Last Minute Gift Ideas !!!! All Under $50 !!!

Christmas is a few days away , and if you have not gotten your favorites goodies yet , there's still a couple of days to do so.  Another factor with gift-buying is budget: sometimes lack of funds around this time of year can also make one leave out some names on our gift lists.  So I've decided to put together some of my favorite last minute gift ideas that are just as much fabulous as they are economically friendly.

Redken Gift Sets 

Brilliant Blow-Dry ($24)


For the girl who can not live without going on her regularly scheduled salon blow-out appointments. This is giving her the gift of creating Salon-worthy hair in the comfort of her own home.

Travel Essentials Gift Set ($22)

For the jet-setter in your life, who is always traveling from one fabulous adventure to the next. She can always have great hair no matter which timezone she's in.  The cosmetic bag the items come in is so chic, she can definitely re-use it to keep her favorite beauty products in. 

Color Extend Gift Set ($23)


 For that friend/family member who changes her hair color as often as she does her choice of nail color.  This set  is a sweet gesture showing that you too care about her hair color choices, and want to help her keep not only those fabulous hues but also her hair healthy! 

All Soft Gift Set ($23)

The All Soft line by Redken is perfect for every hair type. We all  deserve to have smooth, soft, luxuriously radiant hair. So this set can be given to anyone on your list.  Its even a perfect gift to yourself !!! 

Redken For Men Classics Gift Set ($20)

Self Explanatory - This set is the go-to for all the men in your life, Father, Brother, Beau, etc... Every man deserves a good set of grooming essentials!! 



Tarte Cosmetics Gift Sets
 

puttin' on the glitz limited-edition color collection & clutch ($48)

Perfect for the girl who loves her make up just as much as she loves being organized. She can organize her colors as well as have a fabulous clutch to keep her cards and cellphone in. It's two gifts in one with: 3 interchangeable palettes for a total of 18 eyeshadows, 1 Amazonian clay 12-hour blush, 1 Amazonian clay shimmering powder and 1 park ave princess Amazonian clay bronzer all packaged in a reusable purse that features 4 credit card slots and a removable mirror. Fabulous make up along with a fabulous clutch for a fun night out on the town. 

Precious Gems Waterproof Cream Shadow Collection ($44 - QVC Exclusive)


For the beauty addict in your life - this limited edition of smooth as butter cream shadows in four fun shades - Pink Champagne, Shimmering Moss, Shimmering Golden Beige and Plum Smoke along with a cream eye shadow brush for application with precision.  These shadows look great alone , or under her favorite Tarte powder shadows. They're small enough for her to keep in her purse in case she would like to change her look from day ( Pink Champagne) to night ( Plum Smoke) to meet you and the rest of the "girls" for drinks. 


Fabulous Nail Gift Sets  

Nails Inc. Crystal Colour ($19.50 each)

For the girl who has everything. When you cant afford to send your fav on a lavish trip to the UK , you can gift her one of the UK's hottest nail lacquers to hit the states. To make the gift all the more special, each Crystal Colour comes encrusted with crystals. She will feel so posh every time she applies her nail color. My favorite color is Porchester Square (pictured, middle) .  It also comes in a very pretty gift box so it is ready to be presented to the lucky recipient.

Deck the Halls Holiday Polish Collection ($36)

The perfect nail color selection for the party girl! She loves glitz and glamour , and when it comes to her nails its not different. This trio includes Vanessa: Glitter in a clear base,  Helena: Ultra-saturated fuchsia - such a FUN color!!!, and  Julep Nail Therapy - which can be used alone ( for when she may want to go for a clean bare look, or as a base coat. Another added bonus is that the nail therapy hydrates and protects dry, brittle, peeling nails by nourishing  nails with Vitamin E. Users have said to have seen dramatic results in just three days.

Glowing Hands Gift Set ($48)

This set is perfect for the girl (or maybe your Mom) , who rather not go get regular manicures.  She will have all the essentials needed to have spectacular hands from smooth palms to beautiful nails. Two colors, cuticle oil , and a "Facial for Hands" - a hand scrub that resurfaces the skin on your hands like no other and last but not least a glass nail file - I love to just have one of those in my handbag at all times. This is a very thoughtful gift. 

The Girlfriend’s Essential Nail Vernis Gift Set ($28) 

This is a great set for your BFF, or sister, etc..  It comes with two of Juleps most popular colors - Catherine and Jennifer along with their very decadent Cuticle Oil ( cuticle oil does wonders for the nails).  You're giving her the best of both worlds.. A demure pretty pink nail color, and a sexy alluring red. Can't go wrong for a set named "Girlfriend's Essential" !!! 


The Perfect Shade of Lipstick

Mally The Perfect Red Lip For Everyone 3-piece Lip System ($35- QVC Exclusive)

For the Femme Fetale - we all know one. The one who isnt afraid to put on a red lip and wear it with bullet proof confidence.  Another great feature to this set it comes in three shades of red - Neutral ( fool proof for everyone) , Cool ( If you feel that Silver Jewelry looks better on you - or that's your preference) , and Warm ( If you look better with Gold Jewelry) . Mally has said it herself, all three shades can be used on any skin tone , so you can gift any shade and it will be a perfect fit.  My best suggestion is to go with Neutral. I've seen Mally wear this color , and it looks AMAZING on, so this gift will be a real treat  ! 

NARS Cosmetics Semi Matte Lipstick in Schiap ($24)

This lipstick speaks for itself. This shade of pink is vintage, its modern, its pretty, its sexy, its whatever you want it to be.  This is a cute stocking stuffer idea . 

Perfume is Always a Great Gift 

Shine by Heidi Klum ($35)

This scent is the qunitissential "Eau de Parfum" its a sexy, mature scent that remind me of perfumes my mother had when I was younger. Its the perfect gift for my mother.  If she loves scents like Chanel No.5 , she will love Shine by Heidi Klum. It just has a very European perfume feeling. 

Homme by David Beckham ($14.99)


The man in your life ( may it be family, friend or beau) , would love the new Homme by David Beckham gift set which includes the cologne along with a hair and body wash (not pictured).  For 14.99 , you can't go wrong!!! 

Playboy Fragrances For Women 3-Piece Set ($21.99) 

The perfect gift for your single ladies. Each alluring scent in this kit represents the three steps in the art of seducing a man from flirtation to temptation to total captivation.  Set includes : Play It Lovely, Play It Sexy ( pictured above) , and Play it Spicy ( this scent is my favorite of the three). Its a fun girls girl gift ! 






There you have it, all of my favorite cost-effective last minute gifts.  With an added bonus I will be gifting readers 5 lucky readers to be exact with a chance to win one  of my  favorite fragrance picks  from above : Homme by David Beckham gift set , Playboy Fragrances For Women 3-Piece set, and Shine by Heidi Klum.


Rules 

1. Email Me with the subject " Holiday Giveaway" your full details along with your pick of the three scents. 
2. Make a comment under this post about your favorite scent choice. 
3. Deadline to enter is Wed , December 21 at 11:59 pm est. 
4. Winners will be contacted via email that they've won.

Goodluck !!!! 

My Redken Shades EQ experience !!!

Last month I was lucky enough to have my hair colored with the latest Shades EQ system by Redken's very own Colorist David Stanko at the lavish Angelo David Salon here in NYC.

The hair consultation started off  with David and I discussing what I would like to do with my color as I sipped on my cappucino. We both decided that I would just stay dark, but since I have some weird brassyness to my color ( some areas appear to be very light brown in bright lighting or in pictures - it really bothers me) , we would do more of a gloss to add shine, and get my color even.

To achieve this , David was going to use Shades EQ in Warm Sable Brown  05WN , along with Shades EQ in Crystal Clear . David mentioned that he was going to use a lot of the Crystal Clear, to add shine to my color.  Shades EQ has Pomegranate Oil and Rice Protein as its main components - these ingredients  moisturizes the hair. Maintenance should be done every 6 to 8 weeks, since this is a demi-permanent color.

