Kiss-Proof Lip Balm: Holiday 2014

Mid-December to January 1^st is a very affectionate time of year, second only to that holiday we all love to hate – Valentine’s Day. Between lurking sprigs of mistletoe, and the infamous New Year’s embrace, celebratory kisses are (hopefully) on the horizon. That being said, don’t get caught at a crucial moment with dry, cracked lips induced by winter weather. Prepare in advance for potential suitors with the following colorless lip balms, which will have your lips feeling soft, moisturized, and kissable in no time. Lipstick optional.

Clark’s Botanicals, Ultra Rich Lip Balm, $19.00

Deeply hydrating, subtle vanilla flavor, scented with jasmine absolut.

Elemental Herbology, Nutritive Lip Complex, $18.69

Soothing with a noticeable pluming effect, and texture improvement.

Herbivore Botanicals, Rose Lip Butter, $12.00

Buttery texture, light rose scent, and 100% natural.

Fresh, Sugar Lip Treatment Advanced Therapy, $25.00

Immediately moisturizes dry lips, prevents flaking, and enhances volume.

Philosophy, Kiss me Tonight, $21.00

Restores color to lips, and deeply conditions with a creamy texture.

Dallas Beauty: Piermarini Launches Liquid Lipstick

I can’t think of anything more daunting then heading to Northpark Mall during the holiday rush to pick up a few makeup products. While Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and MAC alone have all of the shades and miracle-working products we could ever imagine, no one wants to risk crowd-induced anxiety just to visit the makeup counter. But alas, Piermarini Boutique, located in Snider Plaza, has answered our prayers.

Piermarini, a men’s and women’s clothing boutique, was opened in 2010. Just this last summer, the store launched its very own beauty line with over 30 cosmetic and skincare products. As a whole, Piermarini Beauty items are simple, classic, and sophisticated – just like the clothing. The products are made in the USA, never tested on animals, and are brimming with vitamins, minerals, and SPF. Piermarini Beauty does not aim to cover up its wearers with heavy, transformative pigments, but enhances natural beauty with sheer textures, and soft tones. Key natural ingredients in the line include water lily extract, avocado oil, aloe, jojoba, vitamin c, and vitamin k. All products – makeup included – are designed with hydration in mind to keep skin looking youthful and moisturized.

Don’t know which products to try first? Top sellers include the Vitamin C Serum, Liquid Eye Shadow, and Lip Liner. The Vitamin C Serum can be used morning and night, and helps to wake up the natural collagen in your skin. The result is overall brightness, wrinkle reduction, and evened-out skin tone. Piermarini’s Liquid Eye Shadow provides sheer, lightweight, natural-looking color and comes in several shades. Unlike powdered eye shadow, this shadow will not cake or crease and keeps eyelids hydrated. The Lip Liner comes in thee shades and is a makeup bag essential. The texture is gel like, which makes it go on and stay on. Keep your lips hydrated by using the liner alone, or layering it with lip balm or lipstick.

As for a holiday 2014 must-have, try out Piermarini’s Liquid Lipstick. This product just hit the shelves last week, and comes in 5 different shades ranging from bright coral to dark red. My favorite color at the moment is “Be Right There,” (second from the right) which is a perfect pink. If you haven’t tried a liquid lipstick, expect the glossy, flexible texture of a lip gloss, and the vibrant pigment of a lipstick. This Liquid Lipstick has serious staying power, and the color is brighter than it looks in the tube once applied. Apply a little for a subtle, lip staining effect, or brush on a full layer or two for a high-shine lipstick effect.

All Piermarini Beauty products can be purchased in the store at 6827 Snider Plaza, Dallas, TX 75205, or online (except the Liquid Lipstick) at www.piermariniboutique.com.

Last Minute Beauty Gifts: Holiday 2014

If your main gifts have been bought, but you’re still looking to even out the number of things everyone has to open, take a look at these beauty products. Super cute, super effective, and all under $40, these products are crowd-pleasers to the highest degree. Below find everything from jasmine hair powder to beard balm.

Thayers, Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner, $9.95

I’ll trust any product that has been on the market for over 150 years. This witch hazel, alcohol-free toner comes in a variety of aloe vera infused formulas, from rose petal to peach to lemon. Everyone on your list, including the hard-to-please-boyfriend and the conservative grandmother, will be pleased to receive a bottle of Thayers delicately scented, highly moisturizing toner.

