Holiday Gift Sets: Skin Care

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With so many skincare products on the market, it can be tough to nail down the right regimen. Luckily, more companies are offering skin solutions in cost-effective kits that deliver the same refreshing results as their full-sized products – but at a much cheaper price. These carefully curated skin care sets are an easy gift or selfish selection to help you stock up on your favorites.

Here are a few winners:

Soap & Glory ~ Smooth Over Darling: $48.00 (sale)

A fabulous vanity bag filled with a full-size Clean, Girls Body Wash, Scrub ‘Em & Leave ‘Em Body Scrub, The Daily Smooth Butter, and Mist You Madly body spray—plus a super sudsing shower puff. Deploy the contents of this bag on dry skin, flaky legs, and rough elbows and watch them simply smooth over. The all-in-one bath and body set with an addicting scent formulated with blackcurrant, freesia, and musk.

LaLicious ~ Luxe Body Bundle: $50.00

A dynamic duo of nourishing and moisturizing all-natural body products. LaLicious Sugar Soufflé Scrub  and Body Butter is made with Coconut Oil, Almond Oil and Vitamin E Oil. The Body Butter has a Shea Butter base that melts into the skin with no greasy residue. Comes in all kinds of yummy scents from Coconut Cream and Tahitian Flower to Sugar Kiss and Peppermint.

First Aid Beauty ~ Smooth Operator Kit: $45.00

Feel luxuriously lush and supple head to toe with this set of clinically-proven moisturizers from the Ultra Repair collection. A four-piece collection of hydrating favorites for the silkiest, softest skin possible. The Ultra Repair Cream is a super-emollient formula with a spectacular whipped, non-greasy texture that treats severely dry skin, whatever the cause. The Oatmeal Mask is a 10-minute fix that provides deep hydration to calm, nourish, and soothe distressed skin. The Lip Therapy treatment is an intense lip cream with the healing power to repair, nourish, and protect your pout.

skyn Iceland ~ Quench Kit: $45.00

Four products designed to harness the power of cryogenic technology from the Arctic to help moisturize, repair and protect super dry, sensitive skin. Ideal for aging or severely compromised complexions, this set is infused with mineral-rich Icelandic glacial waters, replenishing Arctic berries and soothing hydrators like shea butter, collodial oatmeal and Arctic algae. Together they rejuvenate exhausted and depleted skin, bringing back the glow you left behind.

Boscia ~ Little Black Book: $48.00

A set featuring the very best of Boscia’s black collection that work together to mattify shine and minimize pores. This collection of products work together to mattify shine and minimize pores. The cooling Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel moisturizer provides ultra-light hydration as it brightens skin clarity, minimizes pores, and refines skin texture. The innovative, Luminizing Black Mask boosts skin clarity and radiance by removing dirt and impurities, while the multi-tasking No Pores No Shine T-Zone Treatment instantly reduces the appearance of pores and blackheads. The Detoxifying Black Cleanser is a warming gel cleanser deeply cleans and detoxifies, dissolving pore-clogging impurities, makeup, and oil, leaving skin refreshed and revitalized.

Laura Mercier ~ Body & Bath Trio – Fresh Fig: $65.00

Laura Mercier Fresh Fig Body & Bath Trio features a full-size Crème Body Wash and 6 oz. glass jars of Body Scrub and Soufflé Body Crème in the sweet, fresh, intoxicating scent of fresh Celeste Figs blended with dewy fruit bouquets of Apricot Nectar and sensuous Ylang Ylang. Blended with the finest ingredients, each delectable item contains active ingredients that instantly nourishes the skin. This Holiday Trio comes in three of Laura Mercier’s luxurious scents: Fresh Fig, Almond Coconut Milk and Crème Brûlée. Or stop by your local Laura Mercier counter and mix and match your favorites for a truly personalized gift!

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10 Minute Fix: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask

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First Aid Beauty (F.A.B) Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask is a 10 minute remedy for dry skin. This deeply hydrating and nourishing mask repairs and revives even the most rough, flaky and dehydrated skin.

Perfect for sensitive skin, F.A.B. Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask contains no parabens, sulfates, or synthetic fragrances and dyes. It is formulated with:

• Colloidal Oatmeal (oats that have been ground to powder) – to soothe irritated skin
• Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract – helps to heal the skin and anti-aging as it combats free radicals
• Shea Butter – moisturizes and nourishes the skin

Oatmeal has been known to heal and treat many skin disorders like; eczema, poison ivy rash, insect bites. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the skin and is excellent for addressing dry skin symptoms, including itchiness, rashes, scales, peeling, etc. There is hardly anything that can match the curative action of oatmeal for combating dry skin problems.

F.A.B Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask harnesses all of these benefits into a quick 10 minute dry skin cure. The consistency of this mask is very thick, as you would expect from a nourishing mask. While wearing the mask, skin feels very comfortable – it does not tingle or irritate the skin. Easy to remove, this mask leaves skin feeling fresh, plumped and super-soft.

This is a wonderful mask to have on hand when skin feels irritated or needs a boost of moisture. It can be used at any time on a regular basis without having to worry about counteracting with your daily skincare. F.A.B Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask is the 10 minute fix for dry skin and staple in my skincare routine.

Five Favorites: Lip Treatments

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The product on everybody’s lips… Lip Treatments.

Moisturizing lip conditioners are some of my favorite products. Essential for getting rid of dry, chapped lips, these treatments care and protect all-year-round. Slather them on day/night, in-flight, in-car… anytime. My current five favorites are:

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream: Full Post Review: HERE

Homeoplasmine Cream: One of my French pharmacy favorites, this multi-purpose ointment soothes, protects and moisturizes the lips/skin. The homeopathic cream was originally created to heal the nasal passages from colds, allergies, and treat skin irritations. However, it is amazing on dry lips as it literally heals them before your eyes. I love the non-greasy consistency and the natural matte finish. Great for travel, this cream will quench jet-lagged lips/skin and the aluminum casing ensures the product will last forever. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find in the US. Sorry. 

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy: Brings the healing power of First Aid Beauty’s best-selling Ultra Repair Cream to moisturize, nourish, and protect your lips. This long-lasting, petroleum-free and paraben-free formula will prevent dryness and heal parched lips. On its own, it has a subtle, semi-matte finish. Use this healthy lip balm under lipstick to keep lips hydrated, smooth and soft.

Eco Lips Renew Rejuvenating Lip Balm: Formulated with argan oil, vitamin E and antioxidants this lip balm aids in cell renewal and anti-aging. The organic lip conditioner improves skin texture almost immediately and the petroleum-free formula locks in moisture. The bold Orange Spice flavor is a treat on the lips and kind of addicting.

NUXE Rêve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm: – Used by many makeup artists as a lip prep, this soothing lip conditioner soaks into lips and dries perfectly matte. The richly concentrated balm contains honey, plant oils, shea butter and grapefruit essence to help nourish, repair, soothe and protect the lips. The incredibly creamy, smooth texture glides on the lips effortlessly and smells of sweet citrus.

GLOW-T AWARDS: Xen-Tan Absolute Gold

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BEST OF THE BEST: Xen-Tan Absolute Gold 

Xen-Tan Absolute Gold is my Summer 2012 winner for best self-tanning product. In just one application this self-tanner produces a rich, deep, olive-based tan that lasts.

The luxurious formula contains a color guard made of 24K gold leaf. Usually, I am not a fan of color guards. I believe them to be unnecessary and the reason behind messy application. However, the gold sheen in this product is very flattering and subtle. It dries nicely and does not rub-off on clothing or bed linens.

Enriched with Shea Butter, Absolute Gold is incredibly moisturizing – which is why, I believe, it lasts so long. The rich lotion feels very pampering on the skin and does not stick to stubborn dry patches. It absorbs into the skin very quickly, which cuts out drying time, but forces application to be speedy. The formula contains Xen-Tan’s innovative “Scent Secure” – a ground-breaking technology that blocks out self-tan (DHA) odor. And has a sweet vanilla scent, that reminds me of yummy marzipan.

For an easy, single-application, luxurious-feeling, natural-looking dark tan – you need to try Xen-Tan Absolute Gold.

Read my post on: Application Tips & Tricks

GLOW-T AWARDS: Kerstin Florian Sunless Tan

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BEST MOISTURIZING SELF-TANNER: Kerstin Florian Sunless Tan

Kerstin Florian Sunless Tan is an innovative product that provides easy application, natural color, consistency, moisture and a pleasant aroma.

The uber moisturizing formula is enriched with Sweet Almond Oil and Shea Butter to deeply hydrate and smooth the skin for a radiant, streak-free appearance. Ginko Biloba and Echinacea extracts help to condition the skin, fight free radicals and promote healthy cell regeneration.

The active ingredient in most self-tanners is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with the outer layer of the skin to create a bronzed tone. Kerstin Florian Sunless Tan uses a natural sunless tanning ingredient derived from a vegetable source. It reacts with amino acids in the top layer of the skin to produce the golden appearance.

Selected by SELF Magazine as the “Best New Self-Tanning Product of the Year,” Kerstin Florian Sunless Tan is thick and creamy and smells subtly like a bouquet of flowers. The initial color is light but builds to a beautiful sun-kissed glow. It feels very lux on the skin and feels and smells like a spa treatment.

Read my post on: Application Tips & Tricks

Holy Grail: Vitality Lip Flush 4-in-1 Anti-Aging Lipstick Stain

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An all-in-one phenomenon. Combine your favorite lip balm, lipstick, lip gloss and lip stain and you will have IT Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush 4-in-1 Anti-Aging Lipstick Stain. 

IT Cosmetics by Jackie Kern stands for Innovative Technology Cosmetics. It is created with the help of leading plastic surgeons to infuse medical grade makeup with healing skin loving ingredients with cutting edge technology.

Unlike anything I have tried before, this lip product creates the most perfect stained lip.  The uber moisturizing formula glides on the lips seamlessly and resembles the feeling of a glossy lip balm. After application, lips are stained with a gorgeous “your lips but better” flush. This product comes in 3 different stains: Je Ne Sais Quoi (crystal pink), Love Story (mid-range pink) and Pretty Woman (berry).

This truly innovative lip product contains IT Cosmetics Hydra-Luxe™ Technology which features plum oil, cherry oil, shea butter, aloe, and jojoba that all work together to treat, hydrate, condition, and nourish your lips. It is also packed with anti-oxidants including acai, green tea, white tea, and vitamins A, C, and E to fight free-radicals and  minimize the appearance of lip lines and wrinkles.

IT Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush 4-in-1 Anti-Aging Lipstick Stain is added to the Holy Grail list for two reasons: texture and color. It is the lip product I have always been looking but did not know existed. Until now.

Festival Beauty Essentials

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Be prepared for hot and sticky situations with Glow-T’s Festival Beauty Essentials:

Tory Burch Double Zip Train Case: A great travel case with cool ikat design.

Supergoop! Sunscreen Swipes SPF 30 (21 count): These sunscreen wipes are individually packed, perfect for throwing in your bag. The pre-moistened towelettes are formulated to calm and soothe the skin while providing complete UV protection. Great for sensitive skin, these wipes can be used all over the body.

Coola SPF 30 Unscented Matte Finish Tint: This lightly tinted moisturizer delivers broad spectrum SPF 30 protection. Infused with antioxidants, shea butter, plankton, borage seed oil and evening primrose extract, this lotion will rejuvinate, hydrate and protect. The water-resistant formula and matte finish is great for long days in the sun.

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25: My favorite lip balm to date, this product is incrediably soothing and moisturizing – provides SPF 25 and lasts. Enriched with superior skin conditioners and antioxidants, this emollient balm relieves dry, chapped and irritated lips.

Donna Karen Cashmere Mist Deodorant: Keep dry and odor-free with Donna Karen’s Cashmere Mist Deodorant. Delicately scented with perfume, this advanced formula controls wetness and perspiration.

CleanWell All Natural Hand Sanitizing Spray: Thousands of people and porta-potties… hand sanitizer is a must. This all-natural formula is made with thyme oil that kills all germs and the portable spray makes it easy to carry everywhere.

Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo (Travel Size): Extend time between washes with a dry shampoo. This gentle formula smells nice and absorbs oil and dirt – an instant refresher. Infused with oat milk, it also nourishes the hair while creating volume and texture.

Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes: Remove makeup, dirt and oil quickly with these all-natural wipes. Formulated with aloe vera, cucumber, chamomile and vitamin E, the easy-access wipes cleanse and refresh the face and body. Bonus: When purchased, these biodegradable wipes support to protect the endangered Polar Bear.

RMS Cream Eyeshadow – Solar: Perfect for the desert princess, this cream eyeshadow reflects a sheer wash of gold. A great all-in-one eye product, it doubles as an eye cream to nourish and moisturize the eye area.

NARS Cream Blush – Cactus Flower: The name alone implies desert beauty. This bright coral/spicy pink cream blush can be used on both the cheeks and lips. A very subtle gold shimmer leaves the skin flushed, dewy and healthy.

Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes Waterproof Mascara: Waterproof mascara is a must-have. I assure you Givenchy’s will not budge or smudge. The spiked-ball wand takes a little to get used to but defines, separates and lengthens exquisitely. Tip: With your finger, smudge on the lashline for an instant liner effect that will last.

Laura Geller Balance-n-Bronze: A genius design, adding bronzer and foundation, all-in-one. The color-correcting foundation is sheer but never looks powdery. The baked bronzer is infused with layers of color to achieve the perfect sun-kissed shade. Swipe separately or swirl together to get a glowing, sun-goddess look.

Hydration Help: Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado

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Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado is a rich eye cream that nourishes and hydrates. More than just an eye cream, it truly is a treatment for the eyes.

The light green cream has a thick consistency that mimics fresh avocados. It plumps the under eye area with an intense concentration of actives; Beta Carotene, a powerful antioxidant, Shea Butter restores hydration and keeps skin protected, and Avocado Oil moisturizes and infuses skin with amino acids, vitamins, and potassium.

When applied, the composition of the rich cream magically changes to a water-soluable texture. The delicate eye area immediately drinks this up, providing a burst of hydration. Tested under Ophthalmologists, the concentrated formula will not irritate or migrate into the eyes. No trace of film or residue is left on the skin that sometimes interfere with makeup or concealer application.

Treat your eyes to a burst of moisture with Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado. (Don’t forget about Kiehl’s more than generous sample gifting.)

Glow-T Gift Guide: All-Natural

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Glow-T’s Gift Guide ends with all-natural gift ideas. Give the gift of products that support and promote a healthy lifestyle. All-natural, paraben-free, gluten-free and environmental-friendly items made from the finest ingredients.

From Red Apple Lipstick – a gluten-free, paraben-free and allergen-free lipstick that is incredibly pigmented, applies smoothly  and moisturizes lips with vitamin E and Shea butter – to – fun holiday gift sets filled with all-natural products. Here are a few ideas for the green girl in your life.

Melvita ~ Rose Nectar Gift Set: $55.00

Red Apple Lipstick ~ Gluten-Free Lipstick: $17.50

LUSH ~ Happy Christmas: $44.95

Skinbotanica ~ Pure Fiji Island Bliss Gift Pack – Starfruit: $44.00

Dermstore ~ Pevonia Botanica Your Skincare Solution Safe Sun Face & Body Pack: $46.00

Glow-T Gift Guide: Bath & Body

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Glow-T’s Gift Guide continues with bath & body. Give the gift of relaxation with creamy, bubbly bath products. Pamper loved ones with luxurious holiday bath sets that aid in relaxation. From mood-changing natural oils to decadent bath bubbles and balms, here are a few gift ideas for an at-home spa experience.

Space NK ~ Rodial REHAB Bath & Body Gift Set: $60.00

BeautyHabit ~ Kai Bubbles & Light Gift Set: $49.00

BeautyBar ~ Elemental Herbology Botanical Bathing Infusions Gift Set: $42.00

Sephora ~ L’Occitane Best of L’Occitane Set: $75.00

Nordstrom ~ Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Body & Bath Trio: $60.00

Triple Threat: Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Foundation

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Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Foundation

Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Foundation combines skin nourishing benefits, sun protection and perfect coverage, making it – The Triple Threat.

This luxurious foundation is a serious moisturizing treatment for the skin. The consistency is extremely emollient, balm-like. It feels nourishing and healing on the skin. The medium to full coverage foundation leaves skin looking fresh and dewy – healthy.

This product applies best using a foundation brush. I like to massage the product on the back of my hand to “activate” or warm-up the foundation. Once applied, skin tone is even, radiant and hydrated. Setting this foundation with powder is a must for combination to oily skin. Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Foundation lasts all day and does not settle into fine lines and pores.

Over time, using this foundation will help to reduce visible signs of aging. Extra Repair Foundation is formulated with: Peptides to boost natural collagen levels, Carrot Extract to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles and both Shea and Muru Muru Butter to strengthen skin’s natural barrier and replenish moisture.

Finally ‘the triple threat’ would not be complete without sun protection. Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Foundation provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection in SPF 25 and Vitamin E to protect against free radicals.

Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Foundation is the answer to dull winter skin – cover/nourish/protect – The Triple Threat.

Drugstore Find: Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter

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Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters are Revlon’s newest lip creation. Currently available only on promotion at certain drugstores, these lip butters come in 20 amazing shades that are incredibly pigmented.

Formulated with, mango butter, shea butter and coconut butter, the gel formula naturally boost lip’s moisture which decreases the need for reapplication. The color is vibrant and glossy and the staying power is excellent.

These are my absolute favorite drugstore lipsticks at the moment. The reds are great for winter and the Lollipop shade is a fun and bright fuchsia shade.

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters will become part of the permanent collection, January 2012.

Brilliant Balm: Rodial Glam Balm

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Rodial Glam Balm

Rodial Glam Balm is a multi-purpose skin treatment that revitalizes the skin. This anti-aging balm can be used on the face, lips, neck or hands.

Glam Balm contains Myrrh extract that plumps-up fat cells in the skin for a fuller appearance. Vitamin C that brightens, stimulates collagen and provides antioxidant protection. Calendula, shea butter and vitamin E which help restore moisture and sooth the skin. It also contains Bergamot Fruit oil which is an antiseptic used to treat acne.

Glam balm can be used as a mask or simply to spot-treat. This product has a similar texture to petroleum jelly, but richly thicker. It goes on clear and feels extremely hydrating on the skin. Glam Balm retains no scent and can be used on even the most sensitive skin.

With a multitude of benefits – reduces fine lines, plumps lips and wrinkles, calms and heals sensitive/irritated skin and increases collagen production – there is bound to be a reward for everyone.