BUI is a serious offense..

JQ Lounge correspondant Lisa W sent me the most ridiculously fabulous article.. on Drunk Internet Shopping. BUI (buying under the influence) as they like to call it! I love how Lisa said "This was very JQ Lounge-esque". HA that made my day.

involves people (mostly women) getting real wasted, blacking out and going on online retail benders, typically blowing hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars on clothes and shoes and rings and crap. The weirdest thing was, most of them don't regret it. In fact, one woman referred to this kind of sloppy shopping as "the only thing you can do after a few drinks and not have any regrets." This is presumably because you can return most purchases. But what if you're a cheapo drunk shopper and you buy things on sale? Then you're just screwed? The terror. [source]

I admit I've hit Sephora.com and splurged on a few goodies after a couple glasses of wine. You don't get the guilty "hmmmm I won't be getting paid til next week" butterflies in the stomach. And all you have to do is shut the MacBook if the hubs walks into the room so he can't see what's going on. But now that I think about it.. iridescent purple eyeshadow and bright pink lip gloss is something I probably would've ordered only when I was buzzed..

I KNOW a few of the JQ Loungers have done this... so spill!!!!! I'm such a nosy neighbor..

mac attack!

Why does 2 small bags worth of makeup (probably weighing in at half a pound) cost $100? Blerg. So worth it though.. i'll just skip getting an Au Bon Pain soup for lunch this week.. totally even

Stila Winter Sale- Oh My Gloss!

While supplies last, Stila is having a great winter sale!! Too bad they don't accept my sephora giftcards! Oh well, there is always room for random lip glosses in the JQ Lounge..

Nice Little Saturday

Didn't NaPaBloMo know this was going to be a low key weekend for the JQ Lounge? Friday night consisted of Dinner at Biaggio's followed by me trying to watch Friday Night Lights at 9pm and falling asleep about 30 minutes later.

This morning I hung out with Ali (aka Maid of Honor). We did some shopping at DSW, Filenes Basement (they only closed the DT Boston location), and TJ/Maxx. I was on the lookout for a baby shower present, and she was doing some home goods shopping because she just bought a condo! We then took a ride over to see her new place, and I can't WAIT til she moves in. I told her I'm going to watch all the home shows and start taking notes...

Baby Shower Stuff:
My cousin-in-law, Cindy, is having a baby shower next week! I've never been to a baby shower before.. very excited. I made the invites for it (but I changed the information to make it more JQ Lounge worthy and to keep the location disclosed cos of the stalkerazzi)
Here's the outfit I picked up for him today.. so cute.
THEN when I came home, the Sephora Fairy dropped off all my goodies. Gotta love the Friends & Family 20% off coupon. Here's what I got..
Very excited to try Benefit's Bad Gal lash, only because I'm obsessed with 'That Gal', I figured anything from Benefit is awesome.Again, have heard only good things about Benetint. I just could never get over the fact that it was $28... Thanks Lisa W for sending the coup my way! JQ Lounge readers: email me if you want in on these savings!

Yay! Lip Gloss! Yay! Smashbox!

[makeup photos from Sephora.com]

Plus Sephora sends you lots of goodies for ordering online. I got a sample of Cargo Bronzer, some expensive hair conditioner, and Christian Dior J'Adore Dior. Smells yum so far.

Yes I know I'm a jerk for buying all this stuff for me before the holidays. Bah hum blush.

Question of the Day

First of all, a very happy November 1st to you. Its the start of NaBloPloMo and its an honor to attempt to write a post everyday in the 11th month of two thousand seven.I like to think of random things. And today my randomness is geared towards Celebrity Spokes models for Cosmetic Companies. Do you think they only wear the brand of makeup that they're employed by? Is there a contract that you can be fired if spotted in a Sephora? Even when you see them on the cover of the magazine and you read that bio page where it says who they're wearing, what they ate on the set, what music they played during the shoot and what makeup they wore. There's NO WAY Cindy Crawford just wore Revlon foundation and a little mascara and gloss for the cover of allure. I just don't believe it! And Lauren Conrad as the new face of Mark? I doubt she's ever used one thing from them besides their makeup remover. I don't think I could choose just one brand of makeup to wear (but if I had to.. hellooooooooooooo.. MAC).

