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Showing posts with label holiday gift guide 2008. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holiday gift guide 2008. Show all posts

Makeup Junkie Holiday Gift Guide 2008: Last Minute Gifts and Stocking Stuffers



It's getting down to the wire and I'm sure many of you like me are scrambling for last minute gifts! Here are some great last minute gifts and stocking stuffers!

1. Pop Beauty Beauty Goddess Clutch ($25 USD): I love all in one palettes and Pop Beauty's all-in-one face palette is the must-have accessory for those holiday parties! Includes eight velvety shadows for endless combinations, one whisper pink and 1 peach bronze cheek glows, and one nude lip glow. You can expect rich, long-lasting colour. An accessory for your face and outfit - what more could a girl want?

2. Liplicious 2-in-1 Moisturizing Lip Colour & Sugar Scrub ($5 USD sale price): I've been looking for a great lip scrub that I don't have to wipe off and because this scrub is brown sugar you just need to lick your lips after buffing for soft, luscious lips in seconds. I like the shade of the lip colour on the other end, however I find it to be a bit drying and very waxy. You also have to be careful when applying the scrub as it disintegrates when warm. I would almost prefer to have the sugar scrub as one product because it is definitely a necessity in this cold, drying weather. But this lil' duo is a great buy for stuffing those stockings and you can beat the price!

3. Panasonic ES-8429 Shaver ($349.95 CAD): Lets not forget the special men in our lives! I love a smooth face I can snuggle with! Your man will no longer have to suffer from nicks and cuts with this shaver. With curved blades, the entire surface fits closely under the chin without problems. In addition, approximately 1,100 foil holes facing in 800 directions catch the hard to reach whiskers under the chin or under the nose. Just placing it against your skin automatically shaves cleanly. "Gives a very close shave that rivals a manual blade", says the hubbie! Once he goes electric he'll never go back!

4. Liplicious Dual Wand Lip Shimmer ($10 USD): New for the holiday season and ultra glamorous to create the perfect pout, this duo comes in a range of shades. The most universal duo is definitely the Platinum Glow and Gold Dust which is a silvery shimmer on one end and a gilded gold on the other. What I like most about this set is the convenience of two colours that work great on their own or to spruce up any shade you already own. Plus they aren't sticky and taste delish! Buy 2 get one free right now! Two for your friend and 1 for you (or vice versa)!

5. SLEEP Black Chamomile Pillow Mist ($10 USD): "The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads..." With the joy of family bonding, shopping for last-minute gifts and hosting dinner parties, the holiday season always gets the best of us with stress and exhaustion. This limited edition formula of Pillow Mist is enhanced with Chamomile essential oil, rescuing anyone in need of restorative, soothing sleep. At first I thought the scent was too strong but it fades into the sheets leaving a subtle, comforting aroma. This is a great unisex scent that will calm any room, and actually helps when you're aching for sleep. A good sleep is the perfect gift these days!

6. Sothys Homme Skincare: If you're tired of your man secretly using your face wash or lathering his face with your expensive moisturizer, surprise him with his own luxurious yet masculine skincare line! Sothys Homme skincare collection includes Detoxifying Active Cleanser to elimnate impurities and prepare skin for shaving, Exfoliating Scrub to clean pores and eliminate roughness, Hydrating Active Care a light non-oily moisturizer to keep skin supple, and Soothing After-Shave Balm to bring immediate comfort to the skin after shaving. He'll appreciate the masculine scents, packaging, and the look and feel of great skin!

Makeup Junkie Holiday Gift Guide 2008: The Gift of Pretty Nails


Exclusively at KOHLS and here for a limited time only, Flirt Cosmetics introduces the Nail Wishes Holiday Set, $12.50 US. This set consists of 6 lustrous nail polishes in colours that’ll make the perfect accessory to any outfit. The pink packaging with holiday stars will bring cheer to any recipient or you can split up the set for economical yet lovely stocking stuffers.


The set includes: a snowy white, cotton candy pink, 24K gold, classic red, hot fuchsia and a vino burgundy. This is my first time trying this brand of nail polish and I am absolutely loving them. First coat applies streak-free with strong colour. Add a little base/top coat for extra long wear and you’re good to go!

www.flirtcosmetics.com

Makeup Junkie Holiday Gift Guide 2008: The Gift of Great Skin




Having great skin is always on my list of wants and needs so why not be a doll and give it to your loved ones? Pamper them head-to-toe with these luxurious gift sets!

