For stuffing stockings to show you care

Weleda Sea Buckthorn Hand Cream ($16) or Skin Food *($20). Winter is coming, and that usually means dry cracked skin. Weleda’s holiday offerings contain soft moisturizing gloves with your choice of hand moisturizer. Sea Buckthorn is naturally healing, while Skin Food’s rich texture eliminates dry patches overnight. These are great stocking stuffers for frequent hand washers, as well as eczema sufferers. Available at Weleda online, Whole Foods Market, natural independent health food stores, Planet Organic Market, Nature’s Fare, Noah’s Natural Foods and Rexall Pharma Plus stores.

Pure + simple Super-plump Lip Kit ($34.95). Stay away from the petroleum-based lip balms, which actually dry out your lips in the long run, and go natural. This kit contains soothing Lavender Lip Oil and the Collagen Elasin Eye + Lip Concentrate, which keep your lips plump and protected for all the smooching you’ll be doing this season, amirite? Available at Pure + simple spas in the Greater Toronto area and online.

For the one who is hard to please (Glitter Geek’s TOP PICK)

Thann Jasmine Blossom Set ($50). Is your mother-in-law hard to please? Yes? This set is perfect for anyone you want to spoil. This actually makes me want to get out of bed and hop in the shower in the morning. Oh, and my lazy self has been putting on the lotion everyday, too. This is the most beautiful green that smells like crushed up jasmine buds. Both the body milk and the shower cream moisturize the skin incredibly. I cannot recommend it enough! Available in the flagship Thann store (in Ottawa) and online.

For anyone, anytime

NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Multi-usage Dry Oil ($42 for 100ml). Although not technically a gift set, NUXE Huile Prodigieuse is a champ at multitasking and so luxurious that it makes a fabulous gift. It keeps skin and hair beautifully moisturized and also doubles as a fragrance. It’s a cult product for a reason. Available at Shoppers Drugmart and Beautyphica (get a bonus 50 ml Huile Prodigieuse OR for a limited time here!).

For the new mom or hard working gal who truly deserves a spa day

Pure + simple Super-hydrating Intensive Kit * ($99).  It’s no secret that I’m a Pure + simple junkie, and my newest discovery is the Cellular Repair Face Cream in this set. I’ve been using this medium weight face cream both for day and night and it is a dream to put on.  The Collagen Elastin Plus serum and Skin Restoration Cloth Mask are must haves for a home spa day.  Tip: do the mask in the dark or risk scaring your significant others or pets. Available at Pure + simple spas in the Greater Toronto area and online.

For those who are nice… ‘kay maybe the naughty, too

The Body Shop Spiced Vanilla Bath and Body Products * (from $4 to $18 each).  The Body Shop is one of my go-to shops for holiday shopping because of their holiday scents.  My favourite is the Spiced Vanilla, which smells divine and is available in different bath and body products.  If you must have just one for a stocking stuffer, the Body Butter is a no-brainer (and on sale for $10 right now!). Available at The Body Shop stores and online.

Philosophy Sweet Kisses and Merry Wishes Set ($47).  If you have never tried Philosophy shower gels, you’ve been missing out.  Philosophy makes the best shower gels in the scents of the season.  This set contains four (FOUR!!!) shower gels and coordinating lip shines.  Gift it to one special nice person, or break it up as separate stocking stuffers for the naughty ones.  Available at Sephora stores and online.

Anything catch your eye?

What will you be gifting from these sets, and what will you be keeping for yourself?

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2011. | Permalink | 16 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Holiday 2011, NUXE, Philosophy, Pure + simple, Skincare, THANN, The Body Shop, Weleda | Tags: bath and body, body oil, face cream, hand cream, Holiday Gift Guide 2011, lip balm, lotion

Ah, the Holidays! Doesn’t the idea get you all warm and fuzzy? But you know what’ll make it even sweeter? Getting your Holiday shopping done early.

Glitter Geek has you covered this Holiday with a beauty gift guide that you’ll want to email out to your family and friends.  Don’t worry, it’s cool.  We encourage this kind of behaviour.

First up are bath and body treats. Bubbly baths and warm showers are just what the doctor ordered for the cold winter nights we are sure to get.  If you’re not a winter person, make it your excuse to wind down with lots of long baths.

Pure + simple Winter-proof Body Kit, $49.95 ($71.85 Value)

If you suffer from itchy skin during the colder months and nothing else works to calm it, then this is the solution to your problem.  It contains the new Creamy Citrus Body Cleanser 200 ml, a Organic Citrus Body Oil 200 ml, and Intensive Moisture Body Lotion 200 ml.  I’ve been using the Creamy Citrus Body Cleanser on my dry itchy legs, and honestly, they are back to normal after only 5 days of use (!!!).  I love invigorating citrus scents on my morning showers, so this one is right up my alley.  I am already a big fan of Pure + simple products, and it looks like I’ll have to add this set to the collection.  Available starting December 1 at Pure + simple stores.

Philosophy The Gingerbread Man Foaming Bubble Bath & Shower Gel, $21

If you don’t already know, Philosophy’s Holiday shower gels have a cult following larger than Justin Bieber’s.  The Gingerbread Man is one shower gel that can’t be missed.  The scent is sharp and citrusy like ginger ale.  Again, this one is great for sleepy mornings, but if ginger ale’s not your cuppa tea… I just don’t see how you couldn’t like my next suggestion.  Available exclusively at Sephora for a limited time.

Philosophy Classic Fudge Cake High-Foaming Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath, $21

Fellow chocoholics, put your hands up!  Unlike The Gingerbread Man, Classic Fudge Cake is actually permanent, so you don’t have to hoard bottles of this one to last you until next Christmas.  I love Philosophy’s shower gels because they always seem to get the scent perfectly, and this one is no different.  It tastes, er, smells like cake without the calories.  A little disclaimer though: there is a real recipe on the label, so bake it if you dare!  I heard it’s delicious.  Available exclusively at Sephora.

LUSH The First Snow, $34.95

This awesome shower kit comes with: Snow Globe Soap 3.5 Oz, Iced Wine Shower Jelly 3.5 Oz, Ice Blue Soap 3.5 Oz, Glögg Shower Gel 3.3 Fl. Oz., Too Drunk…Emotibomb 1.8oz.  Too Drunk… Emotibomb is my favourite.  It kinda smells hippy-ish.  Does that make sense?  It smells good, I swear!  This is a nice set for those who are without a bath tub but still want their bathroom to smell like a LUSH store.

LUSH Best Wishes, $19.95

This is an absolute must for those who love their long baths.  The set contains: So White Bath Bomb 3.1 Oz, Satsumo Santa Bath Bomb 6.3 Oz, Bearded Lady Bubble Bar 3.5 Oz.  Satsumo is another personal favourite; it smells so amazing, and how cute is the tubby Santa?  Adorbz!

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2010. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: LUSH, Philosophy, Pure + simple, Skincare | Tags: bath and body, gift sets, Holiday 2010, wishlist

Here are my absolute favourites of 2009. I hope you find this list useful, and let me know what your favourites are, too!

Skincare

Best Body Scrub: Crabtree & Evelyn Naturals Cocoa Butter, Nutmeg & Cardamom Body Scrub

I honestly believe that no other scrub will ever come close to Crabtree & Evelyn’s ($30).  It sloughs off dry skin and moisturizes at the same time.  Plus it smells incredible!

Best Face Cleanser: Philosophy Purity Made Simple

I tried to find a drugstore substitute for Purity Made Simple ($26 for 8 oz), but I failed. I went through a few bottles of this cleanser this year, and my skin loves me for it. It takes off all the gunk without drying out my skin.

Best Face Exfoliator: MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator

I only need three words to describe this exfoliator ($22): Blackheads. Be. Gone!

Best Skincare Tool: Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser

This is my great drugstore find of the year ($23). Because the exfoliating pads are soaked in salicylic acid, this battery-operated tool is fantastic for treating acne and blackheads.

Makeup

Best Foundation: FACE atelier Ultra Foundation

No surprise here. I loved FACE atelier Ultra Foundation ($45) on first try. It is weightless and takes away minor imperfections. And psst, if you need a heavier coverage, try using a duo fibre brush (like Quo Bronzing Powder Brush).

Best Brush for Face: Coastal Scents Synthetic Wide Buffer Brush

This is an inexpensive brush ($15) that is great for buffing in my setting powder, speaking of which…

Best Powder: MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural

This super lightweight powder ($32) has low coverage, which makes it great for setting your makeup or for buffing in on a no makeup day.

Best Brush for Eyes: MAC #217 Blending Brush

A true multi-tasking brush ($27): great for cream products like concealer, as well as blending out eyeshadows like a pro. This is one of those things that I would take with me if I was to live in an island.

Best Eyeshadow Palette: MAC Passions of Red Fascinating Ruby: 6 Smokey Eyes

Technically this was from 2008, but I just got my hands on it this summer. This is the most versatile palette! Great for neutral everyday looks, to a smoldering smoky eye. It’s hard to get a hold of this now, but if you are itching to try an eyeshadow from this palette, MAC Satin Taupe is amazing!

Best Eyeliner: Lancome Gel Artliner in Indigo Charm

This shimmery blue ($24) makes brown eyes pop. And who doesn’t love a gel liner? I’m addicted.

Best Lipgloss: Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Candid

This sheer gloss ($24) is great on its own because of the pink and gold shimmer swimming through it, but is also a great boost over your favourite lipstick.

Best Lipstick: MAC Lipstick in Patisserie

My no-fail, everyday creamy pink lipstick ($16.50).

Best Makeup Remover(s): Alcone Makeup Remover Cloths and L’Oreal Gentle Waterproof Makeup Remover

Whatever the makeup remover cloths ($35 for 80 cloths) leave behind, i.e., waterproof stuff but not any residue, the L’Oreal Makeup Remover ($10) takes off easily. This is my one-two punch combination for taking all my makeup off.

Hair

This is where the great drugstore buys come out!

Best Shampoo: Pantene Brunette/Red Expressions

I just love Pantene’s colour expressions line. It smells so good that I become a crazy hair sniffing girl.

Best Conditioner: Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deeeeeep

This is still my best conditioner for really dry, damaged hair.

Best Hair Treatment: Alberto VO5 Hot Oil

A very moisturizing pre-shampoo treatment. I wish this comes in a box of 100 tubes.

Best Styling Product: None

Nothing stood out this year in hair styling products. Help? I have straight hair that tends to fall flat. I need volume and hydration.

Perfume

Favourite Eau de Parfum: Dolce & Gabbana The One

Surprise surprise!

Favourite Eau de Toilette: Dior Addict Shine

While it means absolutely nothing to me, here are its notes: cedrat, gardenia, raspberry, cedar woods. It smells good, ‘kay?

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2010. | Permalink | 8 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Alcone, Crabtree & Evelyn, FACE atelier, Hair, L'Oreal, Lancome, MAC, Makeup, Philosophy, Skincare, Smashbox | Tags: Alberto, Aussie, best of beauty, Clean & Clear, Pantene

I’ve been bad; I haven’t been looking after this blog. I blame work. For the past couple of weeks, we plunged into some project work involving proof of concepts. It wasn’t working for two weeks. Until this Friday at around 4:00. How convenient is that? To celebrate and reward myself for all my hard work (what a lame excuse! lol), I went to the mall to feed my inner girly girl.

So you know how I only own one piece of makeup from M.A.C? One lonely Fluidline in black. Now, thanks to the new Sonic Chic collection, I now have a total of four! I fell in love with the blushes so much that I picked up two, Nuance and Dainty. I also got an eyeshadow in Expensive Pink from the Neo Sci-fi collection. Ahhh I’m this close to hyperventilating… I wish I could wear them all at once. lol

Continuing my beauty haul, I walked over to Sephora and picked up Philosophy Amazing Grace purse spray. I just love the smell. It’s very light and feminine, perfect for the warm weather. It just makes me feel like a woman. So good! It’s going to be my everyday summer fragrance. I have to put my Burberry Brit away for more special occasions.

I finally got to wear my new shoes from Nine West, and a $9 flowery top from Wal-Mart. Can’t beat that price!

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2008. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: MAC, Makeup, Philosophy, Skincare | Tags: bath and body, beauty spree, blush, lotion

I’m just so excited that I want to share my purchases with the world lol!

I got stuff from Product Body. I got the Crush on You Sugar Shea Scrubby Wash, and Pure and Double Whipped 100% Shea Butter, both in Yuzu. My package arrived last night and I already tried them out this morning. I’m all smiles about this one. Oh and yes, I got a sample of Crush On You in Gardenia. I’ll post a reviews in a couple weeks.

I had to make an emergency run to Sephora today because my all-time favourite facial cleanser, Philosophy Purity Made Simple, had just ran out. I got a giant bottle of goodness this time that’ll last me a long long time. I also got a Sephora Flashy Waterproof Liner in Flashy Copper. I’ll make this my go-to eyeliner this summer. And what’s Sephora without cute little samples? This time I picked up a sample of Smashbox’s famous makeup primer.

Wee!

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2008. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Makeup, Philosophy, Sephora, Skincare, Smashbox | Tags: bath and body, beauty spree, eyeliner, holy grail, primer

Yesterday my boyfriend and I went to Yorkdale mall. He shopped for accessories for his sexy new Macbook Pro. By the way, I’m totally jealous of its massive desktop space and backlit keyboard. After the Apple store, it’s only fitting that I get a shopping fix as well. So I decided to pop in to Sephora for “two minutes.” Not!

I already had a couple of things in mind that I wanted to pick up so, without further ado… my mini Sephora haul.

shu uemura Eyelash Curler, $28

philosophy Purity Made Simple, $28

I already tried both products briefly and am very happy of their effectiveness so far. I’ll try them out for a few more days to get a true feel for them.

After shopping, we watched Cloverfield. I’m not much for stressful movies with monsters, so I didn’t really like it. But Is it also a coincidence that the movie’s lead characters stopped in front of a Sephora while in the middle of the hysteria? I think there might have been a hidden message there somewhere.

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2008. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Makeup, Philosophy, shu uemura, Skincare | Tags: face wash, lash curler