December 2006
By
Stefanie
Schwalb
Happy Holidays, dear readers! To celebrate the season in style, we’re reworking that little ditty known as “The 12 Days of Christmas” into a dozen dynamite product suggestions (by Zodiac sign, of course) that we know you’ll be glad to give and to get. So start making a list and check it twice because Santa’s got nothing on goodies this nice….
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On the first day of Christmas a true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree, remember Aries? Well, I think we can do much better than that. Who the hell wants a partridge anyway? How about sensational skin instead for every event you attend this season? It’s easy to achieve with Sonya Dakar’s Enzyme Peeling Crème™ (www.sonyadakar.com). This ultra-gentle, non-abrasive sloughing and peeling treatment leaves skin revitalized and smooth while diminishing impurities, blackheads, dead skin cells and the sebum that can clog up your pores. Talk about a true holiday helper for those in need. |
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The second day of Christmas featured two turtled doves, which is so apropos for you Taurus, since your heart will be uniting with another one with season. Romance is in the air so that means you better get ready for some mistletoe kissing. Here’s where Givenchy’s Dentelle Pop Gloss (www.saks.com) will come in handy. Inspired by refined lace of exquisite softness and fabulous femininity, this lip lover comes in sensual shades of natural, dusty pink, champagne and sheer beige. All contain shimmers of pearly and diamond-like effects to adorn and enhance your perfect pout. Now that’s a stylist stocker stuffer for sure. |
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The third day of Christmas featured three French hens. Now hens are known for their constant clucking, Gemini, which works well with you since there will be lots to talk about during this holiday season. So much so that your mouth made need a lot of moisturizing color to make it through. Thank goodness for Shu Uemura’s Exclusive Holiday Lip Kit (www.neimanmarcus.com). This terrific trio of pout pleasers includes Rouge Unlimited Lipstick in Brown 01, new Drawing Lip Liner in Wine 01 and Sweet Lip Gloss in Cherry. All products come packed in a pretty red patent leather, lip-shaped cosmetics case, a perfect present for every gal on the go. |
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The four calling birds of the 12 Days of Christmas are kind of like you, Cancer,because they’re serious socializers,. Sound familiar? To put your best face forward for every soiree you swing by, check out DuWop’s Pick Your Poison (www.duwop.com). This lavish lip collection features four shades of deliciously tingling Lip Venom, including shades pink, chocolates and burgundy. The clever connecter allows you to customize the look of your lips for any occasion. It’s a great gift item for all the birds you call the most. |
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On the fifth day of Christmas, the gift was five golden rings, remember Leo? Jackpot, right? Well, we can’t offer you that exactly, but since you’ll often be playing host in the spotlight we can offer you a simple way to secure a shining silhouette. With the new Nars’ Body Glow Set (www.neimanmarcus.com), two terrific items come together (Nars’ best-selling Body Glow and Monoi Body Glow II) to make the perfect holiday present. Available exclusively at Neiman Marcus, this sleek set made from Monoide Tahiti oil (a natural skin elixir from the South Pacific) helps keep skin smooth, soft and luminous all night long. |
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So the sixth day of Christmas showcased six geese a laying. Now this isn’t of much interest to us Virgo, unless those eggs were golden. But we have a product suggestion for you that’s worth just as much. Since travel is in your forecast, Guerlain’s Divinora Les Voilettes Matt Touch Powder Voyage (www.saks.com) is the essential Secret Santa for you. It’s an amazing new travel accessory for getting a fabulously flawless complexion. The unique 2-in-1 mirrored compact includes a mattifying and perfecting loose powder and a velvety, washable puff applicator. The lightweight formula blends with ease onto your skin so your face will sport a natural, sheer and sensational finish that’s long-lasting. |
