Beauty Giveaway: Murad Evening Renewal Regimen

Time for another giveaway here at The Beauty of Life! This time I'm giving away a four-step regimen by Murad that's sure to make your skin glow brighter than the sunniest day. One lucky winner will receive the Evening Renewal Regimen, which has a retail value of $56 and contains four amazing products:

Renewing Cleansing Cream
Age-Diffusing Serum
Age-Balancing Night Cream
Hydrating Toner

Entering is easy. Simply enter your name and email address in the box below. The winner will be selected on Friday, January 2 and notified by email. It's that simple!



This giveaway is open to US residents only. Giveaway runs until Thursday, January 1 at 11:55pm EST. One entry per person, email address and IP address. Multiple entries will be disqualified.

Editor's note: The entry box should be up and running again. Please give the page time for it to load -- and remember there is only one entry per IP address, so you may not be able to see the box if you have already entered. Thank you again for your patience and good luck!

Beauty Questions: What's Your Favorite Nail Polish Trend of 2008?

2008 has seen tons of big nail polish trends hitting the runway and the red carpet. Models and celebs have rocked everything from bright orange nail polish (think Rihanna) to black and purple (like Gwyneth Paltrow and Lauren Conrad). What's your favorite nail polish trend of 2008? Click your fave in the poll below, or let me know in the comments!

poll by twiigs.com

Beauty Questions: What's Your Favorite Hair Trend of 2008?

2008 has seen tons of big hair trends hitting the runway and the red carpet. Models and celebs have rocked everything from side braids to huge hair. What's your favorite hair trend of 2008? Click your fave in the poll below, or let me know in the comments!

poll by twiigs.com

First Look Fridays: Nicky Kinnaird of Space NK

Chances are you've heard of the fabulousness that is Space NK. But just in case you're not aware of this outpost that's taken over the beauty world ... you can find brands like By Terry, Laura Mercier, NARS and so much more at this modern version of an old-time apothecary. Not to mention the house line, which has myriad lovely scents that are available in candles, body washes and lotions. And the mastermind behind it all? Beauty genius Nicky Kinnaird. Born in Belfast, she graduated from Reading University as a Chartered Surveyor and moved to London to begin her career in property investment. Soon enough, her passion for shopping led to her working as a consultant for the retail industry -- and in 1993, she opened her first Space NK location in Covent Garden. Read on to discover even more about the fabulous Nicky Kinnaird.



How did you first become interested in beauty, and what led you to opening up Space NK?
Always curious and with a distinct passion for discovering innovation, I opened my first Space NK shop during a time when there was a true sense of dissatisfaction in terms of retail offerings. I didn't see why beauty should be separate from fashion -- if a consumer was interested in seeing the latest trends off the catwalk, they should have simultaneous access to the latest haircare and color cosmetics. Until this point, beauty products were primarily available at department stores or High Street drugstores in the UK and I didn't find any one brand in the market that satisfied all of my needs. I thought that by creating a space where the best brands and products from innovators and experts were available was an obvious solution -- a place where you found a sales team comprised of highly trained makeup artists and skincare specialists capable of providing unbiased advice, specifically customized to the individual.

When did you open Space NK, and how did it grow from an idea to reality?
We opened the first shop in 1993 and it was a blend of fashion accessories, clothing, design objects, a juice bar and a beauty apothecary. The beauty retail space soon grew from 250 square feet to 1500 square feet within 3 years. Out of 300+ brands of fashion, beauty and design objects that I carried, I saw the most potential in the apothecary area and decided to focus my future efforts here.

What are some of the highlights in your career?
1) Launching the original Space NK apothecary in the Covent Garden area of London in April 1993.

2) Working with my friend and talented perfumer Chris Sheldrake on our signature fragrance -- Space NK Laughter -- that launched in September 1999.

3) Opening our first US flagship boutique in NYC on Greene Street in June 2007.

4) Launching our shop-in-shops at select Bloomingdale's stores in October and November 2008.

