Sephora is selling the Get Started kits at a 20% discount this week. The kits normally run for $60, which is a great price for all that it includes, but $48 is even better. To get the discounted price, enter the promo code GETSTARTED at checkout. Offer also good in Sephora stores.

Each starter kit includes 2 shades of foundation, a Mineral Veil, an All Over Face Color, a Prime Time Foundation Primer (Sephora exclusive), 3 makeup brushes, and an instructional video. All products are made without Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Dyes, Petro-Chemicals, or Phthalates. The foundations carry a 15 SPF.

Here are a couple of tips:

*They say it’s so “pure you can sleep in it,” but don’t. I think it’s easiest to remove with a lotion or creamy cleanser and a washcloth.

*Easy application: Shake closed container, open lid, dip foundation brush in the lid to pick up  a small amount of foundation, tip brush upside down, then tap handle end against the counter (moves foundation down into bristles), apply to the face in a swirling, circular motion.

Image credit: Sephora.com

Post from: Pretty by Nature

When you visit the Origins website, don’t forget to enter their Wake Up & Win Sweepstakes.

The grand prize includes:

*A 3-month supply of Origins New GinZing™ Refreshing eye cream to brighten and depuff
(A $29.50 suggested retail value)

* A $250 Origins gift certificate

* The illy Francis Francis X7 espresso machine and case of illy espresso capsules
(A $500 suggested retail value)

Nine additional winners will get 3 months worth of Origins New GinZing™ Refreshing eye cream, a $250 gift certificate, and illy coffee.

If you live near an Origins store, stop by for one of their free mini facials. Personalized treatments cover Age Preventing, Firming, Redness Relieving, Brightening, and Hydrating. Call your local location to secure your appointment.

Image credit: Origins

Post from: Pretty by Nature

I like to use homemade bath salts,  bubble bath, or Sabon’s Honey Peach Mineral powder. It is a sweet-smelling, effervescent treat for the tub – and it’s good for my skin. It’s made from a blend of Dead Sea salts, minerals, and essential oils. It naturally contains the minerals magnesium, calcium, and iron. These minerals are known to lower blood pressure, help with rheumatism, relax you, soothe tired muscles, and soften your skin.

If Honey Peach is not your fragrance of choice, then you might try Patchouli Lavendar Rose, Patchouli Lavendar Vanilla, and Vanilla Coconut.

Honey Peach Mineral Powder
17 ounces for $24

I got an email from Sabon today and they are offering a free gift with purchase starting today, November 11, 2009 through November 18, 2009. Sabon is promising to ship orders on time for Christmas delivery if you place the order before December 15, 2009.

I can’t find any specific information about what each gift entails (size, scent, etc), but I’m guessing, going by the code and the photo, that it’s a candle, a hand lotion, or a body oil.

The free gift offer codes are:

CANDLE09
LOTION09
BODYOIL09

Image credit: Sabon.com

Post from: Pretty by Nature

The 4th Cosmetic Market opened recently in Chattanooga and  it’s anticipated that even more branches will open throughout the US very soon. If you don’t live near The Cosmetic Market, they are based in  Nashville, you can shop online and find products from eco-friendly companies like Dr. Hauschka, Eköh Cosmetics, Stella Care, Herbal Essentials, Eco Lips, Jurlique, Ecoist Bags, Essence of Vali, Smashbox Green Room, Cargo PlantLove Lipstick, REN, Korres, Allison Raffaelle, Shu, Malie, Body Sonya Dakar, Mop, Pureology, and Crystal Rock Deodorant. 

The Eköh Party Prep facial mask that I reviewed is available there. It’s a great mask for use before a special occasion (holiday party, perhaps?) or if you are like me and your skin breaks out at a certain time of the month.

The Cosmetic Market  is offering Splendicity readers a great online savings deal this week. Save 20% this week – November 9, 2009 through November 15, 2009. Use the savings code PRETTY at checkout.

Image credit: The Cosmetics Market

Post from: Pretty by Nature

*Uptown Chic: This look was inspired by the Miu Miu runway and features a short layered do. It’s sophisticated, but sassy.

*Modern Rock: A mid-length classic cut with a modern twist, like those seen on the runway of Marc Jacobs.