Santa Maria Novella, Antique Calming Water, $14.00

The historian in me totally loves this kooky gift, which is sure to spark a debate or two upon opening. Back in the days when women wore tightly laced corsets, the extreme discomfort and lack of oxygen often caused hyperventilation and hysteria. Ingestible formulas made with essential oils, such as this one, were meant to be taken by hysterical women for a generally calming effect. Santa Maria Novella’s “Anti Hysteria Water” was first prepared in 1614 by Dominican friar, Angiolo Marchissi. Gift with caution.

Herbivore Botanicals, Orchid Facial Oil Roller, $24.00

Ever heard of a facial oil roller? Me neither! Give the gift of innovation with this well designed, highly potent exotic flower oil. This face oil formula is a mouth-watering blend of orchid extract, jasmine sambac, and Japanese camellia flower oil. The combination of these three ingredients increases elasticity, restores beneficial vitamins, and defends skin against free radicals. Overall effect: a youthful, hydrated, lit-from-within visage.

18.21 Man Made, 3-in-1 Wash, 16oz, $24.00

When buying for men, you can never go wrong with a 3-in-1 wash. As a shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, this powerhouse product will help your man stay clean, smell good, and keep his shower organized. 18.21 Man Made is Texas local, with a man-approved, sweet tobacco scent, and packaged in what seems to be a whiskey bottle. Head to their website to check out complementary hair styling products as well. It’s safe to say 18.21 Man Made products leave nothing to be desired.

Beauty Counter, Routine Clean Cream Cleanser, $24.00

While it can be tricky to buy everyday beauty products as intimate as a face wash for someone other than yourself, this cleanser is a well-priced, best seller at BeautyCounter. Routine Clean Cream Cleanser is perfect for an adolescent little sister, beauty product maven, or anyone who needs a soothing cleanser for the winter season. This cleanser gently removes makeup with organic coconut oil, and hydrates skin with witch hazel. In conclusion, if it’s good enough for goop, it’s good enough for us.

Olio E Osso, No. 1 Clear Balm, $28.00

This is one of those items that should be on your list of “3 things I’d take with me to a deserted island.”  Olio E Osso produces four highly effective balms (all of which you should give a whirl), but this one in particular is well suited to those who don’t need the added cheek and lip color – i.e. dads, brothers, boyfriends, babies, and the makeup-intolerant. Use the clear balm on everything that needs conditioning: cracked lips, split ends, unkept beards, scary eyebrows, and dry cuticles.

Lulu Organics, Hair Powder 4oz in Jasmine, $30.00

I came across this amazing, organic jasmine hair powder while standing in line at Anthropologie. At Anthro, they sell tiny, 1oz capsules of the silky powder, but these larger 40z sizes are available at the source – Lulu Organics – in a variety of intoxicating scents. The original dry shampoo, hair powder is perfect to style and spruce up unwashed hair on the go. To use, put a dime size amount of powder in your hands, and rub through the roots of dry, unwashed hair. In my book, the art nouveau packaging is reason enough to purchase a capsule – or two.

L:A Bruket, No. 050 Petitgrain Face Scrub, $32.00

My darling mother is the mastermind behind Dallas’ Flower Road Natural Therapies, and let me tell you, I have smelled every essential oil and absolut under the sun. That being said, my favorite essential oil is still petitgrain, one of the first essential oils she ever imported. L:A Bruket, a Swedish skincare company, has combined this increasingly rare essential oil with jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, vitamin e, and fine sea salt, for a gently exfoliating, highly moisturizing facial scrub you won’t want to part ways with. L:A Bruket products were created to address skincare issues associated with coastal living conditions in Sweden – so as you can imagine, this line is particularly well suited to the harsh winter climate.

Little Wonders: Holiday 2014

Slinkies are cute for the first five minutes, but these are the things we actually want to find in our stockings this year. Ladies – add these sub-$30 little wonders to your list, you won’t be sorry. Thanks in advance, Santa!

Egyptian Magic 2oz Jar, $26: http://www.egyptianmagic.com/store.htm

Named “The People’s Choice” for a reason.

Marvis Toothpaste, Jasmin Mint, $10.50: http://www.beauty.com/marvis-toothpaste-jasmin-mint/qxp85279

My secret weapon – so good you’ll wonder how you ever used Crest.