What is your daily beauty and skincare regimen?
AM Regimen:
Tracie Martyn Purifying Cleanser
Kate Somerville Total Vitamin Anti-oxidant Face Serum and Deep Tissue Repair Cream
Zelens Triple Action Intensive Eye Cream
By Terry Baume de Rose
NIA 24 Sun Damage Prevention SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen
Vincent Longo Tinted Moisturizer
By Terry Touche Veloutee
Sonia Kashuk cream blush
NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Madrague -- using the darker shade to fill in brows and used wet as an eyeliner
Space NK Eyelash Curler
By Terry Silky Conditioning Mascara in Black
Lipstick Queen Oxymoron in Honest Politician

PM/Evening Regimen:
Eve Lom Cleanser
Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Serum
Zelens Triple Action Intensive Eye Cream
By Terry Baume de Rose

What are the products and brands you simply can't live without?
Eve Lom Cleanser
Space NK Laughter Eau de Toilette
Philip Kingsley Elasticizer
By Terry Baume de Rose
Zelens Triple Action Intensive Eye Cream
Sarah Chapman Overnight Facial
Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum
NIA 24 Sun Damage Prevention SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen
Kate Somerville Total Vitamin Anti-oxidant Face Serum, Quench Hydrating Serum and Deep Tissue Repair Cream

What are your top 3 makeup tips?
1) Less is more. Emphasize or "play up" only one feature on your face at a time, such as a dark smoky eye or high-pigment lip.

2) Take time to find your perfect base. Remember that you will need a variation of shades and textures according to your location and season.

3) Brush quality matters. Buy the best quality brushes that you can afford. Also, make sure that a makeup artist shows you how to use each brush to get the most from your investment.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
When we recommend a new regimen to a customer and that person becomes a repeat customer ... it is then that I know that we did our job right.

Playing with beauty products must be fun -- but what do you do for fun in your spare time?
I love a good tennis match and have a keen interest in the art and design world.

Check out spacenk.com to discover even more about the brand and find a store near you.

Beauty Questions: What's Your Favorite Lip Trend of 2008?

2008 has seen tons of big lip trends hitting the runway and the red carpet. Models and celebs have rocked everything from peach lipgloss to stained red pouts. What's your favorite lip trend of 2008? Click your fave in the poll below, or let me know in the comments!

poll by twiigs.com

Trend-Filled Thursdays: Pewter-Colored Products

The smoky eye continues to flourish on the runways, on the red carpet and in real life. And what better way to accomplish it than with pewter eye makeup? This color is showing up in everything from liners to shadows, like the gorgeous Dior 1-Couleur Powder Mono Eyeshadow in Silver Dust ($24.50 at sephora.com) at left. But it's not just eye makeup! No, it's popped up in nail polish too.

Check out the best of the best after the jump.



Sephora Brand Colorful Duo Eyeshadow in No. 8 ($16 at sephora.com): This duo rocks not only because of the gorgeous dark grey shade held within a lacquered black compact, but because it's paired with a paler shade of grey that's perfect for highlighting your browbones.

Tarte Lock & Roll Creaseless Eyeshadow Duo in Slate and Gunmetal ($17 each at tartecosmetics.com): These duos contain both cream and powder formulas to really make your eyeshadow last all day. Go for Gunmetal during the day, and punch up your nighttime look with Slate. Just don't forget your primer to lock in the color!

Essie Steel-Ing The Scene Nail Polish ($8 at essieshop.com): Worried about pairing your silver nails with gold jewelry? Well, never fear -- this polish contains some gold flecks that make it okay to wear with anything! Be sure to keep your nails short so the color doesn't overpower your hands.

ck Calvin Klein Tempting Glance Intense Eyeshadow in 110 Smokey Grey ($16 at sephora.com): The great thing about this shadow is that it's incredibly blendable. Use just a light sweep across the lid for a subtle wash of color, or go with a heavier hand for added drama.

M.A.C Paint Pot in Blackground ($16.50 at maccosmetics.com): I've gotta admit, I was a bit scared to try this one -- it looks quite formidable in the tub. But IT IS AMAZING. It's thick but not goopy, so you can use it either as a liner or shadow over the entire lid (I like to use it as the latter). And trust me, you'll get compliments every single time you wear it!

Zoya Professional Lacquer in Freja ($6 at zoya.com): I have talked about this color ad nauseum. And I must say that I really, really like it! There's an intense amount of shimmer packed into the small bottle that just makes nails look unbelievable ... not to mention it lasts for over a week with minimal chipping!

Givenchy Prisme Again! Eyeshadow Quartet in Precious Shimmer ($49.50 at sephora.com): Shimmer? Oh yeah, this palette's got it in spades. The deep charcoalish pewter is paired with a light shimmery grey and two coordinating lavender and cream shades that really work to make your eyes stand out in a crowd.

Beautiful Belles: Rita Hayworth

A series focusing on beautiful women throughout history with important contributions to the arts and entertainment industry and charity -- and a fabulous sense of beauty, inside and out!

Does it GET more divine than Rita Hayworth? The icon of the 1940s was famous for her perfectly flowing hair, perfectly red lips, perfectly curvy figure ... are you sensing a pattern here?

Read more »

Wallet-Friendly Wednesdays: Bonne Bell Strawberry LipSmacker Original & Best Trio Collection

Loyal readers already know how much I love my Bonne Bell LipSmackers. I just can't get enough! They're in every single room of my apartment, not to mention scattered throughout every purse and all over my desk at work. A day doesn't go by without my slicking at least three different flavors over my lips.

But my fave flavor of the moment? Strawberry. It's sweet, juicy and succulent -- exactly like a real strawberry would taste! And since I'm a big fan of the color red, I just love whipping the tube out of my purse.

So of course when I came across the Strawberry Lip Smacker Original & Best Trio Collection, it simply had to be mine. Because not only does it include my fave -- the LipSmacker, of course! -- but it's got a Liquid LipSmacker and a Squeezy LipSmacker to boot!

Now, I've gotta tell ya ... the Squeezy LipSmacker is really fun to use. You simply squeeze a bit of product out of the tube, coat your lips with it, and voila! Your pout will be so super soft and moisturized, you'll be shocked. And the Liquid LipSmacker just rolls on so neatly and easily, you won't be able to stop playing with it!

Best of all, this trio is only $5.75 at colorandflavorshop.com. Is there anything better than three strawberry-flavored products under $10? I think not!

Two-For Tuesdays: Urban Decay Sustainable Shadow Box

Ten eyeshadows, complete with shadow brush, reside within a totally gorgeous palette from Urban Decay. The Sustainable Shadow Box might just be one of my new favorite things. But you know what makes it even better? The fact that it doesn't stand alone. No, this palette comes complete with its own miniature UDPP! (That's Urban Decay Primer Potion for anyone who hasn't been fortunate enough to hear about it ad nauseum from this beauty chick.)



Now, just a quick word about the amazingness of UDPP. THIS PRODUCT IS UNBELIEVABLE. It will seriously keep your shadow in place for the entire day, and if you happen to -- gasp! -- not wash your makeup off before going to bed, you'll be shocked to discover not an ounce of product left on your pillow the next day. It even works with cream shadow -- no creasing, no smudging, no moving whatsoever. And this one is in a conveniently tiny travel size that fits into even the smallest clutch. We're talking smaller than a lipstick case! And since you only need a tiny dab on each lid, it will actually last for quite some time. Not to mention that the annoyingness of the regular size getting tons of product stuck in the inconveniently shaped tube doesn't happen with this baby.

