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.

Read more »

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 above. But it's not just eye makeup! No, it's popped up in nail polish too.

Read more »

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 Lip Smacker Original & Best Trio Collection

Loyal readers already know how much I love my Bonne Bell Lip Smackers. 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.

Read more »

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.)

Read more »

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!

Read more »

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.

Read more »

First Look Fridays: The Green Celebrity 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.

Read more »

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!

Read more »

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!

Holiday Gifts: The Hair Edition

Dying for sleek, shiny tresses? Want to check out the latest and greatest flat iron, but don't want to spend the moolah? Well, what better way to do that than ask for these fab hair products for the holidays! Check out the ones you just simply can't live without. You might even see something you want to give someone else.



Bumble and bumble Creme de Coco Gift Box ($50 at bumbleandbumble.com): Want hair that's smooth, soft, silky and more manageable than you ever thought possible ... not to mention tresses that smell utterly fantastic? Then this gift set is definitely the way to go. One box contains Creme de Coco Shampoo, Creme de Coco Conditioner and Brilliantine Shine -- all so that your hair will be delightfully, delectably beautiful.

ghd Dark IV Styler ($270 at ghdhair.com): Sleek, shiny locks don't just happen (unfortunately). But with the help of this little miracle worker, yours will be red carpet worthy in no time! This limited-edition flat iron sleekens, straightens and otherwise turns hair into a glistening mass of lusciousness. And it does all that while making you feel just a wee bit dark and mysterious!

Ted Gibson Travel Essentials Kit ($38 at beauty.com): Daily Cleanse. Daily Nourish. Beautiful Hold. Hair Sheets. Yes, you can get all of the above in this fancy-schmancy kit of goodies, all of which are packaged in a pretty pink box to make you feel girly and totally fun!


Stacey Lapidus Nude Headwrap with Sequin Flower Motif ($100 at staceylapidus.com): It's all glitter and glitz with this glam headband -- one that will take you from work to cocktails to every holiday party in style. I'm totally jonesing for this one, which brings out the Blair Waldorf in all of us!

Aveda Steeped in Smoothness ($60 at aveda.com): I am a huge fan of the brand's Smooth infusion line, which really and truly delivers sleek and shiny tresses. So a boxed set of three products from the line -- Shampoo, Conditioner and my fave Style-Prep Smoother, in addition to a tube of Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser -- has me all in a tizzy!

Pureology Natural Beauties ($25.99 at sleekhair.com): Treat your hair absolutely fabulously -- especially if it needs a little help in the volume department -- with this Volume Travel Set, complete with a shampoo, conditioner and even a blowdry amplifier that will take your locks from drab to fab!

This article originally appeared on stylebakeryteen.com.

Holiday Gifts: Bath & Body Works Lambie Sleep Mask

Your best friend. Your sister. Your mom. Any and all would benefit from ... and absolutely love ... the Bath & Body Works Lambie Sleep Mask. This fabulous creation will keep anyone and everyone happy during the night.

Ultra-plush and soft, this little luxury is part of BBW's signature Lambie collection, which spans everything from sleep masks to slippers. It's amazingly comfortable to slip over your eyes at night, as the back is silk and the cord that wraps around your head doesn't pull at your hair or cut off your circulation. And aren't the eyelash fringes just too adorable for words?

At only $10 on bathandbodyworks.com, it certainly won't break the bank! This is the perfect stocking stuffer for the gal that just needs a little bit of luxury in her sleep.

Shameless Plug: Check Out My Bang Tips on I Heart Daily!

Want to know what I think about bangs for different face shapes? Then head on over to I Heart Daily, where you'll find tips from me!

Thanks to Melissa Walker -- author of the Violet series -- for the opportunity.

First Look Fridays: Manicurist Deborah Lippmann

I am honestly thrilled to bring you this week's edition of First Look Fridays, featuring celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann. Not only has she manicured everyone you can possibly imagine -- including CHER! -- but she's created an absolutely fabulous line of nail polish and treatment products that are all just unbelievable. I'm actually a huge fan of her polish color Believe, which Lippmann created for Cher -- it's the absolute perfect shade of shimmery light gold that just looks like liquid beauty on the nails. Read on to learn more about this fascinating gal!

Read more »

Trend-Filled Thursdays: Beauty and Jewelry in One

While I am a true beauty chick at heart, I can't deny the fashionista side of my personality. A little bling goes a long way in this beauty chick's arsenal ... be it a chic bracelet or fabulous cocktail ring, the right accessory can totally punch up any outfit. So I'm totally thrilled at the new trend sweeping the nation -- beauty jewelry! Tons of brands are designing everything from rings and bracelets to even keychains that have perfume, lipgloss and more inside -- like the Missoni Aqua Solid Perfume Charm Bracelet seen at left ($50 at sephora.com), which even has an adorable little turtle charm hanging from the ring-linked chain. See the best of the best after the jump.

Read more »

Lusts of the Week

As the holidays approach -- and seriously, how is it already mid December? -- I am trying more and more products to bring your way. But this week I am totally lusting after a few! Check out what I just can't live without right now.

Read more »

Wallet-Friendly Wednesdays: Special Offer on Stila Lip Glaze

I could wax on for years about how much I love Stila Lip Glaze. A few of the myriad reasons:

1) I love the clickable tube.
2) I love the brush that swipes on just the right amount of color.
3) I love the multitude of wearable shades available.
4) I love that it's not sticky or tacky.
5) I love that it lasts for hours without fading.
6) I love that my hair never gets caught on my lips when I wear it.

(Are those enough reasons for you?)

So, gals, it only stands to reason that I am psyched about this week's Wallet-Friendly Wednesdays column. Because one of my all time faves, Stila Lip Glaze, is on super mega special for a limited time only. Certain shades are being offered up for only TEN DOLLARS at stila.com. Considering they're normally $22 a pop ... seriously, how fabulous is that?

Check out the gorgeous shades that you can snap up for a mere fraction of the price:

Fig (sparkly lavender)
Peach Cobbler (sheer, shimmery peach)
Plum (glittery deep purple)
Pomegranate (glimmering bright purple)
Pon Pon Gerbera (sheer, shimmery peachy pink)

My fave is definitely Pon Pon Gerbera. It's beautiful, gorgeous and totally wearable. But at this price, I am totally stocking up on each and every one! Because, let's face it, what's better than having a different Lip Glaze for every day of the week?

You'll Win Prizes with China Glaze Prize Winning Mare!

Well, maybe you won't win any prizes. But you really should -- because Prize Winning Mare, from the China Glaze Rodeo Diva Collection, will certainly make your nails stand out. Part of the two-set collection that China Glaze put out this fall -- Flannel Fixation and Hay Ride -- this color from the latter collection is seriously stunning.

Read more »

Holiday Gifts: Rosebud Perfume Co. Lavish Layers Gift Tin

Rosebud Salve. Minted Rose Lip Balm. Strawberry Lip Balm. Want all three? Then you'd best get your hands on the Rosebud Perfume Co. Lavish Layers Gift Tin ASAP. For a limited time only, the three cult faves are available in an utterly convenient square tin.

Read more »

Must-Have Mondays: Seche Vite

I've already discussed my love for the Seche Ridge Filling Base Coat. (Click here for a little refresher course.) Well, I'm adding another product to the fabulousness of all things Seche ... and its name is Seche Vite.



Now, I've tried many a top coat in my day. And while they all claim to make nails dry quickly without any sort of smudging or streaking, there's always something that seems to go wrong. Either they leave tons of pesky little bubbles in my polish, or they don't make the polish any shinier. But this is a true miracle worker that I just can't believe I ever lived without.

Each time I swipe this across my polish, my nails dry to a glossy finish within minutes. I'm able to be up and about without any worry of screwing up my freshly polished nails literally by five minutes after I sweep it across the nail! Not only that, it keeps my polish from chipping for up to 10 days. Yes, 10! Isn't that unbelievable?

But best of all, it is seriously cheap. A bottle will only set you back $4.25 at 8ty8beauty.com. Have you ever heard of anything more glorious?

Absolutely Superb: Kiehl's Superbly Restorative Body Lotion

I never really know how to feel about cult beauty products. Should I like them? Should I think they're as amazing as everyone else seems to? Will I feel like I'm selling out if I decide they're amazing? For this reason, I tend to shy away from using them at all -- because I feel like I'll just be jumping on the bandwagon if I say I like them. All that changed when I got my hands on a bottle of Kiehl's Superbly Restorative Body Lotion.

Read more »

Beautiful Belles: Audrey Hepburn

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!