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Seven swans were swimming on the seventh day of Christmas, Libra. Now we all know that this is one bird bound to make anyone smile, so we have the ideal gift suggestion to give you the same inspiration for the season (since it’s something we think you’ll be indulging in a lot). GoSmile Go All Out Starter Kit with Advanced Formula B1 (www.sephora.com) contains 14 ampoules of teeth-whitening technology that’s packaged in a convenient, on-the-go set with seven daily ampoules of GoSmile Daily (a great 3-in-1 product that also whitens teeth, provides oral hygiene and acts as a refreshing brush) and GoSmile AM/PM Whitening Protection Flouride Toothpastes in a two-fer travel set. As an added holiday bonus, you’ll receive limited-edition and divinely delicious Go Mini Toothpastes in Ginger Cookie Smile and Peppermint Candy Smile. |
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So there were also eight maids a milking during the 12 days of Christmas, Scorpio, but their hearts, like yours, weren’t into their work. Let’s just say they were suffering a serious case of the Mondays. Instead this month for you (and for them!) should be all about play, and what better way to do it then with Awake’s Catherine Malandrino Set (www.neimanmarcus.com). This exquisite offering features the most sought-after skin care treatments to try all housed in a chic, cream eyelet cosmetics bag designed by Catherine Malandrino herself. Included in this grand gift are Awake’s Authority Age-Release Serum, Vital Express, Eye Concentrate Mask, Direct Nutrition and Lotion Refresher. Let the games begin! |
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So as nine ladies danced through the 12 Days of Christmas, they couldn’t help but wonder how they’d get all their cosmetics tools packed in time for their next gig, which brings us to you, Sagittarius. Feeling a little harried in your party hopping? Time is of the essence this December, so make the most of it. To help you get going, here’s a tip from makeup maven Bobbi Brown: her new Mini Brush Set (www.bobbibrown.com). This special gift set includes mini blush, eye shadow and ultra-fine eyeliner brushes all housed in a soft black-faux leather case with glammy gold-toned zipper. It also includes a removable mini pouch appropriately sized to hold your other important makeup accessories such as lipstick, lip gloss, eye shadow or Bobbi’s dual-use Pot Rouge for lips and cheeks. |
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So on the 10th Day of Christmas, my true love brought over a bounty of leaping lords, Capricorn. I believe they were jumping for joy because they got so many bargains this season (as will you and you’ll have some serious cash to spend). Here’s one product purchase we suggest: Laura Mercier Cosmetics’ “The New Beauty Secrets: Your Ultimate Guide to a Flawless Face” (www.lauramercier.com). This terrific tome celebrates the 10th anniversary of Laura Mercier Cosmetics in style with 256 pages of insider tricks and tips from the celebrity artist herself. It also includes need-to-know info on brush use and paper cleaning techniques; which skincare products are right for you and how to streamline your routine; flawless face application techniques and much, much more. |
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As 11 pipers piped toward the 12th Day of Christmas, they thought about what would be the best gift for their loved ones. You might be similarly stumped, Aquarius, but try not to stress. Here’s a little hint for those who need help: the Quelques Fleurs Holiday (www.neimanmarcus.com). It’s one of the most renowned and beloved scents around, having altered floral fragrances 90 years ago when it became the first true multi-floral bouquet to hit beauty. It features a soft blend of sensual flowers that includes different raw materials and it took more than 15,000 flowers to develop just one ounce. This present-day gift set includes a 3.3 oz. Eau de Parfum Spray and 5.0 oz. Body Lotion. |
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Last but not least, the 12th and final day of Christmas featured 12 drummers drumming. You have always marched to your own beat, Pisces, and that’s what we love about you. Don’t feel pressure to conform this holiday season from family and friends because you’re perfect as you are. Instead, now is the time to celebrate your enlightened sense of self with a product that succinctly signifies you: Yves Saint Laurent’s Stardust Spray (www.saks.com). This Eclat D’Or Face and Body Highlighter is a sensual way to illuminate your skin. It has a water-based gel texture that melts onto your surface and dresses it up with an iridescent cover of golden goodness while giving you a delectable cooling sensation at the same time. |