CHANEL [Masque Destressant Puerte]: Purifying Cream Mask

Talk about ‘Deck the Halls.’ Saks Fifth Avenue is old world when it comes to putting up a show for the holidays. The window displays & in-store décor are so magically alluring. Anyone can be apart of its Winter Wonderland theme!

On Friday, I met up with Dee [@deniselao] to celebrate my 30^th Birthday Night Out. From 6:30pm to closing, we only covered two cosmetic counters. It turned into the battle of M.A.C. vs. CHANEL.

Shout out to my new Cisco Flip Video. I give this neat gadget lots of rave. The coolest moment at the M.A.C. counter was being recorded for my #ShopSocial2010 video upload. I’ve never recorded myself making beauty choices for others to view.

Once my mini haul at M.A.C ended, we went onto CHANEL to check out what’s hot. Dee spotted an interesting nail polish color, ‘Black Pearl.’ She copped the addition for her ongoing collection.

In the midst of the hype, we chatted with Beckie Lowe, the Executive Cosmetic Trainer for CHANEL’s NY accounts. Once, she found out we were celebrating my BNO; Dee & Beckie persuaded me to get a CHANEL makeover.

Beckie is ‘real.’ Her team of Beaute Analyste praised her skills. I felt honored to have spent time with her. She taught me the do’s & don’ts on how to treat my skin.

One product, I didn’t have a chance to sample was the Masque Destressant Puerte: Purifying Cream Mask [$50]. Masks are a staple & necessity in my skincare regime. Especially, since I’m doomed with combination skin. I can’t wait to try it.

Aside from my fancy Salvatore Ferragamo scarf, Dee also treated me to a Poudre Douce in Rosse [$50]. I wore it today. It sets my foundation nicely & makes my skin look youthful.

Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a more awesome birthday. Dee as always made it happen in so many other ways. Turning 30 years old is definitely a milestone to remember!

Phyto Universe - FREE haircut w/color service

Tweeted by PHYTO Hair Care (Twitter handle PhytoHairCare:

Would u like a FREE haircut w/color service by Master Colorist? $125 n up Call: 212.308.0270 for appt! 12/14-12/18 Phyto Universe 58th/Lex.

I actually missed the tweet, but my blogger pal, @MASQUEmag reminded me about it in her blog post.

Are you a social shopper?

Savvy Social Shoppers Sound off About Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare & eCoupons

A couple weeks ago, Flightpath, a digital agency in NYC and the company I work for, launched a new website called www.ShopSocial2010.com.

What is ShopSocial?
ShopSocial is a microsite and YouTube channel that has been set up to track this year's social shopping and social media trends during the holiday season. The channel serves up insider information on shopping plans that includes various promotions via Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, and other eCoupon sites.

ShopSocial Contest
If you're a social shopper, you can share your YouTube link at the ShopSocial microsite, www.ShopSocial2010.com. Your videos to the ShopSocial 2010 playlist, and four lucky shoppers, whose videos receive the most views by midnight December 31, 2010 will win a gift card.

Amazing Holiday Sale! $100 SPA Gift Cards are only $79.99 from SPAWEEK

Stuck trying to figure out what to get your friends for the holidays? How about a s gift card. Who wouldn't want to treat themselves to a massage, pedicures, or even a facial.

Fortunately, SPAWEEK is having their Amazing Holiday Sale! $100 SPA Gift Cards are only $79.99. 20% off is a great deal. I'm about to take advantage of it myself.

Perks:

• Valid at thousands of spas nationwide
• Valid year-round and never expire
• Instant email delivery service available
• Personalize your gift message

If you want, add an Elegant Gift Box for $6.99 - for an extra special touch!

Check out SPAWEEK's website to learn more.

dee's Favorite Designer Pumps of the Season [on sale]

Tis the season when Designers' Fall/Winter collection go on sale. And this is when I go crazy at all the major department stores and boutiques, looking for the perfect pair of shoes.

After shopping for a week (online and in stores), I've come up with the list of "Want this..." and this... and this...

