Stocking Stuffer Ideas



I am going to feature products for Stocking Stuffer ideas this month.  My first idea is one or all three hand mirrors from Brushlove.com .

These hand mirrors are two-sided and easily bend so you can angle them just right for applying your makeup, fixing your contact lenses, inspecting your teeth before a power lunch at work, or just simply adoring your beauty!

I am going to use one at home, one in the office, and one for travel.  They are lightweight and the colors are so fun.  Click here to see all of the mirrors at Brushlove!  Right now they are even having a CYBER sale until December 4th.  Check their website for the code.


Satina Spectra Lime Green

Satina Spectra Cool Blue Round

Satina Spectra Hot Pink


Wouldn't they look lovely under your tree?
Visit http://www.brushlove.com/ to find your favorite.



*Disclaimer: I received a sample from a vendor.

Beauty Buys for Less, Holiday Discounts

Check out these great deals, beauty freebies and free shipping offers that'll last the rest of this year

Save Cash with these Holiday Discounts
We could all stand to save a few bucks while holiday shopping this year, and these deals will be a major help! We found tons of stuff, from sites offering free shipping, to discounts, cool gifts-with-purchase and more!

Johnson's Baby Powder Review

Johnson's® Baby Powder in Cucumber Melon

You read my review for Johnson's Baby Oil Gel, right?  Now I am lovin' on another product of Johnson's.  This time it is their Cucumber Melon Baby Powder.  I think this is going to be a great stocking stuffer for my entire family.


I recently used this powder on my boys after cutting their hair.  It brought back memories of my mom doing that for me.  Whenever she would trim our hair, she would quickly apply Johnson's baby powder to our necks so we wouldn't itch.  The cucumber melon scent is even better though and rather cooling.  Of course at my baby shower, I requested Johnson's baby powder for my baby.  It never failed me for both of my boys' diaper rashes when they were babies.

I thought of a few other ways you could use Johnson's Cucumber melon baby powder:

Carpets: Sprinkle a bit on the floor and vacuum it up - enjoy the fresh scent!

Shoes: Sprinkle a bit in the bottom of your shoes to make them fresh and soak up all those bad odors.

Hair Powder: We have all heard of this shortcut for not washing your hair.  You could use just a dash on the top of your scalp to freshen up your hair, soak up some excess oil, and blow dry it out to leave your hair truly ready to style!  These hair powders can be quite pricey but Johnson's baby powder is inexpensive, usually on sale, and a trusted name since 1890.

As a quick freshening agent on those days when you are late for work! 

There are so many more ways to use Johnson's baby powder.  How do you use it??

Visit their site for all of Johnson's Baby Powder options.  http://www.johnsonsbaby.com/powder/index.html

 
*editor's note: This product was a sample provided by a PR agent. 

Another Contest to win a Sephora Shopping Spree

How much stuff could you buy with a $10,000 Sephora Shopping Spree?

Enter for your chance to win a $10,000 Sephora Shopping Spree!
Where do we start?! How about 416 DiorShow Mascaras. Or 41 ghd flat irons. Or 51 Clarisonic Skin Care Brushes. The better question is what couldn't you buy? Answer: Nothing! Enter for your chance to win by writing product reviews on TotalBeauty.com or signing up for TotalBeauty.com's newsletters, it's so easy! Find out more here.

Discount at Brushlove.com

Christmas is right around the corner.  Time to start shopping!


Now through 11/25/09 enter the promo code blog40 and receive a 40% discount on any order at http://www.brushlove.com/

*excludes Mason Pearson brand.

Looking for a great Brush?

Have you had trouble finding a great new brush?  I have a great website for you and some reviews.  I just tried three brushes from http://www.brushlove.com/

The first brush I tried was a PRETTY PINK 2-in-1 Mirror Brush by Brushlab.  It is not only a super brush in a great size for traveling, but it has a mirror on the back.  This is great for your purse and the size of the mirror is perfect for checking your hair or doing your makeup on the go.  I especially liked the brush because it worked well with my thick hair.  The bristles really grip my hair and get through all the tangles.  This brush is perfect for traveling and everyday use.

The second brush I tried was the Brushlab Ceramic Flow Thermal Round Barrel Hair Brush.  This brush worked beautifully for styling my hair with the blow dryer.  The size of the barrel was pefect for grabbing my thick hair.  The entire barrel is ceramic, which helped reduce frizz (which is a constant issue for me).  My hair turned out great and lasted for 2 days!

