All About The Pretty

Estee Lauder Michael Kors Very Hollywood Collection

I first heard that Estee Lauder would create a makeup collection after Michael Kors Very Hollywood Scent Collection I knew I would be hooked.  I'm hooked on the scent.  This new collection is perfect for a new year, especially the Very Hollywood Lip Sheen in Hollywood Gold and Loose Powder. 

 

I know my deep brown skinned beauties are like "Julia how can I wear this loose powder?"  I created a luscious look like adding the loose powder to a loose bronzer and voila a beautiful shimmer on my cheeks and shoulders.  I'm headed to Miami next month and I can't wait to enjoy the sun, beach, and water.  All with a lot of shimmer added.

 

All About the Pretty's Version of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas

I thought I would switch some things up this year with the poem, but it still all about the pretty.  Joyeux Noel and Merry Christmas to all the pretty people.  For all my old and new readers please enjoy. 

'Twas the "Beauty" Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas
and all through the house
the only creature stirring
was the click of a MAC mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
With hope that lip gloss would soon be there
Mom, aunt, and daughter were nestled in their beds
With visions of Paris and shopping dancing in their heads.

When out on the roof there arose such a clatter,
I sprung from my bed to see what was the matter,
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutter to Marc Jacobs Rain Splash

With a little old drier, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick,
More rapid than eagles, the products all came,
and he whistled and shouted and called them by name.

Now Sampar, now Bobbi, now Oyin, now Pureology and Estee
On Leonor Greyl, on CHANEL, on Curls and Laura Mercier
Becca foundation in the color called Mink
Products all over the shower and next to the sink
To the top of the porch
To the top of the wall
Now dash away! Dash away!
Products stashed in the hall

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk
And laying his finger aside of his nose
What a lovely scent, Jo Malone's Red Rose?

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot
A bundle of products he had flung on his back,
and he looked like a beauty counter opening his pack

Santa came on his sleigh packed with beauty products galore
Carrying bags from Neiman Marcus, Beauty.com, Sephora and more
I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight
May the lip gloss be with you all, and to all a good night.

Based on the poem by Clement Clarke Moore

Have a very Merry and Pretty Christmas

12 Days of a Pretty Christmas: Moroccanoil Hair Products - Day 12

I have been late to the Moroccanoil Hair Products game.  What I mean by that is I have only been using the Oil Treatment for two months.  I won a set of the products at a party in October and I am hooked.  I am so hooked that I ordered 3 bottles to make sure I don't run out. It's so good that I have a special travel size because the thought of not having it on my travels makes me shiver. 

I apply this product to my damp hair every day and then style my curls as usual.  My hair is never dry.  Also, it is not heavy on your hair.  You don't have to worry about our hair feeling weighted down.  For the new year and  a new year - you must get your hair on Moroccanoil. 

12 Days of a Pretty Christmas: Smashbox Cosmetics- Day 11

The holidays are the perfect time to be charitable and how can you resist a product that gives proceeds to charity, especially one as great as the Children’s Miracle Network. Smashbox is donating $1 from the sale of each of their limited edition WISH products this holiday season.  

First and foremost if you haven’t tried the Photo Finish Primer you must. You can pick up a set of two (a regular size and a smaller travel size) for just $39, regularly a $52 value, in the Wish for a Flawless Complexion set. Keep one for yourself and give the other to a friend, or keep them both for yourself, you’ll love them that much.  

The Wish for The Stars set is a great deal at just $20. Included is Lash DNA mascara, lip gloss in Illume (I have this color and it’s a gorgeous shimmery nude) and a Fusion Soft Lights powder in Dusk for a gorgeous radiant face.  This kit has your whole look covered.  

With all the decorating we do this time of year my absolute favorite thing to decorate is my eyes. With the WISH For the Perfect Pencils set and WISH Eye Wish Palette you’ve got all you need for gorgeous eyes. The Perfect Pencils set comes with five full size liners in gorgeous shades and the eye palette is 12 shadow shades and four cream liners, all sure to make your eyes the focal point of any romantic evening out.  

Last but certainly not least on my Smashbox wishlist this year are the WISH For a Perfect Pout gloss sets, a six pack of best sellers and holiday exclusive colors to let your lips into the Smashbox fun.  

To keep me sane as the snow falls outside Santa would you please bring me a copy of Confessions of a Beauty Addict by Nadine Haobsh, I’ve been dying to read it since Julia posted about it nearly a year ago. I’ve been a good girl, I swear.

12 Days of a Pretty Christmas: Rescue Your Nails by Ji Baek - Day 10

I used to be really good about doing my own nails.  I spent almost every weekend painting Mama Dear's and my nails on our weekly visits to Louisiana. Yes, we went to Louisiana every weekend when I was a kid and I loved it. Mama Dear had the most amazing nails - natural, super long, and always polished.  Whether she was delivering one baby or 5 babies a day as a midwife she was utter perfection.  Somewhere about the age of 23 (I'm definitely dating myself) I started going to the salon for my weekly manicures and that was it. 

Then I meet Erika (my beauty blogging best friend forever) and all of a sudden my weekly manicures at the salon start slacking.   I find myself doing them at home. Erika hates getting manicures.  Hate is a strong word, but she really dislikes getting manicures.  She doesn't think they file her nails properly and let's not get her started on how they polish her nails.  After visiting her family last month I realized I'm not nearly as obsessed as those girls.  I know in a weekend I painted my nails 3 times and that's because Ms. Bree, Ms. Bailey, and Ms. Janey said "let's change nail colors."

I came home and decided to start devoting a little more time to myself and use the nail polish I keep buying.  This brings me to Rescue Your Nails by Ji Baek.  Ji is the creator of Rescue Beauty Lounge, a top nail salon in New York, which has its own range of nail polishes and luxurious body products. So, I'm taking Ji's advice with making time for more  at home manicures.  Because I need the relaxation I'm going to the salon for my pedicures.  Some things I won't give up. 

12 Days of a Pretty Christmas: Tarte Cosmetics - Day 9

Review by AATP Intern:

For the eco-conscious beauty lover on your list you simply must check out Tarte first. Many of their products are natural and all of them are fabulous. One of the biggest disappointments last holiday season was the limited availability of the Tarte cheek stain set, I missed out on that one but I didn’t make the same mistake this time around, scooping up this year’s offering right away. With three mini cheek stains the Tarte Three Carats Mini Cheek Stain set is sure to sell out again this year.  If you blink and miss it fear not because all of the cheek stains are fabulous. Sephora even has an exclusive limited edition shade in Blissful, described as a warm peachy pink that I imagine to be universally flattering.  

Tarte also has a Treasure Chest Palette that is a must see. It’s 30% bigger than it’s predecessors and it’s a great way to try out the brand. At $52 it comes with 16 shimmery shadows, 16 matte shadows and 16 glosses as well as 4 cheek colors, a luminizer and a bronzer, how can you beat that? 

The Crown Jewels Multi-Gift Lip gloss Set is beyond-words fabulous. This little beauty would be amazing in any beauty girls Christmas stocking and the set can even be broken down into 3 individual gifts for your three favorite girls. 

Here’s to hoping Santa gives you some Tarte love this holiday season. Wouldn’t all that makeup look simply amazing with these Steve Madden Boots. My size is 10, thanks Santa!

The Best from The Beauty Girls: 12/20/09

What budget liquid liner is Marina crazy for this Christmas?  Visit makeup loves me and find out!

Amber from Beauty Blogging Junkie reports on American Apparel's new nail polish collection.

Daneen from Spoiled Pretty is outraged with the news of a teacher cutting off a child's braids in school.

Teri from Beautiful Makeup Search shares 5 pretty palettes you need this holiday season.

Lianne from The Makeup Girl checks out MAC's latest nude makeup offering Warm & Cozy.

Beauty Blogging Junkie @Glambr
Makeup Bag @makeupbag
TheMakeupGirl @themakeupgirl
All About The Pretty @aatp
Makeup Loves Me @makeuplovesme
Beautiful Makeup Search @beautyblogger
Spoiled Pretty @spoiledpretty
The Beauty Girls @thebeautygirls

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12 Days of a Pretty Christmas: Thank God I'm Natural - Day 8

I've been wearing my hair natural for almost one year.  What that means is that I don't have any chemicals in my hair to straighten it.  I know that natural hair has been a hot topic this year.  Let me start by saying that I am not against any woman chemically straightening their hair.  I'm all about women doing what makes them happy. I decided to go natural because of one reason - it's easier for ME to maintain.  I love water and no matter where I travel I must hit the water.  I always try with a basic swimsuit so I can swim at the hotel.  I found for me that being able to wash and go was the best for me. 

