BLOG SALE!

Some product photos may not represent accurate color, so I encourage you to Google the items before purchase.

Some guidelines:

1. The sale is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

2. To reserve your items, email me at productdoctor [at] gmail [dot] com with the title "Blog Sale" and specify: the items you want, your Paypal name, your name and mailing address.

3. Payment shall be made to my Paypal account within 24 hours of receipt of invoice. If you pass the 24 hour deadline, I will release the items to the next buyer.

***please do not comment to this post to reserve your items. Only emails received will be invoiced.

4. Once payment is received, you will receive an email confirmation that your items were shipped.

Shipping Charges:

- US ONLY: $5

Items sold are not returnable, refundable or exchangeable.

Burberry Mulberry Eyeshadow (swatched 1x) $20 SOLD

Edward Bess Mystery (Used 5x) $20

Le Metier Lip Creme in Purple Haze (used 2x) $20 (will include 2 UNTOUCHED LMdB GWP palettes free) SOLD
Nars Moonfleet Lip Gloss $10

Nars Night Fever $8

Revlon Lip Butters Cupcake, Strawberry Shortcake both $5

YSL Palette #12 (LE) $40

Tom Ford Enchanted (LE) $55 SOLD

Time To Catch Up

Everyday makeup...

Pictured: D&G Perfect Finish Creamy Foundation, La Mer The Powder, LMdB Brightening Powder, Armani corrector, Cle de Peau concealer, Tom Ford Illuminator, TF Brow Sculptor, Anastasia Brow Duality, LMdB liquid liner, Nars Rue Bonaparte liner, Chanel mascara, Chantecaille bronzer, TF Pink Dusk lipstick, Benefit Brow Kit, Burberry Gold Trench and Trench eyeshadows, Dior Amber Diamond highlighter

As happens with many bloggers I lost my inspiration over the past few months and decided to take a break from blogging, unsure of exactly how long that break would be.  I certainly missed blogging but I did not want to start again until I was sure that I could commit to regular posts!  So that being said, let's catch up!  Here is a peak at my current everyday makeup routine.  These days my everyday look is all about flawless, glowing skin and a strong brow.  I try to keep my eyes slightly defined, but as natural as possible.  It takes a lot of products for me to achieve the no fuss look!

Currently obsessed...

London Fashion Week definitely refueled my obsession with model of the moment Cara Delevinge.  I love her strong brow, heavy contour and low maintenance hairstyle.  I have been growing my brows out lately to try to obtain that fuller look.  The Tom Ford Brow Sculptor is an amazing waxy pencil with an interesting shape that creates a very natural look. Mine is almost finished!  I purchased some products from Anastasia Beverly Hills to see if I could get the same look for less!

Before I am out the door...

Before I leave for work I always spray my skin a few times with La Mer's The Mist to take away any powdery look and add the glow back to my skin.  My scent du jour has been this gorgeous fragrance from Byredo Parfums, which I picked up in Paris when I visited last fall.  It is much too special to use everyday, but I am currently out of my Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir.

Maid of Honor preparations...

In a bit of personal news, my sister is getting married in just over a week!  A few items I recently picked up to try out for my wedding makeup look.

Still keeping up with my favorite blogs/ YouTubers...

Pictured: YSL Rouge Volupte Shine in 8, Benefit Girl Meets Pearl, By Terry Or de Rose, Burberry Sepia Pink, Chantecaille Lucky gloss, Sara Happ The Lipslip, Maybelline Color Tattoo in Audacious Asphalt, Dior Addict Candide, Lip Fusion Plumping gloss

Even though I have been MIA I have still been keeping up with all of my favorite blogs and YouTubers!  I also recently discovered some fantastic new blogs which are great sources of inspiration.  Can you guess which lovely ladies have inspired the above purchases?

Matchy Matchy

Do you ever coordinate your makeup with your outfit?  With some colors, like a neon pink or vivid orange red I think it is a fashion crime, but what about a blush top with a blush nude lip?    Or this deep bordeaux combination- Nars Afghan Red paired with my Alexander McQueen Skull scarf.  My absolute favorite accessory this winter.  The rich colors and softness of the modal-cashmere blend make this the ultimate luxury!

Do you ever match your makeup to your clothes?  What do you think?  Chic or chic-not?

The Last Time This Happened...

I was in high school and it was MAC Icon lipstick.  Icon was a brown lipstick with a frost finish.  I was obsessed.  I must have gone through 10 tubes of that shade.  I shudder and blame the 90's.  

Thankfully, I am fairly certain that years from now when I look back at this post I won't be horrified by this lipstick repurchase.  Dolce & Gabbana Passion Duo in Rose (click link for swatch).  The Passion Duo lipsticks are a lipstick- gloss fusion which means that they have rich pigmentation with a glossy, long lasting finish.  Rose is a deep but bright magenta pink with cool undertones.  It is the perfect winter pink lipstick.  Even my mom said she liked the shade on me!

Look at that pristine packaging!  How am I going to keep this one from getting all scratched up!?  What was your last lipstick repurchase?

Claudio Riaz Instant Face Brush and Instant Face Palette #3

I hate to publically admit this but these Claudio Riaz items were a bit of an impulse buy.  It all started with a review by Wayne Goss, which led to a google search of instant face palette, which took me to ALL COSMETIC WHOLESALE!?! Craziness!!!  Who knew that a line carried by Barney's could be on ACW!?!  Needless to say, I snatched up the Instant Face Palette in Number 3 at an already discounted price of $99.99 (originally $128) and then an additional 20% off! Gotta love a high end makeup bargain!

Needless to say once I had the palette I had to have the corresponding brush...and there you go.  Thankfully I love the products.  And yes, the brush has been used in these pictures.   

The Claudio Riaz Instant Face brush is a square shaped kabuki style brush with a flat top.  I am not sure about the composition of the bristles, but I believe it is synthetic.  They are incredibly soft and silky, more so than any of my current real haired brushes (most of which are MAC, Chanel or Le Metier).  What I love most about this brush is the shape and density of the hairs.  It is perfect for buffing powders into the skin for a natural look, or as a finishing brush for blending products into the skin.  What I don't love about the brush is that I have noticed occasional hairs to shed, which is a problem considering the price point.  Still, a fantastic brush with the Instant Face Palette for achieving a quick, flawless face look. $125, available at Barney's

Much more amazing than the brush is the makeup! I purchased the Instant Face Palette in Number 3, which is the darkest of the 3 available shades.  Included is a face powder, the Eye and Face Natural Skin 3, on each end followed by Eye and Face Instant Radiance 2, Instant Flush 3, and Wet and Dry Instant Bronze 3.  Each of the shades are available individually, as well as the palette.  The idea of the Instant Face is to use the brush to sweep across all the shades in the palette and then apply to the face in a "3" motion first on to the cheek, then sweeping on to temples, followed by jawline.  This gives instant color, and radiance to the face in a quick, single step.  Sounds slightly gimmicky, but it really works!!! 

Each of the shades can of course be used individually as well.  The texture of the powders are among the softest and silkiest, reminiscent of Chantecaille.  They are wonderfully pigmented, with a rich color.  The face powder is matte, as is the bronzer shade.  The illuminator has a very sophisticated sheen, with no obvious glitter particles.  The blush also has a radiant sheen, but no large glitter.  An absolutely stunning palette.  It reminds me of the Chanel Tan de Soleil bronzers released in the summer with multiple shades in a single compact, but with a superior texture and much less shimmer.  

I think the supreme texture of these powders, combined with the density and softness of the brush hairs work together to really blend this product seamlessly into the skin with a natural, bronzed glow and no powdery effect.  It really is remarkable how quickly I can look put together in a single step, without using three separate face products!  This is perfect for rushed mornings, which are usually daily during the week!  

All shades blended, difficult to capture. 

All shades blended

The Claudio Riaz Instant Face Palette is an innovate, amazing all in one face palette.  I still cannot believe I found this on sale because I would have gladly paid full price!  I love having a face powder, illuminator, bronzer and blush all in one place!  The palette is thin and sleek and perfect for traveling, or a quick touch up after work.  After trying this out, I am definitely curious to explore more of the makeup in Claudio Riaz's line.  Some products have already been featured on Best Things In Beauty and The Non Blonde.  

Brand Rave: Zelens

Zelens is a London based skin care brand created by Dr. Marko Lens, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon with expertise in skin cancer and skin aging.  I first learned of the brand during one of many trips to Space NK, where the sales associates continually raved about the products and offered me numerous samples.  Not long after, I saw the Resurfacing Facial Pads featured on Beauty Mouth, a skin care blog by Caroline Hirons.  Reading her features pushed me to give the line a try.  It is safe to say I am becoming a little obsessed.

I learned my lesson about doing major skin care overhauls all at once, so I incorporated each of these products slowly in to my skin care routine.  My skin started acting up a few months ago, so I knew I needed to make a change from my usual Chantecaille based routine.  I started with the Radiance Luminous Facial Cleanser, which I use daily in the mornings.  This is a creamy based cleanser which is hydrating and gentle to the skin.  It has a very liquidy texture, and never leaves the skin stripped.  Camellia oil, pearl extracts, aloe vera and Vitamin E work together to promote radiance and soothing effects.  I have not tried this in the evenings to remove makeup, but it works well for a morning gentle cleanse.  Mineral oil and paraben free.  $60 for 125 ml/4.2 oz. 

The stand out product of the line has to be the PHA+ Bio-Peel Resurfacing Facial Pads.  I use these pads in place of my toner in the mornings.  A combination of polyhydroxy and alpha and beta hydroxy acids work to gently exfoliate the skin.  Continued use improves skin texture, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and appearance of pores. Although gentle enough for twice daily use, I only use these once a day since I use Retin-A at night.  This is my second jar of these facial pads, and I did notice when I stopped using these pads my skin became significantly more congested.  If you try one item from the line, I would recommend these. $95 for 50 pads. 

The Z Recovery Intensive Repair Balm is the newest addition to my skin care routine and a life savor for dry skin. This cream, is thick but not a balm in the traditional sense.  It has more of a gel based texture.  There are a blend of active ingredients including peptides, hyaluronic acid, phospholipids, Vitamin E, and olive oil to repair damaged and irritated skin.  It provided a natural barrier to the skin, and wears beautifully under makeup.  I use this twice a day, and unfortunately, I love it.  $225 for 1.7 oz. 

The Triple Action Advanced Eye Cream is a thick, balm like cream which acts against fine lines, puffiness and dark circles.  In addition to collagen, this is a hyaluronic based cream. Despite its thick texture, it absorbs instantly and is perfect for dry under eye skin.  Mineral oil and paraben free.  $120 for 15 ml/ 0.5 oz.  

New Foundation Love! YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat

It was not love at first swatch for me with the original YSL Touche Eclat.  I first tried it many years ago when it first launched, and I just did not "get it."  Years later I gave it another go and I still didn't get it.  This time, however, I was determined to figure out the magic behind this pen.  Eventually I came to love the way this seemed to erase signs of fatigue and blur imperfections.  That is when I became curious about the Le Teint Touche Eclat foundation.

The packaging is superb, as with most YSL products.  It comes in a luxurious, heavy glass bottle with a gold cap embossed with the YSL logo.  Not the most travel friendly, but pretty sitting on my new vanity.  Color matching can be tricky.  I highly recommend you go to the YSL web site and use their foundation shade selector guide to choose a few shades which might suit you, and then go to the counter or Sephora and try them out in person.  The color in the jar is the color of the ultimate shade, but when you first apply this foundation, the color appears very light as you blend it in to the skin.  For this reason, I prefer to use my fingers to apply this foundation as I found using any type of brush whether stippling, buffing or traditional left many streaks.  The color quickly warms up to the skin and blends seamlessly in to the skin.  As you may know, the foundation comes in 17 shades, varying from cool (BR), neutral (B) and warm (BD) undertones.  I used the shade selector to pick 3 shades I was interested in trying, BD50, BD60 and B60.  I found the BD shades to be very yellow toned and much darker than the corresponding neutral shades.  I settled on B60 which is a good match.  If you swatch the shades quickly on to your skin and don't let them settle, you may mistake the shade for being too light. 

The coverage is sheer to light.  It evens out skin tone nicely, but will not cover up scars or significant problem areas. The finish is gorgeous.  It is invisible, and luminous without being overly dewy.  It really does provide the illuminating glow that the original Touche Eclat provides.  The lasting power is good, about 8-10 hours, on my dry skin.  I do set this with a powder to prolong the wear time.  

Compared to other foundations in my collection, I find Armani Luminous Silk to provide  slightly more coverage and the Chantecaille Just Skin to provide similar coverage but be more glowy than the YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat foundation. The YSL foundation does have SPF 19 which makes this great for warmer months.  I enjoy foundations with SPF and a glowy finish in the winter for providing life to my dull, dry skin in one step, whereas in the summer I feel I need an extra SPF.  Overall, I am really enjoying this foundation at the moment! 

The YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation retails for $55 and is available at counters, and Sephora. 

Hangover Cure

Last night was one of those "1 too many glasses of Pinot" nights after which I found myself in my bed, with a pile of clothes and all of my makeup on from the night before.  Yes folks, I committed the cardinal sin of skin care and slept with my makeup on!  The horror and shame I felt this morning staring at the remnants of last night's smokey eye! Needless to say not only was I in dire need of water, but my skin was in desperate need of some potent therapy.  

Time to pull out the big guns.

After a thorough cleanse, I apply the Chantecaille Fruit and Flower Acids Mask to clean skin and leave on for 10 minutes.  This mask is a savior for dull, uneven skin.  It contains grapefruit and hibiscus flower acids as well as a botanical glycolic acid to gently dissolve dead skin cells and reveal fresh skin.  This is my third jar of this stuff and I have about one use left, and will definitely buy another.  I rely on it that much!

Next time for the Dynamic Duo.  The Sisley Radiant Glow Express Mask and Sisley Express Flower Gel Mask.   

