Julep Zoe and Samantha + a giveaway!!!

as my love for nail polish grows {really...it's only slightly out of control! *wink}, i love discovering new brands. like lipstick, gloss and mascara, nail lacquer is something that we gals can purchase as a way to treat ourselves without breaking the bank.

one brand i was recently introduced to, and have had the pleasure of using, is Julep. you may have heard of them by now since they recently started a fun program for nail polish lovers {more on that in a minute} and are being featured quite frequently in print and online.

Zoe is a fierce shade of metallic bronzy tangerine, just fabulous for fall and a shade i wouldn't have picked to wear had it not been sent to me. however, after wearing it, i'm an official fan.


the hot pink, Samantha, is characteristically more *me*, but since i'm in full autumn/winter mode, i've actually only worn only once.

i'm beyond thrilled with Julep's 4-free formula {that means it's free of formaldehyde or formaldehyde resin, toluene and DBP}; it applies smoothly and lasts with little wear {this is with regard to my personal i-don't-wear-a polish-longer-than-3-days, but i do plenty of handwashing, housework and everyday stuff, like typing, with my hands}.


the range also includes items for keeping hands and feet gorgeous. products like Facial for Hands Glycolic scrub {pictured, above} -- an amazing, simple way to pamper hands at the end of the day! -- spf 30 hand cream and a fun at-home spa pedicure set, just to name a few, is a perfect indication that the brand puts thought into their products when it comes to hand and nail care, but still keeps it fun ~ also makes me wish i lived closer to one of their salons!

another thing i love is that they have come up with, and so excited to share with you, is their Maven program. it allows polish-aholics to receive a set {called a sneak peek box} of their products each month, based on a fun style quiz you take via their website; from there, a selection of products are chosen for you {not-yet-released shades and products, as well as cult faves, plus a surprise}; if for some reason you don't like what is selected for you before the box is sent, you can request what they call a "shelf pull", and they'll select new shades for you. in addition, you'll have access to purchase products from their full line of goodies at 20% off.

each sneak peek box is worth over $40, but membership is less than half and ships for free! you choose when you want to receive your box, or you can skip the month {p.s. ~ if you like the box, but need a fabulous gift, you can opt to have it sent to your gal-pal-- it will arrive wrapped and pretty at her door!}.

sounds fab, right? needless to say, i love the polishes and am in love with this program. since i already belong to a few shoe clubs, and now style and beauty clubs, i figured this was clearly the next club to join! :)

would you like to join? what if i told you could have a 3-month membership for FREE?

you can...because i'm giving one away to one of you, compliments of Julep!!

{the crowd goes wild!} yay!!

i haven't run a contest in over a year, beauties, so i'm truly excited about this for you!

**entry is super simple -- here's how:

*email me, bgmcontests@gmail.com, with Julep in the subject line
*include your full name and mailing address and tell me what your favorite nail color is!
*next friday, december 9, 2011, i'll announce the winner {chosen at random}. u.s. entries only, please.

in the meantime, feel free to take advantage of this offer: enter code beautygirlmusings at checkout and your first sneak peek box will cost only $5! :)

be sure to follow Julep on twitter {@julepnailparlor} for fab tips and nail advice, and learn more about the brand and full range of products by visiting julep.com

good luck!!

*read please: entering this contest means you are giving me permission to forward your name and email address to representatives of Julep for fulfillment and mailing of contest prize. failure to include information requested will disqualify your entry. one (1) winner, chosen at random, will receive the prize mentioned. duplicate entries will not improve your chances of winning. giveaway sponsored by Julep. some restrictions apply. open only to US residents only. entries will be accepted through 11:59 am PST on thursday, december 8. winner will be announced december 9, 2011. thank you. :)

mark holiday 2011 beauty collection

hello beauties and happy december! as if you didn't already know, it's time to start shopping for holiday gifts! while most of my shopping is almost done {i have my fabulous, non-procrastinating hubby to thank for that}, i still have gorgeous finds to share.

these beautiful, wallet-friendly goodies from mark will definitely bring delight to your favorite beauty-loving recipient. the holiday collection is glitzy, glam and feature products that are perfect for gifting alone, stuffing stockings or for yourself, to take along while traveling.

take a look...

