Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

My Beauty Favorites — Week of December 26, 2016 – January 1, 2017

Happy New Year! I hope the first day of 2017 has treated you well!

I have been taking a couple of holiday weeks off from blogging, but I am back! I hope to blog more frequently once I have more amazing products to review, like the ones below.

These products are my fave this week. They include gorgeous lip products, a zesty body soap, a cool round hair styling brush, and fab new nail polishes:

LORAC Alter Ego Lip Liner

LORAC Alter Ego Lipstick

LORAC Alter Ego Lip Liner ($17 USD) –These sexy and playful lip liners are highly-pigmented, smudge-proof and perfect for lining or filling in your lips for color that lasts. Alter Ego Lip Liners contain antioxidants such as Acai Berry, Pomegranate, Grape Seed Extract, and Vitamin E to help keep lips soft and healthy while preventing color from bleeding, feathering and fading. Whether you wish to be a Goddess, Socialite or a Dominatrix (even if just for a night), Alter Ego Lip Liner comes in a gorgeous range of colors from soft nudes to vivid hues to create any look you covet. Embrace your every identity and dress up your lips with LORAC.

LORAC Alter Ego Lipstick ($17 USD) — Instantly transform your look with LORAC Alter Ego Lipstick. These sexy and playful lipsticks coat your lips in highly-pigmented color with an opaque, matte finish. Alter Ego Lipstick contains antioxidants such as Acai Berry, Pomegranate, Grape Seed Extract, and Vitamins C and E.

What I think: The lip pencil is amazing! I have it in Duchess, the color above. It is my lip color but better, so I can wear it under all colors of lipstick, like the nude above. The lipstick is a moisture-rich matte, not a drying one. It looks gorgeous on and is comfortable to wear. Pair them together and they last for hours!

Available at http://www.loraccosmetics.com

MALIN+GOETZ lime bar soap ($16 at MALIN+GOETZ flagship apothecaries, www.malinandgoetz.com, Barneys, Bloomingdale’s, Space NK)
Now in a larger 5oz size, the foaming cleansing bar is synthesized with the refreshing lime tonic eau de toilette, gently and effectively purifying and balancing all skin types. Blended to hydrate while rinsing free of residue without irritation, drying, or stripping; helping to reduce epidermal stress. Natural color. Easily integrated into daily maintenance and prevention regimen.

What I think: I love the brisk scent of this soap! It cleans and hydrates all at once. It can be used every day!

Purchaes at http://www.target.com

Conair UltraDetangler Medium Nylon Round Brush ($14.99 USD)
Say goodbye to tangled hair! Conair’s UltraDetangler get out knots in wet or dry hair. Great for thick and unmanageable hair that is unruly.

What I think: This is a very nice brush. It is large enough to give body and big waves while blowing dry. I also use it on dry hair to turn my hair under and smooth it. It leaves my hair soft and shiny!

Purchase at http://www.target.com

Society Ruler

Devil Wears Nada

Hooked On Onyx

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure you love is now even better with amazing new shades. Style starts with a stunning spectrum of high-shine, perfectly pigmented nail polishes in on-trend, elegant hues. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure™ introduces fashion-forward colors ranging from wearable, sparkle-spiked neutrals to daringly deep tones. The new formula delivers up to 64% stronger nails and up to 10 days of chip-resistant wear. It’s everything you need to achieve a professional nail look at home. Here, six dazzling new shades in the Complete Salon Manicure™ lineup, available in a range of finishes.

Like the perfect wardrobe collection, the shades range from chic neutrals to deeper tones that express your mood:

World Is My Oyster Make moves in this ethereal take on a pearlescent copper nude.

Society Ruler Channel the upper echelons in this rich burgundy.

Hooked On Onyx Vamp it up in this gem of a glossy black polish.

Devil Wears Nada is a nakedly daring neutral pink-beige blend.

Freedom Of Peach Punch up your tips in this fruity, sun-ripened peach tint.

Mauvin’ On Up Decorate those digits with a penthouse-worthy creamy pink-mauve hue.

What I think: These are all really fresh colors, perfect for all seasons. Devil Wears Nada is my favorite, because I love nude nails. With these polishes, I don’t need a base or top coat so they are quick and easy to use and last for days.

Purchase at a mass market retailer near you!

