A Few of My Favorite Things: ALEX’S ECO-CHIC HOLIDAY GIFT LIST

From the fabulous window displays to all the perfectly good excuses to get dressed up, this is my favorite time of year - even if the cold means I am applying Skin Food to my hands every five minutes.

Since there’s nothing better than sharing your favorite things with friends, here are my top eco-chic gift picks for the holidays. Whether for you or someone else (or both!), there’s nothing better than a gift that makes you feel good, makes you look good, and that you know is good for you. It’s a win-win-win situation.

1. KORRES Vitamin E - 10 COLOR COLLECTION ($32.50)

With intense pigment that stays put and nourishing Vitamin E and Jojoba oils, these eye pencils are great for day or night. For the holidays, KORRES has gone above and beyond, putting together a limited-edition set of 10 FULL SIZED eye pencils - a $160 value! They’re perfect whether you wrap the box for one lucky set of eyes, or split up the set into multiple gifts. (Maybe tie up a set of three with one of these pencil sharpeners?)

2. tarte cheek stain in TEN ($30)

I have something of an obsession with tarte cheek stains if you haven’t noticed, and this year, in honor of tarte’s tenth birthday, they’ve created a limited-edition color. The universally flattering pink is packed in a gorgeous aubergine tube emblazoned with a gold-studded TEN. I think I love the packaging as much as the product.

3. tarte limited edition gold-toned eyelash curler ($15)

My favorite eyelash curler is all dressed up for the holidays. The best eyelash curler I’ve yet to try, tarte created an ergonomic, spring hinge design with silicone pads, so it’s gentle on your lashes - and it really makes your eyes POP (you can buy the bling-less, but just fabulous, original here). For those who normally don’t leave the house without mascara (me) it’s incredible what this little tool can do. In less than two minutes, I look like I’ve had ten hours rest. It’s the next best thing to gifting someone a good night’s sleep.

4. KORRES Lip Saver Holiday Trio ($19.50)

We’re big fans of KORRES Lip Butters here at BB, and this set includes three full-sized pots in pomegranate, wild rose, and jasmine. Made with shea butter and rice wax, the lip balms are super hydrating while giving you a bit of color and shine. Normally $10 each, this incredible set is flattering for all skin tones and perfect for keeping lips moisturized during the cold winter months.

5. tarte lash accessory kit ($34)

For your most lash obsessed friends, check out this mascara trio from tarte. The set includes a trio of treasures: a deluxe size version of lights, camera, lashes!, the 4-in-1 mascara that is proven to increase lash volume by 424%; the nourishing rejuvulash, to get rid of clumps as well as freshen up your lashes midday; plus the ergonomically designed bottoms up lower lash mascara.  A $42 value.

6. KORRES Smoky Eye Collection ($39.50)

There is an art to the smoky eye, and KORRES is happy to walk you through the process. This seven-piece set includes their Abyssinia mascara, a black liner, and four shadows to create a smoldering eye, and following the dramatic eye/subtle lip rule, they throw in their ridiculously moisturizing Cherry Oil Lipgloss in Beige Pink. The products are a $117 value. The step-by-step guide...priceless.

7. PADDYWAX Winter Birds candle ($12)

I adore Paddywax candles for their lovely, subtle fragrance blends - especially at the holidays. They smell amazing, without being overpowering, and they’re made with soy wax and all natural ingredients (no synthetic fragrances, no petro chemicals, no lead wicks). Light one of these pretty little blue spruce and cranberry candles while you’re getting ready to go out, or bring one as a hostess gift. 40 hours of eco-winter wonderland.

8. Cotton Letterpress Thank You Notes by creativity cards ($4)

“Your generosity is only exceeded by your good looks (thank you)” is printed on this eco-friendly letterpress greeting card by creativity cards. White on white (no ink!) and made of cotton, it’s a paperless way to send a note of thanks for gorgeous the gifts you’ve received.

Have a beautiful holiday! xo a.

WASHING UP: Eco Soaps from Wembe

Kim Carlson of EarthSmartConsumer says that a simple step towards eco-awareness is to buy soap and other skincare products in bars because they require little to no packaging and disappear as you use them leaving no footprint. Pretty genius, right? The only problem is there are many bars out there that are far from environmentally friendly, containing sulfates and petrochemicals, and often stripping your skin of natural moisture.

When I received a box from Wembe, the amazing aroma as I opened the package told me this was not your everyday cake soap. Big, chunky blocks created with essential oils and moisturizing butters from the Amazonian rainforests, Wembe crafts their soaps “following the aroma-therapeutic principles of each plant, so each bar of soap and each ounce of salt or scrub is more than just a perfumed hygiene item, it's a work of art hand crafted to alter the mood and smoothe the spirit.”

Wembe has created over a dozen soaps including the Citric Cleansing Blend with Cupassu butter, lemon and orange, and Seaweed Cleansing Blend with Jojoba, Seaweed and seaweed extracts --- both ideal as daily body washes. The Mbocaya Cleansing Blend is made with two types of coconut and is great for both oily skin and as a shampoo.

Hands down, my favorite is the Loofah Exfoliating Blend: almond oil, dill and natural sponge combine to make the perfect way to scrub away dead cells and moisturize dry, winter skin. And it has this wonderfully fresh and clean smell, no synthetic fragrances. Simply clean.

All Wembe soaps are free of parabens, synthetics, silicone and animal byproducts. I’m curious to try the 100% Olive Oil Castille bar as well as the Snow bar which seems perfect for winter colds with its blend of eucalyptus and mint. Ranging from $7-$11.85, the bars are a hefty 3.75 ounces (the round Loofah bars are three ounces). Order online at www.wembe.com and join their Facebook page to stay updated on what’s new with this up and coming brand.

Although less packaging is a good thing, it doesn’t mean less can’t be fabulous. Wembe soaps are packaged in minimalist kraft paper and a set of three come boxed in a kraft paper box with a “W” embossed in kelly green wax. They’re the perfect holiday gift set to go! xo alex.

tarte+Sephora = the gift that keeps on giving

As I wrote last week, tarte has come up with some brilliant holiday gift sets. And here’s the most spectacular one of all, the treasure chest. Their annual gift palette is back but this time with 30% more green goodness. Not only would it make a fabulous gift but it is the end-all to any excuses that it costs a fortune to green your beauty routine. The tarte treasure chest, exclusive to Sephora, retails for $52 but contains $686 worth of eco-gorgeous beauty.

The bejeweled box contains an amazing 16 new shimmering eyeshadows, 16 new matte eyeshadows, 16 brand new tarte lip gloss hues, 4 new powder blushes, a pale pink luminizer and mineral powder bronzer in the very flattering park ave princesss.

This box of eco-loveliness does not contain a single paraben, phtalate, sulfate or synthetic ingredient. Everything is also gluten, glycol, talc and cruelty free.

The palette is so diverse it’s got everything for those who want to follow the trends as well as those who favor a more classic look. Just grab some mascara and a few brushes and you’re set to go!

The limited edition set is only available at Sephora stores and online at www.sephora.com. xo alex.

Jurlique For Holiday

I loooooove the holidays. Presents, presents, presents. What's more fun than giving and receiving? Throughout the month, I'll be posting some of my favorite holiday gift giving ideas for my beautiful readers.

First, we have the facial: It's like the candle is for a smaller gift, the facial is a sure thing. Every woman adores a good facial and Jurlique gives great facials (buy that special someone a gift certificate for $110.00). I just had one today and I swear, I practically fell asleep. The aromatic scents, the facial massage, the cleansing oils, everything was pretty near perfect. Not to mention I left with glowing, radiant and hydrated skin. For more info on facials, contact a Jurlique store near you. P.S. The Rosewater Toner Mist ($21.00) spritzed throughout the entire facial is a must-must-must! Great stocking stuffer too!


On another note, pre packaged gift sets galore from one of my favorite biodynamic beauty companies. I am slightly obsessed with the gift boxes too. A gift within a gift. Great for showcasing a little PEACE, LOVE, JOY and ENCHANT around the house.

