December 2007 Archives

I don't know if I've told ya'll this, but I am from Alabama. All my life I can remember the women who have shaped me into the person I am today, insisting that they just cannot go anywhere in public without putting their lips on. I never quite understood this expression until I discovered the Chanel La Rouge lipstick. Givenchy Rouge Interdit is another of my red lipstick favorites! For years I had avoided red lipstick for fear of looking too much like my mother. Then it dawned on me that my mother is really pretty cute. I also have a love of anything French. I lived there for 5 months last year and one thing I really admire about French women is that they are always so put together. They also love their lipstick. Not wearing makeup can even look fantastic when paired with a fabu red lip. This color is dramatic and rich and you simply must try it! Chanel Le Rouge Lipstick, Saks Fifth Avenue, $19.00 - $25.00. Givenchy Rouge Interdit Lipstick, Saks Fifth Avenue, $26.00. Tonight is the perfect night to pucker up with sexy rouge lips, Happy New Year everyone!

Ring in the New Year with a solid gold facial! Cleopatra was rumored to have slept in masks made of solid 24kt gold (now doesn't that sound comfy?) Once again she was ahead of her time (she also took milk and honey baths to exfoliate from the lactic acids) as high end spas around the world are now offering facial treatments made with 24kt gold. Luxury does not come cheap, the treatments range from $300-$600 and consist of a lymphatic massage followed by a hydrating mist; micro-thin sheets of 24 karat gold leaf are then applied and misted to aid penetration into the skin. The Mar-a-lago Spa in Palm Beach, Urban Retreat in London, and Dubai's Sisters Beauty Lounge are a few of the places offering the glow of gold. Benefits are said to be the slowing down of collagen depletion and stimulation of cell growth as well as lightening of age spots. If you get a chance to check this out, let me know how you like it! I am going to try it the next time I hop over to South Beach and will give you a full report.

Happy New Year everyone!!!

Photo:Reuters/Toru Hanai - Japanese Beauty Expo

With an eye on women of color, 55 Secret Street gives you the Top 10 Beauty Secrets of 2007.
Stiletto Jungle dishes the Top 10 Sites for Designer Bargain Shopping.
Bag Bliss looks back at the top 10 celebrities and their designer handbag moments.
Bag Snob counts down the biggest trends in bags for 2007.
Coquette reveals her favorite Top 10 in Fashionable Technology for 2007.
Fashion Indie's Daniel Saynt picks The Ten Best Emerging Fashion Designers of 2007.
Bags, Bobs & Blogs: the Top 10 Fashion Moments of 2007 - Fashiontribes
KRiSTOPHER celebrates now, not the New Year, with an obi clutch.
My Fashion Life runs down the Top 10 Fashion Trends of 2007
The pessimist at Papierblog looks at the ten most disappointing moments in fashion for 2007.
Last year is so passe! Here are Second City Style's 10 Fashion Predictions for 2008! />
Stylehive brings you the top ten untraditional places to jet to for New Year's Eve!
Do you agree with eBeautyDaily's top ten beauty items she can't live without?
Tot Snob has an adorable organizer to help you keep your new year's resolution!

Whether jet-setting to Monte Carlo to attend a New Year's Eve gala,
or popping a bottle of a sublime Champagne with your petit cheri,
no matter the New Year’s occasion, you want to do it in style…especially
when the clock strikes twelve! It is important to pay close attention to every
detail, particularly when it comes to your makeup and of course those pouts
yearning for some midnight action. Lancome makes your evening that much
more fun with a collection of lip products that are sure to make smooching
a special someone a lip-lock to remember.

