Beauty Best Sellers

I can tell you which products are my favorite, but sales determine the real best sellers. Want to know what the hottest beauty products of the moment are?  Check out these fun facts and start shopping!

H20 Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment - 1 is sold globally every 1.4 minutes.

Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum - 1 is sold every 9 seconds throughout the world.

Bio-Oil - a bottle is sold every 17 seconds in the US.

LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask- 1 is sold every 15 seconds.

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream - 1 is sold every 30 seconds globally.

Laura Geller Baked products - 1 is sold every 48 seconds.

Kérastase Elixir Ultime - 2 bottles are sold every minute worldwide.

Urban Decay Naked Palette - 1 is sold every 5 seconds.

Cream to Matte Formulas to Covet

Products that go on creamy and transform into a matte powdery finish are impressive. Here are some of our favorites.

Face: Revlon Photoready Insta-Fix

This is one of those products we never leave the house without and recommend to friends as we touch up on the subway.  The creamy texture goes on light for easy buildability. Once it hits your skin though, it feels like a powder covering up any redness in it's path.

Cheeks: MAC Cream Colour Base 

While actually a multi-purpose product, we love to use it in the color Luna along our cheekbones for a little highlighting action. This rich pigment, creamy texture and dry powder finish is a miracle in of itself.

Eyes: Giorgio Armani Eye Tint

When you first pull this brush out of the tube, you would not think this dries into a solid formula. Just wait until you apply it's smooth texture onto your lid and let it dry. You'll be in awe.

Lips: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick

This lipstick allows you to achieve the impossible. You can wear a matte solid lip in the winter without the flakiness that seems impossible to avoid. Since you can apply a soft liquid, your dry solid lip doesn't have the flaky effect that seem unavoidable with chapped winter lips.

How to Wear the Pantone Color of the Year: Marsala

Marsala, the Pantone color of the year, can be incorporated into your beauty look in so many ways. The best part? It's universally flattering! Check out the video below for my favorite ways to wear the color of the year.  Bonus: I'm giving away everything I feature!  

Grammys Makeup Tutorial & CoverGirl Giveaway

I can't wait for the Grammys this year (big announcement coming soon!) and in anticipation, I decided to create a Grammys inspired alternative music look.  Don't laugh at me!  While I love all types of music, I grew up listening to Nirvana, Bush, Coldplay and The Killers.  Check out my video below to find out how to get my "chick in rock and roll" look and oh yea, there's a big CoverGirl giveaway, too! When I first thought of creating a look based off of alternative music, women like Courtney Love and Avril Lavigne came to mind.  The second – eyeliner.  Inspired by their creative use of makeup as self expression and effortless attitude, I decided to use new CoverGirl products to create my look.  Check out the video!

You can visit Ulta and get makeup like the CoverGirl products I used to recreate my look or win them here!  I'm giving away CoverGirl Full Lash Bloom Mascara, Eye Shadow Quads, Bombshell Pow-Der BROW + Liner, Outlast Lip Color and a $50 gift card to Ulta so you can shop more products that'll help you get red carpet ready.  To enter, check out the video above and let me know your favorite part in the comments section below.  I'll announce the winner on Monday, February 9th, right after the Grammys in the comments section below, too.

And of course, good news for all... everyone's a winner, because from February 1st to February 21st, if you purchase any CoverGirl product on Ulta, you can get  an additional CoverGirl product for 50% off!

*This post is sponsored by P&G and Ulta, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

Beauty Values Worth Stocking Up On Now

The holidays may be coming to an end, but I'm still saying ‘tis the season to get the most bang for your buck – especially when it comes to beauty buys. Each season beauty companies create limited edition gift sets that are a real steal, making it OK to splurge on yourself after gifting to everyone else.  I recommend grabbing some of these limited edition values now while they're still in store!

Lipstick: Sephora Give Me Some Lip, $25 a $90 value that includes six lip samplers from brands like Smashbox, NARS and Urban Decay.  How else are you supposed to find a new favorite color?

Bronzer/Blush: Nars Cheek Palette, $65 a $151 value that includes 5 powders, the best selling bronzers, blushes and highlighter.  Again, this is limited edition for holiday, so grab it while it lasts!

Skincare: Origins Super Stars, $61 a $131 value, which includes serum, night cream, face wash, brightening pads, body cream and body wash.

