Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas .  I hope everyone has a wonderful, blessed holiday full of all the best things- family, love , friends , goodwill .




To get  even more into the spirit here's the holiday ad from UK department store John Lewis. It's just adorable.

I'll be taking  a holiday blog break for the next few days to enjoy all the festivities . I'll be back posting on the 27th or 28th most likely. Thank you for reading my beauty ramblings  , I look forward to a "beauty" full 2014.

Holiday Nail Files by Trim

One of my favorite budget buys that I've seen is this cute nail file set. I think I might have mnetioned them as well last year or the year before.

For 2.49 you get a trio of themed nail files, the perfect stocking stuffer or little gift.  Pretty much every girl can use an extra file or two , all the more fun when they have snowflakes  or owls . I pick up ones like these whenever I see them.

These were at Rite Aid, by Trim.

All The Holiday Gift Posts

Since we've been talking holiday since October , I thought I'd do a reminder where all the gift posts are. Many have this logo on them, but a clicking on the Holiday 2013 tag at the bottom of this post or any holiday post will take you to all of them should you want  to see them for updates, gift ideas, etc.

Elie Saab Le Parfum Holiday Gift Sets

Elie Saab Le Parfum is a longtime favorite here. It's an elegant, refined  and pretty woodsy floral.

I've highlighted them both before, the  EDP here  and EDT here for more scent information.

Holiday has brought gift sets in each version and these are very much holiday gift approved.

The Elie Saab Le Parfum Eau De Parfum Deluxe Gift Set has a
3.3 oz EDP and 5.1 oz body cream in a deluxe case  for $ 158

The Elie Saab Le Parfum Eau de Toilette Gift Set- contains a 3 oz EDT, a 10 ml purse spray and 1 oz body lotion for $ 108.


Available at Nordstrom, Saks and Bloomies.

FRAAS Metallic Zebra Scarf

This new scarf/wrap from FRAAS sparkles and shines it way through the holiday season and more.

It's a pretty muted  zebra print with metallic threads throughout. Measuring at 12 x 80 inches  and made from acrylic viscose blend ,  it comes three colorways of gold, black or silver.

Retail is $ 35 at select stores . Some styles available at amazon and www.fraas.com 

L'Occitane Hand Lotion Gift Sets

The shea butter hand lotion gift sets at L'Occitane go down as one of my all time top gift ideas. Why ? First they are one of the absolute best hand creams ever. Secondly, who doesn't use hand cream? No worries whether it will fit, be something they can use, etc. etc.

One of these sets can easily  fill the gift for aunt, mother in law, grandma, teacher, co-worker and more.

A gift of L'Occitane is a little luxe while hand cream is something they can use and might need. Consumable but pretty in  1 oz tubes.

There are several sets this year or you can grab one tube as an extra or stocking stuffer.  If you want the whole enchilada, check out the Hand Cream Soiree, 10 creams , all in a collectible tin.

Hand Cream Bouquet-
Six tubes in Cherry Blossom, Almond Delicious Hands, Rose 4 Reines, Shea, Pivoine and Lavender. $ 54

Hand Indulgences-

Three tubes in Fleur D'or, Cherry Blossom and Shea Butter. $ 28 at www.loccitane.com or at Sephora it's Rose Tenderness, Passionate Jasmine and Subtle Violet.

Travel Treats-

Shea Butter Hand and Foot Cream $ 18

Hand Cream Soiree-  Sephora online exclusive $ 92

Shea Rose

Shea Date

Shea Mango

Fleur Cherie

Rose Reines

Cherry Blossom

Lavender

Pivoine

Shea Butter

Shea Butter Honey

Macy's Touch of Cashmere Socks

Cashmere socks are one of life's  little indulgences. For two years running I've been  a fan of these cashmere blend  socks from Macy's and they're back again this year. Last year I even gifted them to a friend who loved them as well.

As the name says these are not are not fully cashmere but a blend. You still get soft  coziness with a touch of cashmere (12%).  I have several more fully cashmere sock pairs and I like these just as much.  They're also very affordable with retail at $14 , but this being Macy's there is usually a sale with prices at around $9.

An extra  bonus, these are Made in USA. Something rarely seen in clothing items anymore .

The Men's Gift Guide 2013

It's time for my annual men's gift guide.  I've picked a small group of favorites from the many gift ideas out there .  What will you be buying the man (men) in your life?

Prada Amber Homme Gift Set-   This is a rich amber scent that's also relatively soft. It's not overpowering but a nice oriental style scent  that can be worn anytime with hints of soap and leather in the drydown.  The gift set includes a 3.4 oz EDT and After Shave Balm in a nice size dopp kit bag with 2 compartments. $ 85.

Kiehl's Ultimate Man Body Scrub Soap On Rope- Remember how fun soap on a rope was when you were a kid ? Well Kiehl's has a grown up version for the men. Equally fun and with bran and oatmeal for a good scrubbing, this is a fun  gift / stocking stuffer. 5.5 oz bar is $ 15.

Ralph Lauren Polo Red/Polo Black Gift Sets - Most men I know are fans of an RL fragrance and there is a Polo for almost everyone.  New this year was Polo Red which I reviewed here . You can grab Red in a trio gift set with 4oz  EDT,  4oz After Shave Balm and Deodorant ( $81) or go for the  warm and woodsy Polo  Black with hints of mango and light spices in  a similar  trio gift set, also $ 81.

Gillette Pro Glide Gift Set- A bargain gift at $9.99 this has the basics .  While good for anyone, I always think of college students with these . All things they'll need for the second semester of the year. While you can find this set at Target, Wal Mart, Kmart and drugstores all have versions in both Gillette and Schick brands.

Paco Rabanne One Million Intense Gift Set- Is your guy good as gold ? Then give him a Million, Paco Rabanne One Million that is. The Intense version is loaded with  a semi- sweet patchouli along with cinnamon, black pepper and sandalwood. It's a full , smooth spicy scent that's just this side of  strong. This one also lasts super long on skin. The set includes 3.4 oz EDT and After Shave with a  deodorant stick.  $ 88

Bottega Veneta Pour Homme-  Combine deep woods, like a fir tree in the forest, a little spice and a bit of smoke and you've got one good scent. Bottega Veneta Pour Homme is masculine but has a touch of sweetness in the middle from patchouli that gives way to the smoke. It's wintry , spicy and delicious.
Exclusive to Nordstrom , 1.7 oz $80, 3 oz $110 and the duo gift set $ 115.

It Cosmetics Luxe Blurring Micro Airbrush Collection w/ Stand

I mentioned this set of  brushes from It Cosmetics back when they were having their friends and family sale. Now that I've seen it in person, and how lovely it's packaged I thought it deserved it's own post.

If you are looking that for a gift that is completely ready to gift, this is one. It comes out of the package in a silver gift box topped with ribbon and a gift tag. All you need to do is add the to/from.

And what a gift you'll be giving ( or treating yourself to). The brushes here are incredibly soft  and lush. The handles are very light  and they all fit neatly in the included stand.  The hair is 100% non animal hair and cruelty free.

The  set is $ 59.50 . It's LE and  available at QVC.com 

Brushes included are :

Airbrush Powder
Angled Complexion
Flawless Foundation
Blurring Concealer
All Over Eyeshadow
Eyeshadow Crease Brush
Eyeliner and Eyebrow

Elizabeth Arden Holiday Lip Gloss Set- Macy's Exclusive

This Elizabeth Arden set is a great holiday deal. Not only the special Black Friday pricing but even the regular pricing. 

Exclusive to Macy's  you get 4 Beautiful Color Luminous Glosses in a  saucy leopard print case.  Gloss shades are : Coral Kiss, Precious Petal, Passion Fruit and Royal Plum.


The price through Saturday 11/30 is $ 15. After that it's $ 21.50.

mark Deco Appeal Ring

Coming soon from mark is this big bit of bling, the Deco Appeal Ring. It should be available in the December campaign and with December right around the corner, that should be soon.

The ring measures just under 2 inches long with three emerald cut tones, and filigreed sides. It's sized, not adjustable and would look better on the index or middle finger but mine was too small for that.

I love large jewelry and if you or a giftee does, this is a fun look. It's heavy but not overly so and will look really nice against holiday dressing.

The Deco Appeal Ring is $ 18 , available soon at www.meetmark.com

PS- Pls ignore the sloppy manicure. It was quick but messy polish test. 

ShutterBall by AudioVox

Ok we're veering slight into tech talk here but it can easily relate to beauty/fashion. Super neat  is the Shutter Ball, a wonderful little gadget that helps you to take  easy selfies and group shots.

Shutter Ball works like a remote shutter on old fashioned cameras,  it's handheld and triggers the shutter on your smart phone.  No more stretching your arms as far as they'll go to get the OOTD or FOTD image.

It works up to 60' away and does video and still as well as being Bluetooth Smart.

Shutter Ball makes a  great gift for almost anyone and you can have fun testing it all Christmas day.  It comes in 4 colors and is $ 24.99

Read more at : http://www.myshutterball.com/

Steam Cream Holly

When it comes to Christmas stuff I love it all, well there are a few exceptions but this Holly theme tin from Steam Cream isn't one . It's festive and pretty . Nice enough to leave sitting around and nice enough to gift to someone .

Steam Cream is a heavy duty cream for all skin, it's been great for my hands , and comes in many super cute tins You can read my first look and check out their Union Jack tin   here .

Steam Cream Holly and more  are at www.steamcream.com .  $ 20 each with free worldwide shipping.

It Cosmetics Holiday Brush Sets / Friends & Family

It Cosmetics brushes have quickly become a favorite of mine. I've only tried  a couple but was very impressed . Their Heavenly Luxe Wand Ball  is one that I use all the time now. 

If you want to stock up on brushes, or grab some gifts now is a great time as It is having their Friends and Family sale.  Through Monday Nov. 25th at midnight use code Friends2013 to get 25 % of purchases of $ 30 or more  at  www.ITCosmetics.com

Two hot brush sets available are :

Limited Edition Luxe Blurring Micro-Airbrush™ Brush Collection with Stand:

7 innovative full-size, ultra-plush, ultra-soft brushes are made of 100% cruelty-free, animal-free hair . Packed  in a silver box, with a bow and gift tag, this set includes the following :

• Airbrush Powder Brush
• Angled Complexion Brush
• Flawless Foundation Brush
• Blurring Concealer Brush
• Eyeshadow Crease Brush
• All-Over Eyeshadow Brush
• Eyeliner & Eyebrow Brush

  $59.50/QVC.com

Limited Edition Heavenly Luxe™ Vanity Brush Set 

 6-pc Limited Edition Heavenly Luxe Vanity Brush Set  includes the following:

• Heavenly Luxe Travel Multi-Powder Brush
• Heavenly Luxe Travel Flat Foundation Brush
• Heavenly Luxe Travel Flat Concealer Brus
• No-Tug Travel Crease Brush
• No-Tug Travel Allover Eye Shadow Brush
• No-Tug Eyeliner and Brow Brush with Spooly
• Sleek Snap Shut Case

 $39 at QVC.com

Urban Decay Book of Shadows IV -Back For Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday ( 12/2) sports some hot deals and for Urban Decay fans here's one to mark down.  The brand is  heading back to 2011 with a revival of the Book of Shadows Vol. IV,  which now will also come with a deluxe Revolution Lipstick sample.

On that day only it's $25 (a $64 value) at www.urbandecay.com