Happy New Year

Just wanted to make a quick post to say....

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Have a great night ringing in 2010 and be safe!

<3, Little Miss Savvy

Review: Skin Food Lettuce & Cucumber Toner

I purchased the Lettuce & Cucumber Toner by Skin Food a month or so ago from Sasa.com. It costs about $13 (they were offering free shipping at the time). Before this, I had been using L'Oreal Hydrafresh Toner- I wasn't completely satisfied with it but I had never really found a toner I really loved. When I began using the Skin Food toner, I immediately noticed a difference. Other toners left my skin feeling clean yet dry, which is a problem for me in the winter. This toner made my skin feel refreshed. It's light and not too heavy so it doesn't feel like it's stripping your skin completely. The product's consistency is different from most traditional 'watery', liquid toner. It has a thicker, more gel like consistency. It also has a nice cooling effect (maybe the cucumber part?). I'm glad I stumbled upon this toner- it leaves my skin feeling clean and clear without drying it out.



My only problem with this product is the packaging. The bottle opening has a stopper with hole in the middle- where the product is meant to come out. However, because of the thicker consistency of the product, this makes it different to get the product out of the bottle. I've had to shake the bottle up and down with force before I got it onto a cotton ball (and even then it was barely enough). Maybe this is a way to make you use the right amount of product each time? I'm not sure but I am thinking about removing the stopper to make things easier.

Overall, I'm really liking this but I have to give it a few more tries. I'm not too excited about the price- it costs $13, without shipping. I'm also not sure if you can find Skin Food in the US, does anyone know?

Thanks! - Little Miss Savvy

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

I just wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. I hope your holidays are filled with warmth, laughter, and love.

Enjoy the holidays!

Victoria's Secret Reward Card Giveaway

Good news to all those who, like me, love to shop online. The Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale has already begun online today. It won't hit stores until early January. I have a couple VS Secret Rewards Cards lying around from purchases I made last month. They are worth $10 each. Since I won't be needing them, I'd like to give them away to you guys. Just leave a comment with your name and email address. I will pick two random people by tomorrow, December 23rd, 8PM EST. They are valid for use through Christmas Eve. Since they are expiring soon, I won't be able to physically mail the cards. They will only be valid online.

Update: Congrats Christine and Dianna, I have emailed you guys with more info. To everyone else, thanks for entering- I will have more giveaways in the future so look out for that.

Simple Eye Look with Urban Decay's "Get Baked"

I recently purchased this "Get Baked" palette by Urban Decay from Sephora. It features four eye shadows and also comes with a mini UDPP in Sin and a 24/7 Eye Pencil in Bourbon. I've been wanting to try these products for awhile and Sephora was selling it on special for $18 so it sounded like a great deal. I've been playing around with it and decided to put a look together for you guys. Everything I'm using can be found in this set (aside from mascara). It's really simple and easy with a pop of color... enjoy!
Products I used:
1. Urban Decay Get Baked Palette
2. UDPP in Sin
3. 24/7 Eye Pencil in Bourbon
4. E.LF. Studio Eye liner brush
5. E.L.F Studio Contouring Brush
6. Revlon Eyeshadow Brush
7. Maybelline Telescopic Mascara
8. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

Keep in mind that you don't have to use these exact items. They're easy replaceable by whatever you have in your collection.

Steps:

1. Apply primer to your eyelids and smooth out with your finger.
2. Apply "Baked" or Gold Eyeshadow all over your lid with brush

3. Apply "Twice Baked" or any shimmery deep brown shadow to to outer half of your lid.
4. Using a brush, blend the two colors together

6. Smudge a dark brown eyeliner into your lash line.
7. Wet your eyeliner brush, pack on "Flipside" or a teal eyeshadow and apply to your lower lash line.

8. Apply Mascara
9. Curl your lashes (this step is not necessary)

And Voila! 9 easy steps and you're done.

Hope this was helpful!
Until next time... Little Miss Savvy

One Year Mark!

I've reached the one year mark of of my blog officially today! YAY! It's been a shaky year with blogging. I love it, I do but sometimes I find it hard to keep up between school, work, family, friends, etc. I took a hiatus for a few months- had a great summer, just finished off the fall semester, and now I'm back in NYC enjoying the holidays. In the mist of it all, I've been planning to come back to my blog. Now that I'm home and have extra time on my hands, I've decided to pick it back up. Thank you all who have been reading since the beginning and waited so patiently for updates. I'm back and hopefully, this time it will be for good (I'll make a conscious effort, I promise!!). I'm also sporting a new layout, I've been playing around with it for a bit and now I think I'm happy with how it looks. Tell me what you guys think!

Moving on...if you're a Beauty Insider at Sephora, you might have received a $15 Gift Card through your emails. Here's what I bought with mine:

Sephora by O.P.I.'s Metro Chic. And yes, with it came 25+ sheets on tissue paper. Sephora, care to be a little more green in the future? (By the way, the color is gorgeous!)

I also stopped by my local Rite Aid and picked this up...

Isn't it cute? It's an EOS lip balm in Summer Fruit. Nothing will ever compare to Burt's Bees in my book but I'm also a sucker for nice packaging.

Have a great weekend all!
- Little Miss Savvy

A Few of My Favorite Things...

Since the Holiday season is in full swing, I thought I'd post up a few things that I am currently in love with. These are just some items that I either always have in my bag, wear a lot, or am constantly reaching for. I thought that since I love them so much, someone you know might enjoy them too- or even yourself. So here they are...

Rose Salve- Rose Salve is a great multipurpose 'ointment' for chapped lips, dry skin, etc. This particular one by C.O. Bigelow has a very subtle hint of pink. When you apply it to your lips, it gives is a nice glossy and flushed look. I purchased this tin over a year ago at Bath and Body works for $5.50- I use it constantly and still have so much left! Another great one is Smith's Rosebud Salve that you can find at Sephora (I believe it's a couple dollars more expensive though).


Infinity Scares- I bought this particular infinity scarf from H&M for $9.95. I love infinity scarves because they're so warm and chunky. It's a giant loop and you can play around with for different looks- wrap it around 2 times, 3 times, etc. It's also great for those of us who find it hard to tie our scarves properly. Anyway you wear an it, it falls on your neck nicely without much effort.



My makeup bag- So I was browsing around the Target $1 section and found this adorable croc-inspired, patent makeup bag. It's not too big which is the perfect size for me since I don't carry a lot of my makeup around. It can also double as a wristlet for nights out. And best of all, it was only a dollar!




Matte Eyeshadows- When I first started using makeup, I loved big, bold, and lots of SHIMMER. After some experimenting, I've come to realize that less is more. While I do still love my flashy eyeshadows, I think a nice matte eyeshadow can go a long way- it enhances our eyes without bringing in too much unwanted attention. I particularly love these Revlon matte shadows- I purchased them at CVS when they were having a BOGO sale.


Booties for Home- I am always cold so wintertime is problematic for me. I always layer up when I go outside- sweater, coat, gloves, hat, scarf, etc. But when I'm a home, it's uncomfortable to wear so much. I found these booties at Charlotte Russe for $15. They're lightweight and comfortable so you don't feel like you're wearing a lot. They also keep my little feet nice and toasty.



Orangina- As you can tell from my empty bottle, Orangina is one of my favorite drinks. Light, crisp, bubbly, and refreshing- YUM! (It may be hard to find, but if you're in NYC, you can pick some up at Dean and Deluca)

What are some of your favorite things?

-Little Miss Savvy

Celeb Style: Sarah Michelle Gellar

Here's a celeb that I really adore: Sarah Michelle Gellar. I've loved her ever since her Buffy: The Vampire Slayer days. She's gorgeous, can kick-ass, has a cute husband, and always has great style. Here's a look for her that is very chic and casual- it's also really easy to pull off with things you can already find in your wardrobe. If you're looking to go out and purchase these items, here are some more affordable pieces that look just as great:

1. Forever 21 Vintage Inspired Beret $5.80
2. Rampage Trish Stretch Bootie, DSW $29.95
3. Oxford and Regent Tank, JCPenny $12.99
4. Silence and Noise Open Front Blazer, UO $49
5. Forever 21 Soft Fab Skinny Jean $14.50
6. Charlotte Russe Layered Leaf Necklace $7.99
7. Wet Seal Quilted Shoulder Bag $16.50

Throw on your favorite pair of sunglasses and you're ready to go!


P.S. Doesn't she look great after just having a baby!?!

Blast from the Past: Maybelline Kissing Stick

So I love anything retro or vintage. I found this cute commercial the other day so I thought I'd share. It's for Maybelline Kissing Stick, shot in 1977. Seems so fun, like the Lip Smackers of the 70's. Wonder what happen to them?

