wallet-friendly last minute holiday gift ideas...

we're in the final shopping days before the christmas holiday and you may {still} be in need of gift ideas. the following products are not only affordable, but are easily accessible, so you can get them now...seriously.

take a look….

 Limited-Edition Pro-X by Olay Red Advanced Cleansing System

this lightweight, handheld device features a two-speed rotating brush that delivers daily deep cleansing and gentle exfoliation. the kit also includes Pro-X by Olay Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser {a fragrance-free, lathering micro bead formula}, designed to purify and renew your skin's texture for refreshed, smooth skin, and one replaceable brush head attachment. mass and drugstores nationwide.

be Delectable from Cake Beauty 4-pc. Assorted Hand Cream Gift Set
indulge hard-working hands with a well-deserved treat. packed full of goodness, these be Delectable hand creams are enriched with shea butter, coconut oil and aloe vera to smooth and rejuvenate hands. 4-piece set includes: 2.0-oz. coconut & cream, 2.0-oz. vanilla & cream, 2.0-oz. strawberry & cream & 2.0-oz. lemon & cream hand creams. available at Kohl's 

Sonia Kashuk Limited Edition "Lavish Luxe" 10 pc Brush Set
this beautiful set not only features high-quality tools to create most any makeup look, but they're simply beautiful! i've been using and am a huge fan of SK's brushes {and makeup…and nail polish…and travel bags}, so i can say with confidence that this is a fantastic gift! includes domed powder brush, pointed foundation brush, fan brush, pointed blending brush, small eye shadow brush, angled crease brush, concealer brush, brow brush, synthetic pointed eye liner brush and lash/brow groomer. available at Target

e.l.f. Everyday Nail Cube
for the nail polish lover in your life, this set features 14 nail polish colors in rich jewel tones, brights, neutrals and glitter top coats perfect to create trendy manicures! and for $10, your wallet will also be thankful. available at Target.

Bath and Body Works Signature Collection and Candles
you can't go wrong giving someone a B&BW gift! from moisturizing body washes to ultra-conditioning butters, there are so many scents available, you're sure to make your giftee quite happy. and if you're not sure if they'll like the bath products, candles are quite likely to be just as well received. 

check your local Bath & Body Works store for extended holiday hours and order online by monday december 23rd to receive your gifts in time for christmas! 



if you know his or her favorite scent, check your local drugstore {CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid}. believe it or not, many popular luxury fragrances are sold there. you may also discover they have some great beauty sets!

other sure-to-please gifts: scarves, bracelets and vases. these seem to always be well received and are can be purchased last minute. in addition to Target and Kohl's, i recommend TJ Maxx {always fabulous!}, and of course shop your local boutiques for even more unique finds…

happy shopping!!

my fall 2013 beauty and style haul!

over the past several weeks, i've been collecting some new goodies…

wanna see??

oh, just fyi, i created the collages kind of randomly {and not everything is pictured}, but i know you'll get the idea…

take a look…

first, i have to blame thank Emily {she's fabulous!} for my current Wet n Wild product obsession. and she may have also had some influence on some all of the e.l.f {blush/bronzer duos, lashes, brushes} purchases i've recently made….

most everything from wet n wild is fabulous, so pigmented and they apply gorgeously! 

i've collected all of the blush/bronzer contouring powders from e.l.f. as well as some of their lashes, makeup brushes {their $1 eye shadow and crease brushes from the Essential line and the Complexion and Small Stippling brushes from the Studio line}; also added to my makeup collection: a couple of wet n wild palettes, blushes and liners…

sweet, cozy scents are essential this time of year. so, of course, the fact that i've bought some new candles should be no surprise. i'm sure you've already made at least one purchase from Bath and Body Works yourself! in addition to pocketbac hand sanitizers {must-haves when on-the-go and/or you have kids}, i chose the candle flavors Leaves, Marshmallow Fireside, Frosted Cranberry and Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin. other candles i've purchased {a great wallet-friendly option, but just as happy-making and fabulous} came from Glade  {Apple Cinnamon Cheer, Fall Hayride, Sweet Holiday Treat and Ginger Bread Jingle} they're small, but big on yummy fragrance, and shouldn't be passed up if you see them!

