Swinging from the Chandelier: Carolee Diamond Shape Chandelier Earrings

I frequent online shopping sites. Gilt, Rue La La, HauteLook ... each one brings something different and special to the table. But whenever I want gorgeous jewelry by both upcoming and established designers alike, I turn to ideeli.

Such was the case with the Carolee earrings I bought recently. I was on the hunt for chandelier earrings that would coexist peacefully alongside most of my wardrobe -- and these most definitely did the trick. A mix of pink and purple stones, hanging in a triangular design from gleaming gold, perfectly accompany everything from white tees to floaty cocktail dresses.

I honestly don't think I could have made a better accessory choice -- especially when you consider the fact that I only paid $25.

If you want to score deals as amazing as the one I got, check out ideeli here.

Perfectly Purple: NARS Purple Rain Nail Polish

I never meant to cause you any sorrow
I never meant to cause you any pain
I only wanted to one time see you laughing
I only wanted to see you laughing in the purple rain
--Purple Rain, Prince

For years, I've searched for the perfect deep purple nail polish. Some are too black. Some are too purple. Some are too streaky. Some are too metallic. I began to feel like Goldilocks searching for the perfect porridge, perfect chair and perfect bed! But then I came across NARS Purple Rain Nail Polish ... and my lifelong search was finally complete.

This polish is packed with shimmer without feeling overwhelming. It's a true, deep purple -- no evidence of black anywhere in the formula. It glides onto the nail so incredibly easily, leaving behind no streaks whatsoever. It's become my go-to pedicure color -- I absolutely love looking down at my toes!

NARS Purple Rain Nail Polish retails for $16 at narscosmetics.com.

Minty Fresh: Lush Mint Julips Lip Scrub

I must admit, at first I was a bit apprehensive. With its grainy, salt-like texture, Lush Mint Julips Lip Scrub did intimidate me. But then I opened the container, and out wafted a smell so invigorating, so intoxicating, I simply had to give it a try.

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The Shower Gel Journey: Victoria’s Secret Lather Me With Love Shimmer Shower Gel & Bubble Bath

Who doesn’t want to feel beautiful? In the midst of wintry days, a bit of sunshine mixed with glamour dispel the blahs and the blues. Victoria’s Secret Lather Me With Love Shimmer Shower Gel & Bubble Bath performs the magical transformation with ease. The bottle glistens with expectation, extending its pearly sheen, beckoning you to encase yourself in its contents. I love the thick gel, scented with a feminine fragrance.

The ingredients are a masterful blend of silk protein, vitamin E and pearl, honey, chocolate and Chardonnay extracts. The result is conditioned skin with a radiant glow.

Victoria’s Secret Lather Me With Love Shimmer Shower Gel & Bubble Bath retails for $16 at victoriassecret.com.

In Which I Discover the Amazingness of Diffusers: Votivo Honeysuckle Reed Diffuser

When I was young, I discovered honeysuckle. Sweet, fragrant, intoxicating honeysuckle. My next-door neighbor grew honeysuckle along the side of her house, and every summer, I would stoop down and breathe in the incredible aroma. The flower always intrigued me, least of which because you can actually eat it. (I never tried.)

But one thing I've stayed away from until very recently? The diffuser. I've always been a candle person -- for as long as I can remember, they've fascinated me. I've cultivated quite the collection over the years (BURN, Dayna Decker, Diptyque, Tocca the list goes on and on). One of the lines I've always loved, but never realized just how deep the love could go? Votivo.

And now I've discovered the amazingness of, not only diffusers, but Votivo diffusers. The Votivo Honeysuckle Reed Diffuser, to be exact. This diffuser leaves a room smelling exactly as though there were a honeysuckle bush in the room -- and I'm instantly transported back to my childhood in Cleveland.

This diffuser lasts for an incredible four months -- I just have to remember to flip the sticks every few weeks to ensure the scent keeps on going. Believe me, that's not something I'll soon forget!

The Votivo Honeysuckle Reed Diffuser retails for $40 at votivo.com.

The Best Hand Soaps: Caldrea Ginger Pomelo Hand Soap Liquid

 
I've always been a fan of luxury hand soaps. Not that there's anything wrong with Softsoap or Dove, but once in awhile a girl's gotta wash up with something a bit more fabulous! So I'm introducing a new series with some of my very favorite hand soaps -- check out Caldrea Ginger Pomelo Hand Soap Liquid after the jump.

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The Best Hand Soaps: Burt's Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Shea Butter Hand Soap

 
I've always been a fan of luxury hand soaps. Not that there's anything wrong with Softsoap or Dove, but once in awhile a girl's gotta wash up with something a bit more fabulous! So I'm introducing a new series with some of my very favorite hand soaps -- check out Burt's Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Shea Butter Hand Soap after the jump.

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The Best Hand Soaps: Glowology Hydrating Hand Wash

I've always been a fan of luxury hand soaps. Not that there's anything wrong with Softsoap or Dove, but once in awhile a girl's gotta wash up with something a bit more fabulous! So I'm introducing a new series with some of my very favorite hand soaps -- check out Glowology Hydrating Hand Wash after the jump.

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Favorite Alert: Sara Happ The Body Scrub in Vanilla Bean

I've got a new favorite body scrub, and I'm simply bursting at the seams to tell you about it! It's none other than Sara Happ The Body Scrub in Vanilla Bean.

I've long been a fan of Sara Happ's line of fragrant, delicious lip scrubs. So when I saw a contest on Twitter to win a tub of the brand-new body scrub, I signed up -- and I actually won!

This scrub has exceeded all my expectations. While my legs are usually on the dry, ashy side, they're now soft and gleaming thanks to Kukui nut, macadamia and sweet almond oils packed within the rich formula. The scrub smells absolutely amazing, and I only need about a dime-sized amount per leg -- so it's guaranteed to last me just about forever.

Sara Happ The Body Scrub in Vanilla Bean retails for $46 at beauty.com.

Haul of the Day: Amazing Forever 21 Clothing! Plus a Video!

I do love me some Forever 21. Yes, you have to scour the racks for hours to find a few items that will work ... but if you're dedicated, it really pays off! Check out what I scored in the video below!



Items featured in the video:

Multi-Color Sequins Top, $24.80 (sorry, in the video I said $27!)
Draped dress, $10.80 (not available online)

Find more fabulous Forever 21 items at forever21.com.

Bling it Up: Dior Vernis Nail Enamel in Timeless Gold

Looking for a way to add a little sparkle and shine to your holiday season? Dior Vernis Nail Enamel in Timeless Gold sure will do the trick. This sparkling stunner is the most gorgeous shade of liquid gold and is absolutely packed with shimmer. And unlike many other metallic polishes, it doesn't streak at all. On the contrary, it glides effortlessly onto the nail. Two coats are utter perfection.

Dior Vernis Nail Enamel in Timeless Gold retails for $21 at nordstrom.com.

Cool as a Cucumber: Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes

I love me a cleansing wipe. Seriously, they're the lazy girl's way to clean skin. Truth be told, I don't really wash my face all that much -- it tends to make me break out more and I have bad reactions to a lot of cleansers. But give this beauty chick a cleansing wipe and I'm singing a totally different tune. My latest fave? Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes.

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Ooh La La Lancôme: Trésor and Trésor in Love

Do you remember your first fragrance love? I do ... and it was Lancôme Trésor. While some may argue that this fragrance is a bit too "old," I absolutely love it. The combination of apricot blossom, rose, lilac, iris, peach, amber, sandalwood, musk and vanilla notes creates such a sensual experience that, even as a teenager, really spoke to me.

As I've grown up, I've actually chosen some decidedly less mature fragrances than I did in my youth. And now there's Trésor in Love -- a youthful, flirty fragrance with notes of nectarine accord, pear, bergamot, Turkish rose essence, jasmine, cedar wood and musk. It's lively and fresh but still has a sensual feel, thanks to the musky undertones.

From the diamond-shaped Trésor to the elongated cut glass bottle of its younger counterpart, each bottle is absolutely gorgeous. I'm so happy to have each one sitting atop my vanity, giving me the choice of how grown up -- or not! -- I want to feel.

Lancôme Trésor retails for $75 at sephora.com. Lancôme Trésor in Love retails for $47 at lancome.com.

Nail Polish Collection Review: OPI Burlesque Shimmers

Looking to add a little glitz and glamour to your life? You really can't go wrong with the OPI Burlesque Shimmer Collection. If you're like me, you simply can't wait for Burlesque to come out -- any movie with Cher and Christina Aguilera, not to mention what seems to be a mashup of Glitter meets Showgirls -- promises to be pretty amazingly spectacular.

OPI's holiday collection consists of two parts -- Glitters and Shimmers. I've already brought you the Glitters (click here for a recap), so now it's on to the Shimmers! Check them all out after the jump.



Unlike the Glitters part of the collection, which I found to be quite difficult to apply and had nowhere near enough pigment, the Shimmers really applied beautifully. Each is seen here with two coats, no base coat or top coat. These colors are definitely perfect for the holiday season!

The Show Must Go On
Such an amazing candy apple red that's just packed with shimmer and glimmer! I love the berry undertones.
Tease-Y Does It
This is my absolute favorite of the collection. The deep blackened purple makes an unbelievably strong statement, especially with the magenta shimmer.
Take The Stage
I love the burnished orange, although I definitely don't think this is a good color for my skin tone.
Rising Star
As with Take The Stage, I don't think this color is great for my skin tone, but I do love it. The mustard yellow gold is definitely different from others I have in my collection, and I love the tone on tone shimmer.
Let Me Entertain You
This polish was difficult to capture on film, but in person it's an absolutely gorgeous deepened raspberry with magenta and purple undertones.
Ali's Big Break
This one was also a bit difficult to capture on film -- in person, it's a deeper crimson with gold-flecked shimmer. It's pretty, but not anything I haven't seen before.

You can find the OPI Burlesque collection at rickysnyc.com. Each polish retails for $9.99.

Disclosure: This collection was provided for editorial consideration by a PR representative for OPI.

First Look Fridays: Makeup Artist April Landrum-Johns

Anyone who's done the makeup for Melania Trump is okay in my book -- and that includes makeup artist and Mary Kay professional April Landrum-Johns. Read on to discover her top makeup tip, the lip products she can't live without and so much more.

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My Latest Mani: OPI Meet Me on the Star Ferry

Purple nail polish is as essential to my lifestyle as breathing. Maybe that's overly dramatic ... but, in this beauty chick's line of work, it's the God's honest truth. So when I came across OPI Meet Me on the Star Ferry -- part of the Hong Kong Collection from Spring 2010, I was hooked.

This color is EVERYTHING -- a gorgeous blend of lavender, mauve and taupe that's just packed to the brim with shimmery goodness. (The shimmer comes out looking silvery, but actually contains a mix of gold, pink, green and purple pigments.) It glides onto the nail evenly and gorgeously, leaving behind no streak marks whatsoever.

I absolutely LOVE this color. And while I've got about 200 nail polishes left to try, this one will definitely be making a return appearance.

What's on your nails right now? Let me know in the comments!

Ultimate Pampering: The Your Way Massage and Red Carpet Facial at Oasis Day Spa

Oh, to be a princess and have everyone trailing after me at my beck and call. But thanks to the Your Way Massage and Red Carpet Facial at Oasis Day Spa, that's exactly how I felt!

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My Hot New Haircolor? Christina Hendricks Red.

For years now -- basically, since birth -- I've wanted to be a redhead. Truth be told, I've always been a bit jealous of my best friend, who's a natural redhead and has the most perfectly colored hair on the planet. Luckily, thanks to an amazing colorist (read: Lawrence Wesley, head colorist of the Antonio Prieto Salon), the perfect shade of red wasn't far behind.

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Seeing Red: M.A.C Asiatique Nail Polish from A Tartan Tale's Naughty Little Vices Set

I've searched high and low, and I've finally found it. The red nail polish to end all red nail polishes. Its name? M.A.C Asiatique.



Asiatique is one of the five mini nail polishes from M.A.C's A Tartan Tale, the amazingly preppy collection for Holiday 2010. The gorgeous, opaque creme polish is just the perfect shade of candy apple red, wouldn't you say?

The collection also includes Beyond Jealous (deep forest green), Vice is Nice (classic metallic gold), Nocturnelle (black) and Vintage Vamp (deep blood red). You can purchase the entire limited-edition collection for $25.50 at maccosmetics.com.

Floral Fantasy: Marc Jacobs Daisy Solid Perfume Ring

If a prettier way to wear perfume has been invented, I sure haven't found it. The Marc Jacobs Daisy Solid Perfume Ring not only makes a statement come cocktail time, but elegantly houses one of my very favorite fragrances.

The outer dome is patterned with gold ball-encrusted enamel daisies -- so delicate and yet so bold all at once. Swing it around to discover a solid perfume sensation -- the prettier than pretty Daisy fragrance, scented with notes of strawberry, violet leaves, ruby red grapefruit, gardenia, violet petals, jasmine petals, musk, vanilla and white woods.

I love adding a little gleam to my daytime looks, so I've been breaking out this baby for work meetings and events as well as for weekend drinks.

The Marc Jacobs Daisy Solid Perfume Ring retails for $40 at sephora.com.

The Shower Gel Journey: Ole Henriksen Clarifying Body Wash

Living in a deciduous tree zone, I've been up to my ankles in raking leaves to the curb. I can even smell snow in the air. The changing seasons with cold temperatures on the way are quickly masked by showering with Ole Henriksen Clarifying Body Wash. Enveloping wafts of orange and cedar wood extracts perk up any gloomy day. There's more! Moisturized skin with aloe vera, softened skin with chamomile, nourished skin with apricot kernel oil, and repaired skin with Vitamin E. Perfection in a bottle!

Ole Henriksen sought help for his acne while working in Jakarta. Healed with natural treatments, Ole became fascinated with skin care for others. His continued success follows the philosophy of "creating products that deliver results, enabling your skin to be the very best it can be. Our products are formulated with some of nature’s most effectual botanicals that allow every customer to experience a transformation from head to toe."

OleHenriksen Clarifying Body Wash retails for $24 at olehenriksen.com.

My New Miracle Product: M.A.C Clear Lipglass

I've found it. The lip product to end all lip products. Its name? M.A.C Clear Lipglass.

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Nail Polish Collection Review: OPI Burlesque Glitters

Looking to add a little glitz and glamour to your life? You really can't go wrong with the OPI Burlesque Glitter Collection. If you're like me, you simply can't wait for Burlesque to come out -- any movie with Cher and Christina Aguilera, not to mention what seems to be a mashup of Glitter meets Showgirls -- promises to be pretty amazingly spectacular.

OPI's holiday collection consists of two parts -- Glitters and Shimmers -- and I'll be bringing all twelve colors to you in two separate reviews. First up? The Glitters, of course! Check them all out after the jump.



While I love the colors in this collection, I will say this -- they are extremely difficult to remove! I had glitter EVERYWHERE every time I took one off, and that was after soaking them in nail polish remover for a few minutes each. They also definitely need at least two coats to build to partially opaque, though I found that even three coats didn't really become truly opaque. One coat will be fairly sheer with small particles of glitter while three will be close to opaque.

Sparkle-Icious
This one is my favorite of the bunch. I love the rainbow-colored mix of glitter -- it looks like every color imaginable has been packed into the formula.
Simmer & Shimmer
I have to say I wanted more from this turquoise polish. The color was just so glorious in the bottle -- and I knew it would apply sheer, but I just wish it made a bit more dramatic of an impact.
Show It And Glow It!
I'm having a purple moment, so this polish definitely spoke to me. I love the multitude of silver sparkles wedged in between the purple glitter.
Glow Up Already!
A greenish gold merges with red in this polish, which definitely makes it interesting. I would definitely paint this one over other colors to add visual interest.
Extra-Va-Ganza
While orange isn't my favorite color -- I just don't love the way it looks on my skin -- I really do love this shade. It's a melding of burnt orange meets sienna that makes me feel like I just dug into my old Crayola 64 box of crayons.
Bring On The Bling
There's really no better name for a sparkly gold polish, is there? I actually had the least amount of application issues with this one -- and I'm always in the mood for a bold gold!

You can find the OPI Burlesque collection at rickysnyc.com. Each polish retails for $9.99.

Disclosure: This collection was provided for editorial consideration by a PR representative for OPI.

Go Ahead, Sin a Little: Urban Decay Little Sins Eyeshadow Primer Potion Set

What's better than one eyeshadow primer by Urban Decay? FOUR eyeshadow primers, of course! That's why I'm totally in love with the new Urban Decay Little Sins Eyeshadow Primer Potion Set.

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Eco-Friendly: ecosystem Author Journal

As a little girl, I carried a little yellow notebook around with me everywhere. I used it to write short stories, which I called them "chapter stories" at the time. Every time a story came to me, I filled the pages of that little book with my words, and always felt like a real author. Well, now there's the ecosystem Author Journal -- and while I've given up writing short stories in favor of blog posts, I'm still totally jonesing for it.

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State of Play: Philosophy State of Grace Fragrance Wardrobe

Well, my love of Philosophy fragrance just got a million times bigger. Their brand-new State of Grace Fragrance Wardrobe includes the four -- you guessed it -- Grace fragrances, making a lucky lady out of any lover of these delicate perfumes.

The set includes amazing grace, pure grace, eternal grace and inner grace fragrances. Each miniature fragrance is .33 oz. They come packaged in a crisp white box with stark black lettering -- such an elegant gift for a loved one. (Or for you, if you want to treat yourself to a little something special!)

The Philosophy State of Grace Fragrance Wardrobe retails for $35 at philosophy.com.

The Shower Gel Journey: Bioelements Vitalization Rich Intensity Body Cleanser

On the weekend, when I can luxuriate in a long shower without rushing off to work, it’s great to pamper myself. That’s just what I did using Bioelements Vitalization Rich Intensity Body Cleanser -- with the pouf provided in the limited edition holiday kit. From head to toe, the clean-smelling lather provided a gentle touch, devoid of harsh chemical sulfates. I was immersed in a creamy foam that left my skin soft and moisturized. The ingredients are derived from coconut and formulated with pure essential plant oils and extracts.

Specialists at Bioelements seek to design their products “to make a major difference in the appearance of your skin.” There are no artificial colorants or synthetic fragrances. The body cleanser contains natural botanicals, and it wasn't tested on animals.

What more could you want in a body wash? This one is divine.

Bioelements Vitalization Rich Intensity Body Cleanser retails for $35.50 at bioelements.com.

The Shower Gel Journey: Red Flower Japanese Peony Cleansing Body Wash

All right. I admit that I’m picky when it comes to scents. I can walk past entire perfume counters, not choosing even one to take home. Red Flower Japanese Peony Cleansing Body Wash hits the bull’s-eye. After showering with the gentle combination of earth-friendly, 100% bio-degradable ingredients, the peony fragrance lasted all day. My skin breathed an “ahh” and an “exquisite” from the healthy blend of “honey based with wild crafted botanicals and essential oils of Bulgarian rose, peony, lily of the valley and lemon blossom.”

Yael Alkalay founded red flower (she uses lower case), based on her heritage, especially influenced by her grandfather who was the first dermatologist in Bulgaria. “Each product is created to smell fresh, alive and complete and to offer a quiet ritual ... an experience of beauty ... a moment of happiness.”

With my sensitive skin, I appreciate the formula used in Japanese Peony Cleansing Body Wash. It’s animal friendly, free of dyes, sulfates and synthetic preservatives. I recommend this product highly!

Red Flower Japanese Peony Cleansing Body Wash retails for $20 at redflower.com.

First Look Fridays: Celebrity Makeup Artist Mario Dedivanovic

Have I got a treat for you today! I'm very lucky to feature celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic, whose work you've most certainly seen on starlet Kim Kardashian. Mario shared many of his fantastic tips and tricks with me -- read on to discover his number one makeup tip, how he got into the beauty business and so much more!

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My New Favorite Ritual: Fresh Sake Ritual Set

If a gift set more divine than the Fresh Sake Ritual Set exists, I certainly haven't found it. To begin with, the packaging is gorgeous. I love the floral-printed box -- so useful for storage after removing the products from within -- and so beautiful displayed atop my vanity.

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Swimming Against a Sea of Confusion

Well, these past two months have really been an eye-opening experience, if we're being honest with one another. At the end of September, I was fired from my job -- funnily enough, for having this blog. The company in question knew about my blog from the very beginning and still decided to hire me, though they asked me to make some concessions -- which I did, in exchange for working at a very reputable retailer. Long story short, they never approved of the blog and finally decided to call it quits.

I've found myself deliberately attempting not to flounder ever since. I've taken dozens of interviews, sent my resume to countless job postings, and utilized LinkedIn like never before. I've found that some people have come out of the woodwork to help me, whether it's passing along a job opportunity or just emailing to see how I'm doing. Others -- some of whom I really would have expected to hear from -- have faded completely into the background, much to my surprise and chagrin.

But if I've discovered anything about myself in this time, it's the willingness to persevere. It gives me the opportunity to really make this blog flourish, and to write for a variety of other publications as well -- all with no one looking over my shoulder and judging my every move. Well, except for me, that is.

Something tells me things will work out okay in the end. Now if I could only pay my rent.

Video Review: Collective Wellbeing Products

I'm having a love affair with Collective Wellbeing. Check out my video to see why!


The retail prices for these products are as follows:

Charcoal Body Wash: $13
Foot Butter: $12.50
Dry Skin Relief: $13

All Collective Wellbeing products can be purchased at collectivewellbeing.com.

Disclosure: These products were furnished by a PR representative for Collective Wellbeing.

My Latest Mani: Zoya Kelly

Yesterday I stopped in at Polished Beauty Bar for a little mani/pedi time. Although I had brought some of my own colors with me, when I saw Zoya Kelly I quickly changed my tune. This deep charcoal grey entranced every person in the salon -- truth be told, four of us walked out with the color upon our tips at the same time! I love the creaminess and richness of the polish, and the fact that it looks good on every single skin tone.

What's on your nails right now? Let me know in the comments!

The Shower Gel Journey: Dior J’Adore Creamy Shower Gel

I’m wearing DIOR!! All right, I’m not swathed in a designer collection dress at the moment, but I am encased in the French ecstasy of Dior J’Adore Creamy Shower Gel. Direct from Paris, the very special body wash comes in an enticing box, lettered in gold. Inside awaits an elegant perfume bottle-shaped gel just waiting to be opened.

Creamy lather, scented with Ylang-Ylang essential oils, delivers a soft and supple result. The fragrance lasts through the day as a reminder of my Parisian shower gel journey.

Dating to the 1940's, the Christian Dior line has always embodied fragrance as the “finishing touch” when dressing. J’adore “reveals the most sublime femininity in each woman.”

J’adore Dior J’Adore!

Dior J’Adore Creamy Shower Gel retails for $47 at dior.com.

First Look Fridays: Celebrity Manicurist Beth Fricke

One of my new favorite people? Most definitely celebrity manicurist Beth Fricke. This vivacious, spunky gal has manicured the hands of some of the biggest people in Hollywood -- Mariska Hargitay, Drew Barrymore, Heidi Klum and Lindsay Lohan among them -- and tons of magazines like Italian Vogue and Maxim. Not to mention she's chock full of amazing knowledge about all things nails! Read on to discover her favorite nail product of all time, the OPI colors she can't live without (she moonlights as an OPI Celebrity Manicurist) and so much more.

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Bring on the Bubbly: CND Scentsations Sparkling Champagne Gift Set

I love champagne, so it's no wonder that I've totally gravitated toward the new CND Scentsations Sparkling Champagne Gift Set. This duo of hand wash and lotion totally perks up my day -- and makes it okay to have champagne before noon!

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