Things I am loving right now

SO here are somethings that I have absolutely been loving right now...

1.  SK-II Facial Treatment Mask  5 stars...every penny worth it!
http://www.sephora.com/facial-treatment-mask-P375852?skuId=1448455&om_mmc=ppc-GG&mkwid=yvo2GN0V&pcrid=56697993399&pdv=c&site=us_search&country_switch=us&lang=en&gclid=Cj0KEQiAiamlBRCgj83PiYm6--gBEiQArnojD7hVN1P-CZf1fQEaTlMr3E-6H8QZIkTUoEnP7cyYWCYaAoEi8P8HAQ
At first, I didnt even think it was remotely worth it...not at all.  I was expecting magic in a mask form, gold, glam, etc.  Well, let me tell you after two uses, I did a complete 180.  This is worth it.  It hydrates, reduces redness, fine lines, refreshes, etc.  I mean it was magical.  Yes, its super pricey...however think about all of the $$ you spend on a facial.  This is like a facial at home.  LOVE!

2.  Givenchy Black for Light 4 stars...pretty worth it
http://www.sephora.com/black-for-light-mask-light-enhancing-black-mask-P215925?skuId=1104215
LOVE this bad boy!  I have some hyperpigmentation on my cheeks from adult acne that I am SUPER self conscious about.   This mask comes in a little pod, which you can easily get 2-3 uses out of it if you seal it properly.  Also, it comes with an applicator brush.  Cool on your face...slightly shimmery.  It leaves my skin refreshed similarly to the SK-II mask and I believe it is lightening up my spots.

3.  Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Palette
http://www.sephora.com/tartelette-amazonian-clay-matte-eyeshadow-palette-P391759?keyword=TARTE%20Tartelette%20Amazonian%20Clay%20Matte%20Eyeshadow%20Palette%20P391759&skuId=1659424&_requestid=34689
This palette is AMAZING!  I am totally in love.  First, I am in my 30's...my eyelids are starting to get just a little crepey...not terrible, but sometimes the shimmery eyeshadows look terrible.  This palette has every neutral color you would want.  Not to mention the shadow formula goes on smooth, super blendable and buildable.  I absolutely love it.

4.  Bite lipstick set from Sephora...I dont think its available anymore...but these sticks are amazing!  My NY resolution is to start wearing more lipstick.  I received this pack as a gift and there is everything I would need in here!  Crayons...which I used to hate, but I kind of like now.  Sticks that are double sided...
a.  you have two lipsticks in one container
b.  they are smaller than a traditional tube, which I love because I never use a full tube and seems like such a waste.
They are super buttery and creamy, yet stay put.  They moisturize and provide color...I hate when I look like I have cobwebs on my lips due to dry, chapped lips despite several applications of chapstick.

5.  Living Proof Shampoo and Conditioner
6.  Makeup Geek Shadows and brushes!
OMG...these are amaze and tons of dupes for MAC.  She has a youtube channel...so go and knock yourself out.  They are cheap, GREAT quality, perfect for a girl on a budget.  http://www.makeupgeek.com/

I am terrible with this blog...however, if you want to know something...please email me.
NY resolution is to be better with keeping up with this, yelp, tripadvisor, etc.

Updated Beauty Deals-Chicago!

Cheap services by hair stylists that have graduated from beauty school and usually have worked other places.  They are typically "auditioning" for the high end salons. They need models for all kind of services.  They offer it on the cheap to come and be their model.  www.salonapprentice.com

I used this like 4 years ago for 2 years for cheap hair services.  I actually found my regular girl on this site that I love and now pay an arm and a leg for.  I have tried salon buzz, mixedco, red 7 salon, sine qua non, Mario tricocci, goran coban, etc.  I went to Studio 110 for over a year on their apprentice hair program.  anyway, some of the services are free.  Typically these are people that are pretty new.  The ones that are discounted are usually seasoned people.  Either way, I have never had a bad experience BUT I only have gotten highlights, trim, etc.

Lifebooker

www.lifebooker.com/referral/sleopold22

Use above link & get $10 off first service.

This site is like groupon but for beauty, fitness, etc.  they have two parts.

Lifebooker Loots which are similar to a groupon.  You buy it and then call, make your apptmt, etc

Lifebooker option is to book directly online so you don't have to worry about calling and making an apptmt.  

They have some really good deals on stuff.  Overall, most of the services I have used on here have been good.  A few lemons

Another online booking site that I use now pretty frequently is

www.prettyquick.com/redeem/xlGhgw

Use above link & get $10 off your first booking.  This site has nails, hair, massage, etc.  great selection of places.  They also have some deals..."off peak pricing" etc.

Another website/app I use for on the go beauty is Whittl.  
https://www.whittl.com/invitation/GMT4V5IT
Get $10 by using this link.  Great app that shows services on a map near you.  Especially great if you arent familiar with the area or want to compare pricing in a certain area.  It provides cashless payment, which is nice as well

Mary Kay Vox Box

I was chosen to sample some Mary Kay makeup gratis via Influenster.  I have to say, I really havent used Mary Kay since late middle school/early high school...I usually avoid those little make up parties like the plague.
BUT, I figured, what the heck, I should give it a whirl.

I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised!

