.:: CybeleSays ::.

Hardcore Moisture

I love when I stumble upon a LUSH store as it doesn’t happen everyday. I was in Boston for the Holidays and came across one in Cambridge. Of course I had to stock up on my favorite BIG shampoo and try some new ones whileI was sampling. One of my new favorites from this excursion is Fever ($10.45/2.2oz @ lush.com). It’s an oval moisturizing bar that you simply clutch and rub on. The scent is jasmine, rose, and sandalwood. So yum! And the red lips on the bar? They are slightly tinted to rub them on your lips.
I also recommend buying the Massage Bar Tin ($4.95) to keep it neat.

New Feature! *Quick Pick*

We’re starting a new on-going feature called Quick Picks. These are products we recommend but how much can you say about a new non-sticky lip gloss or a shade of eye shadow that really enhances blue eye? Not enough to make up a full feature. So we’ll just list the facts, Ma’am.

No bells or whistles here, just straight matte burgundy is what you get with SMASHBOX Eye Shadow in Dream ($16 @ sephora.com). I have really dark brown eyes and this one is a great alternative to browns for the office. I even got two complements the first day I wore it.

It Puts the Lotion In the Basket

This is the perfect one for these cold weeks. Who wants to stand in a cold room after a shower to apply body lotion? The HEALiNG GARDEN Relax Therapy Green Tea Collection 2-in-1 Moisturizing Body Wash with Lotion ($6.39/7oz @ drugstore.com) cleans and moisturizes right in the shower with vitamins A, E, and C. It took a few tries to get used to as it doesn’t lather up. This one is part of their aromatherapy line and this green tea scent restores your sense of calm with Asian sandalwood and peony petals. So relax, if only for a moment.

Dancing Eyes

One of the main reason I love Kiss Me Mascara is its staying power so most others don’t pass my test. New on the scene is Volume Clubbing Mascara ($17) from BOURJOiS and this one stays! The formula is made with vinyl? Huh? Yup, the base is made with vinyl, which helps it stay put. And I’m so glad that mascara is becoming more than just the formula these days, as in the application brush is also a key factor. This brush is a little bigger than most but not unmanageable. Available in three fun shades – Absolute Black, Disco Blue, and Brun Remix. 

Also give a swipe with their Liner Clubbing ($16) is six cool colors. Both @ sephora.com

Get Ta Packing

For a week long trip or a weekend, here are two take with you on the go kits that cover all your needs.

For Body - GOLDEN EARTH Travel Kit ($30 @ goldenearth.net) – Soothe Lip Balm, Desire Body Lotion, Nourish Hand Cream, Trek Foot Cream, Tranquility Bath/Hand Gel, Revive.

For Hair - VON NATUR Travel Pack ($15 @ vonnatur.com) – Crown to Sole Shampoo, Crown to Sole Conditoner, Complete Body Lotion.

Mask O’ the Month

We’re always so head over heels with SHiSEiDO’s cosmetics that we have not really devoted the time to their skin care line, until now. Their White Lucent Intensive Brightening Mask ($66/6sheets @ sephora.com) seems especially made for this time of year. Not only do these somewhat Friday the 13th looking sheets hydrate but they also claim to penetrate deep enough to fade pigment spots in the skin. From what I read, it just says that it fades them; it doesn’t get rid of them altogether. To what degree are they washed out? No concrete evidence on that or from what my naked eye could see in trying them out. I don’t think using one of these masks for 10-minutes a week for 6-weeks would be powerful enough to rid the skin of them anyway.

If you are looking for a refreshing boost to your sallow skin this season, this is a good one to use. It uses a Multi-Target Vitamin C, Spot Deacti-Complex, and Asian plant extracts that Shiseido developed especially for this line of White Lucent products and these really seemed to plump up my skin.

Catwalk Queen

I’ve been wanting to write up this next item for some time but didn’t quite know what to say other than I’m in such awe over them. Could it be that they are just so fun to look at that I just didn’t want to ruin the look by *gasp* using them? MiLANI Runway Eyes ($7.99 @ CVS stores) are a great way to get creative on your lids. Each of the six colors in the palette sits like a 3-D bar so when you swipe, your brush really gets a nice dose of color on it. Like to layer color families? These make it easy to go from dark to light. Available in six haute couture palettes – Designer Browns, Fashionista Pinks, Couture In Pinks, Backstage Basics, Glamorous Gems and Beauty In Blues.

