Have a Va Va Voom Vacation Introducing theBalm’s NEW Limited Edition BalmVoyage Kits

Jet-setting beauty junkies can say au revoir to their bulky makeup and bonjour to theBalm’s NEW BalmVoyage. These kits include mini versions of theBalm’s cult favorites along with luggage tags that effortlessly snap onto any bag; perfect for any glamour girl on-the-go. Give the gift of luscious lips and glittering eyes this holiday season. theBalm introduces two travel-friendly limited edition gift sets that are perfect way to keep your stockings stuffed.

The Eye Kit (for the girl who arrives batting her lashes) includes:
Smaller versions of the popular shadyLady shadow and shadow liner, and Hot Mama blush to give a smoldering holiday glow.

The Lip Kit (for the girl who arrives puckering her pout) contains:
A miniature sized Stainiac in Beauty Queen, BalmShelter SPF 17 lip gloss, and the Plump Your Pucker gloss for kissable lips under the mistletoe.

Whether spending this holiday season sailing the Caribbean or skiing the Alps, the NEW BalmVoyage is a perfect fit.

Price: $18.50 each

Available at select Sephora stores and www.sephora.com.

The Art of Shaving is a unique concept guided by the expertise and hands-on attention of our founders. Passionately devoted to the very best in skin care, we have created a luxurious line of shaving products that promises optimal shaving results for legs, bikini area and under arms. We call this The Perfect Shave.

You know what to find out how to get the barest skin, so

The Art of Shaving isn’t just for men, they have a whole range of products to achieve “The Perfect Shave” for women. Start yourself off with their Pre-Shave Oil ($18), which softens hair and protects skin in delicate areas like the bikini line, and it reduces irritation, ingrown hairs, cuts, and leaves skin irresistibly soft. Apply Shaving Cream ($30), which has some of the same benefits as the Pre-Shave Oil, but it also helps to provide an easy way for the razor to glide across the skin.

If you want real luxury, use their Pure Badger Shaving Brush ($60) to build up a good lather, gentle exfoliation, and an all-around lovely shaving experience. Turn the mundane into an at-home spa treatment! Protect your perfectly shaven skin with After-Shave Body Milk ($36) by replenishing the moisture to your skin and keep it moisturized all day long. To stop those nasty ingrow hairs in their tracks, use Ingrown Hair Night Cream ($30) with shea butter to soften skin, which helps ingrown hairs break free (and means all good things for you).

All of the products to achieve “The Perfect Shave” use Rose Absolute, which is a gentle anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and increases suppleness.  You’ll find a host of antioxidants in each of their products to keep your skin delightfully bare and soft.

Shop for these products at www.artofshaving.com.

P.S. – For that special man in your life, definitely take a look at their range of products for the male variety!

French Art of Flirting | $36 ($49.50 value)
This holiday season, let your eyes say it all. The French Art of Flirting has never been easier than with this set of three Regard Effet Metallis  Waterproof Eyeliners and the always essential Volume Glamour Ultra Black Mascara.

Regard Effet Metallis Waterproof Eyeliners in Noir Effet Miroir- intense black, Feuille de Cuivre – radiant copper
Vert Pepite – luminous green, Volume Glamour Ultra Black Mascara – jet black

Kisses from Paris | $18 ($36 value)
You never know where that mistletoe may be lurking so always be prepared! With Kisses from Paris, a set of four mini Effet 3D Mobile Lip Glosses that easily attach to a fun and flirty keychain designed specially by Bourjois, you’ll never be caught without gorgeous, glossy lips.

Effet 3D Mobile Lip Gloss in Rose Idyllic – petal pink shimmer, Beige Elastic – nude shimmer, Brun Galactic- bronze shimmer, Rose Symphonic – frosty pink shimmer, Signature Bourjois Keychain – holds two glosses at a time

Pretty in Paris | $35 ($87 value)
Inspired by the glamorous and coveted eyes of Parisian beauties, Bourjois created Pretty in Paris, the chic girl’s go-to kit for eyes that make an unforgettable statement. With two shadows (cream and powder) and one liquid liner in dazzling shades of purple, combined with intense, black mascara and two essential brushes, this kit will transform you into the ultimate French belle. Ulta exclusive.

Find these holiday goodies at www.ulta.com and www.sephora.com.

Bobbi Brown’s shimmer bricks may one of the most standout products of the line, and I know there is a definite cult following of these compact gems. They’re intended to be used either as a blush as a highlighter on cheeks or even as individual eyeshadows. Who doesn’t love a multitasking compact? Pink Quartz Shimmer Brick comes as part of the Holiday 2007 collection, and it’s adorable with its pink packaging (on the inside), and the shades are gorgeous. It gives you a precious pink glow, just the faintest hint of color, with lots of shimmer. The colors themselves make for great muted holiday looks that are neutral or pink based. $38.00

Find yours at www.bobbibrown.com.