I have chemically-treated ( I use relaxer to straighten my hair) hair, so David was so gracious as to tell me which Redken lines I SHOULD be using, and to my surprise , two of his suggestions I never thought I needed to use at all.  For my hair type , the best Shampoo + Conditioner + Treatments to use are :

All Soft 

Softness for dry, brittle hair. Indulge hair in golden, luxurious softness. Advanced silkening formulas contain Redken's exclusive Interbond Conditioning System and illuminating Silk-Luxe Complex. Hair is wrapped in softness with increased manageability, movement and luminous shine.

Smooth Down 

Smoothness for very dry, unruly hair. Hair is up to four times smoother*. Get ultra-smooth, shiny hair that's in control. New Smooth Down is specially formulated to enrich and tame extremely dry, coarse, unruly hair. Redken's exclusive Interbond Conditioning System delivers a unique Ionic Smoothing Complex of macadamia oil, candelilla wax and cationic refiners to help replenish oils, provide intense smoothing and a long-lasting, humidity-resistant, frizz-free finish.  I've tried the line out on my hair since David's suggestion , and I am a believer !  

*Lab tests using Smooth Down Shampoo, Conditioner and Butter Treat compared to an ordinary shampoo

Real Control 

Nourishing repair for dense, dry, sensitized hair. This has been my favorite line to use since its release. I have grown to love this line, and that is why I never tried All Soft or Smooth Down  before.  I recommend this line for any one with Chemically Processed hair, or even Natural hair textures ( African American hair). 

These are the three key lines to use for my hair type - moisture , moisture and more moisture is what I am to aim for when using products. David could not stress it enough! 

The hair process continued with David's lovely assistant Mariano Cuevas following up by using Pureology hydrating Shampoo followed by Redken Chemistry Shot Phase in Real Control. 

A new fun technique I learned to achieve a great blow dry is to dry the hair for a bit , before hand blow drying it in sections.  

Blown Away was used before Mariano proceeded to dry my hair - another product I never thought of even using.  After seeing the results it will be a staple in my "at home" hair process. 

I sipped on a glass of wine while my hair was being dried - they know how to provide you with the ultimate "experience" at the Angelo David Salon . 

Once my hair was completely dry, Mariano gave me curls , which he planned on pinning each in place while still hot so it could set.  The main component to having my hair keep the curls was the use of one of my favorite Styling items - Wax Blast. He spritzed my whole head with it prior to curling my hair. 

Me with my pin curls setting.

The last step was a sprinkling of Shine Flash 02 - the perfect end to all hair styling. Gives you that "perfect shine". 

That was my Shades EQ experience , and I am looking forward to re-visiting the Angelo David Salon again in the near future !  For more information on David Stanko, the Shades EQ process, and the products mentioned in this post, check out www.redken.com 

The classic ponytail with a modern twist debuts on the Paris Runways

The ponytail -  Its a style that none of us are strangers to.  Its the go-to style when you're having a not so great hair day, and also the same style for when you are trying to channel your sophisticated side as well. Last week during the second day of shows in Paris, Redken Creative Consultant , Guido gave us Ponytail-Envy with two variations of the universally common hair staple.

Pedro Lourenco

At Pedro Lourenco, the look was a low ponytail at the nape of the neck. “Pedro Lourenco is a young Brazilian designer and we collaborated on a very simple, style for this show to allow the clothes to really make the statement on the runway.” – Guido, Redken Creative Consultant





Redken Products: Nature’s Rescue Radiant Sea Spray

Create the look:

- On dry hair, spray Nature’s Rescue Radiant Sea Spray all over hair to create light texture

- Create a center part with your finger and pull hair back into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck and secure with an elastic

- Be sure to have a few pieces covering the ears

- Wrap a piece of hair around the elastic and secure with a pin

** Why not try to recreate the make up look as well with a nude barely there lip , minimal eyeshadow in Khaki or Gold - depending on your skin tone , dark brown mascara ( to keep the minimalist look going), and a very pale blush in a pink/coral tone.**

Lanvin

*All photos courtesy of Matt Lever for Redken

The ponytail was in the form of a single braid at Lanvin - ( every season Guido does some sort of variation of the braid.. Love it!!) . “We wanted to create a very natural look for the collection this season. Sometimes keeping the hair simple and natural makes more of a statement on the runway.” –Guido, Redken Creative Consultant

