I could go on and on about the holidays being the most wonderful time of the year. I love the family time and the traditions and the music. (I really, really love the music.) It's as if, just for a day or two, my not-so-perfect life resembles a Norman Rockwell painting -- if only slightly. Kiehl's is betting lots of people feel the same way (or at least love Norman Rockwell) with their limited edition version of Kiehl's Creme de Corps, $29.50. The bottles are adorned with a holiday Rockwell motif, and proceeds benefit Feeding America -- an organization through which Kiehl's will be providing 1 million meals to people in need. So even if you're not a Rockwell fan, you get an awesome moisturizer and you can feel great about your purchase.
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New Nail Polish Alert
I've been slathering myself in Body Shop Body Butter for decades, which might explain why I've always thought of the Body Shop as a body brand. So I was surprised -- in the best possible way -- when they launched Body Shop Colour Crush Nail Polish, $8. There are 24 great shades, the formulas are vegan and they're enriched with fair trade marula oil to keep your nails strong and hydrated. I'm already planning a weekend DIY mani-pedi -- with my body butter, too, of course.
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Anti-Aging Serum
I recently attended a fascinating lecture about gene expression. The most captivating part explained that scientists have discovered a link between what your mother ate when she was pregnant with you and the way some of your genes display themselves -- contributing to things like cancer and Alzheimer's. (Naturally, I called my mother immediately after the lecture, only to learn that she ate dozens of hotdogs when I was in utero. I'm screwed.)
I found the research behind The Organic Pharmacy Gene Expression Lifting Serum, $330, to be similarly fascinating. The serum is packed with 10 active ingredients that aim to minimize -- or even reverse -- genetic and environmental aging. Grape stem cell extract protects cells from UV damage; glucosamine and aloe reduce inflammation and vegetable peptides work to smooth wrinkles and lift sagging skin. There are pages and pages of research packed into one bottle -- and it has a beautiful pearlescent quality that gives your skin an instant glow. Basically, it's the opposite of a hotdog.
November can only mean one thing: The holiday season has snuck up on us once again. It seems to happen every year -- am I right?
Fortunately, there are some amazing new beauty products launching this November to help us get through the madness (and the fun). There's a makeup palette that's instant glam, a foam that will have your hair looking bouncy and full, a soothing eye mask for long days (or nights) and so much more.
Whether you're shopping for yourself or getting your gift-buying done early (is it even early at this point?), I know you'll love these suggestions. After all, nothing calms the holiday season panic like some beauty retail therapy.