When I started out, I had not heard of Thank God I'm Natural by Chris-Tia Donaldson, but I'm recommending it for women who have no clue what to do. I love that Chris-Tia is not badgering the relaxed ladies in this book.  The book is full of helpful tips, tricks, and encouragement if you are starting on a natural hair journey.   It also has a comprehensive listing of salons that cater to natural hair all over the world.  I've added a few of the salons to my address book so I can pay them a visit on my travel. This book is a great source of  hair products that I need and want to try.  Do I still straighten my hair - yes, I blow dry it every few weeks, but that's it.  I can't wait to see my hair in the summer with various styles, but you know I will keep you posted. Remember, you do you. Be happy and be beautiful whatever way you decide to wear your hair.

12 Days of a Pretty Christmas: Stila - Day 7

By AATP Intern:

Have you tried the cult classic Stila Lip Glazes yet? No? The holidays are the perfect time to stock up on these and with the limited edition eight piece lip glaze set. This set includes four best sellers and four new shades sure to delight anyone on your shopping list.  

Equally loved by the beauty addicts everywhere are the Stila smudge pots, available in a four piece set this holiday season. The Smudge Pot Collection is a $95 value for just $32. The gorgeous purple and blue shades look out of this world and you can’t go wrong with shimmering neutrals like Kitten or basic black.  

To complete an entire Stila face pick up the Made in Your Shade Foundation wardrobe. With minis of four different foundations, a mini primer and a mini convertible color for cheeks you’re sure to find at least one product you didn’t know you couldn’t live without. I picked one of these up earlier this year and the convertible colors are just about the best thing I’ve ever seen. How did I live without them? 

In case you couldn’t decide which feature deserves a little Stila love more, they have released the Holiday Color Collection, a lip glaze, convertible color, eyeshadow and smudge pot for the low, low price of $38.  This product is in my Sephora.com shopping basket as we speak, Merry Christmas to me!

12 Days of a Pretty Christmas: NARS - Day 6

Review by AATP Intern:

There has been much buzz around the blogosphere this holiday season about the Nars Multiple Coffret, three gorgeous mini multiples in the always loved Orgasm, South Beach and Copocabana, all gorgeous shades that I can see wearing to all the holiday parties I'm invited to.  

For those times I'm wishing for a really simple coordinated look I must pick up the I Want You lip gloss set, the name says it all, and whip out the Orgasm lip gloss. The name of this set says it all, for $45 you get five amazing mini Nars glosses including Orgasm, Turkish Delight, Dulce Vita, Striptease and Greek Holiday.  

Looks like Nars has been extra generous with Sephora this year as the I Want You lip gloss set, Multiple Coffret and the amazing Day and Night eye palette are all limited edition and exclusive to Sephora and Sephora.com. Day and Night includes six gorgeous shadows for just $50. This palette is just perfect for toting around in your purse to transition your look from day to night, just like the name suggests.  

Also, although not limited edition the new Sheer Glow and Sheer Matte foundations are definitely worth checking out. Both are $42 and word is they're both amazing. 

Bonne Anniversaire to Moi

Happy Birthday to Me! Happy Birthday to Me! Happy Birthday to Me! Happy Birthday to Me!

Wow, another year has come and gone, but I can say that I'm truthful thankful for my life.  I'm thankful for my family, my friends, and for my dear readers who continue to come back to the site.  Thank you for another year of sticking with me.  I'm looking forward to the next year which will bring about some major  life changes which I will document on the site.  I look forward to sharing another year of life, food, travel, love, and everything that is all about the pretty.

Mille bisous.  Love ya much!

Photo of Georgetown Cupcake's Red Velvet Cupcake - my personal favorite.

MAC’s Magic, Mirth, and Mischief Brush Collection - Day 5

Where has the time gone.  It’s like I looked up and it’s my birthday this week, then Christmas next week and after that the start of  new year.  I love everything about this time of year, especially the smells, sounds, and lights.  It’s also a time to evaluate the beauty arsenal and see what needs to be added.  To start off my Twelve Days of a Pretty Christmas it’s MAC’s Magic, Mirth, and Mischief Collection. 

MAC always has great Christmas collections and I am obsessed with the travel brushes they produce ever Christmas season.  Although I wish they had the name of what the brush does instead of a number it doesn’t deter me.  They always belong in my Christmas stocking.

