Your "Luxury for Less" Holiday Gift Guide

 

 

Midtown, East - NYC: The Christmas Season for me is a time for splurging both on myself and the ones I love.  After all, it's the holidays, right? What if I could clue you in on luxurious gifts that look like you paid a fortune but didn't?  Look at what I've found from 5th Avenue in Manhattan to your local supermarket shelf and new items online!

 

Curated Coffee and Wine themed gift baskets - a welcome treat for the cultured palate.

I recommend either of these two gift baskets as the components are shelf stable and will keep fresh.  Think nostalgic metal tins and glass jars for an extra decorative touch. Gourmet coffees, chocolates, biscuits, wines, liquors, mugs, coasters and more can all be crammed in. These can be assembled quickly and set under the tree as they are often just as beautiful as the holiday ornaments. 

 

Tip: Add these Mightylicious Gluten Free Cookies and Brownie Mix to a Coffee or Tea Basket for extra panache. 

 

Large, elaborately illustrated coffee table books cover a wide variety of interests and offer a personalized touch for the recipient.

Someone on your list a history buff, antique collector or art lover?  Hone in on their area of interest by gifting them a coffee table book on their favorite subject.  Coming up is America's 250th Anniversary in 2026 so many people are seeking out quality films, documentaries and books on the subject. Save money: This best-seller featuring Ken Burns, retails for over $80 but is available for half that price on Amazon.

 

Day Designer Planner for Blue Sky is a thoughtful gift that will keep the recipient on track and organized.  My personal favorite!

 

The Gift of Warmth with a Nod to Heritage - Wool shawls, scarves and berets.

 

People appreciate and revere this current return to traditionally woven fabrics and textiles from the British Isles. Burberry, Aran Isle, and Hermes equestrian themed scarves offer a welcome comfort without sacrificing style.  Likewise wool felt berets can be fashionably worn by almost anyone.  Think merino wool, cashmere, angora, rabbit and silk when choosing a gift item.

 

Cozy UGG Sheepskin Slippers, need I say more? Top: Zora Ballet Flat in Chestnut.

 

  

SDG Crystallized Swarovski Foundation Pin available at their Fifth Avenue Store

Swarovski Foundation's SDG Crystallized Pin is a stunning multi-colored tack pin, perfect for your winter camel coat lapel.  Made to Swarovski's impeccable jewelry standards, the rainbow wheel compliments almost any outfit hue with ease.  This is perhaps the top "Luxury for Less" find of the season.  Having shopped/stopped in their Fifth Avenue Store, (Midtown East between 53rd and 54th Streets), there are very few items at this price point.  This elegant pin underscores the UN's sustainability goals and retails for UNDER $70! Get yours NOW or visit www.swarovskifoundation.org

 

 

 

Stocking Stuffers - How to Elevate Them

The stocking itself can be a classic gift so think needlepoint, rich detail and luxurious.  Add lovely personal care and cosmetic goodies not quite significant enough for a wrapped gift but still present-worthy.  Here are some ideas as shown above:

UA Hawaii Wena Glow Eau de Parfum offers notes of warmth, fire and amber, perfect for Christmas!  Think "Jo Malone" with this one. Another sampling is their HA Breath with its balance of green tea and driftwood (more unisex). Visit www.uahawaii.com for these exotic fragrance selections. 

Akar Nourish Balancing Essence comes in a travel-friendly 2.4 oz spritzer. Perfect for staying hydrated on the plane and hotel room. See it at www.akarskin.com 

 

 

More Ideas...Beauty Products and Cosmetics include these luxurious items anyone would love to have, especially a Tom Ford LTD Edition Eye Shadow Quad or a quality set of cosmetic and body brushes. Also Charlotte Tilbury anything, let's say her Pillow Talk Lipstick, will most certainly be a big hit. 

IGK Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray comes in a smaller travel size making it a great fit in that stocking.  

Also the d' Alba First Spray Serum is the makeup artists' "Chef's-Kiss" for a flawless application. An absolute must-have!

 

This Year's "It" Item - Grass-fed Beef Tallow is another perfect stocking stuffer so appropriate for the winter months.

 

JRLIGGET'S Soaps and Conditioners-Ready for Travel come in a neat little red zippered pouch for a get-away or their Old Fashioned Bar Shampoo & Conditioner with its own wooden soap rack. See them at www.jrliggett.com

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at Best Picks Magazine

 

 

 

Winterizing Your Complexion Inside and Out

 

As winter once again comes around to our NYC/Metro area, our skincare routine also needs to change with the seasons.  This means looking into some time-tested remedies as well as new solutions that both protect and nourish the skin from the inside out.  Here are some new beauty finds that will help you face the elements this holiday season:

 

AKAR Skincare is a Taiwan based product line of natural products that may take you by surprise.  Of note is their Nourish Mask that is really "earthy", (read dirt), but does an excellent job of resurfacing the skin.  This sloughing off process paves the way for deeper penetration of other products following in sequence. The best product from this line is their Soothe Face Oil which can be applied after your favorite moisturizer or their Nourish Balancing Essence Spray which is somewhat similar to d'Alba Piedmont First Spray Serum. Visit www.akarskin.com

 

 

d' Alba Piedmont First Spray Serum is a fantastic light moisturizer used by professional makeup artists both before and after as a setting spray.  It contains an oil layer so you'll need to shake before using but what a gorgeous glow it leaves behind!  My top find of 2025. Available on Amazon.com

 

 

Twofold To Glow Greens - Dietary Supplements and Wellness Serum

Working from within, these convenient "greens" are the perfect way to start your day focused on self care. To Glow Greens in strawberry-matcha offer a refreshing blend of energizing herbs and nutrients that support a healthy complexion. Added to 8-12 ozs of water or your favorite smoothie, it's a game changer.

Wellness Serum is a glycerine based mixture of their To Glow Greens but in a topical formulation.  Rich in hyaluronic acid and chlorella, it is light, non-oily and perfect for acne prone skin. Made in the USA.  Visit www.twofoldwellness.com

Replere by Dr. Debbie Palmer 

Restore & Fortify Beauty Shooters are a quick shot of antioxidant herbs and nutrients geared towards fighting the onslaught of free radical attack.  Once again, working from the inside out, this next level beauty treatment is what we can expect in 2026.

Protect & Rejuvenate Day Lotion echos the shooter formulation for topical application. Very light while offering a certain richness for extra protection.  See her collection at www.replere.com  

 

Pure Heritage Grass Fed Beef Tallow Face and Body Balm

There are many beef tallows on the market now but this formulation includes mango butter and raw honey.  Handcrafted in the USA, it is a gift-worthy product for anyone. Beef Tallow is excellent when applied last over serums and creams for a sealing barrier effect. Available at www.pureheritageskincare.com

 

Dietary Tips

Consider including the following nutrient rich foods and supplements over the winter months:

• 2-3 servings of salmon or sardines per week
• Daily Collagen Supplements, powder is best
• Vitamin D supplementation as lack of sunlight can cause deficiencies 

Get these products in quick rotation NOW before the harsh weather sets in for your most pampered complexion of the holiday season! 

Your Personal Color Analysis: What's The Right Hue for YOU?

 

With a nod to New York Fashion Week: Up your style game this fall by having your colors professionally analyzed. The right colors bring your complexion, eyes and hair to life beautifully. PHOTO: Sage green sweater dress with Karine Sultan mini-gold coin necklace all align with my Soft Autumn Color Palette.

 

 

 

Haling back to the "Color Me Beautiful" days of color analysis experts, today we have even more seasonal sub-categories.  So in addition to Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter, we have slight variations such as Soft or Warm Autumn which denotes inclusion of muted tones.  A professional color analysis will take into account eye color, skin undertones and hair color. 

My personal colors: Soft Autumn  This handy color wheel has all my most flattering colors for clothing, hair color, makeup, jewelry and more all in a compact little booklet.  It also includes colors to avoid.

 

 

 

My personal color analysis took into account my skin's undertones which can be distinguished by vein color.  I have translucent skin so it's easy to see that my veins are teal meaning I have a golden warm to neutral undertone. Also key are my eyes which are HAZEL with gold flecks and a predominance of green around the iris.  You will likewise see if you are low or high contrast. I am a very softly, low contrast complexioned woman so harsh bright colors and patterns will overwhelm me.

 

J. Crew School Boy jacket and St. John knit beige skirt: Examples of soft autumn pieces to create this color palette's perfect outfits.  The emphasis is on soft, muted colors with low contrast combinations.
 

