THE ADVICE SISTERS® "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion Review Column, DECEMBER (Holiday Gifts & Glam) COLUMN by Alison Blackman Dunham
|
Advice Sisters
What They're Saying About Alison Blackman Dunham
|
MAKEUP GIFTS: Last month we reviewed holiday eye shadows from Bourjois. This month, as promised, we're moving to lips and the Gloss Troupe $15.50 and Can Can Colour Show $28.00. I am a die-hard fan of Bourjois and especially super-mini-sized items like the Effet 3D Mobile lip gloss we reviewed in our June column . I wished for more colors in super- mini-sizes, and Bourjois has delivered, just in time to tuck a gloss into the a tiny evening bag. The Gloss Troupe features 5 Effet 3D lip glosses (without the "charm" loop), beautifully packaged in a harlequin-inspired, pink and maroon presentation box with clear center (so you can see all the colors). The super-shiny (and mostly shimmery) lip glosses range from a shiny matte nude and a rich framboise, to shimmery champagne, toasted rose, and a ladylike shimmered pink. The mini size and adorable packaging make them an affordable, covet-able gift. The silky, luxe, light-reflecting gloss makes them a "must have" for you. Also fun and great for all the kissing you'll be doing, is the Can Can Colour Show, also packaged in a limited edition, holiday collection presentation box. This one features two can can girls, leg high in a kick. Open the box, and inside are three super-shiny, full-sized Effet 3D lip glosses in different formulas: super-shimmer, shimmer, and non-shimmer. My favorite is the super-shimmer "Rose Symphonic," a whisper-sheer, light pink gloss so packed with shimmer, it dazzles even in the tube (and looks like wet diamonds on your lips). There's also the shimmer "Brun Galactic," a subdued rosed nude, and "Cassis Tropical," a completely non shimmery, clear hot raspberry that adds just the right "just bitten" sheer tint of color to lips. The adorable packaging makes this a perfect gift for a lip color lover, but you'll want to get one for yourself, too.
To view previous "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics, and Fashion Review columns, visit the "What Works Archives".
Tarte's trio of "gilty" pleasures are adorable and affordable. All that Glitters $28.00 is a limited edition face kit, packed into a large, quilted clutch with lilac satin interior (doubles as an evening bag). You'll also get a fantastic, mini cheek stain in cherry called "Tickled," a metallic gold eye liner pencil, a dual-ended Lip Gloss Duo in "Glow" (pink) and "Gleam" (fabulous gold glimmer) along with connector piece you can use with other, Tarte lip glosses, too. A lilac-and- gold-stenciled mirrored compact with four matte and simmer shadow duos (eight colors) including gold/silver, plum/ rose, brown/nude and grey/mauve) is great completes the look. Another one of the most covet-able (but affordable) gifts for the season is Gilt Trip $28.00 by Tarte. Inside a very useful, padded, gold leatherette-covered mirrored mini vanity case with a golden clasp, are half a dozen super-shiny, sparkling, light-reflecting, lip-enhancing mini lip glosses that will make you go "oohhh!" and add shiny shimmer to your lips as they look fuller, softer, kissable. There is so much shimmer in these lip-plumbing glosses that it creates a pretty sparkle right in the tube! From beige to peach, berry to red, each of these super-shimmery glosses (with names like Sparkle, Glisten, and Twinkle) will add sexy appeal (and a slight tingle) to your holiday lip looks. Spread even more cheer to favored friends and family members with Some Like It Hot $28.00, a re-useable, black plastic case stenciled with violet lace, containing ten, tiny tubes of cinnamon- flavored lip glosses. These sheer delights in shimmery and super-shimmery, natural to pink shades, are so mini, you can fit several in a tiny change purse--and an enclosed set of connector pieces make it possible to mix and match, easily! These lip sets will delight everyone--be sure to get one of each for yourself and make your holidays, shiny, sexy, and bright, too. When I think of a "boxed set" I usually think of books or CDs, but Stila's "boxed set" is so much more fun, and perfect for holiday gifts: The limited edition Color Festival $58.00 arrives dressed in a ready-to-give, hot pink metallic cardboard box. Inside is a dressing-table ready, keepsake, brown and hot pink ultra suede box that breaks apart into three different shelves, each holding some of Stila's chic-est products. The top layer has an eye shadow trio in a silver, cardboard compact topped with a hot pink, phalaenopsis orchid graphic, and featuring shades of brown, copper, and ivory ("Champagne, Sunkissed and Coco). Level 2 contains a Convertible Color (Stila's creamy, lipstick and blush-in-one) "Gerbera," a flattering soft apricot that will add color to palefaces and make deeper complexions, glow. The third level has a deluxe sample smudge pot (a long-lasting, easy-to-apply gel eyeliner/shadow) in a trendy and universally flattering warm brown "Copper, a nice, mini-sized Major Lash Mascara in "Black," and a High Shine Lip Color in 'Olivia," a glossy rose that works day and evening for virtually everything you wear. This is a boxed set we definitely, want!
