If you are on the wedding dress diet like me this holiday season you can thank Mrs. Claus and her little elves at Korres for inventing the limited edition Korres Sugar & Spice Collection ($12). The pack of three organic shower gels is the right mix of indulgence, delicious and guilt-free. Oh, yeah and they totally clean your hot (read: not eating sweets) bod too.

Using the Honey Spice is like bathing in a gooey, sugary crème brûlée, while the Hot Spiced Chocolate evokes a dark cocoa-covered Maraschino cherry. The Sugar Glazed Clementine smells a little more grapefruit-y than any other citrus, and it is so invigorating on a cold winter morn, you almost feel as if you are showering in the Sunshine State. All three are packed with essential vitamins and skin hydrators to keep you supple and sexy while smelling super sweet. The only negativo of this low-cal treat is the fact that the tubes of gel, although slim and small, are a bit too big (.69 oz to be exact) to fly at airport security.

Trifecta
Main Entry: tri·fec·ta
Pronunciation: \tr?-?fek-t?, ?tr?-?\
Function: noun
Etymology: tri- + perfecta
Date: 1974
1 : a variation of the perfecta in which a bettor wins by selecting the first three finishers of a race in the correct order of finish


See that there. Just by definition this fabu trio from cult fave Urban Decay is a variation on perfection. The limited edition only at Sephora Urban Decay Trifecta ($22) features three (like you couldn't have guess that ) travel size bestsellers for eyes:


There's the light-reflecting Eyeshadow Primer Base that easily does triple time as a dark circle-cover-upper, a zit hider, and an eye brightener with a little dab in the corner action.

You also get a 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Bourbon glitters a little and easily goes from day to night.

Finally, there's the budge- and waterproof Big Fatty Mascara, which plumps and lengthens to fluttering perfection. There's that word again.

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.
Chocolate and kisses and warm woolen mittens
Beauty a-go-go packed in vintage-y bags; these are a few of my favorite things…


Ask any girl what her favorite things are and we'll bet all the music in Vienna that she's got chocolate and kisses on the top of the list. And if she is anything like us, her winter wish list has hydrating lips balms up there too. So with that sentiment, we tried the only at Sephora, limited-edition Hershey's Kisses Gimme Kisses Set ($28), a delicious grouping of three über emollient balms and a fantastique chocolate colored carrying pouch.

The three sticks contain a healthy mix of olive oil, beeswax, and organic coconut oil to smooth chapped lips and soothe any dryness and irritation. There's even full-spectrum sunscreen to heal and protect while you are playing outside with some snowflakes on your lashes.

So, I just completed week two of my trial run with MD Skincare's Clear Up! Kit, and I have to say I'm pretty pleased with the results. The breakouts on my forehead are basically gone and the pores on my nose are invisible. I'm very happy so far.

I've been using the peel almost every day, though I did start to notice a slight stinging sensation after about a week. It could be due to my sensitive skin, however, as Mari and Jenny did not report the same. Still, the sensation is more akin to that of mouthwash when you just know it's working. It's not painful and my skin looks terrific from the use, so I won't stop.

I still love the All-In-One Foaming Cleanser, All-Over Blemish Solution, and Correct & Perfect Spot Treatment. The Blemish Solution and Foaming Cleanser just feel so great on my skin and leave it feeling clean and free of excess oils. Meanwhile, the Spot Treatment works miracles overnight by obliterating unwanted breakouts.

Over the weekend, we in San Francisco enjoyed beautiful, summer-like weather. So, I had the perfect chance to test the Powerful Sun Protection SPF 30. As I said last time, I'm supposed to use a much higher SPF. But this stuff works wonderfully on my skin as it's not heavy like my normal sunscreen. Results: No red or blotchy skin!

Helpful? Read all the MD Skincare Skin Happens reviews.

I'm almost 14 days into my wear-testing of  MD Skincare's Calm Down! kit, and so far, so pretty. 

I reported last week that I was having a bit of dryness from the Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel.  Well, scratch that - not only is the dryness and peeling gone, but I'm loving the glow I'm now seeing from regular use of these pads.   

I'm now halfway through my skin-speriment with MD Skincare's Even Out Kit. I mentioned last week that I first started using this set in the midst of a zit surge. This Thanksgiving, one of the many things I will be thankful for is my recently flare-up free complexion. Seriously. My skin has calmed down significantly since I started this regimen. I attribute most of the clarity to the cleanser and the peels, both of which keep my combo skin in a state of balance: not too greasy, not too dry. I really love the EZ4U 4-in-1 Facial Treatments for quick cleanings before running, too. (Used one this morning, as a matter of fact!)

