Behind the Look: Jenny Cho

Welcome to “Behind the Look” – a new feature that showcases the talent behind the looks we love – the real celebrities in my eyes.  

Stylist Jenny Cho works regularly with leading ladies including Jennifer Lawrence, Amanda Seyfried and Jennifer Garner.  Not only should you read this interview to get to know her, but also because her best piece of advice is to, "Keep it dirty."  My kind of girl!  Enjoy!

Describe the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately.

It seems like every project is as exciting as the last one so it's hard for me pick just one!

What’s your beauty philosophy?

Be your own kind of beautiful.

What are the top five must-haves in your kit and why? 

Suave Professionals Touchable Finish Lightweight Hold Hairspray – I love this hairspray because it locks in style without leaving hair stiff or crunchy.

Suave Professionals Natural Infusion All Day Body Leave -In Foam with Seaweed – Effortless waves is one of my favorite styles and this leave-in foam helps you get it. I’ll usually apply this foam to towel-dried hair before blowing it dry for added volume and movement.

Harry Josh Pro Tools Flat Iron – It’s important to invest in a good hair dryer and straightener, and Harry Josh makes excellent ones.

Hot Tools 2-inch Curling Iron – I can do almost anything with this iron, whether it’s beachy or wavy hair, adding body, or giving a slight bend.

Ibiza CX1 Brush – I'm really loving this brush right now. It's amazing for detailing hair.

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive? I'm seriously so impressed and in love with the new Suave Professionals products for 2015, but you’ll have to wait till January! Lots of exciting innovations to come!

Spill your best beauty advice. Keep it dirty. Don't wash your hair every day; second-day hair is always better for styling. Second-day hair doesn’t have to mean greasy though!

What’s the one tip or trick that you think all women should know?

One tip that every woman should know is having gorgeous hair is healthy hair. Keep your hair in good condition by using weekly deep conditioning treatments and follow up with regular trims. It doesn't have to be every 6-8 weeks, but you can tell when your hair doesn't behave and move the right way. That's when you know you need to put a little life back into that hair of yours, and get to the salon!

You can follow Jenny Cho on Instagram and Twitter to see all of her work.

Charcoal: Hot Ingredient for 2015

The latest ingredient causing a buzz in the beauty industry is charcoal.  Why?  Because it helps to absorb impurities in your skin (think toxins and gunk, ew).  Interested?  Of course you are!  Here are some ways to start using it right away.  Say good-bye to your black heads!

Biore just released a whole collection with the hot ingredient.  Because of the added ingredient, even their famous pore strips are more effective.  Try using the Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser or the Pore Penetrating Charcoal Bar (yes, a black soap bar) to help draw out the gunk in your pores.

To take things a step further use Origins Clear Improvement, an active charcoal mask, once to twice a week to really rid toxins in your skin.

New Year, New Intern: Meet Kayla

Hi, I'm Kayla and I'm so excited to be joining the BeautySweetSpot team! Being a broke college student, my life revolves around great products that are pretty cost effective. If I'm going to spend money, you better believe it's going to be on something that's worth it. These are some of my favorite beauty buys that I currently can't live without, BeautySweetSpot approved, of course!

Marc Jacobs Matte Lip Gel in Scandal, $30 at Sephora

Every girl needs a good red lipstick. What I love about this particular one is its color. The pigment is so bold, it's meant for making a statement. This is the lipstick I use for cocktail parties or to dress up my look when running errands.

Rimmel’s BB Cream Beauty Balm, $5.59 at drugstores

The foundation of a flawless look is... well, foundation. I love Rimmel’s BB Cream Beauty Balm with built-in SPF (what alliteration). I love it because not only does it cover up those finals-week breakouts but it also moisturizes your skin. It's light and moisturizing, which is exactly what I seek.

Urban Decay’s Naked Illuminated Shimmering Powder, $29 at Sephora

This product will literally make you shimmer.  Need I say more? I don’t know how I’ve gone my whole life without it. It’s simple to use and there’s really no wrong method as long as you don’t go overboard (really don’t go overboard or else you could look like the newest disco queen). It highlights my cheekbones perfectly and can even double as a pretty wonderful eyeshadow.

The Body Shop’s Glazed Apple Body Butter, $5 at thebodyshop-usa.com

Body butters are vital during winter, especially a winter as cold as this one. If you're going to be using body butter it may as well smell like the greatest thing ever, right? That's just another reason I'm obsessed with this product. Apply a little to your cracking hands and they'll hands will be as smooth as a babies bottom.

Tresemmés Smooth Salon Silk No Frizz Serum, $9.99 at drugstores

Good haircare products are hard to come by, so when you find a great one it becomes the holy grail. I like this product because I have the curliest, frizziest hair the world has ever seen, but it's also great for straight hair. I just put a dab into my hair when it's damp then style.  It keeps my hair silky smooth and frizz-free.

Beauty Values Worth Stocking Up On Now

The holidays may be coming to an end, but I'm still saying ‘tis the season to get the most bang for your buck – especially when it comes to beauty buys. Each season beauty companies create limited edition gift sets that are a real steal, making it OK to splurge on yourself after gifting to everyone else.  I recommend grabbing some of these limited edition values now while they're still in store!

Lipstick: Sephora Give Me Some Lip, $25 a $90 value that includes six lip samplers from brands like Smashbox, NARS and Urban Decay.  How else are you supposed to find a new favorite color?

Bronzer/Blush: Nars Cheek Palette, $65 a $151 value that includes 5 powders, the best selling bronzers, blushes and highlighter.  Again, this is limited edition for holiday, so grab it while it lasts!

Skincare: Origins Super Stars, $61 a $131 value, which includes serum, night cream, face wash, brightening pads, body cream and body wash.

Hair: Chi Travel Tool Kit, $99.95 a $149.95 value that includes three mini, yet powerful hot tools: flat iron, curling iron and blow drier.

Makeup: Tarte Making Waves Set, $75 a $150 value includes Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in Exposed, Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer in Park Ave Princess, LipSurgence Power Pigment in Exposed, Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara, Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush and a travel makeup bag.

From my home to yours... Happy Holidays!

So this is what Christmas looks like in my home.  Happy Holidays BeautySweetSpot readers!  With the year coming to an end, I wish you all health, joy, prosperity and great brows.  This is my sixth holiday season writing here and I cannot express enough how grateful I am for all of your support to have made it this far.  Also, for the ambition to keep blogging.  Cheers to 2015! Love, Jeannine (and baby kitty Stella)

Get the Look: Kate Hudson's Waves

Kate Hudson looked stunning at the People magazine awards with her signature beach waves. Hairstylist David Babaii, created what he calls, the “classic Kate."  Want to get the look? You’re in luck, because we got the how to.

To start off, tousle your hair upside until dry to add volume. Once dry, mist a heat protectant spray evenly throughout. Then, grab a two inch section of hair and using the ghd Curve Classic Curling Iron, wind the hair around the iron while keeping the iron open. This technique creates a soft, bouncy wave. After you’ve curled your hair to that Kate Hudson effortless perfection, separate a few strands with your fingers and gently tousle your hair at the roots with your fingertips.

Stubborn flyaways ruining your look? Babaii says to use the iron to smooth at the root. Start at the root of the two inch section, run your iron through the first four inches of your hair two times. If you have thick hair, try doing smaller sections.

Coffee Scrubs, Because Cellulite

Whether you're into buying or DIYing, coffee scrubs are always a good idea.  Not only do they help exfoliate dry skin, but they also temporarily minimize the appearance of cellulite. That's right, cellulite.  So if you're toughing out the cold this winter, or are heading out of town and will be putting on a bikini, you need this in your life.  Here are one of my favorite coffee scrubs (worth the money) and of course, a DIY option.

BUY: Juara Invigorating Coffee Scrub, $37

This is one of the most invigorating, delicious and pampering scrubs I've ever come across.  Made with French Roasted Indonesian Coffee, it smells like the strongest cup you've ever had and helps to smooth cellulite by stimulating circulation to the skin.

DIY: Coffee Scrub

Besides coffee, one of the key components to this scrub (or any DIY scrub) is coconut oil.  It's moisturizing properties can't be beat.  With three ingredients, this one's easy to mix up.  Just make sure you melt the coconut oil before beginning your mixture.

1/2 cup ground coffee 1/2 cup coconut palm sugar 1/4 cup coconut oil

So what's the plan?  Are you buying or DIYing?

Holiday Gifts Beauty Editors Would Die For

What do you get a girl that has everything?  Well, my beauty writer friends who spilled the holiday gifts they'd be gifting this season also shared the holiday gifts they'd die for.  Without further ado, here's our wish list.  Hopefully this helps you, too!

A beauty item I'd die to receive?  A week long trip to a wellness retreat that's all about eating clean, doing yoga and meditation.  I'm dying to go! - Yours Truly

My dream gift is a four-handed massage at a fancy spa, where post-treatment champagne and truffles are the standard. The idea is so decadent, and I'm too practical to save up for it, but doesn't that sound amazing? - Annie Tomlin, TheGlowHow.com

I'd die to receive the Charlotte Tilbury Uptown Girl set.  Everything you need for a chic, sultry makeup look all in a single package. It just speaks to my soul. - Amber Katz, Rouge18.com

A spa weekend in northern California wine country. The combination of massages, spa treatments and red wine is pretty much my idea of heaven. - Jamie Stone, HonestlyJamie

All I ever want out of my beauty lifestyle quiet time to sleep, so in a perfect world my husband would magically surprise me with 6 or 8 new Hastens pillows, a cup of that herbal tea, and some serious sleep time. - Bryce Gruber, LuxurySpot

The beauty gift i'd DIE to receive is lipo (I won't even lie, it's that and always will be). – Aly Walansky, ALittleAlyTude

My husband and I are buying an apartment, and we're doing a little work to it. I'm majorly lobbying for a vanity. Nothing fancy, just a place to sit while I get ready. - Polly Blitzer, BeautyBlitz

I would love nothing more in AMERICA than to receive an all expense paid spa getaway for some serious, much needed R&R. The Canyon Ranch Lenox in The Berkshires reads like a dream come true! - Andrea Arterbery, TheArtofBerry

It's really important for your sanity to take time off from crazy schedules and exploding email inboxes, and I've been dying to try Aire Ancient Baths in TriBeCa, where you can soak in pools and steam baths until there's not a care in the world. A relaxing massage plus a few hours to zen away in the baths would be heavenly. – Courtney Dunlop, youlookgreatingreen.com

Dry Bar Big Hair Don't Care Holiday Kit - I mean come on with this. It has everything I'd need to style my hair from day to day. Not only am I in desperate need for some new hair brushes, Dry Bar products are hard to come by anyway and they're amazing. The use I would get out of all of these luxurious products makes it worth the steep price point. – Emily Rekstis, BeautySweetSpot contributor

I'm OBSESSED with the Endless Silky Eye Pens from Pixi -- the gift set is only $18.  The liners go on like butter, are highly pigmented and STAY PUT. These are my favorite affordable eye pencils, and I tell everyone about them. I would never refuse a gift set of 5. – Sheyma Azam, BeautyandtheFeastBlog

Drybary Barfly Blowout membership – I am so lazy about my hair and it looks pretty much the same every day. With someone else in charge of the heat tools, I'd mix it up a little. Plus, nothing puts me in a good mood like a blowout. – Liesa Goins, freelance beauty editor

You know the “One day if I was really rich…” fantasy scenraios where you could have a personal chef or a water slide in your backyard? I’d take an on-call masseuse. The knots in my back never go away thanks to endless hours craned over my laptop, and I don’t think I’d tire of a massage every few days. – Joanna Douglas, Yahoo! Beauty

The Easiest Way to Boost Your Hair Color

How great do you feel after getting your hair color done?  Refreshed and renewed, dying my hair a richer shade of brown always adds an extra bounce to my step.   In between color appointments, I have a recipe for radiance that keeps the shade and tone in check.  Want to make your hair color look fresh for longer?  Here's the easiest way to give it a boost – no salon needed.

I start by using Catwalk by Tigi Fashionista Brunette Shampoo & Conditioner daily.  They help to reduce any brassy, reddish tones that come out after a few weeks and keep my color intense and hair shiny by depositing a bit of color each time.  There's also a set of shampoo and conditioner for blondes that deposit violet hues onto the hair to keep it vibrant.  But sorry redheads and everyone else, that's as far as the collection extends for now.

Then, once a week I use John Frieda Color Refreshing Gloss for Cool Brunettes, which is an in-shower gloss-like treatment.  I mentioned on my Instagram recently, that this is one drugstore product I actually buy when I run out.  As a beauty blogger, I'm fortunate enough to not have to purchase products that often.  But when I get hooked, I get hooked.  While I'm a huge fan of getting professional glosses in-between colors, this gets the job done, too.  No salon visit required.  Like the shampoo and conditioner, it deposits color at a more intense level to counteract brassiness and keep your shade rich.  Once a week I leave it on my damp, clean hair for about five minutes and rinse.  This collection is available for brunettes, blondes and redheads, and also comes in warm and cool tones, so you can get the perfect match.

Don't dye your hair?  Lucky b*tch.  You can still use these products to enhance your hair color or try using a clear gloss like Rita Hazan's Ultimate Shine Gloss, just to boost your shine game.

Behind the Look: Napoleon Perdis

Welcome to “Behind the Look” – a new feature that showcases the talent behind the looks we love – the real celebrities in my eyes.

When I first met Makeup Artist, Napoleon Perdis, I couldn't stop smiling.  His positive energy lights up a room and his knowledge of painting faces surpasses many.  Trust me, you want to get to know this guy.  Here's his beauty advice, must-haves and use of donkey milk.

Describe the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately.

My latest Masterclass tour in Australia! I shared my personal makeup tips and tricks with my amazing partners across and taught them how I prepare a face for the everyday customer, runway, trend, and more.

What’s your beauty philosophy?

Beauty is about confidence and empowerment. You are in control of the image you project to others. Be the very best version of yourself you can be, and do it every day.

What are the top five must-haves in your kit and why? 

Optrex Eyedew Dazzling Eye Drops - These drops make the whites of your eyes pop immediately, helping to diminish any signs of fatigue.

Hand Sanitizer - Clean hands are a MUST when you are a makeup artist! Always store some in your kit and use before beginning makeup application.

Breath Mints - You have to get up close and personal with clients as a makeup artist and nothing can ruin a makeover experience quite like bad breath.

Glycerin - I mix this with water and put the combination in a spray bottle to create radiant, glowing skin all over the body on photo shoots. To really amp up the glow factor, I also mix in a bit of my Auto Pilot Radiance-Boosting Primer. The result is gorgeous, super shiny skin.

Brush Cleaner - It is imperative to clean your brushes after each use to keep them in top condition and for hygienic purposes. Always keep a bottle in your kit and spray on brushes after each client.

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive?

Donkey Milk! Cleopatra was known to bathe in the youth-enhancing milk, and I took her ancient beauty secret and made it modern with my Auto Pilot Hydrating Milk Cleanser. It leaves skin soft, supple, and cleansed. It’s especially amazing for dry or mature skin. I personally use it on my face and body – and I’ll never turn back.

Spill your best beauty advice.

Never forget to bring out your inner celebrity! Treat every day like you’re stepping out on a red carpet. It sounds cliché, but when you look good, you feel good, and that translates to every aspect of your life.

What’s the one tip or trick that you think all women should know?

Always use a primer! I can’t say it enough - not to prime IS a crime! One of the makeup mistakes women make is not allowing their foundation to become one with their skin, and primer is an easy but effective solution. It ensures a smooth landing for your base and keeps skin looking fresh all day long. My Auto Pilot Pre- Foundation Primer is gentle on skin and soothes the complexion for a flawless finish. If your skin needs an extra boost of radiance, my Auto Pilot Radiance-Boosting primer will lift and flatter the face thanks to its glow-giving properties.

5 Styling Products No Short-Hair Girl Should be Without

When you decide to cut your hair short, you're deciding not to allow yourself the option of up-dos anymore, which means in order to create different looks, you need to get creative.  As a former long hair to short hair girl myself, I can tell you styling different ‘dos is tricky, but that’s where these products come in. Here are our favorite styling products for short hair.

Jonathan Product Dirt, $26

Calling on all pixie cut ladies out there, this texturizing paste separates hair with great control and hold. Not only does it allow you to control the texture of your hair, but it also provides a luxurious shiny finish.

Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil, $69

Serums like this are important in any hair routine due to their nutrients and moisturizing benefits. But those of us with short hair can't risk the stringy effect some of these products provide. It can weigh down the style and hide those layers, angles and fringe that make short hairstyles so desirable. That’s why we love Shu Uemura’s serum so much. Its formula absorbs into hair so quickly that it does not allow for the oil to create lanky undesirable hair.

Toni & Guy Texturising Glue, $14.99

Providing similar results as Dirt, this texturising glue works best for those longer-short- haired-girls for separating layers and fringe. While it provides hold, it looks soft within the hair. Just rub it in your palms and message up through the ends of hair to make those gorgeous layers in your bob pop.

Living Proof Instant Texture Mist, $26

This product is great for girls with hair from chin-length bob to a lob and anywhere in between. It sprays lighter than other more powerful texturizing sprays dispense, allowing you to build to the desired amount of product. Not only does it separate hair to give you gorgeous tousled look, but it also adds volume. And major plus, it works on damp hair or dry, so you don’t have to worry about showering before using it.

Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray, $23.80

No one likes when the hairspray hardens in your hair. But us girls with shorter hair simply just don’t have enough hair to counter the hardening effects (actually, does anybody?). Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray makes it easy to brush through hair without frizzing and damaging hair. In fact, the infused argan oil makes it healthy for hair, especially during the dry winter months.

3 Ways to Protect Your Skin this Winter

Is the heat on full blast in your home yet?  No matter where you live, winter will affect your beauty regimen in many different ways and not always for the better.  Take your skin for example.  The heat dries it out and cold weather chaps it.  (#winning)  Unless you stay ahead of the game, you could be in for a brutal beauty beating.  Here are some tips to ensure your skin beats the winter beauty blues.

1. Stay hydrated.  Yes, how you treat your body has a direct correlation on how you look on the outside.  I'm not telling you to make sure you drink eight glasses of water a day, but keep up with whatever works for you water, tea, hot chocolate.  Pick your poison.

2. Moisturize as soon as you get out of the shower.  Applying moisturizer to damp skin locks it in.  I'm currently using Curel Rough Skin Rescue Smoothing Lotion.  It makes my skin feel instantly soft, and is ideal for even the driest, flaky skin (my feet are bad!).

3. Plug in a humidifier.  It'll pull more moisturizer into the air and help prevent your skin from drying out.  I sleep with one on nightly.

*This post is sponsored by Curél, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

Follow Dr. Neal Schultz's Advice For Better Skin

Since visiting Dr. Neal Schultz's new Peel Bar last month, I've seen him in office three times.  Seem a little extreme?  Maybe it is, but I'm anal about my skin and apparently, addicted to glycolic peels.  As one of the most intelligent men I know, Dr. Schultz hosts DermTV webisodes where you can get his advice without paying a visit to his NYC office.  Have a question about your skin? You def want to check it out.  Personally, I was battling dark spots from acne.  Gross!  Oh, you too? Here's the advice I got...

Live in NYC?  You can find Dr. Neal Schultz at 1130 Park Ave.

Behind the Look: Ammon Carver

Welcome to “Behind the Look” – a new feature that showcases the talent behind the looks we love – the real celebrities in my eyes.  

In his downtime, NYC hairstylist, Ammon Carver, coifs stars like Kate Beckinsale, Molly Sims, Amanda Seyfried, Kirsten Dunst and Leighton Meester, but his most recent project has taken his career to the next level.  He just opened his own salon, with a twist – it's part photography studio.  Pretty cool, huh?  And his five must haves are essential enough for us all to take note of.

Describe the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately.

Aside from opening the Ammon Carver Studio, I am currently working on a project that involves providing a day of beauty to women in shelters for abuse. We will put together a team of hairstylists and done our time to make sure these women feel their most beautiful.

What’s your beauty philosophy?

Beauty begins within…if you want to look your best, it begins with being selective about what ingredients (food, and products) that you put in and on your body

What are the top five must-haves in your kit and why? 

Mason Pearson cushion bush….gives the best polish possible.

Fine tooth tail comb….perfect for backcoming and detailing.

Working hairspray, my go-to is Keratin Healing Oil Lustrous Finishing Spray…..buildable hold without any mattifying or flaking.

Hair bungee ties….ponytail and bun perfection.

Duckbill sectioning clips….keeping my work organized is the only way to create certain hairstyles….need to be able to cleanly separate the hair without leaving marks.

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive?

Lately I love the aerosol Texture Sprays…Dry Texture Spray from L'ANZA is seriously amazing because it not only gives sexy, second-day texture, but it acts like a dry shampoo as well.

 Spill your best beauty advice.

Eat well, get good exercise…you would be surprised how good fitness and nutrition can affect your overall hair/skin/nails beauty.

What’s the one tip or trick that you think all women should know?

I think all women with long hair should learn how to do at least a simple braid.  Braids are  a trend that cycles in and out more than any other.  They are a great way to secure annoying bangs, they serve perfectly for when your hair is under a hood during the winter, or when you want a fresh look at the beach…..learn how to braid your hair. You will open a ton of style options by doing so. Short haired women should learn to play with hair accessories to mix up their look.

Bridal Hairstyles for Any Occasion

We saw all kinds of low buns on during Fall 2015 Bridal Fashion Week. While it may seem like a very simple, standard hairstyle, the runways proved that stereotype wrong. With small braids, sleek twists and knots, the intricate details of these low buns are appealing in so many ways.  Of course, you don't need to be a bride to rock these chic updos.  See one you like? We’ve got the bridal hairstyle how-to’s so you can recreate them at home for any affair.

Sleek Twisted Bun at Carolina Herrera

We absolutely love this twisted delicate bun seen on Carolina Herrera’s runway. If you want to recreate it’s clean details, stylist Stephanie Belly says it’s all about keeping the hair straight and slick.

1. Start by applying a heat protectant on dry hair from roots to ends and rough blow-dry into the hair.
2. Next, slick back the hair using a generous amount of Kerastase Forme Fatale before pulling it back into a ponytail in the middle back of the head.
3. Then, flat ironed the ponytail until it's completely straight and apply a shine serum to the end of the ponytail.
4. Finally, create loop details. To do so, wrap the hair around three fingers, place an elastic over the loop for support and smooth the ends as you wrap and pin around the hair tie as to hide it.

Braided Bun at Marchesa

This braided bun, created by hairstylist Akemi Tamaribuchi, has just the perfect bit of a peek-a-boo braid effect.

