holiday 2014: give the gift of Origins

committed to the environment and all those who populate it, Origins creates fabulous, natural products so many already enjoy using {including me}. for the holiday season, they've created an assortment of fabulous gift sets! naturally {no pun intended}, i think you should consider gifting them to the gorgeous people in your life...

one standout to me is this luscious Ginger Pleasures Set featuring a Ginger fragrance, candle, bubble bath and body soufflé. who wouldn't want to unwrap this lovely set?! of course, there are many sets that can be gifted to everyone on your list, from that special guy, your bff, neighbor or hostess of your annual holiday soiree.

 Origins has further decreased the use of paper and cartons in all holiday packaging and specifically designed the bath and body sets so you can create personalized home cards, hangtags or re-giftable packaging; you'll also love that for every holiday ornament sold {$12; filled with samples of skincare goodies}, Origins will plant a tree {love that!}.

visit origins.com for more info. if you're able, pay a visit to your local Origins counter in person. you'll find their special holiday helpers are prepared to guide you in discovering the perfect gifts, and while you're there, you can treat yourself with a free mini facial and complimentary wrapping!

happy shopping!

holiday 2014: fragrant gift ideas

if you're looking to gift your loved one with scent this holiday season, consider these individual fragrances and sets featuring scents i happen to love {and know already have many fans}. of course, remember: fragrance is personal, so don't forget to include a gift receipt. :)

Guilty by Gucci 3 Pc. Gift Set for women features the daring, oriental floral fragrance that combines notes of mandarin, pink pepper, lilac and amber for an edge of sexiness and sensuality. set includes eau de toilette, body lotion and portable fragrance spray.

La Vie Est Belle by Lancôme is made with the most precious natural ingredients, boasting a modern interpretation of an oriental fragrance. a perfect choice for cooler temps, elegant iris with the strength of patchouli and the sweetness of gourmand blend together, creating a gorgeously feminine fragrance.

Lancôme's most beautifully classic scent {and one of the first "grownup" scents i ever bought for myself when i was in my early 20s}, Trésor, is for a woman who understands that time is precious and each moment is meant to be treasured. elegant rose and lilac notes will make her feel as radiant and precious as this fragrance is.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Gift Set features the very popular, sophisticated, whimsical scent; always elegant, always enchanting ~ but not too serious ~ Daisy is a sparkling floral bouquet, spirited and fresh, wrapped in comfort and warmth. the set comes with a black keepsake box, which is covered in sleek fabric and encloses a mirror in the lid.

Clinique A Little Happiness gift set is a fabulous option when you have multiples gifts to give but or on a budget, or as one fabulous gift for the happiest gal in your life. includes bright floral Clinique Happy, rich floral Happy Heart, limited-edition Happy In Bloom, Wealth of Flowers, and Clinique Hint of Citrus perfume sprays. 

for the on-trend young woman, Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy Nail Duo Kit includes two chic, classic, on-the-go, travel-friendly sized fragrances {Viva la Juicy Eau de Parfum and Viva la Juicy Gold Couture Eau de Parfum}, plus a travel nail set {a nail color duo and statement nail decals} in a pink and gold envelope-style cosmetics bag.

Killer Queen by Katy Perry includes an eau de parfum spray, a purse-friendly rollerball and body lotion in the fun, daring floral fragrance. notes include plum, red velvet flower, jasmine sambac and rainbow plumeria.

these are just a few suggestions, beauties! what scents would you recommend for gift-giving?

images and info courtesy of pr for featured brands

holiday 2014 {beauty}: Laura Mercier Colour Collection

the holiday season is on its way, beauties! have you seen the Laura Mercier Colour Collection? this gorgeous collection of makeup that should be considered for all the beauty lovers in your life.

let's take a look, shall we?

