Two years ago today, DeLush published its very first beauty reviews. Melissa and I met on the Internet and bonded over beauty products, and started DeLush Media without ever meeting one another in person. Two years later, we're thrilled to have new reviewers on board, our DeLush Delights store and DeLush Forum, as well as the weekly newsletter. We've published over 750 posts and received over 800 comments from our fabulous readers.

Thanks to all our readers out there who have made writing for DeLush such a pleasure, and we look forward to writing more reviews and other surprises over the next year!

Your DeLush Divas,
Jen and Melissa

Known as the “Smile Designer,” Dr. Anthony Vocaturo is the most celebrated cosmetic dentist in the Beverly Hills, New York and New Jersey areas and a world-renowned expert in his field. People who make a living with their appearance trust Dr. Vocaturo to create an award-winning, photogenic smile that complements their entire face. Dr. Vocaturo has been voted best dentist in America by his peers and Consumer Research Counsel of America has named him on of America's top dentists. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has honored cosmetic dentist Dr. Vocaturo with several awards recognizing his numerous achievements in cosmetic dentistry. Read more about Dr. Vocaturo here.

DeLush Asks: There are a lot of new options out there as far as improving the whiteness of one’s smile, but so many ads for products are being tossed our way it’s easy to be confused about which are legitimate choices. Which, in your opinion, are the best whitening options available in both the lower-cost range and the splurge range?

Dr. Vocaturo Says: If you’re looking for low-cost whitening, Crest Whitestrips is one of the most user-friendly, cost-effective products available over-the-counter. For an error-safe, concentrated whitening treatment in one sitting, Zoom Whitening is the ideal splurge.

DeLush Asks: There is some excitement about the new “snap-on smile” lately. Do you think this is a reasonable alternative for those who can’t afford veneers?

Dr. Vocaturo Says: I would not recommend “Snap on smiles” to my patients since they tend to be costly and bulky, and may even go unused after purchase. It’s better to invest into your own smile and perfecting it for your individual features.

DeLush Asks: Do you believe that sugarless whitening gum (such as Orbit White, Trident White, etc.) are as effective in preventing staining as they claim?

Dr. Vocaturo Says: Sugarless whitening gum contains certain peroxides that can help prevent stains, but the overall chewing action alone helps to cleanse teeth.

DeLush Asks: Tea, coffee, and soda all cause staining, but is there one that is less of a threat to a great smile? What are your suggested alternatives?

Dr. Vocaturo Says: All of these refreshments can discolor teeth, but it’s important to brush after any food or drink in order to prevent a majority of stains. Adding milk to coffee may help slightly, but soda connoisseurs should try to stick with clear drinks.

DeLush Asks: What do you feel is the next wave in oral care?

Dr. Vocaturo Says: The latest and greatest evolution in oral care, new mechanisms are effectively scanning for oral cancers. These offer a fantastic, non-invasive alternative to surgery.

We would like to thank Dr. Vocaturo for his time and his wonderful expert advice.
*If you have a question you'd like us to ask Dr. Vocaturo in the future, please feel free to leave those in the comments section!

Here's the last day of DeLush gift choices. See anything you like? If you know of any great gift ideas outside of the ones we've included, list them in the comments!
-- Jen

Ojon 5-Piece "Try Me" Hair Ritual Kit
The Ojon products always look so tempting (and the Hair Treatment was rated Totally DeLush by Melissa) that having the whole product collection seems like such a luxury. Why not give a starter set to a friend (or to yourself) as a holiday gift? It's the perfect way to try out the whole line.
$45.00 (Sephora)




Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick & Lip Kit
Combining two of Bobbi Brown's best products, this combo is one of the best things to come on the market this year. I know I'd love to see one of these in my stocking!
$55.00 (SaksFifthAve.com)




CLEAN Gift Set
Trying to find a fragrance for a girlfriend or family member but keep striking out? CLEAN fragrance is designed to smell like soap rather than a perfume, so it works well for those who don't generally like wearing a fragrance. This gift set contains a 2.14 oz bottle of eau de parfum and an 8 oz body lotion with Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Aloe Vera and Vitamin E.
$89.00 (Beauty.com)




