SEPHORA V.I.B. _HAUL & REVIEW VIDEO

For Sephora's V.I.B."Chic Week" Event I purchased several products so I wanted to share my beauty and skincare haul with my "Karen's World of Beauty" Readers. Check out the details in the video below:

ITEMS PURCHASED:

 

Korres - Quercetin and Oak Age-reversing Primer  $33
A powerful treatment and skin-perfecting facial primer clinically proven to improve skin texture by 97%.

Dr. Dennis Gross - Alpha Beta® Daily Face Peel With 3 Extra Strength Peels ($91 Value)  $80 
A daily antiaging face peel in travel-friendly packettes with three additional extra strength peels.

Caudalie - Grape Water  $18
A 100 percent grape water toner enriched with moisturizing polysaccharides and mineral salts.

Clinique - High Lengths Mascara in "Black"   $14.50
A mascara that takes lashes to new lengths for a bigger, bolder look.

SEPHORA COLLECTION - Baked Moonshadow Trio in "Dusk Till Dawn/ 04"  (rich plum shimmer/ light thistle shimmer/ lilac shimmer)  $17
A collection of baked eye shadows in three harmonized shades that blend easily to create a perfect smoky eye with a super sparkly finish.

SEPHORA COLLECTION - Long Lasting Metallic Eyeliner in "Aubergine"and "Blue"  $5
Rich with metal-laden pigment, these stay-put liquid liners glide on effortlessly, thanks to the innovative felt-tipped applicator. 

SEPHORA COLLECTION - Atomic Volume Mascara + Nano Eye Pencil (Midnight Black)  $10
A duo that includes a volumizing mascara and a highly pigmented eye pencil.

Smiths's - Rosebud Salve in a tube
A cult-favorite, multitasking miracle balm in a convenient tube format. ($6)

Illamasqua - Nail Varnish in "Collide" (bright neon pink/ satin finish) and "Jo'mina" (electric lilac/ glossy finish)  $14  
Leave your mark with bold, rich, vibrant nail colors that stand out.

SEPHORA COLLECTION - Vanilla Cupcake Bath Collection: Bubble Bath ($8) and Dry Oil Spray ($4)
A collection of moisture-rich bath and body products fragranced with sweetly decadent accords of French vanilla and almond, a delicious mix that joins subtle notes of honey and buttermilk.

LAVANILA - The Healthy Body Butter- in "Vanilla Coconut"
The 100% pure Shea and cocoa body butters are infused with super anti-oxidants Goji Berry and Kakadu Plum, for a healthy dose of 30 essential vitamins and minerals to nourish and hydrate skin.


So did you purchase any goodies during Sephora's "Chic Week"? Please feel free to share your cosmetic or skincare product you're loving from Sephora by leaving a comment.   Thanks my lovely Readers!

VALENTINE DAY GIFT GUIDE

Not sure what to get the special women in your life for Valentine Day? Don't despair! I've put together a handy guide of my favorite Valentine Day picks for all the lovely ladies in your life. This collection of beauty goodies would make the perfect gift for your sister, Mom, best friend or even your favorite baby sitter. So spread some love and show her that you care!

Three Custom Color - "The Sweetest Thing" Refillable Trio  (a $67.50 value!) $50
A sleek, portable trio with filled with "Icing on the Cupcake" Eye Shadow (a kaleidoscope of light-reflecting shimmers in gold, pink, teal, violet and blue), "Candy Cloud 9" Gloss (sheer pink with gold and silver shimmer with subtle sweet Cotton Candy flavor & fragrance) and "Lollipop" Lip & Cheek Stain (hot rosy pink). Three Custom Color  partnered with rising Design Star, Miles Ehan, to create this tasty capsule collection entitled "The Sweetest Thing".  

Too Faced - "Look of Love" Set   ($124 Value) $45
Embrace the look of love with this collection of best-sellers and exclusive products. Swoon over a seven-piece set filled with fresh and feminine shades in a chic, heart-stopping bag that speaks the language of amour! Set contains:
- "Look of Love" Eyeshadow and Blush Trio
- Glamour Gloss in "Barely Legal"
- Lash Injection Mascara
- Shadow Insurance
- Primed and Poreless (primer)
- Flatbuki Mini Brush
- Limited Edition "Look of Love" Cosmetic Bag

Stila - "Make Me Blush" Set ($41.50 Value) $20
A romantic trio that includes a multicolor blush inspired by Valentine's Day Conversation Hearts along with two juicy Lip Glazes. This set is a Sephora Exclusive!  Set contains:
- "Make Me Blush" Cheek Color
- Lip Glaze in "Hugs" (creamy rose) and "Kisses" (sparkling red)

Tarte -  LipSurgence™ Natural Lip Luster Power Couple  ($48 value) $38
This limited-edition pairing is a perfect match!  Tarte's best-selling natural lip tints are peppermint-infused and glide on smooth for a rich finish that will stay all day.  Includes:
- "Frisky" (bright pink)
- "Fever" (red)

Kiehl's - Saks Lipgloss Value Set   ($43.50)
Saks Fifth Avenue Exclusive containing four different colors of Kiehl's iconic lip gloss in a zippered logo case.  Set includes the following colors:
- "Lights On Broadway"
- "Berry 1851"
- "Pear Tree"
- "Pink Rider"

LUSH - "Be Mine" Gift Box   $45
This hatbox is a declaration of true and undying love for helpless romantics. It consists of a selection of six scrumptious treats for all you (bath) lovers. Set contains:
- "Sex Bomb" Bath Bomb
- "MMM Melting Marshmallow Moment" Bath Melt
- "Sugar Babe" Sugar Scrub
- "It's Raining Men" shower gel
- "Lust" Solid Perfume

Philosophy -  "Sweet On You" Set  $25
This delectably sweet, candy-heart scented trio of moisturizing formulas condition skin, hair and lips. It's the sweetest gift you can give to the sweetheart in your life. Set contains:
- Shampoo, Shower Gel and Bubble Bath
- Body Lotion
- Lip Shine (sheer rose shimmer)

2010 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR GIRLS!

Find the perfect Holiday gift for all the lovely ladies in your life! Assembled below are my top picks of cosmetic and skincare products in cyber space and the real world. Happy shopping!!!!

Lancôme - Holiday Color Design Palette: Eyes & Cheeks in "Jeweled Purple"  $39.50
Get your most glamorous look for the holidays with a sultry mix of six sparkling eye shadows and an opulent blush. Indulge in a limited-edition compact adorned with holiday inspired jewels.
Includes:
    - Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Smooth Hold in "Sparkle", "Jeweled", "Matte Purple", "Purple Haze", "Purple Passion" and "Amethyst Tryst"
    - Blush Subtil Powder Blush in "Shimmer Violet Sunrise"
* For Holiday's free shipping on any order online at www.lancome.com - no promo code necessary.

 Sleek MakeUP - Sparkle i-Divine Eye Shadow Palette (Limited Edition)  $10
Sparkle your way through the festive season with deep dazzling festive shades.  A must have for the party season, you'll be spoilt for choice with this palette of 12 glitter-laced velvety-smooth eye shadows.

SMASHBOX - "The Gold List" Gift Set  ($108 value) $49
A five-piece, travel-ready kit that helps you achieve a camera-ready, golden glow.
This set contains:
- Fusion Soft Lights in "Baked Starburst"
- Photo Finish Luminzing Foundation Primer
- O-Gloss Gold
- Photo Op Under Eye Brightener
- gold metallic cosmetic case

OPI for SEPHORA - Eighteen Piece Mini Nail Colour Set  ($81 Value) $48.00
A perfect gift, this Sephora by OPI set includes 18 shades  of mini nail colors that range from essential to edgy. Colors Included:
A True Romantic, Techno Girl, Access 24/7, Ms. Can't Be Wrong, What A Broad, Just A Little Dangerous, Cab Fare, Caliente Coral, Special Request, High Maintenance, Sample Sale, I'm With Brad, Leaf Him At The Altar, Mermaid To Order, Opening Night, Already Famous, Dating The Drummer, and Never Enough Shoes

 

NARS - "D. Lovely Lip Gloss Coffret" $49
An essential collection of four NARS mini Duo Lip Glosses.
Includes: "Misbehave/All Night Long", "Pillow Talk/Sandpiper", "Orgasm/Chihuahua" and "Greek Holiday/Stolen Kisses" 
* For limited time all Gifts ship FREE online!

Bobbi Brown - "Pink & Gold" Lip Palette  (Limited Edition)  $45.00
The ultimate holiday lip palette, this collection of fresh pinks, deep roses and a beautiful golden nude can be
mixed and layered for a custom look.
Colors included:
"Roseberry", "Kir", "Pretty Pink", "Sunset Nude", "Italian Rose" and "Brownie" Lip Color.

KORRES - "Sugar Plums" Color Collection  ($41.00 value)  $29.50
A Limited Edition selection of Korres best-selling plum color products in a beautiful, giftable box.
The Collection contains:
"Plum" Cherry Oil Lipgloss, "Plum" Lip Butter and Cheek Tint and "Plum" Sunflower & Evening Primrose Eyeshadow 

* Enter code "FORYOU" and get a free "Cherry Lip Kisses" collection and FREE ground shipping on orders $40 or more.

PHILOSOPY - "Home For The Holidays" Crème Brulée gift set  (Reg.$25)  $18
A gift of sweet treats to make you feel at home. Spoil yourself with the pure decadence of crème brulée
multitasking shower gel, body lotion and lip shine.
 * Free shipping on all orders - no minimum thru 11/28 using code: holidayship.

KIEHLS - Creme de Corps Collection ($79 value) $59
Kiehls cherished Creme de Corps products, famous for it's rich in all-day hydration, makes it ideal for pampering dry skin.  Set includes:
Creme de Corps cream (8.4 oz.),
Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish (6.8 oz.)
Creme de Corps Nurturing Body Washing Cream (2.5oz.)
Lip Balm #1 (.5 oz.)
Ultra Facial Cream deluxe (.25 oz.)
Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate packette (.17 oz.)

*Friends & Family discount of 20% off all orders and FREE ground shipping on orders of $30 & up. Use Code: FAMILY10 (valid 11/26 - 11/30)


And finally....the ultimate gift for any makeup obsessed woman in your life.

MAKE UP FOR EVER - Rock For Ever Dany's Essentials ($597 Value) $299
A rock 'n' roll-inspired makeup case piled high with 29 product favorites handpicked by Dany Sanz, MAKE UP FOR EVER's Creator and Artistic Director.
This set contains:
For Complexion:  HD Elixir; HD Microperfecting Primer; HD Microfinish Powder; Mist & Fix; HD Kabuki Brush
For Eyes:  Smoky Lash, Aqua Smoky Lash;  Aqua Eyes in shades Mat Black 0L (black), Pearly Brown 2L (golden brown sheen), Iridescent Navy Blue 3L (navy blue sheen), and Purple 11L (metallic purple); Aqua Black Waterproof Cream Eye Shadow; Aqua Cream in shades 13 Warm Beige (champagne shimmer) and 15 Taupe (taupe brown shimmer); Eye Shadow in shades Iridescent Yellow Beige 126 (tan beige shimmer) and Iridescent Brown Black 139 (brown black shimmer); Diamond Shadow Diamond Purple 309 (dark purple with silver shimmer); Star Powder in shades Copper 922 (true copper shimmer) and White/Orange 940 (iridescent white pearl peach);  Faux Lash in 21 Floriane and 115 Erin; Travel Sens'Eyes; Double Pencil Sharpener
For Lips:  Rouge Artist Intense in shades 1 (matte flesh), 36 (satin fuchsia), and 43 Moulin Rouge (satin vibrant red); Aqua Cream 5 Peach (peachy pink with gold flecks); Aqua Lip in Nude Beige 1C (light neutral beige) and Red 8C (true red)

MOTHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Unfortunately I'm a bit of a procrastinator so if you're like me and haven't gotten your Mom a gift for Mother's Day yet - don't worry. Here's my list of top beauty, skincare, and bath products to bring a smile to any Mother's face. 

Clarisonic/Philosophy Value Set  ($225)
An ensemble featuring Clarisonic's professional-caliber sonic technology and Philosophy's serious skin solutions for radiant, makeup-optional skin. Transform skin's complexion with this state-of-the-art, all-inclusive set. Contains:

• Clarisonic® PLUS with three speeds
• Universal Charging Cradle for international use
• Sensitive Brush Head
• Body Brush Head
• Clarisonic Normal Brush Head
• Philosophy® Amazing Grace Perfumed Shampoo, Bath & Shower Gel
• Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleanser
• Philosophy Hope In A Jar

NARS - So Famous Set ($44)
Get your Mom this set featuring famed NARS shades to achieve a sophisticated radiance. A touch of blush in "Deep Throat" gives cheeks a delicate shimmering flush, while lips will have the perfect pink-beige coloring with "Bettina" Velvet Matte Lip Pencil. Complete the look with the ultimate multi-tasker, mini Multiple in "Orgasm", which bestows an on-the-go glow for eyes, cheeks, or lip.

