Sunday This and That

Pied A' Terre Antiques and others (this was posted on Pied A' Terre's page) post the most beautiful photos on Facebook. From castles to gardens, antiques to flowers, the photos leave me feeling serene - and comfortable that some people still appreciate the finer things in life.

I mentioned Friday how terribly boring Sephora's new VIB Rouge status is. You wouldn't believe the 1.5" lipstick they sent me to welcome me to the program. It's red, naturally, so someone who wins a contest here will find it in her box. I'll never wear it. I'm unimpressed with my new access to Sephora's Beauty Studio. I've never been, and I have pretty good reason to believe I don't need their services. Since I seldom visit the crowded and dirty store at Tysons, I doubt I'll ever use myAll-Access Pass. Unless this program gets better in a hurry, I'd advise you not to stretch for the privilege

This weekend's sales are extraordinary. I already mentioned Beautyhabit's 20% discount through tomorrow. Use the code BYESUMMER. There are other fabulous sales. Beauysak is also offering 20% off with the code LABOR20 through September 3. New London Pharmacy is offering a 20% discount through tomorrow. Use the code LABORDAY20.

Sephora and b~glowing have new markdowns in their sales. Beautorium is offering a tiered discount. Spend $60 and save 10% with code SAVE10. Spend $100 and save 15% with code SAVE15. Spend $200 and save 20% with code SAVE20. I'm thinking about stocking up on John Masters hair products. SkincareRX has a rather odd rebate program, but you can save 22% with code LDAY22. There are many other weekend sales, so make sure to check your favorite shopping sites. Most of the sales are publicized on the home page. TATCHA has a great deal on their sampler sets.

Starting today and running through the month, Le Labo and Luckyscent are offering the City Exclusives to everyone. That means, for example, that you don't have to travel to San Francisco to buy Limette 37. I plan to take advantage of this rare offer. I've got my list lined up. You have time to order samples to see what you might like and then place an order before this September opportunity ends.

The Neiman Marcus Beauty Event starts September 11 and runs through September 22. This month, if you spend $125 in the beauty department, you will receive a leopard-print tote bag with nine samples. The bag comes in brown, red/orange, and purple. I picked up a brochure in the store, and it has a coupon for a sample of Sisley-Paris' new SUPREMŸA Yeux at Night. I have finished my first sample and love it! Make sure to ask for one, even if you don't have the coupon. They will run out quickly. There is also a coupon for a sample of Estée Lauder's new and improved Advanced Night Repair II. Ditto - ask for it.

I have much more to tell you about my introduction last week to new beauty products. I'll show you Sisley's fabulous new City Muse color collection, Bobbi Brown's Smokey Eye Mascara, and more. I'm excited about fall. I also selected two of Estée Lauder's new metallic eye shadow palettes, and I can't wait to pick them up to show you. I also have some beautiful new fragrances to introduce.

I need to go back and amend some of my features about Perricone products to ensure that everyone knows that although many of them are effective, they develop a skanky odor after a few months of use. I used to use Cold Plasma (eye and face) products. I loved them. I had to stop when their odors turned to fish tanks after three months. Actually, I had to return one because it had that fish odor the moment I opened it, which means it sat in the store under warm lights for months before I purchased it. I was really disappointed when my Nutritive Cleanser, which I keep in my shower, turned last week. It is now unusable. The formerly pleasing smell is now disgusting. It never gets terribly hot in my bathroom because I do not close the door when I shower. Why bother when you live alone?

I want you to keep this in mind when you read glowing reviews of Perricone skin care. They are coming from writers who haven't had the time to evaluate the long-term use of the products. So far, my beloved Acyl-Glutathione products haven't turned, but I use the small containers very quickly.

I have never had my other favorite skin care products turn rancid within a reasonable length of time/use, so this problem seems to me to be a Perricone problem. Even entirely natural products keep better than the good doctor's.

I know I had more to tell you, but my body is telling me it's nap time. I'll be back later with Happy Labor Day wishes!

Photos courtesy of  Pied A' Terre Antiques and Le Labo