[Image via Teraxhaircare.com]

Terax Hair Care -Moisturized hair is simply a must in the beauty world. With the focus on creating healthy hair from the inside out, Terax avoids any sulfates, salts and artificial colors. The “Crema” ultra moisturizing daily conditioner ($16) is the hero of the line, remaining unchanged except for a fresh new scent.  Known to be a cult favorite (it works on all hair types), you will definitely want to get your hands on this conditioner to heal breakage and dryness. Can also be used as a deep conditioner!

Paul Mitchell Awapuhi – In using the fragrant juices from the Awapuhi ginger plant to replenish hair, Paul Mitchell has created a new line of products (see here). Ranging from the Keratin Intensive Treatment ($22.46) to the Texturing Sea Spray ($16), the Awapuhi line is making waves in more ways than one. Many of the products were named 2011 Award winners in Allure Magazine. Whether it’s lush texture or beachy waves, you’ll find the ideal product to work with.

[Image via sensationailgel.com]

Sensationail by Nailene - I also received my first ever gel manicure, courtesy of Sensationail by Nailene. The do-it-at-home Starter Kit ($59.99) includes all you need for 10 applications, each lasting two weeks. I had my eye on the scarlet red color from the get-go, as I was really feeling the idea of “power red” to aid my busy week. The sensation of no-dry time was almost too impossible to believe! As I ever so delicately put on my coat (the innate fear of smudging still within me), I was reminded of the bliss of the product’s durability. I could rummage around my bag fearless for the first time ever, post-mani!

There were simply too many good products to choose from and write about, so we encourage you to explore many more of the products we learned about, but not mentioned in great detail here:

Philosophy, Hydroxatone, Samy & Bigen, First Aid Beauty, Parissa, Colrescience, Remington, Weleda, SkinMedica, Dr. Ava ShambanSally Beauty Supply, Elizabeth Arden, Cetaphil, Clearasil, MorrocanOil Body, Dermadoctor, Dickinson’s Witch Hazel, Allumera, Luminaze, Bio-Oil, Lifeline, Rapid Lash, Schick ,Veet, Skintimate, Alterna Haircare, Tanda At-Home Beauty Tools, Durex

-Alana Quagliariello

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Clarins Feed 25 Bag, $90

Fashion gives back in each and every one of the following charitable design initiatives. Take a second to reflect and be grateful, and disseminate good. Join in the spirit of giving and add one of these to your gift list this holiday season!

Clarins and FEED

In collaboration with Lauren Bush, the co-founder of FEED Projects, Clarins has created the Feed 25 Bag aiming to provide 1 million meals to underprivileged children through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). The bag’s stenciled number 25 represents that the sale of one bag brings 25 nutritious meals.

The Clarins Feed 25 Bag ($90, but a value of $150+) includes four full-sized versions of Beauty Flash Balm, One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, Moisture Rich Body Lotion and Smoothing Body Scrub for a New Skin, four of Clarins’ most loved products. Not to mention, you’re getting a fantastic, functional tote.

The bag is available at Bloomingdale’s. Clarins has always aimed to create a more beautiful future, and to destroy the struggle of daily hunger may create the most beautiful future of all.

[picture via the Talenthouse Art&Sole Facebook tab]

UGG Australia Art & Sole

Who doesn’t love a little DIY? UGG Australia is hosting a DIY contest allowing users to virtually design their own UGG Australia boots. The winning design will be produced and sold online and in stores across America and a portion of proceeds will go to the Boys and Girls Club of America.  The winner of course gets recognition too! He/She will receive $5,000, a complimentary pair of their boots and a bag, not to mention global exposure!

The interactive application is available on the Talenthouse.com website, and the Art & Sole Facebook tab. Submit creations now through Dec. 26th and/or vote for your favorite Dec. 27-Jan. 5. Simply download the template, design boots and upload!

Nicole Miller

Hand crafted, brightly colored accessories make up the fantastic Indego Africa line to empower women in Rwanda. The enticing color-popping bangles have already made headway, but the wrap skirts and shorts (both $65) are new, fun tributes to this global friendly initative. Nicole Miller visited Rwanda herself to teach sewing, draping and tailoring techniques. While Rwandan women gain confidence, power and skills, let’s work to multiply the impact.

[image via Vogue.co.uk]

Isabel Marant for Gap

French designer Isabel Marant and Gap have used fashion to make the world a better place in their recent t-shirt design collaboration. Gap’s classic boyish heather grey tee (£24.50, $38.50) is printed with a splotched paint pattern, available online at gap.eu, to help support World Aids Day. 50% of the proceeds go to the Global Fund to help eliminate Aids in Africa.

Large Fabric Bag, $75

M. Missoni for Orphanaid Africa

Margherita Missoni’s capsule collection for M. Missoni was created specifically to benefit the vulnerable children and their families of Ghana, West Africa. The cheerful collection of dresses ($165), t-shirts ($125), a skirt ($105), belted coat ($255) ballerinas ($195), pouch ($80) and a hobo bag ($75) in the signature zig-zag pattern are trendy and fun in red and pink. Proceeds from each purchase go to Orphanaid Africa as they fight poverty, hunger and disease.

Let’s follow the company ambassador and become global ambassadors ourselves by helping a country in need! Shop now at yoox.com.

U.S. Fund for Unicef

With one of the worst humanitarian crises occurring at present in the Horn of Africa, Threadless, BBH New York and the U.S. Fund for Unicef have united in their efforts to launch GOOD SHIRTS, a unique clothing line to support the drought and famine in Africa. 100% of the donations will go to the U.S. Fund for Unicef holiday initiative. Each t-shirt design, shown here, pictures a much-needed aid item.

Depending on donation amount, each design mirrors the product those in the Horn of Africa will benefit from. For example, for a donation of $18.57, the cost of three insecticide treated mosquito nets, supporters receive a t-shirt featuring a mosquito. For a donation of $500, the cost of a community water pump, supporters receive a t-shirt featuring a water pump.

Schick Quattro for Women

Help Schick Quattro for Women in their partnership with Feeding America, the #1 hunger-relief charity! Give a loved one, or pamper yourself, with this high-performance razor. Visit www.facebook.com/schickquattroforwomen to download a $2.00-off coupon for any of the brand’s razors or refills. In return, they’ll donate 50 cents per coupon download to Feeding America. A coupon that gives thanks – two in one goodness!

Talbots Quotable Tote

Tote around your support or give as a gift the Talbots Quotable Tote, $20, with 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of this tote benefit the Talbots Scholarship Program, which gives assistance to women pursuing a college education later in life. The tote features inspirational words by women who have challenged themselves by heading back to school. The totes are available in-store, at Talbots.

Each gift mentioned above is guaranteed to put a smile on more than the face of the receiver.

-Alana Quagliariello

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[image via Maybelline.com]

We’ve all experienced it — you spend a good half an hour meticulously applying foundation, blush, shadows, mascara and lipstick only to devastatingly discover how quickly your  look has vanished upon arrival at your destination. Tragic, perhaps, especially after spending absurd amounts of money on products that promise extended-wearability. Maybelline understands this concern and are excited to announce their newest products devoted to long-wearing makeup! Captivated yet? Read on for details…

[Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush]

FACE:

At last night’s product launch, Maybelline unveiled a “Dream” team trio of long-lasting coverage from a foundation, concealer and a blush. The Dream Nude Airfoam foundation brings air-infused technology to your face. The Dream Lumi Touche highlighter and concealer is a two-in-one gel based imperfection hider. Finally, the Dream Bouncy Blush is as fun as it sounds, while it melts right into your skin. Plus, all application can be done by hand – no brushes needed! Say goodbye to touch-ups; you won’t be missed!

[Illegal Lengths Mascara, $8.95]

[Check out those 4mm fibers!]

[24 Hour Color Tattoo Cream Shadows]

EYES:

For mascara, Maybelline shifted focus from volume to length with their new Illegal Lengths mascara. At just $8.95, you’re getting firm, long lashes with innovative 4 mm fibers. The brush, fibers, and formula may prove to make even extensions jealous! Is mascara not enough? Don’t fret, they’ve launched 24 Hour Color Tattoo Cream Shadows to compliment your newly elongated lashes. Thanks to intense pigments and true color payoff, these shadows will not crease or migrate, as cream shadows tend often do. With 10 rad shades from neutral to statement hue varieties, there’s definitely something for work and/or play. Feel free to layer, blend, and line (as I will with the Painted Purple!) for a quick all-eyes-on-you look.

[Maybelline Super Stay Stain Gloss, $8.99]

[...and its fancy inner reservoir applicator!]

LIPS:

Last, but not least, get ready for luscious lips! The longest wear lipstick on the market, Maybelline just launched Super Stay 14 Hour Lipstick in 20 shades of red, plum, pink and nude. At just $8.99, you’re guaranteed a lightweight flush of color that will move with your lips and never tighten. If gloss is more your vibe, you get the best of both worlds with the Super Stay Stain Gloss (also $8.99). The 10 shades of gloss dry rapidly to a stain with a fresh, “barely there” feel. You’ll be in awe over the applicator (not marker-like at all!) with its cool inner reservoir designed to deliver the precise amount of product needed. Go over your lips once and you’re done!

