Holiday 2011 - #1 Lancome L'Absolu Rouge

Swatch!

At the #1 spot is none other than your staple red lipstick by Lancome.  Lancome's Absolu Rouge collection is currently my favorite collection for those bright bold shades for lipsticks.

Magnetic closure!

It has a creamy formula and goes on smoothly.  It stays put for the most part and even when the color starts to fade, it leaves a decent tint on your lips so the fading isn't as obvious.  It also contains a hydrating formula and SPF 12.  So no need real need to apply lip balm or lip ointment beforehand.  I do add a little primer or loose powder to hold the lip color more in place.  I matched myself with a Berry Noir shade, and I'm in love with it!  The collection has a wide range of neutrals, pinks, and
reds.  

Another little perk is the magnetic closure of the cover to the base.  Neat!

It's a little expensive, but if you're going to invest in that perfect red lip color, then I think it's worth the money.  Just think how pretty you'll look in photos *wink*.

In the Catholic tradition, we still have the Epiphany to celebrate, but for all of you who are just about done with the holidays, I hope you enjoyed your holiday and that this new year brings you joy!  2012 here we go!

Light application of Berry Noir

Darker application of Berry Noir

Holiday 2011 - #2 Origins Peace of Mind

http://bit.ly/uO45Om

Happy Holidays!  Merry Christmas!

Yea, I know I didn't finish my top 10 before Christmas.  But I'm finishing it now hopefully before New Year's.  On the bright side, you can look at the final two as gifts for yourself!  It's okay to be selfish now, and hopefully with some holiday gift cards/money, you'll find my top 10 handy!

At number two is Origins Peace of Mind on-the-spot relief.  Perfect right after all the holiday stress?  All you need is one pump from the bottle, and you dab a little on your temples or back of the neck and give a gentle rub into your skin.  I like to put a little right underneath the nose (like you do with Vick's vapor rub when you're sick with a cold).  It's got a strong peppermint scent to it, which diffuses quite quickly so it's not overpowering - just right.

For a tiny bottle, it sure takes a load off and lasts a long time; in fact, I bought my bottle months ago and still using it!  I like to use it right before I go to bed.  Give yourself some peace of mind post-holiday season and pick up a bottle!

Holiday 2011 - #3 From Instagram to Stickgram

Excuse the poor lighting.  My magnets appear a lot brighter.

Since it's Wednesday, I decided to make this nifty product my number three on my Holiday list as well as my Potpourri Wednesday post.  Stickygram is a website that works with Instagram to create magnets from your Instagram photos!  They're made in sets of nine (see photo) and measure approximately 2in x 2in (50mm x 50mm), about the same size as they appear on an iPhone.  The cost of one set of nine magnets is 14.99, which includes airmail shipping!  It took about 6 days to get to me.  With that said, it might be a little late for Christmas gift giving, but hey, who said you had to stop giving gifts on Christmas day?  The site also offers gift certificates to send to photo-loving loved ones!

It's easy to do:
1.  Go to www.stickygram.com and sign in using your Instagram account.
2.  Once you see all your photos, simply click add as you scroll over each photo.
3.  Check out and pay.  Done!

My first set (and definitely not my last) set of Stickygrams!

If you've been reading some of my recent posts, I've been using the Instagram app on my iPod touch to take my blog photos.  With Instagram, you can change the look and feel of your photos just by selecting from a variety of filters.  You can make your photo look darker, have a border, look vintage, to name a few.  Once you've done that, you can share your photos with the Instagram community  as well as on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and blogs.  Stickygram is just one more way to share your photos.  As you can see, my first set consisted of inanimate objects.  I hope to take more photos of family and friends and giving these magnets as gifts!

Arrived by Airmail.  Shipping is included in the cost!
The envelope was well packaged (no bending) and fit right
in my mailbox!

Holiday 2011 - #4 LUSH's Shimmy Shimmy Sparkle Bar

This is crunch time, so let's get straight to what's next on the Holiday 2011 list of favorite things.  At number four is LUSH's Shimmy Shimmy Sparkle Bar.  I'm not too big on body glitter/shimmer, at least not since middle school and early high school, but this product is amazing.  It gives off a subtle shimmer with a light rub, or if you want to shimmer out, just rub a little more on you.  After applying it, you almost forget you're wearing body shimmer.  I remember some body glitter/shimmer products that would be wet for awhile after you applied it, and by the end of the night, the area felt icky and maybe a little sticky.  Shaped like a heart, this sparkle bar has a light vanilla lavendar scent - who doesn't love a little aromatherapy?  It also offers a little moisturizing and lasts all night long.  Lush is known for their fresh organic ingredients in ALL their products (sometimes combined with safe synthetics and essential oils).  So, if you haven't tried their products, I highly recommend starting with this fun little bar.  The bar doesn't come with a case or packaging (they follow a green policy!), but I just store this bar in one of Lush's yellow paper bags in a dry cool place on my dresser; the bar holds up just fine!

Just under seven bucks, Shimmy Shimmy Sparkle Bar makes for a lovely affordable gift!  It's also a great way to glam up your office outfit for your post-work holiday party.  Check out Lush's website for store locators.  You can also order their products online!

