I love when fashion and beauty intersect! Sephora and Shopbop.com go KABOOOM with the debut of a SEPHORA COLLECTION Palette Color Play 5 in 1 limited-edition palette inspired by Shopbop’s forthcoming “Faces of Fashion” editorial look book. And here’s your first look:

Follow me tonight as I live tweet my first impressions of the collection. The set includes five distinct color palettes, each with ten eye shadows, two lip colors, and one blush in color stories that correspond to five iconic figures in fashion.

Naturally, palettes are a great choice for busy beauty girls on the go. The Shopbop/Sephora collabo comes with a portable mirror compact and five different “look” palettes that pop out for complete portability.

The Interchangeable color palettes include the following look inspirations:

• A Nod to Mod (bright blues, greens, pink, purples)
• Angelic Boudoir (nudes, sands, with a touch of bright blue and fuchsia)
• Black is the New Black (black smoky eyes)
• Boho Bombshell (dark blues, warm taupes, warm golds)
• Classics Never Die (brown smoky eyes)

Retail price: $30

The palette will be available December 26, 2010 on Sephora.com…but follow me on Twitter this evening as I live tweet from the press preview and share my first impressions!

WANT TO GET IN ON SOME WINNING?!

Shopbop and Sephora will also co-sponsor a sweepstakes in conjunction with the launch of the palette. Beginning December 20, 2010 and ending February 2, 2011, the Faces of Fashion sweepstakes offers entrants the chance to win a year’s supply of makeup from Sephora and a $2500 shopping spree at Shopbop.

Link to the Faces of Fashion Sweepstakes >> http://bit.ly/SBSSJDD

I have fallen hard for Stila’s Holiday Smudge Pot Collection. The 5-piece set is a $95 value but Recessionista priced at 32 buckeroos. I’m so giddy over this collection that I had to do a video review. Check it out!

PRODUCT DETAILS (via Sephora)

What it is:
A quartet of shimmering mini Smudge Pots and a mini Smudge Pot brush.

What it does:
This stunning set of Smudge Pots—the cult-favorite, gel-based shadow and liner in one—features four shimmering shades (two bestsellers and TWO exclusive new holiday hues!). The transfer- and smudge-resistant formula is easy to apply for lining, blending, and lash-thickening. The perfectly portable size and mini eye liner brush make them great for travel and on-the-go glam. You’ll be able to create countless subtle-y, shimmery eye looks for the holidays and every day!

This set contains:
- Black (intense black)
- Kitten (the eye-conic universally flattering shimmering nude champagne)
- Violet (bright shimmering ultraviolet)
- Starry Night (deep shimmering navy)

What else you need to know:
The formula is water resistant for all-day wear.

Have you noticed the abundance of Argan Oil products currently on the market?

The popular ingredient is produced from the kernels of the argan tree and is endemic to Morocco. Argan oil is said to possess both medicinal and cosmetic properties because it is rich in Vitamin E, Omega-6, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants and has great restorative properties.

Argan oil has been shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, strengthen elasticity and improve skin’s overall health and vitality. Extremely rich in Vitamin E and antioxidants, Argan oil has also been shown to fight free radicals, help reduce inflammation, minimize the appearance of wrinkles and assist in protecting the skin from environmental factors.

Whether browsing Sephora or your local Target, there’s no shortage of skin care, hair care, and cosmetic products containing Argan oil.

By now savvy makeup wearers have embraced the concept of primer, the key to flawless foundation application. Prep your skin with Josie Maran Argan Primer Mist. The stem-cell infused primer is all natural and somewhat revolutionary in its delivery system. The Argan Primer Mist, yes I said “mist”, sprays evenly onto the skin to naturally firm, nourish, and prep skin for foundation. The mist also works as a setting spray after makeup has been applied. ThisThatBeauty loves double duty beauty products!

Creme of Nature recently announced the launch of their Argan oil collection, the first line of mass retail products with Argan oil for multicultural hair. Creme of Nature with Argan oil boasts an innovative line of five, moisture-enriched shine products infused with Certified Organic Argan oil. The new products include:

• Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment Pack that strengthens, deeply infuses moisture, and prevents hair breakage
• Creme of Nature Argan Oil Gloss & Shine Polisher to instantly impart radiant shine, seal in moisture, control frizz and leave hair silky smooth
• Creme of Nature Argan Oil Foaming Wrap, a unique shine-enhancing foam that nourishes hair, and provides long-lasting hold while giving it a soft, silky feel
• Creme of Nature Argan Oil Gloss & Shine Mist, a weightless mist that instantly shines, conditions and controls frizz and fly-aways
• Creme of Nature Argan Oil Replenishing Sheen Spray, a high-gloss sheen with advanced moisturizing properties and a light-weight, soft finish.

Of the newly launched mass market hair care line, Shawn Tollerson, VP of Marketing says this:

“We are very excited to bring Creme of Nature with Argan oil with its shine and nutrient rich benefits to the multicultural marketplace. Finally, this new line offers Argan oil which is typically found in prestige products to the masses at an affordable price.”

If your hair is damaged, chemically-treated or excessively-curly, the Crème of Nature Argan Oil collection provides the hydration and radiant shine your hair deserves!

Kahina Giving Beauty is an organic skincare line that incorporates 100% organic Argan oil sourced from the women’s cooperatives of Morocco. Kahina products are formulated with organic ingredients whenever possible then manufactured in an eco-friendly, carbon neutral facility and packaged in recycled and recyclable materials. There are four products in the core line –

• Facial Cleanser
• Serum
• Facial Lotion
• 100% Organic Argan Oil
• Eye Cream – A ThisThatBeauty fave! (more info below)
• Travel Basics kit – Includes mini versions of the Argan oil, cleanser and lotion

While the entire line is impressive, in my opinion the hero product of the line is the eye cream. Kahina Giving Beauty Eye Cream is a high performance eye cream that is formulated to firm and nourish the delicate eye contour area.

The cream contains 79% organic content and is richly textured with essential ingredients like natural botanicals, collagen-boosting peptides and soothing aloe vera leaf juice. Additionally, Kahina Eye Cream contains:

• Organic White and Green Tea Extracts – Studies have shown these anti-oxidant substances restore and build skin’s immune response at the cellular level, protecting skin from sun damage, wrinkling and discoloration.
• Sea Fennel Extract – Sourced from the North Atlantic rocky coastal cliffs, this hydrating and vitamin rich ingredient calms and protects skin with powerful antiseptic properties.
• Organic Acerola Extract – This potent, natural source of vitamin C inhibits melanin production, effectively brightening the skin and preventing mottling.
• Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract – This legendary Siberian herb has been linked with longevity and shown to reduce fat deposits, stimulate and boost cell metabolism.
• Maritime Pine Extract – This Mediterranean tree’s bark provides a natural defense system, protecting the skin from oxidative damage, fighting the degenerative process of aging and stimulating the biosynthesis and regenerative processes of skin tissue.
• Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract – This strain of yeast increases cellular oxygen consumption and energizes skin. Combined with Rhodiola Root Extract, it reduces the appearance of puffiness, strengthens and firms the skin and improves microcirculation.

Kahina’s social entrepreneur founder, Katharine L’Heureux, donates 25% of the profits back to the women of the Moroccan co-op who work to provide the Argan oil for Kahina.

After the successful launch of Bois D’Orange Reinvigorating Fresh Fragrant Water, Roger & Gallet have recently added a new product to its portfolio – Huile Sublime. If double duty beauty products float your boat, read on….This lightly textured dry oil is a multi-tasking product which is suitable for use on the face, body and in the hair. The zesty blend of mandarin, orange, bitter-orange essential oils, orange blossom, jasmine and Atlas cedar is certain to invigorate the senses.

Huile Sublime is made up of six active vegetable oils, including: Argan oil, known for its nourishing properties; almond oil, to soften the skin; camellia oil, to restore suppleness; macadamia oil, a nourishing ingredient; evening-primrose oil, to protect the skin; and sesame oil. The product also incorporates antioxidant vitamin E and orange essential oils.

Arganics hair care system is designed to help repair damaged hair. The new line of hair products feature an advanced blend of Moroccan Argan oil and extra virgin olive oil. The collection officially launches in the fall and will include:

• OutGel This! Styling Gel: A water-based, alcohol-free gel to give hair firm hold, control and shine
• OutMoist This! Oil Moisturizer Treatment: This lightweight treatment can be used daily to give hair body and shine
• OutTreat This! Hair & Scalp Gro Treatment: A protecting treatment product which can be applied before heat styling or used to protect against breakage and chemicals
• OutCleanse This! Infinite Moisturizing Shampoo: A cleansing and conditioning shampoo that promises to leave hair looking healthy
• OutReplenish This! Infinite Moisturizing Conditioner: This conditioner is said to penetrate deep into the hair shaft to reduce hair breakage
• OutPolish This! Polishing Hair Serum: Multifunctioning serum designed to protect, repair and give shine
• OutShine This! Sheen Conditioning Hair Spray: A lightweight, protecting spray for all hair types
• Double Conditioning & Moisturizing No-Lye Relaxer Kit: This product offers conditioning and moisturizing benefits during hair relaxing, and contains chelating rinse to reduce breakage
• OutStop This! Neutralizing & Clarifying Shampoo: Washes away all relaxer and caustic residue after relaxing

Don’t put away your SPF after Labor Day. Sun protection is a year round job. Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Day Crème SPF 15 utilizes the power of Argan oil with Deep Sea Water to boost skin’s hydration and improve moisture retention. Keep your skin protected from damaging UVA and UVB 365 days a year!

Argan Hair Serum from SulaNYC uses Argan oil to restore shine and add softness to hair. The product is recommended for hair that is dull and lifeless. Argan Hair Serum (which is safe for use on the body) restructures, heals and repairs hair that has been damaged by heat, coloring or aggressive styling. The powerful serum also protects against UV damage and helps to tame unruly frizz. Are your locks in need of a little SulaNYC TLC?

Beauty retailer Sephora and accessories dynamo Tarina Tarantino have recently partnered to launch a most sparkly makeup collective. Designed by Tarantino, the collection offers a very frilly girly aesthetic. The youth inspired line consists of eye shadows, eyeliners, mascaras, glowing primers, blush, powders and lip glosses. Of the pretty silver and pink packaging, Tarantino says this:

“I am passionate about make-up and design, so I am ecstatic to launch my fabulous new beauty collection exclusively at Sephora. It was created for girls of all ages who like to be unique and provides the tools to individualize your make-up style. Each and every product has been specially designed to let you live the sparkling life and follow your sparkling dreams.”

The Tarina Tarantino makeup collection is pure girly fun. Its like a makeup slumber party! If you find yourself all giddy and titillated over the thought of sparkle, sparkle, and yes — more sparkle…. www.sephora.com.

For previous coverage of Tarina Tarantino on ThisThatBeauty, click HERE.

Shop ‘Til You Drop!

Sephora Beauty Insiders save 15% off their entire purchase April 12th –19th!  Now is the time to shop! I know you’re all Sephora Beauty Insider’s, right??? You better be!!!!

Not a Sephora Beauty Insider? Sign up at Sephora.com – it’s fast and free.

When conversing with my friends, family members and beauty girls about cosmetics, lately it seems the current makeup holy grail quest du jour is the perfect “concealer”. Everyone I talk to is in search of that perfect concealer to camouflage unsightly dark circles and banish ugly blemishes. So when I recently came across a concealer called the “Real Deal” — momma had to investigate!

Laura Gellar Real Deal Concealer is pretty much just that! With just a smidge of product, The Real Deal offers full coverage in a creamy luxe formula. Lets face it ladies, we all need a beauty weapon in our arsenal for those days when we’re not feeling the imperfections reflected at us in the mirror. For me, those days usually come after a bad hormonal break out and dark blemishes are left behind as menacing reminders. Argh!

If your goal is to mask complexion flaws, dark circles, or fill in fine lines, Real Deal Concealer can help you achieve a flawless finish. With natural antioxidant ingredients like White Tea Extract and Gotu Kola, Laura Geller Read Deal Concealer also helps to firm the skin. Available in four shades (light, medium, med/deep, deep), a tiny bit of this oil free highly pigmented concealer goes a long way.

I’m going to take the liberty of categorizing Laura Geller Real Deal Concealer under “Frugalista Friendly”. The product retails for $20 at Sephora. That’s a pretty good deal for Sephora, no? Laura Geller Real Deal Concealer is also available at qvc.com for $18.24.

