Beauty Break Time: Is Natural Better?

Do you prefer subtle, natural makeup to a dramatic or classic makeup look? What is your take on "no makeup" makeup? Is it classy or can it be deceitful?

photo credit: Mario Chavez

During last week's Beauty Break Time discussion, Cynthia Delgado won a $10 Sigma Gift Certificate!

Beauty Break Time is series of weekly debate topics and questions to get the audience to participate in discussions. Every week, one participant is selected to win a beauty prize. To make sure you receive your prize, leave a form of contact with your discussion response. Forms of contact can include email, website, Twitter, Facebook, etc. A new winner is announced every Wednesday.

Makeup Favorites and Reviews from Glam Beauty Board

Benefit Brow Zing, Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner, Rimmel London Volume Accelerator Mascara, Urban Decay Eyeshadow, Revlon Matte Lipstick

As a proud member of the Glam Beauty Board, I get the honor of reviewing some of the makeup items handpicked by Glam Media’s Beauty Editor, India-Jewel Jackson. I am thrilled to be a part of this program because I get to join some of the best beauty bloggers in reviewing the latest and trendiest cosmetics. I've been introduced to some great makeup this month and am very excited to share this news with my readers.

Benefit Cosmetics Brow Zing in Dark (for dark brown to black hair)

Beauty Break Time: How much eyeliner is too much?

As with all makeup, you can certainly chalk on too much eyeliner. But where do we draw the line between just right and too much? Dramatic smokey eyes and dark kohl liner looks can be seen on runways, magazines, celebrities, and just about everywhere these days. What do you consider acceptable?

Beauty Break Time is series of weekly debate topics and questions to get the audience to participate in discussions. Every week, one participant is selected to win a beauty prize. To make sure you receive your prize, leave a form of contact with your discussion response. Forms of contact can include email, website, Twitter, Facebook, etc. A new winner is announced every Wednesday.

MAC 2011 Holiday Collections: Glitter and Ice, Ice Parade, Dazzlesphere, Viva Glam

Have a very MAC holiday this winter! This vast holiday release by MAC will ensure that every makeup lover finds what she wants. Direct your family and friends to this portion of your Christmas list. Or maybe you will be giving the gift of MAC this holiday. ;)

 Glitter and Ice – Available October 27, 2011 (November 2011 Internationally)

Chic, metallic lip, eye, and face kits and bags are the perfect gifts for all the fabulous guys and gals in your life! These stylish M∙A∙C kits and bags are the perfect accessory during and after the holiday season!

Paint Pots ($18.50 U.S./$22.00 CDN)
 Let’s Skate! Pale pink with pearl
 Morning Frost Shimmering champagne taupe
 For Effect Black with pearl

Andre Walker Make Peace with Your Hair

Make Peace with Your Hair is the hair care line of Grammy Award winning hair stylist, Andre Walker. Their Q-Oil Quench-Essential Oil is made from virgin argan oil. As you may know from my previous review, I am a huge fan of argan oil. I love adding just a bit of the oil to my roots to defrizz. I recommend using a very small amount - especially if you have flat or oily hair like mine.

The Andre Walker's Q-Oil is similar to Cecilia Wong's, but costs a portion of the price by volume. That said, if you don't have particularly thick and unmanageable hair, you can skip the pricey brands and just order pure argan oil for a truly affordable price.

Quench-Essential is Andre Walker's way of describing his favorite nourishment for hungry hair. Made from the purest Virgin Argan Oil of Morocco, this light, easy to use oil absorbs instantly into the hair, creating amazing shine. Your hair will be easier to manage, stronger, and smoother with just a little Q-Oil applied to your driest areas every day. Comes in a convenient dispenser for just the right amount.

Andre Walker also produces a Total Keratin Obsession Deep Conditioning Pak. It works as well as most professional deep conditioners. My only complaint is the packaging. The packet allows for two applications, but the packaging makes it too difficult to store. If you're going to get this, buy the jars not the packet.

How do you like to manage your hair when it is dry or frizzy? Do you use oils or deep conditioners? Any secrets to keep your hair in top shape?

Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to me for testing or reviewing consideration. I am neither paid nor compensated for my opinion. My priority is always to my readers and I express only my honest opinion in every post.