Redken Product: wool shake 08 gel-slush texturizer



Create the look:

- Apply wool shake 08 gel-slush texturizer to dry hair for texture

- Create a center part with your fingers

- Pull hair back and create a braid beginning at the nape of the neck and secure with a clear elastic

- Pull a few pieces out around the face so the braid looks natural and not too polished
 
** Complete the look with Bold Brows with the help of a brow pencil, Bold Cat-Eye with a Black Eyeliner, Fuschia tinted lip, lengthening , volumizing black mascara. **
 
 

For the latest in runway hair, tune into Redken’s Facebook and Twitter pages: www.facebook.com/ Redken & @redken5thave

Milan Runway Hair Trend at Dolce & Gabbana : Boy Meets Girl

At Sunday’s Dolce & Gabbana show in Milan, Redken Creative Consultant Guido finished Milan Fashion Week by creating two separate looks – one feminine, a Sicilian-inspired loose twisted chignon and the other a bit more masculine, a French twist quiff.  "The looks at Dolce & Gabbana were a classic play on femme fatale, where women played with their masculine and feminine sides, it is very fun and liberating.  The feminine look is how I would imagine a Sicilian woman to put her hair up for the day in a soft updo – very matronly and womanly."

Both the "Chignon" and "French Twist" being classic / timeless hairstyles  are no strangers to the runway , but Guido always finds a method in making something old something new.  He did the very same thing with the Brooke Shields inspired "Side Braid" at Alexander Wang a few seasons ago.  I really love both styles, and I intend on trying them both out.  I know for a fact I will be more prone to re-creating the masculine "French Twist Quiff" , because it is very similar to how I usually wear my hair at times when I want it off of my face.  The feminine "Sicilian-inspired Loose Twisted Chignon" looks very fun, and I find it to be a very sophisticated style interpretation of the classic style - which is intriguing.


Create the look at home :

Feminine

Tools Needed :

Redken Products -   layer lift 07 length elevating spray gel + forceful 23 super strength finishing spray

Hair Extensions (in case you have short hair , but would like to create this look as well) - Optional*

Statement Earrings ( not neccessary, but I think it would be a nice pairing) - Optional*

Four Large Rollers
Blow Dryer ( May I suggest the  - Sultra Sophisticate Power Dryer , it dries hair instantly !!)

Hair Pins

- Prep hair with layer lift 07 for extra body and volume and roll 4 large rollers in crown portion of head.
-Take out rollers and create a big beautiful blow with messy center parting to help prep for the updo making sure to blow dry the front bang portion forward over the forehead.
- Lightly twist sections on either side until they meet in the back of the head and secure with pins.
- Gather rest of hair and twist into a very loose chignon pinning into a swirled chignon.
- Let bits fall out naturally around the face.
- Finish with forceful 23 for added hold but spray lightly as to not look weighed down or heavy.

 

 

 

Masculine

 

 

 

Tools Needed :

Redken Products - structure wax 17  + forceful 23 super strength finishing spray
Hair Pins

- Prep hair with generous amounts of structure wax 17 classic styling wax.

- Leave out a section at the front and pin this up into the 50s looking quiff.
- Part on the side and gather hair at nape of neck and twist up toward top of head pinning as you go up. Until all hair is pinned in.
- Pull out bits on the side just in front of the ears and let drop down 2 inches to create 'sideburns' and then secure remaining end of hair back into the rest of the updo.
- Finish with heavy amounts of forceful 23 to hold the look in place.

For more information on where to buy the products listed above , check out  http://www.redken.com/ and http://www.sultra.com/

Return of the Rapunzel - Super Straight Locks Shine at Versace

At the recent Fall/Winter Versace show this past , Guido created a super straight, center parted, minimal hair look to complement the Collection. “The Versace look this season is without reference but still looks rich and elegant without being "done. It’s very minimal but also very rich at the same time and it’s nice to see straight ironed down looks that is still controlled.”

Tools Needed:
Redken Products - hot sets 22 thermal setting mist - shine flash 02 glistening mist
Hair Extenstions (you will thank me later), HairDo 21" Human Hair Clip-In Extension (optional)
Styling Iron - The Laser Straight & Smooth One-Inch Iron , this irons design allows you to create the very straightest looks packed with shine. (optional)

Create the Look

- Start with a clean center part
- Take bits on either side on head just in front of the ears and secure underneath rest of hair at nape of the neck to create that "pulled back effect"
- Prep hair with hot sets 22 thermal setting mist to protect from heat -Pulling sections on either side and ponying it off under the hair.
- Flat iron until ultra straight
- Finish with shine flash 02 glistening mist

For the products listed above check out - www.redken.com/ , http://www.sultra.com/ , HairDo 

Chignon Envy : Hot off the Milan Runway , How to tips from Redken Creative Consultant Guido

Today Guido kicked off his week in Milan with the Alberta Ferretti show, and created a very 60s chignon with a boyish swoop over the eye and small pieces left out just in front of the ears.


"Alberta has a very strong opinion about the woman she wants to send down the runway each season. This season we decided on a look that was simple 60s feel, yet stylized. Almost twiggy- like but with a boyish feel."

Redken products used to achieve this style

velvet gelatine 07 cushioning blow-dry gel

quick dry 18 instant finishing spray

 shine flash 02 glistening mist

(new! Launches April 2011, I am very excited about this product launch, being a HUGE fan of the vinyl glam 02, excited about the aerosol shine affect this mist will create. )

Create the look

- Create a low side part on the left. Wet hair and apply velvet gelatine 07 cushioning blow-dry gel and blow dry in

- Spray quick dry 18 instant finishing spray in sections and back comb to create the "Bardot-like" height at the crown

- Pull all hair into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck. Coil ponytail around itself into a chic chignon and pin with hairpins

- Pull pieces out at either side in front of the ear with a tail comb as not to disturb the rest of the hair

- Finish entire look with shine flash 02 glistening mist for extra sheen on the runway (and for your personal runway)!

Holiday GiftSets From Redken .. A Gift For Everyone on Your List

For the Fashionista - The Runway's Latest Braid gift set
(Suggested retail price: $30 value for only $22!)

Includes aerate 08 bodifying cream-mousse, a key product that Guido, Redken Creative Consultant, preps the hair with at top runway shows including Alexander Wang, where the trend was first introduced, as well as quick dry 18 instant finishing spray to seal the look with fast-drying control for lasting hold. You have to make sure your Fashionista ( friend/sister/ mom) has the right tools to create the iconic runway look !!!!

For the Beau - Mint Essentials gift set
(Suggested retail price: $16.50)

Includes the perfect match of two mint-fused grooming products: mint clean invigorating shampoo and mint-fix sweat-resist gel. Real men need product too!!! Its a gift he will appreciate!

For the girl with tresses that need extra control . - Real Control gift set
(Suggested retail price: $22)

Includes Real Control Shampoo and Conditioner to reclaim control of high-maintenance hair and a travel size Intense Renewal super moisturizing mask to deliver intense moisture and discipline, helping control and repair extremely dense, dry hair. This set would be perfect for me , as my hair is chemically processed , and I use heat tools .

For the girl who seeks out VaVaVoom Volume - Body Full gift set
(Suggested retail price: $22)

Includes Body Full Shampoo and Light Conditioner to infuse fine or flat hair with 24 hours** of high-impact volume and luscious lift, as well as a travel size of full frame 07 protective volumizing mousse to add amazing volume that’s never stiff or sticky! This is perfect for the friend/sister/or mom who's hair is not as full, but wants to create that voluminous effect.

For the girl who likes to experiment with color - Color Extend gift set
( Suggested retail price: $2)

Includes Color Extend Shampoo and Conditioner for unsurpassed haircolor protection* and maximum vibrancy as well as a travel size Rich Recovery protective treatment to intensely replenish and recondition hair. This is a gift set that shows you care , helping someone protect + preserve their fabulous color.

For more information, purchase product , locate a salon near you , go to redken.com