PiX Cosmetics is a new, botanically-based, richly pigmented mineral line created by model and makeup artist Leann Swisher.  All minerals in this line are pressed, not loose, which makes for a neater, flawless application.  The line ranges from silky mineral foundations to gorgeous lip glosses and PiX also carries a full line of professional, 100% Talkon brushes.  Those based in the Chicago area can enjoy Makeup Lessons, Girls Night parties, Model and Actor Headshots, Engagement Portraits, Bridal Trials, Mommy Makeovers, and Special Event Makeup Applications (per the PiX site) at the PiX Cosmetics’ downtown location. 

PiX Cosmetics is offering Makeup Masala readers 20% off any order from now until December 31st, 2009.  Just enter coupon code 11001 at checkout!

Whether novice or expert, manicure slip-ups do happen.  Of the very few clean-up pens available, the Sally Hansen No More Mistakes pen is the most economical and precise.  My biggest complaint with other pens, is that the tip becomes worn and frayed after a few uses.  Not only does the No More Mistakes tip keep its shape after multiple uses, the package also comes with two extra replacement tips.  The tip is angled, which makes cleaning up the cuticle area a breeze.  The pen is also refillable, which leaves you more money to spend on new nail polish!

Makeup Masala is giving 2 readers a chance to erase their manicure mistakes!  Just leave a comment telling us which nail polish is on your tips right now.  Winners will be chosen Friday, October 2nd at 10:00pm CST.  Readers from all countries are invited to participate!

The Body Shop has recently launched a skin care line which targets the first signs of aging.  The Nutriganics collection is certified organic and boasts the smoothing properties of babassu oil.  One lucky Makeup Masala reader will win the entire collection of Nutriganics skin care!  The collection includes: 

Nutriganics Smoothing Day Cream $22
Nutriganics Smoothing Night Cream $24
Nutriganics Smoothing Serum $24
Nutriganics Smoothing Eye Cream $20
Nutriganics Foaming Facial Wash $14
Nutriganics Refreshing Toner $14
Nutriganics Smoothing Mask $22

Just leave a comment letting us know your favorite Body Shop product.  If you’ve never tried The Body Shop’s products before, just let us know why this new skin care line would be ideal for you.  One winner will be chosen Sunday, September 27th at 10:00pm CST.  Readers from U.S. and Canada are invited to participate!

Taking a cue from a few fellow beauty bloggers, I decided to take inventory of my current product collection before adding more to it.  It was a hot mess indeed.  Deep down I have a feeling the Mr. and Jr. Masala are secretly planning a beauty intervention.  I just know it.  I have Rubbermaid totes, closets (on two floors), drawers, tackle boxes, shelving units and numerous bags filled with cosmetics and beauty products.  Most bought at a bargain and few I just had to own “just because”.  Many are unopened and more than a few were used once and tossed aside.

In true product-junkie fashion, I own duplicates of the same brown lipstick (all by different companies, so the color just has to be different right?).  And just how many bottles of green nail polish does one REALLY need?  Yet this overload of beauty goodness never stops me from buying more.  An ongoing series on Rural Glamour called Shopping My Stash really struck a cord with me and I’m committing to using more of what I already have.

When shopping your stash, start first by letting go of products that are way beyond their expiration date.  Next, pile up the products that for some reason or another didn’t impress you on the first try and think of different uses for them.  For example, unflattering shades of eyeshadow and nail polish can be layered or mixed with other shades for completely new hues.  Shampoos that did nothing for the hair can be used as hand soap and conditioners can be used for shaving.  If something truly isn’t working for you, donate items to Goodwill or local women’s shelters.  Try shopping your stash for one week, you just might be surprised at what you find!

Well, I’m nearing the end of my favorite eye makeup remover and I need some help choosing a new one!  I’ve had my eyes on the Rimmel remover, but I’ve read some “iffy” reviews on it, so I’ve been holding out on that one.  Lancome’s Bi-Facil is next up on the list, but when your pinching (and squeezing, suffocating, etc.) pennies….sigh.  So lovely readers, I’d like to know what product removes your “war paint” effectively.  Thank you in advance!

Most polishes are purchased because we think they look pretty good in the bottle.  Occasionally, you come across one, that once applied, it’s beauty brings tears to your eyes and suddenly you’re singing it’s praises.  Zoya’s Tallulah is a breathtaking blue with a stunning shimmer and how I left this sitting untouched for the past couple of months, I’ll never know.  The formula of Zoya’s polish is so easy to work with and although I used two coats (pure habit), this was practically opaque in one coat.  Tallulah is one of 6 brilliant shades released this summer as part of the Ooh-La-La collection.

And just because this is so breathtaking too…

Those brutal winter months will be here in the blink of an eye and our skin will need more moisture than ever.  Winter for me means cracking, painful cuticles, so I’m starting a daily treatment with cuticle oil ahead of time.  VB Cosmetics’ Cuticle Oil with Shea Butter transforms the temperamental cuticle area with the help of essential oils and it’s non-greasy formula sinks right into skin.  A 0.5 oz bottle will run you $12.50, but the bottle will last you for months, even with daily use.  Those who change their polish frequently will also benefit from adding this oil to their manicure routine.  Those dark, vampy polishes will look so much better on healthy nails this winter!