Here are your choices for Holiday 2009:
PEACE Lavender Fields Gift Set ($60)
Lavender Hand Cream
Lavender Hydrating Mist

LOVE Lovable Skin Gift Set ($45)
Rose Hand Cream
Love Balm

JOY Herbal Recovery Gift Set ($146)
Herbal Recovery Gel
Rosewater Balancing Mist
Herbal Recovery Eye Gel

ENCHANT Roses ($88)
Rose Hand Cream
Rose Body Lotion
Rosewater Balancing Mist

BLACK FRIDAY PAMPERING at The Organic Pharmacy

From London to Los Angeles, The Organic Pharmacy has set up shop in Beverly Hills and invites Beauty Banter readers to indulge post-feast at their Black Friday shopping event. Incredible gifts with purchase, mini treatments and 10% off treatments booked that day! Plus the chance to win a five-night getaway to Capella Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas (which happens to have its own fabulous natural and organic product-pampering spa).



For more information about The Organic Pharmacy click here. Happy Thanksgiving! xo alex.

holiday shop and share with tarte

Sometimes holiday shopping can lose a bit of it’s luster when you find yourself with too many people on your list and a budget that can’t match it. tarte to the rescue! I love giving gifts I would want to receive myself and tarte has read my mind when creating two fabulous, limited edition sets that can be divided up, mixed and matched or added to your own vanity.

The THREE CARATS natural cheek stain set spreads a little bling with silver, jewel-encrusted tubes. Infused with the t5 super fruit complex of anti-oxidants and vitamins, the long-lasting tints are made without parabens, pthalates, sulfates, or petrochemicals and are oil, gluten and glycol free. Naturally scented with cassis, the holiday trio includes BRILLIANT, a shimmering champagne, PRINCESS, a shimmering rose and CUSHION, a shimmering deep apricot. The shimmer is subtle, and these are perfect for all skin tones. At $25 for the set (they retail for $54), they’re fabulous together or grab some mini organza bags and give them individually (making them $8.33 a piece).

Even more versatile gifting can be found in the CROWN JEWELS lipgloss set. Presented with three boxes you can gift together or separate to share. Like the cheek stains, the lipglosses are free of all the worst offenders which means you won’t ingest any of the petrochemicals and other harsh toxins found in less green lippies. The sets include GLITTERING GREEN GODDESS, with sheer glosses in shades of pink, peach and beige, TWINKLING TRENDSETTERS includes shades of pink from strawberry and melon to fuchsia and the sparkling DAZZLING DIVAS includes warmer shades like coral, orchid, gold and violet. Each set contains five glosses, so at $39 (a $160 retail value) you can give them all, split them up into three fabulous gifts at $13 a piece, or mix and match!

The sets are available at tarte.com, beauty.com and at Sephora in stores and online. xo alex.

KORRES GETS IN THE SPIRIT

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…have you noticed? Everywhere I look storefronts are filled with glitter and coffee table-sized holiday catalogs are arriving unable to fit in my mailbox. Getting into the holiday spirit, KORRES has a special offer for Beauty Banter readers on all their eco-luxurious products for bath and body. Whether you need to green your makeup routine for the parties ahead or want to gift one of their incredibly priced kits, KORRES is ready to make your holiday shopping as stress free as possible.

In the past I’ve mentioned how much I love KORRES gift and value sets. Whether it’s for skincare or cosmetics, they’re an economical way to go green while also trying out a variety of products. They also make fabulous gifts with their great packaging and beautiful designs.

This holiday, KORRES has an online exclusive shower gel trio, TRIPLE TREATS. The limited edition set includes three shower gels (in travel-approved sizes), making them perfect for your holiday getaway or as a gift. The set features the classic Jasmine and Guava scents as well as their new Japanese Rose. Free of sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrance and dyes, the shower gels are made for winter weather with their Active Aloe© formula to fight signs of aging, alongside shea butter, wheat proteins and aloe vera to soothe and soften skin. A great gift for men or women, the trio comes wrapped in silver holiday packaging and retails for $12 (a $21 value).

