As promised, here’s a compilation of this year’s Nordstrom Beauty Exclusives! I’ve focused on color cosmetics, nails, and tools, but there are also fragrance and skincare exclusives/value sets as well. Anyone can shop the sale as of the 17th, but now through the 16th, early access is limited to cardholders.

Anything catch your eye?  I felt like this year’s sale was actually a bit lackluster in the beauty department; there were the usual suspects like jumbo sizes for cult favorites (always good to stock up on), but it seemed like actual sets/kits are dwindling (look how minimal the MAC exclusives are).  I noted a lot of repromotes/permanent shades in some of the sets (e.g. MAC/NARS), too.

Palettes

• Laura Mercier The Art of Colour Eye & Cheek ($79.00) ($118 value)
• Smashbox Photo Op Mega Palette ($69.00) ($280 value)
• Dior Eye Reviver – Rosy Palette ($62.00)
• YSL Rock Resille Couture Palette ($60.00)
• LORAC The Skinny Palette – Black / Marsala ($15.00) ($133 value)
• Chanel Travel Makeup Palette ($95.00)
• Bobbi Brown Secret to Standout Eyes ($85.00) ($133 value) (not pictured)

Exclusive Shades

• Dior Majesty Vernis ($27.00)
• Dior Addict Lipstick in Cosmic Pink or Hypnotic Plum ($33.00)
• Guerlain Meteorites – Summer Edition ($62.00)

Tools

• Smashbox Studio Pro Set ($89.00) ($225 value)
• Bobbi Brown Brush Set ($128.00) ($211 value)
• Sultra Curling Irons ($99.00) ($130 value)
• ghd Classic Styler ($145.00) ($185 value)
• T3 Compact Styling Set ($150.00) ($229 value)
• Trish McEvoy Power of Brushes ($158.00) ($304 value)
• Clarisonic Ultimate Brush Head Set ($64.80) ($110 value)
• Clarisonic Mia 3 Bloom Town System ($159.20) ($199 value)
• beautyblender Must Have Trio ($37.00) ($56 value)

Makeup Kits

• Laura Geller Love Me Dew Trio ($25.00) ($48 value)
• Trish McEvoy naturally Gorgeous Planner ($168.00) ($546 value)
• YSL Rock Attitude Glossy Stain Trio ($72.00) ($108 value)
• Deborah Lippmann Undressed Set ($34.00) ($72 value)
• Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Trio ($24.00) ($36 value)
• Butter London The New Neutrals Set ($24.00) ($40 value)
• Clinique Colorful Moisture Set ($56.00) ($80.50 value)
• Stila Modern Blooms Lip Glaze Set ($25.00) ($82.50 value)
• Laura Geller Eye Dew Trio ($25.00) ($48 value)
• bareMinerals Bare Basics Eyecolor Trio ($25.00) ($55 value)
• bareMinerals Main Attraction Set ($56.00) ($129 value)
• Bobbi Brown Sunset Pink Trio / Pink Dusk Trio ($50.00 each) ($76 value)
• Hourglass Nude Essentials Set ($64.00) ($92 value)
• Giorgio Armani Glow Essential Set ($82.00) ($122 value)
• Charlotte Tilbury On the Go Essentials Set ($155.00) ($213 value)
• Butter London Coveted Classics ($45.00) ($72 value)
• Burberry Nude Glow Set ($78.00) ($110 value)

Chanel 2013 Spring Haute Couture

Peter Philips, Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup used the following CHANEL products to create the runway beauty looks:

Face

• Skin prepared with HYDRA BEAUTY SERUM Hydration Protection Radiance
• VITALUMIERE AQUA Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Sunscreen Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15
• ECLAT LUMIERE Highlighting Face Pen
• CORRECTEUR PERFECTION Long Lasting Concealer
• POUDRE UNIVERSELLE LIBRE Natural Finish Loose Powder

Eyes

• STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF Long Lasting Eyeliner in Noir Intense
• LE VOLUME DE CHANEL Mascara in Black
• STYLO EYESHADOW in Black Stream (Available May 2013)
• RECOURBE CILS DE CHANEL Precision Eyelash Curler

Cheeks

• JOUES CONTRASTE Powder Blush in Frivole

Lips

• ROUGE COCO BAUME Hydrating Conditioning Lip Balm
• ROUGE ALLURE Luminous Intense Lip Colour in Fantasque

Nails

• LE VERNIS Nail Colour in Emprise on the hands
• LE VERNIS Nail Colour in Black Satin on the feet

See more photos! 

Photo by Vincent Lappartient

Photo by Vincent Lappartient

Photo by Vincent Lappartient

Deal Sites/Rebates

• EBATES:  SkinStore (11%), Pur Minerals (10%), Clinique (8%)
• FAB: —
• GILT:  Jose Eber Hair Tools (10/9), Maria Badescu (10/11)
• HAUTELOOK:  Korres (10/8), Conair (10/9), Layla Nails (10/9), Apothederm (10/9), FACEatelier (10/10)
• IDEELI:  —
• MR. REBATES:  Proactiv (25%), Sheer Cover (25%), WEN (25%), Oscar Blandi (15%), Murad (12%), Skinstore (12%), DermStore (10%), Clinique (10%)
• MYHABIT: Dead Sea Spa Care (10/8)
• Rue La La:  —

Free Shipping, Coupon Codes, GWPs

• APOTHICA: Free shipping on orders of $49+.
• BATH & BODY WORKS: $1 shipping with $25+ order with code CELEBRATE25, expires 10/8.
• BEAUTY.COM:  Get $10 off $50 through THIS LINK.  Free shipping on $25+ orders.
• BENEFIT: Free shipping on $50+ purchases. Free international shipping with $125+ purchases.  Free deluxe mini total moisture and that gal with any order with code SILKY, expires 10/31.
• BLISS:   25% off Bliss pro sizes with code BLISSPROS, expires 10/10.  Free full-size Bliss goodie with $100+ purchase with code BIGGIE7, expires 10/15 or while supplies last.
• BLOOM:  25% rewards back on your first purchase with code 25BACK. 30% rewards back on your first purchase with code 30BACK.
• BLOOMINGDALE’S: Free shipping on orders of $150+ with code FS150.
• BOBBI BROWN: Free shipping on $65+ orders. Free dual-ended eyeliner in Caviar & Gold + free shipping on $65+ orders with code DUAL12, expires 10/31. Free Retro Pink Creamy Lip Color + free shipping with $65+ orders with code RETRO12, expires 10/31.
• CLINIQUE:  Free shipping on $50+ orders.
• DERMSTORE:  10% off with code REMINDER.
• ELIZABETH ARDEN: —
• FOLICA: Free shipping on $50+ orders.
• GIORGIO ARMANI BEAUTY:   Free shipping with $75+ orders + 2 samples of choice for registered members. Free shipping with any $75+ purchase with code DESIGNER10, no expiration.
• JURLIQUE:  Free shipping on $50+ orders.
• KIEHLS:  Free shipping on$50+ orders. Purchase New Rosa Arctica Lightweight Anti-Aging Cream, Rosa Arctica Eye, or Rosa Arctica & receive deluxe travel-ready samples of Midnight Recovery Concentrate & Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate with code RECHARGE, expires 10/14. Free deluxe sample of your choice on $30+ purchase; 3 deluxe asmples on a $50 purchase, or 5 deluxe samples + free shipping on $85 purchase with code TRYMORE, expires 10/14.
• LANCOME:  4-piece sample set + free shipping on $45+ purchase with code LANOCT, expires 10/31. Free Chris Benz pouch with purchase of any two items from the collection, while supplies last.
• MOLTON BROWN:  Free gift with purchase when you spend £45+.
• NORDSTROM:  Free shipping & free returns everyday.
• OJON: Free shipping and free returns.  Free full-size treatment ($33 value) + free shipping on any $60+ purchase with code OJONRESTORE12, while supplies last.
• ORIGINS:  Free shipping on $50+ orders, no code necessary.
• PHILOSOPHY:   Free shipping on $50+ orders, no code necessary.
• SAKS FIFTH AVENUE:  Spend $150 and get a free subscription to Harper’s Bazaar with code BAZAAR.
• SEPHORA: Bumble & Bumble FREESStyling Card and Grooming Creme sample with $25+ purchase with code FREESTYLE, 10/2 through 11/2. Free Ermenegildo Zegna Weekender Bag with purchase of select EZ fragrances with code ZENGA, 10/2 through 11/2. Free Caudalie Vinexpert Firming Serum deluxe sample with $25+ purchase with code FIRMING, expires 11/2. Free Lancome Genefique Youth Activating Serum 7-day sampler with $25+ purchase with code GENFIQUE, expires 11/2. Free Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire EDP spray deluxe sample with $25+ purchase with code NOIRE, expires 10/20. Free Stila All Day 10-in-1 HD Beauty Balm deluxe sample with $25+ purchase with code STILABB, expires 10/11 ($35+ for Canada).
• SKINSTORE.COM:  20% off select gift ideas under $200 with code NEW2012, expiration unknown.
• SMASHBOX: Save $15 off your first order of $75+ with code WELCOME2.  Join Pretty Points Rewards and earn $10 for every $100 spent + free shipping.
• TARTE: Free shipping on $40+ orders.
• THE BODY SHOP (USA):  Free shipping on $50+ purchase. $20 off orders of $60+ with code OCTOBERISH, expires 10/31. Buy 2, get 1 free on bath, body, and makeup 10/9 through 10/14. 40% off sitewide with code AUTUMN40, 10/11 through 10/15.
• TOO FACED: Free shipping on $50+ orders.
• ULTA: 20% off with code 72654 (exclusions apply).
• YSL:  Free shipping on any order, no code necessary.

theBalm Shady Lady Triple Play Friday

theBalm is having their Shady lady Triple Play Friday — you can get all three Shady Lady eyeshadow palettes for $39.50 (that’s getting two free). Limit 1 order per household.

Make Up For Ever @ Miami Swim Week 2012 – The Looks & Giveaway!

MAKE UP FOR EVER was hard at work creating the looks at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim in Miami.  To celebrate, we’ve teamed up with Make Up For Ever to host this amazing giveaway of their bestselling Aqua products that were used during the shows (valued at $186!).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Backstage @ Cia.Maritima

Make Up For Ever Alliance artist, James Vincent, served as key make up artist for the Cia.Maritima fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim in Miami. James created an easy yet elegant look that would be suitable for either a chic beach day or an exquisite evening out.

• Face: James applied MAKE UP FOR EVER Face & Body Foundation to even out skin tone while keeping the coverage sheer. To give a glow that flushes through the skin, he used MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Microfinish Blush #4 on the apples of the cheeks and MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Microfinish Blush #6 at the high point of the cheekbones for warmth underneath the foundation. He finished by adding MAKE UP FOR EVER Mat Bronze to any areas on the face that the sun would hit.
• Eyes: James kept the brows simply groomed and brushed MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Cream #13 in warm beige with a spoolie brush through them to create a beautiful ombre effect. For the lids, James applied MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Shadow #28E in pearly beige and #20E in pearly taupe, and finished with a touch of MAKE UP FOR EVER Star Powder #940 in the center of the eye for a soft and open look. For the lashes, he applied MAKE UP FOR EVER Individual Faux Lash #9 along the lash line and MAKE UP FOR EVER Smoky Lash #3 in deep brown to keep the look young and fresh.
• Lips: James used MAKE UP FOR EVER Lab Shine in sheer bright peach and pink shades to polish the pout.

See the rest of the looks and more photos!

Make Up For Ever @ Cia.Maritima / Getty Images

Make Up For Ever @ Cia.Maritima / Getty Images

Make Up For Ever @ Cia.Maritima / Getty Images

Make Up For Ever @ Cia.Maritima / Getty Images

Make Up For Ever @ Dolores Cortes / Getty Images

Backstage @ Dolores Cortes

Make Up For Ever Alliance artist, Lottie served as key make up artist for the Dolores Cortes fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim in Miami. Lottie combined sexy cat eyes with a bold pink statement lip for a punchy neon pop.

