WISH LIST -- Last Minute Gift Giving

For last minute gift giving we thought we would

share a few suggestions

that we have on our WISH LIST.

Arm Candy with Jamin Puech

Embrace the drama and feast eyes on the most coveted arm candy of the season with Parisian Accessories Brand, Jamin Puech. We love the Metallic leather day bag and Metallic evening bag with plastic feathers and transparent sequins.

Luck Be a Lady

For high stakes fashion or if you want to give a winning holiday gift, you'll get lucky with Jamin Puech's Vegas inspired collection and Sydney Evan Lucky Charms. Our pick from Jamin Puech's Casino collection: "Black Jack" Ornamented Velvet Clutch. And we just adore anything Sydney Evans.

Good Things Really Do Come in Small Packages…

Introducing the Travel mini Iron from Coppola Designer Hair Care

What will they think of next! The Keratin Complex team has taken their knowledge of the hair care industry to the next level, with the introduction of their private label mini flat iron. This petite tourmaline ceramic straightener will give you the sleek locks you’ve been looking for wherever life takes you!

The ultra light wonder comes with a thermal heat-proof travel pouch and tangle free cord – perfect to throw in your gym bag, suitcase or even your purse for an after-work touch up. This is the MOST compact flat iron on the market measuring only 19 centimeters in length.

The Travel Mini Iron delivers instant and EVEN heat while providing the perfect temperature to get the look you crave. With its on-the-go versatility, this iron is designed to create smooth hair without damage! It seals in your hair’s moisture and eliminates frizz and fly-aways.

And the fun doesn’t stop there! The Mini Iron is available in a variety of colors including blue, pink, fuschia and black – so no matter what your mood (or your wardrobe!) they’ve got a color for you!

Enjoy the benefits of the innovative products from Coppola Designer Hair Care. With only the hair’s best interest in mind, every product is designed to create the most beautiful and healthy results, leaving hair perfectly styled and healthy as ever.

Price: $59.00

Available at www.keratincomplex.com

Still Holiday Shopping? Grab a Nahui Ollin Bag!

While one (of our many) resolutions this year is to be a little more eco-chic, we found the perfect line to start us off with a “green” alternative.

Nahui Ollin is a collection of fashionable and uber unique handbags and accessories made from recycled materials.

WE LOVE: The Rosy Cheeks Wristlet & Envelope Clutch

Due to the unique size of the Envelope Clutch ($96) it is perfect to fit just a little more than your average clutch – as for the Rosy Cheeks ($54), it is perfect for inside your Overturned bag (we love the details) or to just grab and go on the run. Nahui Ollin has a ton of great styles and colors to suit all your fashionista needs.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT Nahui Ollin

Everything in the collection is entirely handmade by folding and weaving individual soda bottle labels, gum wrappers and candy wrappers (factory rejects from independent manufactures and have never been used) – put them all together to create the various beautiful shapes and sizes of the Nahui Ollin collection. These same materials were to be sent to the garbage dump and land fill only to pollute the earth more! Not only does the process sustain the environmentally-friendly practice of recycling, it also yields creatively-fresh, long lasting and innovative products. Made from up to 4000 individual candy wrappers, each piece is passionately and patiently hand made by craftsmen and follows the same process of folding, weaving, and sewing, which can take up to 4 days to complete. And while the bags are indeed made from candy wrappers, gum wrappers and soda bottle labels, they stand the test of time and weather for tear-free, long term durability. What you once would have discarded without hesitation has been transformed.

To stay up-to-date with everything Nahui Ollin, follow them on twitter and make sure to sign up here for their newsletter!

Oh So Chic Holiday Gift Guide from Decorative Things

Just a few months ago we were introduced to Decorative Things - a cute little online shop that "turns ordinary things into decorative things." Founded 21 years ago they started ordinary phone books decorative with fabric slipcovers and now they have tons of unique items for everyone on your holiday list. Here are a few things we just can't live without - whether you’re shopping for someone else or yourself - treat yourself to Decorative Things.

Keep Calm and Carry On Poster

There has been quite some buzz surrounding the simple and chic poster which looks great framed in an office or your own home. Even celebs like Tori Spelling & Dean McDermott can't be without it. It comes in five different colors and is only $25 - a perfect unique gift.

Cutting Boards with Personality

If you missed their debut on NBC's "Ask Melissa" - you’re missing out on one the "Hottest Gifts for the Holidays." The ultimate odor and stain resistant hygienic work surface for cutting preparing and serving food. This cutting board ($30) is different though - instead of shoving it away in a drawer you are going to want to show it off on your counter. We LOVE the toughened non-skid glass made of new technology with non-slip rubber feet and it comes with a lifetime guarantee against breakage!

Stylish Resin Watch to Channel Your Coco

Coco Chanel was one of the first to show off vintage Bakelite jewelry – and this is just like a vintage Bakelite bracelet except it is a chic watch ($65). It is perfect for every woman on the go – like Coco once said “Luxury must be comfortable. Otherwise, it is not luxury.” Just like Chanel these resin watches are chic and modern – a perfect match.

Good Luck Horn Necklace from Kenneth Jay Lane

The horn necklace ($60) is just one of the chic designer accessory’s we adore. It is a must in every fashionistas wardrobe and is a signature fashion statement. Join the Kenneth Jay Lane Jewelry club which includes all of our loved fashion icons like Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Madonna and Britney Spears. Sarah Jessica Parker, and her besties also wear them often on “Sex in the City” and out on the town.

Eyeglass Trays in Decorative Patterns

This is a perfect gift for anyone who treasures their glasses. While you may have seen them on House Beautiful “THE BEST” list as well as Oprah’s O List you need to make sure they are on your list this holiday season. For only $20, the beautiful laminated trays are a perfect touch to any desk or night stand and make eyeglasses easy to spot.

But, just remember, whatever you decide to put on your list, for yourself, or someone else, make sure you click on over to Decorative Things – there is plenty more waiting for you.

The Best of the Best --- Cupcake Mag's Must Have Beauty Essentials

Note: Click on image above for a better view!

Start the holiday season out with a bang in the beauty department. For all of you cosmoholics we have been testing products for over three months now and can’t wait to share the results with you. From your pout lips to your trouble spots – we have got everything you need in Cupcake Mag’s must have beauty list from all of our favorite “can’t live without” beauty brands.

Clinique is known for classic beauty and the best-selling 3-Step Skin Care System ($50) and Almost Lipstick ($14). We also wanted to add the NEW Vitamin C Lip` Smoothie Antioxidant Lip Colour ($17.50) that we just die over and NEW Superbalanced Powered Makeup ($34.50) with SPF in a mineral rich formula and a great compact case. Let’s also not forget the Even Better Skin Tone Corrector($39.50) that is a must in our makeup bags.

We adore Urban Decays fashion-forward fun colors and packaging along the palest pink, known as Peroxide lipstick ($22) - plus a huge assortment of colors and Big Fatty Mascara ($20) because it’s doesn’t get much bigger!

Becca’s pressed bronzing powder ($38) gives you just enough of a glow. Pair it with Soft Touch Blush ($32) for a little more color and top it off with Beach Tint ($25).

Say goodbye to cellulite and hello to smooth skin with Bliss fatgirlslim ($29) and slimulator.($20). We saw a 90% firming effect within 30 days. We also love their best selling Fabulous Foaming Face Wash ($22). We suggest getting the super size!

And of course the list wouldn’t be complete without the one and only, Bobbi Brown. We can’t get enough of Velvet Plum Eye Palette ($40) that is just perfect from day-to-night. For the lips you must have the Glitter Lip Balm Palette ($40) and Rich Color Gloss ($20). Top Editor’s pick is the Metallic Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Brown Metal ($22) and Earth Metal Lip & Eye Palette ($60). It is all about life’s little luxuries.

Flirt! offers an array of products for all of our must have needs. We can’t get enough of PLUSHIOUS Liquid Velvet Lipcolor ($12) in Silk Slip and High Wattage Intense and Creamy Lipstick ($12). Give those cheeks some color with Peek-a-Blush Sheer Powder Cheek Color ($12) in a variety of shades. For the eyes, give Lash-a-Delic ($14) the fast defining mascara a try and stock up Dreamy Eyes eye shadow and I’m Whipped eyeshadow mousse ($12).

For the hair, you MUST try Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Fortifying Shampoo & Cream Condition. For under $4, you can’t beat the price and you won’t believe the results. It left our dry hair smooth and sleek. Top it off with Garnier Fructis great line of styling products.

Pamper your skin with OoooLaLa of Beverly Hills! After a long day in those stilettos drop in Beauty Bombs ($20) from the Rodeo Collection in the tub – sit back & relax. With fragrances like shop till you drop, high maintenance, and glamour girl – it is hard not to feel fabulous.

Jurlique’s balancing foaming cleanser ($40) leaves your skin hydrated and balanced. And we wouldn’t look as good without the Herbal Recovery Neck Serum ($88) that helps minimize signs of aging with daily use. This is one product we can be without or it shows!

Moving onto Maybelline we suggest giving the NEW Mineral Powder Bronzer for the perfect sun-kissed glow. For some great color on your eyes pick up Expert Wear Eye Shadow Quads for the perfect color combinations.

For the perfect palette that reminds us of old Hollywood glamour (which we love) not to mention the chic compact it comes in – the Noelle Palette ($42) from Julie Hewett Los Angeles gives you three exquisite shadows to create that perfect sultry eye paired with a cheekie for a stunning winter flush!

The winter months can be hard on our skin which is why we suggest Crème de la Mer (prices vary) to bring the softness back after the cold winter days. It makes your skin soft and silky smooth and you will never use anything else. Also try The Treatment Powder foundation ($95) with SPF 15 in a perfect little compact. It is a perfect lightweight, luxurious powder that brings out your naturally flawless complexion.

Need skin care products to get the job done on a budget? Good Skin offers a wide variety of dermatologist formulated products for a wide range of skin problems. Try Smooth-365 Intensive Clarity + Smoothing Peptide Serum ($42.50) to perfect the skins overall appearance right away and for the future. Need a wrinkle reducer? Tri-Aktiline Total Face Instant Line Reducing Moisturizer ($42.50) is the perfect wrinkle fighter but also gives high-performance hydration.

Kinerase also offers a great Ultimate Day & Night Moisturizer Cream that work perfect together. We also love the pure and gentle formula for a fresh cleanse when using the Gentle Daily Cleaner ($33). Have any old or new scars? In just four weeks we could see a HUGE difference when using the Scar Healing Therapy ($48) – you won’t believe your eyes when you see the difference just by applying it twice a day.

You will seriously become addicted to Cosmoholic Cosmetics. The line of “liquid lipstick” goes on just like lip gloss but has the real, deep, beautiful pigment of a lipstick. We just die over our Cosmoholic Lip Gloss ($20) and have every color! Makes a great gift for the holidays too!

If you’re looking for a great value head over to Stila Cosmetics and check out the Holiday collections and great values. The holiday lip glaze collection features four new shades and four bestsellers for the perfect high-shine color for only $25. For the eyes grab the holiday smudge pot collection ($32) for four vibrant twinkling shades in their famous gel-based liner and shadow-in-one!

Smashbox is giving you the gift of gorgeous skin with the limited edition Wish for a Flawless Complexion set ($39) featuring their best-selling complexion perfector.

Too Faced is for the glamour goddess and that is why we love the Queen For A Day super set filled with all over of our favorite Too Faced products.

And last but not least -Yu-be – all the way from Japan offers a great moisturizing skin care line. The Yu-Be body lotion ($29) in a handy pump both protects and moisturizes against dry skin during the cold months but soothes sunburns and replenishes moisture on those hot summer days.

Stay tuned….more details and news on these top beauty brands (and more) to come but in the meantime print this helpful list out and get shopping ladies!

The Beauty of Giving

With the Holiday season just around the corner and only a few shopping weeks left we have a few suggestions to give and receive which will be sure to please everyone on your list.

GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK:

· L’ORÉAL PARIS COLOR OF HOPE COSMETICS BAG

When you give the Color of Hope Cosmetics Bag ($29.95) this holiday season, L’Oréal Paris will donate $5 to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, L’Oréal Paris’ 12-year charitable partner in the fight against ovarian cancer. The silver cosmetics pouch includes an assortment of universally flattering shades of mauve, vibrant teal – the color symbolizing ovarian cancer awareness – and the on-trend accent shade of rich plum. Products include: Infallible Lip Gloss in Color of Hope, Colour Rich Lip Colour in Color of Hope and two Wear Infinité Eye Shadow Quads in Bouquet of Strength and Petals of Promise.

· THE BODY SHOP

The Body Shop, one of the pioneers of ecologically-sound practices and the use of Community Trade which benefits more than 25,000 people in 20 countries, presents a new range of holiday products which allow one to rejoice with family and friends while at the same time giving back to others. Here are a few things we just LOVE!

BATH & BODY: Each of the three bath and body holiday collections from The Body Shop, the NEW Nutmeg & Vanilla Collection, with its hint of home baked treats and deliciously accented with nutmeg, vanilla and sugar, the sweeter, fruitier scented NEW Black Velvet Apricot Collection and the Merry Cranberry Collection, contain products ranging from shimmering lotions to shower gels to lip balms that are sure to be all-around crowd pleasers.

NEW WINTER TREND MAKE-UP: These party-ready products for eyes, lips and cheeks features highly effective moisturizing and skin conditioning Community Trade Marula Oil from Namibia’s Eudafang Women’s Co-Operative.

SOFT HANDS KIND HEART HAND CREAM: This cream features soothing angelica extract to soften the skin and protect hands available for $10 and $6 from every purchase will be donated to ECPAT (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes) to combat child exploitation.

LOVE ETC… FRAGRANCE & BODY LOTIONS: Complements the Holiday Collection with its unique blend of jasmine, vanilla and sandalwood, and is the world’s first perfume to feature alcohol that is fairly traded and organically sourced from sugar cane farmers in Ecuador.

HOME FRAGRANCES: The Body Shop has an array of scintillating fragrances for the home, certain to convey a holiday feeling. The Home Fragrance collection features new scents of Mulled Berries, Mandarin Ginger, Vanilla Spice, Merry Cranberry, Black Velvet Apricot, and Nutmeg & Vanilla, as well as a range of diffuser options. BAG FOR LIFE: Funds raised from the sale of the Bag for Life and Create Your Own Gift Bags go to Somaly Mam Foundation to aid rehabilitation and support services in Cambodia. To top it all off, The Body Shop products are packaged in 80% post-consumer recycled and wrapped in Eco-Chic Gift Bags, packages that are certain to become reusable keepsakes throughout the year.

ULTIMATE STOCKING STUFFERS:

· DEMETER FRAGRANCES

The Demeter Fragrance Library consists of over 250 fragrances inspired by everyday objects and experiences – the scents you know and love from Baby Powder to Lavender to Cherry Blossom to Laundromat to Martini to Play Doh! Demeter is the olfactory version of “stopping to smell the roses.” Demeter fragrance is a personal choice that is all about the wearer, not an expression of the designer (so there is a scent that is perfect for everyone!) Better yet, the scents can now be purchased at your local drugstore (i.e. Rite Aid stores Nationwide) which makes buying gifts this season that much easier! 95% NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Alcohol naturally fermented, no artificial colors, no phthalates, no extra packaging. Scents ideal for the holiday season: all-NEW “Cinnamon Bark” fragrance matches the undeniably wonderful scent of cinnamon, in its purest and most natural state without any added sweeteners. Other scents that are reminiscent for this time of year include “Apple Pie”, “Egg Nog,” “Snow.” “Gingerbread,” “Mulled Cider” and the idyllic scent of “Christmas Tree.”

The ½ oz. Purse Spray and the ½ oz. Humungous Miniature Splashes make for terrific stocking stuffers and the gifts sets offer a larger selection of your favorite scents if having trouble picking just one. If you are searching for a housewarming gift, look no further than the Demeter Atmosphere Sprays which allow you to create an individually scented environment, perfectly and precisely suited to one's own tastes.

GIFTS FOR YOUR GIRLFRIENDS:

· JUICY COUTURE FRAGRANCES

Fragrance is a year-round must-have gift for women. During the holidays, it is especially desirable because you can usually get very nice gifts sets for the cost of a single bottle of fragrance, and the sets from Juicy Couture are no exception -- with prices ranging from $35 to $100 and including combinations of the Eau De Parfum Spray to Body Crème to Shower Gel you are able to choose from a wide assortment of sets that allow you to do your holiday shopping in one swoop! Couture Couture Spray is our fave! It was also seen in Harper’s Bazaar magazine just this November!