Your DeLush Divas are celebrating! We'll be back with beauty reviews and news on January 3. In the meantime, tell us: What things from the land of beauty are you hoping to get this year? Here's your VERY last chance to publish your list, and if you've been nice, you just might get what you ask for!
We recently recieved this email from a reader, and it just made our day!
A DeLush Success Story
Dear DeLush Divas,
I am a stay at home mom of two children, ages four and under. As such, I rarely get the opportunity to wear a lot of make-up or use many beauty products. I love reading your reviews so I stay current with what products are out there and available, and this came in especially handy this last week.
My husband and I decided at the last minute to attend his office Christmas party. It was a cocktail party and I realized all my make-up in my make-up basket was nearly a year old!
What to do?
I immediately went to my computer and went to the DeLush homepage. I used the search function and drop down menus to find products, drugstore finds, trends and ‘The Look’. I made notes and a shopping list, and I bought everything I needed and that DeLush recommended. I got home and did a test run of all the make-up, and except for some minor smudging (which I resolved by changing the order of eye shadow application) I was good to go.
The night of the party, I had a great smoky eye going, fabulous cheekbones, flawless looking skin, and a subtle, tousled up-do.
Thanks to DeLush, this plain Jane mom looked smokin’ hot for at least one evening! I had so much fun with the make up, I might even use it again!
-Lea H.
Do you have something to say to us? Click on "Contact Us!" now!
About the Punk Palette: "Three eye shadows, a blush, two portable glosses and a shimmer powder let you play with lots of punk-inspired looks…go from mild to wild and back again with the instructions included inside. Punk offers eye shadows in deep sparkling eggplant, golden khaki, pale glittering green; blush in soft coral; shimmer in white twinkler; and lip glosses in shimmering beige and rich plum
How to: Step-by-step instructions guide you through getting a killer look for everyday or special events. The glosses pop out and travel with you for touch ups. Once you’re done with the kit, use the box to store your collection of safety pins!"
About the Princess Palette: "Three eye shadows, a blush, two portable glosses and a shimmer powder, all presented in a palette fit for a princess…charming looks from classy to sassy are easy with the instructions included inside. This collection offers eye shadows in rich chocolate, dusty mauve, and shimmery champagne; blush in deep rose; shimmer in baby pink; and lip glosses in juicy watermelon and sheer berry."
Jen's Experience: Here's another item that would make a fantastic gift for a friend or sister (or just for yourself)! Each of these kits contain a coordinated color scheme that will make you look put together whether you're going for princess or for punk. Despite the names of the colors, I found that even with my pale complexion, the colors are great with my wardrobe, although I would more likely wear the punk palette colors for a night on the town. I love how they include a diagram on the inside of the box to show you how to apply the colors. This is a great buy for the price, and a great way to get acquianted with Hard Candy's products.
Retail Price: $25.00 (Hard Candy)
Rating: 



This is the final of day of DeLush's Christmas Gift Guide 2005! Today is all about ways to pamper one of the ladies on your list - Grandma. Check in all next week for more reviews of great products!

Caswell-Massey Starry Night Gift Sets
In a beautiful keepsake gift box, Caswell-Massey's gift set contains a cloisonné star ornament as well as their body lotion, bath gel and soap. The gift set comes in a variety of scents, but honeysuckle sounds perfect for grandma.
$60.00 (Caswell-Massey)

Holiday Exclusive Spicy Hug Comforting Body Wrap
"Eases discomfort associated with tired muscles, tension and stress. Micowave-friendly for heat therapy. Freezer-friendly for cold therapy. Designed to wrap around any body part - neck, tummy, back or legs. Contains a warm and spicy blend of Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg and Corriander. Removable cover is machine washable."
$35.00 (origins.com

Estee Lauder Light Snow Shimmer Face Powder
Your grandmother will love to carry this beautiful gold compact in her purse, just so she can tell those who compliment her all about her beautiful, thoughtful grandchild.
$45.00 (Estee Lauder)

Bath & Body Works Aromatheraphy Body Cream - Sleep: Lavendar Vanilla
"Smooth on our rich cream to nourish and soften skin, balance your mood and relax the body. In this blend, true Lavender (which helps to promote tranquility) is infused with deeply soothing Vanilla and other calming essential oils. "
$13.00 (bathandbodyworks.com)

Bigelow Rose Wonder Cold Cream
"No. 001 Our Cold Cream is a gentle, emollient, multi-purpose cream formulated to remove make-up, cleanse, and moisturize the face. Mineral-Oil Free. Fragrance-Free. Non-Comedogenic. Non-Acnegenic."
$15.00 (bigelowchemists.com)

Mistral Provence Milk Pail
"Aroma: Like fresh sprinkled baby powder, a delicate and gentle scent enriched with milk proteins. Excellent for dry and sensitive skin.
Basket Includes:
200g / 7oz Milk Soap
75g / 2.6oz Hand Cream
250ml / 8.4fl.oz Bubble Bath
10g / .35oz Small Shea Butter"
$48.00 (mistralsoap.com)

La Collection De Chanel Lip Colour Wardrobe
"Dress your lips in au courant looks with a quintet of mini ROUGE HYDRABASE Creme Lipsticks.
The creamy, rich formula goes on luxuriously smooth, with medium to full coverage. Satin finish wears for hours without fading, smudging or feathering. Perfecting your lip look: Precision Lip Definer in perfectly-neutral Nude. A quilted keepsake case beautifully houses the collection.
(Captif, Rich Coral, Pink Sugar, Red N°5 and Vibrant)"
$55.00 (nordstrom.com)

Estee Lauder Professional Pure Color Eye Shadow To Go
"Catch her eye with five luminous, silky shades perfect for holiday escapes—a whole box of delicious eye candy to choose from. Sleek mirrored travel compact includes ultrafine Pure Color EyeShadow in Sugar Cube, Pale Moon, Blue Sphere, Camouflage and Copper Penny, plus double-ended applicator."
$30.00 (nordstrom.com,

Aqua Dessa Coconut Milk Foam Body Cleanser
"This rich, luscious, creamy, foaming coconut milk is lavished with nourishing and highly-moisturizing organic Virgin Tahitian Coconut, Shea Butter, Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Oil, Cocoa Butter, and soothing Aloe Vera. Milky coconut bubbles nourishes, softens, and moisturizes."
$25.00 (aquadessa.com)
This week on DeLush, we've been giving you our picks for the best gifts for those special people in your life. Today we're helping you out with some ideas for that very important lady, Mom!

Give Her Something Soothing AND Useful:
Cucina Mediterranean Gift Set
Does your mom like to cook? If so, she'll love Cucina's Mediterranean Gift Set containing cleanser and moisturizer that will keep her hands soft, plus a candle and kitchen spray to keep the kitchen smelling fresh and clean.
$42.00 (Fruits & Passion)

Help Her Relax:
Origins Peaceful Present
"Help that stressed-out-someone stay calm all season long with this set of Origins original peacemakers. (A value of $41.00). Includes:
• Peace of Mind® On-the-spot relief 0.5 fl. oz./15 ml
• Peace of Mind™ Tension-releasing vapor bath 3.4 fl. oz./100 ml
• Peace of Mind™ Vegetable wax candle 4”
$35.00 (origins.com)

Give Her Choices:
Florence Gunnarson "The Collection"
"Indulge in all five of our famous bath and shower oils– No. 67, Wild Fern, Mary Black, White Blossom and Deco 23– each individually bottled. Exquisitely packaged in an eye-catching vintage art deco box, the Collection is the ideal gift for perfume connoisseurs."
$38.00 (florencegunnarson.com)

Give Her Indulgence:
Deep Steep Bubble Bath
Choose from 4 lavish scents: Lavender Chamomile, Honeydew Spearmint, Grapefruit Bergamot, and Rosemary Mint. Available in 2-oz. and 17-oz. bottles, so you can give her one or one of each!
$2.40-19.50 (deepsteep.com)

