EARLY WARNING: May 8th is Just Around the Corner... Shop Our Mother's Day Gift Guide Now!

Ah, Mother’s Day…a time to celebrate the woman who gave you life, raised and nurtured you from birth and helped to shape you into the person you are today. It’s typically a low-stress holiday once it arrives, but every year, panic begins to set in before the holiday as I frantically try to figure out what to get for the most important woman in my life. If you’re anything like me, you wait until the last minute and end up harried and disappointed with your gift selection.

In an attempt to alleviate some of this pre-Mother’s Day stress, I've started early and put together a list of my top Mother’s Day gift ideas, so we can all relax this year and know that we’ve gotten Mom something she’ll truly love. I’ve categorized my selections by Makeup, Skin Care, Bath & Body, and Fragrance, so no matter what your Mom is in to, you’re sure to find just the perfect thing!

Makeup

If Mom’s a makeup maven, she’ll love one of these specially packaged sets!

Cosmetique Beauty Boutique Blockbuster – For the Mother who appreciates choices, this palette has every color imaginable for a glamorous, customized makeup look she’ll love!

Sistina Italian Riviera Collection - Mother-Daughter trip to the Mediterranean not in your spring budget?  Give Mom the glamour and sophistication of the Italian Riviera with our sleek, sunny new collection - perfect for summer!

Pur Minerals Heavenly Delights - Delight your mother with this heavenly collection of complexion-flattering, feature-enhancing shades - brush included!

Skin Care

Give your Mom the gift of beautiful skin with one of these elegant skin care collections.

Energie Vitale Spa Skin Care Collection – This is the ultimate gift for the skin-obsessed! It is a complete skin care system designed to cleanse, purify, and fight the signs of aging with a potent cocktail of active ingredients.

Murad Evening Renewal Regimen – This kit from Murad includes everything your Mom needs to cleanse, tone, hydrate, and firm her way to perfect skin. How could she not love this?!?!

Princess Livia Royal Treats Skin Care Collection - Give Mom's skin (and nails!) the royal treatment with this collection of our best-loved products featuring the wonder-ingredient, bee pollen!  Plus, as an added bonus, she'll get her very own Princess Livia Miracle Grow Nail Treatment. 

Bath and Body

Help Mom to relax and unwind with these aromatic gifts for bath and body.

Arabella Stuart Belle Fleur Bath and Body Set – This includes everything your Mom needs to cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize her skin. The bath gel and moisturizer are delicately scented with Bergamot, Gardenia, Sandalwood and Musk, so Mom will enjoy her gift all day long.

Sara St. James Country Classics Set – Give your Mom a little hint of the relaxing countryside with this classic set. It includes a foaming shower gel, an exfoliating puff, and a light, natural fragrance.

Zents "SUN" Solid Perfume Balm - Soothing and enlivening like the warmth of a mother's love, this solid perfume balm is a blend of aromatherapeutic essential oils in a shea butter and beeswax base.  This heavenly fragrance balm can be used at pulse points, to condition dry areas like cuticles, elbows and knees, and as a shine-enhancing, conditioning pomade for hair.

Fragrance

If your mother's a fragrance fashionista, delight her olfactory sense with the gift of perfume! 

A Woman’s Touch Perfume Collection – The perfect woman’s touch! Give your Mom a lift with this trio of delightful fragrances.

Couture Creations – Let your Mother be the head-turner she was meant to be with this three-piece collection of dramatic scents.

Missoni Eau de Parfum - This sun-drenched fragrance combines notes of Bergamot, Mandarin, Chocolate, Amber, Peony, Rose and Persimmon. The sublime blend captures the luxe sensuality of an Italian resort getaway...  Send Mom on vacation this May!

Those are my top picks for a Mother’s Day gift sure to bring a smile to any Mother’s face.  Do you have an idea for the perfect Mother’s Day gift?  Share it by leaving a comment.  Also, be sure to check our website http://www.cosmetique.com/ for even more great gift ideas for Mom!

Don't forget to also check Facebook, and Twitter for details on our super-exciting, super-secret April Fool's Day Deal (hint: you get something for FREE!) - the perfect motivation to get that gift shopping done early!  Make this your best Mother's Day ever...  With a little help from your friends at Cosmetique!

