Makeup Junkie Holiday Gift Guide 2008: The Gift of Kiehl's!

Christmas shopping for me is all about one-stop-shopping destinations. With so many to buy for, running around from store to store is not my idea of fun shopping (unless it's for me of course haha). If you're with me on this one, Makeup Junkie recommends shopping at Kiehl's, where you'll find the finest in quality skin and hair care. Select from ready-made gift boxes or personalize your gifting by creating a custom collection. You'll find gifts for everyone on your list - including your BFF's lil' pup!

The gift that keeps on giving, perfect for anyone on your list! "Aloe Vera" Biodegradable Liquid Body Cleanser ($20.50 CAD) was created in partnership with hunky humanitarian, Brad Pitt! It is the first 100% Biodegradable formula and fragrance for Kiehl's and the first product with Cradle to Cradle Certification (measures a product against specific criteria for environmental and human health). The result is a body cleanser that minimizes impact to the environment and readily biodegrades in 28 days. This gentle, refreshing cleanser is formulated without parabens, SLS, and Dyes. The bottle is also 100 % Post Consumer Recycled. 100 % of net proceeds from sales will benefit JPF Eco Systems, a charitable foundation created with Brad Pitt to support global environmental initiatives. What could be a greater gift than giving a gift that was created by Brad Pitt and gives back to the environment? It's a must-have for everyone on your list!

Kiehl's Liquid Hand Soaps Trio ($46.50 USD) are the perfect gift for the friend who loves to host. The set features three favourite Kiehl's scents: Grapefruit, Coriander, and my personal fave, "Pear Tree Corner". I absolutely love these hand soaps and I usually don't go crazy over hand soaps! This gentle, yet effective cleanser is fantastic for frequent hand washing. It is formulated with emollient humectants which absorb moisture to skin, keeping your hands oh-so-soft and lightly scented. Vitamin E and Aloe Vera help soothe and protect distressed skin, especially beneficial during colder months. The paraben-free formula uses a gentle cleansing agent with coconut-derived cleansers. Keep one in the powder room for guests, in the kitchen, and in your own bathroom!

Give the gift of perfectly smooth skin with Kiehl's Gently Exfoliating Body Scrubs ($30 CAD). Great as a gift on its own or paired with Kiehl's Deluxe Hand and Body Lotion with Aloe Vera and Oatmeal in a matching scent, customize for your mom or your best friend (and why not yourself?). Select from four lovely scents: Grapefruit, Coriander, Lavender, and "Pear Tree Corner". The gentle, yet effective scrub leaves my skin feeling soft each time. I never shower without it! All scents smell wonderful, but my fave is of course "Pear Tree Corner". It's a subtle, sweet pear scent that smells delicious!



Kiehl's Ultimate Man Collection ($69.50 CAD) is the gift for the ultimate man in your life. With Kiehl's functional blue packaging, your man won't think twice about pulling these products out of his gym bag. The collection includes Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash, White Eagle Shave Cream, Ultimate Man Scrub Soap, Facial Fuel No-Shine Lip Balm, Ultimate Strength Hand Salve Deluxe, and Facial Fuel Deluxe.

I know of a few new moms that could use some serious pampering this Holiday season! Kiehl's New Mother's set ($149 USD) is an excellent new mom and baby gift. For new moms, the set includes must-haves: Creme de Corps, "Lavender" Hand and Body Lotion, Body Massage Oil, Lip Balm #1, and Lavender Foaming Relaxing Bath with Sea Salts and Aloe. For baby's sensitive skin the set includes: Kiehl's Diaper Rash Ointment, Kiehl's Baby Lip Balm, Kiehl's Nurturing Cream For Face and Body, and Kiehl's Baby Gentle Foaming Hair and Body Wash. My son and I have become a fan of Kiehl's Nurturing Cream For Face and Body. Donna Paty, National Education Manager for Kiehl's, recommended this for my son's eczema problem. It doesn't get rid of the condition but calms his flare ups and relieves his itchy skin. Both baby and mom will love the scent of of vanilla, pears, apples and sweet berries. It may be a little pricey at $20 plus a pop, but when it comes to my son's delicate skin only the best will do!

For the lip balm junkie, Kiehl's Flavored Lip Balm Trio ($33 CAD) is a fabulous stocking stuffer. The set includes the classic Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 in Cranberry, Pear, and Mint. I was a little skeptical to try this lip balm because of the SPF 4 factor. Donna suggested I test the lip balm on the inside of my wrist for reactions before applying on my lips. I had never tried this method and usually tried SPF products at my own risk. My lips have been enjoying the supple smoothness and pear scent of Kiehl's Lip Balm #1. I love the convenient squeeze tube it comes in. You can take it anywhere and apply anytime with no mess. It gives the lips a nice shine and works great over your favourite lip colour. The balm doesn't feel sticky on the lips and will keep your pout in tip top shape for those mistletoe kisses!

Dogs need pampering too! Your pooch will give you some serious smooches when you primp them up with Kiehl's Pampered Pooch Collection ($52 CAD). Cleanse their coat with gentle Cuddly Coat Grooming Shampoo, condition with Cuddly Coat Conditioning Rinse and finish them off with Spray-and-Play Cleansing Spritz. Let your heart melt with those puppy dog eyes, as they look back at you with love, feeling fresh and clean after their pampering session!

To view more gift collections visit www.kiehls.com.
Stay tuned for our visit with National Education Manager for Kiehl's, Donna Paty!