Perfumista's Perfect Ten by Bond No 9

Bond No 9 is one of my favorite fragrance houses, and this year they've created a fun gift idea that I had to share! This is their signature star shaped bottle, scaled down to 5 ml each. Their 10 best selling fragrances are included in the set.

• Andy Warhol Union Square
• Bleecker Street
• Bond No. 9 Signature
• Chelsea Flowers
• Chinatown
• Eau de New York
• Hamptons
• Nuits de Noho
• The Scent of Peace
• Wall Street

$250 from Bond No 9

Avon Dazzle and Shine Gloss Set

Avon's lipglosses are under appreciated. They aren't sticky, have good shine and last for hours. This set is very reasonable in price and the colors are pretty! The glosses are full sized and in Apricot, Fuchsia Fantasy and Slicked Red.

$7.99 at Avon

Pureology Hydrate Gift Set

Pretty much everyone could use a little extra moisture in their hair, and this is one of my favorite shampoo and conditioner duos. Seriously, it is amazing. Hydration, shine, and still... volume! It doesn't weigh everything down. I even use the conditioner on my scalp when things get weather-change itchy. Seriously, it works.

Included in the set:
Hydrate Shampoo (10.1 oz.)
Hydrate HairCondition (8.5 oz.)
ColourStylist StrengtheningControl Zero Dulling Hairspray (11 oz.)
Headband

$51.00 Pureology

Spa Ritual Holiday 2011: Twinkle, a Collection of Glitters that are too Pretty to Pass Up

Apparently these have been out since September, but I just found the press release in a folder I helpfully named "Holiday 2011" in my email. And then forgot about.

The colors are so pretty! The shimmer is more subtle than the giant chunks of glitter that we're seeing in many other holiday collections, though they do add more interest than just a simple creme. You can see some great swatches over at The PolishAholic.

Spa Ritual

MAC Deep Sea

2 coats to opaque, though 1 thick coat probably would have done the job.

MAC

The Best of Leonor Greyl: Parisian Pampering For Your Hair

It's a little bit of Paris in a box! Leonor Greyl makes an amazingly decadent Huile de Palme that I love. In this box you'll find a selection of their best selling products, and it's a steal at 25% off.

• Shampooing Moelle Crème de Bambou – A nourishing shampoo that contains bamboo marrow to regenerate damaged hair.
• Masque aux Fleurs de Jasmin - An award-winning conditioning treatment, this can be used either as a conditioner after shampooing or as a more intensive masque.
• Serum de Soie Sublimateur – A silicone-free, anti-frizz styling cream gives any type of hair a smooth, shiny look without weighing it down.

Leonor Greyl

Coupon Codes for Black Friday and Cyber Monday

I'm a big fan of on-line shopping over Thanksgiving weekend. I think I've only hit the Black Friday sales once, back in high school, and the 30 minute walk to actually reach the mall from our parking spot was enough to dissuade me from ever venturing out again. Luckily you can now get many of the same deals from the comfort of your own home! Where you can still be in your PJs, comfy on your couch, while other people are fighting it out over a television after waiting out in the cold for hours.

Last year I shared a lot of my favorite coupon codes over Thanksgiving weekend, updating the list as I found new ones. The post was really popular (and it helped me with my own shopping), so I thought I'd do it again this year. Let me know in the comments if you have some I should add or have any issues.

I've organized the codes according to when things are active, and I'll be adding things as I find out about them.

Happy Shopping!!


GAP
• Entire store up to 60% through 11/29
• Extra 20% off with GAPTHANKS, 11/24 only

PB Teen
• Free shipping with THANKSFREESHIP, 11/24 only

Victoria's Secret
• Free shipping on any order with GIVETHANKS, 11/24 only
• $15 off $100 with 15OFF100, 11/24 only



Arcona Skin Care
• 40% off purchases of $100 or more, and free shipping for $200 or more with BLACK, Friday only

Beauty Bar
• Free shipping for orders over $39
• $15 off orders over $75 with BBFF, 11/25 only

Clinique
• With a $25 purchase, chose a free eye look with VIOLETS or NUDES, 11/25 only

Crabtree & Evelyn
• 10% off your entire order with HOLIDAY11, through 12/1
• 10% off today only with FRIDAY10, 11/25 only

Dr. Brandt Skin Care
• A special value set will be available for $75 (worth $225) with detoxygen experience, flaws no more r3p cream and travel sized dark circles away collagen eye serum, travel sized flaws no more r3p eye.