Clarisonic Brush Head, $27: http://www.clarisonic.com/shop-our-products/clarisonic-deep-pore-brush-head-CL305.html?cgid=Brush-Heads&dwvar_CL305_size=Single#start=7&cgid=Brush-Heads

Plan ahead, you’re always going to need a new one.

Hurraw! Vata Balm, $4.29: http://www.hurrawbalm.com/vata-balm.html

Organic, vegan, raw, and AMAZING.

Scotch Naturals Premium Nail Lacquer in Lambs Wool Creme, $15: http://www.scotchnaturals.com/products.php?pack=none

Non-toxic and beautiful? I’ll cheers to that!

4 DIY Gift Wrapping Ideas: Holiday 2014

Buying a gift is only where the fun begins. Make your presents extra-thoughtful this year with some creative gift wrapping techniques. Not only are beautifully wrapped boxes more precious (and impressive), but they will look spectacular sitting under the tree.

1. Funny Face

Items needed: kraft paper + fashion magazine + scissors + scotch tape + glue

The faces on these packages were drawn, however even us non-artists can get this quirky, expressive look with some help from fashion magazines. Wrap your gift as you normally would with kraft paper, then adhere facial features cut out from magazines on the front. Label the package on the back so it doesn’t interfere with the face.

2. Origami Bow

Items needed: kraft paper + fashion magazine + scissors + scotch tape

Instead of going the typical metallic bow route, fold your own bow using a colorful piece of paper from a magazine. First wrap your present in kraft paper to make the bow stand out. Once you complete the bow tutorial, available here, tape or glue the bow to the package. Next, adhere an inch-wide strip of colorful paper on either side of the bow to wrap around the rest of the package so it looks complete.

3. Road Map

Items needed: road maps + 1/4 inch ribbon + scissors + scotch tape

Did you know that road maps are available (and free) at your local gas station? Well they are, and in the age of the iPhone, you’re practically recycling using a few of these outdated paper-encumberances to wrap some presents. Neatly tie a thin ribbon around the package in a color seen in the map for a visually pleasing presentation.

4. Paper Bloom

Items needed: kraft paper + prints of orchid pdf on card stock + scissors + hot glue gun + hair clips or clothes pins (optional)

Once again, wrap your present in kraft paper – the nondescript, matte finish will direct focus to the orchid topper. Follow the paper orchid bloom tutorial. If you put a hair clip or clothes pin on the back of the flower, you’ll be able to clamp it down onto the ribbon you use to tie the package (I suggest twine), and therefore you can reuse it. If you don’t adhere the flower to a clothespin, then when you are done assembling the flower, you can simply hot glue it to the package itself – no ribbon necessary.

Men’s Gift Guide: Holiday 2014

We could shop for ourselves, our moms, and our bffs all day long, but when it comes to dads, brothers, and boyfriends, most of us aren’t sure where to start. In my experience men are quite transparent about their feelings towards the gifts they open on Christmas morning as compared to women. In my brother’s adolescent years, he unwrapped Catcher in the Rye and said, “But I already have a book.” And thus with this Shelmire fable, I advise to go utilitarian when buying for the boys. Wallets, grooming kits, camping supplies – anything classic, leather, or gadget-like is most likely to get you that elusive man-seal-of-approval.

Grooming:

Captain Fawcett, Beard Oil, $56: http://www.captainfawcett.com/products/beard-oil-cf-332-private-stock

Harry’s, The Truman Set, $15: https://www.harrys.com/products/the-truman-set

Iron Lion, Soap Arsenal, $25: http://www.ironlionsoap.com/collection/soap-arsenal

Gadget:

GoPro Hero, $129.99: http://shop.gopro.com/cameras/hero/CHDHA-301.html

Beats Tour In-Ear Headphones, $149.95: http://store.apple.com/us/product/MHAH2/beats-tour-in-ear-headphones

Samsung Gear S Smartwatch, $299: http://www.samsung.com/us/explore/gear-s-features-and-specs/#nfl-section-buy-now

Style:

JackSpade, Wad Money Clip, $68: http://www.jackspade.com/wad-money-clip/WPRU0180.html?cgid=wallets-view-all&dwvar_WPRU0180_color=927#start=20&cgid=wallets-view-all

J.Crew, Ludlow Topcoat in Herringbone English Wool, $475: https://www.jcrew.com/mens_feature/TheTopCoat/PRDOVR~B2267/B2267.jsp

Warby Parker, Downing Sunglasses, $95: https://www.warbyparker.com/sunglasses/men/downing/walnut-tortoise

Beauty Bundles: Holiday 2014

When it comes to beauty products as holiday presents, sometimes giving (and getting) a single products feels insignificant. This year, impress your beauty queen friend or family member with one of these kick-ass bundles. Instead of rushing around town trying to throw together a few little things to comprise a well-rounded gift, give the gift of beauty – and not in the intangible, Sleeping Beauty kind of way.

kai

 

Several years ago, I was introduced to kai fragrance by my good friend, California Carter. To this day, the scent still reminds me of clean air, beachy calmness, and eternal sunshine. Even if you’re a fragrance snob like me, kai does not disappoint. The scent is a fresh melee of exotic white flowers, which is not only found in the roll-on fragrance, but also throughout the product line. A kai bundle is perfect for those who are still struggling to find their signature scent, because it is hard not to like this delicate, floral aroma. All kai products are paraben, sulfate, phthalate, phosphate, and cruelty free.

Perfume Oil, $48: http://www.kaifragrance.com/shop/perfume-oil-p-3.html

Body Buffer, $40: http://www.kaifragrance.com/shop/body-buffer-p-113.html

Body Lotion, $37: http://www.kaifragrance.com/shop/body-lotion-p-23.html

Dr. Hauschka

Dr. Hauschka began in Germany in 1935 as an avant-garde company that developed natural medicines. Today, Dr. Hauschka has a line of both natural skincare and makeup. The bundle here is suggested for mature skin (40+), but I’ve found that it also works well on dry, winter-beaten skin that doesn’t respond well to thick creams. The products here go on thinly, absorb quickly, and don’t clog pores. If your mom is looking to switch up her skincare routine, or even if holiday party season is getting the best of you – these three power products will make someone happy come Christmas morning.

Cleansing Cream, $26.95: http://www.dr.hauschka.com/en_US/natural-skin-care-products/cleansing-cream/

Daily Hydrating Eye Cream, $51.95: http://www.dr.hauschka.com/en_US/natural-skin-care-products/daily-hydrating-eye-cream/

Firming Mask, $52.95: http://www.dr.hauschka.com/en_US/natural-skin-care-products/firming-mask/

Weleda

 

Weleda is the brainchild of philosopher Rudolf Steiner, proponent of anthroposophy. This skin care product line was developed to support the human body as it healed itself. Healing is the key word – as a matter of fact, the company was named after Weleda, Celtic goddess of wisdom and healing. The following three products have become a part of my daily skin care routine. A thin layer of the body oil on damp, freshly washed skin packs a major punch, and the skin food resides in my purse, where I can quickly use to cure my dry hands or wind-whipped face.

Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash, $12: http://usa.weleda.com/our-products/shop/wild-rose-creamy-body-wash.aspx

Wild Rose Body Oil, $26: http://usa.weleda.com/our-products/shop/wild-rose-body-oil.aspx

Skin Food, $19: http://usa.weleda.com/our-products/shop/skin-food.aspx

Kevin.Murphy

 

These products were recommended to me by the hair gurus at PIN Salon – and now I can’t see myself living without them. My hair is dry, thick, and color-treated, with a frizzy section at the back, and I use all three of these products together. I start the process with the Luxury.Wash shampoo, and follow up with the Born.Again.Masque which stays on for 10 minutes. The masque deeply penetrates hair, and works to repair damage and rebuild strength. After thoroughly rinsing the masque out, I apply the Young.Again Oil from the mid-length through the ends. The weightless oil visibly tames fly-aways, smoothes split-ends and adds some overall shine. I spoke with a hairstylist that has thin, short hair, and she uses this light oil everyday too for styling purposes. Once my hair is completely dry, I apply the Smooth.Again Cream to the frizzy spot in the back. This product not only makes hair silky, and smooth – again – but offers heat protection as well. Paraben free, cruelty free.