Showcase Color & Clutch To Go is not only a great grouping of shadows, all-over face powder, blushes and glosses, but the inserts can be removed, transforming it into a clutch.


Earn Your Metal Liquid Shimmer Eyeliner in Silverado or Liquid Gold {pictured} is oh-so-fab! the long-lasting wear formula is an easy way to dress up eyes, even for day!


Glitz & Gloss Mini Purse & Go features a shimmering change purse with attached key chain that connects to any one of four best-selling glow baby glow and glow baby glow luxe lip gloss shades (lotus luxe, girly girl, sweet talk and sun luxe).


Bling On The Brushes Mini Brush Kit is purse-friendly and perfect for the gal on the go...


On The Dot Neutral Eye Color Compact features gorgeous must-have shadows in metallic, shimmering neutrals and Main Squeeze Lip Gloss{Cherry Squeeze, Papaya Squeeze {pictured} and Honey Squeeze} will keep lips feeling nourished and looking gorgeously glossed.


Nailed It Trend Mini Lacquers set includes a shimmery berry, called Sure Fire, and Meltdown, a metallic taupe, that are perfect for giving your tips a bold mani for all your holiday events.

the collection also includes sensational smelling products: Instant Vacation Fragrance Trio Collection {Original, Costa Rica, Ibiza Sol}, Body Luxe Pear Blossom Get Misty Body Mist, Body Luxe Pear Blossom Three’s A Charm 3-in-1 Cleanser and Body Luxe Pear Blossom Whipped Up Body Butter


for more info, to see the rest of the collection {which includes handbags, accessories, fragrance, bath & body and more makeup!} or to order products, visit meetmark.com

products featured sent to me by PR of the brand; pics taken by me :)

Laura Mercier Holiday 2011

Laura Mercier's holiday 2011 collection is gorgeous!

really, could we expect anything less?

take a look at these fabulous gems, perfect to gift to any special makeup-loving gal on your holiday list....


Mini Lip Glace Set includes posh and portable shades in Rose {red pink}, Blush {medium rose brown}, After Hours {soft peachy-pink shimmer}, Sparkling {nude beige shimmer} and Quartz {rich sienna with a hint of red}...fabulous for any occasion.

The Luxe Colour Portfolio {first pic, at top} is packaged oh-so-beautifully in a faux snakeskin organizer and features a collection of 12 new, exclusive and top-selling eye color shades, plus 3 mini professional brushes. a great options for home or travel.

bath & body candles are available in Tarte au Citron, Creme Brulee and Warm Roasted Chestnut {pictured ~ smells beyond delicious!} and would make a splendid hostess gift!

other goodies in the collection include a Travel Brush Set {4 double-ended brushes + full size finishing brush}, Kohl Eye Pencil Set, bath & body duo sets {in Creme Brulee or Tarte au Citron scents} and trio sets {includes a Souffle Body Creme, exfoliating scrub and soothing honey bath in scents of Almond Coconut Milk, Creme Brulee, and Fresh Fig}; other palettes include a Book of Nudes {featuring 8 classically neutral eye shades, 1 universal-flattering black-brown Tightline Cake Eye Liner and 3 sun-kissed Creme Veil shades for face and cheeks}, Luxe Eye Portfolio {12 eye colors, plus 3 brushes}, and Petite Eye Colour Trio {available in Smoky Neutrals, Smoky Mauves or Smoky Taupes}.

Laura Mercier holiday 2011 is available now on counter at nordstrom, sephora and saks -- visit lauramercier.com for more info.

happy shopping!

pics taken by me :)

beauty must-have: Skindinavia Makeup Setting Sprays

how do you keep your makeup in place? do you use a primer, a setting spray, both, neither??

for me, i'm all about the prep and the finish. being a busy mom and wife, i don't have time for numerous touch-ups throughout the day {yikes, did that sound super commercially? LOL!}

anyway...