Ernest Sewn
• 25% off with FANDF2011, 11/25

Somme Institute
• 40% off site wide, no code needed, Black Friday and Cyber Monday only

Steve Madden
• Free Shipping on any order within the US (except clearance) with BFSHIP

Temptu
• 20% off makeup brush systems with SYSTEM20, 11/25 only
• 10% off makeup pods with POD10, 11/25 only

Victoria's Secret
• Bras are buy one get on 50% off with DOUBLEUP, though 11/29
• Free secret reward card when you spend $10 to use 12/1-12/21, now through 11/30
• Free limited edition tote with $65 purchase with FRIDAY, 11/25 only




American Eagle, including Aerie and 77 Kids
• 40% off everything with 72429831, through 11/26
• Free shipping on 11/24

Ann Taylor
• 40% off with THANKS, no info on expiration date

b-Glowing
• 20% off orders $75 or more, plus free shipping. Note there are some brand exceptions. Use code CYBER11, good 11/25-11/28

Bath & Body Works
• VIP bag for $20 with any $40 purchase, use VIP11, through 11/27

BeautyRx
• Buy two items and get a third at 50% off. The coupon will be applied to the most expensive item. Use BF2011, 11/23-11/28

Beauty Ticket
• 50% off everything with CYBER50, starts Friday at midnight eastern and runs through Monday night at midnight!

Bella Il Fiore
• 25% off with BELLA25, 11/25-11/28

Benefit Cosmetics
• Get a free high beam mini with $35 order with HLDYMINI. Offer valid 11/22 - 11/28 11:59p PST.
• Get a free full-size thrrrob with $90 order with HRTTHROB. Offer valid 11/22 - 11/28 11:59p PST.
• Get FREE US standard shipping through Thanksgiving weekend with THANKS. Offer valid 11/23 - 11/28 11:59p PST.
• Get FREE US standard shipping with any purchase of $50 or more with PRETTY50.
• Get FREE international standard shipping with any purchase of $115 or more with WORLD115. Excludes order shipping to China.

Bigelow Chemists
• 20% off $100 or more with BIGELOW20, through 12/31
• $10 off $75 or more with BIGTHANKS, 11/11 through 11/28
• $5 off $50 or more with BIG5, through 12/31

Biotherm
• 15% off any order plus free shipping with BFF3, 11/25-11/29
• 25% off any order over $85 plus free shipping with BFF2, 11/25-11/29
• 35% off any order over $110 plus free shipping with BFF1, 11/25-11/29

blowPro
• blowPro Blow Out Hair Spray mini for ANY purchase made on the website until the end of the year. No code needed.

Bobbi Brown
• Until Tuesday 11/29 get 3 free samples and free standard shipping on every order. No code needed.

Christopher Drummond Beauty
• 20% off with CYBER20, 11/25-11/28

Clarins
• Free 3 piece gift with $40 off with THANKS, 11/22-11/27

Clarisonic
• All already-reduced Clarisonic "Skincare Pairs" that are purchased between 11/25-11/29 will be 20% off.
• Clarisonic "bundles" are 20% off. A bundle is 3 or more Mias, for example. Yes, you don't need 3 Mias on your own, but you might need 3 if you are giving them away or combining your purchase with friends. Remember that in a bundle everything is already discounted and you get to personalize for free, this is an additional 20% off.
• Each pair or bundle purchased will also receive a Houndstooth Travel Bag and a 6 oz. Body Serum (a $65 value)
• Free shipping for every order

Clean Well
• 25% off with SAVE25, 11/24-11/29

Clinique
• Free shipping with HOLIDAY, through 11/28

Crabtree & Evelyn
• 10% off your entire order with HOLIDAY11, through 12/1

Deborah Lippmann
• Free shipping on orders over $50, no code needed
• Orders over $60 will get a pair of Heaven in my Hand Plush hand warmers

Drugstore.com
• Select Clarisonic Mia Skin Cleansing Systems and brushes are 25% off until 11/30

