Home for the Holidays: Must-Have Beauty Travel Kits

Let's see a show of hands. Who's leaving town soon to reunite with loved ones? 

No doubt about it, millions of Americans plan to go home for the holidays during the back-to-back celebrations of Christmas and New Year's Eve. If you haven't already loaded up the car or booked an airline ticket, chances are you know someone who will be visiting from out of town. In fact, December 26 receives the unique distinction as the second most traveled day during the holidays and the entire year (the Sunday after Thanksgiving takes the top honor). It's estimated that 12 million trips take place the day after Christmas, according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

My dog Rudy starts packing for our annual holiday trip to Lake Arrowhead, Calif.

So grab your passports, fasten your seat belts and pack light. To help you do so, we've assembled nine of the finest beauty travel kits on the market. Although they contain smaller versions of their full-size counterparts, they still get the job done when it comes to restoring luminosity to skin and hair. 

You'll be home experiencing glow-sweet-glow in no time. Happy holidays! 

SHINE: CellCeuticals Discovery Kit. BEAUTY: Counteract the visible signs of aging with Extremely Gentle Skin Cleanser, Extreme Defense (Anti-Cell Damage Skin Treatment), CellGenesis (Regenerative Skin Treatment), CerActive (Active Moisture + Barrier Repair Skin Treatment), NeoCell (Micro-Resurfacing Skin Treatment) and PhotoDefense (Anti-PhotoAging Daily Skin Protector SPF 55+). BEACON: No animal testing and vegan. Free of artificial colorants and fragrances, sodium lauryl sulfate, phthalates and parabens.

SHINE: Coola Environmental Repair Plus Skin Recovery Essentials. BEAUTY: Soothe, smooth and shield your skin with Calm Glow Eye Gel, Fresh Relief Face Serum and Clear Recover Foam Wash. BEACON: Free of paba, parabens, petroleum and phthalates. 

SHINE: Dermalogica Shave Kit (for men). BEAUTY: Cools, calms and comforts his complexion with Daily Clean Scrub, Pre-Shave Guard, Soothing Shave Cream and Post-Shave Balm. BEACON: Contains no artificial fragrances or colorants. Championed joinFITE (Financial Independence Through Entrepreneurship).

SHINE: Murad Resurgence Get Glowing! BEAUTY: Boost suppleness and cellular turnover with Renewing Cleansing Cream, Age-Diffusing Serum, Renewing Eye Cream and Age-Balancing Night Cream. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Naturopathica Skin Care Regimen Kit. BEAUTY: Firm and refresh your skin with Oat Facial Polish, Vitamin C Revitalizing Complex, Sweet Lupine Cleansing Cream and Plant Stem Cell Serum. BEACON: Contains no sulfates, PEGs, DEA, TEA, parabens, glycols or urea. Supports the American Botanical Council and The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

SHINE: Number 4 All That Glitters--Va-Va Volume Travel Sac. BEAUTY: Unleash luminous, luxurious locks with Volumizing Shampoo, Volumizing Condition, Styling Foam and Mighty Hair Spray. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of sulfates, gluten and parabens.

SHINE: Paula's Choice Clear Collection Two-Week Trial Kit. BEAUTY: Banish blackheads, bacteria and blemishes with Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser, Clear Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution with 2% Salicylic Acid and Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports American Humane Society, DAWN (Domestic Abuse Women's Network) and United Negro College Fund.

SHINE: Sanítas Normal Skin System. BEAUTY: Hydrate and heal your skin with Glycolic Citrus Cleanser, Moisturizing Cleanser, Glycotoner 5%, Moisture Mist, Vita-Rich Serum and Topical C. BEACON: Supports the Cinderella Foundation.

SHINE: Skyn Iceland Quench Kit for Thirsty Skin. BEAUTY: Bring brilliance back to dull, dry and depleted skin with Icelandic Relief Eye Pen, Pure Cloud Cleanser, Arctic Hydrating Balm and Oxygen Infusion Night. BEACON: Vegan and cruelty free. Contains no parabens, petroleum, phthalates, mineral oil, sulfates or dye. Supports Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

2012 Stocking Stuffers: Festive Gifts Sets For the Face, Body, Nails & Hair

Holiday Tutorial: How to Make a Handmade Stocking

I grew up in Southern California, so our home didn't have a fireplace. There was simply no need for one. However, this meant that Santa Claus needed another point of entry to unload his haul of gift goodies. 