As a big fan of KORRES Color, I think the limited edition SUGAR PLUMS trio makes a great gift but it’s also a perfect way to add a bit more drama to your makeup bag for winter. If you’ve never tried KORRES lip butters, the plum is a great intro. The color is like a sheer wine stain but the moisture is the incredible part (rice wax and shea butter do the trick). Also included is a Plum Cherry Lip Gloss, which is more dramatic color and shine but still sheer enough for day or night. For more drama, add an extra coat for deeper color and a glossy finish. All glosses are made with vitamin E and C, and cherry oil which always reminds me of the cherry chapstick I called lipstick as a little girl. The final item in the set is the Plum Sunflower and Evening Primrose Simmering Eyeshadow. Designed for the most sensitive skin, the shadow is a gorgeous, shimmery plum. I love it applied to the lashline as a powdered liner. A $41 value, the set is $29.50.


Get a head start on your holiday shopping (or treat yourself) with a gift from KORRES to Beauty Banter. Shop online at www.korresusa.com and save 30% on all purchases through the holidays. Spend $35 and get free shipping, too! Enter promo code BANTER at checkout. And don’t forget to check out their amazing gift and value sets here. xo alex.

Ojon Holiday Hair Sampler

All-natural beauty company, Ojon, is offering a great holiday gift set - perfectly sized for stocking stuffers!

If you haven't tried Ojon before, this is your opportunity. Their products are derived from tribal treatments (harvested from the rainforest) for the hair, face and body.


I love the haircare line. The Ojon oil is an ancient native secret to beautiful hair from Central America's Tawira tribe, known as the "people of beautiful hair" (isn't that reason enough to test out the goods?!). I use the shine drops when I run low on Kerastase (or just need a change). It leaves my mane looking ultra shiny and healthy. I've recently added the Rub-Out Dry Shampoo to my cabinet. They offer a conveninet travel size which I keep in my purse for those spontaneous day to night outings. The Rub-Out does wonders for oily, dirty hair - restoring volume and masking the smell of day old (or 3 days old) hair.

The Tour of the Rainforest 7 Piece Discovery Kit contains the dry shampoo along with an assortment of their best-selling shampoos and conditioners (all in 2 oz bottles).

Here's what you get:

Ultra Hydrating Shampoo
Ultra Hydrating Conditioner
Hydrating Thickening Shampoo
Hydrating Thickening Conditioner
Shine and Protect Shampoo
Shine and Protect Conditioner
Rub-Out Dry Cleanser

This hair sampler lets experiment until you've found your perfect match!

PRICE TAG: $39.00 (exclusive to QVC - click here to purchase).

HD Gift Set

Keeping with the HD theme, Make Up For Ever is offering a limited-edition, Holiday set of the HD Powder with a Kabuki brush . This is the must-have brush for dusting the powder effortlessly across your mug!


If you still haven't tried the incredible HD collection, now is your chance! Flawless skin is always in style!

PRICE TAG: $49.00

A few of my favorite things... Gift Sets!

Tis the season! Here are some of my favorite Holiday gift set offerings:

LaLicious Sugar Souffle Scrub Sampler - With three scrumptious sugar scrubs in warm Holiday scents, this is a must-have for a joyous bathing experience. They both exfoliate and moisturize making them great for everyday use. Each 2 oz jar is brimming with Holiday cheer. Scents include Brown Sugar & Vanilla, Coconut Cream, Coffee Bean and Peppermint. $30.00


Soap & Glory Glove Story - If you're like me, than bath time is unwind time. This kit offers everything you'll need to relax, kick back and rejuvinate. 16.2 oz of Clean On Me Scented Body Wash (delicious!), 10.1 oz of Righteous Butter (shea butter and aloe vera make the greatest winter moisturizer) and the coolest, pink bumpy massage gloves to complete the experience (they feel fab!). It's all packaged in a really funky, old-school girly pink box (and everything - I mean everything - ryhmes!). 18 pounds (about $26.00)


Diptyque's Black Box Set - Candle lovers, beware! This is a purchase you won't be able to resist. Diptyque has packaged 3 of their adored candles into the purrrfect Holiday gift set. The limited-edition, mini votives offer special Holiday scents that are reminiscent of all things Winter and white. Each candle burns for an estimated 30 hours! Scents are - Epicea: Spruce; Feu de Bois: Firewood; Pomander: Cinnamon and orange. Welcome home, the place smells superb! $98.00


Nars 5 Piece Lip Gloss Set - Kissable lips are a necessity - especially while frolicking under the misletoe (amazing excuse to lock lips!). Nars is offering their famous glosses in a limited-edition 5 lippy set. The colors are Striptease, Orgasm (*Beauty Banter Fave*), Bloodwork, Harlow and Triple X. Wearable colors for a sultry winter mouth. Pucker up! $45.00


Laura Mercier Silver and Gold Eye Compacts - A smokey eye is always in style. These limited-edition eye compacts give you everything you need to create the look. Shadow colors match the sleek metal cases - choose from neutrals and browns or blues and silvers. Dramatic eyes made simple! Exclusive to Saks.


ecoTools 5 Piece Brush Set - All of the necessary brushes are now available in a convenient travel sized set. The set contains a mineral powder brush, concealer brush, eye shading brush, baby kabuki brush (so cute!) and hemp and linen cosmetic bag. All of the brushes feature animal-free taklon bristles (made from soft and pliable synthetic hair, with the metallic ferrule made from recycled aluminum cans). Talk about sustainable beauty! $9.99

What's on your holiday wish list?

Candles Worth Giving... And Receiving!

Candles are a great go-to gift. Going to a friend's holiday party? Bring a candle! Housewarming - again, a candle. Turkey dinner with the in-laws? That's right - candle!

A candle elicits warmth, generosity, happiness, friendship, romance, sophistication and, if you're lucky, a delicious fragrance.

Anthony Carro of Delirium & Co. Candles recently launched his very own collection - and I promise you, his namesake candles offer all of the above. They smell incredible (not too perfumey), look stunning (how can you go wrong with a sleek glass tumbler?), and are affordable! The candles are inspired by important periods in history - “The Silver Period” (housed in a silver tumbler) and "The Blue Period" (in navy glass tumblers). The Silver collection is more whimsical and sensual with scents like China Tea, Delicate Bouquet, Pear & Violet, and Sensual Camelia. The Blue collection is more rich and strong with scents like Royal Amber, Samurai Woods, Suede & Smoke, and Sweet Tobacco (does this remind you of Tocca's Agadir? Me too!).

With the holidays rapidly approaching, I've been stocking up on my candles - as gifts, of course. Although a few of them might make it into my personal collection.

All of the candles are soy based and burn for over 55 hours!!! Your house will thank-you!

PRICE TAG: $38.00

How To Reject -- And Laugh -- In Style

There's this fabulous book called, "Dis-missals: 36 Fill-In-The Blank Rejection Letters For Every Occasion" by Melissa Heckscher. It's one of those things you'd probably never buy for yourself but would totally purchase as a gift, and if received, would spend endless hours thumbing through the hilarious post cards.

How does this relate to beauty? Well, it doesn't really. Although, as they say, a smile makes the face prettier - - and these will definitely leave you smiling! Oh yeah, they have a super stylish (and girly) aesthetic too!

Here are some of my favorites (P.S. all of the cards are left BLANK so YOU get to write in who it's for and who it's from, then you tear out the card, stick a stamp on it and drop it in the mail):

To my sib,
Remember that time we forgot you at the gas station? Mom and Dad left you behind on purpose.
Hugs, (BLANK)

Dear (BLANK),
You may have thought I enjoyed our conversations, but really I just wanted to sleep with you.
See you around, (BLANK)

Dear Grandma,
Thanks for the two dollars you sent me on my birthday. I'm sure it was worth a lot in 1937.
Love, (BLANK)

Dear (BLANK)
It's not you, it's me. (And I'm the one who matters.)
See you around, (BLANK)

Dear (BLANK),
Things obviously didn't work out between us and that's okay. But I'm curious: Is your roommate single?
E-mail me.
(BLANK)

Dear (BLANK),
Everyone at work thinks we're dating, but I let them know we're just sleeping together.
See you at the meeting!

