Beauty Maverick

Givenchy Giveaway

Happy holidays!

In celebration, I'd like to offer a chance to win this wonderful assortment beauty products, courtesy of Givenchy.

Included in the prize:

Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Mascara
A revolutionary new mascara that combines a distinctive applicator with a unique, highly-pigmented formula. Givenchy's innovative spherical brush works to coat each and every lash, ensuring the fullest possible fringe, whilst their strengthening formula glides on to separate, curl and fortify lashes with every stroke.

Givenchy Rouge Interdit Shine
Providing more shine than a lipstick, and more color than gloss, this unique creation leaves lips soft and gleaming. Included are both Nude Shine (shimmering beige pink) and Rose Shine (shimmering raspberry).

Givenchy Pop Gloss Crystal in Plum by Night
A shimmering, blueberry-tinted gloss, heightened with mother-of-pearl particles in pink and white.

Givenchy Radically No Surgetics Night Cream
This plush cream covertly attacks dark spots while you sleep, eradicating them with a double-pronged attack— antioxidant boldine, to thwart the enzyme that riggers melanin production, and licorice root extract to inhibit this enzyme's active form. The result is a more evenly toned and glowing complexion.

For a chance to win, simply leave a comment on any Beauty Maverick post. The winner of this glorious gift basket (valued at over $250), will be drawn at random from the eligible entries on Friday, January 2nd 2008. Be sure to check-in to see if you've won!

International entries welcome.

Best of luck x

---CONTEST NOW EXPIRED---

Some restrictions may apply. Only complete entries will be considered. One entry per person will be considered for the prize. Contest closes at 11:59pm EST on 1/01/08.

Boudicca Wode Paint EdP

Boudicca Wode Paint is quite possibly the most intriguing fragrances I've ever experienced. Unlike a traditional EdP, the scent is encapsulated in a spray can and bright blue when applied. Then, within seconds, the cobalt pigment fades and you're left with a warm, radiant fragrance.

Why blue? Wode Paint aims to further explore the myths surrounding Queen Boadicea, the last queen of the Celts. She, and her tribe, were said to have worn blue war paint in battle to make them appear mythical and ferocious. There is a certain air of excitement that surrounds each application of this azure mist but, thankfully, it's only external for a moment.

Retailer: Barneys.com
Cost: $130.00

Bobbi Brown Moon Rock Eye Palette

I'm loving this long-wear, smudge-proof quartet of eye shadow and liner from Bobbi Brown's holiday collection. It provides a variety of looks, is extremely easy-to-use, and serves a brilliant alternative to the standard (grey) smoky eye.

Included in the Bobbi Brown Moon Rock palette (from left): Gold Drop Long-Wear Cream Shadow, Mineral Dust Long-Wear Cream Shadow, Espresso Ink Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, Black Topaz Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner.

Retailer: Nordstrom.com
Cost: $40.90 (On sale)

NARS (Safer) Multiple Orgasm

Whether you're looking to start a conversation with a loved one or simply share a giggle with girlfriends, this new holiday gift set from NARS is sure to peak interest.

Safer Multiple Orgasm is a limited-edition kit that comes complete with The Multiple in Orgasm (for eyes, cheeks, and lips), as well as two discreetly packaged condoms for when they're craving the real thing. 

In addition, NARS will donate a portion of the proceeds from each set sold to amfAR (The American Foundation for AIDS Research) programs to promote safe sex education initiatives worldwide.

So now that naughty and nice are one and the same, we say...

Bring on the mistletoe.

Retailer: Sephora.com
Cost: $37.00

Power to the People

With the current state of the economy being, well... rather limited, there's never been more power within a consumer's reach.

We now have the ability to demand whatever we'd like, be it 'added value' or the latest innovations. Brands are competing, at great lengths, to secure our business- but what is it we want?

I'm more likely to splurge on skincare, but many of my girlfriends are loyal to luxury haircare products. Some use beauty products to lift their spirits or celebrate, while others just love the trill of a sale...

Everyone has a weakness, what's yours?

Last-Minute Gift Ideas

Our holiday budgets may be more limited this year, but that doesn't mean quality should be compromised for quality. A little luxury can go a long way- especially when the gift is as functional as it is fabulous.

A few of my favorites:

Fresh Cannabis Rose Gift Set
A fragrant (and beautifully packaged) trio of Cannabis Rose EdP, Bath & Shower Gel, and Body Cream. $30.

Jo Malone Lino nel Vento Scent Surround Spray
A relaxing, lavender-infused spray that can be used to scent your skin, home, or linens. $55.

This Works Christmas Cracker
A soothing, cooling eye cream that helps revive tired eyes and conceal the effects of all that 'eggnog.' $12.

Shu Uemura 24K Gold Eyelash Curler
A limited-edition, gilded version of the classic curler every woman should own. $24.

Compagnie de Provence 3 Soap Gift Pack
Used as a stocking stuffer, office or hostess gift, this trio of luxurious soaps is sure to please. $12.50.

C.O. Bigelow Cinnamon/Orange Essential Oil Gift Set
Deliciously scented, and ready-to-gift, this fragrance kit will add warmth to any home. $25.

By Terry Rose Balm
A multi-purpose balm that nourishes and protects whilst it heals. $53.

And the winner is...

Congrats to Maria B.! She's won a lovely gift set courtesy of RéVive Skincare.

Thank you to all who entered the giveaway, and to RéVive for their generosity.

Diamonds are a Boy's Best Friend

Just hours ago, armed robbers lifted upwards of $100 million in precious gems from Harry Winston on Avenue Montaigne, according to reports.

Dressed in drag, these well-prepared thieves were (supposedly) able to complete one of 'Europe's biggest heists of all time' in under a minute.

The robbery happened just one year after a similar raid on the same store, when more than $25 million in baubles were stolen. 

Is it just me, or can you see this appearing on the silver screen next year (with Brad and George in push-up bras and pumps)?

Attention Fragrance Fanatics

If you’re in the NYC area tomorrow, you must stop by the new Chanel Fragrance and Beauté counter at Saks Fifth Avenue for a beauty event unlike any other.

Between the hours of 11:00-1:00pm, 2:00-4:00pm, and 5:00-7:00pm, a Chanel artisan will be showcasing the delicate craft of Baudruchage LIVE for all to see.

If you’re not familiar with Baudruchage, it’s the art of applying the iconic ‘CC’ seal that graces each authentic bottle of Chanel parfum. But Baudruchage is also as functional as it is luxurious, helping to preserve the scent so you’re able to enjoy it at its peak.

Should you be inspired by watching this cinematic process, be sure to explore their Olfactive Bar— It’s unlike anything you’ve ever experienced within the walls of a department store. Utilizing a new, patented ceramic blotter system, this table houses the 43 fragrance concentrates that encompass the entire range of CHANEL perfumery.  Intimidated? Don’t be, there’s also an on-site fragrance expert that can help guide your interactive journey.

Hope to see you there!

Chanel Fragrance and Beauté at Saks Fifth Avenue, 12 E 49th St, New York, NY‎.
For additional information ring +1 212 940 5305.

'Tis The Season...

Enjoy! xx