Carmindy


Carmindy's Holiday Beauty Gift Guide

Beauty is the ultimate gift this season during a time when women want to look their best without overspending. Little feminine luxury items like gloss or bronzer can be the perfect gift or stocking stuffer.

Men, too, will love the gift of softer skin or a really great shave, so there is something for everyone. Remember, you do not need to spend a fortune on beauty products to get a really fabulous gift, just look for style and uniqueness and something your loved ones may not buy for themselves during these tight times.

I have categorized the gifts by the type of person you are buying for to make it easier when shopping. All these products can be found at drugstores, so you can buy for everyone without breaking the bank. Just run out to your local Ulta, CVS, Duane Read, Rite Aid, Shoppers Drug Mart or Longs. Who knew chicness could be so affordable?




These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

1. Mom- Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion and Peel System. Give her a personal dermatologist and esthetician in one easy kit she can do at home - and what savings! Available at www.duane-reade.com

2. Best friend- Rimmel Vinyl Stars Lipgloss. This is not your everyday lipgloss. Grab a few shades for your BFF. They are perfect for the monthly girls' night out. Available at www.cvs.com

3. Sister- Styli-Style Line and Seal 24 Eye Pencils. Get a grouping of four festive colors like Platinum, Smokey Quartz, Bronze, and Amethyst and tie them all together with a bow. Available at www.cvs.com

4. Grandma- PreVentin-AT Age Spot Treatment. Grandma needs TLC too. Available at www.cvs.com

5. Cousin- Sally Hansen Natural Beauty inspired by Carmindy Sun Glow Powder Bronzer. This bronzer is a fantastic gift, not only because of the decorative sunburst on the face but also the sheerness of it, which makes it work on any type of skin. It truly is one of the best bronzers out there. Available at www.cvs.com

6. Teenage niece- NYC Nail Glossies Nail Enamel. So inexpensive you can grab a handful. With such a variety of colors she can play with a new one every day! Available at www.ulta.com

7. Female boss- Eco Tools Bamboo 5 Piece Brush Set. For a busy boss woman on the go, these earth-friendly small tools will fit in her desk perfectly. It says you care for her and the environment, so who looks good now? www.ulta.com

8. Boyfriend or husband- Neutrogena Sport Face Sunblock Lotion with SPF 70. When he is out playing sports, mowing the lawn or going to the beach he will be safe and protected. You know he won't buy it for himself and he needs protecting as much as you do. Available at www.duane-reade.com

9. Dad- Burt's Bees Natural Shaving Cream for Men. Make sure Dad knows you care with this all-natural, good for you shave cream. Available at www.cvs.com

10. Brother- King of Shaves K-Series Asc2 Deep Cleansing Face Scrub. Give your bro the gift of smooth clean skin. Available at www.cvs.com





Carmindy's Q & A

Patricia Casis writes: I have 3 different holiday parties this season, but every dress is a different color. I want to change my makeup for each one, but does that mean just matching different lip colors to the dress? Help!

Carmindy: You don't have to just change your lip color to play with new looks, and you definitely don't have to match your lipstick to your dress. Try a smoky eye and a pale lip when wearing a dark dress. If you have a dress that is a color like red, blue or green try a metallic eye for balance. It will look really chic. If you have a gold, silver, or neutral dress try a bold red lip or a wine stain. Have fun and remember the only rule is to pick just one feature to focus on at a time.


Fatima Rahman writes: I want to buy my sister your makeup line, but will she think I am insulting her current makeup look? It is really dated, and your line is so fresh and current.

Carmindy: The right way to gift her beauty products is to make it special by wrapping it nicely and giving her a card to go with it. Write a comment about how beautiful you think she is and how these products will make her shine. A compliment goes a long way with a suggestion.


Nancy Horwitz writes: I want my husband to start using skincare. He won't listen to me, so how do I encourage him to try it?

Carmindy: The best way is to purchase a few products for him for the holidays and wrap it with a subscription to Men's Health magazine. This way he can read about the hoards of manly men who are trying to look good and writing articles about it.



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