Although my comprehensive holiday gift guide is currently in the works (slated to go live in less than a week!) I couldn’t let another day go by without sharing five key gifts–expressly for the quintessential beauty lover–to give or get. They are equal parts luxurious and utilitarian, guaranteeing that they will captivate one’s attention for more than a fleeting moment.
Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches and images of the products in action…
(1) *By Terry Gold Elixir Glace (also available at Barney’s NY, SpaceNK and Net-A-Porter): I was first able to preview this splendid formula a couple of months ago and have since eagerly awaited its official release. Infused with 24K gold particles and light-reflecting properties, this multipurpose cream is rich and radiant, offering hydration and glow in a single application.
I have used this formula as a:
- Radiant primer/makeup base…foundation adheres well and lasts the day without migrating
- A mix-in with foundation to increase luminosity
- A boost of glow atop makeup…I add a touch of this along my upper cheek bones and brow bones for an ethereal result (as worn in the images at the end of the post)
The cream, which is scented with the iconic By Terry fragrance, feels silky and light and is absorbed into skin instantly; it imparts a healthy sheen that works just as well on the decollete as it does on the face. This is a luxurious splurge to be sure, however, its uses are endless, making it the jar you reach for time and again…I’ve even decanted a touch into a sample jar for gleaming touch ups on the go!
Official details, courtesy of Beautylish:
This dazzling elixir, enriched with 24K gold micro-particles and precious prisms, illuminates the skin with an ultra-smoothing and skin enhancing “iced-nude” corrective glaze.
INGREDIENTS: Aqua / Water, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Silica, CI 77891 / Titanium Dioxide, Cyclomethicone, Butylene Glycol, Mica, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone, Parfum / Fragrance, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Phospholipids, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Methylparaben, Chlorphenesin, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, CI 77491 / Iron Oxides, Tetrasodium Edta, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Ethylparaben, Citric Acid, CI 77492 / Iron Oxides, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Limonene, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Benzyl Salicylate, Hydroxycitronellal, Tin Oxide, Alpha-isomethyl Ionone, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Geraniol, Eugenol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Coumarin, CI 77499 / Iron Oxides, Gold [Nano]. (T0435/B)
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| Above: The finely-milled micro-particles of 24K gold are evident in this image. |
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| Above: Swatches in direct sunlight. |
(2) *Chantecaille Le Chrome Luxe Duo in Tibet (previously reviewed HERE and also available at Neiman Marcus, Barney’s NY and Net-A-Porter): Absolute perfection for the one who adores taupe, this eye shadow pairing features a rich, slightly warm medium taupe and an incandescent silvery light taupe for a stunning take on a neutral eye. The shadow is weightless and smooth, with no fallout and impressive lasting power. Finally, a chic, wearable compact that will invite you to use both shades frequently and equally.
(3) *Byredo Rose of No Man’s Land: As if the beautiful story that inspired this fragrance (see below) wasn’t enough, the scent itself is otherworldly. The rose note is clearly identifiable yet tempered by a woodsy, musky base that translates more as “skin scent” than traditional floral. Like every Byredo fragrance I’ve encountered to date (reviewed HERE and HERE), the packaging is gorgeous and the lasting power is utterly marvelous.
Official details, courtesy of Neiman Marcus:
Rose of No Man’s Land is a tribute to the nurses (often referred to by soldiers as “Rose of No-Man’s Land”) who saved thousands of lives on the front lines of WWI, their story is one of selflessness and compassion. The perfume is like a soothing balm; sophisticated elegance envelops the skin and strengthens the backbone. The pink peppercorn provides the delicate flower with the momentum needed to break through the Earth. Turkish rose petals open optimistically one by one, and the perfect rose heart combines with a radiant chord or raspberry. Finally, a base of papyrus wood and wood amber gives the rose an eternal and sophisticated aura; a bud of immense purity.
Moved by this fragrant tribute to the unknown heroines of WWI, Danish model Freja Beha Erichsen partnered with Byredo and photographer Craig McDean to convey the beauty of the new fragrance, Rose of No Man’s Land is a singular, stunning image.
Top: Pink Pepper and Turkish Rose Petals.
Heart: Raspberry Blossom and Turkish Rose Absolute.
Base Papyrus and White Amber.
(4) *Wayne Goss Holiday Brush: Available for early access customers on 12/8 and available online to the public on 12/9, this latest installment from the epic collaboration between Wayne Goss and Beautylish has gift written all over it! Handmade, super soft and ever so opulent, this finishing brush distributes loose powder evenly without disrupting any makeup already applied.
Official details, courtesy of Beautylish:
What it is: A decadently soft finishing brush made with
cruelty-free blue squirrel hair and a synthetic weave for shape
and resilience. Handmade in Japan, the Holiday Brush features uncut
bristles and a black lacquered handle.
How to use it: Use the Holiday Brush to blend away harsh lines and
set makeup without disturbing it. Its unique shape glides over the
curves of the face for a flawless finish every time.
(5) *Le Metier de Beaute Moisture Matte Lipstick: As the name so succinctly implies, this latest lip color formula from the LMdB line paradoxically balances the nourishing hydration with a velvety matte finish. It glides over my perennially dry lips with ease, leaving behind an ultra-pigmented (though relatively weightless) swath of color that wears comfortably for hours. The very versatile La Vie en Rose and L’Ete Indien have been in my purse nonstop for two weeks now and I am working up the courage to wear Smoke for more than just a picture (forthcoming)! The sleek tubes house six different shades, each with a personality of its own.
Shade Descriptions (per my experience):
- Amelie: A classic and bright neutral red; sure to be stunning on a spectrum of skin colors, especially for holiday parties!
- La Vie en Rose: Pale nude pink beige–this is quite light but lovely for muting out the lips.
- Tokyo: Bold fuchsia pink…a pink lover’s dream.
- Cinema: True vibrant coral that is equal parts retro and modern.
- L’Ete Indien: Light-medium warm pink, excellent for everyday…I love mixing this with La Vie en Rose (worn below) for a pigmented yet soft baby pink lip.
- Smoke: Deep aubergine purple-meets-oxblood for a vampy effect.
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| Above (from L-R): Amelie, La Vie en Rose, Tokyo, Cinema, L’Ete Indien and Smoke. |
Official details, courtesy of Neiman Marcus:
Moisture Matte Lipstick
Soft, Not Subtle. Specialized pigments for hydrating, brilliant, indelible color.
The fashionable matte lip goes luxe with Le Métier de Beautés revolutionary matte lip formula that hydrates as it leaves a luxurious, velvety-matte finish on lips. The non-drying crème formula imparts dramatic color onto lips using specialized pigments that extend wear while providing ultimate color payoff that won’t feather or bleed. A unique hydrating and soothing wax technology delivers both intense color and moisture for a smooth, silky application and maximum comfort.
Exclusively ours. The high pigmented Moisture Matte Collection of Lipsticks from Le Métier de Beauté give the allure of matte with the benefit of hydration. Vivid long-lasting color glides smoothly over lips, leaving a daring, luxurious velvety-matte finish. Be bold, wear color.
Available in six brand new, vibrant shades.
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| Above: Swatches in direct sunlight. |
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| Above: Swatches in outdoor mixed lighting. |
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| Above: Swatches in outdoor shade. |
The following images reflect products in action (specifically the By Terry Gold Elixir, Chantecaille Le Chrome Luxe Duo in Tibet and the Le Metier de Beaute Moisture Matte Lipstick shirt is Scotch and Soda from last season but here is a similar one:
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| Above: Last look. |
–Shop the Post–
Bottom Line: I hope you enjoyed this initial beauty-laden gift overview and would love to know what has caught your eye and may be on your list!
Good things ahead, including a couple of FOTDs, a host of new beauty and skincare products and, of course, my complete holiday gift guide. I am also in the midst of catching up with emails and comments…this blog overhaul took more time this past weekend than I thought it would…doesn’t everything?!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
** PR samples provided for review denoted by an asterisk (the rest purchased by me), however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own. © 2012-15 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.
Comments (6)
The cream looks so lovely… Then I saw the ingredient list. Coumarin? As in the stuff that inhibits blood clotting? I realize it's low on the list but why is that even in there?
Thanks for the question…the blood clotting ingredient is Coumadin. Coumarin is a naturally-occuring ingredient from plants (including the tonka bean and strawberries) that is included in many cosmetics and fragrances. Hope that clears things up ; )
XO,
–The Beauty Professor
Love your " bronzey" look today. Great gift ideas. Enjoy your day.
Thanks ever so much, Debi!! Hope you are having a magnificent Sunday!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Oh my so curious on that gold elixir. It seems like its worth checking out.
It is definitely worth checking out, Sue…I implore you to pick up a sample at minimum as this darling jar is limited edition!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor