The Cool-It Caddy:
I got a press release about a cosmetic case that freezes, and I thought it was a neat concept, so I requested a sample. When I got it, I started thinking it was more hassle than it was worth. But that was fall. Then the clouds opened up, the sun beamed down, and my Chapstick melted at the pool, and I thought, hey, maybe I should give it a try. So I froze the little sucker overnight before heading to Exhale’s pool on a Saturday, and stored in it my phone, sunscreen stick, lip balm, granola bar, and a couple other things, and I was pleasantly surprised by the beauty of a cool lip gloss on a hot day, a phone that didn’t fry my earlobe, and a granola bar that was, well, still a bar, rather then a mush ball. I highly recommend this for people who spend time outdoors.

MAC Magically Cool Liquid Powder:
Now, I’d guess this product’s full of chemicals in order to get the “magic” cooling effect, but at this temperature, I’d put dry ice on my face if I believed it would cool me down. This little tub of powder applies like any ol’ powder, but feels damp and cool when it hits the skin. It makes me want to dump it right over my head. But seriously, it feels like silk and looks beautiful over foundation.

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray:
There are a handful of products I can NEVER remember to use because my beauty routine feels ridiculously long already. (Like, my eyelash growth mascara, foundation primer, berry mask, both eye creams, etc.) Once upon a time, setting spray was on the list of forgottens. Then I met Urban Decay’s All Nighter. Touted as a 16-hour makeup setting spray, this little bottle sat on my shelf for three months before I touched it. Then, one day, I used it in the morning. I had a long day ahead of work, happy hour, and concert, and guess what? My makeup. Stayed. Put. It was amazing. I can’t promise you at 11 pm you’ll look like you applied your makeup five minutes ago, but the colors, foundation, powder, and shadow even will still be in the correct places and that’s more than I can usually say for myself at 7 pm.

Atlantis Sunset (behind) and Sweet Abigail (in front)

I’ve raved about beauty line Le Métier de Beauté before, and I’m loving the opportunity to give some extra special products away. I’m giving away two set of the the lip gloss pair above in Atlantis Sunset, a coral “sheer brilliance,” and Sweet Abigail, a pink “lip creme.” These glosses were created by two Dallas Metiér makeup artists and are being sold exclusively in town. Linda Glove chose the pink and named it after her niece, Abigail. Johanna Uek named her pick after a beach memory. (Johanna’s son, Zach, is going blind and in an effort to show him beauty he may not be able to see in the future, the family took a vacation to the Bahamas recently. The coral gloss is named for those sunsets.) Each gloss retails for $36, but two lucky winners will win both both colors. I’ve had the opportunity to play with both, and they’re amazing; maybe even more beautiful layered together. To enter to win these, click here.

To find out how to donate to sweet, optimistic Zach Thibodeaux, send momma an email at johannaskincare@gmail.com.

-Smile big
-Stamp one finger (Raychel recommends the ring or middle finger) with the cream blush, and dot it onto the fattiest part of your cheek (the “apple”). To find this, imagine a vertical line running through your pupil and a horizontal line running across your face at the tip of your nose. Where these lines intersect, stamp away.
-Using a clean finger, blend outward, using up, out, and down motions. (Cat whiskers, if you will.)

I’ve avoided cream blush like the plague to avoid looking like a Nutcracker doll (or a cockatiel), but I tell you, very honestly, after getting this pointer, I went home with my sample and applied it to myself and my sister, and was pleased. Not only did it smooth out quite evenly, but it gave me and sis a natural flush that literally lasted all day. I’m now using La Prairie’s cream blush on a regular basis and I’m thrilled. The downfall is the price tag. La Prairie is one of the most expensive skincare and cosmetic lines I know. The upside is they’ve earned it. Sciencey stuff goes into each product, and results match the claim. Plus, with this $55 blush, it’ll last you until your 70 years old. Find it at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Saks 5th Avenue.

3 Reasons to Donate:

• You’re reading this blog, which means you have a high-tech phone, a job (because you’re at a work computer), or a lap top, all of which signify that you’re probably financially stable enough to give up $5.
• Donations are a tax write-off.
• Delft is GORGEOUS. Check out this swatch.

WARNING Lame, Sentimental Statement Ahead: It warms my heart to have received so many emails from you guys already. Thanks for reminding me how many compassionate people there are!

