I struggle with shiny skin and have a hard time finding anything that works all day.  I was given the chance to review to OC8 Professional Mattifying Gel and it’s working wonders on my face. The texture of the product is great, a very light gel that is very easy to spread over my skin.

I apply OC8 after my moisturizer and before my  makeup, it takes about 1 minute to absorb completely.  I am amazed at how well it works, with OC8 my combination skin stays matte and my makeup looks fresh for at least 6 hours without any need to blot.   OC8 works mechanically, not chemically, with its ACRYSORB® micro-particles that are specially designed with copolymer technology and work to permanently trap up to 6X their own volume in oil. These particles trap facial oil after it comes out of the pores. So if my cheeks don’t produce facial oil, there’s nothing to be absorbed by these particles, but they don’t draw the moisture from the skin. 

IT’S THE HOLIDAYS AND EVERYTHING IS SHINY AND BRIGHT. . .EVERYTHING, BUT YOUR FACE, THAT IS!!!!

You’re smart! You’ve gotten all your holiday shopping done. Everyone on your list is covered, and you’ve purchased one gift just for you . . . OC8® Professional Mattifying Gel. With all the holiday festivities you know that your skin could look progressively shinier and shinier as you hop from one great party to another. So, you bought some protection. Smart!

Used under makeup, OC8® Professional Mattifying Gel can keep your skin shine-free for up to eight hours. It’s the product many makeup artists use to keep celebrities shine-free under hot lights. A proprietary technology called ACRYSORB® micro-particles absorb oil on the skin’s surface, helping to leave your makeup intact. So, no more trips to the bathroom to blot your skin every hour. Your dazzling party look can keep on going into the wee hours. An extra benefit of OC8® Professional Mattifying Gel is that it can be re-applied, if necessary, on top of your makeup. How cool is that? The small tube fits conveniently into your purse in case an emergency touch up is called for.

Wait a minute! Come to think of it, maybe your holiday shopping isn’t quite done after all . . . maybe there’s someone on your list who would love having a tube in her holiday stocking too!

OC8® Professional Mattifying Gel®  $30

OC8® is a cosmetic product and can be purchased at Pharmacies, Mass Merchants and Dermatology Offices nationwide. For more information, visit www.oc8.com.
Find OC8® on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/OCEight.
Follow OC8® on Twitter – https://twitter.com/OCEight.

Laura Mercier Holiday Colour Story  for 2012, Art Deco Muse.  Here are a few of my favorite items from the new line.

An super easy to use, precise liquid liner with a glossy black finish. Laura Mercier’s Black Lacquer is a rich black color and the felt tip is perfect for a thin line close to the lash line. I love the intensity of Black Lacquer it works perfectly with the shimmery, Illuminating Eye Colors from the Art Deco Muse collection.

Graphic Liquid Eyeliner ($24.00)
The ultimate liquid eyeliner. Graphic Liquid Eyeliner is a glossy, long-wearing liquid eyeliner with an easy-to-apply felt-tip applicator.

• Black Lacquer

The Illuminating Eye colors have a soft, smooth texture and a  luminous finish. I tried the  Gilded  Bronze and I love how I can wear it light for a sheer golden look or layer it on for a super sparkly look. The Illuminating Eye colors have great pigmentation and a beautiful luminous sheen. 

Illuminating Eye Color ($24.00)
Eye color with a multidimensional, luminous pearl finish has a soft, bouncy texture for excellent color pay-off and a smooth, even application.

• Gilded Bronze
• Gilded Moonlight
• Gilded Platinum
• Gilded Rose Gold

Crème Smooth Lip Color is a decadent lipstick with  super color pay off. A single stroke will cover lips in a creamy, lightweight texture that wears comfortably due to the pure Olive Oil  formula. I love the  high shine finish and the  Crème Smooth Lip Color wears up to five hours without a touch up. And as it fades it leaves a slight stain behind giving my lips a nice natural looking flush.

Crème Smooth Lip Color ($26.00)
Laura introduces a luxurious lipstick that gives lips the ultimate in color, texture and finish. In one smoothing swipe, the cream formula envelops lips in rich color with a semi-lustrous finish. The cushiony, lightweight texture feels comfortable, while pure olive oil and vitamin E nourish. Features an elegant, modern case with a metalized finish.

• Deco Rouge
• Sienna
• Tamara Red

When the weather outside is frightful, there is nothing better than getting the fire on, lighting some candles and snuggling up with your partner. If you are looking for some really sizzling festive outfits, check out the stunning range of Lingerie from Figleaves:

1) Pour Moi? Essensia Basque

For that really sultry love by the fire look, get your hands on this gorgeous Essensia Basque from Pour Moi? The light boning structure clings to any silhouette creating that illusive hour glass shape with zero discomfort. The cups are perfectly shaped and slightly padded with a beautiful embellishment of embroidered fuchsia bows mirrored on the hips.

