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!

My Beauty Favorites — Week of March 7-13, 2016

Happy Daylight Savings! Did you remember to set your clocks forward? I guess most electronics set themselves forward these days. It does seem a lot earlier than it is right now.

The longer days and warmer weather has me anticipating Spring all the more! I have been lightening my look with brighter colors and trying amazing new products. My favorites this week include a hydrating facial mist, pastel nail polishes, a product to thicken my eyelashes and bright, moisturizing lipstick. Leave a comment below and tell me what you are loving this week:

Josie Maran Nirvana Hydrating Treatment Mist ($38 USD) — Saturate your skin in Nirvana and enter supreme bliss. This post-cleansing hydrating treatment empowers your skin to get the most out of your skincare ritual. Argan Oil Extract nourishes and softens skin while coconut water adds hydration and electrolytes. This alcohol-free formula attracts moisture for plump and supple skin.

Protein-rich minerals smooth and moisturize skin, while a multi-fruit complex of sugar cane, lemon, and orange extract protects against free radicals and stimulates collagen production. Natural essences of cucumber and geranium revitalize the senses. Konjac Root Ultra Filing Spheres improve skin texture.

What I think: I love the scent and feel of this mist. I spritz it on clean skin, then follow with serums and moisturizer. I think it really helps to keep my skin smooth and hydrated. And I LOVE the natural ingredients!

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

Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes+ ($29 USD) — Listen up, fiber lash lovers. We have improved our wildly popular 3D Fiber lash enhancer to make it better than before.Introducing, Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes+!With a new brush and a fresh look, our proprietary, hypoallergenic formula brings life to tired lashes. Its two international patents pending leaves little wonder about why women are talking about which lash enhancer they use. *Averaged results observed in independent laboratory testing—384.5% increase after one application; greater than 2,000% after three applications when compared against bare lashes.

What I think: This is a really cool way to achieve longer and thicker lashes. It’s pretty easy to use too. To apply, I brush on a coat of the Transplanting Gel to lashes. Next I apply the Natural Fibers while the Transplanting Gel is wet. Then another coat of the gel to seal it. You can repeat this until you get the look you want. And believe me, you can get a really dramatic look! This can be used for day or night looks.

Available at http://www.youniqueproducts.com

Lauren B. Skybar

Lauren B. Sunset Tower

Lauren B. My Private Cabana

Lauren B. Nail Polishes — ($18 USD) — Our advanced, quick-drying nail enamels deliver a chip-resistant, long-lasting, mirror-like finish. The brush is packed with twice the standard amount of bristles, all pre-lacquered so your polish glides on smoothly and streak-free. The bottle has a special over-cap, so you can use a square or cylindrical handle for more control. Bonus: Each formula is non toxic, eco- and vegan-friendly (with no formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, DBP, toluene or camphor), TPHP free, and proudly made in the USA.

What I think: The gorgeous colors above are Skybar a pale blue crème, Sunset Tower a pinky-peach crème and My Private Cabana a pale mint green crème. They are all pretty and fresh as we transition into spring. They are also long-lasting and I love that they are free from many chemicals.

Purchase at http://www.laurenbbeauty.com

Josie Maran Argan Love Your Lips Hydrating Lipstick ($22 USD) –Kiss your love/hate relationship with lipstick goodbye, and get ready for creamy color that sticks around without the stickiness. The 3-in-1 formula gives you the shine of a gloss, the vibrancy of a lipstick and the lush moisture of a balm. With a clear shell enclosing a high-pigment core, it’s like no lipstick you’ve used before: hydrating, easy to apply—heavy on color, light on your lips.

Love Your Lips Lipstick lives up to its name, breaking the mold with a boldness that matches its six gorgeous shades. It never leaves lips cracked or sticky, and you can build the color to whatever sheerness or intensity my little heart desires. Hydration, shine, color: Good things really do come in threes.

What I think: These are so hydrating! Plus, although they have a clear shell around them, they are still very pigmented. The Coral Delight (above) is quite orangey-coral on. I usually wear lighter colored lip products, but this will be fun for Spring. Available in 6 shades.

Available at http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com

Bath And Body Products For Spring!

It is getting warmer, which means putting away sweaters and boots and bringing out short sleeves and sandals — oh my!

So, my skin needs to be smooth and soft. I am loving body care that smells amazing and moisturizes. The products below are my new faves:

Surya Brasil Sapien Women Shower Gel ($26.69 USD) — Provides deep hydration and is free from BHT, EDTA, Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates and Synthetic Fragrances. Absolutely NO GMOs.