Jimmy Choo Quiet

These popular peep-toe shoes, available in patent leather and suede, are now available on sale in exotic Crocodile print. I could see myself wearing this all year round. There is a little platform so the height of the heel may seem deceiving. You can still walk pretty in them.

Heel Height: 120mm/4.7"

Original Price: $695.00
Now: $486.50

Sergio Rossi ChiChi Pump

Take your little black dresses to the next level. These pumps are gorgeous, and loud, in a different kind of way. Purple signifies royalty, right?

• Deep purple suede.
• Pointed toe.
• Covered heel.
• Made in Italy.

Original Price: $495.00
Now: $331.00

Other variations can be found on Sergio Rossi's website in red, blue and black open toe:

Red Suede Open Toe ChiChi Pump
With Animal Print Detail On Heel.
$334 - $560

Christian Louboutin Clownita 85 pumps

I managed to score these pumps at Saks for 30% off (last pair) but you can still get them on Net-a-Porter for $965.

Black leather pumps with a heel that measures approximately 85mm/ 3.5 inches. Christian Louboutin shoes have ruched leather detail on the heel and toe, a peep-toe and signature red leather soles.

JOSIE MARAN [Luxury with a Conscience] GOGO Instant Natural Volume Argan Mascara

After giving birth to Lucas about 3 years ago, I’ve been trying my best to switch up my on-the-go diet into a healthier lifestyle. Ordering Chinese take-out came to a halt and shopping at Trader Joe’s became a weekly adventure. As I got more consumed into the organic living/homeopathic movement, I adopted the concept: if you can't eat it don't put it on your skin.

So let me just add, I’m not full-blown in the beauty arena. I’m still enjoying my escapades sampling products in Sephora! I’ve strayed away from some ingredients like parabens & silicones. And, I give some natural lines a chance to win my likings before I buy a product from NARS, CHANEL, MAKE UP FOREVER, or Urban Decay.

I have a few natural product keepers - Tarte, Korres, & Bare Escentuals. My local Sephora on Austin Street in Forest Hills doesn’t carry the full Josie Maran line, yet. However, 2 weeks ago, I picked up her Argan Oil to Go ($14) while waiting on line.

I heard cyber buzz that Argan oil can transform your tresses into having a lustrous glossy sheen. Josie’s motif is ‘Luxury with a Conscience.’ I must admit belles; her cutting edge touch is chic with a full array of non-toxic ingredients wrapped up in recycled eco-friendly packaging. Josie is also motivated by several giving-back campaigns. Not only does she put out quality products that are safe, but she also incorporates her top model trade secrets.

My face is hooked on Argan oil. For those who are anti-oil in facial products, this is an exception for sure. It’s has a lightweight absorbable texture with extreme benefits. Next on my list to buy is the GOGO Instant Natural Volume Argan Mascara.

Josie Maran was launched in 2007, only 3 years in the making. Lets see where mastering perfection takes her.

Prada Private: 'Made in Prada' customizable glasses

Very cool: Prada Private: 'Made in Prada' customizable glasses

Burberry 'Margaret' Handbag

Super cute. Not traditionally your type of Burberry style. I love it for that very reason. Probably, won't be able to own it because of two factors: price & availability. However, I will try to compensate with a piece from the ultra stylish Kate Spade New York: Gold Coast collection. To the left is a shot of the Maryanne 2 handbag. This collection reminds me so much of Chanel's mojo minus the hefty price tag. I'm totally infatuated with Margot & the Jules 2 wallet in ash.

A Kate Spade bag named after me, and a sweepstakes

How cute is this Kate Spade bag. It's named after me:

kate spade nylon small
denise
$249

Too bad it only comes in nylon.

Thanks to my friend, Candice for letting me know about their sweepstakes, so maybe I can use the prize money to buy this purse.

Enter the Kate Spade NY (Twitter handle: @katespadeny) and Refinery 29 (Twitter handle: @refinery29 Fashion Sweepstakes: win a $1,500 Holiday Spree http://bit.ly/h93Jdb. Good luck!