Beauty Blog Awards 2011 Voting Closed

Thank you everyone for participating in the 2011 Beauty Blog Awards. Our judges sorted through 800+ valid nominations to present you with the shortlist below. Congratulations to all the nominees and good luck to everyone!

You will have until December 12th to cast your vote. You may go back and vote for multiple blogs, but note that IP addresses are recorded so multiple votes for your own blog will be discounted. Three voters will be randomly chosen to win a beauty prize.

Voting is now closed. The winner will be announced on or around December 18th.

Sigma Synthetic Precision Kit Preview and Coupon

I was fortunate enough to receive the Sigma Synthetic Precision Kit before its October 10th release on Sigma's website. The Sigma Sigmax Synthetic brushes have always been my favorite Sigma brushes, so you can imagine how excited I am about this launch. Here I am sharing a preview photo. Look forward to the full review come release date. I am also thinking of ordering a few kits to give away to readers. And in case you were wondering: yes, these brushes are most definitely worth all the hype.

Recap: On October 10th, Sigma will be releasing the redesigned Sigmax brushes with an additional tapered F86 brush added to the collection. They will also be releasing the brand new Sigma Synthetic Precition Kit, which are similar to the Sigmax face brushes, but smaller for precise application. These brushes can be used for the eyes or for precision application on the face.

If you are planning to buy these brushes, you can find this month's 10% off Sigma coupon here. You can also try your luck and enter the Sigma $300 gift card giveaway.

ASOS Giveaway Update: The winners have been selected and contacted by an ASOS representative. Thanks for entering and be sure to share with us what you bought. :)

Disclosure: I am an official Sigma representative. The brushes were sent to me by Sigma with no obligation for review or mention. My priority is always to my readers and I express only my honest opinion in every post.

In My Beauty Bag - and a Sebastian iPad Giveaway

Here are some items I like to pack in my beauty bag. They are the minimal beauty products I like to keep around to prepare for a perfect night out.

1. Nail polish is a must for me (especially with open toe shoes). For the fall, I like to bring back my OPI Lincoln Park after Dark nail polish.
2. To even out my complexion, I like to start with Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, a fantastic natural, good coverage foundation.
3. Bare Escentuals Finishing Veil adds the last bit of luminous glow for all night coverage.
4. I blend everything onto my face with my Sigma F82 brush.
5. Next, I curl my lashes and apply a good coat of Dior Diorshow Black Out Mascara for thicker, fuller lashes.
6. I add a bit of my Revlon Softflex Colorstay eyeliner for an edgier look.
7. A spritz of Chanel Chance perfume adds some charm to any outfit.
8. Finally, I style my hair to give it a lot of volume and hold it all together using Sebastian Professional Sharper Zero Gravity hairspray. It leaves my hair light yet intact all night.

Fearless Style with Sebastian Professional Contest
Interested in Sebastian Professional products? Sebastian Professional is holding a Fearless Style with Sebastian Professional with Polyvore. The winner will receive an iPad, designer iPad case, and Sebastian Professional products. The contest ends 10/8/2011. Visit the contest page for further details. Remember, you must abide by the contest guidelines listed on the Polyvore contest page in order to qualify.

I will also be giving away a Sebastian prize pack on my blog. Just post the link to your contest entry below for a chance to win some great Sebastian hair products! I will contact the winner directly on Polyvore. This giveaway is separate from the one on Polyvore, but is an extra incentive for my readers. I will be picking a US winner for the Sebastian prize pack.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Sebastian Professional. All opinions are my own.

Sigma Beauty Coupon Updated Coupon 2012 - New Sigma brushes, makeup coupon

2012 Update: Check the right sidebar for the NEWEST Sigma coupon code or see the complete list of Sigma Coupon Codes.

SIGMABEAUTY.COM - Use Sigma Beauty coupons and promo codes to save on Sigma makeup brushes and Sigma makeup. Exclusive discounts to Sigma Brushes on Handmade Reviews.

Sigma Brushes Coupon November 2011 (International)

PSW2011   10% off any Sigma order plus FREE premium gift when you click coupon.

(Coupon Expires November 30 2011) *Newest November 2011 Sigma coupon code!

FREE Sigma makeup brush or free mini eyeshadow palette will automatically be added to your order. You may not see it in your cart, but it will be included in your order.

FREE SHIPPING   Free shipping for wholesale purchase $1000+ (no expiration)

The only Sigma free shipping coupon available since Sigma usually doesn't offer free shipping.