 

PHOTO: DVF Silk Wrap Dress in an overall mossy green pattern.   Celtic Pin in complimentary colors. Viscata Barcelona leather handbag and Verona wedges in a warm Whiskey.

 

So it all ties together.  I look just like my grandmother and aunt who both had the same coloring and auburn hair with hazel-green eyes.  Both sides of my family hail from the British Isles so think Celtic, mossy greens and muted teals with accents of warm whiskey and soft creams.  Nothing harsh or stark.  Once you get your optimal colors analyzed, you will wear outfits that enhance your natural coloring and beauty. You can visit a professional stylist for a color analysis or enter a makeup-free photo of yourself in natural sunlight to an app like CHATGpt. You will see an immediate difference between the most flattering colors and those that should be left on the rack! Nothing is perfect but definitely give personal color analysis a try this season.  It can make a real difference in your appearance and presentation.

 

The complete outfit!

 

Your Fall Glow Up - Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation Review

 

Taking that summertime golden glow into autumn is easy with these makeup artist tips and tricks. PHOTO: Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in 2W1 Dawn, NARS Orgasm Blush and Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip gloss. White cotton eyelet dress by Zara. 

Summer is winding down with fall on the horizon.  Now is the time to preserve that lovely warm weather glow with both skincare and the right foundation.  I think everyone has heard of Estee Lauder's Double Wear Stay in Place Makeup as it's been around for years.  What you may not know is that it comes in 60 shades so the chances of finding your perfect match are almost guaranteed. Also notice the bright white dress I'm wearing.  This foundation DID NOT transfer to my collar or hair and stayed on all day until I took it off. So that's our starting point...match your foundation to your face/neck and everything else falls seamlessly into place. Here's how to get the look:

 

 

1.) Prime It: Moisturized skin and primer are essential to provide that perfect canvas. I am wearing Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base as it is moisturizer and primer in one. Let it sink in for about 10 minutes before applying foundation.

MUA Tip: Use a little stainless steel makeup palette and spatula to professionally mix or blend the perfect colors for your foundation, concealer, blush, powder and lipsticks.

 

2.) Foundation + Concealer: Double Wear is a FULL COVERAGE, 24 hour long wear makeup with a cashmere-matte finish so you may find yourself not needing the extra step of applying a corrective concealer. I applied a small amount of Fiera Luxury Concealer in strategic spots before the foundation. You can also mix your favorite crease-proof concealer with various amounts of your color matched Double Wear Foundation.  Experiment with amounts as shown below to get the right consistency and tone for under-eyes, blemishes, highlighting, etc.

 

I've found that for the best application, it is better to use a Beauty Blender Sponge for this formulation. As seen below at Sephora where I got color matched, Nicole used both a makeup wedge and foundation brush but recommended a sponge.

 

EL Double Wear in 2W1 Dawn-which is Light Medium with warm peach undertones.

 

3.) Blush, Contour and Highlighting: To get my look, I used the more peachy NARS Orgasm Blush, and OGEE Sculpted Face Stick in Copper. Lastly to highlight the top of my cheekbones and forehead, I'm wearing Charlotte Tilbury's Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint.

4.) Eyes on YOU: My eyes are HAZEL with a predominance of green and flecks of gold so my Soft Autumn Color Analysis calls for warm browns, muted sage and gold. I'm wearing brown eyeliner with a deep green mascara to tie it all together.

5.) Lip Color: I'm wearing Charlotte Tilbury's Pillow Talk Lip Gloss which is quite sheer with a beautiful shine.  Lots of dupes available for this shade that seems to compliment a wide variety of complexions.

 

NEW DW Stay-in-Place Concealer and 2W1 Dawn is light medium with warm peach undertones. Shown here is my little Sephora sample provided by the store.

 

To sum it all up, it is key to get your foundation right so that people will see your radiant skin and NOT your makeup.  Even in full sun, you can see my skin is the star of the show!  It will be for you too. Sephora stores usually have a makeup savvy associate available to assist in this AND send you home with a little sample to try in different lighting. That way you don't get stuck with a full bottle of a foundation that doesn't look like you once you leave the store.

Special thanks to Nicole of Sephora at Kohl's in Marlboro, NJ. 

 

Your Natural Summer Glow-Up

Two types of brushes you'll need for your summer glow up: Dry Boar Bristle Body Brush (upper left hand corner), Soft Densely Packed Application Brushes.

 

Now is the time to get ready for those summer fun-days with these new, tested, natural glow products!  Not only are they good for your skin but they immediately impart a healthy look.  Sun protection is key so we've got you covered there too!  It's all in the technique which starts with dry brushing and ends with a soft brush application of bronzer/self-tanner:

The Dry Boar Bristle Body Brush is used to help with lymphatic drainage and increased circulation for arms, legs, hips and thighs.  Use it to brush your skin in long strokes towards the heart until you see a pink glow.  Do this before your bath or shower each day.

Soft Densely Packed Application Brushes are perfect for even application of self tanners and cream bronzer. Add your favorite product to the soft bristles and buff it into the skin for complete, even coverage.  My top two are: St. Tropez Gradual Tan Watermelon Infusion and Westmore Beauty Lasting Effects Body Coverage Perfector shown below.

 

 

Now that you've got your body on maximum glow, remember sun protection for your face, neck and hands especially. Here's a start to get them moisturized and glowing as well.

 

La Roche-Posey Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen is perfectly formulated for body and face.  No white caste, it offers a velvety finish with UVA/UVB protection plus antioxidants.  Excellent for sensitive skin like mine, it does "melt-in".

Grass Fed Beef Tallow Balm With Calendula, Rose & Honey is somewhat new on the scene as far as moisturizers go but worth a second look. Beef Tallow contains natural vitamins and lipids that easily absorb into the skin. It is a game changer!  A really good one is formulated by Stone & Spear, namely their Moisturizing Body Butter in Citrus Vanilla. It comes in a little tin which is perfect to pop inside your handbag.  Shown above is their natural products travel pouch containing deodorant, bar shampoo/conditioner, body soap, facial cleanser bar and toothpaste powder.

 

 

Top New Clean Makeup Products Trending This Summer:

 

If you haven't updated your makeup bag for a while, you might want to check out these new essentials which are great for your skin while offering super pigmentation and creamy coverage.  Left to right...

 

1. Jones Road "The Face Pencil" from Bobbi Brown's new "clean girl" line is very smooth but highly pigmented.  A little goes a long way and is perfect for filling in fine lines.

2. Tarte Shape Tape Blur is super pigmented so I apply it with a brush which feathers it out beautifully.  The blur factor is an extra bonus in filling in fine lines and wrinkles.

3. Fiera Luxury Concealer is very concentrated and thick. It claims to be crease-proof but really no concealer lives up to that without first applying eye-cream and setting it with powder and spray.  All the same, it contains treatment ingredients and is one of the better concealers for mature skin.

3. Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener Highlighting Sticks are very creamy and easy to apply.  Unlike dry powder shadows, it stays in place all day.  Comes in a variety of shades, both shimmers and mattes.

4. Wonderskin Longwear Eyeliner in Blueberry easily glides on your waterline and eyelid.  Very rich colors, it's very pigmented and available in a variety of colors.

5. Maracuja Juicy Melt Mask Lip Color in Cherry Crush is another treatment type lip color that softens and improves moisture.  Very pretty selection of colors with a hint of fruit flavor.   

6. OGEE Lip Oil in Azelea this moisturizing formula is setting the standard of skincare while doubling as makeup. Even as an oil, the color lasts for hours without retouching.

7. Stone & Spear Grass Fed Beef Tallow Lipsticks are setting the scene for lip care that helps improve their overall look.  Very soft and velvety finish, the colors are natural and beautiful.

 

Stone & Spear:  Here I'm wearing their lipstick in Red Rock. Below is their Natural Products Travel Kit.

 

Speaking of Travel Sets, you'll want to pack non-liquid products like these to get you through checking in and quickly boarding your flight.  Summer vacation, here I come!

 

 

Putting Together a Top Tier Valentine's Gift Basket

 

How about thinking outside of the (chocolate) box and coming up with a Valentine's Day Gift that will keep on giving for months to come?  Check out these new popular picks that will have your recipient raving!

Cambio's Medium Roast Columbian is in a class of its own.

Cambio Roasters LLC Specialty Certified Organic Coffee in Recyclable Aluminum Pods

These premium roasted coffees are paired with recyclable aluminum pods.  What could be better? Well, the taste for one. I have and use Keurig style reusable cups which are both metal and plastic combined.  Their coffee is also in a class all its own. Some are nuanced with flavors of black cherry, toasted almond and chocolate. Delicious!

Visit Cambioroasters.com

MightyLicious Gluten-Free Cookies and Chocolate Brownie Mix

Gluten-Free never tasted so good!  Gift a four-pack of their Vegan Chocolate Brownie Mix. You can also make a pan of these brownies as a gift.  Very chocolaty and rich.  Likewise, their assortment of gluten-free cookies is incredibly tasty, especially the Oatmeal Coconut.

See more at MightyLicious.com

Extra Non-Edible Goodies

JRLIGGETT's Travel Ready Mini-Traveler for the Jet Set!  A great way to sample their premium soaps on the go. No liquids to cause problems with TSA protocols. These little solid bars can serve as laundry soap, shampoo and shaving cream so they are very versatile.

Visit JRLIGGETT.com

Baking Up Love is a beautifully illustrated children's book that highlights family relationships across the generations.  A grand-daughter and her grandfather spend quality time making baked treats for everyone else who is too busy to cook. Sweet!

Visit www.page-ed.org

The Savvy Shopper's Luxury Holiday Gift Guide

 

It's Christmas in New York and the holiday spirit is BACK! 5th Avenue is a madhouse with wall-to-wall shoppers out seeing the sights.  This year, 65% of people say they will be shopping IN PERSON and not online.  This bears out what we're seeing with record crowds.  Whether you order online or decide to face the hoards, these are some top-level Christmas gifts everyone wants:

Luxury Cosmetics that Double as Skincare

OGEE Tinted Skin Serums offer a beautiful finish with skin-loving botanicals. Lots of shades to choose from but since these are skin tints, they are quite forgiving to accommodate a wide range of complexions.  Pair with a set of their Complexion Sticks and Foundation Brush for a complete presentation.

Visit www.ogee.com

DefenAge Dermatologist and Ophthalmologist Tested Skincare

These luxe products are also available in a professional line, at your cosmetic surgeon's or dermatologist's office.  I've tested both collections and they are excellent products even for my hyper-sensitive skin due to a prescription Retin-A regimen.  The OTC products are effective and gentle, especially the 2 Minute Reveal which is similar to IL Makiage's Power Polish exfoliating treatment.  High points also for their 8 in 1 Bioserum and 24/7 Barrier Balance Creams. 

Top Shopping Tip: Order one of the large DefenAge sets and break it down into smaller sets or gifts.  Their 100% Pure Silk Pillowcase is also a beautiful gift on its own.

Visit www.defenage.com

Silky Luxe Lounge and Sleepwear

Forever French Baby natural bamboo pajamas for the whole family. Made from renewable, natural bamboo fiber (vicose), these beautiful pj's feel almost like silk next to the skin.  I've topped them with a pure mulberry silk cream kimono. Since they are made of bamboo, the material is highly breathable while keeping your body at a comfortable temperature. No sweating. An added feature is this design print, "The Charli", was made by a child on the autistic spectrum.

Visit www.foreverfrenchbaby.com

Matching Luggage

Biaggi - Luggage that folds is such a welcome gift for anyone who travels or takes frequent trips.  This beautiful set of zippered tote and onboard folding spinner cabin bag can hold a week's worth of clothes and essentials.  No bag checking needed.  I keep the tote with me in my seat and the cabin bag goes in the overhead compartment. Easy!  Your recipient will travel in comfort and style while the luggage itself folds flat for easy storage when not in use.

See all available sizes and colors at www.biaggi.com

Gift Jewelry

Now hear me out.  Yes, jewelry can be a bit tricky, but it is hard to go wrong with a pair of delicate earrings or a fine gold/silver necklace. Chanel makes costume jewelry, but stylists such as Lauren Conrad, Rachel Zoe, and Kendra Scott also have some lovely, quality pieces that are extremely inexpensive.  I have Tiffany & Co. jewelry, but Conrad's and Zoe's pieces are gorgeous even when placed next to Vancleef & Arpels's Alhambra collection.

So, this just goes to show that you need not spend a lot to give a lot.  Presentation is also important so take the time to wow them with the trappings of wrappings.

Wishing a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours!