Beauty411

Mother's Day Best of Beauty Gift Guide 2010

It's getting close to Mother's Day and of course, there are so many different kinds of moms to shop for, that means many types of gifts.  Here are some of my top suggestions for beauty gifts for Mom:

 

If you're not good at expressing what you want to say, the "i think you are wonderful" gift set from philosophy is perfect!  It's a mandarin orange and cherry set of the famous 3-in-1 shampoo, shower and bath gels. I love the philosophy line--great quality and at only $24, this set is a great value, too.  Available at www.philosophy.com.

Pamper yourself with the Thymes Ambersweet Orange Collection

Thymes, a botanically-based bath and body product line, introduces the Ambersweet Orange Collection.  Perfect for spring, the delicate fragrance of the Ambersweet Orange Collection is a blend of warm honey, yogurt, orange blossom, almond milk with nutmeg, sandalwood and cardamom. These nurturing products make for a great in-home spa experience; take time and pamper yourself!

Archipelago Private Reserve Candle and Diffuser Collection

Archipelago has recently launched the Private Reserve Candle and Diffuser Collection; a line with a dramatic look and sensory experience that will thrill even the most discerning fragrance lover.  Each scent is a favorite of one of the owners/fragrance creators, based on their own, private collection of personal blends and is cleverly labeled with the original lab number and “fragrance name”.

Valentine's Day Gift Guide--Lady in Red Edition

With Valentine's Day right around the corner and inspired by the classic "Lady In Red" song by Simply Red, I pulled together some of my favorite red gift ideas. 

Nothing is sexier than red lips.  Estee Lauder has released a new Love Your Lips Collection.  The limited-edition collection includes 12 lip-loving Estee Lauder Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick ($19.50) shades and 4 new Kissable Lip Glosses (18.00).  What I love about the Love Your Lips Collection is the design.  Each lipstick features a special L♥VE logo.  The glosses feature the same L♥VE logo on the outside container.  Try the lipstick in the gorgeous "Cherry Kiss" shade. Available now at Estee Lauder counters nationwide and at www.esteelauder.com.

Inexpensive At-Home New Year's Eve Party Tips

New Year's Eve entertaining can be a pricey occasion, from expensive dinners and cocktails to covers and transportation.  Although not exactly beauty-related, these tips come from Entertaining Expert David Tutera, who’s planned events, parties and weddings for celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaghay, and Star Jones.  Skip the pricey dinner, try these tips and you’re sure to have a fun and festive event that will impress your guests without spending a fortune.  

✽  Create a Sexy Centerpiece

 

Since the 12am toast is the center of the evening, make that the theme of your centerpiece this year by using tableware you already own to decorate! Create a chic and stylish centerpiece for your table by creating a "Drink Glass Runner" placed on a shimmery linen. Use fancy glasses like martini glasses, wine glasses and champagne stems - and place them down the center of your table filled with water. Next, add drops of pink food coloring in varying amounts so that there are different shades in each glass. Place a few floating votives in each “drink” to create a sparkling look.  

 

✽  It’s Not What You Serve, It’s How You Serve It

 

You don't have to spend a fortune on food for your guests. To make your party festive and impressive, try dressing up the containers you serve it in. For a sophisticated appetizer, serve cold or hot soup in shot glasses. To update the classic salad or side dish, serve it in martini glasses with either shrimp forks or fancy chopsticks.

 

✽  Signature Cocktails Make a Party Unique

 

Save money by offering sexy signature cocktails instead of a full bar. Plus, let your drinks coordinate with the glow of your happy guests by serving delicious recipes including NUVO Sparkling Liqueur. The bottle is gorgeous...it looks like a perfume bottle!  Here are a couple of New Year-inspired recipes to get you started:

 

The Midnight Kiss

1 oz. Proseco

3 oz. NUVO Sparkling Liqueur

Add a spoonful of muddled raspberries and blackberries

Serve in a champagne flute

 

The Ball Drop

3 oz. NUVO Sparkling Liqueur

1 oz. Ciroc

Add a frozen sorbet ball garnish

Served in a martini glass

 

✽  Ring in the New Year Right

 

Don't worry about spending a fortune on expensive noisemakers and party favors. Try making your own traditional New Years confetti! Add inexpensive sequins or even small pieces of coordinating fabric and package them in small bags or cones for guests to throw when the ball drops.  To get your guests ready for the big moment, tie a small bag of hand-made confetti to each champagne glass that you pass out!

 

By following these easy tips, you can entertain at home with flair, save money and enjoy your guests.  Have a Happy New Year!