What I'm Buying: Sephora VIB Sale

This is one of my favorite times of the year -- Sephora's annual VIB sale! For a few days, Sephora's VIB members get 20% off all purchases. This is amazing because Sephora never really has sales (unless products are being discontinued), so it is a rare opportunity to stock up on your favorites for less, pull the trigger on a slurge-y treat, and pick up gifts for all the best people on your holiday list.

I've been hitting up my local Sephora over the past few weeks giving myself Sunday morning makeovers and stocking up on samples to help me narrow down my shopping list. Here's what I'm planning to buy this week:

Sunday Riley Power Couple Gift Set -- Sunday Riley products are hot right now, so it's not a surprise that Sephora put together a holiday set with the line's two best-selling products. I'm intrigued -- I'm at the age that I know I need to be taking better care of my skin, but I feel a bit overwhelmed at what I need to use. Sometimes it is easier to let popular opinion decide for me. I just ran out of my regular nighttime treatment, Kiehl's Midnight Repair Complex, and the Luna Sleeping Oil could be a nice change. The set is sold out online, but check your local store. I'll probably pick up a set and then I'll have to figure out whether to keep or be someone's favorite Santa and gift it.

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask -- I've heard such great things about this for months, and I finally grabbed a sample but kind of dragged my feet about trying it. I don't know why, I just felt like I was going to be disappointed. NOPE! I slapped it on before I sat down to watch last week's Scandal and gave it about 20 minute per the instructions. I regularly use a couple of masks, and I'm kind of used to feeling (or seeing) something happen while the mask is on my face -- drying, tingling, tightening. A little razzle dazzle. This one is gentle, so I didn't really notice it while it was doing it's thing. It wasn't until I washed it off that I realized what the hype was about. My skin felt super soft and bright, but in a very natural way. It wasn't like I'd seared off a few layers of my face, or saw a temporary glow because of product that was deposited on my skin. Just clean, soft, and fresh. And it felt great for days later -- seriously, I spent much of Friday gently caressing my own cheek (it's cool, I work from home and my dog already knows I'm a weirdo). Definitely picking this one up for myself!

Benefit Speed Brow Gel -- I've decided I need a bit of a brow product. For a long time I've thought that just shaping my brows was enough, but I've been convinced that I could benefit from a little extra help to make sure everything stays in place. I tried this one in-store and liked the results, so I'll give it a whirl.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer -- I've been using Dr. Jart BB creams for a few years, and I like them but feel like I need a bit more coverage. Laura Mercier is synonymous with fresh, dewy skin, exactly what I am going for.

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm -- this is a staple for me. I use it exclusively when I travel -- since it isn't a liquid, I can toss it in my carryon without taking up valuable room in my 1 quart ziplock -- but it is fantastic. Very gentle, but takes off every bit of makeup. A little goes a long way, it's taken me more than 3 years to use up my current jar.

Fresh Nude Lip Lovers Mini Kissing Trio -- sometimes holiday shopping becomes a bit of a "one for you, one for me" situation. I'm intending to pick this up as a gift, but I may snag one for myself. I love these little tinted lip balms, and it's nice to have a few extra tubes around. Also considering this one, which I could break up and divvy out into gifts (and still keep a few for myself...).

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette -- if you've been thinking about a new eye shadow palette, this is a good time to grab one. I really like the Naked 3 and I've given it a few times as a gift. This Bobbi Brown collection of nudes looks pretty and wearable.

Sephora Favorites Perfume Sampler -- this is a great gift to give. The box includes sample sizes of 11 different best-selling fragrances. Good ones, including Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream, Armani Si, and my all-time favorite, Stella McCartney's Stella. The gift recipient gets to test drive all of the fragrances and then they get a certificate to redeem for a full-size bottle of their favorite. Definitely fun for a fragrance lover, or for someone who is looking for their first grown-up scent. The other Sephora Favorites sets are great as well -- I love the Beauty Unmasked box, with deluxe samples of 6 great face masks, and the Lashstash set of 8 deluxe mascara samples. 

Deborah Lippmann Undressed Shades of Nude Set -- a set of six high quality polishes that run the gamut from blush all the way to bashful. Perfect for girls like me who love a great classic ballet slippers look but sometimes want to go a little crazy with a...slightly darker ballet slipper-esque shade.

These are the items on my list for now, though you never know what will catch your eye in store (I do love Sephora's On The Go section with travel size products). What are your Sephora must-haves? Anything you're dying to try out this year?

