Valentine’s Day Love from Merle Norman Cosmetics

Merle Norman understands that Valentine's Day is about kisses, hugs, and happiness. So we are all celebrating this special upcoming Valentine's Day with some wonderful products and hope you feel the love radiating from your computer, phone and/or tablet! 

I certainly fell for the three products I sampled and have been wearing them daily ever since receiving them. The PLUSH LIPSTICK ($25) I have been wearing in POWER PLAY has a satin matte finish with great staying power, the CHEEK CRAYON ($28.50) in PINK LOTUS is a creamy crayon that blends easily and is also buildable and THE KISS & HUG LIPGLOSS ($22) in MULBERRY is a lightweight formula that delivers rich, opaque color in a single swipe! 

There are many more color options for all three product categories- so please visit their site to find the right color(s) to suit your Valentine's Day and/or every day's needs!

Products are available HERE and at Merle Norman Cosmetics Studios nationwide.

Valentine’s Day Deals That Last Longer Than Flowers

For those of you who want something other than the traditional flowers and chocolates on Valentine's Day, these beauty brands are offering major discounts so you can treat yourself to something special.

· Nanacoco Professional – Receive 25% sitewide with code: NNCCValentine through February 14th!

Our recommendation? TheLipfinity Long Lasting Lip Cream which comes in 14 colorsthat are not red! From blood orange to deep purples, your pout can still celebrate the holiday without succumbing to the overplayed red color story. Want to fall harder? The whole brand is certified cruelty-free.

· Eterno Skincare – 30% Off Sitewide! Use Code: WithLove through February 14th!

Eterno LED Device with help you Fall in love…with your skin that is. This FDA-approved device uses LED technology to remove unwanted spots, lines and pigment from your face in as little as 4 weeks.

Date night ready in an instant? Use the Eterno Time Eraser.Within 60 seconds, this unique formula starts to rebuild collagen giving you a smooth, youthful, and flawless appearance.

· Wunder2 – Bundle deals galore through Feb. 14th

Lips That Pop Bundle ($30) The LIPS THAT POP bundle comes with WUNDERKISS GLOSS LIP LINER and the complimentary shade of WUNDERKISS LIP PLUMPING GLOSS, along with a pencil sharpener to keep liner application on point.

Lips That Shine Bundle ($40) Exfoliate, Treat and Plump lips with this trio of WUNDERKISS ESSENTIAL LIP SCRUB, WUNDERKISS SATIN LIP OIL and WUNDERKISS LIP PLUMPING GLOSS.

Lips That WOW Bundle ($50)The LIPS THAT WOW bundle is the complete set of WUNDER2 lip products! Everything you need for the perfect pout, from prep and care all the way to color and shine!

Chic Valentine's Day Gift Idea: Krigler Allegra Scented Candles

Here at B.I.O.A. we aim to give you beauty and gift options at all different price points. So this one is a very special gift at $ 1, 250.00. I would absolutely appreciate this as a Valentine's Day gift (hint, hint) as much like the artwork I collect- it is created in smaller batches. There are 8 different Krigler ALLEGRA fragrances options: Pleasure Gardenia 79, Chateau Krigler 12, English Promenade 19, America One 31, Lovely Patchouli 55 Classic, Oud for Highness 75, Extraordinaire Camelia 209, and Charming California 215.

The scented candle is filled with a high concentration of 15% perfume base. The candles are made from soy wax and essential oils and have a burning time of approximately 200 hours.

Only few vases are available and they come delivered numbered. After using your Allegra scented candle, you may ask to refill the scented candle for a special price using the same or different fragrance.

Pictured above is the Allegra Scarlet Scented Candle available at Krigler.com.

NEW LAUNCH ALERT: Emilie Heathe Nail Collection

When I first received the beautifully designed sample of "The Perfect Red" nail color by Emilie Heathe, I felt as if I was holding a piece of art in my hand. Considering I am an art collector, I saw the bottle in a totally creative light. That is how Emilie Heathe sees the brand, too. Their focus is on creative design, unique formulas and luxurious recyclable packaging.

Nail color is first up for the brand and other beauty related products are coming soon. This particular capsule consists of 9 " Nail Artist" hues that are formulated with top grade, Asian inspired ingredients which are both clean and nontoxic. All polishes are available on EmilieHeathe.com at $34.00 each.

Background artwork detail by Erik Jones.

Badgley Mischka’s Namesake Fragrance: A Valentine's Day Gift Option

I cannot believe I am about to mention February, but I must! Badgley Mischka’s namesake fragrance would absolutely make a lovely gift option for Valentine’s Day. There I said it.

Mark Badgley and James Mischka refer to the scent as a “floral champagne” – perfect for celebrating. The lush and dewy floral opens with a soft blend of magnolias complimented by notes of amber and musk with a sparkling top embodying the effortlessly feminine glamour the brand is best known for.

“Everything we do has a thread of glamour to it. A fragrance can create a mood, inspire confidence and, in an instant, transform the way a woman looks and feels. We want her to feel like she’s the only woman in the room.” – Mark Badgley and James Mischka.

Badgley Mischka Eau de Parfum is available at BadgleyMischka.com and Dillard’s.

Valentine’s Day Ideas from Viktor&Rolf

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and these are two wonderful gift ideas. 

Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb & Bonbon Valentine’s Day Gift Sets. Wrapped with love and sealed with a heart, these must-have sets filled with bright floral and decadent caramel notes make the perfect gift for this romantic holiday.

For the FLOWER LOVER: 

Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Valentine’s Gift Set ($120, luxury department stores nationwide) 

The biggest bouquet this Valentine’s Day is Flowerbomb, every bottle is filled with over 1,000 flowers -- you won’t find a more romantic gift!

• Includes EDP Spray, mini on-the-go Spray, Shower Gel & Body Cream 

For the SWEET TOOTH: 

Viktor&Rolf Bonbon Valentine’s Gift Set ($120, luxury department stores nationwide) 

Indulge in a tale of decadent love on Valentine’s Day with delicious caramel notes linked to a provocative accord of bold patchouli and sweet vanilla

• Includes EDP Spray, Body Lotion & Shower Gel

Jurlique: Perfect For Valentine's Day

How I love Jurlique. Years ago I was at New London Pharmacy being delightfully introduced to their collection and I fell hard....

Jurlique invites you to celebrate the spirit of reconnection this Chinese New Year by sharing the gift of Roses. Enriched with nourishing Rose Essential Oil and a unique blend of precious Rose extracts, this special edition of our worldwide #1 bestseller makes the perfect New Year gift for family and friends to celebrate the spirit of reconnection that lies at the heart of this very special time of year.

Jurlique Limited Edition Rosewater Balancing Mist Intense Deluxe Edition ($65; available at Jurlique.com)

Benefits:

· Restores and hydrates skin

· Skin is refreshed, balanced and soothed

· Possesses antioxidant properties

*This product is dermatologist tested and free from PEGs, silicones, and colorants. Formulated without parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. The fragrance is made from a 100 percent natural blend of rose extracts.

Jurlique Rose Love Balm ($12 at Jurlique.com)

A natural salve that moisturizes, softens and protects dry or chapped skin. Infused with the natural scent of roses.

Benefits:

-Superior skin treatment salve that moisturizes and soothes sensitive, dry or chapped skin on lips, cuticles, elbows or anywhere skin is chafed and irritated.

-Lightly scented with tangerine oil, it protects against moisture loss.

-Provides antioxidant protection.

Jurlique Essence of Rose Roll-On Fragrance Oil ($22 at Jurlique.com)

This signature Jurlique fragrance captures the essence of the world's finest Rose Oils, Shea Butter, and the purity of Jurlique's very own organically grown Rosa Gallica in a sleek, pop-in your purse sized bottle. Alluring, feminine, floral and modern.

More Wonderful Valentine's Day Ideas

I haven't a Valentine, yet that won't stop me from having a great Girls Night Out! Whether it’s a sugary night with your significant other, and a salute to your single ladies squad, pamper yourself with these five treasures (you simply can’t go wrong). These products are simply fab! 

For Those Angel Status Waves – The Beachwaver Co. BEACHWAVER® S1 ($129, Beachwaver.com)

I am in love! By featuring an arrow button with a fast/slow speed switch, the S1 is easier than ever to use. A new home button gives you ability to reset the clamp at the start position for easy styling. With the BEACHWAVER® S1, you can create three different styles including defined curls, loose beachy waves and glam waves. This ceramic, rotating curling iron provides easy, quality waves in minutes! 

Friend and beloved DJ Teal Camner was just starting to show me the different types of waves she could get on her keratin straightened hair and I was amazed. I wasn't sure her super straight fine hair would allow for curls, but the BEACHWAVER worked!