What are you loving this week? Leave a comment and let me know!

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Get Your Winter Glow On With Gorgeous Skincare!

I hope everyone’s holidays are going well! I had a great Christmas and am looking forward to New Year’s!

In Kansas City, it is cold and dry, so my skin has been needing extra love. The below hydrating skincare has kept my skin looking good through the elements and holiday stress:

Finally a cocoa that does the body good! HydroPeptide’s Firming Moisturizer ($96, HydroPeptide.com) addresses and corrects the appearance of imperfections including scars, discoloration, stretch marks and wrinkles. The formula features anti-cellulite peptides and caffeine to effectively diminish the appearance of cellulite, while ultra-nourishing cocoa butter hydrates, replenishes and rejuvenates to lock in smooth, dimple-free skin so you can eat all the chocolatey treats your heart desires!

Don’t let the holidays put wrinkles on your face – HydroPeptide’s Power Lift Advanced Ultra-Rich Moisturizer ($96, HydroPeptide.com) targets all visible signs of aging and quenches dry skin with a proprietary blend of peptides, antioxidants and skin brighteners. Sage extract, promotes daily cell regeneration to minimize and delay the onset of facial wrinkles, while powerful antioxidants such as buddleja, echinacea, white tea, and rosemary offer free-radical defense and encourage more youthful looking skin.

Beyond the baking sheet and into your skin care regime. HydroPeptide’s Power Serum ($136, HydroPeptide.com) boasts Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract (vanilla) to prevent and reverse skin damage caused by free radicals and slow down signs of ageing including fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. In suppressing free radicals, this seasonal staple plays double duty by allowing growth factor activating plant extract from the Crocus Chrysanthus Bulb, to promote and strengthen connective tissue to increase skin firmness and elasticity without interference.

Purchase at http://shop.hydropeptide.com

DDF Aloe Toning Complex

DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew

DDF Aloe Toning Complex ($43 USD) — Formulated with Sodium PCA, a natural moisturizing factor found in healthy skin. Ideal after sun, cleansing or as an after shave tonic to give soothing hydration to help calm skin. Fragrance-free.

DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew ($42 USD) — An oil-, fragrance-, and dye-free moisturizer for all skin types, including acne-prone skin. Contains aloe vera, vitamins A, E and C, and grapeseed for comfortable hydration. Will not clog pores. Lanolin-free.

I love that both of these products are safe for sensitive skin! Everything irritates my skin these days, and these products really help calm my skin while hydrating it. I use the Toning Complex after cleansing and before the Moisturizing Dew. Used together, they make my skin soft and smooth!

Learn more and purchase at http://www.ddfskincare.com

Spa Home by Masque Bar Sleeping Mask ($19.99 USD) Let your mask do the moisturizing work while you sleep! Designed to be left overnight, this mask is enriched with Lavender Extract to help relieve dry irritated skin. The scent of Lavender helps you have a good night sleep. Aloe, Witch Hazel and Plant derived ingredients leave skin feeling moisturized and brightened.

This mask is such a treat! I use it at night and in the morning my skin is soft and glowing. I get dehydrated at night (thanks to the change of life!), so making sure I go to bed with a nice cream or mask is essential. This one also brightens my skin so I wake up glowing!

Available at Walgreens

Lumene Hydration Recovery Aerating Gel Mask($21 USD) — Water and air bring out your natural radiance with our instant hydrating gel mask. Lumene Hydra-technology combines oxygen-rich pure Arctic Spring Water with Nordic Birch Sap that’s bursting with minerals, on application the innovative light-weight aerating complex indulges your skins surface with moisture to provide intense hydration. Working in harmony these thirst quenching elements rescue skin to leave it smooth and even for an instantly fresh and radiant glow.

This mask is currently available at amazon.com

Freeze 24-7 Double Scoop Intensive Anti-Aging Moisturizer ($105 1.7 oz) –A smoothing, moisturizing complex that provides intense hydration while nourishing, firming and toning skin- provides immediate and long term benefits.
This high-tech, super-charged skincare cocktail takes the moisturizing experience to the next level. Luxurious and exceptionally hydrating, IceCream Double Scoop™ is a powerful moisturizing complex of ingredients that hydrates the skin while providing serious anti-aging benefits.

I find this a perfect winter night cream! It is rich and velvety, but not greasy at all. It feels so nice on my parched skin. I use it at night and also in the daytime when I am staying home and want to treat my skin. It is unscented.

Purchase at http://www.freeze247.com

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Holiday Gift Guide — Last Minute Beauty Gifts

There is about a week left until Christmas! Ahh! Do you have all of your shopping done? I don’t, but I’m close.

For those last minute beauty gifts, here are some great ideas:

Prai Beauty Customizable Concentrates ($79.95 USD) — Customizable Concentrates contains 3 formulas, each highlighting a key ingredient, that targets a specific skin concern. They empower you to transform your beauty products to your own skin’s unique requirements. Includes:

CUSTOMIZABLE CONCENTRATE with MATRIXYL™ synthe’6™ addresses crow’s feet and forehead furrows.

CUSTOMIZABLE CONCENTRATE with Dermaxyl™ addresses wrinkles and age-related skin damage.

CUSTOMIZABLE CONCENTRATE with Sepilift™ DPHP addresses skin’s lack of firmness.

Purchase at www.PRAIBeauty.com

VERT Beauty Brush Roll Kit ($185 USD) — The entire collection of our professional makeup artist brushes. Introducing the VERT beauty Brush Roll Kit. Apply makeup with a mistake-proof, seamless finish with VERT beauty brushes. These professional makeup artist quality brushes are made with the finest sustainable materials. The gorgeous reclaimed wood handles and mixed bristles are shaped for comfort and precision. Each brush head is luxuriously soft and durable. A flawless finish is in your hands with this perfect brush set. Winter Session provides our ultimate brush roll. Made from 10oz waxed cotton canvas and stitched with heavy gauge nylon thread. Features an adjustable leather closure tab with logo imprint.

Purchase at http://www.vertbeauty.com

KBShimmer’s Winter Collection ($9.95 USD) –a line of seasonally inspired nail polishes that feature 16 NEW shades that will step up your beauty game as well as a few favorites! Whether it’s a gift for yourself, or a stocking stuffer for a loved one, lets ring in this holiday season.

Purchase at http://www.kbshimmer.com

Zoella Beauty Ginger Bread Fizz Trio ($12 USD) — Zoella Beauty Gingerbread Mini Fizz Bar Trio brings a dose of Christmas sweetness to your bath. A perfect holiday gift, they’re just the thing for de-stressing before, during and after the busy holiday season.

Purchase at Target stores and http://www.target.com

Hard Candy Eye Essentials Collection ($4.88 at Walmart) –Fall in love with these purse friendly eye shadow palettes. Create that smoky look you desire for an evening out on the town or define your eyes with any of these coordinating shades for a natural look.

Hard Candy Eye Essentials Collection Makeup Set:

2 eye shadow palettes (12 colors each)
3 piece brush kit
On-the-go pouch

Purchase at Walmart and http://www.walmart.com

The Body Shop 40 Years Icon Gift Set

The Body Shop 40 Years Icon Gift Set ($58 USD) Celebrate The Body Shop’s 40th anniversary with our 40 Years Icon Gift Set! Featuring customer favorite body butters, moisturizers, shower gels, and more. This gift set filled with best-sellers is sure to please everyone on your list! A $97 Value!

Set Includes:

Green Tea Body Butter 6.76 oz
Vitamin C Moisturizer 1.69 oz
Moringa Shower Gel 8.45 oz
Strawberry Body Polish 2.54 oz
DOY Concentrate .24 oz
Lip and Cheek Stain
British Rose Hand Cream 1 oz

Purchase at http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com or The Body Shop stores

My Beauty Favorites — Week of December 5-11, 2016

How is your holiday season going? We got our tree up today and it looks great! A Noble Fir which is my favorite.

This week I have been loving gorgeous eyeshadow sticks, a skin firming device and an all natural skincare line:

Merle Norman Shadow Sticks ($18 USD) — The fun, easy-to-use stick is crease-resistant and designed for versatility. They’re perfect to use as your main shadow, a base or even a liner with a buildable formula designed to go from sheer to full-on color. They even have a special key ingredient, microspheres, which impart a silky texture while absorbing oil to keep lids sebum free.

No matter what color is trending this season from matte to shimmer, you’ll find what you need in Merle Norman Shadow Sticks. Available in a full spectrum of shades that range from luminous to matte: Glow, Fortune, Luna, Mystic, Bronze Age, Preppy, Stone, Watercolor, Toast and Almond Cookie.