Hair NOW!

Big hair, smooth hair, straight hair? What is it that you want?? Here are a few that will give you what you want and now.

 

SEXY HAiR CONCEPTS Big Sexy Hair So Pumped Volumizing Mist ($14.95/5.1oz @ sexyhair.com) – this time of year, all we ask is that you give big hair a chance. Contains a gel and thickening agent that uniquely locks strands into place while giving a soft finish.

JOHNNY B Fuddy Matte Gel ($11/4oz @ johnnybhaircare.com) – made for men but I’m claiming it for women. Non-greasy water-resistant matte gel.

TiGI S-Factor Silky Smooth Moisture Serum ($20/8.45oz @ tigihaircare.com) – protects against heating tools and smoothes the hairs cuticle. Big recommendation.

Holiday Pick - Scent Him Up

Like us women who choose a scent by mood, now he can too.  And I say you can’t lose with giving a man a new fragrance for a holiday gift. The Well-Stocked Bar from JACK BLACK ($55/1oz each @ getjackblack.com) is three Signature scents in one ‘travel bar’ box – Signature Blue Mark (fresh - Japanese Juniper, ginger essence, and Watermint), Signautre Black Mark (warm – Kashmir Saffron, Cedar and Leather), and Signature Silver Mark (modern – Sri Lankan Cardamom, Wild Cypress and clear, clean woods).

Holiday Pick - More Ambiance

I’m giving a lot of these this season. ANTiCA FARMACiSTA Home Ambiance Perfume ($88/16.9oz @ anticafarmacista.com) is such a nifty gift to give any host this season. This renowned Italian apothecary really pays attention to detail and delivers quality and they are really growing in popularity. The antique-like bottles house unique scents that you uncork, place the wooden reeds in the oils and moments later you have a subtly scents area. And their new scent, Champagne, is a festive delight that will get you through the New Year with parties you are attending.

Holiday Pick - Skin Gel It

I have always been a fan of OPI Avojuice Skin Quenchers ($6.80/6.6oz and $1.90/1oz @ opi.com). Two new one that have the Holidays written all over them are the Candy Cane Juice and Berry Merry Rose Juice. They are skin moisturizers but not your everyday ones. They are more of a body gel moisturizer. So cool! Each contains avocado and aloe and theCandy Cane one smells of sweet peppermint and has a hint of shimmer. The Berry Merry smells of lush rose and raspberry. They are only here for a limited time so scoop some bottles up quick.  

Holiday Pick - Gimme Minerals

Got someone in your life that hasn’t experienced mineral makeup just yet? Use this Holiday as an excuse to get them the BARE ESCENTUALS Classic Rock Diamond Collection Kit ($59 only @ sephora.com). This one is packed with 9 luxury products. I can’t express what a value this kit is! I just might have to stock up on more sets since this is limited-edition. 

Here’s what you get: Diamond Gossamer (luminous powder for face and body), bareMinerals Classic Rock Eyeshadow (white/silver), bareMinerals Nice Rock Glimmer (chocolate), Double-Ended Mascara (black on one side and silver on the other). Diamond Laughter Blush (peach), Diamond Buxom Lip Polish (clear), Full Flawless Brush (new tool perfect for Diamond Gossamer and Diamond Blush), Full Tapered Shadow Brush (eyeshadow brush), Diamond Bag (pearl white to carry all your bareMineral items.

Holiday Pick - For Pops

I mailed one of LA COMPAGNIE DE PROVENCE’s soaps to my father a few years ago for him to try. Since he’s French he already has very discerning tastes so I wasn’t sure if he would dig it. Wow, was I wrong! He really loved the Savonnette “155” Lavande and called to tell me all about it. So this season, I’m giving him more products from the line and venturing into the Extrait D’Olive (Olive Extract) collection, like the Shower Gel ($16/6.8oz) and Soap Bar ($5.50/3.5oz) I know I can’t lose! All @ lcdpmarseille-usa.com

Holiday Pick - Shine On

I had my last holiday party the other night and I forgot to swipe some color on my lips before running out the door to go. Luckily I had this Cherrybomb Glossy Lip Tint ($22 @ beccacosmetics.com) from BECCA right on my front table waiting to be tried. What a pleasant surprise this festive color and texture was! Think non-sticky red liquid Jello. Very fun shade!

Holiday Pick - Get Sexy!

Here’s something for just you and your man. Give him  the gift of … you! BOOTY PARLOR just put out Sex Bombs ($45 @ bootyparlor.com) and this one is going to help you out in the seduction department. The kit includes Get Flushed! Sexy Lip and Cheek Tint in Scarlet Fever, Don’t Stop Solid Perfume with Pheromones in their Signature Scent of plums, raspberries, jasmine cedar and sandalwood., and Dust Up Kissable Body Shimmer in limited-edition Pink Champagne. Meow!

Holiday Pick - Scent To Go

I love a man that wears a chain on their wallet. There’s just something about it that makes them cool. So how about this DiESEL Fuel For Life Pocket Chain ($75 @ diesel-fragrances.com)? What if I saw a man carrying this 18" chain on their beltloops? I think if you have a fashion forward boy in your life then he will appreciate this one. And it's not just for men as they make one for women too. Both are “inspired by the passion, emotion and sensuality that flows through each of our veins” and we really liked it when it came out. Give something totally unique this season.

Holiday Pick - Beauty On A Budget

UK line, BOOTS, knows what a woman likes and wants, lush body products! They have put out several sets and all are reasonably priced. Our pick is the Boots Fresh! Selection Box. It contains full sizes of their Sweet As Honey Bath Milk (9.4oz), Strawberry Surprise Body Cream (4.7oz), Chocolate Fix Body Wash (4.7oz), Banana Bonanza Bath Crystals (1.7oz), Pink Grapefruit Swirl Soap (2.6oz) and a cute apple looking body polisher sponge. $14.99 @ CVS stores

Holiday Pick - Minty Fresh

LALiCiOUS only uses peppermint essential oils in their Candy Cane line of products. Choose from Sugar Souffle Scrub ($32/16oz), Body Butter ($22/8oz), Body Wash ($16/8oz) or Body Oil ($20/8oz) all scented with the sweet scent of peppermint and @ lalicious.com

Give the gift of a smile this season with GoSMiLE’s Peppermint Candy Smile ($16/3.5oz @ sephora.com). This whitening fluoride toothpaste uses silica to gently polish away stains.
PHiLOSOPHY’s Candy Cane Lip Shine ($10 @ sephora.com) makes you feel like you’ve got fresh breath every time you inhale.

Holiday Pick - Little Pink Case

I love getting a beauty products that have a reusable case and in this case, haha, it’s in my favorite color, baby pink! The Holidays are the perfect time to check out makeup kits because a lot of companies put them out now. This DuWOP Discovery Kit ($36 @ sephora.com) is one for your sister who needs to update her makeup collection or your babysitter who just loves to try out new products. And it contains quite a bit inside - full size Lip Venom, minis of Trio Eye Shadow, Blush Therapy, Venom Gloss and Lashlacquer.

Holiday Pick - Instant Gratification

My new favorite ways to scent the room has to be the ScentPort and now ELEMiS' The Twilight Burner ($74 @ elemis.com). The top has a glass saucer where you put essential oils and a tea light warms it to set the scent into the air. An instant way to set a mood. Big recommendation.

Holiday Pick - Soap Up

Give ‘em something different this season. I mean, how many bottles of wine can your host get? Our favorite gifts to give and receive has to be soaps and MOR COSMETiCS Emperor Soaps ($14 @ morcosmetics.com) are some of the best out there. The detailing on the packaging of bygone days really makes you feel like you are gifting works of art. Each soap inside is triple milled and available in twelve different scents like Black Cherry Plum, Italian Blood Orange or Snow Gardenia.

Holiday Pick - Stocking Stuffer Anyone?

LAURA MERCiER Petite Eye Palette ($25) were made just for slipping into holiday stockings. Choose from Daydream or Nightfall.

Have a lip lover on your list? Her Stickgloss Palette ($40) should wet her appitite beautifully. It’s five lush lippies and a double-ended lip liner and brush in a slim sleek palette. All @ lauramercier.com

A Finishing Touch

Use CARGO EyeLighter ($17 @ sephora.com) next time you really want your eyes to stand out. It’s a makeup artist’s tried and true secret to widen and brighten the eye area. One side is a pointy sponge that has some shimmer and the other side is round with a matte shade so you can even get in the tightest corners. Apply the round sponge to the outer corners of the eyes, the pointed sponge in the inside near the bridge of the nose and of course just under the brow. It really is the finishing touch. And this is one of those products that has the color sitting in both caps so it’s always ready for you to apply. Now available in gold.

Holiday Pick - Bath Luxury

ELiZABETH W San Francisco Luxuries Set ($40 @ elizabethw.com) is the perfect gift for anyone on your list who loves to pamper themselves. There are three blue boxes: Bath Pouch (6oz), Travel Eau de Parfum (.5oz) and Perfumed Soap (3.5oz). And each set is available in eight difference scents like Lilac, Rose and Sweet Tea.

Holiday Pick - Room Scents

This polka dot fabric box contains two lush votives perfect to set the mood for your festive evening, Cortina (Elemi Wood) and Vittorio (Rosemary Pine) from TOCCA. Need a light? The box also comes with their signature matches. Light away. $48 @ tocca.com

Holiday Pick - MAC'em

We're in the thick of the shopping season now and still have quite a few holiday products we need to declare! So we will be running a few picks each day up until Christmas.

Who isn’t curious about MAC and their Holiday Collections? If you’re a reader of this blog, then MAC is probably at the top of your list of “must haves.” We featured our picks from the Antiquitease collection a few weeks ago and this Royal Assets collection also highlights golds, silvers and metals with these cool palette cases. You can choose your palette for what you want your result to be: Smoky Eyes, Warm Eyes, Cool Eyes and Metallic Eyes, and Pink Lips, Tan Lips, Coral Lips or Red Lips. Eight palettes in all. Give one of these to the MAC lover in your life. $36 for eye palettes and $22.50 for lip palettes @ maccosmetics.com

Holiday Pick - Festive Nails

Nails are also part of the festivities this season. CND has put together three different coordinated sets of polishes to help your tips set the mood. Choose Glamour (nail polishes in Deep Velvet and Rich Ruby and clear rhinestones) for your work Holiday party, Festive (nail polishes in Black Platinum, Hollywood and Mother of Pearl) for getting crazy on egg nog with your friends and Countdown (nail polishes in Smooch and Pucker Up and Air Dry top coat) to ring in the New Year. $12 each set @ head2toebeauty.com

Holiday Pick - Work It Girl

We’ve always been big fans of the PRiNCiPESSA line and they have given us one to help turn our friends onto their great products. And this 10” x 7” lunchbox doesn’t contain sample sizes. The Bellina Box ($54 @ principessabeauty.com) is three full size products! Cattiva Diva (3.4oz) is the ultimate hand cream, Dolce Dreams (8.5oz) whipped body cream and Fresh Fiore (8.5oz) shower cream. Treat the princess in your life with this one.

Instant Eyes

These COLORON … PROFESSiONAL Instant Eye Shadow Applicators ($16/5pairs @ coloronpro.com) are exactly what Cybelesays is all about -- trying and reporting on if a new way of doing something really works. And this works! How many times have you tried to mimic a picture in a magazine of a cool lid look but fell short? These oval applicators with the shadow designs right on them take the guess work out. Simply peel the backing off, position on the lid, press down, rub your nail all over it, gently remove and voila! Finish with a light dusting of powder to set and the colors aren’t moving for at least a couple of hours. Choose from smokey eye looks to the more experimental camoflage. One tip – after applying, use a small brush to blend it in and I like to dip the brush into some of the colors on the applicator to apply around the eye and in the corners. Such a great invention!

Holiday Pick - Accessorize With Gold