If you’re looking for a lip gloss that’s high on shine and sheer color–Laura Mercier’s Lip Glace puts an end to your search. I love that it’s not sticky or gooey like other glosses. The constancy is rich and moisturizing. Only pitfall–with the $22 price tag, there’s not a lot of product (.12 oz to be exact).
My favorite shade: Brownberry
Where to buy: Lauramercier.com
This year for Christmas, the only item I have on my list is a Clarisonic. In case your not familiar with it, Clarisonic is a professional style cleansing brush that deeply cleans your skin. It consists of a rechargeable electric handle unit, and removable brush head(s), which use a sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to cleanse the skin. 
Why is this so impressive? Use of the Clarisonic not only cleanses the skin, but also helps reduce dry patches, blemishes, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Facial products are also absorbed better, getting the most out of your pricey creams and serums.
The system is a tad pricey, starting at $149 for the travel size model and almost $200 for the original model.
However, Olay has released a similar product called the Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System. At $30, it’s a cheaper alternative to the Clarisonic and promises to be just as effective.
If Santa doesn’t deliver the Clarisonic this year for Christmas, I’ll be checking out Olay’s version and promise to share the results!
**UPDATE*** I tried both systems, and the Clarasonic won hands down. The biggest difference is that the Clarasonic is easier to maneuver during use. The Pro X had a spinning brush attachment, while the Clarasonic’s actual brush bristles are what moves, making it super easy to use. The Pro X was all over the place. Also the quality in brush attachments made a big difference. The Clarasonic’s was softer and felt better against the skin, while the Pro X felt harsh.
If you’re tight on money, I’m sure the Pro X is better than nothing. However I suggest you save up for a better overall experience with the Clarasonice!
I hate floral fragrances and prefer spicier scents, so I wasn’t expecting to like Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb. I was pleasantly surprised!
Launched in 2005, it’s a sweet, yet spicy and robust scent that isn’t too overpowering like some floral perfumes.
What goes into Flowerbomb?
Sparkling Top Notes: The first enveloping harmonious notes come from tea and bergamot.
Generous Middle Notes: The profusion of flowers breaks out into a smooth, voluptuous chorus with mixed harmonies of Sambac jasmine, a hint of orange tree, Catleya orchid, freesia, and Centifolia rose.
Structured Bottom Notes: Patchouli provides a woody base, giving the fragrance its olfactory thread. The patchouli has been purified by the re-distillation of its primary essence, removing the earthy aspect, and revealing the most noble dimension of the flower.
I loved this so much, I picked up the $25 rollerball of Flowerbomb so I can carry it in my purse.
Where to purchase:
1.7 ounces $115
My blush brushes previously were horrible and consisted of the free ones you get with department store brushes. They would shed when I washed them and applied the color streaky.
Since I purchased the Sephora All Over Shadow Brush #12, I’ve been a big fan of there brushes. The Pro Blush Brush #49 certainly didn’t disappoint!
The #49 brush is an angled brush so it’s great for contouring the cheekbones. It picks up just the right amount of color and applies it beautifully–no streaks and evenly. As an added bonus, the bristles are anti-bacterial, which means they don’t need to be cleaned as often.
Where to buy:
Sephora $32
