Coquette

Chronicle Books Warehouse Sale in SF

Chronicle Books (Corporate Headquarters ONLY)
680 Second Street
San Francisco, CA 94107

Wednesday, August 6, 9:00 am-7:00 pm
Thursday, August 7, 9:00 am-7:00 pm
Friday, August 8, 9:00 am-7:00 pm

Chronicle Books is having their amazing Warehouse sale again! Just in time for back to school. Stock up on books, gifts and more while saving 65% off hundreds of selected titles. Choose from cookbooks, children’s books, lifestyle + home, arts + crafts, art + design, photography, travel, pop culture, and music titles. Plus, journals, stationery, and much more!

I'm such a paper lover so I'll be checking out their selection of journals and stationery for sure. I'll also be checking out their children's books, craft books and cook books which make fabulous gifts!

#SallyBeautyVIP Haul + Giveaway for a $25 E-Gift Card

I'm excited to be teaming up with Sally Beauty Supply for this post and exciting giveaway! Sally Beauty Supply is the place for all things beauty - from hair, nails, to makeup and everything in between. Sally Beauty Supply gave me $100 gift card to visit the San Francisco store (2300 16th Street) and pick up my beauty needs. I knew I needed a new flat iron among other beauty things, so this was my chance to take a visit!

This is what I ended up getting that day. I needed to pick up my daughter so I know if I had a 1/2 hour more, I probably would have gotten more stuff! When I first entered the store, I found the hair aisle filled with flat irons and hair dryers from top to bottom. I never saw so many flat irons in one place! (Note to self, this is a great place to get a new hair dryer too.) My hair is very fine so I don't need too much heat to get my hair totally flat. Thankfully a wonderful sales associate came over to help me pick the flat iron that would work the best for my hair. She told me the Tool Science Professional Digital Nano-Silver Styling Iron ($59.99) would be perfect for my hair because I could set the temperature myself (from 300F - 450F). I've been using it all the time since I bought it earlier this month. I now have my flat iron temp at 350 which has been perfect to get my hair flat and under control. The flat iron has ceramic heaters so it heats up quickly and the nano silver tourmaline gives even heat with no hot spots to damage your hair.

To keep my hair soft and free from breakage, I got the Ion Daily Solutions Blow Dry Creme Serum ($6.49). I put this on my hair after the shower before I blow dry. It smells so good – like strawberries in a garden. I love the way it's making my hair soft. I was definitely needing this!

My final hair item were these Salon Care Metal Section Clips ($3.79). I always loved how my hairstylist would dry my hair in sections. At home, I didn't have these clips so I never could do that and have the right blow dry at home. At this price it couldn't be beat and I think the colors are so cute!

Nail Love

I think I browsed around the nail aisle for a good 20 minutes. They have everything there for you to do your own mani and pedi. I picked up a few things I needed and a new OPI color Cosmo Not Tonight Honey ($9.49) that was similar to a Dior limited edition polish I had finished years ago and loved. It's a beautiful pearly rose gold. I also picked up OPI Start to Finish ($13.99) a base coat, top coat and strengthener all in one. Lastly, I picked up an OPI RapiDry Spray Nail Polish Dryer ($11.99) because I never have time to wait for my nails to try. I have a nail polish version that I can brush on but I find it too oily. I really like this spray much better. You can also use it on your bare nails to restore shine in between your manicures.

Sally Beauty Supply has more than 2,700 stores worldwide and features products for hair care, nails, makeup and more. You can also buy online and if you sign up for a Beauty Club Card (just $5 a year), most of the items are even cheaper. You basically get your membership back because you receive a $5 reward valid on any one purchase. Spend $25+ a month and receive an email to save 15% off your next purchase.

Now just for you!
Sally Beauty is extending to you their invitation to join their Sally Beauty VIP program! It's a free program where you receive exclusive offers, content and rewards! For joining you will be entered to win the $25 Sally Beauty e-gift card!

Enter to win a $25 Sally E-Gift Card below. The giveaway closes on Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at 12:00am PST. Winners will be notified by Thursday, August 7, 2014.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Sally Beauty. All opinions are my own.

NARS Night Caller Fall 2014 Color Collection

In addition to the new nail colors (see my previous post), NARS launches it's new Fall 2014 Color Collection called "Night Caller". The new line is available now at NARS boutiques and online at www.narscosmetics.com. The color palette is bold and features a new series of Night Series eyeliners that are intense blackliners flecked with rich purple, gold, and green pearl for the ultimate dimension.

