Estee Lauder i-Match

Finding your perfect match can be difficult. This is true in the search for love and the search for foundation. I went to the Estee Lauder counter at Nordstrom recently to try their new iMatch system. I was promised that this would be, "the easy, fail-proof way to find my perfect foundation match."

I must say, the process lived up to its promise. I am a dedicated Smashbox High Definition girl, so I was skeptical that anything would else would live up to that. I arrived bare-faced, and after layering on serum and moisturizer, Leslie, my Estee Lauder expert used a handy little tool to find just the right intensity, shade and texture for my needs. Three different shades/formulas were "striped" onto my cheek, and it was determined that Nutritious #1 was my perfect match.


It blended perfectly into my skin and was the perfect "foundation" for the rest of the makeup that Leslie used to complete my look. This included Soft Matte bronzer and Pink Kiss blush. She lined my eyes and coated my lashes in Sumptuous Black. We then perfected my smoky eyes with the Gold Opulence Quad.

All in all, I'd say that Leslie did a better job matching me to a foundation than Patti the Millionaire Matchmaker does in most of her shows. I'd like to think that I am at least as discerning about my makeup as some of those guys are about their dates. While I still love my Smashbox, I now have a new makeup suitor to add to the rotation. -g.

Victoria's Secret Dicsount

In store only now through December 20. Get $10 off $50 purchase, $15 off a $75 purchase or $25 off $100 purchase. Click the photo above and print the coupon. Happy shopping! -g.

Lauren by Ralph Lauren

The perfect work holiday party outfit has been identified:

The simple black pencil skirt is professional, but the material is an unexpected black denim. The cami shows enough skin to be sexy; the addition of the cardigan keeps it appropriate for a work function. Gold silk lurex, accented with the gold jewelry is a festive deviation from overplayed red and green.

Of course the office holiday party that I am attending is not taking place on the beach, and I'm not planning on lying down like this unless I have far too many glasses of bubbly. But it's nice to know that I will still look chic should the need to recline arise.

There are a lot of great looks in the latest Lauren by Ralph Lauren Collection. Take a look here. Have a special event and not sure what to wear (perhaps you scored a legit invite to a party at the White House or are already planning your perfect outfit to ring in 2010)? You can chat live online with a Glamour Fashion Expert through Friday any time from 10 AM to 5 PM.

-g.

Outfit details: Black denim skirt with zip pockets, $69.50 Lauren Jeans Co. by Ralph Lauren. All other items are from the Lauren by Ralph Lauren Collection. Gold Silk with Lurex Texture Long Sleeve v-neck cardigan $149.00; Gold Silk Jersey with Lurex Scoopneck Tank $89.50; Gold Hoop Earrings $44.00; Gold Long Necklace with Chain Link Motif $58.00; Gold Chunky Link Bracelet $68.00. Available at Macy's and other department stores.

25% Off Plus Free Shipping at Macy's

Just use MACYSFF at checkout or print this coupon for in-store use through December 7. -g.

25% Off at Bathandbodyworks.com

ESQ by Movado Now on Facebook

Looking for a great gift this year? How about a gift that will stand the test of time? Or at least help ensure your on-time arrival to all of the festive holiday fetes this year? Check out ESQ by Movado's facebook page and be the first to see all of the latest styles, promotions and specials. They have some very cool designs and a quality watch makes for a classic, "timeless" gift idea. It's easy to join. Just click the link below. -g.
www.facebook.com/esqbymovado

Aveda Birthday Program

Enjoy Aveda products? Sign up for their Birthday Program and get a coupon for a free travel size hand lotion (also makes for a nice stocking stuffer) redeemable before December 31. Then, look for a coupon good for a full-sized product on your birthday. Presents just for getting older? Happy Birthday! -g.

Join Aveda's Birthday Program today and get a free, full-size product on your birthday!

The Biggest Shopping Day of the Year!

Still being in my turkey-induced tryptophan coma, I have zero interest in getting up at the crack of dawn for "Black Friday" specials, fighting off the crazies that have been lined up spending their holiday outside of the store. However, not being one to pass up all of the deals to be had today, here are some that you I plan on taking advantage of today. (All of which you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home.) Happy shopping! -g.

Free Shipping at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Piperlime (on purchases of $50 or more) through December 15. (Just select free shipping at checkout). Old Navy has some great "doorbusters" that you can also get online Thursday, Friday and Saturday only, but at the time of writing this blog entry, it looked like their website was down. (Major problem on the biggest shopping weekend of the year.) My Old Navy favorites are oxford shirts for work, pajama pants and the cute dog collars and treats that they have for the various seasons. Banana Republic has outerwear and sweaters for women and men (in case you want to shop for someone other than yourself...) at 30% off for 4 days only, and this is available only online.

Express has several deals from their holiday savings booklet. If you shop in-store or online today before noon, you will get 30% off your purchase (online promo code 1081002754944801; in-store code 4755). Shop after noon to get 25% off (online promo code 1081002754944805; in-store code 4766). Outerwear is already marked down 20%, so combined with these offers, you can save big on what could otherwise be a large chunk of change for a new coat. (We just picked up a new pea coat for my husband and saved $100 off of the original price.)


Steve Madden is offering free shipping online (use code SMFREESHIP) and running their Scratch & Shop promotion (only in-store). Visit a Steve Madden store before December 7 and you will receive a scratch off card (almost like a lottery ticket, but you're guaranteed to win something--even if it is just a discount on shoes) revealing how much you will save on your purchase. Upon reading the fine print, it's only valid on purchases of $59.95 or more and some exclusions apply. I like the variety of colors they offer in their platform pump (especially the gray suede and the blush leather).

Smashbox is hosting their Friends and Family sale, offering 20% off through December 1 (use code SBFF9 at checkout). If you've never tried them before, their Best of Smashbox Sampler would be a fantastic introduction to their line. At $35 (plus an additional 20% off and free shipping), it's a steal. You might even pick one up as a gift.

Speaking of gifts, Bath and Body Works is a gift mecca. Honestly, do any one of you not receive something from this store as a gift during the holidays? The candles are my favorite, as well as their hand soaps, ScentPortables and Tahiti Sweetie body lotion that I have previously raved about. They always have great coupons, too. They are offering $10 off your $30 purchase (just ask one of the employees nicely and I bet they will give you the coupon if you don't already have it) or use this one for a free item of your choice (up to $13) with any $10 purchase, good through December 24.

20% off at South Moon Under (Okay, so it looks like you actually have to go to the store for this one, but giving them a call to see if they would honor it on a phone order can't hurt, right? I'm out of town!)















I am loving the jewelry options here right now. Here are some of my favorites:


Yochi Small Key Pendant Necklace

Looks like the one I've had my eye on at Tiffany, but for a (very small) fraction of the price. (hint, hint!)















Amrita Singh Cabochon Facet Pearl Bib Necklace

This would look amazing with a gold dress (i.e. Michelle Obama's dress for the White House State Dinner this week). More practically speaking, it would make a simple strapless black dress look new for a holiday party. Add some gold stilettos and no one would ever suspect you had on the same dress you wore under your cardigan at the office all day.







Amrita Singh Shelter Island Cabachon Necklace

I love the versatility of this one. It comes with an extender, so you can vary the length. Shorter, it would be a nice length to have peeking out of a crisp white blouse. Worn longer, it would dress up a casual gray t-shirt.




That's just a small sampling. I also like the charm necklaces (these would be great gifts for friends) and though I'm not completely sold on the ribbon "collar necklaces" that have been all over the place this season, there are a few cute ones that are reasonably priced (and for trendy pieces like those, I wouldn't spend more than $20 or $30 per piece).



Finally, there aren't many shoes to choose from, but these are super-cute, on-trend with the addition of the stones and with the super high heels, platform and red-soled bottoms, they might just be mistaken for Loubies.

Natural Body Spa Specials

I don't know about you, but I am feeling the hustle and bustle of the Christmas rush already, and it's not even Thanksgiving. Maybe it's because stores began piping in holiday music on Halloween...maybe it's all of the "pre-Black Friday" specials...whatever it is, I could already use a day to decompress. Which is what I plan to do this Sunday at Natural Body Spa.

While I'm there, I'm going to do some shopping, so it's a multi-purpose trip. Right now they have a holiday gift card special: Purchase a gift card of $225 or more and receive a $25 service gift card free. Purcase a gift card of $350 or more and receive a $50 service gift card free. I might just pick up one of those for my own stocking...

They are also offering some other specials, available if you use the coupons below.

I feel better already. -g.

J. Crew Holiday Sale & Free Shipping

They really are starting early this year. The latest from J. Crew--"holiday" reductions of up to 40% off have been made in stores and online. Use code 150SHIP at checkout to get free shipping on order totaling $150 or more (through November 15). Is Veterans Day the new Black Friday? -g.

Ah, Choo!

You may have heard that Jimmy Choo is one of the latest guest designer for H&M. Previous collections have come from Cavalli, Stella McCartney, and even Madonna. The hype started building this summer and Choo-day is imminent: November 14. I would love to check out the collection, but don't know how I feel about being herded and tagged like cattle outside the H&M store (see the "How to Shop" section of their site). The shoe collection seems really limited, and I fear that more zealous shoe lovers will scoop them up early. Below are the pieces that I have my eye on, provided they are still available:

I love well-made shoes and accessories, especially when a top-scale design house develops something at a more reachable price point, but if there's a line outside of H&M this Saturday, you can bet that I will be walking away from it in my Choo-less feet! -g.

20% off at Bloomingdale's

Now through November 15th, get 20% off at Bloomingdale's. Print out the coupon via the link below (click on the image to get the printable page), or use code HOLIDAY at Bloomingdales.com. Holiday sales and specials are starting early this year! -g.

30% off at Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy

November 12-15, receive 30% off at Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic stores (including outlet stores). Plus, select from one of their charities to receive 5% of what you spend.

Click the photo above to get to the link where you print your coupon. You can use it as many times as you'd like during November 12-15.

Get a jump on your holiday shopping or just enjoy a good excuse to shop for a good cause! -g.

Glamspotters Challenge Update

And the winner is.......Theodora G.! She is the lucky Glambassador to win the $500 gift card to Saks, and one of her referees will won a $250 gift card to Saks as well. She signed up a record-breaking 381 people. Congrats to her and A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who participated! -g.

3 Days Only: 20% off at Beauty.com

Okay, so there is one more deal that I just had to share. Now through Friday, get 20% off of ANY purchase at Beauty.com. Time for me to stock up on my favorite products, including Phyto 7! No offer code necessary, just be sure to use the link in this post to ge this Friends and Family special! -g.

Nordstrom: Free Shipping

Finally, one more shopping deal..

From now through December 20, Nordstrom is offering free shipping on orders of $100 or more. Just use code HOLIDAY09 on the last page of checkout.

Happy shopping! -g.

Aveda: Free Pure Abundance Shampoo & Conditioner

Spend $25 at Aveda and receive a free trial size of Pure Abundance shampoo and conditioner. Also receive free shipping and another free sample of your choice at checkout. Use offer code GIFTS119 at checkout.

One recommendation to add to your cart--Phomollient. I love this stuff as an everyday styler. One problem for me--it is not TSA-approved. I have been looking high and low for a travel size and have had to suffer with travel size hair gel instead. Until now.

Ta-da! Introducing the 1.7 oz Phomollient. Thank you, thank you, thank you! And, one of the things I love about this product is that it is refillable. I've been looking for this for a while, so grab one while you can! -g.

Free Pocket Pal from Benefit

Found this deal through Daily Candy:

Both sweet treat for your smackers and hint of tint for your cheeks, Benefit Pocket Pal is the go-to product. Score one free (reg. $20) with any full-price purchase from Benefit.

Just add the Pocket Pal to your shopping cart and enter code DCPOCKET at checkout. Spend more than $50 and enter PRETTY50 to receive free standard U.S. shipping as well.

I recommend trying out Celebutante, a great mini-sized kit of some of Benefit's most popular products. It also makes a great stocking stuffer (never too early to get started on holiday shopping, especially when you get great free gifts to keep for yourself). -g.

Become a Glamspotter! (Get a chance for a $250 Saks gift card, too!)

Want to win a $250 Saks gift card? Join Glamour magazine's Glamspotters Reader Panel! Once you join, you can log back in and provide feedback and/or complete surveys for more opportunities to win fantastic prizes. If I refer the most people to Glamspotters, one of my lucky referees will win the $250 Saks card--just in time for your holiday shopping (be sure to pick up something special for yourself)!

It takes 2 minutes to sign up--just answer 8 questions about yourself and be sure to type in Ginny Gettemeier Beauchemin for question 9!

http://www.glamoursurveys.com/signup.asp?invited=true

Thanks to those of you that have already signed up! -g.

Smashbox Pretty in Pink

There are many special editions of products being offered and recognition paid during the month of October for Breast Cancer Awareness month (NFL players even wore pink shoes!). Smashbox, one of my very favorite cosmetics lines is offering a "Pretty in Pink" special--2 lip glosses and blush/highlighters in--what else?--PINK! Plus it comes in a pretty pink case. (Use promo code PRTYPNK at checkout.)

I'm going to purchase more of their High Definition Healthy FX Foundation and the Complexion Perfection kit. You can't combine this with their Let's Do Lunch promo, but this is a nice bonus if you're planning on picking up a few Smashbox items for yourself or as a gift. They're also offering a choice of three deluxe samples and free shipping on all orders. Perfect! -g.

Spa Week: Renu MedSpa

As I posted earlier, this is Spa Week in DC! Many local spas are offering services for $50. Renu MedSpa in Chevy Chase offers a deluxe facial for $50, with the option to add microdermabrasion for an additional $50. You just can't beat this deal! This is the second time that I have visited them during spa week for this offer. I've gone to both Pegg and Jenny and both are extremely knowledgeable and professional. The experience was totally relaxing and my skin is glowing. There are very few remaining appointments for Spa Week, but I will keep my eyes and ears open and post any additional specials they offer this fall. -g.

Natural Body Spa

I was talking with my sister recently about how frustrating it is when you get a sub-par massage (I know, I know, there are far greater issues to be resolved, but we don't tackle that stuff on this blog). She had treated herself to a birthday spa day and was very disappointed. Massages cost enough money that I think we have a good reason to be disappointed if they don't meet our expectations! Finding a good massage therapist is like the quest for a good hair stylist (girls, you know how tough this is--I know people that will fly across country a few times a year rather than entrust their locks to anyone but their stylist) or even a good doctor.

I am very happy to say that I have found a great massage therapist at Natural Body Spa in Arlington. They are offering 20% off on some of their most popular services this month. Granted, the offer is only good Monday through Thursday during hours where most of us are obliged to slave away at our desks...but if you're planning a day off or happen to work nearby and can scoot away for a long lunch or find yourself not obligated to work and can treat yourself, you can do so for 20% less using the coupons below. -g.

Physicians Formula Bronzers

Want to get a beachy glow, but don't have a tropical vacation lined up any time soon? No worries. You can can give your face a little pop of color with bronzer. I like the powder versions because I find they give more even coverage, don't streak and just generally look more natural.


My absolute favorite line for (powder) bronzers is Physicians Formula. They have so many color choices, finishes (matte or shimmer), and formulas (mineral wear if you prefer mineral formulas, organic wear that's great for sensitive skin, even a formula with SPF 20 for added sun protection).


All of their compacts come with a mirror and small brush which make them very portable. And the price just can't be beat. They're all around $10-$14 and as good if not better quality than department store brands I've tried before. They have $1 off coupons in the Sunday paper all the time, and CVS (and other drugstores) often have them on special for buy one, get the second half off. It's a great excuse to buy two! There are even a few "Try Free" offers for the Mineral Wear and Bronze Booxter formulas. Now go get glowing! - g.