The third brush I sampled was awesome too and possibly my favorite.  It is called the Brushlab Blueberry Square Cushion Boar Bristle brush.  It was soft and very massaging to my scalp without pulling my hair.  I liked using this before my shower to gather the loose hair, but it can also be used to style your hair in a soft hairstyle.  I think this is a must-have for every woman!



                                     

All of these brushes and more can be found at http://www.brushlove.com/ .  They also have hair appliances and mirrors.  I am drooling over the PING Digital Hair Iron ($159.99 retail).  Would you like to win it???


                                             
    

Fill out the survey below to be entered into a drawing to one of FIVE LUCKY WINNERS of a Ping Digital Hair Iron.


Good Luck!

As an added bonus, Brushlove is offering a 40% discount to Moody Maria readers on any order through 11/25/09.  Just use the code blog40 at checkout.  *discount does not apply to Mason Pearson.

15 Miracle Beauty Products

Check out this list of miracle-working products that lead to beauty success stories!

Let's face it -- not all of us want to spend a bundle on costly spa treatments to fix our body issues. Luckily, these unique products promise incredible, seemingly impossible results for everything from body acne to cellulite. And TotalBeauty.com readers say they live up to their claims!
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 7.4

"This is the best way to rid the body from acne …"
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 7.4

"If you use this scrub on your tummy and on your lower ab area (you know the kangaroo pouch!!) you will see and feel a difference …"
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.1

It "lightened the freckles" on faces, "helped with scarring" after surgery, faded "ingrown hair and bug bite scars" on legs and got rid of acne scars and stretch marks …

The Twist Hairstyle Trend

From tight knots to loose coils, these hairstyles put a new twist on practical elegance

Hot Celebrity Hairstyle Trend: Twists
"The Twist" is more than just a popular 60s dance. It's also a look practically anyone can wear. So check out this celebrity hairstyle that's fun to sport and so easy to copy.

Johnson's Baby Oil Gel with Shea and Cocoa butter Review


Okay Moms, let's get real here.  How many times do you "borrow" your baby's products to use?  Baby wipes, lotion, bath lotion.  You know what I am talking about!

I just found the best product for me!  Johnson's Baby Oil gel with Shea and Cocoa butter.  If you do not have this in your house, run to Target now and get some. 

This oil gel is not runny, doesn't leak all over your granite countertops, is spill-proof, smells heavenly, and works great!

Scent:  Cocoa butter usually reminds me of the 80s.  Laying out by the pool with cocoa butter cream before all of those ads about sunscreen.  This is NOT the 80s version.  This cocoa butter scent is very light and fresh.  It WILL remind you of a romantic honeymoon in Hawaii or a candlelight dinner on the beach in California.  It is not overpowering and can be worn with your usual perfume.

Feel:  This baby oil is perfect for removing makeup but also great for your legs and arms after a shower.  It really does hold in 10 times the moisture than ordinary lotion! 

Great for Feet:  As an experiment, I used a good amount of this baby oil on my feet and quickly put on socks.  I did this at 9pm and when I woke the next morning, my feet not only felt great (not greasy) but they looked really great!  They looked like I just got a pedicure.  You have to know I am telling the truth because I actually took off my shoe at work to show someone my shoe insert.  I normally would NEVER do that!  I will continue to use this product all winter for my feet to keep them in tip-top shape.

Great for baby too:  All kids need to get some babying and that includes toddlers.  When my son recently scratched up his leg, I used a little bactine and smoothed his leg with this oil to make him feel special.  Now both my sons want to use it after their baths because it is "special" and not like ordinary baby oil.  It is clinically proven mild and Dermatologist and allergy-tested too. 

This would make a great baby shower gift but also a great gift for any woman.  Get yours today!

Origins GinZing Eye Cream Review


I recently had the opportunity to try the newest in eye creams!  This one is made by Origins so it has to be good, right?  It is called GinZing and I just love it.  As a mother of two young ones and during flu season, a lot of sleep can be lost.  GinZing works great when you have to cheat on your sleep!

The cream is a light pink color and it has a slight sparkle to it, but nothing that will show up on your eyes.  The sparkles are actually natural optic brighteners which refresh your eyes and make them radiate.  The cream is so gentle and actually made my eyes feel calm and moisturized at the same time.  As for reducing dark circles, it did seem to help.  It did not interfere with my mineral makeup either, it held onto it throughout the day. 

The actual cream should be gently dabbed around the eye are with your fingertips (not rubbed in).  This area of your eye is so delicate and should be treated with such care.  That is why I trust a product from Origins with their use of natural ingredients such as caffeine from the coffee bean, Panax Ginseng, and Magnolia extract.

Wouldn't this make a great gift for a tired mom around the Holidays???

For more information or to order this product, check the Origins website at : http://www.origins.com/templates/products/sp_nonshaded.tmpl?ngextredir=1&CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY5811&PRODUCT_ID=PROD15326

Best Drugstore Foundations

Get flawless-looking skin with these beauties from L'Oreal, CoverGirl and more

The 12 Best Foundations Under $15
When it comes to foundation, it really pays to find the perfect product for you. After all, all the eye makeup and lip products in the world won't make you look gorgeous if your skin looks blah. On the bright side, TotalBeauty.com readers have found that you don't have to spend a fortune to get flawless-looking skin. In fact, there are plenty of cheapie products that will give you just that! Read on to see what they are.
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.8

No. 12: Almay Line Smoothing Compact Makeup for Dry Skin, $14.78

"It actually does improve the appearance of lines ..."
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.8

No. 11: Maybelline New York Pure Stay Powder Foundation, $7.99

"First time in my life, someone commented on my 'beautiful skin' ..."
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.8

No. 10: CoverGirl Advanced Radiance Age-Defying Liquid Makeup, $10.13

"I recently saw a friend I hadn't seen for a while and she asked if I had something done ..."

Vapour Stratus Instant Skin Perfector

Vapour Stratus Instant Skin Perfector Review

I have been trying out more organic skin products lately, and I have one I would love to share.  I recently tested this great product by the brand new line called Vapour Beauty. 

Stratus is hard to describe.  It is a beauty stick that moisturizes, brightens and evens skin tone, and diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  You apply it after you have washed your face and apply it directly to you face from the stick.  You can smooth it on your skin with your fingertips or with a sponge if you prefer.  It is so smooth and smells refreshing.  It contains a Certified Organic complex of pumpkin and papaya (this must be the great scent!)  As I applied it, I felt the fine lines disappear......ahhhhhh.

I used it under my makeup foundation (both liquid and mineral) and it worked almost as a moisturizer and primer.  I found myself applying a little extra around the eyes :)  You can also apply it after you use your mineral makeup if you found you used a tad too much and want to tone it down. 

I look forward to trying more products from Vapour Beauty.  Organic products really do work!

Vapour's Website has Stratus listed here: http://www.vapourbeauty.com/Foundation-Concealer-and-Face-Makeup/Vapour-Organic-Beauty-Stratus-Instant-Skin-Perfector.asp or you can purchase it at Saks.

Vapour will be featured on Beauty Week on ShopNBC, so be sure to check it out!

Tuesday Oct 27th 12 noon ET: Full Vapour Hour

Tuesday Oct 27th 4 pm ET: Full Vapour Hour

Tuesday Oct 27th 10 pm ET: Part of Beauty Confidential Hour

Tuesday Oct 27th 11 pm ET: Part of Beauty Confidential Hour

Vapour will be featured on ShopNBC's Beauty Week, happening October 26 - November 1!

Tuesday, October 27
Our extra-special week will kick off on Tuesday with Eric Sakas showcasing Vapour for a full two hours. Eric is excited to show off Vapour's new shades and will also demonstrate how to apply Vapour to achieve those amazing runway looks from this fall's fashion shows.

Wednesday, October 28 & Thursday, October 29
Eric will star in several mixed beauty hour shows during these two days. If you need more Vapour after seeing the Tuesday shows, don't miss this!

Annie Boomer Vintage online shop




Just found the cutest vintage clothing shop on Ebay.  It's called Annie Boomer Vintage.  They have hand selected vintage clothing and recycled fashions. They feature evening gowns, dresses, jumpsuits from the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70, and sometimes the 80s.  If you are looking for a costume party, theatre, or just plain dressing up, check it out here: http://stores.shop.ebay.com/annieboomervintage

***Bonus: Mention you saw this on Moody Maria and get a 10% discount at checkout.***

Here are some of the latest items that I thought were unique but there is so much more!


Vintage 60s BW CRUELLA DEVILLE Dalmatian Faux Fur Coat


Vintage 80s Red Black Yellow Plaid Sequin Evening Top



Vintage 60s 70s MOD Tall Brown Leather HIPPIE Boots

Drugstore for Acne Medicine?

See winning scrubs, treatments and moisturizers from brands like Neutrogena, Clean & Clear and more!

Top 10 Drugstore Acne-Fighting Products
These are the tried and true acne products our readers turn to when they need to zap blemishes in a hurry. Best of all? They can all be found at the drugstore for under 20 bucks!
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 7.6

No. 10: Clean & Clear Maximum Strength Persa-Gel 10, $4.86
Readers say this is the "only on-the-spot treatment" that makes acne "completely disappear within a matter of hours (sometimes minutes) ..."
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.2

No. 9: Clean & Clear Advantage Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer, $6.49
"Since I've started using this I haven't had to use any spot treatments for any blemishes, this stuff clears it up before they start!"
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.3

No. 8: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, $9.99
"It works wonders on my combination skin, leaves it feeling soft and silky afterwards and never dries my skin out ..."

Pür Minerals Review

I never thought it would happen but I am now a mineral makeup fan.  What happened to me?  Did I finally sell out?

This is how it went down.  I entered ULTA after work with my very best friend.  I fully intended to look at hair products and maybe cruise the makeup section.  I got sucked in by this persuasive saleslady.  “Can I help you?”  Thinking of my blog, I answered, “Do you have anything new?”  Fast forward two minutes later and I was sitting comfortably in a black leather stool having my makeup removed and having my skin lathered up in Pür Minerals Mineral Moisture Complex Anti-Aging Powerhouse ($34.50).  She told me that the lotion will actually help hold in the mineral makeup.  I could not believe the transformation as this makeup artist/salesperson applied the mineral makeup with the Pür Minerals Chisel Brush.




When I looked in the mirror, I could not believe my eyes! This powder (called 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup) actually concealed my uneven skin, my flaws, and my birthmark.  I was in shock to say the least.




Where do I sign up??  I was sold.  I ended up purchasing the starter kit in Golden Medium ($35) and received the Maximum Coverage Brush for free ($16.50).  I have to tell you, I was very pleased with the free brush.  The chisel brush that comes with the kit is actually a little harsh on my skin so I may look for a new one in a different brand.  Any suggestions?



It’s been a few weeks now and I am loving my makeup!  As for the kit, the blush is VERY light and you have to use a lot to get a blushed look.  Because my skin is so pale it works, but for a darker complexion it may not work.  As for the bronzer, I haven’t really needed it!  I will use it, but for now, I am just so pleased with my 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup with SPF 15. 

The key to using this makeup – apply your moisturizer a few minutes before applying it so it sets better.  Do not use too much around your eyes.  The salesperson said it can actually accentuate fine lines if you use too much.  Wash brushes in baby shampoo every week or two (depending on how busy you are!). 

Another great result of using this makeup, my skin has cleared up immensely.  I would like to also try their Fulvic Mineral Mist ($16.50).  The salesperson used it on my face and it felt great.  It gives your makeup a dewy look and sets your makeup.  I will review this product soon!

Why Pür Minerals over bareMinerals?  I was told by the salesperson (who probably works on commission) that bareMinerals can be itchy to people with sensitive skin due to the mica and other ingredients.  After referring to the website it claims: Check out all the benefits of Pür Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation:
  • Pür Minerals mineral makeup foundation does not contain harsh chemical dyes, talc, alcohol, fragrance or preservatives.
  • 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation includes titanium and zinc, which provide an all-natural barrier from the elements.
  • Pür Minerals Pressed Mineral Foundation Is easy to use without the traditional mess of other makeup products.
  • Pür Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation is the number one mineral makeup formula recommended by plastic surgeons and dermatologists.
  • Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation is good for every skin type and condition, from oily skin to dry, mature types.
For right now, I will continue to use and enjoy my Pür Minerals and highly recommend it.  It won’t work for everyone but it is worth getting a mini-makeover at Ulta to see if it will work for you!

Here is their website with videos and information:  http://www.purminerals.com/