Tag Archives: ren

beauty buzz: all about beauty oils

When the rabid trend for beauty oils began, I donned my usual skeptical expression (one eyebrow cocked in a way that I like to think makes me look both shrewd and brilliant, but will probably just result in uneven wrinkles when I’m 40 80). Oil? On my face? On purpose? But little by little, I’ve weakened, and they’ve started creeping into my daily beauty routine. Finally, I looked around my bathroom yesterday and realized I’ve become an oil addict.

Why, you ask? The beauty of beauty oils is a multi-faceted thing. They feel luxurious to use, like I’m Elizabeth Taylor or something. On a practical note, they seem more soothing to my skin, more natural than applying creams and gels and tonics. It feels closer to what my skin would actually want, if it could ask. Also, they’re a relative bargain – a very little bit of oil goes a very long way.

With that, a few of the oils I can’t get enough of these days: Read on →

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get gifting: at the spa

Good morning, friends! And welcome to our annual Holiday Gift Guide Spectacular! This year, I have a whopping nine guides for you, and they’re absolutely gorgeous (thanks entirely to my genius hubs, who made all of these pretty graphics for us!). I think they’re our best yet! When it’s all said and done, I think I’ll have covered absolutely, positively everyone on your list. I truly hope this will make each and every one of your holiday shopping lists a breeze, and your season a bit brighter.

Let’s kick things off with a few of my favorite gifts for the beauty addict. If she can’t hit a mall without beelining for Sephora, changes her nail polish color as often as she changes her clothes, and always has the inside scoop on the best new spa in town, look no further.

  1. The beauty gift that keeps on giving – Birch Box will deliver a box of product samples to her door every month, so she can test out the latest and greatest from her favorite brands. Birch Box beauty gift box subscription, from $30
  2. Bobbi Brown nails the holidays every year, but this petite little palette is one of my favorites. Eyes, cheeks and lips covered in a kit barely bigger than a box of matches. To Go palette, Bobbi Brown, $25
  3. I’ll admit, I’m mostly after this for the Peter Som-designed makeup bag. But it’s also packed with goodies from Clark’s Botanicals, which is a great bonus. Peter Som for Clark’s Botanicals travel kit, $59
  4. I’m officially obsessed with NUDE’s Replenishing Night Oil, which moisturizes beautifully without clogging pores. Her skin will thank you for months to come. Radiance Collection, NUDE Skincare, $78
  5. Tarte has a cult following, and any beauty addict will know their cheek stain is legendary. This kit gets you the classic shade, plus a few fab extras, all at a very gift-friendly price. Shining Stars gift set, Tarte, $25
  6. I love REN for holiday sets – they’re always so beautifully designed, and the products are every bit as good as the packaging. I’m a sucker for a great citrus scent, and their Neroli Grapefruit is one of the best. Neroli Grapefruit body duo, REN, $45
  7. This gorgeous gold compact is as luxe a gift as I’ve ever seen, and the subtly shimmery powder inside will have her glowing all season. Passion face palette, Clarins, $55
  8. This time of year, everyone’s skin is a scaly mess, but this Borghese scrub will make her limbs silky smooth, with a delicious citrus scent I can’t resist. Vitamin C body scrub, Borghese, $49
  9. Creme de Corps is a cult classic, with good reason. This limited edition package by Jeff Koons is pretty enough for her nightstand, and proceeds go to help rescue missing and exploited children. Limited Edition Koons Creme de Corps, Kiehl’s, from $29
  10. elizabethW has recently redesigned their entire line, and the new packaging is unbelievably pretty. This Cranberry Ginger scent is perfect for the holidays, but totally appropriate for year-round use. Cranberry Ginger perfume diffuser, elizabethW, $65
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get gifting: martha’s apprentice

if your friend can always be counted on to arrive at the party toting an immaculate 3-layer cake, if you envy her impeccable housekeeping every time you stop by, and if you’re still secretly hoping for an invite to her home for the holidays, you have a martha’s apprentice on your hands.  but never fear: they’re easy to gift!  show up with anything that will make her perfect little haven even the tiniest bit more idyllic, and you’re sure to please.

(incidentally, these ideas all make excellent hostess gifts as well…in case you’re tired of showing up with flowers or wine to every holiday fete you attend.)

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left to right, from top: burn candle in asian pear persimmon, $35; ren holiday duo in grapefruit, $45 (love that gorgeous chinoiserie wallpaper on the box!); home pillow by committee for the rug company, $775; new york parties: private views, $35; organic bay leaf and rosemary wreath, $70; linnea’s lights candle in winter, $29; john derian walled city decoupage tray, $110; hand-painted vase by paulova, $75; crafting a meaningful home – meg mateo ilasco, $17; simple times: crafts for poor people – amy sedaris, $15.

{FTC disclaimer: some product samples were provided to help me compile this guide, but as usual, there’s no pay-for-play here.}

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deal of the day: 30% off at REN

this F&F is such a perfect opportunity to stock up on skin care, whether you’re already a REN addict or have just been dying to try their goods.  even better, they have some amazing gift sets for the upcoming holidays, so in theory, you could have your christmas shopping done before your thanksgiving turkey ever hits the oven.

i also love the idea of taking a gift set like this out as a hostess gift during the holidays.  it’s so much more thoughtful than the usual bottle of wine, and much lower maintenance than a bouquet of flowers.  plus, any die-hard hostess will love a set of these amazing lotions and soaps for her guest bath.

my faves are their body gift set ($26.50), which is full of some great starter-size goodies.  or, just go straight for my favorite scent with their grapefruit duo ($45) – i’m in just for the neroli & grapefruit zest body wash, which is utterly fabulous.  and of course, make sure you grab something for yourself too – ’tis the season, after all.  maybe a lovely ginger body scrub…i know i’ll need some serious R&R after all the family togetherness coming up this week.

whatever you choose, choose it fast – this friends & family discount expires thursday.  use code FRIEND at checkout…hey, we’re friends, aren’t we?

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