Happy Earth Day! Güd, the youthful and playful skincare and haircare brand from the masterminds behind all-natural leader Burt’s Bees, is venturing to outshine every other product on the natural beauty aisle, instantly drawing consumers’ attention with its perky and colorful packaging. But, of course, the packaging is only the initial allure. Once you try out each product, you’ll be intoxicated by its fruity aroma — and in no case is this truer than in that of the new Güd Red Ruby Groovy collection.

Just last year, Güd was dipping its big toe into the expansive natural beauty pool but, within months, the brand had made a splash — in large part due to the enthusiastic response of instant converts like myself (check out my initial Güd coverage in last year’s Earth Day special). Now, the brand continues to blossom, with the latest development being the addition of the Red Ruby Groovy aroma to the existing range, which already incorporates the Pearanormal Activity, Vanilla Flame, Orange Petalooza, and Floral Cherrynova aromas. As with most Güd fans, I was instantly drawn to the Pearanormal Activity fragrance, which reminded me of the Victoria’s Secret Pear Glacé Body Mist I used to adore during my college years (and which I swore was some type of aphrodisiac!). But now, after experiencing the Red Ruby Groovy scent, I’m staying on the ruby lane.

The Red Ruby Groovy fragrance has the kick of a citrus scent but it’s also a remarkably juicy scent, plus it manages to not feel overly sweet — in large part due to the wild thyme note at its heart and the slightly more bitter black currant top note.  The aromatic composition, then, includes top notes of grapefruit, black currant, and mandarin, along with middle notes of apple, papaya, and thyme, and base notes of musk. The result is lively, invigorating, and flirtatious, so juicy that others around you will want to lean in and take a bite (but not in that weird Hannibal way). Described as a grapefruit and thyme fragrance, the Red Ruby Groovy aroma is indeed anchored by these scents but it also boasts the slight tartness of black currant, the tangy and tropical quality of papaya, and the juicy but crisp odor of apple.

The Red Ruby Groovy collection, then, incorporates four products: the Güd Red Ruby Groovy Natural Nourishing Shampoo ($6.99 at select food, drug and mass retailers as well as on gudhappens.com), the Güd Red Ruby Groovy Natural Softening Conditioner ($6.99 at select food, drug and mass retailers as well as on gudhappens.com), the Güd Red Ruby Groovy Natural Body Lotion ($6.99 at select food, drug and mass retailers as well as on gudhappens.com), and the Güd Red Ruby Groovy Natural Body Wash ($6.99 at select food, drug and mass retailers as well as on gudhappens.com).

As with all Güd from Burt’s Bees products, the shampoo and conditioner include all-natural ingredients like sunflower seed oil, which protects the hair from free radicals and safeguards hair color; sage leaf extract, which controls oil production and increases blood flow along the scalp, thereby encouraging hair growth; thyme extract, said to condition the hair and scalp and to help prevent hair loss; nettle leaf extract, which can be used as a tonic; peppermint leaf extract, a natural antiseptic and a hair growth stimulator; and hibiscus flower extract, which soothes the scalp and thereby repairs hair.

But the star products are the Red Ruby Groovy Natural Body Wash and Red Ruby Groovy Natural Body Lotion. The body wash creates a delectable and indulgent experience in the shower, and its texture is gel-like without being tacky, sticky, or runny. The lotion, meanwhile, is lightweight and non-greasy, enriched with softening and fatty acid-rich shea butter; vitamin E-packed sunflower seed oil; antioxidant-rich soybean oil; raspberry leaf extract, which soothes skin irritations; black walnut leaf extract, which contains Omega-3 fatty acids that function as emollients and anti-inflammatories; dog rose extract, a natural humectant; and lemon balm extract, a soothing substance that promotes relaxation.

Get into the groove!

San Francisco-based company Agraria has spent nearly 50 years making their customers’ homes smell lovely and inviting with everything from elegant candles to hand-packed boxes of  potpourri and essential oil blends  packaged inside vintage-looking perfume bottles and accompanied by reeds that diffuse the selected scent into the air. But, of course, you want the people living in this abode, as well as any visitors, to also leave feeling fresh and invigorated — and a key part of that is equipping your bathroom with hand soaps that have a lively but earthy quality. And, while bar soaps can be help to accomplish this feat, they can also prove a bit messy, leaving residue on any porcelain or metal soap dishes. Liquid hand soaps, then, tend to be a more practical alternative, which is why I was thrilled when I heard that Agraria had launched a new range of liquid hand soaps featuring citric, floral, or herbal scents that are light but pleasant and refreshing.

Each Agraria Liquid Hand Soap comes in a sleek 8.45 fl. oz. bottle with the Agraria logo printed along its front surface, giving the packaging a charming apothecary-esque feel, with a simple pump dispenser guaranteeing a goof-proof experience. The soap formula, meanwhile, is gentle and moisturizing thanks to ingredients like wheat proteins that help the skin retain moisture, panthenol to soften and soothe the skin, sage to work as an anti-inflammatory and also boost cellular regeneration, rosemary to act as an antibacterial and astringent, and antioxidant-rich gingko biloba to protect skin from environmental aggressors. You can choose between the Agraria Lime & Orange Liquid Hand Soap ($24 at AgrariaHome.com), which blends lime extract with orange blossom extract, night-blooming sampaguita, honeysuckle and jasmine with patchouli, oak, and moss; the Agraria Bitter Orange Liquid Hand Soap ($24 at AgrariaHome.com), the brand’s trademark scent, which blends clove, bitter orange, and cypress; the Agraria Lemon Verbena Liquid Hand Soap ($24 at AgrariaHome.com), a tropical-flavored aroma that fuses together lemon-scented verbena leaves with Caribbean lime, rose, and jasmine notes; and the Agraria Lavender & Rosemary Liquid Hand Soap ($24 at AgrariaHome.com), which mixes rosemary, lavender, bergamot and amber notes.

I’ve been testing out the Agraria Lavender & Rosemary Liquid Hand Soap for several weeks and have been pleasantly surprised — as has my boyfriend, who often moans about my choice of liquid hand soaps being a bit too girly (a legitimate gripe, I might add). Though I typically detest all things lavender-scented (for some reason, I associate lavender with granny gowns and robes), I adore this liquid hand soap since the Italian rosemary notes add an earthy, herbal quality to the fragrance that transforms the French lavender scent , while the bergamot note gives it a zesty and juicy kick, and a hint of English amber adds an air of mystery, a dose of warmth, and a slightly androgynous vibe.

Growing up in Puerto Rico, many of  our elders — grandmas, aunts, and even mothers — outfitted their bathrooms with colorful bar soaps sculpted into decorative shapes like seashells and birds, and they usually had an unobtrusive but crisp scent that was very similar to that of the Agraria Lavender & Rosemary Liquid Hand Soap. As you might imagine, the nostalgia element made me even fonder of this hand soap but, truth be told, no childhood associations are necessary to relish this product.

Not only does the Lavender & Rosemary Liquid Hand Soap feature a pleasant aroma that won’t overpower your senses, but it gently cleanses your hands without leaving them feeling dry or irritated. Instead, hands will feel smooth and soft — even before you apply any lotion. Jackpot!

]]> http://www.sickathanaverage.com/2013/04/soap-in-the-city-agraria-launches-a-new-range-of-liquid-hand-soaps.html/feed 0 http://www.sickathanaverage.com/2013/04/sicka-than-average-featured-on-glamlatina-com.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sicka-than-average-featured-on-glamlatina-com http://www.sickathanaverage.com/2013/04/sicka-than-average-featured-on-glamlatina-com.html#comments Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:03:02 +0000 Celia San Miguel http://www.sickathanaverage.com/?p=35328

My dad always said a nice pat on the back is sometimes necessary — after all, if you don’t root for yourself, how can you expect others to do so? So, ladies, allow me a little pat on the back today! Sicka Than Average was just featured on GlamLatina.com, the new online home of Glam Belleza Latina, a new print publication from the makers of Glamour that, as the name implies, caters to the Latina consumer. The website is less than a month old and, already, they chose to feature yours truly as a major force in the beauty blogosphere, picking Sicka Than Average for the first installment of its hopefully ongoing Beauty Blogger Spotlight column.

In the piece, writer Angie Romero notes she loves Sicka Than Average “because it’s not only super-fun to read and covers our favorite topics, it also makes us feel smarter every time.” I was so thrilled to read those words since, of course, that’s always been a huge part of my mission. And then, of course, the piece goes into a Q&A in which I talk about founding Sicka Than Average, my own favorite beauty blogs, makeup trends for Spring 2013, splurges and steals for the season,and much more.

Check out the  interview at GlamLatina.com!

Whether you’re taking your little ones on an Easter egg scavenger hunt, hosting a family brunch or dinner, or going to a parade or festival, you can cap off the day by treating yourself (or your loved ones) to some appropriately themed bath treats from all-natural vegan brand LUSH. This year’s Easter-themed offerings include bath bars and fizzy bath bombs in pretty pastel colors and whimsical shapes that pertain to age-old Easter lore.

First, there’s the Fluffy Egg Bath Bomb ($6.95 at LUSH stores and LUSHusa.com), my 9-year-old son’s absolute favorite since it smells like cotton candy with a hint of vanilla (a scent that’s strikingly similar to the sugary bubblegum aroma of the Snow Fairy body wash released during the holiday season). Though it’s been released in previous seasons, this egg-shaped bath bomb never fails to disappoint and is perfect for Easter baskets and gift bags.  Shaped like a jumbo-sized egg with raised polka dot-like details along  it slower half, this fragrant bath bomb quickly dissolves in warm water, filling your tub with tones of pink, yellow, and blue, and unleashing the saccharine, pink bubblegum scent that will make kids (and adults who are kids at heart) feel giddy while splish-splashing away.

Since the Easter Bunny is as synonymous with the holiday as Santa Claus is with Christmas, LUSH re-released the rabbit-friendly Carrot Bubble Bar ($7.95 at LUSH stores and LUSHusa.com), a soapy bath bar that is literally shaped like an orange carrot and features a cluster of green, straw-like “leaves” so that you can easily grip the product without having to get the soapy orange residue on your hands (a definite perk when you want to stash the bar away since it can actually last you for about 5 soaks or so). Unlike the Fluffy Egg, this isn’t a bath bomb, so don’e expect it to dissolve if you toss it inside a tub filled with warm water. Instead, this bar creates tiny, frothy bubbles when you swirl it vigorously inside water, making the tub a fun shade of orange that won’t stick to your skin (don’t worry! you won’t look like a Jersey Shore character when you emerge from your bath as all the colors are rinsed completely off), and filling the room with a zesty citrus aroma thanks to the Sicilian lemon oil, bergamot oil, and limonene in the formula. A touch of  South African buchu oil, meanwhile, gives the scent a subtle earthy but fruity blackcurrant-tinged note while also working as an anti-septic and anti-inflammatory, making any bath all the more relaxing and therapeutic. Kids will be particularly fond of the Carrot Bubble Bar since it’s virtually indestructible. My son was literally bashing it against the tub at one point since, apparently, boys just have to know what it takes to make any and everything crumble, and even he emerged from his bath convinced that there was no way to crumble, break, or snap the bubble bar. Best of all, he spent over a half hour in the tub because he was simply having so much fun swirling the carrot inside the water and watching the tiny bubbles rise to the surface while uttering the words, “What’s up, Doc?” in his best Bugs Bunny voice.

And since the Easter Bunny clearly didn’t lay any eggs and hens simply son’t get enough credit on this particular holiday, bringing to the forefront the whole “What came first: the chicken or the egg?” question, LUSH decided to pay homage to these feathery females with its new Heñata Bath Bomb ($7.95 at LUSH stores and LUSHusa.com). Shaped like a hen, this product was inspired by Mexican piñatas and, as you might expect, is filled with all types of exciting surprises. You can, of course, toss this tangerine-colored chicken into your tub and watch it dissolve, eventually revealing the treasures inside or, for a more dramatic effect, you can smash it against the side of the tub and peek inside. Tucked inside the citrus-scented Heñata, you’ll find a smaller, egg-shaped bath bomb, along with decorative flower petals that spread out inside your tub as the bath bomb fizzes and dissolves, filling your tub with  festive egg yolk yellow and tangerine swirls of colors. The smashable Heñata Bath Bomb, a truly innovative and wickedly clever product, owes its zesty citrus aroma to the Sicilian mandarin oil, tangerine oil, and bergamot oil in the formula. The fizzy effect created by this bath bomb (along with the aforementioned bath bombs and bubble bars), meanwhile, stems from a combination of cream of tartar and sodium bicorbonate which is, in turn, blended with skin nourishing botanical oils like coconut oil, gardenia extract, and rapeseed oil. Last but not least, the Heñata stores red rose and marigold flower petals that add both a colorful touch to any bath and which also heighten that element of surprise and the sudden outpour of contents that we associate with a traditional piñata bashing.

After trying all three of the above-mentioned products, I must say I have a soft spot for the Heñata since there’s definitely something exciting about smashing the bath bomb and watching its contents spill out into the tub, plus the orange scent is perky and uplifting. Kids, however, will also really love th Fluffy Egg, both because of its adorable design and because of its sugary scent.

The LUSH Easter 2013 treat are available for a limited time, so make sure to pick some up while you can — even if it means dipping into a LUSH store before heading to your favorite egg hunt event! Enjoy your Easter, everyone!

Having grown up in Puerto Rico, I’ve spent some time in the island’s rainforest, El Yunque —and, I have to say: there’s something really magical about the La Mina and La Coca waterfalls. Not only are they visually striking, but there’s a serenity that overcomes you when you hear the water rushing over rocks and surging down steep mountain sides, soothing you as if it were Mother Nature’s own lullaby.  It’s been years since I’ve had the pleasure of looking upon one of these waterfalls, but one thing that stays with me is the way the air smelled, that mix of damp soil, tree bark, wet Sierra palm, Tabonuco tree leaves,Yagrumo leaves, and moist moss. It’s a very difficult fragrance to recreate—  as is any rainforest smell, for that matter —b ut that’s what Suave has attempted to do with its new Suave Naturals Rainforest Fresh Body Wash ($2.49 at Drugstore.com). 

Now, the Rainforest Fresh Body Wash’s scent didn’t exactly transport me back to El Yunque since it lacks some of the lush green notes and woody, muddy, earthy notes that would make it more authentic, but it does have a refreshingly atmospheric, breezy, dewy quality, likely due to the bamboo and aloe extracts in the formula.

These same ingredients are also responsible for the body wash’s gel-like quality, which is part of its charm since it feels light on the skin and won’t leave any residue behind, as can be the case with creamier formulations. That being said, I strongly advise using a sponge or loofah when using this body wash since its consistency can be pretty blubbery and hard to maneuver in the shower (in other words, if you squeeze a dab onto your slippery palm, don’t be surprised if it slips right off).

As for the body wash’s skin benefits, the bamboo  extract works as an anti-irritant, helping to alleviate any redness, discomfort, or dryness, plus it helps to exfoliate dead skin cells, revealing a new layer of radiant skin. The aloe, meanwhile, is soothing, calming, and cooling, while the vitamin E in the formula hydrates and conditions your skin while also protecting it from free radicals. That being said, there are some worrisome artificial ingredients in the formula that could cause allergies — starting with Blue 1 and Yellow 5 and escalating to ammonium chloride (used in a small quantity as a pH balancer) and sodium laureth sulfate, a detergent used to create a lather in hair care and body care products and that has been found to strips away the natural oils essential to skin and scalp health. Herein lies the dilemma: on the one hand, the body wash does include skin-soothing plant extracts but, on the other, their benefits are practically negated by the inclusion of artificial fragrances, dyes, and chemicals that could not only cause skin irritation but also lead to dehydrated or sensitized skin.

Overall, I consider this an “in-a-pinch” body wash —meaning that, if you’ve completely run out of shower gels and need something with which to cleanse your skin, then you can reach for this bottle and do as you must. Otherwise, I’d recommend an SLS-free body wash that’s packed with more hydrating and soothing ingredients — particularly if you have sensitive or dry skin.

Did you know March 5th was National Absinthe Day?  This celebratory day  reflects the significant change in the national attitude towards the green-colored spirit, which was banned for most of the 20th century (since 1912 to be exact). Why the opposition to absinthe, once the drink of choice by artists and thinkers in Paris and Prague, among them  Toulouse Lautrec and Vincent Van Gogh? Well, the anise-flavored was purported to have psychedelic, mind-altering effects due to the presence of the chemical compound thujone, which can be found in concentrations of up to 40% in the oil of the wild plant Artemisia absinthium (otherwise known as wormwood). Since distilled wormwood is the basis of absinthe, a drink originally created by the Switzerland-based French doctor Pierre Ordinaire in 1792 and later produced for commercial purposes and consumed for recreation, many assumed that the highly alcoholic spirit contained a large quantity of thujone. Further research, however, proved that very little thujone actually survives the distillation process and that the mind-bending qualities of absinthe were mostly, well, fabricated. Once concern surrounding the Green Fairy (“La Fée Verte”) subsided, the ban on absinthe was lifted. In the United States, this occurred in 2007, with French brand Lucid being the first to receive a Certificate of Label Approval for importation in the United States.

Right in time for National Absinthe Day, The Body Shop  introduced its new Absinthe Hand Care collection, inspired by this once controversial spirit, which is derived from green wormwood, green anise, sweet fennel, and several other botanicals and herbs. The collection consists of  five products: the Absinthe Purifying Hand Gel ($4 for 2.0 fl. oz. at TheBodyShop-USA.com); the Absinthe Purifying Hand Wash ($10 for 8.4 fl. oz. at TheBodyShop-USA.com); the Absinthe Purifying  Hand Cream ($20 for 3.3 fl. oz. at TheBodyShop-USA.com); the Absinthe Purifying Hand Butter ($20 for 3.3 oz. at TheBodyShop-USA.com); and the Mini Absinthe Purifying Hand Cream ($10 for 1.0 oz. at TheBodyShop-USA.com). I had the chance to try two of the center pieces of the collection: the Purifying Hand Wash and the Purifying Hand Cream.

($10 for 8.4 fl. oz. at TheBodyShop-USA.com) features a translucent green color befitting of its ties to The Green Fairy. The soap-free cleanser has a lightweight, gel-like texture and, once rinsed off, it leaves hands feeling squeaky clean. In addition to Artemisia Absinthium extract, the Body Shop Absinthe Purifying Hand Wash contains bacteria-fighting salicylic acid, Community Fair Trade aloe vera from Guatemale (which accounts for its gel-like texture), and glycerin (a natural humectant). Its fragrance, meanwhile, is leafy and lush, with the absinthe combined with notes of bergamot, petit grain and neroli for a bit of citric kick.

The Body Shop Absinthe Purifying Hand Cream ($20 for 3.3 fl. oz. at TheBodyShop-USA.com), meanwhile, features an exquisite texture that’s not overly thick or goopy but also isn’t watery or runny. In terms of its moisturizing properties, the hand cream features such lovely ingredients as: fatty acid rich shea butter; Brazil nut extract, which has a high concentration of vitamin E, selenium, and omega-6 fatty acids, all of which work to rejuvenate, condition, and protect skin from free radicals; moisture-sealing glycerin; marula extract, which is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (with oleic acid accounting for 70-78% of those) and flavonoids, tocopherols and sterols that  work as antioxidants.

From a sensory standpoint, I really enjoyed the hand cream since it was easily absorbed by the skin and featured a powerful aroma that was strikingly reminiscent of absinthe. In fact, I happened to have a bottle of Lucid at home, and I opened it and smelled the spirit inside, comparing it to the hand cream’s fragrance and was impressed by how well the former’s scent was recreated. In fact, I’d venture to say that the hand cream’s smells exactly like absinthe save for a hint of menthol (which actually smells more like eucalyptus in this case) and a trace of bergamot.

That being said, the absinthe-centered aroma is an acquired taste that might not have the universal appeal of, say, vanilla , almond or wild rose scents. But it’s the innovative quality of this scent that will set it apart from other hand care products. Also, because the scent isn’t overly floral, fruity, or sweet, it will appeal to more of a unisex audience.

Happy Valentine’s Day, dolls! Yesterday, I spent the day taping a Valentine’s Day-themed piece for Telemundo NY’s “Hombre de Hoy” segment in which I suggested different gift options that men could get for their sweethearts. The premise of the segment was to encourage men to think beyond the traditional (and, yes, cliché) drugstore chocolates and red roses — not that we don’t appreciate these things but, truth be told, we’re way more wowed when the tokens of affection we receive convey a great deal of forethought and an understanding of our likes and dislikes or when they’ve been infused with a personalized touch. To that end, then, I showcased a ton of products to make women swoon: from fragrances, handbags and shoes to makeup sets, cosmetics organizers, jewelry (even pieces which can even be engraved), chocolate- or rose-scented bath and body products, iPhone cases, and much more.

If you missed it, definitely check out the video above — and, if you happen to fall in love with any of the items featured, then check out the post below, in which I list every single item shown, its price, and where you can purchase it. Remember: you can be your own Valentine every single day of the year!

CH-CH-CHOCOLATE!

In the “Hombre de Hoy” segment, we discussed how you can indulge in chocolate without having to worry about an expanding waistline. To experience the delicious scent without devouring a box full of truffles, women can enjoy a shower or bath with one of the cocoa-scented products below, whether it’s Philip B’s Chocolate Milk Body Wash & Bubble Bath, The Body Shop’s Chocomania Bar Soap or their thick and ultra emollient Chocomania Body Butter, or the 99.7% natural Shea Terra Premium Dark Chocolate Sugar-Stone Exfoliating Cream. I discuss these products around the 1:10 mark in the video above!

The Body Shop Chocomania Collection Soap, $4. Available at The Body Shop stores and TheBodyShop-USA.com

Philip B Chocolate Milk Body Wash &Bubble Bath, $35 for 11.5 fl. oz. bottle. Available at PhilipB.com

The Body Shop Chocomania Collection Body Butter, $20. Available at The Body Shop stores and TheBodyShop-USA.com

Shea Terra Organics Premium Dark Chocolate Sugar-Stone Exfoliating Cream, $22. Available at SheaTerraOrganics.com

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HEARTFELT JEWELY

Every kiss does not, in fact, begin with Kay. Yes, women love shiny baubles, but we like trinkets that speak to our personal style. Women who appreciate dainty and fanciful things, for instance, will love the Stella & Dot Wonderland Charm Bracelet (shown in great detail at the 1:46 mark in the “Hombre de Hoy” video). Those who have problems with punctuality or who complain about the watches on the market being too masculine and clunky will adore the La Mer Collections for Target watches (shown at the 1:24 mark), which feature wrap-around straps with chains featuring rhinestones, heart charms, and more.

If you are a sucker for heart-themed trinkets, then you’ll swoon over the Emily Elizabeth Jewelry Hammered Heart Necklace (shown at the 0:14 second mark), the dainty Emily Elizabeth Jewelry Heart Horseshoe Necklace (perfect for those who are a bit superstitious!), and the Venessa Arizaga Pour Your Heart Out Necklace (shown at the 1:25 mark), a stunning hand-crocheted collar with a hefty gunmetal-toned chain trim. For those who want to give their beloveds a more personalized gift, options include stud earrings, necklaces, and rings from Sweethearts Jewelry (shown at the 0:52 second mark), which feature messages like “Kiss Me” and “Be Mine,” making them reminiscent of the candies we ate as children, and the Blessed Charm Life Link necklaces, which can be inscribed with names, dates, or messages that make them true keepsakes, along with the Zaiken Jewelry Calligraphy collection bracelets (shown at the 1:21 mark), which feature fine silk bands and beautiful plackets which can be engraved with messages like “Beloved” and “Cherished.”

For those who want to take a big step on Valentine’s Day, meanwhile, we suggested getting the Venessa Arizaga “Marry Me” bracelet (as we discuss at the 0:45 second mark) since it’s an incredibly clever way of popping the question.

Venessa Arizaga Marry Me Bracelet, $55. Available at VenessaArizaga.com

Sweethearts Jewelry Sterling Silver 14mm Strawberry Enamel “Be Mine” Heart Pendant, $89.99. Available at SweetheartsJewelry.com

Stella & Dot Hudson Leather Wrap Bracelet, $39 each. Available at Shop.StellaDot.com

Sweethearts Jewelry Sterling Silver 12mm Dark Pink Enamel Forever Ring, $79.99. Available at SweetheartsJewelry.com

La Mer Collections for Target Pink Watch with Rainbow Crystals Wrap Bracelet, $49.95, and La Mer Collections for Target Red Watch With Heart Charm Bracelet, $49.95. Available at Target stores.

Emily Elizabeth Jewelry Hammered Heart Necklace, $50. Available at EmilyElizabethJewelry.com

Zaiken Calligraphy Collection Bracelets, $2,187.50 each. Available at ZaikenJewelry.com 

Venessa Arizaga Pour Your Heart Out Necklace, $330. Available at VenessaArizaga.com

Stella & Dot x Alice by Temperley Design Collaboration Wonderland Charm Bracelet, $98. Available at Shop.StellaDot.com

Blessed Charm Life Link Diamond Necklace in Rose Gold, $375, and Blessed Charm Life Link Necklace in Gold, $100. Available at BlessedCharm.com

Emily Elizabeth Jewelry Punk Love Studs, $48. Available at EmilyElizabethJewelry.com

Stella & Dot Carmen Necklace, $158. Available at Shop.StellaDot.com

Venessa Arizaga ‘Til Death Do Us Part Necklace, $180. Available at VenessaArizaga.com

Sweethearts Jewelry Sterling Silver 12mm Green Enamel “Kiss Me” Stud Earrings, $119.99. Available at SweetheartsJewelry.com

Emily Elizabeth Jewelry Heart Horseshoe Necklace, $65. Available at EmilyElizabethJewelry.com

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HANDBAGS WORTH CARRYING ON ABOUT

For most women, there’s no such thing as too many handbags! Those who show restraint in terms of the amount of items they carry will adore pieces like the rosette-adorned box clutch from Darling (which you can see on the shelf behind me at the 0:49 charm), while women who carry their entire lives inside their bags and whose style has more of a rocker edge will lust after the Treesje Moracy Tote (which I model at the  1:01 mark in the video). Check out all the handbag styles we selected for the segment!

Treesje Reverie Fuchsia Crossbody Bag, $350. Available at Treesje.com

Darling Sophia Clutch, $62.79. Available at DarlingClothes.com

Shoedazzle Ashland Faux Leather Bag, $39.95. Available at Shoedazzle.com

Treesje Moracy Fuchsia Tote, $435. Available at Treesje.com

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MAKEUP MAVEN MUST-HAVES

 Beauty junkies will get their coveted fix with any of the items shown here. In the “Hombre de Hoy” segment, I discussed the convenience (not to mention the chic print) of the Sonia Kashuk Plaid Triple Train Case (as you can see at the 0:29 mark), which I loaded with such handy cosmetics as a Topshop Nail Trio incorporating three festive glittery nail lacquers and the velvety soft lip pencils inside Mally’s Gorgois in a Minute 7-Piece Gift Set, which includes 1 pencil sharpener, 2 lip magnifiers, 2 shadow liners, 1 blush crayon, and 1 highlighter crayon. We also focused on Lipstick Queen’s Look of Love Lip Library (check it out at the 0:04 second mark), which is packaged to resemble a book and opens up to reveal two lipsticks (one a pinky nude and the other a shimmery and sheer pink) and a multi-use creamy color that can be applied to lips or cheeks

Sonia Kashuk for Target Plaid Cosmetic Triple Train Case, $19.99. Available at Target.com

Lipstick Queen Look of Love 3-Piece Library Vol. 2, $39.75. Available at QVC.com

Topshop Eye Palette in Atmosphere, $32. Available at US.Topshop.com

Mally 7-Piece Gorgois in a Minute Color Crayon Collection, $54.56. Available at QVC.com

Deborah Lippmann My Touch My Kiss Lip & Nail Duet, $38. Available at LippmannCollection.com, Barneys New York, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom

Sonia Kashuk Tile Makeup Organizer, $9.99. Available at Target stores and Target.com

Topshop Multi Bright Nail Trio, $28. Available at Topshop stores.

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TLC TIME

There’s nothing like turning your bathroom into a veritable spa, and these great products allow women to to precisely that! The Yes to Cucumbers Ultimate Calming Facial Kit features the top-of-the-line Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes, which are ideal for removing makeup and refreshing the skin, as well as the brand’s Calming Facial Moisturizer and Soothing Eye Gel — all way more convenient that slicing cucumbers and applying tiny slithers to the eyes as you see in the movies! The Tammy Fender Tres Rose Body Oil, meanwhile, allows women to enjoy the romantic fragrance of rose without having to worry about watering real blooms. And, of course, you’ll benefit from such skin-loving ingredients as avocado oil, Bulgarian rose oil, rose hip seed oil, grapeseed oil, and soybean oil.

Yes To Cucumbers Ultimate Facial Calming Kit, $24.99. Available at Ulta.com

LUSH Sexy Fun Times Gift Set, $26.95. Available at LUSH stores and LUSHusa.com

Archipelago Global Bazaar Collection Kadota Fig Box Candle, $29.50. Available at Archipelago-USA.com

Tammy Fender Tres Rose Bath & Body Set, $160. Available at Store.TammyFender.com

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SCENT OF A WOMAN

A fine fragrance is always a fantastic gift. Women who want to feel sexy and glamorous will appreciate the golden, exotic, amber-y scent of the Reem Acra EDP, which is perfectly balanced by feminine notes like jasmine, peony, and orange blossom, while those who gravitate towards fruitier scents might enjoy Bath & Body Works’ Forever Red scent (available as a perfume, body mist, shower gel, and body lotion), which incorporates pomegranate, peach, and apple notes married with marigold and red peony notes, or BCBG’s Bon Chic EDP, which marries black raspberry with violet and woody notes.

For a diaphanous, sensual, feminine scent, try the orange blossom-, gardenia-, honey rose-, and vetiver-scented Elie Saab’s Eau de Toilette — now available in a Perfume Spray form so that women can always tuck their favorite fragrance inside their shoulder bags for aromatic touch-ups. Other top choices include the Juicy Couture Couture La La EDP, which blends succulent mandarin, green apple and red currant notes with water hyacinth, and the Taylor Swift Enchanted Wonderstruck scent, a floral oriental that blends wild berry, passion fruit, pink poppy, peony, white freesia, vanilla, and white musk notes.

You’ll see a shot featuring most of these fragrances at the 0:16 second mark in the video above and again at the 0:57 second mark. The Forever Red fragrance collection, meanwhile, is featured at the 1:36 mark.

Reem Acra Eau de Parfum, $125. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue and other fine department stores.

Elie Saab Le Parfum Eau de Toilette Purse Spray 3 x 20ml, $78. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.

Bath & Body Works Forever Red Shower Gel, $28; Forever Red Body Lotion, $20; and Forever Red Fine Fragrance Mist, $22. Available at Bath & Body Works stores and BathandBodyWorks.com

Taylor Swift Enchanted Wonderstruck Eau de Parfum Spray, $49.50 for 1.7 fl. oz. and $59.50 for 3.4 fl. oz. Available at department and specialty stores.

BCBGMAXAZRIA Bon Chic Eau de Parfum, $55 for 1.7 fl. oz. and $75 for 3.4 oz. Available at Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom.com, Macy’s stores and Macys.com

Juicy Couture Couture La La Eau de Parfum, $70 for 1.7 fl. oz. and $90 for 3.4 fl. oz. Available at Sephora stores and Sephora.com

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CALL ME MAYBE

Nowadays, women spend most of their days glued to their mobile devices — whether they’re making calls, browsing the web, shooting off e-mails, tweeting, or snapping pics on Instagram. Stylish women who want everything they clutch to convey their own fashion prowess will appreciate a fun iPhone case they can show off while on the go. In the segment, we showcased all of the iPhone cases here (look at the 1:39 mark), paying close attention to the Case-Mate Zebra Heart case (as seen at the 0:20 mark).

Case-Mate x iomoi Zebra Heart iPhone 5 Case, $50. Available at Case-Mate.com

Paul Frank Zoom Blue Houndstooth iPhone 5 Case, $34.95. Available at GetUncommon.com

Case-Mate x iomoi Island Sky iPhone 5 Case, $50. Available at Case-Mate.com

Stella & Dot Signature iPhone Case in Poppy, $29. Available at Shop.StellaDot.com 

Paul Frank Classic Dots Julius iPhone 5 Case. Available at GetUncommon.com

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A SHOE-IN!

You’ve likely heard the superstition that, if you give a woman shoes, she might walk out of your life. Well, nothing could be further from the truth! Nine times out of ten, if you give a woman shoes, she’s likely to feel like marrying you. In our Valentine’s Day-themed segment, then, we focused on different styles including the Shoedazzle faux suede Kaydra booties, which feature five faux snakeskin straps with gold-stoned buckle accents (as seen at the 0:13 second mark) and a pair of hot pink AMI Clubwear wedge sneakers for sportier gals (also shown at the 0:13 second mark).

Shoedazzle Kaydra Ankle Boot, $58.95 Available at Shoedazzle.com

AMI Clubwear Fuchsia Faux Suede Leather Lace Up Studded Sneaker Wedges, $30.99. Available at AMIclubwear.com

Shoedazzle Sharon Pump, $44.95. Available at Shoedazzle.com

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TURN THE LIGHTS DOWN LOW

Not all gifts are meant to be enjoyed alone! These trinkets help to set a sexy, intimate mood that’s perfect for couple’s play. In the “Hombre de Hoy” segment, then, we proposed such fun gifts as Pure Romance’s Burning Desire candle (shown at the 0:03 second mark), which features a soy wax that, when melted, yields a vanilla-scented oil perfect for massages.

Pure Romance Burning Desire Soy Massage Oil Candle, $24. Available at PureRomance.com

LCN Water Lily Massage Oil, $53.90. Available at LCNUSA.com

Pure Romance Hot Stone Therapy Massage Gift Set, $39. Available at PureRomance.com

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HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTEST

Women who love throwing dinner parties will appreciate a whimsical cocktail napkin set from Hen House Linens or the Teroforma Whisky Stones Set, which features limestone cubes that can be frozen to chill beverages without melting and diluting cocktails as ice cubes would do (both shown at the 1:38 mark in the video).

Hen House Linens 10 x 10 Cocktail Napkins, $24 for set of 6. Available at Shop.HenHouseLinens.com

Teroforma Whisky Stones Beverage Cubes 9-Piece Set, $20. Available at Teroforma.com

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PUCKER UP, BUTTERCUP!

It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without some serious smooching and these great products ensure lips remain as smooth and kissable as possible. We’re particularly fond of the EOS Smooth Spheres, which come in yummy flavors like Strawberry Sorbet and Pomegranate Raspberry (you’ll see them arranged into a heart at the 0:13 mark).

EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm in Pomegranate Raspberry and Strawberry Sorbet, $2.99 each. Available at Target, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, and Duane Read stores.

vbeauté Lip Spread Anti-Age Tinted Lip Gloss, $28. Available at vbeaute.com, Bergdorf Goodman, and BergdorfGoodman.com

Victoria’s Secret PINK Valentine’s Day “I’m With Cupid” Racerback Tank, $24.50. Available at VictoriasSecret.com

Fellas, want a gift that conveys a sense of humor?  Then pick up this scoopneck racerback tank top, featuring a clever “I’m With Cupid” slogan with an arrow piercing through it and, presumably, pointing your way. Hey, you may be her Knight in Shining Armor, but no one accused you of being modest!

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Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips in Heart Breaker, $9.99. Available at Target.com

Sally Hansen never fails to disappoint. Whatever holiday or festivity lurks ahead (whether it’s Halloween, Christmas, Easter, or Valentine’s Day), Sally Hansen  has a collection of Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips with fitting designs. For Valentine’s Day 2013, the brand unveiled several lovable new designs, including Heart Breaker, which features a white backdrop adorned with scattered, whimsical red hearts and black skull and crossbones.

Check out what the pattern looks when applied to nails:

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Noodle & Boo All of My Heart French Milled Baby Soap, $15. Available at NoodleandBoo.com

If you know any new mommies or even just women with sensitive skin, gift them this quaint, heart-shaped, French milled soap from Noodle & Boo. Made with an all-natural formula and a vegetable oil base, this gentle soap doesn’t contain any sulfates or detergents and instead relies on soothing botanicals like aloe and oatmeal, as well as antioxidant-rich Vitamin E, moisturizing and softening sweet almond oil, and milk proteins that stimulate cellular renewal and makes skin glow.  The hypoallergenic soap smells powdery and soft — perfect for newborns, infants, toddlers, and mommies alike.

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SEAH Birthstone Bracelet with Goldtone Accents, $950. Available at SEAHwatches.com

Though luxurious and futuristic, the SEAH Birthstone Bracelet’s design might remind you of the abacus toys you used as a child to enhance your counting skills — which, of course, only enhances its charm. Measuring 180mm in length and 56mm in width, the stainless steel bracelet features  multiple cylindrical bars that encircle the wrist, all arranged in a stacked pattern and secured by wider vertical bars with rounded edges on either side. Each slim section features  several, stainless steel-set  round Swarovski crystal stones in shades like sapphire blue and ruby red. Gold-plated rings, meanwhile, add the abacus-esque effect described above and create an electric energy thanks to the juxtaposition of metal colors.

Mossimo Ponte Peplum Sleeveless Dress, $27.99. Available at Target.com

This stylish above-the-knee dress features a fairly conservative crew neckline and a peplum ruffle along the waist for a coquettish twist. You can wear it  to work under a blazer or cardigan and a pair of pumps, or rock it on a date with a pair of sky-high strappy sandals and a cropped leather  jacket.

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Bing Bang x Love Me Collection “Love Me” Nameplate Necklace with Diamond, $225. Available at Shop.BingBangNYC.com

Perfect for urban art lovers, this limited-edition necklace features the words “Love Me” in a script reminiscent of a graffiti tag. Fashioned after the nameplate necklaces that have become synonymous with the hip-hop generation’s coming-of-age experience, this sterling silver piece features a 16″-long chain and a 2″ extender. A prong-set champagne diamond adorns the interior of the “M” to add a touch of bling.

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BCBGMAXAZRIA Bon Chic EDP, $55 for 1.7 oz. and $75 for 3.4 oz. Available at Nordstrom.com

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Case-Mate  Refined Collection Red Glam iPhone 5 Case, $50. Available at Case-Mate.com

Give your iPhone 5 a marquee-worthy makeover with this sparkling ruby red case, which is part of Case-Mate’s new Refined Collection. The case shines and shimmers exquisitely but the surface isn’t rough or ragged, but rather smooth and glossy, so that you need not worry about specks of glitter scattering all over the place.

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Katrina Kelly Jewelry 18K Gold and Diamond Love Band, $1620, and 18K Gold and Diamond Lover Band, $1260. Available at KatrinaKellyJewelry.com

Part of Katrina Kelly Jewelry’s 7 Layers of Love collection, these gorgeous bands can be worn alone or stacked atop each other. Instead of having a smooth surface and an even upper and lower rim, these rings feature undulating shapes that make them feel more sculptural. Made of 18k gold, the Love Stack Ring features a wave shape and is encrusted with six larger diamonds, evenly spaced throughout its length, and rows of 2 point diamonds between these larger stones. The Lover Stack Ring, meanwhile, is a slimmer 18k gold band that measures 2mm in width and is adorned with smaller diamonds for a total of .14 cts.

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NP Set Gorgeous To Go Palette, $27. Available at Target.com

This travel-sized, two-tiered palette features 12 eye shadow shades along the top level that, when flipped up, reveal three sheer lip gloss colors and two cheek colors. The eye shadow shades  consist mainly of warm golden, brown, russet, Etruscan gold, and coppery red colors, with the occasional moody gray and dark indigo blue to  add a bit of diversity to the shade array.

Since the eye shadow shades are fairly powerful in terms of their pigmentation, the gloss shades are extremely sheer and dainty. Check out the three color options below:

Last but not least, admire the burnt rose blush color and the golden caramel bronzer shades in this affordable palette:

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Blee Inara Sterling Silver with 22k Gold Plating Heart and Circle Charm Necklace, $122.50. Available at BleeInara.com

A Bohemian-flavored jewelry line that encompassed good fortune tokens and symbols from various cultures — among them horseshoes, evil eyes, Hamsa hands, infinity symbols, Zodiac signs, Tree of Life pendants, feather charms, and tiny Buddha figurines —Blee Inara offers bracelets and necklaces that convey a sense of optimism and warmth, a n irresistible joie de vivre. These handmade necklaces, available in gold, rose gold or silver plating, feature circular charms with hammered, flattened surfaces, each adorned with cubic zirconias arranged in  heart shapes. The chain, meanwhile, features small charms with inset stones for a bit of movement and charm.

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Zara Color Block Clutch Bag, $79.90. Available at Zara.com

This fuchsia-colored clutch is made of 50% cotton and 50% cow leather and features a texture reminiscent of calf hair, so that you can’t help but stroke its surface and caress it. A top zipper closure with a leather wristlet accent completes the simple but glamorous design, which emphasizes both bold color and texture.

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Kama Sutra Strawberries & Champagne Oil of Love, $15.99. Available at Kamasutra.com

Who doesn’t want a sensuous massage on Valentine’s Day (or any day, for that matter)? With this silky, water-based oil from the bedroom fun experts at Kama Sutra, you can give your lover a relaxing, sultry rubdown  but, once you apply the sparkling, strawberry-scented oil, you’ll notice its powers  go way beyond skin hydration and lubrication, making skin tingle (a sensation that becomes even more pronounced when you blow on the spots on which it was applied) and radiate with warmth. Best of all, the recipient of the massage won’t be the only one to experience pleasure — the other party can delight in the fruity but sparkling, celebratory, optimistic fragrance, not to mention its taste, which will remind you of champagne toasts and ripe strawberries.

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Emily Elizabeth Jewelry One Heart Ring, $70. Available at EmilyElizabethJewelry.com

Remember those heart-shaped “Best Friend” necklaces you wore as a child, giving one half to your BFF and wearing the other around your neck? Well, this Emily Elizabeth Jewelry ring set is a play on that concept. Each set features two 1/4″-tall, gold-plated rings that, when stacked together, form a perfect heart shape. Give the entire set to your sweetie, your best friend, or your sister or hearken back to your childhood days and keep one ring for yourself so that the two of you know you complete each other.

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Nine West Love Fury Pumps, $39.99. Available at NineWest.com

Forget Dorothy’s ruby red slippers! Today’s leading lady needs ruby red pumps like these glittery pumps, featuring a 4.5″ heel, a 3/4″ platform, and a pointy toe.

Beautiful Bottoms Wave Shirt, $166.50. Available at BeautifulBottoms.com

This 100% silk tunic from Beautiful Bottoms can be worn as a cover-up when sitting beachside or as a sexy sleepwear and loungewear item for lazy Sunday mornings with your beloved. The chevron print recalls the glamorous ease of the 1970s, while the deep V-shaped front offers a naughty peek-a-boo effect, and the sheerness of the fabric adds a deliciously sensual air to the garment.

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Timex Weekender Slip Thru Watch, $45. Available at Timex.com

Affordable but stylish, this sporty Timex watch features a hot pink nylon strap and a round heather gray dial equipped with an INDIGLO Night-Light so you can check the hour even when in dimly lit environments. Plus, if you ever feel compelled to jump into a jacuzzi or go skinny dipping, you can rest assured that you watch will remain intact up to 30 meteres under water.

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Della Marigolden MacBook Case, $38. available at DellaLA.com

Socially conscious, Los Angeles-based brand Della works closely with a community of female artisans in Ghana, providing these women with the opportunity to use their talents to earn a living wage and offering them access to a broader global market. But it doesn’t stop there – Della is so committed to helping this community of women, that it donates its proceeds to providing employment and educational opportunities to women in Ghana’s Hohoe village. Each handbag and tech accessory offered by Della, then, is hand-sewn using  local Ghanian fabrics and contains no animal byproducts. This perky MacBook case, measuring 13.5″ x 10.5″, features a lush green backdrop covered with sunny yellow marigold blooms with punchy orange centers.

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Michal Yakar Iris Flower Necklace. $600. Available at MichalYakar.com

A bouquet of flowers may be beautiful to behold, but it won’t last longer than a few days. Floral-themed jewelry, on the other hand, can last a lifetime. Inspired by the three-petal iris flower, this handmade necklace form Michal Yakar features a double-strand chain adorned with an oversize flower pendant made using purple chalcedony, iolite, peridot, and citine stones.

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Thierry Mugler Angel Innocent Eau de Parfum, $54.19 for 1.7 oz. Available at FragranceNet.com

Warm and enticing, Thierry Mugler’s Angel Innocent perfume takes oriental notes such as amber and musk and combines them with sweet honey and toasted almond notes that add a sweet, gourmand quality to the scent. Thanks to the honey and almond notes, the fragrance feels younger and, as its name implies, markedly more innocent than the original Angel scent.

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Madame Alexander Stamped with Love 8″ Wendy Valentine Doll, $94.95. Available at MadameAlexander.com

Doll collectors will swoon over this ever-so-stylish postal worker, who delivers Valentines in her postman-style hat, dapper blue jacket with red heart-shaped buttons,  tutu-like skirt,polka dot socks, and black Mary Janes with red heart accents. Standing 8″ tall, the Maggie doll features adorable freckles, piercing blue eyes, and a chic black bob and, most importantly, she’s so dedicated to her profession that she won’t stop until she’s delivered all the love notes and packaged packed inside her heart-shaped mailbag.

Jonathan Adler Pink Heart Sunglass Case, $42. Available at JonathanAdler.com

Any bespactacled lass knows how easily lenses can smudge and scratch, regardless of how much was spent on protective coatings and other accoutrements. And, while it’s always wise to carry your eyeglasses or shades in a protective case, traditional hard flip-top cases can be both bulky and heavy. This 100% wool needlepoint case, measuring 3.5″ x 7″,  is  fully lined with protective padding, but its lightweight nature and unobtrusive silhouette makes it easy to stach inside totes and clutches. And, of course, the heart-shaped, red sunglasses stitched along the front surface of the honeysuckle pink case will make anyone’s day a bit sunnier.

Amrita Singh Frunces Earrings, $120. Available at AmritaSingh.com 

These 3.5″-long Amrita Singh earrings  nod to the 1970s disco era but in a way that’s neither dated nor costume-y but, rather, feels modern and sophisticated. Made of a gunmetal-coated brass, the vertical earrings feature an elongated oblong shape and are covered with pavé-set Austrian crystals in a ruby red shade.

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Jean-Michel Cazabat Carrie High Heel Peep Toe Pumps, $345. Available at Bloomingdales.com

A triangular and sculptural peep toe adds a coquettish but ladylike twist to the exotic snakeskin uppers which also feel a bit more youthful thanks to their golden blush pink, sandy beige, and grayish taupe color scheme. Pink leather piping outlining the open vamp and the peep toe, meanwhile, gives the shoe a bit more structure and a grown-up glamour. A covered 4″ heel brings the style to new heights —literally.

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Pure DKNY A Drop of Rose Eau de Parfum Spray, $45 for 1 oz. and $65 for 1.7 oz.. Available at Ulta.com and DKNY.com

Introduced last fall, the third fragrance in the Pure DKNY line revolves around the aromatic beauty of the rose, as well as the romantic and sensual aspects  of this blossom.It’s a fragrance meant to convey the loveliness of simplicity, to remind people of how enticing scents can be in their purest form, without a cacophony of notes and the addition of aromatic synthetics. Pure DKNY A Drop of Rose, then, is light, youthful, and delicate, made entirely of distilled Turkish roses grown in the Isparta Valley and harvested once a year, a process that involves gently plucking each blossom by hand and transporting these flowers to a nearby village for distillation.

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Dawn Levy Sunny Coat in Valentino Red, $400. Available at Bloomingdales and dawnlevydesign.com

Forget those Inspector Gadget-like trenches in bland shades of khaki. For Valentine’s Day, invest in a bold red trench that will make any woman feel like showing up at her lover’s door wearing nothing but her naughtiest lingerie underneath this jazzy coat. Like a traditional trench, this one features two rows of buttons along the front, a belted waist, epaulet straps at the shoulders adorned with buttons, and adjustable straps along the wrists.

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mark. Make It Rich Lip Color Crayons, $11 each. Available at  shop.meetmark.com

Available in six shades, these chubby lip crayons will coat lips with highly pigmented, creamy color with a succulent luster. Unlike other lip pencils and crayons that deliver just a hint of sheer color, these offer full coverage, plus the pigment glides onto the skin effortlessly, almost melting onto lips. Check out swatches of the Peony, Hot Sauce, and Punch shades:

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Baggallini Fold Out Cosmetic Bag, $49.95. Available at Baggallini.com

Whether you’re a makeup junkie like myself or you’re traveling for a considerable period of time, you likely know how hard it can be to condense your list of beauty essentials in order to fit them into a makeup bag or train case. And, while you can always pack multiple makeup bags, doing so can not only be a hassle, but it can exacerbate your sense of confusion since  it’s always hard to remember what was tucked into a particular pouch or bag.  Are the lipsticks in that smaller case? Are the eye shadows and eye pencils in the rectangular pouch? And where are the brushes? You get the drill.

Fortunately, you can now carry a plethora of cosmetics in a single bag that — get this — folds out to 24″ in total length and even includes a swivel hook so that you can hang it from your hotel closet. Made of a lightweight, water-resistant polyester fabric and available in fun shades like pink (pictured first above) and lime (pictured second above), he Baggallini Fold Out Cosmetic Bag features a rectangular shape reminiscent of a lunch box when closed, the top flap secured by two hidden snap closures and a  sturdy top handle  making traveling with this bag all the more convenient. When you open and unfold the bag, you’ll discover three  compartments in which to store all your beauty musts: a slim, zippered pocket on one side; a roomy, built-in pouch with a zippered closure on the other end; and a hefty zippered pouch along the center secured in place via Velcro strips, so that this main compartment can be removed as needed. All three compartments are completely see-through so you can quickly scan and locate your Baggalini for the desired item.

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Melvita Ultra-Nourishing Body Balm, $32. Available at USA. Melvita.com

French natural skincare and haircare brand Melvita specializes in exploring the healing and restorative qualities of the fruits, flowers, seeds, and herbs found in nature. Working with an in-house dermatologist consultant, they developed the brand’s patented 3 Honey complex, a mixture of thyme, acacia, and orange blossom honeys that they discovered could provide immense relief to dry and sensitized skin. This delectable, honey-scented, rich body balm   features the outstanding 3 Honey complex, which helps skin retain moisture for smoother and more supple skin and which also works as an antibacterial agent; along with royal jelly, which can work as an anti-aging ingredient thanks to its skin-firming amino acids; cocoa butter, which is rich in fatty acids that are essential to maintaining softness and elasticity; and stevia leaf extract, believed to help heal wounds. What could be a better gift for your honey pie?

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Jenna Leigh Lingerie Namos Unlined Demi Bra $91, and Namos Ruched Back Tanga, $52. Available at JennaLeighLingerie.com

Ever looked at catalogs for luxury lingerie brands and wondered how they managed to make the models looked so ethereal? Well, aside from good lighting (every woman’s best friend), the key is that the models often wear pieces that  exude a tender and elusive sensuality, revealing just enough while also boasting a feminine delicacy. These are the qualities that could well define the Jenna Leigh Namos Unlined Demi Bra, made of  semi-sheer stretch lace in a powder pink hue and featuring adjustable straps and supportive underwire, and the matching Namos Ruched Tanga, which features an unexpected touch of ruching along the center back area.

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Teroforma Whisky Stones 9-piece Set, $20. Available at Teroforma.com

Want to get your Martini on the rocks but fear that the ice will melt and dilute your precious drink? Then the Teroforma Whisky Stones will feel like the answer to all your liquor-related problems. These 7/8″ cubes, made of Vermont-milled soapstone can chill a lukewarm or room temperature drink without diluting your cocktail (the drawback to trusty ice cubes) or altering its flavor. To use the Whisky Stones, you can simply place them inside their muslin storage bag and tuck them inside the fridge, allowing them to chill for at least four hours. When it’s cocktail time, drop three stones into a glass and pour the spirit  atop them, then let the drink stand for about 3-5 minutes before taking a sip of your newly chilled beverage. Once you drank up, you can rinse the whisky stones off, air dry them, tuck them inside the pouch, and place them back in the freezer. And don’t be confused by their name — these problem solvers can be used for any type of spirit, be it wine, gin, rum, scotch, cognac, or whisky.

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Vintage Shoe Company Aubrey Shoe in Sunset, $179. Available at VintageShoeCompany.com

Gender-bending footwear is more than a passing trend — just ask Taylor Swift, who has been spotted on more than a handful of occasions wearing the Vintage Shoe Company Aubrey, a feminine twist on a classic men’s oxford featuring the trademark wingtip stitching and brogue-like details. Made of washed suede, the Aubrey is ultra adorable in the Sunset hue, a warm coral pink.

TOMS Multi Hearts Vegan Classics, $54.  Available at TOMS.com

Socially conscious brand TOMS has earned a massive following both thanks to its founder’s “One for One” philosophy (for each pair of shoes purchased, another is donated to a child in need) and thanks to the comfort of its slip-on shoes. This vegan-friendly style, made using no animal products, features a whimsical pattern print all over its uppers and is equipped with a cushioned canvas insole and a latex arch insert for greater support.  Could it be the Queen of TOMS Hearts?

Carrera y Carrera Cordoba Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings, $5,250. Available at Neiman Marcus stores nationwide.

Spanish jewelry brand Carrera y Carrera paid homage to the architecture in Córdoba, Andalucía — in particular, the Moorish architectural details of the Cathedral of Córdoba (also known as the Great Mosque of Córdoba) — with its aptly dubbed Cordoba collection. These hoop earrings, for instance, feature intricate cagework in geometric angles that recall the gilded dome over the Maksoureh, an anteroom for the caliph and his court in front of the mihrab.

Prada Infusion D’Iris Eau de Parfum Absolue, $88. Available at Bloomingdales.com

Who said Prada had finished writing the book on its Infusion d’Iris fragrance collection? If you were enthralled by the Prada Infusion d’Iris Eau de Parfum and the Prada Infusion d’Iris Eau de Toilette , then get ready to turn the page and enjoy the new chapter in this fragrance story: the Prada Infusion d’Iris Absolue. Blended by perfumer Daniela Andrier, the Infusion d’Iris Eau de Parfum Absolue is intended to feel a bit more extravagant  and exotic than the Infusion d’Iris EDP , mainly thanks to some minor changes in the fragrance composition like the addition of some spicy and warm oriental notes and the omission of some of the woodier notes in the original scent. Whereas the Infusion d’Iris Eau de Parfum featured top notes of of galbanum, mandarin orange, and orange blossom; heart notes of iris, cedar, vetiver; and base notes of frankincense and benzoin, the Prada Infusion d’Iris Eau de Parfum Absolue features orange blossom, absolute, and Italian iris top notes (note that the mandarin orange and galbanum notes are no longer featured in this iteration of the scent); middle notes of Laos benzoin and white musk for a sensual and ephemeral twist (as opposed to the iris, cedar, and vetiver in the EDP); and base notes of  Venezuelan tonka bean and Madagascar vanilla for a creamy and seductive aromatic trail that lingers on seductively. The  result is an exquisite floral scent with an amber-like warmth (thanks to the benzoin heart note) and the smooth, seductive quality of both musk and vanilla.

