Holiday Glaze

So the Holiday is upon us and I am sure you've finished all your shopping, but what about a little something for yourself? I was going through my cosmetics bins this morning, I came across my Besame Enchanting Lipstick in Chocolate Kiss. I love Besame Cosmetics and this lipstick with all my heart and I was so devastated when I broke the uniquely shaped tip (it lines and fills all in one) when I dropped it on the floor a few weeks ago. I have been using it with a lip brush but its just not the same so I went on their website to see if I could order another one for myself. Thats when I spied their new Velvet Red lipstick that I am just dying to try.

I have also been using their Enriched Lip Glaze for shine and shimmer over lipstick. Their Shimmer Peach looks fab and feels soft and beautiful on. I have decided to add their Chocolate Lip Glaze to my must have list as well. I love a gloss that I can pair with a great lip stick or wear alone with just a liner and these are perfect for both looks.

In addition there are some great holiday gifts on their site like their Luxurious Trio Set which includes their Enchanting Lip Stick in your choice of Warm or Cool shades. They also have their Enchanting Lipstick Collection which offers five lipstick in Reds, Neutrals, or Pinks. Being the lover I am of their Chocolate Kiss Lipstick the Neutrals are another must have for this lady.

There is also a special limited edition Silk Clutch Gift Set that is embroidered with their signature flowers and comes with your choice of Enriched Lip Glaze and Enchanting Lipstick. At $40 this is a perfect little gift for yourself or a friend. I am wishing I had one now for a sophisticated New Year's Eve on the town.

Its never too late in the season to do something for yourself so hurry over to Beseme Cosmetics and get yourself something special while they last!

Product Booty

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to try out a few beauty products from a line called Booty Parlor. Yes I know what you are thinking and well...yeah you are sort of right. Booty parlor caters to the fun and adventurous adult spirit with flavored lip glosses and scented bubble bath. Some of the stuff on their website is NSFW so I suggest checking them out from home.

There are some other items that they feature, but this is 99 Products, and as you all know I do the cosmetics thing. I will leave the other stuff to you ladies to test out. They have a serious list of celebrity clientelle, write ups in Cosmo and their products are even being sold in select Victoria's Secret's across the country.

First, lets just talk about presentation. Va Va Voom what a sassy sexy way to get a gal's attention. The products came in a pretty box lined with a pink feather boa which was very Sashay Shante'! Their "I'm So Sexy Lip Gloss" came in little boxes with names like "Cinnamon Shine" a sultry sparkly red, and "Peppermint Pink" an irresistable pink. Both tingle for a sexy lip plumping pout and have shine to spare. They both taste amazing and I am sure your sweetie will think so too.

They also included their "Dust Up" powder which provides a shimmery finish on your skin which as we all know looks great during an evening out or an evening in with your honey. Both of the powders I tested not only looked amazing but they smelled incredible. The "Cruisin for a Bronzin Cinnamon Sugar" powder was my favorite. It smelled so heavenly I wanted to eat it right out of its cute little package. I also tested out their "Don't Call Me Honey" Dust Up powder as well.

There was also a tuberose scented bottle of "Naughty Bubbles" bubble bath and some "Dont Stop" massage oil that I have not had the opportunity to test out but I will when the opportunity presents itself. Booty Parlor's Body Treats are perfect for a fun and sexy evening in with the one you love, and couldnt we all use that as the temperature drops?

Exit Here: Click Worthy Holiday Buys

• Drugstore.com is having a blowout sale ending 12/29. Get up to 40% off and grab those last minute holiday gifts.
• Need a vacation? Why not try a spa getaway...Way Spa can help you get the relaxation you deserve.
  
• The Body Shop has several specials running but when you make a purchase online, you will get a free body butter!
• Shop Macy's holiday lane for specials on holiday decor.
• Treat yourself to a new pair of jeans at Lucky Jeans and get free shipping!
• Grab a new set of sheets and get free shipping!

Happy Holidays!

Skin MD The Return

So my week long experiment with Skin MD Natural is over and I have to say that my skin seems much improved by it. My mother is already a believer and refuses to return the bottle to me, but thats another story entirely. She really appreciates its shielding properties with the constant handwashing. She even used it on her face which I was super surprized about. My mother is pretty nervous about putting things on her face, but she said that it left her skin feeling both soft and firm.

I basically had to wrestle it away from her for the remainder of the week. I used it on the one place I knew would be the true test of any moisturizer's claims, my ankles. Sure I used it all over when I got out of the shower, but I have had severe issues with trying to keep my ankles looking moisturized. I wear trouser socks too, so that helps soak up my lotions as well. I am pleased to report that not only did Skin MD Natural keep my whole body soft and pretty, but they werent dry when I got home. In fact they are still ash free and beautiful right now, and as soon as I get that bottle back from my mom I will re-apply...but who knows when I that will happen.

