2014 Holiday Gift Guide With Beauty Savings

The holiday shopping season officially begins with Black Friday, which happens to be this Friday, Nov. 28 and for many beautynistas and suavies alike, so too will the hunt begin for the perfect gifts -- as well as -- great deals on those gifts. The team at The Makeup Examiner searched far and wide, high and low for amazing gifts and those coveted discounts. Read on to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list! Oops … almost forgot … with the discounts below you’re allowed to buy a few things for yourself. J

Gifts For Him

L'OCCITANE Cade Collection ($78): This set is for the down-to-earth man who appreciates the classics. Containing essentials formulated with masculine and aromatic essential oils such as juniper, sandalwood and rosemary, the Cade Collection has the basics every man needs. The gift set includes Cade Eau de Toilette, Cade After Shave Balm, Cade Shower Gel and Cade Shaving Gel.

The Art Of Shaving Travel Kit & Razor ($175): Team TME has reviewed products from The Art Of Shaving and we continue to stand by this particular luxe grooming brand for men. The Travel Kit & Razor includes a compact and water-resistant travel bag, Pre-Shave Oil, Shaving Cream, After-Shave Balm, and Pure Badger Travel Shaving Brush. The brand also offers a Starter Kit ($25), which makes a great stocking stuffer. All products are available in Sandalwood, Lemon, Lavender and Unscented.

Atelier Cologne ($130 - $315): One would be hard-pressed to not find a fabulous scent from this perfume house, which offers 17 fragrances for both men and women. Of particular interest for the holidays is the Collection Métal for which the bottles are encased in genuine precious metals. Gifting option includes a Venetian blue gift box with a 200 ml Cologne Absolue and a 30 ml Travel spray with a leather case that has complimentary engraving.

W&P The Mason Shaker Gift Set ($49): A great homemade tipple doesn’t demand a full wet bar. This three-piece kit has everything you need to craft a classic cocktail, from a muddler for mashing mojitos to a shaker for dirty martinis. With a clean, simple aesthetic inspired by Southern hospitality, it’s a bartender’s take on “form meets function.”

Gifts For Her

Yuzen Lifestyle Subscription Box ($33/$132): With boxes arriving quarterly, Yuzen’s tagline of “Sending you a little Zen” reminds us to stop and take time for ourselves. Yuzen Boxes arrive each season -- winter, spring, summer, and fall -- and include high-end luxurious beauty, grooming, and lifestyle products that are carefully selected by Jen and Ted, the owners of Yuzen.

Ame & Lulu Toiletry Bag ($58): Features a vinyl exterior in a myriad of fab patterns, two interior vinyl zip compartments, interior zippered pocket and Nylon liner. This top-notch bag will see you through all holiday travels and beyond. Ame & Lulu are gearing up for the holidays and will be celebrating Cyber Monday stylishly with 30% off site wide on December 1st with code CYBER!

The NARS Holiday 2014 Collection ($59 - $149): For Holiday 2014, François Nars projects a bold new design for the future femme. Decoding the thrill of seduction, this captivating collection exposes a full range of colors and textures with dramatic dimension. The custom packaging adapts architectural designer Chris Kabatsi’s digitally rendered Nebula print into a dynamic yet delicate depiction. The intricate web of black gloss grips the signature soft-touch packaging in a modern take on lace.

Mirabella Beauty’s Faerie Collection - Myth Visionary Long Wearing Eyeshadow ($29), Swirling Pearl Brilliant ($40), New Colour Luxe Lip Glosses in Gossamer and Luminosity ($26 each).

Pixi Beauty Ultimate Beauty Kit – 2nd Edition ($34): The perfect holiday beauty “go-to,” this follow-up to Pixi’s bestselling Ultimate Beauty Kit gives endless options for gorgeous fresh-faced looks. The kit’s super-silky shades range from cool to warm in velvet and satin textures and all are designed for you to simplify and beautify your look! The Ultimate Beauty Kit – 2nd Edition contains 40 Eye Shadows, 6 Highlighters and 6 Cheek Powders.