Now on to the palette. The case itself is utterly gorgeous. A modular wooden entryway, emblazoned with a beautiful floral and butterfly motif, swings open to reveal 10 of the prettiest, sparkliest shadows I've seen in quite some time. They're arranged in two rows of five that are actually meant to work as duos -- though I am definitely a fan of the mix and match. You'll be able to play with the following shades:

YDK (shimmery taupeish gold)
Midnight Cowboy Rides Again (sparkly yellow gold)
Flipside (richly pigmented teal)
Flash (matte violet)
Grifter (glittering lavender)
Oil Slick (twinkling charcoalish black)
Uzi (glimmering whitish silver)
Kiddie Pool (glistening pale blue)
Twice Baked (sparkle-tinged chocolate)
Half Baked (glimmery yellowish brown)

Can you believe all the choices that abound here? My faves are definitely Midnight Cowboy Rides Again, which is super shimmery yet still totally office-appropriate; Uzi, which packs so much sparkle I can't wait to rock it on New Years Eve; and Kiddie Pool, which is the most original light blue shadow I've ever come across.

All this can be yours for $36 at sephora.com. It's definitely enough to "sustain" you for quite some time.

Must-Have Mondays: Clean Warm Cotton Eau de Parfum Spray

The scent of fresh laundry? It's always been somewhat intoxicating to me. Every time I walk by a laundromat, I just have to draw in a deep breath and enjoy the loveliness that wafts out. And since I discovered CLEAN Warm Cotton Eau de Parfum Spray, I have to say I feel as though I've died and gone to heaven!

As soon as you open the bottle and spritz just a tiny bit, you'll smell the exact scent of fresh laundry. It's impossible to feel worried or upset when this aroma surrounds you -- it just exudes cleanliness and utter relaxation.

A sincerely interesting blend of notes comes together to really create a crisp, easy scent. Fruity citrus, watery green pear and orange flower combine with verbena, musk, fougere and amber. And accents of marine essences really top it all off and just give it a little something special.

When all is said and done, this is definitely a fragrance I want near me in a pinch. Life is just better with the scent of fresh laundry and warm cotton surrounding me!

CLEAN Warm Cotton Eau de Parfum Spray retails for $69 at sephora.com.

Beauty Giveaway: Lancome Juicy Tubes Holiday Gift Set

Have you finished your holiday shopping? Well, whether you're looking for that last perfect gift or just want to give yourself something special, the Lancome Juicy Tubes Holiday Gift Set totally fits the bill. And one lucky winner will receive the set absolutely free! Valued at $39.50, this set includes eight Juicy Tubes in the following utterly gorgeous shades:

Juicy Tubes Smoothie -- Spring Fling
Juicy Tubes Jelly -- Grand Café Crème Brulee
Juicy Tubes Smoothie -- Simmer
Juicy Tubes Smoothie -- Fifth Avenue Frosting
Juicy Tubes Smoothie -- Ginger Palace
Juicy Tubes Smoothie -- Maharani Jewels
Juicy Tubes Smoothie -- Pink Horizon
Juicy Tubes Smoothie -- Sun Bronze

Entering is easy. Simply enter your name and email address in the box below, and check back on Friday, December 26 to see if you've won. It's that simple!

This giveaway is open to US residents only. Giveaway runs until Thursday, December 25 at 11:55pm EST. One entry per person, email address and IP address. Multiple entries will be disqualified.

Holiday Gifts: The Lipgloss Edition

Can't decide on a single lipgloss to gift your bestie? Well, now you don't have to ... because tons of fabulous gift sets have popped up just in time for the holidays! You'll not only want to give these to others ... you'll so want to gift yourself a few too.



NARS Lip Gloss Collection ($45 at narscosmetics.com): Five of the brand's bestsellers, including Striptease, Bloodwork, Harlow, Triple X and -- of course -- Orgasm, are guaranteed to make your pout pucker with the best of 'em ... while keeping each and every one of your color whims happy.

Stila Lip Glaze Stick Set ($25 at stilacosmetics.com): I totally heart Stila Lip Glaze Sticks -- because they've got the same great colors and lasting power of the normal Lip Glaze, but it's in a conditioning and moisturizing formula that just slicks on ever so neatly. So how could I not go for this set of five gorgeous shades?

Tarte Purse Your Lips Limited-Edition Super Fruit Lipgloss Clutch ($39 at tartecosmetics.com): Nine lipglosses -- yes, nine! -- are packed into a super-glam gold-flecked purple clutch that you could so take to your next holiday party. The only problem is deciding which shade you want to wear every day!

Fusion Beauty Be Kissed Lip Plumper Gift Set ($49 at blissworld.com): Not only does this set contain a clear gloss that just plumps up your lips and makes them look really gorgeous and natural ... it's got five sheer peaches and reds that will totally make you feel just like Angelina Jolie.

Dianne Brill Lip Lingerie Panties in a Bunch ($47 at beautyhabit.com): Have your bon-bons and eat them too ... or wear them in this case, as each individually wrapped bon-bon contains a truly gorgeous, shimmery gloss that will really make your pout pucker.

Benefit Peace, Love & Glossiness Lip Gloss Set ($26 at benefitcosmetics.com): Three double-ended glosses in six unbelievably fabulous shades totally have me panting. I'm happy to bring some peace and love to the world as long as I have this set waiting for me under the tree.

ck Calvin Klein Delicious Pout Flavored Lip Gloss Mini Collection ($25 at sephora.com): Cupid. Sparkle. Dew Drop. Atomic. Silverado. Such fab names, n'est ce pas? I just can't get enough of the five glosses in this set, which all sparkle and shimmer to no end -- and taste delish, to boot!

Chanel Mini Glossimer Trio ($50 at nordstrom.com): Glossimer might just be one of my favorite products in the entire world. It slicks on effortlessly, leaving only shine, glimmer and glitter in its wake. And the fact that three of them now come in an adorable little pouch? Too good to be true!

This article originally appeared on stylebakeryteen.com.

First Look Fridays: Manicurist Jenna Hipp

Jessica Simpson. Nicole Richie. Hayden Panettiere. Just a few of the many celebrities whose nails have been manicured by the fabulous Jenna Hipp. Her manicures have been seen on everything from America's Next Top Model to the pages of magazines like Seventeen and Harper's Bazaar. And interestingly enough, she's a green manicurist -- which means she's sure to use earth-friendly products like the line SpaRitual on each and every hand and nail. And she's an impressive 26 years old -- which means she's accomplished quite a bit in her few years! Read on to discover more about the fabulous Jenna Hipp.



Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
This career most definitely chose me. Prior to the nail industry, I owned a photo rep agency in Los Angeles called Hipp Artist Management. I was an agent for a select group of fashion, beauty and celebrity photographers. Prior to that, I was modeling and doing makeup. I'm still young -- only 26 -- but I sure have had a lot of different jobs in my life! I love doing nails, though, and I'm not going anywhere for awhile!

Have you worked with any manicurists that inspired you? What did they teach you?
There are a few celeb manicurists that I have recently collaborated with on different jobs. Kimmie Keys showed me that being creative is always fun. Naja Rickette taught me how to execute new ideas (she owns Extremedys2012, a great nail salon in West Hollywood). Debbie Levitt showed me that you can look beautiful and classy while doing it all! We're a tight little group here in Hollywood and we really encourage and support each other.

How did you become affiliated with Orly and their SpaRitual line, and how has this affected the work you do?
Actually, I experienced formaldehyde poisoning last year from working with a popular brand of nail polish, believe it or not. While working on the third day of a long job, I leaned over to paint a nail when my nose started bleeding everywhere! It was the first symptom of many, however.

I immediately started researching alternative lacquer brands that would maintain the same quality while meeting the high expectations of my celebrity clientele. Soon after, I discovered that Orly had revamped their entire polish line and that SpaRitual even went a step further by being vegan. Essentially, I labeled myself The Green Celebrity Manicurist, called up Orly and SpaRitual and asked them if they would be interested in sending me products to try out. These two companies blew me away! My clients rave about them, and I have been passionate about both ever since.

Without the support of Orly and SpaRitual, I would not have been able to build my green reputation to what it has become. I owe a lot to them, I really do.