Fabulous (and Mostly DIY) Halloween Costumes

Some people live for Halloween -- gory movies, crazy costumes, mutilated gourds. I'm usually just in it for the candy, but every so often I get the itch to dress up. My costumes always lean towards the glamorous side. It's always fun to have an excuse to look fabulous, right? I made a last minute decision to hit a few parties tomorrow night, and I'm excited but I don't want to spend a ton on my costume.

If you're in need of a last-minute costume, here are a few ideas for fabulous and mostly DIY costumes -- you can pull most pieces from your closet and borrow or buy a few extras.

HOLLY

Is a Holly Golightly costume original? No. Is it amazing? Yes. I will not turn down an opportunity to swan around in a fancy dress, tiara, and big sunglasses. 

You already have... a black cocktail dress (preferably one that is sleeveless and a bit form-fitting without a lot of distracting detail), black pumps, and pearls.

You can probably borrow... a tiara (I'm sure your niece has a spare) and black gloves.

You just need to buy... cat's eye sunglasses (super popular right now, so you can find a cheap pair) and a frosty pink lipstick.

And for a finishing touch... check out Lisa Eldridge's great Breakfast at Tiffany's-inspired makeup tutorial (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fl-Ye52XDRA)

ROSEMARY

Last night I watched one of my all-time favorite movies Rosemary's Baby. It is perfectly scary and perfectly gorgeous. I find myself getting distracted by Mia: her stunning cheekbones, her perfect wardrobe. Putting together a great costume is pretty easy...pregnant belly and deathly pallor optional!

You already have... a mod shift dress (or perhaps a baby doll dress with a Peter Pan collar, a big fall trend), pointy-toe flats, and flirty fake lashes (maybe even two pair).

You can probably borrow... a gold pendant or locket (tannis root optional) and a square handbag.

You just need to buy... a good highlighter to give you those killer cheekbones. 

And for a finishing touch... try to find a short blond wig (if that's not possible, slick your hair and create a strong part for a similar look).

RORY

Last but not least, my choice for this year. With the happy news that Netflix is bringing back Gilmore Girls, I think my Rory costume will be particularly well-received. Bonus: I get to live out my private school uniform fantasies!

You already have... a preppy blazer (ahem, J. Crew), a pleated plaid skirt, and a peachy blush (to achieve Rory's perfect rosy complexion). Chilton Rory almost always wore her hair straight and parted down the center, which is super easy.

You can probably borrow... saddle shoes (or in a pinch, find some penny loafers).

You just need to buy... a yellow backpack (this is the key between going as Rory rather than just a Gossip Girl extra) and knee socks. 

And for a finishing touch... carry a big coffee cup or a classic novel. Even better, convince a friend to go as Lorelei!

Pack this: 3-day trip

I mentioned taking a few quick business trips over the past few months -- I'm no road warrior, but I do a fair amount of business travel. I've been in my current job for about 7 years, and I have to laugh a bit now thinking about those first trips. I pretty much put my whole wardrobe in a giant 30" suitcase and dragged it through unfamiliar airports and cities, only to return home with an aching back and a ton of laundry.

This week I'm headed out on a fairly typical trip -- three days of professional meetings and events and downtime with friends in the evenings. And getting ready is so easy now (I don't know if professional packer is a thing, but I'm adding it to my resume). I was able to pack everything I needed, with plenty of options, in a small carry-on and a tote (ok, a pretty generous tote).

Here are a few of the things I've learned in my transition over-packer to savvy traveler:

Let's talk toiletries...

1. Pouches are a girl's best friend -- I use a ton of them when I travel, and I love a good roomy one for my non-liquid toiletries.

2. Find non-liquid alternatives to as many products as possible -- I have a few special products that I always travel with. My favorite is a good makeup removing balm like Clinique's Take the Day Off. At home I use a facial cleanser and liquid eye makeup remover, but this one (solid) product takes care of both without taking up valuable room in my 1-gallon ziplock. A pack of cleansing wipes will take care of a million needs -- freshening up hands or face when you're trapped in your airplane seat, cleaning your grimy hotel remote control, etc. In my regular life I often use liquid eyeliner, blush, and lip gloss, but I only bring my gel eyeliner, cream blush, and solid lip products when I travel. Throw in a few single-use wipes, too -- stain remover and nail polish remover will always come in handy.

3. Streamline your routine -- When I travel, I stick to the basics. I don't need my serums, eye cream, and retinols, just a good moisturizer will do. I limit myself to one must-have hair product (this amazing Redken gloss, which makes my hair so silky). One good eyeshadow is better than a bulky palette full of shades. It won't kill you to use the hotel's shampoo and soap for a few days; if I need a guaranteed good hair day, sometimes I'll add a tiny bottle of my favorite conditioner...or I'll treat myself to a blowout on the road.

3. Hoard product samples -- I keep a big box of all kinds of product samples in my bathroom -- gifts with purchase, VIB rewards, gift bag swag -- and crack into it when I'm heading out of town.

4. Save your almost-empties -- I usually repurchase favorite products before they're completely empty for fear of running out at the worst time. I hold on to my almost-empty tubes of foundation, moisturizer, etc., and throw them in my bag when I travel because they take up much less space than full products. I'll finish them off on my trip and toss them before heading home (leaving my suitcase lighter, or with room for a few souvenirs).

Be smart about your travel day outfit....

My only rule of thumb here is: wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane.

This is key to getting all of your clothes in a tiny suitcase -- don't let shoes take up valuable space. For this trip, my bulkiest footwear was my running shoes. I knew I'd have time to change in the airport before jumping into any professional festivities, so this meant I could keep things SUPER casual and comfy for my trip. I went with a good pair of leggings and my favorite drapey tee (I usually like to avoid lounge-y clothes for traveling, but sometimes an exception needs to be made).

Packing your carry on...

Most airlines allow you to bring a small suitcase and a "small personal item" like a handbag, computer bag, or briefcase. This tote might be pushing the boundaries of a small personal item, but it easily fits under the seat so I think I'm safe.

1. Tuck a pair of shoes in your tote -- shoes take up a lot of space, so be smart about what you bring and how you pack them. I had 4 pair on my trip, which was perfect, but only 2 pair taking up space in my actual suitcase.

2. Grab a scarf -- I knew I'd be wearing this one during my trip, but I always pack at least one scarf in my carry on in case I need a blanket or a pillow, a makeshift eye mask, or even an air filter in case my seat mate forgot to bathe that day week.

3. More pouches -- to avoid losing important things in a cavernous bag, I keep another pouch right on top. I stash my passport, my boarding pass, my earbuds, and any other small thing I might need for easy access.

4. Snacks -- earlier this year I broke one of my cardinal travel rules and got on a flight without any snacks. We were stuck on the tarmac for hours and I thought I'd pass out from hunger -- never again. I also like having healthy snacks in my hotel room so I'm not tempted by the minibar. Apples, nuts, and granola bars are perfect.

Packing your bag...

1. Find the right suitcase -- I found this slim little rollerbag at TJ Maxx for $40 (I've seen it in quite a few stores in a variety of colors). It is tiny but holds SO much. I easily fit 6 tops, 3 bottoms, 1 dress, 1 jacket, 2 pair of shoes, jewelry, a hair dryer and other odds and ends (I rolled most of my clothes -- I think it maximizes space and minimizes wrinkles).

2. Maximize your options -- I'm not someone who can plan out 3 days' worth of outfits in advance. I like to have options so I can adjust for changes in weather, plans, or just mood. I know I'll need a few options for work activities and a few options for casual evening plans, so I made sure almost everything I brought could be dressed up or down as needed. I think I'll wear the green top with black pants and heels for client meetings, but I may decide to throw it on with jeans and flats for dinner with my college roommate. With a streamlined color palette (black, white, blue, and green), I can easily put together lots of different outfits. A couple of bold accessories that work with just about any look will make it super easy to get dressed for every event.

A few pieces, lots of options...

3. Don't forget to work on your fitness -- traveling can be rough on your body and spirit. Your sleep schedule gets out of whack, you don't always eat the right things, you're cramming too much into your day. The remedy for all of this is exercise. I always make sure my hotel has a gym, but if possible I head out for a walk or run (preferably in the morning, so I can get a lay of the land and check out the city) and then do some squats and lunges back in my room. So make room for some gym clothes -- it's worth it.

4. Packing cubes are genius. I used to think these were just a frivolous "extra" for people who like to throw money away, but they make a difference. If used the right way, they'll let you pack smarter by filling in every last inch of valuable space. I used this one for socks and undies on this trip, but for a longer trip I'll use a few to cram in extra tops, pants, pjs, etc.

All packed and ready to fly -- see you on the road!