The Body Shop - Creamy Coconut Bathe Beautiful (sale - $24.50)
Treat Mom to a tropical paradise with a gift of our creamy, silky, and exotic Coconut bath and body products made with Community Trade organic pure cold-pressed virgin coconut oil. Includes:

• Coconut Shower Cream
• Coconut Body Butter
• Coconut Body Scrub
• Coconut Soap
• Two-Toned Taupe/Cream Bath Lily

Sephora Favorites -  Eau Girl ($40)
Sephora gathered their best sellers in various beauty categories and packed them into one-of-a-kind kits. This limited-edition set features deluxe samples of handpicked, top-selling women's fragrances that are perfectly-sized for the lady about town. From fresh citruses to sweet florals, this kit offers a scent to match your every mood. Contains:

• Michael Kors Very Hollywood Eau de Parfum
• Clean Eau de Parfum
• Calvin Klein euphoria Eau de Parfum
• Givenchy Very Irresistible Eau de Toilette
• Yves Saint Laurent Parisienne Eau de Parfum
• Bvlgari Omnia Crystalline Eau de Toilette
• Gucci Flora Eau de Parfum
• Tocca Cleopatra Eau de Parfum

Voluspa Candles - Victoria Candle Gift Set ($68)
The complete collection of Voluspa Victoria fragrant candles, each candle packaged beautifully in a decorative metal container. Presented in a stunning black glossy box with embossed pattern. Included:

• Tuberosa Agave (Mexican tuberose, blue orris, coconut milk, musk and vetiver)
• Cult of Helios (Peruvian heliotrope and vanilla musk)
• Pink Fatale (Pink grapefruit, juicy mandarin, arum lilies and cashmere)
• Green Datura (Green vein datura, lemon, green apple and freesia)
• Vanity (Mimosa, amber resin, sugar cane and raspberry)
• Corsica (Frangipani, orange rind and white peppercorn)
• Malayan Coco (Coconut Milk, Coconut Bark, Sandalwood, and Hinoki Wood
• Fleur de Café (African Coffee Flower, spiced Chai Tea, fresh Crème, and Vanilla Bean)

Wishing a very Happy Mother's Day to all my Karen's World of Beauty Readers who are Mothers (or soon to be Mothers)!!!

VALENTINE DAY BEAUTY

 

Searching for the perfect products to make your V-Day smoking hot? Fear not, dear Readers, check out my list of  cosmetic gems to help you shine as you celebrate the "Day of Love." Mwuah!!!

 

Lipstick Queen - Sinner (Matte) Lipstick in "Red Sinner"  ($18)

Red is nothing if not sinful and this is the ultimate red lipstick.

 

Stila - Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner  in "Black" ($22)
An easy-application, waterproof liquid liner that stays on all day and night.

Youngblood Cosmetics - Valentine's Day Gift Set ($47)
Tucked in a sweet pink cosmetic bag are rosy shades of beauty products sure to make your heart skip a beat.  (Contains: "Promiscuous" Lipgloss, "Vivid" lipstick and "Rouge" Crushed Mineral Blush)

NARS - Temptation Gift Set ($30)
This gift set pairs NARS beloved, best-selling shade of blush with matching nail polish. (Contains Super Orgasm Blush and Orgasm Nail Polish)

 

 Essie Nailpolish - Special V-Day Collection ($8 each)

The theme for this collection is "Express True Love With Color." My favorite color from the collection is "After Sex" - A relaxing, yet arousing burgundy (see pictured above).

 

Demeter Fragrance - Necco Sweethearts Valentine's Day Travel Treats (3 Piece Cologne Purse Spray Set)  ($20)

Not just for Valentine's Day, this perfume set let's you celebrate this special day, anytime, anywhere.  (Contains scents: "Be My Valentine", "Call Me" and "Love Me")

 

Philosophy - "Flirty Girl Set"  ($35)

A three-piece gift set scented with a sweet, playful fragrance.  (Contains: Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath, Body Lotion and Lip Shine)

PRODUCT REVIEW - LUSH Cosmetics

I decided to do something new for Karen's World of Beauty - Product Review videos!  And since it's a New Year I wanted to shake things up and expand my coverage of beauty products to include bath items.  LUSH is truly one of my favorite places to shop for bath and skincare products so wanted to share it with my Readers.  LUSH products are made from fresh organic fruit and vegetables, the finest essential oils while using little or no preservatives or packing. How awesome is that? Check out my video review and then get shopping ladies! Their products would make a perfect gift for Valentine's Day.



Here are the LUSH products that I purchased:

"Tis The Season" Gift Box
LUSH Holiday Season best-sellers!
(Contains: L'il LUSH Pud Bath Bomb and Snowcake Soap)

"Bunty" Gift Box
Pink, fresh & girly!
(Contains: Butterball & Think Pink! Bath Bombs and Creamy Candy Bar & Pop in the Bath Bubble Bars)

"The Comforter" Bubble Bar
Inhale it and feel like you're getting a big, yummy hug!

"Sugar Babe" Sugar Scrub
Transform your body and transport your mind to sunnier days!


There are several other LUSH products that I love and use regularly but might save that for another Review. If you're really curious send me an email and I'll let you know my top picks.  Thanks for reading!!!