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Carelle Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Pavé Set After Dark Ring, $14,500. Available at Carelle.com

Part of Carelle’s After Dark collection, this glamorous ring  features a prong-set, oval-shaped pink tourmaline stone with a domed, multi-faceted surface that allows it to reflect oncoming light in a way that accentuates the stone’s fiery beauty. Around the pink tourmaline’s perimeter, meanwhile, you’ll find an 18k rose gold rim adorned with round, pavé set diamonds, so that these crystalline beauties encircle the colored center stone.

Betsey Johnson Heart Mesh Bra in Candy Apple, $38, and Heart Mesh Cheekini, $18. Available at Nordstrom.

You’ll feel like dancing around in your underwear — or maybe even doing a cartwheel or two — in these perky undergarments from fun-loving designer Betsey Johnson, both featuring metallic heart details over a semi-sheer mesh fabric.

Moyna Isabelle Beaded Clutch, $195. Available at CalypsoStBarth.com

Hand-beaded and embroidered by artisans in India, this Moyna New York clutch feels like a tribute to Mumbai thanks to its  bold color scheme and  intricate beadwork. Featuring a fold-over flap with a hidden snap closure, the clutch is embellished with oval cabochon stones in coral red and cerulean blue, round and bean-shaped glass and plastic beads of various sizes, and flat sequins.

Everly Forever Zig Zag Blouse, $38. Available at ShopSosie.com

Geometric patterns are all the rage this season, and the chevron theme in this Everly blouse reminds us of just how much fun can be had with even the simplest of prints. The  flowing tunic features a boat neck and a rounded hemline, as well as  long, billowing sleeves  cuffed at the wrists.

MASSI Coraggio Stud Earrings, $140. Available at GiandoMassi.com

You’ve likely heard the term “druzy” a thousand times in recent years, but what exactly is it? Well, it’s a coating of fine crystals within a rock formation or geode, one of the many examples of the untouched beauty that nature offers. These heart-shaped stud earrings, then, celebrate nature via their fuchsia-colored druzy interiors, which look like pieces of rock candy thanks to the crystals’ sharp points.

Clinique Happy Heart Perfume Spray, $37. Available at Clinique.com

This optimistic fragrance livens up spirits with a mandarin orange top note that, combined with a cucumber note, feels zesty without being overpowering, sunny yet also mouthwatering, while middle notes of carrot and water hyacinth add green but aqueous nuances to the overall aroma.  Through December 31st, Clinique Happy Heart  is available in a limited-edition packaging, tucked inside a white box featuring pink and orange heart illustrations that look like they were made by children using crayons and markers. The packaging speaks to Clinique’s commitment to the Happy Hearts Fund, a non-profit organization that strives to build schools for children in areas that are impoverished or which have been devastated by natural catastrophes — from post-earthquake Haiti to post-tsunami Thailand. Not only has Clinique donated $250,000 to the HHF, it has vowed to donate $10 from the sale of each Happy Heart  fragrance to the organization. By buying this scent, then, you’ll be spreading the love in many directions: to the recipient of this lively perfume, to the hard-working folks at the HHF, and to the children whose lives will be enriched as a result of your contribution.

Bodycology Sweet Love Nourishing Body Cream, $5.99. Available at BodycologyStore.com

This body cream lives up to the “Sweet” portion of its moniker with its  sugary scent, which can best be described as an ultra saccharine mix of whipped cream, pink peony, and blush rose. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this lightweight lotion will feel like quite the treat — and, of course, it contains shea butter, cocoa butter, aloe vera, soybean oil, and vitamins E and C to smooth, soften, hydrate, and protect the skin.

Courvoisier Gold, $24.99 per bottle. Available at

 The latest offering from Courvoisier combines two rather unexpected spirits: cognac and Moscato wine.  Though it’s not exactly appealing when served at room temperature, once properly chilled, Courvoisier Gold tastes less like cognac and more like a sweet, fruity wine, which is precisely what the company intended since it relies on 70% Moscato from the South of France and 30% Courvoisier cognac. Like Moscato, it has a sweet floral aroma and tastes like a mixture of grape, apple, pear, and vanilla — but with a bit of a kick thanks to the cognac in the formula.

Beautiful Bottoms Tropic Padded Wire Bra, $89.50, and Tropic Ruched Knicker, $47. Available at BeautifulBottoms.com

Though the print on these luxurious undergarments is dubbed “Tropic,” don’t expect toucan-worthy colors or samba-style feathers and embellishments. Instead, this padded, full-coverage bra with a supportive underwire and adjustable straps that allow you to push the “girls” up as much as you desire, along with  the matching low-cut panty, featuring a ruched waistline, both feature a floral print that’s at once lush and delicate, with branches and leaves along the backdrop in a moody gray shade and pink peonies  in full bloom bringing light and optimism to the overall design.

Nissa Jewelry Sydne Jeweled Bib Necklace, $98. Available at NissaJewelry.com

A statement necklace  can take any ensemble from drab to fab. Featuring a  4.5″-wide, crescent moon-shaped bib made of pink leather and adorned with chartreuse-colored crystals in round, square, and pod shapes, this Nissa number will brighten up outfits and attitudes.

Blessed Charm 10K Rose Gold or 10K Yellow Gold Life Link Necklace with Diamond Stone, $465 each. Available at BlessedCharm.com

Jewelry can sometimes feel so impersonal. Even when you buy a necklace that says “Love,” “Angel,” “Cherished,” or “Sweetheart,” these pieces, however sophisticated, still feel generic, which then minimizes the sentiment  they’re meant to convey. Thankfully, designer Emily Rabinowitz  decided to fill the void in the market with her Blessed Charm Life Link necklaces, available in rose gold, sterling silver, and yellow gold. Each necklace features a rectangular bar that measures 1.25″ in length and can be engraved with any word, date, or symbol (up to 20 characters, of course), so that  it can truly feel like a personalized token of affection. Customers can also pick whether they want to add a diamond stone to their necklace for a bit more dazzle. Another plus: if you’re on a tighter budget, you can pick up a 14k rose gold or 14k yellow gold piece for only $120.

Oscar & Anna Cleo Bag in Hot Pink, $468. Available at OscarandAnna.com

Do you carry your entire life in your bag? Then you’ll appreciate the design of the Oscar & Anna Cleo bag, which features a lower compartment into which you can stash bigger items (be it a book, iPad, 1 liter Fiji water bottle, or makeup train case) and an upper compartment in which to store smaller, more urgent items like your cell phone, keys, and wallet.  A zipper along the top allows you to reach your essentials quickly, while a side zipper makes accessing the larger items less of a hassle (yes, girls, no more sifting through a seemingly bottomless pit!). Made of Italian leather and measuring  14″ in width, 13″ in height, and 4″ in depth, this sleek and elegant number is as stylish as it is practical.

Schwinn Rendezvous 2 Bike, $650. Visit SchwinnBikes.com for stores.

The Schwinn Rendeszvous 2 bike’s pale pink color  might remind girls of their very first bikes, complete with training wheels and handlebar streamers, but this two-wheeled phenom is certainly not meant for child’s play. Featuring a step-thru steel frame with a double top tube and rigid steel form, the bike boasts a Shimano Altus rear detailleur with a 7-speed drive train and a Tourney Revo shifter that allows riders to switch gears depending on the terrain they traverse. It also tips the adorable scale thanks to its  green front basket , which features a built-in coffee cup holder, making it great for both leisurely rides and for morning trips to work.

Sweethearts Green Enamel “Kiss Me” Stud Earrings, $119.99. Available at SweetheartsJewelry.com

Who can forget the powdery, heart-shaped, pastel-colored Necco Sweethearts candies you ate as a child and which you shared with your friends, making sure to give them a piece with the appropriate message: “Kiss Me” for the boy whose name you doodled inside your notebook, “Be Kind” to your BFF, and so on.  Modeled after the candies you so loved, these 12mm-tall sterling silver stud earrings, coated in green enamel and stamped with the words “Kiss Me,” will cater to your nostalgic sentiments.

Shea Moisture Organic Lavender & Wild Orchid Massage, Bath & Body Oil, $9.99. Available at Walgreens stores.