Pylone’s line of grooming products, which includes a tweezer and nail file set, both have a suction cup to adhere to your bathroom mirror, not only has made me more organized but are also so cute!  The suction cup allows you to hang the product either upright or vertical (see picture) for your convenience and really brightens up my bathroom.  The Tweezers ($12) come in 7 different lady choices, the nail file ($15) in 8, all in various ethnicities, costumes and hair colors.  Both measure roughly 1” in base, 4” in height.  They are also incredibly purse-friendly should you be so charmed by these ladies you should want to put them in your makeup case.  However, if you have my affinities for losing things, I would say proceed with caution.

They are positively great! And make for such a fun and affordable gift.  I can’t think of a single girl in my life that wouldn’t love a set.

For more information visit pylons-usa.com

Affiliation: This product was given to Pretty Connected by a company representative.  Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review.

Spring has arrived early this year for all you Milly and Clinique fans!  In their latest collaboration the ‘Milly for Clinique Cosmetics Bag’, you’ll receive a custom designed fold over bag (that can double as a clutch) by Milly designer and founder Michelle Smith.  It comes filled with Clinique’s best of spring beauty items, a fantastic deal with any $24.50 or more Clinique purchase (a $75 value!).

In addition to the Milly for Clinique Cosmetic Bag, this set includes the following Clinique travel size products:

• Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder and Brush
• High Impact Mascara in Black
• Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF 20
• Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
• Rinse-Off Eye Makeup Solvent
• Clinique Foldover Mirror
• Long Last Lipstick in A Different Grape
• Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Clearly Pink

*The two lip treats come on a Clinique key chain

Perfect for travel or a night on the town.  An exciting clutch to add to my collection — I’m a nut for details and the zipper has this amazing orange bead on it.  Exclusive to Bloomingdale’s, get it while you can . . .  it’s only available while supplies last!

For more information visit Clinique.com

Affiliation: I received this product from a company representative at a Milly/Clinique event.  We purchase an additional set, because this offer is too amazing to pass up.  Pretty Connected is under no obligation to write this review.

For more information visit LushUSA.com

If you’re like me, then right about now you’ve finished most of your shopping and just trying to resolve a few loose ends.

So here it is — a list of great gift sets to have on hand that you can give as is or break them apart (they makes great little stocking stuffers).  And if all else fails, keep them for yourself, everyone wins!

1. Korres – Never Too Much of a Good Thing

The possibilities are endless with this unisex set of 12 body products (six showergels, six body butters).  Match them by scent and give them to your favorite coworkers (just get fancy on the wrapping).  Or you can give the entire set to that person in your life who’s fortunate enough to have a guest bathroom and enjoys putting toiletries out for their guests. Also a perfect gift for hosts/hotesesses, secret santa, travelers, siblings, maybe even the mailman? … like I said, endless possibilities.

The set contains:

• 6 Showergels in Basil Lemon, Jasmine, Guava, Clementine, Melon, and Mint
• 6 Body Butters in Basil Lemon, Jasmine, Guava, Clementine, Melon, and Mint

Price: $39.50 (value $99).  Exclusive to Sephora, visit Sephora.com for more information.

2. Tarte – Crown Jewels Lipgloss Multi-Gift Set

This limited edition set already does the work for you! This gift is nicely packaged on its own or inside there are 3 sets of perfectly packed sets of 5 mini lip glosses ready to be given out by lip gloss preference: Glittering Green Goddesses (sheer nudes to pink range), Dazzling Divas (a glittery group of pinks to gold), and Twinkling Trendsetters (high pigmented bright colors or pinks and reds).  They even have a ‘To/From’ label on each set, so you don’t even need a card.

My one complaint is the name of the colors aren’t listed under the tube, which makes it difficult later when you’re ready for a refill!

Price: $39 (value $165).  For more information visit Sephora.com

3. NARS – Drop Dead Gorgeous Mini Nail Kit

Consisting of 4 shades of NARS top nail polish colors — Arabesque, Chinatown, Candy Darling, and Saratoga, could this set be any cuter?  NARS’ long lasting, and beautifully pigmented formula (I like to do two coats), makes for a great gift.  Plus, what girl doesn’t love nail polish?

