Okay folks, deep breaths. We’re less than 12 hours from Turkey Day (if your Turkey is still in the freezer, it’s too late, start researching Plan B) and only 28 hours from Black Friday (if you are brave and/or crazy enough to participate, may the Force be with you). In the midst of any frantic meltdowns, I would like to add a little holiday cheer to the start (or middle, or end) of your holiday shopping. As you may have read at the end of my last post, from now until December 31, I am including a Motives Nail Candy free with any Motives purchase from www.MotivesCustomLook.com. You even get to choose the color! Don’t forget to check out Scott Barnes – Limited Edition for great gift ideas like Body Bling and The Present, and the MINE Gift Set by Loren Ridinger. Look forward to a post on more gift ideas under $30 next week!

Motives has a new palette just in time for the holidays: the Plum Pretty Eye Shadow Palette. I love the purple palette, and five beautiful eyeshadows make it easy to transistion from day to night. Infused with honeysuckle, vitamin C, and vitamin E, these shadows will nourish that delicate skin while you wear it. This palette makes a perfect gift (stocking stuffers!!), but quantities are limited, so don’t wait too long to order!

Also, now through December 31, you get a Motives Nail Candy color of your choice free with any Motives purchase!

As the holidays near, it seems cameras come at you everytime you turn around to capture memories and family moments. To make sure you’re ready for every unexpected photo op, try Motives Full Coverage Photo Finish Powder. This powder is designed for being in front of the camera and won’t reflect light from the flash, eliminating that “glow” effect and leaving your skin with an airbrushed finish. Check out this video with more tips on keeping your makeup camera ready and click HERE to get your own holiday must-haves!

It has come to my attention recently that more than just a few cosmetic lovers out there have trouble finding makeup, particularly eyeshadows, that won’t cause them to swell up or break out. Never having experienced the problem myself, I was surprised how common having a reaction to makeup actually is. After some training and research I found that many makeup lines contain bismuth oxychloride, which can cause allergic reactions in more than 75% of makeup users. It is most commonly found in eyeshadows, it’s what gives the makeup a shimmery or pearlescent effect. Some women tough through it for a few hours or just as long as needed, and then wash it off as soon as they can. Others try product after product, hoping to find the one that doesn’t burn their sensitive skin. And there are women who have simply given up, abandoning the idea of eye makeup completely. My best advice is to check the ingredients if you’ve had any past reactions to your makeup, and be weary of products that contain bismuth oxychloride. If you can’t find the ingredients listed, stick to matte shadows. Creme Shadows and Loose Mineral Shadows are usually safe bets as well and can even contain nourishing ingredients for that delicate skin. Here are a few of my faves: Motives Pressed Eye Shadows in Vino, Foxy Brown, and Twilight, Motives Luxe Creme Eye Shadow in Gold Dust, and Motives Paint Pot Mineral Eye Shadow in Cosmopolitan.

Are you one of the many out there that react to certain makeup?

I know it’s only November, but holiday decor is prominately displayed in the stores, Christmas tunes can be heard as you shop for groceries, and the neighbors are already putting up their lights. Seriously, I saw some last night on the street behind my house. Whether you like it or not, we’re about 6 weeks from Christmas, which means we’re only 3 weeks from the start of the holiday party season. For those of you who like to glam it up a bit for those festive nights out, I have something that will give your look a little extra sparkle: Motives Glitter Pots! These little babies add just the right amount of brilliance in four fabulous colors, Aspire, Embellish, Ignite, and Celebrate. Apply them over a creme shadow base for extra pop or with glitter adhesive for lasting wear. (Don’t worry, the glitter adhesive isn’t difficult to manage and washes off with soap or eye makeup remover pretty easily.) How are you going to glam it up this season?

Motives Mineral Custom Blend Foundations were featured on CW affiliate in Salt Lake City Utah on Tuesday! The new line of custom mineral powders is absolutely beautiful and I love that the oil control, hyrdation, and firming additives are no longer limited to the liquid custom blends! Check out the video: