You can still give fabulous gifts on a budget that any of your fashion-forward friends are sure to love. Take a look at my “Top 10 under $10″ for inspiration to help you stock a stuffing on a dime:

For the Bling-ey BFF:

Jewelry is always a fun gift, and costume jewelry is usually easy to find at an affordable price. I love whimsical jewelry with animals, trinkets and unusual objects on them, like this bird necklace from Fred Flare:

Little Bird Charm Necklace, Fred Flare, $10

Color Block Bracelet, Old Navy, $5

Xhilaration Cluster Drop Earrings, Target, $8.99

Also be sure to check out Old Navy and Target for great deals on of-the-moment costume jewelry.

For the Girl-About-Town:

If your sister is always downtown on the weekends, jetting off to Miami or NYC, or always knows where to find the scene, then these are the gifts for her. Try finding a fun and flashy clutch (for the clubs) or some swanky aviators (for the morning after).

Mirrored Aviator Glasses, Urban Outfitters, $9.99

Satin Clutch, Old Navy, $10

For the Home-Girl:

If you are like me, then home is where you wanna be. Give her a comfy PJ set and a great DVD for a relaxing night at home. Best Buy has a ton of DVD’s for $10 or less, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a classic, sure to please any fashionista.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s DVD, Best Buy, $9.99

Gillian & O’Malley Pajama Set, Target, $9.99

For the Makeup Maven:

If her nails are always painted, her pout purfectly glossed, then get thee to Sephora for some great under $10 deals. The Sephora line is great and offers a ton of goodies at reasonable prices. Lip gloss and nail polish are usually a no-brainer, and make great stocking stuffers.

Sephora Brand Fresh Gloss, $7

Sephora Easy French Manicure Duos, $8

For Anyone:

Who can’t use a cute change purse? I can’t think of a single person. This one from Urban Outfitters is a super cute gift for that friend/relative/roomate that you just can’t figure out. Go ahead, get one for yourself too. I won’t tell.

Floral Kiss Lock Wallet, Urban Outfitters, $9.99

What’s your favorite budget-friendly fashion gift to give this year? Clue us in, and Happy Holidays!

*Best of Beauty 2008 Compact Bronzer: Sephora Brand Sculpting Disk

*Best of Beauty 2008 Sephora Sculpting Disk! For its price value point and size! Retails at $24.00 at Sephora.com

I chose the Sephora Brand Sculpting Disk as the Best of Beauty 2008 Compact Bronzer. It is wonderfully priced at only $24.00. And with a large case of about 4” across! It has a lot to go around! Included in this sculpting powder trio is the bronzer color to contour cheeks, and forehead. A matt finish powder that is non-comogenic, to absorb excess oils and give a great finish. Plus, it has the highlighting powder to add definition, illuminate and brighten the skin. The compact is fully fitted with a deluxe oversize mirror. Use the powders to sculpt your face into a work of art, adding sun and light in all the right places! This product is great to add some color to your face during the fall and winter season! I use it every day and swear by it!

*Best of Beauty 2008 Compact Powder and Foundation: Jane Iredale PurePressed® Base

*Best of Beauty 2008 Compact Powder - PurePressed® Base by Jane Iredale

I chose the Jane Iredale PurePressed ® Base as the best compact foundation and powder for a few reasons. Firstly, the Jane Iredale line is one of the best mineral cosmetics out there! So look out bare minerals! Also, the beautiful gold compact casing is very decadent looking. (The compact is also beautifully inserted in a velvet pouch). The casing includes a mirror, powder puff for application. And an assortment of several colors to suit your complexion. It is a foundation, powder, concealer and sunscreen all in one. And with a UVA SPF 20, you are getting a great sun protection too! It is very water-resistant and free of oil, talc, dyes and parabens. The look and coverage is sheer and semi-matte. The feel is weightless. The result - flawless!

Source: Jane Iredale Cosmetics, Sephora

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer 2008

Colorful Pearl Mono Eyeshadow

FACE Exfoliator & Mask - Normal Skin

Here is her winning comment:

“I am a rosy cheeked, pouty lipped, bright eyed, glowing skinned, beauty goddess specialist thanks to the magical Sephora brand. They have turned beauty into art with their bright luminous colors and smooth palettes, making me feel perfectly flawless. I am a glamour soldier, arming myself with truckloads of powerful beauty product facts from expert opinions from across the World Wide Web. This glamorous soldier makes only the best possible beauty purchase decisions making ME the ULTIMATE beauty authority!”

Here is what she had to say about winning with Couture in the City:

“I just wanted to say thank you so very much for holding this fun Sephora contest and thank you for choosing me as the winner. I worked very hard on my entry and I am so glad that you enjoyed
it as well.  Sephora is my favorite store and Couture In The City is my favorite blog ever!”

Keep a lookout for more great contest like this one from Couture in the City! You can win at Couture In The City too…just keep looking for more great giveaways like these! Good luck!

Today we are featuring our fall giveaway with our good friends at Sephora! But today’s giveaway is a little different! We at Couture would like to hear why you feel that you are a beauty authority! Yes, we want you to tell us in a few sentences why you love the Sephora brand, and what makes you a beauty diva!

Here are today’s spectacular giveaways from Sephora!

Win this! Colorful Pearl Mono Eyeshadow

What it is: Luminous pearl eye shadow in a round compact.

What else you need to know: Each of these pocket-sized shadows glides on smooth with a sheer, luminous finish that can be layered for added intensity. Each sheer shade is perfect for layering and highlighting. Enriched with green tea to soothe the delicate eye area.

Here is what Sephora fans are saying about the product!

“I love these shadows! They apply smoothly, blend well, feel light, lasts a long time & don’t dry out the lids. Such a pretty finish!” Caroline G, Boston, MA

“I bought a lovely dark grey, and it blends so well! I love the dramatic looks I can achieve with this eye shadow.” Victoria Rae, Seattle WA

Win this! FACE Exfoliator & Mask - Normal Skin

What it is: A gentle, yet effective exfoliating face scrub and mask in one.

What it is formulated to do: Gently loosens and peels away impurities and dead skin cells while relaxing and smoothing facial contours.

What users are saying;

“I love this exfoliator and mask! At first I wasn’t sure how it could possibly work as both, but it does a fantastic job. For quick exfoliations, I rub it on and rinse it off. Then about once a week, I leave it on in the shower for 5 minutes or so and rinse. My skin has never felt better!” Sassy Red, Palm Dale, CA.

So be creative! And send us your comments on being a beauty authority! The reader who sends the most creative comment will be picked as the winner by Couture! So be sure to enter and send your comments to jacquelineh@coutureinthecity.com. And also to our Editor at angelique@coutureinthecity.com. Remember to leave us your name, email address, and where you are from. And please add this title to your email, Sephora And My Beauty Giveaway. This giveaway and contest will run until October 31st 2008. So be sure to get your comments in! Also the winning comment will be posted on Couture in the City! So good luck my beautynistas!

Source: Sephora

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer 2008

From catwalk-inspired cosmetics to cutting-edge skincare and timeless fragrances, Christian Dior has brought us some of the most luxurious, trendsetting, and fashionable beauty products around. It’s this magical mix of couture-meets-cosmetics that not only attracts celebrities, supermodels, and the society set, but also has solidified Dior’s reputation as one of the most unabashedly stylish beauty brands in the world.

Dior makeup palette, $70, available at Sephora

The name Dior conjures many fabulous things, one being the out-of-this-world makeup. This new palette, however, is inspired by another woman in the company’s employ, house DJ Harley Viera-Newton, and as such it has more real-life applications. Designed for on-the-fly touch-ups and post-work upgrades, the kit includes mini versions of the brand’s unmatchable Black Out mascara, Addict Pink Organza lip gloss, a great neutral blush, and six flattering eye shadows. Even better, it’s all housed in a leather logo case that could easily double as an evening clutch.

Backstage Beauty Essential Kit - $79.00

A must-have beauty kit for the urban sophisticate. The Dior Backstage Beauty Essential Kit is the perfect runway-ready set for the diva on the go! This set contains a 0.2 oz Lip Maximizer, Eye Show in 092 Glam & Glitz Black (shimmering black), Diorshow Mascara in Black, and a mini Crayon Eyeliner.
So if you are one of those busy business women in the world, or working mom’s. Try one of these kits to keep you going!

Source: Style.com, Sephora

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer 2008

Win this! SuperStars - Super Shield Skin Saver SPF 30 - Valued at $10.00

Angelique - The Editor’s Pick- Win the Sephora Peach Blossom Body Butter - Valued at $16.00!

Jacqueline - Senior Writer’s Pick - Sephora Peach Blossom body scrub - valued at $16.00!

So to win with Sephora subscribe to Couture in the City! If you already do you are already entered into the pool of picks! The giveaway will run until September 9th.

Go to www.sephora.com to see more of what beauty has to offer!

Win this! SuperStars - Super Shield Skin Saver SPF 30 - Valued at $10.00

Angelique - The Editor’s Pick- Win the Sephora Peach Blossom Body Butter - Valued at $16.00!

Jacqueline - Senior Writer’s Pick - Sephora Peach Blossom body scrub - valued at $16.00!

So to win with Sephora subscribe to Couture in the City! If you already do you are already entered into the pool of picks! The giveaway will run until September 9th.

Go to www.sephora.com to see more of what beauty has to offer!

Simple, chic, and sometimes with freckles shining through, the au natural look gets updated and subtly illuminated with peachy, pinky shades to give a slight punch that looks almost doll-like. Makeup artist Tyron Machusen explains, “For lips, these shades of apricot and pink are flattering on everyone and really complement a gorgeous, fresh complexion.”

FOR GLISTENING EYES

For eyes that glisten, first cover dark circles, and even the upper lid with a reflective concealer. Apply champagne shadow to lids, then define the upper lash line with deep brown shadow. Bolster lashes with a coat of lash primer, and finish with blue-black mascara to instantly brighten the eyes.

Wicked Lovely Eye Shadow Duo

What it is: A luxurious eye shadow duo.

What it does: Smashbox Wicked Lovely Eye Shadow Duo is exactly what you need to create a smoldering look for evening.

What else you need to know: This limited-edition product has a velvety cashmere texture which glides on for buildable color and blends smoothly for looks that last.

Photo Op Under Eye Brightener

What it is: A brush-on under eye brightening cream.

What it is formulated to do: Photo shoots often start early in the morning when models and celebs aren’t quite looking their best, but those dark circles are now a thing of the past! With this lightweight brightener, you’ll be camera ready in no time! It works to make you look your best so you’ll be prepared for any photo opportunity that pops up!

FOR LUMINOUS SKIN

Start by filling in fine lines with a clear wrinkle filler. Then highlight the bridge of the nose, brow bones, and the upper lip with a dab of luminizer. Add a girly glow to the look with a dusting of peachy-pink blush on the apples of the cheeks, and brush a bronzy highlighter up towards the temples.

Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion

It’s all in the lighting … luminize your face by blending this oil-free lotion into your foundation. Ginkgo biloba and Japanese green tea will add a natural glow.

FOR PEARLY LIPS

For lush lips, first smooth them out with a lip exfoliator. Then outline and fill them in with shimmery nude lipstick. Take the shine up a notch with a layer of peachy gloss.

Wicked Lovely Doubletake Lip Color

What it is: A double-ended lip pencil and creamy lip color in one.

What it does: Create gorgeous lips with the Smashbox Wicked Lovely Doubletake Lip Pencil.

What else you need to know: The vitamin-packed formula has caffeine and nourishing wheat glycerides to moisturize and protect lips.

Source: Sephora, Smashbox

Win this! SuperStars - Super Shield Skin Saver SPF 30 - Valued at $10.00

This is the perfect way to save face for shade worshippers everywhere. This groundbreaking formulation is fantastic for face and body and for all skin types. It’s ultra-light, oil-free, and absorbs quickly, leaving pores clog-free and your skin with the most advanced UVA/UVB protection available. Not to mention, it contains skin-strengthening collagen, antioxidant vitamin complex A, C, and E, and soothing anti-aging botanicals to keep you gorgeous - no matter the weather.

To use: Apply liberally to face and body one hour before sun exposure. Re-apply every two hours to ensure maximum protection - more frequently when swimming or sweating.

Did we like it? Absolutely! Don’t think because summer is nearing it’s end that you don’t need an SPF skin protector. Because you do. Sun rays can still affect sensitive skin, even on cloudy days.

Angelique - The Editor’s Pick- Win the Sephora Peach Blossom Body Butter - Valued at $16.00!

What it is: A rich, lightly scented cream for the entire body.

What it is formulated to do: This thick, luxurious moisturizer rejuvenates skin with natural shea butter and beeswax, which softens skin and prevents against moisture loss.

What did we like about it the most? The smell is absolutely fabulous! And smells decadently like a beautiful peach orchard in the summer. Very dreamy.

Jacqueline - Senior Writer’s Pick - Sephora Peach Blossom body scrub - valued at $16.00!

What it is: A lightly scented body exfoliator.

What it is formulated to do: Using small Jojoba beads, this gentle yet effective scrub stimulates the skin while polishing away dry, dead cells. Macadamia Seed oil softens and hydrates the newly revealed skin.

Did we like it? I loved it! It is one of my favorite summer picks from Sephora. Again the scent is really amazing and fills the whole shower with an exotic and peachy aroma. I found this to be very therapeutic for the soul. And a sure winner. Five stars for me.

So if you wish to win this wonderful set of goodies from Sephora, then enter here. Now if you already subscribe to Couture in the City, you are automatically put into the pool of picks. The giveaway will run until September 9th. So good luck to you all my beautynistas!

Source: Sephora

Fall beauty is going dark and sensuous. Dark aubrey and chocolate colors are in. Deep and glossy or dark and matte is the look to achieve. The chocolate look is very decadent and rich. To get the look, we get advice from top notch make-up artists in the biz.

Make Up For Ever’s makeup artist, Fulvia Farolfi, gives us all the motivation we need to go all out for wildly red lips. She loves ultra-dark reds, burgundies, and blacks, mostly paired with pale skin.

First, outline lips with dark liner, blending the color in towards the center of the lip. Next, use a lip brush to apply deep-tone lipstick, so you can get it just right. Fill in between the lines, and blend well. For an extra dramatic finish, apply a lip mattifier to remove all shine.

Go to Classic Glam to get the look.

Smashbox Cosmetics gets wicked this season with their 2008 fall line up. Now I personally love these colors and this look. I was in a Sephora store the other day and tried the Smashbox look. I loved the Wickedly Lovely Lip Gloss in Sultry. Great color, goes on smooth. And leaves a rich bold glossy finish. Almost like wearing coffee and chocolate on your lips!

Now embrace the dark side with a sinfully bold black cherry pout paired with soft smoky eyes and flushed cheeks!

For bold color that lasts, line and fill in lips with LIP PENCIL in TEMPT, then apply LIP GLOSS in SULTRY for dimension and shine.

The Wicked Lovely Lip Gloss collection from Smashbox cosmetics. I love it!

Source: Smashbox cosmetics, Sephora