PS: Laura Geller is being discontinued from Sephora (limited quantities) but remains widely available at QVC.com, BEAUTY.com, and LauraGeller.com

Laura Geller Spackle Under Makeup Primer is a revolutionary primer that creates a perfect canvas for your makeup. Formulated with nourishing and soothing botanicals such as Aloe Vera, Gingko Biloba, Calendula and other floral extracts, it perfects the skin’s texture and prepares it for foundation. Spackle’s formula locks in moisture so skin feels soft and smooth but is 100 percent oil-free. Laura Geller’s Spackle Primer is packaged in a convenient, air-free pump so you can get every drop.

The sample of Spackle I tried had a watery, gel-like consistency and went onto the skin like a moisturizer. It was different than most primers I’ve tried which usually have a slippery silicone feel. My skin is combination with oily t-zone and normal or dry cheeks depending on the time of year. Laura Geller’s Spackle didn’t help contain my shine, I still got oily in my t-zone, but it did help maintain my makeup. My foundation and blush didn’t fade during the day and I skipped the late-day touch up. I wouldn’t recommend this product for those with oily skin but for normal or dry skin it’s a great moisturizing primer to keep your makeup looking fresh

By Karen E. Duncan – Guest Writer

Karen is a certified makeup “addict” and beauty lover, who escaped corporate America to pursue a career in makeup. She now works as a professional freelance Makeup Artist/Hairstylist working in a variety of areas such as fashion, runway, television, video, etc. Karen also shares her love of all things beauty via her Beauty Blog KarensWorldofBeauty.blogspot.com.

EDITOR’S NOTE: While at Sephora – Short Hills Mall, NJ I over heard the store manager mention that Sephora is discontinuing Laura Gellar. Now hold up and wait a minute, you’ll still be able to get your Laura Gellar fix via laurageller.com, qvc.com, beauty.com etc. However you should keep ye ol eyes peeled for deep discounts popping up at in Sephora stores and at Sephora.com

A crease-free concealer. No, really!

Deepest shade  - 

370 Ebony 

(for dark skin with dark beige undertones)

Available exclusively at Make Up For Ever Boutique NYC,  Sephora and Sephora.com.

The magicians over at Make Up For Ever (MUFE) have done it again!

The latest MUFE product to give me a case of the “OMG’s” is HD Invisible Cover Concealer. This amazingly crease-free (yes, crease-free) concealer is the newest addition to the MUFE family of HD Complexion products.

ThisThatBeauty is a long time fan of MUFE….with Smokey Lash being my MUFE first love:)

Don’t you just hate the appearance of obvious concealer?Well MUFE HD Invisible Concealer satisfies every woman’s desire for a natural looking concealer that does not enhance fine lines and wrinkles.

As someone with minimal under eye darkness, I normally use concealer as an under eye brightener, and not necessarily to conceal darkness. I sometimes find that many under eye concealers bring out lines that didn’t exist and make my under eye area look dried out and old. Yuck. Not cute and totally unexceptable for Ms ThisThatBeauty.

MUFE HD Invisible Coverage Concealer covers darkness and brightens without settling into fine lines. The coverage is completely natural looking on skin.

Check out the key ingredient that make this product so amazing:

• Extremely highly concentrated pigments wrapped in amino acids that not only appear invisible on skin but stay atop the outer layer of skin, rather than sinking into pores.

• Sericite Mica reflects and refracts light to give a soft focus effect to the delicate skin under the eyes.

• Fucogel is used to boost skin’s hydration by repairing the balance of water and retaining moisture though out the day.

• Silicone Elastomeric Powder gently fills in lines and wrinkles to create a smooth under eye surface.

MUFE HD Invisible Cover Concealer is is conveniently packaged in a portable tube with a built in applicator made of a soft flexible silicone tip for precise application.

I love that MUFE HD Invisible Cover Concealer comes in 14 shades that range from the lightest to the deepest. When I envision my friends and clients, I cant think of a single person that would not fall into the shade range.

Deepest shade  -

370 Ebony

(for dark skin with dark beige undertones)

Available exclusively at Sephora and Sephora.com