For An Extra Treat – LOVE, Tata: Natural Skincare Valentine’s Gift Collection: ($240.00, TataHarperskincare.com) 

Sumptuous, indulgent and sweet: the Limited Edition Valentine’s Day Collection is everything a Valentine’s Day gift should be. Buff and soften the body with the naturally jasmine-scented Smoothing Body Scrub, then soak the skin in high-performance hydration with our best selling Revitalizing Body Oil. The Love Potion promotes an inner sense of poise, beauty and allure, and our Be Adored Lip Treatment gives the lips a charming raspberry tint while hydrating and fighting the look of vertical lip lines. 

As a final delight, Lake Champlain’s Cherries & Dark Chocolate Bar is a delicious, well-deserved treat. Delivering radiance and renewal, these handpicked favorites are all wrapped up in our signature classic green Gift Box and tied with a bow. 

Valentine's Day Prep Ideas

Look good and feel great from head-to-toe this Valentine’s day! Light a candle to set the mood, lather your body for radiant skin, spray on some perfume to smell your best, and keep your hair looking great all night long with these V-day essentials.

To set the mood – Molton Brown’s Single Wick Candle creates a tranquil atmosphere in your home. Light up a room with a subtle, relaxing glow with an elegant wax candles. (www.MoltonBrown.com $49)

For a radiant glow – Burt’s Bees Radiance Body Lotion moisturizes and enhances skin’s natural radiance from head to toe. (www.BurtsBees.com $9)

To smell fresh – Krigler’s Pleasure Gardenia 79 is an intense floral, voluptuous, elegant and feminine scent with base notes of jasmine, vanilla and mimosa meeting a creamy mix of musk and Gardena petals. (www.krigler.com)

To help your hair look amazing all night long – KMS California HAIRSTAY dry xtreme hairspray gives you extreme, volumizing hold, is dry-to-the-touch, has a shiny finish, 24-hour hold, and is high-humidity resistant. (www.KMSCalifornia.com $17.99)

Cartier: Valentine's Day Ideas

Don’t know what to get that special someone for Valentine’s Day? I do!

Give the gift of Cartier with the NEW scents from the brand, Pasha de Cartier Edition Noire Sport & Eau de Cartier Eau de Parfum.

For Him: 

Pasha de Cartier Edition Noire Sport

· A powerful new spin on the classic, this strong and masculine scent will give him a major ego boost. Opening with a splash of fruit, followed by sandalwood, amber and cedar, you won’t be able to keep your hands off. Plus, the red bottle couldn’t be more fitting for V-Day!

· Available at Macys ($110, 3.3 oz.) 

For Her: 

Eau de Cartier Eau de Perfume

· Launching in February, this fiery version of the original scent is more elegant than ever. Ablaze with notes of amber and touches of warmth and vanilla, this sophisticated fragrance will make her feel chic and alluring.

· Available at Bloomingdales ($106, 3.3 oz.)

Kissamint: Combines Two Essentials

You really don’t need to stress over that special date coming up! Getting ready to impress your loved one or that handsome new guy is easier than ever with Kissamint! 

Just toss it in your bag for the night and this multitasking lip conditioner and breath freshener will have you ready for that perfect kiss!

Kissamint combines the essentials… Gorgeous lip care with hardworking oral hygiene. Available in a sheer (Miss Indapendamint) or tinted lip gloss (Spearamint Ur Ex), Kissamint’s lip conditioning gloss hydrates lips with a luxe balm, while the mint dropper keeps breath fresh without the damaging effects of traditional fresheners.

Price: $19.50

Availability: Kissamint.com

Veil Cosmetics: When You Want To Look Picture Perfect!

I have been a fan of Veil Cosmetics for years and have found their products to be wonderfully effective. Here are a couple of choices to make you feel camera ready for that next close up....

PICTURE PERFECT COMPLEXION

Veil Cosmetics Sunset Light ($59.00, veilcosmetics.com)

Sunset Light acts as a serum, primer and mixing base all in one. Unlike most primers, Sunset Light is water based, which contributes to the fresh and weightless sensation experienced upon application as opposed to the usual greasy, mask-like feeling obtained with silicone based primers. It leaves skin feeling smooth to the touch and provides a natural non-drying satin finish to the complexion.

