Alright, this is a thread that I've thought about starting for a long time but have been trying to consider how best to approach it without starting a flame war or offending anyone.   Disclaimer: this thread is not for people who love these products to try to convince those who don't love their favorites that they're wrong, to try again, etc.  Trying to make anyone feel bad for their opinion will not be tolerated. Nor will "beauty evangelizing." Likewise, please remain polite when you talk about the products you just don't like.   So, what products do you go against the beauty grain?  What are those consensus favorites that you just don't like?   I'll start.   I'm just not a fan of the Urban Decay Naked palettes. I know they're widely considered a HG product and everyone " has to have them! ".  I understand why they're considered a value from an intellectual perspective.  But I don't own any of them, and won't. I often bite my tongue because they seem to be the only answer repeated thread and after thread.

This is off topic but i noticed a ShopKick post awhile back and i do use it! But i am loving Viggle. It the same concept as shopkick where you check in and get points to redeem things. But you do it with Tv shows! I don't know about you ladies but i watch plenty of TV! You just sync it to your tv, it catches what your watching and you get a point for every minute you watch it! They have featured shows where you get more point as well! I think it is great! I've had this already for a few days and have 1,500 + points! You get gift cards you can redeem for a certain amount of points. For instance Starbucks gift cards are 12,500 points, and i assume it would be a $10 gift card. And they have a Sephora Gift Card for 20,000 points! I think i will be there in no time! Anyone else use this or think they will now??!!!

This past Sunday was Father's Day, and though everyone has a different take on family and relationships, I want to know what you did!   Whether you celebrated your biological father, a stepfather, grandfather, brother, cousin, nephew, son, grandson, husband, friend, or any significant male in your life, how did you show some extra appreciation? I know not everyone may still have their father or celebrated male figure alive today (my friend lost her father to cancer a while back and this Father's Day her and her siblings released his ashes in memorial), but what are some of your favorite memories you shared?   My dad's never been a man for too many words unless he's with family and friends, then he turns into super loud ball of fun, but he's never been one to ask for anything or even expect grand and lavish gifts. He's often very hard to shop for on holidays and special occasions, but this year my mother and I got him some shirts that he can wear to work. Nothing fancy, just a couple of polos, he's a hard working man and more than often if he truly WANTED something, he would more than likely buy it for himself, so the shirts were a good practical gift and I know he'll get use out of them.   So tell me, Beauty Talkers! Did you Skype a conversation with dear ol' dad due to distance? Have a BBQ and gift your guy with a new pit? Did you treat him to a meal at his favorite restaurant? Was it cologne and grooming items that he got gifted with?

I'm just curious about who inspires us.  I'm not one to model myself after anyone (although imitation is the sincerest form of flattery).  Personally, as a woman in my mid-40's, I'm fond of any woman who stays beautiful through the ages and doesn't try to stay 20 forever.  My opinion is that agelessness is a lie.  We will develop lines, wrinkles, gray hair.  It happens.  But can we be beautiful anyway without pumping our faces full of chemicals or stretching our skin until our lips touch our ears.  My favs:  Jamie Lee Curtis, Helen Mirren, Mary McDonnell.  I'm not saying these ladies haven't had anything done.  I honestly have no idea - but they don't look like they've had anything done.  What about y'all?

Hello! I hope this is an appropriate off topic post, but this is a pretty important message for me to share! A friend of my friend is running out of time to find a bone marrow donor and we are trying to spread the word for people to register to become a potential donor.   Nina Polvanich Louie has lymphoma, and she has only 2 months to find a bone marrow donor. Lymphoma can be treated, but Nina has not found a match in the registry. Nina is married with a 2 year old child and is fighting for her life and the well being of her family.     Registration involves a simple cotton swab of your cheek (mailed or in person) and you will be registered in a database. If you match with a person who needs a donor, then you will be contacted to donate bone marrow.   Please register! Help Nina or thousands of other people hoping to find a match. You could truly save a life. Order a Home Typing Kit: http://www.asianmarrow.org/index.php/order-an-indi vidual-kit Please label the kit “VINIYA” in the promo section to help expedite the typing. LA local drives: http://www.asianmarrow.org/index.php/donor/list-of -drives SF local drives: http://www.aadp.org/drive/   Learn more about registering and the individuals who need donors. Read success stories about matches, and read memories from families whose loved ones could not find a match in the registry in time. Definitely worth it. http://www.aadp.org/survivor-stories/   And even more information at: https://www.facebook.com/ninaneedsyou http://www.savenina.com/ http://www.aadp.org/about/   YouTube beauty guru, Xteeener (Christine Nguyen) talking about the cause: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjKXH_uPHGs   Thank you so m uch! I registered and I hope you can too! : )

