Purging without splurging

After my recent move and while I was unpacking, I took the opportunity to do a little early spring cleaning of my makeup bag and tossed everything that was passed it's prime including some beloved makeup brushes. Makeup has a shelf life that most people ignore which is not a wise thing to do if you wish to keep bacteria out of your pores and your precious peepers! When it comes to your makeup brushes, frequent cleaning (or not cleaning!) and time can really take a toll on them.

I know you all follow the commandments of beauty, especially the one that proclaims anything that touches your face must be clean and free of bacteria! If you take good care of your brushes it is possible to extend their shelf life indefinitely.

That aside, good brushes range greatly in price and when you want a fresh start replacing every brush a fabulous brand to turn to is e.l.f. A great choice is the e.l.f. Professional Complete Set of Brushes for only $12. No I didn't studder. That's 12 brushes for only $12. And don't assume the low price means low quality. These inexpensive brushes are a favorite of makeup pro's everywhere for their ergonomic design and their ability to create a flawless finish!

So go ahead, toss out your old brushes and replace them without even breaking the bank. And throw in the e.l.f Professional Travelers Kit ($5) while your at it!

*Even more fabulous: e.l.f products are not tested on animals and when you purchase this fur free tweezer you'll also be supporting PETA!

Never leave home without

...Smashbox Photo OP Under Eye Brightener!

Whether you are a new mom who loses precious sleep at night or you are a party girl who likes to spend her nights late at she paints the town red, you mustn't EVER leave the house without a little mascara and the fabulous Smashbox Photo OP Under Eye Brightener.

When I started lose some serious sleep after my daughter was born I had hopelessly tried so many "tricks" to brighten up my under eye area so that when I left the house it wasn't so obvious how sleep deprived I really was. Nothing worked to cover those serious raccoon eyes. Then I found Smashbox's Photo OP Under Eye brightener and refuse to use anything else! It doesn't cake at all or crease into fine lines, it goes on smooth to instantly brighten your tired eyes. Wear it alone or top it off with your favorite concealer. It's just that simple. Believe me, your eyes will love you!

Get this eye savior for yourself here. Or try my favorite pre-makeup combination, the Flawless Finish Skin Perfectors Kit. An amazing value at only $49.00.

**Also Fabulous, for a limited time Smashbox is offering FREE Standard Shipping on any order!

*All images courtesy of Smashbox.

Red is in the air

It's been a while, I know. But in the spirit of all things February and all of it's lovey dovey redness, it is time to recognize National Wear Red Day.

Go Red For Women was started by the American Heart Association to raise awareness that heart disease in the #1 killer of women. So pull something Red from your wardrobe and show your support of such an important movement. Have a heart, wear Red!

Victoria's Secret

Crop Wrap Sweater - $48

RSVP - Willow - $69.95
Available at Zappos

Dior Rouge - $27

Available at Sephora

MICHAEL Michael Kors
Square Sunglasses - $80

Visit Go Red For Women to learn more.

(Something)Red to care about

1. ALDO Fights Youth AIDS :: I have always had a horrible addiction to shoes. I don’t know what it is about a pair of adorable heels that can just make you feel so absolutely fabulous on a not-so-fabulous day. Another reason I love them? Aldo is continuing to support the Children With AIDS fund. Stop buy a store or buy the Dog tags or the new limited edition "ALDO fights AIDS" tote bag on-line to show support via Aldo Fights Youth AIDS . 100% of net proceeds benefit the fund! For just $5 you can change someone’s life. "Empower yourself. Join the fight." And give yourself another reason to love shoes.

2. Viva Glam :: I am also terribly addicted to lip gloss. I just can’t leave the house without it. So why wear any other lip gloss when 100% of the retail price of the Viva Glam collection goes toward the fund that helps support men, women & children who are living & coping with AIDS. Now that is my kind of lip gloss! Get your lip glass here and bring hope to someone’s life.

3.(Product)Red & Hallmark :: Before you send another card stop by Hallmark and check out their new (Product)Red line. By simply sending a birthday or a just because card to someone you love, you are also giving a gift to the people in Africa who are living and coping with AIDS everyday. Why send any other card when you can send one with a heart.

*All images courtesy of Aldo, MAC & Hallmark.

Something Blue

You better toss that Black and Midnight Plum polish you’ve been sporting because the next big color trend for those short squared off nails yours is the deepest shade of blue you can find. Reminiscent of the color I once sported way back in middle school, Chanel introduced its new shade for 2008 that is sure to sell out. The limited edition “Blue Satin” by Chanel Le Vernis is a long-lasting chip-resistant formula that fetches $19 a bottle.

For those who would rather not fork out that much cash for a bottle of nail polish can still looks trendy by opting for O.P.I.’s Yoga-ta Get This Blue! ($8.50) which is set to release February 6 as part of their Spring/Summer 2008 “India” collection.

Green things come in small packaging

In the spirit of going green, CARGO became a beauty brand with a social conscious. The brand has merged innovatively designed packaging with a fabulously “green” beauty product for those who care about protecting our earth. PlantLove™ Botanical Lipstick is by far the most environmentally friendly beauty product available at the moment. The lipstick itself is created without the use of mineral oils and petroleums that pollute our atmosphere. So not only is it healthier for your lips, it’s healthy for our planet as well.

What quite possibly is the best thing about the lipstick is in its ground-breaking packaging. Instead of using the typical plastic lipstick case that adds to the pollution in our landfills, CARGO came up with a biodegradable, environmentally friendly tube made entirely of corn, a bio-plastic made from a widely renewable resource which is becoming widely popular among those greener folk. The outer carton is also made of flower paper and is embedded with wildflower seeds that are sure to brighten up your garden. Just add water and you’ll soon be admiring a beautiful bouquet of wildflowers.

I have been a lipgloss girl for as long as I can remember, but this little tube of lipstick just might make me a convert. CARGO is not only giving back to our planted but is also spreading love among our children. CARGO is donating $2 from each sale to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

PlantLove™ Botanical Lipstick is available in 17 fabulous shades and is available at Sephora for $20 each.

“The PlantLove™ seeds we sow today affect future generations so we are investing in the earth and our children for the future of the planet!”

Find out more about PlantLove™ at CargoPlantLove.com