I have a couple items from the collection that I'm using a lot lately. The Duo Eyeshadow in Dolomites matches my skin tone perfectly. The colors are a shiny rose quartz that I put all over my lid and I use the darker chocolate color around the crease and sides. I can go soft or build it up if I need to go out. The Satin Lip Pencils are some of my favorite lip products. I have it in Bansar which is a nice rose brown shade. These lip pencils are unlike any other as they contains hyaluronic acid to keep your moisture locked into your lips and looking smooth. They work wonderfully on their own or underneath your favorite lipstick.

Here are some behind the scenes shots of the new Fall 2014 Color Campaign:

Shop the new Fall 2014 Color Collection - "Night Caller" at NARS cosmetics.

Review products were provided by NARS.

New NARS Nail Polish Collection: New Formula + Colors!

NARS has a new formula for their nail polishes ($20 each) just launched this week. The 43 shade collection includes 19 new shades – all with a new high-gloss finish for a freshly-painted look. In addition to all the colors, you'll also find a base and top coats to complete your mani/pedi looks. The upgraded formula also is designed to improve wear and strengthen nails something I experienced first hand. I also love the new wider brush making it much easier to apply your own nail polish.

I have two of the new colors: Kalymnos, a pretty soft lilac and Fearless, a bright pink violet that I love for my toes!

Shop the new NARS nail polish collection now at narscosmetics.com.
Starting August 1st, you can find the nail polishes at NARS boutiques and department stores.

Review products were provided by NARS.

New Clarins Shaping Facial Lift Total V Contouring Serum

Hands down, my HG (holy grail) beauty item is my Clarins Shaping Facial Lift. Just released is the new version, Clarins Shaping Facial Lift New Total V Contouring Serum ($80). I was given a special preview bottle to try for the past month and I can't stop raving about it. Within 2 weeks of use, I noticed that without makeup on, not only was my jawline more defined, I could actually see more definition in my cheekbones. Trust me, as a Asian gal who grew up with fuller cheeks, I did a double take in the mirror. Asians, as you may or may not know have more fat pockets in their face which is why this serum is the #1 serum in Asia.

I've had a 2 year love affair with my Shaping Facial Lift. (See my interview with the Wall Street Journal 2 years ago in When Skin Cream Gets Bossy.) I never thought things could get better but with this new version getting older is so much easier because my face shape is looking so much slimmer. I definitely have more confidence wearing my hair back in a ponytail. Now with these cheekbones to boot, my 40's are looking pretty fabulous. ;)

Packaging-wise, I love the new bottle (the gold looks so luxe!). I find the dispenser spout is more precise and pumps out just the right amount for application each night. In terms of my evening routine, I use my Shaping Facial Lift serum right after I have cleansed my face. Once I have applied it on, I go through the facial massage for manual auto-lifting. (This massage technique is included in a small booklet with the serum and is also in the Clarins image + video below.) It only takes a few minutes to go through the technique and it's so worth it because you will start to see the results faster. The massage technique helps release excess fluid and reduce puffiness in your face. I always enjoy this mini facial massage portion of my night to relax before bed. Then to finish off, just use your favorite serum, moisturizer and anything else you do for your face before bed.. If you feel like your face is particularly more puffy, then you can use the Shaping Facial Lift in the morning as well. For me, it works well just using it at night.

Shop the new Clarins Shaping Facial Lift Total V Contouring Serum today and more skin care/beauty products at clarinsusa.com. You can also visit the Shaping Facial Lift landing page to watch more videos and find out more.

Review product was provided by Clarins.

Related Coquette Posts:

Clarins Shaping Facial Lift Serum - Give Your Face a Sculpted Contour (7/17/2012)

Clarins Shaping Facial Lift Serum: Get that Perfect "V" Shaped Face (8/19/13)

Avene High Protection Tinted Compact SPF 50: The Perfect Sunscreen To Go

With the summer sun blazing, sunscreen is one of the top skin care must haves that you just can't skip. Right now, I am loving the Avéne High Protection Tinted Compact SPF 50. The 100% mineral sunscreen provides UVA/UVB protection in a cream-to-powder compact foundation format for light coverage. I trust the Avéne brand as it's one of the leading skin care brands in France. I usually pick up my supply of my Avéne Thermal Spring Water at the local French pharmacy each time I go to visit my in laws.

