Holiday Gift Guide: All That Glitters

Fill your friend's stocking with gold instead of coal this year.  Well, not actual gold (not that I would mind that) but the kind of gold that's pretty to look at, and makes you sparkle when you use it on your hair or skin.
Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protecting Oil ($68)- This lightweight oil is great for all hair types because it's so quick to absorb.  It moisturizes, it protects, and the smell of Camellia petal is like nothing else that's out there.  A little goes a long way with this versatile styling tool.  You can use this as an oil treatment before shampooing, or as a leave-in for moisture and shine...either way the bottle will last you a long time.  I like this because I have fine hair and I find this stuff is truly weightless.

Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color in Techno Gold ($25)- This eye color is the creamiest of creamy, so it's super blendable using your fingers or a makeup brush.  You can start the color in a really subtle way, and then build to a more dramatic color.  Whether you go subtle or go bold, this cream will last all day without creasing, which is a rarity when it comes to cream colors.

Becca Jewel Dust in Xantho ($24)- These pure pigments are great for sensitive eyes because they're made without fillers, talc, fragrances, or preservatives.  These pigments are fabulous quality so you only need the tiniest bit to give eyes a beautiful, subtle shimmer.  Of course you can layer on for more dramatic color, or you can layer this bronze-y shade over another color.  For an eye makeup look that's flattering on most skintones, you can use this color all over the lids, but then add more of this same color in the crease to give the eyes depth.  Add a little black mascara and you're ready to go.    

Boscia Peppermint Blotting Linens ($5)- This one is a no-brainer.  For only $5 you could give someone the gift of being shine-free, and every skin type could use that.  The peppermint extract gives skin a wonderfully clean sensation without disturbing your makeup.

Kérastase Elixir Ultime ($54)- This product is called Ultimate for a reason!  This is a blend of 4 oils (including the popular Argan oil, and the less widely know Pracaxl oil from the Amazon) that nourish the hair and protect it from environmental stressors.  This is great for heat-protection before using styling tools, but is also good as a finishing product because the anti-oxidants promote healthier, shinier hair.  

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator ($42)- This is the most beautiful rose gold tone, so it's more flattering on multiple skintones than the bronzers/illuminators of yore.  Though it's so pretty that you won't even want to use it!  But trust me, once you do it will be hard to go back to your old luminizers.  This is great as a highlighter on the face, on the legs, and on the décolletage.