Elizabeth Arden
• 25% off and free shipping (no minimum order) on the entire site, note that almost everything is already on sale, up to 65% off skin care even! Use BF2, good 11/25-11/28

ELF Cosmetics
• Free shipping and Buy One Get One 50% off the entire site! Minimum order of $30, 11/24-11/25 only

Ella Moss
• 30% off everything with GLITTER, 11/25-11/28

Eve Pearl
• 40-55% off the majority of the site with BPTG2011, through Monday 11/28 at 11 pm EST

Foot Locker
• 15% off with LKS13VN6 through 11/28

Giorgio Armani Beauty
• Spend $75 and get 20% Off + Free 2nd Day Shipping with GAHOLIDAY1, through 11/29.
• Spend $125 and get 6 Minis ($42 value) + 20% Off + Free 2nd Day Shipping with GAHOLIDAY4, Valid 11/27-11/29

Godiva
• $5 shipping on orders between $25-$59 with HOLLY, through 12/20
• Free shipping on orders $60-$300 with MERRY, through 12/20
• Earn $10 reward cards! For every $50 you spend online between 11/25-12/24, you will get a $10 reward card in the mail after 12/25. Max 4 cards (for $40 total in rewards)

Henri Bendel
• 25% off and free shipping when you spend over $100, no code needed

It Cosmetics
• 30% off everything with FF30, through 11/29
• Free shipping on orders over $25

J. Crew
• 25% off and free shipping for orders over $150 with YOURGIFT, 11/23-11/28

Jessica Simpson: I'm seriously obsessed with her shoes. I know, you'd think they wouldn't be any good, right? But, they're very well made and much more comfortable for me than a few other brands you'd find in the mall. The heels are moved forward a bit, it makes a big difference! I have the Callie in 2 colors!
• Free Shipping over $100
• $50 off boots with 50BOOTS, through 11/29
• 10% off if you join the email list
• $20 off $100 or more with JSCNOV, through 11/30

Juara Skincare
• Free shipping on all orders 11/25-11/28
• Free Candlehut Hand and Body Balm (worth $25) for all orders over $50

Kendra Scott
• 20% off everything with 20SITEWIDE, through 11/28

Kiehl's
• $20 off a purchase of $65 or more with HOLIDAY, through 12/31/2011

Korres
• 20% off 11/22-11/27 with FF2011

Lafayette 148
• Lafayette has a big on-line sale going on with 40-70% off select styles. On Monday they'll be putting more jackets up for sale, and those will be leather jackets about 70% off! So, if you're looking for a great leather jacket, check on Monday morning! No code needed.

Lancome
• Free shipping through 12/25

Lands' End
• 30% off everything with DRUMSTICK, pin 1121, through 11/28

Loft
• 25% off any full priced purchase of $125 or more with NOVAFF25, through 12/5

Lord & Taylor
• 20% off everything with THANKS through 11/28

LOFT
• 40% off everything with SHOP40, no info on expiration date
• Free Shipping for all orders over $125

Milly
• 20% off everything with HOLIDAY2011, 11/25-11/28
• Free shipping on orders over $250

MiN New York
• 20% off everything, 11/25-11/27

Nautica
• 40% off and free shipping with THANKS40, no info on expiration date

Neutrogena
• Save 20% on full priced items from the Holiday Collections with HOLIDAY2011, 11/21-12/2
• Free shipping on orders over $25

Origins
• $10 off orders over $25 plus free shipping with TENOFF, through 11/28

Philosophy
• Free Shipping on any order with BLACKFRIDAY, through 11/28

Shu Uemura
• 20% off plus free shipping for orders over $50 with WISH2011, 11/24-11/29

Skin Store
• 20% off storewide with GIFT20

Smashbox
• 20% off everything with SBXFF11, through 11/28
• Free shipping on all US orders

Splendid
• 30% off everything with BESTGIFT, 11/25-11/28

Steve Madden
• Free Shipping on any order within the US (except clearance) with HOLIDAY

T+J Designs (Jewelry from Tiffany at I am Style-ish!)
• 25% off your total order (no minimum order) and free shipping for orders over $75 with THANKS, through 11/30!