UPDATE: This offer will end at 5 pm CST today. Don’t worry. If you’ve emailed and haven’t heard back, I’m still working on it.

Terri Tomlinson prettied the punims of these two lovebirds for the cover of D Home.

Terri Tomlinson, 20-year veteran in the magical world of makeup and founder of The Makeup Training Academy, is opening up a DIY makeup class. Come in, learn some techniques step-by-step, and then practice on your own face at organized play stations. There are dozens of “instructional” events held at stores and makeup counters, but they rarely help you do it yourself. You watch, buy products, get home and paint yourself unlike you look like a 90s Glamour Shots portrait. That’s why I’m loving this event. Two looks will be taught: The Graduated Smoke and The Classic Contour. Both can be tailored for day or night and will utilize Terri’s own 8-color palettes (6 shadows and 2 face colors) in “Concrete Chic” and “Bronze Bling.” Once you feel like you’ve nailed the look, you’ll be able to purchase the palettes for a discounted price so you can repeat it at home as many times as you want. (You’ll also walk away with an eye chart of both looks.) The class is $45 per person. Send an email to reserve your spot at terri@makeup101.com. Refreshments will be served. April 9, 1 pm to 4 pm, at Bolt Productions. 1350 Chemical Street, Dallas

Any makeup artist will always appreciate a tip, and it is definitely appropriate in most situations.  Especially if you get your makeup done at the mall or a salon, where the makeup artist probably doesn’t make as much money as a freelance makeup artist.  The one situation where it would not be neccesary is if you are a model doing a shoot for a catalogue or something like that.

Color in "Dallas"

It’s cold, but maybe the thought of upcoming Super Bowl shopping specials will warm you up. Take Talulah Belle, for example. Between Thursday, February 3, and Sunday, February 6, when you spend $50 in Susan Posnick cosmetics, you’ll get a free lipstick from her line in “Dallas.” (See color, right.)

(clockwise from top left) Big Smile Gloss in "Lollipop," Say Hello Palette in "Super Fun," Shower Time shower gel, Apple Cheeks blush stick in "Peachy," and Sweet Gloss stick in "Charmmy"

Admit it. You still gush over that sweet Hello Kitty face. Don’t worry. I do, too. That’s why when I got a cute-as-a-button set of Sephora’s new Hello Kitty beauty products in the mail I wanted to keep them. But I’m not. I’m giving them away, because they’re too darling to hoard. Enter to win this giveaway here. Good luck!

Dolce & Gabbana Lip Jewels Compact, $60

This compact is so gorgeous, I almost want to keep it… but I’m not. I’m giving it away to one very lucky reader. The lip palette boasts a scarlet jewel top, a luxurious gold case, four lip colors, ranging from nude to ruby red, and two mini lip brushes. It’ll cost you $60 in the store, but you can enter to win this one here.

Follow to jump to see swatches of each lip color.

These lip swatches are brought to you by the Makeup and Beauty Blog. Thought you guys would enjoy seeing the colors in action.

Lorac "Box Office Hit" Palette

Because I hyperlinked you guys to the Wufoo login page on the Friday giveaway entry (rather than the correct form to fill out), I’m opening the Friday Giveaway up to Monday. Check out the palette on the right. That’s what we’re giving away. Go ahead and enter HERE to try to win it.

Enter to win right here.

Both these new fall 2010 products will be included in the evening’s tip session.

Head to L.Bartlett tomorrow night for cocktails, light bites, and a makeup class taught by artist Lindsay Hartley. If you’ve been trying to figure out how to apply the fall makeup trends to your own face, this is the time to learn. Sit back, sip some free cosmos, munch on light hors d’oeuvres, and watch Lindsay demonstrate the fall makeup trends during the boutique’s Tips & Sips makeup seminar. Smoky eyes, bold lips, highlighting/contouring, and forcing your makeup to stay put are on the instruction itinerary. A tip sheet will be yours to keep when it’s over. The cost of this whole beauty affair is the purchase of two products from the shop. (Lines include Smashbox, Too Faced, and Nouba.) You get to take home your payment for the class, so it’s a pretty good deal, friends. Go get your face-paint on. Tomorrow night. Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 6 pm.

*Correction: Sorry, guys. Meant August 24, not August 4.