Happy Thanksgiving & Black Friday 2015

We hope everyone has had an amazing Thanksgiving holiday. Enjoy shopping and stay safe this Black Friday. If you are still looking for deals, check out our beauty and fashion coupons.

Battles for the best deals are breaking out all over the US. Remember to stay safe. If you've missed a good deal, just keep an eye out for Cyber Monday deals. You can shop those from the comfort of your own computer.

Memorial Week Sales & Sigma 20% Off Free Shipping

Happy Memorial Day 2015! The Sigma Memorial Day sale is valid for 20% off sitewide starting today! Sigma is also offering free shipping on U.S. orders over $50 and free international shipping over $150. For complete free gifts and Sigma coupon code details, see the Sigma coupon page.

MEMORIAL2015 »   Take 20% OFF all sigma beauty.com orders sitewide when you use coupon code MEMORIAL2015 now thru Tuesday May 26, 2015 9:00am CDT.

Now quite sure what to get but still want to take advantage of the great deal? That makes both of us. I recommend you check out the new Sigma Spa Express! It is now way easier to clean the brushes because you can slip your hands onto the glove for better traction.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. For complete and updated sigma coupons, see the Sigma coupon page.

Happy Mother's Day 2015 and Beautiful Quotes

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there! And thank you for all the lovely emails. Mothers, enjoy the holiday and splurge on yourself! You deserve it.

Beautiful Mother's Day Quotes:

A mother is one to whom you hurry when you are troubled. - Emily Dickinson 

All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother. ― Lincoln 

My mother... she is beautiful, softened at the edges and tempered with a spine of steel. I want to grow old and be like her. ― Jodi Picoult 

When your mother asks, "Do you want a piece of advice?" it's a mere formality. It doesn't matter if you answer yes or no. You're going to get it anyway. ― Erma Bombeck 

2014 Christmas Holiday Gift Guide: Shoes

The holidays are once again nearing. Haven't gotten your Christmas list together yet? How about some comfortable shoes for your loved ones? Shoes can be tricky when it comes to gifting, but if you forgo the high heels and fitted sneakers, it can be done! Consider some of these comfortable, useful footwear for the holiday season.

These TOMS Animal Initiative elephant classics come in red and blue for women, men and children. The TOMS Animal Initative is a series of partnerships planned to conserve and protect animals. The shoes are not only comfortable, but stylish as well. I've been eyeing these guys for a while, but they are sold out in most sizes at most stores. If you can grab one in your size, I suggest you do!

These UGG boots may appear a little clunky, but their comfort and warmth in the snowy weather is undeniable. The insole is made from sheepskin sockliner that naturally wicks away moisture. Waterproof, but breathable.

Three Blogging Buddies on Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day! Thank you for the services of all the men and women - of every country and origin. Thank you for protecting and caring.

I've been back to journal writing. I want to write more and think more. I know I have not been blogging as much as I should as of late, but I am trying to change that. I want to challenge myself to do everything a little more and do nothing a little less. I will write in my journal more, write on all my blogs more and read more.

I rely on my Crosley headphones to cancel out external noise to concentrate on the things I do. It actually isn't that great a pair of headphones, but it does its job for now. I think I may have to get a more comfortable pair soon though. These tend to hurt my ears.

Celebrate Mother's Day! E-Cards & Charity Contest

How are you celebrating Mother's Day this year? Perhaps you will have a nice, homemade dinner with the family or relaxing spa day and outing. Whether you enjoy your holidays indoors or out, there are many fantastic ways to honor and celebrate all the great mother's out there.

19th century painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec painted a portrait of his mother in the garden.

We can't all be famous French painters, but how about sending a lovely Mother's Day e-card that also raises awareness about the importance of early cancer detection? E-cards are great for the moms who are always attached to their computers. Flower shops and postal services don't work on Sundays, so an e-card is the perfect bonus gift to add on Mother's Day for the faraway mothers!

Noreen Fraser Foundation has collaborated with many celebrities to produce funny Mother's Day cards in an effort to honor mothers and raise awareness. See the quick and hilarious clips here - and send one out today! (Some notable celebrities include Seth MacFarlane, Jack Black, Zach Galifianakis, Kim Kardashian, Will Farrel, Neil Patrick Harris and more.)

Is your mom extraordinary? Tell everyone why by entering Extraordinary #MOMents campaign and you and your mom can win a year's supply of Wet 'n Wild makeup! This campaign is a collaboration effort between the Noreen Fraser Foundation and Wet 'n Wild to support women's cancer research. The best part is that for each #MOMent shared, Wet 'n Wild will give a dollar to the Noreen Fraser Foundation to support women’s cancer research!