BeneFit Bathina gift set
Another fabulous gift for the bath lovers in your life, this gift set includes Body So Fine Balm, 'Touch me then try to leave'... Cream, and a satiny smooth shower cap. A classic feminine gift that women and girls of all ages will enjoy.
$54.00 - a $66 value! (BenefitCosmetics.com)




Urban Decay Big Buddha Brush Set
Every fan of make-up can use a great set of brushes, and a matching set in a cute Urban Decay bag. Plus, they're synthetic Taklon fibers, so it's a great gift for the animal lover! This brush set includes: liner, blender, shadow, crease, blush and powder brushes. (Also check out the Little Buddha set, which includes 4 brushes and the bag!)
$100 -- a $130 value! (UrbanDecay.com)

Christmas Party Bath Bomb
"Christmas Party is good for before, after (or even during) a party. It's got lime and sweet orange to perk you up a bit and soothing cognac essential oil to keep yopu feeling mellow. This year it's orange and fizzy again, a bit like Buck's Fizz."
Jen's Experience: Of all the LUSH Christmas products, I think this one might be my favorite in terms of fragrance. It's got a very orange-y aroma, almost like mixing up a batch of Tang in your bathtub, with a very similar color. Points off, though, for the messiness factor. The confetti inside mostly will disappear down the drain, but I've found it in my bath mat and sheets for weeks after I used it. ($5.55)

Christingly Bubble Bar
"Soften your bath water and lounge in a lake of brilliant pink bath water, topped with spearmint scented bubbles. It's really relaxing and refreshingly tingly all at the same time. Don't be surprised by the surprise inside."
Jen's Experience: I'm not much of a spearmint fan, so I wasn't so excited initially about the scent of this bubble bar, but I was incredibly impressed when I saw the sheer quantity of bubbles generated by it. I am quite sure you could easily cut this one in half and enjoy it twice as much. The pink color was also very fun, and even the scent was pleasant when I was soaking in that many bubbles. ($5.95)

Green Wing Bath Bomb
"Our brand new Green Wing is infused with Avobath's revitalising essential oils to bring you back to life on mornings when you'd really rather have an extra couple of hours in bed. 'Ave a bath with the refreshing green angel, flown in specially with lemongrass and bergamot, and by the time she's dissolved, you'll already be feeling better."
Jen's Experience: I am a big fan on lemongrass and bergamot in fragrances, and the scent of this bath bom definitely did not disappoint. The fragrance is perhaps one of the stronger ones, but since it wasn't overly perfume-y, I definitely didn't mind a bit. It left both my bathroom and me smelling great for hours. This is one of my top picks from the holiday collection. ($4.95)

Puddy Holly Bath Bomb
"Looks like pudding. Smells like pudding. Fizzes like a spicy bath ballistic. The ballistic formerly known as Lush Pud makes a welcome return for everyone who has come to rely on its soothing rose and benzoin essential oils to make them feel like rejoining the human race after staying out too late. It's our longest serving yuletide special. Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without it."
Jen's Experience: This is one of the cutest bath bombs I saw in the holiday collection, and the ball itself smells GREAT. However, I was a little disappointed once it was dissolved in my tub. The scent was much less potent than the others (and since it was so wonderful outside of the tub, I had such high hopes) and it didn't have any real extra moisturizing benefits to make up for it. It's not bad at all, but it definitely wasn't the best of the ones I tried.

If you're looking for a great gift for the bath lover, you might want to consider getting one or more of these items as stocking stuffers or even a gift set. Visit LUSH.com for more details on their holiday products.

Christmas Party Bath Bomb:
Christingly Bubble Bar:
Green Wing Bath Bomb:
Puddy Holly Bath Bomb:

Here's a big roundup of great holiday gift ideas for everyone on your list - enjoy!
--Melissa