*Urban Luxe: Long, feminine, and wavy. This look was seen recently on the Louis Vuitton runway.

ULTA salons are allowing me to run this printable coupon that is good for $10 off a haircut at an ULTA salon for my readers. The only catch is that you have to use it by this Saturday. So hurry!

While you are at the ULTA salon, take a look at the LaCoupe Orgnx hair care line.

They feature products that contain ingredients like olive oil and certified organic complex of hibiscus flower extract. These ingredients help to make hair shinier, stronger, they soothe the scalp and they reduce the frizz.

Visit ULTA.com to find an ULTA store and salon near you.

Image credit: ULTA

Post from: Pretty by Nature

ESCAPE TO SHAPE was founded in 2006 to provide luxurious vacations that combine comfort, culture and fitness at exceptional destinations around the world, while respecting the environment along the way.  A traveling spa, the locations change throughout the year and provide guests the opportunity to discover a new history, people, food and natural wonders of various cultures while toning the body and meeting new friends along the way.  Additionally, Escape To Shape selects Eco-friendly accommodations, while never compromising on luxury along the way.

Each week-long trip is $3000 and includes a double-occupancy room, daily yoga, hikes, cooking classes, Pilate’s, cultural excursions and activities, meals, and transportation. There are a only a couple of trips left for this year, but trips to Brazil, Morocco, Russia, Burning Man, Sicily, and Columbia are scheduled throughout 2010.  Click here for more information.

Image credit: Sxc.hu

Post from: Pretty by Nature

Tomorrow, October 2, 2009, is LIVESTRONG Day. It’s the 13th anniversary of the day that Lance Armstrong  was diagnosed with stage 3 testicular cancer.

LIVESTRONG Day is the LAF’s one-day initiative to unite people affected by cancer in raising awareness of cancer issues on a global level and in communities across the country.

 To Show your support you can……

*Wear yellow. It doesn’t matter if it’s your t-shirt, your socks, or your yellow LIVESTRONG wristband bracelet.  LIVESTRONG wristbrands are available here. 

*Events are planned across the country. Visit the LIVESTRONG website to find out what is going on in your area.

In addition to wristbands, the LIVESTRONG store has a wide selection of items for sale.

Image credit: Zuma Press

Post from: Pretty by Nature

This is the perfect opportunity for you to experience fun events like Euro Bungee, Rock Climbing, Beauty and Spa Treatments, a variety of workout classes, fashion shows, and more.  Be sure to wear something comfy!

Here are the specifics:

Are You Game? New York      
SATURDAY, July 11th, 2009
FROM 10 AM – 5 PM
Manhattan’s Hudson River Park at Pier 46
(Charles Street and West Street)
 
Are You Game? Chicago
SATURDAY, July 18th, 2009
FROM 10 AM – 5 PM
North Avenue Beach

Image credit: Michelle Smith

Post from: Pretty by Nature

This special pre-launch giveaway is offered online and in Sephora stores. If you live near a Sephora, run into the store and grab your free 10-day sample of the new matte foundation. 

If you visit the online store, just enter the code BEMATTE when you go through checkout with your order.

The new bareMinerals Matte promises to……

*Reduce shine and absorb excess oil
*Minimize the appearance of pores
*Promote cell turnover for smoother skin
*Protect skin, keep it safe from damage
*Comes with a baby kabuki brush

Hurry, click or visit Sephora before these free samples are all gone!!!

Image credit: Sephora.com

Post from: Pretty by Nature

Here are few ways that Macy’s is working toward becoming a greener company:

*They’ve changed to a packing material that is 100% biodegradable. It’s made of corn and potato  starch and it dissolves in water. Or you can add it to compost. You can even throw it away, because no matter where you put it, this stuff is going to dissolve.

*Macy’s is changing to a shopping bag that is made of 30% recycled materials. You can reuse the bag, so it’s 100% recyclable.

*Macy’s is looking to reduce their total energy use by 10-15% by 2010. In the past 5 years, they have already reduced by 9%.

*They are reducing paper consumption by 20% and are increasing the percentage of recycled paper they use. For more information, you can check the Macy’s website.

Image credit: Macy’s.com

Post from: Pretty by Nature