Mother's Day Gift Guide - Beauty Box, Gift Sets, Promos

The Beauty Gift: Sigma Mother's Day Beauty Box

Sigma just released a Mother's Day Beauty Box ($45) that includes a Provoke Eye Shadow Base, Publicize Eye Shadow, Notre Dame Eye Shadow and E70 Medium Angled Shading brush.


Sigma gave us a 20% coupon code for the Beauty Box. Just apply MOTHERSDAY at checkout. The 20% off discount is for the Mother's Day special only. For the 10% off everything discount or other deals, see the Sigma discount page.

The Handmade Gift: Mother's Day Cookie Jar or Dessert Box

Something handmade and warm is probably the best route to go when it comes to Mother's Day. And what's better than homemade cookies? Bake a few of your mother's favorite cookies or treats, add them to a jar and decorate.

You can also buy a really cute cookie jar and personalize it. I've done this several times and they make great gifts. Handmade treats and projects add a personal, warm touch while screaming, yum!

(Chocolate chips and walnuts go great together!)

Earth Day 2013: Green Recommendations

Tomorrow is Earth day once again. If you're not much of an environmentalist but still wish to observe this holiday, may I recommend some of our environmentally-friendly product posts and reviews? Maybe you'll find something you like to replace your less eco-friendly items.

1. Beauty WIthout Cruelty Lipstick are made ethically, naturally and cruelty-free. (See my post on Beauty Without Cruelty lipstick and nail polish swatches.)

2. La Isha Nutrient Rich Face Creme is a natural and environmentally-friendly face cream that's perfect for mature skin. (Read the review here.)

3. The Robby Wash Ball is an eco-friendly detergent that washes many times over without wasting like the traditional detergent. (Robby Wash Ball review here.)

4. Green is the new gold, according to Prive. Their organic and eco-friendly haircare products are not only effective, they're pretty too!

Posts will be a tad short this week. Let's all step outside and enjoy mother nature! Earth day is a day for showing support of environmental protection, but it should also be a day to reduce your carbon footprint by simply enjoying the finer and greener things in life. Unplug and enjoy!

White Christmas Outfit (with a Dash of Red Tights)

It started snowing on Christmas Eve this year for me. It was very fitting that I wore a white dress to the Christmas party that very evening to celebrate the first White Christmas I've witnessed in a long while. My selection that evening was the White Winged Love Dress from ModCloth. I was a bit hesitant at first since the back of this dress is partially open, but the long lace sleeves pulled the look together. The dress had a traditional feel to it, yet was blatantly daring. I forgot to take OOTD pictures before leaving the house, so I am left with the only blurry phone photo I took at the party.

Happy Holidays from Handmade Reviews in 2012

Wishing everyone the best and warmest holiday! I'm enjoying this day off peacefully back at home with family and I can't imagine anything better.

A company I work with has kindly donated a generous donation on behalf of us to Doctors without Borders. I am very thrilled about this as I believe that the gift of charity is the best gift to give and receive during holidays. I slack off from time to time with charity work throughout the year, but I try to respond to all charity letters and donation requests during the Winter season.

If you are looking for charities to support, please consider this product donation post.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all my dear readers for your visits and support throughout the years. Can you believe Handmade Reviews has been around for nearly 3 years? Thanks for sticking around for so long. There will be many new posts and good changes come 2013.

xo Katherine

July Conscious Box, Little Black Bag And Flying Tomato

I apologize for the lack of updates. I am going on a little holiday this weekend so there will be no new posts until I get back. (I'll try to approve the comments throughout the day via my phone.) There are many exciting things waiting for me once I get back. For instance, my newly arrived conscious box:

I've already devoured the apple-mango sauce, eaten some peppermints and cracked open the aromatherapy cards and oil. I'm most excited to try the tea. I'm bringing the Just Great Stuff bar and cucumber basil tea with me on vacation to enjoy. Everything else will have to wait until I get back. I'll definitely do a thorough review once I get back. I also have a shipment of the Little Black Bag coming my way. I can't wait to come home to my new handbag and accessories! Everyone has been raving about LBB for so long that I'm glad I'll finally get the chance to try it.