The eco-friendly Sapien Women Body Collection is 100% vegan, natural and rich in exotic organic Amazonian ingredients like Pracaxi Oil, Aloe Vera juice, Amaranth* protein and Vitamin E. Natural coconut & mango essential oils with a trace of raspberry and vanilla

What I think: This smells so amazing! It is tangy and refreshing. I love how natural this is, and it so moisturizing! I love it when my shower gel doesn’t dry out my skin and adds moisture.

Purchase at http://www.suryabrasilproducts.com

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter ($35 USD) — It’s not heavy, it’s my butter—silky, intensely hydrating body butter that smells subtly yum and gives sweet relief to the driest skin. Packed with luscious oils and whipped to a feather-light texture, it sinks in instantly for velvety soft skin to create an argan oil infused body lotion in a flash. Spread the love and feel the difference.

What I think: I have this in Sweet Citrus, which smells amazing! I love citrusy scents, they remind me of warm weather and summer time! It is also so hydrating and not greasy at all. It sinks right into my skin and leaves it soft all day.

Purchase at http://www.josiemaran.com

Tree Hut Shea Almond & Honey Body Butter (approx. $6 USD) — Moisturize your body with the rich and pampering Tree Hut Shea Almond & Honey Body Butter. Feel the difference as natural body butter helps seal in moisture and softens dry, rough skin. The natural almond extract, honey and certified organic shea butter create an intense moisturizer containing a sweet essence that leaves your body feeling smooth and healthy. Enjoy a relaxing bath or a shower, and then apply some of this Tree Hut Shea Butter, 7 oz, to keep your skin beautiful.

What I think: I love body butter this time of year, and this is an affordable one that smells really nice! It leaves my skin very soft, and it is nice to use on my dry feet.

Learn more at http://www.treehutshea.com and purchase at mass market retailers like Walmart.

Nad’s Exfoliating Body Wax Strips ($8.99 USD) — With a tropical grapefruit scent, the new Nad’s Exfoliating Body Wax Strips are an innovative take on the traditional at-home wax strip with the world’s FIRST exfoliating waxing strip. Each cultivated with the Nad’s patented Xfol™ technology, a coarse exfoliating surface on the outside to remove buildup and dead skin, these strips work to release trapped ingrown hairs while a powerful, strong ‘grip’ within the strip to adhere and remove hair. Recommended use for hair as short as 1.5mm.

What I think: These are interesting. The outer paper that holds the wax is actually an exfoliating strip. You rub it in circles on your skin before you wax. Then rub the outside of the wax strip between the palms to warm it up, peel and apply. I then make sure the wax is on securely and pull off. Ouch! But it works pretty well. I still had a few hairs left and had to do it again. It then left my skin hair free! This is nice if you don’t like to shave.

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

What are you using for smooth skin now? Leave a comment and let me know.

Bath and Body Products To Enjoy This Fall

I’m a bath girl. I love taking baths more than showers. So I enjoy yummy scented bubble baths, salts, bombs and shower gels. And for after the bath lotions, creams and oils — I love it all!

Below are amazing products that will have your bath and shower smelling great. Plus, keep them in mind for gift giving:

Philip B Chai Latte Soul & Body Wash ($35 USD) — Warming, energizing body wash revives your senses and leaves skin silky and glowing. Moisturizes, cleanses and soothes with pure Honey and Milk Proteins. Invigorates with a deliciously spicy blend of nourishing extracts: Black Tea, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Nutmeg, Ginger and Black Pepper. Works into a rich, velvety lather. ALLURE magazine pick: “Best gift for your father, husband or boyfriend.” Paraben free.

What I think: This is a spicy body wash that leaves my skin so soft! It is definitely unisex, and also is a great scent for this time of year. I have used it as a bubble bath and it does give some bubbles.

Available at http://www.philipb.com

Pura Naturals Citrus Splash Nourishing Body Bar ($5.99/each) — A refreshing and nourishing sponge infused with a Citrus Splash scented soap. Key Ingredients are Coconut Oil, Soybean Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Grapefruit Essential Oil, Vitamin E and Bergamot Essential Oil. Wet the pad, squeeze it a few times and enjoy a luxurious lather.

What I think: I really like the citrus scent of this soap-infused sponge. It is super refreshing. The sponge lathers really well and it great for shower or bath. I also have this in Lavender Mist, which is a soothing scent, plus it come in Eucalyptus Breeze too!

Available at select CVS, Wegmans and Harris Teeter stores, as well as online via www.puranaturalsproducts.com

Level Naturals Lavender + Chamomile Bath Bomb 6 Pack

Level Naturals Organic Menthol + Cucumber Shower Bomb 4 Pack

Level Naturals Organic Menthol + Cucumber Shower Bomb 4 Pack ($8 USD) — These junior bombs transform a utilitarian shower into a spa escape when there’s no time for a bath. Place one on the floor of your shower and bliss out as organic menthol and fragrant botanicals steam away your stress.

Level Naturals Lavender + Chamomile Bath Bomb 6 Pack ($15 USD) –Carry your worries away with a gentle burst of essential oils and botanicals to add to your bath. Sink into that warm water with our Bath Bomb and let the aromatherapy work it’s magic while the extracts and oils show your skin some love. It’s aromatherapy; it’s moisture; it’s decadence. Have a ball and unwind.

What I think: The shower bomb surprised me. It make the whole shower steam up and smell like methol — invigorating! I really enjoyed it. I did expect to love the bath bomb — it not only smelled amazing, it left my skin soft!

Available at http://www.levelnaturals.com

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter ($35 USD) — Josie Maran’s signature ingredient, argan oil, is spun into a unique creamy butter to easily revitalize skin and restore softness while improving skin’s texture. Powerful antioxidants enrich and nourish your skin as you indulge your senses with a subtle all-natural aroma.

What I think: I have this in Ginger, which is a really nice fall/winter scent. It is available in many other great scents, too. This is wonderful after a shower or bath as it locks in moisture and my skin is soft all day!

Available at http://www.josiemaran.com, Sephora.com and fine beauty stores near you.

What are you loving for bath time?

Makeup Shades That Transition From Summer To Fall

I am so excited that fall will be here soon! It is my favorite season. But, as it still is summer, very dark makeup isn’t appropriate yet (for me).

So, I have been playing with color for eyes and lips and am still enjoying the contouring and strobing trends. Below are my current favorite products.

Palladio the Definer Contour and Highlight Crayon ($12 USD) — A unique two-sided super-soft contouring jumbo crayon that is the perfect tool for defining and refining facial features. It helps contour any face shape to create a more defined appearance. It thins a round face, softens a square jawline, narrows a wider nose and defines cheekbones. It contains a highlighting shade to illuminate and soften shadows and a darker shade to accentuate and define features.

What I think: contouring and strobing are such hot trends right now. This affordable crayon works so well for both. I draw lines with the darker end to areas that I want to thin, like my jawline. The lighter end can be used to strobe on the cheeks, which really brings attention to the cheekbones!

Available at http://www.palladiobeauty.com

Burt’s Bees Lip Crayon in Napa Vineyard ($9 USD) — Perfect your red lip for this upcoming Labor Day Weekend with Burt’s Bees Lip Crayon in Napa Vineyard, For a truly beautiful matte lip color in a modern crayon you can stand out on your holiday weekend. The lightweight moisture gives for a comfortable, everyday wear formula infused with Shea Butter, Kendi Oil, and Jojoba Oil your lips will stay moisturized.

What I think: What a perfect color for summer and fall! It looks great with a neutral eye. It’s very moisturizing and feels amazing on and gives lots of fun color!

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

Add a little shimmer and sparkle to your Labor Day weekend by applying Josie Maran’s Coconut Watercolor ($18, ) for an instant glow to your eyes. 50% Coconut Water, 100% Hydration. Like a refreshing sip of coconut water for your eyes, this pigment-packed liquid shadow instantly makes eyes look and feel more hydrated. It has two layers: one layer of fresh Coconut Water, and one layer of Argan-infused pigments that instantly give eyes a more youthful appearance.

What I think: This is so interesting. When first applied, its cool and light, but it dries down to a long lasting shadow in about a minute. I like to blend it with my finger before it dries for a softer look. So pretty!

Purchase at http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com

NYC New York Color 24 HR Waterproof Eye Shadow ($2.99 USD) — Incredible staying power inspired by the city that never sleeps! Want round the clock color that never fades or creases? This chubby, waterproof eye shadow delivers vibrant color for up to 24HR wear! In eleven on trend shades perfect for any look, just twist, glide and go!