1. La Mer The Connoisseur Collection ($505 CAD): Alright, it's a little pricey but come on - it's La Mer! And when it comes to your skin you want only the best! This holiday pleaser includes Creme de la Mer (2 oz.) and The Eye Concentrate in a pearlized holiday box! The lucky person who receives this gift will be able to say goodbye to wrinkles and hello to a luminous future!

2. Ojon Tawaka - The White Ball ($65 USD): If you love Ojon for their hair care you'll love the brand for their skin care as well! This rich, decadent body cleansing and conditioning ball gives your skin a well-deserved treat! My skin is left soft, fresh and glowing! It also comes with a gorgeous tribal-inspired dark bowl for storage in the shower. Formulated without fragrance, artificial color, sulfates, silicones, or preservatives, "The White Ball" is a lavish luxury that suits all skin types.

3. Origins Extremely Green ($79.50 CAD): Give the gift of Green with this eco-conscious set! It includes Purifying Tonic to keep your skin clean and clear, Nourishing Face Lotion to soothe dry skin, Cleansing Body Bar and cotton bath mit to wash away impurities, and Silkening Body Spritz to hydrate skin. You just can't go wrong with gifts that are good for your skin and good for the environment!

Makeup Junkie Holiday Gift Guide 2008: The Gift of Sophisticated Elegance


I'm a sucker for packaging especially around the holiday season when beauty brands go all out in the most exquisite packaging. These scented lovelies are for the friend, mother, co-worker, who enjoy sophisticated elegance.

1. Tocca Florence Bagno Da Viaggio Bath & Body Gift Set ($48 USD): A perfect gift for the woman who loves to travel. Included in this cream coloured box set inspired by old Italian candy boxes are travel-sized Florence shower gel, body lotion, and candelina. The luxurious lotion is very moisturizing and will help sooth dry, sensitive skin. The shower gel gently cleanses the skin while leaving the skin soft and smooth. The popular Tocca Candelinas will fill your room with a beautiful aroma. She'll be able to enjoy the fragrance of the orris rose scent of Florence wherever she goes. The boxed set makes gift giving easy especially for those last minute gifts!

2. Jo Malone Tasting Kit ($110 USD): Want to introduce a fragrance junkie to Jo Malone colognes? The Tasting Kit is a fabulous introduction set for the Art of Fragrance Combining. Jo Malone designed her scents to be layered with one another or worn individually. This kit comes with Pomegranate Noir Cologne (30 ml), and a tasting of three of its notes: Raspberry (9 ml), Casablanca Lily (9 ml), and Guaiacwood (9 ml). Pomegranate Noir is a sophisticated sensual scent that is spicy, woodsy, yet fruity. I usually love a combination of spicy fruity scents, but I'm on the fence with this one. It's a rather strong scent (the husband is not a fan) that sometimes makes me sneeze, but I'm still giving it a chance. The upside is that you have the option of mixing with the other 3 fragrances. Raspberry is just lovely on its own and my fave out of the set. Fragrance lovers will love creating their own signature scent. The leather boxed case alone makes a fantastic gift!

3. Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Radiant Powder Spray in Vanilla Noir ($12.25 USD sale price): Vanilla lovers will love spritzing this on before an evening out. The Radiant Powder Spray will give your skin a kiss of golden shimmer and a sweet hint of Madagascar vanilla. It also leaves your skin velvety soft. My favourite part is the glamourous vintage bottle! How luxe would this look on your vanity?? Love!

Have you tried any of these products? Love 'em? Hate 'em?

Makeup Junkie Holiday Gift Guide 2008: The Gift of Kiehl's!

Christmas shopping for me is all about one-stop-shopping destinations. With so many to buy for, running around from store to store is not my idea of fun shopping (unless it's for me of course haha). If you're with me on this one, Makeup Junkie recommends shopping at Kiehl's, where you'll find the finest in quality skin and hair care. Select from ready-made gift boxes or personalize your gifting by creating a custom collection. You'll find gifts for everyone on your list - including your BFF's lil' pup!

The gift that keeps on giving, perfect for anyone on your list! "Aloe Vera" Biodegradable Liquid Body Cleanser ($20.50 CAD) was created in partnership with hunky humanitarian, Brad Pitt! It is the first 100% Biodegradable formula and fragrance for Kiehl's and the first product with Cradle to Cradle Certification (measures a product against specific criteria for environmental and human health). The result is a body cleanser that minimizes impact to the environment and readily biodegrades in 28 days. This gentle, refreshing cleanser is formulated without parabens, SLS, and Dyes. The bottle is also 100 % Post Consumer Recycled. 100 % of net proceeds from sales will benefit JPF Eco Systems, a charitable foundation created with Brad Pitt to support global environmental initiatives. What could be a greater gift than giving a gift that was created by Brad Pitt and gives back to the environment? It's a must-have for everyone on your list!

Kiehl's Liquid Hand Soaps Trio ($46.50 USD) are the perfect gift for the friend who loves to host. The set features three favourite Kiehl's scents: Grapefruit, Coriander, and my personal fave, "Pear Tree Corner". I absolutely love these hand soaps and I usually don't go crazy over hand soaps! This gentle, yet effective cleanser is fantastic for frequent hand washing. It is formulated with emollient humectants which absorb moisture to skin, keeping your hands oh-so-soft and lightly scented. Vitamin E and Aloe Vera help soothe and protect distressed skin, especially beneficial during colder months. The paraben-free formula uses a gentle cleansing agent with coconut-derived cleansers. Keep one in the powder room for guests, in the kitchen, and in your own bathroom!

Give the gift of perfectly smooth skin with Kiehl's Gently Exfoliating Body Scrubs ($30 CAD). Great as a gift on its own or paired with Kiehl's Deluxe Hand and Body Lotion with Aloe Vera and Oatmeal in a matching scent, customize for your mom or your best friend (and why not yourself?). Select from four lovely scents: Grapefruit, Coriander, Lavender, and "Pear Tree Corner". The gentle, yet effective scrub leaves my skin feeling soft each time. I never shower without it! All scents smell wonderful, but my fave is of course "Pear Tree Corner". It's a subtle, sweet pear scent that smells delicious!



Kiehl's Ultimate Man Collection ($69.50 CAD) is the gift for the ultimate man in your life. With Kiehl's functional blue packaging, your man won't think twice about pulling these products out of his gym bag. The collection includes Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash, White Eagle Shave Cream, Ultimate Man Scrub Soap, Facial Fuel No-Shine Lip Balm, Ultimate Strength Hand Salve Deluxe, and Facial Fuel Deluxe.

I know of a few new moms that could use some serious pampering this Holiday season! Kiehl's New Mother's set ($149 USD) is an excellent new mom and baby gift. For new moms, the set includes must-haves: Creme de Corps, "Lavender" Hand and Body Lotion, Body Massage Oil, Lip Balm #1, and Lavender Foaming Relaxing Bath with Sea Salts and Aloe. For baby's sensitive skin the set includes: Kiehl's Diaper Rash Ointment, Kiehl's Baby Lip Balm, Kiehl's Nurturing Cream For Face and Body, and Kiehl's Baby Gentle Foaming Hair and Body Wash. My son and I have become a fan of Kiehl's Nurturing Cream For Face and Body. Donna Paty, National Education Manager for Kiehl's, recommended this for my son's eczema problem. It doesn't get rid of the condition but calms his flare ups and relieves his itchy skin. Both baby and mom will love the scent of of vanilla, pears, apples and sweet berries. It may be a little pricey at $20 plus a pop, but when it comes to my son's delicate skin only the best will do!

For the lip balm junkie, Kiehl's Flavored Lip Balm Trio ($33 CAD) is a fabulous stocking stuffer. The set includes the classic Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 in Cranberry, Pear, and Mint. I was a little skeptical to try this lip balm because of the SPF 4 factor. Donna suggested I test the lip balm on the inside of my wrist for reactions before applying on my lips. I had never tried this method and usually tried SPF products at my own risk. My lips have been enjoying the supple smoothness and pear scent of Kiehl's Lip Balm #1. I love the convenient squeeze tube it comes in. You can take it anywhere and apply anytime with no mess. It gives the lips a nice shine and works great over your favourite lip colour. The balm doesn't feel sticky on the lips and will keep your pout in tip top shape for those mistletoe kisses!

Dogs need pampering too! Your pooch will give you some serious smooches when you primp them up with Kiehl's Pampered Pooch Collection ($52 CAD). Cleanse their coat with gentle Cuddly Coat Grooming Shampoo, condition with Cuddly Coat Conditioning Rinse and finish them off with Spray-and-Play Cleansing Spritz. Let your heart melt with those puppy dog eyes, as they look back at you with love, feeling fresh and clean after their pampering session!

To view more gift collections visit www.kiehls.com.
Stay tuned for our visit with National Education Manager for Kiehl's, Donna Paty!

Makeup Junkie Holiday Gift Guide 2008: Philosophy Sets

Philosophy knows how to make gift giving easy. Every year the delicious line of bath and body products comes out with delectable, festive scents that will please every palate. For the baker, the chef, the party girl and for those who just want to celebrate - Philosophy’s got you covered. Not only do you get the 3-in-1 formula – shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath – but you also get the recipe to create the sweet treat!

The Recipe Box ($22)

This set includes 3 sweet flavours - strawberry shortcake, red velvet cake, and sweet creamy frosting, yummy!

The Holiday Cookbook ($42)

Who needs dessert when they have red velvet cake, cinnamon buns, spicy pear cobbler, pumpkin spice muffin, gingerbread and double-rich hot cocoa??

The Cookie Exchange ($36)

Everyone loves a delicious, melt in your mouth cookie, trust me, this one is good! This set contains scents of snickerdoodle, oatmeal raisin, sugar cookie and chocolate chip.
Celebrate! ($36)

When it’s time to celebrate, we can’t wait to get a glass in our hands - so why not start celebrating in the shower with this set of high-foaming formulas of pink, lavender, and pomegranate bubbly.


I am such a sucker for packaging, and with all these great gift giving sets, Philosophy has made it really easy to please just about everybody! Check out the rest of the holiday sets at Sephora.com!

Makeup Junkie Holiday Gift Guide 2008: The Gift of Scent!

Scent is such a powerful thing. Certain smells can draw you in and others can make you want to run the opposite way. Calvin Klein's new sultry and sexy fragrance, Secret Obsession ($38 - 55 USD), will leave you wanting more! I always thought the original Obsessions fragrance was a little strong for me, but I absolutely adore the exotic oriental scent of Secret Obession. The mix of sweet florals and deep woodsy notes will intoxicate you in only the best way possible. Perfect for spicing up the cold winter months. Some may find it too heavy for day but one spritz is all you need. I find deeper, more sultry scents last longer on the skin and this definitely does. Every time I wear it, the husband notices which means it makes the cut!

Secret Obsession is a definite must for those hot holiday parties or intimate, cozy nights by the fire. Don't be surprised if your secret obsession is being obsessed with this fragrance!

Wait there's more! Makeup Junkie is doing a special give away for Calvin Klein Secret Obsession!

Contest details:

Prize Give Away: One lucky winner will receive a full size bottle of Calvin Klein Secret Obsessions, a coppery/bronze metal charm necklace with a clasp at the back and two handcuffs joined in front, and a Secret Obsession sleeping mask!
To Win: All you have to do is tell Makeup Junkie what your secret obsession is or what your significant other's secret obsession is! Just leave a comment after the post with your email address. The winner will be randomly chosen.
Contest Date: November 21 - 24. Winner will be announced on November 24th at 12 pm!

My secret obsession? Trying on new lip products and taking close-up photos of my lips! Sexy right?? lol Have fun and good luck to everyone!

Beauty Feature: Make-Up Junkie Loves Miss Oops!!

We all have those days, where nothing goes right and we find ourselves wishing we could have a quick-fix when we're on the go. That's when Jennifer Higgins, founder of Miss Oops, designed the Rescue Sponge - to remove unsightly deodorant marks and make-up stains off her little black dress! Since her first creation, Jennifer has gone to design many other products for those 'Oopsy daisy' kind of days!

I met with Jennifer while she was in Toronto a few weeks ago, and going over the products one-by-one made me realize just how easy and convenient life would be having these items around the house. Not only is the Miss Oops line an essential part of any Makeup Junkie's life, but the woman behind the name is absolutely stunning, herself. With long red hair and big bright green eyes, Jennifer's mannerisms show excitement and courage into her future. Full of personality, you can see that the inspiration to her cute little packaging and products is based upon Jennifer's own outlook on life - fun and practical!

Also, some of the products are actually grouped together in "Critical Care Kits" which makes gift-giving for Christmas, baby shower or as a wedding survival package an essential part of the occasion!



Deodorant marks on your clothes? Make-up powder on your collar? No problem, you’ve got Miss Oops Rescue Sponges. No need to wet your clothes, just briskly rub the dry sponge against the offending mark and watch it disappear. The patent-pending sponge comes two to a pack and are reusable. Safe to use on all fabrics. ($10USD)



Could builders sand furniture with your feet? If so, then Miss Oops Pedicure In a Bottle is your new best friend! Miss Oops Pedicure in a Bottle actually exfoliates, then hydrates your feet. Plus, it’s easy to use! Most exfoliating creams require you to rub the formula on your feet and then wash it off. Not Miss Oops. The exfoliating component is actually absorbed into the skin. Plus, with this non-greasy formula, you can apply it in the morning and wear your shoes without that “slippery-greasy” feeling. The combination of glycolic and salicylic acid, shea butter, peppermint, menthol, and lavender leave your feet feeling smooth and smelling pretty – just like you had a pedicure! Directions: apply twice a day until you can no longer sand furniture with your feet, then use once a day for maintenance. ($18USD)




Jaks is an absolute must for women who are not willing to give up their low-rise jeans and partake in “mom jeans.” Jaks is worn over jeans and under tops—much like a shirt extender. It appears to be a lace camisole layered underneath your shirt- but actually, Jaks is the latest fashion weapon used to cover up butt-crack and muffin tops. Bend over and sit down ladies – Jaks has you covered! ($38USD)

Is your plunging V-neck revealing a little too much at the office? No problem – reach for Miss Oops Boob Tube! Made of stretchable lace, this modern day bandeau gives you just the right amount of coverage without the added bulk of another layer. ($25USD)


Dry lips got you chapped? Here’s a unique solution: a lip balm that looks like lip gloss. Miss Oops Pucker Protector’s unique formula of moisturizing petroleum and sunscreen revive your pucker with a gloss so striking you can use it alone or over lipstick. Plus, the minty scent leaves your breath smelling fresh. Miss Oops Pucker Protector – It’s a lip balm. It’s a lip gloss. It’s both!($14USD)

Nundies, made of nylon and lycra are the perfect pantyless panty! Simply adhere Nundies to the inseam of your pants in place of wearing an uncomfortable thong or underwear. Ban panty lines and uncomfortable thongs with Nundies. Nundies, the essence of underwear, are disposable and perfect for traveling. ($15USD)

This double-sided apparel tape is perfect for women caught in the midst of a serious fashion mishap! This fabric friendly tape repairs hanging hems, closes gaping blouses, keeps peek-a-boo bra straps in place, and prevents plunging necklines from revealing too much. Miss Oops Mishap Tape is hypoallergenic and is packaged with 36 strips in two widths. So go ahead and wear that daring outfit--Miss Oops has you covered! ($6.99USD)



Popper Stoppers are used to cover belly buttons that go “pop” during pregnancy. Latex-free and medically approved, Popper Stoppers are the perfect choice to cover sensitive bellybuttons or protruding navels that can be seen through your garments. ($13.00USD)


Feeling down? Here’s something to perk you up….Chicken Cutlets by Miss Oops! These silicone breast inserts are perfect to perk your girls up and add some cleavage without going under the knife. Each pair comes in a plastic travel case. Chicken Cutlets will increase your bosom by 1 full cup size. ($28.00USD)


Miss Oops Holiday Kit is just the thing for any girl-on-the-go! Complete with the award-winning Miss Oops Rescue Sponge, travel-size lint roller, and a full set of Miss Oops Mishap Tape, these essentials will save you from any “oops” situation! ($18.00USD)


I asked Jennifer what her hopes for the future of Miss Oops would be, and she wanted to have a Miss Oops for Babies, or Miss Oops for Men. Perhaps even a Miss Oops for Pets, too! Also, her favourite product is the Miss Oops Rescue Sponge, but also admits she's bias since it's her first product!

