Makeup Junkie Holiday Gift Guide 2008: The Gift of Kiehl's!

Christmas shopping for me is all about one-stop-shopping destinations. With so many to buy for, running around from store to store is not my idea of fun shopping (unless it's for me of course haha). If you're with me on this one, Makeup Junkie recommends shopping at Kiehl's, where you'll find the finest in quality skin and hair care. Select from ready-made gift boxes or personalize your gifting by creating a custom collection. You'll find gifts for everyone on your list - including your BFF's lil' pup!

The gift that keeps on giving, perfect for anyone on your list! "Aloe Vera" Biodegradable Liquid Body Cleanser ($20.50 CAD) was created in partnership with hunky humanitarian, Brad Pitt! It is the first 100% Biodegradable formula and fragrance for Kiehl's and the first product with Cradle to Cradle Certification (measures a product against specific criteria for environmental and human health). The result is a body cleanser that minimizes impact to the environment and readily biodegrades in 28 days. This gentle, refreshing cleanser is formulated without parabens, SLS, and Dyes. The bottle is also 100 % Post Consumer Recycled. 100 % of net proceeds from sales will benefit JPF Eco Systems, a charitable foundation created with Brad Pitt to support global environmental initiatives. What could be a greater gift than giving a gift that was created by Brad Pitt and gives back to the environment? It's a must-have for everyone on your list!

Kiehl's Liquid Hand Soaps Trio ($46.50 USD) are the perfect gift for the friend who loves to host. The set features three favourite Kiehl's scents: Grapefruit, Coriander, and my personal fave, "Pear Tree Corner". I absolutely love these hand soaps and I usually don't go crazy over hand soaps! This gentle, yet effective cleanser is fantastic for frequent hand washing. It is formulated with emollient humectants which absorb moisture to skin, keeping your hands oh-so-soft and lightly scented. Vitamin E and Aloe Vera help soothe and protect distressed skin, especially beneficial during colder months. The paraben-free formula uses a gentle cleansing agent with coconut-derived cleansers. Keep one in the powder room for guests, in the kitchen, and in your own bathroom!

Give the gift of perfectly smooth skin with Kiehl's Gently Exfoliating Body Scrubs ($30 CAD). Great as a gift on its own or paired with Kiehl's Deluxe Hand and Body Lotion with Aloe Vera and Oatmeal in a matching scent, customize for your mom or your best friend (and why not yourself?). Select from four lovely scents: Grapefruit, Coriander, Lavender, and "Pear Tree Corner". The gentle, yet effective scrub leaves my skin feeling soft each time. I never shower without it! All scents smell wonderful, but my fave is of course "Pear Tree Corner". It's a subtle, sweet pear scent that smells delicious!



Kiehl's Ultimate Man Collection ($69.50 CAD) is the gift for the ultimate man in your life. With Kiehl's functional blue packaging, your man won't think twice about pulling these products out of his gym bag. The collection includes Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash, White Eagle Shave Cream, Ultimate Man Scrub Soap, Facial Fuel No-Shine Lip Balm, Ultimate Strength Hand Salve Deluxe, and Facial Fuel Deluxe.

I know of a few new moms that could use some serious pampering this Holiday season! Kiehl's New Mother's set ($149 USD) is an excellent new mom and baby gift. For new moms, the set includes must-haves: Creme de Corps, "Lavender" Hand and Body Lotion, Body Massage Oil, Lip Balm #1, and Lavender Foaming Relaxing Bath with Sea Salts and Aloe. For baby's sensitive skin the set includes: Kiehl's Diaper Rash Ointment, Kiehl's Baby Lip Balm, Kiehl's Nurturing Cream For Face and Body, and Kiehl's Baby Gentle Foaming Hair and Body Wash. My son and I have become a fan of Kiehl's Nurturing Cream For Face and Body. Donna Paty, National Education Manager for Kiehl's, recommended this for my son's eczema problem. It doesn't get rid of the condition but calms his flare ups and relieves his itchy skin. Both baby and mom will love the scent of of vanilla, pears, apples and sweet berries. It may be a little pricey at $20 plus a pop, but when it comes to my son's delicate skin only the best will do!

For the lip balm junkie, Kiehl's Flavored Lip Balm Trio ($33 CAD) is a fabulous stocking stuffer. The set includes the classic Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 in Cranberry, Pear, and Mint. I was a little skeptical to try this lip balm because of the SPF 4 factor. Donna suggested I test the lip balm on the inside of my wrist for reactions before applying on my lips. I had never tried this method and usually tried SPF products at my own risk. My lips have been enjoying the supple smoothness and pear scent of Kiehl's Lip Balm #1. I love the convenient squeeze tube it comes in. You can take it anywhere and apply anytime with no mess. It gives the lips a nice shine and works great over your favourite lip colour. The balm doesn't feel sticky on the lips and will keep your pout in tip top shape for those mistletoe kisses!

Dogs need pampering too! Your pooch will give you some serious smooches when you primp them up with Kiehl's Pampered Pooch Collection ($52 CAD). Cleanse their coat with gentle Cuddly Coat Grooming Shampoo, condition with Cuddly Coat Conditioning Rinse and finish them off with Spray-and-Play Cleansing Spritz. Let your heart melt with those puppy dog eyes, as they look back at you with love, feeling fresh and clean after their pampering session!

To view more gift collections visit www.kiehls.com.
Stay tuned for our visit with National Education Manager for Kiehl's, Donna Paty!

Makeup Junkie Readers' Beauty Stash Awards 2008 - Best In Brushes, Tools and Hair Care!

Happy Thanksgiving to our Makeup Junkie readers in the US! Round 5 of our Makeup Junkie Readers' Beauty Stash Awards 2008 is Best In Brushes, Tools and Hair Care! We want to know what brushes, tools and hair products help beautify you everyday. We have many amazing beauty prizes to announce this week, so be sure to check back everyday for new surveys and prizes. We have posted our surveys and give aways on the right hand side at the top for those that missed our previous survey and prize announcements!

Here are the contest details:

To vote visit: Best In Brushes, Tools and Hair Care 2008
Start: November 27, 2008
End: December 1, 2008 12 pm
Give Away: 1 lucky winner will win 5 Smashbox Lip Enhancing Glosses in Pop (sheer cool pink), Icon (sheer blackberry), Surge (shimmery rose brown - true colour), Luxe (shimmering golden brown - true colour), Starlit (sparkling raspberry - full colour)!
Announced: Winner will be randomly chosen on December 1, after 12:30 pm!

Update: Makeup Junkie Readers' Beauty Stash Awards 2008 - Best In Lips!

We were having a little glitch with the survey but it has been resolved! If there are any of you that have filled out the survey but did not sign up with your email address, you will unfortunately have to fill the survey out again. This is the only way we can choose the contest winners. We apologize for this inconvenience! Thank you!

Vote: Best In Lips 2008

Makeup Junkie Readers' Beauty Stash Awards 2008 - Best In Lips!

Makeup Junkie is on round 4 of our Makeup Junkie Readers' Beauty Stash Awards 2008 surveys! We had to change around our surveys a bit so it will have a new look and you will be required to fill out your name and email address at the beginning of the survey. An invitation to the survey will then be sent to you via email for verification purposes but will take only a few seconds.

Round 4 is Best In Lips! If you're a lip product junkie like me, then you may have a hard time narrowing it down to the best one! We want to know what lip products have been on your hot list for 2008! We have many amazing beauty prizes to announce in the next week, so be sure to check back everyday for new surveys and prizes. We have posted our surveys and give aways on the right hand side at the top for those that missed our previous survey and prize announcements!

Here are the contest details:

To vote visit: Best In Lips 2008
Start: November 26, 2008
End: December 1, 2008 12 pm
Give Away: 3 lucky winners will win a must-have holiday prize pack from Lancome! 3 winners will receive 1 Lancome Juicy Tubes from the World Tour collection, 1 Lancome Hypnose Mascara in Diamant - adds a glittery finish to your lashes for the holidays, and 1 Lancome Colour Design Defining and Sparkling Eye Pencil Duo in Sparkle Purple!
Announced: Winner will be randomly chosen on December 1, after 12:30 pm!