SPRING COLOR BURST: Get This Season's Brightest Runway Looks With a Little Help From Your Friends at Cosmetique!

Color!  Color!  Color!  The spring runways across the globe were all a-glow with this season's hottest hues.  From Marc Jacobs to Gianfranco Ferre, the world is ready for spring and is letting loose with everything from prim pastels to beguiling bronzes.  Need a little inspiration (and maybe some instruction...  Hello!?!?)  Never fear:  Here are my favorite makeup looks straight off the hottest runways in Paris, London, Milan and New York... AND what you need to get them!


The Spring 2011 Runway Trend:  Cool-Toned Eyes in Pink, Plum and Navy
As Seen At:  Chris Benz, Giorgio Armani and Gianfranco Ferre

Photos Courtesy of Blog.beautylish.com

Pair It With:  Barely-There Blush and Pale Pink Lips


Get the Look:  Our Jean-Michelle Springtime in Paris Collection (Jean-Michelle 6-piece Color Collection in Pink)  includes a palette of 4 of the silkiest, icy-cool shadows in the most beautiful shades imaginable!  Use the lighter shades for soft, pastel-y daytime looks or go for all-out evening drama by layering the rich plum and navy.  Don't forget to define and enhance lashes with our never-needs-to-be-sharpened eye liner and luxe black mascara.  This specially-priced collection also includes a soft pink lipstick to drench your lips in moisturizing color and a coordinating nail polish for the complete runway look!

The Spring 2011 Runway Trend:  Sun-Drenched Eyes and Skin with Warm Russet-Red Lips
As Seen At:  Marc Jacobs

Photo Courtesy of Blog.beautylish.com

Pair It With:  Black Mascara and Matching Russet-Red Nails


Get the Look:  Begin by warming eye lids, cheekbones and temples with our easy-to-blend, skin-perfecting Sistina Tuscan Sun Contour Wand.  Coat lashes thoroughly with an ultra-black, lengthening formula like Sistina Mascara Maxima in Mezzanotte Black.  Accent lips and nails with this season's high-impact orange-y hues.  For luscious, look-at-me lips and an attention-grabbing manicure, try Sara St. James Easy Color Lipstick in Russet Red and Sistina Ceramica Classica Nail Enamel in Bronzino.  Bellisima!

The Spring 2011 Runway Trend:  Blood-Red Nails

As Seen At:  Christian Dior

Photo Courtesy of Ilovemanicures.info

Pair It With:  Understated Neutrals

Get the Look:  If you're the type to "make an entrance," let your hands do the talking with this season's hottest hue!  Sistina Ceramica Classica Nail Enamel in Red Glorioso has all the warmth and sparkle to make a splash this spring.  If you like the idea of red nails, but want a subtler statement, try one of the more muted, blue-based reds like Madeleine Mono Nail Enamel in Raven Red or Jean-Michelle Laque Luisant Nail Enamel in Red Glace.  No matter what shade of red you choose, be sure to keep nails short and oval to avoid looking like a character from Dynasty. 

The Spring 2011 Runway Trend:  Coral Lips
As Seen At: Fendi

Photo Courtesy of Allure.com

Pair It With:  Soft, Undone Hair 


Get the Look:  One of this season's easiest-to-execute statements, the strong coral lip is all you need to get a finished spring look.  For the most polished take on this season's trend, begin by defining lips with a warm, neutral lip liner.  Follow with an opaque coral lipstick applied directly from the tube.  For added shine, apply a lip gloss in a coordinating shade to center of lips only.  Our Jean-Michelle Moisture-Riche Lip Set in Coral includes all 3 products in 1 specially-priced collection for the perfect "runway" effect.

The Spring 2011 Runway Trend:  Soft Smoky Eyes in Rich Bronze, Copper and Gold
As Seen At:  Blumarine

Photo Courtesy of Makeupforlife.net

Pair It With: Subtle Bronze-y Lips


Get the Look:  Sky's the limit with this one!  Use any combination of shadows from our Diandra Urban Chic Multi Eyeshadow Palette in Warm Sensations and you will have nailed this look right on the head.  From soft, disco-inspired golds and coppers to sultry bronzes and dark browns, this season's smoky eye allows you the utmost freedom of expression.  Take it from day to night with the addition of the black shadow along upper and lower lash lines and at outer corners of eyes.  Accent lips and nails with perfectly coordinated shades of soft bronze.  Try Diandra Nail Color in Mocha Frost and Diandra Color Shine Slimline Lipstick in Maple Sugar to complete the look.

There you have it ladies, the 5 hottest color trends, brought to you directly from the most glamorous runways in the world.  Now, you have all the knowledge you need to experience this spring in TECHNICOLOR... With a little help from your friends at Cosmetique!  

3 Smokin' Hot Red Carpet Looks for a Swoon-Worthy Valentine's Day!

Make your sweetheart swoon this Valentine's Day with one of 3 Glamorous, Red Carpet-Inspired Looks!  

STARRING....

Who:  January Jones

Where:  The 2011 Golden Globes

What:  Glossy Red Lips and Peachy Cheeks with Super Sleek Hair

Photo Courtesy of Realbeauty.com

Copy Her Look:  

Get a peachy glow like January Jones by applying Too Faced Brightening Blush in Papa Don't Peach to the apples of your cheeks, blending color towards your hairline.  

Mimic her luscious red lips by first applying a fully pigmented lip color to the lips as a stain.  Use Sistina Lipcolor Perfetta in Roma Red to create a stain by dabbing the color onto lips and blending out with your ring finger.  

Follow with a high-shine, plumping gloss in a similar shade.  Fusion Beauty LipFusion Micro-Injected Collagen Color Shine in Sexy is perfect for creating this glossy, red pout. 

Then get super-sleek tresses by working a quarter-sized dollop of styling gel through damp strands.  Blow-dry hair with a round brush, aiming the air from the blow dryer down the shaft of your hair for sleekness and shine.  Flip ends under with a 1" barrel curling iron to complete the look. 

Who:  Mila Kunis

Where:  The 2011 Screen Actors Guild Awards

What:  Well-Defined Smoky Eyes with Nude Lips and Soft Waves

Photo Courtesy of Realbeauty.com

Copy Her Look:  

Create some Mila-esque V-Day drama by first sweeping a smoky shadow onto eyelids, blending from lash line to crease.  Try the smoky, dark shadow on the right-hand side of Sistina Tre Bella Colori Eyeshadow Collection for just the right effect.  

Bonus?  The other two shades in this palette are perfect for creating subtle daytime looks!

Define upper and lower lash lines with a deep, black pencil.  Pur Minerals Mineral Eye Defining Pencil with Smudger in Onyx creates maximum drama and can be easily "smoked-out" by using the handy smudger on the end!  Finish off those sexy eyes with 2 coats of your favorite mascara!

Lips should be neutral so eyes can take center stage.  Try Sara St. James Easy Color Lipstick in Sugar Berry for just the right amount of universally-flattering color.

Then get tousled waves like these by first working a volumizing mousse through towel-dried hair.  Blow-dry hair upside down for maximum volume.  Next, use a 1.5" barrel curling iron to create loose, sexy waves.  Spritz with a medium-hold hairspray for staying power.  After hairspray has dried completely, rough up the look a bit by running your hands through it a few times.

Who:  Olivia Wilde

Where:  The 2011 Golden Globes

What:  Warm, Glowing Skin and Straight, Minimally-Styled Tresses

Photo Courtesy of Socialitelife.com

Copy Her Look:

Get a gorgeous, glowing complexion a la Olivia Wilde by first prepping the skin with a high-quality, color correcting primer.  Peach undertones lend a warm, healthy look to the skin while skin-loving ingredients create the perfect canvas for makeup.  Try Pur Minerals Colour Correcting Primer in Peach.

Conceal dark circles and blemishes with a creamy concealer that matches your skin tone.  Each Diandra Perfect Blend Concealer Duo comes with 2 shades in a silky, split bullet so you can customize the perfect color for you!

Glow forth and prosper by finishing your skin with a complexion-perfecting shimmer powder.  Madeleine Mono Special Effects Face Powder adds a gorgeous warmth and luminescence to the skin.

"Low-key" is the name of the hair game!  Begin by smoothing a lightweight styling cream through damp hair to minimize frizz and give soft hold.  Blow-dry hair using a paddle brush to create a straight, shiny look.  "Touch-up" by running a flat iron over any areas that need a little extra straightening.  Skip all-over flat ironing for a loose, "un-done" look like Olivia's.