In the box
Mary Kay Mineral Cheek Color in Shy Blush
Mary Kay Bronzing Powder in Light-Medium/Clair-Medium
Mary Kay Translucent Loose Powder
Mary Kay Gel Liner in Jet Black
Mary Kay Cream Eyeshadow in Apricot Twist
Mary Kay Lash Love Mascara
Mary Kay NouriShine Lip Gloss in Mango Tango
Make up brushes for the powder, gel liner, and cream eyeshadow

EYES
Cream shadow-I loved.  It had just the right amount of shimmer and glam.  I found if I layered this with regular eyeshadow, it really made it pop.  4/5
Gel liner-I liked that it came with an expandable brush.  Glides right on and smooth application makes it easy to create any look.  The only thing that I found was that it takes a minute or two to set after application.  4/5
Mascara-I was not a fan of the mascara.  I found it to not be layerable.  I love layering and layering mascara to create long, thick lashes.  With this one, it just ended up clumping on me.  It might be ok for everyday, light wear.  3/5

FACE
Mineral Cheek-I LOVED this color!  Reminds me of Nars Orgasm with just a tint of shimmer and orange in it.  Great Spring/Summer blush 4/5
Bronzing Powder-I loved this as well.  Not too dark, easily able to create a lightly bronzed look with a little shimmer.  4/5
Loose Powder-I liked this as a setting powder at the end.  Great finishing product! 4/5

LIPS
I loved the Mango Tango color and texture.  Its slightly shimmery, however not sticky.  It gives a great little orange-y glow that is so in this season!

#MKGlam
#Influenster

At home devices that I am loving!

So I recently received the baby quasar to try out.  Let me tell you, this little thing is amazing!  I have been using it for 4 weeks approximately.  The instructions are super easy to understand.  It comes with a guard so that you dont get your device dirty by the bulbs.  Which I recently have found extremely helpful because of how dirty it was!  WOW!  Anyway, I have found that I have less wrinkles, less brown spots and plumped up face in general...definitely around my lips!  Its crazy!  There is a little built in timer so that you know when to move from section to section.  The only thing I really dont like about the device is that it does not run on batteries.  You have to be plugged into a power source while using it.  It is super small, however I find the portability of it not as great because you have to be close to a plug.  The top set of pictures is before the use of the device and the bottom set is today.  Both no makeup, not retouched, etc.  You can tell the difference in my face.  HANDS DOWN!  http://www.babyquasar.com/

Also, about two weeks ago I purchased the Clarisonic Mia 2 from Sephora.  I have been using it about 3-4 times per week in the shower.  I also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this device.  I didnt believe my friend when she said how great it was....but it is.  If you are going to buy one device for your face...the clarisonic should be it.  My skin is silky smooth after and less acne and overall I have a better appearance.  I got the detox set.  What I love about it is that it is rechargeable.  You can bring it directly in the shower with you.  There are all sorts of heads for all of your needs.  Two speeds.  I absolutely love it.
 http://www.sephora.com/mia2-detox-kit-P383460?skuId=1566256

Chicago Fashion Focus Runway Show! October 2013

I had the pleasure of attending StyleChicago's Art of Fashion.  It is the finale runway show of Fashion Focus 2013.  The show consisted of ten Chicago based designers showcasing ten pieces from their Spring Collections.  The setting was a tent in Millenium Park with the music bumping, cocktails flowing and bites all around. 

There was a ton of black and white in the show.  I was actually kind of surprised at how much was there because it was the Spring collection and wasn’t black and white so two years ago?  Well, it’s back, just like all of the 80’ styles.  

Also, lots of different textures, whether it be with ruffles, leather or lace.  M2057 seemed like a black, white and blue show.  The pieces were accentuated with lots of bone like structures for jewelry.  The skeletons and skulls caught my attention more than the pieces.    Most of Swarby's pieces looked like they walked right off the set of "Hunger Games.  The pieces had high collars, sleek pants, and a futuristic feel to them.  Lily and Migs was one of the designers that stepped out of the box with color, flowers, and lots of cute dresses.  Michelle Tan had a lot of ruffled bottom dresses with the strapless top.  The collection reminded me of an upside down flower.  Borris Powell's collection was sleek, minimalistic and most definitely would have to be a model to wear any of the clingy dresses :)  Calvin Tran stepped it up with lots of flowy pieces on the top and bottom that then converted into another style.  You can get a two-for with some of these pieces.  Shalini really played up the leather and dark hues.  MonArrez was another designer that had lots of color and leather.  Cut out dresses on top and fitted on the bottom.  Eva Pazola had all black and white pieces that did not seem to fit right to me.  They looked boxy, even on the models.  Mark Roscoe had an Asian feel to most of his pieces with brocade finishes and glitz.  They were absolutely gorgeous gowns, but the only problem I would have with them would be where can I wear these fascinating pieces?? 

It was amazing to see all of the local designers in a runway show with my lady friends.  The event was a packed house with lots of style in the crowd as well.  Overall, a wonderful event hosted by StyleChicago!  You can like StyleChicago on facebook to see more pictures or find them here as well http://stylechicago.com/Category.asp?ID=22824

Going out on the town!

Here is my new favorite look.

I used the Hourglass mineral primer on my face first.  Next up, MAC mineralize foundation.  My undereyes were concealed with Benefits erase paste, and the Sonia Kashuk palette.  I had the Anastasia eyebrow palette with the Chella blonde pencil. On my cheeks I used MAC cream and Tarte Amazonian Clay.  Lips was a mix of NARS crayon pencil and then Turkish Delight.

I curled my hair with a mix of curling irons.  The underneath was with an 1 1/4 inch and then most of the top pieces were with a 3/4 curling iron using the spiral method.  I loved it and it held all night with the Sebastian Shaper Spray!

Manicures in the CITY