Beauty Giveaway: Korres Gift Sets

I have very exciting news today, fellow beauty chicks. I'm giving away two different Korres gift sets to not one but two lucky readers! Each winner will receive one gift set. You'll win one of either of the following:

Korres Plum Colour Collection ($29.50 value): A collection of three Korres products in the delectable Plum flavor. This collection includes Plum Lip Butter, Plum Cherry Lip Gloss and Plum Sunflower and Evening Primrose Shimmering Eyeshadow.

Korres Triple Treats Showergel Trio Collection ($12 value): A collection of three shower gels in intoxicatingly delightful scents, including Jasmine, Guava and the brand-new Japanese Rose.

Entering is easy. Simply enter your name and email address in the box below. The two winners will be selected on Sunday, December 6 and notified by email. It's that simple!



This giveaway is open to US residents only. Giveaway runs until Saturday, December 5 at midnight. One entry per person, email address and IP address. Multiple entries will be disqualified.

Beauty Question: Which Discontinued Beauty Product Do You Wish Would Come Back?

Don't you hate when your favorite beauty product is discontinued all of a sudden? I can't tell you how much it hurts my heart when that happens. My all-time favorite hair product, Frederic Fekkai Straight Away, was discontinued a few years ago and it's been eating away at me ever since. Luckily, I had one tube that I used very sparingly -- but, lo and behold, it finally ran out today. Sadness! So my beauty question of the day is this: Which discontinued beauty product do you wish would come back? Let me know in the comments!

Beauty Question: What Beauty Products Are You Thankful For?

As Thanksgiving approaches, it leads me to think about the beauty products I’ve been thankful for this year. In no particular order, they include:

SK-II Signs Eye Cream: Singlehandedly banished by wrinkles and dark circles, causing me to look a good five or six years younger. THANK YOU.

Orlane Paris Absolute Radiance Lightbox: Perfect for those days where my parched, dehydrated skin is in need of a little something extra.

Diptyque Violette Scented Candle: The best indulgence I’ve ever made. My apartment smells delicious ALL THE TIME.

M.A.C Volcanic Ash Exfoliator: This tube of black grainy goodness has transformed my skin. No dryness ANYWHERE.

La Mer The Mist: Perfect for a little afternoon refreshment.

Bliss Change Your Spots: Anything that makes my pimples disappear overnight is fine in my book!

What beauty products are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? Let me know in the comments!

Shower Indulgence: Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Shower Gel

You know those days when you just need a little something special in the morning? Well, I've found a new indulgence for the shower that simply cannot be paralleled. Every time I open my bottle of Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Shower Gel, I feel instantly revived and ready to take on the day.

This scent is an interesting combination of zest and spice. Notes of lime and mandarin combine with peppery basil and white thyme, weaving together to create a luxuriously rich and fragrant aroma. It lingers upon the skin without feeling heavy or cloying. And the lather? It bubbles and froths like no other.

Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Shower Gel is $25 for 100ml and $50 for 250ml at jomalone.com.

Creature Comfort: Clinique Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream

It's rare for me to find a moisturizer that doesn't make my hands feel slick and slippery. Too many of them claim to sink into the skin immediately but leave behind a greasy sheen -- not so great when I need to use my hands for typing all day! Not so with Clinique Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream.

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The Votivo Candle Experience, Volume 1: Greenpepper Coriander

I have what some might consider an unhealthy obsession with candles. Some people may balk at the sight of 40+ candles lining the windowsills of my bathroom, bedroom, living room, kitchen ... you get the point. But when I got the opportunity to test out a few of Votivo's new Color Collection, I simply jumped. First up: Greenpepper Coriander.

Each of the candles in this collection is inspired by the color that it represents. Greenpepper Coriander is spicy and tart without being overpowering. It has a subtle zest and tang that fills up a room but doesn't overwhelm it -- not an easy feat with notes of cilantro, fresh lemons and dark green peppers! I honestly did not know what to expect when I first started burning it -- to be frank, I thought I would hate it. Luckily, I've found that this scent has a calming effect -- especially nice at the end of a long workday.

The packaging is simple and classic but with a touch of elegance. I love the engraved silver top that sits over the vibrant glass green jar. Best of all, this candle has a 50-hour burn time, so I can enjoy it for many days and weeks to come!

The Votivo Color Candle in Greenpepper Coriander retails for $25.

Nice Ring: Marc Jacobs Lola Solid Perfume Ring

All the single ladies (all the single ladies)
All the single ladies (all the single ladies)
All the single ladies (all the single ladies)
All the single ladies, now put your hands up

Wha-oh-oh-oh-oh-ooh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Wha-oh-oh-oh-oh-ooh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

Wha-oh-oh
Cause if you like it then you shoulda put a ring on it
If you like it then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don't be mad once you see that he want it
If you like it then you shoulda put a ring on it

Wha-oh-oh

I can't help it ... staring at my favorite new accessory, the Marc Jacobs Lola Solid Perfume Ring, just puts this song in my head.

Now, this was something that could have gone one of two ways. It could have either turned out unbelievably tacky or unbelievably chic. Luckily, it errs on the side of the latter. The ring itself is constructed of multicolored enamel pieces, elegantly shaped into a blooming flower that sits upon the hand and commands attention. Case in point: within seconds of showing up to work with it on, it had already garnered compliments from five of my coworkers! And it even comes in its own little purple leather pouch for safekeeping.

The scent is discreetly contained within the ring -- just swing it out to reveal a hollowed-out core. All the notes of the regular fragrance are here -- pink peppercorn, pear, ruby red grapefruit, rose, fuchsia peony, geranium, vanilla, warm tonka bean and creamy musk. The result is a sexy, sensual fragrance with just a hint of girly playfulness.

The Marc Jacobs Lola Solid Perfume Ring retails for $42.

Beauty Giveaway: Davines Alchemic Shampoo and Conditioner

If you want lustrous, shiny locks, look no further than the new Davines Alchemic Shampoo and Conditioner. Formulated for both natural and color-treated tresses, this collection is designed to add new life to your hair color. Shades include:

Red: for red/mahogany hair
Golden: for golden/honey blonde hair
Copper: for coppery/brown hair
Silver: for gray hair and for hair that has turned yellow due to decoloring or long exposure to the sun
Chocolate: for dark brown/black hair
Tobacco: for mid/light brown hair

Davines Alchemic Shampoo boosts shine and locks in color with milk proteins, vegetable extracts and Vitamins A and B. Olive oil derivatives maintain moisture while UV filters protect hair at the cuticle to preserve color intensity.

Davines Alchemic Conditioner hydrates and boosts your shade with a blend of moisture-enhancing Vitamin E, color maintaining pigment enhancers and hydrolyzed milk proteins (which deep condition, add shine and prevent split ends).

And now one lucky reader has the chance to win a shampoo and conditioner of your color choice, valued at $51! Simply enter your name, email address and color preference (taken from the list above) in the box below. The winner will be selected on Sunday, November 22 and notified by email. It's that simple!



This giveaway is open to US residents only. Giveaway runs until Saturday, November 21 at midnight. One entry per person, email address and IP address. Multiple entries will be disqualified.

The Inside Scoop: Lady Gaga's Nails in the Bad Romance Video

Have you seen Lady Gaga's new video for Bad Romance? It's seriously amazing -- here's the video in case you've been living under a rock:

Now, if you're like me, you're wondering about the various nail looks in the video. Luckily, I got the inside scoop from following the amazing manicurist, Kimmie Kyees, on Twitter! Check out pics she snapped of two of the looks and what she had to say about them:

Kimmie used OPI Alpine Snow to create this look

Black nails covered with mesh

Pretty cool, right?

Rags to Riches: M.A.C Mineralize Eye Shadow in Cinderfella

I think I've died and gone to eyeshadow heaven. Ever since I started wearing M.A.C Mineralize Eye Shadow in Cinderfella, the compliments just haven't stopped coming. It's absolutely perfect for creating a smoky eye with a little bit of spice and bite.

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The Ultimate Skin Indulgence: SK-II Signs Eye Cream

I think I've found the holy grail of skincare ... and its name is SK-II Signs Eye Cream.

Ever since I started using this luxurious eye cream, I've noticed a significant difference in the wrinkles and dark circles around my eyes. I was starting to get -- gasp! -- crow's feet, and they have seemingly disappeared in the last four weeks. And the unsightly dark circles that never seem to disappear? They disappeared. This is thanks to SK-II's exclusive Pitera moisturizer complex, which drenches the skin with moisture and leaves it looking and feeling refreshed, bright and rejuvenated.

I know this eye cream is an indulgence. But if you're looking for one that really and truly makes your eyes younger in an instant, this is the one for you.

SK-II Signs Eye Cream retails for $105.

Lady in Red: NARS Rouge Andalou Nail Polish

For years, I've searched high and low for the perfect red nail polish. Some were too crimson, others too scarlet. Some were too glittery, others too matte. But my prayers have been answered in the form of NARS Rouge Andalou Nail Polish.

Part of the NARS Holiday 2009 Collection, this polish is a gorgeously rich candy apple red that just exudes sultriness and sexiness. It has a glimmery jelly finish and flows ever so beautifully onto the nail. The color is so rich, it's simply perfect for holiday parties -- or an important date with a handsome fella!

And after four days? I've experienced minimal tipwear and chipping, even after hours upon hours of typing and opening up box after box. I've seriously never found this to be the case with any red polish I've tried -- so I'm completely enamored, of course.

NARS Rouge Andalou Nail Polish retails for $16.

Back in Black: M.A.C Volcanic Ash Thermal Mask

I'm always into trying new skincare products -- especially if they're a little crazier than normal. So when M.A.C Volcanic Ash Thermal Mask came my way, I simply had to give it a shot.

This mask is like none other I've ever tried. It literally stayed black and grainy the entire time it was on my face! But don't be scared -- because, trust me, your skin will never look better. It's formulated with volcanic ash and natural oils to really bring out skin's glowiness.

My favorite thing about this product is the warming sensation. As soon as you apply it to your skin, it heats up in the most pleasant way. I only needed about a quarter-sized amount to cover my entire face -- and after I rinsed it off, I could not believe how smooth and soft my skin felt.

M.A.C Volcanic Ash Thermal Mask retails for $19.50.

The "Eyes" Have It: Shu Uemura Depsea Moisture Replenishing Eye Gel

Well, my eyes have never looked better ... and it's all thanks to Shu Uemura Depsea Moisture Replenishing Eye Gel. This tiny little blue tube has totally changed my life. Two quick swipes in the morning and my tired eye area perks right up. This creamy gel has completely revitalized my entire skincare regimen! We're talking no bags, no puffiness, no dark circles.

The fabulousness is due to two impressive ingredients: Up first: depsea water, which matures in the depths of the ocean for a rich combination of minerals that are ideal for skincare. And let's not forget the three essential seaweed extracts: blue algae (one of the oldest forms of algae with Vitamin B group protein, lipids and minerals), red seaweed (rich in zinc and polysaccharides) and brown seaweed (rich in essential amino acids), all of which help to lock in moisture.

The final analysis? This handy little tube makes my day.

Shu Uemura Depsea Moisture Replenishing Eye Gel retails for $45.

Ravishing Red: Givenchy Pop Gloss Crystal Lip Gloss in Enjoy Red

My new fave lipgloss? Hands down, Givenchy Pop Gloss Crystal Lip Gloss in Enjoy Red. I've been enjoying it for the past few weeks -- it makes my pout look unbelievably plush and perked up. It's that perfect red: not too bright, not too dark, but not too sheer either.\

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I'm No Oil Slick: Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil

You know the saying: Oil is thicker than water. Well, that really stopped me from ever wanting to try an oil-based cleanser. Something about putting oil on my face when it already felt oily just didn't sit right with me. And yes, I know that dermatologists have been recommending this for years -- but sometimes I'm slow to try these newfangled ideas! Let me be the first to admit how wrong I was ... because the second I tried Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil, my entire life changed.

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Really Rad Remover: NARS Eye Makeup Remover

It takes a lot for me to like an eye makeup remover. It can't be greasy, or leave behind any residue. It has to get off even the toughest-to-remove mascara -- even when I've basically shellacked it onto my lashes. It needs to remove every single trace of glitter and shimmer from my eye area -- because I'm a gal who likes the glimmer! And above all, it can't irritate the skin around my eyes and leave it red or raw. With that being said, NARS Eye Makeup Remover is my new favorite.

The cheery turquoise liquid is formulated with both oil and water, and enriched with aloe and cucumber, to both remove makeup and make skin feel totally revived and rejuvenated. And the best part? A couple shakes on a cotton ball is enough to remove the makeup from both eyes!

NARS Eye Makeup Remover retails for $25 at sephora.com.

The One-Two Punch: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex and Eve Lom TLC Radiance Cream

If you only buy two skincare products this season, make them these two: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex and Eve Lom TLC Radiance Cream. Ever since I started using this dynamite duo, my skin has looked fresher and more radiant. I apply both right before bed and when I wake up, WOW!

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Go for Crisp: Bulgari Omnia Green Jade Eau de Toilette

I'll be honest -- sometimes I buy products purely for the packaging. Such is the case with Bulgari Omnia Green Jade Eau de Toilette. I simply couldn't resist the gorgeous bottle -- it looks like a curving, twisting, circular figure eight. The silhouette looks so perfect atop my vanity that I honestly have no idea how I lived before owning it.

It's an added bonus that the scent is utterly delightful. Notes of spring water, green mandarin, white peony, nasturtium, pear tree flower, jasmine petals, fresh pistachio, white woods and musk create a scent that's light, fresh and airy. And while winter is normally a time that I go for heavier scents, I think this fall is the perfect time to rock a crisper aroma.

Bulgari Omnia Green Jade Eau de Toilette retails for $80 at beauty.com.

The Ultimate Indulgence: Philip B. Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo

What would you say if I told you my new favorite shampoo costs over $100? Yes, you read that right. There's honestly nothing I've brought into my shower recently that makes me happier than Philip B. Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo.

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Beauty Launch: NARS Holiday 2009 Collection

Exciting news, fellow beauty chicks -- the Holiday 2009 gift collection from NARS has just been announced! Check out all the amazing offerings after the jump.



15TH ANNIVERSARY PALETTES ($75 each):
NARS introduces two palettes to celebrate 15 years of color innovation. Everlasting Love contains intense eye hues to create the perfect smoky eye. Wild at Heart features bold lip shades for a deeply pigmented pout.

PLEIN ETÈ MINI MULTIPLE SET ($45):
An exclusive set of mini Multiples boasting three best-selling shades.

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS MINI NAIL KIT ($30):
The perfect gift for any stocking, this miniature collection includes four glamorously festive shades: Arabesque, Chinatown, Candy Darling and Saratoga.

D. LOVELY LIP GLOSS DUO SET ($45):
Four smaller versions of the successful Duo Lip Gloss in a variety of mix and match shades: Misbehave/All Night Long, Pillow Talk/Sandpiper, Orgasm/Chihuahua, and Greek Holiday/Stolen Kisses.

Instant Renewal: Aromatherapy Associates Renew Moisturising Lip Balm

Want to give your lips a treat? Aromatherapy Associates Renew Moisturising Lip Balm is the way to go. Your lips will feel pillowy soft and silky smooth in an instant once you slick on this luscious pot of balm.

Moisturizing and nourishing ingredients like calendula and cocoa butter blend with ginger and vanilla to create an absolutely deluxe treat.

Aromatherapy Associates Renew Moisturising Lip Balm retails for $23 at aromatherapyassociates.com.

Veritably Violet: Diptyque Violette Scented Candle

I recently indulged myself in a candle of epic proportions. I'd been dying for a Diptyque candle for years -- literally, years. I would eye them every chance I got, but never could bring myself to actually make the purchase. But finally I was tempted into buying the Diptyque Violette Scented Candle ... and my life hasn't been the same since.

My apartment is now enveloped in a lush floral fantasy. Truth be told, I didn't even burn it for the first week -- the scent was so heady, my entire apartment smelled amazing before the wick was even lit! And I must say, I feel unbelievably decadent in the absolute best way every time I light this candle that was hand-poured in Paris.

Best of all, it has a burn time of 60 hours -- so I can enjoy the scent for days, weeks, even months to come. (Though if I keep burning it as frequently as I have recently, I'm betting more on days and needing to replace it in just a few weeks!)

The Diptyque Violette Scented Candle retails for $60 at spacenk.com.

Orange Crush: Laura Mercier Clementine Honey Bath

Oh my darling, oh my darling,
Oh my darling Clementine!
Thou art lost and gone forever
Dreadful sorry, Clementine

O-M-GEEEEEEEE, fellow beauty chicks. I just about had a religious experience in my shower this morning. I had been meaning to try Laura Mercier Clementine Honey Bath for quite some time -- we're talking months -- and I finally got around to it. Thank goodness I did, because now I feel completely energized and ready for whatever the day brings.

Why is this, you may ask? Only because this rich, lush, thicker-than-thick bubble bath cum body wash creates such an intensely moisturizing, hydrating and unbelievably fragrant lather, it's near impossible not to have an amazing day after using it! And seriously, how cute is the little wooden dipper that accompanies it?

Sadly, Laura Mercier Clementine Honey Bath is no longer available. I got it as part of a set a few months back while inventory was being cleared. But if you happen to stumble upon a tub (it retails for around $40), I recommend purchasing it immediately. It will perk up your shower situation in a trice!