From top to bottom, here are 3 new beauty products to help you prep for all your superfabulous holiday engagements. Or steamy nights in.

Tis’ the season, after all….

photo: kelsey leiter

Redken Diamond Oil High Shine Shampoo, Conditioner and Airy Mist

WHAT IS IT: A luxurious 3-part haircare collection from Redken that imparts high-shine via oils (coriander, camelina and apricot) but is SUPER-light and doesn’t weigh hair down. The shampoo/conditioner formula is a clear gel with suspended shimmering particles. The mist is silicone-based and buildable. [NOTE: Does not come with real diamonds. Sadly.]

WHY I LOVE IT: Unlike many oils we’ve tested, Diamond Oil  is truly light-weight yet still leaves hair clean, conditioned, nourished and shiny. It feels like my strands are invisibly coated and lifted, so my layers look fresh and more defined. There is no greasy residue, no heaviness. The formula would work for even the finest hair. And the mist provides added shine (without added weight) — and SPARKLE, perf for the holidays.

WHAT IT COSTS: $18 for the shampoo, $19 for the conditioner, $22 for the mist

WHERE TO BUY: Visit redken.com for salons

GIFT-GIVING POTENTIAL: On a 1-10 scale, I’d rank this one at a 7 but only because carrying or shipping liquid/gel items, one being an aerosol, can be problematic. I happen to think the sizes of these items are perfect, not at all bulky. So if transport is not an issue, I think this system would make an amazing gift, particularly for someone with fine but dry hair or someone who wants shine without weight or greasiness.

Now, if this is a gift you give yourself, I say 10 out of 10. 

Sidenote: my boyfriend’s father (a man with a great head of hair) stayed with us recently and used the shampoo (it was the only one out) and later, unprompted, commented on what a nice product it was. I mean…. EVERYONE LOVES DIAMOND OIL.

Kneipp Soft Skin Bath in Almond Blossom (For Dry and Sensitive Skin)

WHAT IS IT: A sweet almond oil that softens skin while bathing and improves the natural hydration of skin post-bath.

WHY I LOVE IT: Just one capful of the oil in a warm bath not only provides skin benefits but also completely relaxes me. The scent is therapeutic and the time to sit and allow it work (15-20 minutes max in the tub) lets me clear my head. I can decompress or listen to an Omvana meditation or play ambient music. Best of all, I do not (repeat) DO NOT NEED MOISTURIZER OR BODY LOTION after using the Soft Skin Bath. So I save on time and product there. Win-win.

WHAT IT COSTS: $20 for 3.4 fl. oz – OR – $5.50 for 0.68 (travel-friendly) fl. oz

WHERE TO BUY: Fine spas, apothecaries and kneippus.com, beauty.com, dermstore.com

GIFT-GIVING POTENTIAL: This one is a 10 out of 10. The gift of beauty and serenity is one most will appreciate. The price is right. And the mini is perfect for a stocking-stuffer! 

Silk’n Pedi Callus Remover

WHAT IS IT: A hand-held, compact, portable, battery-operated rotating roller device that sloughs off calluses and dead skin. Comes with two rollers: one that’s rough for areas needing more attention and one that’s fine for sensitive skin. Also comes with a protective cover and a cleaning brush. 

WHY I LOVE IT: For one, I love me a beauty gadget. And like many others, I find it easy to get seasonally lazy with foot care when feet are mostly hidden in socks and boots or closed-toe heels. But when a solution is simple and quick and REALLY WORKS – and I know my feet do make appearances at yoga and in the sauna and for the occasional blinged-out strappy sandal at a black-tie event – I will use it. And I do. I also love the immediacy of results. You start with calluses, you finish without them. This thing is awesome. For added benefits, once you’re done cover those tootsies + heels + soles in some body oil and pull on thick wool or cotton socks. 

WHAT IT COSTS: $29

WHERE TO BUY: silkn.com, kohls.com, ulta.com

GIFT-GIVING POTENTIAL: 9 out of 10, and docked the one point only because some may become self-conscious and think this is a “need” versus “want” gift. To counteract that, you can just say something like “the gift of beautiful feet all year long” or “how did I ever live without this thing” or “too cold outside to get a pedi, no worries.” Because everyone, woman and man, could use this baby.

Happy holidays, divas!!

XOLC

Note: This post is not sponsored. All thoughts are unbiased and my own. All photos are my own. Samples were provided for review and/or my use as a professional makeup artist. 

Lauren Cosenza is the creator and editor-in-chief of DIVAlicious, a trusted beauty/fashion expert, an on-camera personality and spokesperson, a leading NYC-based professional makeup artist, a published contributor and writer, a brand consultant, a product junkie and an insatiable style seeker.



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