Three Minute Face

I love makeup and I’m kind of a product junkie – I have drawers full of shimmery, creamy, goopy magic. I love to play and experiment, but for my everyday look I’m quite low-maintenance. With the right products, it takes me about three minutes to look polished and (relatively) awake -- perfect for working from home, casual office days, and running around on the weekends.

Here's what I use in my speedy-but-effective routine:

The Essentials...

Dr. Haushka Day Rose Cream ($35)

I try to remember to dab on a little bit of this first thing in the morning. I absolutely LOVE this product -- makes my skin SO soft, it is really the first moisturizer that I enjoy using. If you're a Bravo fan, you might remember Jennifer Lopez raving about this on Watch What Happens Live. I always take celeb recommendations with a grain of salt, but since this product isn't crazy expensive, and since Jennifer Lopez's face looks like, well, perfection, I thought I'd give it a whirl. Because this is a bit thick I think it would work best as a night cream, so I'm exploring other, lighter options for day (any suggestions?). But for now, this is working fine to prep my skin for makeup.

And I promise, most days I also add this great sunscreen. It is a kind of an interesting texture, much runnier than your average sunscreen, but it provides great coverage for this Snow White afraid of frying in the Florida sun.

Dr. Jart Premium BB Cream ($39)

In my 20s, I used tinted moisturizers to help even out my skin and give me a polished but not overly made-up look (Laura Mercier and Stila are favorites in that category). In my 30s, I've moved to BB creams. They provide just a bit more coverage and apparently they are good (or at least, not terrible) for your skin. I think this formula by Dr. Jart is incredible, particularly for fair skin. A little goes a long way – just one or two pumps covers my whole face, and I blend it with a foundation brush or even just my fingers. It looks natural all day, and it just covers the little imperfections -- redness, dark spots, blemishes, all of it.

L’Oreal Lineur Intense - Black ($9)

I can skip almost every step in my makeup routine, but the one product I never skip is eyeliner. It’s just my favorite, and I feel it makes the biggest difference in my face. The shape of my eyes makes pencil liner almost impossible (it transfers to my upper lids within minutes), so for me, liquid liners were kind of a revelation. This L’Oreal formula was one of the first I tried and it’s been my absolute favorite for years.

The applicator is a bit unusual in that it’s a true brush, almost like a nail polish brush, which makes it easy to keep your line thin or really lay it on thick. If you're new to liquid liner, I think this is also easier to get the hang of than felt tip applicators. And the staying power is phenomenal – it lasts through a sweaty workout or a long workday. I’ve tried plenty of pricey liners, but I always end up going back to this drugstore bargain.

L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara - Carbon Black ($7)

I’ll be honest, I think we are living in the Golden Age of Mascara. There are truly hundreds of REALLY, really wonderful mascaras on the market – you almost can’t make a mistake. If you ask 10 different women for their must-have mascara you’ll get 10 different answers, and they’ll probably all be awesome. For years, I’ve been loyal to L’Oreal Voluminous. It goes on easily and does a great job of lengthening and thickening (it is a great dupe for the fantastic DiorShow), and it stays on all day. And it is cheap. CHEAP! I often find it on sale at Target for around $5 and grab a few tubes so I can stash them in my purse, gym bag, wherever.

Oh, and definitely curl your lashes. You know the trick about warming your curler up with your hair dryer, right?

Nars Matte Multiple - Laos ($39)

If I'm really pressed for time I might skip cheek color, but this is my favorite one to dab on when I do want a natural flushed look. The Multiple is a best-seller for Nars, but I particularly love their matte version. Cream blushes are so forgiving -- I just use my fingers to dab this on the apples of my cheeks, there is truly no skill involved. This might seem a little pricey for blush, but after a year I've barely made a dent in mine -- I am pretty sure this tube will last me the rest of my life.

Benefit High Beam ($26)

I dot this on along my brow bones and then across my cheekbones (it makes a little heart shape!) and then blend. It's the lazy girl's contouring and looks pretty when the light catches your face.

If I Have Two More Minutes...

I'll dot my favorite concealer under my eyes. This formula is quite opaque, so it is ideal for covering dark circles. On bad days, it can feel like instant Photoshop.

I'll also use this brightening pencil on the inside of my lower lash line to make my eyes look wider and more awake (and maybe dab a little in the inner corners, too).

And maybe I'll make a half-hearted attempt at putting something on my lips (usually just a good chapstick, like this Nivea one). I love lipstick, but I'm honestly too lazy to put much on during the day.

PS -- Isn't that makeup bag the cutest? Forever 21 has some great ones right now!