My Name is Julie & I am a Makeup Junkie

Allie first posted her makeup, and then Nanette did it, so I had to go ahead and show what I put 'my face' on with :) I have to admit, I do have a slight obsession with makeup, especially MAC. The following are some of my absolute favorites- and like Nanette, I also have a billion other random lip glosses and eye shadows that just sit there and look pretty in my makeup basket (don't be alarmed- i do not wear these all at once, because i would look like Magda from Something about Mary!)

1-MAC Select Moisturizer Concealer NW20. Perfect for under the eyes and spot on blemishes.
2-benefit's That Gal. Pink toned brightening face primer. Works wonders!
3-MAC Select Cover-Up NC35. Spot on blemishes. Miracle worker.
4-MAC Sheertone Blush in Gingerly. For days I want to have sun kissed cheeks.
5-Bobbi Brown Blush in Pale Pink. It looks hot pink, but it gives your cheeks the perfect light glow
6-MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15. Awesome foundation for when I want to be tan.
7- Prescriptives Virtual Skin SPF 10. The best foundation for everyday use. Sheer to medium coverage.
8- MAC Medium Dark mineralize skin finish. Ba-ba-ba-bronzer!
9- Estee Lauder Bronzer. Don't put too much on because its pretty sparkly
10- Stila sun highlighter. Like you just got back from Cabo!

1- Sephora Piiink Eye Shadow in Beige. Think this was like $2, and it applies so sheer and pretty.
2- Victoria's Secret eye shadow in Romance Me. I heart this light pink shade.
3- Urban Decay in Asphyxia. This has been a fav for many years. Only apply a LITTLE, but its the prettiest iridescent purple ever!
4- A couple MAC brushes. The top one is for eye liner. For eye shadow brushes its nice to splurge, but for face brushes, I always grab ones at Sephora, because they are a little cheaper and just as nice.
5- MAC Eye shadow case. Has magnets so you can pop in new colors. Currently holding: Jest, Honesty, Shroom, & Vex
6- MAC Eyeshadows: Steamy, Electra, Tilt, Chili, & Tempting (my FAVORITE brown eye shadow)
7- MAC Fluidline eyeliner in Blitz & Glitz (Black) and Dipdown (Brown). Only really use these when I'm dressing up, because I'm a spaz and it takes way too long to apply it.
8- MAC Mascara: Splashproof Lash in BlackSplash (aka waterproof) and Zoom Lash in ZoomBlack (aka instant volume)
9- Sephora Pencil Sharpener. $3 and gggggggggreat!

1- MAC lipsticks are the best! They taste like sugar and I always pick the light sheer pink colors. I hate dark makeup on me, I really can't pull it off. At. All. Favorite Shades: Fabby Abs, Pretty Please, and Viva Glam V
2- MAC Creamstick lip liner in Beurre and Pink Treat (Finally started wearing lip liner- but I smudge most of it off because I hate any sign of bright color on used on my lips)
3- Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss: I wear these the most because they taste so delish and are shear and pretty. Shades in Slice of Heaven, Red Delicious, Honey Do, and Cupcake
4- MAC Lip Glass in Prize Petal, Bountiful, and Heartfelt Pink. There is nothing better than MAC Lip Glass. Maybe dog kisses, but that's it.

And last but not least, some of the others.

1- Clinique moisturizer. Love it. It moisturizes.
2- Bed Head Shine Junkie- only use a tiny tiny bit though or else you'll be McGreasy!
3- Victoria's Secret Bare Bronze Illuminating Face Tint. Instant Tan that gives George Hamilton a run for his money.
4- Philosophy's Falling in Love Fragrance. It smells like sugar and fresh baked cupcakes. But in a sexy way. Haaaaaaaaaaaa.
5- Too Faced Tanning Bed in a Tube. MUST HAVE. Instant Tanner and it smells like pineapples and coconuts.
6- OPI Nail Polish in "Don't Know Beats Me" Always looks like you just got a pedicure. And the name rocks. OMG What color are your toes? Don't know, beats me!
7- Origins A Perfect World white tea face guardian. I just like how its supposed to guard your face from the bad bad polluted world out there.
8- Origins Ginger Glimmer Whipped Body Cream. Cleanest greatest smell ever. Also perfect for nights out because it only has a teeny tiny amount of glimmer, enough to make your arms look very toned.

As fun as all this makeup is to play with, I totally love going days without wearing any of this fabulous junk too!

What's in your makeup case (or closet)??? I want to see!!

Origins Top 10 + FREE STUFF!

Head on over to the Origins closest to you before 9/22 (that's next saturday) to get a free gift! You can also check out Origin's online and order via the Internet. I'm obsessed with their 'Perfect World' line, so it was quite the treat to grab some more whipped body creams and face serums. And the nice lady even let me pick out more samples for my mom because its her birthday on Saturday. Thank you Origins!! Look how excited you made Rocco as well :)

That Gal!

Benefit's new face primer 'That Gal!' is AMAZING! I picked it up at Sephora the other day when I went with Jenny to get her 'Wedding Look' consultation, which was gorgeous btw. Benefit had gotten a great plug from Extra, watch the clip here, where they took a model's before look, and she surprisingly had a normal complexion. THEN add this fabulous pink-toned face primer, and her face brightened right up. Don't be alarmed by the pink primer, it comes out clear, fresh & dewy. I used it and loved the result! The smell is clean and fresh too, laced with a hint of sugar. A little pricey, at $27, but totally worth it, especially being summer time... you can use it instead of foundation.

The 5 Minute Face

Carmindy, the makeup artist from What Not to Wear, has a book out called 'The five-minute face' which is her gift to women who are intimidated by the hoopla behind cosmetics. While I am a crazy makeup junkie- I do think 'putting your face on' in 5 min or less sounds perfect those weekday mornings before work. And there is no such things as too many makeup tips!

Here is her 5 min breakdown. [via the Today Show]

00:00-1:00 Smooth on foundation or tinted moisturizer

01:00-01:20 Pat concealer under your eyes with your ring finger

01:20-01:55 Spot conceal any redness from tiny veins or breakouts

01:55-02:15 Use powder to set your makeup

02:15-02:45 Sweep on highlighter

02:45-03:05 Apply blush

03:05-04:05 Line your lash line

04:05-04:50 Brush on mascara

04:50-05:00 Slick on Lip color

*for more info/directions about that breakdown, click here.

Go Buy This Right Now.

Victoria's Secret has THE BEST face bronzing lotion. Its called Bare Bronze Daily Glow Facial Moisturizer. Its $17.50 and it adds a perfect summer glow for those nights out on the town. This weekend they also have a good going on with all Lip Glosses for $10. I've never used their makeup before, but all of their stuff looked pretty nice. After grabbing the Bronzer, I picked up a lip gloss and an light pink eye shadow. Three essentials.. you know.

Plus their Semi-Annual Sale is still going on, which is always fabulous in my book.

Heading into Boston this evening with Ali & Steph. Probably hitting up the North End since its going to be perfect weather. Gus loved my rendition to "Ladies Night" while I was singing it to Ali over the phone this morning.. Ladies leave your man at home, because its UFC Fight night, and they will not be paying ANY attention to you!

Allure's Best Of

If you are a make-up junkie like myself- check out Allure's Best of list. All of the readers submit their favorite makeup and they compiled a list of must haves. Being a MAC girl myself, its refreshing to see a few things making the list!

A couple other goodies on Allure's website:

- How to get the cover girl's makeup

- Total Fitness Makeover (log in and calculate your workouts, calorie intakes, yada yada yada)

- Who doesn't like free stuff???!

- Discover editor's daily product favorites






Hope everyone has a fun and safe Memorial Day Weekend!!!

Too Faced to be True.

This weekend I made an executive decision. I returned my $175 Spray Tan Gun back to Sephora. Maybe I didn't use it correctly- but they should have thrown in a DVD or something with directions. I tried it once last weekend but I barely noticed a tan, and it stunk up my whole kitchen (with a cocoa oily smell)! Fortunately the awesome lady at Sephora told me I should try Too-Faced's new launch "Tanning Bed in a Tube". With a price tag of $22, that seemed like a bargain. I tried it out last night and it worked great! Not only did you see results right away- it is a self tanner- so after a few days you WILL build a natural tan. It has a small small small amount of shimmer as well, which works to your advantage. I then managed to hit up MAC & Prescriptives afterwards and blew a few dollars which made me pretty much break even with my original purchase, lol.

You can't change a makeup junkie.

What I want right this second

Items like this are why people like me have j-o-b-s. Fusion has come out with the Fusion Beauty AirGlow Airbrush gun system. Basically when I own this $175 fine piece of machinery, I will be just like Jennifer Lopez minus the entourage and goofy husband.

They sell it at Sephora- and I am trying very hard not to buy one during lunch break on Friday since its Mother's Day this weekend. I have to put Debbie Q before myself. Maybe I could give her a Mother's Day tan with my new toy? Hmmm there ya go.

It looks like the spray tan you use with the gun is $58/bottle. THATS WHERE THEY GET YA! Think about it though- you usually pay $20-$40 a pop to go spray-on tanning, so here's where I would do the Fashion math by factoring in how many awesome tans you're going to get out of this. At least 50,000 I'm guessing.. which means you're now actually making money.

Now all I have to do is teach Rocco how to spray tan my back if I can't reach it!

Mani Pedi Improv

Amanda emailed me this video clip today and I started cracking up when I watched it. Its a girl doing a stand up routine about nail salons and the stereotypes behind them..

I'm a serial mani/pedi girl ever since I got a sales job with fun extra commission checks, but unlike this gorgeous picture to my right, i stick with French Manicures for my nails (which are real btw lol)

I can already tell which one of you are going to start laughing when you see this.

Diary of a Mad Makeup Maven

One of Gus' fraternity brothers Jon works in NYC and does packaging for Estee Lauder. During the formal he goes "Hey Julie, don't forget to remind me to give you some presents that I brought". So me and Lisa walk out to his car only to find that he had lots of samples and goodies from Estee Lauder, Bobbi Brown, DNKY, Bumble & Bumble, Flirt, Clinique & Prescriptives. Oh man, I felt like I was on Supermarket Sweep going through all of the freebies. Sorry guys, you just do not understand how fun it is! Thank you SO MUCH JON! Fabulous surprise at Alumni XV...

I just put on a little gloss and mascara!

People.com has its 50 Most Beautiful People out on news stands tomorrow. There's even a feature where celebs take off their makeup for the camera.

Granted only the gorgeously natural ones decided to do this, so there are no surprises on any of the pages.

Drew Barrymore is on the cover, which is a nice change from Brangelina!

[left: Katherine McPhee from American Idol]
Lots of people stop me on the street and tell me I look just like her. Just kidding... I only get Rachel Ray. lol

MAC.. does a body good.

Just wanted to post a pic of what $330 looks like when you buy stuff at MAC...
and yes, that is a small bag.

but at least i will look like cindy crawford.. haha right
(i don't have a mole)

Tom Hanks ode to his makeup artist

Wow didn't expect to have Tom Hanks make me feel feclempt before noon on a Friday. Click here to read an article he wrote for the NY Times honoring his long time makeup artist who retired after finishing up The Davinci Code.

I expected Ali and Erica to write the same type of schpeal to me after I finished their makeup for the Needham High's Jr. Harborcruise in '99 (but hosting my wedding shower kinda makes up for it!!!)

Sephora and JC Penney team up!

Last Tuesday on April 11th, JC Penney announced that they would be opening up a Sephora makeup fun factory (what I usually call it) in each of its stores around the US starting in the Fall. This is the best matching since.... Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck!

For my Boston ladies, this means absolutely nothing! ONLY because you're a 7 minute drive away from Chesnut Hill Mall where there's a Sephora (and sometimes a supercute Seth) waiting for you to stock up on Too Faced and Stila.

Unfortunately its about a 5.5 hr drive to that same mall for yours truly.. And while I did once drive back that same distance in college to do my laundry at home for free (sounded like a good idea at the time) I'd totally rather just drive 5 minutes to a JC Penney (and... i guess a laundrymat as well)