Friends and Family/ Black Friday Beauty Deals

I have been inundated all week with pitches about beauty deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.  I've narrowed my list and research to some of my favorite skincare and beauty companies.  Jessica Cruel at Bellasugar did a comprehensive round up which you can access here.  Click the links below for details:

Kate Sommerville- 30% off thru December 2nd.  I'm mad for Kate's 360 Body Tanning Towelettes, which are streakless, stinkless and create the perfect golden glow for the Holidays. (I am also hearing great buzz about True Lash $35, her eye makeup remover which has the benefit of actually helping eyelashes grow-- a lot).

Smashbox- 25% off all purchases over $50.  I'm crazy about their BB cream and recently purchased two of their gorgeous Wondervision Eye Sets, a fabulous value that includes a stunning palette of shadow, a black liner and mascara for $32.  Buy one for yourself and give another for a gift, (my favorite strategy).

To BB or CC??? THAT is the Question

$19 for Travel Sizes, $42 for 1oz.

Ugggghh!!!!  

I thought I had this all figured out...Finally I  found a dewy, natural looking makeup, that lasts without fading and provides SPF, without a heavy, chalky look or feel.

Yes, I was combining the darkest shade with their medium shade, but I was too happy with the results to quibble. I didn't realize until this moment, that I was actually combining a BB and a CC to get this Holy Grail combo.

My friends at Smashbox had offered to send me a sample of their new CC Cream this summer.  Without having checked the website, I requested the Dark shade, thinking it would be perfect for my summer fake bake.

Unfortunately, the color would have suited Iman to a tee. Moi, not so much... I kept it anyway and used it for contouring, where it worked quite effectively.

Recently I was in Sephora and I as I checked out, reviewed my VIB beauty rewards options.  I noticed they were offering Smashbox's BB Cream, though only in light medium.  I knew that would be too light for my liking, and nicely they accommodated me with a generous amount of the Medium shade to try at home.