We love the ultra hot COLOR FEVER GLOSS, a sultry, hydrating, highly-pigmented gloss that features the patented Lip-Magnify™ applicator for a precise and even application. Offered in three bursting-with-color shades, check it out at a Lancome boutique near you! Price: $22.00

• Noise Maker (Deep crimson with sparkle)
• Cheers! (Clear with gold sparkle- a great gloss to layer over your old gloss to give it extra shine.)
• Midnight Kiss (Pale pink)

I am conflicted about getting dressed before putting on my make up; if I am wearing a light color, I risk getting make up all over it so I usually make up before getting dressed. But if I am putting on a crewneck or turtleneck sweater, I risk smudging my lipgloss, mascara or eyeliner so I will dress prior to making up. But what about the days I don't decide what to wear until after I do my make up? Sounds trivial and my husband rolls his eyes when I mention it but seriously, how annoying to find half your mascara on your face after slipping on your top? Luckily I found the answer in Shiseido's Eraser Pencil. No matter what you smudge, a quick swipe and your face is back to flawless. I know, a Q tip dipped in make up remover will also remove any mistakes but then you have an even bigger smudge. Trust me, this is the way to go. $16 at Sephora.com

Get sexy smokin' hot eyes with Nars Night Series. A palette of gorgeous shadows that will allow you to smolder all night long. Just remember, think Natalie Portman, not Tara Reid, both girls who rock the smoky eye look with very different results. Get NARS Night Series Mini Eyeshadow Palette

Get ready to pucker up this New Year's Eve with Philosophy's trio of yum yum lip gloss called Kiss Kiss Kiss. What better way to cozy up when the ball drops than a big smooch with your hot date? Get philosophy lip shine, kiss, kiss, kiss, the holiday lip trio at Sephora.

I have really thin hair. I shy away from wearing it down because it falls flat so easily and I end up looking more casual because my hair is hanging limply around my head. That problem was totally solved when one of my friends sprayed my hair with Heat Seeking Liquid Hair Plumper from T3. This stuff is really amazing! It coats the hair without weighing it down and makes it feel like every strand of hair has tripled. I had awesome, flouncy cocktail party hair that stayed bouncy and full all night. This works with the heat so apply it on towel dried hair and blow dry to your heart’s content. You will be sure to turn heads the rest of the night! $38 at Sephora.com

I have been using La Prarie cellular eye cream since I was 18 years old and I always say it is the reason I still get carded. And though I switch off with other eye creams regularly (Sisley, Natura Bisse, Chanel Sublimage), it is La Prarie eye cream that remains my #1 eye saver. I recently started the La Prarie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift cream and it is incredible, perhaps even better than my old faithful cellular eye cream. It is rich without being oily and hydrates the eye area instantly. There is no greasy or oily residue which may get in your eyes, just pure hydration and instant firming from real extracts of caviar (yum!). I am seriously addicted and may stick with this one for a while. La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream $275 at Saks.

If you are not ready to take the dive to the deep end of luxe products, ask for a sample. Do not cut the top of the pouch as it dries up the cream inside. Instead, use a safety pin and puncture a small hole at the top front of the packet. Push the cream to the bottom before puncturing to ensure you get max use of the sample. This way should last you quite a few days so you can tell how the product is working on your skin.

Merry Christmas all!

For fab necklaces look to Jewel Snob.
Purseblog wishes you a merry Christmas!
Tot Snob has an adorable keepsake rattle.
Last minute Christmas gift at Bag Snob.
Check out Bellasugar's beauty awards for 2007.

(Post by Beauty Snob Michelle)

Now that I’ve mastered my new flat iron and hair dryer from Conair I decided to take a huge step and try out the new ceramic rollers that came with them. I don’t often curl my hair as it’s straight as a stick and doesn’t hold curl very well so I recruited my Snobtastic roommate who has thick amazing hair to help. We both curled half of both our heads and sat around watching Ugly Betty and figuring out how we would use the curlers in everyday life. The curlers were pretty good. Like I said, I don’t have a lot of experience with curling my hair but one of the first things I noticed was that the clips don’t hold very well, even on my thin hair. My roommate was having serious issues but figured out that if you curl your hair towards your hair rather than away, the clips hold better. Anyways I really liked these curlers for one big reason. I’m a klutz. If there is something to hurt myself on I will do it. (I have hundreds of scarring memories from the 80’s and my unfortunate use of a curling iron on my bangs.) While you can tell that they are hot, they don’t burn you and they don’t have any sort of weird, hot smell. When we took out the rollers the result was pretty good! I had big, bouncy curls (that promptly fell out two hours later) and my roommate has tiny springy curls. The best thing about the set is how quick and easy it is. If you’re getting ready to go out and suddenly decide to curl your hair, this is the set for you. It takes about 10 min to heat up and about 15 to get a good curl. $54.99 infiniti.conair.com

I have been running around like crazy trying to get all of my Christmas shoping done. (I waited until I got back to Alabama to finish my shopping.... yes I know, very stupid especially considering there is only one mall in my town) Needless to say I've been a little preoccupied. So when my mama asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I realized that I had not spent any time thinking about what I wanted for myself. I called up one of my best friends in the world, Andrea Ashe, and asked her if she had tried any new body lotions lately. She immediately began telling me about Laura Mercier's Tarte au Citron body lotion and I just had to check it out for myself. It is fantastic! It smells wonderful. I know the name makes you think of a fruity smell but it is not fruity at all. It is creamy and moisturizing while leaving a fresh, slightly sweet smell that doesn't interfere with your perfum. If you are still in need of a gift idea for yourself, I would definately suggest this body lotion. Laura Mercier Tarte au Citron body lotion, $40, sephora.com.

Tot Snob wants to know if you would let your little one ride a vespa.
Stiletto Jungle reviews the best new hair dryer for DIY blow-outs.
Bag Bliss sneak peek at the Louis Vuitton & Richard Prince ‘Big City After Dark’ Handbag collection.
Carlos Falchi Python clutch is YUMMY! - Bag Snob
Natural and gorgeous with Sue Devitt!- Beauty Snob
Coquette is rockin' the look of fingerless gloves
Fashion Indie questions Time Magazine's 10 Must Have Fashion Items of 2007.
A chic "Sex and the City Movie" holiday window in NYC - Fashiontribes
KRiSTOPHER gets you 10% off Shop Jake.com.
My Fashion Life compiles their 10 definitive moments in fashion!
Papierblog takes a look at Peter Som's pre-Fall208 collection for Bill Blass
Second City Style's tips to packing with glam for the frequent flyer.
StyleBakery.com found 12 hot heels for under $100
Celebrity Styleaholic Najwa Moses takes you on a funky hairdo photo journey!
Stylehive StyleSlides: Chic Clutches Help Ring In the New Year
WELOVEBEAUTY.com- Celebrity Stylemaker Robin Coe Hutshings Holiday Gift Guide!

I’ve been in this crazy, happy holiday daze lately. I’m embracing the holidays and am so excited to be going to see my family for Christmas that I broke down and tried a product I never thought I’d ever try again just because it smelled like candy canes! I’m kind of obsessed with Philosophy’s Candy Cane 3-in-1 shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath. I’ll tell you this right now, do not use this as a shampoo! I didn’t even try with this bottle because when I used Cinnamon Buns, my hair was ripped apart and dried out after only one use. This is great to use as a body wash though. The crisp peppermint smell fills your shower up and pleasantly lingers on your skin. It put me in a holiday mood for the rest of the day. $20 at Sephora.com Philosophy Candy Cane 24 oz

We ranted about the uselessness of Dr. Perricone's line of beauty products so it may surprise you to see a positive story on him. Both Tina and I have used the products and although I didn't break out in a rash, the results were, eh, so so. Well, the beauty of this story is that what I am about to tell you is FREE and does not require you to buy anything from him or anyone else (well, the market, but everyone's gotta eat, right?). I read his book, The Perricone Prescription: A Physician's 28-Day Program for Total Body and Face Rejuvenation (only $7.99 at Amazon) and was amped up about doing the 28 day diet to revitalize my skin and body. It totally makes sense, what you eat has got to be way more important than anything you can apply superficially to your skin. But knowing that I am terrible at dieting (the word "diet" just puts me in a panic and I have been known to hide in a corner with a pint of Ben and Jerry's in total unrelenting hunger and shame), I decided to start with the Three-Day Nutritional Face Lift^TM. I figured that I can do 3 days, rationalizing that the 4th day is not that long to wait for that pint of ice cream. I decided to get my parents on the plan as well, both of whom are wrought with health problems (my dad is a diabetic and my mom has high blood pressure). The first day was ok, the meals are not that different than how I normally eat so it was pretty easy. The hardest part was the ban on coffee!! The alternative he offers is green tea but my body does not respond to green tea. It tastes good and all but I need the coffee to jolt my body to awake mode in the morning. By the second day, we have all noticed unequivocal differences in our skin tone, skin clarity and energy level. It was totally amazing to say the least. It was especially apparent in my dad who has the most health issues, so rosy cheeks have been a thing of the past many decades ago, but lo and behold a simple diet of salmon and romaine lettuce brought back vibrancy and a much needed healthy glow. Although this experiment was a clear success, surprisingly I could not bear the thought of the 28 day diet. How much salmon can one eat? Not much. Well, 3 days worth to be exact. I love fish but I just can't eat the same thing again and again for an entire month. There are other fish options, like Chilean sea bass and black cod, which I love but I still couldn't do it. He does not really push those fish because they are not as readily available as salmon and obviously more expensive to be eating on a daily basis. I decided that when I needed to, I would just do the 3 day diet a few times a year. I generally follow a diet of fish and vegetable so I am getting all the Omega-3 acids that are so miraculous for the skin. I have copied the entire meal plan on the next page so you don't even need to buy his book to try it for yourself. It is published on the Dr. Perricone website.

I got all this stuff for my husband to use and I end up using all of it because he refuses to raise his standards in his hygienic rituals. Like a prisoner, soap and water is all he needs. Well too bad for him and good for me because I have been enjoying the Anthony Logistics products. This Mud Exfoliating Bar serves the same function as the Sea Salt Scrub I reviewed, it is great for pre-shaving because of the oatmeal infused in the soap bar. But this has many properties that the Sea Salt Scrub does not, mud is a natural defense against odor and we all know that boys have not cornered the market on that bodily function. This bar also has mint which is so invigorating in the morning and makes me feel so tingley and alive. I actually got this for my husband because of his love of mint and eucalyptus when I force it on him. Men really love that sensation when used in their nether regions. Don't ask me why, I mean, if its so darn sensitive down there I would think this would hurt them. But whatever, "don't ask don't tell" is my policy regarding that kind of stuff. This soap is also super moisturizing with aloe and glycerin so you get a whole treatment in one convenient bar. At Spa Look for $18.

I’ve always been a huge fan of sea salt. Ever since I began learning about beauty treatments I’ve understood the great effects it had on skin. I’ve used it from everything from exfoliator to a way to cure an infected piercing. Right now I am totally coveting this Lime Coconut Sea Salt Exfoliator by Aedes De Venustas. The mix is all natural and the smell is delicious! It’s always nice to have a great, fruity, exotic scent in these dark and cold winter days. I really recommend the sea salt exfoliator because it will help your skin but is gentle and won’t tear it apart like other exfoliating mixes I’ve used in the past. This will leave your skin feeling silky and awesome and leave it glowing. $45 at vivre.com
Sea Salt Exfoliator at Vivre

If you are still searching for that perfect gift, here are a few of Beauty Snob faves! Purchase by Dec 21st to guarantee delivery by Christmas!

Estee Lauder celebrates the joy of the season with this brilliant bauble. Cheerfully gleaming in red enamel, snow-bright crystals and shining golden highlights, this sophisticated sphere makes a wonderful gift. Limited edition collectible opens to reveal "Beautiful" in long-lasting solid perfume. You can hang this on your tree and take little sneak swipes at it throughout the night if you are having a party at home! $250- Saks Exclusive.

So, once again I find myself writing about something from Fresh. I can’t help it! I think they are an amazing company and I have loved every product that I’ve tried. Unfortunately, with the holidays fast approaching I have to curb the shopping for myself and think of other people. I actually picked up a few of these Oval Soap Trios to give out this season because they are perfect. The packaging is so beautiful people will not even want to open them up! It’s three different types of soap all packaged up in a festive red and gold box. It includes Freesia, Verbena and Hesperides which are some of the yummiest smells ever. The set is sure to be a hit with anyone! $42 at Sephora.com. Fresh Oval Soap Trio

I love the new Heirloom brush sets from MAC. Fabulous starter kits for Beauty Snobs in training to treasure for years or a spare set in case you lose/damage your set (as Kelly did with her Shu Uemura set that she has collected since college!) this is a great gift! It has all the brushes you need to blush, shade, line and blend - all in a gorgeous metallic tweed clutch. I gave sets to my niece and goddaughter and they use the bag as a make up bag. The short handle also makes it easy to travel with. Each set is only $48 at Mac Cosmetics or department stores.