What I think: I have tried a lot of shadows sticks in my blogging career, but they aren’t my go to form of eye shadow usually. I have to say really liked these and plan to use them lots! I have Mystic, a shimmery wine, Stone, a gorgeous greige and Watercolor, a soft matte blue. They are all pretty, but Stone is one I can use every day as an allover lid shade. The other two are very nice accent colors. This stay for hours and look fresh.

Available at MerleNorman.com.

Conture Kinetic Skin Toning System

Conture’s NEW Kinetic Firm Neck Cream

Two great products to help with tech neck are Conture Kinetic Skin Toning System ($249 USD), and Conture’s NEW Kinetic Firm Neck Cream ($65 USD). These are the secret weapons to fighting “tech neck” for a tightened, smoother, fresher décolletage.

The Kinetic Skin Toning action of the Conture is designed to specifically address deficiencies in skin firmness and elasticity as well as overall sagging of the neck area. In a 8-week clinical study in which women used their Conture Device and the Kinetic Firm Neck Crème, participants found an 81 percent improvement in the lifting of their skin.

What I think: I have tried the Conture device before. It is so easy to use and helps tighten skin in just a few weeks. The Firm Neck Cream is a great addition to the system. It is extra insurance for a firm neck!

Available at http://www.conture.com

Z Skin — I have been trying products from their Age Defying line. You can purchase the line with these products in it for $144:

- Face Lift Wash
- Face Lift Lotion
- Neck Firming Cream
- Daytime Eye Cream [Zz Eye]
- Nighttime Eye Cream
- Banish; Dark Spots And Scars
- Extreme Moisturizer
- Retinique

The line is very natural and uses a combination of herbs and oils. It claims to reduce the signs of aging.

What I think: I find the scents of these products very strong, maybe too medicinal for me, but they have been hydrating my skin and making it very soft and smooth. The Face Lift lotion is one of my favorites, it is a great day lotion.

Available at http://www.zskincosmetics.com

Prep Your Hair For Fab Holiday Looks!

Is your hair ready for the holidays! Smoothing and hydrating hair products go a long way to perfect a beautiful holiday look!

Below is everything from shampoo & conditioner, to hair oils and hairspray to keep hair hold it’s style through festive fun:

ABBA Moisture Holiday Duo ($35 USD, on sale for $26 USD) — This set includes:

ABBA Moisture Shampoo — Use the earth’s purity to gently cleanse, hydrate and strengthen hair. ABBA’s Moisture Shampoo hydrates and strengthens hair while adding softness and eliminating static frizz.

ABBA Moisture Conditioner — Saturates dry, stressed hair and scalp with some of nature’s most soothing and hydrating botanicals while our ProQuinoa Complex™ helps rebuild hair from the root up.

Key Botanicals: Olive Butter, Peppermint Oil, ProQuinoa Complex™

What I think: This set is very minty! Together, these products really soften hair and make it so shiny! I love that these are made with natural ingredients and will keep using to strengthen hair.

Purchase at http://www.pureabba.com

MOP Mixed Greens Leave-In Conditioner ($22 USD) — Vitamins A & E protect and strengthen while adding moisture and shine to all types of hair. This is the same great Leave-in Conditioner that you’ve known and loved but with the Mixed Greens name.

What I think — I love this light conditioner. Apply it on wet hair and dry. Hair is soft and so manageable when I use it. It doesn’t leave my hair greasy.

Purchase at http://www.mopproducts.com

Nexxus Oil Infinite Hair Oil for Frizzy Hair ($19.99 USD) — deeply nourishes hair for Award Winning Smoothness. Infused with six oils including Babassu and Marula oil for hair. Salon-quality, leave in hair oil nourishes hair deeply.Helps repair hair’s lipid layer, improves resilience and reduces frizz. Leaves hair feeling soft and manageable with natural movement. Smooths thick, frizzy hair for easier brushing and styling.

What I think: This is a really nice hair oil. A little goes a long way! I can either add a little to wet hair or a touch to dry hair to smooth flyaways. Very nice!

