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eyeslipsface

1st Annual Listen to Lena! Charity Raffle

February 7, 2011 By Lena

Last Sunday, I spent a “beauty-full” afternoon with some pretty special ladies. It was the ultimate girly fest – we had fun makeovers thanks to Mala Brar (check out my gorgeous eye makeup here), swapped beauty secrets and nibbled on yummy goodies (including sinful mini cheesecakes and delectable coffee cake courtesy of Shauna at Kindergarten Confidential. YUM). Oh, and we happened to raise over $500 for a pretty awesome charity.

Perhaps I should rewind. Now it’s no secret that I receive many products to review. We’re always testing a thing or two (or three, or four) chez Lena! But the reality is, sometimes I end up with more products that I have space for, and de-cluttering is in order. Such is the case with my 2010 Holiday Beauty Fest; while I loved reviewing all the makeup and beauty items, I simply had to find good homes for all the fabulous face candy. What’s a girl to do? Hold a Charity Raffle, of course!

So I created bundles of products that I had on hand. I invited a few friends to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win the bundle of makeup, with 100% of the proceeds going to charity. It seemed like such a good idea that more girls wanted in. So I contacted a few amazing sponsors – e.l.f., CARGO and Vasanti Cosmetics – and they generously sent even more makeup my way to raffle off. In the end, I had 24 bundles (each with a total retail value of $50 or more – most were actually closer to the $120 mark), and 15 ladies eager to get their hands on the pretty loot!

Here are just a few of the bundles up for grabs:

LIGHTS CAMERA ACTION: Courtesy of CARGO, CARGO Blu_Ray High Definition Mattifier, CARGO Blu_Ray High Definition Lip Gloss in Halifax, CARGO Blu_Ray Polishing Cloths, CARGO Essential Palette in Smokey Eye (Totally HOT!), CARGO Lip Gloss Duo in Bella Bella. Total Value $127.00
SEX ON A BEACH: Courtesy of Vasanti and e.l.f. Cosmetics,  e.l.f. All Over Colour Stick in Spotlight, e.l.f. Lip Primer and Plumper, e.l.f. Warm Bronzer, Vasanti Colour Palette in South Beach (HOT!), Vasanti Lipstick in Brazil, Vasanti Lipstick in Cancun, plus much more. Total Value $124.00
TOO FACED: Courtesy of Sephora, Too Faced Enchanted Glamourland Palette: Eye Shadows, Shadow Insurance Primer, Glamour Gloss, La Vie en Rose Blush, Snow Bunny Bronzer. Total Value $49.00

The ladies each put in a minimum of $20.00, which offered them 20 raffle tickets. They were given the chance to allocate the tickets however they wished – Lotus topped off her three favourite bundles (and proceeded to win them all! You go girl!) while Runner Mama spread the luck around (and walked away with my favourite palette). Lots of ladies donated much more than the minimum amount, which allowed me to turn an afternoon of girlicious fun into raising a ton of money for a great cause. I can’t wait to do it all over again!

Since chatting about the event, here are some FAQ’s that have come up:

Q: I would have liked to attend. Why didn’t you publicize it?
A: It started off pretty small (just a few friends), and in the end, I had to limit the amount of ladies to space in my living room. Plus, since it was held at my home (with my children present), I wanted to make sure that I personally knew all those attending.

Q: Which charity did you donate the proceeds to?
A: Since I am regularly solicited by many charitable foundations, I prefer not to publicly align with one or another. Therefore, I will tell you this: all of the ladies who attended were made aware of the charity beforehand, and it is a well-known children’s organization.

Q: Will you do this again?
A: I’m working on it! I’m hoping to hold another charity raffle in the fall – if I’m able to grab some notable sponsorships, I may be able to hold it in a neutral location and open it up to local readers as well. I’ll keep you posted!

Some pics from the event:

It was too chaotic to lay out all 24 bundles, so a catalogue of prizes was sent out ahead of time;
then simply pictures of the lots (plus a cup to place tickets) were presented instead. It worked really well.
The Too Faced Bundle – before the cup was crammed with tickets.
The very awesome SHIMMER ME TIMBERS bundle courtesy of The Body Shop:  Dreams Unlimited Eau De Parfum, Atomiser, Sparkler All Over Shimmer, Star Dust in Gold and Pink, Shimmer Waves in Peach
Mala Brar working on my eyes. Don’t you just love the romantic
lavender and purple hues?
Three gorgeous guests waiting for their turn to participate.
Three more babes – including Runner Mama, who was waiting for
her eye makeup application.
And here she is again, with mermaid-inspired eyes. You looked hot, girl!

Special thanks again to e.l.f. Cosmetics, CARGO Cosmetics and Vasanti Cosmetics. They all donated a generous amount of their best selling products to make several of the bundles some of the most envied prizes to be won.

Although it was hard to part with all that makeup, I put it in perspective for a few of the ladies at the event – if I was giving away all that I didn’t need, imagine how much I kept for myself! I’m still proud to declare that I’m a hoarder extraordinaire!

Filed Under: Beauty Tagged With: Cargo Cosmetics, charity, eyeslipsface, fun, Lena, makeup, Vasanti Cosmetics

Holiday Beauty #9 – e.l.f. Cosmetics

December 12, 2010 By Lena

It happened just a few weeks ago, on a day much like today. I was having coffee with a girlfriend, and before I could take a sip of my gingerbread latte, she remarked, “That’s a lovely lip gloss. What is it?”

Frowning, I searched through my purse for the gloss I had applied literally minutes before. Was it my Lorac? Or my Stila Lip Glaze? I knew it wasn’t the MAC Lip Glass – and I was pretty sure my NARS gloss was in the car. Then, at the bottom of my bag I unearthed the pretty little number – a $1.00 e.l.f. Essentials Plumping Lip Glaze in Mocha Ice.

“It costs a dollar?!” she exclaimed. Yes, you bet it does.

“We at eyes lips face (e.l.f.) believe that innovative technology, quality ingredients and superb delivery systems should not be limited to prestige retailers. Every woman should have the opportunity to participate in innovation, without sacrificing her budget.

We are often asked how we are able to provide our customers with such wonderful products, many for as little as $1. By developing quality cosmetics and the highest standard of service, but using the Internet for branding rather than higher-priced advertising media; by sourcing the best ingredients at competitive prices; and by prioritizing our products, rather than their packaging, e.l.f. always provides you with quality and value.”

As part of e.l.f.’s Elite, I must admit that I’ve got a stash of about 100 e.l.f. products. From eye liner to blush, lip treatments to primers, e.l.f. has got you covered. It is conceivably the only brand of makeup where $10 will get you 10 items, regardless of the type of makeup. A nail polish costs $1; mascara costs $1.

If you’re looking for a slightly elevated level of quality, e.l.f. offers their professional line: e.l.f. Studio. It’s their ultra-luxe, makeup artist-proven cosmetics line available at everyday, designer beauty pricing. “When you experience e.l.f Studio cosmetics, you discover our top-rated professional makeup that’s also super affordable and easy to use.”

Most products in the Studio lineup retail for $3-$6, including the Shimmer Palette pictured left: The weightless and creamy shimmers illuminate the eyes, lips, and face. 

Prefer the superiority of mineral makeup – but don’t want to pay $20 for an eyeshadow? Check out e.l.f. Mineral Makeup. The cosmetics are 100% mineral-based with no parabens, no preservatives and no chemical dyes. Best of all, 100% pure, all-natural mineral makeup from e.l.f. cosmetics means healthier, illuminating skin for you, without sacrificing your budget.

“The all-natural consistency of our mineral makeup and cosmetics makes them incredibly easy to apply and blend for a flawless finish. And rest assured knowing that at e.l.f., all-natural also means top-rated, professional-quality makeup made with naturally-derived ingredients guaranteed to deliver professional results whenever you wish, wherever you are. Compare, save, and enjoy e.l.f. mineral makeup and cosmetics, or any e.l.f. makeup & cosmetics product you choose!”

e.l.f. also has tons of budget-friendly gift set and palettes to choose from – check out my review of the Beauty Encyclopedia for Eyes.

BUY IT!

Shop online! As with all e.l.f. orders to Canada, you’ll have to pay shipping (and duty costs for orders over $20). However, I’ve discovered a cool little way to save on these fees – if you choose to pay with PayPal, you’ll only be charged US $6.95 for shipping vs. their standard rate of CDN $14.95 when you charge to your credit card. With the dollar roughly at par, that works out to $7.03 for shipping. Not bad at all!

*Please note, you can only access the PayPal option if you place items in your cart and proceed to checkout before signing in (found through trial and error). If you’ve already signed in, for some reason, it bypasses the PayPal option.

WIN IT!

One lucky Listen to Lena! reader will win a $25 e.l.f. Gift Card! (I know it doesn’t sound like a lot, but trust me – you could purchase 25 products!)

To enter, simply visit e.l.f. Cosmetics and leave a comment here, naming a few products that catch your eye.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment for each. You can:

(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena!
(2) “Like” Listen to Lena! on Facebook
(3) “Like” e.l.f. Cosmetics on Facebook
(4) Follow e.l.f. Cosmetics on Twitter
(5) Tweet about this giveaway (tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/24zutw8)
(6) You may Tweet daily.

I’ll draw for a winner on December 31st. Good luck everybody!

Filed Under: Beauty, Contests Tagged With: contest, eyeslipsface, Holiday Beauty Fest, makeup

Holiday Beauty Fest… Winners!