Thanks to fresh technology, sheer genius, and a bit of makeup-problem empathy, Maybelline has produced a wearable face with staying power. After all, our makeup should last as long as our nights!

All Maybelline products mentioned will be available in January of 2012.

-Alana Quagliariello

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There’s been a lot of questions regarding what parabens are, and why they should be avoided, so we decided to pull together some definitions and products to help to shed light on the subject. When’s the last time you looked at the ingredients in your face soap or moisturizer? Maybe it’s time to start paying attention and deciding what you want and don’t want on your body.

What are parabens? A paraben is any of a group of compounds used as preservatives in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and the food industry (dictionary.com).

What products have parabens? Shampoos, moisturizers, lipstick, foundation, concealer, toothpaste, deodorant, shaving and cleansing gels to name a few. Without parabens, bacteria would begin to develop in the product, potentially harming users.

Why should we avoid parabens? Recently, health concerns are popping up as we are being told to steer clear of paraben products. They are being linked to cancer and/or hormonal disruptions. Whether or not they are incredibly harmful remains in question, but for those who wish to err on the side of safety, we’ve found plenty of products that do not contain parabens.

1. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion: A lightweight moisturizer designed to leave a balanced appearance, priced at $24.50.

2. Neutrogena Naturals is a line devoted to pure, natural skincare. Prices range from a $2.99 lip balm to a $7.49 cleanser.

3. Tarte 24.7 Natural Lip Sheer, SPF 15 gives lips a “treat-mint” with vitamin E and a breath freshening burst, all for $16. Available in 5 shades at Ulta.com.

4. bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation, $25, gives flawless coverage without any harmful substances. Made from only pure, crushed minerals, this powder feels like a cream. Check out the entire Bare Escentuals line available at Sephora.com

5. Laura Geller Sugar Free Blush and Brighten Boysenberry, $29.50 The matte finish of this blush provides a warm, natural-looking flush to the skin, while the color palette is just exquisite to look at.

The preservatives may help shelf life, but these paraben-free products are more concerned with real life. If the results are real, why not take a natural approach to skincare? To find a range of products and brands specifically paraben free and/or made mainly of natural ingredients, most beauty e-tailers now offer sections dedicated just to that classification at places like Sephora, ULTA, and Drugstore.com.

-Alana Quagliariello

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As if there weren’t enough to bankrupt estrogen-saturated shopaholics, Velvet Angels displayed its confident, “luxury-attainable” footwear that is worth subsisting on tuna for the rest of the month to own a piece of. As frosting on the delicious cake of style, Sabido & Basteris showed off their alternative jewelry line that uses natural materials to create unique timeless pieces to accent a fashion-forward style. The affair was completed with sweet sprinkles of Becca Cosmetics, founded by Rebecca, an Australian make-up artist whose products accommodate the busy lifestyle of the modern woman. And to keep the spoiled guests from feeling too self-indulgent, J. Alexander‘s book Follow A Model was auctioned off to raise proceeds for Wyclef Jean’s Yele Haiti fund.

- Maria Eilersen

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Even if you aren’t a guest of the hotel, W Hotels The Store is definitely a shopping destination worthy of a trip! We recently went to an event for W Hotels the Store, and discovered that the shop features a mixture of (mostly) reasonably priced gifts, clothing, jewelry, fashion accessories, handbags, shoes, beauty products, home supplies, and other unique items. It’s a complete 180 from the traditional hotel gift shop; many of the trendy products are unique and limited edition.

Some of our favorite gift giving ideas? The Rubiks Pepper Mill ($17), a pepper mill in the shape of a Rubiks Cube; high-end, aesthetically pleasing office supplies by Neo-Utility (each individual item priced at $39); and a leather bangle by House of Harlow ($95).

In addition, the store recently launched “Global Glam,” a limited edition designer collection inspired by five of the W’s new hotel locations: South Beach, Hong Kong, Santiago, downtown NYC, and Istanbul.

The hotel hopes that this new feature will begin and continue to “align the brand with the world of fashion in an authentic and innovative way.” And I can’t see the idea failing, especially when you consider some of the designers who have already collaborated on the Global Glam collections: Foley + Corinna, Lauren Merkin, Rachel Leigh, Wink, and Susan Daniels are just some of the big names who have created pieces exclusive to W Hotels The Store.

Currently, 16 W hotels feature W Hotels The Store, including: multiple Chicago and New York locations, Dallas, San Diego, Mexico City, Atlanta, Hong Kong, South Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. Many items available for in-store purchase can also be found online.

-Sarah Nason

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