So sorry for the many posts from me. I guess I'm just that bored and have a lot of questions. lol. And sorry if this just doesnt seem on topic but really, who can I ask?    You know those puffy eyes you get after crying? And when you wake up after a night of crying it stays puffy for a long time? Anyone know of any ways to prevent the puffiness or make it "de-puff" faster? At school, people are starting to notice but...I just don't want to tell everyone. And  I'm gonna probably need a solution fast because I have a feeling I will have A LOT of days/nights with puffy eyes....   Thanks

I used it as my promo code does that mean I will end up with something else?

I know I already have an I love... but given some of the threads here over the past couple of weeks I have to get this off my chest.   I LOVE that we celebrate beauty in ALL forms here at BT- and that this is (mostly) a no judgment zone. I LOVE that we see the beauty in all- and refuse to conform to one group's view of what is perfect/beautiful and what is not.   I LOVE that BT is a place where you are beautiful, no matter your age, size, shape, color, gender, or any other label that society likes to throw out.   Keep celebrating the REAL beauty and love out there, BT!

I've looked everywhere. I have found "Beauty" followed by any of 8 different terms (Guru, Boss ... ), plus more obvious ones like Newcomer (Hi!), Hostess, etc.

Hello there, ladies and gents!   Keeping in line with all the fun and interactive threads asking about your most recent halls, items you have your eyes on, what you're currently wearing, what's your hair routine, and more, I've decide to branch out and ask:   "What's on your plate?"   The beauty world doesn't just stop at skin care and cosmetics, it also goes hand in hand with your overall health and well-being, so with that, I'm curious to see what we're all chowing down and snacking on be it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, or inbetween!   For those with apps that help count calories or to those who just want to keep a log, here's a place to share, possibly find and share some recipes, and even tips on maintaining a balanced diet.   Don't just share food items, but even drinks! I'm a huge fan of tea and at least have a cup of green tea a day (anti-oxidants) and drink plenty of water.   For lunch today, I had:   -Brown rice -Steamed egg -Steamed red snapper with green onion, sesame oil, and black pepper -Gai lan (it's a type of Chinese vegetable/greens)   Now, tell me, Beauty Talk world, what do you have?

Can anyone interpret this for me? I'm not sure if I should be creeped out or not. This was on the paper in my sephora box... I just noticed it... And the packed my box.... And have my info...  

I made rosewater! Color me pink excited. The rose at my parents house were blooming, so I decided to try making rosewater, which the internet claims to be very easy. (I've no idea how big these pics are going to appear, so apologies in advance).   ...and it is, but the first step is sooo tedious. You have to make sure to use rose without pesticides/chemicals, then wash all the dirt/bugs off the petal. It's like a mini-world between the layers of petals...dense miniture spiderwebs, giant ants, tiny green bugs that I wouldn't know were bugs until they moved, and dead bugs. You really have to wash the petals one by one, which take foreeeeeever. I would've given up if it didn't look so pretty and smells so heavenly. Once they are washed, put then in a clean pot and cover with distilled water. Too much and you might dilute them, so just until it covers the petals. Then simmer until all the colors are gone: The more fussy method is putting a bowl in the middle, invert the lid, and the condensation that drips into the bowl is the purest rosewater. I tried. Meh. If you boil it too long, the rosewater become diluted and start losing its scent. I think I boiled it too long, cuz the final water only have a hint of rose. In any case, I decided to put it in a spray bottle as a refresher for after exercise/on hot days: I intend to use it as a toner, but the water actually left a purple stain on white napkin/bowls when it dries (washes off pretty easily) so now I'm hesitating about putting it on my face, but I poured 2 cups into the bath and I didn't come out purple/pink (feel like a princess, with the rosewater bath and petals floating on top <3). Once my skin adjusted to the skincare I'm currently playing with, I think I'll try it on my face. Have anyone ever used pure rosewater? I'm kind of tentative about trying it.....o.o   It's a fun (and very pretty/nicely scented) project if you've got time to spare. Tho I think I'll just stick to purchasing rosewater at stores from now on....anyways, just a random share.