CHRISTMAS UNWRAPPED!
We all love that moment when we finally get to unwrap our Christmas presents and find out what’s inside – but once we’re done unwrapping, we’re left with a pile of unwanted gift boxes, decorations and gift wrap that is hastily thrown away. Here at LUSH we have the environmentally friendly alternative to Christmas gifts. Not only can loved ones be treated to deliciously fresh handmade cosmetics, but all of our festive gifts are lovingly wrapped by the LUSH elves using 100% recycled paper and prettily tied with recycled paper ribbons — so you can give that amazing present and help save the planet. For the first time this year we offer a completely green gift option and a charity gift option, so if you’re looking for that special luxury gift, stocking filler or secret Santa, check out LUSH’s eco-friendly gifts that are all wrapped up, ready and waiting to give to that lucky person.

Keep reading for our review on the “Happy Treats!” gift, plus find out what to give to who with LUSH’s Holiday Gift Guide!

HAPPY TREAT | Includes Jingle Spells (bath bomb), Jingle Jelly (green shower jelly), and Green Green Bath of Foam (bubble bar) $19.95

I loved the Jingle Jelly so much! It has this Christmas spice meets Evergreen tree meets holiday smell to it that’s just lovely. I love the subtle hint of “tree scent” to it, because it really does remind of the winter season. It’s a wearable scent, so don’t fear that you’ll be smelling like pine. I also love that this is one sparkly green shower jelly. So much fun in the shower! The Jingle Spells bath bomb is adorable, because it’s purple with silver star sparkles/sequins in it, and it smells divine. The Green Green Bath of Foam bubble bar is in the shape of a Christmas tree with red lights/ornaments. I love it! Definitely an adorable gift to give.

LUSH is offering an amazing range of holiday treats and gift sets (though you can buy holiday offerings on their own if you want to build your own gift), so be sure to give them a look through.

ECO-CHIC GIFTS
LUSH PUD SUPERSIZE | Includes a super size version of the festive favorite Lush Pud bath bomb is entirely environmentally friendly, wrapped in compostable cellophane and a red raffia ribbon. Break off bits of the Lush Pud outer shell containing aloe vera extract, rose absolute, clove powder and lemon peel, and throw in the tub to revitalize after the excesses of the season. Inside contains Bob Soap and Snowcake soap. $26.95

CHARITY BOX | Tis the season of goodwill so give to those less fortunate than yourselves with this yuletide gift featuring Charity Pot hand and body lotion and we will take the $20.95 it costs (minus the VAT) and give it to charities working in environmental causes, animal welfare and conservation. Also contains Nutts massage bar and Fair Trade Foot Lotion (100g), both made with Fair Trade and organic cocoa butter we source from a project in the Dominican Republic. And finally, Karma soap (100g), simply because by buying this gift and supporting all these causes you will get some amazingly good karma! $51.95

Stocking stuffers (over $9.95)

FROSTY SNOWMAN | This Frosty gift set contains Lush’s very own snowman, Mr. Butterball, a snowman shaped bath bomb made with the sweet floral fragrance of ylang ylang and moisturizing cocoa butter; and Ice Blue, the extremely minty, ice cool soap. $9.95

SECRET SANTA | You won’t want to keep your identity secret when you give this lovely little gift. Contains Bob Soap and Christmas Kisses bubble bar, both made with the festive blends of clove and cinnamon–it even has a cute Santa gift tag that can be used as a finger puppet. $9.95

SANTAS LITTLE HELPER Santa’s helpers have gone all green this year and are helping the planet as well as Mr. Claus. Contains new Green Green Bath of Foam, a bubble bar made with neroli, bergamot and violet leaf; and new Greenwash, a woody scented soap shaped like a Christmas Tree to really get you in the festive spirit. $11.95

TWINKLE | This star of a gift box features Twinkle, an aquamarine glittery bath bomb of sweet vanilla, lavender and clary sage; and Shimmy Shimmy massage bar made with skin softening shea and cocoa butters and leaves a trace of gold/pink sparkling body shimmer. $12.95

WHITE CHRISTMAS | Everyone dreams of having a White Christmas and now you can with this festive gift containing Snowcake, a rich, creamy moisturizing soap; and Champagne Snow Showers jelly laden with elderflower and cognac to get you tipsy on Christmas Day. $15.95

Cheerful gifts (over $19.95)