12 Days of a Pretty Christmas: Urban Decay - Day 4

By AATP Intern:

Every year when Christmas rolls around I make sure my wish list is stocked with just the right items to make my holiday as happy as it can possibly be. My first (and favorite) stop is always Sephora.com and I always zero right in on Urban Decay. This year I picked up the Show Pony Shadow Box, 24/7 Liner in Graffiti and Deluxe Shadow in Ransom for myself and there are still plenty of pics for Santa.  

I'm lusting over the Book of Shadows II. Even though I own a lot of the line's shadows and deluxe shadows I somehow only own one shadow that comes in this palette. It would make a great gift from Santa or a special someone.  

I've also been eying the 24/7 Super Stash set of nine liners and the Hi-Fi 24/7 set of four. There's a reason these are a cult favorite; they are incredibly smooth and apply easily giving you about 30 seconds of smudging time for that perfect rock star look and then they are set for the day, no smudging whatsoever. 

If all this Urban Decay talk has you salivating but you aren't actually acquainted with the brand (shame on you I say) you may want to check out the Urban Decay Hall of Fame Set. This set includes an XL Primer Potion, 24/7 liner in Zero, mini lipstick in Midnight Cowboy, mini Pocket Rocket gloss in Timothy and mini Skyscraper mascara, all perfect examples of the greatness that is Urban Decay.  

Oh and Santa could you please package it all up nicely in this Michael Kors bag, thankssomuch! Mwwaaaahhh!

Destination Pretty: The Perfect Vacation - Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef

Australia's Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef have teamed up with V Australia, Richard Branson’s newest international airline, to bring the Perfect Australian Travel Experience to Americans. It's the Perfect Trip to Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef.

The Perfect Vacation includes round-trip flights on V Australia from Los Angeles to Sydney or Brisbane, round-trip domestic flights and one-day travel experiences at two of Australia’s iconic destinations – Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef, starting from $1,299*. 

The Perfect Vacation is offered exclusively in partnership with Down Under Answers and Springboard Vacations – starts with international economy round-trip flights on V Australia, domestic flights on sister-airline, Virgin Blue, and includes two free tours; the Essential Sydney Opera House tour a half-day tour of the Great Barrier Reef to Michaelmas Cay with Ocean Spirit.  V Australia flights offer style, fun, comfort, and value with non-stop flights to Sydney and Brisbane from Los Angeles.

The renowned designer Steven Alan has been tapped to create a one-of-a-kind bag inspired by these world famous destinations.  “Every great traveler knows one thing. It’s all about the bag.  Or more specifically the perfect bag,” says Steven Alan. “In creating the Perfect Bag, I aim to capture the sights, sounds, flavor and spirit of Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef from first-hand experience on my own Perfect Trip.”  Inspired by the people, places and lifestyle of Queensland and New South Wales, Steven Alan’s one-of-a-kind Perfect Bag will make its limited-edition debut in January 2010. I'm always on a quest for the perfect bag. 

The Perfect Bag by Steven Alan will be available exclusively at select Steven Alan stores in New York and Los Angeles. Inspired by travel to Australia and contributions from users through twitter (@perfectproject) and VAustralia.com/perfectproject, every detail will be reinterpreted for the Perfect Bag.

The Perfect Vacation from Perfect Project on Vimeo.

12 Days of a Pretty Christmas: Aveda Himalayan Glow Candle - Day 3

Aveda, how I love thee.  Let me count the ways.  It's not just the beauty and hair products, but it's the beautiful candles that fill my home.  This Himalayan Glow Candle is a limited edition candle that is dressed in beautiful paper created in Nepal.

The scent will have you engulfed in a fragrant holiday scent of cinnamon, clove, and vanilla.  I love a house filled with fragrance of the holidays - pine, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and clementine.  This time of year puts my candle obsession  in overdrive.  Serious overdrive.  This is the perfect scent to sip a hot toddy, listen to a little Nat King Cole The Christmas Song, and being thankful for seeing another holiday season. 

12 Days of a Pretty Christmas: Philosophy - Day 2

Review by AATP Intern:

Now that the weather has begun to cool down I can't wait to come home at night and relax in the bathtub. No bath would be complete without a Philosophy 3-n-1 bubble bath, shower gel, and shampoo. Santa could always make my holidays a little merrier with ANY of the scents from the line but I'm really looking forward to Mimosa ( a fresh light citrus scent) to get me through this long winter. 

Philosophy has released gift sets galore for the Philosophy gal (or guy) on your holiday shopping list. The Winter Escape includes a 3-n-1 in Peppermint Hot Cocoa and a lip gloss and body souffle in Melting Marshmallow (I own the cream and it smells fantabulous).

There is also The Bake Shoppe for those on your list that are more into pink sweets. This set includes Pink Frosted Layer Cake 3-n-1 (I own this and it's to die for), Raspberry Mousse 3-n-1 (I smelled this one at Sephora and it was love at first sniff), Raspberry Mousse lip gloss and Sweet Creamy Frosting Body Lotion. Both gift sets are housed in adorable packaging so you can skip wrapping paper altogether.  

For the skincare lover on your list there's The Miracle Worker Gift Set a $156 value for $85. This set includes all of your favorite (or soon to be favorite) Philosophy skincare. If you're on a stricter budget there is also the Magical Minis set which includes smaller sizes for the more recessionista price of $45.  

Lastly you can't forget all the lip gloss loving ladies on your list and with the Under the Mistletoe Ornament set and A Kiss & A Wish set you can't go wrong. Both would be completely amazing for a stocking stuffer or a secret santa gift.

12 Days of a Pretty Christmas: Tom Ford Fragrances in a Rollerball - Day 1

I am so excited that now I get to take Tom Ford with me wherever I go.  Not literally, but in one of his rollerball fragrances.  Tom, thank you. I have lugged around the bottle of White Patchouli and Black Orchid this summer on trips, but now that they are in the perfect size for traveling.  I'm hooked. 

This scent had me hooked at hello years back and I am in awe at how much I keep returning to it. I'm thinking of taking a sojourn to Louisiana next month to just be taken care of by my mama.  To spend time just enjoying her.  She's coming on Sunday for 10 glorious days of eating and being merry, but their is still no place like Louisiana. 

Tom's a good Southern boy so I'm sure he would understand. 

First Lady Michelle Obama Cover for Glamour Magazine

Review by AATP Intern:

I'm a magazine girl, I admit it, I love them. I've always been a big reader and I enjoy a good book but nothing warms my heart (and my body) like a nice warm bubble bath and a good magazine. December's Glamour hit the spot and how could it not with the gorgeous Michelle Obama on the cover? (If you're confused it's because each woman of the year had her own cover, you may have picked up another cover, see them all at Glamour.com).

Does this woman ever do anything wrong? Come on, she's got fashion books devoted to her. (I recommend Michelle Obama: First Lady of Fashion and Style by Susan Swimmer and Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy by Mary Tomer). Michelle, as usual, looks fabulous, so fabulous in fact that I wanted to re-create the look for myself.

I started by applying a great matte foundation I love Maybelline's Dream Liquid Mousse foundation and Revlon's Mineral Mousse foundation, both are matte without being drying and are available at a great price point.  Next, apply a blush or bronzer to your cheeks and dust a little on your forehead and nose for a little extra oomph. I love using MACs Mineralize Skin Finishes for a little extra sparkle.

Apply a shimmery nude shadow on your lids (for me it's Urban Decay Deluxe Eye shadow in Honey) and rim the eyes with black pencil, topped with black eye shadow for a smoky look. The shadow over the liner is the key to Michelle's eye look, a softer smoky eye, plus you're going to need the extra staying power this holiday season. Top with two coats of the mascara of your choice. Michelle's lips are matte and to best achieve that look I like to use a lip pencil like Smashbox's DoubleTake Lip Color in Gossamer (for fair skin) or Sugar Spice (for darker complexions like Mrs. O). To keep lips from drying out I topped my lips with a clear, non-glossy, hydrating lip balm.

Viola! Michelle Obama's Glamour Cover Look, perfect for the holiday season when you barely have time to look in a mirror, much less worry about your makeup. The best part? This makeup can transition from work to holiday get-togethers, with no added steps.

Wanted by Helena Rubinstein

I can't help but think of Bon Jovi when I think of this fragrance.  If you are of a certain age then you know this "cowgirl" can't help but smile.  I am adding this fragrance to my birthday wish list for later this month.  With notes magnolia, carnal, iris, and cedar Wanted by Helena Rubinstein is high on my fragrance list for the beauty arsenal.