So any of you beautiful ladies has used ebates before? I keep seeing it on tv and I was thinking to try but I am kinda afraid. Why would they give us cash back? Too good to be true right?

This is the wonkiest website I use. Have you ever noticed how many people will start a new post (instead of replying or editing) and start it out by saying, "sorry but it won't let me edit ... or I can't "reply"... (I can't do either just for the record.) Sometimes I can't write reviews either. Once I completely cleared my computer (not just the cookies) and I was able to review. Then the next day I couldn't again, and then despite doing nothing to my computer, I was suddenly able to review again a couple of days later. Every time someone has a problem we're told to clear our cookies or try a different browser. It's ridiculous. We shouldn't have to do that. Temptalia launched a Swatch Gallery a few weeks back and it wasn't working for me. She messaged me asking what kind of device I was using and what browser. Within a few days the site worked for me. That's one person's (very popular) blog and her "tech guy" - not a major corporation with (I assume) multiple programmers.   Sorry for the rant. This has been bugging me for a long time.

No spamming or anything like that, just a discussion.  I love how katyl128 asked about the forum rules when it came to her new blog.  I wish there were more people like that on the online world.    Anyway, have you ever thought about creating a blog?  Everyone on here has a unique knowledge on the various topics.  I've played around with the idea for some time, but never knew what kind of blog.  Since I've been into nails for a while, I have thought about it.  It seems like a relaxing hobby, but there are a gazillion nail blogs out there.    Like I said, I'm not trying to spam or anything.  Just honest discussion.  I hope I'm not in trouble or anything lol.

So, it's time to go on an extended no buy. I have more than I could ever enjoy for quite awhile.  However, if you have gotten to know me a bit- it's going to be easier said than done!   So, this thread is hopefully going to be a support group for me- and anyone else who wants to join me in a summer of no buy.   The tricky thing is that I've got about 40% of my toner left and maybe 20% of my daytime moisturizer- and I see pan on my HG concealer.  I have to buy the concealer since it's a staple product (and I have used up all of the other concealers that match my skin). I'd like to use up some skincare before repurchasing my daytime moisturizer- but if my skin reacts, I'll revisit the issue.   When will the no buy end?  I'm not sure, but fall collections will be on counters, if not on the leaves!

Okay....has anyone else noticed that the KVD foundation gets darker throughout the day? As in, when you apply it it looks like your skintone but give it a couple of hours and its 2 shades too dark for you? I never had that happen to me. I LOVE this foundation, I bought the shades 46 and 48. I used to be a 44 but when I tried it on in store the 44 looked a touch too light and the 46 looked perfect. I've been wearing the 46 the past couple of days and I've noticed that at the end of the day my face is 2 shades darker than my neck and chest. I like to look tan, but naturally tan, I don't want my face a totally different color from the rest of my body. I'm keeping both my 46 and 48 because summers here and I do get tan in the summer, but I think I need to go back and get the 44 as well.

If anyone likes Skyn Iceland, just an fyi: some of their line is on sale on Haute Look.

