MOVED...

For organization purposes, I will be moving to fashionbeautyetc.blogspot.com!

All previous posts have been moved.

Be sure to subscribe! I will be announcing a giveaway soon! See ya there!

♥ Jackie

Magic, Mirth & Mischief

MAC Holiday Collection 2009 - way more make up than previous Holiday collections!

It's out today online at MAC and Nordstrom's (and possibly other department stores).

S

Source: Nordstrom 

I can't believe that my HG (Holy Grail) Black Eyeliner is in this collection!

I was introduced to my HG liner from a Nordstroms-exclusive set that came with a lip gloss and blush at least two years ago. I've come to realize how great it is, especially after trying quite a few very popular black liners which didn't live up to what this one delivered. A couple months ago, I asked a MAC saleswoman about it and she told me that it was LE and that they didn't. This pencil also came out in the Holiday Collection as a set with other Softsparkle pencils, but I don't remember it ever being sold alone. But I guess it did because I found it at the Cosmetics Company Outlet! Yay!

MAC's Blacktrack Technakohl Liner and Urban Decay's 24/7 Eye Pencil in Zero got nothing on my MAC Nightsky Softsparkle Pencil. No one would ever think that this could be HG material but it is -- well, for me at least! The sparkles aren't too noticeable so you won't look like you have glitter all over your eyes. You may need to layer a few times to get it perfect but that pretty much goes for all liners. I don't wear black eyeliner unless I'm going out, which isn't often, but I don't recall an occasion where this has failed on me! It doesn't glide as easily as the UD pencil but it own in all other aspects!

And what is this baby, you wonder? It is MAC'S Pearl Glide Eye Liner in Wolf (Love That Look Collection), as well as my other HG eye pencil. I love this because I can't wear black everyday as it's too harsh of a look for me: my brows are light even after filling them in a bit and my skin is quite pale. That is kind of a statement-making look that I don't like trying pull off everyday. It also takes more time and effort to wear black liner and take off compared to this grey one which is less harsh on me but still lines my eyes nicely.

I like to do my make up everyday, but I also like it to be quick, easy, and low maintenance. This liner does it for me and if you're like me, then you'll like it too! I used to take about an hour to do all kinds of fancy eye make up and such but I don't like doing that anymore because I need more sleep and I like to keep it simple these days. This is eyeliner is a method of it's own: drawn on and be out! It glides nicely, you don't have to perfect the definition, and completely fool-proof. Some glitter may get on your lash line when using but it's avoidable if you really mind it. It also wears off/lightens after a while, say an 8-hour day, but a touch up takes about 19 seconds. Do you have 19 seconds to spare? I do.

Swatches: MAC Pearl Glide Eye Liner in Wolf (top); MAC Softsparkle Eye Pencil in Nightsky (bottom)

I'm not one to purchase back ups (for various reasons), but I have one of each so these are really dear to my hear! Both back ups were purchased from the Cosmetics Company Outlet (CCO) for $10.25 and $9.50, respective to swatch photos. Both retail for $14.50. Wolf took me forever to find!

I wonder what what other people think of these since they don't seem to be too popular... What do you guys think?!

I saw the the Pearl Glide Eye Liner in Black Russian at the CCO but it was way too glittery for my liking. The glitter was blue and not subtle! So not for me. I'm curious about the navy pencil now, Fly-by-Blu. I might be taking a trip to the CCO tomorrow so we'll see what comes of that. Also, this Saturday, I'm going to be taking a 2-hour MAC Make up class at Bloomingdale's! Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait! 

ChickDowntown - 35% Off

ChickDowntown is a site that you should never purchase from without a coupon! They always offer 20-30% off! I believe this is the largest discount I've seen percent-wise: 35% off! The $50 off $150 or more coupon, I think, is always there but this one doesn't require you to spend $150...

