I love the holiday season in ways that most people don’t understand. At my house, the tree is up and decorated the day after Thanksgiving, boxes of presents start accumulating within hours, and the kitchen quite frequently smells of Mom’s homemade apple cider or the freshly decorated gingerbread houses. But as much as I love getting into the spirit, getting myself into the mall is a totally different story. I hate braving the crowds, fighting people for the last available (insert hot, coveted item here), and the indecision I face while picking out the perfect present. Suffice to say that by the time December 25th rolls around, I’m utterly exhausted. But, the excruciating amount of holiday shopping has exposed me to immense amounts of new beauty and grooming products which I’m proud to introduce as this year’s best beauty buys.

Best Buys for the Girls:

Image via Sephora.com

1. NARS Blush in “Orgasm”

As a girl who has been through the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to blush (anyone who has ever been on stage can relate to the horrors of theatrical make up), this is the only product that I would recommend to anyone. I have friends of Armenian, Mexican, British and Italian descent who all wear and love NARS blush in “Orgasm.” This is a perfect blend of pink and peach that somehow manages to look good on everyone. Don’t believe me? Visit Sephora and try it for yourself.

Image via Sephora.com

2. Philosophy Lip Gloss in “Raspberry Sorbet”

If you spent your adolescence addicted to Lip Smacker’s chapstick, then you can surely appreciate products that not only smell good, but also taste delicious! If you’re sick of misleading lip gloss that smells like a dream but tastes like a nightmare, check out Philosophy’s lip gloss collection. My favorite flavor is “Raspberry Sorbet” but if you’re a fan of vanilla frosting, “Cinnamon Buns” is not to be missed.

Image via Sephora.com

3. Make Up Forever Mascara, Waterproof Lengthening Formula

Now, I wouldn’t usually recommend a product I didn’t like, but I have the ability to recognize that some girls actually want a mascara that stays put through sweat, tears, or rain. In fact, this stuff won’t even budge if you find yourself in the midst of a monsoon. They weren’t kidding when they called this stuff “Make Up Forever,” it took me 45 minutes in the shower and half a bottle of make up remover to figure this out. So if you’re looking for a mascara that literally stays there forever, buy it in waterproof lengthening formula!

Best Buys for the Guys:

Image via Nordstrom.com

1. Jack Black “Body Rehab” Scrub and Muscle Soak

Like milk, Jack Black’s “Body Rehab” scrub does a body good…it just smells better than the aforementioned lactic substance. Not only does “Body Rehab” fill your shower with refreshing eucalyptus, but this exfoliating scrub also keeps your skin smooth and can be used after working out to relieve stress and soothe muscles. One week before Christmas and this stuff was scarce on the shelves of the Nordstrom Men’s Department.

Image via Sephora.com

2. Giorgio Armani “Acqua di Gio”

Giorgio Armani’s timeless scent captures what can only be described as a Northern California beach. Dark blue waters, with white-crested waves below a cliff covered in Eucalyptus and Cypress trees. “Acqua di Gio” artfully blends sand, sea and forest in bottle. It is my all-time favorite fragrance for men, give it a spray, and I think you’ll see why!

Image via Sephora.com

3. Tend Skin
Tend skin works miracles in the shaving department. It’s a cure-all for razor bumps, burn or irritation. If you have sensitive skin, I highly recommend this product, but buyers beware…women also like to use it after a close shave! I’ve known quite a few girls who have lifted this product from their boyfriend’s medicine cabinet, so you might want to find a hiding place for Tend Skin.