Into the Wild Look Book Collection {pictured above} features ultra-sheer, blendable products, this set of palettes have been inspired by Laura's work with celebrity clients, who wanted a universal compact that would "wake up" their skin and give them an immediate healthy glow. from bronzer, to cheek color, to glow, it’s easy to customize your look. contains three palettes:

*Safari Chic Palette includes 5 eye colors {Buttercream, LE Goldspun, LE Bronze Glow, Cognac, Bamboo}, 1 Face Highlighter {LE Coral Shimmer}, 1 Mini Longwear Crème Eye Pencil {Espresso}
*Jungle Chic Palette includes 5 eye colors {LE Vanilla, LE Granite, LE Asphalt, LE Brocade. LE Black Envy}, 1 Tightline Cake Eye Liner {Black Ebony}, 1 Mini Kohl Eye Pencil {Black Gold}, 1 Travel Flat Eye Liner Brush
*Tribal Chic Palette boasts 6 eye colors {LE Gold Leaf, African Violet, LE Ambre, LE Royal Pink, LE Sugarplum}, 2 Second Skin Cheek Colors {Orange Blossom, Pink Lotus}

the Luxe Travel Brush Collection {pictured above} contains 8 brushes you'll need to aid in flawless makeup application {Cheek Colour Brush, Secret Camouflage Brush, Pony Tail Brush, Crème Eye Colour Brush, Eye Crease Brush, Smudge Brush, Flat Eye Liner Brush, Angled Eye Liner Brush}. the full-sized heads have travel-friendly handle lengths and are housed in a chic, multi-purpose case.

Lip Transformer Trio {pictured above} features a color-coordinated trio of lip essentials, one for creating a perfect, pretty-in-pink look {Pink Spark} or Laura's signature red lip {Ruby Spark}. the Pink Spark set contains Mini Lip Pencil in Potpourri, Mini Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Creme Coral, LE Full Size Lip Glacé in Pink Spark; Ruby Spark set includes Mini Lip Pencil in Ruby, Mini Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Red Amour, LE Full Size Lip Glacé in Ruby Spark.

5 mini lip glacés in Pink Pop, Wildflower, Tulip, Bare Pink, and Angelic make up the Mini Glacè Collection.

Mini Caviar Stick Eye Colour Collection has 6 shades {Rosegold, Amethyst, Moonlight, Copper, Khaki, Cocoa} to shadow, highlight, line and define eyes for every occasion.

Portable Colour Palette for eyes, cheeks & lips includes 3 eye shadows {Vanilla Nuts, Baroque, LE Cedar}; 1 Tightline Cake Eye Liner {in LE Ground Espresso}; 2 Second Skin Cheek Colors {Lush Nectarine and Barely Pink}; 1 Lip Glacé in LE Rosebud

what stands out to you from this collection? i'm wishing for it all under my tree {so what's new, LOL!} you can find the Laura Mercier holiday Colour Collection now on counter and online at lauramercier.com

info and images courtesy of PR for Laura Mercier

sale alert: 50% off butter LONDON!

how exciting is this, dolls??!!
beginning tomorrow morning, january 16, 2014, all butter LONDON last order items will be on sale at 50% off through january 23rd, 2014!!!

The Big Tidy-Up Event is clearing out butter LONDON’s closets to make room for exciting 2014 launches, so this is the perfect time to snag your favorite gift sets, limited-edition products and lacquers!
shop at butterlondon.com

you're welcome…

happy shopping! :)

holiday gift idea: gift sets from Le Couvent Des Minimes

the days left to shop for gifts are becoming less and less…are you ready? do you have all of your shopping done? i just picked up the "major" gifts for my kids today, and other than some stocking stuffers {i always wait until the last minute for those}, i'm done…

but i digress...

when it comes to gift giving, fragrance is a personal preference and can be a risky choice. one truly should only give scented gifts when the gift giver {you} knows that your recipient will enjoy it {not to mention it will save that awkward moment of "oh…wow…thanks…"}…

with that said, i will now proceed to share some scented gift sets!

these sets from Le Couvent des Minimes, a brand that boasts gorgeous, simple products inspired by the long tradition of plant-based care and well-being used at the convent of Mane in the south of france look fabulous, and should be considered...i mean, why not?

take a look...

Energizing Verbena Trio: an energizing offering of products that combine invigorating verbena with refreshing lemon for a formula that pays tribute to the ardent work of the inhabitants who brought the convent of mane to life. the set includes Gardener's Hand Healer Cream, Energizing Shower Gel in Verbena & Lemon Fragrance, plus Verbena & Lemon Revitalizing Body Lotion.


Eau des Minimes Trio {pictured at top}: features an original recipe combining three refreshing citrus fruits and seven beneficial plants the Botanical Cologne of the Minims invigorates and leaves a refreshing fragrance. this set includes Eau des Minimes Fragrance, Eau des Minimes Soap Bar and luxurious Eau des Minimes Shower Gel.

Soap Quartet: these pure, vegetable based soaps are suited for all skin types and gently cleanse without drying; the scent is described as graceful and chic. includes an Eau des Missions Vanilla Fragrance Soap Bar {vanilla, benzoin, and virginia cedar}; an Eau Amiable Fragrance Soap Bar bursting with sweet orange blossom essence; and two Eau Des Minimes Fragranced Soap Bars featuring the brand’s revitalizing blend of lemon, blood orange and grapefruit.

Rose Skincare Trio: give the gift of 4 Roses to indulge, moisturize, boost radiance, and preserve a youthful complexion. this elegant gift set includes Gentle Cleansing Milk to delicately purify skin, 3-in-1 Micellar Water, a multi-purpose cleanser, toner, and make-up remover, plus the Complete Moisturizing Cream to intensely hydrate and leave a hint of fresh rose scent.

Gardener’s Hand Healer Trio: these rich hand care recipes restore overworked hands to their softest, healthiest state, whether you tend a garden or navigating modern life. with a traditional blend of reparative botanicals, this repairing kit includes the ultra nourishing Gardener’s Hand Healer Cream, a travel sized Gardener’s Hand Cream to take on the go, and the gentle Exfoliating Cleanser to prep hands for receiving added moisture.

Hand Cream Trio: an essential gift set that includes the brand's most well loved hand creams! honey and shea butter-infused Nourishing Hand Cream, Lavender and Acacia Extract Soothing Night Hand Cream, and the award-winning, best-selling Gardener's Hand Healer with shea butter and 7 beneficial plants.


are these sets heavenly or what? i would love to receive any of them… {hint, hint..wink, wink…}

:)

all winking aside i have to say, if you're a fan of L'Occitane, chances are you'll fall in love with Le Couvent Des Minimes ~ it's definitely a fabulous brand. so, if you aren't already familiar with them, visit their website,  for more info and to order some gifts!

holiday 2013 gift ideas from shu uemura, blowpro, butter London and more!

in need of more beautylicious gifts ideas? take a look at the following products and sets from some very fabulous brands, sure to make any product-loving girl happy this holiday…


shu uemura:
6 Heart Princess collection by Takashi Murami includes beautiful palettes, lip glosses, polishes and everything in between you need to sparkle this holiday season.  i can't get over how girly and fun this collection looks! definitely in my beauty wheelhouse.

blowpro:
their spray, textstyle, is a lightweight, dry texture spray with a breakthrough formula that creates instant, big texture; my daughter and i have used it ourselves! it adds shine, leaves hair touchable and looking more refreshed ~ the mini size would be a fabulous stocking stuffer or secret santa gift!

Pacifica:
i love this brand, and they create some of the best, most gorgeously scented products; now available at everyone's fave store for practically everything {Target}, the "it’s a beautiful life” holiday kits also have something for everyone! choose from the delicious Quench Lip Trio {i received this to try out and love all the flavors: Blood Orange, Sugared Fig and Cocnut Nectar}, Natural Body Trio or the Natural Skincare Collection.

Desert Essence:
give the gift of more beautiful teeth! the brand new, all-natural Dental Care line offers 6 flavors and  was created to freshen breath as well as brighten that smile without harming the environment. and if your giftee loves minty holiday scents, the peppermint soap bar would be a fabulous gift or stocking stuffer {trust me when i say, it smells amazing!}.