Talbots
• 30% off everything and free shipping (no minimum) with FRIENDS through 11/28

Tommy Hilfiger
• 30% off with THANKS30, through 11/25
• Free shipping with orders over $150

Too Faced
• Free Shipping with BLACK11, 11/23-11/28

Tweezerman
• Free shipping on all orders.
• Free Candy Cane Glitter Mini Slant Tweezer with all orders over $50.

Urban Outfitters
• No minimum order for free shipping
• 10% off with PARTY though 11/28

ULTA
• Lots of online exclusives and beauty bargain blowouts!
• Free shipping on orders over $25 with HOLIDAYSHP25, 11/24 only
• $3.50 off any $10 purchase with 61733, through 12/2
• $10 off any $60 purchase with 18137, through 12/2

Valentino/Valentino Red
• 40% off Fall/Winter 2011 collections with WINTERSALE4, unknown expiration date

Victoria's Secret
• Bras are buy one get on 50% off with DOUBLEUP, though 11/29
• Free secret reward card when you spend $10 to use 12/1-12/21, now through 11/30

Yves Saint Laurent
• 20% off and free shipping with FRIDAY, through 11/26




Borghese
• 25% off everything (except Villa di Borghese Spa at Home Accessories and Instant Gratification Insta-Firm Platinum Duo) with 25CYBER11, 11/25 only, 12-4pm EST
• Since the Instant Gratification Insta-Firm Platinum Duo isn't 25% off, they decided to give you an even better deal! The duo, with full sized bottles, is only $40! That's roughly half the price of one bottle. Stock up!

butter LONDON
• 30% off site-wide with CELEBRATE11, 11/28-11/30

Dr. Brandt Skin Care
• 2 special offers will be available: lineless eye cream for $29 (worth $60) and flaws no more r3p eye for $39 (worth $80)

Lisa Hoffman Beauty
• Receive a Free Signature Votive Candle & Deluxe Samples ($15 retail value) with every $65 purchase
• Free shipping on purchases over $50

Lovely Skin
• 25% off all orders

Philosophy
• Free Shipping on any order with BLACKFRIDAY, through 11/28
• Free gift with any order over $85 with HOLIDAYJOY, 11/28-11/30

Somme Institute
• 40% off site wide, no code needed, Black Friday and Cyber Monday only

Three Custom Color
• 30% off with CYBER11 on 11/28 only

Lancome's Golden Hat Foundation Holiday Collection by Kate Winslet

Have you seen Lancome's Holiday Collection yet? It was designed to help benefit the Golden Hat Foundation, a foundation started by Lancome's spokesperson, Kate Winslet. The foundation helps to "improve the lives of those with autism".

The mission of the Golden Hat Foundation is the establishment of innovative campuses that offer people with autism the opportunity to learn to communicate effectively, receive an education, job training and enjoy recreational activities, all within a supportive social network.

Sounds good doesn't it? Along with super pretty makeup?? A definite win-win situation!

• Poudre Lumière in Golden Hat, $40
An all-over powder to illuminate the face. "A sheer sparkling pink shimmer adds delicate glow, while a golden hue brightens skin with a touch of light." This has already sold out on-line, you'll want to head for your nearest counter to find it.

• L’Absolu Rouge Lipcolor, $29
A moisture-rich lipstick is blended with vitamin E and SPF 12.
Shades: Caprice, Rosette, Misty Rose, Spice Pink, La Base (primer base)

• Mini Le Vernis, $15
Five new shades in pinks and reds to complement the lipcolors.
Shades: Shade 102, Shade 26, Shade 27, Shade 28, Shade 003


Lancome's Golden Hat Foundation Holiday Collection by Kate Winslet

Lippie Love: Maybelline's Warm Me Up, A Perfect Neutral Lippie for Me

This was a great $5 investment! This lipstick lasts about 5-6 hours, despite constant coffee drinking (I might have a problem). It isn't quite as moisturizing as a balm, but it is close. And it is a great pinky-nude color that is a great neutral go-to color. If you need a shade like that, head to your local drugstore or big box store!

Maybelline

Nicole All Kendall-ed Up: Swatch and Review

This is a well pigmented polish! I've shown 2 layers here, though 1 layer was *probably* enough. I ended up wearing this for a few days since it was at the end of swatching for the day, and it wore like iron. Seriously, it looked absolutely perfect when I took it off 4 days later. This is going to be a go-to summer pedi color for sure!

Nicole by OPI

Laura Mercier's Kohl Eye Pencil Set

I'm seriously loving all of the Laura Mercier holiday sets this year. This set of 5 pencils is amazing. This is the set I'd pick for a friend. They'll be reaching for these pencils day after day!

click to enlarge

The pencils are all full sized and in the best selling shades Laura Mercier offers. The pencils apply easily and smoothly to the lash line, and they can be very easily smudged initially after application, but not so much later on. The pencils are formulated so you can wear them on the inner rim of your eye as well.

• Black Violet: black purple charcoal
• Stormy Grey: charcoal grey
• Black Navy: black with navy pearl
• Black Gold: black with gold pearl
• Brown Copper: shimmering brown

I can not help myself and keep reaching for these pencils day after day. I especially like to switch it up a bit and use one of these special colors on my lower lid while my upper lid is black or dark brown. They don't scream "look at me, I'm wearing gold liner"! But, your eyes look different and definitely more special than plain black or brown.

Serious love.

$45 Laura Mercier Limited Edition Kohl Eye Pencil Set

Pore Strip Your Face: The At Home Gelatin Facial

I did something brave last week. I pore stripped my face. The entire thing. Yes. No, I did not go crazy and buy my local Walmart out of Bioré products. Instead, I bought a $1.36 box of unflavored gelatin and used up half of it. Truly.

I found this via Pinterest (love it!), and I knew as soon as I saw it, I would have to try it! The idea came from Petite Elefant (pinned here). I was the girl in college with the nose strips on her forehead, nose, chin and cheeks. I had to try this. There was no choice.

I should note that I tried this out immediately after my morning shower, so I knew all the stuff clogging my pores had been nicely loosened up by my shower and I was more likely to yank some of it out.

So, first, I somewhat followed the directions over at Petite Elefant. In that I used disposable items and unflavored gelatin with milk. Not so much in that I forgot how much to use, so when I combined ingredients I used 2 packets of gelatin and about 1-2 tablespoons of milk and when mixed up mine was about the consistency of a fruit on the bottom yogurt once mixed up. There is no other way to describe it, I created Yoplait.

Then I put it in the microwave. I thought it was 30 seconds (actually, 10 seconds is recommended), but I pulled it out about 25 seconds in once it started bubbling. Oops! It turns out this stuff cools down rapidly and as it cools it sets up. So, this gave me about 2 minutes of stand around and talk to my husband while stirring, then I realized it was getting stringy and thick quickly so I ran up to the bathroom to put it on.

Application was pretty easy. I used a plastic picnic knife, it was fine if you don't have the recommended popsicle stick. You don't want a thin or a thick layer, really it should be somewhat in between. Once it dries you'll be peeling this stuff off. Too thick is goopy and hard to peel in 1 piece, too thin and it will break off every where. Avoid your eye brows and too close to your eyes. Really.

About 10-15 minutes later, things will definitely start to tighten up as it dries. This is when you want to remove. I simply opened my mouth to start tearing into it, and then I started peeling. It isn't quite as satisfying as a Bioré, since it is harder to see the grossness you've just pulled out of your skin. But, you'll notice right away that your pores are smaller and black heads are gone.

As you pull the mask off it does exfoliate (aka- pull off skin). I didn't notice redness, but my skin was definitely sensitive that day. You should do this on a day that you'll be able to baby your skin with added moisture and maybe staying home sans makeup. Be sure to wear your sunscreen as well! I swear this stuff also pulled off hair, so any little baby fuzz you have is likely to be pretty reduced by using this mask.

However, a word of caution! I was too close to my eyebrows when I applied. I didn't think this would matter. The first removal swatch I did near them did pull up a few eyebrows (small bald spot! I have had to fill it in with an eyebrow pencil, though it is now filling in). So, be careful! After that I took a little warm water with my fingers, wet the gelatin on my brows, and once it loosened up I gently scraped it off with fingernails. So, problem averted.