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to borrow a little sparkle from the red carpet, and take your cues from today's hottest stars!  

Expert Tip:  Experiment with the looks AHEAD OF TIME to determine which suits you best.  Try executing your look a time or two before your big date to work out any kinks.   

Once you're satisfied with your hair and makeup, all you have to do is relax and SMILE! 

Get Up and Get Glowing! 10 Great Radiance Boosters to try in 2011

Photo Courtesy of Gawker.com

Want to look younger, fresher and heathier in 2011?  One of the easiest ways to achieve that goal is to increase your radiance!  Whether it's your hair, skin or lips, light-reflection is key.  Dull, dry and flaky is SO 2010.  With so many radiance-boosting options from skin care to cosmetics, there is no reason you can't glow your way through the winter, and have heads a turnin' while you do it! 

So here they are, my top 10 picks for getting your glow on:

1.  Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

What it is:  An exfoliating cleanser that increases brightness and clarity of the skin.

How it works:  A trio of gentle exfoliating acids, Salicylic, Lactic and Glycolic,  provide clarity, brightness and improve cell-turnover by dissolving dead skin cell buildup. Jojoba beads further polish and smooth skin. Sodium PCA and Jojoba Seed Oil boost hydration. Licorice Extract reduces irritation and inflammation.


2.  Energie Vitale Masque Hydratant Peau Radiante

What it is:  A skin brightening moisture mask to be used whenever skin needs a hydrating boost!

How it works:  Made with the finest essential oils, including Eucalyptus, Avocado and Lavender, this heavenly mask works to penetrate pores with soothing moisture.  Superior hydration means brighter-looking, dewier skin.

Bonus: Aromatherapeutic benefits abound.  It's relaxing fragrance brings the spa to you!


3.  Madeleine Mono Act 3 Fountain of Youth Rejuvenating Moisture Cream

What it is:  A multi-faceted moisturizing cream.

How it works:  Grape seed, macadamia nut and rice bran oils nourish skin, while shea butter hydrates and softens.  Licorice root extract works to enhance brightness, and skin-loving Vitamins A and E preserve and protect.  The result?  A more radiant-looking you!


4.  Garden Botanika Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Treatment

What it is:  A rich eye cream that has been touted as a natural alternative to injectables. 

How it works:  A patented peptide (these are ALL the rage, right now) and an amino acid called Arginine work to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  Red Wine Polyphenols and Green Tea Extract provide the ultimate antioxidant protection, while a combination of ceramides, Shea Butter, Jojoba Seed Oil and Hyaluronic Acid moisturize the delicate skin around the eye area. A host of botanical extracts naturally lighten AND brighten, so eyes have a fresher, younger appearance.

Bonus:  This wonder-cream contains no fragrance or artificial dyes!


5.  Jean-Michelle Lotion Peau Brillante - Skin Brightening Lotion

What it is:  A moisturizing lotion that works to give you more radiant-looking skin.

How it works:  Gentle exfoliants help to refine skin and create a more youthful-looking complexion while skin-nourishing ingredients hydrate and protect.


6.  Sistina Radiante Face Tint

What it is:  A lightly tinted cream that creates even-looking skin with a healthy glow!

How it works:  A touch of color adds warmth and radiance while a bevy of vitamins and antioxidants work to protect skin from the elements.


7.  Pur Minerals Hot Rocks

What it is:  A blend of micronized minerals in a multidimensional, universally-flattering shade.

How it works:  A luminous combination of pink and pearl pigments add warmth and radiance to the skin.  Brighten eyes, lips and cheeks with a quick swirl of your brush!   


8.  Sara St. James Easy Color Bronzing Powder

What it is:  A natural-looking, light-reflective bronzing powder.

How it works:  Warm bronze undertones add instant warmth and dimension to the skin while subtle shimmer creates the look of a healthy, radiant complexion.


9.  Diandra Luminous Lipcolor Collection

What it is:  Three creamy, delicious lip colors in a sleek, mirrored compact.  Brush included!

How it works:  Pure beeswax protects lips to help keep them smooth and beautiful, while gorgeous color and a soft pearlescence add depth and a healthy luminosity.


