Merry, Happy, Jolly...

Hi Everyone! 

Are you ready for Christmas?  You better be!  Time is winding down.  I am going to take a little time away from the blog--I have a million things to do before Christmas gets here and I won't have the time I need to blog properly.

I'll probably do a few year-end posts next week (if I get my act together!), but in the meantime, I just wanted to thank you all for taking the time to stop by and read my blog.  No matter what or how you celebrate, I hope you are surrounded by people you love and that you're having fun (and being safe).

Happy Holidays!  Stop back by soon--I'll update later!

Beauty Bloggers For Charity

This holiday season, shop some pretty products that make you more beautiful - inside and out...

BeautyBloggers.org is the collaboration of almost 50 beauty bloggers (I'm one!) and brands. In the spirit of the holidays, we wanted to make a meaningful contribution to charity - knowing that the most effective donation to any charity is cash.


So we’re putting our makeup on the auction block. Covetable items include products from Aveda, Benefit, Bobbi Brown, Caudalie, Chanel, China Glaze, CoverGirl, Dior, Essie, Estee Lauder, Giorgio Armani, Lancome, MAC, OPI, Philosophy, Stila, Tarte, Urban Decay and many more!

Winning bids will be donated directly to Doctors Without Borders.

BeautyBloggers.org is the brainchild of fellow blogger and swatch queen, Karla Sugar. "We’re raising money for Doctors Without Borders because women are always disproportionately affected in any disaster. This organization is committed to bringing quality medical care to people in crisis, regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation. They treat rape victims in Papua New Guinea; they make sure women don’t die in childbirth in Pakistan; they helped flood victims in Mexico and earthquake victims in Haiti. They work in 65 countries around the world, and your donation will make an immediate impact."

The auction is live now, and will close on Monday, December 20 at 5 pm CST.

Holiday Excesses

My work office lunch is tomorrow...and that, thankfully, is the only big office celebration we have each year. I don't have to worry about getting drunk at the office party because, well, we just don't have one.  That doesn't mean I won't be overindulging this holiday season...far from it!

Holiday gatherings and New Year's parties often mean one thing: gluttony. Whether you've had too much to drink or you stuffed yourself with too much rich food, you're bound to feel far from fabulous the next morning.

While we all have our own "proven" methods for dealing with an alcohol induced hangover, a food hangover also requires a bit of care. If you find yourself saying "I can't believe I ate the whole thing" keep reading. Here are some ways to make yourself feel better after indulging in the wonderful sin of gluttony:

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Before you go to bed and when you get up in the morning, be sure to drink plenty of water. Ginger is a natural anti-nausea agent, so sipping some ginger tea may help ward off any pending tummy troubles.
• Nourish yourself the day after. While you may feel like you never want to eat another bite of food ever again, you need to get back on the wagon and eat more sensibly the day after. Start with a light breakfast of gentle foods like fruit and yogurt to get yourself going.
• Avoid certain foods. Citrus fruits and overly caffeinated beverages can add to dehydration--not what you want when dealing with a food hangover. And (this is probably pretty obvious) avoid spicy and/or fatty food the day after overindulging.
• Take a walk. Go out and get some fresh air. Walk at a comfortable pace and don't try to push it. The cool winter air may feel great if you woke up feeling full and bloated.
• Dress comfortably the day after. Break out your "fat pants" and don't be too hard on yourself. Just try not to over do it again and you'll be all set!

The Goods: Best Beauty Stocking Stuffers

Your resident cosmetics connoisseur is back contributing beauty product picks to The Goods, Philadelphia Magazine's shopping newsletter. My latest roundup features stocking stuffers to give and to ho...ho...hoard. Enjoy!

To stay in-the-know and receive The Goods in your inbox, subscribe today!

Santa's Favorite elf

For awhile I foolish shied away from elf products.  I don't know why--I thought that beauty products that cheap would be about as good as Wet 'N Wild products that I played with in my youth.  How stupid of me!  I have since tried many elf products and I'm a convert!  Their beauty products are perfect!  And they're the perfect price.

This holiday season, elf is out with all sorts of great gift packages.  You can pick up something for all the glamour girls on your list without dropping a ton of money...and best of all, you can get elf products at one of my favorite places: Target!

Here are a few great gift sets you'll see from elf this year:

Holiday Mini-Palette
I just love this!  For $15, you get a limited-edition glistening makeup collection for eyes, lips and face includes "must have" makeup essentials including 9 powder eyeshadows, 1 cream eyeshadow, 1 blush, 1 bronzer, 10 lip gloss shades, 1 brow powder, 1 eye liner, 1 dual ended eyeshadow applicator and brush, 1 face brush, and 1 lip brush. The small, sleek design fits just about anywhere and offers ultimate portability for putting on your pretty!

Holiday Studio Brush Set
This limited-edition, ultra-luxe makeup brush collection includes 11 professional brushes designed to create and perfect any makeup look. Inspired by sparkling jewels of the season, these little gems are essential to the beauty queen who loves ultimate glitz and glam with a dash of fun. Sold in a reusable, waterproof case the collection includes: Eyeshadow "C" Brush, Complexion Brush, Small Angled Brush, Small Smudge Brush, Fan Brush, Powder Brush, Angled Foundation Brush, Concealer Brush, Small Precision Brush, Blush Brush and Contouring Brush.

Holiday Nail Polish
These five festive colors add instant pizzazz to every party manicure and pedicure or make a super stocking stuffer! The color-lock formula and chip resistant shield delivers long-lasting nail color with high shine. Shades include: Metal Madness, Party Purple, Golden Goddess, Twinkle and Glitter Glam. $1 each.

Holiday Eyeshadow Palettes
These all-you’ll-ever-need professional eyeshadow assortments are available in three sleek sizes for any makeup look. Create a dark and smoky eye, a fresh and bright aura, or a totally fun and funky look with endless color options and textures to select from. Each palette comes with an eyeshadow applicator for easy on the go touch-ups. 100 Piece Eyeshadow Palette, $10; 32 Piece Eyeshadow Palette, $5; 6 Piece Eye Shadow Palette, $3.

Stuff Those Stockings!

Holy cow!  We have less than two weeks to go before Christmas is upon us.  Are you done with your shopping?  If so, I hate you good for you!  If now, welcome to my world. 

My mother-in-law lives half way across the country from us (she's down in Texas) and we don't get to see her on a regular basis.  This makes gift-giving tough.  This year, we decided to do something fun: we sent her a stocking filled with silly little gift.  I don't know about you, but when I was a kid, opening all the stocking gifts rocked.  "Santa" always filled my stockings with the best stuff.

If you need to fill someone's stocking this year, here are a few ideas:

A really kick-ass comb.  I know, it sounds a little strange, but having a high quality tool makes all the difference in the world.  I have a ton of super cheap plastic combs, but I recently received a handmade wide tooth comb by Creative Professionals.  It's made from cellulose acetate and the teeth are rounded.  There are no barbs or jagged pieces of plastic that snag, which is nice. The wide tooth comb is perfect for combing back wet hair--it's not as rough as a brush and using the higher quality tool is amazing!  See below for a coupon!

Breath spray!  When I think of breath spray, I am reminded of my middle school days when I first tried Binaca.  Remember that stuff?  Now I'm more of a gum chewer, but chewing on a wad of gun isn't the most classy thing you can do.  I just received a sample of Sweet Breath and, though I am not sure I could trade in spray for my gum, the stuff isn't half bad.  And it's a heck of a lot better than old school Binaca.  It's a non-aerosol formula that doesn't dry out your mouth like Binaca did...instead it leaves behind a cool, minty feeling.  Not bad, especially for anyone foolish enough who smokes.

Dry shampoo in a can.  I've tried so many different versions of dry shampoo, but I finally have a favorite: Batiste.  It comes in a spray can, so it's as easy to control as hairspray.  It has a nice, light scent, and it seems to add more volume to dirty hair.  I've been using this on my non-wash days with very happy results.  I can't recommend this stuff enough.

So there you go...a few stocking ideas.  What do you hope to find in your stocking?

Holiday Gifting from NARS

NARS rocks. Their products are always top-notch and whenever I use them, I feel like I am treating myself to something special. If you're looking for something extra special for your friends, family...or for yourself, check out what NARS is offering up this holiday season:

Heading straight into the holiday season, NARS has the perfect sets to please any palette.

Frosted cheeks, glossy lips and high-shine nails in go-anywhere sizes are available as part of the below sets exclusively at narscosmetics.com.

Sweet Disposition Set

A set of three mini Multiples perfect for eyes, cheeks and lips. Essential for a holiday glow, the cult-favorite and iconic Multiple is ideal for creating shimmering accents and dynamic highlights for all skin tones in a creamy formula that blends effortlessly.

Shades:

• Luxor – Iridescent Pink
• Malibu – Pinkish Brown
• Orgasm – Peachy Pink With Shimmer

Price: $40

Crazy Heart Set
A quintet of medium-sized lip glosses to take you through winter from a rosy-glow workday to a sophisticated nighttime celebration. Bold enough to be worn alone but compact enough to be carried together.

Shades:

• Easy Lover – Ultra Sheer Hot Pink
• Babe – Sheer Orange Red
• Orgasm – Sheer Warm Pink With Golden Shimmer
• Turkish Delight – Pink Sorbet
• Misbehave – Sheer Cherry Red With Gold Shimmer

Price: $50

Precious Mini Nail Set
A set of four miniature-sized, high-shine and shimmering polishes in a mix of modern shades for the true beauty maven.

Shades:

• Purple Rain – Gothic Purple
• Versailles – Champagne Gold
• Jungle Red – Bright Red
• Orgasm – Peachy Pink With Shimmer

Price: $30

Two to Start the Week

It's Monday again.  That means we're inching closer and closer to Christmas.  Yikes.  How many shopping days do we have left?  It's too depressing to think about!

To start off the week, here are two quick, cute gift ideas to consider.  These would make good stocking or secret Santa gifts.

Tweezerman Brow Beauty Bubble, $20
Last week I mentioned that eyebrows are so important to your overall beauty look.  Neat and shaped brows help frame the face and make your look more polished.  My favorite tweezers are from Tweezerman.  They're effective and easy to use...plus they have great designs to help gussy-up your beauty toolbox.  The Brow Beauty Bubble is an awesome holiday gift idea. It includes a magnified compact 10X mirror and an adorable candy cane glittered red and white striped mini Slant Tweezer. Housed in a bubble case and small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, this must-have is ideal for on-the-go grooming.

SteamCream Tins, $18 each
These little tins just rock!  You can pick from a bunch of fun designs and give a friend (or yourself) an eye catching tin filled with an all purpose, slightly lavender scented moisturizer. High quality, natural, traceable and ethically-sourced raw ingredients are bound by a steam-infused manufacturing process to create a hydrating, easily absorbed and luxurious vegan cream for face, body and hands.  This is the perfect little gift for co-workers since the tins are small and ideal for the office.

Both the Brow Beauty Bubble and the SteamCream tins prove that good things come in small packages!

Big Box Beauty!

To round out the week, I'm going to start posting holiday gift giving ideas.  Know of a great beauty deal or have a favorite beauty gift to give?  Leave me a comment!

I love Sephora.  They have everything a girl could want, and now they've gone and made holiday shopping a snap. 

Celebrate the season with these new Sephora Limited Edition Sephora Beauty In A Box sets, seven limited edition kits in all. This selection of Sephora Beauty In A Box sets include the most coveted products from Sephora Collection, NARS, Urban Decay, Make Up For Ever, Laura Mercier, Josie Maran, Peter Thomas Roth, and step-by-step instructions to achieve unique look.

• Sephora Collection Sparkle Til Dawn ($77 value), $36: shine throughout the holiday season with this all inclusive kit.  One box contains all the shadows, liners, and glitter products you need along with an illustrated tutorial to create a dazzling look for the holidays or everyday.
• Laura Mercier Classic Eye Kit ($103 value), $42: featuring all the products, shades, tools, and techniques you need to achieve Laura's Classic Eye, plus a step-by-step tutorial.  This exclusive offering is complete with Laura's favorite picks so wearing a classic eye with an effortless application process is accessible to everyone.
• NARS Junkie ($121 value), $69: this one features all of Sephora's latest obsessions from NARS.  Signature shades can be layered to create an endless array of combinations and features instructions on how to achieve three distinct looks: "Bronzed Glow, Sparkling Eye," "Romantic and Radiant," and "A Sophisticated Smoldering Eye."
• Josie Maran Orglamic Revolution ($98 value), $52: this comes complete with Josie Maran product fixations that create the perfect smoky eye paired with a timeless nude lip.  This set of must-haves also includes a step-by-step how-to guide to achieve an au-natural glamorous look for any occasion.
• Peter Thomas Roth Eyes to Die for Kit ($202 value), $75: includes the ultimate products to five anyone a complete eye makeover.  This one kit includes the top-selling Lashes To Die For treatment, a mini Lashes To Die For mascara, the Un-Wrinkle Eye and Un-Wrinkle Conceal and Brighten products for bright, open, and beautiful eyes.
• Make Up For Ever Gold Icon ($103 value), $65: includes Metal Powder and Diamond Powder in Gold, a glimmering beige for your lips, a black Kohl eyeliner with gold flecks, and Smoky Lash mascara.  With a tutorial included, achieving a bold, gold look has never been so easy!
• Urban Decay Beauty in a Box ($91 value), $39 this box includes Sin Primer Potion to keep shadows in place and 24/7 Eye Pencils in Graffiti and Oil Slick.  You'll also find smoldering glitters including the elusive Luminous Loose Eyeshadow.  Urban Decay Rocks along with punchy blue and green glitter liners.  You won't want to leave the house without these favorites that will keep you rocking all night long!

It Starts

Thanksgiving is just a few days away, which means we're heading into the hectic go-go pace of the holiday season.  It seems like the rush to buy starts earlier every year.  Here in the Seattle area, not one but TWO radio stations switched over to all-Christmas music right after Halloween.  Geesh!  It's a bit much!

This week I am going to be a busy girl, but I'm focusing my attention on Thanksgiving.  Many of you (especially those of you who don't have to prepare the Thanksgiving dinner) might be using the abbreviated work week to get a jump on your holiday gift shopping.  Thanksgiving is now more the eve of Black Friday than a day of celebration.  And that's ok.

I'm too focused on cooking Thanksgiving dinner for my family to get up super early (or not going to bed at all!) to get in the Black Friday crowds.  I've done Black Friday shopping a few times in my life--years ago before it became such a big damn deal.  If any of you are planning an early-AM shopping spree on Friday, here are a few tips for surviving in one piece.  I've offered these tips before, so if you have anything new to add to the mix, you know what to do:  Leave a comment!

Black Friday Shoppers look a lot like zombies.

Get plenty of rest. All that tryptophan and alcohol you consume on Thanksgiving may make you sleepy. If you're planning on getting up super early to shop, adjust your bedtime so you get as many hours of good, solid rest as possible. You might also want to lighten up on how much you're eating today. No one wants to shop with a food hangover!

• Dress comfortably. I always find malls and shops a bit over heated, so I often leave my coat in my car and dress in layers. Comfortable shoes are a must! If you need to try anything on (not that you'd be buying a gift for yourself tomorrow!) try to limit the amount of makeup you have on--no one wants to buy clothes marked up with other people's lipstick or foundation!
• Leave your purse at home. Yikes! I know how hard this one is, but when you're buying tons of stuff and you have to carry a lot of bags, the last thing you need is to lug around a purse full of junk as well. Try to limit yourself to the essentials: your credit card(s), ID, cash, keys, and maybe a lip gloss. If you're smart, you can fit all this in your pockets, making the purse unnecessary. Remember: Black Friday is about deal hunting, not looking beautiful.
• Plan your attack. Make a list before you leave with all the gifts you need to buy, how much you want to spend, and what stores you want to go to. Check for online deals prior to your shopping trip, especially if you are in the market for a particular item.  Knowing who has the best prices will save you time and money.  Planning will keep you focused, keep you from overspending, and will make sure you don't forget someone. Plus, you can skip stores you don't need to go to to avoid mindless buying.
• Be careful. Make sure you know where all your stuff is and be sure to keep receipts. Also, stash your purchases in the trunk of your car so they are not visible to any annoying car prowlers. Don't leave stuff scattered all over your car--you'll just be inviting someone to rip you off, and there's nothing fun about that. One more thing: keep your receipts with you at all times. If someone breaks into your car and steals your stuff, you might need those receipts to deal with insurance, the police, and your creditors.
• Be nice and have a little patience. Before you start screaming about a line or start to vent on a salesperson, stop and breath. A little kindness goes a long way--think of it as good karma. Besides, Santa is watching after all and you don't want to be on the Naughty List.

To all my readers in the US (or ex-pat Americans elsewhere): Happy Thanksgiving.  Before you get into the Christmas hype, take some time this week to enjoy the ones you're with, to give thanks for what you have (and what you don't have!), and to stuff yourself silly on Thanksgiving dinner!

I'll be back next week with beauty news, but for now, I'm taking a little (much needed) break.

I Know It's Early, But...

Halloween hasn't even come yet, but already I'm getting info about holiday collections, stocking stuffer ideas, etc.  I know, I know...it's too early for this!  But check out the holiday collection that Nars just released--I'm sure it will have you looking forward to December!

The mood for the NARS Holiday 2010 Collection is audaciously bold. Just as in the Fall 2010 campaign, François Nars once again explores the many facets of his versatile muse Daphne Guinness. Her smoldering, cobalt-rimmed eyes, platinum hair and peach-glazed cheeks are captured not once, but in multiple kaleidoscopic images. According to François, “when you have Daphne Guinness for a campaign model, you just let her be who she is. Daphne fits the brand so well – she has such a modern approach to fashion and beauty.” Available now at www.narscosmetics.com, the highlights, including the very first NARS Trio Eyeshadow, are below:

• OKINAWA TRIO EYESHADOW, $45 - The first trio eyeshadow for the brand is a striking triad of black onyx, silver and cobalt blue
• ETRUSQUE SINGLE EYESHADOW, $23 - An antique gold hue reminiscent of Etruscan cast bronze art
• MELUSINE DUO EYESHADOW, $32 - An ultra-modern union of rich purple orchid and silver-spun lilac
• SEX APPEAL BLUSH, $26 - A soft peach blush, perfect for foolproof contouring
• PETIT MONSTRE LIPSTICK, $24 - A luxurious berry pigment with a satin finish
• LITTLE DARLING LIPSTICK, $24 - A classic, nude beige with a sheer finish
• DOWNTOWN LIP GLOSS, $24 – A metallic-pink lavender lip gloss that vibrates with party-perfect iridescence
• BOUGAINVILLE LIP GLOSS, $24 - A sensual pomegranate lip gloss that appears deep in pigment but sheer on the lips
• POKERFACE NAIL POLISH, $16 – A vibrant, magnetic, purple orchid
• BAD INFLUENCE NAIL POLISH, $16 - A smoky taupe nail polish that is a unique yet universal hue

Calling All Ghosts, Witches, Vampires, Zombies....

Halloween is creeping up on us and if you're planning on getting dressed up for the occasion, it's probably time to start planning out your costume. This Halloween is my seventh wedding anniversary (yes, I was a bride on Halloween back in '03...and yes, I did, in fact, wear black!) and I haven't dressed up to celebrate the day in a while.

If you need a little inspiration for your Halloween costume, hints on how to do your Halloween makeup, or Halloween/gothy decorating tips, here are a few sites to check out:

• Any Time Costumes
  
• Halloween Online Magazine
• All Hallow's Eve
  
• Ghoul Skool
• Zombie Makeup, 1
• Zombie Makeup, 2
• Zombie Makeup, 3
• Martha Stewart
• Gothic Martha Stewart

And for all of you who come to my site in search of how to apply makeup like the members of the rock band, KISS, click over to this site to see the evolution of their Kabuki-style makeup. KISS could be a fun, easy Halloween costume for you and a few friends this year!