A great set on it’s own or break these little, adorable nail polishes apart for a great stocking stuffer.

Price: $30.  For more information visit narscosmetics.com

4. Molton Brown – Atlantic Trail Set

A bit of a splurge, but so worth it. This six-piece set of unisex flavors is an exquisite choice for men (and woman).  Clean, fresh, smooth — I’m just all about the Molton Brown aesthetic and the six scents chosen from their existing line, which includes:

• Heavenly gingerlily moisture bath & shower
• Warming eucalyptus bath & shower therapy
• Invigorating suma ginseng bath & shower
• Energising seamoss bath & shower
• Inspiring wild-indigo bath & shower
• Ultrasmooth coco de mer body lotion

Price: $55.  For more information visit moltonbrown.com

Affiliation: The Crown Jewels, was given to me by a company representative. I was under no obligation to write this review.

1. Soft & Dreamy Drenched in Pink Super Soft Body Lotion by Victoria’s Secret

This light weight, limited edition lotion absorbed effortlessly into my skin with the delicious smell of meringue and vanilla whipped cream. The Pink line is my general go-to for the teenagers in my life, and it hasn’t let me down yet.

$12/ 500mL/16.9 FL OZ.
For more information visit victoriassecret.com

2. Almond Cookie Candle by Carol’s Daughter
Get into the spirit with the soft aromatic blend of almonds and marzipan. Hours after I blew out this soy candle, the scent lingered in my room, and the wax stayed soft enough to use a little on my dry patches and cuticles (like a salve to add moisture).

Burns for approximately 50 hours. $29/7.2 oz.
For more information visit carolsdaughter.com

3. Cherry Blossom Hugs & Kisses by L’Occitane
I love this little duo set — Ultra hydrating, sweet smelling cherry hand cream that’s not overpowering with a lightly pigmented red cherry lip gloss that’s not too sticky; all boxed up in a cute package.

$18/ Hand Cream 1 oz, Lip Gloss 0.5 oz.
For more information visit loccitane.com

4. Holiday Treats Mini Juice Gems Squeeze on Lip Gloss by Mark.
Four limited edition glosses in fun, high pigmented, thick gloss flavors including Holly Berry, Nutcracker, Eggnog, and Sugar Plum.

$12/ 0.2 fl oz each.
For more information vist meetmark.com

5. Classic Cookbook by Philosophy
It’s insane how accurate these scents are to their dessert flavors. This set of 6 includes shampoo, shower gel & bubble baths in red velvet cake, cinnamon buns, spicy pear cobbler, pumpkin spice muffin, gingerbread and double rich hot cocoa. I don’t use it in my hair, but it’s a great all over shower wash that lathers really well and rather moisturizing! Makes a great set to give to the dessert nut in your life or to break it apart if certain scents remind you of different people.

$35/ 6-piece set, 2 oz. each.
For more information visit philosophy.com

6. Dylan’s Candy Bar Edition of Candy Land
Candied out? Something great for the kids (or young at heart) is this fun twist on the great classic board game, Candy Land. Same rules, new faces. First one to the Gingerbread Mansion wins!

$25. For more information visit dylanscandybar.com

7. Fridge Full of Sweets by Dylan’s Candy Bar
WARNING: For severe cake lovers only, who wish they could bathe it, and if so, proceed with caution because this Birthday Cake Batter Body Smoothie Lotion and Soda Pop Shower Gel set is not messing around and is very fragrant. Soda Pop is in reference to the shape of the packaging for the shower gel (there’s no actual soda involved). The products compliment each other well.

$28/ Body Smoothie Lotion 16 oz, Soda Pop Shower Gel 10 oz.
For more information visit dylanscandybar.com

8. You Shall Go to the Ball Gift Set by Lush This set contains their Fairy Tail Sugar Scrub and Yummy Yummy Yummy Shower Gel. Both products are scented with real strawberries for a really fresh, natural fragrance that’s not to overpowering. I love the way it feels on my skin, and a little goes a long way (I get about 3 uses out of their sugar scrub). And it comes already wrapped, and ready to go.

