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.

Holiday Season Makeup Looks: Color Block Inspired Cheeks, Eyes & Lips

Not sure when it happened, but color took an unexpected style sabbatical a few years ago. Perhaps the gloom and doom of the recession served as the inspiration, as muted went mainstream in all aspects of our lives--fashion, nails and cosmetics. In fact, the smoky eye/nude lip craze underscored the trend.   

Thank goodness for Gucci and other iconic designers. They created a style sensation when they began combining hot hues that complement each other, such as orange, purple and emerald green. It didn't take long before fashionistas hailed the trend, and bold colors returned to the style scene in a big way.

During holiday party season, it's a bright time and the right time to rock the night away with color block inspired cosmetics. They're designed to help you jingle around the clock while mixing and a-mingling. Check out our latest, greatest finds. 

SHINE: 100% Pure by Purity Cosmetics Fruit Pigmented Blush in Peppermint Candy (shimmery pink), Fruit Pigmented Satin Eye Shadows in Maui (shimmery golden plum) and Star (shimmery gold), Fruit Pigmented Pot Rouge in Posey (coral) and Fruit Pigmented Satin Eye Shadow in Halo (shimmery pearl). BEAUTY: All is calm and all is bright with this colorful collection, which gets its intensity from fruit and vegetable pigments. BEACON: Vegan, and gluten and cruelty free.

SHINE: Elizabeth Grant Eyeshadow Palette in Shades of Romance and Light Up Your Lips in Shimmering Red. BEAUTY: Get in the holiday spirit as a dancer, prancer and vixen in these stunning shades. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Hollyrod Foundation, Fashion Cares and Look Good...Feel Better.

SHINE: Jesse's Girl Cosmetics 9 Pan Eye Shadow Compact in The Eyes Have It. BEAUTY: This palette of similar colors has fun, flirty and festive written all over it. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Luna Star Fancy Fairy Dust Blush (top), Bubble Gum Shimmer Lip Balm, Very Violet Eye Shadow and Midnight Blue Eye Shadow. BEAUTY: Your young daughters will feel like they're walking through a winter wonderful with these mom-approved, kid-safe mineral powders designed specifically for pre-teens who like to play dress up. BEACON: Free of synthetic dyes, parabens and artificial colors.

SHINE: Mineral Fusion Blush in Flashy (top), Lip Gloss in Captivate and Eye Shadow Trio in Imagine. BEAUTY: You'll be dancing through the snow and laughing all the way with these sparkling shades. BEACON: Free of gluten, parabens, SLS, phthalates, artificial colors and synthetic fragrances. Supports the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

SHINE: Purely Pro Cosmetics Five Well Eyeshadow Pallet in Precious Metals, Lipstick in Glamour Puss and Blusher in Curvy. BEAUTY: Make memories underneath the mistletoe with this medley of merriment. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Dress for Success.

SHINE: Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Lip Thick Gloss in Empress, Perfect Performance Lip Color in Glamour Red and Long Lasting Blush in Pomegranate. BEAUTY: 'Tis the season to sparkle with these captivating colors. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports the Noreen Fraser Foundation and Look Good...Feel Better.

SHINE: VMV Hypoallergenics Glitz Lipstick in It Girl (top), Two True Hues Eyeshadow Duo in Bardot (Princess and Misty) and Velvet Matte Lipstick in Bikini Machine. BEAUTY: Your days will be merry and bright with these hot holiday hues. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of fragrances, phthalates, dyes and parabens. Supports The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. 

"Moliday" Cheer: 10 Grooming Gift Ideas for Men

Photo courtesy Tara Angkor Hotel

Man oh man! The face of personal care has changed dramatically in the last few years in an exciting XY way. When I treated myself to a spa massage for my birthday last month, I found myself surrounded by several men in the coed relaxation room. Most were there for facials rather than massages.

It's no secret that men want to look--and feel--their best in today's competitive world. In fact, many of my girlfriends often complain that their significant others use up their beauty products without replacing them. Wrinkle reducers, tinted moisturizers, under-eye concealers and bronzers appeal to them just as much as their own shaving supplies.

Men spend more than $4 billion each year on grooming supplies in the United States, according to some estimates. Movember marks an annual, month-long event during November, which brings the growing popularity of this trend into focus by encouraging men to grow moustaches. It also raises awareness of prostate cancer and other male-oriented maladies. So why not continue the celebration and turn December into a Men's Skincare Holiday Month, or "Moliday," with great grooming gift goodies for the special guy in your life?

Here's how to make it happen. The following cleansers, scrubs, creams and moisturizers specifically address men's skincare concerns. They're guaranteed to spread lots of Moliday cheer!

SHINE: Dermalogica Soothing Shave Cream, Pre-Shave Guard and Post-Shave Balm. BEAUTY: These products prevent ingrown hairs and discomfort/redness brought on by shaving with ingredients such as clove flower, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera leaf juice and salicylic acid. BEACON: Contains no artificial fragrances or colorants. Championed joinFITE (Financial Independence Through Entrepreneurship).

SHINE: Elizabeth Grant Grant Homme Moisturizer. BEAUTY: Prickly pear extract and aloe vera juice serve to soothe and protect the skin. BEACON: 

No animal testing. Supports Assaulted Women's Hotline, About Face and Sick Kids Foundation. 

SHINE: Headblade HeadShed Exfoliating Scrub. BEAUTY: Sloughs dead skin cells, and preps the face and head for a close shave with finely ground walnut shells, shea butter and grape seed powder. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: LATHER Citrus Soothing Pre-Shave Oil. BEAUTY: Conditions the skin for a comforting shave with sweet almond, lavender, avocado, lemon and cedarwood oils. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of sulfates and parabens. 

SHINE: Murad Face Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 15, Razor Burn Rescue and Cleansing Shave. BEAUTY: These products utilize ingredients such as mushroom extract, vitamin E, glycolic acid and tea tree oil to combat blemishes and ingrown hairs, and protect the skin from environmental damage. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Phytomer Homme Global Pur Detoxifying Cleansing Gel. BEAUTY: Revives skin and removes impurities with brown seaweed and marine oxhylium. BEACON: The company collects seaweed from natural forests, respecting periods of reproduction and following local regulations. 

Healing Halloween Facial Masks

Mwahahahaha... The witching hour has arrived!


Halloween evokes images of masked mythical creatures and monsters. Favorite disguises include goblins, ghouls, vampires, mummies, werewolves and zombies. It's an annual fright fest of spooky chic.


However, at the end of the evening, a monstrous task awaits. How will you revive your skin to make it look more alive? We'd like to suggest a healing facial beauty mask, which offers deep nourishment and cleansing benefits.


May your dead skin cells rest in peace.

SHINE: Elizabeth Grant Biocollasis Complex Regenerating Mask contains marine collagen and peptides to help restore smoothness to the skin's surface. BEAUTY: Deeply moisturizes to help eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. BEACON: No animal testing. Also supports the World Society for the Protection of Animals, World Wildlife Fund and Sick Kids Foundation. 

SHINE: Éminence Organic Skin Care Calm Skin Arnica Masque detoxifies the dermis, and reduces irritation and inflammation. BEAUTY: Calms the appearance of redness and hyperpigmentation. BEACON: Supports National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and American Cancer Society.

SHINE: Environ AVST Hydrating Exfolient Masque removes excess oil from the skin’s surface. BEAUTY: This ultra-fine granular exfoliant also contains kaolin, mineral oil and vitamin E to help hydrate and soften skin. BEACON: Supports Light4Life.

SHINE: One Love Organics Brand New Day Microderma Scrub & Masque utilizes silk peptides and milk powder to smooth skin. BEAUTY: Pineapple enzymes slough dead skin cells while also protecting new ones. BEACON: Cruelty free. Also supports Children’s Scholarship Fund. 

SHINE: Saian Enzyme Mask removes impurities that accumulate on the surface of the skin and helps reduce the appearance of sun damage. BEAUTY: Ideal for blemished skin, blackheads and cystic acne. BEACON: Cruelty free. Also contains no artificial colorants or fragrances, parabens or propylene glycol.

Honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month

When you think about the color pink, different things come to mind. For many, it signifies the arrival of a baby girl. For others, it represents a rock star. This month, it stands for healing and hope. 


October marks National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The designation gives us the opportunity to honor victims and survivors. More than 230,000 American women will be diagnosed with the disease this year, and almost 40,000 women will lose their lives to it, according to the American Cancer Society.


As we reflect on these humbling statistics, the beauty industry renews its commitment to help find a cure. The following manufacturers support the fight against breast cancer by donating all or a portion of proceeds from sales of their products. We're overwhelmed with their generosity.

SHINE: Infiniti by Conair You Curl is part of the 2011 Collection of Power of Pink products, which donates $1 per sale to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. BEAUTY: Create curls in a single wrap with no clamp and tourmaline ceramic technology. BEACON: Also supports American Red Cross.

SHINE: Twenty percent of the proceeds from the sales of Dermelect Cosmeceuticals Resurface Stem Cell Reconstructing Serum will be donated to the Young Survival Coalition this month. BEAUTY: Stem cell extracts from the Swiss Alpine Rose help stimulate protein production and neutralize environmental free radicals. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Twenty percent of the proceeds from the sales of Dixie Bits Triple Treat Gift Set will be donated to the American Cancer Society this month. BEAUTY: Indulge the senses with Rave in Beauty Soothing Body Wash, Whippa Peel Exquisitely Rich Moisturizing Body Lotion, Sweet Sugar Darlin Skintoxicating Brown Sugar Scrub, Ramie Wash Cloth and Bathin Beauty Body Brush. BEACON: Vegan and cruelty free. Also free of parabens, phthalates and petrolatum, and utilizes recyclable containers.

SHINE: A portion of sales from the limited edition Elemis Think Pink Beauty Kit will be donated to Breast Cancer Care. BEAUTY: Reduce the depth of wrinkles and increase hydration with Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, Pro-Collagen Lifting Treatment Neck and Bust, and Skin Nourishing Shower Cream. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no animal-derived collagen, synthetic fragrances or colorants, mineral oil or alcohol.

SHINE: Twenty percent of online sales from Elizabeth Grant Light Up Your Lips Sweet Pink (top) will be donated to breast cancer awareness programs this month. Also pictured: Light Up Your Lips Baby Pink. BEAUTY: An LED light and small gold mirror help refresh lips in any situation. BEACON: No animal testing. Also supports the Children's Diabetes Foundation and Hollyrod Foundation. 

SHINE: A portion of proceeds from the sales of limited edition Essie Raise Awareness will be donated to Living Beyond Breast Cancer. BEAUTY: Feel empowered and pretty in pink from tips to toes. BEACON: Contains no dibutyl phthalate, toluene or formaldehyde.

SHINE: All profits from the sales of iS CLINICAL Poly-Vitamin Serum will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Coalition this month. BEAUTY: Improves skin tone and elasticity with hyaluronic acid, bilberry extract, and vitamins A, B3, B5 and E. BEACON: Also supports the Revlon/UCLA Breast Center.

SHINE: For each purchase of Mama Mio Skincare Boob Tube Bust & Neck Firmer this month, $1 will be donated to Look Good...Feel Better. BEAUTY: CoQ10, shea butter and avocado oil help minimize sagging and wrinkles on the neck and chest. BEACON: Contains no parabens, petroleum, phthalates, sodium laureth, sodium lauryl sulphate, colorants, synthetic fragrances or xenoestrogens.

SHINE: Twenty percent of proceeds from SpaRitual In Pink 2011 will be donated to Cancer Schmancer Movement. BEAUTY: Formulated with diamond powder, In Pink 2011 shades include Strength (shimmering pink), Knowledge (golden pink) and Clarity (sheer glittering pink). BEACON: Contains no toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and dibutyl phthalate.

Mind-Blowing Body Contouring Creams

Summer vacay season is winding down, but there's still time to enjoy a relaxing getaway. I just returned from an extended stay in the scenic mountain resort community of Lake Arrowhead, Calif., which is located about 90 miles east of Los Angeles. It's easy to be seduced by the area's alpine charm with the availability of boating, waterskiing, sunbathing and hiking activities.

Before I packed my sundresses, swimsuit and sunscreen, I made sure I brought along plenty of body contouring creams. Who doesn't want to look their bikini (tankini in my case) best? Plus, they help stimulate circulation, diminish dimpling and detoxify the body. Happy dance, indeed. 

After sunbathing on our deck, my chi/dach Rudy is ready to engage in a high-altitude hiking adventure (and maybe a snack or two).

Check out the latest body firming formulations below. And let us know which beauty products you never leave home without.

BEAUTY: Dermelect Cosmeceuticals Lipo-Conquer Body Toning Cream reinforces skin's collagen fibers, smoothes the appearance of dimpling and promotes the reduction of fatty deposits with vitamins A and E, ginkgo biloba and caffeine. BEACON: No animal testing.

BEAUTY: Elizabeth Grant Collagen Firming & Toning Body Kit contains Collagen Extra Firming Body Cream, Massage Tool and Collagen Firming & Toning Body Serum to help reduce the look of skin imperfections. BEACON: No animal testing. Also supports Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Look Good...Feel Better and Hollyrod Foundation. 

BEAUTY: Glowology Aqua Firming Body Lotion utilizes vitamins C and E, sea kelp and white tea extract to nourish and soften skin. BEACON: No animal testing, fair trade and 100% biodegradable. Also contains no dyes, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, petrochemicals or synthetic preservatives.

BEAUTY: HydroPeptide Moisturize Anti-Wrinkle Skin Firming Hydrator reduces the appearance of cellulite, stretch marks and wrinkles with peptides, acai berry, green tea extracts and hyaluronic acid. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no parabens, synthetic fragrances or phthalates.

BEAUTY: Mama Mio Shrink to Fit Hip & Thigh Cream utilizes Adiposlim, Adipoless, caffeine, horsetail and seaweed extract to help improve circulation, reduce water retention and flush toxins. BEACON: Contains no parabens, petroleum, phthalates, sodium laureth and sodium lauryl sulphate, synthetic fragrances or xenoestrogens. Also supports Look Good...Feel Better.

BEAUTY: Ren Wild Yam Omega 7 Firming Body Repair Cream utilizes West African wild yam and seabuckthorn berry oil to help repair and regenerate skin. BEACON: No animal testing, and contains no synthetic fragrances, petrochemicals, sulfate detergents or parabens. Also donates a minimum of 2.5% of its profits to campaigns that promote a better environment and improve the lives of the less fortunate.

BEAUTY: Weleda Birch Cellulite Oil improves skin tone and appearance with apricot kernel, jojoba and wheat germ oils. BEACON: Contains no synthetic fragrances, colorants, preservatives or raw materials derived from mineral oils. Also supports Conservation International.