Vintage Indian Old Mine cut Diamond and Emerald necklace at Ceylon et Cie 214-742-7632

Still looking for that last unique Christmas gift? Jewel Snob can help you out!

Beautysnob has an awesome makeup bag for the snob in all of us.

Check out who Fabsugar named best designer of 2007.

Totsnob has an awesome soccer ball that combines art and athletics.

Purseblog has the scoop on Mulberry's new creative director, Emma Hill.

The Thoughtful Dresser has the scoop on the V&A gallery.

Sign up to win a fabulous Nancy Gonzales crocodile bag at Bag Snob!

See what got voted best lip gloss at Bellasugar.

I am always up for trying new products in case there is something out there that is better than what I have, so I decided to get a full make-over and consult at the Sue Devitt counter at Barneys. I actually did this twice, the first time just for make up and the second time for both treatment products and make up. I liked the idea that all their ingredients are natural and from the sea, that's what I prefer, just like my food (I can pretty much eat sushi every night of the week, yummy and all those fish oils are so good for your skin!). I tried everything, the foundation (the color didn't match and it was actually so sheer I didn't feel like it was enough to even my tone), the shadows (yes, it's full of sea kelp which sounds amazing, but it wasn't much different than other shadows, even the colors weren't extraordinary), lip stick, lip liner and gloss (all good enough but like the shadow, nothing special) and then the make up artest used the Sue Devitt Triple Touch Reflecting Bronzer ($30). I am not a huge bronzer fan, I am naturally tan looking and if and when I do get a tan, it lasts all year long. This bronzer was different, it didn't make me look like I was darker (which is the main reason for my dislike of bronzers, I don't want to look like the female version of George Hamilton, plus like I said, I already have a darker complexion). This bronzer brightened my face, gave me a youthful glow and brought rosy cheeks in my life. It was like a face lift - it gave me at least 10 years back in my life. It has 3 shades so I use the different shades on my eyes as a finishing touch for a natural look. I even use the darkest shade as a lowlight around my jaw bones for contouring. This stuff is brilliant!!

Another product worth mentioning from Sue Devitt is the Purifying Cleanser ($40). I am an obsessive freak about cleansers, it is absolutely the most important step in a beauty regiment. I have tried every cleanser known to me out there so of course I had to try this one. This is not just a cleaner, it has treatment properties in there as well for a one two punch. The sea ingredients are detoxifying and contains collagen that keeps circulation up even after it is washed off. This cleanser is so pure you can leave it on your face, no need for water - just tissue off after use. This is great for travel when you need a refresher. How well does it clean off make up? I always do my white towel test, does it leave any make up residue on my pure white towel after drying my face? This totally mild and delicious smelling cleanser passed the test with no problems. I didn't even have to use that much product and it took off heavy mascara, eye liner and foundation without the need to be harsh.

They also have a moisturizer, the Anti-Aging Facial Concentrate ($125) that claims to include ingredients that act like Botox to relax your skin of wrinkles but I haven't had a chance to try that. I got a sample but I need to test it out over a period of time to see its effectiveness. Stay tuned!

One of my favorite products, Natura Bisse Glyco Peel , has launched an extreme version that will give you the skin you had at birth! It has a higher concentration of gycolic acids and AHA acids so it's perfect for the winter months when the sun is not as strong. I grabbed my bottle a few months ago and have been using it religiously 2-3 times a week, it does not sting as much as the original and I feel like the result lasts longer. The drill is the same as the original, leave on for 15 minutes, rinse off and experience glowing gorgeous skin without a 2 hour facial. Give yourself a holiday treat and head to straight to Neiman Marcus for the Exclusive Glyco Extreme peel! $225

For an additional $170, you can get the Natura Bisse Power Duo Gift set for $395 which includes the Glyco Extreme Peel and a 1 oz. bottle of Inhibit Tensolift (usually $675 for 2 oz. - a $167 savings! If you have always wanted to try this, now is your chance!) which relaxes, fills and lifts the skin. It's better than botox or plastic surgery, it's one of my top must have beauty products. We always say it's best to spend on good products now than to spend 5 figures for a face lift that will make you look like a Goon from Popeye.

Can anything be more fabulous for a Beauty Snob AND a Bag Snob than this leather beauty bureau from the luxury line Smythson of Bond Street? It comes with all the sable brushes shown but you provide all your own favorite beauty products for the ultimate in vanity decadence. Keep this on your dresser and carry it to wherever has the best lighting in your house at the moment for your daily ritual of primping. It is a wood frame covered with gorgeous aqua Adamo calf leather, the color is so divine!! It makes me want to do my entire bedroom in that color. It is not a giant chest, the measurements are 5.5" x 9.75" x 7.5" so it is easy to fit on your vanity, counter or dresser. Of course you can only put your very favorite products in there but how fun would it be to switch out the colors each week, like you do a bag? Even if this isn't all that functional for your needs, it is so beautiful you can just look at it! At Smythson for $2410.

Stiletto Jungle:steal Gossip Girl's Lucky Magazine cover look.
Save a bundle, discover the latest site that features daily sample sales! Bag Bliss has more..
Worried about giving your tot whole milk over reduced fat? Get the scoop on why whole milk isn't as bad as we all thought on Totsnob.
Travel in style with Burberry from Bag Snob!
Create the mystic allure of smoky eyes with Beauty Snob!
Coquette says it's time to cozy up with cute sweaters and jackets from Frock Shop!
Missed out on Cavalli for H&M? Fashion Indie wants to make it up to you. We're hosting a Roberto Cavalli Liquidation Sale.
Check out Mischa Barton's fashion faux pas at Fabsugar for an example of what never to wear.
Fendi hologram clutch from KRiSTOPHER!
My Fashion Life asks "To bob or not to bob?!"
Papierblog looks at whether fashion models need a union.
Second City Style understands it's stressful finding the perfect this holiday season, but help is on the way. Say NO to gift cards!
Take a break from shopping for everyone else, check out StyleBakery.com's 60 Under $60 and find some cheap chic for yourself.
Celebrity Styleaholic Najwa Moses interviews fashion photographer Piper Carter from VH1's The Shot.
Stylehive talks to Steven from Project Runway!
Meet WELOVEBEAUTY.com's newest celebrity stylemaker, makeup artist to the stars Kate Lee!
eBeautyDaily is giving gifts from Brad Pitt's group Make It Right NOLA!

My favorite line has a holiday 20% OFF discount code (HOLIDAY07) for those wishing to give the gift of ultimate luxurious beauty. I am super excited because I get to re-stock my lost brush collection at a discount! That should make up for the fact that prices have gone up dramatically since I bought my original brushes 15-20 years ago. But more importantly, of course, I am gifting my lucky girlfriends the essentials that they will love! The best gift idea is the Shu Uemura eyelash curler ($18) for those who don't already own these. By far the best best best curlers out there. I like to pair this with Shu Uemura tweezers ($32), another ultimate best, it has a slant edge for ease and precision in plucking. The edge is super sharp so you can get the finest of brows (or anywhere else for that matter). There is nothing more frustrating or painful than the unsuccessful hair removal of tweezing when you pull but come up blank. And it's double the work. For those you especially love this holiday season, shower them with love by getting Shu Uemura sable brushes for their lovely faces. It is sure to please and they will think of you everyday for the rest of their lives, because that's how long these brushes last. Sorry to have posted this late (the holidays are always crazy) but you still have until Monday Dec. 17th to use the code.

So everyone knows someone who just can’t make up my mind about what kind of perfume they want to wear. Sephora has come up with a fix for that with their Scent Sampler Gift Certificate. It’s a sampler of ten of their top selling scents that comes with a voucher for one full-sized bottle of any of the perfumes in the sampler. Once you’ve tried all the samples you can pick your favorite and enjoy. It’s a great selection of samples. From Stella McCartney to Vera Wang, it’s a good bet whoever you’re giving this too will be able to find a scent to suit them. It’s even great to buy for yourself if you’re looking for a new scent and want to test drive some out. $50 at Sephora.com.
Sephora Brand Scent Sampler Gift Certificate For Her

I am obsessed with Alora's Festa home fragrance, it's way better than burning a candle (I don't have to worry about my toddler or forgetting to blow it out!) The scent is an amazing combo of cinnamon and bitter orange that smells just like Christmas! It also lasts a lot longer than other brands that I have tried. If you are feeling ba hum bug this season, it will definitely perk you up, I promise! $50 - Check out Alora Ambiance Air Freshener Set, Festa here.

When I was in middle school the big trend was lipliner. Seriously it was so gross. We’d outline out lips in a really dark lipliner and fill in the rest of our lips with lighter shade of lipstick. As a consequence I totally shudder whenever I hear the words lipliner. I’m afraid my past lip sins will come around to haunt me. I have, however, learned to look past this for Cargo’s Reverse Lipliner. It’s great because it serves all the same purposes but with a great light color that won’t make you look like your stick in 1990. I still look back at lipliner and those times and shudder a little, but if you’re inclined to use it, go for a natural look with a color like this. $14 at Sephora.com CARGO The Reverse Lipliner 01 (Light)

If the allure of sexy smoky eyes has always fascinated yet intimidated you, Cargo's Smoky Eye kit is for you! Cargo breaks it down to a few simple steps and makes it easy for even the most inexperienced of beauty snobs! Go to Sephora to play around with it and you will see how fun it is to create the season's must have look. But if you are lazy like me and fear the mall, order it online and don't worry, it comes with a step by step instruction booklet! The set is small and portable so you can take it with you on trips which will make packing that much easier. I always end up bringing way too much beauty products (my beauty product luggage is as big as the one I take for my clothes!) and would really like to pare down my travel routine. It's also perfect for keeping in your bag for all the after work holiday parties this month. This is a great stocking stuffer for the beauty snob in your life! Free shipping with $50 purchase! Get CARGO SmokyEye Kit ($85 Value) Smokey Eye Kit for $39 here
CARGO SmokyEye Kit ($85 Value) Smokey Eye Kit

I have loved Make Up Forever since my days on television but have drifted away from the line in the last ten years. When I filmed the "25 Most Stylish" last summer, however, I was delighted when the resident make up artist whipped out a trunk load of Make Up Forever products to use on me (I literally squealed with delight when she was done with me and felt like I was 25 again!). The line is really superior to most 'professional' brands and does magic tricks like you wouldn't believe (Kelly actually looked like she got a nose job with the mix of two powders!). If you have never tried the line, the Holiday Diamond Forever Kit is a good place to start (grab one for your sister or best friend as well so they won't end up stealing yours!). It's a value of $110 for a mere $49, the limited edition make up kit includes best-selling Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes and Diamond Shadow, the new must-have Diamond Powder hue Champagne and an essential black mascara and transparent lip gloss. Make Up For Ever - Diamonds For Ever Kit at Sephora (free shipping with $50 purchase!)

Oh the joy of exfoliating away dead, rough, dull skin! I was really excited to use this product, even though Anthony Logistics is supposed to be for men, but whatever, skin is skin, right? Actually I was expecting something rougher since it is meant for tough male skin but this is very mild. The granules are rounded so it doesn't itch or hurt when scrubbing, which is good and bad. I like a good beating but I guess that is just psychological, it is not that good for your skin to tear it up with super coarse scrubs. I love using salt based scrubs because it detoxifies your skin as well as your entire body. If you are feeling sick or had a hard day, a good salt scrub does wonders. Another great use, pre-shaving (legs and under arm)! It gets your legs silky smooth for that perfect date shave =) The scent is very soft and has hints of marine life, which is a good thing even though that might have sounded like I just said you'll smell like you do after a trip to Sea World. It is more of a kelp scent rather than anything fishy. I use this all over and love the sense of true cleanliness - it claims to soften elbows and heels but I didn't get great results, those spots require serious industrial strength scrubbing, which this is not. Keep this in mind as a stocking stuf