Moody Maria: December 2010

The New Lip Balm That's Rocking My World

Want to soften up your lips this season? Check out my new product obsession

This is a TotalBeauty.com lip makeup article

Treat your lips to this product -- you won't be disappointed.

See what it is

Sephora Gift Cards on Facebook for a Last Minute Gift

Sephora Allows Facebook Users to Send and Receive Select Sephora Gifts and Gift Cards Instantly on Facebook!

Don’t have your friend’s current address? Waited until the last minute? Just got a gift from a friend who wasn’t on your list? Sephora has made it easier than ever to give the perfect gift this holiday season with the launch of the First Data℠ eGift Social℠ solution Social, a new Facebookä application that allows clients to send and receive real Sephora merchandise and gift cards in an instant.

“The launch of the eGift Social program allows our more than 1 million Sephora fans to give real gifts or gift cards even if they can’t get to one of our stores,” said Bridget Dolan, Sephora's Vice President of Interactive Media. “With eGift Social, Sephora is leveraging the real-time social media experience to bring its signature, sophisticated and fun shopping experience to the client wherever, whenever.”

To access eGift Social, log on to www.facebook.com/Sephora and select the Instant Gifts tab (http://www.facebook.com/Sephora?v=app_10339498918 ). There you will be able to choose from a variety of fun, fabulous products or select a Sephora Gift Card, all without ever leaving your Facebook page. Sephora has selected gifts that are fan favorites and are sure to get your friends talking, including Philosophy’s Hope in a Jar, Benefit’s A Little Bit of Bad Gal, or even NARS Blush in Super Orgasm.

Once you have selected and purchased your gift, it will show up instantly on your friend’s Facebook wall and can be redeemed for the actual item online at www.sephora.com or in store*. Transactions are completed safely and securely online through a partnership with Bank of America Merchant Services, for a seamless online shopping experience. And best of all, Sephora’s gifts are covered under the Sephora Return Policy, so products can easily be exchanged or returned, and the gift cards never expire or lose their value. Fun, instantaneous, and worry-free gifting this holiday season - courtesy of Sephora.

*Valid in the U.S. only

Stocking Stuffer Ideas from Knock Knock

I just found the cutest gift and stationary store out of Venice, California. It is called Knock Knock and the website is http://www.knockknockstuff.com/

Check out this adorable Christmas stamper that can be used to make custom gift tags. This is so up my alley as I love crafting, stationary, and unique gift wrapping. They have great stuff - check it out today!

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base Review

Vitamin Enriched Face Base

I got this as a sample at the Bobbi Brown counter. It is one of their best sellers and I know why! This lotion goes on like butter. It has that consistency but doesn't feel greasy. It goes great under makeup or before bed. I do not wake up greasy and this has not made me break out even though it contains shea butter. You can even apply a small amount after you apply your makeup to give it a more natural, dewy look.

This formula is actually considered oil-free and contains carrot extract and Vitamin A Complex to help minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamins C and E help protect against environmental damage. Grapefruit and Geranium fragrances leave a light, uplifting scent on skin. I love it. Stop by any Bobbi Brown counter and ask for a small sample to take home. It's one of my new favorites as winter is upon us.

Well, actually it's 80 degrees here so when it actually does get cold I might need something stronger. Time will tell!

Holiday Gift Ideas

This video is filled with gift ideas for everyone on your list

This is a TotalBeauty.com beauty products article

What if you could shop for everyone, in one place, in under 10 minutes? You can. Watch this video to see how.

Watch video

30 Different Holiday Hairstyles

Stand out at every yuletide shindig you attend with these party-tastic hairdo options

This is a TotalBeauty.com hairstyles article

Total Beauty's Executive Editor, Kristen, inspires us with 30 hairstyles. To boot, she created them herself!

See hairstyles

Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo Review

Has the winter styling left your hair feeling dull? Is your scalp itchy or breaking out? Neutrogena's Anti-Residue Shampoo might be just the thing your hair needs.

I recently tried this shampoo for the first time. I have seen it in the stores for years, as it is a classic. Now I know why it has lasted so long on the shelves, it actually works.

My hair has been through a lot lately - coloring, recoloring, using lots of conditioners, mousse, deep conditioners, serums, and heavy duty hairspray. After Halloween, 4 birthday parties, Thanksgiving plays, work functions, and now holiday parties, my hair is in need of repair. I need to start fresh, so to speak.

I washed my hair with this shampoo and purposely did not use any conditioner afterwards. I wanted to feel the real results. I then towel dried my hair and sprayed on a light mist of heat protectant. As I was blow drying my hair, I could feel how soft and clean my hair felt. The next morning, I styled my hair as usual with a flat iron and used my normal amount of hairspray. I actually got 3 compliments on my hair! It was full and had a different texture. It was definitely the shampoo! It cleaned up my hair and refreshed it. I will continue to use it once a week as recommended. Too much of a good thing can be bad so I am going to follow the directions this time.

Here are some interesting benefits:
-Clinically proven to instantly remove OVER 90% of dulling residue left by shampoos, conditioners, and styling products
-Rich lather leaves hair clean, shiny, and soft
-Clear formula uses no artificial dyes or colorants
-For all hair types

Try it - you might be surprised at how well a drugstore shampoo can refresh your hair and bring it back to life. With a name like Neutrogena, you know it's going to be good and reliable.

*I received a sample from Total Beauty for review.

St. Tropez in the Winter?

That's right! Just because it's winter doesn't mean you need to look pale and depressed. Grab some St. Tropez Wash Off Instant Glow Mousse and get that glow in time for your holiday party! The mousse is great to use daily too to add a little glow and even out your skin tone. It is so much easier to use than a self-tanner too and safer than a tanning salon.

Right now, you can get free shipping from St. Tropez and 30% off all items if you refer 3 Facebook Friends.

Check it out today: http://www.sttropeztan.com/

Mini Massager for Holiday Shopping Relief

Holiday shopping, isn't it fun? Aching feet, rude people, and unhelpful staff. Your feet are aching and your significant other is nowhere to be found. What is a girl to do? Enter, the Mini Massager from Oregon Scientific.

Relief to the rescue! You need this Mini Massager. This massager is perfect for massaging tired feet, your back, or neck. I love this massager too because it comes with a stand so you don't lose it in a drawer. The stand gets even better - it has a clock and it holds a second massage head so you can change out the head. One head is for soft massage and one is for more vigorous massages.

It is compact enough to use for travel, bedside, or on a desk at home. Ask for one for Christmas or in your stocking. It would also be perfect for a gift exchange!

You can get one too for $24.99 at amazon.com. It also qualifies for FREE Super Saver Shipping! I recently ordered from Amazon.com and received my items in record time. I think they are hitting high gear on shipping so it's the best time of year to order from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Oregon-Scientific-Mini-Massager-Green/dp/B0038YXNAY/

Product Features:

Pressure activates the massager to switch on
Changeable massage nodes (1-head and 4-head) allow for flexible massage on any part of your body
Digital clock with LCD display
Bring relaxation home - or anywhere you go

*I received a sample for review.