Holiday 2011 - #5 Laura Mercier Book of Nudes

Christmas is just one week away!  Are you ready?  At number five is Laura Mercier's Book of Nudes palette (Limited Edition).  Since the success of Urban Decay's NAKED palette, several cosmetic lines have followed suit and created their own version of a premier nude/natural eyeshadow palette.  What I love about LM's Book of Nudes is that it includes a cheek, glow, and bronzer veil, as well as a dark espresso shadow that can be used as an eyeliner.  The glow veil is great for inner eye, high cheek or under eyebrow highlighting.  Also, the 'Buff' eyeshadow is the perfect shade for an overall sweep over the eyelids.  One of my favorite shades is Bamboo (luster finish/golden brown shimmer).  I like that the eyeshadows are a good mix of shimmer, matte, and glitter.

All this is encased in a cute faux snakeskin pattern cover.  The only thing this palette is missing is a brush or two like they did for the Luxe Colour Portfolio.  But I'll take the space for a decently sized mirror.  Basically, this palette is practical to take on your holiday travels, because it's complete with just the essentials to create a subtle or dramatic look.

Swatches from left to right:
Sandstone (sateen finish/pale peachy pink),
Tiger's Eye (sequin finish/sparkling chocolate brown),
Baroque (sateen finish/warm terra-cotta),
Fresco (matte finish/neutral beige brown),
Granite (matte finish/smoky gray),
Cocoa Brown (sateen finish/shimmering brown)

Swatches (with flash)

Love the faux snakeskin cover!

This set contains:
- 8 x 0.03 oz Eye Colours in Buff (matte finish/ soft neutral cream), Tiger's Eye (sequin finish/ sparkling chocolate brown), Sandstone (sateen finish/ pale peachy pink), Bamboo (luster finish/ golden brown shimmer), Baroque (sateen finish/ warm terracotta), Fresco (matte finish/ neutral beige brown), Granite (matte finish/ smoky gray), Cocoa Brown (sateen finish/ shimmering brown)
- 1 x 0.04 oz Tightline Cake Liner in Ground Espresso (universal black-brown)
- 3 x 0.02 oz Crème Veils in Bronzer Veil (universal bronze), Cheek Veil (matte rose peach), Glow Veil (radiant neutral beige shimmer)

(http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P298100&categoryId=B70)

Holiday 2011 - #6 Truth To Go

Taken with Lemeleme app.

Christmas is almost here!  Seriously, where did the time go?!  Well at number six is Old Henriksen's truth to go wipes!  You're thinking wipes for a gift?  I know I would appreciate them, but if you're unsure, this would be a nice supplement to a gift or great stocking stuffer.  These wipes are awesome!  They're great for those of you that hit the gym and need to quickly wipe off your makeup.  They work great for post-workouts too.  I like to use them for touch-ups during the day.  Sometimes I need to change up my eyeshadow or touch up my mascara for happy hour/dinner after work.  It's just easier to use these wipes to wipe the eye makeup off and start again.  The travel size is perfect to take with you on your holiday travels, especially those long flights.

Old Henriksen's truth to go wipes have a citrus scent to them and doesn't leave your face dry .  It's quite refreshing and leaves your face looking and feeling clean.  They really work on the toughest makeup to remove (i.e. mascara).  Save a few drugstore brands, most makeup remover wipes leave that layer of residue that makes you feel your face isn't completely wiped clean.  The label says they're "age-defying"; I'm not quite sure what I'm supposed to notice with this claim, but as far as everything else, these wipes get it done - and that's the truth!

They come in a travel size (10 wipes for $6) or the regular size (30 wipes for $15).  You might think they're quite pricey for makeup/cleansing wipse, but I think they're worth the few extra bucks.

Secret Santa with Elfster!

For Potpourri Wednesday, I thought I'd share a really useful website for the holiday season (sorry for posting on Thursday).  The website is elfster.com, and it's for organizing a Secret Santa with family and friends.  Instead of scheduling a meeting where everyone has to be present to pick a name out of a hat, you just use e-mail addresses.  First, you create an account, then you create the 'Exchange' - participants, date, time, place, monetary limit.  Then you gather all the email addresses and send them.  Once everyone has accepted your invitation to join the Secret Santa exchange (you set a deadline), the names are drawn electronically, and you're notified of the person you got.  This is really useful for those family members who are far away, but plan on coming to your Christmas gathering.

Neat, right?!  It gets better.  You can help your Secret Santa with finding a gift by creating a Wish List, straight from the Elfster website.  If you can't find what you want in their Shop tabs, you can post a link to the gift you like.  You can also say what you don't need/want (i.e. coffee mugs, because you have so many).

As a Secret Santa, you can ask anonymous questions to your person.  You can ask the questions provided or create your own questions (i.e. What are your top 3 favorite stores?).  This site is so awesome; I just wished I had thought of it myself lol.  This year, I'm participating in a Secret Santa exchange with some cousins.  I'm so excited!

And for those of you with smartphones, there's an elfster app!  I downloaded it free for my ipod touch!

Holiday 2011 - #7 True Blue Spa

Taken with Instagram

I'll be honest, Bath and Body Works was my go-to store in high school.  I remember trying on so many scents and spending a lot of allowance money here.  During the holidays, it was definitely my go-to store for last-minute gifts.  It still is actually.  It's one of those stores where you can always find something quick, but yet very useful gifts for family and friends without breaking the bank.  Since my high school days, Bath and Body Works has come a long way in producing quality products at very reasonable prices.  Who doesn't love mixing and matching those anti-bacterial gels and the cases?!

Anyway, holding down the seven spot is Bath and Body Works' True Blue Spa 'Look Ma New Hands' Super-Softening Hand Lotion.  The lotion has a very light refreshing citrus scent.  So for your male friends, the scent is guy-friendly!  It doesn't leave my hands greasy or sticky.  It takes a hot minute for the formula to absorb, but once it does, your hands feel amazing!  Your hands look so polished afterwards!  This is perfect for the wintry months where hands can easily get dry.  It even moisturizes the cuticles, especially when you can't get to a nail salon right away.  I simply can't get enough of this lotion.  This would be a fantastic stocking stuffer.  Check out the holiday gift set.  It's a great deal!

Photo: True Blue Spa Hand Gift Set http://bit.ly/uUGJFy

Holiday 2011 - #8 Too Faced Shadow Brushes Essential 3 Piece Set

Next up on my Holiday List at the eight spot is Too Faced Shadow Brushes Essential 3 Piece Set!  This set features a Liner/Smudger, Lid/Smoker, and a Crease/Blender.  It also includes instructions on how to use each brush.

At the retail price of $39 (plus tax), that's about $13 per brush.  If you frequent stores like Sephora or Ulta, professional shadow brushes can cost anywhere between $14-20 each (more if you go for the fancier collections)!  So I think this is a steal.  They come in a cute slim case, so it keeps them separate from the rest of your brushes.  In fact, the case can fit about 1-2 more brushes depending on their size(s).  As you can see from the photos, the case can stand alone on your dresser for easy access!

Too Faced exclusively uses "Teddy Bear Hair", which are synthetic hair bristles that are super soft and blends your favorite eyeshadows really well.  I used all three on Thanksgiving day, and I thought they blended my shadows really well.  What's great about synthetic bristles is that they are easier for applying and blending, as well as easier to clean!

Here are the three pretty brushes with instructions on how to use
them with your eyeshadows.

The case is adorable that you probably just need a cute bow and it's ready to give away (or keep for yourself).  This is also perfect for your holiday travels!

I used the brushes for the time getting ready for Thanksgiving 2011.
I forgot to take a photo of my eyelids, but I just thought I'd share this
photo anyway.  Gobble gobble!
Taken with Instagram

Holiday 2011 - #10 Too Faced Borderline

Photo credit: sephora.com

The holiday season is here!  This year, I'm going to start a Top Ten Holiday Makeup Wish List for you readers looking for gifts, stocking stuffers or wanting to add some new makeup products to your own Wish List.  Starting, at number 10...Too Faced Borderline Anti-Feathering Lip Pencil.

I think this works really well for that bright red or pink holiday lipstick.  When those colors smear or wear away, it's so obvious because the color is such a standout.  It's happened to me where I was the lipstick wore off, but the lip liner still stayed, leaving me with an outlined lip with no lip color filling.  And if you're not big on buying a matching lip liner for every color of lipstick, lip gloss, or lip stain you own, Borderline can act as a universal lip liner! 


This can be purchased at your local Ulta or Sephora stores (keep in mind that not all Sephora stores carry Too Faced, but they're sold on their online store!)

Holiday 2011 - #9 A Long Lasting Liquid Eye Liner

  At number NINE we have...Kat Von D's Tatoo Liner in Trooper.

     Eyeliners are a staple in the world of makeup.  Even when I think I've found "the one", as a makeup junkie, I'm always looking for what's new in the market.  Well, right now, I think Kat Von D's Tatoo Liner in Trooper (ink black) is one of the best liquid liners.  It has a fine tip, and the liquid liner is absorbed really well in the tip - as in not too inky or too dry.  It's well pigmented with a matte finish.  I've owned mine since the summer, and the tip has yet to show signs of drying out (which is common in liquid liners over time).  One of the best things about it is how long it lasts.  I wore it all day at work, then went to the gym, and the liner didn't budge at all.

After a morning of errands!

Kat Von D's Tatoo Liner is easy to apply.  With its fine felt tip, applying a thin line is very achievable, but it's also easy to thicken the line for the cat eye look.  It also dries pretty fast.  Just a few hand fanning and I'm ready to finish my eye makeup.

Taken with Instagram

For beginner liquid liner users, lightly apply an eye pencil in the same color as your liquid liner.  Using the pencil line as a guide, apply the liquid liner on top of it.  This is a great way to get the hang of applying a liquid line.

I'm keeping this post short and sweet, mainly because it's a solid product and worth every dollar!