Next comes the true test, in which we see if this set can fight off blemishes after what's sure to be an indulgent Thanksgiving week. (I have a wicked sweet tooth.) Stay tuned!

-Mari Tzikas
Helpful? Read all the MD Skincare Skin Happens reviews.

There was a time when vanilla was the scent of choice for the cool girls. They were hot too. And had an effortless appeal about them that enticed and enthralled all. Somehow they managed to get good grades, score high points with the cheerleading squad (while not being on the team), save the seals, be down with the underground garage bands, and still say hi to you in the high-school parking lot.

The new LAVANILA Laboratories Vanilla Spice fragrance ($56) is just as mysteriously and successfully, enticingly multitasking in its appeal. Carried exclusively by Sephora, the light formula is a spicy, yet subtle, mix of nutmeg, cardamom and, of course, that sexy vanilla.

It's fashioned from organic oils, which helps the scent linger like the memories of those coolio chicas. And like those cool girls, this perfume has a sweet side—it is the first evs to be completely alcohol- and phthalates-free. And a natural blend of gogi berry, olive leaf and kakadu plum promise to hydrate and nourish skin. Plus, there's pretty packaging that's definitively grown-up. Sometimes, you can go back—only better.

Owner of the high-end sweet shops and DOR (that's Daughter of Ralph), Dylan Lauren recently announced her Dylan's Candy Bar Re-Treat bath line, featuring dessert-influenced scrubs, creams and lotions. The prods have yum-o names, making them the pitch-perfect gifts for everyone on your list this season.

Housed in a pint-sized tub is a finely-milled body polish called Dylan's Candy Bar Ice Cream Sugar Scrub Birthday Cake Batter ($20). The super-smooth formula exfoliates with jojoba beads and particles, while vitamin E and safflower oil nourish and protect skin. It's that simple. Oh, and the sugar scrub may smell yummy enough to eat (just look it! There's even a "nutritional label on the ice-cream tub package) but don't try it. Just trust us when we tell you it tastes a little like gritty Play-Doh.

Dylan's Candy Bar Soda Pop Shower Gel Birthday Cake Batter ($16) has that same just-mixed cupcake scent coupled with some serious suds power. Although the super-smooth gel is formulated as an invigorating—and über hydrating—cleanser, I found using it as a bubble bath doubly delish. A word to the wise: This sweet treat has a soapy taste, not that we accidentally tried it or anything.

I have fearlessly volunteered my finicky face to test-drive MD Skincare’s Skin Happens-Even Out! Kit—and let me tell you, this assortment of complexion perfectors started out with an uphill battle. I began using this regimen last weekend, when my skin was in a sad state (aka blemish central). I figured things couldn’t get much worse, so I gave this set a go. First impression: Things are looking up!

My initial thoughts:
- EZ4U 4-in-1 Facial Treatment-Normal/Oily Skin: I pack these in my gym bag and use them to wash my face before I hit the treadmill. It effectively washes off my makeup without drying out my skin. Pet peeve: sweaty, tight, dry skin. Blech.

- Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel: This seems to be taming my breakouts and calming my skin in general. Texture feels great. It doesn’t sting AT ALL, which is a sensation I usually associate with peels (and dislike). I’m excited to see what the long-term results are!

- Powerful Sun Protection SPF 30: This is too heavy for me to use on a daily basis (my T-zone gets too greasy), but for a day out in the sun, it’s perfect. If I layer my mineral makeup over it, I get major, mattified sun protection.

- All-in-one Cleansing Foam: I’ve been using this with my Clarisonic brush, and it’s been leaving my skin squeaky clean and soft. It’s regulating my T-zone oiliness without drying out my cheeks. I’ve always been a fan on foamy face washes, too. Bullseye!

- Tinted Moisturizer Sunscreen SPF 15: I want MORE! Most tinted moisturizers simply sit on top of my skin, which can look greasy. This one blends and builds like a dream, moisturizes, evens my skin tone, AND packs SPF, a must for my daily moisturizer. I need to go buy the full size, asap. L-O-V-E it.

- Continuous Eye Hydration: A little goes a long way. Like the moisturizer, it’s non-greasy. Plus points!

-Mari Tzikas
Helpful? Read all the MD Skincare Skin Happens reviews.

I'm testing MD Skincare's Calm Down! kit - which is appropriate because I'm the type to stand in front of my bathroom mirror and get shouty at my sensitive but oily skin for always acting up. I've got the skin equivalent to a combo-meal: dry patches, fine lines, and zits. Let's just say this face could definitely use a doctor.