Total Beauty Beauty Bubbles

Worst Concealers Ever

These proclaimed dark circle and spot camouflagers left TotalBeauty.com readers utterly exposed

Concealer has the most important job of all -- to hide the imperfections we'd rather not show (agreed?). So when we read our reader reviews on these second-rate concealers, we had to share -- immediately! See concealers

No. 8: MAC Select Moisturecover, $15.50 TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 6.9* "The color quickly disappeared and it didn't last long... and if it got wet, bam! It was gone in a flash..."

No. 7: CoverGirl Fresh Complexion Under Eye Concealer, $10.27 TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 6.8* "It doesn't really cover my under-eye shadows all that well, and that's after applying it twice."

No. 6: Avon BEYOND COLOR Radiant Lifting Concealer, $7 TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 6.7* "The product sinks into fine lines and does not last throughout the day."

Want to see the rest of the list? Click here

What Women Want Feature Chick Advisor Founder, Ali De Bold!

The fabulous founder, Shannae Ingleton, of What Women Want, has featured Chick Advisor Founder, Producer, and Host, Ali De Bold as their "Woman With A Story"! Read up on this wonderful post about Ali's road to success! Congrats!

What Women Want: Woman With A Story - Ali De Bold

Calvin Klein Secret Obsession Winner!

Congratulations to:

Deanna!!

Her secret obsession:

"My secret obsession would have to be perfume. I just love it! I even take those little perfume samples out of my magazines and save them, I have like hundreds!"

Thank you for sharing and we hope you enjoy Secret Obsession by Calvin Klein, the coppery/bronze metal charm necklace with a clasp at the back and two handcuffs joined in front, and a Secret Obsession sleeping mask! Enjoy!

Thank you to everyone that left a comment, but don't worry - there are still many prizes to be won by filling out our surveys!

Makeup Junkie Readers' Beauty Stash Awards 2008 - Best In Eyes!

If you aren't up-to-date, Makeup Junkie is on round 3 of our Makeup Junkie Readers' Beauty Stash Awards 2008 featuring Best in Eyes and Brows! Makeup Junkie wants to know what your favourite eye shadow launch was, which mascara is your ultimate mascara, and what keeps your shadow on all day! We have many amazing beauty prizes to announce in the next week, so be sure to check back everyday for new surveys and prizes. We have posted our surveys and give aways on the right hand side at the top for those that missed our previous survey and prize announcements!

Here are the contest details:

To vote visit: Best In Eyes and Brows 2008
Start: November 24, 2008, 12:30 pm
End: November 27, 2008 12 pm
Give Away: 1 lucky winner will win the new Holiday collection from Lise Watier, Pink Diamonds! You will receive: Diamant Rose Palette, ($36 CAD), Midnight Pearls Eye Shadow in Orchid ($20 CAD), Black Stars Pencil in Orchid ($16 CAD), Precious Eye Liners in Gold ($20 CAD), Rouge Garmand Lipstick in Pink Icing ($18 USD), Gloss 24 Carats ($17 CAD), Caresse Precieuse in Diamant ($25 CAD), Desirable Ring Solid Perfume adorned with Swarovksi crystals ($40 CAD), and Nail Enamel in Midnight Orchid (LOVE!) and Pink Icing each $7 CAD!
Announced: Winner will be randomly chosen on December 1, after 12:30 pm!

Stay tuned for my review of this must-have holiday collection! Visit Lise Watier's new site makeover at www.lisewatier.com!

Beauty Feature: Winter Skin Savers - Moisturizers

There are many beauty products I can't live without and my face moisturizer is definitely at the top of the list. When your skin is dry and patchy, your makeup just won't look right no matter how much concealer you pile on. The key to less makeup on your skin is cleansing and moisturizing your face on a daily basis. Get healthy, radiant skin this winter with these skin-saving moisturizers!

Whether you're hitting the slopes or making snow angels this winter, protect your skin with Kiehl's super-hydrating Ultra Facial Cream ($31 CAD). This light-weight moisturizer gives your skin continous water replenishment all day long. With ingredients like Anarcticine, a Glycoprotein extracted from microorganisms sourced from sea glaciers, and Imperata Cylindrica, a plant found in the Australian desert that retains water in dry conditions, this skin saver is meant to protect your skin and keep you looking soft and supple in cold temperatures. With the light texture your skin will feel comfortable, never heavy or greasy. I expected the cream to go on thick, but even without the richness like other creams I've tried, my skin stayed beautifully moisturized and flake-free all day long! Ultra Facial Cream is a definite must-have this winter, perfect for both day and night!