Available at http://www.nexxus.com

Nexxus Dry Shampoo Refreshing Mist ($12.99 USD) –weightlessly cleanses hair, giving refreshing volume and fluidity. Enriched with Pearl Extract. Salon-quality dry shampoo for volume cleanses hair between washes. Refreshes hair without water to extend the life of your style. Lightweight formula recharges hair to retain natural movement. Refreshing fragrance includes Jasmine and Water Lily.

What I think: Dry shampoo can be heavy and add a white powder to hair. But this once is very light. It gives hair bounce and smells amazing!

Available at http://www.nexxus.com

TRESemme Keratin Smooth Flexible Hair Spray ($6.29 USD) — Hold your style and maintain your frizz-free look with TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Frizz-Free Hold hair spray, creating a protective barrier finish to lock out frizz and humidity.

What I think: I love hairspray that does double duty. This one smooths and holds. It wonderful in the cold air because it keeps hair soft and not frizzy. It lasts a long time, too.

Learn more at http://www.tresemme.com and purchase at mass market retailers near you.

Cricket’s Pro 50 Silkomb ($6.99 USD) — Silicone injected Silkomb™ employ state of the art technology and quality molding techniques to produce finely polished, seamless teeth. With the revolutionary addition of silicone, they deliver amazing smoothness, allowing Silkomb™ to glide effortlessly through the hair.

What I think: This is such a cool comb! It works so well to smooth my hair and it definitely gets rid of the frizzies!

Purchase at http://www.cricketco.com

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Holiday Gift Guide — Cool Gifts For The Hard To Buy For Part 2!

There is still time to purchase some cool gifts for the people you love! Below is a mix of items — a personal card gift, stylish readers and a beauty parody book:

10-card AwesomeBox for $19 (Save 25% with coupon code: HOLIDAYGIFT)– What’s included:

New, beautifully designed box.
Add pictures from Instagram, Facebook, your phone or computer.
Sequence your cards to tell a compelling story.
Add music to your card to co-create a custom playlist.

We all want to give the most meaningful gift possible, but sometimes it can be a challenge coming up with something both fresh and heart-warming. AwesomeBox is the ultimate solution to creative gift giving!

AwesomeBox allows users to build a customized box of memories, stories and photos packaged into a one-of-a-kind printed gift. Group gifts with family or friends is easy with AwesomeBox! In fact, our favorite part about the AwesomeBox experience is how easy it is to get everyone involved in the gift giving process. I love AwesomeBox for celebrating someone special for Christmas.

It’s so simple to create, and the memories last a lifetime. In three simple steps, you’ll have the perfect gift:

Create private online webpage to honor your special someone.
Invite friends and family to upload photos and heartfelt messages from around the world.
AwesomeBox turns everything into a box of 10 to 100 colorful printed cards that they’ll pore over for years!

Create the most touching group gift that will be laughed and cried over for years! AwesomeBox is the perfect gift starting at $19 for a 10-card box.

The Lennon from Readers.com ($15.95 USD) — Inspired by the late, great Beatles musician who made round glasses a pop culture phenomenon, our Lennon reader is fittingly a best seller too! This full framed style has a lightweight plastic frame with a retro inspired, round shape. Available in a variety of solid or two-tone fade colors to please everyone from the musician to the teacher.

Available at http://www.readers.com

Glop: Nontoxic, Expensive Ideas that Will Make You Look Ridiculous and Feel Pretentious by Gabrielle Moss ($19.99 USD) — A wickedly funny, full-color, illustrated sendup of the trendy lifestyle publication GOOP.

What is Glop?

Glop is a business and a website. But Glop is also a feeling. It’s about picking the right expensive organic eye cream that will make you a tall, thin, wealthy blonde WASP who fits seamlessly into the top tiers of high society and sits next to Bono at a 42-course seitan tasting dinner held in a sex dungeon deep beneath the North Pole. Glop is about being conscious to the tiny details of our lives—what to eat, where to buy your cashmere yoga pants, which juice cleanse will remove the most mercury toxins from both your body and your cashmere yoga pants. Glop is about you.

Purchase this funny book at http://www.harpercollins.com

Holiday Gift Guide — Fab Beauty Sets!

It’s not quite last minute, but if you are still shopping, there are so many amazing beauty gifts to give this year! Gifts for skin, hair and body will make your fave beauty junkie ecstatic!

These are all so wonderful, and fairly affordable, so shop away!

Burt’s Bees Mani Pedi

Burt’s Bees Kissable Color

Best of Burt’s Bees

Burt’s Bees Mani Pedi ($14.99 USD) –You don’t have to set a whole day aside for a little bit of well-deserved pampering. Treat hands and feet to soothing Peppermint Foot Lotion, hydrating Ultimate Care Hand Cream, and restorative Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream. Comes complete with an ecoTools footbrush and pumice.

Kissable Color ($9.99 USD) –That perfect, magical holiday kiss. It could be just around the corner! Help someone you love be ready for it with our Kissable Color gift set: a trio of lip-nourishing, 100% natural Lip Shimmer shades in warm or cool collections.

Best of Burt’s Bees ($14.99 USD) –We’re putting our best foot forward. And our best hand. And our best fingernails. It’s all in one place with this sweet little gift set: Coconut Foot Cream, Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Cream, and Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream. And with that collectible box, wrapping is practically optional.

Purchase these and so many more gorgeous, affordable sets at http://www.burtsbees.com and tons of stores near you.

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil 7 Piece Body Butter Collection

Josie Maran Glowing Argan Oil Skincare Essentials

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter Collection ($45 USD) –A seven piece collection featuring NEW, limited edition, Whipped Argan Oil Body Butters perfect for the holiday season. It includes 7 Travel Size Whipped Argan Oil Body Butters, 59mL/2 fl oz, in: Gingerbread Vanilla, Sweet Buttercream, Vanilla Pine, Honeysuckle Vanilla, Vanilla Apricot, Sweet Citrus, and Unscented.

Josie Maran Glowing Argan Oil Skincare Essentials ($36 USD) — Experience optimized, radiant skin with these glowing Argan Oil essentials. Delicately spray Nirvana Hydrating Treatment Mist on freshly cleansed skin to soften, plump, and revitalize skin. Immediately follow by pressing Josie’s bestselling 100% Pure Argan Oil into skin for a deeply nourishing hydration that replenishes, balances, and protects skin. Finish your skin care routine with Surreal Skin Argan Finishing Balm: the first ever antiaging skin care finisher and makeup primer in one.

Purchase at Sephora stores, Sephora.com and http://www.josiemaran.com

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Body Boom (55 USD) — Start your day the Brazilian way with the nourishing, rich lather of the NEW Brazilian 4 Play Nourishing Shower Cream-Gel and the fast-absorbing, all-over body cream that tightens and smoothes like no other, Brazilian Bum Bum Cream. Both are infused with Sol de Janeiro’s Brazilian Beauty Blend of nourishing Cupuaçu Butter, antioxidant superpower Açaí and skin conditioning Coconut Oil, and with the addictive Pistachio Caramel fragrance. You will look, feel and smell like a Brazilian Goddess with the new Brazilian Body Boom gift set from Sol de Janeiro.

Available at Sephora stores and Sephora.com

ARI by Ariana Grande Ornament — ARI by Ariana Grande Hair Mist Ornament

ARI by Ariana Grande Hair Mist Ornament ($12 USD) — Fragrance Notes:

Top: Crispy pear, pink grapefruit, juicy raspberry
Heart: Soft muguet, rose buds, vanilla orchid
Drydown: Marshmallow, creamy musk, blonde woods

Purchase at Ulta stores and http://www.ulta.com

Macadamia Professional Nourishing Moisture Care Collection ($35 USD) —

Macadamia Professional Nourishing Moisture Shampoo 10 oz.
Macadamia Professional Nourishing Moisture Conditioner 10 oz.
Macadamia Professional Nourishing Moisture Masque 1 oz.

Retailer: MacadamiaHair.comWhat beauty gifts have you purchased this year? Leave a comment and let me know!

Holiday Gift Guide — Fun Books That Make Great Gifts Part 2

Looking for a great book for someone who loves a fun gift? There are some cool gift books out there. When you know what someone likes or what their sense of humor is, a book can be a really personal gift.

Below is a list of some of the books I’ll be giving this year:

Emoji Pride and Prejudice: Epic Tales in Tiny Texts by Jane Austin ($12.99 USD) What would happen if the characters of Pride and Prejudice could text each other? Would Elizabeth call Mr. Darcy a [poop]? Would Darcy drink and dial and accidentally reveal his true feelings [heart]? In this laugh-out-loud re-telling of Jane Austen’s famous work, you’ll get a condensed modern interpretation of the world’s greatest love story . . . all told through texts and emojis. Featuring hundreds of classic and new emojis along with a removable poster (featuring all the emojis), this is the perfect gift for the Austen lover. Available at http://www.barnesandnoble.com

Flying Dogs by Julia Christe ($14.99 USD) — An expansion of the photo essay that went viral and was featured everywhere from the Guardian to the Huffington Post and Today Show, this fun and stunning photography book captures adorable dogs from a unique perspective: mid-air. This hilarious collection of photos is perfect for any animal lover. And never fear! Vets and the dogs’ owners were always on site. Available at Amazon.com

Pusheen Coloring Book by Claire Belton ($12.99 list price, on sale at Amazon.com for $11.69) — Pusheen returns in a delightful coloring book perfect for fans of I Am Pusheen the Cat. The Internet’s favorite chubby, tubby tabby is back in a purr-fectly cute coloring book featuring adorable kitty drawings that will charm cat lovers and coloring book fans everywhere! Purchase at Amazon.com

The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2017 by Sarah Janssen ($14.99 USD) — The World Almanac® and Book of Facts is America’s top-selling reference book of all time, with more than 82 million copies sold. Since 1868, this compendium of information has been the authoritative source for all your entertainment, reference, and learning needs. The 2017 edition of The World Almanac® reviews the events of 2016 and will be your go-to source for questions on any topic in the upcoming year. Praised as a “treasure trove of political, economic, scientific and educational statistics and information” by The Wall Street Journal, The World Almanac® and Book of Facts will answer all of your trivia needs—from history and sports to geography, pop culture, and much more. Purchase at http://www.simonandschuster.com

Life Works Itself Out: (And Then You Nap) by Keiya Mizuno and Naoki Naganuma ($14.99 list price, $11.32 on sale at Amazon.com) — Humans could learn a thing or two from cats—and Life Works Itself Out is here to relay all of kittendom’s accumulated wisdom to mankind, one loveable photo and wise aphorism at a time.

A mega-bestseller in Japan (where it has sold more than 700,000 copies), this book is filled with inspirational quotes and entertaining four-color photographs of cats that range from the heartwarming to the humorous. Whether you’re feeling down and looking for a lift, or you need some lighthearted life advice, who better to turn to than man’s TRUE best friend—the trusty feline. The purr-fect pick-me-up or gift book, Life Works Itself Out will have cat lovers pawing through its pages over and over again. Purchase at Amazon.com

Creative Origami & Beyond by Jenny Chan ($19.95 list price, on sale at Amazon.com for 15.36) — A centuries-old art form, origami has taken on new depth in today’s art world, influencing trends in fashion, interior design, exhibition art, and more. Creative Origami & Beyond takes this traditional art form to new levels, guiding readers through a dynamic exploration of numerous ways to fold paper. This inspiring, interactive project book demonstrates both traditional and contemporary origami methods – from working with unique materials and creating custom origami papers to crafting amazing works of art. A general introduction to origami and an overview of basic folding techniques sets the foundation for the book, which is divided into six engaging sections, including modular origami, giant origami, tiny origami, wet origami, and more. Each chapter, taught by an expert origami artist, features clever exercises and prompts to inspire and spark creativity, while step-by-step origami projects for creating wall art, jewelry, decorative objects, and more, help turn origami novices to pros. Includes eight pages of patterned origami paper to help get you started.

Available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and other great book sellers

The Fireside Grown-Up Guide to the Hangover by by Jason Hazeley and Joel Morris ($9.98) — The international publishing phenomenon and ridiculously funny new parody series that helps grown-ups learn about the world around them using large clear type, simple and easy-to-grasp words, frequent repetition, and thoughtful matching of text with pictures.

Have you been having trouble with the How, Why, and Wheres? Well fear no more. The Fireside Grown-Up Guide series understands that the world is just as confusing to a forty-year-old as it is to a four-year-old. We’re here to help and break down the most pressing and complex issues of our day into easy-to-digest pieces of information paired with vivid illustrations even a child could understand. Available at Amazon.com

Do you purchase books as gifts? Have you found any great ones lately?

Too Faced 2016 Mystery Bag Review!