Here's what I think:
- EZ4U 4-in-1 Facial Treatment-Dry/Normal Skin: These little pads come in purse-sized packets for wiping down gritty skin anytime, anywhere. Officially, these are my favorite things in the kit. I use one in the morning to de-grime before applying my makeup, and another after sweaty gym sessions. There's just a drop of moisturizer in here, too, so it doesn't feel like you're wiping your face down with something drenched in alcohol that's sure to leave you with tight, irritated skin.

- Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel: These don't look that imposing; just moist tissues pre-loaded with peeling agents, but look out. These little pads pack a sneaker punch. I'm already seeing some peeling around my nose. If that means cell turnover and fewer lines are visibly in the works, though, I can definitely put up with a little dryness.

For the next 3 weeks, I’ll be jumping face deep into MD Skincare’s Skin Happens-Clear Up! Kit. With problem breakouts on my forehead, nose, and temple areas, I’m full of hope for a MD miracle. Having started using the kit a week ago, I’m pretty excited to see how well the Clear Up system works. It may be too early to know, but I can say the program is nonabrasive on my extremely sensitive skin.
Here’s what I think so far:

-All-In-One Cleansing Foam: I’ve been using this foaming cleanser both morning and night and my skin couldn’t look and feel more clean. In the past, I’ve chosen to stop using cleansers because they dry out my skin, but not so with MD Skincare’s Cleansing Foam.

- Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel: I have to admit, I was worried to use the face peel at first. I’ve rarely used them in the past because they sting, and then my face is red for days. I just didn’t know how abrasive a daily peel would be. But I dove in face first, using the peel in the morning right after the cleansing foam, and have no complaints. There is no stinging feeling and my face already looks refreshed.

- Powerful Sun Protection SPF 30: I usually have to wear a much higher SPF (doctor’s orders!), but I’m comfortable trying MD Skincare’s Sun Protector because it contains chelators, which are rumored to give your skin additional protection. It may be too early to say, but I’d be excited to use a protecting cream that isn’t near as heavy as my current SPF 70 sunscreen.

-All-Over Blemish Solution: I’ve been using a small amount of the Blemish Solution right after the Face Peel every morning. I love this stuff! Only a little dab will do, but as soon as you smooth this over your skin it wicks the oils away. I’ll have to keep an eye on the long-term effects, but I’m very hopeful that it will keep my pores clean and I can be rid of future annoying breakouts.


-Correct & Perfect Spot Treatment: MD Skincare claims this stuff is “not pretty but it works.” Well, for me it seems to disappear once rubbed in, so no problem there. I’ve been using it at night and can already see a reduction in the size and number of existing breakouts, especially on the top of my forehead . . . my most problematic area.


- All-In-One Tinted Moisturizer Sunscreen SPF 15: I can’t say much about this one because I don’t wear makeup. But judging from Jenny & Mari’s reactions it must be solid gold. Who wouldn’t be excited about moisturizing and sun-protecting coverage? My only question is why isn’t there more?

-Dax Carver

Helpful? Read all the MD Skincare Skin Happens reviews.

Thanks to the fantastic Ford sisters you can give the gift of hope and a whole lot of glossiness to everyone you've ever met.

The new limited edition Peace, Love & Glossiness lip gloss set ($26) features, according to the co., "half dozen of our most coveted colors" in three slim double-ended wands. There's the light violet and shimmered pretty pink duo and the gilded set of 24 K, a golden shimmer, matched with a bronzed mauve. And since I've always got to play favorites—here's a special shout-out to the rich plum and a sparkly neutral set. It is so perf. for any and every occasion and has a nice scent to boot.

So are you ready to run, not walk to make the world a glossier place? After all, all we are saying…is give peace a chance.

With a name like Lemon Aid my yellowy, sallow, winter skinned self should have hightailed it like certain men from commitment from Benefit's creamy primer ($20)

But given the fact that the color-correcting eyelid primer comes from the house of my may-jah girl crush times two, I thought I'd give it a whirl. And happy am I that I listened to my heart instead of my noggin.

While meant to smooth over imperfections and redness on the lids, I utilized this bad boy as a shadow. It brightens corners and highlights brow bones like nobody's biz. The creamy texture spreads over evenly and easily, and, since it is a primer, it has a long-lasting wearability.

I'm telling you, even after rubbing my eyelids throughout the day it was stay-put city. Of course the prescribed use is great too. The neutral color is an easy build-a-block/granimal kind of deal. It doesn't deepen or wonkify your favorite hues. And I think I know why this little mirrored compact has the name of my favorite summer drink—it's pretty sweet.

A few weeks ago I turned 26 (hee, hee). And the only thing I really wanted to celebrate and commemorate this momentous age is a wide-armed silk kimono from Chinatown.

Begrudgingly, I'll admit that the request was born out of my SATC marathon. But my real desire for the pretty robe was to be an impetus for performing at-home masks with more regularity. I figured that having a special outfit (a beauty costume if you will) would graduate me from the once-in-a-while-clay-masker kind of gal to a once a weeker that the skin-smart-girl inside knows I can actually be.

The minute after I opened my piece of blue silk perfection, I donned it and dropped some essential oils into a boiling pot of water, before steaming my faché. Then it was five looong minutes of pore opening via the above-mentioned method. A swipe of toner that has been sitting in my broom cabinet since I moved into this apt was immediately followed by the new (ish) Juice Beauty Organic Facial Rejuvenation Mask ($32), a USDA-organic formulation filled with fruit acids and other goodness. The mask is a veritable apple juice for skin mixed with honey (a yummy humectant), carrot seed (a powerful antioxidant) and olive oil (a vitamin E packer). There is also a bunch of botanical extracts like geranium and chamomile that sooth skin and increase circulation. And of course there are fruits like lemon, grape and apple, which slough away dead skin, eliminate oil build-up.

The texture of the mask is so lightweight and easily absorbed that upon first application it feels more like a face wash. But the instructions tell you to spread the juicy goodness all over and keep it there for ten minutes. So, still dressed in my piece of blue silk perfection, I sat and waited and waited. This is the time to tell you, there is a bit of a caveat: The scent is a bit strong. And over time, the mask dries so talking on the phone can be a bit of a bore, not to mention un petit difficile.

Tick, tock, tick and it was time to rinse. I removed my mask in a circular motion and what to my wandering eyes did appear? But a glowy, scrubbed face that was equally clear.

But what is the real moral of this long-winded story? The outfit often makes the girl.

A week of tapping on the little cream that could packed in a slender pink tube around her eye area and the girl with not so horrible skin is starting to see why all the beauty girls are abuzz.

Sure, it's got a cruelty-free promise, plus nine other big guarantees. And then there are the numbers:
A 75% reduction in puffiness
A 30% increase in elasticity
A 70% reduction in bagging.

But what has really gotten the girl with not so horrible skin on the Bixeux Skin Bionaturals Eye Treatment Cream ($59) bandwagon is the super-smooth but not too heavy creamy-like texture combined with the lighting-fast absorbability. The girl with not so horrible skin has been nothing short of amazed by the insta-effect that comes from the lotion's brightening qualities.

It must be those fancy ingredients like alpha arbutin, a skin lightening and skintone smoother, vine-eco, which comes from grapes and provides protection against free-radical damage i.e. wrinkles, and actiflow, a natural yeast derivative that reduces the appearance of dark circles.

The girl with not so horrible skin has always wanted to be in a band, and using this lightweight moisturizer makes her feel like she's getting one step closer…

Ok, now those brilliant sisters at the helm of the coolest co. in SF have graduated from coolio makeup mavens to full-on mind readers, and provided everything I've ever wanted into an adorobs (like I needed to say that) little pack.

You see, in honor of the holiday season, they've picked and packaged their best and brightest goods for eyes into a mini jewelry box and called it Primpcess ($34). The limited edition set boasts the best and brightest including BadGal Lash in black, a cooper-rose creaseless cream shadow/liner called r.s.v.p and Boi-ing, that no-dark-circles/blemish-is-getting-through-this concealer formulation.

Inside, there are also brushes a mirror and a step-by-step application with pretty illustrations booklet. Oh! And how could I forget the mini EyeBright? That's there too, along with an accent powder shadow and brown-green liner. Now, the only thing that is missing from this ready-made Christmas wish list is meeting the mind readers and thanking them for such genius-oisty without me even having to write to the makeup elves.

As a certified gloss girl, I have to look waaay back into the beauty vault to remember the last time I wore lipstick. It was a wedding so long ago that said couple now has school-aged children with different spouses.

The girl with not so horrible skin is back.

After a very successful experiment with the MD Skincare Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel, she's realized that there's more to a picture perf. fache than all-gone white bumps and see-ya-later small lines. Because now the girl with not so horrible skin has just got to deal with those deep dark circles under her brown eyes. (Does anyone else feel like a woman's work is never done?).

Luckily for the girl with not so horrible skin, there's a new eye treatment on the block. And after hearing rumors that the Bieux Skin Bionaturals Eye Treatment Cream ($59) is garnering praise around the block, she has decided to try it for herself.

But what really sold her was the fact that the emollient cream is paraben-, silicone-, fragrance- and oil-free.