I love gifting perfume and cologne, too, but I’d rather do it from home since the deals tend to be better online, anyway. One of my favorite sites to nab a great deal is Scentiments.com, where they have an amazing selection of designer fragrances that won’t crush your budget. They have all the big names, latest trends and classic favorites for men, women and even kids. Plus, I like them because they guarantee that you get the best price possible. How’s that for keeping the holiday stress at bay? I love it.

Here are the ones I’ve already chosen this year:

Juicy Couture 3.4 oz Spray for Women by Juicy Couture $46 (old price=$85)

The bottle alone makes this a must-give. Plus, the mix of notes (Watermelon, Mandarin, Pink Passion Fruit, Marigold, Green Apple, Water Hyacinth, Crushed Leaves, Tuberose Absolute, Wild Rose, Princess Lily, Tuberose, Caramel Creme Brulee, Vanilla, Precious Woods, Patchouli) makes it so unique and right for just about every woman. It’s fun and sophisticated.

Acqua di Gio for Men 3.4 oz spray by Giorgio Armani, $49 (old price=$65)

I love, love, love this scent for men. Can cologne be classic and contemporary at the same time? Because Acqua di Gio is. I’ve heard that Armani’s inspiration for this super-masculine scent was an island on the Mediterranean Sea. It has a definite marine note along with Mandarin, Bergamot, Neroli, Persimmon, Rosemary, Nasturtium, Jasmine, Amber, Patchouli, Cistus. It’s good for dads and boyfriends, and how often does that happen?

Click here to check out more discount perfumes and colognes at Scentiments.com.

You know, this is a good incentive for making the transition to online makeup buying. I’ve been considering that lately because I don’t always have the time to run out when I run out of my staples. It’s a problem that leaves me scraping the corners of my eyeshadow and manhandling my liquid foundation like it was a new bottle of ketchup.

The con is that you don’t get to test new stuff like you can if you go into a store like Sephora, but it’s a great way to keep your favorites replenished without having to go to the mall or a drug store. Still, though, you do run the risk of getting into a makeup rut. I’m still trying to figure it out. Please help me. Tell me you buy makeup online? What’s your favorite online cosmetic store?

Ever since I took my first whiff of Serge Lutens’ amazing array of fragrances, I’ve been whole-heartedly in love.

I warn you, though, if you buy it once, you’ll be addicted.

Happy shopping!

Stock up on brands like Philosophy, SkinCeuticals, La Rouche, MD Skincare and more.

I recently got myself one of these little Conair dryers for the gym. I just use it for spot drying after workouts, so I don’t need a ton of speed and temperature settings. However, it has pulled through nicely the few times I’ve needed to dry my whole head. I really like this model because it’s pretty powerful and it collapses, so that also makes it a primo beauty tool for travel–it’s way better than those flimsy little things they offer in most hotels.

Just keep it around for hair emergencies.

Rarely do you find an affordable product that works like a champ, but Burt’s Bees never lets me down. I love this Natural Remedy Kit–it’s one of the smartest things you can add to your suitcase or backpack. It was my best friend this summer when I was in the Yucatan. Seriously, those mosquitoes buzzed away quick when they recognized the Lemongrass Insect Lotion on my skin. The Hand Salve is also a friend of mine since I’m the keeper of the world’s driest hands. I might even be addicted to that stuff!

My favorite thing about the Burt’s Bees line is that it’s totally biodegradable and non-toxic, which is always nice when your putting something on your skin.

A good mask can hydrate your skin and leave you glowing, and that’s what Thierry Mugler’s Angel Replenishing Mask does. Plus, you can also use it on your hair to replenish moisture. What a great boost for sometimes dull summer skin and locks, both of which can always use some invigoration.

A lot of women forgo makeup brushes because they can be pricey, and most of us aren’t even sure what all those different sizes are for. I used to feel the same way until I tried some quality ones like these Italian badger brushes with mahogany handles. Now I’m a changed woman, who can’t believe she ever led a brushless life.

A good brush is pretty luxurious, and it really will improve the look of your makeup. I’m a big fan of foundation brushes, which spread on liquid makeup evenly and lusciously. I also love a big powder brush for dusting on a thin layer of translucent powder–it’s the perfect way to set your makeup for the day. And I’m very happy to say that I no longer use those spongy tip wands to apply eyeshadow–a brush work so much better.

More makeup brush talk to come.