holiday gift

Holiday Gift Guide: Urban Decay Holiday Nail Kit & Book of Shadows

Last week I received a box off all of Urban Decay's holiday offerings and felt like a kid in a candy store.  Before I knew it, my hand was colored in different shades from their shadow pencils, my other hands had five different shades of polish on it and I was plugged in learning how to use their newest version of the Book of Shadows.  If I was this excited, then I know any girl on your list would love something from Urban Decay this season. As soon as I looked at this year's edition of the Book of Shadows, $64 my eyes widened and I literally said, "Wow" out loud to myself.  It includes 16 of their best shadows, a primer (the best primer ever), mascara and liquid liner but the technology behind it is insane.  It comes with five downloadable how-to videos that you can scan into your iPhone or a camera with a web browser and a speaker. Very clever.

Another one of my favorites is the Holiday Nail Kit, $28.  It comes with six mini shades that are truly the perfect nail polish size.  Who uses a full bottle of nail polish anyway? The colors are dynamic and perfect for the season.  My favorite – Wrecked, a deep purple.

My WPIX Segment: Holiday Beauty Bargain Buys

This morning I did a segment on WPIX on Holiday Beauty Bargain Buys. One of the great things about holiday shopping is that not only are we in the holiday spirit, but so are beauty brands and retailers.  They're packaging some of their best selling items into affordable giftables so you can give without breaking the bank.  It doesn't hurt to pick up some beauty loot for yourself either while the deals are going on!  Check out the segment here and shopping guide after the jump.Lorac Bejeweled Day & Night Jewelry Box, $56 at Sephora, a $415 value Philosophy Amazing Grace Fragrance Layering Collection, $49.50 at Philosophy.com, a $72 value

Smashbox Snap You’re Fab Holiday Lip Gloss Set, $30 at Smashbox.com, a $96 value

Violet Clarisonic Mia, $119 at Nordstrom.com, a $134 value

Sonia Kashuk All Out Glam Six-Piece Brush Set, $24.99 at Target, a $54 value

The Body Shop Coconut 4-Piece Gift Collection, $30 at Sephora, a $48 value

Sephora Makeup Studio Blockbuster, $49.50 at Sephora, a $440 value

 

 

Holiday Gift Guide: Juicy Couture & Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish Set

Whether she's your teenage sister living in the velour suits or your best friend who appreciates the feminine, flirty style of the cocktail dresses, if you're shopping for a Juicy girl, the Juicy Couture + Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish Set makes a fun and affordable gift. This year, Juicy partnered with Celebrity Manicurist, Deborah Lippman, who primps the tips of A-listers like Gwyneth Paltrow, Julia Roberts and Sarah Jessica Parker to create three metallic hues for the Juicy girl.

It includes "Believe" (silver), "Here Comes the Queen" (sparkly gold) and "Jewel in the Crown" (peweter).  I really like the gold as I feel the holiday season is one of the only times I can get away with wearing tons of glitter on my nails without looking like a 12 year old.  The three polishes have a jewel on the top of the brush and come in an adorably chic pink gift box.

You can find them at JuicyCouture.com for $48.

Lust Worthy: Dolce & Gabbana Ruby Collection for Holiday, Plus A Giveaway!

Ladies, if you're putting cosmetics on your wish list this year (and why wouldn't you be?) look no further than Dolce & Gabbana's Ruby Collection.  I've been checking out tons of holiday collections and when the PR firm behind Dolce & Gabbana cosmetics told me they had something special for me to consider reviewing on BeautySweetSpot, they weren't kidding.  As soon as I opened the package I was in awe and... I'm giving it away! Every girl needs at least a piece from this collection in their stocking.  Besides the chic, gold packaging with rubies on top, the collection offers perfectly wearable colors for everyone.  Designers, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, partnered with celebrity makeup artist (and one of my faves), Pat McGrath to create the collection.

It's limited edition for holiday and includes five cream based red lipsticks, $37 each, a neutral eyeshadow quad, $75 and a universally flattering peach blush, $55. My favorite piece is the eyeshadow quad because not only will I wear all of the shades, but it's a piece I'll carry around in my bag just for the mirror.  It's about two inches by two inches.

GIVEAWAY! I'm giving away the whole collection on Twitter! Follow me @BeautySweetSpot for details!