SHOP WITH A VENGEANCE IS MOVING!
On Friday, October 3rd, 2008
SWAV will be transferred to DOLCE BEAUTY!
I made the executive decision that I would like to delve more in to the beauty realm and get away from some of the fashion aspects. This blog was never really devoted to shopping, but rather, more of a beauty and celebrity topic that I feel I can more appropriately touch on at the new site. I will be transferring this entire blog right over to Dolce and I will be contacting all my fellow beauty bloggers to update their links.
I hope that my loyal readers will stick with me through the change, and I would like to thank everyone so much for your support these past 9 months! It's been an amazing run here at SWAV and I am so grateful for all I have learned and accomplished here. I plan on having an even better time at Dolce Beauty and I hope that you will come along for the ride!
The updated links will be:
http://dolcebeauty.com
http://dolcebeauty.blogspot.com
I'll see you there!
Thank you all,
Nicole@ShopWithaVengeance.com
-----------------------------------------
Nicole@DolceBeauty.com
P.S. The YES Giveaway will still be in existence for its duration, it will all just be moved to the new site.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008 | 1 Comments
Y.E.S. Anti-Aging Dynamic Duo Giveaway (9/30/08 - 10/7/08)
Hello everyone! I have a lovely skincare giveaway from KMR Communication and Y.E.S. today to share with you!
Y.E.S. (Young Essential Skincare) is offering their newly developed Anti-Aging Serum and Rejuvenating Moisture cream as a duo set that prevents damage, protects against free radicals and rejuvenates all skin types. The products are formulated to improve skin firmness, tone and texture, and also to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Could this be your next fountain of youth? We sure hope so!
The Dynamic Duo set by Y.E.S., valued at $98., is available now on their website, or free to one lucky winner here at Shop With a Vengeance! Fill out the form below to be entered to win!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008 | 0 Comments
Magic of Makeup: Christina Aguilera
Xtina, it's time for an intervention. Lay off the makeup, honey.
You are a gorgeous woman, no need to pile it on that heavy!
Oh, and also, lose the Brooke Hogan haircut!
Any thoughts?
Image Credits:
Terminator @ Celebutopia Forum
http://www.celebutopia.net/forum/showthread.php/christina-aguilera-rock-vote-hosted-christina-aguilera-los-89371.html
Tuesday, September 30, 2008 | 0 Comments
Fashion Report: Britney's "Womanizer" Music Video Outfit
I just heard the song via Youtube and it's kind of catchy but at the same time boring. I don't really see this song going far. Just my humble prediction though!
What do you think of this outfit? I'm curious to see what she does with it! I think she looks like Katie Holmes a little bit here. Well, except for that shirt that looks almost like a straight-jacket!
Given Britney's mental state, I give this outfit three stars. She's trying, ya'll.
On a side note, red lips are definitely a big trend in all these recent celeb pictures!
Image Credits:
Isa_ @ Celebutopia Forum
http://www.celebutopia.net/forum/showthread.php/britney-spears-new-face-womanizer-video-september-24-89311.html
Monday, September 29, 2008 | 0 Comments
Celebrity Crave: Rihanna Eats KFC and Wears Rocker Jewelry
Actually, I don't know about the whole outfit. I am a little skeptical on that skirt, and the hat. Mainly, it is the skirt that concerns me. It looks very 90's, and we all know the 90's were a time of frightening fashion. Then again, Halloween is coming! Maybe Ri-Ri was getting a Warriors costume together!
Wanna get the Rihanna-turned-rocker look for yourself? Check out these fiesty picks:
- Betsey Johnson
Long Star & Lightning Bolt Necklace, $110 @ Nordstrom - Juicy Couture
No Juicy Angel Earrings, $58 @ Net-A-Porter - Sojourn Ring, $10 at Urban Outfitters
Would you wear it?
Image Credits:
Terminator @ Celebutopia Forum
http://www.celebutopia.net/forum/showthread.php/rihanna-kentucky-fried-chicken-hollywood-september-27-46-89702.html
Monday, September 29, 2008 | 0 Comments
Review: Eucerin Calming Body Wash Daily Shower Oil
I saw this product in a magazine a few months back and I've been dying to try it! I must say, it was sliiiightly disappointing. Granted, I don't have really dry, itchy skin, but this product to me fell a little short than I had hoped for. Essentially, it is an oil that lightly foams into a creamy lather when wet. It is a little difficult to operate in the shower because it gets so slippery, and you need quite a bit to cover large surface areas (ie. your body). I did like the fact that it was fragrance free; a very important factor in my book. That being said, it sort of has a light, earthy fragrance that is likely attributed to the Soybean Oil (ingredient number one) it contains.
This product falls under the category of Cetaphil for me: great for really sensitive skin -- but I don't feel like it really cleansed all so well. HOWEVER, all hope was not lost! After abandoning this as a cleanser, I decided to use it as a shave gel. GREAT IDEA! It worked wonders! My skin feels smooth and supple, and it allowed me to actually see what I was shaving since there is just a light lather. I will definitely be using this as my shave gel, er... oil, for now on.
Sunday, September 28, 2008 | 0 Comments
Review: Paul Mitchell Super Clean Light
For a salon product, this Paul Mitchell spray is pretty affordable at around $10 a bottle. The bottle gives a fine mist of product and has yet to get clogged or have any issues. I usually spray a little of this directly on to a soft hair brush to tame flyaways, or I will hold my head upside-down and spray underneath for extra volume. It is just enough hold to get a good style and keep it, without looking overdone or too polished. I also love the smell, it is amazing! It's that signature Paul Mitchell Awapuhi-type scent, delicious. Also, it is great that Paul Mitchell does not test on animals!
Highly recommended!
You can find this at salon retailers, or your local Walgreens.
Sunday, September 28, 2008 | 2 Comments
New Products at Walgreens!
Among the new things I found was St. Ives In-Shower Exfoliating Body Polish. This looks like a nice, affordable ($8. for a large tub) body scrub for the colder months. There are two formulas here, one is "Mineral" and the other is "Healthy Brilliance Brighten & Glow", both look promising and spa-like.
For the Back-To-School and sport season, it looks like Sinful Colors has released a new collection called "Team Colors". As we all know, Sinful Colors are awesome and with them, the price is always right (at around $1.99 each). I didn't get a chance to look at all the shade names, but there was a deep shimmering maroon, a bright yellow, forest green, and other shades that look like your school's logo. Depending on your Walgreens' stock availability, I believe there is also a black shade, a deep cobalt blue, and a white.
Interestingly enough, Gilette Satin Care (my personal favorite brand of shave gel, by the way) has come out with a new scent called "Alluring Avocado". My Walgreens had a mini size for about $2, but I wasn't daring enough to try this scent. I like avocados and all, but generally I don't think they smell that delicious. Apparently this scent is infused with aloe, jasmine, and orange blossom as well. A user on Buzzillions has a rave about it, so maybe I'll try it when I run out of my Wild Berry shave gel!
What really excited me, however, was Neutrogena's line of acne fighting products now infused with pink grapefruit. I already use and love their Body Clear Body Wash, so I was happy to see a less medicinal scent infused with microbeads. I will definitely be trying the Pink Grapefruit Body Clear Body Wash as soon as I use up mine!
I also made a little haul on this trip. Reviews and pictures to come within the next few days!
What do you think of these new products?
Anything you want to try?
Saturday, September 27, 2008 | 2 Comments
Blog Happenings
I wanted you to know that I am in the process of doing some major work on/for my blog. I want to have a lot more content available to my readers, so I plan on having at least 2 posts a day in the future, starting this coming week (Sunday). To kick it off, I will be hosting a new giveaway as well, so make sure you check back!
Right now, as you all may know, I am a full-time student and part-time worker besides doing this blog, so I'm sure you can imagine that it is a bit busy for me. I really want to devote myself to this, for you guys! I am running out to CVS and Walgreens tonight to check out some products for potential review.
By the way, if anyone has any requests, questions, tutorial desires, whatever... just let me know! I'd be happy to fulfill them because sometimes I run out of ideas as to what to put on here.
Also, I do appreciate feedback on all my posts, positive or negative. I recently got a few comments on an old post of mine that were borderline rude, but still I do appreciate the fact that someone was that affected by my post to bother commenting and "calling me out" on it. It seems to be the way of the web: people hiding behind their computer screens can have a complaint about anything and everything, but in real life they wouldn't have the nerve to actually say something to your face about it.
Anyway readers, thanks so much for your support and I hope that you enjoy what is to come at Shop With a Vengeance!
P.S. I am really excited that I sold my first item at my "Shop My Stash" store on e-crater tonight! I will be picking out my samples and sending it out on Monday. Yay!
Friday, September 26, 2008 | 2 Comments
Cute and Wearable Japanese/Korean Trends!
- Fashionable Day to Night Dress, $21.99
- Sheer Sexy Top, $19.99
- 3/4 Sleeve Blazer, $21.99
(Click images for website)
What do you think of Asian fashion trends? Would you wear my picks?
Thursday, September 25, 2008 | 2 Comments
Celebrity Crave: Megan Fox's Turquoise Necklace!