10.  Zents Sun - Concreta Solid Perfume Balm

What it is:  A highly fragrant, solid perfume balm hand-poured into a unique, solid stone cube.

How it works:  A stirring blend of Vanilla, Sandalwood, Pink Orange and Grapefruit, this sun-drenched scent helps to increase your radiance from the inside out.  What better way to improve your mood than with a warm, feel good fragrance?  Happy people are naturally more radiant! 

Bonus:  With shea butter and beeswax, this amazing product can also be used as a skin conditioner and hair pomade!

Be a ray of sunshine all winter long with these fantastic, glow-getters!  Find all of these radiance-boosting wonders and more at Cosmetique.com. 

Your 2011 Skin Makeover: Transform Your Look With These Fabulous Skin Fixes!

Photo Courtesy of Truehollywoodmakeup.com

If one of your New Year's Resolutions is to take better care of your skin, you've come to the right place!  Whether you're oily or dry, aging or acne-prone, we've got just the thing for you.  Give your skin a makeover this year by using skin care appropriate for your skin type/condition.  Read on for our recommendations on how to make 2011 the year you get the skin of your dreams!

If you have oily skin:

You know the routine, you complete your skin care regimen in the morning and your skin looks and feels great.  Then, an hour or two later the shine sets in... 

This year, choose products designed for oily skin and get skin that looks and feels great all day long!  Try Sara St. James Botanicals Clay Cleanser to deep clean with bentonite clay to draw out impurities.  Follow with Sara St. James Botanicals Daily Moisturizer for Oily Skin.  This lightweight, hydrating fluid softens and conditions skin while helping to control shine.

If you're experiencing facial acne:

Nothing seems right with the world when you're battling a breakout.  For acne sufferers, this battle can seem never-ending.  The good news is, Murad Acne Complex Introductory 30-Day Kit has everything you need to win!  A complete, skin-clearing regimen, this kit stops acne in its tracks and prevents it from coming back.  Make 2011 the year you finally get clear skin!

If you have fine lines and wrinkles:

We all know this is an issue that starts small, but can quickly spiral out of control.  Make this the year that you get a handle on your anti-aging skin care routine and slow down the hands of time.  Jean-Michelle Rejuvenesse Skin Care Set contains 3 powerful weapons in the fight against aging.  The mask provides skin with a much-needed moisture boost, while the treatment cream hydrates and fights the signs of aging.  The serum provides a targeted, on-the-spot fix for pesky fine lines and wrinkles.  Start seeing a younger, fresher you with this specially priced, anti-aging skin care trio from Jean-Michelle.

If you're experiencing dry/dehydrated skin:

This skin type is typically characterized by tightness, dullness and flaking.  Nip that in the bud with a splash of soothing oil-free hydration!  H20 Plus Oasis Oil-Free Hydration Starter Kit has everything you need to cleanse, moisturize and condition your way to beautiful skin.  The cleanser gently purifies without robbing skin of much-needed moisture.  The moisturizer and eye treatment flood the skin with even more soothing moisture, leaving it dewy and fresh.  Bye, bye tight, flaky complexion... Hello, GORGEOUS!

If you have sensitive skin:

Red, flaky, easily irritated?  These are the hallmarks of sensitive skin.  This skin condition requires a gentle, hydrating, non-stripping cleanser, and a moisturizer that protects skin as it hydrates.  Say adios to redness and irritation by incorporating Garden Botanika Hydrating Creamy Cleanser into your daily routine.  This gentle cleansing cream rids skin of impurities without causing irritation.  Follow with Garden Botanika Daily Mineral Guard, a hydrating moisturizer with SPF 25.  Not only does this topical moisturizer protect skin from the sun, it also contains antioxidants to prevent free radical damage and is recommended for sensitive skin.

If you need a complete overhaul:

If there's no one particular skin type or condition you're dealing with, but your skin could use a major boost in the new year, try Murad Evening Renewal Regimen.  This miracle-kit cleanses, tones, hydrates and firms the skin.  It even reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and helps to prevent breakouts!  Use this system every night for skin that looks renewed, refreshed and healthy.

No matter what your skin issue, we've got the fix!  No need to sit idly by while pesky skin care concerns drag you down.  Make 2011 the year you take this skin care bull by the horns!  Find these winning skin-fixes and more at Cosmetique.com.