What I think: I think these are pretty great for under $3! My favorite is Central Park Tulips, the purple shade from the photo above. It’s a gorgeous grape that when blended gives a softer look, but I think it will be a really fun pop of color for fall! The lightest shade, Murray Hill Champagne, is a great highlighter with the purple. Apply it under the brow bone and in the inner corner of the eye for a gorgeous look!

Available at drugstores and mass market retailers near you.

Rimmel London Wonder’lash Lift Me Up Mascara ($8.99 USD) — The latest mascara from Rimmel London makes it easier than ever to camouflage missed beauty sleep. New Wonder’lash Lift Me Up Mascara with Cucumber & Vitamins is like an energy boost for your lashes, perfect for hiding tell-tale signs of that late-night party. Infused with cucumber extract and bursting with vitamins, the nourishing formula helps lashes feel perfectly conditioned throughout the day. The cleverly-designed Precision Brush pushes lashes up and out from the lash line, delivering smooth, clump-free, totally uplifting volume. Define each and every lash with eye-opening volume. Its light and refreshing cucumber scent instantly refreshes your eyes, and its unique formula gives you a morning energy boost!

What I think: I have short, straight lashes so I always need a lash curler. But, I thought I would try this mascara without one. I was surprised to see that it lifted, lengthened and gave volume to my lashes! And it’s a drugstore mascara. I am so impressed. The cucumber scent is fun. The brush is hourglass shaped and is a little awkward to use, but after a few tries, my lashes look amazing!

Available at mass market retailers near you.

What are you loving now for makeup? Leave a comment and let me know!

Josie Maran Argan Pure Complexion 5 Piece Collection

I was send the wonderful Josie Maran Argan Pure Complexion 5 Piece Collection ($76.96 now, reg. price $85– a $213 value) to test and review for my honest opinion. And I’m so glad I was, I LOVE it!

With this five-piece collection of skincare and face beautifiers infused with argan oil, you can achieve the look of healthy, glowing skin. Argan Cleansing Oil removes dirt and moisturizes all at once, while argan oil helps to hydrate your skin. The super-size Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation provides skincare benefits while creating the look of an even-toned, glowing complexion. Finally, the dewy Argan Color Stick adds a pop of rosy pink to your lips and cheeks. This collection is made to help you to feel beautiful in your skin!

Includes:

6-fl oz Argan Cleansing Oil
2-fl oz super-size Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation
1.7-fl oz argan oil
0.55-oz Argan Color Stick in Love, a soft mauve shade
Foundation brush which is exclusive to QVC till 4/1/1

To use, apply Argan Cleansing Oil evenly over dry face. Then, wet the face and massage into a rich milk. Rinse thoroughly. Massage argan oil into skin, hair, and/or nails to help moisturize face, treat split ends, and/or condition cuticles. Shake Argan Matchmaker Foundation Serum well and then use the foundation brush to apply to the face. Sweep Argan Color Stick over the apples of the cheeks and blend toward the temples. Apply to lips for a soft flush of hydrating color.

What I think: This set of natural skin goodies really can make you glow! The argan oil is good for your whole body, the cleanser gets all of the makeup off and the beautiful color skin makes cheeks and lips naturally rosy.

But, the start products for me is the Matchmaker Serum Foundation and the foundation brush. I have been wanting to try the foundation since it was released. The foundation I have been using is a little dark for my skintone, so I had to mix it with lighter concealer. Josie’s serum foundation is a perfect match and easily covers discoloration and redness. I squirt a little on the back of my hand and dip the brush in it and paint it on my face. I like to start under my eyes and move to my cheeks, forehead, chin and nose and blend, blend, blend! It starts out white and turns into my natural ivory shade. You can order the set in Fair/Light, Light/Medium (my shade) and Medium/Dark. I was afraid that Light/Medium would be a little too dark, but it adjusted perfectly. This may be my holy grail foundation!

You can pick this up on http://www.qvc.com and I highly recommend it!

Josie Josie Maran Argan Pure Complexion 5 Piece Collection is QVC’s Today’s Special Value For January 5, 2015!

Introducing Josie Maran Argan Pure Complexion 5 Piece Collection exclusively available on QVC’s Today’s Special Value on Monday January 5, 2015 ($69.96 a $213 value)! This collection of skincare and face beautifiers infused with argan oil will help you achieve healthy, glowing skin this New Year! Argan Cleansing Oil removes dirt, while the 100% Pure Argan Oil hydrates your skin. The Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation and Brush provides even-toned skin care benefits and finally the Argan Color Stick adds a pop of rosy pink to your lips and cheeks!