Source: ChickDowntown 

Discount: 35% off with code DESSERT35 

Valid: Expires Friday 10/16

They sell pretty expensive stuff so if you're like me and have like no money, BB Dakota is the brand for you! Not only is their stuff way more affordable, the jackets and dresses are gorgeous. I've eyed many, but have never gotten around to buying. So, I don't know if the quality is good but I have a feeling that the day I find out will come. If you're familiar with BB Dakota even the smallest bit, definitely share! Tooooodles :)

SAKS Family and Friends Promo - 25% Off + Free Shipping

Source: SaksFifthAve

Boy, do I love my Hunter Wellies! I, unfortunately, couldn't find any good deals about a month ago when I was looking, which is why I ended up paying the full price at Zappos. But that, lucky for me, isn't too bad since I can fit the kids sizes which is $60! (FYI - I wear a 5/6 in women's shoes and the 4 in kids fits wonderfully!)

Lucky for you because you can get these babies for 25% off at Saks Fifth Ave right now! And get free shipping too! How freaking awesome! I think this is one of the best deals you can find for these boots :)

Discount: 25% off with code FRIENDS2
(20% off jewelry and 10% off beauty and fragrance)
Valid: Online - October 13-18
In stores - October 15-18

Also... Free shipping on all orders with code OCTSHIP9

Restrictions apply. Click here for full details!

DIY Nail Trends for Fall!

I finally get around to reading my September issue of InStyle magazine! I love it!

After reading somewhere online the top 5 September issues, I took the liberty of purchasing the other three that I didn't have. InStyle was number one and I think Vogue was three... can't remember the rest! Sorry!

I saved the best for last and sure enough it was pretty - actually, really damned good! Vogue ain't got nuthin' on InStyle. I didn't particularly like either covers but the content hit the spot. Here is a little something from InStyle that I'm dying to try. My favorite is the Mixed Metals one!

Source: InStyle September 2009 Issue

They look easy enough right? Just kidding! You're probably wondering now the hell you're supposed to do the Mixed Metals design. I wouldn't leave you hanging! Here's the page with the instructions! Don't forget to enlarge it (by clicking)...

Source: InStyle September 2009 Issue

I hope I get around to trying the Mixed Metals. I'll definitely post pics if I do!

And omg, I want a MINX MANI! I know I'm not the only one. How freakin' cool is it?! Chances of me getting one - 0%. I'll be super, super happy with my DIY Mixed Metals mani though :)

Sephora Family and Friends Promo - 20% Off

Do you need something from Sephora? If you do, I suggest you wait to save... 20%!

Sephora is supposed to have a Family and Friends event! The details say that it doesn't start until October 19, but I tried to use it anyway. This is what Sephora said: Sorry, the promotion you have entered has not yet started. Please remove the code and proceed to Checkout.

Sephora
Discount: 20% off with code FF2009
Starts: Monday 10/19, Expires: n/a

Source: Sephora - Click on image to be directed to samples page!

This coupon seems to exist; it just won't work for a couple weeks. So if you have something to buy like I do, postpone it until then! I really do need a moisturizer but I'm going to try my best to hold off! But if you just can't wait Sephora is offering 5 free samples with every order instead of their usual 3 and a sample bag (which I believe is airplane approved)!

I think that time of year is coming up again -- the one where family and friends promotions take place everywhere? Is that around this time or is it later? Ahh, not sure. We'll see when time comes.

Au revoir!

Updated: Strawberry Mint

A few posts back, Sandy and I did a review on Softlips Lip Balm...

I did forget to mention that Sandy is more on the sensitive side (skin-wise) and I think I might be, too, but just a little. So about a month ago I noticed that my upper lip, on my left half and above it, became unusually dry and I think it was from using Softlips! This started after maybe two months of constant usage and lasted for weeeeeks! Sandy also had a reaction around the same time, which caused her to stop using it as well. She said that infrequent use of it was okay for her but not constant use of it. For me, I don't plan to try to make it work out. Nuh uh.

New Rating: ♥ (Damn you, Softlips!)

On the brighter note, that dry, annoying little reaction is fully gone since about two weeks ago. Whew! Now, I'm sticking to my trusty little main balm which I'll probably do a review on soon :)

Toodles to my non-readers!