-Little Miss Savvy

Review: E.L.F Studio Brushes

I'm sure you've all heard many times about Eye Lips Face and their $1 cosmetics. I've been a customer of theirs for a while and I thought it was time that I put in my two cents. Back when E.L.F first started, I heard horror stories about how bad their shipping was- orders would arrive 3 months later, products would be missing from the shipment, etc. So obviously, the first time I ordered early this year, I was definitely reluctant but hey, their products are CHEAP so there's nothing really to lose. I had no problems with their shipping- they have fixed all of the kinks. I tried a few products from their regular line that are all a buck- their eyeshadow brush is really great for the price but as for the other products in the line, you basically get what you pay for. A few months later, the Studio Line came out and I decided to try that too. At $3, it is a bit more pricey but I have fallen in love with a couple of the brushes. Here's the rundown:


E.L.F Studio Line Powder Brush- LOVE...If you purchase anything from the Studio Line, this is the thing to get. It is a flat top, taklon brush. Even though it is only $3, it is supper soft and great quality. It is very versatile- I use it to buff in my mineral makeup and apply bronzer as well. I currently have two of these in my brush collection and another two for backup. I use them practically everyday.




Complexion Brush- Along with the Powder Brush, this is definitely on the top of the list for Studio Line brushes. It is very soft as well and great for applying blush. I find that it fits the apple of my cheek perfectly and applies just the right amount of color. Also great for bronzer.



Both the Powder and Complexion Brush come with a 'brush guard', which makes traveling with it very easy. I also use the concealer brush, eyeliner brush, and contouring. They are all great brushes (though not must buys in my opinion). I have also purchased other things from the Studio Line that haven't really impressed me- for example, some of the eyeshadows have no color payoff at all. For a safe bet, stick with the brushes. They are some of the best quality ones that you will find for a low price. Also. E.L.F frequently offers 50% off their products (Check out retailmenot.com for up-to-date codes). Hope you like them as much as I do!

for more imformation about these products, visit www.eyeslipsface.com

- Little Miss Savvy

Holiday Gift Guide: Jewelry Stand

Throughout my shopping these past couple of months, I've been keeping an eye out for things I could use as presents. One of the things I've come across are jewelry stands. I think they make great gifts for any female friend, sister, co-worker, etc. For one, they're completely practical- I hate when I get a gift that I have no use for (if you're not a significant other, you shouldn't be getting someone a stuffed animal). I've been collecting jewelry over the past couple of years and a jewelry stand has made everything so much more easier and organized. Second, a jewelry stand can also be a great decoration piece for any room- there are some really beautiful ones out there. And lastly, they're affordable- you can buy one for under $30. Check out the ones below from Urban Outfitters:
Another great place to find jewelry stands is on Ebay, where you can find some for under $15.

Happy Holiday Shopping!

December 17th: Free Shipping Day!

Great news for all those who like to do their Holiday shopping online: On Thursday, December 17, 2009, 677 merchants will be offering free shipping with delivery by Christmas Eve. As stated on the website, "The Free Shipping Day promotions for participating merchants will be revealed on Thursday, December 17 at 12:00AM EST. Some merchants may have minimum order restrictions. More than half will have free shipping on all orders." This is a great way to beat the lines and shop from the comfort of your own home in your PJs :). Looking forward to it!


for more information about which stores will be participating, visit http://www.freeshippingday.com/

Review: LuShae Jewelry

I recently received an invitation to try out and review jewelry from a new store, LuShae Jewelry. (Please note that my review below is my honest opinion of the product). The website features a modest selection of rings, earrings, and pendants. Since I was in need on new stud earrings, I decided on the Sterling Silver Round Cut. Ordering and shipping was hassle free- I was able to track my order which came in about a week. When it came, it was packaged very nicely in its own jewelry box. I was actually really impressed with the quality of it- it is a 3 carat Cubic Zirconium as stated on the website. I'm am by no means an expert on jewelry but I was really happy with the craftsmanship of the product- it is definitely durable and will last quite a long time. I think jewelry is one of those things you can splurge a little on- I use to get all of mine from stores like Forever 21 but then I realized if I spend a bit more on some classic pieces such as stud earrings or a pearl necklace, it would be worth it and last a lot longer. If you're on a budget, I would recommend to accessorize from Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Urban Outfitters, etc. I have done so for many years- the low prices has allowed me to switch up my look everyday! But if you have a little more money to spare and are looking for a timeless piece of jewelry that you could always wear, I would recommend these earrings from LuShae Jewelry. At $65, it is not really in the price range for a budget shopper but worth a look for everyone else.

for more information about LuShae Jewelry, visit http://www.jewelryartdesigns.com/