• Face: Lottie created a glowing complexion by mixing MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Foundation with MAKE UP FOR EVER Uplight #22. Cheeks were contoured with MAKE UP FOR EVER Mat Bronze and highlighted with MAKE UP FOR EVER Sculpting Blush #22 in an orangey coral dusted lightly across the apples of the cheeks.
• Eyes: Lottie created a simple sexy cat eye with MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Black – she winged the line out on the upper lash line then connected it to the bottom lash line all the way to the middle eye. She finished with MAKE UP FOR EVER Faux Lash #157 and MAKE UP FOR EVER Smoky Lash mascara on both the top and bottom lashes.
• Lips: Neon pink lips are the staple to this dramatic beach look. Lottie lined the lips with MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Lip #16C, and then added MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Cream in #7 with MAKE UP FOR EVER Star Powder #951 layered on top for a super matte neon lip.

Make Up For Ever @ Dolores Cortes / Getty Images

Make Up For Ever @ Dolores Cortes / Getty Images

Make Up For Ever @ Dolores Cortes / Getty Images

Make Up For Ever @ Luli Fama / Getty Images

Backstage @ Luli Fama

Make Up For Ever Alliance artist, Lottie served as key make up artist for the Luli Fama fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim in Miami. The look was glamorous with a winged eye and false lashes.

• Face: Lottie gave the models a glowing complexion by applying a blend of MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation with MAKE UP FOR EVER Uplight #22 all over. She then contoured the cheeks with MAKE UP FOR EVER Mat Bronze and finished with MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Microfinish Blush #8.
• Eyes: Lottie created a beautiful, shapely brow with MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Brow to frame a dramatic cat eye. MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Shadow #2E, a matte brown, and #20E, a pearly taupe, were applied as a base. As a contour, MAKE UP FOR EVER Eye Shadow #172 was placed in the crease. Above the crease, pearly beige MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Shadow #28E was used as a highlight. For a dark contrast, matte shades of MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Shadow were smudged under the bottom lash line. The dramatic wing was created by using MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Black, and complimented by MAKE UP FOR EVER Faux Lash #157. She heavily coated the lashes in MAKE UP FOR EVER Smoky Lash for a strong lash line.
• Lips: Lottie lined the lips with MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Lip #5C and filled in with neutral MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist #N23 and topped with MAKE UP FOR EVER Glossy Full in clear for shine.

Make Up For Ever @ Luli Fama / Getty Images

Make Up For Ever @ Mara Hoffman / Getty Images

Backstage @ Mara Hoffman

Make Up For Ever Alliance artist, Lottie served as key make up artist for the Mara Hoffman fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim in Miami. The look featured a bold smoky eye with “desert outlaw” flair.

• Face: Lottie gave the models a sun kissed glow by mixing MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation with MAKE UP FOR EVER Uplight #22 and blended it into the skin. She then gave definition to the face by sculpting with MAKE UP FOR EVER Mat Bronze to areas that the sun would naturally hit the face. MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Shadow #28E was blended onto temples for a strong pearly beige highlight.
• Eyes: Lottie created an intense, smoky metallic eye by layering MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Shadow shades from lightest to darkest, and blending them outward towards the temple. For a deep contour, she used MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Shadow #0E in black on the lid, and then blended MAKE UP FOR EVER Eye Shadow #172 in satiny black chocolate on top of MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Black under the eyes. She added a hint of desert gold by applying MAKE UP FOR EVER Metal Powder #1 in the inner corner of the eye with a small wet brush. To frame the eye, Lottie created statement brows using a mascara wand to fluff the hairs. She filled any empty space along the brow with MAKE UP FOR EVER Brow Pencil. The eye was finished with MAKE UP FOR EVER Smoky Lash applied to the upper and lower lashes.
• Lips: Lottie applied Aqua Cream #9 for a pretty pop of coral on the lips.