The Sisley Radiant Glow Express Mask is a LIFESAVER.  This mask is perfect for dull, tired, sallow skin that is also in need of deep cleansing.  The red and white clay work to get rid of impurities and deeply cleanse the skin, while the botanical extracts and essential oils work to smooth, and hydrate the skin.  Pure genius.  This is one product that is worth every single penny and will always be in my skin care regimen.  It works after a night of debauchery and also works as a quick prep before a night out.  Most traditional clay masks dry out my skin too much, but this cleans the pores without that tight feeling.

I follow this with the Sisley Express Flower Gel Mask.  This is a refreshing clear gel mask that plumps and hydrates the skin like nothing else.  Or as Sisley says, sheer bliss for dehydrated, lifeless, energy-depleted skin.  Yes, please!  I slather on a thick layer of this and leave it on all night.  There is no need to rinse with this mask.  The longer you leave it on, the longer the active ingredients penetrate your skin.  

Water, Ibuprofen, greasy food...I'm not saying that this regimen will replace all that after a night of over indulgence, but think of this as your skin hangover cure.  Am I the only one who commits the cardinal beauty sin of falling asleep with your makeup on???

Currently Obsessed: Bordeaux

I know I've been slacking on the blogging front lately, and hopefully with the new year I will be more on schedule!  I decided to start the new month by sharing some of my current obsessions, namely anything wine, burgundy, oxblood, or bordeaux.  Every year at this time I love wearing this warm, sensuous shade as it makes me feel sexy while also evoking a wintery vibe.

Tom Ford Cream Eye Shadow in Illicit: This was a limited edition product that I actually passed on when it was released.  Last month during some hurricane shopping I picked this up after seeing it on sethakins and he said it was still available on the Neiman Marcus website.  The deep, burgundy shade has a gorgeous subtle shimmer and makes for the easiest one step eye.  I wear this during the day and at night.  You can easily apply a thin layer for a more subtle effect or build it up for added drama.  If you ever spot this anywhere, buy it.  If not, Maybelline Color Tattoo in Pomegranate Punk is very similar.  

Bobbi Brown Metallic Eye Shadow in Cognac:  A beautiful burgundy, brown shade with less red in it which makes it very wearable.  

Le Metier de Beaute Radiance Powder Rouge in Rumor:  The perfect winter flush.  

Tom Ford Lip Gloss in Pink Guilt:  I hate to do this but I need to take back anything negative I have ever said about Tom Ford glosses.  No, they are not worth the money but this color is gorgeous.  It is a deep pink with beautiful shimmer, and gives my lips just enough color that I can wear it alone.  I am addicted to the vanilla scent of Tom Ford lip products.

Tom Ford Lipstick in Black Orchid: A classic vampy shade. 

Essie Nail Polish in Wicked: My second bottle.  My all time favorite vampy nail shade.

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Cologne:  Obsessed is an understatement.  I spray this on myself when I am alone at home just because I love the scent so much.  I have had this about 2 weeks and have already made a sizeable dent. The smell is a heavenly blend of fruity, spicy and woodsy scents all in one.  Utterly perfect for cool weather.  Rather than copy I will link a description here.  I see the larger size in my future.  

L to R: TF Illicit, BB Cognac, LMdB Rumor, TF Black Orchid, TF Pink Guilt

L to R: TF Illicit, BB Cognac, LMdB Rumor, TF Black Orchid, TF Pink Guilt

For night time, I have been loving the dark eyes and dark lips trend.  I pair the Tom Ford cream shadow with the Tom Ford Black Orchid lipstick.  For a more subtle look I will wear the cream shadow with the gloss.  Or the eyes and cheeks with a "my lips but better" lip.  The possibilities are endless.  I love that about makeup!

What are you currently obsessed with?

Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Color in Tawny Pink

Bobbi Brown's Creamy Matte Lip Color in Tawny Pink basically called my name after I saw it on Michelle Money from the MMandL Show.  Tawny Pink is a neutral medium pink in the tube, but it darkens significantly when applied to a deeper, rosier pink.  The color is rich, and saturated.  You easily achieve full opacity in 1 swipe.  

The formula is indeed creamy and applies easily onto the lips with no tugging.  The wear is wonderful.  It easily lasts 4 hours on my lips, which is unheard of for me.  I don't find the formula to be drying, but it is not hydrating either.  I think if your lips are already on the dry side than this will make them drier.  If your lips are in good condition than this lipstick will suit you wonderfully.

A word of caution before buying about these lip colors: I find them to darken significantly when swatted or applied to the lips.  I would suggest trying them out before buying to see if one is right for you.

Overall, I love this color and the formula is long lasting.  It is the perfect low maintenance lipstick for work.  There are 12 shades available in this range, and each retails for $24.  I will probably check out some of the other colors soon!