Tahiti Sweetie!

So, in anticipation of my vacation to Hawaii, I jotted down my favorite beach-inspired products and thought I would do a little blog post about each. However, the vacation crept up on me, there was packing, finishing work, etc. and I barely made it to the airport on time, let alone posted anything here. Now I'm back from my trip. So, for anyone who wants a little Indian Summer, here are some products that do the trick!

First up: Tahiti Sweetie lotion by Bath & Body works. I have two of these (you always need backup) in my bathroom now. And I wish that I would have picked up TSA-friendsly travel-sized versions (2 oz) before embarking on my trip. They're on special 3 for $10 on the Bath & Body Works website.

It's not to thick, leaves my skin soft, but most of all, I just looooove how it smells. Like Banana Boat but sweeter and not too coconutty. Yum. -g.

Spa Week is October 12-18

For those of you in the DC/VA/MD area, Spa Week is October 12-18, so book your appointments! Dozens of spas and salons in the area will be offering services--like massages, facials, waxing, etc., for just $50! The slots tend to book up fast, so be sure to make your appointments soon. -g.

Affordable Fall Fashion

Up for some shopping this weekend? If so, here are some coupons to stretch your dollars further at H&M and Express. -g.

$20 off at beauty.com

Need to stock up on fall skincare, makeup or haircare supplies? Beauty.com is offering $20 off your purchase of $100 or more.

There's no sales tax, and they also offer free shipping on orders of $49 or more, and 3 free samples of your choosing. I'm all for getting more bang for your buck, especially if it means you get to indulge in some great products (beauty.com carries Phyto, Nars, Smashbox, bliss, Philosophy and a nice selection of fragrances).

I've always been happy with my purchases from this site. -g.

CoverGirl Spread in October Glamour

Here's the color version of the ad featuring yours truly.... -g.

Discounts on Fall Clothes

Doing any fall shopping? If so, check out Glamour's shopping page for some great discounts at stores including Ann Taylor, Express, H&M (I didn't know they made the cheap stuff even cheaper!) and Kate Spade. -g.

I'm in the October issue of Glamour!

Upon opening the pages of my October issue of Glamour today, I saw a familiar face--mine! I'm on the second page of the CoverGirl advertisement section.

I did get to try all of the products featured in the ad-- I had much more than I could actually use, so some of my friends were the grateful beneficiaries of some new makeup. Hopefully I'll have more to try soon! -g.

Gray chinos

I think I found one of my first fall fashion favorites! I can imagine this pair of gray chinos pairing nicely with everything from crisp white oxfords to cozy sweaters. -g.

Aveda Stimulus Package

I'm a big fan of most things Aveda. The quality is consistent, they're eco-conscious and the scents are energizing...I'm also a fan of small travel-friendly-sized products, especially when they're free.

Visit Aveda's website and get a coupon for Aveda hand relief sample. This will be perfect for my travel bag! -g.

Victoria's Secret Laundry Products

In college, a friend turned me on to the Victoria's Secret laundry line. The price was exorbatent for a poor college student, but once I smelled the laundry fresh out of the dryer, I was hooked. I justified the expense by only using it on my sheets, which I only washed a few times a month. Then, suddenly, a few years ago, the VS laundry line disappeared. I was crushed at first, then forgot about it.

Last year, I noticed a re-designed version back in Victoria's Secret stores and decided to splurge once again. The formula, or at least the scent, seems to be the same, but the packaging is different. It's pricey, but if you get any VS Angel reward certificates (I get them a few times a year--typically for $10) or birthday reward cards, the $12 for a box of 40 sheets becomes cheaper than Bounce. If your lingerie drawer runneth over, this is a great way to treat yourself at Victoria's Secret. -g.

Smashbox Photo Op

It has been a whirlwind these past few weeks (really, when is it not?), and with everything going on, sleep is often the thing that I sacrifice. Until I can get my full 8 hours on the weekend, I fake it with Photo Op by Smashbox. I love the little brush that makes it so easy to apply. The light diffusers are like smoke and mirrors that make dark circles disappear (or at least look less noticeable). I never feel like I have that racoon-eye look when wearing this and it doesn't dry up or look cakey.

There are several other Smashbox products that I like, but this is my favorite. Plus, they are still holding their "Let's Do Lunch" promotion, where they give you a free gift with every placed Tuesdays and Thursdays between noon and 5 PM EST. -g.

Bath and Body Works Scentportables

Bath and Body Works is always having some sort of sale, making for a great excuse to buy some smell-good goodies. My new favorite scent from them is Fresh Bamboo. I particularly like the new Scentportables. We just bought a house and inherited a dank-smelling coat closet. Unacceptable for my new trench!

Even after a scrub-down, it still smelled like a combination of damp down comforters and a gym locker. I clipped one of the Scentportables in Fresh Bamboo on one of the hangers in the closet and after just a few days, the closet smelled fresh again. -g.

Origins Brighter by Nature™ Skin tone correcting serum

I can't wait to try this new product from Origins, which claims to fade dark spots and even out skin tone. Plus, for the next few weeks ,when you visit your local Origins store, they will give you a free facial and a sample of Brighter by Nature. -g.

Khaki Trench

This is my latest purchase--actually, my sweet husband bought it for me (thank you)! It caught my eye at Banana Republic. What makes it an even better find--the 40% off coupon that you can use each Wednesday on any regular priced item for the next few Wednesdays. I can't wait for the first chilly evening now. -g.

Roc Microdermabrasion Cleansing Disks

I love these, especially when I'm traveling. I don't need to put them in the precious quart-size plastic bag for containers of liquids holding 3 oz or less...(I know I feel safer...).

They exfoliate really well, without irritating and contain a soothing cleanser that leaves my skin feeling really clean--no need to pack a separate face wash. I love efficiency, especially when it doesn't compromise effectiveness. -g.

Brain Candy - Up for Renewal

Last month, I had the privilage of meeting Cathy Alter, a local author whose latest book recently came out in paperback (love the cute cover). I bought the book on a Thursday night and had it read cover to cover by Monday. Cathy's writing style could have been pulled right out of emails back and forth between my friends and I. Since she's a friend of a friend, and I had a chance to meet her and her cutie pie husband prior to reading it, it was even more enjoyable and felt like an extension of our conversation.

Up for Renewal is such yummy fun--like double-chocolate Oreo gelato but without the calories. Enjoy the whole thing in one sitting--guilt-free! -g.

Phyto

One of my absolute favorites is the Phyto line of haircare. I got hooked on these products when my hair stylist recommended Phyto 7 for my torched locks a few summers ago. All that fun in the sun had really wrecked my hair. I used the leave-in conditioning formula and noticed a difference after the first use. I also upped it to Phyto 9 during the winter months when my hair was ultra-dry and prone to static flyaways. This doesn't weigh your hair down and rather than coat your hair, solving the problem only temporarily, this is like food for your hair. We may not want fat many other places, but having fat, voluminous hair that's shiny and healthy is at the top of any girl's beauty wish list.

On top of that, a friend tried the vitamin supplements that claim to help your hair grow thicker, stronger and longer and she had great results.

One final shout out--I recently tried Phyto's moisturizing shampoo and sesame conditioner. It's fabulous. A plus side to the metal containers--they're great for travel. You don't have to worry about air pressure causing your conditioner to explode all over your favorite black dress. Downside--if it's still relatively full and you are clumsy in the shower like I am, it smarts a bit more when the bottle lands on your toes.

You can buy Phyto products online at Sephora or Beauty.com. I also got a great deal on a shampoo/conditioner/phyto 7/travel case at PR at Partners in Chevy Chase, MD. -g.

Welcome

Since I'm a bona-fide product junkie, I am often asked (and sometimes give my opinion without being asked...) what works and what doesn't; what's worth spending more on and what drugstore steals do the job just as well if not better. I have LOTS of opinions on this and am happy to share some of these here. -g.