Ma Maison: Joya Reserve Hand Soap, Hand Cream, and Candle

I don't know what has come over me in the last few weeks. I've been having an "Anthropologie" moment and it hasn't abated.  I'm constantly on their site and finally had an opportunity to do a quick crash into the store.  I love this store for many reasons (1) the clothes are super cute; (2) it reminds me of stores in Paris my home: and (3) because it's so girly, so divalicious, and so pretty.

In a matter of 10 minutes I was able to walk in and out of the store with early birthday presents for myself (my birthday is next month) and something beautiful to dress my bathroom for the holiday.  I had heard the Joya Reserve line was coming out before Christmas and that my talented design artist, paper creator, and all around cool chick Joy was designing the packaging.  I couldn't help it. I had to get EVERYTHING - hand soap, hand cream, and candle in the Alhambra Perfume scent.  I know I will be running out of the candle before Christmas, so another trip to the store is in order.  Anthropologie I'm Julia and I'm addicted to your store. 

Smashbox Eyelights in Smoke Box

I apologize for not posting as frequently, but the job that pays the "beauty bills" has kept me so busy that when I get home the only thing I can do is take a bath and head to bed.  I'm looking forward to the new year when BIG changes will be happening in my life, but right now I have to keep it on the "pretty hush-hush."  One saving grace is trolling the web for products that make my life a little bit more beautiful. 

Bring in Smashbox Cosmetics.  I am diving face first into this brand and giving it a little more of my pretty attention.  I was looking for a quick smokey eye palette to carry in my purse to update my look from day-to-night.  At the rate I have been looking, my eyes need all the help they can get. I hope you are having a great start to the holiday season.

Sponsored Post: Tweezerman - The Beauty Tool Experts

Top makeup artists recommend the award-winning Tweezerman Slant® Tweezer for expert brow shaping. The perfectly aligned, hand-filed slanted tips grab every hair, every time with exact precision. This holiday season, tweezing aficionados and novices alike will adore these festive Tweezerman stocking stuffers at a range of prices: The Petite Tweeze® Set ($25) contains smaller versions of the Slant® and Point® Tweezers, which are ideal for grooming on the go. The Special Edition Polka Dot Swarovski® Crystal Slant® Tweezers ($40) are adorned with delicate Swarovski crystals to add a hint of glamour to the everyday. Available in Midnight Sky, Signature Red or Neon Pink. The new Winter Print Mini Slant® Holiday Tweezers ($15) are the perfect holiday beauty treats, are petite enough to fit in the palm of your hand and come decorated with either a snowflake or star motif in shades of red, blue or green. Special offer! Get 10% off your entire order at tweezerman.com. Get free shipping when you spend $40, and a free gift when you spend $75.

Destination Pretty: Anakiri Hydrating Jet Set Kit

Anakiri BioEnergetic Skin Care first came on my radar when I stayed at the Boar's Head Inn in Charlottesville, Virginia during an exploration of the Charlottesville Wine Region.  The Boar's Head Inn is a breathtakingly beautiful hotel and the surroundings are nothing short of majestic.  I am a true spa girl and can never get enough of massages and I become instantly hooked on Anakiri's oil blends when I had my massage.

I have been known to bring Anakiri's Calming Oil with me to most of my massages because I love how the scent can immediately calm me down.  Now, I'm going to try their Hydrating Jet Set Kit when I make a quick trip home to Houston next month.  Because I can't leave home without it, the calming oil is coming with me as well.

Prescriptives Holiday 2009 Color Collection

Do you see the tears that are coming out of my eyes? I'm so sad. When I heard earlier this fall that Prescriptives was closing I needed to take a minute. My favorite custom bronzer, foundation, and tinted moisturizer will be no more? Yes, I've had to have 2 of those bronzers made.  Yes two. I'm not taking chances. 

Then I get this beautiful Prescriptives Lustre Baked Eye Color Quad in Warm and my eyes couldn't take it.  These colors are so yummy that I did all 4 colors on my eyes at one time. Which I never do.  I'm going to miss this color, the tint balms, and the moon beams which are also delicious.  I am telling you run, don't walk to your Prescriptives counter and start stacking up.  I did and it's still not enough.  Queue the sad French music. Le sigh!

