When flipping through a current magazine, or browsing a beauty reviews website, I tend to search for sets and kits filled with the latest cosmetics. Mascara and eyeshadow have always been my downfall when it comes to makeup. I’m constantly on the prowl for the newest, trendiest cosmetics, mascara wands, and sultry shadow shades- guaranteed to make my eyes POP.

Based in Los Angeles, Smashbox Cosmetics have always been known to take their makeup seriously. From primers and foundations, to mascaras and eyeshadows, this innovative cosmetics company consistently offers extensive collections that you can count on. So, when I stumbled upon the Smashbox Master’s Class Expert Eyes Set ($174 Value) Master’s Class Expert Eyes Set ($59), I knew that I had discovered one of the very best sets currently offered. This seven piece set includes everything you need to create two totally different eye looks. And what’s great about this set, it includes A TON of cosmetics: Mascara, Two Eye Shadow Trios (that’s six shadows!) Cream Eyeliner Duo, and an instructional DVD by a renowned Smashbox makeup artist.

Taking a hint from positive online beauty reviews, I’ve used the Smashbox line before, and LOVED it. What’s great about this cosmetics line, is its durability. Once you apply Smashbox, it will stay on all day. And coming from a self-proclaimed makeup guru like me, that’s pretty awesome.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

As the fall season approaches, you want to update your makeup collection. Bid farewell to the light hues of the summer months, and say hello to the rich shades of autumn. Kick that pink nail polish to the curb, and get ready to shake things up with some, dare I say…red? The beauty reviews are buzzing with the winds of changes, and Sephora Cosmetics rate high with all of the makeup mavens.

I’m a long-tome fan because of the high quality collection of private label products like multitasking makeup, luxurious bath and body products, and trendy accessories. That’s why Sephora Cosmetics has a reputation as the ultimate Beauty Authority. Both Sephora stores and Sephora.com offer an unparalleled assortment of products from more than 175 brands including the Sephora Collection.

According to the beauty reviews and makeup gossip queens (ok- that includes me!), this season is all about a dramatic appearance; and Sephora Brand Dramatica Kit ($85 Value) Dramatica Kit, contains all that you need for the newest look. The advantage of this kit is that you can completely update your seasonal makeup collection with this one set. The Dramatica Kit includes the eye wear essentials to create that sultry, smoky gaze (mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow). This Sephora Cosmetics original also includes a blush for naturally flushed cheeks as well as Professional Lip Plumper and Liner for your sexy, full lips. And what would make this dramatic look complete without, you guessed it….vixen red nails. This Sephora Cosmetics Collections comes conveniently in a signature Sephora clear makeup bag; perfect to stash all of your little makeup extras.

So I guess my rave today is for both the company and the products at Sephora. My biggest accolade is that the variety is so great, you can really find everything you need in one place.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

P.S. Get a Free 13-piece beauty sample bag with orders over $25. Enter GOODIES4U at checkout. While supplies last.

I remember the first time I heard about the homemade beauty line, Philosophy. It wasn’t from a magazine, it wasn’t from online beauty reviews, it was from Oprah. This day, Oprah had dedicated a show to skin care and aging, …something, my mom called me and suggested I watch. After a few minutes of useless arguing with my mom (but I’m not old!), I finally decided to turn on the tube and sit down with everyone’s favorite girlfriend. One of the skin care lines featured on the show that faithful day was Philosophy. Familiar with the name but not necessarily the products, I continued to watch as the guest described Philosophy’s homemade beauty-inspired line. I was instantly intrigued, and hopped on the web to learn more about this consumer-friendly company.

One of the featured Philosophy sets on Sephora.com is the Philosophy Best Of Sephora Face Set ($58 Value) Best Of Sephora Face Set ($40). This set features two of Philosophy’s all-time best and most popular homemade beauty products for the face, Purity Made Simple, and Hope in a Jar. These products are considered the cornerstones of the Philosophy skin care regime, and ironically the first products that I ordered.  Purity Made Simple is a creamy cleanser designed to remove all elements of debris, (including makeup) and can be used on all skin types. Hope in a Jar is a daily facial moisturizer featuring lactic acid, which gently exfoliates and softens your skin, resulting in a healthy, and more youthful glow (even if you’re not that old!).

The Philosophy homemade beauty company believes that the best cosmetic is great looking skin. Loved by dermatologists, celebrities, and customers, alike, Philosophy brings a natural aspect to the world of cosmetics. Numerous beauty reviews will tell you that Philosophy is defined by cutesy packaging, sweet scents and flavors and vibrant colors. But I’ll tell you that it’s simple, pure and effective skin care. 

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

Hi all

One of the best workouts you will ever experience is pilates. It will make your abs look fantastic and actually can improve your posture. This low impact workout is good for all ages and physical types. You get tone and lean in just weeks and it is really fun to do.

If you are looking ahead to the holidays and really want to give pilates a try you are in luck. Use this coupon to get 50% off
Special Offer from Winsor Pilates - Save Over 50% Today!

Pilates is by far my favorite way to work out. And if you read any of the celebrity magazines you will see that most of those hot bods are from daily pilates. Gym workouts can make you bulky. Pilates was developed by a dancer so it is meant to make you look and feel more graceful.

Try it for yourself.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

I’ve never understood how one day the hair gods seem to smile on me, and the next I have incurred their wrath. I know you know what I mean! A good hair day can make all the difference between feeling groovy, or feeling like something the cat dragged in.

Well, I’ve written beauty reviews on every aspect of hair: removing hair, growing hair, strengthening hair, nourishing hair…You get the picture. But I realized that I’ve ignored one of the most basic tools that you need to take great care of your lovely locks. Brushes. Hair brushes are essential to prevent your crowning glory from becoming a mangled mess.

When looking for brushes, hair type, environment, and health are all factors.

1.       Hair type- Whether your hair is fine, frizzy, thick or flyaway all makes a difference when choosing brushes. Hair that tends to get static, or grow slowly, may responds well to something like the Frederic Fekkai Classic Brush, made with boar bristles that stimulate the scalp.

2.       Environment- If the humid weather is making your hair frizz, you may need something like the Sephora Smoothing Hairbrush - Sephora Brand Paddle Brush - that tends to calm rather than excite hair strands.

3.       Health- Of your hair of course. When choosing brushes, hair health is important because you want to treat damaged hair as gently as possible. While a Sephora Brand Large Volumizer Hair Brush might be ideal for creating an illusion of depth, damaged hair should be enriched with nutrients first, and treated as carefully as possible.

Of course, this means that on different days, and at different times, you may need different brushes. Hair is a tricky thing. There’s a lot that goes into it. But like I’ve said in all my beauty reviews- having the right tools is essential to doing any job correctly.

Hi all

With the holidays coming we are all looking for great gifts at a discount, and if we can pick up a little something for our own fashion collections all the better. Here are some fabulous discounts on designer handbags.

Prada Handbags for 55% off!

Fendi Handbags for 33% off!

Gucci Handbags for 33% off!

Happy Shopping!

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls