WIN A $25 SEPHORA E-GIFT CARD!

Wednesday, September 26, 2012


I'm so excited to be hosting this giveaway for all my fellow beauty enthusiasts!  I know you all love shopping at Sephora right?  So enter now for your chance to win a $25 Sephora e-gift card!  OPEN INTERNATIONALLY!!! YAY! Good luck!!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d0df546/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway


Firmoo sunnies - Get Yours For FREE!



A few weeks ago, Firmoo contacted me about doing a review for one of their super cute sunglasses.  I was thrilled because truly, a girl can never have too many cute shades right?  So i immediately went to their site and was overwhelmed by their huge selection and even more surprised by their incredibly low prices!  Firmoo not only has fabulous styles to pick from, but they specialize in prescription eye wear.  So, if you are in need of a new pair, or two, this is absolutely the place to go!  If you don't wear prescription glasses, (i don't either), you can still take advantage of their awesome selection of sunnies like i did!  I opted for a super fun over sized pair of yellow sunnies!  I've gotten so many compliments on them!  They're sturdy, well made and very comfortable! 

 
 




 
 
Now here's the best part!  Did you know that Firmoo generously gives every new customer a FREE PAIR?  So if you're a first time customer, you can essentially walk away with your very own glasses/sunnies!  Yep, you heard correctly!  Sooooo what are you waiting for?  Get yours today! 

Lets Go Crazy!

Tuesday, September 25, 2012



I'm totally loving plums and wines this Fall season!  I recently purchased this gorgeous Deborah Lippmann polish in Lets Go Crazy at Nordstrom and have fallen deeply in love with this rich hue! It's a deep plum purple filled with various size sparkles giving it that little extra something special.  Deborah Lippmann has an amazing ability to make the most amazing sparkle polishes without feeling too teeny-bopperish!  They're just the right amount of fun!  And i love me some fun!


 
 

Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  Don't forget to become an official follower of FMM!  XOXO Carla

Material Girl

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Hi guys!  So this past weekend i indulged in a little Madge time.  I went to see the queen of pop herself in AC and thought I'd share some of the concert pics with you all!  I had the most amazing time!  The hubby and i, along with another couple we've known for years, made a weekend trip out of it.  I've been to several Madonna concerts and i have to say, she never disappoints!  Hope you enjoy!  BTW, I'm working on post that will literally be life-changing for many of you!  I'm beyond excited to share it with you real soon!  Stay tuned!

 
 

















Sorry for the photo spam, but i took a million pics!  They're not the greatest as i didn't have my fancy shmancy camera... but you get the picture!  xoxo Carla

Julep - Create Your Own Color

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

 
I've always ALWAYS wanted to have a nail polish color named after me!  Yes, i dream big lol... but in all seriousness... how cool would it be knowing that somewhere out there (can you hear the song in your head already?) someone could possibly be wearing a color named after meeeee and inspired by meeee!!!  I know exactly what my color would look like and i'm pretty sure those close to me would probably know too!  But i'm going to hold off on sharing that bit of information for now.  You see, Julep, who you've heard me talk about many many times, is having this incredible contest!  It's called Create Your Color - Pin and Enter! Basically, all you have to do is pick a color you love, create a pinterest board titled 'Create Your Julep Color' and pin images to your board that inspire your color of choice.  You'll need to hashtag each pic with Julep Color Challenge and Create Your Julep Color.  Fill out a simple form here and submit!  If you win, you get to name your own color!!!  Can you imagine? 

Honestly, i thought about not posting this because... really, no offense but i want to win this badly!  However, i think everyone should be given a fair chance... that and i LOVE my readers!  So with that said, good luck!  May the best maven win! 

Somme Institute - Pillow Pack

Monday, September 17, 2012




I'm obsessed with great skincare!  Every time I find a gem, I love to share it with my wonderful readers!  So recently, I came across Somme Institute's Pillow Pack which not only promises to change your skin in one week, but it's also a wonderful way to sample some of their most essential skin care products!  Being the beauty junkie that I am, I was totally up for the challenge!  When my two week supply arrived in the mail, I tore open one of the packages and began to indulge in what would be a truly amazing experience!  The pillow pack is designed to transform your skin with MDT5 (Molecular Dispersion Technology) in 5 easy steps, containing 5 essential vitamins all in 5 minutes! Did I mention that 5 is my absolute favorite number in the world??  Perhaps because I was born on January 5th, 1975 at 5:05 in the morning... could also be that I met my hubby on the 5th of August and that my girls were born on the 5th of December?  OK enough about that... but Somme Institute... you had me at FIVE! 



Before I begin my chat about each step, can we please talk about the packaging!  I am totally uhhhhbsessed with the sleek colorful dots against the crisp white packaging!  Each dot represents one of the five steps.  It's fun, playful, sleek and most importantly... it works!



Step one is the Nourishing Cleanser (in the blue dot).  I have actually been using this with my Clarasonic Mia 2 and love it!  My skin feels clean, refreshed and completely radiant after each use! 

 
Step two is the Transport exfoliating without abrasion (purple dot).  I cannot say enough good things about this product.  In fact, I think it's my favorite product in the pillow pack.  I simply use these pads to smooth over my clean face, neck and upper chest to exfoliate any dead cells on the skin's surface.  This helps to unclog blocked pores which I occasionally fall victim to.  I have honestly noticed a major difference since i began using this product.  Love, love, looooove!


Step 3 Serum (orange dot).  This wonderful serum is designed to boost collagen and lighten discoloration.  It contains vitamin C with MDT5 which strengthens skin elasticity and smooths the appearances of fine lines.  Um yes please!

 

Step 4 A-Bomb (green dot).  This step is designed to accelerate cell renewal.  This feels so good on my skin.  It's packed full of vitamins A & E helping to soften fine lines and wrinkles while targeting problem areas. 


 
Step 5 (pink dot) is the Double Defense moisturizer.  I love it because it's lightweight!  I hate the feeling of heavy products on my face.  This water-resistant lotion with SPF30 tops off this skincare regimen allowing skin to feel hydrated and smooth. 



I'm totally impressed with the way my skin feels.  You've heard me review some of my favorite skin care brands before and know how devoted I am to them.  I was a bit skeptical going into this challenge simply because a week is such a short amount of time to really see any kind of significant results.  However, my skin really does feel incredible!  The best part... it's convenient!  I went away this past weekend and knew that I didn't have much to think about when it came to packing my skin care regimen.  I simply tossed the pillow pack into my weekender bag and voila... off I went!  Have you ever tried Somme Institute products?  What's your favorite?  I'm dying to try the Boost Warming Mask!  Looks delicious! 

Thank you so much for reading!  A special 'thanks' to Somme Institute for sending me the pillow packs to test and love! Don't forget to become an official follower of FMM! XOXO Carla

NARS Autumn Leaves


Fall is quite simply one of my favorite times of the year!  I enjoy the cool crisp Fall air, the changing of the foliage, the wonderful scents of cinnamon and pumpkin spice.  Most importantly, I LOVE reading all about the new fall trends and tweaking my beauty routine and wardrobe accordingly.  There is something so warm and cozy about the season that just makes me happy!  Recently, while peeking through NARS' new Fall collection, i stumbled across a stunning lip color appropriately named Autumn Leaves.  I was instantly attracted to this gorgeous hue not only because of its' name, but it's ability to make a statement in the most subtle of ways.  I knew instantly, it was love at first swipe!  And so, this pretty little lipstick is currently taking up some prime real estate in my makeup bag while helping me transition from the warm summer corals to the deeper, richer fall hues!  What are your 'go to' Fall colors?




 

Thank you SO MUCH for reading! Don't forget to become an official follower of FMM! XOXO
Carla

And the winner is...

Sunday, September 16, 2012

SANDI HILL!!! YAY!  Congratulations! 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d0df544/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

Essie Stylenomics

Saturday, September 15, 2012




I have to say, I'm loving Essie's new Fall 2012 collection.  I recently picked up Stylenomics (a deep forest green that translates into almost black when applied) and I'm absolutely smitten by the shade.  So much so that i thought I'd share it with you all!  Hope you are all enjoying your weekend!  I'm getting ready to head to Atlantic City with the hubby and another couple to see MADONNA!!!!  I'm beyond excited!  I've been to several of her concerts and know that i will not be disappointed!  XOXO Carla

Naturopathica Lavender Honey Balancing Mist and Vitamin C Revitalizing Complex plus GIVEAWAY!!!

Sunday, September 9, 2012


 

So you've heard me profess my love for Naturopathica on various occasions right? You can read some of my previous posts here and here!  Well, I've recently had the pleasure of adding a couple more products to my already fantastic collection courtesy of my friends at Naturopathica.  I was dying to try their Vitamin C complex as well as their Lavender Honey Balancing Mist.  Well, here's my review for both... and stick around because at the very end of the reviews, i will be hosting a wonderful giveaway from Naturopathica so that you can see for yourself just how uhhh-mazing they are!

 

Lets talk about the Lavender Honey Balancing Mist.  OK, I'll admit, I'm a HUGE lavender fan period!  So basically, anything that smells of the bloom, i'm immediately smitten! It's so calming and soothing... trust me, when you chase after twinadoes all day long, you need a bit of 'calm and soothing' in your life.  Well, enter the Lavender Honey Balancing Mist!  This is a wonderful mist is intended to tone and hydrate your skin while restoring equilibrium to the mind!  If you're not quite sure what the "restore equilibrium to the mind" means, I'll give you a perfect example.  Without fail, every single time I've used it, i utter the words "OHHHH MY GO"!  Seriously, i catch myself every time!  It feels incredible and smells as though I'm laying in a field of fresh lavender!  Trust me, one spritz of this beauty and you too will be uttering those words... trust me!  It's love at first mist!


So with the wonderful Fall season practically upon us, the days get a little bit cooler, the nights... a little crisper which can only mean one thing!  It is imperative that we up our vitamin C intake right?  No, i don't mean just for your body but for your skin as well!  If you have yet to try a vitamin C complex for your skin, do yourself a favor and pick some up asap!  It's a perfect blend of essential antioxidants that penetrate deep into the skin protecting it from 'environmental assault'.  Most importantly, it contains anti-aging properties to help extend the life of your skin.  I know many of your reading this may think, 'well, i don't have wrinkles, I'm too young for this product etc' but trust me, you are never too young to start thinking about prevention! I mean, do you actually want to wait until you have your first wrinkle to start doing something about it?  Doesn't sound right to me!  So do yourself a favor and start now!

And now for the best part!  Lets talk about the wonderful GIVEAWAY Naturopathica has in store for you!  They and I feel so strongly about these products that we wanted to give one lucky reader a chance to try the Vitamin C Revitalizing Complex (A $58 value)!  So here are the rules for the giveaway:

You must be or become an official follower of Fashion Maven Mommy on GFC.  In addition, you must "like" the Naturopathica and FMM facebook pages.  OK, so those were the mandatory entries.  You will also have some bonus entries which are as follows:  You can follow @naturopathica & @fashionmavenmom on twitter for extra points as well as follow Fashion Maven Mommy on Bloglovin.  These are not mandatory but will give you plenty more chances to win!  This contest is only open to USA readers.  GOOD LUCK!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d0df544/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway


BADgal Vs. They're Real Mascara

Thursday, September 6, 2012




OK I know i've been promising this post for a while, but the wait is O V E R!  For the past few weeks, Benefit's BADgal and They're Real mascara have been dooking it out at chez FMM.  You've heard me say it a million times, so here's to a million and one... i have the worlds' tiniest lashes EVAH!  No really, they're practically invisable!  How i envy all of those who've been blessed with dark, full, long lashes!  But, you have to learn to work with what you've got... and weeerrrrk i have!  I've been desperately searching for practically a miracle in a mascara.  While i already own quite a stash, i decided to try these two Benefit mascaras simply because i couldn't decide which one to purchase.  You see, several friends recommended BADgal which was great, but They're Real is suppose to help create a false lash effect and well, that kinda sold me!  How they planned to do this with my lashes was beyond me... but it was certainly worth a try.  Besides, i love shopping for makeup at Sephora because i know that if i'm not truly satisfied with a product, i can easily return it.

So lets get started!  The first one i tried was BADgal.  My first impression was great.  I thought that it gave me a nice combination of length and volume which i loved.  The formula feels slightly on the dry side which kind of makes me wonder if it'll dry too fast.  I've had it for few weeks and so far so good so perhaps there's hope!  The brush is a bit on the thick side which doesn't bother me one bit! Particularly since it narrows on the tip making it easier to access those hard to reach spots.








 
Next i tried They're Real.  This is a classic example of why it's so important to try products more than once before discarting them!  To be very honest, my initial thought was, uhhh whatevah!  Save yourself the extra $10, this ain't that great! I was this close to returning it! Well, that is until the second time i put it on!  I kept my eyeshadow very light allowing the mascara to do its thing.  I couldn't stop staring at my eyes!  OMG i totally saw the whole falsies effect.  Here's why!  This mascara not only lengthens and voluminizes, but it also makes your lashes very dark hence making them look as though they're well... not real!  The formula is a bit more glossy than the BADgal which i like.  You'll need to apply several coats in order to see its full effect.  I'm also fascinated by the wand. It's thinner than the BADgal wand, yet the tip is kind of spiky, making application a cinch!  Boy am i ever glad i kept this little miracle worker because i find myself reaching for it all the time!





Overall, i think these are both great mascaras and although the consistencies are quite different, they both did what they said they'd do.  And really, what else can you ask for right? 

Thank you so much for reading!  Don't forget to become an official follower of FMM!  XOXO  Carla

Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

 
 
Ok, listen up ladies!  So you know how sometimes your skin just feels like it needs an extra deep cleaning even after you've already washed it?  Well, i've found just the perfect thing!  Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads are insanely delicious on my skin!  I keep them on my night stand, ensuring that i will not forget to use every night before applying my night cream!  First, lets talk about how uhhhh-mazing they smell!  Do you like peach Bellinis?  Of course you do!  Well, that's exactly what they smell like, unlike some of those other traditional medicine smelling pads... YUCK!  One swipe with these delightful little wonders and your skin will feel incredibly clean and smooth.  If you suffer from acne, these pads will certainly work overtime to help rid your skin of all those tiny annoyances!  Luckily, i discovered an even better use for these pads!  Just about one week after i started using them, i began to notice that my one sun spot on my right cheek was starting to fade away!!!  What??? Score!  I mean, to have an unexpected added benefit is just a delightful little bonus don't you think?  Soooo, what are you waiting for!  Pick yours up today!  They're available at one of my favorite beauty websites SkincareRx!  Have you tried these before?  What are your thoughts?



Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  Don't forget to become an official follower of FMM!  XOXO Carla

MAC Rocker

Sunday, September 2, 2012

 
I'm obsessed with lipsticks, lip glosses, lip stains... heck, I'm obsessed with makeup period!  This holiday weekend, we are bidding farewell to Summer and welcoming the start of a new Fall season.  In doing so, many of us consciously begin wearing colors that are more in tune with the upcoming season.  I find myself reaching for wines, bordeaux's, plums and chocolate... gosh, all those adjectives just made me wish i was sitting at a vineyard somewhere sipping some fine wine!  OK, back to lip color!  Recently, I've given you a peek inside my makeup bag.  I mentioned my love of MAC's Rocker.  In fact, i love it so much that i felt it needed it's very own blog post!  This rich wine hue was a limited release which MAC so graciously decided to bring back due to popular demand!  I say, make it a regular fixture in your collection already!  Clearly, it is loved by many!  So this week, grab your favorite mascara and pile it on...skip all the fuss and make Rocker work for you!  This bold yet classic deep red will make just the right statement!  It will say, Fall, I'm ready for you!


 
 


Thanks for reading!  Don't forget to become an offical follower of FMM!  xoxo Carla
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