Give Her Something Chic:
Smashbox Photo Finish Lipstick in Case
"Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer has been a favorite of Smashbox devotees for years. The decadent, smooth feel has made converts out of even the toughest makeup critics.
This season, Smashbox brings that same luxurious feel to a lipstick! The smooth glide, plush cushion, and the Smashbox exclusive "sila-silk" technology make this a lip product that belongs on the red carpet - and the luxury does not stop there: Photo Finish Lipstick comes in its own gorgeous lip case, perfect for impressing your friends and making you feel like a celebrity every time you pull it out of your bag."
$22.00 (sephora.com)

Give Her Sophistication:
Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Pure Cashmere
"Inspired by the soft, sensual feeling of cashmere against bare skin. Cashmere Mist is a fragrance light enough to wear all over your body, all year long. It seduces the senses – skin, scent and spirit.
Notes: Lily of the Valley, Suede Notes, Bergamot, Ylang, Jasmine Maroc, Sandalwood, Orris, Amber, Vanilla, Cedarwood, Patchouli, Musk.
Style: Sensual. Intimate. Soft."
$65.00 (sephora.com)

Give Her Comfort:
L'Occitane Shea Discovery Set
"Ultra rich butter is extracted from the nut of the shea tree by a women's cooperative in Burkina Faso expressly for L'Occitane. It protects, nourishes, moisturizes, and regenerates the skin. Indulge in this complete set L'Occitane's most popular shea-enriched products for the body, face, and hands.
Set includes a 2.5 oz Verbena Shea Milk Shower Cream, 1.7 Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream, 0.8 oz Verbena Shea Butter Soap, and an 0.26 oz 100% Pure Shea Butter."
$20.00 (sephora.com)

Give Her Beautiful Organization:
Bobbi Brown Beauty Kit
"Bobbi Brown’s iconic accessory, updated with saddle-pebbled faux-leather lining. This structured, multi-tiered case is sized to hold makeup and skincare essentials. Features interior pockets for brushes and a removable tray with six pans for shadow and blush.
• Approx. dimensions: 9"W x 5 2/3"H x 5 1/2"D.
• By Bobbi Brown."
$75.00 (nordstrom.com)

Give Her Natural-Looking Beauty for HER Skin Type:
Lauren Hutton's Good Stuff Face Disc Plus
Lauren Hutton says: "My best invention yet! This is different makeup made just for us. It's everything you need for your face in one sleek compact. I made it for people who don't want to look like they're wearing makeup, foundation, concealer or blush and who don't want to wast a lot of time in front of a mirror.
Each product is color coded to identify each product and matches my 7-Piece Brush Set. I did this because I hate instructions and like things to be real easy. With my rainbow color-coded system you'll always be able to identify each product, know when to use it, and what makeup brush to use with it. It takes only minutes to apply!
Learn the easy "Rainbow Application System" in fifteen minutes by watching my step-by-step video or reading the fold out brochure, both come with the Face Disc Plus. Remember that makeup is only half the battle, the right makeup brushes and how to apply is critical to success. In my video and brochure I share some of the great makeup tips that I've learned throughout the years.
You will receive the following with Lauren Hutton's Good Stuff Face Disc Plus makeup kit:
•Face Disc with magnifying mirror and refill capability
•Instructional Video
•Fold Out Brochure
Face Disc Plus is available for the following skin tones:
Pink, Yellow, Olive and Brown."
$60.00 (laurenhutton.com)

Give Her Calm Moments:
Origins Calm Collection
"The soothing scents of warming Vanilla and luscious Lavender come together to form this Calm Collection of tranquil treats. (A value of $120.00.) Includes:
• calm to your senses™ Lavender and Vanilla body souffle net wt. 7.0 oz./200 ml
• calm to your senses™ Lavender and Vanilla oil for bath and body 5.0 fl. oz./150 ml
• calm to your senses™ Lavender and Vanilla body soap (New) 5.0 fl. oz./150 ml
• calm to your senses™ Lavender and Vanilla body smoother net wt. 8.0 oz./250 ml
• calm to your senses™ Lavender and Vanilla body wrap
• Keepsake box with Lisa Jenks for Origins™ closure"
$85.00 (origins.com)
This week on DeLush, we're giving you our picks for the best gifts of the holiday season. Today we'll be sharing our list of great gift ideas for that special guy in your life.

Malin + Goetz Large Custom Box
While this is a gift that would be a hit with anyone on your list, this might be just the thing to get your man away from just using his beloved bar of soap. Malin + Goetz's gift set contains face cleanser, shampoo and conditioner, body cleanser and moisturizer, plus their amazing lip moisturizer.
$200.00 (Malin + Goetz)

Aveda Men Shampoo Body Bar
Here's an idea that will get his attention: instead of adding products to his daily routine, bring it down to just one. This body bar from Aveda not only serves as a soap for the body, it also works as shampoo. And, hey, that means there might be more room in the shower for your stuff!
$12.00 (Aveda)

Zirh Smooth Shaving Treatment Set
This Zirh gift set provides everything your man will need for a smooth, totally kissable face. Plus, the packaging is extra-masculine, so he won't mind having leaving it out on the sink!
$59.00 (Sephora)

Burberry Touch for Men
"Touch For Men displays an initial freshness of hard-to-define notes: tender violets and tart mandarin blend subtly with invigorating waves of white pepper, softened by the smoothness of Virginia wood and oak moss. Like a strong, deep breath, the trail develops quietly into a sturdy, masculine alchemy of vetiver, white musk, and tonka bean.
Burberry Touch For Men asserts itself as an essence of life, a fragrance for rhythms or for silence, the vital accessory for a new outlook.
Notes: Artemisia, Violet Leaves, Mandarin Tree Leaves, White Pepper, Virginia Cedarwood, Nutmeg, Vetiver Roots, Tonka Bean, Skin Muse.
Style: A 'wearable' fragrance that is welcoming, yet rich in contrasts."
$47-65.00 (sephora.com)

Anthony Logistics Body Cleansing Gel in Eucalyptus/Mint
(My husband loves this smell! -Melissa) "Marinate self in glycerin, aloe vera, wheat protein, and refreshing mint and eucalyptus. Smell good, feel better. Cleanses, softens and moisturizes. Refreshes."
$16.00 (sephora.com)

Sharps Head to Toe Prep Gift Set
"This double agent kit organizes all his wet and dry supplies. Packed with shaving stuff for smooth moves, body formulas to feel fresh, and hair goops for total control. All the right goods to escape any sticky situation.
Set includes a 2.5 oz Kid Glove Shave Gel, 2.5 oz Kid Glove Hydrating Gel, 4 oz Mission Control Conditioning Shampoo, 1 oz Mission Control Guck-in-a-Puck HARD, 4 oz Happy Me All Over Wash, and a 2.6 oz Happy Me Pit Guard, all in heavy duty canvas soul bag designed by Triple Five Soul."
$79.00 (sephora.com)

Clean Men Eau de Toilette Spray
"There's no way to replicate the way a man smells when he has just showered, but Clean Men comes very close! You will be nuzzled in tight because with notes of ruby red grapefruit, English lavender, wild raspberry, clove, lime, olibanum, patchouli and musk, he'll smell great—and Clean!"
$79.00 (nordstrom.com)

Origins Wise Guy
"Wise Guys know that the secret to devastatingly good looks is good grooming. And these guy-wise greats are just what you need to look and feel your best. Includes:
* Blade Runner® Energizing shave cream 5 fl. oz./150 ml
* Get Down™ Deep-pore clay cleanser 5 fl. oz./150 ml
* Salt Suds™ Foaming body wash 5 fl. oz./150 ml
* Never A Dull Moment™ Skin-brightening body cleanser with fruit extracts 5 fl. oz./150 ml"
$35.00 (origins.com)

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25
"Enriched with natural mint, avocado oil, shea butter and green tea, this emollient balm immediately soothes and relieves dry, chapped, irritated lips. The moisturizing SPF 25 formula also helps protect against sun and windburn.
• 0.25 oz tube.
• By Jack Black; made in the USA."
$6.50 (nordstrom.com)

Spa DADA Relaxation
This Spa DADA relaxation kit is truly a gift that you can enjoy together! Includes a great smelling salt rub, bath oil, scalp massage oil and and after-bath spritzer. Will leave your skin feeling soft and moisturized, and leave both of you calm and relaxed.
This week on DeLush, we're giving your our picks for the best gifts of the holiday season. Today we'll be giving you our list of the hottest gifts for your best friend or sister. Don't worry, I'm sure she'll let you borrow some...

Jaqua Jeanine's Bakery
Wrapped inside adorable packaging are some of Jaqua's most heavenly products: Pumpkin Papaya Puree Enzyme Face Mask, Peach Parfait Exfoliating Body Polish, and their delicious Buttercream Frosting Shea Body Butter.
$39.50 (Bath and Body Works)

Lola Go Lightly
As if their tiny little purse-worthy lip glosses weren't enough, Lola's all-in-one product contains everything you need for a night on the town in one tiny package: lip colors, eye shadows, blush, lip liner, eye liner and mascara.
$38.00 (Sephora)

Philosophy "The Ultimate Diet"
Philosophy's ultimate diet gift set gives a whole new meaning to the word indulgence. To deal with holiday stress this year, may we suggest skipping the bakery and heading straight to the shower for the ultimate guilt-free pleasure. The ultimate diet includes Philosophy's famous Cinnamon Buns Ultra-Rich Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Bubble Bath in an 8 ounce size along with a new Cinnamon Buns Body Souffle in a 3.5 ounce tub.
$25.00 (philosophy.com)

Laura Mercier Mini Brush Set
A beautiful red carrying case complete with a pocket to hold our new Pocket Paints and seven of our expert brushes: Cheek Colour, Double-Ended Eye Brow, Eye Colour, Eye Crease, Flat Eye Liner, Secret Camouflage and Lip brushes.
$75.00 (nordstrom.com)

LUSH "You're a Star"
Lots of famous people come into Lush for their shopping, with and without their minders. Here are some of the products which people a lot more well known than we are have bought themselves. Therapy Massage Bar- Have a body massage with balancing oils the way Julie Roberts does. Sea Vegetable 100g Be like Jude Law - scrub yourself clean with our seaweed soap. Back For Breakfast 100g- Billy Zane uses our citrus shower gel to wake himself up. Ceridwen's Cauldron Luxury Bath Melt- Work magic on your skin like Lush shopper Gwyneth Paltrow. Butterball Ballistic 90g- This Ballistic gives you lovely soft skin. Sarah Jessica Parker tried it; bet Matthew Broderick appreciated it too! Aqua Mirabilis Underwater Massage Bar- Now we know what Kylie Minogue uses to keep her bottom in shape.
$63.95 (lush.com)

Nailtini "Year Round Party Circuit" Mini Bar
With Straight Up Colors in sheer, pink Frappe and rich, sophisticated Bordeaux, plus Toppers in glistening Crushed Ice, golden Spritzer and iridescent Blue Flame, you can create nail cocktails for any occasion with just a handful of lacquers.
$30.00 (nailtini.com)

Stila Deluxe Palette: Rose Moon
Everything you need in one clutch-size compact. The palette includes four eye shadows (cassia, poise, plum and a new silvery pink), 1 shimmery coral cheek color, 1 silver-pink lip color and 1 soft pink lip gloss. Palette comes complete with three brushes – a lip brush, eye shadow crease brush and eye liner brush – ensuring expert application.
$36.00 (stilacosmetics.com)

Marc Jacobs Treasures (a $198 value)
No reason to guess which Marc Jacobs fragrance is her favorite. Give her all four, in Deluxe Perfume Minis, including Marc Jacobs Men for the man in her life. They're all zipped into the softest white leather jewelry case.
Set includes a 0.13 oz Eau de Parfum Essence, 0.13 oz Marc Jacobs Perfume Essence, 0.13 oz Blush Marc Jacobs Perfume, and a 0.13 oz Marc Jacobs Men Eau de Toilette.
$48.00 (sephora.com)

M·A·C Holiday/Luxuries: Treasures: 3 Lip/Trend
An olive green floral jacquard petite clutch detailed with tassels and faux croc trim, filled with a rich selection of two Lipsticks: Classy Pink, a pink with low level pearl, Fresh Moroccan, a red/brown with frost and one Tinted Lipglass, Prrr, a pink with frost. Embellishing each case – the ornate floral motif found throughout M•A•C Holiday. To complete the set: an olive green lacquer-stained, wood-handled 316SE Brush. Limited edition.
$30.00 (maccosmetics.com)

Narcisco Rodriguez For Her Limited Edition Eau de Toilette
Musc is at the heart of For Her. The fragrant harmony of the musc expresses itself through three pulsations; honey flower, radiant amber, and tactile wood. This fragrant harmony develops gently and slowly, sounding out into the warm tones of sun-kissed skin, dusted in a soft, velvety sensuality.
Notes:
Honey Flower, Solar Musk, Orange Blossom, Osmanthus, Amberlyn, Vanilla, Tactile Musk, Tactile Woods, Vetiver.
Style:
Warm. Sensual. Feminine.
$84.00 (sephora.com)
This week, your DeLush Divas will be bringing you our favorite gifts for the holiday season. We've been scouring our magazines and all the stores to bring you a comprehensive guide for all your holiday shopping. And we're going to start with (what else?) gifts for you! See something you like? Print this out and put it somewhere that certain someone will see it, and make your holidays merry and bright!

Kiehl's Utimate Collection
This boxed gift set contains a plethora of Kiehl's products, such as their Amino Acid Shampoo, Abyssine Cream, Lip Balm #1 and Creme de Corps.
$77.50 (Neiman Marcus)
M·A·C Holiday/Luxuries: Viva Glam: 6 Lip Palette$32.00 (maccosmetics.com and select department stores)

Prada Holiday Gift Set
Here's an item that will be sure to bring rave reviews. The Prada Holiday Gift Set includes a bottle of their ultra-trendy luxury perfume along with matching lotion and bath oil.
$100.00 (Sephora)

The "Best of Bliss" Set
A starter set of Bliss bath and body products, this well-rounded collection includes travel sizes of several popular bliss products, such as lemon+sage soapy sap and vanilla + bergamot bubbling bath+shower gel, lemon + sage body scrub, vanilla + bergamot body butter and high intensity hand cream, and a mini herban jungle exfoliating soap.
$45.00 (Bliss)
The Body Shop Vanilla Spice Supreme Gift$35.00 (thebodyshop.com ) and in stores
Fresh Memoirs of a Geisha Cherry Blossom Gift Set$45.00 (Sephora)
Benefit Bathina Gift Set$54.00 (benefitcosmetics.com)

Philosophy A Few Good Men
"Date multiple men this holiday season, without hurting anyone's feelings. Philosophy's A Few Good Men Lip Shine Trio offers delicious lip shine formulas infused with three mouth-watering scents. These delightful lip shines not only smell and taste delicious, they leave behind a beautiful supernatural shine on lips - the perfect accessory for any holiday party.
Set includes three .5 oz Lip Shines in: The Muffin Man (lemon custard), The Ice Cream Man (pink bubble gum ice cream), and The Gingerbread Man (ginger ale)."
$25.00 (sephora.com and select department stores)

Nars Artist Palette in Skin Deep (or your favorite shades)
"Features color-coordinated shades for eyes, lips and cheeks in a stylish compact. Complete with a large mirror the travel-ready palettes are ideal for easy makeup application anytime."
$70.00 (at narscosmetics.com but only $60 at sephora.com - though it's been sold out there for some time)

Smashbox "The Dresden" - Limited Edition Only at Sephora (a $162 value)
"This chic, quilted, gunmetal faux leather case contains a generous palette of holiday basics: super shiny glosses, black mascara, easy to wear eye colors, plus a little shimmer to get you glowing.
Set includes Eye Shadow Trio in Smashing Cocktail Hour (plum, bronze, and ivory), Fusion Lip Gloss in Ladies Night (rose-nude) and Date Night (coral-red shimmer), Soft Lights Duo in Smashing Club/Lounge (gold and neutral rose), Lip Pencil in Smashing Print (neutral rose), That’s a Wrap Mascara in Black, Photo Finish Foundation Primer, and Layer Lash Primer."
$57.00 (sephora.com)