Hair: Chi Travel Tool Kit, $99.95 a $149.95 value that includes three mini, yet powerful hot tools: flat iron, curling iron and blow drier.

Makeup: Tarte Making Waves Set, $75 a $150 value includes Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in Exposed, Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer in Park Ave Princess, LipSurgence Power Pigment in Exposed, Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara, Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush and a travel makeup bag.

Holiday Gifts Beauty Editors Would Die For

What do you get a girl that has everything?  Well, my beauty writer friends who spilled the holiday gifts they'd be gifting this season also shared the holiday gifts they'd die for.  Without further ado, here's our wish list.  Hopefully this helps you, too!

A beauty item I'd die to receive?  A week long trip to a wellness retreat that's all about eating clean, doing yoga and meditation.  I'm dying to go! - Yours Truly

My dream gift is a four-handed massage at a fancy spa, where post-treatment champagne and truffles are the standard. The idea is so decadent, and I'm too practical to save up for it, but doesn't that sound amazing? - Annie Tomlin, TheGlowHow.com

I'd die to receive the Charlotte Tilbury Uptown Girl set.  Everything you need for a chic, sultry makeup look all in a single package. It just speaks to my soul. - Amber Katz, Rouge18.com

A spa weekend in northern California wine country. The combination of massages, spa treatments and red wine is pretty much my idea of heaven. - Jamie Stone, HonestlyJamie

All I ever want out of my beauty lifestyle quiet time to sleep, so in a perfect world my husband would magically surprise me with 6 or 8 new Hastens pillows, a cup of that herbal tea, and some serious sleep time. - Bryce Gruber, LuxurySpot

The beauty gift i'd DIE to receive is lipo (I won't even lie, it's that and always will be). – Aly Walansky, ALittleAlyTude

My husband and I are buying an apartment, and we're doing a little work to it. I'm majorly lobbying for a vanity. Nothing fancy, just a place to sit while I get ready. - Polly Blitzer, BeautyBlitz

I would love nothing more in AMERICA than to receive an all expense paid spa getaway for some serious, much needed R&R. The Canyon Ranch Lenox in The Berkshires reads like a dream come true! - Andrea Arterbery, TheArtofBerry

It's really important for your sanity to take time off from crazy schedules and exploding email inboxes, and I've been dying to try Aire Ancient Baths in TriBeCa, where you can soak in pools and steam baths until there's not a care in the world. A relaxing massage plus a few hours to zen away in the baths would be heavenly. – Courtney Dunlop, youlookgreatingreen.com

Dry Bar Big Hair Don't Care Holiday Kit - I mean come on with this. It has everything I'd need to style my hair from day to day. Not only am I in desperate need for some new hair brushes, Dry Bar products are hard to come by anyway and they're amazing. The use I would get out of all of these luxurious products makes it worth the steep price point. – Emily Rekstis, BeautySweetSpot contributor

I'm OBSESSED with the Endless Silky Eye Pens from Pixi -- the gift set is only $18.  The liners go on like butter, are highly pigmented and STAY PUT. These are my favorite affordable eye pencils, and I tell everyone about them. I would never refuse a gift set of 5. – Sheyma Azam, BeautyandtheFeastBlog

Drybary Barfly Blowout membership – I am so lazy about my hair and it looks pretty much the same every day. With someone else in charge of the heat tools, I'd mix it up a little. Plus, nothing puts me in a good mood like a blowout. – Liesa Goins, freelance beauty editor

You know the “One day if I was really rich…” fantasy scenraios where you could have a personal chef or a water slide in your backyard? I’d take an on-call masseuse. The knots in my back never go away thanks to endless hours craned over my laptop, and I don’t think I’d tire of a massage every few days. – Joanna Douglas, Yahoo! Beauty

What Beauty Editors Are Giving this Season

There has to be at least one person on your holiday gift list that you'll be buying a beauty gift set for!  Good luck stepping into a Sephora.  You're going to want everything!  Since my beauty writer friends and I have seen them all, I called on the troops to dish on what beauty gifts they're gifting this season to help you cut through the clutter.  Here are some of the hottest ones out there this season all under $50.

I'll be gifting the Urban Decay Black Magic 24/7 Glide-On Double-Ended Eye Pencil Set to a few people this year. It comes with four double sided liners in all wearable shades.  I think it makes a great gift, not only because I love Urban Decay liners, but also because people tend to purchase black or brown liner for themselves and this encourages them to play.  – yours truly Aromatherapy Associates Bath Jewels - This London-based brand makes the BEST bath oils, and every time I use mine, I feel like all of my cares drift away. The blends smell wonderful, and you need only a few drops to create a wonderful escape, so these little bottles will last a while. This is an especially good gift for people who are always taking care of others—it pretty much forces them to slow down and pamper themselves for once. - Annie Tomlin, TheGlowHow.com

I love the Benefit 3 Scoops O's Sexy, which boasts three tinted lip balms in their stunning, wearable shades for a sheer, pretty look. Benefit does festive packaging right; any gal would love to be on the receiving end of this set. - Amber Katz, Rouge18.com

Boscia Tsubaki Secrets is a pretty fabulous gift for just about anyone. I'm a personal believer in one, cleansing oil and two, a konjac sponge- it's the beauty item you never knew you'd love. - Jamie Stone, HonestlyJamie

I happen to extra super duper love this herbal tea from David's Tea, because it tastes like drinking a homemade caramel cake, smells even better, and magically has no calories. I'm giving it to all the gals in my family this year, and even though it comes in a chic stainless tin it's super affordable. - Bryce Gruber, LuxurySpot

I'm all about giving this season is a glamsquad gift card. I mean, seriously -- for $50 (10% off if you join their mailing list - and i mean, duh, obviously anyone would) - a stylist will come to your home or office (or anywhere you want, really) and give you a runway-ready blowout. I've had them come as early as 7 am, as late as 10 pm, and they are always amazing - that's useful for everything from job interview to booty call, which I think makes it the best gift of all. – Aly Walansky, ALittleAlyTude

I'm bringing every host a Givenchy's Les Mini Prismes this season. The packaging looks like those vintage steamer trunks that people used to bring on the Orient Express. Each drawer looks impossibly dainty but houses every makeup essential you need, from shimmery blush to saturated shadows to tools and a mirror. It's $39 at Sephora. Not bad, considering that a Givenchy Antigona bag will run you about $3,000. - Polly Blitzer, BeautyBlitz

I am obsessed with these mini Sugar Lip Treatments from Fresh! Not only do they keep lips hydrated (a must for the winter!), but they also leave just the amount of color and can be used under or over lipsticks. They also smell delicious and who wouldn't want yummy smelling lips for the holiday season?! - Andrea Arterbery, TheArtofBerry

I love spreading the gospel of lipstick, so this year I'll be giving the Lipstick Queen Discovery Set at Space NK, $48, which includes my all time favorite lipstick Medieval. It's the best translucent red in the world, and it looks good on every skintone. Plus, you get a classic nude and sheer, shimmery pink. So basically a lipstick for every occasion. One Lipstick Queen lipstick on its own is about $22, making this trio a really good deal. - Courtney Dunlop, youlookgreatingreen

Philosophy's Sparkly Time of Year - It's Philosophy- so obviously obsessed. Lip glosses are always fun to give because there's no such thing as having too many. While they may be stocking-sized products, it allows you to try out so many of their different delicious scents. It may give them a new favorite one!  – Emily Rekstis, BeautySweetSpot contributor

When it comes to beauty gifts, I love giving people gift sets from brands I adore so they can discover it for themselves too. Ole Henriksen is up there on my list of must haves, and this Unwrap Your Radiance set has my can't-live-without Truth Serum in it. – Sheyma Azam, BeautyandtheFeastBlog

Alexis Bittar for Sephora Liquid Gold Compact - This compact is a little sculpture you can keep in your purse. The size and shape make it easy to find in your bag. Also, it's  24-karat gold-plated, which is kind of ridiculous and amazing in a Wolf of Wall Street way. – Liesa Goins, freelance beauty editor

In the freezing winter with dry heat pumping through the vents, it’s important to hydrate your skin as much as possible. Kiehl’s Crème de Corps is so nourishing, and 100% of the proceeds from their limited edition holiday versions support Feeding America—that’s a win-win in my book. I love cute Normal Rockwell packaging this year, and the convenience of a pump. I think this jumbo bottle would put a smile on anyone’s face. – Joanna Douglas, Yahoo! Beauty

7 Holiday Stocking Stuffers Under $20

Who doesn’t love seeing all of the cute holiday beauty collections and packages while shopping through Sephora? It’s almost as vital a part of the season as eggnog and caroling. With so many to choose from we totally understand how you can end up at the check out counter with more products than you have girlfriends. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best stocking stuffers on the market all for under $20.

L’Occitane Shea Butter Travel Treats

One of L’Occitane’s most popular products is now compact into the perfect stocking size gift. And this deliciously smelling hand and foot cream is available at an affordable price of $20. Hard to beat, we know.

Tarte Ladies Who Lash Limited-Edition Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler

We’re a little bit in love with this limited edition pearl-decorated eyelash curler and mascara set. Not only will it help achieve gorgeous lashes, but the pearl handle on the curler makes it so easy to find in your mess of a makeup bag.

Bite Beauty Mix n’ Mingle Lip Minis

Another limited-edition, these lip gloss minis come in 13 different colors, making it easy to give to anymore. Not to mention they make seriously cute ornament-packaged

Essie 2014 holiday kit

What a treat this five mini bottle set of Essie polishes make for any beauty-lover. Five colors include Butler Please, Bahama Mama, Smokin’ Hot, Mademoiselle, and a little extra pop with the glitter-filled Jazzy Jubilant polish.

Bliss Mistletoe Gems

A two for one deal is as good as it get with stocking stuffers. And this mini high intensity hand cream and fabulips lip balm set gives anyone just about all they’ll need to keep moisturized during the bitter cold months.

Philosophy Snow Angel Ornament

We love this amazing seasonal scent and now you can have it seasonal packaging too? Perfect. While it may be a smaller size, the good thing about this product is that you don’t need to use a lot of it. It’s all about quality with this gift.

Fresh Verbena Oval Soup

Give a great mini gift with this gorgeous soup that not only smells great with a green citrus scent but also feels amazing on your skin thanks to the shea butter. Plus how chic and luxurious do these look?

5 Favorite Beauty Buys

This summer has been all about easy and effortless beauty, and I've been loving products that simplify my routine without sacrifice. From the launch of the first BB/CC cream brush (yes, you read that right) for creating a flawless face to a new Chloe scent to accompany late summer nights, these five favorite beauty buys will transition easily from season to season.

LUSH Charity Pot, $22.95 at Lush

It’s no secret that Lush cares about both the environment and their customers. 100% of the proceeds from the sales of Charity Pot, an incredibly luxurious hand and body lotion goes to support grassroots organizations that matter in the world (like environmental conservation, animal welfare, and human rights). The lotion itself is made with Fair Trade organic cocoa butter that leaves hands feeling incredible. I kid you not, no lotion moisturizes or absorbs into the skin so quickly without leaving behind a greasy residue. Insider tip: Collect and return five Lush products pots at a store for a free goody!

MUA BB or CC Cream Brush, $18 at CVS

Have you ever used a brush for your BB or CC cream? If not, you need to ASAP. This brush soaks up any extra product so you don’t cake on a little too much during the hot summer months. The brush head is domed perfectly so it blends cream flawlessly into the skin for super light coverage without leaving brush hairs behind.

See by Chloe, $78 for 1.7 oz at Nordstrom

This perfume completely embodies the New York woman in a single whiff. Notes of vanilla and musk combined with floral jasmine create an urban-chic scent that captures the strong personality that rules the concrete jungle. The luxe bottle is made of faceted glass, perfect for every Chloe woman.

Pantene Dry Shampoo, $4.99 at Target

Nothing saves a blowout during the heat and humidity of summer quite like dry shampoo. If you’re like me (and can’t blow out your own hair to save your life) then getting that salon perfect look to last for days is a must. This dry shampoo from Pantene works wonders on strands, soaking up oils without leaving your hair feeling crunchy or dirty or like you really should just bite the bullet and wash your hair already. Bonus, it also smells fantastic and doesn’t leave any white residue behind.

L’OReal TXT It Tousle Waves Spray, $4.99 at Ulta

Another day, another great sea-salt spray. This one definitely comes in at one of the lowest price points and is readily available at your local Ulta. Spray on damp hair for a perfectly tousled look without a crunchy residue left behind, and it also works double-time as a great detangler for curly locks.

Sponsored: You're Invited, Macy's Beauty Scene

Even though it feels like spring in NYC one day and then snows the next, it's still time to start embracing the season’s makeup trends and switch up your skincare regimen. Join Cosmopolitan at Macy’s for Beauty Scene events on March 22 at Roosevelt Field and on March 29 at Herald Square to learn about new product launches and spring trends.  Oh yea, they’re also giving out free samples.  Read on for more info.

If you spend $65 or over on cosmetics or fragrances, you'll receive a free cosmetic case (while supplies last).  Plus, they're having a contest where if you upload a selfie of your favorite spring makeup look using #MacysBeautyScene, you can win a $500 beauty shopping spree.

Can’t make it to Roosevelt Field or Herald Square? Macy’s is hosting Beauty Scene events nationwide from March 19 – 29. So check out the Beauty Scene at your nearest Macy’s.

*This is a sponsored post, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

Sponsored: A Coupon for A New Regimen

A new year is a good time to start over.  Are you trying anything new?  Maybe you received a new perfume as a holiday gift. How about trying a new regimen?  When it comes to swapping out your trustworthy beauty products, always start with one product at a time to get the full experience.  Here's a recommendation and coupon. Try Suave Pro.  They make budget friendly beauty loot without sacrificing quality.  Buy 2 Suave Pro Gold 12.6z or Suave® Pro 28z, Get a Free Suave® Body Wash 12z (up to $2) until January 30th with a coupon. Get your coupon now by visiting coupons.com.

*This is a sponsored post by Suave.

Holiday Gift Guide: For Him

I find that gifting a man is always harder than gifting a woman.  Do you agree?  Here is some grooming loot that go beyond the every day essentials and of course for some men, it'll take their grooming regimen up a notch or two.   Billy Jealousy’s Shave3Some, $40, contains the three essentials to shaving, a water-activated heating pre-shave treatment, shave cream, and a cooling after-shave balm that are travel-friendly for those that are always on the go.

Bottega Veneta pour Homme, $80, is understated and intriguing.  For the man who likes a fresh scent, with a bit of mystery.  Notes include Calabrian Bergamot, Siberian Pine and Juniper are layered over Jamaican Pimento, Canadian Fir Balsam and Mediterranean Clary Sage. Indonesian Patchouli finishes it off.

Conair 2-Blade All-In-One Trimmer, $34.99, is a cordless rechargeable trimmer with two stainless steel cutting blades, that allow for ultimate precision.  

Kiehl's Ultimate Man Refueling Set, $58, is a great Kiehl's intro kit for someone who's never used the brand or a great stash of products for a man who loves the brand.  It includes a face wash, shave cream, scrub, moisturizer, hand salve and lip balm.  Trust me on this one, your man will be excited.

Grooming Lounge Leather Travel Bag, $150, a sturdy, leather travel bag with dimensions of  7" x 10" x 4".

Jack Black King of the Road Kit, $65, includes all of the essential a man on the go could possibly need.  It makes a great addition to his gym bag as well.

Holiday Gift Guide: Sets Under $50

One of my best pieces of advice for shopping during the holiday season is to make sure you stock up on your own beauty must-haves, too.  I know the season's all about gift giving, but truth is, brands package their best sellers in the most affordable ways making it a great time to save as you stock up.  Here are some of the best gift sets for under $50.   Happy shopping! Tarte Off the Cuff Amazonian Clay Blush Palette & Bracelet, $42, comes with five full sized blush shades that last 12 hours.  Plus, the bow on the front of the package comes off and becomes a cuff!

Philosophy Fruitcake Mix, $26, comes packaged in a giftable tin with a trio of bath and body products that smell good enough to eat – vanilla cake mix shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath, candied pecan salt body scrub and cranberry medley body lotion.

Urban Decay Anarchy and Shattered Face Cases, $44, consists of five eyeshadows, two blushes, a highlighter, a Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color and a 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil.  Everything you need in one palette with two full sized mirrors.  

Marc Jacobs Roller Ball Trio, $39, includes Marc Jacobs' three scents, Daisy, a sparkling floral, Daisy Eau So Fresh, a lighter version of the original Daisy fragrance and Dot, which is a vibrant floral with a heart of jasmine. They're super cute and easy to travel with.

Cowshed Grubby Cow & Cow Slip Hand Care Caddy, $48, a luxurious hand wash and cream enriched with orange essential oils to soothe and peppermint to nourish.  The caddy makes it a perfect gift.

Fresh Sugar & Seaberry Sanctuary, $48, includes the brands Brown Sugar Body Polish, SeaBerry Restorative Body Cream and Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15.  Three of my personal favorites.

Makeup Forever Extravagant Glamour Set, $38, a trio of must-have products to create a sexy, nighttime look – Aqua Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner in Black, Smoky Extravagant Mascara in black and Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick in 43 Moulin Rouge.

Holiday Gift Guide: Little Luxuries

What exactly is a little luxury you ask?  Well, it's for the one who has it all.  Pretty, some affordable, some pricey pieces of beauty loot that you wouldn't normally buy your yourself. Indulge in these!  I'm sure you'll find someone for that woman who's hard to buy for. Tocca Love Yourself Luxury Spa Set, $78, comes in my favorite scent, Florence and includes a mini eau de parfum, candelina and bubble bath.

Juara Hope Soy Candle, $32, made of soy and vegetable wax, this candle smells as beautiful as it looks.  Encapsuled in a amber jar with delicate black floral detailing, notes of freesia, jasmine, bergamot and rose are accentuated by coconut.  It has a 60 hour burn time and 10% of the proceeds go to charity.

Killian Travel to Shanghai, $115 per set, which includes sampling of Killian's Shanghai 1920's collection: three mini perfumes and a silver travel spray case.  Since gifting fragrance is tricky, Killian made it easy.  You can buy the set in one of four types of fragrance: Fresh, Floral, Sweet, and Woodsy.  That way, the receiver is bound to like at least one of the scents!

Trish McEvoy 'Sexy 9 Blackberry & Vanilla Musk' Body Sponge, $48, is indeed a $48 sponge.  You read that right, but this sponge is laced with Trish McEvoy's most coveted scent, Sexy 9 Blackberry & Vanilla Musk, as well as moisturizing ingredients like Vitamin E.  That's right.  Lather up in luxury.

Bobbi Brown Old Hollywood Train Case, $220, an ideal makeup case for on-the-go or to use at home that stores brushes and your favorite cosmetics.  The sleek gold faux leather exterior and black satin interior makes it feel super luxe.

S.W.Basics Pampered Mini Kit, $58, makes traveling a luxurious affair.  It includes five travel-friendly sizes of all natural skincare necessities – cleanser, toner, cream, exfoliant, and body scrub.  Plus, they're all made in Brooklyn.

Eve Lom Luxury Collection, $125, and worth every penny.  This is what I like to call magical skincare that most wouldn't buy for themselves until they've tried it. It includes a cleanser, Rescue Mask and TLC Radiance Cream along with a muslin cloth.

Shiseido Eye Color Bar, $50, was created by Celebrity Makeup Artist, Dick Page and includes 7 shades and 2 highlighters made for layering that'll take you from day to night.

L'Occitane Shea Embrace, $60, includes a hand cream, foot cream, body cream, shower cream and soap.  A nice little set of indulgence for someone who needs a little extra TLC.

Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

Opening stockings is one of my favorite things to do on Christmas morning!  Filled with tiny treasures of 'just because' loot, I love how they're full of surprises.  Here, I rounded up some of the coolest beauty miniatures that are clearly, this years stocking essentials. Deborah Lippmann 'R&B' Mini Nail Lacquer Duet, $19, includes two hot colors, "Between the Sheets" (fuschia) and "Birthday Party" (glitter),  in a cute little sparkly pouch.  Wear the polishes alone or layer them for a fun, festive look.

Lather Daily Brew Lip Balms, $16.50, for a pack of three cafe-inspired balms. Break them up amongst three different stockings or gift them together.  Flavors include Fresh Coffee, Vanilla Latte and Green Tea.

Nordstrom Ombre Travel Brush Set, $29, includes four synthetic, must-have makeup brushes – a powder brush, an allover eyeshadow brush, contour eyeshadow brush and a flat eyeliner brush.  Plus, there's a cute texturized pouch to store them in.

Bliss Mistletoe Must-Haves, $12, consists of two date night essentials: Fabulips Softening Lip Balm and a mini High Intensity Hand Cream.

Bite Beauty The Lip Kit, $38, includes four double ended lipsticks in punchy shades.

Demeter Humongous Miniatures, $6 ea., come in a set of four mini (1/2 oz.) single note fragrances in Sugar Plum, Snow, Gingerbread and Mistletoe.  Purchase one kit and toss them into four different stockings.

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Steals & Deals

Tis' the season to shop!  I've collected some of the best beauty deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday so all you have to do is click and shop this weekend.  Forget fighting crowds.  Some of the best online deals last all weekend long so chill out and relax after Turkey Day.

BLACK FRIDAY

CARGO:  50% off the Let’s Meet in Paris Mini Lip Gloss Kits; purchase for $8 (a $16 value) at Ulta.com

Peter Thomas Roth:  20% off site-wide. Shoppers can score great deals on the hero products at PeterThomasRoth.com.

URBAN DECAY:  Get a 6-piece bundle of Revolution Lipstick for only $50 (a $132 value). Get travel sizes of All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray, Supercurl Mascara and Eyeshadow Primer Potion, as well as the Black Market 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Set, for $35 (a $72 value.) All on UrbanDecay.com.

NORDSTROM:Over 80 gifts with purchase. Choose from dozens of free gifts with purchase featuring fantastic values, including Estee Lauder, Smashbox, Jo Malone London, Clarisonic, Bobbi Brown and more! Visit shop.nordstrom.com.

CYBER MONDAY

ERNO LASZLO:  Receive an 8-piece “Big Beauty Bonus” – the brand’s biggest GWP offering yet – with any purchase of $200 or more at ernolaszlo.com.

URBAN DECAY: Get the Smoked Palette and an Eyeshadow Primer Potion Travel Duo for $40 (a $58 value). Urban Decay is also throwing back to 2011 with a revival of the Book of Shadows Vol. IV, complete with a deluxe Revolution Lipstick sample. If you missed out then, now’s your chance to score one, and for only $25 (a $64 value) at urbandecay.com.

LISA HOFFMAN BEAUTY: 50% off all day.  Spend $100 on lisahoffmanbeauty.com  and receive a free perfume set.  Use code LHCYBER.

MYCHELLE DERMACEUTICALS: 50% off the entire site with code CYBER13 at MyChelle.com.

 ALL WEEKEND DEALS

AHAVA: 40% off the entire site exclusively from Wednesday, 11/27 through Cyber Monday, 12/2 at ahavaus.com

ALTERNA: Purchase the 3 Steps to Flawless Hair Kit, containing Caviar Moisture Shampoo, Caviar Moisture Conditioner and Caviar CC Cream for only $10.00 (a $26.00 value) at Sephora

ALBA BOTANICA: Enter ‘ALBATHANKYOU’ at check-out and receive a Buy 2 Get 1 Free deal on any products available at albabotanica.com

AVALON ORGANICS: Enter ‘AVALONTHANKS’ at check-out and receive 20% entire purchase at avalonorganics.com

BLISS:  20% off all full size bliss, Elemis and Remede products (sets not included)

 H20+:   $25 off your $100 purchase all day.  Early Bird Shopping: Receive free gift of choice with ANY purchase 6am - 10am at h2oplus.com / 10am-1pm (stores) 

PEARL: 40% off the Pearl Brilliant and Gentle White systems at iconicpearl.com

TANDA: 40% off of TANDA’s acne-clearing and anti-aging LED devices with code tanda40 at tanda.com

PANGEA ORGANICS: Buy 1 get 1 free, plus free shipping on all orders of $100+ at pangeaorganics.com

MOROCCAN OIL: Receive complimentary full-sized products with the purchase of a Moroccanoil.com e-Gift Card. In addition, free shipping is available on all purchases $55 and up.

BUTTER LONDON: 20% off site wide (excluding product marked at “last-call”) and 50% off “last-call” items. Use code CYBER13 at butterlondon.com.

OUIDAD: 20% off all orders during check out and an additional 25% off all orders over $60 at Ouidad.com.

Athleta: Wallet Friendly Work Out Gear

One way I motivate myself to workout is to wear cute clothes to class, obvi.  You with me? Last night I hosted the Athleta store opening party in the Flatiron area of NYC and couldn't have been more impressed with their new line, shopping experience and of course, the price points (it's Gap's fitness brand).

The store was pristine.  White walls and directional spotlights hanging from the ceiling allowed the various collections – categorized by performance type and color – to take center stage.  There's even a whole wall dedicated to leggings that range from $64-$98.

In the middle of the party, New York's finest fitness instructors from Equinox, Barre, SoulCycle and other coveted classes preformed in a fashion show debuting the new collection. Let's just say fitness fashion shows are a lot more fun than anything I've ever seen (picture jumps, squats and twirls down the runway).  As an Athleta fan and fitness fanatic, it was such a fun event to be a part of.  Check out the new store next time you're nearby or visit athleta.com to preview the collection.

Athleta is at 126 Fifth Ave. NYC

*This is a sponsored post, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers from Mark

Have you even thought about shopping for the holidays this year?  Thanks to beauty holiday previews, I've already gotten some ladies on my list checked off.  I'm excited to share this video showcasing some of my favorite holiday offerings from mark, because it officially launches the BeautySweetSpot 2013 Holiday Gift Guide! I know you'll find at least a few stocking stuffers here, but keep checking in as I have a ton more goods to share!

*This is a sponsored post by mark, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

5 Fall Fragrances You Need to Test

I can get lost in fragrance!  However when it comes to choosing just the right one for my mood or occasion, I'm super picky.  Recently, (see post here) I mentioned how important it was to update your fragrance with the seasons.  Well, if you still haven't found your beloved fall scent yet, here are some affordable, new options.

Fresh Life Eau de Parfum, $73 is a light, refreshing scent that captures the crisp fall air filled with sunshine.  With top notes of  grass, bergamot, grapefruit, orange and cucumber; middle notes of lilac, magnolia and water notes and base notes of moss, cypress and amber, the scent is very green.

Express Glam, $44.90, is an oriental fragrance, created for late nights out in the city.  It's laced with top notes of black currant and mandarin vodka, centered by a heart of  jasmine and rounded out with musk, praline and white woods.  Express beauty is worth checking out!

Victoria's Secret Night, $52, is inspired by the life of supermodels after dark.  A sensual oriental floral made up of notes like midnight violet, black diamond (which comes from the pure crystal carbon form known as Carbonado) and black amber.   

Vince Camuto Fiori, $78 is a light floral.  Starting off with notes of pink grapefruit and white nectarine, the heart is made up of iris flowers and fresh freesia, while rounding out with base notes of a blend of creamy sandalwood and blue cedar.  It's a great pick-me-up that may be better suited for summer, but will get you through cold, dreary days.

Nomad Two Worlds Wild Fire, $35 is a warm, sensual fragrance combining the rich dry scent of Australian sandalwood with amber and floral notes of ylang ylang, jasmine petals, cedarwood and musk.

BCA Beauty Buys

Last week on BetterTV I had the pleasure of showcasing some of my favorite beauty brands that are donating to breast cancer research in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Check out the segment here.  From 10% to 100% it seems almost every company is giving back.  Whether you're stocking up on your own beauty loot or looking to give a gift, here are some great options. Estee Lauder Dream Solid Perfume Compact, $49.50

100% of the suggested retail price will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).  This tiny compact is filled with Estee Lauder Pleasures, a fruity-floral fragrance and makes a great gift.

Aquage Uplifting Foam, $17 at salons

A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  Trust me, this root lifter that'll give you the volume you need to be on trend for fall.

Nails Inc. Paint Your Pinkie Pink, $9.50

For every bottle sold, $1 will be donated to BCC, to help raise vital funds to support its life-saving research into the disease. Nails Inc. has partnered with designer, Matthew Williamson and British model, Poppy Delevingne to create two limited edition polishes for the campaign.

Philosophy Shower for the Cure, $20 

Donates 100% of its net proceeds to the women’s cancer research fund. It's a triple threat, acting as a shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath and offers a hint of a fresh, floral scent.

Nest Passion Candle, $28

Nest donates 10% of the retail price of each passion candle purchased BCRF. Notes include peony, garden roses, sandalwood and a hint of flowering pittosporum, Evelyn Lauder’s beloved fragrance note.

Sonia Kashuk's Proudly Pink 5- Piece Brush Set, $15.99

Sonia Kashuk and Target partnered with BCRF for the seventh year in a row giving back 15% of the proceeds.   The brush set includes 5 must-have brushes with pink bristles and black handles.

Avon Breast Cancer Zippered Case, $5

Donation is $2.98 per bag to the Breast Cancer Crusade.  The cute pink zippered case makes a great cosmetic bag!

VMV Grandma Minnie's Mom + Baby Care, $15-$30

VMV will donate $1 from the sales of each of these products to the BCRF.  The line is a favorite of new mothers and includes baby safe boo boo balms and oils.