Julibox ~ A Great Last Minute Gift idea

Though Christmas is the same day every year, sometimes it still sneaks up on us! I don't know how, but I still have a lot to wrap. There are others (ahem Dad) who still have shopping to do.

For those of you out there in the same boat- rather than fight store lines- monthly gift subscriptions are a great bet. There are ones for beauty lovers like Birchbox & Glossybox, ones for dog lovers like Barkbox,  health nuts have NatureBox & for those cocktail lovers out there like myself- there's Julibox!

I've given a Julibox shipment as a gift a few times when I've visited friends out of town. It's a great treat prior to your arrival or as a thank you after your departure.

The packaging is very high end & it's such fun to open, that I gifted myself a 6 month subscription (that seems to be a theme for me this holiday season....that's such a great gift- I'll get one for me & one for you!) All the liquor is supplied that is needed for 2 signature cocktail recipes that very monthly & are seasonally inspired- usually you'll need to supply something like lemon, some type of fruit or sugar.

Fabulous little touches...

Recipe one which we'll sample on Christmas Eve involves some bubbles...

This one looks like a winner any night of the week or just to unwind from all of the holiday running around. Whereas some subscription boxes I've signed up for end up leaving me with things I don't use- I find myself stepping outside of the traditional vodka 'box' (couldn't help myself) that I tend to stick with. There's enough to make 2 servings of each cocktail. I think it's a great last minute gift that costs $40/single shipment or $36/shipment for a 6 or 12 month subscription. Cheers!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Mally: Celebrate Your Beauty

It's the most wonderful time of year....because it's holiday beauty gift time;)

Bam! Taaaa daaa- this kit even makes a professional make-up artist like myself squeal with glee! The lipcolors, evercolor liners & shadows are paired color wise for easily breaking up the collection into 3 separate gifts.

High Shine Liquid Lipsticks in Mally Melon (L), Petal to the Metal(C) & Mauvelous (R.)

Evercolor Eyeliners in Shimmering Black (L), Royal Plum (C) & Expresso (R.)

The individual shadow compacts are adorbs!

Palettes Romantic Brown (T), Radiant Taupe (M), & Royal Plum (B.)

Here I am sporting the Radiant Taupe shadow palette, the Mally Melon Lipcolor & Mally Volumizing Mascara from the collection. I've waxed poetic about her mascara for years- 3 of those alone is worth the price of admission. I'm also wearing her highlighter & Dream Brow(yes in Taupe & yes it's super dreamy!) Friday the 13th can't be that bad, as that's when this Todays Special Value launches & it is amazing.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Beauty Blog Coalition Winter Giveaway!

The bloggers from the Beauty Blog Coalition are at it again and want to give you the opportunity to win a little money right before the holiday season!
All terms and conditions are listed in the Rafflecopter widget below. The giveaway is open from 10 December until 21 December, internationally to all those ages 18 and up. You may tweet using the Rafflecopter option once a day until the giveaway is over for extra entries. One winner will receive a $500 prepaid Visa gift card. Two more winners will receive a $200 prepaid Visa gift card. (Both are available as a one-time PayPal transfer if the winner so chooses.)
Please take time to visit the bloggers who made this giveaway happen and good luck!

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The Luxe List: QVC Beauty Christmas Advent Calendar

So my discovery of probably the most fun holiday beauty gift this year began when I got my Goddaughters advent calenders. My thought was that selfishly they would have to think of me once a day for 25 days- I like to be on their minds, since they live out of state;) Then I saw Benefit's Countdown to Love Calender & thought why not get their mom an advent treat, too! Unfortunately it was sold out everywhere I checked.

So imagine my delight when I spotted QVC's very own Beauty Christmas Advent Calender online. Yes, it's a bit pricey at regularly $96. However, it's at an event price now of $78.96 & this sucker is huge! It's substantial in size & makes a great impression straight out of the box.

It honestly took a lot of strength not to keep it for myself. It was so tempting to sneak a peek into the numbered doors, but I quickly wrapped it. I think it's just a fun way of transfering that holiday childhood delight to us adults. My Bestie promised she would text me a pic of her beauty treat everyday so I can live vicariously through her (hint hint Santa.)

I actually think this offering is even better than Benefit's in terms of gift giving, because it features so many different brands: Bliss, Fresh, Ole Henriksen, Philosphy, Dr. Perricone, Dr. Denise, Nick Chavez, Stila, Tarte, Mally, Julep- the list goes on & on! Great for sisters, besties, daughters- I wanted to give you as much time as possible in case you wanted to grab one for gifting & send it on its way. Can you believe December is going to be here in a few days!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Lorac: Sweet Temptations

 The countdown has begun! I can't believe Christmas is tomorrow- though my house certainly reflects that fact, wrapping paper everywhere! One last gift for you last minute shoppers- you know who you are;) I first spotted this Lorac collection right before Hurricane Sandy. I thought if I'm going to be stuck inside for 48 hours due to Maryland being in a state of emergency, I'm going to have ample amounts of chocolate- both for my actual mouth & eyes!

I think this is just about the cutest thing, all of the palettes look like chocolate bars! Another great kit that you can break up into smaller gifts for sisters, nieces & coworkers. Lorac launched a few versions of this collection: the 4 piece palette set that I got from Ulta ($36), a 6 piece palette collection from Sephora ($59) & a 5 piece set I spotted on HSN.  

 The palettes are broken down into color groups: navy, bronze, plum & brown.

It makes me smile every time I use the shadows which are very user friendly & the colors are classic enough that it's great for all age groups.

Indulge in White Chocolate (top) & Tease Me Truffles (bottom) palettes.

Satisfying Toffee Crunch (top) & Tantalizing Dark Chocolate (bottom) palettes.

Here I am sporting the Tantalizing Dark Chocolate with the darkest shade used as liner. See my Beauties, now it's perfectly acceptable having chocolate for breakfast! Merry. Merry.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Holiday Gits : The Luxe List

Here are a couple of luxe gifts on my list that make my heart go pitter patter! I justify nice sunglasses the way I can justify a nice watch- it's something I wear almost every day. In fact, I can go even further in saying sunglasses are an anti-aging item, since they help prevent squinting!

So no I couldn't walk a mile in these Valentinos, but how gorgeous are they?!? Diamonds for your feet Girleens!

For the serious make-up lover, this professional kit from Make Up For Ever is swoon worthy. It's actually at steal of a deal at $330-including 28 products with a retail vale of $600.

This collection of three hardcover books is like art for your coffee table- at only $75 it's the most affordable Chanel item ever;)

Until Louboutin starts making more wedges & flats that I can actually walk in, I'll settle for gazing adoringly at his creations $150. Other 'food' for thought in terms of great gifts? Gourmet cheese & wine of the month clubs- it's a gift that keeps giving all year long!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Anastasia: Want You To Want Me Palette

Mark my words, if Anastasia of Beverly Hills keeps up with their amazing line of make-up launches, they will start to become a big player in the prestige market. I used to associate Anastasia with only brows- now I think awesome glosses & shadows. Speaking of shadows....

Check out her holiday Want You To Want Me eye offering. The packaging alone makes you feel like royalty! Nestled inside a velvet latched box, lies a 9 pan shadow palette, clear brow gel, liquid liner & dual ended brush.

The shadows consist of soft chocolately browns & regal purples. As a gift, this set looks like a million bucks, but comes in at an affordable $34.

The esthetician in me loves the fact that Anastasia's shadows offer skin care benefits with their Youthful Synergy Complex! Smoother, firmer eye area while sporting sumptuous color? Yes, please! Shades left to right, top to bottom: Platform Wedge, Front Row Center, Ziggy, Members Only, Power Ballad, Jellies, Graphic T's, Brass in Pocket & Iron On. I often use Members Only as brow powder & Iron On wet or dry for liner.  Is this palette going on your wishlist for Santa?

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Sephora VIB Sale: My Must Haves

 

 Today is the last day of the Sephora VIB Sale, Beauties. You know I'm powerless to resist my favorite beauty brands being on sale! What's in my shopping basket? Sephora's Glitz & Glam Party Collection, because I believe a little sparkle makes everyone a little happier. This kit includes Stila's beloved Kitten Eyeshadow, Nars much adored Body Glow & Lorac's Liquid Lustre in a new gold version (you can see my review of the original here) I know there will be some winners.  In fact, most of Sephora's holiday samplers have been winners this season.

 I don't even know who this will be gifted to for the holidays, but Sephora's Blinged Palette offers a great neutral shadow wardrobe at an unbeatable price of $15. It will be $12 with my coupon, so it will also make a great stocking stuffer!

 

 I use Illamasqua's Cake Liner in Mislead almost every day of my life. I have one on my vanity, one in my professional kit & a spare in my travel bag. To say I adore it would be an understatement. The fact that it says limited edition strikes fear in my heart, so I tend to stock up whenever I can.

 

  YSL's Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain has achieved cult status amongst beauty editors around the globe. I'm still trying to find an amazing stain in a nude undertone. It's like trying to find the Holy Grail as most are vibrant berry hues. I'm hoping Beige Aquarelle won't let me down.

Last but definitely not least, this YSL holiday collection is the perfect gift for a discerning gal on my list. Besides being a great value at $65, the colors & products are fool proof. The Touche Eclat retails for $40 alone & the black bag is quite chic! So what's on your must have make-up list?

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

The Lipgloss Diaries: Anastasia's Kisses On My List Vol. 2

It's the most wonder'ful' time of the year! How holiday lipgloss value sets make me swoon! Anastasia of Beverly Hills doesn't disappoint with her Kisses On My List Volume 2 Collection. This value set contains 6 Hydraful Lipglosses- 3 of those being Hypercolor Lipglosses.

Above & below - shades swatched from left to right: Moi, Maggie May, Sharona, Roxanne, Jolene & Lola.

The unique applicator resembles the oar of a paddle- which makes it easily deliver much more product than your standard sponge or doe foot applicator in one swipe.

There's something about Anastasia's Hypercolor glosses that I've never found with another gloss- how it doubles as a stain. Though the gloss wears off normally, after 5 hours & having soup for lunch- a vibrant pink stain lingered after wearing Lola. It's the best of both worlds! 

As of now it seems the Hypercolor shades tend to fall in the pink family, as these are 3 shades to the right that were swatched above. Though they look faint here, they pack a punch on the lips. I have my fingers crossed for when they create the perfect nude!  I adore these glosses & can't believe what a steal of a deal this kit is for $30! Break them up & rock out a bunch of stocking stuffers for $5 a pop.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Make-Up Must Have Monday: Make Up For Ever Black Tango

I first spotted Make Up For Ever's Black Tango Palette when I was in Italy a few weeks ago. They were sold out of it & I panicked that it wouldn't be available in the U.S.  Luckily it is. The palette includes 4 Aqua Cream shadows- which is are so creamy & delicious they easily apply as liners. Here I sport the emerald hue on my top lash line & the navy on my bottom lash line.

I was a bit apprehensive of the reddish hue- since I feel pinks & reds near the eye can make them appear bloodshot.  But the shade is a deep black plum that's very wearable.  I covered my entire lid with it while playing with Halloween looks. Make-Up For Ever is such a great brand in that they offer truly theatrical grade coverage & colors without the heavy feel. This shade reminds me a bit of my beloved go to nail color- OPI's Midnight In Moscow.  I used the white shade in the palette as a highlighter.

All of the shades sparkle like jewels on the skin.  Since the deeper shades are all blended with black- it's a great palette to step out of your comfort zone a bit from basic blacks & browns.

The compact itself is a work of art, like a Japanese paint box.  It states on the compact to close each pot tightly, which I make sure to do since I noticed the tester on display at Sephora had dried out a little.  The textures & intensity make this palette a must have. It's also a great value at $45, when individual Aqua Creams (though larger) retail for $23 each.  I say put it on your holiday wish list!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Super Stocking Stuffers & Small Gifts

I know for me it's hard to stay on budget around the holidays, especially when your gifting list grows by the minute! If you have a good amount of co-workers or clients, what do you do without breaking the bank? Homemade is always a lovely gesture, but I have realized between time spent & money on ingredients- it can be just as expensive! I often tend to stay on theme with what I do & often make a play on my mantra Peace Love Lipgloss. I have been saying it for over a decade, and it meshes well with the fact that I'm an esthetician & make-up artist. I often grab a set & break it up, like this Stila holiday lip gloss set. A cute card & one of these glosses is a perfect little gift which breaks down to only $3.12 a piece!

On the same page this Korres shower gel & body butter sampler is perfect to split up! I would put one of the shower gels together with one of the body butters with a mesh body sponge as the bow(you can find them at the dollar store.) You have a practical, yet pampering without being too girly gift for right around $5!

I heart Philosophy's packaging. Their play on words is truly one of a kind. This set gives the best of both worlds- a little bath care & lip gloss. I would garnish each set with an actual item relating to the flavor. I'd stick the bubbly items in a champagne glass(again from the dollar store), actual peppermint bark, candy canes, etc. This price would be a smidge higher, but still rather affordable at around $10 a piece. What thrifty, yet fabulous gift ideas have you come up with this holiday season beauties?

Peace. Love. Presents. M