November 2009 Beauty Q&A: Home for the Holidays c

Q: I am going back home for the holidays and want to wow my friends and family with a glamorous new look. What products can you suggest that will have me looking my best?

If you want to create a look that knocks the socks off of your family and friends around the dinner table then look no further then the BareMinerals Jewel Collection ($54, ulta.com) This elegant nine-piece, gem-infused collection gives you everything you need to great an unforgettable look. All in colors that will work perfect for this time of year. Some of the amazing products in the set include Citrine Radiance All-Over Face Color infused with Citron, Smoky Amber Eye color infused with Amber, Cranberry Sorbet 100% Natural Lip-gloss and Wet/Dry Eye Shadow Brush in limited-edition berry. And all of this comes in a beautiful Jewel Collection Vanity Box.

Q: It seems like there are a ton of celebrity-endorsed fragrances on the market right now. Is there any that really are worth the price?

I have tested enough fragrances to say that some people will put their names on anything. I have tried some products with super famous names on the bottle that smell like they belong on a clearance rack in a dollar store. Yes, that bad. But some celebrities have fragrances that can hold their own against popular top of the line fragrances. In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon ($59, avon.com) is one of these fragrances. It is an alluring and sensual fragrance that entices the senses with gardenia blossoms and lush florals, enveloped in amber wood and peach tea leaves. I was pleasantly surprised by the elegance of In Bloom. It is sophisticated but not stuffy. Resse should be proud to have her name on this bottle

Q: Whenever I travel on a plane my hair gets super dry and frizzy. Heading home for the holidays I want to try and avoid this. What should I do?

Frizzy hair and dry skin are the two main beauty concerns of travelers. The dry circulated air and rough fabric of the seat pillow are hard on your hair and skin. Once soft silky hair can turn into a dry frizz ball after a long flight. Beyond bringing a silk pillow case to put on your seat you can pack a travel size bottle of NO FRIZZ Straight Making Styling Cream in your carry on ($14, qvc.com) This velvety cream provides optimum frizz reduction and a touch of conditioning to your hair. No Frizz addresses the two causes of frizz—humidity and friction. It provides a superior, extremely thin humidity barrier on hair while reducing surface friction. The result is the most effective, lightweight frizz fighter on the market today. Hair is left sleek and manageable without becoming greasy or heavy.

Q: Being around my family during the holiday season stresses me out. I need a way to calm down in the middle of a family get together. Any quick way to calm your senses?

Leave the house and board a plane to Bora Bora. Okay maybe you shouldn’t do that but it would be nice. The next best thing is Juice Beauty ‘s Hydrating Mist ($22, juicebeauty.com). The mist is a harmonic blend of certified organic, antioxidant-rich white and red grape juices, soothing aloe vera, nutrient-rich rosehip, grapeseed oil and vitamins. The mist works to hydrate and balance skin’s natural moisture, tone and balance. With just a few sprays your skin you will feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Use throughout the day for an exhilarating refreshment.