HAPPY TREAT | Ideal for all Harry Potter wannabes, this box of treats will keep them all happy with Jingle Spells, a stars and wizardry sparkle bath bomb; Jingle Jelly, a ghoulish green shower jelly; and Green Green Bath of Foam bubble bar made with vertivert and cedar leaf oils to calm them down after all the excitement of Christmas Day. $19.95

THE TREE AMIGOS | This set of three bath bombs comes in a minimally packaged, recycled cardboard box. Containing Green Party, Lush Pud and Avobath bath bombs to revitalize a tired mind and keep you going throughout the party season. $19.95
BEST WISHES | A truly lovely gift hand wrapped with natural paper from India and tied together with a woven red and white ribbon. Contains Christmas Kisses, a softening and relaxing bubble bar that looks just like Santa’s hat; Mr Butterball, a vanilla and cocoa butter bath bomb; and Snowcake, a creamy, almond moisturizing soap. $19.95

CHRISTMAS PARTY | Get in the Christmas party mood with these three bath bombs; Christmas Party and Jingle Spells, both made with festive cognac and orange oil to get you tipsy on Christmas Day; and Silver Cloud with silver sparkles inside to get you glitzed for the party. $19.95

SNOW FAIRY | A delightful gift for girly friends or just the young at heart. Contains Snow Fairy pink, shimmery shower gel; Christmas Angel, a minty bath bomb with slithers of cocoa butter; and Angel’s Delight soap. Wrapped in girly pink paper, pink bow and fun jingle bells. $21.95

STOCKING FELLA | Fill your Fella’s stocking with this little treat of a shower gift, that’s sure to keep him happy all Christmas long! Containing a citrusy, refreshing Happy soap, Ambrosia shave cream; and the grapefruity Happy Hippy shower gel. $23.95

YULETIDE | A great gift for everyone, containing Green Green Bath of Foam bubble bar, with neroli, bergamot and violet leaf; the creamy white almond Snow Cake soap; greenwash, woody scented soap; and Christmas Kisses, a softening and relaxing bubble bar shaped like Santa’s hat. $25.95

CHIRPY CHRISTMAS | Full of lots of bath time fun to keep you going into the New Year with Christmas Kisses, a relaxing bubble bar that looks just like Santa’s hat; Jingle Spells and Lush Pud bath bombs, Green Green Bath of Foam bubble bar; and Bob Soap, made with clove bud oil, sweet orange oil, cinnamon leaf and black pepper to keep you chirpy all winter long. $29.95

Pampering g ifts (over $35)

SEASONS GREETINGS | Tis the season to be jolly with this great gift containing Candy Cane bubble bar made with soothing vanilla; Mr Butterball bath bomb with softening cocoa butter; Snowcake soap with creamy, moisturizing almond; and Helping Hands hand cream. $34.95

CELEBRATE | Celebrate good times with the Champagne Supernova bath bomb, made with cognac; Happy orange and tangerine soap; Happy Hippy citrusy shower gel; Avobath bath bomb; and Each Peach massage bar, this gift is sure to get any Christmas celebration going with a bang! $34.95

CHRISTMAS STAR $34 .95 For fans of all things glitterati, this gift is bursting with five wonderfully sparkling bath time treats. There’s the fairytale glittery Twinkle bath bomb, Jingle Spells star shaped bath bomb; Snow Fairy glittering pink shower gel; Glitterbug soap; and Sunny Side glittery gold bubble bar. All these twinkling treats are encased in a glittering silver star box.

CHRISTMAS CANDY | Delicious sweet and bubble gum pink goodies come packed into this mouth-watering gift containing Christmas Angel minty and creamy bath bomb; Angels Delight pink and starry, orange fresh soap; Candy Cane pink and white bubble bar made with vanilla, Mmm Melting Marshmallow luxury bath melt; and Snow Fairy glittering, pink shower gel. $37.95
HAPPY CHRISTMAS | This best-selling gift is back with six happy-go-lucky festive gems. Holiday bubble bar; Christmas Party, Green Party, Twinkle bath bombs; Snow Cake and Greenwash soaps — all wrapped in shiny red foil and multicolored fabric ribbon, it’ll look so good under your tree, you won’t want to open it–well, almost! $38.95

SNOW SHOWERS | When the weather outside is frightful, stay indoors and treat yourself to one of these six seasonal shower marvels. Snow Showers contains Snow Fairy vanilla shower gel; Snow Cake creamy almond soap; Champagne Snow; and Gold Frankincense Beer shower jellies; Ice Blue cool minty soap; and Champagne Snow showers solid fragrance. Brr-eautiful! $46.95

Luxury gifts (over $50)
GLAMOUR PUSS | For all those glamour puss party girls out there, these five glittery and gorgeous LUSH products are to preen and pamper before a night out. Contains Holiday bubble bar; Potion sweet rose solid perfume; Cocktail Guest ylang ylang, rose and jasmine soap; Tisty Tosty rose bath bomb, and a trial size of Gorgeous moisturizer. $53.95

CHRISTMAS ISLAND | Get away from it all at Christmas time with this gift set containing Sandstone, an exfoliating citrus soap; Seanik shampoo bar, crammed with seaweed and sea salt; Happy Hippy tropical shower gel; Buffy exfoliating body butter for that bikini body; and Ocean Salt scrub, the invigorating sea salt, grapefruit, lemon and lime wash. $58.95

MERRY CHRISTMAS | This classic Christmas gift has seven festive favorite LUSH products including; Comforter bubble bar; Christmas Massage bar; Ceridwen’s Cauldron lavender and chamomile bath melt; Angels Delight soap; Sex Bomb bath bomb; Helping Hands hand cream; and new Honey I Washed the Kids solid perfume. Wrapped in natural brown recycled paper wrap and tied with a red paper ribbon. $63.95

CHRISTMAS PRESENT | Scrub up your loved one with this great shower gift containing new Squeaky Green shampoo bar; new Go Green solid perfume; Bob Soap; Ocean Salt scrub (small); Jingle Spells bath bomb; Christmas Kisses bubble bar; Wiccy Magic Muscles soothing massage bar; and new Jingle Jelly juniperberry, grape and mandarin juice shower jelly. $65.95

Super sized gifts (over $100)

WINTER WONDERLAND | A beautiful white hatbox embossed with red velvet snowflakes and containing nine great Lush winter treats that will have you walking in a wonderland of comfort and joy. Contains: Dream Cream, Fair Trade Foot Lotion (small), Gorgeous moisturizer (sample size), Snow Fairy shower gel (100g), American Cream solid perfume, Christmas Massage bar, Angels Delight soap (100g), Figs & Leaves soap (100g) and Snowcake soap (100g). $106.95

WISH LIST | Everything the die-hard Lush fan could ever wish for … it’s a bath time obnanza! Twenty-Two Christmas treats of past and present in a wonderfully eye-catching, bright ted hatbox with gold stars and ribbon. Includes: Christmas Angel, Green Party, Lush Pud and Mr. Butterball bath bombs; Bling Crosby, Candy Cane, Christmas Kisses and Green Green Bath of Foam Bubble Bars, Snow Fairy shower gel (100ml), Champagne Snow shower jelly (100g), Champagne Snow Showers Solid Perfume, Egg Snog lip Balm, Bob Soap (100g) and Cocktail Guest soap (80g). $149.95

LUSH LEG ENDS | For those who’ve been especially good this year, treat them to this extravaganza of Lush lavishness. A huge gold glittered hatbox, tied with a luxury black velvet ribbon, this extra-special gift contains 30 of our legendary products. Trust us, you’ll get a whacking great kiss under the mistletoe for this one! Includes: Dream Cream body lotion; Wiccy Magic Muscles massage bar; Sex Bomb bath bomb; Honey I Washed the Kids soap; Fair Trade Foot Lotion; Happy Hippy shower gel (100g); Blue Skies and Fluffy White Clouds bubble bar; and Karma soap (100g). $289.95

The LUSH Holiday range will be available in 43 LUSH shops nationwide in early October 2007. For shop details and mail order, call 1.888.733.LUSH or order online at www.lush.com.

La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream (Limited Edition): The most extravagant gift you can give your face.

La Prairie, a name synonymous with luxury, reinvents utter indulgence, bringing the ultimate in luxury to unprecedented heights with Skin Caviar Luxe Cream. When only the utmost in luxury will do, La Prairie offers the answer: the supremely elegant experience of lifting and firming in a limited-edition size jar, when a little is simply not enough.

Skin Caviar Luxe Cream is a superior concentration of caviar extracts, unique sea proteins, phytotherapy and bioengineering technologies. Your senses feel caressed by an extravagant gift of energy and moisture, beyond ordinary luxury into the ultimate Caviar experience. This experience allows lifted, illuminated satin to replace the tired skin of moments ago. 5.2 oz.

Now, I know La Prairie is a pricey skincare line; one most mortals cannot afford to try nor fall in love with. This is a special holiday edition size (5.2 oz), and the price tag? Oh, a mere $900.00! So let me ask you dear readers, have any of you tried La Prairie’s products? What was your experience? I keep thinking for $900.00, why don’t I save up for a face lift? Botox?