Dear (BLANK),
Stop looking at my breasts. I would tell you in person, but I know you'd be looking at my breasts.
Sincerely, (BLANK)

Hey (BLANK),
Remind me: why are we friends? I don't even like you.
??? (BLANK)
(BLANK)

Note to Self: great idea for Christmas gifts...

PRICE TAG: $12.95

Jurlique Rose Body Collection TRIO

Here's a need-to-own collection for all of you rose fanatics out there. My absolute favorite Rose Body Lotion is being paired with a Rose Shower Gel and a mini Rose Hand Lotion.... all thanks to the fabulously organic folks over at Jurlique!

Here's what you get:
Rose Shower Gel - 300 ml
Rose Body Care Lotion (click here to read my rave review) - 300 ml
Rose Hand Cream - 15 ml

Maybe I don't have a man to buy me a dozen long stem roses, but I do have Jurlique's Rose Body Collection. Life could be worse...

This kit is also available in Lavender scent (pictured).

P.S. Jurlique has tons of great Holiday gift sets available (a hand cream trio? I think I've died and gone to heaven!!!)... click here for the full list.

PRICE TAG: $52.00

The ULTIMATE Palette

Here's a Christmas gift sure to make Santa's wish list (yes, I still believe in Santa)...
Make Up For Ever just launched a limited edition all-you-can-ask-for palette of 30 shadows and blushes!

What you get:

• One 10-palette of Brights
• One 10-palette of Diamond Shadows
• One 10-palette of Neutrals
• Signed and numbered palette from Dany Sanz - Creator and Artistic Director of Make Up For Ever

And guess what: There are only 100 palettes available and YOU are the first to know! What more could a beauty whore possibly ask for??? VIP treatment... we likey!

Hurry to buy as these palettes are sure to go as quickly as Jen Aniston's newest boy-toy (she sorta has the worst luck with men... sadness)! Click here for the deets.

PRICE TAG: $390.00 ($640.00 value)

P.S. I met Dany Sanz years ago when my father was the owner of MUFE in the United States. She's AMAZINGLY French... with a personality that could rival those colorful shadows that have become her company's staple product!

Eight Hour Cream Blasts Back To The Past

Did you know that Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream was a 50's cult favorite? (Smart women those 50's housewives!) What's so amazing is that over a half a century later, with an oversaturated beauty market, the Eight Hour Cream is still a favorite among beauty-savvy women everywhere.

And why... or better yet, how can a product have such staying power? Probably because it's good! Of course, it doesn't hurt that there are endless uses for the balm: treating chapped lips, glossing lips, moisturizing dry hands and feet, nourishing cuticles, highlighting cheeks, shaping brows... one product that does so many things - that's what I call smart spending!

The highly coveted, multi-tasking and much adored Eight Hour Cream just got a vintage face lift (the irony, I know)! The new packaging is not in a tube, as we have grown accustomed to, but rather a jar. This 1950's vintage-inspired tub of the delectable cream is available throughout the Holiday season. I actually prefer the groovy "flashback to the 50's" packaging and the tub as opposed to the tube. It's easy to apply and fun for the eye, not to mention it just seems so historic!

I'm thinking it makes a damn good stocking stuffer!

PRICE TAG: $25.00 (available NOW!)

You can also get the limited edition, vintage-inspired Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant stick (pictured, right) although it's the same price as the tub and doesn't have nearly as many uses as the original cream. But, hey, we live in a democracy and that means the right to choose!

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Sunday is the day that we celebrate our mothers. Well, every day we should be celebrating the brave and amazing women that brought us onto this earth, but Sunday is the official day.

So, what token of appreciation have you purchased for your mommy dearest?!?

Here's some beauty products that make purrrfect gifts:

How about mom's favorite skin care products? La Prairie, La Mer, Clinique... these are gifts that she'll actually use! Just sneak into her bathroom and raid the beauty cabinets! And if you still can't figure it out, all mom's love a heavy duty facial moisturizer. Pick up Skyn's Stress Defense Cream with Biospheric Complex. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles while relaxing tension lines and brow furrows. Antioxidants and ferulic acid help protect skin against pollution, ozone, and light damage. Mom's skin will thank-you! Retails for $100.00

A good perfume is always a safe choice. Try any of the alluring scents from Miller Harris, London perfumers. They have floral, citrus, musk, and everything in between! I like the Fleur Oriental - it's strong, bold, and completely intoxicating. Whenever I wear it, I feel like a Parisian woman prancing along the Champs Elysees. A nice, big bottle of 3.4 oz. retails for around 52 pounds, or roughly 104 dollars.



You can never go wrong with a gorgeous, potent candle. Voluspa's Sake Lemon Flower is divine! It comes in the sleek black-laquered tumbler and burns for hours (85 to be exact). And the aura is a combination of sake, italian lemon flower, hawaiian coconut milk, tart pineapple and verbena. Can you think of anything more delicious... well, maybe a quick Island Holiday, but that may be a tad over your budget! Retails for $22.00.



Bath oil from Jo Malone is the gift that keeps on giving... being a mother is a stressful job! A nice, soothing bath is the perfect remedy. I love the Lime Basil & Mandarin scent. The smell is fresh ans zesty and the oil moisturizes the skin. They have about another dozen scents to choose from... 250 ml retails for $60.00

We want to know... what did you buy mom for the big day?!

Holiday Gift Guide... The Final Frontier

So, I know that I missed last week's Holiday gift guide... therefore, this week's is gonna ROCK THE HOUSE!

Gift ideas for the beauty obsessed:

La Mer - The Connoisseur Collection
The Creme de la Mer cream has long been a cult favorite of celebrities and fancy women with loads of money. This isn't the gift for everyone, as it is a bit pricey, but if you've got the cash and you're feeling mighty generous, this collection will literally bring tears to the recipients eyes. It's THAT good! The Connoisseur Collection comes with Crème de la Mer (2 oz.), The Moisturizing Lotion (1.7 oz.) and The Lip Balm (.32 oz.) together in a nested set of lacquer keepsake boxes.
PRICE TAG: $380.00


Bond no. 9's Andy Warhol Silver Factory
This unisex perfume is developed in part with the Andy Warhol Foundation for The Visual Arts. The bottle is "AH" inspiring (very reminiscent of the Warhol Campbell Soup silkscreen that made him famous) and, apparently, the fragrance is just as delicious. Bond no. 9 has also created some amazing Holiday bottles (like the swarovski crystal ones) perfect for a fragrance junkie!
PRICE TAG: $230.00 for 100 ml.

Prescriptives Colorscope Refillable Palette For Eyes And Cheeks
This face palette comes in two tones - warm (golds) and cool (blues and purples). I'm definitely a warm sorta gal. It comes with a special Holiday cheek color and highlighter, and 6 amazing eye colors. Everything you'll need to get started on your post-Holiday hottie look.
Colors include: Ginger with gold overspray for cheeks, Warm Light with gold overspray for highlighting, and Frosting, Malt Sparkle, Pongee, Apricot, Antique Gold, and NEW Goldleaf for eyes!
PRICE TAG: $52.00

Cargo Bronzing Kit
Just because it's winter doesn't mean that you shouldn't sport a flattering tan! This collection of Cargo must-have bronzing products is the perfect gift for the tanning obsessed! It includes CARGO's best-selling and award-winning Medium Bronzer, professional quality powder/bronzing brush (my favorite kind - wide and stubby with mega-soft bristles), PurseGloss™ in Baja (exclusive to this kit), and the brand new EyeBronzer, in a reusable gift tin. Bronze thee face, sun and streak free!
PRICE TAG: $35.00 (an $81.00 value!)


Go Smile 5 Senses Toothpaste Kit
Okay, so maybe people don't actually want toothpaste as a present, but this kit will change their mind! It's packed with 5 deliciously tasting pastes that also whiten and protect your precious teeth! And after all, aren't the Holidays all about puckering up and sharing saliva?! Set includes toothpastes in Mango Paradise Smile™, Aloha Tropical Smile™, Lemonade Smile, Ginger Cookie Smile, Peppermint Candy Smile, and a travel toothbrush.
PRICE TAG: $25.00

Duel Cabernet/ Shiraz Blend
There's nothing like a beautiful glass of vino for the Holidays! Duel 2004 is a perfect blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Shiraz. With its aromas of blueberry, mocha dust and dark red plum, infused with raspberry and coffee bean, and accented by delicate hints of white pepper, cinnamon and clove, we're thinking this is the must-have wine of the Holiday season! I opened up a bottle to "taste" and ended up drinking the entire thing in one sitting! It's THAT good. Lets be honest.. who doesn't appreciate a fine bottle of red wine???
PRICE TAG: $38.00 for a bottle



Tis the Season!

Holiday Gift Guide... PART II

Week 2 of great gift ideas for the beauty obsessed...

Product Body's Mini Me Gift Set
These are the same incredible products that I tried and LOVED - Crush On You Body Scrub, Cream and Double Whipped Shea Butter - just smaller. Great for that special someone who loves a pampered bath!
PRICE: $29.00 for the set (retails for $42.00!)


Anthony Logistics For Men "It" Kit
6 of Anthony Logistics best selling men's shaving products packed in a cool travel bag. What you get: Clean with Glycolic Facial Cleanser (4 oz.). Smooth with Face Scrub (2 oz.), Sea Salt Body Scrub (4 oz.) and After Shave Balm (2.5 oz.). Shave with Pre Shave Oil (1 oz.) and Shave Cream (2 oz).
PRICE: $50.00 for the set

I Love Dior Deluxe Palette
The ultimate Holiday travel palette with everything from bronzer to mascara! (my fave, DiorShow)! Perfect for that certain someone who likes all-in-one face kits and cutting down on the getting ready time! Kit includes: All over glow bronzing powder, 6 sensational eyeshadows, a deluxe travel size Diorshow Mascara and Ultra Gloss for lips.
PRICE: $70.00

Make Up For Ever Diamonds For Ever Kit
Limited edition make-up kit with shiny, diamond like products tucked beautifully in a versatile vanity pouch with mirror. Kit includes: best-selling Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes and Diamond Shadow, the new must-have Diamond Powder hue Champagne and an essential black mascara and transparent lip gloss. Diamonds ARE a girl's best friend... (and these diamonds are way less then the real bling)!
PRICE: $49.00 for kit (retails for $110.00!)

Holiday Gift Guide... PART I

With the Holidays quickly approaching, we here at Beauty Banter are going to post weekly gift guides in lieu of the WEEKLY MUST-HAVES!

Tis the Season... all things BEAUTY!

Cargo Glossy Greetings Tags
Gift tags with Cargo's copper rose lip gloss (Machu Picchu) built in... perfect for attaching to boxes or gift bags!
PRICE: $7.50 for 5 tags (100% of the proceeds from the sale of GlossyGreetings™ Tags are being donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.)

Philosophy Home For the Holidays 3-Piece Set
The Holiday season deserves special Holiday smells - like candy canes, hot cocoa, apple cider... is your mouth watering yet? This set includes the 3-in-1 shampoo, bath and shower gels in cinnamon buns, double rich hot cocoa, and spiced apple cider.
PRICE: $30.00 for the set

Kai Perfume Body Buffer
Sure, Oprah had it on her "Favorite Things 2007" episode, but we're also going gaga over this fab sponge and soap buffer with Kai's signature tropical fragrance (think gardenia meets coconut and they have a love child together!).
PRICE: $28.00 for 2-sponge pack

Laura Mercier Mini Lip Plumper Set
I pretty much lover everything that Laura Mercier does, but this set goes above and beyond. You get three fabulous Lip Plumpers in a small chocolate brown faux leather zippered case. The colors are wildberry, pink shimmer and wine - mix and match to create the perfect Holiday lippy!
PRICE: $40.00 for the set (free shipping if you order NOW!)


The Body Shop Relax With Lavender Gift Set
You get a lot of product for a little cash. And who couldn't use a relaxing bath? Here's what comes in the set: 2 fl oz Lavender Body Lotion, 2 fl oz Lavender Body Wash, 3.4 fl oz Lavender Massage Oil, Twin Ball Massager and Mini Lavender Bath Lily.
PRICE: $32.00 for the set

Have the perfect beauty gift that we just HAVE TO POST? Leave a comment or email us: beautybanter@gmail.com!