A New York City Health and Beauty Blog

Holiday Shopping: Sephora Value gift sets!

If you’re anything like me, you wait until the last possible second for holiday shopping. Every year right after Thanksgiving, I promise myself I will not let the time get the best of me, and I will really get my shopping done before Christmas. This is it, this will be the year. The year I will not be racing to the mall, trying to put together gift bags, rushing to get the perfect gifts together. I will not lose sleep, I will get it all done before Christmas morning.

Lip Glosses, Perfumes, Blush sets, Oh My!

Nars Kiss Mini Larger Than Life, $55 ($94 value)
Fragrance Sampler for Her, $50 ($105 value)
The Finest Shave: Deluxe Sampler for Him, $25 ($65 value)

This year, my closest girlfriends and family members will all be recieving value sets from Sephora. Sephora puts together these amazing gift sets, at reasonable prices, making them impossible to resist. Brands such as Tarte, Lorac, Nars and Korres put out best-selling beauty gift sets around this time of year. Even brands such as Philosophy and Soap and Glory put out skin care and shower sets. Also, Sephora releases perfume/cologne sampler sets which makes a great gift as well, for men and women!

I think these sets make the perfect gift for friends and family, and all are sold at reasonable prices. Each value set has nice packaging, so all that you’d need is a cute gift bag or bow on top!

What do you think of these Sephora holiday gift sets?

 

 

Give your mom something sweet for Mother's Day

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, here a few fabulous scents for the the amazing woman in your life.

If you mom is fashion forward, chic and elegant she may enjoy Balenciaga Paris. After 12 years, Nicholas Ghesquiere of Balenciaga felt that it was time to introduce the world to this fragrance that embodies French elegance. This scent is the first in what is anticipated to be a long collection of fragrances to come.

Balenciaga Paris
This scent is a beautiful light violet note with pepper and mossy wood undertones. The beautiful bottle is made from blown class and free of adornments. Balenciaga Paris is available at fine retails stores nationwide including Bergdorf Goodman

Balenciaga Paris Eau De Parfum 1.7 oz retails for $95

Balenciaga Paris Eau De Parfum 2.5 oz retails for $130

If you mom is more on the garden loving side why not give her a floral scent that won’t wilt, Chloe Eau De Fleurs features a beautiful trio of lavender, nasturtium and neroli. Housed in luxurious glass bottles with minimal lines and a metal cube stopper, this iconic bottle expresses the Chloé values: simplicity and sophistication, authentic luxury and timeless elegance.

Chloe eau de fleurs
Chloé Eau de Fleurs Collection:
Chloé eau de fleurs Néroli 100 ml – $135.00
Chloé eau de fleurs Lavande 100 ml – $135.00
Chloé eau de fleurs Capucine 100 ml – $135.00

Chloé Eau de Fleurs fragrances are available exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue and Chloé boutiques.

If you mom is the Gourmet type she may enjoy a scent from the Marc Jacobs Patisserie Splash Collection. These limited edition scents are available in Apple, Pomegranate, and Biscotto.
Apple: Aromatic and energizing, this intriguing fresh scent evokes the tartness of an Apple, Lemon and Grapefruit, with the unexpected surprise of Rosemary, Jasmin and Magnolia.  Developed by Yann Vasnier of Givaudan in a crisp, green tint.

Pomegranate:  Capturing the sparkling radiance of this exotic fruit, this vibrant fragrance also exudes Mandarin Flowers, Bergamot, Rhubarb and Sugared Musk.  Created by perfumer Patty Hidalgo of Fragrance Resources in an inviting warm tint.

Biscotto: The perfect pick-me-up, this savory scent tempts the senses with Freesia, Bergamot, Orange Flower, Pistachio, and Vanilla.  Developed by Richard Herpin of Firmenich in a warm, gold tint.

Marc Jacobs Splash Visual Patiserrie 2010

Each scent from the Splash Collection retails for $68 and are available at Saks, Sephora, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom and March Jacobs Boutiques.

Disclosure: The product(s) featured in this review were provided for editorial consideration. Receipt of a product does not guarantee review and all opinions are my own. For further information, please see my disclosure policy.


Get Gorgeous with Rue La La!

This week Rue La La is offering a Get Gorgeous Boutique where you can purchase personalized spa packages. What a great gift just in time for Mother’s Day! Take a look at some of the offer available:

Advanced SkinCare Day Spa and Laser Center is about much more than pampering with services.  With personalized skin and body care programs that will substantially improve your appearance, including Forever Young Face, Light Therapy Oxygenation and Benefit Peel you will be sure to find exactly what your body is craving for.

Mizu, (505 Park Avenue, New York, NY): Mizu New York’s newly designed salon features relaxing lounging areas, private workstations and a wide selection of nutrient-rich, feel good products for your hair.  Services being offered include a haircut, color, wash & style blending the finest hairstyling with modern architectural aesthetic and function.

John Barrett Salon, (754 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY): For more than a decade, John Barrett has been the mastermind behind some of the world’s most fashionable women. The salon, located in the penthouse of the famous former Goodman apartment, offers a haircut, half head of highlights, wash & style for the ultimate New York look.

The Parlour on Third, (8113 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA): The Parlour on 3rd is a chic hair care oasis in the heart of Los Angeles, located in the fashionable West Third Street / Fairfax district. They offer an exceptional and unique hair salon experience: an elegant décor and chill vibe with a truly hospitable staff committed to ensuring you walk out looking great with healthy and beautiful hair. Whether you’re looking for a cut, color, a new style, or drop-dead gorgeous highlights, you will be rewarded with a “miracle of magic” provided by the one and only Alyson Powell.

Carissima, (2901 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL): “Carissima translates to “an endeared one.” Lending itself to how they feel toward their clientele as well as professional staff. In conjunction with their name, they strive to maintain that each and every experience throughout their salon leaves you with a feeling of satisfaction and superior service, splashed with a pleasant uniqueness that is consistent and sincere. Services being offered include: Facial, Highlight service and singles process color & haircut.

Sean Patrick Salon & Spa, (1304 S. Halsted, Chicago IL and 7 S. Lagrange Rd., Lagrange, IL): Sean Patrick’s Salon and Spa, where the image becomes real. As a full service salon celebrating its 12th year in business, Sean Patrick’s offers the finest in hair and skincare services and our professional staff is also experienced in Massage Therapy and Make-up application. Services being offered include: Swedish Massage, Spa Manicure & Pedicure and Facial.

To purchase any of these packages you must be a member of Rue La La so be sure to login or join here. Enjoy!