For every amazing holiday gift I've received over the years, I can name at least two that were decidedly well intentioned, yet decidedly off base. After all, it can be hard to buy gifts for anyone, but when that certain someone has very clearly defined tastes, things get even harder.
There are exceptions to every rule, of course, but one universal truth - ensure that you know the recipient's taste inside and out before gifting any of the following gifts this season:
Perfume - Fruity, floral, aquatic or musk? A loyalist or a dabbler? Mass or niche? If you feel confident in the answers to these questions, by all means, buy away. But just know that fragrance is highly personal and incredibly subjective. A safer bet? A Sephora sampler, (here, here or here) which allow your lucky giftee to sample away to their heart's content and then redeem the enclosed scent certificate for a full sized bottle of their choosing. ($24-$65)
Art - Let me contradict myself for a moment and concede that two of my very favorite gifts of all time fall under the classification of "art" - one a Marilyn Minter print and the other, a painting done just for me. That said, art is again, and obviously, highly subjective and even (as any who've attended a show at the Whitney can attest) dangerously divisive. Consider instead: a gift certificate, perhaps packaged with a frame, to a site like Society6.
Jewelry - Well-intentioned, yet sterile is the best description I can muster for the many uninspired jewelry gifts I've received from (ex) boyfriends throughout the years. Think tiny (read: conservative) diamond hoops or a highly traditional gold heart necklace when my tastes run more to near-weaponry from designers like Eddie Borgo and Dominic Jones. In short, while I appreciated the thought (I did! I swear!), I would have appreciated a piece of jewelry that suited my (very openly expressed) personal style a heck of a lot more. A better idea? If you're not sure on what she (or he!) will love, ask one of her closest friends, or better yet, scour her Pinterest boards (if you're gifting me, behold a little inspiration here!)
The Useful Gift - I hate to continue to throw men under the bus here, but this is again, something men are often guilty of. Unless SPECIFICALLY REQUESTED, no woman wants what could be even remotely construed of as useful- I honestly cannot believe the horror stories I've heard from friends who unwrapped "gifts" ranging from wireless routers to blenders, or worst ever, an AB ROLLER. Please do not make this mistake. If you need a refresher on some universal rules of gift giving, here's a link to my thoughts on the matter.
Tread Carefully: Four "Danger" Gifts to Avoid this Holiday
Going Green: Sephora + Pantone Collab to Launch Emerald Collection
As soon as Pantone announced EMERALD as the 2013 Color of the Year, I knew 2013 would be MY YEAR after all. Green is one of my color obsessions, after all, in particular Emerald, a real power color, said to invoke possibility (two things I believe in wholeheartedly). And while I'd love to integrate more emerald into my wardrobe, the easiest way to play is defintely with the new Emerald Collection from Sephora and Pantone Universe.
Available exclusively at Sephora, online and in-store, this second-annual Color of the Year collection includes every imaginable product in green, glorious green, including my faves: the Color Code Prismatic Shadow, Color Cube Lid Liner Stain, Lightspeed Glitter Dust and the Graphic Lift Liquid Liner. These hues look bold on anyone, but in particular, I love the high contrast of emerald to brown eyes.
Explore the Color of the Year collection at Sephora - prices range from $10-$68.
Repurchase Worthy: 5 (More) Products I'll Buy Again and Again
It's that time again. Time to take stock of the beauty products that worked, and those that didn't. Of course, what would be the point of spending precious time and energy discussing the worst of the worst? Let's instead focus on what I'm loving, and what will find it's way into my online shopping carts again and again.
- If a flower could be my spirit animal, my spirit animal would most likely be gardenia. And for those who love gardenia, no scent compares to the exotic Kai. I actually use Kai in many forms, including the Perfume Oil and Room + Linen Spray, but my absolute favorite way to indulge is the Body Buffer ($40) seen above. Sold as a package of two sponges, pre-loaded with a Kai-scented wash, these exfoliating poufs always have a home in my shower.
- It's hard to imagine one collection of eyeshadow meeting my very extensive eyeshadow needs - after all, every day is an opportunity for a new color or a new finish to complement my mood, outfit, what have you. But Sephora's new collection of Colorful Mono eyeshadows ($13 each) does just that - offering up what feels like ONE MILLION COLORS (okay, there are 80), each in three incredible finishes: matte, metallic shimmer and glitter. Best of all, the color payoff regardless of hue is impeccable, and the easy-blending formula means that even a makeup novice can create a flawless eye.
- I am and will remain a sucker for beautiful packaging, so it's no surprise that Space NK's Beautannia line caught my eye. And while every scent in the collection has its appeal, my favorite iteration is the ultra-feminine Bridesmaid Bath & Shower Gel ($40), a generously lathering concoction with notes of honeysuckle and wild bluebell.
- I know many women who are committed to the cleanliness offered by facial cleansing oils, but until Josie Maran's Argan Cleansing Oil ($32) crossed my desk, sink, I remained unconvinced. Thiss ultra light version (seriously, it's weirdly non-greasy!) combines argan, almond, safflower seed, and grape seed oils to cleanse skin, leaving it free of debris and makeup but never tight or dry. Way to succeed where all others have failed, Josie Maran!
- My addiction to mouthwash warrants a discussion at best, an intervention at worst. And no mouthwash delivers like the new Scope Dual-Blast ($4.99). Emerald in color (and therefore so on-trend), and minty in flavor, a swish of this before brushing leaves my mouth feeling fresh and so clean, to quote Outkast. I keep one at my desk for pre-dinner/pre-date as well as in the bathroom.
What products are you loving lately?
Repurchase Worthy: 5 Products I'll Buy Again and Again
Beauty's SUCH a crowded space - there are new products to tempt constantly. And while I've always loved discovery - testing new products as opposed to rebuying past favorites - these days, I'm busier than ever and thereby less interested in exploring and more interested in guaranteed efficacy. That translates to more and more repurchases. Included in the mix most recently:
- Maybelline's new Color Whisper by Color Sensational Lipstick - this lightweight formula, available in 20 shades, is sheer and moisturizing. It's the kind of lipstick that you can apply confidently without a mirror - I love the boost darker shades like Mad for Magenta and Who Wore It Red-er (seen above) offer. Best of all, they're a steal at just $7.49. Snag online here or at your local drugstore.
- Tocca Stella, a juicy blood orange, is one of my favorite fragrances of all time. As such, I'll take it in every formulation available to me, but ESPECIALLY in the moisturizing Hand Wash, available for $18 at Beautyhabit.
- It's nearly impossible for toothpaste to be glamorous, but Marvis makes the impossible POSSIBLE. Their toothpastes, available in a myriad of unique flavors (my favorite is Amarelli Licorice, seen above, but there's also Jasmine Mint, Ginger Mint, Aquatic Mint and several others) turns a beauty chore into a beauty treat - and for that, I'll gladly pay $10.50 a tube. Explore the gloriously Italian assortment of Marvis over at Beauty.com.
- Frigid weather has REALLY taken a toll on my skin in the past week or two, so I've been relying on the heavy-duty moisture to be found in Yu-Be, the quirky yet concentrated glycerin-based moisturizer from Japan. I keep a tub bedside for urgent moisturization needs, and find myself actually enjoying the camphor scent (it dissipates quickly, for those of you who are less tolerant.) Snag Yu-Be at a Sephora store near you - they even keep handy purse-sized tubes near check out. Priced from $16-$25.
- I've recently come to believe that Dove endorses laziness. Now, now -hear me out. I base this assumption on the best-in-class performance of their Deep Moisture Body Wash with NutriumMoisture technology. This rich body cleanser is one of the ONLY I've ever used that simply negates the need for moisturizer entirely. If winter weather has your skin feeling dry, tight or itchy, pick up a bottle (they're huge and will last you forever, btdubs) at Drugstore.com, or your closest mass market retailer.
Gamechanger: Ciaté Very Colourfoil Manicure
I've long been intrigued by Ciaté's at-home nail art kits, which include Caviar (essentially a beaded manicure), Sequin and Velvet (a velvet powder applique). But, realistically, none seemed suited to everyday wear, instead more to special occasions. I mean, how do you wash your hands if you have a velvet manicure? Seriously, how?
The brand's new Colourfoil Manicure thankfully is a bit lower maintenance. Included in a $19 kit is a base color (there are three to choose from), along with a "foil fix glue" and 30 sheets of colourfoil, in six varying shades. While Wonderland is a cool flat gray, I instead chose to layer the pink Colourfoil over NARS Disco Inferno ($18), a new, limited-edition duo-chrome shimmer from the Spring 2013 collection. While Disco Inferno is described as an iridescent silver green, there's also a slight touch of pink, so I thought the colourfoil would play to that nicely (and I think it's safe to say that it does!)
I'm admittedly not great at DIY, but the Colourfoil was super simple to apply and after setting with a clear topcoat, it seems to be built to withstand normal wear. Snag a kit of your own at Sephora.
In-Jin-eous: JINSoon Launches
Jin Soon Choi is one of those famous-in-the-beauty-industry people that inspires devotion. Her intimate, luxe New York salons (there are three: Upper East Side, West Village and East Village) are the best of the best, so decidedly so that I often run into people like Meredith Melling-Burke, oh no big deal, just the Senior Market Editor of Vogue, there.
One of my favorite things about indulging in a mani or pedi at Jin Soon has always been the incredible, highly democratic polish assortment you'll find - think Avon, Revlon and Sally Hansen, balanced out by a full range of lacquers from, say, Dolce & Gabbana, MAC and NARS (which you never see in a salon otherwise).
But none of that matters anymore, guys. Because Jin has FINALLY launched her own line of nail lacquers, dubbed (appropriately enough) JINSoon. The collection offers a tightly edited assortment of 12 colors, 6 in the Quintessential collection (bottom), and 6 fashion-forward shades in the A La Mode collection (top).
While the Quintessential collection is the capsule nail wardrobe every woman needs, there are some real seasonal stand-outs in the A La Mode collection, including my favorites: Metaphor, a dark woodsy green named by model Guinevere Van Seenus and Auspicious, a dirty gray lavender named by model Jamie Bochert.
With colors this spectacular, discussing the formula almost seems like a footnote, but it shouldn't. JINSoon lacquers are 5-free, ultra-high gloss, unbelievably quick-drying and seemingly bulletproof.
Stay tuned to www.JinSoon.com for more information, and purchase JINSoon at Space NK and Sephora stores for $18/bottle.
She's Got Legs: The Essentials
Multi-Tasking Magic: Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm
To say that I respect my friend Amber's opinion on all things beauty-related is a vast understatement, incredibly obvious, etc. Truth be told, I respect her opinion on ALL things in the entirety of the free world. SO, when she repeatedly - nay, UNSTOPPABLY - sang the praises of Dr. Jart's new-to-the-U.S.-shores collection of Beauty Balms, I was forced to GET INVOLVED, as she would say.
Now, your first thought might be, "Dina, what the hell is a Beauty Balm?" In response, I'd say "Patience, patience - I'm getting to that." A Beauty Balm, friends, is an Asian beauty phenomenon, essentially, a one-step product - moisturizer, sunscreen, primer, brightener, serum - that perfects the appearance of skin while protecting it from the sun and other pesky environmental distractions. And while BBs are all the rage over on the other side of the world, they're JUST starting to make their way to the American market, in fact, Dr. Jart's are the only true BBs that I've seen on the shelves of Sephora.
As I'm a busy gal - things to see, places to go, people to do, etc. - I love the simplicity of this multi-tasking beauty. The lightweight formula of Dr. Jart's Premium Beauty Balm includes mineral sunscreens (so I'm never left unprotected) and offers just the right amount of coverage but an insanely natural looking finish.
If you're always looking to shave a few precious minutes off your AM prep time, or heck, if you just want amazing looking skin, snag Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 PA+++ for $39.00 at Sephora.
Winning at Life: Rita Hazan Root Concealer
Friends, I've recently come to the sad, sad revelation that I'm officially a woman of a certain age. And just like THAT, my primary concerns in life shifted from shoes, macarons and green juice to MUCH more pressing matters, like which anti-aging cream will best replicate a Dorian Gray situation while allowing me to retain my soul, and of course, which colorist can hide my grays from the world most effectively for the longest period of time.
I've yet to come to any conclusions on the former, but when it comes to the latter, celeb colorist Rita Hazan has me - or more appropriately, my grays - COVERED. Her new Root Concealer is a unique (seriously, this shizz is like a UNICORN), clever, and crazy simple to use aerosol spray that covers gray roots in an instant with it's pinpoint nozzle, thereby extending the life of your color between professional visits.
Root Concealer dries in an flash, and YES, it's rain-proof and sweat-proof. In fact, thanks to the resins included the formula, the color only washes off with shampoo. Avail in four shades (Blonde, Light Brown, Dark Brown/Black - my color of choice, natch - and Red), Root Concealer leaves your color looking UBER-natural, and strands feeling silky smooth.
While it's true that we can't turn back the hands of time (I'll keep trying though, promise), I'll take any illusion afforded to me - and Rita Hazan's new Root Concealer fits the bill.
Snag a can of your own (it'll last between 1-3 months, depending on how often you shampoo) for $24.00 at Sephora exclusively, and for more celebrity color scoop, follow Rita herself on Twitter here!
What's in HER Bag? Julia DiNardo of Fashion Pulse Daily
My dear friend Julia DiNardo really SETS THE STANDARD for multi-tasking. Not only does she write the amazing blog Fashion Pulse Daily (and for other outlets like Stylelist), she's also a professor at NYU and the designer behind the aborbs Neighbor Teaze line.
- My hands stay ultra-moisturized with Miss Oops Butter Hands
- I'm always on the go, so I love my portable, lightweight Duracell Instant USB Charger
- Blackberry Curve Phone
- Won't be caught without a slew of Fashion Pulse Daily business cards, a Metro Card, and my Starbucks Card!
- Always gotta shield my pale eyes for the sun - been rocking these Jones New York oversized shades quite a bit
- Keeping hydrated via The Heart Truth nalgene water bottle (a New York Fashion Week freebie)
- I'm always prepared for a fashion emergency with my Tide Pen, pack of tissues, mini brush, Purell, Opti-Free Contact rewetting drops, Marc Jacobs Grapefruit splash perfume in a mini atomizer from Sephora, Color Sensational Maybelline lip glosses in 'Born with it' and 'Triple Yum' and Sweet Thing Collection Nail polish in 'Minty, MAC lipstick in Peta Lure, and Dior concealer.
- For subway rides of 10+ minutes, it's imperative to have something on hand to read; my choice is one of my numerous magazine subscriptions (seen here, Marie Claire) or a WWD.
Shop This: J.C. Penney
J.C. Penney's first ever Manhattan outpost opens officially on July 31, but at my exclusive sneak peek of the store yesterday, I learned that the 'soft launch' was today. So, what does that mean? J.C. Penney's Manhattan Mall location is open for business!
If you're a longtime Manhattanite, you may be wondering what to expect. Well, this J.C. Penney stocks all of the brands you'll see at the store's suburban locations, including Paul Frank, Bisou Bisou, American Living (which I have a sneaking suspicion is designed by Ralph Lauren) and I Heart Ronson. There's even a Sephora in store. Narrow departments make this particular location super simple to shop - and expect stellar customer service - the store employs an army of 500.
One Manhattan-only perk? $15 dollar delivery anywhere within the borough.
So, what won't you find? Furniture. This J.C. Penney stocks only soft home goods - think linens, throw pillows and the like.
For more info on launch-specific store events, including an in store appearance by David Cook, click here.
Sniff This: KenzoAmour Florale
I'm going to be totally honest with you. I positively hate the idea of smelling like every Jane Doe, so it's pretty rare that I'd even consider spritzing myself with a fragrance sold at a mass market store like Sephora. That said, the new KenzoAmour Florale ($55-75) is enough to make me reconsider.
A bouquet of delicate white flowers makes up this feminine floral. The star Neroli, is an elegant white flower distinctive for its refreshing floral aroma with a hint of spice. Surprisingly, it's an intensely sensual fragrance - the kind that draws people in to smell more of - that is just so, so perfect for summer.
I love it and if you like skin scents or florals, I think you will too.
p.s. That gorgeous bottle? Created by none other than acclaimed designer Karim Rashid, who has a long standing relationship with Kenzo.
Spa at Home Sunday: Silk’n SensEpil At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device
Beauty gadgets have come a LONG way in the past few years, breaking new ground in zit zapping and hair removal. In May, the new Silk’n SensEpil at-home laser hair removal device ($499) launches exclusively at Sephora/Sephora.com.
FDA cleared, the Silk'n SensEpil (not the catchiest name, I must say) is billed as the safest device for laser hair removal. It incorporates a built in skin sensor that tests the users’ skin type before the laser will activate for use. In as little as three months, 80% of Silk’n SensEpil users experienced noticeable hair reduction on arms, legs, underarms and bikini area.
While $499 might seem like a pricey pill to swallow, it's downright affordable when compared to professional laser hair removal, which can run into the thousands. What do you think? Would you give the Silk'n SensEpil a try or do you plan to leave laser hair removal to the professionals?
New, Notable: Lavanila Vanilla Lavendar
Lavanila's all-natural line of vanilla-based fragrances has been a hit or miss for me in the past. I love the clean, crisp, fruity medley of the Vanilla Grapefruit though all of the other blends are too heavy for my tastes. The latest addition, Vanilla Lavendar, is a huge WIN for Spring, however.
A spritz of this fresh and clean blend of Spanish Lavendar, Rose Absolute, Violet Leaf and warm Madagascar Vanilla and you'll feel like you just stepped out of the shower. It's one of the few fragrances I can think of that's appropriate for day or right before bed.
Snap up a bottle for $56 at www.sephora.com.
Last Minute Gifts from Sephora: $40 & Under
As always, Sephora has you covered when it comes to the gifties this season - I'm loving the can't miss treats from Make Up for Ever (Aqua Eyes are the the smoothest eye liners ever!), Tarte (the cutest lip glosses, yes, ever), Shu (who wouldn't love the luxe Gold Eyelash Curler in their stocking?), Lancome (Juicy Tubes are a staple IMHO) and of course, Korres (the set above is perfect for your Secret Santa.)
And in case you aren't blessed like I am (there's a store across the street from my office), you CAN still order online and get your goodies in time for the holidays - in fact, they're now upgrading shipping to 2 Day for FREE.
Just order by tomorrow and enter code UPS2DAY at checkout to make sure that pressies arrive by Christmas.
Happy Shopping!Win This! $50 Gift Card to AZJeans.com
With everyone becoming a recessionista these days, AZJeans is a great site to find fashionable clothing and accessories on an affordable budget, particularly if you're shopping for any teens this holiday season.
The site sells cute accessories, apparel and shoes from brands Decree, Arizona and Flirtitude (and you can even click through and shop Sephora directly!)
Right now, the great prices on site are even lower - you can save 35-65% on a wintry mix of hoodies, sweaters, jackets and more and if you enter DWMPER, you'll save an extra 20% off all sale, regular & clearance items.
Best of all, AZJeans.com is giving 2 eye4style readers a $50 gift card to the site!
To enter the contest, simply leave a comment on this post by Friday at 11:59pm and email me at eye4style (AT) gmail (DOT) com with your name, address and phone number. I respect your privacy - all information will remain confidential and used for shipping purposes ONLY. The two winners will be randomly selected and notified by email this weekend.
Good luck!
Please note: AZJeans is not a sponsor or co-sponsor of any contest involving e-gift cards, please visit www.azjeans.com for terms and conditions of use.
UPDATE: Sonia and Renee are the winners! Congrats, ladies. Enjoy the gift cards!
Deals & Steals Tuesday
Free Standard Shipping with any Holiday Gift Set Purchase at Prescriptives.com through Dec. 15th.
JimmyJane, home of artfully designed sex toys and a luscious assortment of Massage Candles (left, $65), won't let you have a lonely holiday. Enter code HolidayLove at checkout for 30% off from now through December 19.
Melange for Women celebrates eight years of silk jersey and the like. Enter code great8 at checkout for 20% today only.
Everything at Pink Mascara is 40% off, also for today only. Use code 40OFF. Excludes select designers including Mike & Chris and DVF.
Shopbop has gone code-crazy all of sudden, which confirms that the retail industry is in shambles. Enter code DB40 for 40% off Designer Boutique items through Friday.
Just in time for holiday soirees and the slinky dresses that accompany, Spanx is offering free shipping online on orders of $50 or more, no code required. Expires January 6.
J.Crew is offering 25% off all full priced shoes and boots. Enter code SHOESALE at checkout, expires tonight.
Revolve says GIVEGOODGIFT this Holiday season - that code will give you 30% off everything but handbags. Expires tomorrow at midnight.
Sephora's offering up free shipping on orders of $25 or more this week. Enter code SHIPFREE25 at checkout.
New! Sephora's Eye Studio
Sephora's NEW Eye Studio experience aims to get your peepers in perfect form. The Studios, located in three key Sephora locations (Times Square in New York, The Venetian in Las Vegas and Powell Street in San Francisco), offer free makeup consultations and teach professional-level application techniques including:
- Fast Faux Lashes - Step by step instruction on applying faux lashes
- Learn the Look - Need help on mastering the Natural Eye, the Cat Eye, the Smoky Eye or a seasonal look like the Violet Eye (perfect for fall and holiday!)? If so, this one is for you! You'll even take home a simple-to-understand face chart that maps out key colors and applications (click through the gallery for a peek at my Natural look!)
- Play Up Your True Color - Sephora's licensed color experts will teach you how to play up your natural, gorgeous eye color - be it brown, hazel, blue or green.
- Raise Your Eye-Q - Learn tricks of the trade for highlighter, mascara, concealer, etc.!
ALL Eye Studio services are FREE with no purchase required, but if you want to take home the tools used to create your look, Sephora has created three limited edition sets. Packaged in signature clear makeup bags and available for just $49 (a savings of about $10 per kit), you can take home products to create the perfect Cat, Natural or Smoky Eye. Click through the pics to see the contents of my Natural Eye Kit, including versatile products from Smashbox, Stila and Make Up For Ever.
For an Eye Studio appointment, visit the Times Square, Venetian or Powell Street Sephora locations! If you're not in NYC, SF or LV, hold tight - the Eye Studio concept will be coming soon to a city near you.
Sephora's Times Square Eye Studio
My Natural Eye Chart in Progress!
Sephora's new Natural Eye Kit
Deals & Steals Wednesday
Nordstrom's half-yearly sale has kicked off with up to 40% off awesome fall & winter goods including Juicy Couture, BCBG and Theory. Click here to shop.
Code EXTRA30 gets you 30% off J.Crew's newly expanded sale section.
Take 20% off tops at Shopbop (including the Elizabeth & James Rorschach Tee, left) with code TOPITOFF. Valid today and tomorrow only.
Isabella Oliver's chic maternity wear is up to 50% off - if you've got a bun in the oven, click here to shop.
Standard Style is offering up 30% off all dresses with code 30DRESS from now through the 7th. Click here to shop the assortment.
To save 15% off at Sephora, enter code G98Y7 at checkout, valid for ONE TIME USE until November 10. (If you do use this one, please post in the comments and let us know that it's gone!)