It has been a while since we've reviewed anything from
IMAN Cosmetics, but
her limited edition Mediterranean Holiday Collection Compact $19.99
is a welcome-back we're just loving. Inside a large, rectangular,
black, plastic compact with interior mirror are ten terrific products that give you
everything you need for a complete, face-in-a-case, look. IMAN
is a style icon (as is her husband, David Bowie) who really
knows what works for women of all ages and complexions. These kits
flatter all types of complexions, from very deep, to light blondes and
ruddy redheads. The colors are sheer and easily blended. Ours, called
"St. Tropez," (photo) features metallic, bronzed colors that
will keep your Summer glow, going all year long (Cote D'Azure has more
vibrant colors). We loved the four slightly shimmery, powder eye
shadows (golden peach, soft mauve, brown, and rosed-brown) two lip
colors (rusted red, and medium peach), two silky lip glosses (deep
chocolate and shimmery-peachy pink), a sheer, cream highlighter in
soft, golden bronze, and a powder trio featuring a deep, medium and
light bronze (wear each separately or swoosh together for a lovely,
golden glow). The products are of high quality and lovely to wear (and
you even get mini applicators for eyes, lips and blush). A great kit
at a great price!
Are
you a true couch potato, but you want to change? Do you know someone
who just can't seem to get it together to get off the couch and
exercise? The Fitness Challenge
$29.95 is a motivating board game/exercise tracker, that puts the
"fun" back into fighting flab. I met the vivacious Vicki
Sorenson and her mother, Stephanie at KMRPR's
fabulous
Girls Night Out at Bruno Jamais Supper Club last month,
and was immediately taken with the clever idea. The Fitness
Challenge is fun, but serious--if you and your fitness partner
follow through, you both are winners! The Fitness Challenge
combines the challenges and fun or playing a board game (with
"rewards" in the form of star points and "coupons" you can "redeem" if
you "win" a challenge), with the benefits of following a personalized
exercise program. The idea is to get a partner, and play for eight
weeks at a time. You get an "board" with "star" stickers (the fitness
challenge scorecard), to help you and your workout buddy
track your progress. The designers thought of everything, there's even
a dry erase marker and hanging clips so you haven't any excuses to
avoid looking at your progress. You also get the coupons with little
treats (e.g.. buy me a CD) and chores "go grocery shopping)
that motivate you to stay on track and "stick it" to your
partner if they don't hold up their end of the bargain! A list of
qualified exercises are included, that can be easily tailored from
beginner to advanced. The idea is to pick activities that will keep
you interested and motivated to get up and exercise for at least 20
minutes (30 for advanced) at least three times a week. This is the
perfect time for you and a partner to give each other the motivation
you need to get through the holidays without blimping out, and it's a
great gift idea for just about everyone. Next year, no excuses!
BEAUTY HELPERS TO GET
AND GIVE:
Eyes are the window to the
soul, they say, and beautifully curled eyelashes help make your eyes
look even better. Sephora puts curves in all the right places with the Sephora Full Size Lash Curler $16.00. This one has no-slip grips and
high-tech rubber grip pads. Lashes look naturally curled and perfectly
shaped, easily and gently. For more curl and definition, lower lashes
need curl too. The Sephora Lower Lash Curler $14.00 is a
half-sized, more curved version of the full lash curler, specifically
designed to get to those hard-to-reach, delicate, lower lashes. You will
be amazed at how much of an eye-framing difference curling your top and
bottom lashes, makes. And, for even more definition and curl, there is a
Detail Lash Curler $14.00 . It is also half-sized, but slightly
less bent over, to catch the lashes at the very outer corner that are
hard (actually, impossible) to reach with a traditional curler.
Depending upon how much mascara you add after you’ve used these tools,
you can transform your lashes in depth, density and degree from natural,
to thick, to seemingly "faux." These pro-style tools are well
designed and well priced, so everyone can afford them. Good value,
and good to enhance your holiday look. TIP: makeup tools
make
nice "stocking stuffers" for your fashionista friends!
Mini has maxi appeal when it comes to
traveling with great makeup tools. For the holidays, Laura Mercier
glams up a trio of tiny, "must-have" makeup brushes in a
Micro Mini Brush Set $45.00 featuring a bright red, faux lizard
case securely holding three purse-sized brushes for eyes, cheeks, and
a pull-apart lip brush. The size is small, but the quality is evident
in the lush, soft, beautifully-shaped brush heads and shiny, black,
wooden handles. The magnetic closure and mirror makes this a mighty
mini kit you'll want for yourself, and offer as a special gift for
special people this holiday season. When I learned
that there was a fitness program that lets you learn
sexy, Latin dances from 4 world champions and lose weight and
tone up, I couldn't wait to review it, and I wasn't disappointed! Core Rhythms Starter DVD
Set ( $14.95 + $9.95 shipping+$14.95 if you do not want to return it),
an aerobic exercise program based on Latin dance moves. I had seen this
on a television infomercial, but when I heard that readers had actually
lost weight and inches with this, I had to try it. The exercise
leaders are two very toned and sexy women (Jaana
Kunitz and Julia Powers), who teach you three core moves, and
put them together in a long and short (20 min) routine performed to
pulsating, Latin rhythms. If you do these right, you'll sweat for sure,
and you will lose weight and tone up. Some may find the workout
challenging if they're not already in shape, but while the workouts are
real work (and why else would you buy an exercise program?) they are so
much fun, you won't mind! They also give you a chance to learn and
practice sexy moves in the privacy of your own home, before you
get on the dance floor. A real plus is that the DVDs allow you to choose
a front or back view of the moves, and there is a good "help"
button you can press at any time to have the ladies demonstrate the
moves they use. These exercises take just moments to learn, although if
you want to look like a dance champion doing them, you'll want to
practice, often (and that's not a bad thing, either). The starter kit
comes with three videos: a short and a long workout (using samba and
meringue moves) and a "how-to" DVD that shows the ladies
with their husbands, demonstrating how to actually do
meringue, samba and rhumba moves. You may not look like a champion
dancer when you first start out, but you will burn calories, help to get
a toned body, and (hopefully after using the program for a while) have
enough confidence to get out there in a slinky dress and actually dance.
I think this would make a fantastic gift for singles and couples
who would like a unique and effective way to get in shape, learn
something new, and have a great time doing it. This is a perfect
holiday gift. *"Audition"
the first set of 3 DVDs for 30 days, but if you keep it the total cost
will be $39.85. You will be sent a new DVD every month for an
additional $19.95 plus shipping unless you cancel through a toll
free number. The company will cancel promptly upon request.
Everyday Matters $82.95 by
Dr. Hauschka Skin Care is an important gift because what you do
for your skin, every day, matters! Attractively packaged in a
large, cardboard carton with a silky, golden rope handle, are 4
must-have items to begin (or improve) a 3-step skin care routine that
is easy to do, and includes instructions for a unique "press and roll"
application technique for best results. You get a 5.1 oz
Lavender Bath (applied with the included cotton cloth) to pleasurably
relax you and open pores, 1.5 oz Cleansing Cream (a gentle but
deep cleanser and also a gentle exfoliator), and a 3.4 oz Facial
Toner that is refreshingly sprayed onto your face and gently pressed
onto the skin as well. These high quality products are created
with therapeutic blends of aromas and organics to help you create a
sense of well-being along with a sensible and effective skin care
routine. We think men will embrace these products as well. Send
yourself, or your friends and family into 2007 with better skin and a
great outlook each day!
The Skin Smoothing Sampler $30.00 by
LATHER is an impressive gift for the price. An attractive, lime
green cardboard box with a photo in greytones of river rocks on the
top, is filled with five 2 oz travel-sizes of LATHER"S best
selling body care products. When I see LATHER products in a
hotel, I immediately know I'm in a great place. The ones in this
sampler are: Hand Crème with
Evening Primrose (fabulous, alpha-hydroxy hand treatment
formulated from fruits and plant extracts combined with natural
moisturizers instantly improve the look and feel of your hands),
Lavender & Eucalyptus Foot Crème (lavender, eucaplyptus, sage and
arnica stimulate feet, increase circulation, and extracts of seaweed
squalene and aloe versa smooth, moisturize and soften dry skin),
Bamboo Lemongrass Foaming Body Scrub (bamboo powder, sea salts, and
walnut shells make this cleanser an exfoliator, while essential oils
give off a great scent), and two new products: Bamboo Crème Body
Wash with Shea Butter (bamboo, shea, and antioxidants create a
slightly foaming, moisturizing cleanser), and Sofian Lavender
Whipped Body Crème (gloriously scented with lavender, moisturizing
with shea butter and enriched with antioxidants, it's simply lovely to
use). This is a great way to travel with products you know and love
(if you're not staying in a quality hotel that features them), and a
nice way to pamper someone this holiday season and introduce them to
LATHER.
SUPERB
STOCKING
STUFFERS: Women and men love Essie's super-yummy scented
Smoothies (we can name lots of guys who can't get enough of
this lotion, even though they're not the "moisturizing"
type. For the holidays, Essie's Silky Treats $14.99
features a little cardboard "basket" featuring four 2 oz.
bottles of Blueberry & Banana, Coconut and Pineapple, Kiwi and Lime,
and Pear and Fig. These moisturizing powerhouses are packed with natural
emollients and alpha hydroxy acids to keep your skin looking smooth and
soft now and especially throughout the dry, winter months. The lotion
absorbs so fast all you'll feel is
soft, silky skin. Keep one in your desk, gym bag, purse, and car.
Buy a bunch of "baskets" to give to all those special
people. from your hairdresser, to the receptionist who always holds your calls,
and even your husband, whose hands could use a bit of TLC. For a
little treat or a great stocking stuffer, Essie Holiday Candies $13.99 are
dandy choices that won't deplete your budget, or ruin your diet. The
Red Striped Candy Duo features one bottle each of "Glass
Slippers" (white polish with glitter) and "Fishnet
Stockings" (universally flattering red), or try the Pink Striped
Candy Duo with two of Essie's (and my favorite) colors:
"Limo-Scene is a soft, flattering, blush pink and "Ruby
Slippers" is a sparkling crimson fused with tons of glamorous glitter.
Wear these and show you are ready to shine! These little treats
will delight every girl on your gift list, no matter what her age.