Veil Cosmetics Complexion Fix ($40.00, veilcosmetics.com)

Complexion Fix is a correcting concealer & highlighter that fuses skincare with color science. Available in 12 shades within the pink, neutral, and gold undertone families – there is a perfect compliment for everyone. This all over face pen evens out and brightens the skin instantly and over time, while weightlessly veiling areas of concern with amazing buildable coverage and light infused pigments.

FLOR from Oscar de la Renta

His legend shall forever live on. Oscar de la Renta has launched FLOR, a feminine new fragrance hitting shelves just in time for Valentine’s Day. It’s romantic, pink and gorgeous. Oscar FLOR in its simplicity is a flower, natural, bright and fragrant.

FLOR is a modern creation of a fresh, sparkling floral bouquet that carries the sophistication of Oscar signature with a twist of elegance and surprise...a gentle balance of freshness and soft sensuality.

“Oscar FLOR was created with a touch of audacity & more than a splash of originality; all coming from the desire to explore new olfactory territories.

An irreverent fragrance, Oscar FLOR bursts forth with profound feminine splendor.   Inspired by Oscar’s home is the Dominican Republic, which has an overture of elegance and romanticism infused with rich opulence. I wanted to create a fragrance like his home; sophisticated and chic with an undeniable charm.

For me, this fragrance had to feel luxurious and elegant but it also had to be fun and unexpected.  I wanted the top to sparkle with juicy freshness of Lychee, Juicy Mango, Tangerine, Crisp Ivy; while the heart took an elevated turn of glamour and surprise with notes of Bulgarian Rose Orpur®, Jasmine Sambac and Neroli.  From the back comes all the texture, warmth and character. Sheer Cassis, Tonka Beans, Seductive Musk complete the interlude and keep you wanting more.”

-Calice Becker, Perfumer

Top notes are Sparkling Lychee, Lush Neroli and Crisp Ivy. Middle notes are Pink Jasmine, Fresh Picked Mango and Blanc Peony. Bottom notes are Creamy Musk, Tonka Bean and Sheer Cassis.

FLOR is available at Macy’s and Dillards for $78 (100ml EDP) and $20 (10ml rollerball).

Valentine's Day Hair: Get The Look

She's come undone? No, not really. Just a little more casual than uptight! The look is "perfectly imperfect" as some might say...

We know that sometimes love can get a little messy. This Valentine’s Day, keep your love life on track and your hair a little undone. Combining a romantic and casual feel, the Undone Knot beautifully frames features, while drawing eyes to your face. Get this perfect Valentine’s Day hairstyle with a step by step from celebrity hairstylist José Eber.

STEP 1: Create a side part with your fingers. 

STEP 2: Curl your entire head loosely. Pick whichever size iron works best for your length of hair.

STEP 3: Tease the crown, starting from the back 1/3 of your head. Then smooth the top layer.

STEP 4: At the nape of your neck, off to the side, pin medium sections to create a loose, imperfect knot. 

STEP 5: Arrange loose pieces in the front around your face.

STEP 6: Spray all over with hairspray to hold style. 

José Eber has a full line of professional quality hair tools for salon quality results at home. For more information, please visit joseeberhair.com. 

More Valentine Ideas from Korres and Lavanila

Finding the perfect Valentine’s Day gift idea for friends is always a struggle. This year show someone how much you truly care with a gift that will leave them looking, smelling and feeling fresh.

While many get flowers or chocolate for Valentine’s Day, take a different route and gift them a rose in the form of beauty!

Korres The Brightest Skin Wild Rose Collection features three steps for your brightest skin. Formulated with wild rose oil, a powerful natural source of vitamin C, this regimen includes the iconic Wild Rose Brightening & Refining Buff Cleanser and Wild Rose 24-Hour Moisturizer paired with the best-selling Wild Rose Sleeping Facial.

Available for $48 from Sephora.com

Send them a scent that not only they will fall in love with, but also everyone around them. There is also No Aluminum or Parabens in their line making your gift a HEALTHY choice as well! Lavanila’s The Healthy Passion Fruit Collection. This fragrance is a crisp, tropical explosion of Passion Fruit, Guava and Peach Nectar steeped in a warm base of sandalwood and Madagascar vanilla. You're sure to fall in love with this romantic blend of powerful aphrodisiacs prized for their seductive properties (wink, wink).

This amazing scent comes in Lavanila’s Healthy Fragrance ($42), Deodorant ($14) and Roller-Ball Fragrance ($19).

Available at Lavanila.com

  

On a side note, the above deodorant came highly recommended by a friend who has a sister with breast cancer. In the hospital, Lavanila was recommended to her. I have been using it ever since. So, give it some thought as you are not only giving it as a gift, but you are also helping a loved one/friend opt for a healthier product/collection/brand.

Geluxury: Slippers with Benefits!

Think about slipping into something a little more comfortable this Valentine’s Day with a treat your feet won’t want to pass up…

From now and leading up to Valentine’s Day, Geluxury will be giving away one pair of their specially formulated slippers to a Facebook fan each week!

Unlike your everyday slippers, Geluxury's primary purpose is to provide an intense skin repair treatment. Specially formulated to repair even the most difficult skin, Geluxury’s patent-pending SmartGel lining is infused with 7 therapeutic botanical and essential oils:

 
· Jojoba Oil to rebuild nail beds and cuticles
· Grape Seed Oil to improve skin cell health and tone
· Soybean Oil to even skin tone and smooth skin texture
· Mineral Oil to prevent moisture loss and soften skin
· Avocado Oil to decrease the effects of aging
· Canola Oil to sooth dry, irritated skin
· Olive Oil to help stimulate skin cell growth
· Ceramides to seal and protect skin

To enter for the chance to win a pair of your own, simply become a fan of Geluxury’s Facebook page and leave a comment on that week’s post. New giveaways will go up every Wednesday leading up to Valentine’s Day.

Can’t wait for the winners to be revealed? Get your own Geluxury Slippers at Geluxury.com. Available in leopard or cuddle cow print for $39.95.

YoDerm!

My oh my are we moving in a techie direction?! Apps consistently make me hyper aware that nearly anything is possible. I can get my hair done, make up applied, rent a dress, get a car to drive me anywhere I choose...all from my phone.

You may already have the perfect Valentine’s Day plan, so make sure you also have the perfect Valentine’s Day complexion to match! Acne can be a nuisance, but it doesn’t have to be with YoDerm’s innovative approach to a personalized acne treatment. Don’t let embarrassing breakouts get you down when love is in the air, because a dermatologist and customized acne treatment plan is never too far away.

YoDerm is the easiest way to get a personalized consultation and prescription acne treatment from a board-certified dermatologist through any computer or mobile device! 

Simply complete the registration to start a consult, upload photos of the face from various angles, and your YoDerm dermatologist will send you a personalized treatment plan and send any necessary prescriptions to your local pharmacy. 

Price: A YoDerm consultation costs just $59 with no co-pays or hidden fees and does not require insurance.

Availability: YoDerm is currently available in California, New Jersey, New York, Texas and Pennsylvania, but will be rolling out nationwide soon! Learn more HERE.

Young&ng Launches Lingerie Alongside Headpieces and Crowns this February

I cannot stop thinking about Valentine's Day (as I have no Valentine) and Fifty Shades (as I cannot wait to see the movie without a Valentine?!). So, with that being said, I bring you some lavishly luxurious lingerie, headpieces and crowns sure to be suitable for these upcoming events...

Striking ethereal editorial headwear, crowns and decadent accessories are at the heart of couture brand Young&ng. Crafted from semi-precious materials, including antique and rose gold and detailed with Swarovski crystals, Young&ng’s designs are cherished by well-traveled women of intelligence. Honoring the brand’s tradition of capturing strength in fragility: Young&ng now introduces gorgeous, luxury lingerie.

Young&ng's lingerie collection is delicate but not so demure. Intricate lace adorns and directs the eye to the contours of the feminine form. The palette is of soft peach, lustrous gold and timeless black. Opulent French lace evokes grandness to undergarments and harkens to the energy of Young&ng’s couture jewelry: ethereal, lavish and artistic.

The collection is conscious of comfort, using only the finest fabrics and silks. With fine artisan craftsmanship, this lingerie is sexy enough to seduce, yet comfortable enough to lounge in. Much of the market consists of impractical ensembles that cannot be comfortably worn under clothes. However, Young&ng lingerie can be worn under garments with ease.

Delectably effortless; curl up in exquisite silk boy shorts, vampy body suits and playful bralettes. All of the lingerie pieces are created with a woman’s sense of what’s sexy, intelligent and tasteful. The handcrafted, detailed quality to this collection sets the tone for high-end intimates. Lingerie sets retail from $29.00 - $85.00. 

The collection can be exclusively purchased at youngandng.com beginning February 2015.