How can it be that the holidays are already almost upon us? As always Guerlain has delivered a gorgeous and lustworthy collection of shimmers and rich colors. But can I be superficial for just a moment? I know I'm not supposed to judge a book by its cover but the packaging on this collection is exquisite! The symbol of the Guerlain empire has been bees and they are delicately fluttering around all these products. Each piece is adorned in these emblems. Guerlain makeup enhances the enchanting wish of every little girl of being a queen bee (cue Gossip Girl) for an evening. Loving this collection…While you may go broke purchasing the entire collection a few pieces are definitely worthy of adding to your beauty shelves, even if just for the decor.

Ombre Eclat 4 Shades. $59.00. Deep colors and exquisite light will make for bewitching eyes this holiday season.

Météorites Perles D’Or Illuminating Powder. Love these pearls. As close as I'm going to get this holiday season to embracing my angellic halo.

Midnight Star Collect D'Or and Or Impérial (iridescent gold shimmer powder for face and body)

Kiss Kiss Strass. Available in 2 stunning limited edition shades for theholiday season, a vibrant dark red and a luminous rosy beige. Kiss kiss!

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting the fabulous people behind the amazing brand, Smashbox. They're one of my faves. The reason I like it so much is because I feel like they have so many great products that you can just throw it on and you'll always look great. 

So I got my hands on their holiday collections and they're fabulous.

My favorite are the kits. They are so much bang for your buck. 

The versatile eye palette (exclusive to Sephora) helps you create an endless array of festive eye looks using Smashbox's step-by-step "Get-the-Look" cards, included with this palette, which illustrate countless ways to wear these stunning shades. Eyeshadows and liners are numbered for easy application according to the "Get-the-Look" instructions. This is definitely my favorite part. It shows you step-by-step how to make a cat-eye and a smoky eye. It's awesome.

This set contains:
12 x 0.63 oz eyeshadows in champagne, soft gray, matte bone, ballet pink, shimmering bronze, mauve, aqua, cool gray, warm brown, eggplant, deep teal, and charcoal
- 4 x 0.105 oz cream eyeliners in dark brown, black violet, blue-black, and gunmetal 
- 1 x 0.02 oz Photo Finish Lid Primer Mini
- 1 x 0.20 oz Lash DNA Mascara Mini

It's a $243 value for $45. Great gift. Plus they have such amazing rich colors that are super fun to play with. I've been having a blast. Also, Smashbox is donating $1 for every WISH purchase to the Children's Miracle Network. 

Another awesome holiday item is the O Gloss in Gold flecks. It's amazing. It's very sheer but it does the same as O-Glow just with gold, which comes in a set for $49 (a $109 value)

If you've never tried Smashbox the holiday sets are a great way to try out their products. 

Also check out this set of four eyeliners for $16:

Available on Smashbox.com and Sephora.com as well as Ulta.com. Check them all out because Sephora and Ulta each have specific sets exclusive for their customers this holiday season.

Let’s face it ladies; no one knows makeup better than the experts. That’s why makeup artists Piret Aava and Tamara Palumbo created a line to meet their own needs, focused on simple, classic, clean and timeless beauty. Both Tamara and Piret boast a roster of celebrity clients who flock to them for flawless makeup as well as brow expertise. Piret has worked with clients like Mandy Moore and Olivia Palermo, while Tamara has worked with Mena Suvari, Kate Walsh and Hayden Panettiere.

Their line, Piret & Tamara, is committed to effortless yet sophisticated beauty, creating simple, universal products that incorporate the founders’ expertise. Each product in the line is 100% paraben free, non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic and hypoallergenic.

I tried out the eye shadow, here is a swatch of the black pearl and the Strawberry lipgloss. The eyeshadow seriously stayed put all day without a smudge because it’s got a waterproof finish. It’s great too because it doesn’t crease.

The lipgloss was great and not sticky at all. It’s a sheer wash with a lot of shine.