Biotherm:
keep skin deliciously smooth and fabulously fresh ~ a fabulous treat in the winter! you may just consider buying the much-loved Lait Corporel body milk for yourself… :)

IT Cosmetics:
i dare you to pass up the QVC-exclusive 6-pc Limited Edition Heavenly Luxe Vanity Brush Set!  made from 100 percent ultra plush, cruelty-free bristles, the chic and innovative, travel-friendly set promises to give an airbrushed finish for your skin and keep you organized, even on the go! includes uber-soft Heavenly Luxe Travel Multi-Powder Brush,  Heavenly Luxe Travel Flat Foundation Brush, Heavenly Luxe Travel Flat Concealer Brush, No-Tug Travel Crease Brush, No-Tug Travel Allover Eye Shadow Brush and No-Tug Eyeliner and Brow Brush with Spooly, all in a sleek snap shut case.


butter London:
released the gorgeous Illusionists Lacquer Collection ~ perfect for the holiday season, the Illusionists Lacquer Collection delivers glamour and chic lacquers and overcoats with a bold and unique clash of texture and opulent hues. classic lacquers Come To Bed Red and Union Jack Black are paired with a new lacquer, Bramble, and three new overcoats, Petrol, Stardust, and Stratford Honey, to add glitter textures and shimmering shades to your nails.

another fab collection to consider is the Glam Rock 6-Piece Set; it offers small, fashionable, take-them-anywhere sizes to keep those tips looking fab. create your own bespoke looks with five cult classics {All Hail the Queen, Pillar Box Red, Slapper, Trout Pout, West End Wonderland} and one new shade, Buckie.



anything on this list catch your eye? what's on your holiday wish list?

gift sets from Votre Vu for holiday 2013

for the holiday season, Votre Vu has some amazing gift sets to consider. any of them will bring a smile to the face of its recipient ~ the best gift to get back, i think, when giving gift to some you love!

Holiday Rollaway:

ever appropriate and always appreciated, this gift of alluring aromas will land you a spot on her nice list. includes two new organic french parfums, the romantic and floral Sacré Coeur and energetic and citrusy Festival. 

Embrace Moi

give the gift of silky, smooth skin! Embrace Moi, Vu’s aromatic, french-crafted skin care trio promises to do this, and add a bit of style by including a chic, snuggly circle scarf to compliment her fashion-loving self. this team of hydrating products includes Amour D’Ore Petite Multi-Vitamin Oil, a vitamin-infused dry oil, a buttery-rich body creme {Tarte D’Amande Almond Pie Body Soufflé}, and lavish Bébé Duette Original Luxe Lips and Hand Crème treatment.

Snow Bunny:

for schussing pretty down the slopes, the Snow Bunny set is the perfect mix for the snow bunny. Vu’s multi-tasking, melt-proof Vu-On Rouge antioxidant-rich color for lips, lids, and cheeks makes the perfect and portable beauty tool to create an alpine glow while a few simple swipes of Eiffel Power mascara and a frosty Lip Lustre will complete her high-altitude allure.

Oh Come Let Us Adorn Yeux:

to make her holidays bright and shiny, gift this set of shimmering shadows {Palette Play Eye Shadow Single Palette in Champagne Gold and Palette Play Eye Shadow Single Palette in Heirloom Silver, both limited edition} and professional brushes {Shadow and Define dual sided},

all trimmed with a glistening, vintage-inspired Pearl and Crystal Cluster Kilt Pin.

which set would you ask for? these would all make fabulous gifts in my opinion! visit votrevu.com for more info or to order.

info and images courtesy of Votre Vu

holiday 2013: gift ideas from mark.

happy november, beauties! have you started your holiday shopping yet? mark. has some gorgeous gift offerings that you can buy and stock away now!

these goodies are glamorous, multi-functional and affordable; enjoy this look at the mark. holiday 2013 collection, but a word of warning: don't be surprised if you want many of these everything for yourself...

:)

 Angled Kabuki Face Brush ~ super versatile brush perfect for loose powder, bronzer and blush for sheer to full coverage.

Fab Five Pressed Powder Eye Shadow Compact ~ Live Richly is a palette with five pigmented, pearlized shadows in a variety of blendable and easy to apply colors.

Gift of Gab Lip Gloss & Phone Case ~ this iPhone case has a removable wrist strap, will hold  up to three credit cards, cash, your iPhone and a Glow Baby Glow lip gloss!

Earn Your Metal Liquid Eyeliner ~ with its wand-style applicator, you'll be able to give your eyes the perfect pop of color; the easy-to-apply, stays-put-all-day formula includes shades Electric Blue and Copper Flash {pictured}.