Zirh Corduroy Fragrance for Men
Up to now, this is my absolute FAVORITE scent of all time that I've picked out for my husband - it's described as "a fresh, sexy, masculine blend of fresh fruits, lush spices, and warm woods" with notes of Aquacoral, Grapefruit, Mandarin, White Lavender Cardamom, Bay Rum Accord, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Davana, Suede, Virginian Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Guaiac Wood, Kashmir Wood, Vanilla, Tonka Bean. Sounds complicated, doesn't it? Well, Sephora also classifies it as a Woody Oriental, if that helps at all. The reason I love it? It doesn't have that strong "bite" that I find many men's fragrances have (and that I hate). It's masculine yet smooth, sensual yet subtle, and truly unique in the world of men's fragrances. It's one of those scents that lets your guy smell like a (really sexy) guy, and yet it's instantly appealing to a woman's sense of smell as well. I encourage you to go sniff a sample at your nearest department store!
$45.00 - 58.00 (sephora.com and select department stores)


M.A.C. Holiday/Formal Black Collection of 6 Lip Colors in Cool or Warm
Ohhh, M.A.C., what are you doing to me? With your gorgeous holiday compacts and your embellished packaging for the season? It's so hard to just pick one thing to highlight. But here is something I think most of us girls would LOVE to have in our stockings this year. These black metal compacts with eyelet fabric detail and black bead chains each filled with 6 gorgeous and super-wearable lip colors also come with small lip brushes. I'm thinking your sister or best friend would not be disappointed to unwrap one of these this year!
$32.00 (maccosmetics.com or go here to find a retail location near you!)


Kiehl's Delights
Kiehl's is touting this as a great gift for HIM, and while we agree with them, it could just as easily be a gift for the gardener or outdoor guy/girl on your list as well. With their beloved Creme de Corps body cream, Lip Balm #1, Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, a deluxe sample of their 24-hour light Ultra Facial Cream, and Coconut-Infused Amino Acid Shampoo, this group of soothing treats would be a welcome gift of comfort!
$33.00 (kiehls.com and in stores - go here to find one near you!)


Japonesque Train Case
How FUN would this be to open up at Christmas for that gal who currently has a cluttered counter, drawers, and bathroom closet scattered with eye shadow, lip balms, and more? What a great way to give someone their space back AND a great way to organize all of the colors they love to play with in a place where it's all at-a-glance. Comes in black, orange, red, lavender, and pink.
$60.00 (nordstrom.com)


LIMITED EDITION Sephora Exclusive - Marc Jacobs Gardenia Bottle
Now the incredibly popular Marc Jacobs fragrance is available in this gorgeous designer bottle featuring a delicate gardenia. The feminine mix of gardenia, wild muguet, skin musk, cedar and ginger is made even more special in this pretty packaging and is sure to make a statement.
$65.00 (only at sephora.com)


Tarte All That Glitters Luxury Sample Gift Set
Tarte makes it easy to give an all-around beautifying group of products in one pretty package with this set including several products to try: a mini cheek stain in Tickled (a sheer ruby), double-ended lip gloss with a shimmery pink and pretty subtle gold, a lovely gold eyeliner pencil for that gilded party look, and a darling compact with 4 small eyeshadow pairs. Don't forget the gold quilted clutch for stashing all of these new fun products! Might be a wonderful option for a young lady on your list.
$38.00 (tartecosmetics.com)


Tarte Gilt Trip Limited Edition Gloss Set
I couldn't fail to show this other gift-worthy treat from Tarte. I'm a fan of their glosses and the typically pretty color combinations, but here are some special shades each with a hint of glimmer for all of the season's special nights out. And the mirrored case is super-adorable.
$28.00 (tartecosmetics.com)


Stila's Brush Set
Fitting for almost anyone, and perhaps even a wonderful gift for young women who don't currently own brushes, this group includes 5 from Stila: #1 blush, #5 shadow, #6 lip, #13 liner and #7 crease, all in mini travel size. And there is a zipper pouch for favorite products. Less expensive than their full set, and still a very nice gift.
$75.00 (stilacosmetics.com)




MOR Cosmetics Dolce Minibutters Set
Introduce someone on your list to MOR Cosmetics and their lusciously-scented products by giving this set of four Dolce Body Butters including Sorbet, Marshmallow, Gelato and Limoncello. Sounds good enough to eat! This might be nice for a friend from work or even something to include in a special package to grandma.
$24.00 (morcosmetics.com)


Philosophy's The Soul Man
Mmmm...yum! Is there anyone who wouldn't find these mouth-watering 3-in-1 bath formulas irresistable? With full-sized (16 oz) bottles of Mimosa, Daiquiri, and Margarita scents in Philosophy's conditioning shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath combos, you can't go wrong.
$50.00 (philosophy.com)

Here's more of DeLush's top picks for this holiday season, great for gifts, great for pampering yourself.

-- Jen

Frederic Fekkai Bon Voyage Hair & Body Kit
I am such a huge fan of Frederic Fekkai, and this gift set is an absolutely amazing collection of their products, including their Technician Shampoo and Conditioner, Technician Glaze (a favorite of mine), Revitalizing moisture wash, Crème Luxueuse, Sheer Hold Hairspray, Mini-brush, and a Microfiber headband all in a custom designed travel case. Great for fans of Frederic Fekkai and an excellent choice for devotees as well.
$75.00 (NeimanMarcus.com)


Sephora Fragrance Gift Certificate - For Her
It's a daunting prospect for anyone to try to pick out a fragrance for someone else, but with this novel variation on the gift certificate from Sephora, you can relax knowing that your girlfriend or Mom can pick out the fragrance that suits them best after testing out 10 of Sephora's top selling fragrances, such as Prada, Lolita Lempicka, and Stella McCartney. Girls, if you're still looking for the perfect fragrance for your man, Sephora also has a similar product with their 10 best men's fragrances.
$45.00 (Sephora)


LUSH Christmas Present
Looking at some LUSH bath products, but just can't decide on a gift? Give them all! This gift set contains all of their holiday concoctions, some of which you've already seen on DeLush, and some you can read about this Friday. If she loves bath products, she'll love this huge collection of bath bombs and bubble bars.
$56.95 (LUSH.com)


Kiss My Face Kisses On Trial
For the person on your list who is always on the go, this collection by Kiss My Face contains travel sizes of all the top-selling Kiss My Face products: Whatever Shampoo and Conditioner, Upper Management Styling Gel, Anti-Stress Shower Gel, Lavender Shave, Honey and Calendula Moisturizer, Olive and Green Tea Bar Soap, Lavender & Shea Moisturizer and Whitening Toothpaste. All certified organic and not tested on animals.
$12.49 (Drugstore.com)


Jack Black Shave In a Bag Gift Pack
Here's another idea for the man in your life, a set of three full-sized products from Jack Black that will leave him smooth and moisturized. This kit contains their Face Buff Energizing Scrub with Vitamin C and Menthol, Beard Lube, and After-Shave, all in a very masculine black flannel drawstring bag.
$44.00 (SpaLook.com)

What They Say: "Exotic and mysterious, the scent of white jasmine infuses itself into pampering gift-bag items: 8 fl oz body lotion, 8 fl oz bath-and-shower gel and a peach netted sponge. Packed inside a zippered tote, the Luxe White Jasmine products can be seen through a clear vinyl window. Red, orange and white patterns crisscross the ivory tote, which also features 2 carrying handles."

Jen's Experience: For our budget-minded readers out there, here's a gift idea that won't make you look like Scrooge. Target's Luxe branded gift set contains a body lotion and shower gel in white jasmine scent that, well, doesn't smell like something from the Jo Malone product line, but certainly works well and smells great for the price. The shower gel is okay in the shower but makes an unbelievable bubble bath with some of the longest lasting bubbles I've used recently (of course I did throw in about a third of the bottle). The lotion doesn't have a really overpowering scent, which is nice, and is great to wear to bed. My legs still felt hydrated in the morning. This would make an excellent gift for a teenage girl, or something good to keep on hand for gift ambushes.

Retail Price: $8.49 (on sale this week at Target)

All of this searching for great gifts has got me excited to find out what ends up under the tree for ME! (Honey...are you reading this?) Here are today's picks!
--Melissa

Bath & Body Works Ho Ho Hot Cocoa
Okay, so technically this would be fabulous for a young girl on your list, but I'm going to come right out and say that my 30-year-old self thinks this would make me almost as excited! This rich cocoa bathing indulgence fills your bath or shower with fragrant, yummy bubbles.
$10.00 (bathandbodyworks.com or stores)



BECCA Hypnotise Gift Set
From a line we've just become introduced to at DeLush (and have so far been very happy with!) comes a wonderful and pretty set of products for one of the classic beauties on your list. This set includes several BECCA products to try including the Line & Illuminate Pencil in Mustique (bronze brown eyeliner/silver pink eyeshadow), LIMITED EDITION SHADES of Lip & Cheek Creme in Tuberose (fresh pink) and Geranium (muted red), Jewel Dust shadow in Xantho (glimmering gold), and Glossy Lip Tint in Maraschino (sheer red).
$55.00 - a $93.00 value! (exclusively at Sephora.com)


Castelbel Luxury Soap Collection
A fitting gift for the hostess or anyone on your list who likes to set out soap more distinctive than those liquid pumps, this vegetable soap trio including tomato, carrot, and olive is sure to make a nice impression. And the wrapping is so appealing, too! It just might also be a nice change of pace for the "foodie" on your list who is already getting a load of cooking and food gifts from everyone else.
$19.99 (at Target stores)


Anthony Shave Collection 2006
Shopping for guys is hard. They just don't seem to have as many fun gift options as we do! But here's your chance to pamper him with an opportunity to try out some high-quality products to make his shaving routine a bit more special. With some Glycolic Facial Cleanser, Shave Cream, After Shave Balm and Astringent packaged nicely in a gift box, this just might make picking something out for him a bit easier.
$45.00 (anthony.com)


Bond No. 9 The Swarovski Pocket Spray Box
Oh yes, this is not for those with small budgets. Truly a gift of luxury and indulgence, Bond No. 9's portable spray flacon has been donned with sparkling black Swarovski Stones. Included with the studded purse-sized accessory are three Bond No. 9 fragrances: Chinatown, Chelsea Flowers, and Eau de New York.
$195.00 (bondno9.com)


GoSmile GoMINI Toothpastes - Limited Edition - Ginger Cookie Smile and Peppermint Candy Smile
Is there someone you're shopping for who is up on all of the latest whitening products? Well, they might get excited about these two special holiday travel-sized tubes from GoSmile. They sound SO good, AND they make your smile prettier - who wouldn't love to see these in their stocking?
$9.50 (gosmile.com)


Jaqua Mint Chocolate Gift Set
Oh, I love me some bath products, can't you tell? But chances are, you've also got a bath junkie you're shopping for. This Jaqua Mint Chocolate Gift Set includes an 8 Oz. Mint Chocolate Shower Syrup with Peppermint Oil, 2 Oz. Mint Chocolate Hand Crème with Meadowfoam Seed Oil, and a 2 Oz. Mint Chocolate Cocoa Body Butter with Jojoba Oil. Chocolate? Mint? Sounds like a bit of an indulgent treat that doesn't have any calories!
$30.00 a $34.00 value (an ULTA exclusive at ulta.com)

Throughout the week, we'll be highlighting some of the gifts we'd most like to give -- as well as receive. Here's some of my picks for gifts this holiday season, including some great deals found on the web. Enjoy!

-- Jen

Philosophy's The Holiday House
A great gift for Mom, this adorably packaged gift set includes a 4 oz Eggnog ultra rich, award-winning 3-in-1 shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath, a 2 oz Cinnamon Buns Body Souffle, and a .5 oz Powdered Sugar Cookie Lip Shine, which are sure to get anyone in the mood for the season.
$35.00 (Sephora)


Burt's Bees Healthy Hands, Hand Repair Kit
Here's the perfect gift for the gardener in the family or just a friend with a green thumb. This gift set from Burt's Bees includes their super emollient Beeswax & Banana and Shea Butter Hand Cremes, Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme (yum!), and comfortable, cute cotton gloves.
$9.99 (Drugstore.com)


Clinique Limited-Edition Candy Glosswear Twirl Treat Set
Here's a present I just may have to go out and get for myself (and to all the guys out there: your girlfriend would love this in her stocking). I'm a huge fan of Clinique Glosswear, and this collection of colors is perfect for everyday or a night on the town. The collection contains the following color combos: Juicy Apple/Air Kiss, Shy Beige/Kissy Fit, Ginger Rocket/Pink Heaven and Stellar Plum/Cosmic Pink.
$25.00 (NeimanMarcus.com)


Kenneth Cole Black Giving Set
Regardless of whether he's been naughty or nice this year, your boyfriend will smell fantastic once you've given him this fantastic gift set from Kenneth Cole, a $133 value. The set contains their Eau de Toilette, After Shave Gel, Shower Gel, and Deodorant.
$65.00 (Macy*s)


DuWop Discovery Kit
Both fans of DuWop products and newbies will love opening up this gift set, which contains their best selling products in a fantastic train case. The set contains Lash Lacquer, Lip Venom, Lip Gloss, Amber Eyes, and their Blush Therapy products.
$38.00 (Beauty.com)

Available at TimeToSpa.com
$100.00

Make all the beautiful people in your life glow that much more with this Radiant Skincare Gift Set.

Contents:

• Rehydrating Ginseng Toner (400ml)
  
• Rehydrating RosePetal Cleanser (400ml)
  
• Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (15ml)
  
• Exotic Cream Moisturising Mask (15ml)
  
• Papaya Enzyme Peel (15ml)
  

Elemis Rosepetal Cleanser
"Elemis Rose Petal Cleanser replenishes moisture, removes the day’s impurities and adds life to your complexion."
For those of you who are a fan of Mario Badescu's Make-Up Remover Cleanser, this is another product you may want to try. This cleanser does a great job of cleaning my face each night, but the creamy texture leaves my skin so hydrated, I could probably skip my regular moisturizer every now and then. The delicate rose fragrance makes this cleanser even more pleasant to use. ($33.00)

Elemis Rehydrating Ginseng Toner
"Extracts of tonifying Korean Ginseng, Quillaja Wood and Sweet Betty Flower revitalise and nourish the skin, whilst thoroughly removing any last traces of cleanser. Perfect for re-hydrating dry and mature skin."
I always like to use a toner to remove the last traces of make-up I may have missed as well as any remaining cleanser. What I really like about this toner is that it, like the cleanser, leaves my skin feeling very hydrated. It doesn't strip my skin and it doesn't even sting. It's hard to be able to say for sure, but I've also noticed that the brighteners and serum that I have in my skincare routine seem to absorb better when I use this toner, giving extra benefit to my skin. Even if you're not interested in trying the whole gift set, this is one product that I would recommend purchasing for yourself! ($33.00)

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
"The ultimate Elemis anti-ageing skincare treatment cream, Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream is Clinically proven to reduce the depth of wrinkles by 19% and increase hydration and moisture levels by 10%."
They're making some pretty big claims there, and I can't completely substantiate them, but I will say that my skin has been remarkably good about retaining moisture since I've added this product to my nighttime routine. Like most moisturizers in the $100+ price range, you only need a little for a very noticable effect. ($124.00)

Elemis Exotic Cream Moisturizing Mask
"This light creamy mask contains a dynamic blend of Mimosa, amino-acid rich Honey, immune-boosting Sea Rocket, Orange and Bergamot. These work together to leave skin super-moisturised and enriched. For optimum penetration of its active ingredients, the mask may be left on overnight."
I haven't yet tried this mask on overnight, but when I wore it in an extended bubble bath, I have to say that I was very pleased by how much it hydrated my skin. The effect was present long after I had rinsed off the mask. Of all the products, I was least pleased with the scent of this one, but overall, a worthwhile product, especially for those who suffer from dry skin in the winter months. ($73.00)

Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel
"Natural fruit enzymes of exfoliating Papaya and calming Pineapple, smooth and clarify the complexion. This rinse-off exfoliating cream contains nourishing Milk Protein, Anti-Oxidant rich Vitamin E and marine algae to moisturise, repair and protect skin. Perfect for complexions which are sensitive or mature."
This is my absolute favorite product in the set, less because of the way it works than because of the absolutely delicious smell. I am in absolute heaven when I'm wearing this peel! I am not sure that it did a lot to hydrate my face, but I will say that it did leave my skin looking more radiant, which was the whole goal of this gift set. For the fragrance alone, a tube of this fantastic peel would make an excellent gift. ($42.00)

Jen's Overall Experience: This skin care set from Elemis would make a wonderful gift for anyone in your life who has dry or mature skin. While the bottles themselves don't look all that impressive, the products inside are some of the best skin care products I've ever used.

Cleanser:
Toner:
Moisturizer:
Moisturizing Mask:
Enzyme Peel: