Struggling with ideas for what to get the man of the house for the holidays? Well, if it’s not on GearCulture it’s not worth having, so let us take away some of that end-of-year stress with some top tips for your festive shopping…

1. Topo Designs Duffel

Handmade in Colorado, the Topo Designs Duffel ($30) is a bag for just about every occasion and comes in a range of colors to suit all tastes and moods, including silver, black, orange and camo. Stitched from mega-tough 1000d Cordura, with a seat-belt strap, leather handles and duty metal hardware, it’ll stand just about any abuse and looks pretty damned cool slung over the shoulder too. 

2. Nike+ SportWatch GPS

Few know athletics like than Nike and few know  satellite tracking like TomTom, combine the expertise of the two and what do you get? The Nike+ Sportwatch GPS ($170). Every step, twist and turn of your sessions will be collected and calibrated for the ultimate training experience. Water resistant and powered by a rechargeable lithium battery via USB, it’ll track your heart rate and calories burned, and you can even upload your data online and challenge others to beat your personal bests. 

3. Remington FR-750

Featuring pivot and flex technology that allows it to seamlessly follow the contours or your neck, face and chin, the Remington FR-750 ($100) is so good, Santa might just be tempted to finally shave off that white fluff. It’s cordless, the rechargeable battery will last for up to ten days with an hour charge and the pop-up trimmer makes light work of neatening off sideburns and beards too.

4. Bang! Lamp

A very cool, very original idea that looks great too. The Bang! Lamp ($300) not only boasts an elegant, minimalistic pearl white design, but is controlled by a gun. Not a real gun of course, that’d be dangerous, but a remote control one. Of course, you could always not tell him about the gun and have all sorts of fun by surreptitiously killing the light at will and letting him fumble round for that “blown fuse” in the dark.     

5. Worx Semi-Automatic Screw Driver 

Home improvement made so easy, even girls will want to give it a try. The Worx Semi-Automatic Screw Driver ($50) boasts a pair of rapid reload cartridges, yes, machine-gun-like, and even a semi-automatic bit changer. Also, there’s a built-in LED light for those who like to do their screwing in the dark, and a 4V lithium battery that can hold its charge for a ridiculously impressive 18 months.  

6. Sea Doo Dolphin Sea Scooter

It’s safe for all over the age of 8, but let’s face it, he’ll be having far too much fun with this to ever let the kids get anywhere near it. The Sea Doo Dolphin Sea Scooter ($185) is a lightweight water propulsion machine that can be used in pools, lakes or the sea. One and half hour charge and capable of plunging to a depth of 15.5 feet, it’ll do 2 mph, which may not sound fast, but it’s not bad in the wet and certainly a hell of a lot quicker than his breast-stroke.

7. Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS

Verging on indestructible, this is a camera of near super-hero capabilities, the ideal gift if your man fancies himself as an action photographer and/or is a bit of a klutz. Bursting with countless settings, all sorts of gadgetry and video-recording capabilities, the Olympus Tough TG-1 ($400) produces high-end images and is also waterproof, shockproof, crushproof, dustproof and freezeproof. They’re not lying either, we had all sorts of fun testing out those brags, though not sure the camera did.

8. Jawbone Big Jambox 

With a sound that is as epic as its aesthetics, the Jawbone Big Jambox ($300) is the perfect festive gift for your music-loving man. With its incredible gadgetry, it will turn any phone or tablet into a blood pumping sound system and boasts a rechargeable battery that will last up to 15 hours, which should cover just every party wherever it may be. A built-in mic even allows for calls and Skype and its online capabilities means that the latest apps are only a click away. 

9. Pinnacle Foosball Coffee Table

Possibly the most man-friendly piece of furniture ever made. The Pinnacle Foosball Coffee Table ($510) is a cool, quality piece built from solid hardwoods, with each individual player expertly hand carved and lovingly hand painted. Want to finally get him to start using those coasters? Then buy him one of these, trust us, he’ll love you for it.

10. ASUS Zenbook Prime UX31A

Tough, but unimaginably slender with a gorgeous metal finish of precision etched concentric circles, the award-winning ASUS Zenbook Prime UX31A ($1,200-$1,400) packs some serious hardware into a very, very compact space. One of the top notebooks out there from one of the top brands, it’s fueled by the 3rd generation Core i7 processor with Intel Turbo Boost up to 2.6GHz, has audio by Bang & Olufsen and features a 6GB Solid State Drive. Weighing in at less than three pounds, it’s the ultimate machine for the ultimate man on the go.

As the holidays rapidly approach, you may find yourself fresh out of gift ideas for your mom, best friend, or girlfriend. There is nothing worse than feeling stressed out around the holidays, so here are a few gift ideas for that special woman in your life.

1. iPhone Case - A girl can never have too many iPhone cases. For protection and an adorable pattern, you can’t go wrong. The website, society6.com has thousands of prints available as iPhone cases or skins. 

2. Turnlock Checkbook Wallet - This classic wallet is adorable with a turn-lock ornament on the front. It will hold everything a girl could need, and fits snuggly in her bag. 

3. A.V. Max Wire Word Bracelet – This delicate “Love” bracelet is the perfect gift for that special girl in your life. It comes in “Love”, “Believe”, and “Dream”. 

4. Half-Dozen Egg Crate - For the girl with tons of jewelry? This stoneware egg crate is perfect for all of those small pieces. It will organize and keep all of her jewelry safe, and will look great sitting on her vanity!

5. Draped Sequin Tee - This sequin knit top is the ideal holiday party top. It will keep your favorite girl warm and stylish all winter long. 

6. Xhilaration Pajama Set - A new pajama set is a classic holiday gift. This charming pattern makes for a great gift for any girl. Target.com

7. Two-Toned Leather Tablet Case - Is a girl in your life getting a tablet for the holidays? Complete the gift with this two-toned leather tablet case. It comes in this purple/navy combination, and four other colors. 

8. Aerie Marled Faux Fur Snood - Faux fur is all the rage. This scarf is reversible with a knit pattern on one side, and faux fur on the other. Warm and so chic!  

9. Holiday 15-Piece Nail Polish Set - This limited edition Holiday 15-piece Nail Polish Set has every winter nail color a girl could need. Extra bonus – the price is unbeatable! 

10. Tartan Mug Set - This seasonal mug set has such a sweet pattern that is ideal for the holiday season. You could even complete the gift with a package of your favorite cocoa or coffee. 

While San Francisco doesn’t get the coldest of cold winters, we definitely had a temperature drop around mid November that called for a beauty regime change. This year, one day it was 80 degrees, and the next it was 50. Brrr. The cooler, dryer temperatures call for a switch to thicker lotions and creams and a careful exfoliation of that dry, flakey skin. Here are a few of my favorite winter products to protect your nails, hair and skin:

1. Bliss 24-'Heaven' High Intensity Healing Balm

This powerful body butter is all you need to cure dry hands, feet, legs, elbows, knees, and everything in between. It is super thick and luxurious, sure to banish your winter blues. I slather it on my feet and hands before bed and wake to soft, subtle skin. The secret is that it not only has strong moisturizers like oatmeal, shea and cocoa butter, but it also has lactic acid, to help exfoliate and slough off those dead, dry skin cells. Bliss 24-'heaven' high intensity healing balm is available at Sephora, sephora.com, Bliss Spas and on blissworld.com for $35 for 8 oz.

2. Davines MOMO Shampoo and Conditioner

This pair of Davines’ MOMO shampoo and conditioner is sure to banish any dry, brittle locks you might experience during the winter months. I love this Italian line of hair products and dyes because they are not only natural but aimed at performance, not just being earth friendly. Davines’ moisture-rich MOMO shampoo and conditioner contain natural ingredients to restore the depleted elements dry hair needs. The shampoo contains vitamins C, B, and PP to protect hair, sweet almond proteins to hydrate and restore body, and olive ampho acetate to non-aggressively clean, leaving it soft and silky. The MOMO Conditioner contains milk thistle oil, panthenol and jojoba oil to moisturize, soften and add shine without weighing down your hair. MOMO is available at fine salons or on barneys.com for $24 for 250ml  for the shampoo and $10 for 75ml for the conditioner.

3. l’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

One of the first signs of winter for me is using lots and lots of hand cream. I find come mid November, my consumption of the stuff goes up two or three fold. The hand cream I continue to buy over and over again is l’Occitane’s original Shea Butter Hand Cream. It is my standby, no matter how many new and fancy hand creams I try. I love the size of the tube, since it fits easily into a small or large purse. But just because it is small, doesn’t mean it doesn’t last, a little of this rick cream goes a long way to soften my hands and cuticles. I am always tempted by the variety of scents l’Occitane releases each year in their hand cream collection, but I always end of preferring the original shea butter formula. It smells hardly at all, so your cubicle mate won’t be offended, and it seems to be the thickest and longest lasting of the bunch. You can buy l’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream at your local L’Occitane or Sephora store or online at loccitane.com or sephora.com. It is $10 for 1 oz.

4. Lumene Sensitive Touch Instant Relief Serum

If you are like me, colder weather brings irritated skin. No one looks good with a red blotchy face, often due to constant temperature changes (inside warm, outside brrrr) and dryness. Lumene’s Sensitive Touch Instant Relief Serum is my answer. I use this serum every morning, after I wash my face and before I put on a moisturizer (with sunscreen of course… even in the winter you can’t forget your SPF!). It calms any irritation my face might be experiencing and feels gentle and soothing in the process. No to mention this serum is free from alcohol, colourants, perfumes, parabens, paraffins and silicones. You can find Lumene Sensitive Touch Instant Relief Serum at your local drugstore or on dermstore.com for about $19.99 for 1 floz.

5. Algenist Triple-Action Micropolish & Peel

With all the dry skin you experience in the winter, moisturizing isn’t the only answer. You must exfoliate! This microdermabrasion peel by Algenist contains a 10 percent acid duo - patent-pending alguronic acid and glycolic acid.  That, in combination with a 10 percent fruit enzyme complex and micro polishing crystals helps to transform your skin from dull winter to bright and clear. The formula exfoliates and resurfaces, improving texture and tone for smoother, brighter, more radiant skin. I think I’ve found my favorite exfoliator in this tube. It is so powerful, and yet doesn’t irritate my skin at all. I use it in the shower twice a week or so and am thrilled with the result. Algenist Triple-Action Micropolish & Peel is available at Sephora and on sephora.com for $75 for 2 oz.

Well, there you have it. A few products to keep your winter skin from drying and dulling-out. Stay vigilant and you’ll last through till spring, I promise you.

Winter Lovely!

As the winter months are officially upon us, many of us are feeling anxious and ready to change up our look. Our skin has lost the rest of our summer glow, and our wardrobe has changed from t-shirts to peacoats, often our hair needs an update, too! Some of you may be feeling adventurous, but if you’re just looking for an update to your existing color – you’re not alone. Below is some advice on how to renew your do’ for winter!

Blonde

For vibrant blondes, you want to avoid those golden tones because they will wash out your complexion that has paled since summer ended. Instead look to incorporate gray or ashy tones. Think Gwyneth Paltrow. These colors will bring a nice winter glow that still complements your fair skin. If the ashy color doesn’t work for your olive skin tone, you should simply add more lowlights to your winter foil. The lowlights can balance your hair and enrich your color to match your winter skin.

Brunette

You’re in luck! The ombre trend is style in for this season, but slightly less drastic. Rather than deep brunette roots with blonde ends, the updated ombre is a dark rich-brown base with slightly lighter brown hues as you move down the length of the hair.  Ask your stylist to incorporate golden brown tones as you move towards your ends, and you’ll have a stylish ‘do that is winter-ready.

Red Head

For you bold beauties, this winter the trend is a more subtle red tone rather than last year’s fire engine red. Look to copper or ginger hews rather than orange or red brights. With red hair, you want an all over color, so avoid highlighting your tresses. If you are looking for a darker mature red, think Julianne Moore. For a lighter more youthful red, look to Emma Stone. 

Hello Remington beauty lovers! My name is Lauren and I blog over at my fashion & lifestyle blog, L.A. in the Bay. So happy to be with you all today as a Remington sponsored blogger. Today, I will be sharing with you my absolute favorite coats for the Fall/Winter season! 

Fall and Winter are my favorite two seasons out of the year. I mean, pumpkin spice lattes, thick-knit socks, riding boots, and my favorite coat - what could possibly be better? There are so many coats  out on the market right now that I can't help but want to empty my pay check on! So, if you are out on the hunt looking for a new jacket or coat to make your Holiday season just right, look to these six in some of Fall's hottest styles.

The Trench

The coat is an absolute classic. It is one jacket that I suggest every woman has in her closet. In the perfect neutral color, this coat is the one piece that you can throw on with a pair of jeans and riding boots, or over a classic LBD for a night out. Loving this one from J. Crew. 

The Winter-White Coat

This exquisite asymmetrical belted coat screams "Holidays". With gorgeous gold button detailing, and a flattering draped collar - you will be sure to turn heads.

The Edgy Coat

This season is all about leather detailing, especially among the sleeves. Love the combination of wool and leather on this double breasted coat. Definitely want this in my closet!

The Merlot Coat

This is just about Fall's hottest color. Call it merlot, oxblood, or cranberry - whatever the shade - you are sure to be right on trend with this zipped up number. 

The Parka

Looking for one of those coats you can throw on during the day when in a fashion-rut? The parka is your go-to choice. Throw it on with a skirt, a pair of tights, and short booties for a very Olivia Palermo-esque look. 

The Pop-of-Color Coat

It is always important to incorporate color into an otherwise neutral Winter ensemble. This Kelly Green coat is an absolute gorgeous choice. The streamlined, classic structure is sure to flatter all shapes AND it won't break the bank!

Do any of these beauties strike your fancy?

Thanks for having me! XO

See more from Lauren at LA in the Bay

Every year when the temperature drops and the cool breezes turn to bone chilling cold, mother nature makes us keenly aware that it's time we layer and bundle up once again. When you are reassessing your winter wardrobe and are wondering what to keep and what to give away . . . keep the hats! Good hat's rarely go out of style in fact; they often are deemed the most stylish accessory of any fashion maven. Besides being a fashion statement, you will stay considerably warmer by wearing a hat on your noggin, where precious body heat quickly escapes on those cold, damp, freezing winter days.

So, can a winter hat be both warm and chic? The answer is yes! Want to make a fashion statement? Find a hairstyle that works for you first and then . . . put a hat on it!  But, of course styling is key for what makes a hat work or not work, so try these tips next time you're making a new hat choice or just reconfiguring your style to fit a good old hat you've had for awhile.

The Fur Hat

Ahhh . . . this hat makes a magnificent statement first and foremost!  And, it also ranks high in the warming factor too. This hat oozes classy sophistication when clothing is of the simple classic lines and other accessories are held to a bare minimum (and that includes the hairstyle.) The best hairstyle for a marvelous fur hat is simply no hairstyle at all! This accessory allows femme fatales and classy sophisticates to turn heads. There are some unwritten rules that make this hat absolutely shine; wear impeccable makeup and keep all your hair under your hat. Seriously!  Tuck it up under and call it a day. If you need to take this marvelous fur off before returning home, wear it simple, slicked back in a bun or in a style you can make into a bed head look with a little purse sized gel or spray. If you go this route, you must feel confident with your best face forward. Pay extra attention to your makeup!

The Oversized Knit Cap

This adorable floppy cap will be your best friend! It's become a classic! What's not to like? It's warm and cozy, fits all hair lengths and works for any occasion. The oversized cap looks best when set back on the head a ways, almost to the point where it looks as though it may tumble off. Some hair needs to peek out from around this hat, so if your hair is considerably short, sweep bangs to the side and piece out some face framing layers. Any length bob hairstyle looks smart in this cap with a deep side part and one side tucked behind the ear. Long layered hair, with soft girlie curls, is an ultimately feminine look and long, shiny, straight hair only needs a deep side part to stir up a whirlwind!

The Mesh Beanie Cap

Not every winter hat needs to be warm and fuzzy. A mesh beanie cap is all about working the Bohemian look. And for you lucky ladies with natural curls, well, this cap is absolutely made for you! With short, medium and long hair styles the beanie is made to be worn down on the forehead. Yes, it's meant to shape to your head with your hair softly cascading out from beneath. And the more natural looking the waves, the more boho chic! But you must definitely carry a purse size dry shampoo to fluff your hair back to normal after removing this cap (or you could be wearing the proverbial 'hat hair' look longer than you really planned.)

See more from Barb at Hairstyle-blog

As noted in my previous post, a statement collar is one accessory that ads interest to any outfit. Nowadays you can find these at pretty much any clothing store, but nothing makes me feel more warm and fuzzy than staying in on a Friday night and doing a craft project. My motto is, if I can make it, why buy it? This video will show you how to make your own statement collar for very little money, leaving you very satisfied!

There are endless possibilities when it comes to dressing your head for winter, and it is my goal to explore every hat-avenue possible this year. Since it is inevitable that I must cover my head for winter, I figured I’d try to look as least goofy as possible while doing so. My hat choices in the past have been slacking to say the least, and this fall/winter I want to wear a hat in confidence and style. To reiterate, I’ll be staying warm physically and mentally knowing I look my best in winter wear. Without further ado, here are my top 3 favorite hats for winter:

1.The Slouchy Beanie

Effortless yet chic, a slouchy beanie is the easiest way to bundle up in style. You can wear your hair wavy, straight, in a braid, or even a bun; this versatile hat never fails. They are widely available and come in many different colors.

2.The Fedora

This hat comes in so many shapes and sizes that any girl (or guy) can rock one. It makes a bit more of a statement than a simple beanie, which I love. Wearing a hat with such intense structure shows that a person has confidence and a strong sense of personal taste, and when you’re exuding confidence, anything is possible. You can wear this with your hair down, or in a loose bun tucked underneath. Either way, you will look fabulous. Go for the fedora; you won’t regret it. 

3.The Head Wrap

Is it a headband? Is it a hat? I don’t know, but as long as it keeps me warm and looks cute on my head, I’m going to wear it. What is appealing to me about this “hat” is the fact that I can throw my hair in a bun on top of my head and still manage to keep my ears cozy in style. This is definitely an accessory I am going to dabble with in the near future. 

This last bit of advice is something that I am sure you have all heard before. Treat yourself! I find that it’s the little things in life that make me happy, and certain fall traditions keep me feeling positive and rejuvenated all year round. These are the treats I frequently use, but don’t feel limited by this short list. Really, the options are endless with this one.

1. Scented Candles

Lighting a scented candle after a long day may seem mundane, but let me tell you; it is truly a delight. My apartment fills with the sweet scent of synthetic cupcakes, and all of a sudden I am in pure ecstasy. Try it yourself and see what I mean.

2. Exfoliating Face Masks

Try using a face mask once a week to deep clean your pores. Not only will this exfoliate your skin, but it will become a relaxing ritual to look forward to and enjoy.  

3. Drinking a Warm Beverage

Chai tea, green tea, whatever tea—they all comfort me during the chillier seasons. Add a little vanilla creamer to cup of chai, or squeeze some honey in a glass of green.  It’ll make this treat extra special and even more delicious.  

This concludes my crash course on how to feel good in fall and stay warm in winter.  Good luck tackling these next few months, and hopefully my tips will aid on your success!

See more from Alexandra at Spur of the Moments

Getting out of bed in the morning can be a much more challenging task as the seasons change during this time of year.  In order to avoid dreading the day, I’ve made it my goal to figure out how to look and feel as warm as possible even as the weather gets cold.  So without further ado, let me show you how to keep your mind, body, and soul fabulous all year round:

1. Keep your summer glow in the healthiest way possible

The first thing that always reminds me summer has come to an end is when I see the glorious tan, which I worked so hard to achieve, fade right before my eyes. If you’re like me and prefer to maintain some sort of color (sans tanning bed), then you’d probably appreciate this first tip.  Here are some of the products I have found mimic tans most successfully.

LORAC’s TANtalizer is the perfect product for those of you who realize you’re looking particularly translucent right before going out.  This make up instantly bronzes with tanner for those skin tones that tend to become orange with a more long-lasting product.  Since this is a makeup, it washes right off at the end of the night and won’t leave you with any unexpected bronzing malfunctions a lightweight formula that doesn’t streak and looks completely natural.  It is the ideal self-tanner. 

