Clarisonic Mia Skin Cleansing System
November 2, 2009 I think I found the next best thing to having regular facials. Not that I'm against being pampered on a monthly basis, but when you have a not-so-stellar beauty budget like I do, you might want to invest in the Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System.
It does cost as much as a facial treatment at a fancy spa, but this amazing cleansing device does wonders for your skin, and it'll last way longer than a month. All you need is a good cleanser and the Mia, and your skin will soon be as soft as buttah. You'll be glowing like an English rose within one usage, and that's not an exaggeration. Even if you're a die-hard spa girl, an aesthetician had mentioned that a Clarisonic brush will maintain facial results between visits.
The gentle cleansing brush moves at 300 movements per second, delivering a super deep cleaning. The soft brush doesn't irritate at all - in fact, it's a nice stimulating massage for the face. My pores felt less clogged and the skin tone was greatly improved.
It also has a self-timer, so it turns itself off after a minute. Another great thing about this model is that it's smaller and lighter than the classic model, so it's ideal for travel and it's also waterproof (great for the shower!).
www.clarisonic.com
A very light lip color finishes the look, so be sure to check out the Rouge Interdit Shine in Pearl Shine. I like to use it with a darker lip liner, but if you want a shiny nude lip, a few swabs of this iridescent shade and you're ready to go. Or, you can also mix this with the Gloss Interdit in Tender Pearl (a sparkly baby pink).
I'm really diggin' the liquid eye liners from this line. They're just so easy to apply - you can do a super thin line in one swipe, or ply it on for a thicker cat eye. The Parad'Eyes liner in Elegant Pearl is a pearly silver shade that will turn your eyelids into shimmery jewels.
The entire collection is available at Sephora stores and online at Sephora.com.
Odessa coat by Lia Lintern
The 2010 Winter collection is nothing short of divine. My favorite is the Sofia coat. I just love the corset back and the rouched neck collar. It can double as a winter dress. What a beauty.
Sofia coat with self-tie corset back
My other fave is the Odessa style. This cashmere wool blend coat features a pretty trapunto lattice snowflake design on the waist panel. I'd feel like a snow princess wearing this one.
Geneva coat with countoured pin tuck design
These coats are not terribly budget friendly, BUT...like all high quality pieces, these gorgeous couture coats are designed and made to last for a long, long time. So think of it as a long-term investment. Plus, you are guaranteed 6 months' worth of tweaking if the fit is not perfect. It's like having a custom tailor in NYC!
Viktoria coat with upper collar and flared lapel
For the budget fashionistas - the discontinued 
I'm not a huge fan of the waxy Junior Mints, but these new Peppermint Thins are now my favorite mint candies. Made with Willamette Valley peppermint and fresh muddled mint, these lovelies are drenched in pure bittersweet chocolate. Heavenly and so refreshing! I can't seem to stop eating them...
If you want to help a local arts community, get the third edition of the Creativity Explored Box. Each Burnt Caramel chocolate is adorned with the artwork of SF artist Vincent Jackson. $2 from each sale goes to Creativity Explored, a nonprofit visual arts center where artists with developmental disabilities create, exhibit, and sell art.
The Gold Attraction Eye Quartet and Liner Palette contains a sparkling brown, silvery pink, beige, and golden yellow that will produce multiple easy-to-create holiday looks. It also comes with a dark chocolate eye liner to form an intense smoky look. I think the shades are neutral enough to extend into year-round day to evening looks.
The Gold Attraction Face Palette is a stunning golden beige powder that will light up your face, arms, neck, and shoulders. This has a beautiful lace work motif that's just so eye-catching. You don't need to use a lot of this as the sparkling powder will really stick to the skin.
Encased in pale gold pouches, the heavy gold metal compacts expresses the luxurious feel of the contents within. The magnetized edge of the compact opens and shuts with ease, making your makeup routine a tiny bit easier.
On sale at 
The lip pencils are a must if you don't have enough basic shades in your arsenal. I also love the 
Avon has a cute 
The gorgeous purple box includes 2 Mo's Bacon Bars (one in 45% milk chocolate, the other in the new dark 62%), Mini Mo's Bacon Bar, Mini Mo's Dark Bacon Bar, 2 Flying Chocolate Pigs, ¼ lb Bacon Caramel Toffee (YUM!), and a can of the awesome Mo's Bacon + Chocolate Pancake Mix. You'll get the most fluffy pancakes ever if you add buttermilk to the pancake mix.
And...for Halloween, don't forget to stock up on some ghoulish sweets. Vosges has these great 
If you need more pore-refining, try the yummy-smelling Raspberry Pore Refining Masque. The texture literally feels like raspberry jam, giving your face an astringent effect. I like this masque a lot - it doesn't feel as thick as the other masques within the brand, so it made it a bit easier to apply.
If you want shimmery skin, the Blueberry Shimmer Body Lotion is a great one to have on hand. Shea butter gives it a nice moisturizing feel and the natural minerals will give your body a subtle, sexy glow. It's perfect for hot date nights!