Karen

The holiday season is just around the corner, which means it’s that time of year again. It’s time to bust out the stretchy pants (‘cause I can’t say no to that second helping of mashed potatoes, yo). It’s time to display gourds of various shapes and sizes around the house. It’s also time for makeup junkies across the land to revel in the realm of “Where’d My Paycheck Go?” because of all the limited edition holiday sets that makeup companies roll out during this time.

There are palettes, gift sets and perfumes galore. Can’t decide on what to get for the makeup lover in your life? Don’t worry, girl, I got your back. For the next two weeks I’ll be featuring several drool-worthy palettes, limited edition sets and perfumes in Makeup and Beauty Blog’s Holiday Wishlist 2007. And shhhh…I promise not to tell if you get a lil’ something for yourself.

Smile for the Camera, Pretty! Clinique Happy Pefume Custom Photo Bottle Rules

Five things that make me happy:

1. Getting enough sleep.
2. Warm chocolate chip cookies.
3. Having a good writing day when I feel like PURE GENIUS pours forth from my fingertips.
4. The scent of fresh cut flower stems.
5. Clinique’s Happy Perfume Custom Photo Bottle

Hello, awesomeness. Clinique’s got an online service this year where they take your favorite picture and replicate it on a huge bottle of their citrus-y and youthful scent, Happy. Here’s the skinny on how it works.

Find a picture that means something special to you or to the person you are going to give the gift to. I used this picture from my wedding:

I wanted a photo that brought up good memories and feelings. And I figured that the orange rose would accent the orange “happy” font on the front of the bottle. You don’t really have to worry about matching the font, but I’m a design freakazoid, so I wanted something that would be in harmony with the overall package.

Another pic with a most excellent orange accent

Log onto the clinique Web site to start your customization process!

You then follow a series of easy-to-follow instructions. When you’re done, you get your personalized bottle in 10 business days. Each is $52.00.

Voila!

Perfume is a really personal gift so I’d buy this for a friend who I knew liked citrus scents. Can’t decide which picture to use? Here are a few cute ideas:

— You and your friend during a special event, like a wedding or vacation you took together.
— A favorite pet or cartoon character.
— Something that reflects your friend’s personal interest or hobbies. Say she’s saving for a trip to France — submit a picture of the Eiffel Tower.
— A picture of her favorite hot guy, heh heh heh!

Never you mind the 20 foot of rope homeboy is carrying

Just make sure that the picture is in jpg format, less than 4.0 MB and be 800 pixels on the shortest side.

If you’re planning on getting hitched then this would be a fantastic bridesmaids gift! Put a picture of you and your ‘maids on a bottle and give it as a thank you gift on your big day.

Clinique Holiday Looks 2007 – Touches of Golden Elixer

Clinique’s two color sets for Holiday 2007 are inspired by their perfumes, Aromatics Elixer and Happy.

The first theme, “Touches of Golden Elixer,” has warm golden and bronze tones. It’s elegant and regal, and reminds me of a golden Greek goddess surrounded by men peeling her grapes and fanning her with feathers.

I like the:

Fresh Bloom Allover Colour in Almond Blossom, $29.50. This tawny and nude highlighter is almost too pretty to use. Use it to on cheeks, nose, chin and forehead to get a heavenly glow.

Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad in Allspice, $25.00. If you collect the Colour Surge Quads then be sure to snatch this up because it’s a limited edition. You get four warm tones that easily mix and match to create the perfect golden look. Some hard core MAC Pigment lovers may find these shadows too sheer, but I actually really like the buildable color and creamy texture. A very beginner-friendly palette!

Brush–On Cream Liner in Bronze, $14.50. I can’t get enough of gel liners! This limited edition shimmery-bronze is a versatile color you can use for work-friendly day or dramatic night looks.

Colour Surge Lipstick, $14.00. A bronze lippie with lots of intense color. The lazy beast in me likes this because I can just slap it on and go.

Get this set for your mom or your favorite aunt! She’ll love it.

Happy & Bright – Perfect for Your Baby Sister!

The second look, Happy & Bright, is young, festive and fresh. The cool-toned colors are fun and perfect for a party!

Get big sis points with:

Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad in Pink Truffle (Limited Edition), $25.00
Fresh Bloom Allover Colour in Peony, $29.50
Different Lipstick in Raspberry Glace, $14.00
Full Potential Lips Plump and Shine in Camisole, $17.50

So last night I decided to get a little extra boost before my nightly gym weight workout by drinking a cup of coffee at 5. Um, bad idea. I usually don’t drink coffee after 1:00; otherwise I can’t fall asleep. Here’s what I learned last night before I drifted off into dreamland at 4:00 a.m.

1. Weird people go to Safeway late at night on a Friday. Granted I was there, too, which technically would make me weird as well, but hey. If you can’t beat them…

2. There are a lot of blogs out there. There are a lot of crazy people out there. There are a lot of crazy people with blogs. These blogs get really funny at about 2:45 a.m.

3. It’s not a good idea to put on a purifying clay mask at 3:30. Should you perchance fall asleep at 4:00, then you’ll get all kinds of crap on your pillowcase. Not good.

Anyway, I’m going to spend the rest of the day in chill mode. Hope your Saturday has been relaxing and fun so far!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen