Gadget wear
Posted on | February 1, 2010 | 2 Comments
I bought a new digital camera a few weeks ago and have been on the search for a specific case to house it. (Side bar — I bought the Canon Powershot SD 780 IS and loooveee it. It’s teeny, takes amazing photos and comes in matte black which I think looks pretty sweet– pictured left. Definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a point and shoot camera). I wanted something lightweight, compact and cute. I wanted something that wouldn’t take much room in my handbags and clutches — and ladies I know a lot of us have that issue. We all want to have our cameras with us when we’re out on the town, but the dang clutch barely fits a tube of chapstick. For awhile, all I could find were generic, clunky cases that didn’t solve that issue until I stepped foot in Urban Outfitters. I found the Hoodie (pictured) which houses iPods, cell phones and cameras. It fit all my criteria — compact, light-weight and cute — and of course I had to get it. It takes up little room, it protects my camera and it puts a smile on peoples’ faces when they see it — even guys! Dress up your gadget with the Hoodie, available at Urban Outfitters at Mall of America for $18. Urban Outfitters is located on level one, West.
Beauty Bites
Posted on | January 26, 2010 | No Comments
By: MOA Beauty-ista
This is genius. Sephora now has a vending machine filled with about 30 of their most delicious products located on MOA’s first level, west side (at the bottom of the elevator). This makes it easy to get your product fix (or pick up a gift) without getting distracted or having to wait in line. Product selection includes Urban Decay Eyelid Primer, Make Up Forever HD Powder, Kinerase eye cream, a variety of perfumes and much more.
I recently discovered the most delightful hand cream. L’Occtaine Shea Butter Hand Cream ($26 for 5.2 oz) available at L’Occtaine. With shea butter, almond, jasmine and ylang-ylang, this thick cream smells clean and fresh, but somehow innocent (like a freshly washed baby). It blends nicely and is extremely moisturizing – perfect for that dehydrated skin that comes with the Minnesota winter! L’Occitane is located on level 2, West.
Ever have one of those mornings when you’re rushed putting on your makeup, you sprint out the door, sit through an important meeting…then finally have a moment to look in the mirror, only to realize you have mascara all over your eyelid (eek!)? Don’t let this happen to you. Stop in to Bare Escentuals to pick up their On the Spot Eye Makeup Remover ($5). The small box contains 24 liquid-filled swabs (that look just like Q-tips). To use, just snap (or bend) the swab in half and the liquid (make-up remover) flows into the cotton portion. This is a simple and efficient way to fix make-up blunders. A must have for your make-up bag. Bare Esecntuals has two locations: level one, East & level two, north.
Tags: Bare Escentuals > eye makeup remover > Hand cream > L'Occitane > L'Occitane Shea Butter > Sephora > Sephora vending machine > shea butter
Mission Foundation: Laura Mercier vs. Make Up For Ever vs. Stila
Posted on | January 20, 2010 | No Comments
By: Erica Dao
I’m a regular user of liquid foundation and my current supply is dwindling down to its last pump. Yikes! So, I set out on a mission to find the next best replacement. I absolutely love my current foundation, but I don’t want to spend another $60.
I headed to Sephora completely clueless of what my next makeup endeavor would be. But to my relief, one of their lovely makeup artists made a few suggestions and offered samples for me to take home. The suggestions were based on my personal criteria: something to address my combination skin (oily T-zone and dry in other spots, especially in the winter) and wanting medium coverage with a natural finish. Here are my reviews on each of the three contenders:
Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation - Oil free ($42): The texture of this foundation is very light & creamy. The consistency was similar to a whipped body cream vs. a traditional liquidy foundation. The cream glided over my skin effortlessly and offered a nice, porcelain-like finish. The foundation made my skin look almost flawless and provided a healthy glow. It was also moisturizing. The only downside is that this line doesn’t offer a large variety of shades, which may make it a bit difficult to match certain skin tones.
Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation — Oil free ($40): This foundation definitely provides a richer finish than Laura Mercier’s. The coverage is slightly fuller, but does not feel heavy or cakey. It’s pretty long-lasting and makes my skin look flawless. This makeup comes in 25 shades, so you can’t go wrong with finding the perfect shade. The foundation is a great option for those who work in the spotlight — the makeup is designed to withstand bright & harsh lighting and create a soft-focus effect.
Stila Natural Finish Oil-Free Makeup ($38): This foundation was a bit runny and did not glide over the skin as well as the other two foundations. The finish was a bit dull on my skin and a little too matte for my liking. It did provide decent coverage and does come in a wide variety of shades.
Verdict: I would highly recommend both Laura Mercier and Make Up Forever — it’s a toss up and I don’t think you can go wrong.
Tags: foundation > Laura Mercier > Make Up For Ever > Makeup > Makeup Forever > Sephora > Stila
Turk(s) & Caicos
Posted on | January 14, 2010 | No Comments

While visiting my guilty-pleasure last night (Nordstrom Rack — Level 3, West), I stumbled upon a rack of fresh Trina Turk looks. I’ve always appreciated her knack of transforming garments into abstract pieces of beyond colorful art but have never added her to my own personal wardrobe. Well, I have a feeling this will change in the coming months. With a variety of her most popular styles available at Nordstrom Rack for nearly a 1/4 of the price, how do you say no? You don’t.
Here are 2 examples of her most desired garment — the bold dress. Put one of these on with a pair of tights, simple heels or boots and fresh make-up and you’ll get sick of saying “oh, thank you — it’s Trina Turk” all night long.
This adorable, cheeky designer hails from the city of stars, sand & surf (LA) and creates the patterns to match. Visit Nordstrom Rack for a piece of your own at a fraction of the retail price. Trust me — an obsession will be born. Enjoy!
Stock up at Bath & Body Works
Posted on | January 13, 2010 | No Comments
By: MOA Beauty-ista
It’s that time of year again – the Bath & Body Works semi-annual sale is taking place now! Holiday bath sets are 50 percent off and other holiday scented items (like shower gels and lotions) are 75 percent off. During my visit I stocked up on their spa socks (considered a holiday item, but really could be used any time of the year) at $3.50/pair, antibacterial soaps at $3/each and foaming body wash at $3/each. Stop in before the end of the month to check out the bargains.




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