other lovely fall beauty purchases:

e.l.f eyelid primer {i'm testing it out to compare to higher-priced primers; look out for that review soon!}; Cover Girl's classic Super Thick mascara {fab for volume that's not too over-the-top}; Maybelline nail polish in Impeccable Greys, a great deep gray shade; Chi and Rusk hair treatment minis i bought from Cosmoprof;

OPI polishes: Every Month is Oktoberfest {from last fall's Germany collection}; Miami Beet, a gorgeous beet-purple that was released way back in 2009 and i somehow never bought until now. and from Mariah Carey's holiday 2013 collection: All Sparkly and Gold, self-explanatory, and Warm Me Up, a shimmery brown-grey, i also bought these at Cosmoprof.

two pretty holders for the candles from Bath & Body Works, above, and two from Target that i decided to use as containers for other things ~ you can see one with some makeup brushes in the pic, below...

also hauled hair treats...nail polishes...lashes…accessories…you know, just the usual…

i have to blame YouTube beauty videos again for my lash purchase, ha! but really, it's been so long since i've used them. i'm so looking forward to throwing them into the mix and dressing up my look this season! the Sally Hansen nail polishes {pictured top right} came as a set found at Target. and i'm so late to the party, but i just started using Jordana Best Lash Extreme mascara…have you tried it?? it's fab! i can't wait to try more products from the brand.

love my little owl earrings and this ceramic Sweet Dove container, both from Forever 21…

in the style category, i've bought a couple of scarves, more than a few pair of earrings, some rings and necklaces; a hat…

these skinny jeans {love the zipper at the back of the ankle!} and flowy top from Target…

 
two Mossimo jackets {discovered on the 50% clearance rack ~ yay! ~ from Target}...

 a couple of casual tops from H&M...

 as well as other pieces from various shops. i'll have to share those on another post...

this isn't too much, is it?? in my defense, it wasn't all one big purchase. it started in september…maybe august…

and finally, i just have to share, this tea called Matcha Maker from Good Earth. i already love their Sweet and Spicy teas, so i was incredibly happy to find it! it's an amazing, sweet blend of green and matcha teas infused with orange, ginger and other warm, citrusy goodness…so yummy!

:)

tell me: what have you hauled for yourself this fall…so far?
please share in the comments ~ i'd love to know!!

all items shown were purchased by me; pics taken by me :)

spring decor ideas with Bath & Body Works + Matthew Robbins

spring is such a fabulous time of year! the weather is warming up, flowers are blooming, and the color palette becomes brighter and more cheerful. and i'm not just referring to beauty products and fashion, but also for your home. simple touches can really go a long way... 

celebrity event designer, Matthew Robbins, has come up with some fun spring décor ideas, providing a few tips and tricks using Bath & Body Works' White Barn Candles and accessories. from setting a table for a semi-formal brunch, casual get togethers with friends, or just decorating around your home, i think you'll be inspired...

Matthew says: "the Bath & Body Works White Barn collection is filled with so many versatile candles and accessories. what i love most about the collection is how easily the various pieces come together in an eclectic but cohesive group of decorative accessories. the accessories are easy to mix and match and they provide many options for customizing with your own decorating ideas."

the Pineapple 3-Wick Luminary, Pineapple Ceramic Mini Candle holder and Lace Pewter Mini Candle Sleeve are "wonderful decorative pieces that can be used as great centerpieces."

fill the Ceramic Birdhouse Mini Candle Holders with orchid plants "for a truly unique party favor or decorative centerpiece."

Matthew adds, "filling the Daisy Flower Candle Sleeve and Birds & Flowers Pewter Candle Sleeve with bread sticks and savory crackers make a great addition to a garden lunch or backyard barbecue."

great ideas, right? i love White Barn Candles! if you've ever set foot in a BB&W store, you've experienced how fabulously irresistible they are. from amazing scents to the fact that they're high quality and wallet-friendly, adding a few new ones with complementary accessory pieces shouldn't be difficult to do...though i understand it could be ~ how can you choose just a few when everything is fabulous?! ;)

discover more at bathandbodyworks.com

info and images provided by featured brand's PR.

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

Laura Mercier Holiday 2011

Laura Mercier's holiday 2011 collection is gorgeous!

really, could we expect anything less?

take a look at these fabulous gems, perfect to gift to any special makeup-loving gal on your holiday list....


Mini Lip Glace Set includes posh and portable shades in Rose {red pink}, Blush {medium rose brown}, After Hours {soft peachy-pink shimmer}, Sparkling {nude beige shimmer} and Quartz {rich sienna with a hint of red}...fabulous for any occasion.

The Luxe Colour Portfolio {first pic, at top} is packaged oh-so-beautifully in a faux snakeskin organizer and features a collection of 12 new, exclusive and top-selling eye color shades, plus 3 mini professional brushes. a great options for home or travel.

bath & body candles are available in Tarte au Citron, Creme Brulee and Warm Roasted Chestnut {pictured ~ smells beyond delicious!} and would make a splendid hostess gift!

other goodies in the collection include a Travel Brush Set {4 double-ended brushes + full size finishing brush}, Kohl Eye Pencil Set, bath & body duo sets {in Creme Brulee or Tarte au Citron scents} and trio sets {includes a Souffle Body Creme, exfoliating scrub and soothing honey bath in scents of Almond Coconut Milk, Creme Brulee, and Fresh Fig}; other palettes include a Book of Nudes {featuring 8 classically neutral eye shades, 1 universal-flattering black-brown Tightline Cake Eye Liner and 3 sun-kissed Creme Veil shades for face and cheeks}, Luxe Eye Portfolio {12 eye colors, plus 3 brushes}, and Petite Eye Colour Trio {available in Smoky Neutrals, Smoky Mauves or Smoky Taupes}.

Laura Mercier holiday 2011 is available now on counter at nordstrom, sephora and saks -- visit lauramercier.com for more info.

happy shopping!

pics taken by me :)

Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Midnight Pomegranate Candle

candles are so relaxing to me, and scented candles are fabulous for making any room smell amazing at the same time. i recently bought one from Bath & Body Works' Signature Collection in one of my favorite scents (i also own it in the hand cream, hand sanitizer and body butter), Midnight Pomegranate, and i can't get enough of it!

with a blend of pomegranate, patchouli, blackberry and vanilla, Midnight Pomegranate is a blend of enticing fruit and spice with a hint of playfulness. this scent (in any form) works anytime of day, and of course, candles are great year round. :)

visit bathandbodyworks.com for more info.

xo

what i'm loving now: Soy Candles by Y-Y

candles are a must have, and i love to burn them often, so i was so excited to try these new ones from Y-Y.

what a great brand!

Y-Y soy wax candles are 100% natural, with cotton wicks and all aromas are blended with essential oils. these also give off a fragrant scent that is not over-powering and burn for up to 50 hours.

available in 5 "element" scents:

Water (calm)- rose, jasmine, sandalwood

Metal (enlighten)- lime, lemongrass, vetiver

Wood (sensual)- labdanum, patchouli, sandalwood

Fire (energize)- peppermint, spearmint, thyme

Earth (balance)- lavender, ylang ylang, patchouli

i have been burning Water at night and Metal in the morning, and i have to say, i am loving them!

Y-Y is a small company based out of virginia and was started as a way to offer a natural, good-for-you product line that includes not only candles, but hair care, skin care, hand and foot treatments as well as body and spa products.


visit order-yy.com for more information about these soy candles and the entire Y-Y brand. and just because my readers are so fabulous, if you decide to order, you can type the word musings in the coupon field during checkout, and get $1 shipping until september 15th!


xo