Make Up For Ever @ Mara Hoffman / Getty Images

Make Up For Ever @ Mara Hoffman / Getty Images

Make Up For Ever @ Poko Pano / Getty Images

Backstage @ Poko Pano

Make Up For Ever Alliance artist, James Vincent served as key make up artist for the Poko Pano fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim in Miami. Beach goddess beauty meets bold runway vixen was what inspired this coolly contoured and warmly radiant look.

• Face: James used the soft, cool taupe shades from the MAKE UP FOR EVER Contour Kit to create a structured face frame and added warmth and dimension with MAKE UP FOR EVER Mat Bronze.
• Eyes: Intensity was added to the eyes with varying tones of beige and taupe by using MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Cream #12, #13, #14, #15 and #16. To frame the eyes, James created statement brows using MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Brow #10 brushed through with MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Cream #13 in warm beige for an ombre effect. James applied MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Black over MAKE UP FOR EVER Faux Lash #109, and for added drama and intensity he lined the inner rim with MAKE UP FOR EVER Kohl Pencil #1K in black.
• Lips: James kept the lip simple with MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Rouge #1 for a nude glossy finish.

Make Up For Ever @ Poko Pano / Getty Images

Make Up For Ever @ Poko Pano / Getty Images

Giveaway Terms & Conditions

The approximate value of the grand prize is $50.00. This prize is non-transferable. There are no cash or other substitutes of prizes by winner. Temptalia reserves the right to substitute similar prizes of equal or greater value in the event the above prize is unavailable for any reason. Individual, parent, or legal guardian of the winner is solely responsible for all applicable federal, state and local taxes with respect to the grand prize. Prize will be mailed to the winner’s physical mailing address. Please allow six (6) to eight (8) weeks for delivery.

By entering or accepting the prize in this contest, winner agrees  to be bound by these Official Rules, Terms, and Conditions and to conform to all federal, state and local laws and regulations.

No purchase necessary to enter or win. This contest runs from July 25th, 2012 through August 1st, 2012 at 12:01AM EST.

Eligibility

This contest is open to U.S. residents only unless prohibited by their local state/country. Prizes won by minors will be awarded to their parent or legal guardian on their behalf. For reference, the age of majority is 18 years old in the United States, with the exception of Alabama (19), Delaware (19), Mississippi (21), and Nebraska (19). The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Eligible participants are allowed to enter up to one (1) time, as per the section below.

How to Win

One (1) winner will be selected through a random drawing from all eligible entries after contest closes. In the event that the original winner does not meet eligibility requirements or he/she forfeits the prize, the prize may be awarded to the next randomly drawn eligible participant. All entries must be received on or before August 1st, 2012 at 12:01AM EST. The winners will be notified via e-mail or message (as applicable). Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize after initial notification. If winner fails to claim within 48 hours, an alternative winner may be selected.

NARS Creates the Looks for Don Giovanni

James Kaliardos for NARS Cosmetics collaborated with designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte who custom designed all of the costumes for this production to create the beauty looks for the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s production of the famed opera Don Giovanni, which opened Friday, May 18th.

The renowned Gustavo Dudamel conducts the opera, and architect Frank Gehry designed the set at the landmarked Walt Disney Concert Hall, a building of his own design.

“The makeup is abstracted but rooted in classical theatre,” said James Kaliardos for NARS Cosmetics who created the exclusive looks for the eight principle characters and 24 member choir. “Everything about the space – both on stage and in the concert hall’s structure – is about angled planes, no straight walls. So I created a facial architecture as a base, letting the characters drive each look. We chose a stony palette and strong lip color for each of the female leads.

NARS gave us a great platform of color and texture to leap off of onto the stage. It’s totally different than fashion work.”

“Working with NARS and makeup artist James Kaliardos for Don Giovanni has been an exciting collaboration,” said Laura and Kate Mulleavy. “The brand’s depth of products and line of colors, in addition to James’ talent, has helped bring our vision to life!”

Donna Zerlina

• Skin: Siberia Sheer Glow Foundation
• Eyes: Lili Marlene Cream Eyeshadow/ Lhasa Eyeshadow/ Nuits Blanches Eyeliner Stylo
• Lips: Amazon Lip Liner Pencil/ Train Bleu Velvet Matte Lip Pencil/ Damned Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
• Cheeks: New Order Highlighting Blush/ Blondie Eyeshadow
• Act 2: Add Damned Velvet Matte Lip Pencil to eyes

Donna Anna

• Skin: Siberia Sheer Glow Foundation
• Eyes: Pandora Duo Eyeshadow/ Nuits Blanches Eyeliner Stylo/ Zardoz Eyeshadow/ Santa Monica Blvd. Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner
• Lips: Damned Velvet Matte Lip Pencil/ Red Lizard Semi Matte Lipstick/ Amazon Lip Liner Pencil
• Cheeks: Blondie Eyeshadow
• Act 2: Add Zardoz Eyeshadow to lids, and Train Bleu Velvet Matte Lip Pencil to lips

Donna Elvira

• Skin: Siberia Sheer Glow Foundation
• Eyes: Zardoz Eyeshadow/ Pandora Duo Eyeshadow/ Nuits Blanches Eyeliner Stylo/ Damned Velvet Matte Lip Pencil/Santa Monica Blvd. Larger Than Life(R) Long-Wear Eyeliner
• Cheeks: Blondie Eyeshadow
• Act 2: Add Zardoz Eyeshadow across the nose as a mask

Photo credit: LA Phil’s production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni at Walt Disney Concert Hall led by Gustavo Dudamel, in collaboration with Frank Gehry, Rodarte and Christoper Alden. Images by Autumn de Wilde

See more photos & swatches!

Feel free to share any upcoming deals you’ve spotted!

Deal Sites/Rebates

• EBATES:  The Body Shop (10%), Elizabeth Arden (10%), SkinStore (9%), Sephora (8%), DermStore (7.5%)
• FAB: evLOVEPerfume (5/7)
• GILT:  BluePrint Cleanse (5/7),
• HAUTELOOK:  Pixi Beauty (5/7), Pop Beauty (5/7), Rock Your Hair (5/7), Dermelect Cosmeceuticals (5/8), TEI Spa (5/8), Proliss (5/9)
• IDEELI:  —
• MR. REBATES:  Proactiv (25%), Sheer Cover (25%), WEN (25%), Murad (18%), Beauty.com (12%), ULTA (12%), Clarins (10%), Prescriptives (10%), DermStore (10%), Elizabeth Arden (10%), Drugstore.com (10%), Folica (10%), Clinique (10%), Clarisonic (10%)
• MYHABIT: Babo Botanicals (5/7), Perfect Hair Professional Styling Tools (5/9), dr. brandt (5/11), ghd (5/12)
• Rue La La:  —

Free Shipping, Coupon Codes, GWPs

• APOTHICA: Free shipping on orders of $49+.
• BATH & BODY WORKS:   20% off exclusive candles, wallflowers, body care, gifts, etc. with code FAVORITESCENTS, expires 4/29.
• BEAUTY.COM:  Get $10 off $50 through THIS LINK. 
• BENEFIT: Free shipping on $50+ purchases. Free international shipping with $125+ purchases.  Free shipping + gift wrap with $50+ order with code WELOVEMOM, 5/1 through 5/8.  Free chacha tint and mini moisture with $45+ orders with code CHACHACHA, 5/1 through 5/31.
• BLISS:  Free Essence 27 0.5 oz. mini with any Cosmetics 27 purchase of $100+ with code MINIC27, expires 5/31.  Free Sisley Discovery Kit mini with $250+ Sisley purchase with code SISKIT12, expires 6/30.   Free Bliss bag ($195  value) of goodies with $95+ purchase with code ILOVEMOM, expires 5/13.
• BLOOM:  25% rewards back on your first purchase with code 25BACK. 30% rewards back on your first purchase with code 30BACK.
• BLOOMINGDALE’S: Free shipping on orders of $150+ with code FS150.
• BOBBI BROWN: Free shipping on $65+ orders. Free Plumberry Treatment Lip Shine SPF 15 with $65+ order with code PLUM11, expires 5/25, one time use.  Free Nougat Lipgloss with $65+ order with code GLOSS12, expires 6/30, one time use.
• CLINIQUE:  Free shipping on $50+ orders.  Free shipping in any purchase, expires 5/2.
• DERMSTORE:  10% off when you shop for your My Favorites List, expires 6/2/12.
• ELIZABETH ARDEN: —
• GIORGIO ARMANI BEAUTY:   Free shipping with $75+ orders + 2 samples of choice for registered members. Free shipping with any $75+ purchase with code DESIGNER10, no expiration. Free Luminous Silk Foundation #5.5 (5ml) + free shipping with any $100+ skincare purchase with code LUMINESSENCE, expires 5/8.
• JURLIQUE: Free Rosewater Balancing Mist with $75+ orders 4/26 through 4/30. Free shipping on $50+ orders.
• KIEHLS:  Free shipping on$50+ orders.
• LANCOME: Free 4-piece sample set plus free shipping with $45+ order with code LANMAY, expires 5/31.
• MOLTON BROWN:  Free gift with purchase when you spend £45+.
• NORDSTROM:  Free shipping & free returns everyday.
• OJON: Free shipping and free returns.
• ORIGINS:  Free shipping on $50+ orders, no code necessary. Free Origins eco-friendly tote + travel-size duo of Make a Difference Hand Treatment & Peace of Mind with $30+ orders, expires 6/30.  Free shipping on any order, expires 6/30. 2 free treats for Mom or you with $55+ purchase, expires 5/9.
• PHILOSOPHY:   Free shipping on $50+ orders, no code necessary.
• SAKS FIFTH AVENUE:  Spend $150 and get a free subscription to Harper’s Bazaar with code BAZAAR. Spend $250 to $499, get $25; Spend $500 to $999, get $50, etc. Free shipping on $150+ orders with code APRSFA. 20% off (15% off jewelry), beauty/fragrance EXCLUDED, 4/23 through 4/29 with code FRIENDS.
• SEPHORA:   Beauty Insiders earn double points on all fragrances through 5/13.  Free Benefit Dandelion Brightening Face Powder and Lipgloss deluxe sample duo with $25+ purchase with code DANDELION, 5/15 through 5/30.  Free Sephora t-shirt with $25+ purchase with code BEAUTEE, 5/15 through 5/30. Free Diorshow Mascara deluxe sample with $25+ purchase with code DIORLASH, 5/8 through 5/30.  Free Caudalie SOS Quenching Serum (BIs only) with $25+ purchase with code SOSERUM, 5/8 through 5/30. Free bareMineral Purely Nourishing Cream for Dry Skin with $25+ purchase with code BECREAM, expires 5/25.  Free sample of Guerlain Lip Shine in Extrait de Rose with $25+ purchase with code LIPSHINE, expires 5/22. Choose 1-4 fragrance sample bags with $25+ purchase with code 6SCENTS, expires 5/31.  Free Lancome Hypnose Instant Drama mascara deluxe sample with $25+ purchase with code DRAMA, expires 5/24.  Choose 1-2 deluxe fragrance samples with $25+ purchase with code SCENT4U, expires 5/24.  Choose 1 of 2 free Origins deluxe moisturizer samples with $25+ purchase with code EARTH12, expires 5/21.  Free Narcisco Rodriguez for Her Eau de Toilette deluxe sample spray with $25+ purchase with code 4HER, expires 5/21.  3 free Stila Eyeshadow Palette cards with $25+ purchase with code TRYSTILA, expires 5/20.  Free PTR Retinol Fusion PM deluxe sample with $25+ purchase with code PTRSERUM, expires 5/24.  Free Taylor Swift Wonderstruck Tote with purchase of 3.4 oz. EDP with code WONDER, expires 5/24.
• SKINSTORE.COM:  20% off select gift ideas under $200 with code NEW2012, expiration unknown.
• TARTE: Free shipping on $40+ orders.
• THE BODY SHOP (USA): 30% on all gift sets expires 5/13. Body Butters are 3 for $30, expires 5/13.
• ULTA: $3.50 off $10+ purchase with code 72783, exclusions apply.
• YSL:  Free shipping on any order, no code necessary.

By Kimberly Nissen of The Plastic Diaries

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Kimberly started her working life early at the tender age of 15. For most of the past 10 years, she has worked for some of the biggest media corporations her sunny country has had to offer. She always wanted to become a writer, but with no training and never having finished high school, it didn’t look like it was going to happen, but then she created The Plastic Diaries and The Styleless Diaries. She also co-founded the first niche-specific blogging event in Australia, the Australian Beauty Bloggers Weekend.

Interview With An Online Retail Giant

Did you know that the size of Australia is slightly larger than the contiguous states of the USA? We might be bigger in land size but Australia has a mere 10% of the population of the USA, and when it comes to buying beauty products, every Australian will tell you that the Americans are very lucky.

Online shopping is a worldwide phenomenon, but it has only picked up in Australia over the last couple of years. Online shopping is especially important for many Australians as most of what you would consider to be “easy to find” products are unavailable to those outside of the main capital cities.

One lady who refused to let location or availability get in the way of the Australian woman’s quest for beauty is Kate Morris, founder of Adore Beauty. At the ripe age of 21 years old, Kate saw the need for an independent online retailer. Now 11 years on, Kate is one of Australia’s leading women in business and her store is the go-to place for any beauty shopper. Today, we speak to her about the changing landscape of Australian beauty buying.

Q. Your store, AdoreBeauty.com.au, stocks a variety of Australian and international beauty brands. What do you see as the main points of difference between our local brands and those of other countries?

That’s a tricky one – we stock quite a few Australian brands (e.g. Aesop, Jurlique, Bloom, KEVIN.MURPHY, Lanolips, Alpha-H, ASAP, ModelCo, Napoleon Perdis, Inika, evo, Unico, O&M, Subtle Energies and BECCA) and they are all so different from each other!

I think that Australian brands tend to have a sort of no-nonsense, straight-shooting directness in common. They say what they do, and they do what they say.

Aussie brands also tend to embrace natural and organic ingredients. You will also find lots of products with high SPF in Aussie brands, our sun is very harsh here so we need to protect ourselves.

Q. In terms of overall sales, what of percentage of your customers are buying Australian brands?

Australian brands are very strong sellers for us – nine out of our top 20 brands for 2011 are Australian. Obviously the most popular Australian brands with our international customers are those that aren’t available (or are very hard to find) outside of Australia.

Q. What foreign brands would you like to be seen made available in Australia?

There are a few that we used to have here that have sadly disappeared, and I’d love to see them make a comeback: Urban Decay, Caudalie, Nuxe. I love Fresh, not sure why that hasn’t made it over here yet. Also LORAC is a great brand, I have a blush of theirs that is fabulous.

Q. You have hundreds of brands at your finger tips. What are your 5 favourite brands, Australian or foreign, and why?

You know this is like making me choose my favourite child, right? Here goes:

• Aesop – is unbelievably cool. Every bathroom should have their hand wash in it.
• BECCA – such great products, such chic packaging. The mascara is my Holy Grail, and my handbag always has Vendela lipstick and at least two Beach Tints in it.
• SK-II – is responsible for Cate Blanchett’s luminous skin. Say no more. I particularly love the masks.
• Clarisonic – I am a skincare junkie and have at least 6 cleansers on rotation, but one thing I do always stick to is using the Clarisonic every morning in the shower. Makes a huge difference.
• KEVIN.MURPHY – Kevin always has his finger right on the pulse of the latest hair trends and this brand is so innovative. The POWDER.PUFF volumising powder is brilliant, and we can’t keep the new COLOR.BUGS on the shelf, they sell out so fast!

If you want to stock up on some of those great Australian brands, head to AdoreBeauty.com.au. They ship globally!