December 10, 2010 By Lena

The end of 2010. I hope you all had a most memorable year, and that Santa was exceptionally good to you this holiday season. I could not have asked for a better Christmas – or better readers! Thank you for the continued love and support… it was a truly awesome year.

To all the new friends I’ve met, readers who faithfully stop by, and even those who will land on this post accidentally via Google – I wish you a blessed, fulfilling and fabulous 2011 with lots of love, luck and laughter!

And what better way to end the year than to wrap up the Holiday Beauty Fest! It’s Christmas 2.0!

Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaways (including the faithful re-tweeters!), and all of the LOVELY sponsoring companies – The Body Shop, Sephora, CARGO, Vasanti, Balmshell, e.l.f. and Olay!  

All winners were drawn using Random.org; however, as I don’t want to pollute the esthetics of my blog with 14 widget snapshots, you’ll just have to trust me sight unseen. (Please send me an e-mail if you’d like a copy of the winning widgets – I’ll keep them on file for 7 days.)

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

THE BODY SHOP – Winner of a Holiday Bath & Body set, featuring Cranberry Joy and Spiced Vanilla (value $100): #606 TV WATCHER

SEPHORA –  Winner of a $100 Sephora Gift Card: #448 REMY

URBAN DECAY – Winner of Urban Decay’s The Black Palette: #49 CAITLIN

TARINA TARANTINO – Winner of a Tarina Tarantino Jewel Box Palette and Pearl Glow Eye Primer: #392 DIAMANTE

THE BODY SHOP – Winner of a Holiday Makeup Gift Set (value $100): #13 ELLA PRETTY

CARGO COSMETICS – Winners (5) of a Lip Gloss Duo in Bella Bella and an Essential Eye Shadow Palette in Smoky: #203 KAILIN, #299 JOSIE, #470 JOOLS, #379 DIAMANTE, #112 JANN

VASANTI COSMETICS – Winner of a holiday prize pack, including EYE WONDER, Long Lash Mascara, winner’s choice of Liquid Cover-Up, winner’s choice of Face Base Powder Foundation and winner’s choice of Lipstick: #55 MICHELLE

BALMSHELL – Winner of 5 lip glosses of her choice (value $100): #15 STAM-ISH. Winners (2) of a Mini Lip Gloss Collection: #108 J, #49 ERIE

e.l.f. COSMETICS – Winner of a $25 e.l.f. Gift Card: #110 KITTY

OLAY – Winners (3) of Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream: #112 KENDRA, #119 DEEDEE H, #5 JANN

Please send me an e-mail so that I can have the prizes sent to you right away! Congrats again – and HAPPY NEW YEAR! xo

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Balmshell, Cargo Cosmetics, eyeslipsface, Holiday Beauty Fest, Olay, Sephora, Tarina Tarantino, The Body Shop, Urban Decay, Vasanti Cosmetics, winner

My First e.l.f. Elite Stash Arrived!

March 11, 2010 By Lena

A few weeks ago, I shared with ya’ll that I was invited to join the e.l.f Elite, which is – you guessed it – an elite group of bloggers who receive advance knowledge of new releases and samples of those products to test, help to choose new colors and products, and get the scoop on hot promotions for their readers!

Well, I’m happy to report that my first stash arrived for review! I was able to choose from a variety of products and shades, so I settled on:

Brightening Eye Color in Hazy Hazel
Luxuriously smooth, corn silk formula provides eyes with a neutral base and an awakened brightness. The formula blends into skin for a long lasting, beautiful effect. The 4 color quad allows for both natural and dramatic looks. Mirror in compact included.

Plumping Lip Glaze in Ruby Kiss (HOT!)
Forget costly Collagen injections, or those painfully stinging glosses, stimulate your senses to a refreshed full perfect pout with e.l.f. Plumping Lip Glaze! e.l.f. proudly presents a revolutionary lip plumper, infusing natural ingredients that awaken your senses for fresh, volume enhanced, and moisturized lips. This dual sided Plumping Lip Glaze has a tinted color for a subtle plump or a clear gloss that power plumps your lips, use together and instantly feel the lip enlarging effects!

Beauty Encyclopedia, Everyday Eye Edition
This is the perfect gift for yourself or for a friend. Add this trendy Little Black Book of Beauty as a reference guide to your collection. This all-in-one compact includes the must-have makeup essentials: 12 eye shadow shades, 2 cream eye shadow shades, 1 eyeliner, 1 eye shadow brush.

While I am excited to play with all the products, I’d have to say that at first glance, I’m loving the Everyday Eye Edition of the Beauty Encyclopedia. With a detailed reference guide instructing how to create a variety of looks, I have a feeling I’ll be rocking some pretty spectacular eyes very soon!

Look for my full review next week! Click here to begin shopping at e.l.f. Cosmetics.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: e.l.f. Elite, eyeslipsface, makeup

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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