The collection includes:

Eye Silk, $35 long-wearing, luminous, creamy shadow that’s creaseless, waterproof and budge-free Housed in chic mini pots, this foolproof shadow goes on smooth and dries instantly for a flawless, lasting finish.   Available Shades: Amethyst, Naked, Shimmering Sand, Black Pearl, Rockstar, Sunset, Mink, Seashell, Tiger’s Eye

Lip Slip, $25 the ultimate balance of sheer and shine for lips that are luscious and hydrated—never sticky These sheer washes of color enhance lip shape with mirror-like shine. Made with the finest ingredients and combined with the latest technology, Lip Slip gives lips luxe texture with luminosity. Available Shades: Bitten, Strawberry, Peony

Find these products on PiretandTamara.com!

*FTC Disclosure: I was given these products for review but as always Smartypanties opinions expressed are authentic. We get tons of products that you never hear about and choose to share only our faves and the worst offenders you'd never want to purchase!

 In response to the lack of organic and ethically pure skincare products available to her during her pregnancies, Monica, model and actress, started a skincare line, which features natural skincare products made in the USA and now available in more than 250 Duane Reade stores in New York City.

SKIN by Monica launches REFINE to its natural, cosmeceutical lineup – a deep penetrating clay cleanser.  REFINE is a stimulating cleanser that deep cleans skin with the use of Kaolin clay which has several skincare benefits.  Kaolin clay is the mildest of all cosmetic clays and does not draw oils from the skin.  It also stimulates circulation to the skin while gently exfoliating and cleansing.  Kaolin clay is suitable for all skin types, whether it oily, blemish prone, normal, sensitive, dry or mature skin.  REFINE also contains other ingredients that complement the kaolin clay.  Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells against the effects of free radicals.  Lemon peel extract is very beneficial to the circulatory system and aids with blood flow.  Chamomile flower extract has essential oils and flavonoids. Essential oils soothe irritated skin and can help with eliminating acne and other skin problems. Flavonoids, on the other hand, are antioxidants that assist by combatting free radicals.  
 

Application: REFINE Deep Penetrating Clay Cleanser can be used as a cleanser or a mask.  To cleanse, apply a thin layer of REFINE to the face, neck and chest, avoiding the eye and lip area.  Rinse with warm water and pat dry.  As a mask, use REFINE in the shower as the water further activates it.  Use often to help exfoliate skin and remove impurities.  REFINE is gentle enough for daily use.

I tried this out and I loved it. I felt like my skin truly had been drained of all nasty oily impurities.

Retail $16.95 / 4.5 fl. oz.

SKIN by Monica products can be purchased online at www.skinbymonica.com or at select Duane Reade stores.

SKIN by Monica is loved by the following celebs: Heidi Klum, Halle Berry, Kim Porter, Kate Hudson, Courteney Cox, Marcia Cross, Brooke Shields, Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayak and Katie Holmes.

I had the pleasure the other night of meeting supermodel, Cindy Crawford to discuss her infomercial line, Meaningful Beauty.  Before I go on, I just must say that Cindy is not human. She was so beautiful up close that I think I could just not stop staring. After seeing her in person I can assure you that she is not airbrushed. She was charming and clad in a Roberto Cavalli dress, which she said she got flack for behind the scenes for the dress’ S&M look.

But I digress, this post is not about Cindy’s everlasting beauty. So, to the issue at hand, Meaningful Beauty. So, here’s the deal, I have never been one for informercials, usually they turn me off and make me think that a product is crappy. However, I started whistling a different tune after I purchased the Bullet, which I still, one year later, am obsessed with. Enter open mindedness. Especially when you’re meeting with Cindy Crawford’s celebrity dermatologist, Dr. Jean-Louis Sebagh.  Dr. Jean-Louis Sebagh is one of Europe's premier anti-aging specialists. Celebrities, models and socialites flock to his exclusive offices in London and Paris to experience Dr. Sebagh's renowned anti-aging skin treatments. Basically, Cindy used to go to him back in the day but during her busy schedule she couldn’t always fit in a visit. She jokingly said, “Can’t you put your stuff in a bottle?” And poof, beauty empire abounds!

Cindy (you know, my BFF Cindy) grew up in the Midwest, with two sisters in a not-so-privileged household. She has made it her business to help others learn from the privileges she’s been afforded. She’s made workout videos for those who can’t afford a trainer, and now she’s made a product for those who can’t afford a visit to an expensive dermatologist. 

Dr. Sebagh, a most charming Frenchman, explained with sincerity and honesty that the French are famous for, that there is only so much you can do for your skin, which ages in 3 ways.  The fat decreases, which is why people get injectables, the muscles get older, which is why people use Botox, but he said that still the surface needs to look good, the texture needs to stay soft and supple and that’s where Meaningful Beauty products can help.

Cindy’s regiment with the products goes like this: Cleanser, then Glycolic pads (somewhat similar to Stridex pads but with Glycolic acid), the Daily moisturizer, then at night she cleanses, uses the serum, then the night moisturizer and when she’s really dry she’ll use the extreme moisture mask. Cindy swears by the brightening serum too. She said it makes your makeup glide on and your skin glow! I can’t wait to try out the products!

My last advice I’ll leave you with that Dr. Sebagh gave us to keep our skin looking like Cindy is not to YoYo diet. He said that’s the roughest thing on your skin. All the stretching and sagging will leave you looking older. So keep a weight and stick to it! More to come after I try all these fantabulous products!

 The products are available 24/7 on MeaningfulBeauty.com. Plus, they’re going to be available at Sephora starting on October 4^th so you can bypass all the infomercial stigma and pick ‘em up on either!

Smashbox co-founder and celebrity photographer Davis Factor made a special appearance at Nordstrom’s in Santa Monica for Fashions Night Out—guests were offered a personal photo shoot from Davis. Obviously we all know that Davis is the king of taking amazing pictures. I had the pleasure of getting his top tips on how to look beautiful, amazing and glamorous when getting your picture taken.

How to Look Thin in Photos:

·         Everyone wants to look their thinnest in photos and a great tip to ensure you do is to stand slightly turned to the side. If your shoulders are perpendicular to the camera, you will look broader. Instead, try turning a bit. Once you’ve hit this position, turn your body slightly and look toward the camera tilting your head down bringing your chin toward your neck.

·         Also, posture is extremely important, if you stand up straight with your shoulders back, you will eliminate the possibility of having any unnecessary bulges that can make you look heavier in photos.

The Perfect Smile:

·         Many people are a little nervous about smiling. They don't think their smile looks good, but the perfect smile is something that often needs a little practice. I tell my clients to practice a smile in the mirror until you get one that you are comfortable and confident with.

·         My favorite is a soft, light smile. This is a smile that doesn't show as much teeth as you would when you are laughing.  It will never appear overdone or fake and will eliminate too much gum or teeth from showing.

A Few Beauty Essentials:

Before the camera flashes, take a quick second to be sure your makeup looks as good as it did when you got to the event or party. Most of the time it won’t and there are a few key products that if you use to touch up before photos are taken will make all the difference.

·         You want to make sure you are not shiny, so a great mattifying product such as a powder or gel will quickly eliminate a shiny face.

·         I tell my clients to always have gloss with them, a sheer colored gloss or lipstick will really accent a beautiful smile.

·         Reapplying a coat of mascara before photos begin will bring attention to your eyes and create a flirty look.

Most Importantly, Relax:

Who's been keeping me company in my shower lately? My BFF Burt. My latest shower obsession is Burt's Bee's Cranberry & Pomegranate Sugar Scrub. It's 100% natural and it exfoliates my skin with its natural sugar crystals.  There are also cranberry seeds and pomegranate seed oils, which are packed with beneficial antioxidants. 

The smell is intoxicating. Yummmmmmm. Plus, I know that all Burt's products are always free of petrochemicals and synthetic ingredients like Phthalates, Parabens and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.

Pick up yourself a tub of this delightful scrub at your local drug, grocery store or at Burt's Bees online.