NEVER Pay Full Price for ANYTHING

I looooove shopping for anything and everything (seriously anything, you wouldn't believe - or maybe you would). I know that I can't buy everything I want whenever I want, but I really try really hard to. Really hard.

That's me, I'm the Coupon Queen. That's what some friends call me. I guess that's a good thing?

Anyways... Smart Shopping is really important to me and I'm going to share how I go about doing so! This is going to be a section on this blog that I really want to use, but always find reasons not to :( Sorry I suck, but I'm going to try not to starting NOW.

Tip #1: NEVER PAY FULL PRICE FOR ANYTHING
These are the exceptions:
- It's regular price is already cheap. Stores like Forever 21 and H&M are as cheap as it gets. H&M offers some pretty good coupons here and there so try to use those but if you can't, don't go out of your way. But if you know that it's cheap and the store offers coupons often or just good coupons in general, then please remember to use them!
- It's never going to go on sale AND you must have this one thing in particular BECAUSE it's of wonderful quality AND if you don't get it now then it won't be there later AND there is simple NO alternative! You get the point. This is called an INVESTMENT purchase... well kind of. You know what I meant!

There is the first tip of my little guide to smart shopping :) Enjoy my non-readers!

Flip-flops are Dirty.

I have to take the subway to school and back and I oftentimes I don't like to stand for the ride. So I sit and when I get home I'm super careful about keeping my jeans away from my bed! It's even worse when I have shorts on and the under of my thighs come in direct contact with the seat! I don't like to lean back because I don't want to have to deal with my sweater or shirt that I usually wear more than once before washing. Another reason I don't like to fully sit back on a seat on the subway or movie theater seat or you get the point... is because I don't want my hair to touch the back where other heads have been! I don't wash my hair every night before going to bed because I don't want to dry it out, plus it takes forever and a year to dry! So I don't like when my body touches something public and then touches my bed! All that and you would THINK that I would realize how dirty my feet are but I had no idea it was so bad...

I love my Havaianas but boy are those babies full of germs! After watching this video, I know how to take care of my flip flops, know that I shouldn't wear them if I have a cut, and that I need NOT ever touch my feet prior to a proper, through cleansing! Get the deets by watching this short, informative vid!

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Would you wear shoes from *insert clothing brand here*?

The past couple of days, I received emails from Express and American Eagle stating that they're now selling shoes - like actual shoes and not sandals! They've always had flip flops and sandals and what not but shoes! How crazy is that?!

Both brands used to sell just clothing and then both brands branched off into underwear and now shoes! While I do love both stores for their clothing, and their underwear isn't too bad either, I'm a bit hesitant to pay their price for their new shoes... (Okay, I really, really like Aerie panties!)

Express is now selling ballet flats ranging from $29.50 - $49.50. I wonder if I'll ever give them a chance. I might just have to since these online coupons bring them now to a better price: $10 off $30 with code 3981, $30 off $90 with code 3983 (expires 08/16). Act fast!

My favorites are the metallic-bronzey ones and the leopard print ones to its right.

American Eagle is now selling boots! OMG. Prices range between $49.50-$99.50. A bit steep but they are boots so I guess it's understandable. AE does have good coupons sometimes and offer free shipping or good deals quite often so you could probably get these boots for less! Right now their offering free returns on all boots so if you buy it, try it, but don't like it, return shipping is on them!

These are the same boot except the the one on the left is suede and comes in 4 colors and the one on the right is leather and only comes in that color. These are my favorite although I wouldn't get them because heels aren't apart of my daily wardrobe. And if you didn't know, seude is the fabric for fall!

If Steve Madden sold clothing, would you buy? Well, they do but I bet you didn't even know! See! H&M and Jimmy Choo are teaming up for a more affordable line of accessories as well as clothing, but seriously - who is really excited for the clothing? Jimmy Choo accessories, especially heels, is what we're all looking forward to. It's that kind of thing... it's just what they're known for!

But, those leopard print flats are really catching on... (unless I find a cheaper but still cute pair elsewhere)

Source: Express, AE