That classic sophistication. Those red lips. That trademark bun. Those gorgeous high cheekbones. These words more than aptly describe the one and only Audrey Hepburn. Born May 4 in Belgium to an English banker and a Dutch baroness, Hepburn has become an icon around the world for her incomparable elegance. Who among us has not wanted to stand in front of Tiffany's wearing oversized sunglasses and an LBD looking absolutely and utterly perfect?

Read more »

First Look Fridays: Nancy of Beauty411

I am pleased to bring you this week's edition of First Look Fridays, featuring the lovely Nancy of Beauty411. Nancy is one of my fave beauty bloggers -- she has a zest for life and she's just one of the nicest, sweetest people I've met! Plus she has an innate knowledge of skincare and is just a fabulous writer. Read on to discover more about the amazing Nancy of Beauty411!

Read more »

Trend-Filled Thursdays: Gold Products

Whenever I'm feeling blue, or just when I want to add a little more sparkle to my look, I go for the gold. Gold products, that is! And you know what? I'm not alone! Brands like Chanel and Smashbox have created collections specifically around the gloriously royal hue. And what's better for the holidays than a little glisten under the mistletoe? Read on to find the products that will really have you glittering in golden glory.

Read more »

Lusts of the Week

Happy hump day, fellow beauty chicks! I am totally not happy about the dropping temperatures ... I'm just in denial over the fact that winter is upon us. I know it's December, but come on -- I still want to wear my new Juicy Couture plaid wool peacoat! Ah well ... I guess I'll have time for it next year. In any case, my skin has become quite ravaged by the falling temps -- which means it's time to break out the big guns in terms of products that will soften it back up ASAP! Here are the ones that have been doing the job admirably.

Read more »

Wallet-Friendly Wednesdays: Sweet Grass Farm Liquid Soap

I'm always on the lookout for new hand soaps to try. Softsoap just really doesn't seem to cut it in my book! And while Jaqua tends to make my soaps of choice (click here for my account on how fabulous they are), I am definitely aware that there are other amazing versions out there. So when I came across Sweet Grass Farm Liquid Soap, I simply had to give it a try.

And you know what? I am so, so glad I did. This stuff is seriously fabulous for so many reasons! Not only does it smell absolutely amazing (my fave scent is definitely Lavender), but it moisturizes and conditions my parched and winter-ravaged skin to the point of utter unbelievableness.

Formulated with natural glycerin and tons of vitamins, it really does work to keep skin soft and smooth. Sweet Grass Farm even claims it can be used as a body wash or shampoo! And while I've so far only tried it as a soap, I can definitely see how this could be true.

If Lavender isn't really your scent of choice, you can also try the following:

Fresh White Lilac
Lemon Verbena

Each scent is utterly refreshing and fragrant. And with the onset of winter, it's nice to have some summerness in the bathroom!

Sweet Grass Farm Liquid Soap retails for $8.95 at sweetgrassonline.com.

Holiday Gifts: Bumble and bumble Bb. Bandball

As a kid, there was nothing I found more fascinating than rubber band balls. (Well, maybe the Rubix Cube came a close second. How DO you solve that thing?) But I digress. I was completely and utterly fascinated by the fact that a bunch of seemingly uninteresting rubber bands could come together to form a ball of such substance. So when I came across the Bb. Bandball from Bumble and bumble, I knew it would be just perfect for Holiday Gifts.

Read more »

Two-For Tuesdays: Marc Jacobs Daisy Gift Set

Marc Jacobs Daisy, oh how I love thee. Let me count the ways.

1) You smell utterly and unbelievably fantastic.

2) You are housed in one of the cutest bottles I've ever seen.

3) You last for hours and you never become too close or cloying.

4) You keep coming up with new and interesting ways to draw me in, like with this new Gift Set.

Get the picture?

No matter how you slice it, Marc Jacobs Daisy is one of my true faves. And this Gift Set is definitely one of the most fab things I've seen in quite some time. And why, might you ask? Because not only does it include a 1.7oz Eau de Toilette Spray, but a Solid Perfume Ring comes along for the ride.

The fragrance itself is delightfully warm. Fruity notes of strawberry and ruby red grapefruit combine with floral notes of violet leaves, gardenia, violet and jasmine petals, topped off with rich notes of musk, vanilla and white woods. What this results in is a deep, intensely lovely scent that stays on the skin for hours yet never makes you feel like it's too close or strong.

Best of all, this set retails for $60 on sephora.com. Totally a bargain in the eyes of this daisy lover!