$15.95/ Fairy Tale 3.5 oz, Yummy Yummy Yummy 3.3 fl. oz

For more information visit lushusa.com

9. Brown Sugar Set by Fresh

Brown Sugar Body Polish, Brown Sugar Cream, and Brown Sugar Soap, are all included in this set. I will confess, I haven’t yet used the soap, however the Body Polish and Cream are sensational. It’s such a great value, that I recommend buying the set since you get the full product discounted plus the soap free! The brown sugar exfoliant from the body polish really awakens and hydrates my skin. Followed up by the Brown Sugar Cream that soaks right into my skin, and keeps it moisturized and soft all day. I love everything about this duo, and it smells fantastic – just a hint of fresh lemon mixed with the brown sugar.

$65 (a $94 value). Brown Sugar Body Polish 14.1 oz, Brown Sugar Body Cream 3.4 oz, Brown Sugar Soap 8.8 oz.

For more information visit fresh.com

Affiliation: Items #1, 2, 4, 7, 8 were given to me by a company representative. I was under no obligation to write this review.

With the holidays around the corner, here are 3 of my favorite fun, but practical gag gifts that work for almost every girl, plus they come with a good laugh.

1. Miss Oops! Holiday Survival Kit

Miss Oops is a super fun brand with a wide array of cheeky but practical beauty and fashion saving, problem-solving products for all of those ‘oopsie!’ moments in your life.

The Holiday Survival Kit from Miss Oops is a fabulous set of must haves including:

• Rescue Sponge – perfect for getting out pesky stains including deodorant marks or fresh make-up powder off your clothes. No water needed.
• Travel size lint roller – you never know whose cat you’ll meet at that holiday party, and now you don’t have to worry about it (unless you’re allergic).
• Mishap Tape – a set of 36 strips in two widths, this fabric friendly, hypoallergenic tape repairs hanging hems, gaping blouses, and keeps bra straps in place. So don’t worry about a wardrobe malfunction (I’m looking at you Janet Jackson).

Packaged in a fun to go box, this gift is great for any girl on the go. Plus each product is nice and compact so they fit easily in your purse.

Suggested Retail Price: $18

For more information visit missoops.com

2. On the Cuff

I got On the Cuff in a gift bag and had no idea what it was. They look like little floats made of sponges! So after conducting a quick online investigation, it became clear that they are basically sponge bracelets (ahem, their terminology is ‘cuff made of a unique stretch material’) you wear, while rinsing your face, doing the dishes, or washing your car to prevent water from running down your arms.

While it seems like a completely hilarious invention, it’s also genius and practical. I’m a major victim of water dripping down my sleeves so this made my day.

Price of 1 pair: $7.99

For more information visit onthecuff.net

3. Foot Petals Luxury Kit

This gift by Foot Petals is perfect for the shoe maven in your life; packed with an assortment of foot cushions and freshness spray, this set will help keep the comfort in and the blisters at bay so you can dance the night away this season.

The Luxury Kit includes (products also sold separately):

• Heavenly Heelz - A multi-functional foot cushion that can be used to prevent your heels from slipping out of your shoes
• Strappy Stripes – No more sling back straps digging into the backs of your ankles! Help is here with this preventative adhesive cushion.
• Tip Toe – the cushion that helps prevents your foot from sliding forward. This is especially perfect for those high-heeled shoes, since it’s never particularly attractive (or comfortable) to have your foot scrunched in the front with visible room in the back of your shoe.
• Sweaty Pedi – A perfect spray to keep your feet dry and fresh. The name may not be so attractive, and the vanilla smell is a little overwhelming (although it does fade shortly after contact), I’m willing to overlook these shortcomings, considering this product delivers. I’ve sprayed it on my feet before going to the gym and before going out for the evening, and hours later, my feet stayed dry and in fact, were rather soft.

