Wednesday, November 29, 2017

3 Red Lip Products to try this holiday season



                                 Nars in Red Lizard





  YSL Tatouage Couture Matte Stain in Black Red Code (8)


Sorry for the poor quality of this last picture! This is my newest one so I haven't taken any blog pics wearing it yet.

 Red lips - perfect for the holidays, sometimes tricky to wear, and even trickier to apply. I've reviewed three red lip products to help you decide which one you want to try this holiday season. 

This liquid matte lip stain is g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s. It is highly pigmented and velvety soft. It's not sticky, it's hydrating, and the color is INSANE. It's a super rich, deep red that screams holiday party. It's got a doe foot applicator and is unscented. It's incredibly creamy. There will be some transfer but you can get a few hours of wear with one coat. You can also try to set it by blotting with a tissue. To prevent feathering I recommend using a lip liner. Downside of this stain, I find it hard to apply. You have to be careful because it is so pigmented and it will feather immediately without liner. ($38)

 This is a creamy matte lipstick that is definitely less pigmented in comparison the Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro. It looks more pink than red next to Lip Maestro (see swatch below.) I usually put on more than one coat to get the deep red color that I desire and also use lip liner to prevent feathering. Again, there will be transfer (I kissed my fiance's cheek during our holiday card shoot wearing this lipstick and he had a big red lipstick mark on his face!) Downside: needing to apply multiple coats. ($28)

c/o 
This is my newest lip stain and is more of a burgundy or wine color on the swatch, but depending on how bright the lighting is it looks more wine colored or more red on my lips, if that makes sense lol. It doesn't feather without lip liner and I find it to be very easy to apply because of the angled applicator. It's matte and ultra pigmented for a very rich beautiful stain. The applicator is a huge plus for me, I don't have the steadiest hand when applying stains and this makes it super easy and basically error free. The formula is non drying but I put it on dry lips and it didn't hydrate them. ($36)

Swatch:
 1 / 2 / 3

I would say the Giorgio Armani and YSL packaging feels more luxe than the NARS lipstick. 

Monday, November 27, 2017

Cyber Monday Sales

Cyber Monday this year is C R A Z Y good! I'm here to help you make informed decisions as you shop. An important aspect of this blog is to help you spend your hard earned money in the best way possible and find items for yourself or your home that make you feel beautiful, make your space beautiful, and help you live your best life. This blog is not about getting you to spend all your money on things you won't love or use. I spend countless hours researching products, reading reviews, testing products etc. because I care about making sure you are spending your money in a way that adds to your life.

Ok that's my cyber Monday spiel!

I want to introduce you to my mom, Susan, who helped me scour Neiman Marcus Last Call for some amazing deals! Here are her Last Call picks. I have my eye on the hat which was originally $225 and is now marked down to $35. $35!!!



Nordstrom boots 40% off or more:



Clothing Sales
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH - 50% off entire store & free shipping
AG JEANS - 25% off select items
AMAZON - up to 40% off fashion, up to 60% off on electronics
ANN TAYLOR - 50% off everything & free shipping with code BESTMONDAY
ASOS - 30% off everything with code EPIC30
BANANA REPUBLIC - 50% off of everything
BAUBLEBAR - 35% off everything with code CYBER35
BLOOMINGDALES - 25% off a large selection of items
CHICWISH - 15% off orders over $70 with code CBM15
GAP - 50% off everything & free shipping with code CYBER
GIGI NEW YORK - up to 35% off site wide
H&M - 30% off everything
J.CREW FACTORY - 60% off everything & extra 50% off clearance with code CYBER
KATE SPADE - 30% off full-priced items & 40% off sale items with code MOREJOY
KENDRA SCOTT - 20% off everything with code YELLOW20 & free shipping
LAST CALL - Extra 40% to 80% off everything & free shipping with code CYBER
LOFT - 50% off everything & free shipping with code CLICK
MACY'S - Extra 20% off with code CYBER
MADEWELL - 25% off with code GOODMOOD
NUME - buy 2 get 1 free curling wand & 30% off sitewide, use code CYBER30
OLD NAVY - 50% off entire purchase
SEPHORA - new beauty launches & receive a holiday sample bag with code METIME
SHOPBOP - up to 75% off sale items, up to 30% off full priced items with code MORE17
SIGMA BEAUTY - 40% off select brush sets with code BRUSHSET40
SOLE SOCIETY - 30% off everything
ULTA - $10 off a qualifying purchase of $50 or more with code CYBERMON17 & free shipping on all orders over $35

Home Items Sales
CRATE & BARREL - 15% off full priced items with code SAVE15
CONTAINER STORE - 20% off all kitchen items online, today only
HORCHOW - 25% off sitewide
ONE KINGS LANE - 30% off sitewide & free shipping on orders over $100 with code OKLFREESHIP
LULU AND GEORGIA - 20% off everything with code CYBER
WAYFAIR - up to 80% off sitewide
WEST ELM - up to 70% off Cyber Monday deals & free shipping with code FREERIDE
WILLIAMS SONOMA - up to 70% off Cyber Monday deals & free shipping with code SAVEMORE

Saturday, November 25, 2017

15 gift ideas for the beauty lover

 Red "C" and "M" Stockings HomeGoods / / White "D" Stocking  / / Christmas Pillows HomeGoods 
Uggs (on sale) / / Paul Frank Onesie (mine is old, Christmas one here for under $20!) 
Christmas Sign HomeGoods / / Nume curling wand

Carol's Daughter Hand Lotion / / Chanel Perfume / / Makeup brush holder ($8!)

coffee table book (must have for every fashionista and Kate Spade lover!)





 Kate Spade Cosmetics Case (mine is old but I love this one 
YSL Lip Stain 

 Ardell Lashes / / Face Mask 

Kat Von D Saint and Sinner Perfumes

There are so many fun beauty products out there to gift this holiday season! I use most of these products on a weekly if not daily basis so I thought it would be fun to share some of my beauty staples with you in the form of a gift guide post.

1) Nume curling wand - this is the holy grail of curling wands, one wand for every day of the week! This is by far the most expensive thing on this list so maybe you want to ask for it for yourself :) This is a great wand, it gets super super hot (obv) so it comes with a heat resistant glove and a cute roll up packaging case to keep all your wands in. Super cute and profesh.

2) Clinique moisture surge - I think I am going to gift this to my mom this year b/c she tried it when she was at our house for Tgiving and loved the way it felt on her skin. My skin is prone to dryness esp in winter and gets red and blotchy and cracks and it's no good. This is a game changer because it hydrates and keeps all the hydration in your skin. I don't really know the science behind it but it's amazing!

3) Clinique take the day off cleansing balm - another great Clinique product, the packaging is so cute and the product smells good and is super luxe feeling on your skin. Perfect for your friend who's into beauty who may not want to spend the $30 on it for herself.

4) Carol's Daughter Karite Coco Body Lotion - I recently discovered this brand and I'm in love because it's super natural and doesn't have any bad stuff in it for your skin. Plus it smells ahhhh-mazing! And it's under $10. I literally put this on every day and my hands haven't been cracking and bleeding like they normally do (gross I know but I really couldn't find the right lotion until CD.)

5) Chanel Chance Perfume - I believe every girl should own Chanel perfume at least once in her life - this is my go to scent for every day wear. I have it in Eau Tendre (be careful and get the one you want b/c there are lots of different variations on Chance.)

6) Makeup brush holder ($8!) - Is this not the cutest thing ever? It's perfect to buy for all of your girlfriends for Christmas!

7) Kate Spade Things We Love - I've had this book for years, my mom got it for me for Christmas one year. It's so colorful, cute and fun, it's a really great coffee table book. It's super entertaining to look through and would make a great gift for the Kate Spade loving fashionista in your life!

8) Batiste Dry Shampoo ($8) - admittedly this is a weird thing to gift someone lol unless it's like your bff. It's a great stocking stuffer though. Everyone needs Batiste Dry Shampoo it's the best. 

9) Aveda style prep - I've been using this before blow drying my hair and I've found it helps my hair stay healthy and shiny and not get dried out! Plus it smells amazing, David loves it!

10) Aveda damage remedy - Again, smells amazing, feels amazing on my hair, I have seen a different in shine and less breakage since I've started using it

11) Kate Spade Cosmetics Case - Kate Spade is just so fun, I love this champagne cosmetics case and your girlfriends will love it too!

12) YSL Lip Stain - this is a great red lip stain to ask for for Christmas since it's pricier than most. It has a great angled applicator for precision and it's very pigmented

13) Ardell Lashes - by far the most comfortable fake lashes out there, these are another great cheap stocking stuff. Just don't forget the glue!

14) Kiehl's Olive Fruit Oil Hair Pak - omg this hair mask is AMAZING, my hair is so fine and tangles so easily but when I use this once a week my hair untangles in the shower and becomes so silky smooth, I wish I had bought it like, years sooner.

15) Kat Von D Saint and Sinner Perfumes - I love the cute packaging and how there is like a sister perfume. How cute is the light vs. dark packaging? The whole Saint and Sinner line is so cute. Plus both smell amazing and they are small enough to travel with (here is the travel one)

I hope that was helpful!! Let me know what you plan to gift your girlfriends or beauty lovers this year, I'm always on the look out for new ideas :)

Sale items for the home

FOR THE HOME

#BlackFriday sales are still going strong, so I've rounded up items that I have my eye on for my own home office! I just ordered this desk which is on sale for under $200 and a set of bookshelves which was over $100 each but I found them here for less than $60 each. I am super excited to do a home office reveal once they arrive and I get them set up and situated!
I've always wanted a gorgeous makeup set up. I saw a similar acrylic drawer set on Katiesbliss.com so I might ask Santa for it for Christmas :) The one I picked out is less than $40 here.
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy times with your friends and family!

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Thursday, November 23, 2017

Guide to Black Friday Sales

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!! I hope you had a day full of love, family and delicious food! I am so thankful for each and every one of you! As you know, tomorrow is one of the best shopping days of the year... Black Friday!! There are some FANTASTIC sales that have already started, so I wanted to give you a heads up so you can snag your sizes while you still can!

NORDSTROM 25% - 40% off!
Here's what I ordered:


What I Own That is On Sale: 
TORY BURCH
Tory Burch York Buckle Tote  (30% off!) / / similar black ankle booties (on sale! less than $100) 

I have this Tory Burch tote (pictured) and it's 30% off rn! It holds everything you could possibly need and is perfect for work since it has a zippered middle pocket to protect your laptop. I like that it's really structured and basically the inside is sectioned into three different parts, the zippered middle and the two areas on either side. It's also made of Saffiano leather so it's super well made and feels luxe. The York Buckle tote is on sale in a few different colors. This Tory tote is also on sale (almost 50% off) as is this cute crossbody which comes in great colors for spring!

JOE'S JEANS & OTK BOOTS
ruffle sweater / / Joe's jeans (on sale!) / / similar over-the-knee boots (over 50% off!!)
Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 Bandouliere handbag / / Kat Von D liquid lipstick in Lolita  ($20)

This ruffle sweater is sadly not on sale but it is SO SOFT, I'm obsessed with it and plan to wear it over and over all winter!! It's amazing! Also the ruffle detail is just... to die for.
 Good news, there are a ton of over-the-knee boots on sale for about $100 or less like these , these and these...

