From a Wise Philosopher...

  I have always had a strong attraction to Philosophy products.  The adorable packaging (mostly on their body washes), unique fragrances, inventive product names and the overall mantra of the company make the entire line oh-so-appealing.  Their most popular, original product is Hope In a Jar - an all-purpose moisturizer that contains some fabulous ingredients that provide stellar results.
  Firstly, the entire formulation is a mousse-like texture, it is light, fluffy almost, and is quickly absorbed into the skin.  Slight exfoliation and the promotion of cell turnover is initiated by Lauryl Lactate, which is the ester of Lactic Acid, the natural alpha-hydroxy acid found in milk.  This acid ester works on the surface of the skin and helps to impart radiance by removing dead cells.  The next powerful ingredient is beta glucan, which is a derivative of glucose.  The beta glucan plays an interesting role in this concoction - it helps to strengthen and regenerate specific cells that target environmental toxins, dead cells, malfunctioning cells, or any other substances that are not natural or necessary for optimal functioning of the skin.  Once initiated, these cells target the removal of cells, toxins, or unnatural substances that may be the result of UV damage, environmental toxins, and free radicals.  Ultimately, the beta glucan helps to restore youth and is known to diminish fine lines while also returning skin to optimal function by ensuring that its protection factors are strong.
  Along with a shot of Vitamin E, which helps to moisturize and protect the skin, Hope in a Jar also contains Retinyl Palmitate, the precursor to Vitamin A (my favourite all-time skincare ingredient), which encourages cell proliferation and turnover, promotes collagen and elastin production, and reduces fine lines, sun damage, and results in luminous, radiant skin.
  Hope In a Jar has been a cult favourite for some time now, and right in time for the holiday season is limited-edition packaging, perfect for anyone on your list!

Hope In a Jar on Sephora's website



For the Love of Kabuki

  This Holiday season (which is so quickly approaching!!), NARS has unveiled a super exclusive, extremely giftable set of lip colour.  The Bento Box was inspired by Francois Nars' fascination with the drama and precision behind Kabuki style makeup, and is thus packaged as two separable, ceramic bowls within a beautiful wooden box. Inside the ceramic bowls are two, hand-poured lipstick formulations - Maiko, a devilish red and Sakura, a playful pink - which took over ten years to perfect.  As always, the lipstick is highly pigmented and contains nourishing Vitamin E.  Within the set is a wisteria brush, which allows for precise, even application.  Priced at $140 and available exclusively at Holt Renfrew (in Canada), this is one gift that a true beauty addict would adore.



NARS Bento Box

Glittereyez

  As I've mentioned before, glitter, sparkles, and shimmer never fail to remind me of the holiday season, and more specifically, holiday beauty!  I often use this time of year to try out vampy new trends that just wouldn't seem appropriate in the middle of July.  Last year, I was absolutely loving the Heritage Rouge pigment from MAC.  Mixed with bronze shadow and paired with an LBD, it was a daring, but classic look.
  My look-du-jour this time around is all over glitter.  This look is definitely bold, but has an ethereal quality as well - like a dark angel.  Now, when applying glitter all over, you run the risk of looking like Ke$ha, or a pre-teen, neither of which are appealing.  However, in the December issue of Flare, they profiled a beautiful take on this look....



Flare Dec. 2010

  Gorgeous!  I purchased the product that they used - Annabelle Glitterama Liquid Eyeliner in Plutonium - to achieve a similar result.  It's super easy to apply all over the lid because its liquid, not to mention it is extremely long lasting.  Pair with a little bit of eyeliner, loads of mascara, and keep the rest of your face neutral for a beautiful take on holiday glamour.