Beauty Maverick

Holiday Beauty

Click here to view my Holiday Beauty slideshow for Lifetime Television.

Philosophy Aromatherapy Kits

The holiday season can take its toll on us all, and who better to lift our spirits than Philosophy? They've come up with two sets of essential oil blends to use when you're feeling sick, stressed, tired, or a bit blue.

I was a little skeptical at first glance (how could something so cute be effective?), but decided to go ahead test all four on my husband and I. I'm happy to report that we both felt a (noticeable) difference when using each blend, and now keep these little vials in the kitchen drawer for whenever we need a quick fix. They're fantastic.

Kits: Stuffies & Stressies and Sleepies & Weepies
Retailer: Sephora.com
Cost: $25.oo Each  

Origins Modern Friction for the Body

I regularly use a dermabrasion treatment on my face, but the thought of using one on my body hadn't crossed my mind before I received the gift of Modern Friction. Oh, how things change. 

After only one scrub-down, my skin looked noticeably brighter and felt really smooth. It's now been a few weeks since I started using Modern Friction, and I'm (still) loving the results! Definitely worth a try if you crave a gorgeous glow.

Retailer: Origins.com
Cost: $38.00

Stocking Stuffers

Warning: These lovely little products are highly addictive, so be warned- you may be tempted to keep them all for yourself. To avoid evoking your inner Scrooge, I recommend buying doubles of anything/everything that catches your eye...

For the Girls-
Philosophy Candy Cane Lip Shine $10
Freeze 24/7 Freeze & Go $65
Givenchy Lash Sparkles $22
Clinique Color Surge Lip Palette $25
Stella McCartney Stella EdP Roll-On, $13
Sue Devitt Holiday Eye Kit $42
NARS The Multiple $36.50

For the Boys-
Billy Jealousy Hot Towel Pre-Shave $22
Task Essential Oxywater $13
Anthony Logistics Mach 3 Travel Razor $125
Decleor Balm for Men $34.50
Sharps Guck-In-A-Puck $15
Lab Series for Men Instant Moisture Lip Balm $10
Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer $14

For Both-
La Mer The Lip Balm $45
Claus Porto Mineral Bath Salts $8
L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream, $10
D.L. & Co. Angel Trumpet Votive Candle $35
GoSMILE 5 Senses Toothpaste Kit $25

See Also: Holiday Gift Guide
 
Pictured above (From left): Task Oxywater, GoSMILE Toothpaste, Clinique Lip Palette, Philosophy Candy Cane Lip Shine, La Mer The Lip Balm, L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream,  Billy Jealousy Hot Towel Pre-Shave, Claus Porto Bath Salts, NARS The Multiple, and Jack Black Hand Healer.

REN Seaweed & Sage Body Wash

This body wash is just heavenly.

REN's collection of all-natural shower gels have always been a favorite of mine as they're each so refreshing, but this particular scent is something else. An invigorating blend of Laminaria Seaweed, Rosemary, and Sage wash away to leave a subtle herbal scent that's really quite addictive.

This product is definitely worth a try if you're looking for a lightly scented body wash that's appealing to both men and women.

Retailer: Sephora.com
Cost: $22.00

Darphin Purifying Foam Gel

I've yet to find a fault in this foaming facial cleanser and I'm down to the last drop. It's fantastic.

This mild cleanser removes makeup, excess oil, etc. without stripping the skin and leaves you feeling really refreshed.

Darphin's Purifying Foam Gel also helps to balance my t-zone, which is quite liberating as I don't have to carry my powder compact with me anymore. How great is that?

Formulated for all skin types.

Retailer: Darphin.com
Cost: $50.00

Cargo Lip Gloss Quad in Vancouver

I must admit that I'm quite partial to this new Cargo Quad as it's named after my hometown, but it helps that the color combination is fantastic as well.

Cargo's (award-winning) formulation is wonderfully emollient and each gloss gives a subtle hint of color and a nice sheen to the lips. I've been layering the different glosses to create my own signature shade, but each looks great on its own too.

The Vancouver Lip Gloss Quad includes: Shimmering Champagne, Vibrant Apricot, Sheer Berry, and Golden Rose.

Retailer: Sephora.com
Cost: $24.00

Prada 'Thunder Perfect Mind' Short Film

I know this short is a bit dated, but I stumbled upon it again this morning and felt compelled to post it. I don't know why, but I find it quite charming (and effective). Any thoughts?

Back to Basics

Having spent a few years in the industry, I'm no longer the most loyal consumer when it comes to beauty products. It's not that I don't have my favorites (I do!), it's just that with only 365 days in a year to try all the exciting new products launching, I find it really hard to fit everything classic and current in my little NYC apartment. 

That said, there are a few products that I'll always think of highly and would gift in a heartbeat. Products that may no longer be revolutionary, but consistently yield brilliant results (thus securing their permanent place in my beauty closet).

My collection of classics includes:

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour
Lancome Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
Lush Bath Bombs
Rosebud Perfume Co. Smith's Rosebud Salve
La Prairie Cellular Eye Contour Cream
Bumble & bumble Brilliantine
Stila Lip Glaze
Kiehl's Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser
M.A.C Cosmetics Eye Kohl 

What's in your collection?

On My Lips

I've stocked up on loads of rich, jewel-toned lipsticks for the season, but sometimes I just crave a subtle wash of color. Something to wear with little or no other makeup, hair pulled back, and a pair of wide-leg jeans. In other words, sheer lip color that's pretty and practical for days I'm feeling a bit lazy but still want to look polished.

So...

Last week, I went on a mission to find a few lip glosses that are on-trend and comfortable to wear (non sticky, tacky, or drying). To my surprise, it was quite an easy task and I found a few really lovely shades that I'm pleased to recommend.

They include:

Lancome Juicy Tube Smoothie in Beach Plum
Fresh Lip Gloss in Claret and Aster
Three Custom Color Lip Gloss in Doubles Gloss C
LipFusion Color Shine Lip Plumper in Ripe
M.A.C Cosmetics Lustreglass in Decorative
Red Earth Lipgloss in Very Berry

Each of these glosses can be applied sparingly for a sheer tint or layered for a more intense look. Either way, they're easy-to-apply, simple to remove, and flattering whether you're bare-faced or fully made up. I'm in love.

A model from Vera Wang's Fall '07 fashion show pictured above.