Tweezerman

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Holiday Party Makeup

It’s holiday party season, which for makeup lovers everywhere means holiday party makeup season. For me, it’s all about pretty eyes and a bold lip this year. Read on for my favorite holiday beauty tips:

Don't forget to do a little pre-party grooming!

Don’t forget to do a little pre-party grooming!


1. Go the extra mile. Before you start getting dressed and ready for your party, take the time to do a little extra grooming. Do your eyebrows need to be touched up? Break out the Tweezerman. Trim any jagged nails or cuticles. You don’t want an errant hair or cracked cuticle to undermine all the work you put into looking your holiday best, do you? Finally, build time into your pre-party schedule to do a face mask. Unsurprisingly, I recommend Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque for this. It really helps build a smooth and glowy foundation for your makeup.

2. Double up. Speaking of foundation, my new favorite method for faking a flawless complexion is as follows.

Make Up For Ever HD High Definition Foundation

Make Up For Ever HD High Definition Foundation


First, I smooth a moisturizing BB cream all over clean skin. I then follow up with a thin layer of the world’s greatest foundation, also known as Make Up For Ever HD High Definition Foundation. The result is soft, smooth, impossibly perfect skin.

3. Triple threat. When it comes to putting on pretty eyes, I haven’t found a better trio than Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner in r.s.v.p., a stay-put shimmery champagne; Noir Long-Wear Eyeliner in Forever Noir, my all-time favorite black liner; and Eyeko Black Magic Mascara.

Power trio: Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner in r.s.v.p., Noir Long-Wear Eyeliner in Forever Noir, and Eyeko Black Magic Mascara

Power trio: Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner in r.s.v.p., Noir Long-Wear Eyeliner in Forever Noir, and Eyeko Black Magic Mascara

Eyeko knows how to get eyes right, and this mascara is no exception. It darkens, lengthens and curls without clumping, has an easy-to-use curved applicator and doesn’t smudge, even when I absentmindedly rub my eye. Black Magic is perfect party mascara – get it now!

4. Get lippy. I’m really feeling a bold lip this year, and there are some excellent party options available. If you want to keep it classic and go for a red lip, you can go really red with Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso.

Why not go bold with Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Anime (top) or Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso?

Why not go bold with Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Anime (top) or Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso?


Want to do something a little edgier? I’m obsessed with Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Anime, a gorgeous neon pink. I find it surprisingly wearable. Both of these lip colors stay put once they set, so use caution when applying and start with less than you think you need. I also recommend a lip primer before application; try Chapstick Hydration Lock, which moisturizes and helps keep lip color in place. Looking for something a little more subtle? Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment is a lovely red tinted balm, and Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Punch is a wonderful, less-intense bright pink alternative.

What’s your go-to holiday look?

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Something for Everyone

I know, I know, it’s been weeks since I posted last, and many of you are probably jonesing for your weekly dose of gloss. Have no fear, my lovelies! I have been working on a major upgrade to the blog, which will be launched in the new year. In the mean time, I thought I’d help you finish off your holiday shopping with some gift ideas for everyone on your list.

For your best friend: I love a good holiday gift set, and this year my favorite is the Philosophy Peppermint Bark gift set. It comes in a cute candy cane striped tin, and contains a mint-chocolate bubble bath/body wash, as well as a matching sheer red lip gloss that I LOVE. You might want to get one for yourself as well – I did.

For your brother/boyfriend/husband/dad: There are many more man-friendly products and gifts on the market these days than you might think. Brands like Nivea, Axe, and Old Spice all make gift sets. I particularly like Old Spice, which comes in a variety of new scents that are amazing. Check out the Matterhorn and Denali scents; my boyfriend and I both agree that these smell the best.

For your mom/sister/grandma: Why not give the gift of lovely hands this year? A gift certificate for a manicure is always appreciated, but if you want to give a gift that’s a bit more hands-on (pun intended), there are several great hand products to choose from. Tweezerman makes mini nail-files that come in a matchbox and couldn’t be cuter. Perfect Formula Pink Gel Coat is my absolute favorite when it comes to day-to-day nail maintenance – it is a clear gel that strengthens nails and leaves them with a healthy, sheer pink shine. And a nice hand cream rounds out any at-home manicure kit. I like Aveeno Active Naturals Intense Relief Hand Cream, and the full line of Arnica hand creams (available at yvesrocherusa.com).

Stocking Stuffers: If you’re like me, you love walking down the sample-size aisle of any drugstore. Mini bottles of shampoo, shaving cream, and body lotion are not only adorable and affordable, but they make great testers and stocking stuffers. If you want to snazz up your stockings this year, you can also check out the beauty minis section at sephora.com. You can find anything from itty bitty perfumes and moisturizers to travel-sized mascaras and lip balms.

Merry Christmas, and happy shopping to all!