The days are so short I barely see the sun, and while that might sound depressing, there is an upside: It's the perfect time to erase sun damage. I'm booking laser appointments and stockpiling brightening serums. Elemis Advanced Brightening Even Tone Serum, $90, is my current serum of choice. It contains vitamin C plus daisy and pea extracts, which work together to lighten existing spots and keep new ones from forming. Elemis tested the serum after 28 days and found a significant change (most serums take 12 weeks before you notice a difference). Not only is that impressive, it also means you'll have brighter skin by New Year's Eve -- and just in time for the days to get longer again.
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A Candle for the Francophile
There are a handful of superstar florists in New York City, and Ovando is one of the best. (Aside: If Bravo did "The Real Florists of NYC," I'd watch.) Their arrangements are sleek and modern, and they last longer than flowers from anywhere else. Still, they're pricey for something so temporary, and the smell of fresh flowers -- while always lovely -- doesn't exactly scream "holiday cheer." This time of year, the Ovando L'Hiver Candle, $60, seems more appropriate. It was inspired by the smells of Paris in wintertime, and it's as cozy and warm as a fireplace with notes of anise, cinnamon, vanilla and leather. It's just as beautiful as an Ovando arrangement, and it will last even longer.
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Crazy for Coconut Oil
If you've yet to get onboard with the coconut oil trend, I recommend starting with Alba Botanica Very Emollient Coconut Rescue Body Lotion, $14.99. In addition to unrefined coconut oil, it also contains coconut milk and shea butter, making it unbelievably moisturizing. And because the coconut oil is cold-pressed, it maintains a higher level of vitamins and antioxidants. Oh, and it smells like a vacation -- something we could all use in the middle of winter.
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Ski-Bunny Tint Times Two
I'm no ski bunny, but that's the inspiration behind my dream wintertime makeup look. It's makeup-free except for a flushed cheek, shiny lashes and white shimmer on the inner corners of the eyes. (A bit of sparkle from the snow, naturally.) Tata Harper Volumizing Lip & Cheek Tint gives you the ideal amount of sheer color to fake a just-back-from-the-slopes flush. And with the Tata Harper Very Naughty and Very Nice Limited Edition Holiday Exclusive Volumizing Lip & Cheek Tint, $65, you get two shades to play with -- a cherry red and a blush pink. Plus, the formula is packed with moisturizers and skin-care ingredients like amino acids. In fact, it might be the perfect makeup to wear on the slopes.
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Perfume in a Pencil
There are lip pencils and eye pencils, and now there are fragrance pencils. Elizabeth Arden Solid Perfume Pencils, $9.99, are available in six of their top scents from Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey and Taylor Swift. If you know a pop music fan -- tween, adult or anywhere in between -- it's a no-brainer gift.
We all do a lot of shopping in December, but it's rarely for ourselves. At the risk of sounding greedy, I'll admit it: I follow the "one for you, one for me" formula -- at least when it comes to the little things. And many of the newest beauty products launching this month are perfect candidates -- they're incredibly affordable.
There are perfume pencils for less than $10, an $11 hand cream that feels truly fancy and a lip and cheek tint that comes in a pack of two -- perfect for sharing. Whether you're shopping for your sister or simply running into the drugstore for wrapping paper (and maybe a new body lotion …), there are exciting new beauty products to try. You could even use this story as your personal wish list. It's mine.
