VD

It’s everywhere you look these days.  It’s overtaken the malls, your favorite stores even the pharmacies aren’t safe anymore.  It has me seeing red.  Valentines Day, whether you have a significant other or not it seems everyone feels the stresses and pressures of this holiday.  It’s like Christmas in February.

Today’s blog has a simple message, be your own Valentine.  We all know that before you can be truly good to someone else, you have to be good to yourself (hey Journey sang about it so it MUST be true).  So this Valentines day I am suggesting that you do something nice for you. Here is my list of VD inspired things you can give to yourself to perk up your mood (all for under $50)…

1. This time of year everyone’s skin can get dry and cracked, yet we all seem to ignore our hands, which is why my first suggestion is Aerin Rose Hand and Body Cream.  I love this stuff, I keep one near my bed and one in my purse.  Not only is it beautifully packaged, it smells amazing and keeps my hands soft and moisturized all year round.  Available online at esteelauder.com for $40 ($45 in Canada) and at most Estee Lauder counters.

Aerin Rose Hand Cream

2.  Everybody needs a good gloss and at $16 Origins Liquid Lip Shimmer in Hula Girl is the gloss for me!  It is the quintessential pink lip gloss. It goes on smooth, no sticky texture and its scented with a hint of cool mint so applying it is both pretty and refreshing.  As an added bonus, when you shop at Origins (in store or online) they are currently offering a free Liquid Lip Duo with the purchase of 2 products, which is how I was originally introduced to Hula Girl many months ago.

hula girl

3.  Much like a good car show can rock a man’s world, women and lipstick share a similar relationship.  I don’t understand the science behind the brain’s chemistry and lip color, but I do know that when I am feeling less than my best a new lip stick can turn my frown upside down…literally.  A few months ago I found my new favorite shade from an old favorite of mine.  Trish Mcevoy Lip Color Collection in Rosewood is that new favorite.  Her lipsticks are rich and hydrating and scented with a vanilla/mint like scent that makes applying it a pleasure.  Priced at $28 they are long-lasting and available at all Trish Mcevoy counters at Neiman Marcus, Saks, Bloomingdales. I can’t believe I haven’t blogged about her products yet…

trish mcevoy

4.  Bath time!  My most favorite time of the day.  Work is done and it’s time to pamper me.  Ginger Float Cream Bubble Bath from Origins is my go to soak of choice.  My muscles thank me for this rich, ginger, lime and bergamot scented relief.  For $28 you get 17.6 oz of bath time bubble fun.  I generally use two scoops to fill my tub and it lasts me a long time. Technically this could be your second Origins product to get you your free Liquid Lip Duo…My generosity knows no bounds….;)

ginger float

5.  Last but not least, I am deviating slightly from my recommendation variety.  As promised all my recommendations are products I use and adore.  Up until now products have been of the cosmetic kind, today I am making an exception and introducing you to something that I love so much I am actually blogging in them now.  At $49.50, my Victoria Secret PillowTalk Pajama Set  comes in under my as promised budget of $50 or less and makes sleeping and lounging around the house a lot more glamorous.  I love these pajamas, they’re soft, sparkly and super comfy.

pillowtalk

So my job here is done.  I wish you all a wonderful Valentine’s Day and hope you all remember to “Be good to yourself!”

xo Elisa

TRUTHisBEAUT-E’s 1st Annual Top 10 List…

You gotta start somewhere!

Tis the season to stuff stockings!  Making this TisB’s first Top 10 list!  Well actually,  since we’re a very multi-cultural blog here, our top 10 will really be our top 8.  Eight nights of Hanukkah, eight stockings to stuff, whatever you chose to do with these items someone is going to be getting some good loot this holiday season.  Let’s begin!

1.  Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Therapy.  Winter time = chapped hands, this hand cream is the perfect stocking stuffer.  It comes in 3 sizes (all of which are stocking approved) and ranges from $7-$19.  It’s deeply moisturizing and not at all greasy.  My personal favorite is the Citron, Honey and Coriander.  I keep it in my purse at all times and it smells delicious, like a Lemon Grove in Italy.  Bellissimo!  citron_hand_therapy_25g

2.  Clinique Chubby Intense.  We all know I love a good chubby (and from feedback I’ve gotten, so do you all).  Clinique has recently introduced the Chubby Intense, same great formula, slightly deeper shades, same great price.  Not so sheer, definitely not opaque but truly beautiful.  ($19 wherever Clinique is sold).   Clinique-Chubby-Sticks-Intense

3.  Jo Malone Vitamin E Lip Conditioner.  Hands down the best lip balm there is out there.  I’ve been using it for the last 5 years at least and it cannot be beat, plus you can’t be smooching under the mistletoe with chapped lips. ($25 at neiman marcus, bloomingdales and jo malone boutiques throughout the world).  jm_L0LA01_lrg

4.  CHANEL Coco Noir.  For the scent lover this holiday season.  CHANEL’s newest fragrance doesn’t offer Brad Pitt as it’s spokesmen, but what it does do is reinvent the oriental fragrance with a modern twist.  Top notes of bergamot, Indonesian patchouli and sandalwood, will warm up this holiday season for the recipient and the gift giver.  ($98 – $130 at CHANEL cosmetic counters around the world).

 

coco-noir

5. YSL Pure Chromatics Eye Palette.  If you want to dazzle someone this holiday (yourself included) do it with YSL Pure Chromatics Eye Palette.  Of all the eye palettes available out there this one has the most staying power, the richest hues and is packaged ever so beautifully.  It can be used wet or dry and is quite simply spectacular.  ($55 in the U.S and $74 in Canada at Sephora.ca or Holt Renfrew).  YSL-Summer-2012-Pure-Chromatics-Eyshadow-Palette

6.  Tom Ford Lipstick  For a truly beautiful stocking stuffer inside and out, this lipstick is unbeatable.  Smooth texture, intense color and a hint of vanilla all presented in a beautiful gold and brown tube.  I’m partial to the Casablanca color, it’s a neutral color perfect for day or night, but if you’re looking for a radiant red to ring in the New Year, Cherry Lush is the way to go. ($48 at Neiman Marcus).  tom-ford-

7.  CHANEL Le Vernis Nail Colour  There is no better nail polish out there, believe me I’ve tried.  CHANEL has always been the trendsetter in the nail department.  Each season they come out with a color that everyone tries to duplicate.  They seem to dictate the “it” color of the moment.  For the Trendsetter on your gift list, this is the “IT” gift.  ($25-$26 wherever CHANEL cosmetics are sold)  chanel-particuliere-nail-vernis

8.   Lancome Absolue L’Extrait  If you really want to say “Happy” Holidays to someone this year, do it with Lancome’s Absolue L’Extrait.  This is the decadent gift of the list, at $350 it’s not cheap, but I assure you it’s worth every penny.  It’s a moisturizer that is powered with over 2 million cells from the Lancome rose which helps to regenerate the skin.  Skin looks firmer, more elastic and absolutely radiant.  This blog was started because I wanted women to take the time in the day to do something nice for themselves.  THIS IS that nice thing.  Each morning while I apply it I am transported to a European Rose Garden far, far away from my daily grind and THAT my friends, is priceless!  img-thing

So happy holidays to you and yours.  Whatever holiday you celebrate, may you do so in health and surrounded by much love….and hopefully fabulous products!  😉

xo Elisa

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