Born.Again.Masque, $39: http://kevinmurphy.com.au/product/born-again-masque/

Young.Again Oil, $39: http://kevinmurphy.com.au/product/young-again/

Smooth.Again Cream, $32: http://kevinmurphy.com.au/product/smooth-again/

S.W. Basics

 

Conveniently, the three S.W. Basics products that I most highly recommend already come in a packaged set this holiday season (and with a $10 discount). For those who have had it with harsh chemicals, irritating exfoliants, and frustratingly clueless dermatologists, this is the brand for you. I turned to S.W. Basics when no one and nothing was making a difference in my skin. S.W. Basics products are made from scratch using simple and high-quality ingredients. The bundle below includes a non-foaming liquid cleanser, ACV toner (my favorite!), and an unscented, all-natural cream. This combo is perfect for either normal or acne-prone skin. If you have dry skin, just try the cleanser and cream.

Everybody’s Faves Bundle, $81: http://store.swbasicsofbk.com/products/cleanser-toner-cream-chris-uphues-bag-bundle

2014 GIFT GUIDE: The Best Dog Presents

As you do your holiday shopping, don’t forget to buy for the family member that will love you no matter what you get for them – your dog. Check out these eight brands that boast the best pet products the market has to offer. With a dog that looks good (and smells good), you won’t be sure whether you’re buying for Fido, or for yourself.

Aēsop, Animal Shampoo, $39.

http://www.aesop.com/usa/packs-and-gifts/home/animal.html

Billy Wolf, Rupert Waterproof Coat, $65.

http://www.billywolfnyc.com/shop/rupert-waterproof-coat

Hollywood Feed, Mississippi Made Donut Bed, $80 – $165.

http://shop.hollywoodfeed.com/products/mississippi-made-donut-bed

Snout Soother, Natural Dog Snout Soother, $17.95

http://www.naturaldogcompany.com/product-p/ndc01.htm#.VH-BOr6DNkg

Restoration Hardware, Luxe Faux Fur Pet Vest, $49.

http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod4650024

Polkadog Bakery, Holiday Biscuit Canister in Pumpkin Pie, $14.95

http://www.polkadog.com/collections/all/products/holiday-canister-pumpkin-pie-dog-biscuits

Free People, Paco Nix Studded Harness, $168. – $228.

http://www.freepeople.com/fp-pet-project/nix-studded-harness/

KONG, Squeezz Jels – Pig, $6.99

http://www.kongcompany.com/products/for-dogs/squeezz/squeezz-jels/squeezz-jels-pig/

2014 GIFT GUIDE: The Best Presents for your Mom, Sisters, Aunts, and Girlfriends

Black Friday and Cyber Monday have already come and gone, but if you are still stumped for gift ideas, look no further! This holiday season stick to classic accessories, cozy home goods, and indie magazine subscriptions for gifts that will continue to give through 2015. Goal: aesthetically pleasing, useful presents that the receiver can’t bear to return. For the full Melancholic Magpie gift-giving experience, don’t forget beautiful wrapping paper and a ridiculously big bow. They’ll love it before they even open it. That’s a promise.

Accessories

The Sleep Shirt, Long Nightshirt and Eyemask Gift Set, $240.

äiseverlong, Handmade Knit Beanie, $35.

TOMS, Natural TOMS Animal Initiative + Virunga Women’s Classics, $64.

NoteMaker., Field Notes Original, $12.63 each.

FEED, Function Bag, $100.

TIP: For jewelry fit for your mom or best friend, go to your nearest antique mall or vintage clothing shop. There you’ll find affordable, impressive pieces that have some history to them. My favorite vintage jewelry shopping locales in the Dallas area include the Forestwood Antique Mall on Forest and Inwood, and Dolly Python on Haskell. In the past, I’ve found some fantastic 1950s rhinestone necklaces like this one for under $50!

Home

Fornasetti, Eclessi Di Luna Pillow, $160.

Culture Label, Skull Bone China Teacup, $62.56.

GOOP, It’s All Good by Gwyneth Paltrow, $32.

Flower Road, HOME Bag of Sprays, $60.

Joe Coffee Shop, The Waverly (Joe Espresso) 12 oz., $12.50.

VelvetCrate, Fall Celebrate, $78.

Subscriptions

Lone Wolf Magazine, $28.12 for 2 issues/year.

McSweeney’s Poetry Series, $45 for 4 issues/year.

Darling Magazine, $80 for 4 issues/year.

Cherry Bombe Magazine, $38 for 2 issues/year.

Kinfolk Magazine, $60 for 2 issues/year.