Colorado Aromatics Travel Set($36.50): This brand new travel set from Colorado Aromatics includes all the must-haves for holiday travel; Angel Falls Shampoo; Mountain Mist Hand and Body Lotion; Meadow Mist Face Cleanser; Springtide Anti-aging Face Cream; Facial Hydrator and a travel size bar of soap. TSA approved and packaged in a vinyl zipper travel bag. Take them with you or gift them to someone.

Colorescience Holiday Gift Set ($65): This limited edition gift set is your go-to essential for lips & lashes this holiday season. The set includes two Colorescience favorites, Sunforgettable Lip Shine SPF 35 in Rose and Mascara, in a stylish gold bag with imprinted Colorescience logo on the inside. This exclusive gift set is FREE with any purchase $125+.

 Host/Hostess Gifts

Old Factory Candles ($25/pack): These hand-poured natural soy wax candles come in gift packs of 3 fragrance-themed candles. Each of which burns clean for over 20 hours. Old Factory Candles have amazing scents and the fragrance themes are specifically curated to compliment one another so that you can burn all at one time.

Weleda Body Lotion Starter Kit ($13.50): The Body Lotion Starter Kit is a convenient way to sample each indulgent body lotion; they are perfect for traveling or for that unexpected guest.

Harney & Sons Hot CinnamonSpice ($30): This delectable set is brimming with cinnamon, spice, and everything nice. It’s a perfect present for the tea-lover in your life or a go-to kit for cozy cold-weather hostessing. It includes four delicious, cinnamon-infused teas from the New York City tea house, plus a tin of sweetly spiced hard candies. Includes: 45 Tea Sachets, 20 Teabags, Tin of Hard Candies.  

 Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals!

• Ame & Lulu - Ame & Lulu are gearing up for the holidays and will be celebrating Cyber Monday stylishly with 30% off site wide on December 1st with code CYBER!
• Birchbox: Black Friday – Subscription and Full-Size Product Steals - Subscriptions: Get a free Birchbox for every $60 you spend on subscriptions! Code: BOXME -Ends: November 30 11:59PM. Cyber Monday – Extra Points ($$!) in the Birchbox Online Shop.
• Colorescience - Experience makeup that does more with a buy more, save more Colorescience special!  Buy $75 and get $10 off, buy $100 and get $20 off, and buy $200 get $50 off. Enter code: Discount is automatic Offer available: 11/27 – 12/2
• Weleda - Nourish your skin and soul with 30% off all products. Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deal. Enter Code: Discount is automatic. Offer Available: 11/28 – 12/1.
• Vichy - Stress less and avoid lines (in-store and on your face), receive 15%, 25%, 35% off your purchase of $35, $75, $125 or more on Black Friday or $10 off your entire order off $55 or over and 3 deluxe samples on Cyber Monday. Black Friday Code: NOIR14 Offer Available: 11/26-11/30. Cyber Monday Code: CYBER14 Offer Available: 12/1-12/5.
• First Aid Beauty - Turbo charge your holiday shopping with this FAB-ulous deal: get 30% off purchases on FirstAidBeauty.com and free shipping on all orders. Code: CYBERMONDAY Offer available: Cyber Monday.
• Hydroxatone - Let your skin rejoice, Hydroxatone products will be 30% off on Black Friday and 40% off Cyber Monday on orders over $50 Code: Discount is automatic. Offer Available: Black Friday & Cyber Monday.
• Cosmedix - Enhance skin this holiday with 20% off site wide on Black Friday and Cyber Monday and free shipping on orders $50 or more. Code: BFCOS14 Offer Available: Black Friday. Code: CMCOS14 Offer Available: Cyber Monday.
• NuFACE - Lift your spirits and your jawline with 20% Off the NuFACE Trinity + ELE Gift Set OR 20% Off NuFACE Trinity + Trinity Wrinkle Reducer Gift Set on Black Friday and 20% off the White or Pink Trinity devices on Cyber Monday. Code: BLACKFRIDAY Offer Available: Black Friday. Code: CYBERMONDAY Offer Available: Cyber Monday.
• RapidLash - Boost the appearance of lashes, brows and hair for the holidays with 40% off RapidLash, RapidBrow and RapidHair on Cyber Monday. Code: Discount is automatic. Offer Available: Cyber Monday.
• Red Carpet Manicure - Get Red Carpet worthy nails with 50% off site wide, including gel polish, lacquers, gel polish kits and must-have items! Code: Discount is automatic. Offer Available: 11/28/14 – 12/1/14.
• Keranique - Get the hair you deserve for the holiday season and beyond with 30% off orders of $50 or more on Black Friday and 40% off orders of $50 or more on Cyber Monday! Code: BLACKFRIDAY30 - Offer Available: Black Friday. Code: CYBERMONDAY40 - Offer Available: Cyber Monday.
• Old Factory Candles - FREE Shipping on orders over $35. 

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L’OCCITANE Introduces Holiday 2014 Gift Sets

L'OCCITANE en Provence has announced the L’OCCITANE Holiday 2014 Gift Sets and we challenge you not to find something for every person on your list. This holiday season, L'OCCITANE is bringing the essence of Provencal beauty to the everyday, with each set containing iconic L’OCCITANE formulas, wrapped in an giftable, festive packaging. Oh, and L’OCCITANE didn’t forget the gents!

13 Desserts of Provence ($58): Indulge in 13 mini, pampering treasures including the Shea Body Lotion, Shea Verbena Soap, Shea Foot Cream, Verbena Shower Gel, Occitan Shaving Gel, Aromachologie Shampoo, Almond Hand Cream, Almond Supple Skin Oil, Almond Shower Oil, Divine Cream, Arlésienne Eau de Toilette, Jasmin & Bergamot Shower Gel and Neroli & Orchid Body Milk.

Divine Skincare Collection ($182): Show her how precious she is with this trio of rare Immortelle Essential Oil beauty treatments. The luxurious set includes a Precious Cleansing Foam, Divine Cream, Divine Eyes and Divine Lotion.

Cade Collection ($78): This set is for the down-to-earth man who appreciates the classics. Containing essentials formulated with masculine and aromatic essential oils such as juniper, sandalwood and rosemary, the Cade Collection has the basics every man needs. The gift set includes Cade Eau de Toilette, Cade After Shave Balm, Cade Shower Gel and Cade Shaving Gel.

Shea Collection ($75): Since the 1980’s L’OCCITANE has created sustainable, fair trade partnerships with the Shea-producing women of Burkina Faso. For a gift that gives back, choose this luxurious body care set, infused with protective and nourishing Shea. The kit includes Shea Hand Cream, Shea Foot Cream, Shea Ultra-Rich Body Cream, Shea Soap Milk and Shea Ultra-Rich Body Wash.

Arlésienne Collection ($68): Elusive and attractive, she leaves in her wake a unique trail that lingers wherever she goes. L'OCCITANE reveals her in a subtle bouquet of rose for her grace, sweet violet for her mystery and the saffron for her temperament including an Eau de Toilette, Shower Cream, Hand Cream and Body Milk.

Shea Beautiful Hands ($60): Treat someone special to the calming and smoothing benefits of L’OCCITANE’s all-time favorite hand-care treatments. This set features Shea Hand Cream, L’OCCITANE’s Magic Key, Shea Nail & Cuticle Cream and Shea One Minute Hand Scrub.

Hand Cream Bouquet ($54): ‘Tis the season to give back. Return the love you get year round with the gift of nourishing hand creams in L’OCCITANE’s most beloved scents. This soothing set features 30 ml versions of the Shea Hand Cream, Shea Rose Hand Cream, Shea Lime Hand Cream, Shea Vanilla Hand Cream, Lavender Hand Cream and Almond Delicious Hands.

Men’s Soap Trio ($24): A masculine, refined and long-lasting soap collection which leaves the skin soft and delicately scented with aromatic notes of Occitan, Cade and Verdon -- all packed together in one manly box.

Luxury Travel Set ($38): The perfect gift for any jetsetter! Offer them a TSA-friendly carry-on set to enjoy wherever their next adventure may take them, including a Verbena Soap, Shea Lavender Soap, Verbena Shower Gel, Verbena Body Lotion, Aromachologie Shampoo & Conditioner, Shea Hand and Foot Cream, all wrapped up in one organized

pouch.

Hugs and Kisses ($20) – The perfect stocking stuffer, this Hand Cream and Lip Balm duo protects skin against the drying effects of harsh winter weather and helps lips stay supple. Available in four decadent scents: Rose, Vanilla, Shea and Lime.

Shea Travel Treats ($20) Keep your hands and toes warm and happy this holiday season with this chic set including a Shea Hand Cream and Shea Foot Cream.

L’OCCITANE Holiday 2014 Gift Sets are now available online at L'OCCITANE and L'OCCITANE boutiques. 

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Fragrance Of The Month October 2014

Hello again Beautynistas and Suavies! We hope that you enjoyed last month’s launch of The Makeup Examiner’s Fragrance Of The Monthfeature, as well as our choices. Embarking upon a new season seems to bring with it a beg for change. That, of course, is not to say that Summer 2014 wasn’t amazing -- it was indeed -- but now it’s time to embrace the cooler weather and all the brand new offerings from beauty houses around the globe!

For Fragrance Of The Month October 2014, we present two gorgeous fragrances from a perfumery we’ve previously reviewed … Bond No. 9! For the ladies we present the newly launched Queens and for the gents, it’s The Scent of Peace for Him. So, without further ado let’s get the scents.

Launched on September 18, Queens by Bond No. 9 (100 ml - $270) is inspired by the borough’s complete diversity. The borough of Queens takes the crown as the world’s most ethnically diverse urban area … and that is most definitely reflected in the scent’s exquisitely blended notes. Bond No. 9 creative director, Laurice Rahmé stated, “It’s a message for peace” that is further presented by the iconic 1964 World’s Fair Unisphere, which is rendered in gold on the front fragrance’s royal purple flacon. The back of the Queens flacon is a simple long-tailed “Q,” placing the bottling at a 5.

Queens by Bond No. 9 Notes~

• Top Notes: Bergamot, Cardamom, Blackberries
• Mid Notes: Tuberose, Champaca Flower, Osmanthus
• Base Notes: Sandalwood, Benzoin, Musk, Amber

Queens by Bond No. 9 opens with a sweet, spicy aroma that gives way to the dominant and exotic tuberose, which seems to remain at drydown. The scent classification is Oriental Floral and although Queens is gendered unisex, it is our opinion that this fragrance is a classic for women. Perfumer: Laurent Le Guernec; Season: A/W; Sillage: 3-Moderate; Longevity: 4-Long Lasting; Bottling-5

For our gentlemen, we present The Scent of Peace for Him (100ml - $250). Launched in October 2013, The Scent of Peace for Him was inspired by Rahmé’s passion to further a message of tolerance, comfort and, of course, peace. The flacon is classic Bond No. 9 style accented by a black bow tie around the neck and is completely reflective of the scent, which is reminiscent of the quintessential gentleman.

The Scent of Peace for Him Notes~

• Top Notes: Bergamot, Pineapple, Juniper berry
• Middle Notes: Blackcurrant, Cedarwood, Vetiver
• Base Notes: Patchouli, Amber, Musk, Moss

The Scent of Peace for Him scent classification is Woody and opens with delicious juicy top notes of pineapple, juniper berry and bergamot. It’s fresh and evokes feelings of ease and relaxation. This fragrance moves gently into its mid-notes black current, vetiver and cedarwood with drydown leaving a lasting scent of a masterfully blended fragrance. The Scent of Peace for Him is calming, sexy, sophisticated and oh so manly! Perfumer: Michel Almairac of the Robertet Fragrance House; Season: All Seasons; Sillage: 3-Moderate; Longevity: 4-Long Lasting; Bottling-5

Queens and The Scent of Peace for Him by Bond No. 9 are available at Bond No. 9 boutiques are select retail locations such as Nordstrom.

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Five Last-Minute Father’s Day Gifts Guaranteed to Bring a Smile

It's a given that we all value the father in our lives, but that doesn't stop a busy schedule from that "Uh-Oh" moment when you realize that you've forgotten to get dad something for Father's Day, which by the way is Sunday, June 15! With that said, dad probably doesn't need another tie and you still have time to pick up something for him that he'll really enjoy! This Father's Day, check out gifts of comfort for that special dad in your life.

1. A Good Night's Sleep 

Memory Foam Pillow and Sheets - From Novosbed, the Opus Memory Foam Pillow ($139) is designed for both side and back sleepers. Features an ultra-soft velour microfiber cover, it's allergen and dust-mite resistant, offers a 3-year warranty and is made in the USA. While you're at it, pick up a sheet of brand new sheets! Pima Cotton Sheets 600-Thread Count ($179 - King) are made of USA-grown cotton, guaranteed to last through numerous wash cycles and the sateen weave adds additional silk-like softness. Also available in Queen-Size each set includes 1 fitted sheet, 1 flat sheet, 2 pillowcases plus a one year warranty. Novosbed offers free shipping throughout North America and orders placed before 9 a.m. PST ship within one business day.

2. Massage Them Tired Dogs 

Okay, personally I don't do feet. Thankfully, Brookstone presents a pretty bangin' product that does the job perfectly. Brookstone's Aqua-Jet Foot Spa ($159.99 On Sale Now For $99.99) is a heated foot spa with a splashguard cover. Aqua-Jet offers two powerful and adjustable hydro jets to relieve tight muscles and relax tired feet, two rolling nodes that provide a kneading massage (hitting those all important reflexology zones) and has a removable pumice stone so that dad can exfoliate his tootsies. Unlike many other foot spas, Brookstone's Aqua-Jet has an oversized tub that comfortably fits up to a men's size 14. Bonus - You can borrow this from dad! Order by 2 p.m. ET on June 10 for Father's Day Delivery and orders over $99 ship for free.

3. Let Dad Lounge

Is there anything better than lounging in the backyard on a balmy summer afternoon? From the Camping Station - MAC Oversized Instant Hammock Combo ($99.99) is crafted from a 600D-coated fabric for lasting durability, and it features an extra-strong steel frame that ensures stability. It even includes a carry bag. Camping Station offer's next day shipping, but order by June 10 for Father's Day delivery.

4. Quiet … Please 

We all need some peace and quiet … rest assured that dad's no different. From Bose, QuietComfort 15 Acoustic Noise Canceling headphones ($299.95) feature exclusive Bose advancements in noise reduction technology. Headphones offer advanced noise reduction across a wide range of frequencies, includes two audio cables -- one with mic/remote for iPhone/iPod control and hands-free iPhone calling --, 35 hours of use on average from AAA battery and a one-year warranty. Bose is offering free ground shipping.

5. Wrapped In Luxe 

A comfy bathrobe and matching slippers and Pop may think that he's Hugh Hefner. But that aside, Dad's no less deserving of the most basic creature comforts. From L.L. Bean the Fleece Lined Rugby Robe ($84) features a hood, durable cotton exterior, and a warm, soft fleece lining. The sleeves are lined with soft jersey fabric and details include banded cuffs and a locker loop. You can find a multitude of moccasin style slippers to match the robe and L.L. Bean offers free shipping with no hassle returns.

This list contains just a few ideas to give dad something special for Father's Day. The companies referenced within are simply a location point and while each gifting suggestion is perfect in and off itself, you don't have to spend a ton of money to make dad feel appreciated. Get creative and to all the dads out there, Happy Father's Day!

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PopSugar for Valentine’s Day

Beauty and lifestyle box subscription services have become insanely popular and after publishing Battle of the Beauty Boxes Round One and Round Two, plus a review of men’s lifestyle subscription boxes, The Makeup Examiner can attest that there are myriads of subscriptions to choose from.

Yes, TME has her favorites and certain beauty and lifestyle box subscription services earn favor due to the quality of content, stellar customer service, and the versatility of what the service provides. PopSugar Must Have Box is just that type of subscription service making this beauty and lifestyle box the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day.

PopSugar Must Have boxes, available for him (seasonally) and for her (monthly), include PS editors’ favorites from areas like food, fitness, fashion, beauty, entertainment, and décor. Monthly PopSugar Must Have boxes for her contain full-sized, premium items, valued at over $100, for $39.95 per month that includes free shipping! Men’s Must Have boxes are available seasonally and are full of everything that a guy would need for that particular season!

And since Valentine’s Day is positioned during travel season (a great time for couples to getaway), PopSugar is launching a Special Edition Resort box! With higher-end items, this box has everything a girl, or a couple, headed on an adventure would need. The box retails for $100 and is valued at $250, and is scheduled to order on Monday, February 17. PopSugar makes gifting super easy and allows you to print out an order conformation that you can put in a Valentine’s Day card and be remembered year round! For more information, or to order the PopSugar Must Have box, visit PopSugar.

©2014 Yvonne P. Mazzulo, a.k.a., The Makeup Examiner. All rights reserved. 

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Three Amazing Last-Minute Beauty and Grooming Gifts

Photo Credit: Reese Dane

With Christmas just a handful of days away, The Makeup Examiner found herself scrambling to finish her own holiday shopping list. Now that it’s done, TME thought she’d share a few of her best last-minute gift finds, and you won’t believe how easy these are to acquire … right down to Christmas Eve!

For the beauty box lover, or actually anyone on your list, you can head over to Birchbox and in less them 5 minutes, print out a gift box subscription or gift certificate (even on Christmas Eve!). Birchbox subscriptions come in increments of 3, 6, and 12-months. Birchbox subscriptions are so easy to gift, instructions can be explained in four steps:

1. Log onto Birchbox

2. Select men’s or women’s, and the subscription length

3. Pay for your gift

4. Print out the PDF gift certificate

It's as easy as that! Oh, and if you’re purchasing a 1-year women's gift subscription, enter the code cynthiarowleybeauty to receive a free Cynthia Rowley eyeliner ($18 value) for yourself!

Next up is Clarins “The Essentials” Eye Palette for the eco-conscious beautynista. From day to night, The Essentials Eye Palette has 10 mineral eye shadows in beige, taupe and brown shades to create eye-catching looks this holiday season. 93% of the raw materials used in the mineral and plant-based formulas are of natural origin, carefully selected according to Clarins eco-responsible guidelines aimed at reducing the brand’s environmental footprint.

The palette also includes a double-ended brush made of birch wood from sustainable forests, recycled aluminum and cruelty-free natural pony hair. As a part of a reforestation project with the PurProject organization, Clarins will also be planting 10,000 trees known for their medical and cosmetic properties in an effort to preserve the Kuntanawa culture. The Essentials Eye Palette ($45) available at Clarins.

Rounding out the last-minute gift ideas is The Makeup Examiner’s treasured find from Pinch Provisions. This Chicago-based mother-daughter company has the most amazingly brilliant beauty and grooming emergency kits! TME actually got one from Birchbox and was so blown away that she went directly to the brand’s site! Pinch Provision designs a beauty and grooming emergency kit for just about everyone on your list. Ranging from $13 - $26 Pinch Provision kits have a style for him, her, girls, the teacher, the bride … you name it! Can you tell that TME is obsessed?

The Minimergency Kit for Her ($15) includes 17 must-haves: hairspray, clear nail polish, nail polish remover, emery board, lip balm, earring backs, clear elastics, safety pin, mending kit, Shemergency tape, stain remover, deodorant towelette, pain reliever, tampon, breath freshener, dental floss, and an adhesive bandage.

The Minimergency Kit for Him ($13) is the size of a deck of cards, comes in a aluminum flip-top box embossed with a mustache logo, and contains 13 must-have items for him that include: lip balm, dental floss, breath freshener, stain remover, mending kit, safety pin, extra buttons, shoe shine towelette, nail clipper, hand-sanitizing towelette, deodorant towelette, adhesive bandage, and pain reliever. Orders can be placed at Pinch Provisions by 9 am EST on Dec. 23 and will arrive overnight.

©2013 Yvonne P. Mazzulo, a.k.a., The Makeup Examiner. All rights reserved. 

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2013 Holiday Beauty Shopping Guide

The holiday shopping season will officially begin with Black Friday, and for many, so too does the pressure to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list. The Makeup Examiner is sharing a few of her tips, from apps to product suggestions, that will help ease the stress of what should be a joyful time of the year.

Although you may be focused on the beautynistas and suavenistas in your life, don’t limit your gift giving to beauty products. A new set of makeup brushes is always a welcome gift, as are men’s grooming sets. Peruse through the List to find helpful holiday shopping hints, and don’t forget to check out “Beauty codes for beautiful Cyber Monday deals” and “Birchbox holiday happenings and Cyber Monday deals” for even more ideas and holiday shopping discounts!

Beauty Apps

• Beautylish - Find ratings and reviews on thousands of beauty products and post questions to a community of makeup and beauty experts 
• Beauty Mark - Beauty Mark allows you to view makeup looks on different skin tones, which is so helpful when you’re not sure if the makeup item you want to purchase will suit someone else’s skin tone. 
• Pretty in My Pocket - The Pretty in My Pocket (PRIMP) app takes the guesswork out of beauty decisions for you. As you choose products for potential purchase this app recommends other products for you. As with the other apps users can view product ratings and watch how-tos, but this app offers location-based discounts to local pharmacies, boutiques, and department stores.

The Body Product Beautynista - Cake Beauty has launched the “be Delectable” line for Holiday 2013. Developed with indulgence in mind, be Delectable includes a nourishing hand cream, a unique hair and body mist, body wash, body polish and body lotion. Each product comes in four “delectable” scents: strawberry & cream, lemon & cream, coconut & cream, and vanilla & cream. Products range from $10-$14 and are available at Kohls.

The Stiletto Lover - Still Standing Spray Box Minis - Still Standing is a natural, formula spray made of cooling menthol and Certified Organic eco-distilled Arnica, Aloe and Ilex. A set of four travel or purse size of Still Standing Spray ($19.99).

Men’s Skincare Set - DECLÉOR, the Cosmetic Aromatherapy expert, introduces perfectly curated holiday gift sets for the 2013 Holiday Season. For the gentlemen, DECLÉOR is offering a Men’s Skincare Set With Travel Case ($92).

Men’s Skincare Set With Travel Case:

• AROMESSENCETM for Men
• Men Skincare Soothing After-Shave
• Men Skincare Exfoliating Gel
• Aroma Cleanse Alguarômes Shower Gel

The Mature Beautynista - Carita offers The Perfect Treasure ($375), which features products from the brand’s ultra-luxe anti-aging line of creams and serums for the face, eyes and lips.

The Perfect Treasure:

• Perfect Cream
• Trio of Gold Serum
• Perfect Cream for Eyes and Lips
• Youth Cleansing Milky Cream
• Youth Perfecting Lotion
• Return to article

The Nail Lacquer Lover - Inspired by Mariah Carey, OPI has bottled luxury for the holidays. Elegant and dazzling, Pure 18K White Gold & Silver Leaf Top Coat adds precious metal texture over any OPI shade or can be worn alone for a subtle but luxurious look. This genuine18 karat white gold & silver leaf topcoat comes packaged in a special limited edition collectable box. As with all OPI nail lacquers, Pure 18K White Gold & Silver Top Coat ($30) features OPI’s exclusive ProWide Brush for the ultimate in application. This limited edition nail lacquer is available now at ULTA.

The Woman On-The-Go - PINCHProvisions Stud Muffin Minimergency Kit ($15). This gold kit includes 17 lifesavers, ready to swoop in and help you at a moment’s notice and is a TME favorite. PINCH Provisions has packed 17 “I-can’t-believe-I-forgot-these” essentials into a cute, portable pouch: hairspray, clear nail polish, nail polish remover, emery board, lip balm, earring backs, clear elastics, mending kit, safety pin, double-sided tape, stain remover, deodorant towelette, pain reliever, tampon, breath freshener, dental floss, and adhesive bandage.

The Gamer Guy - Schick Hydro 5: Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag Gift Pack ($9.99). This holiday gift pack from Schick Hydro is perfect for the gamers and the groomers in your life. It features a Schick Hydro 5 razor, Schick Hydro shave gel, cartridges, a travel cap and a personalized online code for the exclusive in-game content. Available at Target.

The Scent Lover -While The Makeup Examiner is hard-pressed to suggest one specific scent for a guy or gal, she can whole heartedly recommend stopping at Sephora or perusing its website, as Sephora offers perfume and cologne gifts sets for every price range.

The Lip Product Addict - Fresh Sugar Kisses Mini Lip Trio ($28) at Sephora. Fresh Sugar Kisses offers tinted lip moisturizers and this trio makes a great gift or stocking stuffer! No lip product gift guide would be complete without also suggesting CoverGirl Lipslicks Smoochies Lip Balm (12 shades - $5.99) available at mass retailers nationwide.

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Yuzen Launches Yuzen Men’s Box

The Makeup Examiner introduced readers to the Yuzen box in June when Yuzen entered “Battle of the BeautyBoxes: Round 2”. Since then, Yuzen has become a TME favorite and today, Nov. 26, The Makeup Examiner is happy to announce that this quarterly beauty and wellness box has expanded its offerings to include something just for the guys … the Yuzen Men’s Box!

With boxes arriving quarterly, Yuzen’s tagline of “Sending you a little Zen” reminds us to stop and take time for ourselves. Yuzen Boxes ($33) arrive each season -- winter, spring, summer, and fall -- and include high-end luxurious beauty, grooming, and lifestyle products that are carefully selected by Jen and Ted, the owners of Yuzen.

Before The Makeup Examiner dives into the Yuzen Men’s Box, let’s talk about the ladies Yuzen Winter Box, which includes:

• Jane Iredale 24-Karat Gold Dust
• Jurlique Rose Hand Cream
• Kerstin Florian FuB Balm
• Level Naturals Travel Candle
• Pino Facial Mask
• Sanitas Moisture Mist
• SpaRitual Golden Rule Lacquer.
• Sun Cup Dark Chocolate Mint Cups
• Tara Spa Therapy Stress Relief Roll-On Remedy

The box is beautifully packaged, making a perfect gift for any woman -- especially the “hard-to-buy-for” woman if your life. It contains a card with detailed information about each product and an explanation as to why it was chosen, a mix of nine full-sized and sample size products, and discount codes for each product. Plus the products are encased in a lovely reusable mesh drawstring bag.

Jen and Ted state, “When making selections for each Yuzen box, we always look to quality, mission, and integrity before we put it to our Yuzen test -- evaluating its performance, experiencing the benefits first hand, and then sharing our favorites with you”. Yuzen Men’s Box doesn’t wavier in the brand’s philosophy.

The Yuzen Men’s Box Winter Box includes:

• Two (2) Action Wipes 9x10 Body Wipes
• Honey Stinger Energy Chews – Cherry Cola
• Coola liplux SPF15 Peppermint & Vanilla Lip Balm
• Acure Hair Care Moroccan Argan oil + Argan stem cell Shampoo
• Acure Hair Care Moroccan Argan oil + Argan stem cell Conditioner
• PHYT’s Men Gel Nettoyant Desincrustant Exfoliating Cleansing Gel
• Level Naturals Active Charcoal Soap Body Bar

The Yuzen Men’s Box is smartly packaged and immediately gives the beneficiary the feeling of receiving something special that is just for them. Quite a few products for men find their way onto The Makeup Examiner’s radar and the first thing that she does with products geared toward the guys is to enlist the gentlemen in her life. The guys, ages 21 to 52, each said that they would enjoy getting a quarterly men’s lifestyle box and each was impressed with the quality of products inside. A hefty endorsement from a group of gentlemen whose interests run the gamut!

If you’re seeking something for that guy who is hard to shop for, look no further. Yuzen offers a men’s gift box filled with natural and organic soaps, snacks and unique items that are perfect for today’s man. For more information about Yuzen gifting or subscription options, please visit the brand’s website.

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