Wanna steal her style? Check out these replicas:
Wednesday, September 24, 2008 | 0 Comments
Handbag Planet: 24 Handbags in 24 Hours!
Here's a pretty cool contest that was brought to my attention the other day: Win a Free Handbag at Handbag Planet! Now, the Handbag Planet website is not up and running just yet -- they open on October 15th. To celebrate, however, Handbag Planet is giving away 24 handbags in 24 hours! You get to choose which bag you would like to be entered in to win, and you're entered in just by giving your name and info. Sounds good to me :)
I can't wait to see what kind of deals they have on this site when it opens! For now, don't forget to enter the "24 Handbags in 24 Hours" Giveaway!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008 | 0 Comments
Pure Luxe and Earrings Haul!
I recently ordered some Pure Luxe Eye Shadow samples and a Soothing Calamine Facial Bar (rec'd by Vanessa of Nessasary Makeup) from the Pure Luxe website. My goodies arrived today so I took some pictures and swatches to share with you all!
Here is my Pure Luxe Haul:
Shadow swatches (the combination reminds me of NYX's Hippie Chic Trio!) applied wet, with flash:
Earrings from Amuse:
What do you think of the new site layout, by the way? Are there any categories you would like to see more of, or less of? Let me know!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008 | 2 Comments
Web Spotlight: The Orchid Boutique
Why must Summer be over now?! I just found the cutest swimsuits, and now I can't even wear them... well until next year.
What am I referring to? The site I am highlighting today is called TheOrchidBoutique.com! They offer Designer Swimwear, Jewelry, Handbags... you name it. Really unique and creative pieces, like these:
The jewelry and handbags are just as original, featuring trendy, vintage, and eclectic styles.
If you love it -- great news -- Yvonne from The Orchid Boutique is offering you guys, my readers, free 2nd day shipping on any order over $25. All you need to do is enter the code: SEP08 (in caps, at checkout).
Check 'em out!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008 | 0 Comments
Mario Badescu Drying Cream Review!
I have previously written about using a sulfur-based soap to treat acne, so it comes to no surprise that Mario Badescu's Drying Cream, which contains sulfur in its ingredients, would work wonders. I used this as a nighttime treatment, just dotting it on areas such as raised bumps or whiteheads, as well as a couple cystic pimples I was having. My skin cleared up so nicely!
I am really, really pleased with this product. I just make sure to dot it on at night because it doesn't really sink in and it looks sort of silly. It also smells kind of bad because of the sulfur, but it works, so I'm not complaining. It works on those painful cystic bumps as well as to dry out regular pimples. I have been using this in conjunction with Cerave Moisturizing Lotion, Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Castile Soap (which I also gave a second chance), and Clean & Clear Maximum Strength Gel. I ordered Pure Luxe's Calamine Soap last week and I can't wait to try that also!
Anyway, the sample I got for free from the Mario Badescu website seems like it will last a super long time because you don't need to use much of this stuff, but if I wanted to buy a new one, its only $12! Definitely worth it, and I'm sure when I run out, I will be repurchasing.
Try it!
Saturday, September 20, 2008 | 0 Comments
Noevir Skincare Sample Review!
Hello ladies, today I am writing to share with you a brand of Japanese skincare called Noevir. I had the opportunity to sample the Noevir Herbal Skincare (or NHS) set, which included a Foaming Cleanser, Deep Cleansing Cream, Balancing Lotion, and Moisture Lotion. They even threw in some extra sample packets for me, and a free "Lip Conditioner S".
I have been using the products for a few days now, and I must say I really do like a few of them. I like the Moisture Lotion because it is very lightweight, has an almost milky texture, yet leaves my skin feeling pampered and hydrated. I also like the Balancing Lotion, which is more of a toner.
The products have a light fragrance of Linden, Sage, and Jojoba leaf extract. The Lip Conditioner S is awesome, but it does have a slight lipstick-y smell. They definitely fall in to the category of "splurge", for me at least, as the products run between $20-$40 each. The website, however, is very customer friendly as they often have promotions or gift with purchase items. Right now, the Lip Conditioner is free with purchase.
If you are looking to start a new skincare regimen, check out Noevir!
Wanna sample it for yourself? For free samples and a skin care consultation, just fill out this form!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008 | 0 Comments
Fashion Match: Elisha Cuthbert
Long live the Fashion Match! I know I haven't posted one of these in a while, so I figured I should. Here is a recent picture of actress Elisha Cuthbert, featuring a shocking neon bag on a backdrop of black.