UGGS

My UGGS are 40% off!! / / Joe's jeans (on sale) / / cowl neck sweater (on sale for less than $35)
similar pom pom beanie ($15) / / David Yurman bracelet / / NARS lipstick in Red Lizard

UGGS ON SALE need I say more?! I'm normally a 9.5 and I bought these in a 9 and they fit great with or without socks. They are even a little roomy when I don't wear socks. Def size down!
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EXPRESS 50% OFF SITE WIDE 
Express cowl neck sweater (less than $34!) / / Joe's jeans  (on sale) / /  over-the-knee boots 

Express cowl neck sweater (less than $34!) / / Joe's jeans  (on sale)/ /  over-the-knee boots  (on sale)

WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS (You see what I did there? :)) how soft this sweater is! I just want to rub my face on it! It also has cute roomy sleeves and comes in three colors. I kinda want to buy it in blue too.
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ANN TAYLOR 50% OFF SITE WIDE


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LOFT 50% OFF SITE WIDE


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J.CREW 40% OFF SITE WIDE


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SHOPBOP 20% OFF $200, 25% OFF $500, 30% OFF $800






Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Gift Guide for Her

Gift Guide for Her


If you need help finding the perfect gift for the gal who's hard to buy for, look no further! These are some cozy and classic items that your hard to buy for girlfriend, gal pal, daughter, or sister would love!

When I think about what I want for Christmas it's usually a mix of something I can use and something cute and cozy. This cardigan sold out during the nordstrom anniversary sale but good news, it's baaaack! I literally wear it almost every day at work, it's so cozy and soft (I have it in the charcoal as pictured. Love it!)

Hunter boots are a splurge and would make a great gift for someone who has always wanted a pair but doesn't own one.

I live in a cold and wet climate so a cute beanie is a must! I like the ones with pom poms like this one and this one (less expensive.)

I think Christmas is the perfect time to give something with a little glitter or sparkle and these heels would be perfect to wear on New Year's Eve or for a holiday party!  Or you could go for this water bottle which is under $25 and would make a cute gift for your friend who loves to workout :)

The last thing I want to mention is the MAC lipstick and lip liner duo, it's a great deal because the lipstick and liner by themselves are usually $17.50 EACH and you get both the lipstick and liner for $27. This is a great deal!





Friday, November 17, 2017

5+ Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas













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Thursday, November 16, 2017

Thanksgiving Outfit Idea





Hey friends! Thanksgiving is one week away, I'm so excited!! Here is an outfit idea for what to wear to Thanksgiving: a cute ruffled sweater, distressed denim (the pair I'm wearing is 40% off!), some high heeled ankle boots or over the knee boots (these are on sale for $65!) and statement earrings. The sweater I'm wearing is sold out in green but I really love the Ivory color. Make sure to follow me in the LIKEtoKNOW.it app to get shoppable links for this and all the looks I post on Instagram @mapleandmint. 

I hope you all have a great rest of your week!

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Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Winter Wardrobe Building

Hey friends! Happy Humpday! One week until Thanksgiving, woohoo!! You know what that means... A little over a week until Black Friday starts! I'll be going over allll the Black Friday deals in another post, but today I want to help you get ready for winter! Winter is in full swing here in Seattle and Christmas is just around the corner. It will be here before you know it! It's time to take inventory of your winter wardrobe and figure out what you already have, what you're missing, and what you really want to upgrade or replace so you can start making your Christmas wishlist (and checking it twice!) I'll walk you through which items you need for your winter wardrobe and which you might be able to forgo.




1. Cozy Sweater - There are a TON of sweaters I'm loving right now but here are the major players: (I have the purple one with pockets in tan/black stripes and wear it all the time.)


2. OTK and Riding Boots - one of the pairs I linked is on sale for $65 and they still have all sizes! That's an INSANE deal! The riding boots I linked are also 30% off.




3. Trusty Denim - you've seen me in this pair a lot and they are on sale!All the denim I linked are at least 33% off!



4. Rain Boots - Hunter is the way to go! The first one pictured is 25% off and Hunter boots hardly EVER go on sale!



5. Pom Pom Beanie - this one is only $15!

6. Mittens - even better if they are water resistant and tech compatible like these


7. Trench/Rain Coat - The first one pictured is 35% off and comes in six colors! The pink trench is gorgeous and 25% off too.



8. Cutest Ankle Bootie - perfect to wear for Thanksgiving! Love this one 


9. Scarves - the leopard one (under $20) was restocked and we all love a good plaid scarf!

10. Earrings That Go With Everything

 

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