Go Out Gloss Lip Shine and Be Scene
Crème Cheek Color $6.00/each
by MARK
are terrific treats that virtually everyone can afford, and can't afford
to be without! Round black compacts feature huge, multi-faceted
"diamonds" on their clear lids. Inside is a sheer, shimmery
blush/shimmer for face, or a shimmery gloss for lips. Be Scene Crème Cheek Color is
a silky-smooth, cream-to-powder blush that highlights cheeks with dewy
shimmer. "Fizz" is a shimmery sheer peachy glow that looks great
to accent cheekbones. "Flushed" is a cheery rosed-pink. Go
Out Gloss Lip Shine features the same, glitzy compact, but inside
you'll see a large portion of shiny, smooth, fragranced lip gloss
(we couldn't quite place the slightly fruity with a hint of herbal scent,
but it was nice). This sexy gloss comes in party-ready shimmery berry
("Blush") or a shimmery clear "Champagne." Take these
glam compacts out of your makeup bag and heads will turn. Of
course, these make fantastic stocking stuffers. Get a bit of flash, for a
little
cash. Bath treats are great gifts for everyone
from a grandchild, to a grandmother, and gift suggestion we think is not
just good for all, but very, very cute, is the Holiday Bath Bubbles
$3.00 by Jaqua Girls. Gentle enough for the kids but fun for adults,
these puffy plastic pillows I holiday shapes are filled with mildly
scented bubble bath gel! The (Santa and Snowman have pearly white gel, a
puffy star has red gel infused with red glitter!). These are generously
sized-- enough for 6-8 baths. Simply squeeze open the valve that also
seals the product inside, and let it flow under the tap until you have
just the amount you want of foamy, fun, bubbles. When the bubble gel is
all gone, the pillows become little "blow up" ornaments that
will add to your holiday decor for years to come. They’re cute,
practical, and reviewers agree, a universally appropriate gift to have
on hand for any last-minute gift-giving needs and you can’t beat the
price. We would call the Lip Lock Keychain
$7.50 by Victoria's Secret a stocking stuffer, but this zip
purse in the shape of sexy lips with a see-through front, is so much more.
The packaging is an actual change purse with keychain closure...
and that would be cute all on it’s own, but that isn’t all
you get for this amazing price. Inside are two mini sized products for
your lips: Ours, the hot pink metallic lip purse held "Very
Voluptuous" Lip Plumper (works great) and a Very Sexy Lip Gloss in
"Bling" (super-shiny clear gloss infused with holographic, parti
colored bits of gloss that is an amazing topcoat, or wear it alone). There’s
also another version with a RED lip purse featuring two lip glosses
("Intimate," and "Hot Pants"). Whether you just want a
little something to perk up your party outfits, or you grab a bunch of
these for party favors and "thank-you" gifts, or for
office grab bag, you’ll win a warm smile when you give these. You can
also look like a big shot, and still stick to your holiday budget,
too! Sephora Fresh Gloss $7.00 has a
great, minty scent and loads of shine. It’s clear, mini-sized
for purse or pocket, and we like it alone, or slicked over a dark
lipstick. Every woman will want at least one, but we think it would be
especially nice to give to a younger girl who isn’t quite ready for
color, but who longer for lip gloss. Sephora Ultra Shine Lip
Gloss $15.00 does have color--23 shades to be exact in palettes of
pink, brown, or purples. Reviewers like a shimmery sheer brown that
seemed to be scented like grape soda, or cola, depending upon who tried
it. You can mix and match these or wear them solo, for endless
possibilities. Lip glosses can boost your mood, so give a happy thought
to friends, with Ultra Shine
See
previous "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics, and Fashion Review
columns, at the "What
Works Archives
" Advice
Sisters Enews Looking for
something to satisfy your inner "wild
child?" or for a teen? Streekers $8.95 are a great choice. These lip-gloss type sponge-tipped wanded tubes
color your hair blue, pink, ultra violet, purple, red, yellow or green.
Be daring and
add a streak (or two, or three or more). The color will wash out, you
can even use your brush after the Streekers color dries, along with styling gel or hair spray. Have a blast
with a bold look and still be ready for work the next day as the color washes out when you shampoo!
These add zip to any party look, and they'll help you attract
attention. Wear your company, school, or team colors -- watch
heads, turn. These are cute stocking stuffers for hard-to-shop-for
teens, too. Even little girls can enjoy these since they’re safe
and totally of-the-moment. Your gift of Streekers are truly
smile-producing fun-in-a-bottle.