What I used:
- A) Miss Me Collection Contrast Accented Waist Silk Blouse in Black, $79 at Revolve Clothing
- B) Isaac Mizrahi for Target, Glamour Oval Sunglasses with Metal Logo, $18 at Target
- C) Yellow Satchel Fashion Bag, $35 at Popartboutique.com
- D) Chinese Laundry Women's "Babe" Sandal in Black, $74 at Endless.com
- E) High Waisted Skinny Jeans, $35 at Charlotte Russe
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 | 0 Comments
Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask Review
This baby comes in a super chic-Bliss white pump packaging, and starts off as a shimmering pink, slighly citrusy gel. Then, with a quick swipe, it foams up like shaving cream and you can spread it all over your face, neck, wherever! You are supposed to leave it on for 5 minutes to get the full effect of the vitamin C, free-radical resisting, oxygenating foam. During that five minutes, an awesome, tingling, alka-seltzer sensation goes on... waking up your skin cells!
The packaging says to use a maximum of 3x weekly, and there is no need to leave the product on any longer than 5 minutes because that is as long as it takes for all the oxygen to release. Basically, when it stops fizzing and seems to sink in to your skin, wash it off. As for results, I am yet to notice anything dramatic. But it just feels so cool on that I enjoy using it anyway.
Since it is more of a perky mask than a treatment mask, I would suggest doing this as an addition to your morning routine. It really is like a "breath of fresh air" for your face!
I'd say it's definitely overpriced at $52, but if you are one to splurge on skincare, it could be worth a shot!
Thanks, Total Beauty, For the opportunity to review this :)
Monday, September 15, 2008 | 2 Comments
Keeping Your Eyes in Tip-Top Shape!
As we all know, prescription glasses can be quite pricey and if your eye problem is one that could get worse with time, they seem rather counter-productive. If you feel uncomfortable wearing glasses, contacts can be an added frustration when they feel as if they are going to dry out, or if one falls out and gets lost.
I was looking in to it, and there are some ways to strengthen your eyesight naturally. There are these cool looking things that are called pinhole glasses, which are a safe and natural way of relaxing and training your eyes. These pinhole eyeglasses are also known as "stenopeic glasses" and work by allowing only a very narrow beam of light to enter the eye, reducing the eye strain and increasing depth of field. Sounds pretty intriguing right?
What do you think of pinhole glasses? Would you try 'em?
Sunday, September 14, 2008 | 0 Comments
Sleepwear Suggestions and Staples!
So, in honor of a good night's rest, today I am going to share with you some super cute picks. These cozy picks are perfect for a sleepover... or just a comfy night at home.
Here are some of my choices from BareNecessities.com:
- P.J. Salvage: Vintage Love Pajama Shorts, $29.
- Betsey Johnson Intimates: Stretch Mesh Polka Dot Camisole, $61
- Betsey Johnson Intimates: Marilyn Babydoll with Matching Thong, $30 (Sale)
Sunday, September 14, 2008 | 4 Comments
Quick and Cheap D-I-Y Skincare from MakeupAlley.com!
What beauty-obsessed product junkie doesn't love scouring MakeupAlley's forums and review section for tips? This girl certainly does!
I was looking for some do-it-yourself beauty ideas in their review section, and I came across some interesting ones that I've tried or plan on trying very soon!
Under the Skincare review section, the Aspirin mask is highly rated. If you haven't tried this mask yet, I highly suggest that you do! I do this all the time and it is great. I think I posted about this before, but just to recap, I'll repeat myself. Just sprinkle a few uncoated aspirin tablets with warm water to dissolve into a paste, add a squirt of honey, and smear on for a few minutes. If you're feeling fiesty, mix the aspirin paste in with your favorite pre-made mask, such as Queen Helene's Mint Julep Mask (also highly rated), and leave on for about 10-15 minutes. Love it!
Another cool tip is to use Milk of Magnesia (or Mylanta) very lightly as a primer, after moisturizer, under mineral makeup. This is apparently very good at absorbing excess oil. I plan on trying MoM as an on-the-spot blemish treatment, as it supposedly has anti-inflamatory and antibacterial properties. Plain ol' honey has very high ratings as a facial treatment as well, although most of the readers seem to be mixing it with something to apply or to use as an exfoliator or mask (with brown sugar, cornmeal, or green clay).
Over 200 reviewers suggested Extra Virgin Olive Oil as a body or hair moisturizer, while around 100 recommended Coconut Oil. Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar apparently makes an awesome toner, but make sure you dilute it first!
One of my favorite tips is to sprinkle a little baking soda on your toothbrush along with your toothpaste before brushing in order to get your teeth feeling super clean and white.
What are some of your favorite beauty tips? Have you tried any of these?
Saturday, September 13, 2008 | 0 Comments