2) Adore Thermal Silk Blend Long Sleeve

If you are going for a full loungewear set you cannot be caught out without a pair of thermals and this rosy pink number is an absolute loungewear draw staple. It is perfect for when you want get cosy in front of the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate or if you want to wear it as extra padding under your clothes to combat the winter chills.

3) Boudoir Tease Silk And Lace A-G Demi Bra

The boudoir Tease Silk bra and lace thong combo is an absolute winner. Its balconette style bra with half cup design is perfect for a little Christmas teasing and the luxurious lace detailing makes for a pretty item every girl will feel sexy in. The bra has adjustable straps, sturdy under wiring and lightly padded cups with a pretty bow in the centre. It is available in sizes A-G cup and the matching thong is offered in a range of sizes from 8-14.

4) Velour Hoody

Velour will never go out of style, especially during the winter time. This velour hoodie is the perfect gift for a lazy post-Christmas day lie-in; she will definitely be grateful for this warm and cosy treat.

5) Gossard Femme Fatal Sequin B-E Slip

The Gossard Femme Fatal Sequin Slip is something a little different. It is not boned like your normal basque or corset by still sculpts the perfect figure. It has great support with under wiring and padded built in bra that gives amazing cleavage. The sheer material and sequin detailing make it perfect for the festive season and the detachable suspender straps mean it could be used for night wear as well as lingerie.

Haven’t quite found the inspiration you are looking for? See here for further information.

Happy gift shopping.

Any philosophy set I have ever gifted has received rave reviews. The Home for the Holidays set  includes four 3-in-1 shower gels & lip gloss  duos in the scents sparkling cranberry, have a cherry Christmas  peppermint bark, and cinnamon buns!  To stretch your dollar you could even break this up and give a set to multiple recipients.

philosophy Home For The Holidays Set
What it is:
A delicious, eight-piece collection of festively scented formulas for hair, skin, and lips.

What it does:
Wrap yourself in holiday love and lustrous shine with this set of inspiring scents and pampering products. The three-in-one shower formula cleanses and conditions skin and hair, leaving it super soft and silky. The emollient lip gloss hydrates, soothes, and luxuriously softens lips, while leaving your pout adorned with a sheer, glossy finish.

This set contains:
4 x 4 oz Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath in:
- Sparkling Cranberry
- Have a Cherry Christmas
- Peppermint Bark
- Cinnamon Bun
4 x 0.5 oz High-Gloss, High-Flavor Lip Shine in:
- Sparkling Cranberry
- Have a Cherry Christmas
- Peppermint Bark
- Cinnamon Bun

$38

Lavanila fragrances have always been a favorite of mine so I was excited to check out their candles. They smell divine and make my room smell great even when they are not lit. I love the tin they come in just add a bow and they are perfect for gift giving.

Lavanila Pure Vanilla Healthy Candle
This intoxicating blend of the world’s finest Madagascar vanilla & soft vanilla orchid celebrates the power of essential oils and fills the air with delicate, lingering scent. Housed in a large keepsake tin, these custom-formulated, 3-wick candles are the ultimate expression of all-natural beauty and luxury.

$12

The Winter Garden fragrance is truly intoxicating. It smells so great I almost hate to burn them but who can resist filling your home with this gorgeous winter scent. The trio comes in a cute box ready to gift, any hostess will loves to receive this set.

Crabtree & Evelyn WINTER GARDEN THREE FRAGRANCED CANDLES
Spread holiday cheer throughout your home with the warmth and glow of our beautifully designed candle set, featuring the vibrant fragrance of Winter Garden and festive green glass holders that will add a burst of colour to the season.

Made with paraffin wax blend
Provides a long-lasting scent
Beautiful green glass with gold leaf pattern
Presented in an elegant Crabtree & Evelyn signature box
Approximately 25 hours of total burn time each

Fragrance: A fragrance medley of holiday greens, frosted apricots, amaryllis, and ice glazed fruits gathered from a magical winter garden.

$35

Jurlique comes to the rescue for dry, irritates winter skin. Give your hostess a gift she can use everyday with this beautiful collection of hand creams. The Hand Care Essentials kit comes with four great scents, my favorite has to be the Citrus hand cream. I love how emollient these hand creams on and I find they absorb really quickly which is a huge benefit. My hands and cuticles feel great after just a few days use.

Jurlique Hand Care Essentials
Softly scented hands, perfect for giving and receiving. Our collection of favourite hand creams that deeply hydrate with rich formulas and powerful essential oils. Four gorgeous scents will invigorate your senses.

The Set Contents:

Rose Hand Cream, 40ml
Lavender Hand Cream, 40ml
Jasmine Hand Cream, 40ml
Citrus Hand Cream, 40ml
Key Ingredients:

Enriched with Jurlique’s Proprietary Biodynamic Blend of herbs and flowers includes Rose, Marshmallow, Chamomile, Calendula, Viola, Daisy, Pansy, Sweet Violet and Echinacea and is traditionally used for its hydrating and soothing effects.

$62

I adore the fresh clean scent of Amazing Grace. The Grace Wardrobe gift set would make a great hostess gift. The fresh, clean scents of the line are sure to please. I like that you get to try all four scents in one kit the small bottles are perfect to keep in your purse or gym bag to freshen up on the go.

philosophy Grace Wardrobe Gift Set
What it is:
A four-piece collection of Philosophy scents to match your mood and inspire confidence.

What it does:
Create your personal fragrance wardrobe with this set of fresh, floral scents meant for layering, mixing, and experimenting. Amazing Grace is a uniquely feminine blend of soft, floral blossoms accented by a hint of light musk. Pure Grace is a clean, transparent blend of fresh blossoms and cool greens, laced with sensual, frosty musk. Inner Grace helps bring peace and balance to your life with deep, calming florals. Living Grace creates a feeling of vibrancy and clarity with soft, clean florals and a touch of musk.

This set contains:
- 2 oz Amazing Grace Eau de Toilette Spray
- 0.33 oz Pure Grace Eau de Toilette Spray
- 0.33 oz Inner Grace Eau de Parfum Spray
- 0.33 oz Living Grace Eau de Toilette Spray

$49.50

ColorMark TouchBack

I’m ashamed to admit what I’ve used UP UNTIL NOW for my persistent roots. Those would be GRAY roots, if you must know. I have brown hair, naturally, so my lovely gray hair shows ever-too-well, just a couple weeks after I dye my hair (which I do myself, 6N – thankyouverymuch!). Okay, up until now I’ve used eyeshadow on my gray roots. Honestly, it works pretty well, but it doesn’t last. It will wear off, fall off, fade away, however you want to say it – after a couple hours. But if I’m in a pinch, eyeshadow it is! Well, I’ve got a new product that has saved all my brown shadows!

Stretch The Time Between Colorings…The Easiest Touch-Up Ever! TouchBack’s marker delivers the perfect amount of color…continuously. The Fiber Flow applicator applies real temporary hair color to gray roots…precisely. TouchBack is the fastest touch-up for gray roots. Dries in a minute. Won’t flake or rub off – even after brushing.

Real Hair Color…Bonds To The Hair! TouchBack actually bonds to the hair, blending beautifully with permanent hair color for a totally natural look. (Unlike hair mascaras, crayons, gels and powders, which dull the hair and flake off when brushed. TouchBack’s formula uses certified hair colors, but without harsh chemicals – no ammonia or peroxide – so, it’s gentle on your hair.

Directions:

The TouchBack marker should be applied to dry hair. For resistant gray hair, hold the marker on the hair for a few seconds to deposit additional color. Mousse, gels and other styling products may be used prior to applying TouchBack, and hair spray can be used over it. TouchBack includes a special comb for use at temples and hairline. The comb acts as a skin shield for those areas. Slide the comb under the hair, as close to the scalp as possible, then apply TouchBack. To remove TouchBack, simply shampoo out.

Seriously – I LOVE this. I will use this probably quicker than most people, because at 35-years-old, God has blessed me with about 50% gray hair.

Click on the image above to get one for yourself – they’ve got it in YOUR color!!

From VMV Hypoallergenics: Our best-selling micro-bug fighters, dry skin soothers & ouchless boo-boo fixers. So sniffles can be as rare & gentle as that other “upagus”. For “babes” of all ages

Validated Hypoallergenic:
VH-76/76 (sans common allergens: extended allergen series North American Contact Dermatitis Group + standard allergen series European Surveillance System of Contact Allergies)

100% All-Types-Of-Fragrance-Free
100% Paraben + Preservative-Free
100% Phthalate-Free
Non-Comedogenic
Usage, Patch + Clinically Tested (in vivo + in vitro)

What I reeeeeeeeeeeally appreciate about VMV Hypoallergenics is NOT ONLY how much I love their products, but how much I love their packaging. It’s just plain FUN to get one of their packages. Everything comes in tissue paper, in a cute brown box, wrapped in a cute wrapper – with a bow to put on it. Seriously, FUN! This makes products like THESE awesome for Christmas! All you have to do is write the To: and From: on the outside, and you’re done! Know someone who has a new baby, or small child? This is the perfect Christmas present for them!

Love, love, love VMV Hypoallergenics. Check out their other amazing gift-sets here!