Since I'm a Halloween freak, be sure to leave me a comment letting me know what you're going to be this year, or what your favorite costume has been!

Last Minute Gift To Spoil Mom

Let's face it: Moms put up with a lot from us. If you want to spoil your mom this year and you're still trying to hunt down the perfect gift, head over to your local Sephora and check out these fun gift ideas:

Tarte Be Good To Your Mother (Earth) 24.7 Reusable Natural Cotton Tote Set ($35 a $62 value) – This reusable cotton tote contains three naturally glamorous lip sheers, so you can be good to your mom and the earth.

Stila My Mother, My Hero ($38 a $110 Value) – Set your mother's heart and skin aglow with shadow, bronzer, mascara and lip color stylishly tucked away in a brushed gold clutch (that will double as an evening tote if she’d like).

Philosophy Unconditional Love ($40) – Surround your mom with love and a sweet scent with this lasting fragrance that will leave her feeling fresh from dusk til dawn.

Thymes for Mom

It's almost Mother's Day. Now, if you're a good little girl (or boy), you've already figured out exactly what you're getting your mom this year. But if you're like the rest of us, you could use a few suggestions. Over the next couple of days, I'll give you some helpful suggestions. Because moms should be pampered on Mother's Day and nothing pampers them more than some beauty products or other gifts that are a little more personal in nature than a greeting card.

Today: Gift ideas from Thymes for all the moms in your life (or for yourself!)

Thymes makes yummy scented products that any mom will appreciate. If you hurry up and order from their site, you can get free shipping on orders over $50 (and I said hurry-this deal ends tomorrow!).

Some of my faves from Thymes:

Offerings candles ($26). I love candles and burn one almost nightly, a habit I picked up from my grandmother. The Offerings candles come in lovely frosted cups and you can select from 8 scents/sentiments (Good Luck, Happiness, Love, Friendship, Thankfulness, Abundance, Peace, and Health)
Anything from the Ambersweet Orange Collection ($5.50-$30). Ambersweet Orange is a new fragrance from Thymes and it smells so good! It's got a citrus kick without being sticky sweet, and has notes of vanilla and sandalwood. The collection includes hand cream, soaps, body lotion, bath salts, etc. Anything from this collection will make mom feel special!

LOFT Blog Wars & Gift Card Giveaway!

Holiday time is my favorite time of the year. I love scurrying from store to store, playing Santa and getting the must-haves on everyone's list. I'm a present-wrapping superstar; if there were levels, I'd be a third degree black belt. And the holiday specials at Starbucks (Caramel Brulee Latte, Eggnogg Latte and Peppermint Mocha are my faves!) make the season even sweeter.

But throwing together last-minute ensembles for holiday shindigs? That's when my inner Scrooge comes out. Here's the problem - and you can probably relate. You hate everything in your closet; it either doesn't fit properly, or it's not festive enough for the party's dress code. On the other hand, there's a recession going on and you can't justify buying an entire outfit for one holiday get-together. Makes you wanna say "bah humbug" and just RSVP with regrets.

Luckily, LOFT is here to rescue you from holiday fashion disaster.

In case you haven't heard, Ann Taylor Loft is now LOFT. They've re-named and re-branded the company, and upped the style ante. And one of the many great things about LOFT that I love is that they've got petites! Can I get a hallelujah, shorties?

Anyway, LOFT has some amazing pieces that you can pair with something already in your closet - to create a chic, festive outfit without breaking the bank. For example, pair this Sequin Sparkle Tank with a pair of jean or black pants and layer a blazer or cardigan on top. This Sequin Scarf is only $29.50 and will jazz up just about anything in your wardrobe. What about that go-to little black dress your friends have seen you wear countless times? Take that dress from wah-wah-wah to wow with one of LOFT's statement necklaces. My favorite is the Clear Gem Bib Necklace with Black Chain - I can think of 10 "new" outfits I could create with this accessory alone!

