Tarte for True Blood

I have never seen an episode of True Blood, but I was an extra once on the show a few years ago. The scene was in a church where someone was preaching about the sun, and there was a vampire sitting behind me. I am still clueless about what all this means. However, I do know a good makeup palette when I see it, and the Tarte for True Blood™ Limited-Edition Palette looks good. Here is the description from Sephora:

Get glamoured with this limited-edition palette packed with 17 killer new eye shadows and more. Each richly pigmented shadow is softly milled and infused with Amazonian clay for pure color payoff, silky application and long wear. From ethereal goddess to vampy vixen, you can create countless looks using these shimmering, matte, and smoky shades. Open after dark: Buried in this palette's pull-out drawer is a full-size EmphasEYES™ Aqua-Gel Eyeliner in black, a deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes! clinically-proven natural mascara and a deluxe Lifted™ Natural Eye Primer with Firmitol™ to help you complete your look. Turn into a real truebie using the four 'get the looks' included with each palette, created with the help of True Blood™'s award-winning lead makeup artist Brigette Myre-Ellis. Tune in to the new season of True Blood™, Sundays at 9/8c. Only on HBO®.

I'm a huge fan of Tarte products because their makeup is formulated without parabens, synthetic fragrances, and phthalates. Plus, I love that Tarte worked with the lead makeup artist from the show. Last fall I bought The Jewelry Box palette from Tarte and am still working my way through the gorgeous eyeshadows and lip glosses. Alas, I should probably wait on buying the True Blood palette, but perhaps it would be OK to indulge in the Tarte for True Blood™ Limited-Edition LipSurgence™ Natural Lip Tint, which is half the price.

Saturday Haul

Even though I have been busy working these last few weeks, I still managed to find time for shopping. Online shopping is certainly one of my guilty pleasures, and thanks to sites like RetailMeNot and Ebates, I have been able to find great deals.

I should, also, mention that another guilty pleasure of mine is entering giveaways. I won this beautiful bag from Foley + Corinna.

During the recent friends and family event at Sephora, I bought The Jewelry Box from Tarte. I debated about getting the Sephora Endless Color Blockbuster, but decided on Tarte since it is free of parabens, sulfates, etc. While the eyeshadows are not quite as pigmented as I could wish, I am still delighted with my purchase.

My hair is fried from dying my hair too often, so I am hoping that this Proclaim Natural 7 Argan Oil will undo some of the damage.

Next weekend I am hosting a House Party for Jolee's Jewels and couldn't believe all the wonderful supplies I was sent for the party - for free. This is going to be my first House Party, and I am excited to see what other events come along.

Cheap Monday: Tweezerman Tweezers

Sephora

I love tweezers. I've been the tweezer version of Goldie Locks looking for the right pair of tweezers, frequently "borrowing" any pair that happens to be left within my reach. For years, I have read reviews on Tweezerman Tweezers but never understood (a) why a person would spend $20 on a pair of tweezers and (b) why the tweezers would be worth it. I finally broke down and bought the Tweezerman Mirror and Mini Slant Tweezer Set during Sephora's friends and family event, and let me tell you these tweezers are worth every penny. The ends are nice and sharp and easily grab even the most stubborn hairs. The mirror magnifies every pore making it easier to see the hairs that need plucking while, also, reminding one it is probably time for a facial. If you are in the market, I highly recommend giving Tweezerman Tweezers a try.

Holiday Gift Ideas

I can't believe Thanksgiving is this week. The holiday season has snuck up on me, and I haven't done any Christmas shopping yet. I am hoping that Black Friday will offer some major shopping deals, but the last couple of years have been disappointing... and who wants to get up at 4 a.m. for a camera anyways?

Because I love gift giving guides, I have put together a few collections which I hope will spark some creative ideas for you.

Gift Ideas for Bloggers

Gift Ideas for Bloggers by Icedivastar featuring UGG Australia boots

When shopping for the blogger in your life look for fun gadgets such as the Hello Kitty USB flash drive or a digital camera. Also, Moleskin notebooks are wonderful for jotting down notes, and cute pajamas are always appreciated.

Gift Ideas for Beauty Junkies

Gift Ideas for Beauty Junkies by Icedivastar featuring Forever21

Beauty junkies know their makeup, so pay attention to the brands they wear. Beauty books are great for getting inspiration, and Bobbi Brown offers great advice in hers. Sephora is currently offering sampler kits that include top selling products such as mascara, lipstick, and perfume, and they are perfect for gift giving.

Gift Ideas for DIYers

Gift Ideas for DIYers by Icedivastar featuring Converse shoes

The Do It Yourself phenomenon covers everything from building a house to baking a cake or sewing a dress. Encourage hands-on hobbies with kits focused on knitting, crocheting, and just about everything else. Also, Threadbanger offers tons of great ideas for DIYers and is encouraging people to give handmade gifts this year.