Skindinavia produces a fabulous makeup setting spray that i used to use in the past {i was introduced to it via Beautyfix a couple of years ago}, so when the brand reached out to give me the opportunity to use it again, with the addition of a another finisher they've created for oily skin types, No More Shine Makeup Setting Spray, i was more than happy to give it go. i love the original and had high hopes for the new product -- i love multi-taskers!

No More Shine is amazing, beauties!

i've been spraying it on my skin just before applying my primer and foundation. then, after all my makeup is applied, before dressing my lashes with mascara, i spray my face once again, but with the Makeup Setting spray.

it's been remarkable, loves! my makeup doesn't budge and the oil stays under control.

another fun trick i discovered for making my eyeshadow last is to spritz the shadow brush with the setting spray, then swipe it over my shadow du jour before applying. not only do i get a more intense shade of color because the shadow has been applied wet, but it allows for more staying power!

obviously, these are two products i'm happy to have in my beauty arsenal. i mean, what gal doesn't want her makeup to last all day? :)

visit skindinavia.com for more info.

products featured sent to me for review consideration; pic taken by me :)

natural beauty: Korres Quercetin & Oak Antiaging Eye Primer

i recently received a sample of the Korres Quercetin & Oak Antiaging Eye Primer courtesy of BeautyStat.com, and i after using it for about 2 weeks, beauties...

i.

just.

love.

love.

l-o-v-e it!

yes, i've used a few eye primers that i have had great experiences with {not to mention i still have yet to test out a few more before the year ends}, but as of this moment Quercetin & Oak Antiaging Eye Primer is my must have!

as i said, i received this a sample, but i just ordered myself the full-sized product.

yes. it works that well.

plus, i love that the formula is natural, free of the yucky chemicals, contains antioxidants {to keep eyes youthful, yay!} and does what it's supposed to do: keep my eye makeup looking fab and in place all day. and fyi, i've been sick for a bit, so i can report that it withstood many naps and eye drop-taking...

visit Korresusa.com for more info about Quercetin & Oak Antiaging Eye Primer. try it for yourself and tell me what you think!

green beauty: 100% Pure Color Cosmetics

there's nothing i love better than knowing products i use are natural and good for my skin. while i realize that my fondness obsession love of beauty products means i won't always be using natural ingredients, i am always thrilled when i either find and purchase or am given the opportunity to try new green beauty goodies {in this case, the brand sent me products}.

the items i refer to are from 100% Pure, and let me say darlings, they are yummy, yummy.

i have reviewed the Tinted Moisturizer in the past, and this time i was able to try all the gorgeousness that came along with the luminous primer, fruit pigmented pot rouge {Rosy}, satin eye shadow {Halo} and flawless skin foundation {Toffee}.

by now, you've probably guessed that i am loving these products...

truly, it amazes me that these products are so incredibly pigmented and work as well, if not even better than a lot of chemical-filled products. i love that the primer left my skin feeling silky soft and the foundation is buildable, providing the coverage i wanted, where i wanted it. the shadow is as soft as satin, just at the name suggests and the pot rouge {isn't that such a fabulous, classic word? rouge...love it!} gave my cheeks the perfect flush of color right where i applied it.

another fabulous thing about 100% Pure products is that they're loaded with antioxidants and skin-loving ingredients {fruits, teas, vitamins} that help skin on a deeper level, hence the smile on my face! ;)

visit their website, 100percentpure.com, and discover for yourself these, and many other {like their body lotions!!} gems...

pics taken by me :)

currently loving...

happy friday, beauties! hope you had a fabulous week...

the first rain of the autumn season fell for about two days this past week, and to say i was thrilled is quite an understatemnet-- i love this time of year! i know that the weather will be going back and forth between warm and cool temps for several more weeks, but i'm still thankful. crisp, cold morning air has greeted me for morning outings with my pup, the leaves are changing colors, i wore coat and scarf {also purchased a new one!}, as well as set a fire in the fireplace. over the past couple of weeks, i've picked up, and been given, some new tea and coffee {discovering and collecting them is so fun-- drinking them is even better!}, finally put my oven back to use for baking...

there are so many things about fall to love, right? and among these seasonal joys, i'm also loving...


my new Midnight Soiree Ring from jewelmint.com -- fabulous, oui?

though i've been a member since the site's launch, i never bought anything. i considered making this ring my first purchase after seeing it on one of my favorite style mavens {and editorial director at Who What Wear}, Hillary Kerr; it was when i recieved an email from jewelmint for a too-good-to-pass-up offer for first-time purchases that sealed the deal...



i've been a fan of MAC's primer, Prep + Prime Skin for a long time {fyi, Victoria Beckham is also a fan!}, so when MAC introduced their Fortified Skin Enhancer, i was intrigued. i have been using it in Recharge {comes in other variations} and not only does this tinted primer give my skin a boost and help my foundation stay put, it also contains an spf of 35-- always a huge plus!



my domestic-diva self loves this gorgeous, good-for-the-planet, lavender floral & mint-scented dish soap by Seventh Generation for washing the things i can't put in the dishwasher...

my beauty-girl self loves that this concentrated formula works fabulously for washing my makeup brushes. ;)


what are you currently loving?

hope you all have a gorgeous weekend! be sure to follow me on twitter and visit my tumblr for more of my musings regarding all things beauty {of course}, style, decor, books, and daily happenings in my life.

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won't make brown eyes blue: L'Oreal Double Extend Eye Illuminator Eyeliner

the beauty industry always has little gimmicks they like to throw out at us, the consumer, to pique our interest and hook us into their "newest" idea; in this case, i'm referring to the whole "only these colors enhance these eye colors" talk...

yada-yada...

it's all well and good, but let's face it-- it's not completely true. so much so, that i rebel when it comes to the only-stick-to-these-colors-if-your-eyes-are-this-color philosophy. yes, green and brown eyes look fabulous when wearing shades of amethyst and purples, while blue and grey eyes look remarkable when wearing shades of mauve and coppers, but skin tone and hair color also should play a role in choosing makeup colors.

but i digress...

so i bought L'Oreal's Double Extend Eye Illuminator Eyeliner color enhancing duo liner in Black Sapphire, intended for blue eyes.

and i love it.

though my skin tone is cappuccino and my eyes are definitely espresso {clearly, i have coffee on the brain}, this liner's shade is a fabulous compliment to them.

the lesson, in my opinion? have fun and experiment with your makeup; ignore what the brand says you should wear-- if you want to try the liner/shadow/palette for green eyes and yours are blue/brown/hazel, go for it. chances are, you'll find it stunning. if not, always know that you can wash it away if it doesn't work out. :)

pics taken my me :)

Total Beauty: Save Time on Your Beauty Routine

who doesn't want to save time when it comes to beauty prep? or at least be prepared with knowing the best products to use when the time comes around for such a situation?

from stick-on nail polishes to multi-purpose products, take a look at this fabulous article from Total Beauty to discover what you can do to save precious minutes when it comes to your beauty routine...

9 Best Timesaving Beauty Products

These amazing, multi-tasking beauty products will save you from wasting precious minutes in the morning

This is a TotalBeauty.com beauty tips article We know -- with everything you've got to do in the morning, you don't have time to futz with a complicated get-ready routine. That's why we talked to top makeup artists and got them to dish about the best multi-tasking products that are guaranteed to shorten your morning makeup routine. You know, so you can hit that luxurious snooze button just one more time. See products

Revlon beauty looks from new york fashion week

fashion week for spring 2012 is still going strong in nyc {as i write this}, and global artistic director for Revlon, Gucci Westman, is creating some fabulous looks we can get excited about for the season!

take a look...

at rag & bone, the look was natural and sporty; think effortless, sun-kissed 1970's surfer.

"the look is about enhancing one's own natural beauty," says Westman. "i used a rich palette of terracotta, peach, and chocolate brown tones to create a naturally-freckled skin tone."

get the look:on the face: Powder Blush in Tawny Peach and Powder Bronzer; on lips: Super Lustrous Lipstick in Demure, Super Lustrous Lipstick in Silver City Pink and Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Peach Petal (with powder over); on eyes: new 16H Eye Shadow in Addictive, Luxurious Color Eyeliner in Sueded Brown, Grow Luscious Mascara in Black and Brow Fantasy in various shades {based on model}; on nails: Jin Soon Choi used Revlon Nail Enamel in Smoky Canvas and Hazy {based on model skin type}.



approachable glamour was the look at Luca Luca spring '12 where Westman paired an angelic eye with a strong lip.

"i chose shades and textures that would bring out the essence of the entire collection...sophistication of an italian vogue story i'd seen with girls that looked very luxurious, young and polished....slightly transparent yet glossy purple eye works beautifully with the lip."


get the look: on face: Illuminance Crème Shadow in Not Just Nudes, Age Defying Spa Face Illuminator in Pink Light; Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fuchsia Fusion and Berry Haute, Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Lilac Pastelle and Shine City; on eyes: Matte Eye Shadow in Rich Sable, new Diamond Lust Eye Shadow in Plum Galaxy, Luxurious Color Eye Liners in Black and Brown {based on model eye color}, Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara in Black; on lips: new Expressionists limited-edition Multi-Use Palette in Bordeaux in the Snow.



at Oscar De La Renta {swoon! the collection was amazing!!!}, the makeup was natural and feminine with an emphasis on the brows and a nude lip.

"i was inspired by the pre-raphaelite painters...i used rich a palette of creamy, peach and nude tones to create a fresh dewy skin tone."


get the look: on face: Illuminance Crème Shadow in Not Just Nudes and Age Defying Spa Face Illuminator in Pink Light; on eyes: Matte Eye Shadow in Rich Sable, new 16H Eye Shadow in Moonlit {available jan. '12}, Grow Luscious Lash Liner in Espresso, Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara and Brow Fantasy in Dark Blonde and Brunette; on lips: ColorStay Lip Liner in Natural, ColorBurst Lipstick in Fashion's Night Pout, and new Limited-Edition Lip Gloss Palette in Bordeaux in the Snow




at J. Mendel the look was futuristic, complete with shimmering, metallic skin and eyes.

"i wanted to create a simplistic look" says Westman. "i used very little color on the cheeks and played up the eyes with hues of brown and added a hint of gold in the crease to create a glowing affect.”

get the look: on face: new Expressionists Limited-Edition Lip Gloss Palette in Bordeaux in the Snow; on eyes: new ColorStay 16H Eye Shadow in Bombshell and Adventurous {available jan '12} and Illuminance Crème Shadow in Black Magic and Not Just Nudes: on lips: ColorBurst Lipstick in Fashion's Night Pout mixed with Revlon Foundation to mute the color {available for a limited-time on lookgoodfeelbetter.org/revlon}: on nails: Nail Enamel in Smoky Canvas and Gray Suede

so many looks from such a fab brand, don't you think?

visit your local drugstore or mass retailer for products and be sure to visit revlon.com for more info

images: teen vogue, birchbox, racked, paul wilmot communications, vogue.com

Vivienne Tam spring 2012

taking inspiration from a japanese zen garden, Vivienne Tam created a gorgeous spring collection, complete with delicate sheer prints, embroidery, lace, and flowy gowns.







in keeping with this zen theme, lead hairstylist Leon Gorman {for Redken} kept models' hair simple and modern. "the more messy it is, the better. i don't want it to look like a hairdresser has touched it," he said.

to break down greasy strands, Gorman sprinkled on baby powder or spritzed with dry shampoo. after creating a side part, he pulling hair back into a relaxed, off-center chignon, finishing with Redken Fashion Work 12 Versatile Working Spray to wet roots towards the crown.



for the makeup look, Maybelline makeup artist Andy Koh created a clean, fresh face, inspired by 1970's glamour.



products used: Fit Me Foundation; gold shade from Color Explosion Luminizing eyeshadow in Forest Fury ; copper shade from Eye Studio Color Plush Eyeshadow palette in Irresistible Ivy in the crease and outer eye; Falsies Volum' Express; Color Sensational High Shine Lipstick in Coral Lustre topped with a dab of gold cream shadow; Shine Sensational gloss in Minty Sheer.

images: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week; style.com; tumblr.com