The first day my skin was sensitive to the touch, though I didn't look irritated and my skin wasn't red. Instead, it felt very soft and my pores were immediately much smaller in appearance. The best results were actually a few days later, I swear my pores looked smaller and smaller! The usual gunk I have clogging them was gone and despite a time I should have been breaking out (hmmm....) my skin was perfect!

Have you tried this? I'm definitely going to be doing it again, though I'll probably just direct it at my t-zone rather than my entire face. And I likely will only microwave for 15-20 seconds. I think this might be an every other week or so thing for me for now on.

Nicole by OPI's Sealed with a Kris: Review and Swatch

I'm a big fan of dark red cremes, particularly in the winter. While I loved the shade of red here, this is 4 layers and coverage is still somewhat spotty.

Nicole by OPI

Peter Som for Clark Botanicals: A Fashion Week Inspired Holiday Gift

A floral print from Peter Som's Fall 2011 runway has made its way onto a limited edition clutch from Clark's Botanicals. Inside you'll find fun beauty goodies, which make this a great holiday present!

• 2 Ultra Rich Lip Tints – Moore Nude (inspired by Julianne Moore) and Because I Love You
• Best-selling original Ultra Rich Lip Balm
• Deluxe Sample of the Smoothing Marine Cream
• Deluxe Sample of the Intense Radiance Mask
• Sample Packette of the Nourishing Youth Serum
• Sample Packette of the Anti-Puff Eye Cream

The clutch itself has a zipper and a hidden magnet closure. The inside lining is bright pink and waterproof, while outside you'll find a distinctive floral print from Peter Som. The clutch dimensions: 6.25”wide, 4.2” long, and 1.7”deep


Clarks Botanicals

Maybelline Great Lash, Big Edition: Does Great Lash Finally Live Up to the Hype?

Back in 1991 when Allure magazine was launched, I was just about to start high school and my obsession with beauty products was just beginning. I would pore over every issue, coveting products and buying pretty much anything and everything I could afford with my meager babysitting and candy store salaries (I was the girl that made fudge at the candy store. I swear I couldn't smell chocolate for years I was so desensitized).

So, I swear to you that Maybelline Great Lash was probably mentioned in about 75% of Allure's issues back in the early 1990s. There was always a makeup artist in there somewhere raving about it. They loved the stuff. I had no idea why. I would buy a tube, try it out... and... blah. Just, blah. My lashes weren't long. They weren't volumized. Finally I found out why the makeup artists loved it so much. It was a bit thinner than many other mascaras, so it was great for applying over another mascara. And since models were always running late from their previous runway show.... it was perfect. But for me, wanting amazing lashes for school? Not so much.

I haven't used Great Lash since then. I frequently call it the most over rated mascara on the market. But, I think that my feelings might be changing. Because they've come out with 2 new versions of Great Lash, and they're both much better!

This is the "Big" version. The formula is different than the original Great Lash, they call it Volumizing though it still has the same no smudging/flaking benefits. I think the real change is the brush. Gone is the little spindly brush that didn't really work well for me. This new brush is larger, picks up all of your lashes though it doesn't allow them to clump together. The right amount of mascara is very easy to apply, and really there are no issues with clumps.

I think overall this mascara gives some length and curl, but mostly it is a great volumizer. The results are still natural looking, but I definitely had much more volume. The results lasted throughout the day.

Maybelline Great Lash

Lippie Love: L'Oreal Opulent Organza

This is just a really pretty basic nude. It is a bit lighter looking in this picture than it usually is, but I think it would work with many skin tones.

L'Oreal

Cookie Lee Mallorca Necklace

Doesn't it seem like a good necklace is getting harder to find? I feel like there are about... 3 designs out there. And it is carried at every store in the mall with very minor variations. So, something slightly different is hard to find, especially at a decent price.

I'm kinda in love with this Cookie Lee necklace. It has 4 strands, adjusts from 18-23" and is a steal at $39.


I found this necklace on the Cookie Lee site, but it turns out that you need a rep to order, and that's always something I find strange. A friend of mine from high school is a rep, here's her contact info!
Melody Dupree
Cookie Lee Independent Jewelry Consultant, you can email her at melody6299 at yahoo.com

Cookie Lee