My parents solved the problem by leaving the front door unlocked (not such a scandalous idea back then). They also placed a big red handmade stocking with "Santa" imprinted on the cuff on the tree. It was stuffed with lots of candies and cookies as a special treat for St. Nick's annual global trek.

As an adult, I continue the tradition of hanging holiday stockings. In addition to making one for Santa, I also create one for each member of the family (click on the video tutorial above to see how to do it for your own loved ones). However, the Christmas confections have now been replaced with other sweet treats--beauty products for the hair, body, nails and skin. 

Check out the following must-have gift sets for the special people in your life. You don't need an oversized red suit or a big white beard to enjoy them!  

SHINE: 100% Pure Super Fruits Skin Care Gift Set For Age Correction. BEAUTY: Super Fruits Scrub + Mask, Serum, Reparative Cream, Night Balm and Eye Balm provide powerful antioxidants to reduce signs of aging. BEACON: Vegan, and gluten and cruelty free. Also contains no detergents, synthetic chemicals, or artificial fragrances or colorants.

SHINE: Elizabeth Grant Winter Dreams Shower Gel and Christmas Morning Shower Gel Duo. BEAUTY: Moisturize and cleanse the skin with these maple- and ginger-scented delicious delights. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports the World Society for the Protection of Animals.

SHINE: Kitoko Hydro-Revive Gift Set For Dull, Dry & Coarse Hair. BEAUTY: Nourish and moisturize the skin and hair with Hydro-Revive Cleanser, Hydro-Revive Balm and Body Cream. BEACON: Contains no sodium laureth sulfate or sodium lauryl sulfate. 

SHINE: Malie Organics Coconut Vanilla Perfume Oil. BEAUTY: This calming scent promotes aromatherapy for the skin. BEACON: No animal testing and vegan. Free of petroleum, sulfates and parabens.

SHINE: Moonessence Glowing Holiday Skin Kit. BEAUTY: Restore a youthful looking appearance in three easy steps with Exfoliating Cleanser Refining Scrub, Pumpkin Peel Dermal Resurfacer and Hydrating Serum. BEACON: Vegan and gluten free. Supports The Carousel Fund. 

SHINE: MOR Cosmetics Triple Treasures Hand Cream Gift Pack. BEAUTY: Treat your senses to a scented trio of Blood Orange, Snow Gardenia and Lychee Flower for on-the-go hydration. BEACON: Supports TLC For Kids.

SHINE: Number 4 All That Glitters Le Golden Sac. BEAUTY: Replenish the splendor of shiny hair with Hydrating Shampoo, Hydrating Conditioner, Hydrating Body Lotion and Fluoro5 Elixer Restore & Repair Oil. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Contains no sulfates, gluten or parabens.

SHINE: Naturopathica Sicilian Bergamot Body Care Gift Set. BEAUTY: Soothe and smooth the skin with Sicilian Bergamot Shower Gel and Sicilian Bergamot Body Lotion. BEACON: Free of detergents, PEGs, DEA, TEA, parabens, glycols and urea. Supports the American Botanical Council, Natural Resources Defense Council and The Nature Conservancy.

SHINE: Pevonia Dare to Defy Lumafirm Body Firm & Glow Gift Set. BEAUTY: Resurface and revitalize the skin with Lumafirm Body Moisturizer, Black Sequined Cosmetic Bag, Loofah Terry Pad and Gift Box with Silver Ribbon (not shown). BEACON: No animal testing. Supports the Beauty Bus Foundation.

SHINE: Priti NYC Hollywood Vixen Kit. BEAUTY: Sparkle, shimmer and shine with lovely lacquers--Black Moon Pansies, Mulberry Jam, Brussels Lace and Tuscany Superb--packaged in an eco-friendly brown purse. BEACON: No animal testing and vegan. Free of formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, toluene and camphor. 

SHINE: Ren Clean Skincare Mini Rose Set. BEAUTY: Bath time will never be the same with nourishing and cleansing Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil, Body Cream and Body Wash. BEACON: No animal testing and vegan. Free of synthetic colorants and fragrances, petrochemicals, sulfate detergents and parabens.

SHINE: Sanítas Skincare Holiday Men's Gift Set. BEAUTY: Ramp up the shaving routine for the special man in your life with Energizing Face & Body Wash, Essential Saving Cream and Restorative After Shave Serum. BEACON: Supports the Cinderella Foundation. 

SHINE: VMV Hypoallergenics Mistle Glow Mascara & Lipstick Set. BEAUTY: Ooh-La-Lash! Volumizing Mascara and Glitz Lipstick in Drama Queen (deep pink) help achieve luscious lips and longer lashes. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of fragrances, phthalates, dyes and parabens. Supports The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Drew Barrymore Wedding Day Hair Possibilities

Photo by David Shankbone

Red hot lips and hair.

Gertie's all grown up. "E.T." child star Drew Barrymore becomes a wife this weekend as she also embraces impending motherhood. The preggers bride-to-be... (sing along)... is going to the chapel, and she's gonna get married to art consultant Will Kopelman on Saturday. It's his first time down the aisle, while this will be No. 3 for her (third time's a charm!).


The wedding won't actually take place inside a chapel. Instead, this Tinseltown twosome plans to exchange vows at Barrymore's mansion in Montecito, California. And it's no surprise the couple has chosen to wear Chanel on the big day, as the groom is the son of Arie Kopelman--the high-fashion house's former CEO. 


What will Barrymore's bridal hair look like? Her hairstylist Byron Williams, co-owner of the Byron & Tracey Salon in Beverly Hills, California, hasn't dropped any hints. But given the fact that the actress' crowning glory constantly evolves from casual to classic to crimson, it's safe to say we can expect the unexpected.  

Check out these possible "I Do" 'dos.

Free Flowing with Lots of Highlights

Dark, Layered & Long

Golden Beachy Waves

Fast forward to 3:13.

Classic Ombre

Blonde Braid Bun

Whether she goes short or long, dark or light, traditional or trendy, Barrymore always looks stunning. The following shampoos, conditioners, masques, styling products and tools help any bride look like a superstar on her big day and during the honeymoon. 

SHINE: Bio Supplements Orange Shine Citrus Shine Shampoo and Conditioner. BEAUTY: Hydrolyzed pearl, and lemon and kiwi fruit extracts help hydrate and nourish locks. BEACON: Cruelty free and no animal testing. 

 SHINE: Burt's Bees Super Shine Shampoo with Mango and Conditioner. BEAUTY: Mango seed oil, fig fruit/leaf extract and thyme oil take silkiness, shine and softness to a new level. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates and petrochemicals. 

SHINE: Conair MiniPRO Deep Wave Ceramic Styler and Ceramic Clipless Curler. BEAUTY: Small enough to fit in your honeymoon bag, these ceramic technology, high-heat devices provide instant style, body, texture and waves. BEACON: Supports American Red Cross, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and National Dance Institute.

SHINE: Hamadi Organics Healing Serum. BEAUTY: Avocado oil, vitamin E, ylang ylang flower oil and bergamot oil replenish and repair strands and scalp. BEACON: Ecocert certified and no animal testing. Biodegradable, and contains no fragrances or colorants.

SHINE: Joico Smooth Cure Thermal Styling Protectant. BEAUTY: This blow dry and flat iron spray utilizes astrocaryum tucuma seed butter and keratin to protect hair from humidity and thermal damage of up to 450 degrees. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Beauty For a Cure and City of Hope.  

SHINE: Number 4 Hair Reconstructing Masque. BEAUTY: Restores moisture and protein with shea butter, yogurt extract, coconut oil and mango seed butter. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of sulfates, gluten and parabens.

SHINE: Nature Pure Labs Rejuvahair Hippophae Citrus Hair Repair Masque. BEAUTY: Repairs, fortifies and renews hair and scalp with cinnamon leaf oil, vitamins A and E, and hippophae oil. BEACON: Free of parabens, artificial colors and fragrances. No animal testing.  

SHINE: Peter Lamas Volumize Me Styling Mousse. BEAUTY: Kiwi fruit extract, aloe vera leaf juice and algae extract condition, strengthen and add fullness. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Contains no parabens. 

SHINE: Redken Duo Shield 07 Color Protecting Gel Cream. BEAUTY: Cranberry seed oil, orange peel oil and vitamin E boost shape and shine for color-treated hair. BEACON: Parent company L’Oréal and UNESCO created the For Women in Science partnership to promote the pursuit of ladies in scientific research.