Do dry, sensitive skin have you singing the winter blues? Your skin will feel heavenly with LUSH Celestial Moisturizer ($21.95 CAD). This totally vegan, all natural moisturizer has a mixed blend of vanilla, almond milk and dove orchid to calm and hydrate irritated skin from city pollution or harsh weather conditions. A little goes a long way with this rich cream so use sparingly to avoid feeling greasy on the skin. This works wonders on those days when my face is sensitive, dehydrated and red. I love applying Celestial Moisturizer before I go to bed so my skin can soak in all the moisture and repair itself overnight. I wake up with a soft, smooth complexion every morning! You'll love the subtle vanilla-almond scent as well! Indeed a special treat for the skin this winter!

Bulky skin care products can make packing for those winter getaways a challenge. All you need for cleansing and moisturizing is Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè (24-Hour Miracle Cream, $25 USD). A cult classic among makeup artists everywhere, you will find this wonder cream in many makeup kits used backstage on models when washing and moisturizing the face isn't an option. I was excited to get my hands on this cream at the Canadian Makeup Show after having gone so many years without it! This rich moisturizer nourishes and repairs the skin without a heavy texture. It also leaves a soft, dewy finish and primes the skin perfectly for makeup application. You can even use it to calm irritated skin after shaving! Throw this cream in your travel bag and you're good-to-go!

The winter weather may be a special treat for oily skin types, but oily skin can get dry too. The Body Deli Flash Flood Light Facial Emulsion ($36 USD) is an oil-free light moisturizer excellent for acne/blemish treatment. It works double-time also hydrating parched skin. Salicylic acid and their proprietary blend of Silica, Sulphur, Maganezium and Copper act as a benzol peroxide alternative to help heal and clear up blemishes without drying out the skin. Your skin will be left feeling clean, fresh and blemish-free!

Have you tried these products? Love 'em? Hate 'em?

Makeup Junkie Holiday Gift Guide 2008: Philosophy Sets

Philosophy knows how to make gift giving easy. Every year the delicious line of bath and body products comes out with delectable, festive scents that will please every palate. For the baker, the chef, the party girl and for those who just want to celebrate - Philosophy’s got you covered. Not only do you get the 3-in-1 formula – shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath – but you also get the recipe to create the sweet treat!

The Recipe Box ($22)

This set includes 3 sweet flavours - strawberry shortcake, red velvet cake, and sweet creamy frosting, yummy!

The Holiday Cookbook ($42)

Who needs dessert when they have red velvet cake, cinnamon buns, spicy pear cobbler, pumpkin spice muffin, gingerbread and double-rich hot cocoa??

The Cookie Exchange ($36)

Everyone loves a delicious, melt in your mouth cookie, trust me, this one is good! This set contains scents of snickerdoodle, oatmeal raisin, sugar cookie and chocolate chip.
Celebrate! ($36)

When it’s time to celebrate, we can’t wait to get a glass in our hands - so why not start celebrating in the shower with this set of high-foaming formulas of pink, lavender, and pomegranate bubbly.

I am such a sucker for packaging, and with all these great gift giving sets, Philosophy has made it really easy to please just about everybody! Check out the rest of the holiday sets at Sephora.com!

Makeup Junkie Holiday Gift Guide 2008: The Gift of Scent!

Scent is such a powerful thing. Certain smells can draw you in and others can make you want to run the opposite way. Calvin Klein's new sultry and sexy fragrance, Secret Obsession ($38 - 55 USD), will leave you wanting more! I always thought the original Obsessions fragrance was a little strong for me, but I absolutely adore the exotic oriental scent of Secret Obession. The mix of sweet florals and deep woodsy notes will intoxicate you in only the best way possible. Perfect for spicing up the cold winter months. Some may find it too heavy for day but one spritz is all you need. I find deeper, more sultry scents last longer on the skin and this definitely does. Every time I wear it, the husband notices which means it makes the cut!

Secret Obsession is a definite must for those hot holiday parties or intimate, cozy nights by the fire. Don't be surprised if your secret obsession is being obsessed with this fragrance!

Wait there's more! Makeup Junkie is doing a special give away for Calvin Klein Secret Obsession!

Contest details:

Prize Give Away: One lucky winner will receive a full size bottle of Calvin Klein Secret Obsessions, a coppery/bronze metal charm necklace with a clasp at the back and two handcuffs joined in front, and a Secret Obsession sleeping mask!
To Win: All you have to do is tell Makeup Junkie what your secret obsession is or what your significant other's secret obsession is! Just leave a comment after the post with your email address. The winner will be randomly chosen.
Contest Date: November 21 - 24. Winner will be announced on November 24th at 12 pm!

My secret obsession? Trying on new lip products and taking close-up photos of my lips! Sexy right?? lol Have fun and good luck to everyone!

Beauty Feature: Make-Up Junkie Loves Miss Oops!!

We all have those days, where nothing goes right and we find ourselves wishing we could have a quick-fix when we're on the go. That's when Jennifer Higgins, founder of Miss Oops, designed the Rescue Sponge - to remove unsightly deodorant marks and make-up stains off her little black dress! Since her first creation, Jennifer has gone to design many other products for those 'Oopsy daisy' kind of days!

I met with Jennifer while she was in Toronto a few weeks ago, and going over the products one-by-one made me realize just how easy and convenient life would be having these items around the house. Not only is the Miss Oops line an essential part of any Makeup Junkie's life, but the woman behind the name is absolutely stunning, herself. With long red hair and big bright green eyes, Jennifer's mannerisms show excitement and courage into her future. Full of personality, you can see that the inspiration to her cute little packaging and products is based upon Jennifer's own outlook on life - fun and practical!

Also, some of the products are actually grouped together in "Critical Care Kits" which makes gift-giving for Christmas, baby shower or as a wedding survival package an essential part of the occasion!

Deodorant marks on your clothes? Make-up powder on your collar? No problem, you’ve got Miss Oops Rescue Sponges. No need to wet your clothes, just briskly rub the dry sponge against the offending mark and watch it disappear. The patent-pending sponge comes two to a pack and are reusable. Safe to use on all fabrics. ($10USD)

Could builders sand furniture with your feet? If so, then Miss Oops Pedicure In a Bottle is your new best friend! Miss Oops Pedicure in a Bottle actually exfoliates, then hydrates your feet. Plus, it’s easy to use! Most exfoliating creams require you to rub the formula on your feet and then wash it off. Not Miss Oops. The exfoliating component is actually absorbed into the skin. Plus, with this non-greasy formula, you can apply it in the morning and wear your shoes without that “slippery-greasy” feeling. The combination of glycolic and salicylic acid, shea butter, peppermint, menthol, and lavender leave your feet feeling smooth and smelling pretty – just like you had a pedicure! Directions: apply twice a day until you can no longer sand furniture with your feet, then use once a day for maintenance. ($18USD)

Jaks is an absolute must for women who are not willing to give up their low-rise jeans and partake in “mom jeans.” Jaks is worn over jeans and under tops—much like a shirt extender. It appears to be a lace camisole layered underneath your shirt- but actually, Jaks is the latest fashion weapon used to cover up butt-crack and muffin tops. Bend over and sit down ladies – Jaks has you covered! ($38USD)

Is your plunging V-neck revealing a little too much at the office? No problem – reach for Miss Oops Boob Tube! Made of stretchable lace, this modern day bandeau gives you just the right amount of coverage without the added bulk of another layer. ($25USD)


Dry lips got you chapped? Here’s a unique solution: a lip balm that looks like lip gloss. Miss Oops Pucker Protector’s unique formula of moisturizing petroleum and sunscreen revive your pucker with a gloss so striking you can use it alone or over lipstick. Plus, the minty scent leaves your breath smelling fresh. Miss Oops Pucker Protector – It’s a lip balm. It’s a lip gloss. It’s both!($14USD)

Nundies, made of nylon and lycra are the perfect pantyless panty! Simply adhere Nundies to the inseam of your pants in place of wearing an uncomfortable thong or underwear. Ban panty lines and uncomfortable thongs with Nundies. Nundies, the essence of underwear, are disposable and perfect for traveling. ($15USD)

This double-sided apparel tape is perfect for women caught in the midst of a serious fashion mishap! This fabric friendly tape repairs hanging hems, closes gaping blouses, keeps peek-a-boo bra straps in place, and prevents plunging necklines from revealing too much. Miss Oops Mishap Tape is hypoallergenic and is packaged with 36 strips in two widths. So go ahead and wear that daring outfit--Miss Oops has you covered! ($6.99USD)



Popper Stoppers are used to cover belly buttons that go “pop” during pregnancy. Latex-free and medically approved, Popper Stoppers are the perfect choice to cover sensitive bellybuttons or protruding navels that can be seen through your garments. ($13.00USD)

Feeling down? Here’s something to perk you up….Chicken Cutlets by Miss Oops! These silicone breast inserts are perfect to perk your girls up and add some cleavage without going under the knife. Each pair comes in a plastic travel case. Chicken Cutlets will increase your bosom by 1 full cup size. ($28.00USD)


Miss Oops Holiday Kit is just the thing for any girl-on-the-go! Complete with the award-winning Miss Oops Rescue Sponge, travel-size lint roller, and a full set of Miss Oops Mishap Tape, these essentials will save you from any “oops” situation! ($18.00USD)

I asked Jennifer what her hopes for the future of Miss Oops would be, and she wanted to have a Miss Oops for Babies, or Miss Oops for Men. Perhaps even a Miss Oops for Pets, too! Also, her favourite product is the Miss Oops Rescue Sponge, but also admits she's bias since it's her first product!

I, personally, got to try many of the different products available, but by far I truly enjoy the Chicken Cutlets. Beats surgery! :)

Currently, you can buy Miss Oops products online or at many locations across Canada and the United States, where you can check the Miss Oops site for a store near you. At the time of our meeting, Miss Oops is planning to be available in stores like Shopper's Drug Mart, Sephora and The Bay, so let's keep our fingers crossed!

Makeup Junkie Readers' Beauty Stash Awards 2008!

The 2nd round of our Makeup Junkie Readers' Beauty Stash Awards 2008 is the Best in Complexion! We want to know what foundation you just can't live without, what blush gives you the perfect flush and much more!

Here are the contest details:

To vote visit: Best In Complexion 2008
Start: November 19, 2008, 12:30 pm
End: November 27, 2008 12 pm
Giveaway: 1 lucky winner will receive the limited edition Cargo Holiday Nights Collection and limited edition Anastasia Mini Brow Kit, a combined retail value of $50 USD! Those participating in this survey will have the chance to win this must-have beauty prize! Winners will be chosen randomly and announced December 1, 2008 at 12:30 pm. Good luck!

Makeup Junkie Readers' Beauty Stash Awards 2008 L'Oreal Winners!

Thank you to everyone that filled out the first survey of our Makeup Junkie Readers' Beauty Stash Awards 2008 - Best In Skincare! I wish I could give you all a L'Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara but there can only be 10 winners.

And now to announce the 10 lucky winners! Congratulations to:

Kim
Julie
Sarah
Mae
Karina
Denise
Elena
Dana
Tanya
Mary

You will be contacted via email for your mailing addresses.

Those of you that haven't won and even those that have, you still have the chance to win more amazing beauty prizes! Stay tuned at 12:30 pm for the next survey and to see what Makeup Junkie will be giving away! Thank you again for your participation! Here at Makeup Junkie we love seeing what our readers are using!

L'Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara will be available January 2009! For more information on L'Oreal products visit www.lorealparis.ca.

Makeup Junkie Holiday Gift Guide 2008: The Gift of Gloss!

Every gal, naughty or nice, will love a little dose (or a lot) of sexy gloss on the lips this holiday season! Shine sheer or shine high with some of these festive glossy must-haves!

Benefit's Peace, Love and Glossiness makes the perfect Christmas gift of gloss this holiday season! Lip gloss fanatics and Makeup Junkies will love the set of 3 gloss duos that contain 6 of Benefit’s most popular lips glosses with such irresistable names: 1. My people, Your people, 2. Talk To My Agent, 3. 24K, 4. Who Does Your Work?, 5. Magic, and 6. Kiss You.

Shine-on with Smart Packaging
I test ran the lip glosses this week wearing it from my daytime job to a night out. I did touch up mid-day after lunch to keep the lips looking glossy-fresh. The shine of one application was just right for an all-day look and perfectly suitable for a corporate office, where you may want to ensure co-workers are not distracted by over-glossed and gooey lips. What's great is that you can easily change up your look for evening with any of the alternate glosses in the set, and all you have to carry is one tube for 2 different looks! Well, unless of course you’re a super junkie and want all 6 glosses handy!! (Guilty as charged).

Stick factor
The glosses have just the right amount of stick to give a great shine, keep the product where it belongs, and not catch your hair as it blows in the wind! The downside of not being too sticky is that a midday touch-up is likely necessary, as the product will tend to wear away sooner than an overly sticky gloss.

Smell
It does have a slight fragrance-y smell that was initially noticeable. I tend to use products without fragrance (as a personal preference), but overall the smell was negligible and not unpleasant.

Benefit's Peace, Love & Glossiness set is limited edition only and at a steal of price of $30 for the six glosses, it's surely not going to stay on store shelves very long! It definitely makes a great gift, but be careful when buying it that you don’t end up keeping it for yourself!

Available at Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart or online at www.benefitcosmetics.com

If you can't get enough of Smashbox's original Lip Enhancing Gloss then you'll love the holiday collection Rapture Lip Gloss Set ($29 USD)! These award-winning glosses are ultra moisturizing and coat the lips with the right amount of shine and colour.

This party-girl gloss set includes three best-selling shades and three holiday exclusives (L-R): Illume, Radiant, Candid, Ravishing, Lovely, and Stunning. The glosses have a medium stick factor. There's just enough to keep your colour and shine on longer. All the colours are just gorgeous and can be worn separately or layered together for a custom shade. The colours glow with sheer colour which is why they are perfect for both day and night. My faves: Candid, a pearly pinky-peach with gold shimmer, and Lovely, a bright pink.

Exclusive to Sephora, Stila's Shine On Gift of Glaze ($28 USD) will have you swooning! The combination of high shine and ultra shimmer give your lips the poutiness they deserve. Your lips will look naturally plump without the painful stinging "sensation". My only complaint? The click pen style applicator isn't my favourite after using it more because it can be a little messy. You also end up wasting the product with too many clicks. Aside from that, the long-lasting beautiful colours and shine will have you hooked!

There isn't one colour in this set that isn't apart of my beauty stash! The set features four top-selling shades and two new colours. L-R: Vanilla, Brown Sugar, Apricot, Grapefruit, Gumdrop (New!), and Raisin (New!). I had assumed Vanilla would look almost clear on me but the pearly nude is more than barely-there! Brown Sugar is a gorgeous warm golden nude, slightly darker than Vanilla. This is a flattering shade on all skin tones and is wearable any time of the day. Apricot, a melon-nectarine and an old fave, looks like my lips but better. Grapefruit, a frosted pink, is the prettiest soft pink on the lips! Gumdrop, vibrant pink, will perk you up and brighten up any look. Raisin, a shimmering golden plum and another new fave, is the perfect shade for those festive evening cocktails. Stila Shine On Gift of Glaze will be another glossy set you might keep for yourself!

Forget giving this one away! Tarte Purse Your Lips Limited Edition Lipgloss Clutch ($39 USD) is definitely one you should keep for yourself! The stunning gold and deep purple clutch comes with 9 mini Tarte Vitamin-Infused lipglosses! These limited edition shades are infused with the Tarte t5 super fruit complex, which is a proprietary blend of the five most active superfruits: goji, acai, maracuja, acerola, and pomegranate. Not only do these pretty lippies look great but they are good for you inside and out!