FESTIVE FRAGRANCES FOR THE HOLIDAYS, GIFT-GIVING, AND BEYOND Post your comments
about life, love, career and beauty on our Forums The Sexy Best
Atomizer set $24.00 by Victoria's Secret
is a very special fragrance set...one you'll want for yourself, and for
gift-giving. It's a great value, too! The re-useable, shiny, cardboard
presentation box in hot pink metallic and black logo box, ties
closed with a thick, silky, hot pink satin ribbon. Inside is the real
prize: 5 Eau
De Parfum mini-spray vials of Victoria’s Secret’s top
selling fragrances in .07 oz sizes (enough for a weekend away).. What
makes this set truly special, however, is the included, silvery
carrying case, no larger than a pack of gum, that lets you carry your scent,
elegantly. It's so pretty to use, studded at the top with starry pink
crystals, and featuring the Victoria's
Secret name in elegant hot pink lettering, Simply pull off the top,
drop a vial of Victoria's Secret fragrance into the case, and
you're good to go. The set includes the new, Dream Angels Desire, plus
Dream Angels Heavenly,
Very Sexy for Her, So in Love, and Body by Victoria. If
you're a fan of Victoria's Secret fragrances, you love
variety, and like to take scent with you. this is a great choice and a
great gift. BeautiControl advertises it's
Unmistakable Fragrance as a Fragrance
Gel $30.00 2 fl. oz, even though ours looked pretty much like a liquid,
but no matter: "Unmistakable" is a fragrance you can't forget,
and don't want to! The mixture of Italian lime, icy pear,
almond, peony and just a hint of vanilla, creates a beautiful, unusual
blend that is a not-easily defined "floriental." It's
substantial, but soft. It's fresh, but feminine. It's subtle, but still
sexy. Dab a bit on your pulse points and you'll discover a little goes a
long way. You'll find people you don't even know stopping you
to ask: "what is that fragrance?" There's also a luxurious
Body Creme $55.00 6.2 oz that has a "whipped"
formula that's light and luscious. We like the generously- sized
jar, too.
If you're looking for an unique scent, and a memorable, gift, this
is a good choice.
Fragrance is supposed to be
your most intimate, fashion accessory. but when Avon
and
Swarovski
work together, you get a luxurious,, sophisticated fashion statement: Crystal Aura Eau de
Parfum
$26.00 1.7 fl. oz
by Avon debuts this month. You wear it as a fragrance, and
also, as an accessory! A striking, slim rectangle of clear glass
is topped with a violet "crystal" top. Around the neck of the
bottle is a sparkling, rectangular, crystal pendant that you can
wear on a chain around your neck, hang from your jeans, or
just admire. Inside, Crystal Aura
is a modern, fruity floral that's more substantial than the
light fruits of Summer to wear with heavier fabrics, but still light
enough to be casual. It's a fresh blend of citrus-y star fruit,
womanly amethyst rose and sensual musk and woods. Whether you're looking
for a special scent for yourself, or to gift someone with something
special, or you just can't decide between splurging on jewelry or
fragrance, this is a two in one gift that is bound to please. Fragrance
takes another direction entirely with Blue Rush For Her
$19.75
1.7 oz eau de toilette (there's one for men, too). A
softly-rounded pyramid of glass tapers to a silvery top. Inside,
Blue
Rush For Her is categorized as a fresh, watery floral, blending wet amaryllis
and blue freesia with a hint of feminine musk and aquatic woods. It's a
light scent that will work well on every woman from her teens to
adults. To express the
excitement
and passion of this fragrance, Avon choose
Kristian Alfonso (“Hope Brady”) and Peter Reckell (“Bo Brady”),
the star couple of NBC’s #1 daytime drama, “Days of our Lives, to
represent the his-and-her fragrances in their advertising
campaign. If you or someone you know loves the soaps, this scent
is a perfect match that won't break your budget. Last month a new
fragrance was launched that we think is the perfect gift for a young
lady, especially if she's one of the 6 million viewers
that watch The OC, a television drama about Orange Country,
California. Despite it's modest price, reviewers really liked The OC for Her Eau De Toilette
Spray $22.50 1.7 fl. oz $12.00 0.5 oz., This companion
fragrance to The OC For Him (see our men's
products in the right hand column) is a light and daytime appropriate
scent, encased in a deep pink box and inside, a deep pink bottle.
This light, fresh, fruity floral starts with top and middle notes
of mandarin, hibiscus, tuberose, jasmine, freesia, white peach, guava
and nectarine, while base notes of white amber, sweet vanilla and clear
musk soften the blend at drydown. Although the scent was created to
appeal to younger users, it is still sophisticated enough to appeal to
adult women. I can easily see a mother and daughter sharing a bottle
with no problem. This is an affordable, attractive,
new scent to try (and give). Everyone wants a better
love, but Better Love $90.00 1.7 oz., $40.00 0.5 oz. by June Jacobs
is a new fragrance you'll really fall in love with. We have
reviewed June Jacobs skincare in the past and really liked
it. We were eager to see if this new fragrance was as great as the
skin care. It is! Better Love is a unique and sensual fragrance,
full of spicy and herbal notes. It starts with Italian bergamot, lemon,
and sparkling ripe mandarin but the heart of rose and jasmine, spiced
with hot pink pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg is what you really notice.
The drydown is a mixture of cedar and sweet cream intertwined with musk
and sheer amber. The scent reminds us of some of our favorite Amouage
and Montale scents that contain exotic resins. This is also
spicy, rich, creamy and exotic, but it is also flirtatious. It will make
people want to get close to you for a better sniff...even though the
scent is already, assertive. If you're looking for an unusual and unique
scent to call your own, this is a great choice.
BOOKS MAKE GOOD FRIENDS:
.
YOUR
HOLIDAY HOME:
Candles are the
classic way to enhance a holiday mood, and they're always
a great gift, especially if you don't know someone's size or
interests. An exclusive line the
Advice Sisters have just been introduced to is Jerome Privé Pour
La Maison $19.00
available at Perfumania stores, or at Perfumania.com.
These are truly lovely, and quite affordable. The substantial, clear
glass votives go with any decor. They contain generously-sized, very
nicely scented candles in genuine holiday fragrances that will make you
feel "merry and bright" even if you just light one after a
hard day at work, for your own enjoyment. The product info told us that
these candles have "notes" just as bottled fragrances do (nice
to know what is creating the yummy scent you're smelling). We tried
"Gingerbread Cookie," a sweet and spicy rust colored candle
with top notes suggestive of homemade cookie dough and caramel, with
middle notes of gingerbread, cinnamon, and sugar cookie, and bottom
notes of white musk, vanilla extract, and tonka beans.T he snappy, spicy
scent really perked up our senses and made us want to sip cider by
the fire, or at least take five, and read a book to recharge and
refresh. There's also "Cranberry Garland" and
"Festive Fir."
Set a
holiday mood while you remove unwanted or stale
odors from the air. It's easy, with the Essential Oil Diffuser
$34.00 by Ashley Archer. This diffuser features 15 rattan diffuser reeds
that soak up pure essential oils of Ylang Ylang, Clove, Orange &
Vanilla Extract, and scent your room for months, around the clock.
Simply reverse the rods every few weeks to keep the scent, going strong.
Scented oil diffusers give you all the benefits of home scent,
without the danger of fire. Since they last a long time, they're
economical, and a great gift idea. What could be cuter than a
scented soap in holiday shapes? Some
that are holiday-perfect are the triple-milled soap
collections, by Gianna
Rose. Reviewers loved the Antique Ornament Soaps
$18.00 shaped like antique Christmas tree
ornaments. These are boxed in a pretty red and pink lidded cardboard box
stenciled with a paisley design that reminds me of wallpaper from the
old West, with "peace, love, joy and celebrate---in French--around
the sides of the box." Inside, 7 small round ivory-colored
"ornaments" look amazingly like the real thing, complete with
a hint of sparkle. The fragrance is fantastic: a strong and
festive blend of evergreen, pine, sweet fir, cinnamon, vanilla, and
clove. Reviewers also ooh-ed and ahhh-ed over the box of Snowflake
Soaps $18.00 Inside tall, square box (similar to the one housing
the ornament soaps, but with an intricate snowflake pattern), are four
hand soaps in the shape of snowflakes. These lovely, white soaps are
scented with a warm blend of vanilla, rosemary, mint and fir--less spicy
and more fruity-herbal (one reviewer insisted that it smells like
pomegranate, but it's a lovely, uplifting scent everyone will like). TIP:
If you think these are too cute to use, pop a few into your sweater or
lingerie drawer to make everything smell like the holidays! Both of the
soaps are also included with a scented votive, as a Holiday
Tower $54.50, stacked together and tied with a red, grosgrain ribbon
and a gift tag. One of the many Royal Extract products
available from Lady Primrose includes a super-elegant, extra
tall, Royal Extract Crystal Pedestal Candle $85.00. If you are
a romantic, this is the candle of your dreams! A beveled
cystal gobler nearly a foot tall with a graceful, tulip-shaped bowl,
holds a naturally colored, scented candle with a scent for the
romantically inclined: golden honey, milk, apple blossom, and woods.
For a less fancy presentation but a luxurious scent at a lower cost,
check out the Frosted Snowflake Candle (refill) $32.00 . A
gracefully-shaped, large, smooth opalescent blue bowl votive is packed
with a scented candle infused with fir balsam and pine, clove, nutmeg
and cinnamon plus a cool touch of "frosty" notes. The effect is
cheerful, spicy (I sensed a hint of mint, although it's not listed)
and invigorating. This candle is actually made to fit inside a larger,
Crystal Urn $290.00 embossed with snowflakes, which we didn't see.
However, this 11 oz refill looks lovely on it's own. It will go with
virtually every decor and has a generous, 55 hour burn time. We are
new fans, and hope to review more Lady Primrose products for
you in future columns! Advice Sisters Enews subscribers
get all the latest Advice Sisters news and contest information. Subscribe
to bi-monthly Enews. -- it's free!
About The Works Beauty
Reviews:
Products reviews are conducted by Alison Blackman Dunham (aka. Advice Sister Alison). In
some instances, the review reflects additional opinions of qualified, anonymous reviewers
and the term "we" instead of "I" is used in the commentary.
Nobody gets financial compensation for reviewing products, and they are not affiliated
with the companies mentioned. If you have comments about the column, or if you would
like to be considered as a reviewer and can pick up products from the New York area,
Email us at: advicesisters@advicesisters.net |
HAIR HELPERS: There's nothing nicer than giving or receiving a luxurious hair styling tool, and one that is a "must-have" for you or a splurge for someone special is the MAXIglide Hair Straightener. This is the larger and more deluxe version of the MINIglide we reviewed in our Holiday, 2005 column. You can buy just the MAXIglide $79.95, or you can purchase one of several packages that begin with a basic package $99.00 includng the MAXIglide and a bottle of Beyond Straight Hair Straightener, The End hair protector, a "how-to" DVD, and a zippered case and run $109.00, $119.00 and $129.95 for packages with additional items such as a brush, shampoo and conditioner, and rollers. Instead of a flat plate or brush, little rows of tiny metal tangling pins with rounded edges detangle and hold each group of strands neatly, so the result is straighter and smoother, but without harming sensitive cuticles like bristles can. Wide ceramic plates (nearly 4") allow you to straighten more hair, more quickly (my really thick hair only took a few minutes). The advanced steam burst technology uses water to help soften and hydrate even dry and frizzy hair, making it easier to style without harming it. The plates heat up super-fast, but there are protective "styling ribs" that keep the heat from burning the skin. A variable heat control (#1-10) lets you easily dial just the amount of heat your hair needs, without over or under-heating it. The on-off switch is on the top of the handle, so you can't turn it on by accident. As a bonus, you even get a flat plate for touch-ups. I have hair that gets frizzy, but my personal test of the MAXIglide smoothed the frizz, fast, and left my hair stick-straight and shiny-smooth in just a few minutes (much faster than with traditional straightening devices). It really was amazing. You get what you pay for--straight, shiny hair! This is a must-have for you, and a luxurious gift, too. There are always a few occasions during the holiday season when my regular hair style just won't do, and I don't have any time to fuss. Apparently, neither does superstar songstress and actress Jessica Simpson. She's recently collaborated with celebrity hair stylist Ken Paves, to create HairDO Clip-In Extensions: Vibralite (Synthetic) Clip-In Wavy Extensions - (15- and 23-inch/ $85 - $95); Clip-In Straight Extensions - (10- and 22-inch $85 -$95); HairDo™ 100% Human Hair Clip-In Extensions - (21-inch set/ $500. According to the press literature we received with our sample, these do-it-yourself extensions are exactly how Ms. Simpson changes her hair length, quickly. The Vibralite versions we tried are available in both straight and wavy styles and in 15 multi-tonal shades. Unlike salon-style extensions, these temporary ones look and feel like human hair. You can use them again and again (great!). You can use these extensions to make your hair look shorter as well longer clip your longer hair under the extension). These are easy, although not effortless (there are easy to follow illustrations and videos on the web site) but with just a bit of practice, you'll be a "pro." For a change of pace, a bad hair day, or a party "do," these are must-haves for the holidays. We didn't review the 100% human hair versions, but they'd make a fantastic splurge. Good tools are essential to a good hairstyle and healthy hair. The So Smart Brush Collection $4.99 by Goody offers you a dozen, amazingly inexpensive but high performance brushes. They have all the bells and whistles of the more expensive brands: static-resistant bristles to keep the frizzies at bay and maintain that smooth, shiny, healthy look we all want, and comfort grip handle, too. Choose from: styler, cushion styler, monofilament, medium hot round, monofilament hot round, tufted salon, paddle, full oval cushion, round salon brush, XL hot round, large hot round, and tunnel vent brush. For under $60.00 you can get the entire collection for yourself, or wow someone special with a gift! We also liked the Ouchless Collection of brushes, with nylon, one-piece comfort tip bristles, that are recessed a bit into a cushioned brush head to be gentle on your hair and easy to clean (hair won't collect at the base). These come in soft, pretty colors (ours was a clear, light green plastic) and they'll make a chore, more fun. TIP: these are great gifts for anyone with a sensitive scalp or as a gift for kids -no more tears! Don't let dandruff flakes ruin your confidence or your holiday image! Lots of people have it and it often arrives just as the weather turns, or when you've really got to make a good impression the most. While you can't ignore dandruff on your head, or someone else's) or wish it away, Redken's Dandruff Control Shampoo $12.50 10.1 oz and Conditioner $14.50 8.5 oz. helps you give those flakes, a fight! The products use lavender extract and glycerin to help soothe, calm, and clarify your scalp, while pyrithione zinc, an effective dandruff fighter, controls the itching and flaking. Usually, effective elixirs for dandruff smell bad and feel worse, but why suffer? These are luxe, and they smell minty and feel refreshing! Leave shampoo on for 5 minutes and follow with the conditioner. You'll find the flakes, fleeing, and your hair will still look, feel, and smell, wonderful. There is also a Dandruff Control Leave-In Treatment $16.95 1.7 oz that works fast and is a "must-have" to deal with dandruff. Just apply a bit to your clean scalp and massage in daily. It won't look greasy, smell, or ruin your style. Reviewers who tried these products reported that they did work, and they actually (for once) didn't dread dealing with dandruff. We also like the clean, white, plastic bottles with grey lettering that look unobtrusive in your bathroom.
HOLIDAY EYES: Last month we introduce you to the Maestro Mascara by Giorgio Armani. For the holidays I think I've found the perfect bit of "body bling" in the Armani Black Gem Top Coat Mascara $25.00. The black, shimmering mascara is more that just a way to color lashes, it is a top coat that gives eyelashes a generous sparkle of black crystal! The mascara tube is clear, so you can see the intense shimmer within (beautiful on your dressing table). Inside, a plastic "comb" wand separates lashes as it gilds them. You can wear this mascara as-is, or over another product. The effect is glittery, but not "club kid." it's really beautiful...a special occasion look that makes every night "merry and bright." TIP: we "smudged" just a bit of this mascara onto our eyelids for a shimmery, smoky eye look that is pretty and party-perfect.
Very Sexy Makeup Mosaic Eye Shadow $18.00 by Victoria's Secret Beauty, pairs 4 shimmery shades of coordinated powder shadow in one compact: two larger rectangles of lid shadow, and two smaller ones for contour and liner. We found them silky and easy to apply, and found them beautiful worn solo, fun to use, blended for our own, unique looks. For the holidays, "Sultry" is great, day or night for it's gold-glitzed colors: two soft neutrals (taupe and soft camel) a gorgeous, golden bronze, and a deep, charcoal grey. You'll want more than one of these luxurious, shimmery quartets, and there are eight in all to choose from! When you purchase anything from NARS you know it's going to be high quality, and super chic, but the NARS Holiday 2006 collection is beyond glam...it's shimmering, glimmery, and glittery without being gaudy. The colors are so elegant and appealing, you'll reach for them again and again. From the six different products for eyes in the holiday collection, we reviewed the NARS Cream Eyeshadow $20.00 in "Nomad," a striking, high pearle bronze with a touch of deep green that literally burnishes lids with color and sheen. You can make this very intense by adding a lot, and create a dramatic, smoky eye look, but if you use just a little and blend it (and the colors color goes on super-creamy) it simply looks pretty. The cream is easy to apply, but it lasts like a powder...that's good to know when you're out dancing, and mingling. TIP: you can also use this long lasting cream under a powder eye shadow, as a base...you'll get great, glam, results. For a glam stocking stuffer or a little gift for yourself, splurge on a set of Micro Mini Eye Paints $25.00 by Laura Mercier. A slim rectangular, mirrored compact holds a trio of silky, luxe, powder eye shadows in neutral shades both matte and shimmery, in a choice of two glamorous palettes: ("Dawn") or a slightly cooler version ("Dusk"). The "Dawn" palette has an exclusive color "Nugget" that is a warm, golden glow I can't live without! "Dusk " features exclusive "Nuggest" a soft, pearly, lightly-mauved, pink). Purples, metallics and gray are always popular eye color choices, as Fall turns to Winter. Prestige has packed four coordinated beauties into their Pressed Powder IQuad $5.95 called "Electronic." There's an intense, matte purple and mauve, and also a shimmery steel gray and metallic silver. You can use any or all of these as liner or shadow for a variety of eye looks from daytime casual, to evening glam...and for less than $6.00 we call it a "must have." For more definition, Line eyes with a Classic Kohl Eye Pencil $4.95. One that works well with these colors is "Poly" a metallic-y plum.
Mally Beauty is new to our reviews this column. The first thing that impressed us was the quality of the packaging: Mally's City Chick Smokey Eye Kit $39.50 for example, is not plastic or cardboard, it's a mint green metal. It arrives in a clear plastic, snakeskin-pattered pouch with magnetic closure. The bottom of the long, rectangular, mirrored compact is decorated with a photograph of a snake skin. Into this, four sexy rounds of powdered eye shadow, are nestled. You get all the items you need to create a perfect, smoky eye in a variety of citified color themes: "Brownstone" (neutrals), "Central Park" (greens), 'Nolita Navy" (blues), " Skyscraper" (gray); "Plum Chelsea," (plums) and "Midtown Merlot" (warmed berry). The colors are intense, but blendable. Makeup artist Mally Roncal has worked with Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez and other divas. She knows what she's doing (and passes along her expertise by including a "how-to" with the products). These would make an impressive gift, and if you're into drama, these kits are definitely for you! We hope to review more Mally Beauty in the future. Sue Devitt's World Holiday collection has products named for various places around the world and a range of bold and bright colors are that fresh and fun. We love the three bold and bright colors in her Silky Sheen Eye Shadow $18.00 that look very bright in their silvery, mirrored compacts, but can be layered, and have just a hint of shimmer. This means you've got the best of all worlds: bold, modern colors with a hint of shimmer that are wearable during the day, dazzling at night (with a bit more layering). "Jaipur," for example, is a bright clear pink with a bit of holographic sparkle that might seem worrisome for an eye shadow, but translates on your lids to a violet purple (not red) that is fun and flattering, not shocking. Ditto "Hopetown," a deep purple/plum that we like as a liner as well as a party shadow. "North Pole" is a lush, soft, silvery shadow that works as a highlighter or lid color, and helps you deal with a day-to-night party, with ease. FACE & BLUSH: Contouring and highlighting is a big fashion trend. If you want to try it, the best way is with a natural looking blush and highlight combo, such as the Blushing Duo $4.95 by Prestige, in "Tapestry," from their 2006 Holiday Collection. This is a pretty pink blush with a 3/4 circle of lighter pink highlight merged right into the round compact. The sheer blush is layerable for more intensity, but it's still bight, so you really can't make a mistake and end up with "tiger stripes" instead of a healthy glow.
|