Christmas Countdown: Glamour Girl

Tis the season for Holiday Gift Giving- part 3. This is a comprehensive guide to all things beauty for the girl that has everything but wants more! Below are a few of my fav beauty and fragrance gift ideas..ENJOY!

Smash Box Cosmetics- Gift of Glow
A collection for the lips, eyes and cheeks

I heart the Two Faced all access beauty collection only 34.00 at Sephora. Click here for details about the collection

Yves Saint Laurent Holiday Makeup Set
Set Includes: Touche Eclat concealer pen,Mini Faux Cils mascara and Golden gloss
Click here to get the set at Bloomingdales

M.A.C Cosmetics Little Darlings gift sets !
Loving the eye shadow combo and the lip glass and lusterglass combo.

Toot to Nordstrom.com and select the perfect color combo! Brush set avail here

Okay readers, I would be remiss if I didn't mention one of the greatest beauty deals for the season!
***Estee Lauder Holiday Blockbuster***

The set is only $49.50 with the purchase of any Estee Lauder fragrance purchase. (The cheapest fragrance is 28.50). The set includes everything shown above *squeal*

Looking for a unique gift? I have the perfect solution. Last week I went into Saks to smell their exclusive Bond no 9 fragrance series and got turned on to Jo Malone Cologne. She is a chick from London that has a line of fragrances..to die for!

Above is her Cologne Collection 95.00 at Saks. It features 6 fragrances that can be worn alone or layered for a unique scent!

Go to jomalone.com to create your own custom gift set and to learn about fragrance combining

*P.S. my fav scent is Nectarine Blossom and Honey

Internet Deal Guide

Bloomingdales- Free shipping on any order of 100.00 or more through 12/19. Free Bloomingdales brush set with any 100.00 beauty purchase
Estee Lauder- Free shipping on any order 50.00 or more and free samples!!
Saks-Free shipping on 150.00 or more plus gift box and bow
Jo Malone- Complimentary shipping on all orders and 2 complimentary fragrance samples with any online purchase
Sephora- Free standard shipping with all orders 50.00 and over and 3 samples with every order

Fragrance Round Table

Finding the right fragrance can be closely compared to finding the perfect pair of jeans. You keep trying different brands until you find the one that fits you best and you stick with it. Or maybe you like switch it up to try alot of different brands...

Readers sound off: Tell me about your fav scent. When did you first discover it? How often do you where it? What mood does it put you in?... I'd love to hear your stories!

I'll start off!
Old Faithful- Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue. I started wearing this in 2004 and have gone through 3 bottles. I absolutely love the light fresh scent. Wear it when you want to bring all the boys to the yard ;-)



Second Runner up- Marc Jacobs Essence. A soft floral fragrance great for work, running errands or lunch with friends.


New love- Versace Bright Crystal became my new summer fav this year. This is a sheer floral fragrance that is perfect when you want to feel fresh and light.

Lipstick Jungle: Red Alert

For a few weeks now I have noticed the reemergence of the dark red lip.. just in time for fall.

For some reason I can't help but to think back to 7th- 8th grade..Raise your hand if you remember cherries jubilee by Mary Kay or that young Wet n Wild # 508 black orchid!? Lol! Those were the days!

Anywho, look below at how these celebs rock the look and let me know your thoughts!

Sound off: Are you willing to give ruby lips a try or will you stick to the old faithful nude lip?

If you want to test the look at home, remember the most important factor to consider is your skin tone! For the most natural look, you should match your undertones.

***Reader Homework Assignment: This weekend grab your BF, toot to the mall and make a date with your fav make up artist. Have them to try out different shades or reds,plums and pinks to get your perfect shade.... Don't forget to take lots of pics!

Beauty Bag: Fall 08 Nail Color

It is about that time to switch from your summer brights into the warm shades of fall! I have trimmed my nails and am ready to explore a whole new world of nail color!

First up is the splurge alert! Metallics are a huge part of fall...So why not let our nails get in on the fun? I absolutely love Chanel's FACETTES D'OR Nail Colour in Gold Fiction .. $30. This color is apart of their Fall 08 makeup collection and is already starting to sell out online.

Penny pincher alert: Click here for an alternative to Gold Fiction.

Next up YSL's LA LAQUE nail color ($19). Get it HERE in tuxedo grey..Pure hotness!

For those of us who don't want spend double digits on nail color...You know I have something for you!
Check out OPI's Le Collection de France. Make your outfit pop with a hot shade of plum or keep warm with the new reds.

While I know we are super excited about fun color, don't forget to give your nails a rest. Invest in a nail whitening scrub to remove discoloration from finger nails and toe nails or try soaking them in a lemon/lime solution to get a fresh canvas.

**Update: My mom and I tooted to Belk last night and they had the Chanel Gold Fiction. The color is the hotness! If you have time, go to your local dept store and try it out ;-).

Shana's Beauty Bag

If you are like me, the last thing you think about in the morning is putting on makeup! Think you don't have time to add to your morning regimen....give me 4 minutes! Below I have outlined 4 simple steps to creating a fresh face that can work for everyone!

Step 1. GET THE GLOW

Stila All Over Shimmer- I like to call this the Hallelujah Glow:-) Its brush lets you put the product directly on your face. I suggest dabbing in on your cheek bones and rubbing in with your fingers..Put on for a subtle shimmer during the day and punch it up for the night..I use *3 luminous glow

Step 2. GET CHEEKY
My fav is blush by NARS- Add a little life to your face by lightly brushing the apples of your cheeks with blush.

**My top daytime color picks:

**Nighttime pick (perfect for medium-dark skin)


Step 3: LIFT AND SEPARATE
YSL Volume Effect Faux Cils is hands down BEST mascara I have ever used! I doesn't clump lashes, make them brittle or stiff and it has a pleasant smell :-) If the $27.50 price tag is too steep click here for the penny pincher alternative.

Step 4: GET GLOSSY

The final step to a fresh face is the gloss. Choose your fav shade/brand to complete your 4 minute face..My old faithful is C Thru by MAC.

...And you're off!