For those of you who think ahead of time, ST. TROPEZ’s Everyday Gradual Tan is the product for you.  You can slowly build your tan over time, without worrying about becoming orange.  This advanced formula creates the most natural tan I’ve witnessed.  Not only does it nourish your skin with aloe vera, but also it has barely any self-tan odor, which is always a plus in my book. 

This next product is on the top of my “cannot live without” list.  I posted Benefit’s Moon Beam on my own blog to publically exclaim its excellence, and felt the need to endorse it one more time.  This iridescent highlighter instantly enhances your complexion in the most glorious way possible.  Use it with or without powder to add the perfect amount of sheen to any skin tone.  

2.  Energize your wardrobe

Recycle your summer neons for fall to keep a fresh, fun wardrobe.  Pair a chiffon neon shirt (like this one from nastygal.com) with your favorite cargo pants for a vibrant take on a fall classic.  A bright pink clutch adds a summer flare to any outfit.  Wear it with skinny jeans and a leather jacket to remind yourself that just because the summer is over, doesn’t mean you’re limited to wearing shades of brown.   A more subtle pop of color can be achieved with a neon belt.  Wear it with trousers and a silk blouse to amp up your work attire and shine some light into your office.

Another summer trend that won’t be fading too quickly is bold floral patterns. Wear these from your head to your toe, add some leather accents, and voilà, you have the perfect juxtaposition of two seasons.   

3. Accessorize with statement necklaces

Go big or go home with your accessories.  Take risks with what you choose to embellish your outfit with.  Statement necklaces are one accessory that can add visual interest instantly.  They are arguably the easiest solution to turning an “okay” outfit into something extraordinary.  Just because it’s fall doesn’t mean your outfits need to be drab and dull!

See more from Alexandra at Spur of the Moments

With the cold weather creeping up, vacation season is in full force! The most difficult task can sometimes be trying to decide what to take with you on your journey and how to stay fashionable at the same time. So how can you stay chic while traveling without packing a trunk load of items? 

Organize your outfits ahead of time

Try to choose items that can be worn multiple times in different ways. Your shoes can make or break an enjoyable experience, so I suggest starting with your feet! Choose two pairs that can be styled easily with your clothing, and don't forget to pop a bottle of nail polish into your purse, especially if one of your choices is a cute pair of sandals! 

Dresses to impress

Dresses are the easiest and most versatile pieces of clothing ever! They can transition from day to night with just a swap of your shoes and accessories. Choose dresses that can be dressed up or down, and alternate from patterns to solids. 

Sunglasses

Not only are they a necessity when visiting a sunny location, but sunglasses are a great accessory for hiding jet lagged eyes! Instant chic!

Scarves, your new best friend

Accessories barely take up any space in your luggage bag, so go all out! Scarves can be worn so many different ways, the options are pretty much endless. They are perfect for your hair, worn around your neck, or attached to a purse!

Hobo bags

You're going to need some place to stuff all of your finds and carry-on items into. Make it big and chic! A hobo bag is the perfect vacation accessory, and when paired with simple pieces like a dress, sandals, and sunglasses, you'll feel like the most stylish traveler on the sand!

Swim wear 

Packing your favourite swim suit for the beach can be easy, but what about the journey from the beach to the bar, or from day to evening? Take along a cute coverup or maxi skirt and some beach friendly accessories like a sun hat!

Don't neglect your hair

Traveling to different countries can mean unexpected surprises when it comes to hair. Don't let the heat turn your gorgeous locks into a frizzy fiasco. You don't want to spend all of your vacation time fussing over your mane, so why not make things a little easier and take along some tools of the trade? The Remington Wet 2 Straight flat iron would be perfect for taming unruly locks after a swim! If you're lounging near the sea, you can even give your head a dip in the water, scrunch, and let dry for an instant beachy wave!

How do you stay chic while traveling? You can read more from me on my blog, Wonder Forest 

The Fairy!

Anytime I do a fairy, I love to take the shadow out onto the temple.  It gives an illumination to the eyes that looks like the perfect supernatural lighting!  Also, don’t be afraid to take the shadow pretty high, so that it connects naturally with the color on the temple.  Lastly, I love to use a super shimmery color in the inner corner and under the brow.

Mix up the type of fairy just by changing the colors.  This green would work for a woodland fairy or Tinkerbell, but switch it up with a purple or pink to match your outfit.  In this case matching your eye color to your outfit is recommended rather than frowned upon!

Products used: Urban Decay Primer Potion, NYX liner in 920 Lime Green, Urban Decay Matte Shadow in Chronic and Bender and Midnight Cowgirl from the Book of Shadow IV, Urban Decay Powder Blush in Quickie, and Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black.

The Sugar Skull

I’ve noticed a lot of sugar skulls around this year for Halloween.  Technically the sugar skull is part of the Dia De Los Muertos Celebration, in which Mexican families celebrate family members that has passed away through alters.  This is a popular makeup worn during the celebration, but since it looks like a skull has become a popular look for Halloween this year also and is generally paired with traditional looking Mexican outfits.

My best tip for this look is to mix some very light colored foundation with the white cream makeup, as I have found it impossible to blend shadow over the white cream makeup alone.  Also, to get a vibrant color on the eye, I used a Cream Shadow pencil to prep the area.  The best thing about this is that once you get the basic shape, you can use whatever colors or elaboration that you want!

Products Used: White cream makeup from the Halloween section, Revlon Photoready Foundation in 004 Nude, Too Faced Liquid Lava Gloss Super Black Liner pencil, Urban Decay Hijack and Crystal from the Book of Shadows IV, Rimmel Matte Black shadow, and Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black.

The Dolly

Another popular look with the Dolly or baby doll.  For this look, the key is to make your eyes look unnaturally large!  I started with making my face look as flawless as possible, porcelain like.  I used a ton of concealer to cover all the redness in my cheeks.  Everyone does the extension of the lower lid a bit different, but I just follow the orbit of my eye on the bottom to ensure they’re even.  I then took large lashes and placed then on the new lower lashline and upper lashline, added freckles and pink lips, and of course pigtails!

Products used: IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer, Revlon Photoready foundation in Nude, Revlon Colorstay liner pen, generic costume lashes, NYX lip liner in Pinky, and Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black.

The Mermaid

There are all kinds of mermaid looks out there, but I wanted mine to look as fish-like as possible.  I used a liner to draw out the shape of the eye and then used aquatic-themed colors to create the look.  The most attention grabbing part is, of course, the scales on the forehead!  To achieve this I used a fishnet stocking pulled over the face and stippled my shadow over it so that what was left when you removed the stockings was a scale-like design.

Products used: Revlon Photoready foundation in Nude, Revlon colorstay pen liner, Urban Decay shadows in Blue Bus, HiJacked, and Baked from the Book of Shadows IV, NYX liner in Lime Green, Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black, and a generic pair of fishnets.

The Zombie

This was my favorite of the looks, and I actually think I convinced my handsome model here to change his own costume to this, because it came out so well.  I started with getting the woulds together.  I had decided that he would have an open ash on his cheek and his brains coming out on his forhead.  For the would I used toilet paper (which was a little thick – I think next time I’ll use tissue) and saturated it in face-safe glue.  As I placed the tissue I wrinkled it up so it looked like slashed skin and I pulled a hole in the middle.  For the brains, I barley wet some unflavored, unsweetened oatmeal just enough to make it sticky and mushy.  I then glued that to the forehead and allowed everything to dry.  Once it was all dry I used a light colored foundation and put a matte dark shadow under the eyes, following the natural lines of the eye.  I also used the same shadow to shade the outer edges of the gash and around the brain spillage.  I took a peach shadow and put that over the brains.  Then it was blood time – I placed blood dripping out of the wounds and all down Travis’ chin, so it looked like he had been feeding.  A note with the blood, it will stain, skin, clothes, everything, so be careful.

Products used: Toilet paper, oatmeal, lash glue or liquid latex, Revlon photoready, Manly palette, generic blood gel from Halloween store.

These are a few of the look I’ve created this year and I hope you can take these tricks and apply them to make your own spooky, sexy or just plain fun looks!

A quick word of thanks to all my lovely models, Christina - my fairy, Lauren - my sugar skull, Alyssa – my mermaid (and sister) and Travis – my zombie!  You guys were awesome to let me paint you up for the evening.

Until Next Time, Happy Spooky Primping!

See more from Erica Jones at EricasPrimpandPolish