Nailed It Trend Nail ~ these mini bottles house a fabulous, high gloss nail polish that stands up quite well under normal wear; duos include Tinseltown and Snowberry, Gleam Scene and Tuxedo {pictured}.

Light Show Illuminating Face Powder ~ pearlized powder formula that adds a warm glow to face, illuminates skin, hint of color and lasts for hours.

On the Dot Lip Color Compact ~ 9 sheer and glossy lip gloss shades the provide sheer coverage in a lightweight and non-sticky formula that makes lips feel soft.

Mini Juice Gems Gift Set ~ these gorgeous tinted liquid glosses provide conditioning with shimmery, transparent color for lips not to mention a yummy fruity-scent; available in Pomegranate, Fig, Raspberry and Honeydew {my fave!}.

Showcase Color & Clutch To Go ~ includes pressed powder, eye shadow; the blush lasts for hours and a variety of lip glosses boast sheer to medium coverage.

Rock This Nail File ~ gold and silver colored faux stones on one side and file sheet on the other; it's just as glamorous to use as it is to look at!

Super Color Box Total Face Palette ~ pressed powder eye shadow and blush in a variety of shades with sheer lip gloss shades and brushes for application.

Bath & Body Trio ~ set of Three’s a Charm 3-in-1 Body Cleanser, Hit Scent Solid Fragrance Pencil and Whipped Up Body Butter; scents offered Coconut Treat, Vanilla Cream, Lemon Sugar

Get Some Scents ~ this solid fragrance pencil gift set collection would be perfect as a stocking stuffer or secret santa gift! includes scents Very Sassy, Jewel Shine, Celebrate, and Jewel.

Cosmetics Bags ~ these chic small and medium makeup bags come in a snake print design and are available in Wild About Beauty and Wildly Organized

Toolin' Around Mini Brush Kit ~ this gift set includes a face brush as well as a variety of eye shadow and liner brushes perfect for travel and even everyday use.


see anything you like or think you know someone who'd love to receive any of these as a gift this holiday? visit meetmark.com for more info and to order. happy shopping...

collage images at top courtesy of mark.; all other pics taken by me and those products featured were sent to me for review consideration. all opinions my own. :)

holiday gift idea: Jurlique products for the natural beauty lover

the major holiday shopping season is in full swing, so, like many, you're in search of the perfect gifts. for the natural beauty in your life, may i suggest considering product sets from Jurlique? each product is full of gorgeous botanicals and herbs, rich in antioxidants and will be such a treat for your recipient!

give the gift of gorgeous hands! the Hand Care Essentials set features 4 hand creams in best-selling Rose, Lavender, Citrus and Jasmine scents; for ultra soft hands this season, these luxurious creams instantly moisturize skin with safflower and macadamia oils.

Herbal Recovery Essentials set comes complete with the Herbal Recovery Gel, Herbal Recovery Night Cream and Herbal Recovery Eye Cream; the powerful blend of ingredients revitalize skin, boost cellular recovery and prevent environmental damage that accelerate skin ageing.

the products in the Purely Bright Essentials set {Purely Bright Radiance Serum, Purely Bright Day Moisturizer and Purely Bright Mist} are clinically proven to target skin discoloration and uneven skintone, leaving skin with a more radiant appearance in about a month thanks due in part to kakadu plum, the world's richest source of vitamin C.

the Hand Picked Rose Collection will spoil hands and lips with rich, luxurious hydration. this fabulous duo of bestselling Rose Hand Cream and versatile Love Balm {an ideal multitasker for treating dry skin, head to toe} is loaded with plant extracts to soften and deeply hydrate skin.


what will you choose for the natural beauty-lover in you life? head to jurlique.com for more info on these sets {as well as additional gift sets} or just to explore the full range of products!

happy shopping...

last-minute holiday gift ideas...

as you may know, i love gift sets. they can be given as a way to introduce your recipient to a line of products they might not be familiar with, or feature their fave products. they can also be divided up among several different people, making them more cost-effective {always a good thing for the wallet, right?}

the fabulous LORAC Bejeweled Gloss set is a fabulous gift idea for your gloss-loving pal. it would also be splendid to gift one lippie paired with something you know she'll also love {movie tickets, itunes card, that book she has been dying to read}, then wrap it up with gorgeous ribbon or box {be creative!} and watch her face light up with delight over the gift and your thoughtfulness...so fun!



Stila Holiday Dream in Full Color Palette offers endless awe-inspiring color combinations. with 29 shadows, 7 cheek colors, the best-selling Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Stingray, this palette perfect for the gal who has much to do and places to be seen. a step-by-step 16-page artistry lookbook is included to show you how to apply each eye shadow shade to create numerous looks for everything from a day of running errands or grabbing lunch with friends, to a night out on the town or special occasion soiree.



Fresh Brown Sugar Affair combines luxury and nourishing products to pamper for a gorgeous at-home spa experience. the original Brown Sugar Body Polish and Brown Sugar Body Cream are included and will guarantee an end result of radiant, soft, hydrated skin; to give lips a pampering experience anytime, you'll also find Sugar Passion Tinted Lip Treatment spf 15 {love!}, a universal, buildable-shade of red looks stunning on all lips.



for the nail polish fanatic, any of the shades from Dr's Remedy Jolly & Joy nail polish collection would be fabulous. this unique collection of shades includes Revive ruby red, Serene silver glitter, Resolution red glitter, Essential emerald and Passion purple; all are gorgeous, perfect for this season and seasons to come.

holiday gift idea: Borghese Gardens Tuscan Candle Set

if you're still considering gift ideas, candles always make a most lovely gift in my opinion. they create calm, serene feelings and really, who doesn't love a good candle? this Borghese Gardens Tuscan Candle Set includes three beautiful scented candles:

Lavender {so soothing, yet refreshing}...
Tuscan Herbs {earthy and rich}, and...
Clementine {vibrant and energizing}

all three candles are inspired by the lush italian countryside, perfect for anyone on your gift-giving list; they're handmade with only the purest plant aromas, essential oils and natural beeswax, which creates a warmer glow and a longer burn.

visit borghese.com for more info, and find them at your local bloomingdale's or lord & taylor department store! :)

product sent to me by brand pr

mark holiday 2011 beauty collection

hello beauties and happy december! as if you didn't already know, it's time to start shopping for holiday gifts! while most of my shopping is almost done {i have my fabulous, non-procrastinating hubby to thank for that}, i still have gorgeous finds to share.

these beautiful, wallet-friendly goodies from mark will definitely bring delight to your favorite beauty-loving recipient. the holiday collection is glitzy, glam and feature products that are perfect for gifting alone, stuffing stockings or for yourself, to take along while traveling.

take a look...

Showcase Color & Clutch To Go is not only a great grouping of shadows, all-over face powder, blushes and glosses, but the inserts can be removed, transforming it into a clutch.


Earn Your Metal Liquid Shimmer Eyeliner in Silverado or Liquid Gold {pictured} is oh-so-fab! the long-lasting wear formula is an easy way to dress up eyes, even for day!


Glitz & Gloss Mini Purse & Go features a shimmering change purse with attached key chain that connects to any one of four best-selling glow baby glow and glow baby glow luxe lip gloss shades (lotus luxe, girly girl, sweet talk and sun luxe).


Bling On The Brushes Mini Brush Kit is purse-friendly and perfect for the gal on the go...


On The Dot Neutral Eye Color Compact features gorgeous must-have shadows in metallic, shimmering neutrals and Main Squeeze Lip Gloss{Cherry Squeeze, Papaya Squeeze {pictured} and Honey Squeeze} will keep lips feeling nourished and looking gorgeously glossed.


Nailed It Trend Mini Lacquers set includes a shimmery berry, called Sure Fire, and Meltdown, a metallic taupe, that are perfect for giving your tips a bold mani for all your holiday events.

the collection also includes sensational smelling products: Instant Vacation Fragrance Trio Collection {Original, Costa Rica, Ibiza Sol}, Body Luxe Pear Blossom Get Misty Body Mist, Body Luxe Pear Blossom Three’s A Charm 3-in-1 Cleanser and Body Luxe Pear Blossom Whipped Up Body Butter


for more info, to see the rest of the collection {which includes handbags, accessories, fragrance, bath & body and more makeup!} or to order products, visit meetmark.com

products featured sent to me by PR of the brand; pics taken by me :)