I received my Too Faced Mystery Bag today! Yay, I was so excited to get it. I ordered it on Cyber Monday, so it only took a week to get here.

Here is the bag, plus a couple of free samples I received with my order. The Mystery Bag was $39 USD. Here’s what is inside:

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Melted Liquified Longwear Lipstick in Melted Frosting – FULL SIZE
Better Than Sex Mascara (Travel Size)
Better Than Sex Mascara in Purple (Travel Size)
Bulletproof 24 Hour Eyeliner – FULL SIZE
Glitter Glue (Travel Size)
CatEyes Eye Shadow Palette – FULL SIZE

Here’s individual photos:

This is a bit too pink for me, but I’ll probably try it anyway.

The Black mascara came in a box, but the purple one didn’t. I am looking forward to trying the purple one! I currently don’t own a purple mascara.

I don’t usually wear black eyeliner, but this has a little sparkle and will be fun for the holidays! The other end has a smudger to smoke it out.

This primer is a little stickier than most, but it will be great for shimmery shadows!

I love this palette! Unfortunately, I already have it. But I will probably gift it.

I think this mystery bag is okay. I will use the primer and then I’ll try the mascara and lip color. I probably won’t purchase it again next year.

Did you pick this up?

My Beauty Favorites — Week of November 28 – December 4, 2016

December is getting colder in Kansas City, and it might even snow a little this week! I’m so happy that it’s finally a bit chilly outside.

For my favorite products this week, I have been loving an effective eye treatment, a healthy snack and natural skin care. Here are my faves:

Anjali MD Laser Eye Lift ($99 USD) —is a breakthrough scientific innovation with immediate results.Bags and puffiness are reduced within minutes, revealing a refreshed, younger appearance.

A revolutionary, innovative formula combines Neurotransmitters, Energized Minerals, SNAP-8, Glycosaminoglycans and Hyaluronic Acid to reduce bags and puffiness and improve eye wrinkles. A warming sensation ensues. Laser Lifting Complex™ lifts and tightens fatigued skin, while collagen and the molecular matrix rebuild for long-term visible results. Eyes immediately appear refreshed, rested and younger.

What I think: This is an amazing eye cream to use day and night. When I apply it, my eyes instantly look lifted. I apply it around my eye and it is so hydrating! I like how my eyes look right away, but I am also looking forward to the long-term benefits.

Purchase at http://www.anjalimd.com

Sensible Portions has created the perfect thing to get snack time poppin’ with brand new Poppin’ Peas ($3.19 USD). This delicious snack is non-GMO, gluten free and a good source of dietary fiber. Pea is the first ingredient. Available in two tasty flavors, Sea Salt and Sour Cream & Onion. Sea Salt has only 5 simple ingredients. Contains only 4g of fat (50 percent less fat than the leading potato chip). Contains no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Smart Snacks in Schools compliant.

What I think: My daughter and I really liked this healthy snack, especially the Sea Salt flavor. It tastes like peas, but it’s a little, airy puff. They are super addicting!

Available in 4 oz. bags at Hy-Vee and Woodman’s Markets

Green Goo Deodorant Travel Stick Lavender and Thyme

Green Goo Nourishing Lip Balms

Green Goo Deodorant Travel Stick Lavender and Thyme ($5.95 .6 oz) — Finally natural deodorant that works! Stay fresh all day. Aluminum-Free and propylene glycol-free. Infused with Calendula and Chamomile Flowers are gentle for the skin and the power of Aluminum-free baking soda and arrowroot keep you fresh. Comes in two sizes: Regular Stick and Travel Stick.

Green Goo Nourishing Lip Balms ($4.25 USD) — Green Goo lip balms create lush, hydrated lips by not only soothing dry, chapped skin, but also nourishing damaged lips for long lasting effects. All of the lips balms contain a high concentration of Calendula Flowers infused in specific organic oils that emulate the body’s natural chemistry. This unique blend naturally increases the cells’ ability to absorb water making for fuller, more nourished lips.

What I think: I’m not a natural deodorant girl, but I gave it to someone who is and she really likes it. It works well and smells really nice.

The lip balm is amazing! I have it in the Kiss On flavor, which nourishes my dry lips. It’s also supposed to be an aphrodisiac, so we’ll see!

Purchase at http://www.greengoohelps.com