Happy Father's Day 2012

To all caring fathers, single-mothers, loving grandparents or guardians out there:

Happy Valentine's Day 2012

Happy Valentine's Day from Handmade Reviews! Hope you're enjoying the festivities. Remember, Valentine's Day chocolates go on sale after the holiday is over! :D

Valentine's Day Makeup Tutorials:

Sweet Valentine's Day Tutorial

Shimmery Purple Valentine's Day Tutorial

Shimmery Purple Valentine's Day Makeup Tutorial

Today I'll be showing you how to create shimmery purple Valentines Day makeup.

1. We start with a freshly clean moisturized face, as always.

2. Apply your makeup primer, foundation and use concealer under your eyes, around your nose, etc. I use La Prairie Rose Illusion Line Filler, mineral foundation from Lumiere and concealer from Ultra Pure Cosmetics. Apply lip balm to your lips. It will moisturize and soften your lips while you're doing your eyes. Apply some translucent powder under your eyes so it will be easier to clean your under eye area in case of shadow fall out.

Sweet Valentine's Day Makeup Tutorial (Sigma Flare)

Hi everyone!

Today I'll be showing you how to create a sweet Valentines Day makeup. This look is not overly pink, just light and fresh.

1. First step is a clean moisturized face. Booo!

2. Apply your makeup primer, foundation and use concealer under your eyes, around your nose, etc. I use La Prairie Rose Illusion Line Filler, mineral foundation from Lumiere and concealer from Ultra Pure Cosmetics. Apply lip balm to your lips so it will take care of your lips while you'll be doing your eye makeup.

For Him or Her: inis the energy of the sea cologne

I'm still having a pretty difficult week at work, but I just wanted to share with you a recent favorite of mine. As I've been quite a busy bee, it's been very convenient to spritz on a versatile perfume that'll work both in and out of the office.

Inis the energy of the sea cologne spray

I'm not one to experiment with perfumes, but I've been finding my beloved Chanel Chance a bit too heavy for daily use. I'm so glad to have discovered Inis. I've honestly never heard of the brand before and I have no idea why. It's fabulous!

If you are in need of an androgynous gift, consider the inis the energy of the sea cologne spray. The scent is extremely clean, perfect for both men and women. It is fancy enough for a night out, but clean and subtle enough for the office. It is a very classy cologne indeed.

See you soon lovelies! 

P.S. I'm thinking of making a Valentine's Day gift guide. What would you like to receive for Valentine's Day?

Happy New Year 2012

Happy New Year everyone! I wish everyone a happy, lively and healthy 2012. What are your New Year resolutions? I know I tend not to keep my resolutions all year, but it helps for at least a month if I make them. I don't have high hopes - just some. *crosses fingers* I hope to work out regularly, consume less junk food and alcohol, and spend less money on things I do not need.

Psst: I recently downloaded Nike Training, a free workout app for my iPhone. I've been loving it like crazy! It's a must try!

Giveaway Updates: Julep Maven Giveaway and Sigma December 2011 Giveaway has ended. The winners will be announced in a few days. The new January 2012 giveaway will be up very soon!
Sigma Coupon 2012: The new February 2012 coupons have been posted on the Sigma Coupon page.

Happy Holidays from Handmade Reviews

Thank you mochadad for the holiday card!

Thank you for a lovely year! Let's look forward to a beautiful 2012 filled with wonders, with goals, with success, and most importantly, with friends.

Some lovely holiday giveaways ending soon...

Sigma Monthly Giveaway & Sigma Coupon  ends 12/31/2011
Win at least $100 worth of Sigma Gift Certificate every single month! Check back monthly for new prizes and new Sigma brushes coupon codes.
Julep Maven Giveaway  ends 12/31/2011
Win a month of Julep Maven intro box beauty goodies!

More Giveaways

Holiday Gift Guide: Best Gift Sets 2011

I love gift sets. A beautiful, quality gift set exudes understated chic and class. And what a better way to save while providing your gift recipient with a plethora of great new products to try? Many brands only release gift sets during the holiday, so don't miss out on your chance to sample this season's best.

Give the Gift of Beauty to Others and Yourself

Whether you're looking for presents to gift friends and relatives or something to treat yourself this holiday, beauty products are the way to go if indulgence is your top priority. Here are a few holiday gifts many beauty lovers would enjoy.

Nothing screams festivity more than daringly red lips. Modernize the classic red this year and go matte. Brand name or drugstore, red lipsticks are always stylish. Great matte reds of this season include MAC Russian Red ($14.50), NARS Vesuvio ($25), and Revlon Really Red ($5.00). Or if you are going for double the price, half the matte, but all of the gorgeous, don't miss out on YSL Rouge Volupeté in Red Muse ($34).