From Josie Maran.

Includes:

6-fl oz Argan Cleansing Oil
2-fl oz super-size Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation
1.7-fl oz argan oil
0.55-oz Argan Color Stick in Love, a soft mauve shade
Foundation brush which is exclusive to QVC till 4/1/15

To purchase, watch QVC today or visit http://www.qvc.com. Hurry and grab it while is in on sale today!

Josie Maran’s Exclusive 3 Piece Collection is QVC’s Today’s Special Value!

Introducing the newest launch from Josie Maran, Argan Hydrate & Protect Deluxe 3-pc Collection, exclusively available on QVC’s Today’s Special Value. This collection is the perfect combination of light-weight moisture, protection and color. The New Argan Daily Moisturizer in SPF 47 is an everyday good-for-you alternative to sunscreen, working as a multi-tasking make up primer. Argan Oil Light moisturizes and hydrates the skin and the Argan Color Stick offers a hint of lasting pigment that brightens all skin types!

Get lightweight hydration as the temperatures rise with the luxury-sized 100% Pure Argan Oil Light. This featherweight version of legendary 100% Pure Argan Oil absorbs quickly for a semi-matte, radiant finish. Massage 100% Pure Argan Oil Light into skin, hair, and nails to moisturize your face, treat split ends, and condition cuticles. This oil is so lightweight, you can wear it under makeup!

Josie’s super-sized Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47 is a non-greasy, fast-absorbing, skin-conditioning moisturizer with sun protection. Warm the Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47 in your hands before applying to your face, pressing and working the formula into the skin until it totally disappears.

Finish up your summer routine with a sheer kiss of color on lips and cheeks with the full-sized Argan Color Stick in Glow, a rosy color. The creamy and blendable formula melts into skin, adding a natural-looking flush. Sweep the Argan Color Stick over the apples of the cheeks and blend toward the temples. Apply to lips for a soft flush of color.

Each of these skin-pampering products features 100% Pure Argan Oil, a Moroccan miracle oil that helps to soothe and replenish for a gorgeous summer complexion.

Each shipment includes 4-fl oz Argan Oil Light, 4-fl oz Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47, and 0.55-oz Color Stick in Glow, a sheer rose color
Shipments sent approximately every six months for a total of four shipments
Each shipment will be billed separately at the above price, plus shipping and handling and any applicable taxes, for as long as you remain in the plan; no obligation to continue the plan; cancel anytime

Price: $69.96 3 Installments of $23.32, plus Tax and Shipping. This exclusive collection is available on QVC and through QVC.com starting today, while supplies last.

Fab Beauty Gift Sets For Holiday Gifts

I love giving gifts of products that my friends or family would not purchase for themselves. An eyeliner wardrobe, high-quality brushes, great skincare, fragrance and hair care — these are fun to get as gifts because they introduce you to something new and fabulous!

Here are some of my faves for the season:

tarte Eye Catchers 6-Piece SmolderEYES™ And Skinny SmolderEYES™ Collector’s Set ($39 USD) — A six-piece collection of full-size eyeliner favorites in universally flattering, must-have shades.

What it does:
These pure, powerful, and always-pretty smolderEYES™ liners glide on like butter and impart a precise line for a sleek look. Use the built-in smudger to go sultry and smoldering and enjoy the completely waterproof finish. Amazonian clay ensures longer wear, while nourishing lids, reducing surface oil, and improving overall texture. No matter how you wear these versatile shades, the rich pigments boast true, bold color.

This set contains:
– 5 x 0.056 oz SmolderEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner in Champagne, Gunmetal, Rainforest Black, Gold, Ash Violet
– 0.04 oz Skinny SmolderEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner in Onyx

Visit www.tartecosmetics.com to learn more and purchase.

Deluxe Travel Brush Collection ($95 USD)

Everything you need for flawless makeup application with 9 travel-friendly professional tools in a chic carrier case.

Brush up on beauty this holiday season with Laura Mercier’s must-have Deluxe Travel Brush Collection for flawless makeup application. Perfect for on-the-go, this sleek, chic brush case features a rigid, hard shell design with two pockets and a removable mesh pouch housing a combination of nine professional Brushes for face, cheeks, eyes and brows.

A $252.00 value. http://www.lauramercier.com

Pampering to go. Whether you’re heading across the country or just to the gym, this Moroccan Holiday collection brings you perfectly portable, pure Argan oil-infused products. The six travel-sized formulas help you achieve healthy-looking, glowing hair and skin. From Josie Maran.
Includes:

0.5-fl oz 100% Pure Argan Oil
0.5-fl oz Argan Cleansing Oil
0.5-fl oz Argan Oil Hair Serum
0.5-fl oz Argan Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Lotion
2-fl oz Argan Oil Body Butter in Vanilla Apricot
1.9-fl oz Argan Cleansing Body Oil
Made in Morocco/USA

Purchase at www.qvc.com.

Always a big hit for the holidays, TOCCA has introduced its newest Coffret Set in a festive green & gold with three new scents: Graciella, Violette and Giuletta. The fragrances are:

Giulietta: Green Apple, Pink Tulips, Vanilla Orchid, Amber

Graciella: Asian Pear, Casablanca Lily, Ylang Ylang, Cashmere Musk

Violette: Italian Bergamot, African Violet, Black Currants, Creamy Cedarwood

Tocca Coffret Set retails for $45 at Sephora & Space NK stores nationwide and online at www.tocca.com.

TIGI ELASTICATE DUO ($19.99) & RECHARGE DUO ($19.99) — Excite the adrenaline-junkie of the family with the latest from Bed Head. The NEW Elasticate Duo offers a supercharged formula for break-resistant hair while the NEW Recharge Duo eliminates the build-up of 2012 while adding high-octane shine Both NEW gift sets are available at a special holiday price.

Please visit www.tigiprofessional.com for a salon near you. Feel free to reach out should you need hi-res images or product samples.

Eye-deas For Spring Makeup

I have been trying lots of new Spring makeup! So much Fun! Some of the following eye products are new to me — blinc, rms beauty and Shiseido, and one I have tried before — Josie Maran — give them a try!

cream-shadow-solar — rms cream shadow in solar

rms beauty cream eye shadow ($28 USD) — create a very sheer refined metallic glow with all the benefits of raw mineral pigments without the dryness that occurs with minerals alone. They have a subtle, glossy, light reflecting quality that gives them a very unique finish, both modern and youthful. I have these in Solar, a warm gold shimmer and Karma, a rich, dark brown with a bit of silver shimmer. They are highly pigmented and last a long time. Solar is pretty to wear by itself, but add Karma to amp up the drama! Purchase at www.msbeauty.com.

A fab natural makeup brand is from supermodel Josie Maran. Her palette Argan Beautiful Eyes ($36 USD) features four eye shadows and one shadow liner expertly coordinated to offer the ultimate range of customized looks. These naturally formulated shadows are richly infused with Argan Oil and a blend of floral and fruit extracts resulting in soft and nutrient rich textures including iridescent, matte, and satin finishes. The palette includes easy-to-follow instructions that make beautiful lids simply effortless. Available in Beautiful Smoke, Beautiful Blues, Beautiful Nudes, Beautiful Purples. I have Beautiful Smoke and it is very versatile. You can achieve a natural look with the lighter colors or go full smoke and use the darker shades. Visit www.josiemarancosmetics.com to learn more and purchase.

Shiseido Perfect Mascara Full Definition ($24 USD) — is new for spring and has an exceptional formula and brush that captures every single lash for an opulent and lustrous finish, that maintains a just-applied 16 hour glamorous look. The dual-textured brush coats every lash while the firm tip captures even tiny lashes to add remarkable volume, separation and length. Its non-clumping formula allows for multiple, smooth coats. Available in Black and Brown at www.Shiseido.com.

Once applied, blinc Eyebrow Mousse™ ($25 USD) fills in sparse areas to create the perfect brow line that cannot fade, run, or smudge, even if you sweat or wear it in harsh weather conditions. Get ready for beautiful, face-framing brow color that lasts all day long, unlike traditional eyebrow products that disappear half way through your busy day.

In addition to the unparalleled hold of blinc Eyebrow Mousse™, the innovative product also contains a peptide to moisturize and provide anti-aging treatment to the skin beneath your brow. Not only will you have perfectly colored brows, but you will also be treating your skin at the same time! At the end of the day, blinc Eyebrow Mousse™ is easily removed, only when you are ready, with any gentle makeup remover.

I like this eyebrow mousse. It is easy to use, but be careful, I have put on too much before and have accidentally thickened my brows — and they are plenty thick already! It stays on until you take it off and does not smear or smudge! Purchase at www.blincinc.com.

Enjoy!