Warm & Yummy by Philosophy

There's nothing like a hot shower or warm, soothing bath to wash away a long, stressful day. Philosophy seems to specialize in bath products that do just that. 

I'm a total sucker for their deliciously sweet and indulgent smelling shower gels. I've got a huge sweet tooth and any form of fudge cake, birthday cake, or cinnamon bun will do.

Lately though, I've been using a shower gel that makes me more interested in sitting by campfire near toasting marshmallows rather than having an insatiable desire to eat said marshmallows. Philosophy's winter bath treats smell divine and make you feel like your bathing in a log cabin in the woods. Happy by the Fire and Glow and Behold are both gentle, creamy and fragrant bath and shower gels that totally enhance your cleansing experience. 

Favorite Eyeliners

Hi friends!

Hope everyone's holiday shopping is going well!

For those of you who know me well, you know you won't find me without a nice swipe of eyeliner. It's my desert island makeup (the one item I would want if I was stuck-Lost style). I'm constantly on the look out for great liners and I think I've found some serious contenders for the prize. I'm happy to report there is more than one 'best eyeliner'.

I've talked about my favorite eyeliners in the past and definitely love each of those products as well. Lately, though I've been experimenting with a new collection of eye defining products. Here are some of new favorites:



Laura Mercier Caviar Stick ($24.00) This "smoky eye in a stick" is one of the best eyeliners I've ever used. It has a creamy formula that glides on your lids easily and can be smudged and applied as shadow all over the entire lid. The colors are rich without being overpowering. The pencil can also be used as an eyeliner on it's own or with a liner brush for a tight line. Let the formula set for a minute and you'll see that it's completely smudge, transfer and crease-proof. It's also one of the most long-lasting liners I've ever had and best of all the liner won't end up below your eyes or in the corners like most other solutions after time.  OBSESSED. Although there's no black liner, shades like Smoke, Jungle, Plum and Sapphire offer up a deep, black-like alternative.

NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner ($23.00) I love the amazing range of colors this product offers. From a plumy, rich purple to a deep royal blue, the shades are fun and suit a range of tones and moods. Although, this liner isn't very smudgy, it does apply easily and will seriously not budge. It's also a clean alternative to typical pencils that require sharpening. This one has a built in sharpener in the bottom that you can twist when you want a pointer tip. It's a seriously budge-proof product and comes in a wide variety of gorgeous shades.

Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Eyeliner ($22.00) If you want a deposit of some serious pigment look no further than this fabulous Laura concoction. Wet an eyeliner brush, dip into the shadow and swirl it around. Then apply it like you would any other eyeliner. The color is deep, long-lasting and seriously budge-proof. It's one of the few liners that looks as deep and pigmented when you first put it on as it does when you take it out 12 hours later.

The Walk This Way Fashion Show for Becky's Fund

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of joining my good friends for a special event: The Walk This Way Event for Becky's Fund.

Becky's Fund is an organization that helps support and bring awareness for victim's of domestic violence. The organization also strives to establish prevention-based programs and collaborate with others in the community to educate others about this serious issue. You may recognize founder Becky Lee from her stint on CBS's Survivor: Cook Islands.

Carl Ray, Me, and Rick Raines at the Walk This Way Event

Their annual Walk This Way event was an amazing fashion show at the Andrew C. Mellon Auditorium. The show featured a mix of models and members of the Redskins strutting down the runway in their finest.

My good friend and Washingtonian Magazine's Top Voted Bridal Makeup Artist, Carl Ray was not only on the hosting committee, he also helped glam up some of the models. He's such a talent and did such an amazing job, as per usual.

Check out his blog to see his amazing work from the night. I was thrilled to attend the event and see my dear friend's fabulous work!

 

Clinique's Irresistible Holiday Offers

Clinique sure is making it easy to shop with them this holiday season! If you or a loved one is a fan of their line, there's not better time to shop with them than today!

-Get your Christmas gifts shipped FREE and in time for the holiday by placing your order on or before Monday, December 19th at 6:00 PM.

-Pick 4 skin care and/or makeup minis with any $25 purchase.

-Get a free Clinique Happy fragrance (travel size) TODAY only with ANY Clinique purchase online. Free Happy, free shipping and free samples!



 Happy shopping friends!

Winter Weather Relief In A Bottle

The holidays are right around the corner and with all the merriment and excitement in the air, one almost forgets one annoying little detail about the season: it's winter! 

With winter comes cold temperatures and hot furnaces. It also means dry skin and cracked hands and feet. Luckily, the holiday cheer distracts from these perpetual discomforts as does a few key skin solutions. I'm incapable of functioning in the winter without lathering myself with the most moisture-drenching lotion I can find. It's a fact. My body converts into a cave of moisture and I try desperately to store and retain what's left. Ok, I'm bordering on dramatic but I seriously make sure I'm using the most potent skin care products I can find. For me, Eucerin always does the trick. The drugstore brand is a favorite among dry-skin victims. It's supremely moisturizing but doesn't leave a gunky residue and doesn't dry your skin out as some alcohol-based lotions tend to do. 

Lately I've been rounding out my beauty routine with a few of their fine products. Here's what I've been loving:

Eucerin Calming Body Wash: A nourishing wash that provides a soap-free cleansing wash and includes soothing omega oils. 

Eucerin Calming Creme: A non-greasy formula that effectively treats dry, itchy skin. This creme uses natural oatmeal to calm and protect your pores. I love how long the moisturizer lasts on the skin and how smooth the skin feels even after a full day of wear. This is also great to use if you have eczema. 

Eucerin Intensive Repair Hand Creme: I always carry a tube of this in my bag and use it to relieve the tight feeling my skin has after washing my hands. It's non-greasy and (as the name would suggest) intensively moisturizing. The formula uses alpha hydroxy to exfoliate the skin which helps your skin look smooth and plump after use. It is best to use this lotion with a sunscreen as people can have sensitivity to the sun and can sunburn since it has alpha hydroxy acid in it. This hand creme is especially amazing to use if your hands and fingers are cracking.  

Eucerin Calming Itch-Relief Treatment: This lotion is fantastic to relieve itchy skin. It contains a cooling menthol that provides long-lasting relief. I love using this stuff after a long day outside (especially skiing) when my skin has faced the elements over an extended period of time and needs cooling moisture. 

Eucerin Smoothing Essentials: This bottle of lotion is the key element for getting me through moisture-less winters. It's supremely effective, fast absorbing and non-greasy. It really is a winter life-saver. It also contains alpha hydroxy acid which will help gently exfoliate the skin but will make it more sensitive to the sun. I always mix my moisturizer with sunscreen to help lather it all on. 

I'd be lost without these products but luckily I keep them close and handy. That way my mind is rarely on my dry skin and 100% focused on the fun and festive season in front of me! 

Happy Holidays! 

My Favorite Holiday Gift Sets

The holiday season is in full swing and if you and your loved ones are product junkies, you'll love some of the festive treats in store for you. Tis the season for adorably packaged goodies! There's nothing better than getting all your favorites in a fun little palette or box. Here are some of my favorite gift sets:

Laura Mercier Limited Edition Luxe Colour Portfolio ($98.00)

This amazing sets come with anything and everything you could ask for. The set focuses on the eyes and the face by incorporating six eyeshadows, three eyeliners and two cheek colors. It also includes three travel brushes that are perfect for applying shadow, liner and blending each to perfection. Eye Shadow colors: primrose, african violet, merlot, truffle, topaz and stellar; Tightliner Cake Eyeliner colors: espresso, black ebony and burgundy wine; Cheek Colors: rose petal and city pink; Brushes: ponytail, crease and flat eye liner. Check out other fun gift giving ideas here.

Molton Brown Kaleidoscope Body Wash Gift Set ($48.00)

This gift set is perfect for him or her and has a colorful array of soothing body washes. The set will look great in any bathroom and each scent is calming and relaxing on the skin. Scents include: relazing yuan zhi; inspiring wild-indigo; ultrasmooth coco de mer; paradisiac pink pepperpod; blissful templetree; heavenly gingerlily. The set also comes in a gorgeous gift box which is wrapped and ready to go under the tree or in your loved one's hands. Check out MB's other gift sets here.

Bobbi Brown Cool Party Eye Palette ($45.00)

Bobbi Brown always has fun palettes up her holiday season and this year is no exception. I adore this versatile, yet perfectly dramatic shadow collection. The shades lend themselves to creating the ultimate smoky eye but individually the shadows are perfect to wear from day to night. Throw this in your work bag and pump up your after work/holiday party look with these six shimmery hues. 

LAFCO Claus Porto Gift Box of 5 Mini Soaps ($25.00)

One of the oldest and most prestigious soap-making companies, Claus Porto originated in Porto, Portugal in 1887. Today their soaps are sold in the US by one of Oprah's favorite brands, LAFCO. The company "specializes in importing niche and artisanal products from Europe, those types of products are very difficult to find in the US" says their founder, John Bresler.  In fact, Oprah selected the brand's luxurious soaps and candles to be featured on her annual Favorite Things episode. Claus Porto soaps make amazing gifts because of their unique, colorful packaging and aromatic fragrances. The soaps feel velvety and moisturizing on the skin and make any home feel warm and welcoming.  

Kiehl's Men's Refueling Gift Set ($29.50)

The guy-friendly skin care brand comes out with the same irresistible dude gift sets every years and they're always a big hit. Gift the guy in your life with their Men's Refueling Gift Set which features four of the brand's most popular men's products. The boxed set features their Ultimate Man Body Scrub Soap, Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment, Ultimate Strength Hand Salve and Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream-White Eagle. Get this cute gift. It's the gift every guy wants but doesn't want to ask for. Love it!

Laura Mercier Souffle Body Cream Sampler Set ($50.00)

This is the most delicious gift a bath and body lover could ask for! The ultra-rich whipped cremes comes in yummy, indulgent flavors including Fresh Fig, Almond Coconut Milk, Creme Brulee and Creme de Pistache. These calorie-free treats linger on your body all day and seriously nourish dry, cracked skin. They're perfect holiday gifts, individual stocking stuffers or hostess thank you's. 

Fresh Sugar Flirt Gift Set ($28.00)

This gift set is not only a great value (the lip treatment alone is usually $25) but it's also a versatile gifting option. Gift it under the tree, in a stocking, for a co-worker, loved one, Secret Santa acquaintance or whoever else you want to surprise this season. It's an inexpensive preset but one that comes with valuable Fresh favorites. I adore their Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 and am obsessed with the richness of their Brown Sugar Body Cream. You also get a great, festive silver makeup pouch. 

TOCCA Mini Eau de Parfum Coffret ($45.00)

I'm a total sucker for TOCCA's gorgeous smelling candles and fragrances. Each smell fresh, light yet romantic. Try three of my favorite scents and introduce your loved ones to the cult-favorite brand. This gift set features three mini bottles of Florence (with notes of Bergamot, Jasmine Petals, Iris and White Musk), Stella (with notes of Bitter Orange, White Freesia, Spicy Lily and Sandalwood) and Cleopatra (with notes of Bitter Grapefruit, White Jasmine, Tuberose and Rich Vanilla Musk). It's a truly intimate gift that will definitely be appreciated and loved!

Jessica Biel's New Year's Eve Look

Jessica Biel's hair always looks red carpet ready but let's be honest this girl would look good with a paper bag on her head. Regardless, she looked especially flawless at the premiere of her new movie New Year's Eve. 


Celebrity hairstylist Oscar Blandi created her sleek, textured hairstyle. This is what he did to create the look:

Step 1: Prep the hair with Oscar Blandi Hair Lift ($28 at Sephora.com) to create a thick strong foundation for your style

Step 2: Smooth and straighten your hair with an extra large round brush

Step 3: Spray Pronto Invisible Dry Shampoo Spray ($23 at Sephora.com) throughout the root area and the ends for a tasseled – then massage the roots thoroughly to create lift and movement.

Step 4: Finish with Lacca Hairspray ($23 at Sephora.com) to lock in the style.

Get inspired by this look for your own New Year's Eve party. It's easy to do and looks glamorous and chic.

  

Unique Holiday Shopping Sites

Hey friends! The holidays are officially here and there is a palpable excitement in the air. No matter what you celebrate it's always great to know where to shop to get unique, special presents for your loved ones this season.

The Today Show had a great segment on their favorite unique shopping sites for every personality and type of person. Check out their list. Hopefully you'll find something that speaks to you!

Hope your holiday season is going well!