Ultimate Girl Friend Gift Guide : Perfect Gifts for your Girl Friends this Holiday Season !

I love this time of year ( I'm a December Baby) , and its the time when everyone is releasing amazing limited edition items / gift sets.  I put together a list of some of my personal favorites that can easily be gifted to your besties ( they've been there for you all year ,  they deserve it!! ) .

For the Makeup Artist  -  BeautyBlender, BeautyBlender Micro Mini and the BeautyBlender Surface Pro .  She can never have enough tools and Beauty Blenders are literally "heaven in a sponge".  Now with the Micro Mini she can really achieve concealer perfection with the smaller size , and the surface pro allows her to not have to use her hand as a palette anymore ( although she most likely will) .  The Beauty Blender is the perfect stocking stuffer for everyone though , paired with some candy it would be a sweet treat .

For the Girlfriend of yours who has every popular palette already and USES them -  Smashbox Double Exposure Palette. This has taken the Full Exposure Palette to the next level with 14 shades that double to 28 with a wet brush.  It is a gift that keeps on giving its two palettes in one.  Definitely perfect for someone who will make full use of the colors ( not for the makeup novices).

For the "Diva" -  If she is anything like all fabulous Diva's that came before her, she loves to "stand out" .  She will most definitely do that with some "sparkle" ( who doesn't like to "shine bright like a diamond" ??) that she can add to her Holiday looks.  I LOVE LORAC Royal 3D Liquid Lustre Set and the Stila Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eyeshadow  ( Kitten is my current fav color).  These two products are not only not like anything else out there , but completely fool proof in adding that "glitter look" - you can use your fingers to apply. The LORAC set is a steal at $28!!  I think its actually a MUST to gift to yourself too!  They look amazing on the skin alone, but your "Diva"Girl Friend will most likely layer it on over other shadows to give that "WOW" effect that is perfect for New Years Eve , Birthdays,  Anniversaries , or if shes over the top -  Everyday!

For the Lipstick / Lipgloss lover -  The girl who is always about her lippy.  Never leaves home without 2 , 3 , maybe 5 colors in her makeup bag.  LORAC Lip Lustre Creme Set is so cute and sure to be a hit. This set includes , nudes pinks and berry tones - colors everyone should have in their arsenal.   I also am gagging over the Too Faced Melted Liquifed Long Wear Lipstick ( in all the shades). I love the pigment, texture and the lasting "stained" finish.  We all have that friend that is always checking in the mirror to see if her lipstick / lipgloss is in tact -  these options are perfect for her.

For the jet-setter -  Your friend who is always going off on a fabulous getaway. She would love the Tarte Bon Voyage Collector's Set and Travel Bag . Perfect set to take on a Holiday weekend , all the items are TSA safe at the perfect size and the super luxe Travel Bag can fit all of her other essentials. Tarte really came with it this season.  This set is sold out online but you may find it in Sephora Stores.

There you have it ! Happy Shopping Ladies !! 

Orange and Lavender Lips : Statement Shades that are here to STAY ..... Get the Look

Orange and Lavender ( Lilac) Lips on Fair Skin 

Orange and Lavender (Lilac) Lips on Dark Skin 

Two shades I am OBSESSING over at the current junction are "Oranges" and "Lavenders" ( or Lilac whichever way you want to categorize it.) .  From Mattes to Stains to Glossy Glosses I can NOT get enough.  I love that these two shades are completely Universal ( see the photos above for yourself) ,  everyone can partake in the fun -  the key is just knowing which shade under the spectrum compliments you.  Never let anyone tell you that you can not wear a specific color because your skin tone is too light or too dark. Makeup is supposed to be fun , care free and explored without boundaries and possibilities. With that said, I've put together a few shades ( some Matte, Stain, Gloss , priced from high to low ) that will get you on trend for the Fall /Winter.  Enjoy !!  

Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in "Creamy Coral" and "Violet Orchid" ($21) 

 When I first tested these babies out at Sephora I was like "OMG I did not know Too Faced was . bringing it like this!!!" Too Faced has really out did themselves with the Melted line.  I can not say anything about these lipsticks but that you MUST get them ! They dry with a matte like finish and are super pigmented and last for hours.. Truly a dream to wear.

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in "A Go Go" and "Coven" ($21) 

Luxe Luxe Luxe ... Is what these lipsticks should have been called.  The packaging feels like a piece of art in your handbag, the Matte texture is not like any other Matte lipsticks I own.  Kat Von D really did reformulate these lipsticks and made them better than ever.  "A Go Go" looks AMAZING on my dark skin , and women of lighter tones, its a fabulous shade or Orange that I think every woman should have. "Coven" is currently sold out online at Sephora and most locations  - so that just speaks for itself.  

Sleek True Colour Lipstick in "Tangerine Scream" and "Exxxaggerate" ($7.49)

These Lipsticks give a Matte Finish , but are non-drying Exxxagerate is not quite Lavender a bit deeper but its such a lovely shade.  I really love the quality of Sleek Makeup over all, its proves that you don't always have to spend a lot to get luxury.  

 

L.A. Girl Glazed Lip Paint in "Hot Mess" and "Coy  ($3.49) 

I am very excited about the launch of these L.A. Girl colors. They are super pigmented and are the perfect dupe to the Too Faced Melted Lipsticks, but honestly these are so fabulous they can stand alone.  At the price you can't do anything but not indulge in a few of the shades!  

Blind Date Essentials

Ready to Wear Lash Extension

This is literally Lashes in a bottle !!!! You first apply a coat of mascara , then you apply this to your lashes ( one lash section at a time - because its mini fibers) , then another coat of mascara to seal ! OMG when I say there is a literal difference , that's just an understatement.



One thing I would add is that this product is definetly for the make-up junkies ! I wouldn't reccomend it for novices, because I think it might be too complex for them to grasp. But , I could be wrong.



If your date happens to be a total hottie- you can so go to the ladies room and extend your lashes a bit further to give him the "come hither" look :)



I also love the fact that it's in a glass bottle - so victorian chic!

Too Faced Naughty and Nice Makeup Palette

I really love the size of this palette - its so small , it can be carried around in your bag everyday.

I love the choices on both sides.. and I personally would take it up a notch , and pair the subtle Nice eye colors with the Naughty lip shades and vice-versa. In Episode 1 of "Faces of Beautiful You" - It was mentioned how Hallie can transition her face from Hey There... to Va Va Voom (ok not in those words, but you get the point) with this palette . I totally agree - you can wear the shades from the Nice side during the day, and vamp it up a notch for drinks with the girls at night ! The possibilities are endless!





What is Faces of Beautiful ??? You might ask.. It's this supercool online series ( launched by HSN and FanRocket Studios) that follows three friends Hallie , Smith , and Nicki on their Beauty obsessed adventures one day at a time. In episode 1, Halle is getting ready for a Blind date please check it out at : www.facesofbeautifulyou.com

NEW HOLIDAY KIPLING AND TOO FACED COLLECTION

Composed of five limited edition bags (all available in Rose and Black Patent leather) , the collection includes mini makeup sets and features the signature monkey revamped …wearing red lipstick and a bustier - so cute !!! . Theres a gift option here for everyone !!!!

Primp & Party - includes:Mini Lash Injection Pinpoint mascara, which adds definition, curl and length to any lash; Mini-Starry Eyed Liner Liquid Eyeliner, a super wearable, supremely sexy black and silver glitter liner; and Foiled Liner Eyeliner, a creamy smooth, waterproof, metallic eyeliner in black.Perfect gift for the ultimate party girl, that never skips a beat!!!

Envy Me - includes Mini Pink Leopard Bronzer Traveler, a sultry mini skin-perfecting bronzer compact; Refresh Blotting Papers, sweet little tissues that instantly remove oils from skin; Full-sized Lip Injection Lip Plumper, a crystal-clear liquid lip volumizer that plumps up lips; and Mini Lash Injection Mascara, a super-volumizing and thickening mascara. All packed in a large cosmetic case. This set is great for everyone!!!!

Charmed and Glamorous - includes Beauty Balm Lip Gloss, a seductive lip balm infused with lip-loving essential oils, and a “mini-bag” compartment to hold your gloss. The “Charmed & Glamorous” is available in Rose and Black Patent

This small satchel bag is great for the handbag aficionado in your life ( sister, bff, mom, etc...)

Too Faced Loves Kipling Make Up Collection - includes a Lash Injection, Starry Eyed liner, Shadow Insurance and eyeshadow duo…. The cosmetic bag is so fashionable, you could easily wear it as a clutch at night , or to brunch in the day.

Perfect gift for the girl who likes to keep it simple with a little flair..

Kiss & Run - contains three show-stopping Too Faced lip glosses: Full Sized Mood Swing Lip Gloss, which changes colors based on your “emotional state” from peachy pink to super red; Mini Mirror Mirror, a great color reflection to compliment a sexy pout and; Mini Diamond Gloss, a super juicy gloss drenched in shimmering crystals. Also available in Black Patent.

I think this set is perfect for your kid-sister who can't let a minute go by without re-applying her lip gloss!!

These sets are available at www.toofaced.com , www.Sephora.com , and www.Ulta.com .

Favorite Beauty Finds under $30 !!

Too Faced Lash Injection Pinpoint Extreme Defining, Volume & Lengthening Mascara ( $19.50) . This magical Mascara was designed to target and enhance every single lash for the ultimate results : dramatic, long , separated lashes. This is a must for your make-up bag !!!

Two Faced Candy Bars in Black Licorice ( pictured, above) , and Park Avenue Prailine (pictured, below) ($25) . These color palettes are the best of both worlds in terms of eyes. Black Licorice, can be used to create dramatic eyes, that can easily be touched up for a night out on the town hours after work/school. Park Avenue Prailine , on the contrary is a subtler approach to playing up the eyes.

Tarte blissful and true love Cheek Stains Exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman 800.558.1855 ( $28) . blissful (sheer soft-warm pink) and true love (sheer watermelon) , are very pretty for the Fall - when our complexions begin to become a bit paler - these lovely sheer cheek stains will provide just the right amount of color.

Girlicious Beauty Vol.I

I have become a fan of the new show , "Pussycat Dolls Presents.. Girlicious" .. Although it beats me whether the group makes it or not, I just love the cute costumes, dance numbers and lets not forget the great hair and make-up (which no outfit is complete without) .

To channel your inner "Girlicious"/"PussyCatDoll" , I highly suggest looking into these items by Too Faced Cosmetics.

First up , is the Galaxy Glam Eye Shadow ( $19.50 / pictured, above far left) in Moon Beam - Its the smokey -eye shadow of the future!! It packs multi-dimensional color in the form of Planet inspired swirls. There's nothing else on the PLANET like this!!!

Another Eyeshadow option is the Candy Bars ($25.00/ pictured , bottom right)
in Tropical Truffle , there's so many possibilities that can be done with these neutral shades.

Nothing says "Girly Girl" more than having killer lashes, and I am a huge fan of the new Too Faced Lash Injection ( $19.50/ pictured above left) in Hot Chocolate. Its said to be " Lash Extensions in a Bottle" - and I couldn't agree more. I noticed a huge difference when I applied it, and felt kinda sad when I had to wash all the make up off.

No Face is complete without the perfect Bronzer - you should definitely consider Pink Leopard Bronzer ( $28.50 / pictured, above far right) , it blends golds, browns, and pink pigments to give you the ultimate glow/ healthy pink flush all year long. Don't you just love the leopard print ?? I sure do..

To complete your look , you have to top it off with a gloss. Mood Swing Lip Gloss ($18.50/ pictured above, center) gives you the perfect shade of pink , according to your mood! If your calm and content, its pretty pale, and if you're hot n ready to mingle its more of a hot pink. It's sheer genius !


For more details, check out www.toofaced.com , or www.sephora.com.

The REAL Skinny on Lip Gloss

I am so loving the new Too Faced FUZE Slenderize Guilt Free Gloss , not only is it packing with super shine, but theres actually healthy appetite curbing ingredients in the gloss!!! Can you say Skinny Jeans ?? It comes in three yummy flavors ( Dragonfruit Lime, Strawberry Melon and Blueberry Raspberry ) , and retails at $18.50 a pop.

Too Faced FUZE Slenderize Guilt Free Gloss is available at Sephora and www.sephora.com. Visit www.toofaced.com for further retail information