Anyway, If it wasnt clear before you should absolutly get some Skin MD Natural and enjoy your first winter without dryness. 25$ at www.skinmdnatural.com

More Holiday Goodies

I am still a big kid, so I always look forward to Christmas morning's stocking stuffers. My mother has always been big on keeping this tradition alive with goodies and samples that make us all smile. I already have her stocking stuffers put together for this year. You may have a stocking to put together for a friend or family member and here are some great little stuffers for everyone!

The Gloss Troupe by Bourjois - This cute little set is a perfect stuffer for the lady on the go. It includes 5 mini glosses, in Beige Elastic, Brun Galatic, Rose Idyllic, Framboise Energetic and Beige Theoric. Each is just tiny enough to slip into an evening bag or purse for a quick touch up. $15.50 Sephora

A Few Good Men - Philosophy
This is a great little lip balm set for just about any lady in your life. Little girls will love it for its cute packaging and sweet flavors, ladies will love how it softens and shines. Three flavors come in the set, The Ice Cream Man (pink bubble gum ice cream), The Gingerbread Man (ginger ale), and The Milkman (chocolate milk).
$25.00 Sephora

Strawberry Lip Balm - Rosebud
This is your old friend Rosebud Salve reworked and strawberry scented, who wouldnt love this ? They also offer Minted Rose and the classic Rosebud. Each perfectly pocket sized.
$7.00 Sephora

Mini Shea Butter Hand Cream - L'Occitane
I know I mentioned this one yesterday, but at $9 a tube its really a steal. Its perfect for your purse or your desk and you only need to use a little and it lasts forever. This one is great for the fellas too because its not packaged so cutesy and they can keep it right in their desk or briefcase.
$9.00 L'Occitane

Lemon Ginger Mint Manicure in a Jar - Carol's Daughter
This exfoliator is great for hands and feet. Its all natural and smells divine! Perfect for mom or your friends to keep their hands butter soft and silky smooth.
$10.00 Carol's Daughter

Cranberry Atomizer - The Body Shop
A perfect little treasure for quick spritzes of your favorite perfume.
$6.00 The Body Shop

Invent Your Scent - The Collection
This is a great gift for the gal that has everything. This set gives you the opportunity to create your own signature fragrance. Just the thing to fill your atomizer with dont you think?
$30.00 The Body Shop

Happy Stuffing!

Oh So Pretty

This weekend I was busy busy busy! But not too busy to take a little time for a lunchtime delight with none other than Ms. Julia of All About the Pretty! This was our first time meeting yet we chatted like old friends as we enjoyed our light Cuban lunch.

If you don't already know it, Julia is the foremost authority on all things beauty, and when she says All About the Pretty, she ain't just whistling Dixie! This lady is beautiful both inside and out and did I mention her flawless skin? To die for I tell you! We chatted about everything from The Barefoot Contessa to Politics and Government.

Of course it wasn't long before us beauty gals were pulling out our makeup bags and trading tips. She was even sweet enough to share a little of her L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream with me. We chatted about how lovely MAC's Plushglass in Wet Wild and Wonderful is as we nibbled on empanadas and black bean soup.

It was a wonderful lunch that ended way too soon, but I had a ton of running around to do that day. So if you need the scoop on all things Pretty, visit All About the Pretty and tell'em Avin sent ya!

Holiday Couture

While on my rounds Saturday afternoon decided to call themakeupgirl. We were discussing a gift for my best buddy Dia's 30th birthday party that evening. When I asked Dia what she wanted for the big 30 she said one word...Makeup. Of course you know that is just what I wanted to hear and I set out for my favorite store MAC. Talking to themakeupgirl on the way she spotted something new on MAC's website and you know I love me some new!

MAC Couture is their latest line of cosmetics which includes four rich new lipsticks, four beautiful new lipglasses, highlighter and sheer powder. The collection also includes a new buffer brush and a stylish little clutch, each with its own signature MAC Couture style.

I immediately decided to try on a few of the lipglasses, and this time I didn't get one of the bored children helping me. This artist was a true MAC addict and happy to help me with my test run. I settled on Prestigious with tones of plum and gold and Savoir Faire a sparkling Carmel with tones of gold and pearl. I paired Prestigious with Cedar lipliner and the results were beautiful, however a touch too pinky for my taste, I later combined it with a little red gloss for phenomenal results. Savoir Faire I paired with a Cork liner. It was an instant favorite that drew the attention of another artist who proclaimed my new lipglass to be fierce. Both shades were weightless and soft with tons of shine, perfect over your favorite lipstick or fabulous alone. Of course I left with both, I am such a sucker for a pretty new product.

I wasn't able to try out the highlighters or the Sheer Mystery Powder as I was late for a very important party, but I will be back to sample both. My artist was wearing the Couture Richmetal Highlighter in Rare and Refined a beautiful rose gold. She looked absolutely flawless. If you want these new goodies ladies you need to hurry because they are all limited edition and once they are gone they will not return. These would make a fabulous gift for yourself or a friend, so what are you waiting on go now!

Bundle Up Beauties

The weather outside is frightful, and frankly just downright scary. The wind is blowing and I have been as dry as an after Christmas Douglas Fir! So you can imagine how happy I was when I received a package from a lovely gentleman at 21st Century Formulations. He emailed me last month to see if I would be interested in reviewing their product Skin MD Natural.

Skin MD Natural is a shielding lotion that moisturizes while providing an invisible barrier against the things that strip your skin and rob it of its soft and supple texture. We the dry and flaky call this absence of moisture ash, but that’s neither here nor there. This "invisible barrier" keeps irritants out while helping to retain your skin's own natural moisture, and results in better overall hydration.

I used it this morning, and I have to say none of that offensive ash is present, but the real test is happening now. I left the sample with my mother and instructed her to go about her daily routine. My mother is retired and spends most of her time chasing our dog around and washing her hands to exhaustion. On average she washes 3 to 4 times an hour! I knew she was perfect to put this new product to the test.

I instructed her to follow the directions which state that you should use the lotion initially every 2 to 4 hours. By my estimation she should be working on her 8th hand wash by the second application.

So I will keep you posted on her progress and I plan to check for smoothness and lack of ash when I get home tonight.

Sparkle & Shine

I love things that sparkle. In fact I have never gotten over that feeling I got as a little girl when I got pretty things with rhinestones and glitter. So the opportunity to get all gussied up and layer on the sparkle is right up my alley.

This holiday please do not skimp on the shine, when it comes to your makeup. A few weeks back I wrote about two of Lorac's Holiday Eye Palettes and if you picked them up, a holiday party is the perfect time to show them off.

My best buddy themakeupgirl loves Bobbi Brown's Diamond Dust shadow which comes in three luxurious shades, Pink Metal, Platinum and Snowflake. They are great as an accent to Bobbi Brown's Shadows in Cocoa or Cement which is sure to get you noticed.

For liners, Ms. Julia of All About the Pretty suggested Urban Decay's Glide-On Eye Pencil in Honey, a rich 24 carat gold or Bobbi Brown's Long Wear Gel Eyeliner in Chocolate Shimmer Ink. Both are waterproof and will leave you looking flawlessly put together for your event.

Until recently, I have been purchasing gold shadow's at an alarming rate. Something about the way they sparkle with the right bronzer or the way that they highlight the perfect outfit is just perfect. I was recently in my safe haven Sephora and spotted Vincent Longo's Wet Diamond Eyeshadow in Concerto, a fabulous sparkling charcoal. I haven’t had a beautiful silvery shade in years and this one is a must add to my shadow collection.

As the name suggests, Wet Diamond Shadow's can be worn wet for a cream shadow look or dry as a beautiful sheer accent. There are 12 gorgeous shades all perfect for whatever pretty party ensemble you wear. I have always loved shadows with versatility and of course anything that sparkles.

Those pretty sparkles are just waiting for their debut so go show them off!

Holiday Events

As we venture into December, there are a few things to remember before we all get out our Holiday best. First ladies, its super important to have your look picked out before your holiday event arrives. I have a good friend who was out searching for her holiday wrap at the eleventh hour. This type of thing can throw a monkey wrench in your outfit plans. Wherever you go, you want to be stylish and unique and its really not impossible to do.

Perhaps you are attending an office function or a holiday get together with friends. The key is to keep it classic while showing off your personality. I just attended a semi-formal/cocktail dress office event, and everyone was dressed beautifully, but a few weeks earlier I attended a black tie industry event where more than a few attendees had me scratching my head. Just for clarification purposes, black tie for women means formal, and formal does not include summer sandals, spandex or anything one-piece that’s involves white gauchos. These are things I have seen with my own eyes ladies and they are frightful!

There are a lot of great places to go for your holiday look this season. You don’t have to break your budget to look nice either. Banana Republic has some great event dresses and tops this year. Red is definitely on the radar for hot holiday looks. New York & Company also has some great pieces and cute costume accessories to glam up your holiday get together. Macy’s shoe department is filled with sexy party shoes and sophisticated pumps in an array of colors. I was in The Limited a few weeks ago and saw some extra cute clutches and evening bags that would be the perfect complement to your holiday outfit. While I was scanning my Lucky magazine yesterday I came across an ad for Wal-Mart’s Metro7 line which also offers holiday looks at a cost conscious price. See ladies there are plenty of looks to choose from so there is no excuse what so ever for me to catch you out in the street wearing that one piece gaucho outfit with summer sandals.

Happy Shopping!