To celebrate their new name and image, LOFT is having a contest called Blog Wars. Starting today at 4pm, visit LOFT's Facebook fan page (here's the link to the actual poll), and vote for your favorite blog (hint: your favorite blog is Spoiled Pretty). On Friday afternoon, the blogger with the most votes wins a $500 LOFT gift card. Child, you know mama loves to shop...so help me out here!

To get you motivated, I'm doing a giveaway too! Go to LOFT's website and find a festive holiday item. Then come back here and tell me (in the comments) how you'd pair that item with something already in your closet to create a holiday party ensemble. On Friday evening, I'll award one of the commenters with a $100 LOFT gift card!

Okay, so remember to become a Facebook Fan of LOFT...then vote for Spoiled Pretty. Tell your friends to do the same. It's war, people...and I came to win. Help a blogger, won't cha?

Get Your Fragrance Fix! Perfectly Petite Perfumes …Only at Sephora

Need a holiday gift idea? Why not give that special someone a delicious new fragrance to start the new year. Find your favorite fragrance in affordable and portable miniature rollerballs and solids. These perfumed pieces are perfect for your everyday cosmetic case or your chic evening clutch. Check out these fragrant finds:

• Kat Von D Saint or Sinner Rollerball ($16) – Whether you’re feeling sultry or sweet, Kat Von D has you covered with these handy rollerballs that will keep you smelling fabulously fragrant wherever you go.
• Sephora Collector’s Edition Fragrance Sampler ($75, $160 Value!) – Let them pick their present this holiday season! This set of seven samples of Sephora’s most popular fragrances for him or her comes with a gift voucher for a full-size bottle of their favorite!
• Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries Perfume Solid in Bare Skin ($35) – Just a dab of this spill proof solid housed in a pocket-watch compact will freshen your scent and linger on your skin for hours.
• La Vanila The Healthy Fragrance Mini Rollerball Set ($28, $48 Value!) – This set of four rollerballs offers a healthy scent from every fragrance family: fresh, fruit, oriental, and woody. Worn alone or layered, these scents are ideal for touchups.
• Michael Kors Very Hollywood Solid Perfume Cocktail Ring ($40) – Smell sweet and stay fashion chic with this glamorous sparkle piece of adornment.
• Stella McCartney Stella Rollerball ($18) – This sophisticated yet powerful fragrance of felinity, slips easily into a handbag or pocket for a sensual scent on the go.
  

*Holiday News Alert* Now through December 18th Sephora Claus is taking over Sephora’s Twitter (www.twitter.com/sephora), giving away beauty products everyday for 31 days. For beauty buffs who would like to enter, simply tweet on Twitter an @Sephora message and tag your wish with a #sephoraclaus “hashtag.”

Plus, you can “share” your wish on Facebook and receive one of three deluxe samples, including YSL Black Mascara, Philosophy Inner Grace Body Lotion or Mini Nars Duo Lipgloss. To get your glamorous goodie, enter any of these gift with purchase codes: WISHME, Claus, or Clause.

For more Sephora Claus details, visit www.Sephoraclaus.com. You must be 18 or older and a US citizen to win. Prizes must be found on Sephora.com and less than $150. Shop for these travel-friendly fragrances – available at Sephora stores, by calling 1-877-Sephora or by logging onto Sephora.com.

Pur for the Holidays!

Every year, it seems like beauty companies put out holiday collections to tempt buyers. And, every year, it seems like Pür Minerals' holiday collections rock. I use Pür Minerals foundation regularly (I like it more than Bare Escentuals!), and their other products, like eyeliners, eye shadows, etc. are all high quality at a decent price. Here's what their offering this gift-giving season.

