To Shop Or Not To Shop... In-Store Vs Online

I walked into my neighborhood Sephora today (Lexington Avenue and 57th Street), an activity I usually find relaxing and stimulating, only to be bombarded by rude, impatient shoppers, snappy shopkeepers and a messy display of my beloved cosmetics.... which led me to wonder, is shopping in-store become passe?

Well, I can tell you this, it is not the same experience as it used to be. While the aisles of Sephora used to bring joy to my heart and a smile to my face, while they now bring frustration and angst. The place is (for the most part) a mess, the fellow shoppers are gabbing away on cell phones, pushing into you as they stick their soiled fingers into products and the makeup artists don't seem too thrilled to be there. So, what are the pros of shopping in-store when I could just as easily be in the comfort (and quiet) of my own home making a purchase online?

In-store allows you to physically try a product. BUT, so many products aren't available in-store anymore yet they are available ONLINE. And most online destinations do have incredible return policies.

In-store gives you the ability to ask another living human being/ makeup artist/ expert a question regarding a specific product BUT in this technological age, you can get countless reviews and expert advise just by googling a product!

So, I have decided that from here on out - all of my beauty shopping will be done online. Better selection, more rare gems available, less noise, more comfort.

Here are some of my favorite online beauty destinations:

www.sephora.com 
www.beauty.com
www.drugstore.com
www.spacenk.com
www.barneys.com (beauty)
www.amazon.com (beauty)

What are some online beauty destinations that you LOVE?!

Flawless Summer Skin

In the constant quest for perfect skin, I've discovered that there are a few necessary products one must always have in their beauty arsenal.

For starters, a tinted moisturizer is vital. It evens out the skin tone and provides a slight hint of hydration back to your skin. I use Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer in Sand.

I use a concealer to cover blemishes. Rule of thumb, pick a color one shade lighter than your skin. I'm loving Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer in 04.

Foundation is great for full coverage. I like it for night, it can be a little too thick and noticeable for day.  Make Up For Ever HD Foundation in 140 is AMAZING for flawless coverage. It's meant for HD cameras so it covers completely without flaking. It looks like second skin. Regardless of what you choose, make sure it's a foundation that doesn't clump or crease. And, most importantly, it's trial and error. Find one that matches your shade of skin!

What have you bought lately?

Good-Bye 2008, Hello 2009

Can you believe it? 2008 is almost over! It's only the 30th of December, but this will be our last post of 08 (even the Beauty Whore needs a few days or R&R).

So, as we ring in a new year, allow Beauty Banter to inspire you with a look back at some of our favorite posts (click the pink links below) for timeless beauty tips:

• Fake a flawless face - a poreless complexion is always in style
• A little bit of body bling never hurt anyone - try some sparkle on your skin
• Come hither red lips - a colored, kissable pout
• Try a headband or a braid - add some flirt to your mane
• A universal blush - we're finally blushing the perfect hue!
• Flat iron curls - hippy chic never looked so sexy
• The concealer that changed our life - and added 8 hours of sleep onto our eyes!
• Organic skincare never had it so good - clear skin, clean environment.
• Base Shadow - the most crucial step to a gorgeous eye!
• The need for sunblock all year round- bye-bye damaging rays!
• A full line of organic cosmetics - if you plant it, flowers grow!
• A beautiful brow - finally, the perfect arch.
• The first step to a flawless face - primer mania!
• 3 Steps to kiss-me Lips - enough said.
• 10 tips for healthy skin - and it's not all about the cleanser!

Happy New Year!

See you in 2009....

Elle Beauty Awards 2008

Click HERE to have a look at which products made the cut... and see if your favorites are on the list! There are 60 categories!

To be honest, I don't agree with most of the picks - they're so generic - nothing new and exciting or hidden little gems (although I do LOVE Benefit's High Beam and a few others...).

Discuss!