What are some of the moments that have stood out as highlights in your career?
Writing this interview! I mean, seriously, I never thought I would be the expert behind writing the tips, tricks and trends for the beauty world. Just the fact that someone is interested in asking me all of these questions is really so surreal. So much fun, though ... I have to admit!

What are the polishes and brands you simply can't live without?
1) Of course Orly and SpaRitual! They carry the products that my clients have come to love and expect such as SpaRitual Instinctual Moisturizing Lotion -- it's infused with Indonesian Ginger and wildcrafted lemongrass! -- as well as Orly Bonder Base Coat and Sec N Dry Top Coat.

2) My little secret weapon on photo shoots is actually a tinted moisturizer makeup by Kiss My Face. It comes from minerals, contains no dyes, and is perfect for smoothing out discolorations. I know it was primarily made for the face, but it sure does work wonders on backs of hands, too! I keep all six colors in my nail kit so everyone's skin tones can be properly matched.

What are your top 3 nail tips?
1) Since I just divulged one of my favorite tips in the answer above with my tinted moisturizer trick, the #1 most important thing to remember is cuticle oil! Purchase at least three at a time and keep in your purse, car and beside your bed ... and use it! A strict regimen will reward you with healthy cuticles, strong nails and eliminate breaking and splitting.

2) Only push back cuticles if your hands are pruned, such as after a bath or washing dishes. This will help avoid those painful hangnails.

3) Make sure to carefully apply the base and top coats -- no matter what! -- and wait at least one minute in between layers. Keep a lookout for a new trend called lacquer layering. Customize your own nail color by painting nails two different shades. Try Orly Country Club Khaki topped with Orly Tennis Anyone?. It's a chic, modern neutral that will pleasantly surprise you!

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
Because the everyday woman uses on average 242 topical products weekly, I take a lot of pride in knowing that I provide my clients with products that are versatile formulations and specifically designed for holistic and streamlined manicures and pedicures. On the other hand, nothing really beats seeing my work on the cover of a magazine at the grocery store checkout line!

Check out jennahipp.com for even more information about Jenna Hipp.

*Photo credit: Jordon Nuttall.

Holiday Gifts: La Mer The Signature Travel Collection

The Eye Concentrate. The Lifting Face Serum. And, of course, Creme de la Mer. All part of The Signature Travel Collection from coveted skincare brand La Mer, rolling out this holiday season in airports only. What does this mean? Why, when you're traveling to your holiday destinations next week, you can pick up a set, of course!

The luxurious threesome is packaged ever so gorgeously in the brand's signature green box. It unfolds to reveal each of the three products, nestled neatly so as not to disturb the creams inside. My favorite is definitely The Eye Concentrate (click here for my full review), which comes here complete with the silver-tipped applicator. My roommate's fave product, on the other hand, is the ever-popular Creme de la Mer, which he swears makes his skin look years younger each and every time he slathers himself with it. But honestly, each of the three just screams "take me now!"

Now, even though you're getting three full-sized products here, this is an indulgence not for the faint of heart -- the set retails for $240. But whether you're gifting someone special or just treating yourself, you have to admit it's an indulgence worth every penny.

Lusts of the Week

Ahh, I love the holidays. Tons of guiltless eating, appropriate daytime sequins and lots of parties. It's a wonder I've found the time to lust after new products ... but somehow I have! Check out what I'm totally loving this week.

Read more »

Trend-Filled Thursdays: Holiday Gifts $25 and Under

Admit it -- the economy is kicking your perky little behind. It's hard enough to find the money to spend on milk, let alone beauty products. (Though this beauty chick would definitely forego the milk in order to purchase another shimmery peach lipgloss.) And shopping for another human being right now? When every penny counts, how is that even doable? Well, luckily, there is a veritable plethora of gift options under $25 -- all of which are super cute and bound to grant reactions of the utmost pleasure and gratitude. See my favorites after the jump.



Shu Uemura 24K Gold Eyelash Curler ($24 at sephora.com): It's limited edition, it's plated with real gold and it curls lashes like no other. Plus it comes in the prettiest red box. What's not to love?


ck Calvin Klein Splendid Glam Mini Nail Enamel Collection ($25 at sephora.com): Four polishes in some of the most gorgeous colors I've seen all year are nestled in a convenient little case. My fave is Twilight Spell, natch -- anything to make me feel a little closer to Robert Pattinson!

Too Faced Mirror Mirror Set ($21 at ulta.com): Who's the fairest of them all? You are, of course ... especially with this foursome of lippies, which keep your lips glossed and polished for hours on end!


Smashbox Best of Smashbox Kit ($19 at smashbox.com): This set not only has a retail value of $42, but contains three of the brand's bestsellers! Check out trial sizes of Bionic Mascara, Fusion Soft Lights and Lip Enhancing Gloss. Sure to entice the beauty chick in all of us!

Philosophy The Recipe Box ($18 at philosophy.com): Red Velvet Cake. Strawberry Shortcake. Sweet Creamy Frosting. Not only does this box come packed with all three of these scents in the brand's famous 3-in-1s, but it even includes recipe cards so you can test out the three recipes and write out your own!

Gianna Rose Atelier Three Monkeys ($21 at giannarose.com): The adorableness of Hear No Evil, See No Evil and Speak No Evil now comes in three miniature soaps! I'm betting you'll want to keep this one all for yourself.


M.A.C Little Darlings Softsparkle Eye Pencils ($22.13 at maccosmetics.com): Your eyes will glisten, glitter and gleam like never before when you swipe them with any of the five pencils in this gorgeous set. The deep brown Chocolight is my fave, though the other four will definitely do your eyes justice.

Wallet-Friendly Wednesdays: Bath & Body Works Holiday Traditions Deep Cleansing Soap with Snowman Bottle

Longest name in the world aside, this might just be one of the most adorable soaps I've ever seen. Bath & Body Works Holiday Traditions Deep Cleansing Soap with Snowman Bottle is just so perfect for the holiday season, it might as well just walk its way into my bathroom and stay there.

Seriously, how cute is this little snowman? His top hat doubles as the soap dispenser, while his round body is accented with little black buttons and contains soap in the sweet Vanilla Bean Noel scent. (More about that in a moment.) He even gets to wear adorable red mittens! He just looks so happy to be giving out pump after pump of soap, it would be a shame not to let him do his job during the holiday season.

The soap itself is a delectable scent of vanilla, formulated with caramel and cream to make it heady, deep and deliciously rich. And it makes skin unbelievably soft, what with its infusion of Vitamins B and E to moisturize and nourish. Better still, it contains cleansing beads that not only smooth rough patches but just feel, well, cool.

And the best part? He doesn't melt.

Available for $10 at bathandbodyworks.com.

Two-For Tuesdays: Origins Beyond the Fringe

I've already succumbed to the amazingness of eyeshadow primer. (Click here for the proof.) But mascara primer? I've never seen the point ... until coming across the Origins Beyond the Fringe duo, that is. Because not only does this duo contain a tube of Fringe Benefits Lash-Loving Mascara, but a tube of Underwear for Lashes as well.

And what is this mythical Underwear for Lashes, you may ask? None other than the most fabulous product I've come across since I don't know when! The unassuming tube looks just like a tube of mascara -- but it goes on with a whitish tinge and coats the lashes with a primer that actually lengthens and separates them better than just applying a couple coats of mascara!

Not only that, but the Fringe Benefits mascara is pretty darned great. It curls, it defines, it lengthens ... not to mention it makes my dark brown lashes just look sincerely dark and gorgeous! I also like that it's not super thick, so you can wear one coat for daytime and then add a coat or two before you go out for cocktails.

At the end of the day, this is definitely a duo to stash in your purse. You'll be surprised at how long your mascara holds up without flaking, clumping or smudging. And at $21 on origins.com, how can you go wrong?

Holiday Gifts: The Fragrance Edition

Want to find the most fabulous fragrance gifts around? Your nose will most certainly be clambering after these. You'll not only want to give these to others -- you'll so want to gift yourself a bit too.



Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Refillable Purse Spray Set ($50 at sephora.com):
The sweet and sexy fragrance -- infused with notes of honeysuckle, jasmine, amber, caramel and vanilla -- takes on a new twist in a set of three purse sprays and a refillable atomizer. You'll be good to go for months -- and best of all, the atomizer will look beautiful when you pull it out of your clutch!

Clean Rollerball Fragrance Set ($48 at cleanperfume.com): Shower Fresh. Ultimate. Warm Cotton. One smells better than the next in this set of three rollerball fragrances -- though my fave is definitely Warm Cotton, which smells exactly like fresh laundry.

Vera Wang Look Eau de Parfum ($70-$90 at bloomingdales.com): The bottle is modern and refreshingly uncluttered. The scent is fresh and clean, thanks to notes like lychee, golden apple and watery greens. It looks fabulous displayed on a vanity and it smells unbelievable on the skin. What's not to love?

Philosophy Grace Amazing Grace Layering Collection ($55 at philosophy.com): My fave scent from Philosophy now comes in three fab products -- their signature 3-in-1, a fragranced shimmer lotion and a bottle of perfume, natch. And it's all packaged in such a pretty box that it would be a shame not to keep this one for yourself!

Harajuku Lovers Solid Coffret ($60 at sephora.com): Love. Lil' Angel. Music. Baby. Gwen herself. Is it any shock that these little solid fragrances are the absolute cutest things this side of Gwen's stage? Each is sweet and sassy, reflecting the Harajuku girl it represents. And you've gotta admit, they're pretty darned adorable!

Stella McCartney Stella Holiday Gift Set ($87 at nordstrom.com): One of my all-time fave fragrances has now become a unique giftable for the holidays. The heady perfume finds its way into a scrub and body lotion, as well as the aforementioned fragrance, to create a gift set that makes me all tingly with delight.

Sula Roll-On Perfume Collection ($36 at ulta.com): Perfect for satisfying each and every fragrance craving, the six scents in this rollerball set include the sweet Vanilla Blossom, zesty Sun-Kissed Citrus, heady Blackberry Blush, succulent Champagne Sugar, intriguing Butterfly Kiss and hearty Stiletto Musk.

Jo Malone Tasting Kit ($110 at jomalone.com): One of the brand's most-loved fragrances -- Pomegranate Noir -- is held within a beautiful leather box along with tiny bottles of three of its best notes, Raspberry, Casablanca Lily and Guaiacwood. The end result is a fun experiment in combining fragrances that helps you make this one all your own.

This article originally appeared on stylebakeryteen.com.

Must-Have Mondays: Philosophy The Gingerbread House

Did you ever create a gingerbread house as a kid? I remember having to find all the components in fourth grade, from graham crackers to marshmallows, that would really make mine stand out in the classroom. (It was a school assignment that we were actually graded on, can you believe it?) The idea of the gingerbread house has always intrigued and excited me, so when I came across Philosophy's The Gingerbread House, I just knew it had to be mine.

Why? Because not only does the actual packaging really convey a gingerbread house -- come on, it's an actual house that opens up! -- but inside are four delectably scented 3-in-1s (high-foaming shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath) in the scents that actually make up the house! Check out what's waiting for you inside:

Spicy Gumdrop
Gingerbread
Sweet Creamy Frosting
Cinnamon Hot Dots

Each of these four scents is unbelievable. I really do want all of them lined up in my shower so I can mix it up every day! Gingerbread and Sweet Creamy Frosting are both utterly scrumptious and mouthwatering, while Spicy Gumdrop and Cinnamon Hot Dots are tangy and zesty. And Philosophy just continues its trend of creating scents that just smell exactly right and real.

At only $30 on philosophy.com, this is definitely a house in anyone's price range!