Suggested Retail Price: $39.95

For more information (and a variety of alternate great holiday foot sets and products), visit footpetals.com

Now available, the Magical Beauty Gift Set includes:

• Shampoo “The Beauty Within” – 8 fl. oz.
• Conditioner “Inner Shine” – 8 fl. oz.
• Bubble Bath “Sharing Means Caring” – 8 fl. oz.
• Loofah

With the magic of Disney, and benefits of natural ingredients such as aloe leaf juice, sunflower seed oil, cranberry fruit extract, and lemon peel, this set makes a great gift for the natural beauty in your life. Each product features an inspirational message reflecting the values and lessons that Tiana learns during her journey in The Princess and the Frog, making the collection a way for girls to connect with Disney’s latest princess.  These products are also sold separately.

Suggested Retail Price: $24 (value $30.50)

For more information, visit CarolsDaughter.com

Affiliation: This product was not sent to me by a company representative.

Glowology offers no harmful ingredients that could affect a nursing newborn or a developing baby.  They understand that some ingredients can be absorbed into the bloodstream which is why every ingredient is researched to ensure its appropriateness before it’s used in any of their formulations. Clinically-tested and hypoallergenic.

HEAVENLY HONEY WASH:

• Developed to gently clean sensitive skin.
• Nourishing milk protein and honey leave skin sweetly soft.
• Organic lavender and clover soothe skin.
• Vitamin E and Provitamin B5 moisturize.

LOVELY BODY LOTION:

• Developed to gently moisturize sensitive skin.
• Nourishing milk protein, almond oil and clover honey leave skin sweetly soft.
• Organic calendula and white tea soothe skin.
• Contains natural antioxidants vitamins A, C, and E.

Suggested Retail Price: $45

To learn more about the Glowology collection or to purchase, visit noodleandboo.com

KIEHL’S LIMITED EDITION HAND CARE FOR A CURE

In proud support of World AIDS Day, Kiehl’s is launching a Limited Edition Hand Care for a Cure today with 100% of the net profits to benefit amfAR.  With new packaging for a limited release of their signature Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, it features a unique design of the symbolic red ribbon – worn internationally to increase public awareness of AIDS. Created out of red hand prints, this visual displays the many hands that AIDS has affected, as well as the many hands working together to find a cure.  This heavy-duty moisture treatment is a thick, rich formula offering all-day care and protection to hands. Featuring a blend of select ingredients that allows skin draw and absorb water from the air, this hand salve forms a protective barrier against moisture loss.

Limited Edition Hand Care for a Cure Suggested Retail Price: 2.5 fl. oz / $12.50, available on http://www.kiehls.com

About amfAR [from amfAR.com]:

Founded in 1985, amfAR is dedicated to ending the global AIDS epidemic through innovative research and has invested nearly $300 million in its mission and has awarded grants to more than 2,000 research teams worldwide. For additional information on amfAR, visit www.amfAR.org

M∙A∙C ‘S MIRACLES HAPPEN VIVA GLAM LIP KIT

As part of M∙A∙C’s continued commitment to AIDS research, they are donating every cent of the purchase of their Miracles Happen Viva Glam Lip Kit to the M∙A∙C AIDS Fund.  This compact features lip trio Viva Glam V and VI Lipsticks, and Viva Glam V Lip Gloss.  The set is part of their holiday collection, and truly is the gift that keeps on giving.

Miracles Happen Viva Glam Lip Kit Suggested Retail Price: $22.50, available on www.maccosmetics.com

About M∙A∙C AIDS Fund:

Established in 1994 by M·A·C Cosmetics, the M·A·C AIDS Fund supports men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS globally. Introducing its first VIVA GLAM lipstick that same year, M·A·C decided that every cent of the selling price of the VIVA GLAM lipsticks would go to the M·A·C AIDS Fund. With a total of six shades of Viva Glam lipstick and two shades of Viva Glam lipglass now sold worldwide, and through the annual Kids Helping Kids Card Program, M·A·C Cosmetics has provided over $135 million (US) to date for the M·A·C AIDS Fund. The M·A·C AIDS Fund is the heart and soul of the company – with its employees giving their time, energy and talent to help those affected by HIV/AIDS worldwide.

To learn more about the M·A·C AIDS Fund visit www.macaidsfund.org/

Affiliation: A company representative did not send these products to me. I was under no obligation to write this review. Excerpts taken from Kiehls.com and maccosmetics.com.