I, personally, got to try many of the different products available, but by far I truly enjoy the Chicken Cutlets. Beats surgery! :)

Currently, you can buy Miss Oops products online or at many locations across Canada and the United States, where you can check the Miss Oops site for a store near you. At the time of our meeting, Miss Oops is planning to be available in stores like Shopper's Drug Mart, Sephora and The Bay, so let's keep our fingers crossed!

Makeup Junkie Holiday Gift Guide 2008: The Gift of Gloss!


Every gal, naughty or nice, will love a little dose (or a lot) of sexy gloss on the lips this holiday season! Shine sheer or shine high with some of these festive glossy must-haves!

Benefit's Peace, Love and Glossiness makes the perfect Christmas gift of gloss this holiday season! Lip gloss fanatics and Makeup Junkies will love the set of 3 gloss duos that contain 6 of Benefit’s most popular lips glosses with such irresistable names: 1. My people, Your people, 2. Talk To My Agent, 3. 24K, 4. Who Does Your Work?, 5. Magic, and 6. Kiss You.

Shine-on with Smart Packaging
I test ran the lip glosses this week wearing it from my daytime job to a night out. I did touch up mid-day after lunch to keep the lips looking glossy-fresh. The shine of one application was just right for an all-day look and perfectly suitable for a corporate office, where you may want to ensure co-workers are not distracted by over-glossed and gooey lips. What's great is that you can easily change up your look for evening with any of the alternate glosses in the set, and all you have to carry is one tube for 2 different looks! Well, unless of course you’re a super junkie and want all 6 glosses handy!! (Guilty as charged).

Stick factor
The glosses have just the right amount of stick to give a great shine, keep the product where it belongs, and not catch your hair as it blows in the wind! The downside of not being too sticky is that a midday touch-up is likely necessary, as the product will tend to wear away sooner than an overly sticky gloss.

Smell
It does have a slight fragrance-y smell that was initially noticeable. I tend to use products without fragrance (as a personal preference), but overall the smell was negligible and not unpleasant.

Benefit's Peace, Love & Glossiness set is limited edition only and at a steal of price of $30 for the six glosses, it's surely not going to stay on store shelves very long! It definitely makes a great gift, but be careful when buying it that you don’t end up keeping it for yourself!

Available at Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart or online at www.benefitcosmetics.com


If you can't get enough of Smashbox's original Lip Enhancing Gloss then you'll love the holiday collection Rapture Lip Gloss Set ($29 USD)! These award-winning glosses are ultra moisturizing and coat the lips with the right amount of shine and colour.

This party-girl gloss set includes three best-selling shades and three holiday exclusives (L-R): Illume, Radiant, Candid, Ravishing, Lovely, and Stunning. The glosses have a medium stick factor. There's just enough to keep your colour and shine on longer. All the colours are just gorgeous and can be worn separately or layered together for a custom shade. The colours glow with sheer colour which is why they are perfect for both day and night. My faves: Candid, a pearly pinky-peach with gold shimmer, and Lovely, a bright pink.

Exclusive to Sephora, Stila's Shine On Gift of Glaze ($28 USD) will have you swooning! The combination of high shine and ultra shimmer give your lips the poutiness they deserve. Your lips will look naturally plump without the painful stinging "sensation". My only complaint? The click pen style applicator isn't my favourite after using it more because it can be a little messy. You also end up wasting the product with too many clicks. Aside from that, the long-lasting beautiful colours and shine will have you hooked!

There isn't one colour in this set that isn't apart of my beauty stash! The set features four top-selling shades and two new colours. L-R: Vanilla, Brown Sugar, Apricot, Grapefruit, Gumdrop (New!), and Raisin (New!). I had assumed Vanilla would look almost clear on me but the pearly nude is more than barely-there! Brown Sugar is a gorgeous warm golden nude, slightly darker than Vanilla. This is a flattering shade on all skin tones and is wearable any time of the day. Apricot, a melon-nectarine and an old fave, looks like my lips but better. Grapefruit, a frosted pink, is the prettiest soft pink on the lips! Gumdrop, vibrant pink, will perk you up and brighten up any look. Raisin, a shimmering golden plum and another new fave, is the perfect shade for those festive evening cocktails. Stila Shine On Gift of Glaze will be another glossy set you might keep for yourself!