The compact comes with a soft round sponge applicator and I love that the holder for the sponge is another flap above the mirror. I've been keeping the compact in my bag as it's a great way for me reapply sunscreen in the day while I'm on the go. The cream turns to powder once it's on your face and it is so lightweight. The formula is also water resistant, perfect for summer. I also love the natural glow it gives my complexion. Much better than a white sunscreen stick, right? This little beauty will be with me next month while we are in Europe as I know I'll need to re-apply my sunscreen all the time while I'm sightseeing. I also love that this product is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

The Avéne High Protection Tinted Compact SPF 50 is available in 2 shades: honey and beige. I wear beige which is for very fair to fair skin. Honey is for fair to medium skin. Perfect for sensitive skin too! You can watch the video (click on the "product video" thumbnail) to learn how to best apply the sunscreen on your face.

Ingredients:
Titanium dioxide (18%) & Zinc oxide (4.9%) - Broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Always photostable.
Pre-tocopheryl - A patented and photostable form of vitamin E provides moisture and antioxidant protection.

- Paraben-free, fragrance-free, water resistant 
- Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic

The Avéne USA site doesn't have e-commerce but you can pick up the Avéne Tinted Compact SPF 50 in Beige or Honey for $34 on drugstore.com.

Review product was provided by Avene.

Shiseido Benefiance Firming Massage Mask

I am currently loving my skin care routine now that I have added a few key Shiseido skin care products to the mix. I'm very much into masks and my new favorite overall mask is this Shiseido 'Benefiance' Firming Massage Mask ($48 at Nordstrom). The mask itself is a wonderful creamy texture with some tiny granules for gentle exfoliating. But the key to its magic is the facial massage steps that help firm your skin and prevent future wrinkles.

The Japanese (and French) are big on the facial massage. Asians usually have great skin and trust me, if you ask an Asian gal if she does facial massages, her answer will most likely be "yes". You do exercises for your body, why not your face? Think of it as some good facial yoga stretches to help you relax before bed. I only do this twice a week and it only takes a few minutes! These massages help tone your skin, create blood flow, and also drain excess fluids from your skin.

Learn the Shiseido Facial Massage with all the steps and diagrams to help you. (You can easily print out this web page.) This is also available in pamphlet form at the Shiseido counter.

Product was provided by Shiseido for this review.

The Man Repeller x Superga: Sneaker Luxe

The classic canvas sneakers by Superga gets a luxe facelift by blogger The Man Repeller with their new ollaboration of pretty satin sneakers, The Man Repeller X Superga Satin Classic ($125 at Shopbop). Choose from pink, mustard yellow and olive green or denim blue and black. I live in my beat up Supergas and I'm ever so tempted by the soft pink version here. Ever since Chanel put sneakers with their runway fashions and gowns last year, we aren't seeing the end of luxe sneaker styles.

Chanel Fall 2014 Beauty: Les 4 Ombres Multi-Effect Quadra Eyeshadow

(Color: 204 Tissé Vendome)

Summer is halfway through and we are already onto all the exciting Fall 2014 beauty launches. One of the things I am really excited for are the new Chanel eyeshadow quads, Chanel Les 4 Ombres: Multi-Effect Eyeshadow ($61). Note that these are circular eye shadow pots inside the compact where usually Chanel has the square "pillows" which are inspired by the classic Chanel tweed fabric. This is a new eye shadow formula which I am excited to test out the blendability of the shades. Seems like all of the luxury beauty brands are coming out with new formulas this fall! So exciting!

If you are looking for the perfect neutral palette, try 214 Tissé Mademosielle pictured above.

There's a new section on the Chanel site for Les 4 Ombres which includes more info on the eye shadows as well as tutorials.

Here are more of my favorite Chanel Les 4 Ombres from the new Chanel Fall 2014 Beauty collection:

Tissé Cambon

232 Tissé Véntien

208 Tissé Gabrielle

Radical Skincare Skin Perfecting Screen SPF30

Radical Skincare has just come out with their new Skin Perfecting Screen SPF30 ($55 at Radical Skincare). This 100% non chemical sunscreen contains diamond powders to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines. I've been using it for a week now and it has a hint of a tint of color which gives a nice sheen to your face. I wear it on top of my moisturizer and just put a bit of face powder on afterwards. The texture is light and goes on matte. It's made my skin look amazing!

I'm new to Radical Skincare but I visited my local Space NK (inside SF's Bloomingdales) where they carry the line. I learned that Sisters Liz and Rachel Edlich (daughters of a plastic surgeon father) created this line focusing on anti-aging that isn't harsh on the skin. Their proprietary technology Trylacel, combines a range of antioxidants, anti-aging actives, and soothing ingredients for optimal protection and repair. All their products are paraben-free and designed for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. You can read their inspiring story here. Now that I've learned more, I'm looking to try other products in their line, especially their serums.

Find out more about Radical Skincare's Skin Perfecting Screen SPF30.

Product was provided by Radical Skincare for review.