelashes. In my opinion the brow groomer alone is worth the purchase. Sonia Kashuk has fabulous make-up brushes that are TOP NOTCH and inexpensive. Sonia Kashuk make-up brushes are sold at Target. The lash and brow groomer retails for $7.99 and you can purchase it here.

Toodles!

Coconut Oil = Beautiful Hair

Hello Divas!

I hope your Monday is wonderful! Today I must gush about the fabulousness of coconut oil. I first learned about the benefits of using coconut oil on my hair from DE of Beauty Logic. It is her secret for Beautiful Hair! Well since DE raved about coconut oil so much, I started using it 4 months ago. Per DE's suggestion, I apply a liberal amount of organic coconut oil to my scalp (I also massage my scalp) and hair the night before a salon visit. After my hair is washed and styled, my hair is super shiny, bouncy and just healthy. In addition, my stylist is amazed at how fast my hair is growing. My hair has not grown this fast in years! In addition, if my hair is a little dry, I apply a teeny teeny amount to the ends of my hair and it works like a charm. Plus I use it on luxe baby's hair. It is great for moisturizing her hair...its organic and all natural. Perfect for luxe baby. As DE suggested, I use Spectrum brand Organic Coconut Oil. You can purchase it at Whole Foods. A 14 oz. bottle retails for $9.00. You can also purchase it online here.

And ladies you must read Beauty Logic. Fabulous!

Toodles!

Fun Fridays: Features

Hello Divas!

I hope your Friday is awesome! I must admit, I am not sad to see the end of this week! But some cool things did happen this week. On Monday, I was featured on Funkidivagirl's website as a 4 Real Housewife. In light of the interesting and highly debated Real Housewives of Atlanta, Funkidivagirl is featuring real women who are wives, mothers, business owners, and divas who make their families their priority..... 4 Real Housewives! Love it. So check it out here and tell me what you think.

Also I wrote a beauty article for a new up and coming urban magazine based in Atlanta. The League Magazine is a virtual magazine that is similar to the now defunct Honey and Vibe Vixen Magazines. The Article is on page 27 and is entitled "Recession Proof Your Beauty Routine." Check it out here. Keri Hilson is on the cover and there is a fantastic interview in the magazine with Ms. Hilson.

Have a great weekend!

Toodles!

Lancome Effacernes Waterproof Protective Undereye Concealer

Hello Divas!

It is Thursday! Yeah! This week is almost over! 21 more days until Christmas! I know you beauties know by now that I just love Lancome. Lancome products are gorgeous, sophisticated, and womanly. I feel like such a girl when I wear Lancome products! Well I have been using Lancome's Effacerness Waterproof Protective Undereye Concealer and it is by far the best concealer I have tried. What makes it so special? Well this concealer effectively conceals undereye dark circles and fine lines with just a tiny tiny bit of the product! I use this concealer when I am exhausted and I develop dark circles. It smooths out and brightens my under eye area with a nice healthy glow! The coverage is very natural looking! I love that it blends perfectly with my skin tone. Plus it is waterproof, so no smudging or fading by the end of the day. Also this concealer comes in a variety of shades to compliment any skin tone. This is a FANTASTIC concealer. And Allure Magazine agrees with me. It is one of Allure Magazine Editor's Picks! This concealer retails for $27.50 and you can purchase it at Sephora or online here.

Toodles!

Hot Drugstore Find of the Week: Pure and Natural Grapefruit and Pomegranate Body Wash

Hello Divas!

I hope your Wednesday is filled with joy! My hot drugstore find of the week is actually another Target find! I have discovered a new body wash that I am just in love with! As I was walking down the soap aisle in Target, a luscious smell greeted my nose. I looked up and I was in front of the body washes. So I proceeded to smell each one until I discovered that this wonderful scent was coming from the Pure & Natural Renewing Grapefruit and Pomegranate body wash. The scent is outstanding! It has a very intense grapefruit scent with a hint of pomegranate. The body wash lathers very easily. A quarter size amount was enough! Also it is very very moisturizing. The body wash left my skin so soft and smooth. Oh and did I say that it smells absolutely yummy! I love it! Plus this body wash is 99% all natural! It contains pure glycerin, and is infused with almond oil, grapefruit and pomegranate extract. Pure and Natural products are paraben free, biodegradable, and come in 100% recyclable packaging. Fabulous! This body wash retails for $6.99 for a 13 oz bottle. But I purchased mine on sale at Target for $4.99.

Toodles!

And the Winner is.......

The Winner of the Luxetips Holiday Giveaway is Ren. Ren contact me via email to claim your fabulous luxe prize!

And don't worry Divas..Luxetips will have another giveaway before Christmas! Stay tuned!

Toodles!

Elke's The Model Brow Collection: Day Brow Shadow

Hello Divas!

I hope your Tuesday is beautiful! Divas I had the opportunity to try Elke Von Freudenberg's Day Brow Shadow in dark brunette from her Model Brow Collection. Elke IS the eyebrow guru. She is a highly sought after celebrity brow specialist. Read her bio here. I must say that this brow shadow is just fabulous! First this color is fantastic for women with darker skin tones or dark eyebrows. The color is the perfect dark brown color. It blended perfectly with my eyebrows. Also a little goes a long way. When I initially applied the brow shadow, I applied too much. However, I re-applied the product with a Q-tip with just a little bit of the powder. Perfection. Lastly, the consistency of the product is silky smooth. It is so easy to apply..it literally glides on. And Divas, Elke created 4 different brow shadows that will match any skin tone or eyebrow color. I love it! Also you must check out her entire Model Brow Collection. Her collection also includes brow pencils, brow tamers, highlighters, and brushes. The day brow shadow retails for $20. Click here for purchase information.

Toodles!

LAVANILA Vanilla Coconut Perfume

Hello Divas!

I hope your holiday break was awesome! Currently, I am loving Lavanila's Vanilla Coconut Parfum. It just smells so luscious! When I wear this scent I get so many compliments. Seriously, I smell like a tropical breeze. This fragrance has the musk and sensuousness of vanilla with a hint of coconut and Monoi Tiare. It is so lovely! But the best feature of Lavanila Laboratories' fragrances is that they are infused with antioxidants goji berry and kakadu plum, soothing willowherb, and hydrating olive leaf. So it smells awesome and its good for you! Lavanila Vanilla Coconut Parfum retails for $56 for a 1.7 oz bottle. You can purchase it at Sephora or online here