April 5, 2010

Product Review: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Recently, I ordered a few things from Sephora online. When you order online, you get to choose up to 3 free samples with your purchase (very exciting by the way). One of the samples I chose was Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer. And thank goodness I did! I had heard about this product before but I never thought anything of a foundation primer because I thought it was just a lotion. Smashbox proved me WRONG…it is one of my MUST-HAVE products (along with the Bobbi Brown Corrector and Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment). It is rare to make it on my must-have list but Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer has made the cut!

 

 

Photo Credit

 

 

One pump of this primer goes a long way. I use the original kind (which is clear) but there are other color options like Color Adjust (which is green to minimize redness), Color Blend (which is apricot to conceal under-eye circles, veins and sunspots) and Color Balance (which is lavander for natural yellow skintones). Smashbox also offers one with SPF 15 and a Bronzing Primer as well. Since I tried the original, I bought the original because I loved it so much and knew it would work. It’s a gel-consistency but once you rub it in your hands, it literally feels like it has completely disappeared. It’s the strangest thing! Once you rub in onto your face, though, it instantly evens out and perfects the look of your skin. I am not exaggerating here. It makes a HUGE difference in your makeup routine (for other life-changing products, see my Flawless Makeup Routine post)

The description of this product (on sephora.com) says that Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer is formulated to smooth and perfect your skin with its unique formula of vitamins and antioxidants that help to inhibit the destruction of collagen, and fill in fine lines and pores for a flawless finish. And trust me, IT DOES EXACTLY THAT!

For more information, see Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, $36-$42 at Sephora.

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So, what do you think? Have you used this product before? If so, what do you think? Do you use a different foundation primer? I want to hear your thoughts!

April 1, 2010

Spa Week 2010

I recently received an e-mail about this and thought it was such a great idea. I just had to share it with you! For those of you who love to get pampered, this one is for you!

The 12th Bi-Annual Spa Week Event is coming up April 12 – 18, when thousands of spa treatments that normally range from $75 – $500 are available for just $50 a piece at premiere spas, beauty salons and wellness centers all across North America.

How do you take advantage? Go to spaweek.com, click on your region, sign up, then browse the extensive list of Spa Week spas and spa treatments available. Then just call up and make your appointment(s). You can continue to book appointments until and throughout Spa Week.

Where is Spa Week? Click to view all the participating spas and available treatments:

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For my fellow Chicagoans, you’re in lots of luck! Because there are over 35 spas in Chicago and the suburbs participating in Spa Week. Some of these spas include Exhale Chicago, Red Door Spa, Ruby Room, Spa at the Wit and many more.

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So check out www.spaweek.com, find your state/town and get booking…because these great deals only last until April 18. Happy pampering 🙂

March 31, 2010

Coming Up on Rue La La

In need of a fashion pick me up?   This week, Rue La La’s virtual boutiques are providing you with a head-to-toe makeover experience, with timeless, fashion-forward necessities from A.B.S, Exhale Spa, and make-up from Bare Escentuals! I invite you to shop the  Exclusive Brands: Fashion and Beauty Boutiques, beginning  March 31  at 11:00AM EST for only 48 hours! Below you’ll discover more information about the Boutiques.



A.B.S (virtual doors open at 11am on April 2 ):  Allen B. Schwartz’s trend setting line of red carpet inspired looks have won the attention of stars from Catherine Zeta Jones and Jennifer Hudson to Carrie Underwood.  Known for his attention to detail, and fashion forward threads, this boutique is sure quickly sell out of the feminine frocks that have made A.B.S, a style favorite for fashionistas everywhere.  Grab your choice of flirty dresses, bold jewelry, and chic sportswear from the A.B.S boutique, this week.



Bare Escentuals (virtual doors open at 11am on March 31):  Bare Escentuals is the brand that brought you BareMinerals Foundation,  Buxom, and MD Formulations Skin Care.   Maybe it is Bare Escentual’s belief that while make-up should make you feel beautiful, and should also be good for your skin that makes it a favorite brand among the stars.  With celebrity fans including:  Jennifer Aniston, Natalie Portman, and Kate Hudson, you will surely fall in love with the variety of Bare Escentuals on sale this week.

**I’m absolutely love Bare Escentuals products! See some of my favorite Bare Escentuals products in my Flawless Makeup Routine post.

 

 

Exhale Spa:  Available Thursday, April 1st at 11AM EST for 48 hours. With a philosophy centered on the belief that the mind and body are connected, and that the best approach to well-being is through holistic means, this weeks Boutique will help you achieve that beach-ready body faster than you think.  Locations that will be involved in the Boutique include: New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Santa Monica and South Florida.

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Also, experience fabulous fashion and accessories items this week on Rue La La through these exclusive Boutiques:

  • Sportmax
  • Honora
  • Footprints by Brinkenstock
  • Bare Escentuals
  • Joseph Abboud
  • A.B.S.
  • Corneliani

 

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Not yet a Rue La La member? Join Now! And don’t forget to invite your friends to experience Rue La La — you’ll receive a $10 credit when they place their first order!

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This post is from guest blogger, David James. Follow him on Twitter @jamesda1

March 29, 2010

New Items from Rachel Zoe for QVC

If you’re an avid reader of my blog, it’s rare that I post something without mentioning Rachel Zoe. I think she’s an amazing stylist and I respect her work and her creativity. I already own a few things from Rachel’s collection including the Faux Fur Vest with Hook & Eye Closure (in Red Fox…obsessed!), Cabochon Drop Earrings (in Jade; very vintage-looking…so fab), and the Foldover Messenger Bag (in pewter…such a great color). I am 100% satisfied with each and every one of these items. And just when I didn’t think her collection could get any better, she debuted a bunch of new items last week and I am dying over everything. I knew I wanted to do a post sharing my favorite items with you and it was very difficult for me to choose but I did it and I hope you enjoy!

Lamb Leather Belted Jacket

The ivory color (shown above) is my favorite but this jacket also comes in black and tan which are equally as fabulous. Rachel wore this when she debuted her new items on QVC and many sizes sold out immediately. Thankfully, QVC re-stocked and almost all sizes are currently available in each color. This is a great light jacket for spring and it can be worn with just about everything. The belt is slimming at the waist I’m obsessed with the buckles at the end of the sleeves. Overall, a great buy!

Slim Flap Front Computer Bag

So I’m definitely guilty of watching QVC when Rachel Zoe is on and she said that everyone in her office (AKA Camp Zoe) was begging her to design a fashionable yet practical computer bag. And this is what she came up with! I loved this piece so much I ordered it right away (online of course…I don’t think I could get myself to call) in the brown/black. The color shown above is caramel and it comes in black as well. The best part about this computer bag is that it comes with a matching wristlet. A stylish way to carry your laptop + a wristlet for those on-the-go moments…what a great deal!

Slouchy Square Hobo

This is such a great everyday bag. It is practical because it is large enough to hold everything and it’s a great bag that will never go out of style. This bag comes in Burnt Sienna (seen above), Caramel and Black. I really can’t decide which color is my favorite because I just love this bag so much…I love all the colors! The Burnt Sienna is different which I’m really into. It’s a happy color that can immediately brighten your mood.

Tri-Color Bracelet with Crystals

I’ve been obsessed with the gold bracelet Rachel Zoe always wears (see here on her left wrist) since the first time I saw her wear it on the Rachel Zoe Project. Once I saw she made something similar available on QVC, I knew I had to have it. So…I ordered it. It complements any skintone because there’s goldtone, silvertone and rosetone. A 3-in-1 masterpiece!

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What do you think of Rachel Zoe for QVC? Do you have any pieces from her collection? If so, which ones do you have & what do you think of them? If not, would you consider ordering any of them? What do you think of my picks? I want to hear from you. Don’t be shy!

 

March 28, 2010

1,000 Followers Twitter Contest

So I’ve been tweeting about doing a contest once I reach 1,000 followers and….I finally did! I wanted to give the details of the contest here on my blog because 140 characters is simply not enough.

I hope you read my Kassiebelle designs post because I will be giving away a Kassiebelle wrap bracelet (see below) to one lucky follower. Here’s how it works:

1. Follow me on Twitter @chicityfashion

2. Tweet the message “I want to win a Kassiebelle wrap bracelet from @chicityfashion” (please include the link in your tweet)

I will pick one winner (at random) by Thursday April 1st. And no…this will not be an April Fool’s joke 🙂

A few notes:

**You must be a US resident (having United States shipping address) in order to enter

**The winner will not receive the exact wrap bracelet pictured above. That one was custom made for me but it will have the same beading pattern and be equally as amazing…I promise!

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Thank you all for following me on Twitter and reading my blog. I really appreciate all of the great comments you leave me. I love the feedback and I hope you continue to read and enjoy ChiCityFashion blog.