Hey guys! Just wanted to say that I had a great time shopping at Sephora today and wanted to give props to Tania at the Wolf Ranch location in Georgetown Texas. She was really nice and helpful and very professional. Thank you Sephora!

ok im 13 and I really love make up and know lots about it and lots of ppl say I am good at it so I am thinking about becoming a make up artist and I know im to young to get a job right now but do u have any ideas on what I can do now to get my start btw my sis works at the Sephora in my home town mall and I talked to some ppl there and they said try to ask some questions on the web site so here I am

So I recently got back from vacation in NYC. I went to one of the times square locations. The one on 47th and 5th? I believe. And my service was beyond terrible. I can't even. First, no one greets you at the door, but they are standing there staring at you like "what are you doing here? are you shop lifting?" and they stare you down, which I don't appreciate. But I understand that they need to have security at the exits, just don't be so disrespectful about it and not even say hello to your customers and ask if they can help you find anything. Second, I asked a customer service person for help with a foundation. I wanted a sample and they said okay and walked away, I waited there for ten minutes, they never came back. I then found them in the store 2 minutes later being friendly to another customer that was clearly a friend of theirs. This is absolutely unacceptable to me. I work in retail and that would not fly at my work. I would get fired for something like that. Clearly disregarding the needs of the customer for your own benefit. Next, I went to the skincare section and a worker bumped into my shoulder hard enough for me to drop my bag because I didn't expect it and they just kept walking. I don't think this is specifically something Sephora workers do, It's just a New York thing. No one cares if they bump into you, but when you are working, you should be more courteous and apologize. Then, I went back to the NARS section and I was swatching a few blushes, picking out my favorite colors of blush. This is right next to the stand where they put makeup on customers and someone was doing someones makeup and the worker said "Would you move?" in a really snotty tone. Then, the top of the cake, I went to the checkout, and the guy in the front was checking people out, but there were many registers opened, he asked me how I was paying and I said cash and he said "okay, move aside, NEXT!" I was like.. what?! Then I go to the end where another girl actually WILL help me and she didn't talk to me the whole time.. didn't even tell me my total. She was talking to another employee the whole time giggling. And then once my transaction was over, she put my stuff in the bag, and walked away. Didn't hand it to me, didn't say thank you. And i'm like... what the heck?! I am a VIB, I shop at Sephora often, I was nothing but friendly and I'm getting THIS experience?! I just couldn't even believe it.   I know this is all very negative, but usually i DO love sephora, but I was just not pleased with my experience in times square. And it was just the fact that it was every employee that I came in contact with was so disrespectful to me. I have never had an experience like this before at a sephora and I'm just so disappointed. Anyways, I just wanted to share that. But, it was nice that sephora was 2 blocks away from my hotel!!! I didn't buy much, but I definitely made mental notes of everything I wanted! I actually prefer to buy online so I can return things I don't like easily. So I will have a big order in a few weeks here.   Sorry for the rant everyone! Hope you are all doing well!

I am interested in becomming a Birchbox member.  I like most of the brands they have to offer, and I think it will be so fun to get a box of minis every month.  However...my husband is nervous they will charge for random things or make it difficult to quit.  Could you all tell me your experience with this company?   Thanks!

I'm turning 29 again  on the 11th and since it's my birthday month my inbox is getting swamped with offers!  Get 20% off your order, free dessert, free burger, free lip gloss... just to name a few.  I've taken advantage of free mascara from Smashbox and the Sugar Lip duo from Sephora but that's all.    I always have the sense of "throwing away money" when I don't take advantage of "free" offers even though a purchase is required.  It makes me feel twitchy.  Help me stay strong! Spoiler (Highlight to read)          

Hey chicks,   So I did one of the funniest things today that I think I've ever done and still can't believe I did it. So me my husband and my little boy went out to eat today and it was a little busy in this place we went to, so we found our seats of course in the back of the restaurant because it was so busy any way we all went up to the salad bar and I guess on the way back I missed our row of seating by one and accidentally sat down with a woman I did not know, as I looked up this woman is just looking at me like "What are you doing"? So I politely said "Oh sorry wrong seat and got up and went to my table where my husband and little boy were wanting to know where I had been. Man that was so embarrassing but funny afterward. Has any one had one these moments? (please say yes)

Ladies, as promised, here is a thread for us to discuss the drama, the chaos and the tanning that is RHNJ all season long!     Season 5 premiere is TONIGHT on Bravo!      Although we live in different time zones, I was wondering how everyone feels about attempting our own live chat during the show sometime during the season? Let me know what you darlings think about that.   Discuss and Enjoy!!   xxx Always Glam

Your user name! I know we may have had this thread before but with some new people on our boards I thought it would be fun to find out how you all picked/chose your names (PLUS include a favorite product or beauty tip)   My user name is DianaBT because I'm a moderator on here but my personal account name is LuvMyGloss because I am HOOKED on lipglosses of all colors and brands.    And something I love would be... well,  I love super thick glittery and sparkly shades or nail stickers with tons of sparkle and flash!  

So everybody knows what tinted moisturizer is, and now we've all got comfortable with BB creams which is suppose to do more fancy things, then CC cream comes along and claim to do every more things. Guess what? DD cream is now here! Not a April fool's day joke, but Julep just came out with Dynamic Do-all cream. That was a screen shot from my computer. Lol, by the time we get to MM cream, it better be so awesome it will do my manicure for me. Better yet, if/when we reach ZZ cream, let cancer be cured.   Anyways, that was just something I saw today and thought was amusing. #Random, #NoPoint

It's the beginning of a new month and time for me to seriously work on correcting some bad habits. One of these has been accumulating all kinds of things; lately this has been a lot of purchases as Sephora -- eye shadow and perfume are my worst weaknesses.   I looked at all of the things that I have around the house, in more than one location, and it's absurd.  I can't use it all up easily and I have eye palettes I haven't even tried out.  I only have 1 pair of eyes, even if I do use different things most days!   Perfume and shower gels have always been a weakness.  I love changing things according to my mood, but I really have plenty for a while.    I think I have skincare items to last me for years.   So, these are my goals:   Use up some things:   -- I will pick one perfume to try to use at least once a week to try to get through something.  (This will let me add something I already own to the perfumes that are out.) -- At least one day a week use up perfume samples.  Put aside things I don't like (my sister probably will) and try to see what I want from the samplers I haven't redeemed yet. -- The deluxe samples that are in my travel bag need to be finished.  I won't be traveling again for a while and those sizes don't last that long. -- Evaluate things that are started but haven't been used for a while.  If I like them, use them more and try to use them up.  If I stopped using them for a reason, GET RID OF THEM! They're just taking up space. -- Go through the suncare samples I still have left over.  If they're expired, get rid of them.  If they're not, use them before they do expire.  If they don't work, pass them along to someone else or GET RID OF THEM. -- Sort through the sample packets I have.  Look at deluxe samples, too.  See what I might really want to try and put aside things I know I don't want.  (These often include dupes of things I tried and didn't really like, things stuck in my bag at the store, or things that got substituted in the store.)  Make an effort to use things that interest me and put the things that don't in the collection to donate to the shelter nearby.   No orders for June and July.  Only exceptions: -- If there is a new Disney collection out, I can get things.  They're limited and they go quickly. -- If there is a great VIB code (like the VIB Clutch from last year), I can get something.  Hopefully a replacement for something I've used up.  I think last year it was in August so I'm hoping for a couple of good months. -- If Victoria's Secret has one of their limited summer scents I've been looking for in the summer sale, I can get that, since it won't be available again. -- I can redeem a scent certificate if I really want to go poke around the store.  I still have several, sigh. -- If I really, really am out of something and don't have a replacement around, I can buy it.  I think that is extremely unlikely, though.   This starts today, although I may go to CVS with my $5 extra bucks that will expire in a couple of days.  I don't know what type of thing I will get, maybe not makeup, but I figure it's okay to use coupons if I don't spend anything more.  Silly for them to go completely unused.   Sorry this is so long, but it's good to see my goals.  I like the support that everyone provides here, either for finding or not buying things!  

It's been hanging around in the sale section of sephora.com ever since I can remember.....    

Normally for work I go on business trips to really boring places in the middle of nowhere, but next week I actually get to go to the Bay Area!  I plan to make a pilgrimage to the Union Sq Sephora and wanted to know what tips you guys might have about this location!  Do they carry awesome brands that you can't find anywhere else?  Any cool new stuff that I absolutely must swatch?  And what are some of your other favorite Sephoras in the Bay area?   !!