.:: CybeleSays ::.

I have amassed quite the collection of fragrances since they are one of my favorite categories of beauty products to try out. But it’s not always easy to find true love with one and sniffing a lot is on the menu.

I think we can all agree that small sample vials are not the most ideal way to try a fragrance because they  are usually hard to open and spill as you are popping the tiny top off. But then again, a full size bottle is not always ideal either, since fragrances are not cheap and think about how many you sniff vs. how many you really love.  

I think that fragrance samplers are just about the best thing on the planet as they are a great way to really get a feel for a some of the latest scents, like this one from Sephora.

Another one I’m really feeling right now is ATELIER COLOGNE Collection Voyage. The box it comes in is beautiful, with a cute read postage stamp in the upper right hand corner, like an internationally stamped box.

This sampler of eau de colognes is .25oz sprays of the following scents: Orange Sanguine (fresh fruit), Grand Néroli (aromatic citrus), Bois Blonds (woody floral), Trèfle Pur (citrus + green), Oolang Infini (green + citrus), Vanille Insensée (woody vanilla), and Ambre Nue (oriental floral).

And as you can see from the above list, this one pushes all the fragrance envelopes! There are a few mellow ones and then some, whoa ones that will help you max your sexiness for an eve.

So which ones are my faves? I can see why the Vanille Insensee has such a following; Bois Blonds is really pleasant and while I normally love oriental florals, the Ambre Nue was just too much, surprisingly. Maybe one of the notes just didn’t jive with me but the Grand Neroli, oy, so sexy and full-bodied. $95 @ sephora.com. Will you be checking out this collection?

We’re in full-on award show season and even if you can’t live like a star, you can primp like a star, with BENEFIT COSMETICS’s Primping with the Stars All-Time Greatest “Fake-It’s” Kit.

This one includes the following:

• .08 oz Stay Don't Stray Stay-Put Primer for Concealers and Eyeshadows
• .12 oz Some Kind-A-Gorgeous Foundation in Medium
• .13 oz Benetint Rose-Tinted Lip & Cheek Stain
• .25 oz The Porefessional Pro Balm
• .25 oz Girl Meets Pearl Liquid Pearl for Face
• .1 oz They're Real! Beyond Mascara in Black

I can’t rave about these kinds of kits enough as they let you try quite a few of the different products (deluxe sample sizes) for a super reasonable price. And let's face it, how often do you actually use up a full size product? This one is just $32 @ sephora.com.

And be sure to investigate their other kits under this moniker: Do the Bright Thing and The Bronze of Champions.

And know that these sets also make great Birthday gifts! I had three parties this week alone. Lots of January babies for some reason.

No gift list is ever complete without including the “made for gifting line,” Benefit.

What it is: BENEFIT COSMETICS She’s So … Jetset!

Why I like it: This line was made for gifting! Take one of their many custom made products and you are sure to get a WOW from the recipient. This Jetset kit contains 4 eye shadows, a deluxe size of The POREfessional, deluxe size They’re Real! Mascara, First Class Face Powder with Brush, a lip gloss in Life on the A-List, a double-ended applicator.

Price: $36 @ benefitcosmetics.com.

What it is: BARE ESCENTUALS The Royal Treatment

Why I like it: It has a little bit of everything from their makeup line (15 pieces total), and it comes in this wicked cool roll-up cosmetic case. I'm usually not a fan of smaller-than-the-original products but it this case, it's works, and  it's a great way to try their makeup line to see what colors etc will work for the recipient.

Price: $85 @ bareescentuals.com. It’s currently out of stock but if you need this for a last minute gift, you’re better off getting it in one of their stores. Call ahead of time!

Wanna see what's inside the roll? Click after the jump!

Click here to read more

If you’re talking gift giving, then the LUSH brand should jump into your brain as all of their products are great for giving.

What it is: LUSH … Had A Very Shiny Nose

Why I like it: Gift sets are the total way to go and this one is all wrapped up and ready. It contains: Mr. Punch soap (3.5oz), The Olive Branch Shower Gel (3.3oz) and Sandy Santa (3.6oz). No small sample sizes here.

Price: $23.95 @ lush.com.

What it is: CLINIQUE Whole Lotta Colour Set

Why I like it: lip balms are just lip balms unless they have a kick o’ color like these do. And this set is perfect for the beauty lover on your list. She may own one but with this set you get 5 of their best sellers. Colors include: Oversized Orange, Curvy Candy, Richer Raisin (my personal fave), Chunky Cherry, Super Strawberry.

Price: $34.50 @ sephora.com.

What it is: PRINCIPESSA limited edition Hand Cream & Foot Balm Set

Why I like it: I am such a fan of this line and proves that indy brands rock! Focused on the three P’s, perfume, performance, and packaging, this duo is mini sizes of their Cattiva Diva Hand Cream and Luxurious Foot Balm will give you a taste of what this line is about.

Price: $14 @ principessabeauty.com.

The Sephora brand always has such great holiday items that it’s hard to just pick one and they are reasonably priced. So here are a few I’m recommending from them this season.

What it is: SEPHORA Set of 5 Eye Jumbo Liner 12HR Wear

Why I like it: I love jumbo eye pencils because they are so easy and quick to apply and each of these shades are basic must-haves: Taupe, Kaki, Black, Purple Glitter, White Glitter

Price: $30 @ sephora.com.

Click after the pic to see more from the Sephora brand!

Click here to read more

This next one is for the ultimate beauty lover on your list. I mean she has to qualify!

1. Does she carry more than 5 lippies in her purse?
2. Can she see the top of her dresser or is it cluttered with all kinds of makeup?
3. Does she use more than one mascara to get her ultimate eye look?

If you answered yes to all three of these quesitons, you've got an addict on your hands and this next one is sure to feed it.

What it is: TARTE Carried Away Collector’s Set and the value of this is $512 if you purchased them all separately. Wow!

Here’s what’s inside this cool folder:

• .07oz Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Adventurous (shimmering rose)
• .07 oz Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder
• 8 x 0.059 oz Maracuja Lip Glosses
• .16 oz Lights, Camera, Lashes! 4-In-1 Mascara
• Face brush
• 24 x 0.06 oz Amazonian Clay Eyeshadow
• Adventurer bag

Why I like it: Really? I have to state this? It’s pretty obvious, no? And how about the totally doable price? And I put the below picture on its side so you could get a closer look at the contents.

Price: $52 @ sephora.com.

Need more suggestions for the beauty lover on your list but don’t know their colors or what they like to wear? You totally can’t go wrong with a set of makeup brushes as a girl can always use some new ones.

What it is: SEPHORA + Pantone Universe Enchanting Dual-Sided Brush Set

Why I like it: A first of its kind – half of the brush’s bristles are for liquids like foundations and the other side is for powders. Ingenious! Included along with the cool pearly clutch is a powder brush, blush brush, foundation brush and an eye shadow brush. And the price … the price is quite nice. Pick up a couple of sets for hostess gifts.

Price: $21 @ sephora.com.