Spa’s Holiday Gift Guide: Day 8 – Makeup
Editor’s Pick: There’s nothing better than looking flawless on the go and that’s why I’m hoping to get The Kit by BeingTrue ($75) this Christmas. Perfect for travelers or beginners, The Kit includes two shades of SPF17 mineral foundation (which you can blend to create a custom color), a blush compact, a finishing mist, as well as a retractable brush and a sponge for seamless application. Best of all: the mineral foundation contains Idebenone, an antioxidant that brightens and smoothes skin.
—Natalie Rios, editorial assistant/research editor
Get more makeup gift ideas after the jump.
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Jane Iredale Limited Edition Sweet 15 Kit
Set includes 15 shadow shades, three Just Kissed lip plumpers, three Blush shades, and a large mirror for easy application. Price: $78
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Priti Dark Winter Night Kit
This kit include two non-toxic nail polishes—Magic Man Iris and Silver King—a 2-in-1 Top/Base Coat, and 2oz. Soy Remover. Price: $37.50 |
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gloLip Maven Collection from glominerals
Price: $65 |
More of our 2009 Gift Guide:
- Day 1: Gifts for the Home
- Day 2: Skincare
- Day 3: Fashion
- Day 4: Gift for Men
- Day 5: Food & Drink
- Day 6: Fitness
- Day 7: Jewelry
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Spa’s Holiday Gift Guide: Day 2 – Skincare
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Editor’s picks: It was hard to choose just one gift recommendation, so I picked the first four that came to mind—handy anti-aging products I rely on for special occasions because they deliver immediate results.
If you’ve ever thought of trying Botox or another injectable but are reluctant to go the invasive route (like I am), these noninvasive options smooth out lines and creases in the face a few seconds after you put them on: Un-Wrinkle by Peter Thomas Roth ($120) or Poker Face by Beauty Society ($59.50).I was skeptical—until I tried them.
Within a few seconds the the deep lines in my forehead and the two vertical lines between my eyebrows smoothed out quite a bit for more than an hour—and the effects are purportedly cumulative over time.
Also high on my anti-aging holiday list are Kerstin Florian’s Eye Rescue ($129.50) because of the magic it does with under-eye issues such as puffiness and dark circles, and La Bella Donna’s Baci-Baci Moisturizing Lip Sheer ($26.50) due to the sheer but long-lasting color and the hydrating treatment it gives my lips while I wear it.
—Julie Sinclair, editor-in-chief
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Facial Advice at Spa Villagio in Napa Valley, CA
It’s always nice to get an expert’s opinion.
Recently I had an appointment at Spa Villagio in Napa Valley for a facial, and I had chosen Active Pureness ($145, 50 minutes), which is designed to deeply cleanse the skin. Once I arrived, though, the esthetician took a close look at my complexion and said I’d be better off with a more moisturizing treatment, and she suggested Hydramemory ($135, 50 minutes). I have to say that I totally appreciated this feedback.
Going to the spa is like being in a relationship: One partner shouldn’t dominate the other, and there should be open communication. I want to hear what the esthetician or therapist has to say—after all, they are the experts—and I want them to listen to my concerns as well.
When my treatment begins with a conversation and an explanation of what’s to come, I have a much more enjoyable experience. I did end up going with the hydrating facial, and afterward I felt glowy. It was the right choice.
PS: My facial was followed by an amazing scrub and massage, the Aromasoul Mediterranean Ritual ($250, 100 minutes). If you’re looking for a wine country getaway, Spa Villagio has several spa deals going on through the end of the year (Spa Day Your Way, Two-for-Tuesday, and Viva La Diva Girlfriends Getaway Spa Day). Be sure to check them out!
—Natalie Ridsdale, managing editor