Top Row: shell with silver glitter, coral with pearly pink finish, golden brown shimmer, golden plum, sheer soft pink, candy pink. Bottom Row: raspberry-red with gold and pink flecks, cranberry-gold, and true red. I'm in love with all the colours! The glosses don't have names and aren't apart of the original line. I love the balm-like texture, sheer but noticeable colour, and the soft sweet scent. The colour is lasting but the shine wears off after a few hours. You can definitely blend and layer but each colour is as sweet on their own. The little clutch is just adorable and would look great with any outfit! It's big enough to hold your keys, some money/credit card, your cell, and a few of these mini glosses. They are pint size, but with 9 glosses to choose from it'll be a while before you use all these lippies! Sorry gals, this one is for me! :)

Know someone with a sweet tooth? Then she'll love Jaqua Lip Frosting Trio ($24 USD)! Jaqua, a beautifully packaged, true fragranced, and highly effective bath and beauty products were created by the Jaqua sisters, who began the line to fulfill their beauty needs that weren't being met. I am a sucker for anything sugary, sweet and yummy smelling!

The set of 3 Lip Whips contain: Cocoa Buttercream Frosting Lip Whip, the popular Pink Buttercream Frosting Lip Whip, and Raspberry Buttercream Frosting. I've become a huge fan of these glosses not only for their sweet-smelling scents and flavour, but for the hydrating formula containing Vitamin E and other nourishing ingredients. Seriously, I was surprised after eating a dinner and watching a movie how moisturized my lips felt and how lasting the colour was. All 3 colours are gorgeous but my faves are Pink Buttercream Frosting and Raspberry Buttercream Frosting. Pink Buttercream is a pinky-gold shade that gives a subtle finish on its own or adds beautiful shimmer layered over lipstick. Raspberry Buttercream Frosting looks fantastic on its own and will make you look hot on those cold nights out. Also looks lovely mixed with Pink Buttercream Frosting. Your girlfriends trying to lose a few pounds won't feel guilty indulging in these sweet treats!

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who has the glossiest lips of all?" You will with Too Faced Mirror Mirror Mini Lip Gloss Set ($21 USD)! This is for a gal who loves A LOT of shine and not a whole lot of colour. These glossies are super shiny and very moisturizing. They make the lips look like glass! They don't settle into your fine lines and give the appearance of plump lips. Each gloss has a different subtle scent and the most up-lifting, good-for-the-ego, names!

L-R: I'm Perfect (sheer beige), I Know You Want Me! (clear), Damn I'm Hot! (sheer red), Don't Hate Me... (sheer pink). The colours don't really show up on me but I love the high-shine finish. My favourite is the clear shade because it looks great on its own and can be layered over top of your favourite lip colour. The shiny gloss finish will make you look radiant even when you don't feel your most radiant. Grab the spotlight this holiday season with this sexy set of glosses!

Dress up those lips with a little glitter and shine! Bobbi Brown's limited-edition Glitter Lip Gloss ($25 CAD) will have your lips twinkling under the mistletoe! Infused with light-reflecting flecks of glitter, these glosses deliver high-shine and come in 6 fabulous shades. Can't decide on a shade? Why not get all 6 in Bobbi Brown's new 6 Pan Custom Palette!

This Glitter Lip Gloss in Rave is stunning deep chocolate plum with golden flecks. I love this gloss because it's different than any of the glosses I own. This also looks hot layered over a plum or pink lipstick! The glitter particles are very fine so it doesn't feel grainy on your lips. You can be sure with the thicker texture that your colour and glittery shine will last for hours. I'd probably avoid this though on those windy nights or you'll have to deal with sticky hair. But rockin' this lovely shade is worth it!

The smell of ginger bread cookies automatically makes me think of Christmas. Dionis, a bath and body company that uses 90-95% natural ingredients, has come out with a limited-edition Ginger Mint Lip Gloss ($4.99 USD). This yummy ginger-mint scent will have you dreaming of Christmas cookies! It is non-sticky and extremely hydrating, keeping lips soft and smooth.

I was pleasantly surprised by the sheer pop of red shimmer it left on my lips. The colour isn't so heavy you'd feel uncomfortable wearing it during the day, but layer on another coat and you've got ultra shiny lips with a bit more punch! For the price, this gloss is a steal! You can buy for every friend or family member without breaking the bank!

Have you tried any of these glosses? Love 'em? Hate 'em?