Forget giving this one away! Tarte Purse Your Lips Limited Edition Lipgloss Clutch ($39 USD) is definitely one you should keep for yourself! The stunning gold and deep purple clutch comes with 9 mini Tarte Vitamin-Infused lipglosses! These limited edition shades are infused with the Tarte t5 super fruit complex, which is a proprietary blend of the five most active superfruits: goji, acai, maracuja, acerola, and pomegranate. Not only do these pretty lippies look great but they are good for you inside and out!

Top Row: shell with silver glitter, coral with pearly pink finish, golden brown shimmer, golden plum, sheer soft pink, candy pink. Bottom Row: raspberry-red with gold and pink flecks, cranberry-gold, and true red. I'm in love with all the colours! The glosses don't have names and aren't apart of the original line. I love the balm-like texture, sheer but noticeable colour, and the soft sweet scent. The colour is lasting but the shine wears off after a few hours. You can definitely blend and layer but each colour is as sweet on their own. The little clutch is just adorable and would look great with any outfit! It's big enough to hold your keys, some money/credit card, your cell, and a few of these mini glosses. They are pint size, but with 9 glosses to choose from it'll be a while before you use all these lippies! Sorry gals, this one is for me! :)

Know someone with a sweet tooth? Then she'll love Jaqua Lip Frosting Trio ($24 USD)! Jaqua, a beautifully packaged, true fragranced, and highly effective bath and beauty products were created by the Jaqua sisters, who began the line to fulfill their beauty needs that weren't being met. I am a sucker for anything sugary, sweet and yummy smelling!

The set of 3 Lip Whips contain: Cocoa Buttercream Frosting Lip Whip, the popular Pink Buttercream Frosting Lip Whip, and Raspberry Buttercream Frosting. I've become a huge fan of these glosses not only for their sweet-smelling scents and flavour, but for the hydrating formula containing Vitamin E and other nourishing ingredients. Seriously, I was surprised after eating a dinner and watching a movie how moisturized my lips felt and how lasting the colour was. All 3 colours are gorgeous but my faves are Pink Buttercream Frosting and Raspberry Buttercream Frosting. Pink Buttercream is a pinky-gold shade that gives a subtle finish on its own or adds beautiful shimmer layered over lipstick. Raspberry Buttercream Frosting looks fantastic on its own and will make you look hot on those cold nights out. Also looks lovely mixed with Pink Buttercream Frosting. Your girlfriends trying to lose a few pounds won't feel guilty indulging in these sweet treats!

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who has the glossiest lips of all?" You will with Too Faced Mirror Mirror Mini Lip Gloss Set ($21 USD)! This is for a gal who loves A LOT of shine and not a whole lot of colour. These glossies are super shiny and very moisturizing. They make the lips look like glass! They don't settle into your fine lines and give the appearance of plump lips. Each gloss has a different subtle scent and the most up-lifting, good-for-the-ego, names!

L-R: I'm Perfect (sheer beige), I Know You Want Me! (clear), Damn I'm Hot! (sheer red), Don't Hate Me... (sheer pink). The colours don't really show up on me but I love the high-shine finish. My favourite is the clear shade because it looks great on its own and can be layered over top of your favourite lip colour. The shiny gloss finish will make you look radiant even when you don't feel your most radiant. Grab the spotlight this holiday season with this sexy set of glosses!

Dress up those lips with a little glitter and shine! Bobbi Brown's limited-edition Glitter Lip Gloss ($25 CAD) will have your lips twinkling under the mistletoe! Infused with light-reflecting flecks of glitter, these glosses deliver high-shine and come in 6 fabulous shades. Can't decide on a shade? Why not get all 6 in Bobbi Brown's new 6 Pan Custom Palette!

This Glitter Lip Gloss in Rave is stunning deep chocolate plum with golden flecks. I love this gloss because it's different than any of the glosses I own. This also looks hot layered over a plum or pink lipstick! The glitter particles are very fine so it doesn't feel grainy on your lips. You can be sure with the thicker texture that your colour and glittery shine will last for hours. I'd probably avoid this though on those windy nights or you'll have to deal with sticky hair. But rockin' this lovely shade is worth it!

The smell of ginger bread cookies automatically makes me think of Christmas. Dionis, a bath and body company that uses 90-95% natural ingredients, has come out with a limited-edition Ginger Mint Lip Gloss ($4.99 USD). This yummy ginger-mint scent will have you dreaming of Christmas cookies! It is non-sticky and extremely hydrating, keeping lips soft and smooth.

I was pleasantly surprised by the sheer pop of red shimmer it left on my lips. The colour isn't so heavy you'd feel uncomfortable wearing it during the day, but layer on another coat and you've got ultra shiny lips with a bit more punch! For the price, this gloss is a steal! You can buy for every friend or family member without breaking the bank!

Have you tried any of these glosses? Love 'em? Hate 'em?

Makeup Junkie Holiday Gift Guide 2008: The Gift of Glimmer & Glow!


Christmas lights won't be the only thing that will be aglow this Holiday season! Radiant, healthy looking skin will never go out of style. Dazzle those festive parties with lots of glimmer and glow with these shimmery pretties!

Give your skin a luxe glow with Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Brick in Copper Diamond ($50 CAD)! This limited-edition compact comes in a gorgeous faux-leather inset and a metallic copper finish. Perfect accessory to any outfit that will surely get you noticed!

Featured in "W" Magazine (November 2008), this compact is a combination of 5 shades: candlelight, copper, gold, beige and sand. This delivers a lovely warm glow that will have you glowing in all the right places. I swirled it all together for the above photo but you can use each shade separately. Swipe on the lightest shade to highlight your eyes or swirl together and apply on the cheekbones and shoulders for a radiant finish. Tip: If you normally have sallow skin, opt for the Pink Shimmer Brick Compact to brighten your complexion. Fans of the originals will love Copper Diamond! The chic packaging alone makes this a must-have!

Get a sexy glimmer with beautyADDICTS ExpressGlimmer ($30 USD). This versatile palette can be used to highlight just about anywhere. Beauty Addicts products are designed for the woman-on-the-go who love the convenience of pre-made palettes. This creamy highlighter can be applied with your fingers, sponge, or brush.

Gals who love the dewy, youthful look will love ExpressGlimmer! This has become one of my favourite highlighters! The compact includes Glimmer - a soft focus luminizing luster for a sun-kissed, elegant sheen and Sheer - a crystal clear luminizer that hydrates and enhances glowing skin. In the above photo, the left side is the Glimmer on its own but layer it over Sheer and it becomes intensified as seen on the right side. I also find the clear luminizer keeps the Glimmer on longer, but you can definitely wear both individually. Sheer gives the skin a natural dewy finish and Glimmer bumps it up a notch with a beautiful sparkle. I like to use Glimmer in the inner corner and on lips with Sheer layered over top. The cream is easy to apply and blend and works well on the body!

Light up the room with my newest favourite, Mood Lighting Shimmer Crèmes ($20.50 each) from Three Custom Color Specialists! This fabulous palette of shimmery highlighters was co-created by makeup artist, Dina Gregg, of Bravo's "Make Me A Supermodel"! These silky highlighters are a sophisticated take on sparkle that go on light and creamy, and dry to a fine, powdery finish.

Available in 2 shades, Afterglow (on the left -pearlescent, champagne with flecks of gold and violet) and On Fire! (on the very right -bronzed shimmer with a swirl of opalescence) will highlight and contour your face! I love the subtle finish of the cremes because they can be layered or mixed together for a custom shade. Dina's tip: sculpt the cheeks with On Fire! on or below the cheek bones and Afterglow to the upper cheekbone. The silky powder finish gives a more natural finish than most highlighters which is perfect for photography or on-camera. You won't get the bounce-back from the flash like you would something more shimmery. The shadow in Champagne (middle) is gorgeous! It looks like it has flecks of pink and gold which make the eyes pop and twinkle. For use on the eyes, lips and body. Love the sleek refillable case it comes in complete with a shadow and creme brush.

They will be available separately November 19th online at www.threecustom.com and at select boutiques worldwide. Or you can purchase both Mood Lighting Cremes and makeup artist favourite, Champagne Eye Shadow, packaged in a Three Custom Specialists' Refillable trio with tips from Dina for $60 USD!