With the toll of the bells, the chaos of the holiday season is in full gear including the stress. Thank goodness for spiked eggnog, or my personal favorite, chocolate wine. The frantic race to find the perfect gift for each person on your list has begun but what about you? You of all people deserve a gift or a few so why not splurge on you? Here are our list of splurge worthy presents that should make it underneath your tree this year. Our top 13 must-have ‘it’ items in beauty and fashion are what every stylish woman needs this winter. Hydrating Eye Cream The cold winter air can be brutal on our skin so protect the delicate skin around the eyes by investing in a good moisturizer designed specifically for the job. Our Pick: Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream ($49), which is a bit pricey for a half ounce jar but worth the price for this quick-absorbing eye cream that keeps the skin from cracking and drying out. Each morning, just pat a small amount around your eye area and you’re good to go for the day. Glamorous Eye Palette Try colors in captivating nudes, wispy pastels and a mix of glitter and matte finishes but, don’t go so overboard you light up your face like a Christmas tree. Less is more. Our Pick: Mary Kay Compact ($18) and their Mineral Eye Color ($7 each) in Moonstone, Silver Satin, Sweet Plum, Amber Blaze, Azure, Shimmering Lilac. The compact comes unfilled so have fun creating your own palette! Eye Shadow Primer The key to a sensational and flawless look is a good primer for your eyes. Our Pick: Too Faced Shadow Insurance ($20) at Sephora. Gel Eye Liner We love the standout factor gel liner adds to our eyes! Yes, it does take practice to master applying it correctly but, once done, it gives eyes a stunning and dramatic look that goes so well with the holiday season. Our Pick: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner ($23). Makeup Setting Spray Winter can either be a friend to your face if you have oily skin or your greatest enemy if your skin is usually dry. Either way avoid a makeup meltdown and keep makeup in place by spritzing a quality setting spray after application that way you avoid the dreaded cracking or fading. A makeup setting spray can also work great for keeping the shine at bay, particularly in the warmer months, when you mix it with your tinted moisturizer or BB cream. Our Pick: Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Setting Spray ($29) at Sephora. Alluring Floral Scents Our Picks: Marc Jacobs Fragrance Honey Eau de Parfum ($72 for 1.7 oz or $92 for 3.4 oz) at Neiman Marcus and Victoria’s Secret Bombshell Eau de Parfum ($52 for 1.7 oz or $68 for 3.4 oz). Flexible Hold Hairspray Our Pick: We love Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray ($22.20) Not only does it smell divine, it also maintains your hairstyle after flat ironing or curling without any sticky residue and you can easily brush it out.
Chunky Knit Sweaters It’s cold outside! Let’s warm up with some wrap knits paired with a belt to add shape. Our Picks: Merona Women’s Sweater ($29.99) in Gray at Target, Space Dyed Alpaca Blend Sweater Coat($198) in Gray at Express, DKNY Open Cardigan ($235) in Heartthrob at Shopbop.com, and Stretch Contour Belt ($29.00) in Natural at Express. Animal Print Loafers Embrace the season’s biggest trend by awakening your fun and frisky side with a flash of leopard print on your tootsies. Our Pick: Sole Ambition Loafer ($148) at Henri Bendel New York. Studded Boots The edgy punk look is aggressive but cool at the same time, perfect for the chilly months ahead. Our Pick: The motorcycle inspired Ditmar Studded Boots ($89) in Taupe at Wanted.com. Large Premium Leather Tote Our Pick: MICHAEL Michael Kors Hamilton Tote (358) in Turquoise and Black. This tote is large enough to fit your gloves, hat, scarf, phone and iPad while still maintaining its jet set attitude. Sleek Winter Coat Even though oversized menswear-inspired coats are the rage now, it’s better to invest in a classic black coat that can be worn season after season. Spice up the look by adding a colorful cashmere scarf and you’re instantly street chic for the winter. Our Pick: BCBGMAXAZRIA Gabrielle Trench ($238) in Black. Old Hollywood Shades Protect your eyes from the cold elements by rocking a chic and classic pair of dark sunglasses that go well with any outfit. Our Pick: Kate Spade New York Doriane Watercolor Round Sunglasses ($158) in Black at Neiman Marcus.
