Liz Earle British Beauty!

The Advice Sisters WINTER 2009 "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column will be live in a few days, and features solutions for Winter's beauty problems. There are plenty of products in every price point to keep your skin, hair and nails, glowing, soft and hydrated, and gorgeous! Please check out the entire Winter What Works column at http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html


One product line I really like is Liz Earle. It's a British skincare line with naturally active ingredients. The company does no animal testing, has no animal ingredients, has no chemical sunscreens (except beeswax, propolis and manuka honey), no mineral oils, and no genetically engineered ingredients.

The Advice Sisters introduced Liz Earle to the What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review columns back in Spring 2008 when we reviewed some of Liz's excellent body care products, but I was eager to try some of her facial products for the face.

The first product I tried was the Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser $24.50 Starter Kit featuring two muslin cloths and a 3.3 fl. oz pump bottle of cream cleanser. Massage the concentrated cleanser over a dry face, and then "polish" it off with one of the muslin cloths (rinsed in hot water and wrung dry). The muslin is slightly rough, everyday dirt, makeup, and even long-lasting lipstick and mascara. It takes a little more effort to do this two-step process, but your skin will feel clean and smooth so it's totally worth it.

Follow with Instant Boost Skin Tonic $21.00 6.7 fl. oz bottle. I like the all-in-one cap on this toner. Twist it open and a tiny "spigot" pops out of the cap, ready to use. Twist it closed and the spigot retracts back into the cap. The lightly floral smelling toner is gentle on your skin, and non-drying. It has soothing vitamin E and hydrating organic aloe vera, plus calendula, cucumber and rose-scented geranium to wake up and soothe your skin. This is so pleasant to use you'll feel good about it even if you generally skip toners, or dislike the feel or the smell of them.

Liz Earle has lots of moisturizers, which are the logical next step in a regular skincare routine, but I tried the Superskin Moisturizer 1.6 fl. oz. $60.00 1.6 fl. oz. a fragrance-free product for mature or very dry skin with natural actives such as cranberry, borage and rosehip seed oils. This very rich cream also has high levels of GLA and is rich in omega-3 to prevent moisture loss and improve skin elasticity. Antioxidants pomegranate fruit extract and natural source vitamin E help protect from environmental damage, too. Liz Earle gives very specific instructions on how to apply this cream: Apply to face with upward and outward movements using firm pressure. With your fingertips, lightly smooth in an outward circular direction along the cheekbones to above the eyebrows. Using the thumb and ring finger gently pinch along the brow bone from the nose to the outer edge of the brow. Finish by gently sweeping your hands up the neck and over the décolletage. All this was just a bit too much process for me, a slap-it-on-and-go type of girl, and the cream is best used as a night cream unless your skin is seriously bone dry, but there are moisturizers for just about every type of skin in Liz Earle's skincare collection.

Also intense and super-emollient is the Superskin Concentrate $70.00 1 fl. oz *other sizes available. This super-intense aromatic blend of 100% pure plant oils ihas softening argan and organic rosehip oils, soothing neroli, lavender and chamomile essential oils plus protective natural source vitamin E. I liked the fresh, herbal scent and the way it really helped combat seriously dry and stressed-out skin.

I really like Liz Earle's products in general, but the skin care products are designed to suit very specific skin types. Make sure you consult the web site and pick what works best for your age and skin condition to get the best results!

Visit http://us.lizearle.com/

Nutra-Luxe M.D. Unique Skincare Options

Nutra-Luxe M.D. is one of those companies that quietly is going about making fans online. They feature unique products that are on the high end of the spectrum. When I first discovered this brand, I realized that there were very few reviews of the products, and the ones I did find simply mimicked the package literature. Here are two up-close-and-personal reviews of two of the company's star products.

I was a bit confused when I read on the box for Nutra Luxe M.D. Intensive Face Lift Cellular Renewal Complex Plus $139.00 1 fl. oz. that it was for "mature skin 25 and older" (the press literature says it is for 45 years and over so I'm guessing I just got the right product in the wrong box). However, our skin starts to age the minute we are born, and Nutra Luxe M.D. has a product to combat the signs of maturing skin for different age groups: Cellular Renewal Serum for 25+, Bio-peptide Complex for 35+ and Intensive Face Lift for 45+.

I tried the Intensive Face Lift for 45+ . Like the other serums, this one is housed in a high-tech package: a clear plastic cylinder that showcases the pink and clear "beads" suspended in a gel-like serum, with shiny, metallic accents (mine was silver, but this photo shows gold). There's also a unique, twist-to-reveal, pop-up pump top. This, I really like as it's clean and neat, but it also means you're not introducing bacteria into the product with your fingers or through exposure to the air. The serum is super-silky. Upon application it feels so smooth it's almost oily, but it takes just a few minutes or it to be absorbed as if you didn't apply anything at all. The little beads of encapsulated ingredients burst upon application to deliver the maximum original power into your skin. The capsules preserve the maximum potency much longer than creams, right up until they are applied and burst onto your skin.

As with most of the anti-aging products. to get the best results, you need to apply this for the first 4 weeks AM and PM on a clean face and massage it in, gently. You can resume your normal skincare routine and makeup in about five minutes when the serum is totally absorbed. It's easy and fast, and made my skin feel nice. In truth, The Advice Sisters cannot use anything for any length of time, so I can't say that I erased those "extra 10 years" and certainly no in "only a few days" that the product literature claims. I am always dubious when I read something that says: " this Face Lifting/ Anti-Wrinkle Formula contains all clinically proven, encapsulated ingredients to be the only and ultimate complex equal to injections, Scalpel or Laser." I have tried many potions, creams, and serums, and as far as my experience tells me, a scalpel or laser is more invasive and expensive, but also more impressive when it comes to results. Still, the good-for-your-skin ingredients in these high-end products can make a difference, as they're recognized to protect, smooth, and nourish skin: Dimethicone, Siloxane, Olive Oil, Soy Bean Oil, Ginger Root Oil, Myoxinol LS- Oligopeptide, Argireline- Acetyl Hexipeptide, Marixyl- Palmitoyl Pentapeptide, Palmytol Tetrapeptides, Copper Peptides, Dermaxyl, Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Extract, Hydrolyzed Sea Wheat Protein, Idebenone, DMAE, Coenzyme Q10, AHA, ALA, Retinol, Lutein, Sea Kelp Extract, Orchid Extract, Grape Seed Extract, Schinasea Extract, Green Tea, Witch Hazel Extract. If you want to try a luxe product that can possibly protect and prevent your skin from aging faster, this one could help.

I also tried the Vitamin C & E Complex $89.00 1 fl. oz. This also arrives in a high-tech pump-top delivery system, featuring pure and active L-ascorbic acid that has absolutely no parabens or other preservatives in it. The product literature claims that it is "3 times stronger than 1% idebonone" a powerful antioxidant anti-aging ingredient, but there is no way I can substantiate that claim. However, it is a known fact that Vitamins C and E are known to help protect against free radicals and help boost collagen levels, especially when used together.

I love the packaging (see review of Intensive Face Lift, above) and I like that the product is good for every skin type. Like the other products, this one has encapsulated beads suspended in a pleasant-to-apply clear gel formula that feels a bit greasy going on, but does absorb completely within a few minutes leaving no oil slicks behind. My skin felt softer and smoother, and while I can't claim that it has turned back the hands of time, regular application of this type of product will definitely help Winter weary skin look less, well....weary. I'd give it high marks for this type of Vitamin-based skin supplement/treatment even though it's a bit pricey. I also like the light, orange scent that makes me more compelled to use it more often. If you can afford a good product in a nicer package, this Vitamin C & E complex is a top of the list, choice.

for more information and ordering, visit www.nutraluxemd.com

Beautiful Ideas for a Beautiful Body From Burts Bees

Smart guys care about their skin. Hopefully they didn't wait for someone else to give them the Burt's Bees Men's Natural Grooming Kit srp. $25.99. A really attractive, just-the-right-size, black and grey zippered nylon dopp kit, holds five fantastic Burts Bees men's products (*nicely packaged with masculine labels) and featuring fresh, light, herbal scents (thanks to a blend of essential oils). The star ingredient is sunflower oil, good for all skin types but especially useful for oily skin. Every product in this little kit has products that are 100% natural including: a famous, Burts Bees Lip balm plus aftershave 2.5 fl. oz; body wash 12 fl oz; shave cream 6 oz. and a 4 oz solid bar soap (this one's 99.72% natural). The energizing body wash has coconut, sunflower and citrus oils to cleanse skin and start the day with an invigorating scent including cypress and fir oils. It's also Ph balanced, and paraben, phthalate, sodium and lauryl/laureth sulfate free (*all these products are). For guys who just don't "get" body wash, there's also a solid, bar soap. The one in this kit energizes and deodorizes with lemon, orange, and petitgrain oils (to cleanse) and rosemary extract and fir oil for skin that smells great. The Shave Cream - gives a close, smooth shave that's also gentle, with calendula and chamomile reduce inflammation and irritation, and linden extract to soothe and hydrate. And although most of our male reviewers are not terribly excited by aftershave, our male reviewers loved the Aftershave in this kit. It soothes, and helps even the driest, roughest skin with a lightweight , easily absorbed lotion with star ingredients including sunflower and coconut oils, plus soothing and healing aloe and Vitamin E. Many guys like a solid, bar soap, The one in this kit energizes and deodorizes with lemon, orange, and petitgrain oils (to cleanse) and rosemary extract and fir oil for skin that smells great.

If "Santa" didn't bring you any great beauty products, the Burt's Bees, the Overnight Bee-uty Bag $14.99 is still affordable, post-holiday. It has six, travel-sized beauty essentials tucked into an adorable, bright yellow fabric zippered beauty bag with red accents and a sweet little "bee" on the side. The products feature good-for-your-skin softening oils, stimulating botanicals and emollient nut butters! There's a refreshing and soothing, Beeswax Lip Balm and also a nourishing and hydrating Replenishing Lip Balm both in swivel-up form, a Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Lotion (1 fl oz ) with a sweet, vanilla-y scent; a .30 oz Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme, lusciously lemon scented an in a bright yellow tin; a Deep Pore Scrub (0.53 oz) in a tube, with bits of natural peach pits to quickly exfoliate dead, dry skin cells (and willlowbark, Hawaiian ginger, and seaweed to make skin soft and glowing), plus a seriously moisturizing Coconut Foot Creme (0.56 oz) in a tube, to keep heels from cracking and drying out.

You really don't need any holiday or occasion to gift yourself (or a host/hostess) with the Mint Medley Gift Set$20.00. I love this one for couples or families, especially because it has six favorite products, full-sized, and ready-to-share. The theme is peppermint, of course, but the variations keep it interesting. These Burt's Bees products all have peppermint oil or extract, derived from the Mediterranean peppermint plant. Peppermint doesn't just make your senses perk up however, the peppermint herb is valued for its cooling, pain relieving and antiseptic effect. The cello-box with peek-a-boo window houses: a soothing/cooling/refreshing Beeswax Lip Balm tube (.15 oz) ; a Beeswax Lip Balm in a signature, Burts Bees yellow tin (.30 oz); a Fabulously Fresh Body Bar scented with rosemary and peppermint (4 oz); a nicely lathering Spearmint & Lime Body Wash in a flip-top clear plastic bottle (4 fl oz); an uplifting-ly scented and seriously hydrating Peppermint Foot Lotion (3.38 fl oz) (actually, it's more like a soothing ointment/gel) and last but not least a truly refreshing tin of white peppermints, for breath-fresh kisses!

Visit www.burtsbees.com for more information/to purchase

Eye-Making Stars from Bourjois-Must Have for New Years

Holiday parties are still in full swing and the last thing you want is tired-looking eyes. Make a resolution to treat yourself to eye products that really deliver, into the new year.

I have been a very long time fan of the many mascaras by Bourjois. The Advice Sisters have reviewed a number of these in past What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review columns. One that's new and I am absolutely loving is the exciting, Bourjois Liner Effect Mascara. This unique mascara is enriched with Kohl, to give your lashes the most intense and sexy look ever. The brush is also unique with long bristles on one side only, the other with tiny bristles. Use the long bristles to draw the mascara on lashes from root to tip for high drama and absolutely NO clumping. Then use the short bristles to deposit the mascara at the very base of the lashes, emphasising the roots for an amazing "liner" effect. Your eyes will look as though you used a Kohl pencil as well as mascara -- it's a glamorous effect with absolutely no work! This is one of those nifty, "aha!" products that once you try it, you'll reach for it again and again. The mascara will be at ULTA stores and http://www.ulta.com/ in February, and in a two-for one deal for $22.79 (*plus shipping) at HSN, now.









If you're going to apply your own liner, why not make it Bourjois Regard Effet Metalisse Eye Liner $12.50 in five shimmery, metallic-y shades? This pencil is so luxuriously soft it can be blended and used eye shadow as well as a liner. What could be better than that if you're pinching your pennies during this party season? Visit http://www.bourjois.com/ for product information and where to buy.

MARK and Laren Conrad Make You Merry and New Years Eve, Dazzling

We've made it through Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah and Kwaanza, but there's one more Special Event to dress up for before Winter really takes hold: NEW YEARS EVE!

And, if there was ever a time to dress up and feel glamorous, it's now. But whether the sky's teh limited or there's a limit on your budget, you can dazzle for just a few dollars, spiff up any outfit, and look great, with the additional of some trendy fashion items from MARK.

MARK is for the young, but it's also for the young at heart. The super-affordable products and fun fashion items are just fun to wear. And, since fashion and youth go hand in hand, it makes sense that MARK is feauring fashionable designers like"The Hills" television star (and aspiring fashion designer), Lauren Conrad.

I personally love Lauren Conrad's Bejeweled Headband $18.00 that makes any hair in any style, just a bit more special. A thin silver tone metal band blends into the background, while a large cluster of mauve, black and grey "jewels"sparkle on the side in a modern interpretation of the proverbial flower behind the ear!

And there's a coordinating, Lauren Conrad Statement Ring $16.00. This is a door-knocker-sized golden or silvery ring, festooned with a large, modern interpretation of a flower, in square, oval, and round stones. The gold one features a round, faceted red faux gem in the center of a cluster of clear, mauve,and citrine "gems." The silvery ring has a blue center and blue, mauve, clear and peach. Wear one of these on your middle finger and let your hands do all the talking. The rings comes in: small/medium (sizes 6-7), large/x-large (sizes 8-10)

For your wrists, subtle sparkle in the form of ten slender silver or gold-toned bangle bracelets in MARK Lauren Conrad's Bangle Collection $18.00. Half are smooth and unadorned, and half have tiny, bezel-set beads in blue (for silver) and carnelian (for gold). These are glamorous enough for New Years Eve, but they'll be your new "BB' (best bling) for every occasion, all Winter long. Wear a few, or all. Wear the unadorned bangles, or all of the beaded ones. The look will be all your own, and all glamorous!

Maybe you have to scrimp on a new party outfit this New Years, but with these affordable, Fashion accents, you can still light up the night, and not go broke doing it.

Visit www.meetmark.com to order or Click Here to find a representative in your area

Clinique's New Products Help You Turnaround from Head-to-Toe

Clinique's 3-Step Skincare Systems was introduced more than 20 years ago, but exfoliation has always been an important part of their total skincare process (actually, exfoliation is an important part of any skincare routine).


Starting now (the end of December), Clinique will be unveiling a new set of products that provide effective, easy, quick exfoliation featuring three new formulations. The results are supposed to be similar to actual dermatological formulations such as glycolic peels and microdermabrasion, but these are for "at home" use. There are three new products: Turnaround Once a Week Radiance Peel; Turnaround Instant Facial 2.5 oz.; and Turnaround Body Lotion 5 fl. oz.

I got a chance to try all three products prior to launch, and I'm very excited about them!

I started with the Body Cream $28.50, with 11 unique, major ingredients to aid moisturization and retention of moisture. The light cream offers a nice, gentle, but very effective moisturization even on dry, itchy skin. And, there's gentle exfoliation activity as well, to slough off dead, dry skin cells even when you forget to exfoliate as you might normally do. This is not an exciting product-- it doesn't smell like the tropics, or a flower garden. What it does have that I love is the ability to tame even the roughest dry skin. I have been slathering it with abandon on my body, especially my ankles and feet that seem to be the driest this time of year. The cream fixes the dullness and dryness in seconds!

I also liked the Turnaround Instant Facial $36.50 because it is a five-minute treatment that is easy to use and feels fairly gentle. The rich cream has a slightly gritty feel and provides both physical and chemical exfoliation that you control with how much time you keep it on (I did it less than 5 minutes because I have super-sensitive skin) and how vigorously you massage off the cream with water after the treatment. My skin was glowing and soft, but not irritated. Key ingredients in this product includes an advanced mixture of gentle efoliating and moisturizing ingredients including chestnut extract, salicylic acid, acetyl glucosamine, salvia sclarea extract, adenosine phosphate an creatine and exfoliating beads of lauryl methacryalate, diatomaceous earth, and glycol dimethacrylate crosspolymer and caffeine to calm and soothe skin and help avoid irritation.

I was less enthusiastic to try the Once a Week Radiance Peel $55.00 with a two-step process, but I'm glad I did. Empty one of 8 vials of liquid (one for each of 8 consecutive weeks of treatment onto a cotton pad or bowl and apply it to your face. (if you feel some stinging it is part of the exfoliation process) and then rub the "post-treatment" calming cream over that to stop the stinging and to moisturize. I was worried about using this, but I worried needlessly. Clinique's products are famous for being kind to skin, and I honestly didn't feel a lot of stinging or irritation or even redness from this product, which surprised me. My skin didn't look like I'd had a professional microdermabrasion treatment but my skin looked brighter and felt discern-ably softer. I'm willing to go out on a limb and say that after 8 weeks, my skin would definitely be seriously improved. When you consider that you get 8 weeks of treatment for the price, it's a good value, too.

When you're purchasing something like this to put on your skin it helps to know what's in it. The first step (vial of liquid) has salicylic acid, acetyl glucosamine, lactobionic acid, rice brand extract, chestnut extract, and salvia sclarea extract -- all of which are known to help gently exfoliate the skin. The second step (Turnaround calming cream) has sodium hyaluronate and shea butter--both super-hydrators, plus sea whip extract (to comabt redness and irritation), linoleic acid, cholesterol and hydergenated lecithin to help keep moisture in your skin, and the powerful antioxidant properties of green tea.

Merry Christmas! and a Red Lips Mystery Match-Up Game

Red Lips Mystery Match-Up Game

We love bold crimson lipstick and putting your celebrity knowledge to the test ...

So we challenge you to pair your favorite stars with their perfectly lacquered lips all before time runs out. Play the game

Boots and Origins Offers Great Bath & Body Gift-ables!

The holidays are getting closer and closer and you still haven't found the perfect gift? Bath and Body products are little luxuries that are always appropriate and always welcome. Two companies that are favorites of mine to make your body and your spirit, soar are Boots, and Origins. Both companies that have wonderful products with great scents that appeal to everyone, and that won't break your budget. Here are some good examples:

Origins, has a wealth of pre-packaged goodies in all price ranges, and if you see something you'd rather give that isn't in a boxed set, you can pick and choose the items. Origins will package them up in one of their lime green, just-for-the-holidays gift boxes (made of 100% recycled board). The pre-packaged bath & body gift-ables offer something for everyone on your list. There are is also a special Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Be Weil Collection $79.50 featuring five great-for-your-skin products and a set for men called "Certified Male" $35.00 with a face wash, shave cream and multi-tasking moisturizer). There's even something for the young (or young at heart): Telinho, a stuffed, toy, white whiskered spider monkey--buy him and help save the spider monkey from extinction!

My favorite Origins scent is the spicy and invigorating Ginger scent. I love this Origins Tree-Mendously Ginger Gift $59.50 featuring Ginger Float˙ Cream bubble bath for a bubbling oasis in the tub, Ginger Burst˙ Savory body wash, Incredible Spreadable Scrub˙ Ginger body smoother, Ginger Souffle˙ Whipped body cream and Ginger Essence˙ Intensified fragrance rollerball. With a Cotton Bath Mitt. It's estimated value: $73.00

Origins products are available at Origins Stores, www.origins.com and Origins cosmetics counters.

But for pleasure, economy and creating impressive gift sets that look awesomely luxe, but are modestly priced, BOOTS is the brand to buy! The products are beautifully fragranced and nicely packaged. Every day feels like a day at the spa when you're using something from BOOTS. This Mediterranean Selection set features five fantastic products from their Mediterranean collection with a different scent for each product. This is just one of the many excellent product lines from Boost. But this entire set is just $16.99 ! There's a Thyme Milk & Lemon Verbena Bath Cream 2.5 fl. oz; a 2.5 fl. oz flip-top tube of Lemon Rosemary & Walnut Hand & Nail Cream (one of my favorite items); a large 6.6 fl. 9oz jar of Almond Pistachio & Milk Body Butter (smooths skin in seconds); a 6.6 fl. oz flip top tube of Bergamot Wheat Germ & Basil Body Wash, and a hard milled Almond scented exfoliating soap with tiny buttons to massage and slough off dead skin. The nicely-boxed set has a clear cello top--just add a bow and it's ready to go!





There are literally dozens of individual scents and potions for bath and body from Boots. Most are $7.99-$9.99. This Boots Mediterranean Bergamot Mini Gift Collection with Bath Cream, Body Wash and Body Butter is just $8.99. You could even split these up for stocking stuffers and still look like a big spender.

Boots products are available in the United States at Target stores and at www.target.com

*the gift sets are limited edition, but will be available in stores until supplies run out so if you don't get what you want for the holidays........!!!!!!

Genie in a Bottle and Tova Are Two Unique and Gift-able Scents

If you want to get a fragrance for yourself, or for someone special, this holiday season, but you want it to be something you won't smell everywhere, on everyone, here are two that are beautiful and gift-able:

I met Janna at the Jono holiday gift fair not long ago, and was entranced by Trance Essence by Janna Sheehan. Her line features six exotic fragrances and each of the Trance Essence Nectars contains up to twenty-five essential and perfume oil elements. "Annoint Yourself" the web site, invites. I checked out the Eau De Parfum sprays, roll-on perfume oils and hand-poured soy-based candles, and was impressed with the unique, boutique scents. My favorite (although they're all good) is Genie in a Bottle Perfume Oil $52.00 1/8 oz. comes in a rollerball format and in concentrated form (with no less than 45% essential oils plus jojoba oil) so you don't need much to gain attention with this scent. (the photo shows the fragrance, not the rollerball). Shake the bottle before applying it, and your own body heat will activate the oil's fragrance to it's highest potential. As the name implies, Genie in a Bottle, introduced just this year, is a bit exotic, featuring Jasmin exotic oil, vanilla, organic frankincense, bittersweet chocolate, black tea, and organic black pepper. The overall feeling is seductive, but there's a softened sense of it with a lingering, sultry vanilla. For more information and to order, visit http://www.tranceessence.com/

TOVA newes't fragrance, AMBRE D'ORO $36.50 1.7 fl. oz. is classified as a modern, musky-floral scent (with native, Italian notes. The scent is a light, refreshing floral with just a hint of sensual drydown. There's Sicilian Lemon and Peony Peregrina accord mixed with Asiatic Lily and Plum Blossom. The heart is a feminine blend of florals: Italian Jasmine, Mimosa, Florentine Iris and Wild Gladiola and the drydown features sensual heliotrope, opulent Patchouli, Sandalwood and Amber Musk. TOVA scents tend to shout out their characteristics, but this fragrance is very different -- more lighthearted and modern in tone, although it does linger nicely. I also love TOVA's elegant bottles, and this one has graceful, silk-screened flowers in black on the bottle to make it super-special. TIP: to get the most out of this fragrance, it is suggested that you spray the fragrance in the air around you, allowing it to settle naturally --a light veil of scent all over your hair and body. Avoid spraying and rubbing into wrists, as this could crush the individual scents. Visit www.qvc.com to order

Chanukah song by Adam Sandler...a Chanukah class

The Chanukah song by Adam Sandler...a Chanukah classic. Happy Chanukah to everyone!

Crabtree & Evelyn and Perlier give you reasons to stay home, this holiday season

Are you feeling tired right about now? Are holiday partying and shopping making you long for a night-just-for-one, at home? Perlier, and Crabtree & Evelyn, two companies well known for fragrant and high-quality bath and body products give you a reason to order in, and tune out for a change.

A wonderful set of products that make the holidays just a bit more tranquil, is the Amber and Myrrh collection by Perlier. Available as a gift set on the Home Shopping Network, you can purchase all 4 products as a very affordable gift set at just $39.95 . This lovely quartet of bath and body products, made in Italy, feature holiday-perfect, warm and woody notes of amber and myrrh (the exotic, ancient Christmas scent!) blended to create a sensual fragrance that make people want to get close to you! The Perlier Amber & Myrrh Gift Set includes:

8.4 oz. tube of Amber & Myrrh Shower Cream that gently cleanses and moisturizes your skin, leaving the Amber & Myrrh scent to help you start (or end) your day.

16.9 oz. flip top tube of Amber & Myrrh Shimmering Body Milk - a velvety body lotion that leaves a light, shimmery finish and of course, a bit of scent.

A tube of 3.3 oz. Amber & Myrrh Hand Cream - hand cream is so necessary in the Winter months and this one gives you soft and nicely fragrant hands.

3.5 oz. plastic shaker jar of Amber & Myrrh Talc - this finely-milled talcum powder helps stop chafing, calms underarms, and adds a nice scent even if you're nervous.

The entire set comes in a gift bag embellished with a metallic-trimmed bow and matching carrying handles. BONUS! Included with your HSN purchase is a 1-year subscription to Self magazine valued --a $12.00 value! It's like two gifts in one at $12. *Self magazine order and refund details will be mailed to you directly within 10 days. You will receive your first issue 6 to 8 weeks after ordering.

If you just want to try the Amber & Myrrh products without purchasing a gift set, you can get:

two containers of the Talc for $20.50 or two tubes of the hand cream $20.50

visit www.hsn.com for details and to order!

Another nice spa-night or gift option is Aromatherapy Distillations Revitalizing Skin Polishing Ritual $49.50 by Crabtree & Evelyn The set has two parts: a blend of aromatic, exfoliating spices that you blend with rich tropical body butter to suit your personal specifications. Mix a bit of oil and exfoliating spices together in equal parts of more of one, less of the other, to get rid of dry, dead skin cells, and smooth and pamper your body, hands and feet.

This cello-boxed set has the following for smooth skin and a revitalized attitude: Jar of Exotic Spice Medley (5.25 oz): loose grains include ginger root powder (exfoliating, polishing), apricot seed powder (smoothing), clove powder (exfoliating), cinnamon bark powder (exfoliating), nutmeg fruit powder (exfoliating), powdered luffa fruit fibers (exfoliating), and kuki seed oil (skin conditioning). The scent is really spicy, reminiscent of the spice market in Morocco. Jar of Ultra Moisturizing Body Butter (8.8 OZ). This solid and super-emollient product has the uplifting scent of an essential oil blend of lemon, spearmint, mandarin, ylang ylang and star anise. It's good-for-your-skin ingredients include: essential oil blend: lemon essential oil, spearmint essential oil, mandarin essential oil, ylang ylang essential oil and star anise essential oil (Revitalizing), Mango seed butter (moisturizing), avocado oil (skin nourishing), coconut oil (skin conditioning), sweet almond oil (moisturizing); You also get an ivory, ceramic mixing bowl, and an applicator/mixing implement (I immediately misplaced mine, and just used a small spoon).

I liked the "ritual" of blending the rough and aromatic spices with the emollient solid cream body butter, and the result was definitely smoother, softer skin. The only downside (if there is one) is that you'll have an additional bowl to clean, and the paste does need to be washed off and out of your tub. However, the process of blending the two ingredients together means that you get just the amount of product you want to use, in just the right blend to suit your personal skin preferences. No jar or tube of exfoliating scrub gives you this option. This four-piece set makes a great gift idea, and a nice little pick-me-up that you can perform once or twice a week for better looking skin.

For ordering and information visit: http://store.crabtree-evelyn.com/

Quebec Delights Day And Night in Every Season

A week before Valentine's Day, my husband surprised me by saying: "Be prepared to pack a weekend bag, be sure to bring your passport, and meet me at the airport on February 14th."



I had no idea what he had in mind or where we were going to end up, but I knew we were going to end up somewhere fun and romantic. Paris, perhaps?

Well, it wasn't Paris, but it was a City that has that feel. He took me to Canada, to Montreal. Although it was just a short plane ride away from home, this cosmopolitan City has a European flair that feels like you've ventured far away. It has been many years since I'd been to Canada. I'd forgotten how interesting the City was, how friendly it's residents were, and how wonderful the shopping and the restaurants were. We had fine dinners, walked hand in hand through the snow, visited fabulous museums, and bought a few souvenirs at The Baie (or The Bay). Although we were only there for the weekend, it felt like we really had been to Europe instead of to our Neighbors, just a bit up North!



Recently I attended a Quebec luncheon at Cipriani on 23rd Street. As we nibbled from a lovely buffet, a man who has won accolades as the world's fastest ice carver sent chunks of frozen H2O flying, as he carved a penguin from a solid block of ice with a chain saw (in a chilling, 10 minutes). The purpose of the luncheon was to showcase some of the areas of the region, and inform journalists of the types of opportunities travelers can enjoy, from the excitement of Montreal, to the Quebec Winter Carnival (January 30-February 15 2009), to Quebec's spa and resort options, to the National parks and beautiful Laurentians, and much more.

I also learned that there are two-for-one deals (in about 100 select hotels) offered in Quebec this Winter where you can book one night and get one night free. Could this be the year you forgo the flowers and chocolates, and book a romantic week or weekend in Canada? To learn more about what you can do in Quebec, solo or not, see last minute deals, buy gift certificates, and make reservations, visit http://www.bonjourquebec.com/

Cosmeholic Liquid Lipstick -A Good Idea for Sexy Lips

Cosmeholic Liquid Lipstick $20.00 isn’t just a lipstick or a even a lipgloss --it’s a "lipgloss with personality" says the press literature.

The collection of seven Cosmoholic Lip products was created by Jody Cohen, and the products are a nice cross between a liquid lipstick and a lip gloss. If we're talking personalities, this hybrid certainly is the life of the party! You get bold color, but you also get the patent-leather shine of a luxe lip gloss.

I recently worse one of these to dinner, and the color faded a bit, but still remained at the end of the meal. You would never expect that from a lip gloss! And, the wanded, glossy color stay put and doesn't' run, so you look sexy, not scary! There are 7 shades with names that are fairly obvious as to what the color is : Promiscuous Pink (bright pink); Rock Star Red; Prudish Pink (soft, medium pink); Passionate Peach; Bossy Berry, and the one I love called "Mysterious Mocha" that offers a browned pink pout to die for! Whatever color you love the most, this Liquid Lipstick will help you have the look you want, and keep it going longer than most.

These wanded lip products do more than just look good on your lips. They feel like silk on your lips, and they're like a "repair kit," giving lips skin-loving bennies such as Vitamin E and C, antioxidants, and macadamia nut oil (plus a tiny bit of Vanilla, for flavor).

The result is a lip product with a sparkling personality -- color plus super-shine (no shimmer except for Gold Digger). What can I say but "wow!" I've definitely become a Cosmoholic .

Maybe it’s a bit pricey.....But I think it's a must-have for any busy woman who just doesn't want to be bothered re-applying lipstick all the time and wants her products to multi-task to do good things for her lips, as well/

Get it at: http://www.cosmoholiconline.com/

Crazy For Cranberries--The Body Shop Cranberry Bath & Body Line

I fell in love with The Body Shop's cranberry scent in 2002, and reviewed the original in the December 2002 What Works Holiday Column. This holiday season, The Body Shop is offering the uplifting, tart, fruity scent in an extensive collection of bath and body products that the entire family will want to use. I received this luxurious but affordable collection too late to include it in the Advice Sisters What Works Holiday 2008 Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column, but the products are perfect for now through the Winter, and I know you'll want to try them:



The Cranberry Hand Wash is just $10.00. It's my favorite product because I wash my hands a lot (and you should too, especially during the Winter cold season). The cranberry-colored pump bottle with gold top and gold graphics looks elegant in any bathroom. This soap-free gel has Community Trade organic honey (to moisturize and condition) and Coconut-oil derived ingredients that gently cleanse skin. The refreshing cranberry scent (thanks to genuine cranberry fruit extract) makes washing up, a pleasure.

Also in a pump bottle is a Cranberry Shimmer Lotion $18.00. Unlike the original cranberry scented shimmer body lotion that left skin glittery, this one leaves your skin subtly shimmery with a nice dose of cranberry scent. The light lotion absorbs quickly so you can moisturize and soothe your skin (with cranberry seed oil, Community Trade shea butter and
Community Trade sesame oil) and be on your way! A Cranberry Sheer Body Shimmer $20.00 2.2 oz. comes in solid form in a golden tin 2.2. Apply the cranberry-scented product with included puff to your entire body to add a touch of lightweight, skin-softening shimmer with a slightly lighter scent than the Shimmer Lotion but also a slightly higher shimmery quotient. Cranberry seed oil, Community Trade organic soy (rich in essential fatty acids to repair skin’s moisture barrier) and Community Trade organic beeswax conditions skin and helps to lock in moisture.
Cranberry Body Butter $20.00 6.8 oz. in a maroon and gold plastic jar is a richer and more moisturizing body product to keep dry, itchy Winter skin in check, very pleasurably. The body butter also has Cranberry seed oil, plus Community Trade cocoa butter (a moisturizer that melts at body temperature,) and Community Trade shea butter and Community Trade sesame oil . Your skin will feel soft and pampered and your senses will be treated to that lovely, cranberry experience.

Other Products to love in the Cranberry Line are a really good Exfoliating Body Polish 6.75 oz. in a flip top tube, plus Cranberry Bubble Bath ($18) ; Shower Gel ($13); and a cranberry lip balm in a pot ($8) that dispenses a silky, shimmery, sheer cranberry-red tinted gloss that is a sensual experience every time you apply it. If you purchased all of these it still would set you back less than most designer brands....



...but a really affordable way to sample this exceptional, wonderfully scented line is to purchase the Holiday Celebrations Gift Set for the incredibly low price of just $15.00! You'll get 2.0 fl oz Cranberry Body Lotion , 2.0 fl oz Cranberry Shower Gel , 2.5 oz Cranberry Soap and a nice, Printed clear plastic cube made from 80% post-consumer recycled materials, or "splurge" (it's still affordable) on the Cranberry Joyful Times Gift Set $35.00 featuring a 1.7 oz Cranberry Body Butter, 8.4 fl oz Cranberry Bath & Shower Gel, 2.5 fl oz Cranberry Body Polish , Cranberry Mini Votive , Two-tone Cranberry Bath Lily , and an Octagonal card box with seasonal detail printed from vegetable-based inks. These eco-conscious gifts are perfect for last-minute gifts throughout the year, so stock up now!

For more gift ideas and to shop all The Body Shop lines, visit http://www.thebodyshop.com

Renew Rollerball ends "Stress in the City" -Gift Idea!

Sue Beechey and Geraldine Howard, founders of Aromatherapy Associates, each have almost 40 years of experience in aromatherapy. They founded their company, Aromatherapy Associates in 1985 to bring professional and retail products to people in spas, and at home. Their seven different lines (renew, relax, de-stress, revive, enrich, support, balance and renew, feature natural ingredients wonderful scents, using natural oils. One product I really like is from their RENEW line, a Renew Rollerball (approx. $15.00 U.S.) in a mini .17 oz. Size that’s perfect for purse and travel. The key ingredients are simple and exotic:: Jasmine, Rose, and Frankincense The little rollerball comes gift boxed in a soft, red, hard-sided box with magnetic closure that can also double as a lipstick holder. It's like getting two gifts in one!

You can shop online for products (prices are in UK currency) at http://www.aromatherapyassociates.com/

Triple C Designs Glam Purse Accessories Are A Triple Treat

Last Month I attended a holiday gift fair by Jono Productions and met representatives from Triple C Designs. I was immediately attracted to their colorful display of purse, travel and fashion accessories in two lines. Glam and Glam Noir.

Glam Noir is a party-like-a-rock-star collection with studs, stars, crowns, leopard and crystals, with items featuring everything from purse holders to card cases, pill boxes to pocket mirrors, keychains to keepsake bags, belts and boxes, pendants to purses, and even some jewelery items.

The Glam collections are a bit less glitzy and more for the daytime, " but equally as lovely and high quality, featuring pink and other pastel-colored pieces, many decorated with tiny sparkling crystals.

One item that is perfect for travel as well as gift-giving is a gold-trimmed Folding Cosmetics Bag $48.00 in royal purple or shiny white or black. It features four clear plastic, gold zippered pockets (with large gold star pull-tags) to hold jewelry, makeup or other items, and has an interior mirror and metal hangar so you can just hang it in the closet or bathroom at your destination. The interior fabric is also fabulous: gold stars on a black background for the purple gbag, leopard for the white bag, and zebra for the black bag! The entire bag folds into a (fairly compact) rectanglem with gold carry strap on top, making this one of the most luxurious bags I've ever seen. The photo shows the purple bag but the others are equally fabulous!

A pretty purse mirror makes "making up" just a bit nicer and more tasteful. The Starlet Mirror Compact $40.00 from the Glam Noir Collection is one of the most luxe I've ever seen. The graceful, oval-shaped, dual mirror is 14K gold plated with a starry background of clear, round and rectangular Swarovski crystals. A shiny black patent leatherette slip case is included to keep your mirror, scratch free. Another thing I really like about this mirror is that it's substantial, but not so heavy your handbag will be pounds heavier! A similarly-shaped mirror from the Glam Collection features three modern-looking roses on a white background with a few, tiny crystals added for just a hint of daytime sparkle and a light, pink patent-leatherette slip case.

I didn't have a great photo of these, but a great mini Manicure Kit $28.00 from the GLAM collection features a metal hard-sided case with black enamel finish, delicate pink floral design, and tiny crystals for sparkle. Inside are six must-haves: good quality nail clipper, manicure scissors, cuticle pusher, metal nail file, tweezers and cuticle trimmer. It's everything you need for home or for travel in a really compact form, and so pretty you'll want to use it all the time. A hot pink leatherette slip case keeps it scratch-free and protected. Also in a hard-sided, padded, protected case is a very pretty, hard-sided metal Contact Lens Case $21.00 in eye-catching turquoise with paisley design in purple and pink, also festooned with tiny sparkling crystals. The inside is a padded case with mirror which holds a two-sided plastic contact lens case, a tiny white plastic tweezer, and two bottles for contact lens solutions. The entire case if no larger than a card case, thankfully and keeps everything safe and secure. It also has a bright orange patent leatherette slip case, so you can find it in your handbag. Glam also has hard-sided (but lightweight) lipstick cases. The one I tried was a silver and black case with a delicate, Moroccan design in gold and purple with tiny crystals on the top and a mirror inside the case. A plum colored leatherette slip case keeps it clean and scratch-free.

There are plenty of other options to choose from as well, that make functional items, glamorous and fun to use. Make your daily beauty chores easier to enjoy with items from Triple C Designs. Amazingly, none of these are really outrageously expensive, although they certainly look like they should cost a lot more. These are real finds for now, and for the entire year!

Visit www.glamstyleonline,com or www.triplecdesigns.com for more information and ordering

Essie's Mighty Mega-Mini Treasures --Treat Yourself!

Whether it's a "grab-bag" treat for the office party, a thank-you for a favorite helper, or a little treat for yourself, the Essie 'Mega Mini' Treasures $15.00 pack a mighty gift-able punch, without denting your wallet too much.

The cheerfuly-red, re-useable, hard-sided display box with peel-a-boo window needs nothing more than a bow to be ready for giving, and inside, there are four, fabulous Essie nail polishes ($8.00 each in full sized portions) that you can pop into a purse for touch-ups, or take in your carry-on bag, without incident. The mini-sized Essie polishes come in a deep, rich berry called " Berry Hard," a bright, bold and regal red called "Jelly Apple" that makes nails look just like a dead-ringer for the candied treat. On the more subdued end of the color spectrum, there's "Pink Glove Service" a nearly-clear, translucent petal pink (two coats add just the prettiest blush); and "Imported Champagne, " a very shimmery and elegant, golden beige. One of these four will work for every outfit all Winter long. Essie polishes are smoothly applying, quick-drying, long-lasting, and a favorite of salon's everywhere. This little gift set brings joy..guaranteed!

Check out the Essie Boutique: http://www.essieshop.com/

Christopher Drummond Beauty- A Good Bet for Luxury Minerals Makeup!

I met the charming Christopher Drummond at Shecky's Girls Night Out last fall. Apparently, I had the honor of being the very first person to test out his line as it launched in public at this event. Drummond is a makeup artist whose new line of patent pending cosmetic products have been used on models and celebrities, and contain all natural, organic-based and vegan ingredients. His luxurious product line of mineral makeup will appeal to women who want something effective, that also feels special.

I tried the Saúde Pele Radiance Booster $85.00 a loose, creamy "finishing" powder you can apply over bare skin, or over a foundation. It's infused with antioxidants Açai, soy isoflavones and boswellia serrata. The velvety powder comes in a dark violet jar that helps prolong the life of the powder by also blocking out UV light, but a special touch is the small, plastic travel container with sifter top, application pad, and even a spatula to move the product from one jar to the other. berry. About the unique name: Christopher told me: "I wanted the name and the image of the product to reflect the feel of being in Brazil...I also wanted the name to reflect that it is good for your skin, and that it makes your skin look healthy. I checked into Portuguese words and combined two together: Saude, which means 'healthy', and Pele, which means 'skin.' So, technically, the name means 'healthy skin' in Portuguese."

...make sense to me!

The best way to apply the loose minerals is with the very lovely, synthetic, Flat Top Brush $19.95 that picks up just the right amount of powder minerals, and feels amazingly ilky on your skin. For more coverage, splurge a bit on the Veludo Velvet Foundation $65.00 that comes in six sheer shades from light to dark, and gives your skin a flawless but natural, finish. This powder minerals foundation also comes in a violet jar with travel accessories. This excellent, long-wearing foundation is water, perspiration and transfer resistant, and contains a natural sunscreen (you will still want to wear sunblock if you're out in the sun more than a short while) and will be appropriate even for people with very sensitive skin. I really like these products, even though for clutzes, loose powder can be tricky.

Christopher Drummond Beauty also offers a Concealer $22.50 in light, medium and dark. When it comes to concealer, I feel safer using a solid product, but if you are careful and use a small, synthetic brush to apply it, it's fine. Soon to be launched are color minerals for eyes and a really great Lip Gloss $17.50 in a gorgeous, sheer, shimmery copper called:"Carnival" (made my lips look and feel great). I tested these at Sheckys Girls Night Out and really liked them. TIP: If you want to try a high-end minerals makeup but aren't sure if it's really for you, Christopher Drummond Beauty offers a Sample $4.99 of this foundation.

Visit http://www.christopherdrummond.com/ for more information and to order products

Féerie, A new Fragrance by Van Cleef & Arpels

If you can't afford fine jewelry from noted jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels , you can still douse (well, perhaps, just dab) on the new eau de parfum: Féerie, by Van Cleef & Arpels.

The cost of the scent eflects it's luxurious creator: Eau de Parfum 100ml/$150 Eau de Parfum 50ml/$110 Perfumed Body Cream 200ml/$100 Perfumed Body Lotion 150ml/$55 Perfumed Bath and Shower Gel 150ml/$45 But part of the cost, I should think, is the beautifully faceted, blue, Féerie bottle with a silver top featuring a moon flower cabochon and a tall, slender branch providing a perch for the graceful fairy on top. I didn't get the bottle on this one, but the photo does show an impressive bottle collectors will covet, and women will want to display on their dressing tables.

I didn't get the bottle and cannot really say more about the presentation or outer packaging other than what the photo shows. The Advice Sisters normally will not even review a product without it's actual bottle and packaging. But when you're thinking of spending $150 or even $100 for a luxe fragrance, it's nice to know that someone actually tested the scent within the bottle and can pass on some comments about it. So here goes:

The press literature calls it a "floral woody" scent, but Féerie, to smell, still smells more floral with a bit of fruit, than wood. In fact, as far as I can tell from the press notes, the only wood in the blend is Haitian Vetiver.

Top Notes: violet, blackcurrant, Italian mandarin, and poesy.

Heart Notes: Bulgarian Rose and rose essence bring, and Egyptian Jasmine.

Base Notes: Florentine Iris butter , and Haitian vetiver

Regardless, the light, feminine scent works well for everyday and will be wonderful in the warmer months, too. Paris Hilton just launched a "fairy-themed" fragrance this season as well, but hers is modestly priced, and very, very, youthful and fruity. Féerie is not a budget minded scent targeted to the youth market....or at least not solely to it. The notes will translate differently on everyone and the scent smells expensive and very pleasant. The bottle is pretty and romantic. In short, this is a "Stevie Nicks" fragrance for a woman who can afford good things, and believes that her dreams can come true.

Get this fabulous scent at Neiman Marcusm Bergdorf Goodman, and Van Cleef & Arpels

Total Beauty Web Tour For This Week

Viva Woman found Moroccan rhassoul clay great for facial cleansing!

Indian Girl tells us how to embrace the dark lip trend and is giving away Julie Hewett Lipstick in Sin Noir to help you do just that ! Enter Today !

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings reviews Bioelements Quick Refiner. Find out what she thinks of this liquid-gel exfoliator!

Beauty411 shares the details of the lovely Dior Black and White Ball Collection. One of the prettiest holiday collections of the season!

Top Blushes by Marta-Talking Makeup!

Alison of The Advice Sisters wrote about a soap that not only cleans YOU, but also help to clean up land mines -- a cause close to the heart of a special princess, and lots of glittery "eye candy," too!

Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brians-Blog weighs in on the best of the best mascaras.

Beauty Anonymous shares Chanel Spring 2009 Makeup Collection.

Beauty Secrets Revealed shares an Essential Oil Recipe For Healthy And Strong Nails.

Makeup Files has you covered this holiday season. Save money with the 5 Beauty Gifts under $15 or, go for broke with the 5 Extravagant Beauty Gifts over $50. That'll help cross some names off your gift list!

Frappelattes smells and gives her two "scents" on Armani Code for Women. (It smells delicious!)

Beauty Junkies Unite checks out beauty newcomer, on10 Cosmetics and finds something yummy in the process!

A little behind on your holiday shopping? eye4style has you covered with this giveway of two $50 gift cards to AZJeans.com!

This week Fabulous Over Forty has a beauty gift to fit any Beauty on a Budget.

The Makeup Divas are having another fabulous giveaway. So head on over and enter to win the first edition of Beautyfix !

Win a pair of KEEN shoes on A Mom in Red High Heels. You'll love the comfort, quality and styles.

The Beauty Couch turned up some handy hints for using cream blush inspired by the tarte Mini Cheek Stain Set.

Want to smell good without smelling like perfume? Visit The Beauty Blog for a review of philosophy fragrances, which smell clean and wonderful without smelling perfume-y (and don't bother those sensitive to perfumes!).

Missed out on the Mineral Makeup Trend? Learn everything you need to know about Mineral Makeup at Mineral Makeup Reviews.

Should you add Glycolic Acid to your skin care regimen? Read The Benefits of Glycolic Acid at RN Guide to Skin Care to help you decide.




The girls over at Beauty in Real Life are having a giveaway with Bioelements. Click here to enter.

Glossypink chats about the eyeshadow duo that's perfect for anyone!

It has been done! MissWhoever You Are has found the one lipgloss that has disappointed her.





TotalBeauty.com has a great offer to share! On Monday, December 15th (ONLY!), you can get FREE OVERNIGHT SHIPPING on any purchase you make on products listed in this Holiday Beauty "It" List. See site for details.

Face Candy reviews some great NARS Nail Polishes.

The Beauty Alchemist helps her nails to Eve Lom Cuticle Cream.

ThisThatBeauty is all about skin renewal and Cargo's blu_ray Polishing Cloths are getting the job done

Find out what makeup loves me is getting herself this Christmas!

Are you a Twilight fan? Then visit Spoiled Pretty, who has some exclusive beauty scoop (straight from the movie's head makeup artist)...find out how to replicate Robert Pattinson's bloodthirsty, berry-stained lips!

Butterfly Diary has the First Mail of Christmas for all you gift lovers! Check it out here and cherry pick some nifty, unique items for everyone on your list.

DKNY Be Delicious Apple-Essence Set is a Tasty Idea for Gift Giving

DKNY Golden Delicious Apple-Essence Set gives you three ways to enjoy DKNY Be Delicious--a by-now classic scent we reviewed back in the Fall of 2004 (and in a few variations, since then). The original Be Delicious scent is a modern, unique interpretation of the beloved apple! Top notes of crisp, green cucumber and sparkling grapefruit blend with magnolia, tuberose, white muget,rose and violet, and (for earthy appeal) there are hints of sandalwood, white amber, and blonde woods. It's fresh and fruity and fun to wear.



For those who are already in love with DKNY Be Delicious, or for those who just want to give a universally pleasing gift, the limited edition, DKNY Golden Delicious Apple is a unique gift idea (and affordable at $75.00). I didn't get a sample with the original packaging on this set, but the original Be Delicious featured a shiny glass apple. This one is even more luxe, featuring a generously-sized, 3.4 oz polished gold apple filled with the classic Be Delicious scent--and that's not all: You also get three rollerballs (my new favorite way to take scent wherever I go) each filled with a singular note taken right from the original fragrance. It is such fun to casually "de-construct" a fragrance and then put some of the notes together as you like them. With this set, if you or your lucky recipient can be adventurous with the scents, and you absolutely cannot mess these up because they all work well alone, or together. Wear one, two or three to create your own, unique "Be Delicious" interpretation:

Here are the three rollerballs and their notes:

Juicy Apple: juicy and a bit tart and sweet, just like a granny smith apple! It has notes of granny smith apple, sparkling pink grapefruit, cassis, and apricot.


Sweet Floral: a light floral with flower coeur and dewy blossoms, muguet and magnolia, violet and honeysuckle. The scent is feminine but still fresh/




Sex-A-Peel: The spicy scent is enticing but not over-the-top or heavy. It's got sandalwood, cedarwood and white amber...it's very sexy...men will want to get close to you. Mixed with the juicy apple, you'll have a potent man-magnet!


The set is available exclusively at Dillards nationwide

Not long ago, I met Barbara and Violette at the Jono Productions Holiday Showcase at Garys Loft in Manhattan. These charming women are the creators of very charming jewelry featuring lots of eco-chic charms. Their company, Nature's Candy Designs offer a range of affordable, silver and gold-plated jewelry items.

The Elements collection starts at just $39.00 per pendant (there are larger, solid, reversible pendants for $89.95, too). These are basically unisex--charms featuring the elements of earth, air, fire and water that can be adapted to fit bracelets and a variety of corded and chain necklaces.


... to personalize your jewelery even more, you can add Swarovski crystal shimmers in the colors of aquamarine, Crystal, Peridot, and Fire Opal
designed symbols are meaningful and personal and are appropriate for men as well as women.

Here I am, wearing one of the elements pendants on a sparkling, silver chain. You can't see it in the photo, but I have a crystal dangle on the chain as well.

Most of the jewelry items fall within the $30-$100 range, making them the perfect gift for a young man or woman who wants wearable jewelry that works with just about everything they own. These well crafted items will become treasured keepsakes.

TIP: The company uses eco-friendly metals. All their jewelry "findings" (clasps, chains,etc) are purchased from vendors who use recycled silver and gold, and who are environmentally responsible. Their production technology utilizes manufacturing processes using fewer resources and products that ultimately contribute less waste and more environmental protection. The Advice sisters like the idea that Natures Candy cares about our Earth, and also exclusively use recycled packaging and materials.


For information and ordering visit http://www.naturecandydesigns.com/

Cleanup Soap Helps Clean Up Land Mines

One cause the late Princess Diana of Wales was very passionate aboutm was land mines. She was one of the most prominent proponents of a global ban on anti-personnel mines, which kill or cripple someone every 20 minutes (mostly women and children).

Cleanup Soap is also passionate about eliminating land mines. The company's products raises funds for de-mining organizations to remove landmines and provide survivor assistance.

Their key product is a soap in two different formulas that started as an award-winning project developed by students at The New School and is now being developed further. $2.00 from each $8.00 bar of soap is donated to The Cambodian Landmine Museum, located outside of Siem Reap, Cambodia.

There's Coconut Rice (white soap) and Rosemary Mint (green soap), each of which is designed to look like a land mine,. The design reminds the user of the landmine problem, and further directs him or her to de-mining activities throughout the world. As far as the soap, it's more than just a clever and informative design. The Cleanup soap formulas contain only natural ingredients, and each has a lovely scent. There's an invigorating, uplifting, Rosemary Mint (Ingredients: Sodium Palmate, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Water, Glycerin, Peppermint Fragrance, Nettle Leaf Powder, Sodium Chloride, Rosemary Leaf, Tetrasodium EDTA) and a soothing, creamy, Coconut Rice (Ingredients: Sodium Palmate, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Water, Coconut Fragrance, Shea Butter, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Chloride, Glycerin, Rich Starch, Tetrasodium EDTA).

The soap is an unusual shape and a good quality product. With use, Cleanup soap will become smaller and finally, we disappear: a metaphor the creators feel help reinforce the idea that if people support this cause, they will contribute to cleansing the earth of the landmines (making the problem, disappear, of course). I think the soaps are a unique stocking stuffer as well as a pleasure to use. And, it's always nice to contribute to a worthy cause while shopping for the holidays.

You don't have to be a Princess to make a difference. Cleanup is available this holiday season at selected retailers and http://www.cleanupsoap.com/ (visit the web site for more information on land mines, too).

Urban Decay's Drool-Worthy Gift And Glam Ideas for the Holidays

I love Urban Decay. Not the ruin of cities, but the glamour of beauty products that have funky, packaging and provocative names! Urban Decay's . trendy, high-performance, high quality, fabulous products that have made the makeup line one of my personal favorites.

When I didn't get products from UD for the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion review Holiday column, I did something I never do...although the three page review was past deadline, and my blog was becoming fully scheduled with posts on a daily basis, I called the company directly and asked them to send me whatever they could from the holiday collection to share with you.

...and they did send products...fantastic, gorgeous and glam products that are must-haves for a glam holiday season:

The Best of Urban $32.00, for example, comes in a purple metallic cardboard box with silver and gold metallic chains, and a clear window. There are two versions but each includes four products that are glittery, glamorous and party-perfect: one of the famous, Urban Decay Eyeshadows, a Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner, and travel-size versions of 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil (the easiest way ever to make a straight, smooth line) and Eyeshadow Primer Potion that really help0s keep every shadow in place.

The"Half Baked Set"(named after the shimmery gold Urban Decay Eye Shadow) features hues of gold and bronze. The vixen, the "Spandex" set features avant-garde shades of black and silver. There's also a Best of Urban Set $32.00 called "Midnight Cowbody Rides Again.' This is my absolute favorite and I'm guessing it will be your favorite now or in the future. This set includes the beloved, Midnight Cowboy Rides Again Eyeshadow (The Advice Sisters originally reviewed it in the What Works Column Holiday column of 2006) --an eye shadow in a cute "garbage can" compact, that adds serious gold glitter to eyelids, plus you get a mini sized 24/7 Glide On Pencil in "Bourbon," a trendy metallic Bordeaux, a Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner in "Baked, for more serious, gold glitter, and a travel-sized Eyeshadow Primer Potion.

For those who can't get enough of the pressed powder stuff (I mean eye shadow, naturally)there's the Sustainable Shadow Box $36.00. It looks like it should really cost a mint, but it's actually, affordable luxury! It's so amazing if you see it, you won't want to give it away even to your BFF! Small, rectangular portions of ten gorgeous , best-selling, UD eye shadows are nestled with a travel-sized shadow primer, a nice powder brush, and mini-sized mirror, into an eco-friendly, wooden palette reminiscent of something an artist might use. The entire cover and some of the back of the palette is covered with delicate "pen and ink" pop art inspired designs of butterflies, bamboo, water, and flowers. Colors in the palette include: YDK; Flipside; Grifter; Uzi; Twice Baked; Midnight Cowboy Rides Again; Flash: Oil Slick; Kiddie Pool and Half Baked. If the idea of so many color overwhelms you, don't worry, the colors are coordinated into duos of intense color with shimmer or glitter. Use these shadow as suggested, or mix them up, and use them wet and/or dry. For those who want to know how this is "eco-friendly," the lacquered case is made of bamboo, a really sustainable material and the shadows are nestled in a tray made of recycled paper. The clear, outside cello box is made of very recyclable PET ( polyethylene terephthalate ).

Another "ogle-worthy" item that's still affordable (although for most fashionistas, none of these are crazy way-out-of-budget items) are two versions of the Travel Size Set of Five $29.00 featuring those great, mini-sized 24/7 pencils. The "VIP" set has mini-sized versions of those great, 24/7 Pencil sets in trendy turquoise,. burgundy, glue, pink and black, while "Velvet Rope" is a new set with five neutral shades (including black a"Zero" and white "YeYo" that are just a little bit more subdued. These pencils also have 50% moisturizing ingredients, and are waterproof. The metallic and cello packaging make them cheerful with just a bow or some ribbon and ready to go!

If your budget is really tight, a great gift idea is one of Urban Decay's great Lipsticks $22.00 These lipsticks are seriously saturated with color, and they last (you'll still have a bit of a stain left even when the lipstick is gone). The lipstick itself is creamy, smells lightly of caramel, and it's easy to apply. But it also has good for your lips Vitamins A, C, and E and Hyaluronic Spheres (found naturally in the body) that stimulate cellular function, prevent dehydration, and fill-in lines and wrinkles. These are not just beautiful, they're a beauty spa for lips in a tube! "Jilted" is a va-va-voom red that seems universally sexy (and red is so important right now), but there are other great shades, of course. Of course, the "wow" comes from the purple, metallic bullet shaped tube with a sword handle and a weighty, clear cap with a swirly, lavender and purple design. For even more glamour, sure to make your other friends swoon with envy (unless you gift one to them) is the Special Edition Lipstick Cap $15.00 in a hard-sided presentation box with peek-a-boo window. This cap replaces the standard cap on any Urban Decay Lipstick. The standard cap is pretty nice, but this one is spectacular! It's a translucent purple, wrapped in a gunmetal outer shell with an edgy, filigree pattern that looks like stained glass. It's made of an incredibly durable material called Zamac, so you don't have to baby it in your handbag. either.

Drooling already? No need to wait--these are more great items can be yours. Visit www.urbandecay.com

GUNNAR Optiks Great for Digital Screen-Weary Eyes

Recently, I discovered met former Oakley executive Joe Croft at the Jono Holiday Gift Fair and learned about a company he co-founded with entrepreneur Jennifer Michaelson. Their company, GUNNAR Optiks, is a San Diego-based start-up inspired by Jennifer's concern for her husband and her son "Gunnar." Both the men in her life spent way too much time in front of a computer screen, causing her husband to suffer from computer-related

GUNNARS are unique anything you've seen before, but these exciting, fashionable glasses with yellow lenses help protect your eyes when you're staring at a digital screen. GUNNAR glasses are specifically engineered to improve eye focus, provide better contrast, tune artificial light and filter out glare to reduce eye fatigue and improve productivity. They look totally hot, but they could seriously make your life easier and more pleasant if you work are someone who stares at a computer screen most of the time.

I tried a pair of GUNNARS in "Onyx" ($119.00--see photo above). The super-light frames and lenses make them really comfortable for long wear. I wear glasses, and these do come in prescription lenses, but I didn't get the pricing for my multi-focal lenses. Mine are a non-prescription pair. Undaunted, I put them over my regular glasses, and found that although that wasn't as comfortable as wearing just one set of lenses, the proof that these work were right in front of my eyes (pun intended). My eyes felt immediately better while staring at the computer screen. I didn't realize just how hard the screen was on my eyes until I removed the GUNNAR glasses from my face...these lenses really are like a spa vacation for your eyes. The difference is so acute, I preferred wearing them balanced over my them own glasses to not wearing them at all. It's that good. I am wearing them as I am typing this! The reduction of glare is astounding! I'm not going to go into the technical aspects of the lenses but you can read about them on the company web site if you wish. If you want prescription lenses, you can get them thruogh your local eye doctor (cost: between $200-$300 based on the lenses and frames you choose). Here is a link to a list of current prescription providers: http://www.gunnaroptiks.com/shop_retail.html

Most of the non-prescription glasses are $99.00-$119.00 which is within the realm of reason for high performance eyewear. If you want to get some unique GUNNARS for yourself of for a great holiday gift that will be appreciated 365 days a year, it won't be difficult. The company has it's own online store, and you can get them on Amazon.com, through eyecare professionals around the U.S. and soon through select Circuit City outlets in Southern California. The company has also been named an official member of the Vision Source Plan (VSP) network, the nation's largest provider of eye care coverage with 55 million members nationwide, as well as finalizing a deal with the Primary Eyecare Network (PEN) buying group, which includes 1,800 doctors in the optical community across five states and is one of the most well respected buying groups in the West.

Aveda launches Ancient Attar for a 30th Anniversay Signature Scent

Ancient Attar Pure-fume $70.00 1 fl. oz by Aveda is a new all-natural fragrance for women celebrating the Aveda's "30 years of aromas featuring pure plant and flower essences."
If you've never tried any of Aveda fragrances before, now you've got a reason!

The exotic-smelling scent was developed by Aveda's in-house perfumer, Ko-Ichi Shiozawa. What's interesting about this fragrance is that it is complex and sophisticated, but the spicy, incense-y notes are not overdone. In other words, you can wear this scent in the daytime, and even though it's significant, it won't overpower the people nearby. Actually, it's a spicy floral with rose, organic neroli oil, sandalwood oil and rose geranium oil that dries down to a smoky, almost sexy finish and it lasts for hours.

An "attar" is: " a perfume or essential oil obtained from flowers or petals." As the press literature informs me, Ancient Attar is "Inspired by the ancient art of Indian attar perfumes (Ancient Attar ) is created with 100% botanical essential oils, including traditional attar ingredients, rose and sandalwood, creating a modern, feminine aroma." " This new fragrance uses high quality essential oils sustainably sourced from Aveda's partnerships with farmers and indigenous peoples across the globe (really a nice idea, isn't it), including roses from Bulgaria, sandalwood from Western Australia, and rose geranium oil from South Africa.

Ancient Attar is 100% naturally derived with traditional ingredients, including rose and sandalwood, that are perfect for cooler weather. The scent will translate differently on each person, making this the sort of scent that really feels personal, rare, and special. You won't smell it on everyone else...at least not the same way.

The packaging is simple: maroon cardboard outer carton, slim, smooth, rectangular perfume bottle in clear glass with just a subtle engraved mandala on the front, and a matte, silver top covering the spray diffuser. It's lovely, and perfect for mind, body, and spirit (and gift giving).

Visit www.aveda.com or any Aveda salon for more information and to purchase Ancient Attar.

Lucky Shops TV Special on The Style Network on Sunday, December 7 at 6pm

On November 13th, I attended Lucky Shops, one of my absolute favorite events of the entire year. You can see my post and lots of photos on the Advice Sisters Blog: http://www.advicesisters.net/2008/11/lucky-shops-makes-designer-treasures



But while I was there, The Style Network was filming a fashion special on Lucky Shops. Now you can experience some of the excitement! Tune-in to the Lucky Shops TV special, which will be premiering on The Style Network on Sunday, December 7 at 6pm ET/5pm Central. The half-hour special delivers the latest fashions and hottest trends from Lucky magazine's fifth annual Lucky Shops event, which was held in New York on November 7 and 8 (Lucky Shops’ VIP Night took place at the Metropolitan Pavilion on November 6.)



The Lucky Shops TV special is hosted by Jeannie Mai, who is joined by other Lucky editors, designers, stylists and shoppers for an insider’s look at this fashion and beauty shopping event. Even if you're not in the market for anything new, it's great "eye candy" to start (or end) your week!

allpopart makes personalized art, possible

Maybe you weren't around during Andy Warhol's day, or perhaps a genuine Warhol wasn't in the budget, but a new company is bringing personalized, affordable art into the real of the possible for everyone!

Several months Ana Sanchez one of the founders of allpopart contacted me about her unique, online company. It's run by a group of talented illustrators, passionate about art and decoration, Allpopart specializes in very unique, personalized modern portraits, silhouettes, comic and vintage illustrations using your own, personal photos. They create one-of-a-kind portraits that may not fetch millions at auction, but that will channel the style and feeling of famous artists like Andy Warhol.

I have seen digital artwork before, but most look like zeroxed copies of a photo. Although allpopart's artwork is created with digital equipment, the final version of your "painting" are hand illustrated by allpopart's team of in-house designers. The hand-illustrated process instead of an automated one, makes this more believable and unique.

A one-of-a-kind portrait for which you sit in front of an artist can cost thousands, but you can transform yourself or a loved one (or even a pet) into a bona-fide work of art, a comic book character, or the main focus of a pop art poster that rivals anything you've ever seen from the swinging 60's with allpopart's service, and the resulting artwork, stretched on canvas, framed, or even on a coffee mug, will be made to your specifications. The company's client list include celebrities such as Uma Thurman, Nicole Ritchie and Leann Rhymes. Their artwork has been featured in TV shows such as NBC's Today Show and E! Fashion Police and in magazines such as Metropolitan Home, Domino and O, The Oprah Magazine, just to mention a few.



The idea of affordable, personalized art definitely intrigued me. I had to know more! I selected my cat, Jessie to become the subject of a flower-power poster, and sent in the photo you see above, at Ana's invitation. This is the actual photo I sent, although I cropped it to just the paws and the head so it would be more of a "portrait." I really wondered what allpopart would do with it......

......These were the results! I got two versions to choose from. I chose the Jessie portrait on the right. I almost died when I saw these proofs! They were so cute!!! (apparently, pets are a very popular subject for allpopart portraits) Whether person or animal, all allpopart portraits are hand illustrated by the in-house team of illustrators, using digital tablets, and all work is supervised by our their art directors and professional framers.

After you select the proof you want, the rest is fairly straightforward. Prices vary depending upon what size and type of portrait you want. The "retro pop" portrait of my cat, Jessie, starts at $105 for a 13" x 13" portrait and goes up to $242.00 for a large 42" x 52" portrait. A four panel "Warhol" will cost you starting at $12o for a 13" x 13" portrait and go up in cost by size to $157.00 for 42" x 52" Shipping charges are a flat fee of $15.00 (in the USA) for all rolled portraits and framed portraits from 10 x 13 to a 20 x 34 sized print. Prices then go up for framed prints according to size up to 42 x 52 at $84.99

My 20" x 24" portrait (entitled "Sunny Spring in Yellow") arrived gallery wrapped on stretched canvas, 3/4" deep. It was ready to hang with a wire in the back. The company even sent a picture hook with the portrait! It arrived in just days after I gave my final approval on the proofs. The package was well wrapped and arrived in perfect shape, ready for hanging. It looked just like the proof, only much larger and more vibrant!



Look at the possibilities...wouldn't this make a great gift for proud parents or grandparents?




and these styles are just two more examples of what allpopart can do. A portrait would make an awesome gift for a special birthday, or "just because." It is definitely going to become a treasured showpiece!

My family just loves the "sunshine Jessie" portrait. In fact, I'm thinking of ordering my other cat in a "Warhol" format! Or maybe, in the Lichtenstein format with the text bubble "I wonder when my food will arrive?" (or some other feline thought)!

If you would like a portrait of your own, you won't have to go far. Simply click the link to the user-friendly allpopart web site and I'd suggest you check out the Samples Gallery of recently shipped items, subject matters and more. Styles include: warholStyle, lichStyle , geometricStyle, silhouettes , silhouettes 2Go , descriptiveStyle , retroPop, iconographic, manga style, photoPanels, and popStuff . The hardest part will be selecting the style of art you want. By the way, the HELP Section is one of the best I've seen for getting easy answers to your questions, although there is a toll-free customer service line as well. My experience with allpopart was incredibly efficient, fun and pleasant. And, the quality of the product is wonderful--much better than I expected. As long as you have a clear, digital photo you can make real artwork for your walls a reality, with your favorite subjects as the focus!

This review is scheduled as quickly as I could manage it but it's getting close to holiday gift-giving time. If you want to order a portrait for a holiday gift, there is still time. The deadline for the west coast to submit photos is Friday, December 12th at 8:00 pm EST for delivery on Wednesday, December 24th (the east coast has a few extra days, Hawaii and Alaska a few less). There is expedited shipping as well.

Visit: http://allpopart.com/ for more information and ordering

Sally Hansen Holiday Gift Ideas That cost less than a Coffee!

What can you get that's nicely boxed and an always-welcome gift, when you have under $10.00? Sally Hansen has eight amazingly nice, useful gift sets and stocking stuffers starting as inexpensively as $2.95, and all of them are under $9.95! Even so, the quality is good. Sally Hansen LaCross products are guaranteed....you can actually send them back with no shipping fee and the company will repair or replace the item for free.

My favorite for stocking stuffers are the Sally Hansen Stocking Treats $2.95 each. Three different sets are cleverly packaged in mini-sized, see-through "stockings" with sexy fishnet details, a genuine ribbon top decorated with sequins, satin and/or a pink rose, and a paper gift tag. The top loop lets you hang these right on the tree as "ornaments" if you wish. Each set contains four must-have manicure items: standard tweezer with metal cuticle pusher, perfect-for-the-purse mini nail file (cushion file or flat), manicure scissors, and/or a metal nail clipper. Also for $2.95 and nicely packaged in a small, cello-box is the Holiday Cheer Grooming Set with four of the most frequently-used, good quality, LaCross nail implements: cuticle scissors, slant tip tweezers, nail clip and a cushion board file festooned with tiny, cheerful, pop-art flowers. Grab this for the office grab-bag.

For a few dollars more, the Sally Hansen LaCross Salon Manicure Kit $9.95 and Pedicure Kit $9.95 offer a cardboard box with peek-a-boo window, trimmed in either shiny black or maroon and covered with little, gold stars. Inside, there's a zippered, black (for manicure) or red (for pedicure) mesh travel bag in which to carry must-have essentials. The manicure set contains a cuticle nipper, toenail clip, white buffing block, three-way buffer and two, 6" cuticle sticks. The Pedicure set features a nail nipper, toenail clipper, pumice stone with hang cord, callus remover rasp, a 7" cushion board, and a set of two, white toenail spacers. The implements are full sized and well made. These are a $30 value -- a really substantial gift that doesn't cost a fortune. Either would be great for a teenager, the office gift pool, or stock up on these for those "emergency" gifts that always crop up at the holidays.

As you can see from this hoto, the Sally Hansen Lip Inflation Extreme Pout to Go Limited Edition gift features an adorable, mini-sized, red-lip change purse with two, gold-topped, minis lip glosses (sheer Cherry and Sheer pink) as well as a full-sized gold-sheathed, clear Lip Inflation Extreme lip plumper. The photo shows two sets together---you will get just one pouch, two mini glosses and a larger gold plumper unless you purchase two sets. The minis are party-perfect for even a small evening bag, and the Lip Plumper is a festive, cinnamon-spicy gloss (thanks to cinnamon extract and other natural ingredients that make lips look pinker and fuller) that also contains micro-spheres of marine collagen & hyaluronic acid to capture and retain moisture. A red and black cardboard box with peek-a-boo window needs not much more than a box to be gift-ready.

Of course, when I think of Sally Hansen, I think of Nail Polish, too. For the holidays, Sally Hansen offers the Salon Mini Manicure Kit $9.95 with everything you need for a DIY manicure. It arrives in a clear plastic carry pouch with snap closure and handle, ready for travel. Inside, there is a Double Life Base/Top Coat, press-on white manicure tips, and four, mini-sized Nail Polishes in either festive, holiday shades, or deep, Fall/Winter colors. The holiday collection features sparkling gold and silver, a bright, bold red, and a pristine white TIP: try the red with white tips for a party-time, "French" manicure look. The Fall/Winter "Deep" collection has the clear base/top coat plus a gorgeous, metallic maroon, deep red, and a striking, blackened navy, plus a pretty, blackened plum. Either or both are impressive. The mini-sized sets are perfect gift for a girl on the go, or anyone who loves nail polish.

Get any and all at Duane Reade and Rite Aid Stores. Stock up now...they'll be going fast!

Nails To Help You Party Like A Rockstar!

Everyone has their favorite Nail Polish, and one of mine is The Lippman Collection. These high-performance polishes are always trendy, always easy to use, and always long lasting. For the holidays, I can't think of a better gift for a nail polish fan than Party Like A Rock Star $24.00 by the Lippman Collection.

Manicurist Deborah Lippman is not only nail guru to stars, but she also is a talented singer in her own right. If anyone knows about glamour and rockin' the house, it's Deborah. Her re-useable mini-makeup bag with glittering silvery and black fabric trim zippers open, and has her picks for the two trendiest nail polishes for the holidays, and a really good, quick-dry topcoat.

"Good Girl Gone Bad" is a deep "rock royalty-worthy" purple filled with silver sparkles that is a perfect New Years Eve polish. I also tried this shimmery, sparkling polish over a deep, blackened purple and the result was absolute magic!

"Devil In A Blue Dress" is a deep, opaque, blackened midnight blue --the absolute it color of this season. It looks modern, but not club kid or garish...the perfect way to show "attitude."

Get out of the house and get the party started quickly, with Addicted To Speed, a clear, high-gloss quick-dry topcoat that works and helps keep nails shiny.

WHERE TO FIND PARTY LIKE A ROCK STAR: Barney's New York, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, C.O. Bigelow and online at http://www.lippmanncollection.com/

Total Beauty's Best Beauty Buys Under $60

Best Beauty Buys Under $60

If T3 blow-dryers and Viva La Juicy are too far out of your budget, here are great alternative investments

In times like these, we don't want to waste our money on a lame product. Enter the TotalBeauty.com editors' guide to fun yet practical (read: affordable) items worth a bit of your hard-earned paycheck. See products

Looking For a Last-Minute Gift? Books Are a Great Idea

I usually give something frivolous and "girly" to my "BFFs", but this year I am giving books. A book can be pure amusement, or it can be something much more. Books are lasting, and they are personal, especially if you select a title that's relevant to your recipients).

A book can transport you as almost nothing else can, and just one change your life, forever, and teach you something new. For my dear friend who has just discovered the joy of cooking, I recently offered an encyclopedic book on farmers markets fruits and vegetables. Another friend who loves crafts, got one on creative knitting. The former has developed a fondness for root veggies, the latter, a fondness for making decorated sweaters.

Whether it's for a birthday, or a holiday, or just because, a book is a wonderful option for gift giving. Here are some of the newest and best of the season to consider for the girls or creative guys on your gift list:

Confessions of a Beauty Addict by Nadine Haobsh (Avon A January 2009) is one of those girly, "gilty pleasures" that you know is a bit shallow, but you want it anyway! This is the "fictional" tale of Bella Hunter, a young woman who loses her fabulous beauty job at a top magazine because of a few glasses (make that bottles) of wine. Loose lips sink ships, and Bella said way too much. This is fiction, so Bella is "saved" from the unemployment line by a former boss. Alas, her job with fabulous fashion perks has been replaced with one that's a step down in glamour. Her new gig is for a "dowdy" woman's magazine her mom reads (obviously moms have no fashion sense) and the beauty closet Bella commands is full of (gasp!) drugstore brands! But there are unexpected benefits. Bella gets a big dose of reality along with some important, character building experiences. In real life, most beauty writers would adore the opportunity to have this job, and I find it hard to accept Bella's whining. But the author skillfully and realistically does move Bella from beauty snob to more personal pleasures -- even the possibility of true love. The author knows the snarky, high-stakes, back-stabbing, glamorous world of fashion and beauty publishing. The book may be fictional, but she certainly has personally experienced some of what Bella faces and makes it come alive for the reader. The daily interaction between Bella and her colleagues and so-called "friends" made me squirm uncomfortably, but all in all, it's a feel-good that will capture your attention. Buy it for the airplane, as a vacation read, or for a long, Wintry weekend!

Switch Craft Battery Powered Crafts to Make and Sew by Alison Lewis and Fang-Yu Lin ($24.95 Potter Craft November 2008). In what the press info says is: "MIT meets FIT" the authors of Switch Craft offer a thoroughly modern "how-to" that will make sock monkeys and crocheted pillow covers a gift of the past, for good! Imagine creating an Urban Blaster tote with removeable, snap-in/out speakers that let you truly tote your music to the park for a picnic (without the awkward, ugly and heavy "boom box" of yesteryear), or a "dancing Queen" skirt that lets you create your own lightshow on the dance floor. With this book you can learn what to do with all those T-shirts you really should throw out: recycled them into a dog toy that makes sounds when it is chewed (by your fave dog, of course) The authors claim that while the designs require knowledge of electronics, none of the 20 projects is more complicated that what you learned in sixth grade. While it's true that everything is clearly explained, step by step, in pictures and text, I can't sew a straight line, and perhaps 6th graders have more technological savvy than I do (but I like to think I'm not alone in my awkwardness with crafts). Still, for those who have just a little interest, patience and experience with sewing and electronics, these projects are imaginative and fun. And, if you get this book quickly, consider using it to create some really fun holiday gifts that will particularly delight teens and younger adults.

Screen Your Stuff by Marion Levy and Veronique Georgelin ($12.95 Watson Guptill 2008), is a fun book with DIY for decorating items with silk screening. The book is full of colorful photographs that show the end results, and includes information about choosing colors, fabrics, tools, and even how to handle "technical difficulties" in the silk screening process. For those who are not truly artistic, there are also templates in the back. The photos make the silk screening process look easy and the results in the book are perfect, of course. Again, my personal experience with screeing fabric produced nearly the same results that I accomplished way back when in grade school making stamps with a sponge and a cut-out on a potato. But if you've previously done some silk screening or you just want to learn how, you will enjoy trying the projects in this book. Beginners: even if as a beginner, you don't get exactly the same, clean, neat, adorable look, practice does make perfect. If you have been longing for a way to perk up T-shirts, Towels, jeans, and even old furniture, Screen Your Stuff can help you turn a proverbial sows ear into a silk purse!


The LUCKY Guide to Mastering Any Style How to Wear Iconic Looks and Make Them Your Own by Kim France and Andrea Linett ($30.00 Gotham Books 2008) will make a great gift for a fashionista or a woman who wants to be one. The authors know a huge amount about personal style, and any book that helps women without one (a sense of style) is a great thing. The book gets high marks for organizing and explaining ten iconic looks that have been a part of our Western culture for decades: Euro Chic; California Casual; Rock and Roll; Posh Eclectic; Mod; American Classic; Bombshell; Arty Slick; Bohemian; and Gamine. My only real reservation about following this type of book is that women will find looks to relate to in these ten catgories (or combos of them), but categorizing yourself can be dangerous. The clueless might just find themselves "stuck" in a look to choose something workable, and that can't feel comfortable or provide true, personal style. Those who already know how they like to look will love looking at the photos and suggestions for color, fabrics, styles and accessories. Kim France and Andrea Linett are the Editor-in-Chief and Creative Director of LUCKY Magazine, and the book closely reflects the LUCKY style both in tone, and in age-appropriateness (an audience that is over 20 but less than 35 I'd wager a guess). For those of us who do not fit neatly into that category either, the book, like the magazine, still provides tons of fun and eye candy for armchair shoppers. LUCKY Magazine is really a monthly shopping guide. This book does not provide the actual prices of the clothes suggested in each style group, although actual stores are suggested (makes me wonder how they selected the items and the stores). Depending upon where you live (mostly on either coast) you will have more luck shopping the stores, but there are some with web sites, too. In the very back of the book, there are some pages of Lucky Breaks, the Magazine's special discount pages. Since some of these seem to be from the current magazine and end at the end of November 2008, I'm not sure why they're in the book. If you are reading this past then, you'll have to purchase Lucky Magazine to see what the latest and greatest discounts are.

Hot off the press December 1st at booksellers nationwide, and at Bobbi Brown counters and http://www.bobbibrown.com/ in January 2009, is Bobbi Brown's latest book: Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual For Everyone from Beginner to Pro $32.00. If you've ever read my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review columns, you know I'm a personal devotee of BB makeup. I've had the pleasure of watching Bobbi Brown work her magic backstage at Fashion Week and I've always wondered if I could ever develop a practiced hand with makeup. This book provides us all of with the benefit of Bobbi's 25+ years of experience. It features not only 200 full-color photos but also step-by-step instructions including a "Ten Step Guide to Perfect Makeup" that teaches you how to apply your makeup in ten minutes or less. Whether you want to become better at applying your own makeup, or you're interested in the beauty business or both, this book is a "candy store" of beauty information--a complete reference and a must-have! Available at all Bobbi Brown Counters and on http://www.bobbibrown.com/ *check out Bobbi's online video pitch for this great, new book:

I reviewed The 5 Minute Face by Carmindy with photography by Palma Kolansky (Harper Collins May 2007) in the Book Review section of the Advice Sisters Enews for Summer 2008 (*if you want the Enews it's free, subscribe here). Carmindy's newest book is Get Positively Beautiful by Carmindy $21.99, Center Street 2008. Carmindy's "just between us girlfriends" style is charming, and the book has lots of infor, lots of color illustrations, and plenty of clever tips and time-saving makeup techniques. Carmindy is best known for her work as a makeup artist on the Learning Channel's show "What Not To Wear." Carmindy's approach to makeup is to play up your best features with sheer washes of color rather than piling on the makeup, and this new book gives you more ways to work with what nature gave you. Carmindy's message in this book is that no matter what your age or bone stucture, you are still beautiful and can use makeup to look and feel even better. I liked the easy makeup tips and techniques, although I thought the self-affirming messages could have been stronger, and illustrated better with more models. I also wonder how Carmindy selected the items in her "shopping guide" featuring her favorite makeup brands and products in low, medium and high-cost categories. There isn't really a reason given for why one brand or product is better than another. These are minor complaints, especially as The Advice Sisters have already reviewed many of the products she suggests in our "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion Review columns (visit the What Works Archives or a search box on our Home Page so you can check out the true benefits of each.

Real Food for Healthy Kids: 200+ Easy, Wholesome Recipes by Tanya Wenman Steel and Tracey Seaman William Morrow 2008 $29.95) offers even the busiest parent over 200 food options that will please kids but still get them to eat healthy, without tricks or threats. The authors are cooks and food writers as well as mothers. You can see a photo of Tracey (she's the one in green with the white apron) in a post a did this Summer about the Everyday with Rachel Ray Test Kitchen . This book isn't just about Mac and Cheese, however, and the recipes, such as Thai Green Curry Chicken or Shrimp Confetti Tostadas will please the adults in the family as well as "junior." This book not only gives you basics of good nutrition and suggests what kids need to eat at each stage of development, the easy to follow and quick-prepare recipes will empower you. In the end, eating healthy is a choice. With this book's easy to follow recipes, it could actually become a do-able goal.

Autumn Gatherings Casual Food to Enjoy With Family and Friends by Rick Rodgers (William Morrow 2008 $19.95) provides super-easy but effective recipes that give old holiday and harvest favorites recipes a makeover, from cheesteaks to cranberries. The gorgeous photography by Ben Fink make the individual dishes look mouth-wateringly tempting. But the recipes themselves are truly for anyone from novice to experinced. The focus is on using Autumn foods that are readily available during the harvest season, with menu ideas for holidays such as Halloween and Thanksgiving.recipes like Fettuccine with roasted butternut sqush and chard, or pear, pomegranate and greens salad...but you don’t have to store the cookbook until Fall appears again...simply switch some of the ingredients to reflect whatever is seasonal. The book is a lovely gift for a hostess, and a nice reference for special gatherings when you want to serve something impressive, but not fussy.

Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations & Traditions for the Whole Family by Corey-Colwell-Lipson & Lynn Colwell (the Green Year 2008 $24.95 http://www.celebrategreen.com/) was created by a mother/daughter team, and would make a great gift for a family. The author's message is clear: you can do your small part to protect the planet, and in doing so, create new, environmentally-friendly traditions that will hopefully translate to the next generations. Some of the suggestions are so easy such as giving bottles of bubbles at Halloween instead of candy. I liked the "green" gift suggestions that include such classic as organic clothing, or re-useable shopping totes. I'm less certain that folks will go nuts over a solar cookbook with plans for a DIY oven, although offering someone a peice of your personal jewelry instead of buying new is a great idea if it really has some meaning behind it and doesn't look like a cheap attempt at re-gifting. I helped set up New York City's recycling programs. I definitely, personally believe we should be mindful of how we treat the Earth. Alas, the "inconvenient truth" about being very eco-conscious, is that really busy people may not have the time or resources to sew Halloween costumes for the kids, or squeeze dozens or lemons to make lemonade for a large crowd, or find a genuine, "free range" turkey for Thanksgiving, or serve only organic beer and wine for a holiday party (that also does not have a huge, carbon footprint). However, this book is full of family-friendly ideas that make us more mindful of the little things we can do to make the world a greener place. It doesn't take much to make a decision to use "green" or re-cycled wrappings on gifts this holiday season, or learn how to recognize organic produce (and what the term really means).

The Mary Kay Way: Timeless Principles from America's Greatest Woman Entrepreneur ($21.95 John Wiley & Sons 2008) reminds me a bit of the classic: How to Win Friends and Influence People in it's management advice....but the advice is still as important, effective and relevant today as it was when Dale Carnegie penned his famous book, decades ago. Mary Kay Ash was the founder and chairman of Mary Kay Inc., one of the world's largest and most successful direct selling organizations. Back in the 1960's, when women were not really accepted as entrepreneurs, Mary Kay Ash boldly paved the way for herself, and then her legions of female salespeople. She not onlygave women a chance to work outside of the home, she offered many their only hand up (not handout) selling cosmetics and vyying for the honor of driving a pink Cadillac as one of her top salespeople. Like Dale Carnegie, Ms. Ash learned her management lessons the hard way, through personal experience. Her eight management principles appear simple, such as "Praise People to Success;" "Create a Stress-Free Workplace;" and "Promote people from Within." Not all of this is rocket-science, but you can't argue with success. If you want to be a successful executive or run your own enterprise, Mary Kay's philosophy of believing that anything is possible if you work dilligently, believe in yourself, and inspire others to believe in themselves, is a great place to start. Reading this book is also a good place to start.

Do you know someone who is a budding fashion designer or already in the business, or just simply infatuated with fashion? Daniel Vosovic Fashon Inside Out (St. Martins Press October 2008 $29.95) by Daniel Vosovic, Photographs by Michael Turek and a forward from "Project Runway's" Tim Gunn, gives you a photographic and text essay about what it takes to create a fashion look from concept to reality. Daniel Vosovic was a finalist on Project Runway’s second season, and he presented 13 pieces at New York’s Fashion Week in 2006. The book is a really good way for the uninitiated to get inside a designer's head and hear him "think" about the next step in bringing a design to the runway, or at least to the clothes rack. I found the book both entertaining, and educational. It is an "all access pass" to the world of fashion design, from the chic, velour-touch cover, to the very last page. This is a coffee table book worth buying, giving, and keeping.

Write about what you know," is the old addage. I'm guessing that Jodi Wing, the author of The Art of Social War by Jodi Wing (Harper Books 2008) knows something about Hollywood relationships. After her husband, Andrew Wing, is in that real-life entertainment arena she writes about. Her amusing novel is fiction, but seems close to what is possibly the real experience, as she moves Stacey Knight, a high-powered, works-for-the-mayor (of NYC) PR woman into uncharted waters as the new wife of the new head of a movie studio. Stacey learns just weeks before her wedding to James Makepeace that his company has acquired a movie studio and they have to move to Los Angeles to manage it. Living in a home in Beverly Hills, managing the staff (including winning over a surly housekeeper), figuring out what to wear for a barbeque (diamonds and a cocktail dress), and dealing with social sabotage, Stacey finds that nothing she has done in the past in New York will help her survive, and thrive in L.A until she discovers the Art of War written by Sun Tzu, composed in the 6th Century BC. She uses this classic book about military strateg. to win her own "social war." It's a cute, fast, didn't-want-to-put-it-down book that draws on the usual "chick lit" themes (lots of friends with connections in glamorous jobs, lots of discussions of clothes and makeup) but in a much smarter, neater package. I really enjoyed it!