Whether you’re in need of a thoughtful gift or the perfect party look, Pür Minerals helps you celebrate the holidays in style. With Pür Minerals, you can give someone the tools for flawless makeup application, stuff stockings with travel-friendly minis, or treat yourself to gorgeous holiday makeup. As with all Pür Minerals products, these holiday-helpers are free of talc, chemical dyes, petroleum-based oils and fillers:

Holiday Gift Set: Enjoy the portability and giftability of the 5-Piece Holiday Brush Collection, an essential set of brushes for expert makeup application. These all-natural, cruelty-free brushes are enclosed in a sleek, chocolate brown quilted cosmetics case, perfect for gift giving. Each set includes a powder brush, utility brush, covered lip brush, blush brush, and eye shadow brush. ($35.00)

Where to buy: Exclusively at www.purminerals.com

Holiday Stocking Stuffers: Gift Pür Minerals’ most popular products in stocking stuffer sizes. The 3-Piece Travel Brush Set in Travel Pouch is the ultimate miniature gift set and the perfect way to apply Universal Marble Powder Minis and Mineral Glow Mini Value. Add Lemon Mineral Wash and you’ve got a stocking filled with travel-ready holiday necessities. ($12.50-$16.00 each)

Where to buy: Exclusively at www.purminerals.com

Holiday Trend: Complement your little black dress with perfect party makeup. This season’s must-have look calls for head-turning, cherry-red lips, softly sparkling eyes and warm, flushed cheeks. To get the look, line your lips with Mineral Lip Pencil in Ruby and fill in with Mineral Shea Butter Lipstick in Red Ruby. For extra shine, apply Pür Balm. Next, dust your eyelids with Pressed Mineral Shadows in Champagne Citrine and Gold Dust to give eyes a subtle sparkle. Line your lids with Mineral Eye Defining Pencil in Chocolate Mica for extra definition. Finally, apply Universal Marble Powder in Spice for perfectly flushed cheeks. ($13.00-$22.50 each)

Where to buy: ULTA Stores, Dillard’s stores or visit www.purminerals.com

Add Some Sparkle This Holiday Season (Giveaway!)

During the holiday season, we have so many social events to attend and we always want to look our best. Now, just in time for the holidays, IMAN Cosmetics Luxury Liquid Eyeliner changes everything you know about eyewear! Now your eyes will pop like the perfect accessory to your favorite ensemble. Inspired by the finely faceted look of Swarovski Crystals, the liquid eyeliner is enriched with Vitamin E and enhanced with sparkling gem-toned micro-pigments. The result is a glamorous stroke of eye defining color with the glimmer of fine metals and precious jewels.

The Luxury Liquid Eyeliner is available at Target for $10.99 and comes in four sparkly shades:

• Onyx: A glimmering black
• Platinum: A sparkling silver
• Sapphire: A rich gem-toned blue
• Copper: A warm molten earth tone

The liners go on easily and dry quickly to avoid smudging. If you're a fan of liquid eyeliners, you should check this out (plus it makes for a fun stocking stuffer!).

Since it's the holiday season and I'm in a giving spirit, I'm giving away one lucky reader a paid of liners (one in copper, one in onyx). To enter, just leave a comment here and be sure I have a way to contact you. Sorry, this is available to readers in the US only. I'll pick a winner next Monday (December 21st). Good luck!

Beauty Bloggerati Spotlight: Sponsored by Tweezerman

Top makeup artists recommend the award-winning Tweezerman Slant® Tweezer for expert brow shaping. The perfectly aligned, hand-filed slanted tips grab every hair, every time with exact precision. This holiday season, tweezing aficionados and novices alike will adore these festive Tweezerman stocking stuffers at a range of prices:

The Petite Tweeze® Set ($25) contains smaller versions of the Slant® and Point® Tweezers, which are ideal for grooming on the go.

The Special Edition Polka Dot Swarovski® Crystal Slant® Tweezers ($40) are adorned with delicate Swarovski crystals to add a hint of glamour to the everyday. Available in Midnight Sky, Signature Red or Neon Pink.

The new Winter Print Mini Slant® Holiday Tweezers ($15) are the perfect holiday beauty treats, are petite enough to fit in the palm of your hand and come decorated with either a snowflake or star motif in shades of red, blue or green.

Special Offer! Get 10% off your entire order at tweezerman.com. Get free shipping when you spend $40, and a free gift when you spend $75.

Avon Gift Tag Nail Files: Holiday Beauty Gift Guide

Whoever came up with these is a genius. These holiday gift tags double as nail files. They're $1.99 each and available at avon.com!

For more expert gift picks, check out Spoiled Pretty's 2009 Holiday Beauty Gift Guide!