The Cosmetic Company Store.

Have you been to The Cosmetic Company Store?

This store is mainly found in major outlet malls, and is owned by the Estee Lauder corporation. This is the place where some of Estee's brands (Aveda, Bobbi Brown, Clarins, Clinique, Estee Lauder, La Mer, MAC, Origins, Prescriptives) send their over-runs, discontinued, or slightly damaged products. The products are marked down 20% - 80%.

I just came back from a few days in Clinton, CT where they have a wonderful outlet mall, Clinton Crossing, and The Cosmetic Company Store. Ok - I need to let you know that I made more than a few visits to this store.

While the store is not for seeing what is new, it is a great place to stock up on your favorite products that may have been in a damaged box or something similar.

Over my several trips, I picked up the following (for just under $300!):
MAC Studio Fix Foundation in NC 35
MAC Lipglass in Oh Baby!, Pink Lemonade, and C-Thru 
MAC Eye Shadow in Sketch
MAC Tailormade Eyeshadow Palette
Bobbi Brown Best Selling Tube Tints
Bobbi Brown EyeShadow in Bone
Bobbi Brown LipGloss in Pink Beige
Estee Lauder Youth Dew & Pleasures Fragrance Sets - great for a gift giving
Estee Lauder Smoothing Feat
Clinique Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliator
Origins Ginger Pillar Candles
Origins Checks & Balances Foaming Cleanser
Prescriptives PhotoChrome in Warm Beige

If you are within a few hours from one of these stores, take the time to visit.  You will not only find some great beauties - you will save some serious dough!

Have You Met Carol's Daughter?

Founded in a small kitchen in Brooklyn, New York, Lisa Price, a.k.a. Carol's Daughter is making a name for herself with her homemade beauty products - now available at Sephora.com

First there was Jada Pinket Smith, then Mary J. Blige - now moi!

OMG! The Almond Cookie scented products are divine! Almond, sandalwood, and vanilla make this scent combination so warm and sweet.  

The Body Cleansing Gel & Salt Scrub are in my shower this week. They are so rich - yet gentle, and smell - delicious!

I plan on trying a few or her goodies in the Ocean and Melon Melange scents next.

And if you are African-American, her hair products are rumored to be the best - secretly loved by some of the best in the biz! If you have tried any, please do let us know.

The Power of One Woman: Oprah.

Power. Success. Oprah.

They are pretty much one in the same when it comes to endorsements.

According to Christina Carlino, Philosophy brand creator, Oprah put Philosophy on the map. By selecting Hope in a Jar as one of her favorites for her "Favorite Things' shows in 1999, the brand, founded in 1996, has become a household name. Oprah subsequently has put Hope in a Jar on her list again in 2005, and included these other philosophy products as well: The Gingerbread Man Salt Scrub (in 2004) and an Amazing Grace Basket (in 2005) filled with all of the Amazing Grace products.

With no advertising whatsoever, some of Philosophy's products are number one sellers at Sephora, Nordstrom, and QVC. 

The power of Oprah, ladies - the power of Oprah!