1. Start by dividing your hair into two sections at the top and bottom and clip the top.
2. Next, create a classic braid on a 2” section on the right side of the occipital bone and secure it with an elastic.
3. Add subtle texture using Kerastase VIP on the lengths of the remaining hair.
4. Divide the remaining hair into two sections to create a soft side part.
5. Tie the sections into two knots, creating a large chain-type knot and secure with bobby pins.
6. Finish off by wrapping and tucking the remaining lengths into the knot using pins.

Knotted Chignon at Monique Lhuilier

Nina Dimachki created one of the more simplistic low buns seen, at Monique Lhuilier.

1. Start by applying a mousse like Kerstase Mousse Bouffante  to the roots and Ciment Thérmique from mid-length through the ends onto clean dry hair.
2. After blowing dry hair away from the face, create a center part and gather hair at the nape of the neck and secure into a ponytail.
3. Next, curl the ends of the hair and lightly sprayed a hairspray for hold.
4. To finish it off, create a tight, slightly asymmetric knot, tucking in the accessible curls underneath and securing with bobby pins.

What Beauty Editors Are Giving this Season

There has to be at least one person on your holiday gift list that you'll be buying a beauty gift set for!  Good luck stepping into a Sephora.  You're going to want everything!  Since my beauty writer friends and I have seen them all, I called on the troops to dish on what beauty gifts they're gifting this season to help you cut through the clutter.  Here are some of the hottest ones out there this season all under $50.

I'll be gifting the Urban Decay Black Magic 24/7 Glide-On Double-Ended Eye Pencil Set to a few people this year. It comes with four double sided liners in all wearable shades.  I think it makes a great gift, not only because I love Urban Decay liners, but also because people tend to purchase black or brown liner for themselves and this encourages them to play.  – yours truly Aromatherapy Associates Bath Jewels - This London-based brand makes the BEST bath oils, and every time I use mine, I feel like all of my cares drift away. The blends smell wonderful, and you need only a few drops to create a wonderful escape, so these little bottles will last a while. This is an especially good gift for people who are always taking care of others—it pretty much forces them to slow down and pamper themselves for once. - Annie Tomlin, TheGlowHow.com

I love the Benefit 3 Scoops O's Sexy, which boasts three tinted lip balms in their stunning, wearable shades for a sheer, pretty look. Benefit does festive packaging right; any gal would love to be on the receiving end of this set. - Amber Katz, Rouge18.com

Boscia Tsubaki Secrets is a pretty fabulous gift for just about anyone. I'm a personal believer in one, cleansing oil and two, a konjac sponge- it's the beauty item you never knew you'd love. - Jamie Stone, HonestlyJamie

I happen to extra super duper love this herbal tea from David's Tea, because it tastes like drinking a homemade caramel cake, smells even better, and magically has no calories. I'm giving it to all the gals in my family this year, and even though it comes in a chic stainless tin it's super affordable. - Bryce Gruber, LuxurySpot

I'm all about giving this season is a glamsquad gift card. I mean, seriously -- for $50 (10% off if you join their mailing list - and i mean, duh, obviously anyone would) - a stylist will come to your home or office (or anywhere you want, really) and give you a runway-ready blowout. I've had them come as early as 7 am, as late as 10 pm, and they are always amazing - that's useful for everything from job interview to booty call, which I think makes it the best gift of all. – Aly Walansky, ALittleAlyTude

I'm bringing every host a Givenchy's Les Mini Prismes this season. The packaging looks like those vintage steamer trunks that people used to bring on the Orient Express. Each drawer looks impossibly dainty but houses every makeup essential you need, from shimmery blush to saturated shadows to tools and a mirror. It's $39 at Sephora. Not bad, considering that a Givenchy Antigona bag will run you about $3,000. - Polly Blitzer, BeautyBlitz

I am obsessed with these mini Sugar Lip Treatments from Fresh! Not only do they keep lips hydrated (a must for the winter!), but they also leave just the amount of color and can be used under or over lipsticks. They also smell delicious and who wouldn't want yummy smelling lips for the holiday season?! - Andrea Arterbery, TheArtofBerry

I love spreading the gospel of lipstick, so this year I'll be giving the Lipstick Queen Discovery Set at Space NK, $48, which includes my all time favorite lipstick Medieval. It's the best translucent red in the world, and it looks good on every skintone. Plus, you get a classic nude and sheer, shimmery pink. So basically a lipstick for every occasion. One Lipstick Queen lipstick on its own is about $22, making this trio a really good deal. - Courtney Dunlop, youlookgreatingreen

Philosophy's Sparkly Time of Year - It's Philosophy- so obviously obsessed. Lip glosses are always fun to give because there's no such thing as having too many. While they may be stocking-sized products, it allows you to try out so many of their different delicious scents. It may give them a new favorite one!  – Emily Rekstis, BeautySweetSpot contributor

When it comes to beauty gifts, I love giving people gift sets from brands I adore so they can discover it for themselves too. Ole Henriksen is up there on my list of must haves, and this Unwrap Your Radiance set has my can't-live-without Truth Serum in it. – Sheyma Azam, BeautyandtheFeastBlog

Alexis Bittar for Sephora Liquid Gold Compact - This compact is a little sculpture you can keep in your purse. The size and shape make it easy to find in your bag. Also, it's  24-karat gold-plated, which is kind of ridiculous and amazing in a Wolf of Wall Street way. – Liesa Goins, freelance beauty editor

In the freezing winter with dry heat pumping through the vents, it’s important to hydrate your skin as much as possible. Kiehl’s Crème de Corps is so nourishing, and 100% of the proceeds from their limited edition holiday versions support Feeding America—that’s a win-win in my book. I love cute Normal Rockwell packaging this year, and the convenience of a pump. I think this jumbo bottle would put a smile on anyone’s face. – Joanna Douglas, Yahoo! Beauty

7 Holiday Stocking Stuffers Under $20

Who doesn’t love seeing all of the cute holiday beauty collections and packages while shopping through Sephora? It’s almost as vital a part of the season as eggnog and caroling. With so many to choose from we totally understand how you can end up at the check out counter with more products than you have girlfriends. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best stocking stuffers on the market all for under $20.

L’Occitane Shea Butter Travel Treats

One of L’Occitane’s most popular products is now compact into the perfect stocking size gift. And this deliciously smelling hand and foot cream is available at an affordable price of $20. Hard to beat, we know.

Tarte Ladies Who Lash Limited-Edition Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler

We’re a little bit in love with this limited edition pearl-decorated eyelash curler and mascara set. Not only will it help achieve gorgeous lashes, but the pearl handle on the curler makes it so easy to find in your mess of a makeup bag.

Bite Beauty Mix n’ Mingle Lip Minis

Another limited-edition, these lip gloss minis come in 13 different colors, making it easy to give to anymore. Not to mention they make seriously cute ornament-packaged

Essie 2014 holiday kit

What a treat this five mini bottle set of Essie polishes make for any beauty-lover. Five colors include Butler Please, Bahama Mama, Smokin’ Hot, Mademoiselle, and a little extra pop with the glitter-filled Jazzy Jubilant polish.

Bliss Mistletoe Gems

A two for one deal is as good as it get with stocking stuffers. And this mini high intensity hand cream and fabulips lip balm set gives anyone just about all they’ll need to keep moisturized during the bitter cold months.

Philosophy Snow Angel Ornament

We love this amazing seasonal scent and now you can have it seasonal packaging too? Perfect. While it may be a smaller size, the good thing about this product is that you don’t need to use a lot of it. It’s all about quality with this gift.

Fresh Verbena Oval Soup

Give a great mini gift with this gorgeous soup that not only smells great with a green citrus scent but also feels amazing on your skin thanks to the shea butter. Plus how chic and luxurious do these look?

3 Makeup Tips we Learned from Georgia May Jagger

While talking with British model Georgia May Jagger at the Rimmel London Spring 2015 preview, we of course, knew she was going to be beautiful and charismatic, but it was a pleasant surprise to hear all the fantastic beauty tips she had. It was while talking about her beauty role models (Veronica Lake and Audrey Hepburn) and first makeup experience (Tinkerbell nail polish and Hello Kitty eye shadow) that Jagger also gave us some great insight on beauty tips and tricks she lives by. 

Take off your makeup

Think achieving model-perfect skin is difficult? Well according to Jagger, it’s not. It’s as simple as taking off your makeup before you go to bed, something we all fall guilty of skipping every now and again. “I know that it’s boring, but it’s one of the most important things I think you can do.” We have to say, we 100 percent agree with her.

Break the Rules

After explaining to us that her model mom, Jerry Hall, would just “show up to shoots with her makeup already done and they would just kind of pretend to do it,” she let us in on her favorite makeup tip she learned from her mom.

“I learned from her you can do a lip and an eye and a red lip in any situation and it doesn’t have to be tacky,” she explains. “I think there is a way to do everything so you don’t feel like your trapped.” Follow Jagger’s advice and go for that bold pink lip and metallic eye shadow. Just because they’re both bold doesn’t mean it won’t work.

Use Brow Mascara on Your Lashes

When showing off her favorite products from the new Rimmel London Spring 2015 collection, she even popped in a tip using the brow mascara in a way other than for grooming your brows. She suggested that after curling your lashes, apply the clear colored brow mascara to your eyelashes to separate and keep them from clumping.

Dying to give that last tip a try? The brow gel along with other new Rimmel products in the Spring 2015 collection will be available in January.

How to Create A Dutch Headband Braid

In honor of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, we must discuss braids.  Obvi.  I'm loving headband braids as they're "as practical as they are chic."  I turned to Jackson Simmonds, the Lead Stylist at the Julien Farel Salon at the Langham Place on Fifth Avenue, to get the step-by-step on how to create the look.  Turns out, it's easier than you think and makes for a great holiday hairstyle.

1. Prep the hair. Damp or dry hair works for this braid, just make sure it's well brushed. Remove all tangles and if fly-aways are present mist with water. Brush hair straight back with no part.
2. Gather your hair, starting with a piece from the top front. To include bangs, begin your section directly above forehead, otherwise start behind the bangs. Gather a piece ranging from 3-5  inches wide, and 1 inch thick.
3. Cross the right strand under the center strand.
4. Cross the left strand under the center strand.
5. Repeat the pattern and cross the right strand, then the left strand, under the center strand.
6. Cross the right strand under the center and pick up another small section from the right side of your head.
7. Cross the left strand under the center, and pick up another small section from the left side of your head.
8. Add more hair to your braid by picking up small strands every time you cross pieces under the center strand.
9. Continue the Dutch braid to the nape of the neck.
10. Finish your braid with a regular under braid when you run out of hair to add. Either secure with a small elastic or, to avoid the damage of a hair elastic, use my special trick - tease all the way around the end to lock in place.

Behind the Look: Joanna Vargas

Welcome to "Behind the Look" – a new feature that showcases the talent behind the looks we love – the real celebrities in my eyes.  

First up, Celebrity Facialist and Founder of the Joanna Vargas Salon in NYC, Joanna Vargas!  Known for perfecting the skin of A-listers like Maggie Gyllenhaal, Rachel Weisz, Naomi Watts and Julianne Moore to name a few, she has more than a few tricks up her sleeve, especially when it comes to getting celebs red carpet ready.  Ready to meet Joanna?  Read on!

What is the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately?

I've been working with three actors recently on their skin for specific movies they were all working on. It was fun to work towards creating the image of the character in the movie.

What’s your beauty philosophy?

I feel strongly that anyone can have great skin with the right tools.  The key is to use organic products based on what the skin needs to perform at its best.  Good nutrition for the skin will always yield the best skin you could ever imagine because the body assimilates natural ingredients so much better than products with chemicals.

What are your top five must-haves and why? 

Well, sunscreen is key for all women, all skin types, all skin tones. I love Eminence Organics mineral powder sunscreen SPF 30 in translucent. It is great because you can wear it with or without makeup, and it really helps protect the skin against sun damage and hyper pigmentation.

I always carry a packet of Dr. Frank Lipmans Recharge Shake because it contains a ton of amazing greens for the skin. If I don't have time to order a juice or if I'm just running around all day it's a great pick me up and a great way to keep on my program.

Bite Beauty makes an awesome lip primer. They are an organic company (of course) and the primer is great at erasing the dry lip line before you put on your lip color.

My own Rejuvenating Serum is something I keep in tow because if I'm feeling tired or like my skin is starting to reflect low energy I put a little on my cheeks and eyes- instant glow again from the neroli oil, which stimulates the circulation in the skin.

A hat! It's a non-negotiable for anyone who cares about their skin. Goorin Bros is my favorite of late- I have a beautiful collection!

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive? 

I love African Botanicals Marula Oil for body- it smells incredible and it feels so good on the skin. I love it as a cure for dry winter skin!

Spill your best beauty advice.

Beauty is about what makes us unique and we should be trying to achieve uniformity. The reason I use non-invasive treatments in my salon is that I truly believe it's the right path to real beauty. And every woman I know will tell you that real beauty comes from how we feel about ourselves, not from what people tell us. My focus has been and will always remain on restoring confidence! But I preach to people every day: there is no magic solution- anyone can achieve the skin they want by doing the steps every day.

What’s the one tip or trick that you think all women should know?

Chamomile and green teas are not only great for you internally, but they are awesome for bathing or rinsing the skin in. If the skin feels stressed, dry and dull, putting them in your bath water or simply washing your face in the tea water will immediately calm the skin and brighten it. It's a great tip before you go to sleep!

Want to keep up with Joanna?  Follow her on Twitter.  You can also make an appointment with  Joanna Vargas at her 5th Ave. salon in NYC or try her skincare.