Reading Pretty: Hollywood is Like High School with Money

I've been working crazy hours over the past few weeks. It's one of those things where I'm enjoying being super busy, but the site is suffering because I just don't have the energy to focus once I get home. I needed some home time.  Time to spend on my couch, wrapped up in a blanket, and a fun read.  I jumped right into Zoey Dean's Hollywood is Like High School with Money and it was just the fun reading I needed. Dean is also the author of The Clique Series which I might read over Christmas.  The book seems so dead-on that you know this stuff happens in Hollywood. 

If you are looking for a fun book to enjoy  and help with the holiday craziness - I suggest this book. You won't even notice waiting in the long lines at the airport.

Sponsored Post: BeautyTicket.com

Want to know how to get department store beauty brands at drugstore prices? Go to BeautyTicket.com! This online beauty boutique features your favorite hair, makeup and skin care brands like Stila, Smashbox, and Yves Saint Laurent at a fraction of their retail cost. How do they do it? With new cosmetics, skincare, bath & body, etc. coming out almost every single day, there is always a surplus of products. BeautyTicket.com purchases this surplus from premium beauty manufacturers and high-end retailers at a discount and passes the savings along to you. Try it out ASAP: The site boasts an incredible selection of party-ready palettes and gift sets for holiday. Bonus Offer! From now through December 15, BeautyTicket.com will give you 15% off of your entire order! Use code DAILYMAKEOVER at checkout.

June Jacobs Cranberry Pomegranate Moisture Masque

Dearest June Jacobs: I look forward to spending time with you in the next few weeks for some "me time."  My life has been crazy with work, work, more work, and trying to come home and write for this site I love.  My weekends June have been jammed pack traveling, hanging out with old and new friends in New York, and trying to spend some quality to time with my man that somewhere my weekly masque nights have not happened as much as I would like. 

But, June - dearest June. I have a Friday night planned watching French films and using your Cranberry Pomegranate Moisture Masque to bring me back.  It is crazy that I have to write it in my planner, but by any means necessary will we connect. 

Motives by Loren Ridinger

Review by AATP Intern:

I'd never heard of Motives by Loren Ridinger, but was very excited to try it. The first products I tried were the lipsticks and let me tell you, these are amazing. While I'm much more of a gloss girl, subtle gloss at that, the Tomato Red and Magenta lipsticks were both amazing. While I'm not sure if I'm daring enough to wear these out of the house the colors are fabulous, very pigmented and look amazing on the lips. I also tried Sunbeam and Peach Puff and while these colors were great I found them to be a little to frosty on my lips alone, but wonderful applied over lip balm. These were definitely the stand outs in this line and with tons of colors to choose from you're sure to find one that suits you and makes you feel as glamorous as Tomato Red and Magenta make me feel.  

Next I tried the eye shadows, winner of a Latina Beauty Award. These shadows come in 62 shades and in 2 finishes, pearlized, and matte, to flatter every skin and eye color. The color payoff is incredible and feels lightweight on the eye but I did notice that they were not very long lasting on their own. Each shade comes in an adorable compact, but I wouldn't recommend toting them around with you without making sure the pans are attached to the case perfectly, as I did find that a lot of these shadows fell out easily and trust me you wouldn't want to lose one of these.  

I also got a chance to try the blushes and the Luminous Face Powder. While the colors I tried were not ones I would choose for myself I did find that the products themselves were great. The powder set my makeup but allowed my skin to show through and was very buildable allowing you to customize the amount of coverage you got. The blushes that I tried were both matte and felt incredible on my cheeks. They didn't feel heavy or cakey and they stayed on top of the skin instead of sinking into pores and accentuating them further.

Neutrogena's Holiday Website 2009

Neutrogena has created its own holiday website featuring some of their best selling products, as well as, special savings from now until January 2010.

• FREE Shipping on Orders over $25
• 25% off When You Buy 3 or More Products
• FREE Samples with Every Purchase

I can see it's time to stock up on the Rainbath Shower Gel.Save

Feasting Pretty: American Fashion Cookbook

I love knowing that some of my favorite fashion designers know how to make at least one dish.  I can't wait to test out some of their recipes with American Fashion Cookbook by the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

With recipes by Mark Ecko, Derek Lam, Carolina Herrera and one of my favorite designers Isaac Mizrahi this cookbook should be on every diva's cookbook shelf.  I can't wait to try Mizrahi's Mushroom Truffle Spaghetti with a glass of Bordeaux on a cold winter's night.

This will also make a perfect gift for the chic chef in your life.