Life is busy for everyone, and as the holidays approach it is only going to get busier. It is so easy to forget about our appearance in the mad rush of life. Pre-kids, I always had a full face of makeup on (being in the beauty industry meant this was really a necessity). After two kids in less than two years, a full face of makeup has become a distant memory! However, taking just five minutes to put on some strategically applied makeup will make you look so much more polished and make you feel that little bit more confident and assured as you hurtle towards Christmas.

My five minute face:

1. Tinted moisturiser that includes sunblock – combining three steps in one really saves time. Right now I am using Clinique’s Moisture Sheer Tint in Beige.
2. Concealer under eyes as I have really dark circles if I don’t get enough sleep – I use NARS Concealer in Praline
3. Eye brow pencil and clear brow gel over the top. I use Besame Eye Brow Definer in Grey and Estee Lauder Brow Setting Gel. I find that if your brows look polished, then the rest of your face does as well. I also make sure that I get my brows professionally shaped at least every 6-8 weeks, and maintain in between myself.
4. A quick dusting of blush/bronzer. I am using Clinique’s Fresh Bloom All Over Color in Plum as it adds a fresh burst of colour and some subtle glimmer. I apply to the apples of my cheeks and then brush the brush over the rest of my cheekbones, forehead and bridge of my nose.
5. Eyeliner and mascara – these help to really open up my eyes and give me an awake look.
6. Lipstick – select a sheer lipstick as it is easy to swipe on in the car and it doesn’t have to be too precise, but it is longer lasting than a gloss. Yesterday I used Julie Hewett’s Film Noir , a sheer berry red.

These six steps takes less than five minutes, but you will look a million times better than if you had left the house with nothing at all.

What are your shortcut beauty tips? Why don’t you share them with me at the Blissfully Domestic Forums.

Sarah Vitsas used to be a beauty executive before becoming a SAHM to two under two! Now she writes about her journey towards being a Chic Mummy at her blog Chic Mummy.

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Mama Mio, founded by three mothers in London, is the company behind a great line of deluxe skincare for supermamas. I recently received a bottle of the Mama Mio O Mega Body Oil to review for Blissful Style, and I loved it.

I was recently talking to a friend about our mutual dislike of applying body lotion because it makes us feel sticky. I know I need to do it, but I just don’t like it. So when the O Mega arrived in the mail I was all “Gulp. I’m a reluctant moisturizer. Maybe I’m not the best reviewer for this product!”

Turns out I was the perfect person to review O Mega. In fact, I think Mama Mio must know me because it says right on the box that applying a body oil takes a bit of getting used to. I guess I’m not the only one who doesn’t find this necessary part of skincare super enjoyable.

For my first review for Blissful Style, I was determined to follow the directions exactly, so I applied several splashes of the wonderfully fragrant oil to my shower-dampened skin. It was a completely different feeling for me than applying lotion. I enjoyed it so much that I carefully covered myself from the neck down, including my feet.

I was prepared to at least feel a little slippery as the price of being so luxuriously moisturized, but I found that the oil absorbed very quickly, allowing me to get dressed right away. I felt none of the tackiness I usually experience with lotion, and my skin looked and felt dramatically better. I particularly love how light and fresh it smells. It’s Gravida – Mama Mio’s signature fresh citrus essential oil blend which they created especially to appeal to even the most sensitive noses.

Even if it didn’t work so well, O Mega had me at the packaging. Mama Mio’s logo is adorable and the box features lots of interesting info about the three mothers who created the line and the “magic mix” of Argan, Safflower and Jojoba oils, each carefully chosen for its concentration of Omega 3, 6, and 9.

According to the Mama Mio site, Argan is one of the rarest oils in the world and is used in traditional Morrocan medicine. It has a remarkable ability to nourish, moisturize and improve skin elasticity. So say goodbye to lizard legs.

Mama Mio has a large line of products to address nearly any skin dilemma, and they are safe to use while pregnant because they are free of all those “nasty” ingredients no one likes, or needs. No wonder they are a favorite of celebrity supermamas like Jessica Alba and Mariska Hargitay.

If this review sounds glowing, it’s only because now I am.

Laurin writes about her obsessive devotion to stylish white tees every Wednesday on her blog Laurin and Kelly Talk. Eavesdrop on Laurin and Kelly as they talk to each other about nearly everything else there too!

“Tips and Trends” is where you’ll find the latest makeup looks, the application tips you can’t live without, the ultimate beauty advice, the hottest scoop about Mary Kay® products and much more. Time to check out what’s hot now! Today we’ll show you how to get the first of four great holiday makeup looks.

http://www.vimeo.com/2176951

If you liked this Fresh-Faced look, come back next week and check out our Holiday Look #2, the Cat Eye.

Here are the Mary Kay products I used to get today’s look:

Crystalline Mineral Eye Color $6.50

Spun Silk Mineral Eye Color $6.50

Taupe Eyeliner $10.00

Strawberry Cream Mineral Cheek Color $10.00

Creme Lipstick in Sunset $13.00

NouriShine Lipgloss in Cream & Sugar $13.00

Ultimate Mascara in Black $15.00

Experience the runway, your way! Visit the Virtual Makeover and have fun creating your own runway-worthy looks.

Luanne Storer loves beauty, fashion, and homeschooling her teenage daughter. Check her out at her website, I Want MK!

Looking for stylish gifts in a wide variety of price ranges to give OR put on your wish list this season? Look no further! Blissful Style has got you covered. Check out our stylish holiday gift guide!

Frugal & Fashionable - Gifts Under $20

Handmade Journal $8 by To Live Beautiful - one-of-a-kind journals for recording notes, addresses, or your deepest thoughts.

Eco Lips Organic Lip Balms - starting at $1.99, these earth-friendly lip balms moisturize in a zillion great flavors (my favorite is the “Bee Free” Vegan Lemon-Lime) and also come in two great gift sets, Eco Tints and the Eco Lips Care Kit.

Smart Mom Jewelry Teething Bling $19 - Know a stylish new mom? She’ll love Teething Bling, jewelry made from the same material as many teething toys, but designed to look great on mom! Hurry, everything in their shop is 20% during the month of November!

Sarah Peyton Four-Piece Hot/Cold Spa Set $14.99 - This pampering set features a plush neck wrap, eye mask, body pad and rest pillow. Conveniently available at CVS/Pharmacy.

Essence of Beauty Hydro-Therapy Foot Spa $19.99 - This foot spa is a great gift for any woman on the go who needs to rest those feet at the end of the day. Includes a foot file, emery board, and toenail clippers. Available at your local CVS/Pharmacy.

Gifts that Can’t Miss at $25-$50

Lands End Cashmere Scarf $29.50 - This is a classic gift that anyone will love and use, and it never goes out of style! Have it monogrammed for a special touch.

Lands End Down Vest $29.50 - Why not get a down vest to go with that scarf? These vests are warm, comfortable, and the perfect piece of outerwear to add some “oomph” to a casual outfit.

Green and Yellow Daisy Necklace $34 - Know someone who loves jewelry? Give her a special gift with this handmade, one-of-a-kind pendant from Etsy seller Imaginary Girl.

Know someone who’s cosmetically inclined? Here are a couple of our favorite makeup gifts.

The Lash Stash $35- a sampler set of ten of Sephora’s best-selling mascaras - great for the the girl who likes to experiment with makeup!

Mary Kay All Things Glamorous gift set $40 - this limited edition set comes with a sparkling gold mineral shimmer powder, Mary Kay lip gloss in Gold Sequins, and your choice of one of three limited-edition lip colors.

Every woman needs a good handbag. Here are a few great stylish bags to gift someone with this season.

The Gypsy Tote by Gypsystyle $45 - this cute and functional tote is made of 100% recycled post-consumer plastic, so it’s fashionable and eco-friendly! It makes a great bag to take to the store, to the gym, or anywhere with the kids. Gypsystyle has several other sizes and styles available in these great recycled bags, starting at just $30.

The Transfer Bag by JoAnn Huth $36.00 - this super-cute, ultra-functional bag is an essential for the busy mom. It’s a tiny clutch that holds your essentials - cell phone, wallet, lipstick, keys - use it alone when you’re without the kiddos or throw it in your diaper bag or brief case when you’re on the move. The bag’s four elastic inner pockets make sure everything stays in place. With the Transfer Bag, you’ll always have your essentials close at hand. (Psst! I want one of these for Christmas. So everyone make sure and put me on your list!)

Pleated bag in Alexander Henry Mocca Fabric $42 - this bag, by Etsy seller A Touch of Stardust is gorgeous, vibrant, and elegant. The fashionable woman with this bag on her arm will really stand out in a crowd.

Luxe Camera Case by Lowepro $39.99 - it’s like a little purse just for your point-and-shoot digital camera. Protect your camera in style with this sleek leather case. Two interior pockets keep memory cards at hand; two card slots are perfect for stashing credit cards, identification or a hotel key. A detachable wrist strap provides two carrying options—wristlet or clutch.

Plush Presents $55-$100

Family Stone Customized Pendant $60 - this beautiful fine silver pendant is handcrafted by Etsy seller the Pretty Peacock. Add family or children’s birthstones and an engraving on the back to make it a stylish gift she’ll want to wear forever! (Psst, I want one of these TOO!)

ChicBuds by ChicBlvd $65 - these Swarovski crystal earbuds make listening to your MP3 player fashionable no matter where you are. They’re retractable, functional ear candy, perfect for the techie in your life.

Peppermint Pattie Pedicure set $55 - this scrumptious set from KLEAN Bath & Body includes Devil Made Me Do It chocolate sugar polish, Peppermint Dream whipped shea body butter, Peppermint bath syrup and Peppermint Dream KLEAN mist. I won some KLEAN products in a contest a couple of years ago and they are amazing!

The Hope Tote by Ann Veronica $64 -$78 - these handmade totes are crafted from some of Ann Veronica’s most popular patterns. They are classic, cute, functional AND they are gifts that give back - 10% of all sales of these Hope Totes is donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Caudalie Spa In A Box $68 -a $105 value, this ensemble provides an array of luxurious lotions, scrubs, and gels for spa indulgence in the comfort of your own home. From Caudalie, the spa brand of The Plaza Hotel.

Fashionable Extravagance - Gifts for $100 and up

Ann Taylor Cashmere Cardigan $159 - This luxurious yet classic 3/4-length sleeve cardigan has multi-faceted rhinestone buttons and was named InStyle Magazine’s Cashmere Winner.

Clarisonic Skincare Brush $195 - The ultimate in skincare luxury, the Clarisonic’s micro-massage clears pores, and is proven to remove more dirt than traditional cleansing, allowing serums and moisturizers to absorb better. Skin is left soft and pampered without harsh abrasion or chemicals.

Pumpkin Spice necklace by Liebling Designs $120 - This handmade necklace is breathtaking and features a golden silk rose nestled in a double strand of warmly hued pearls. This is a present that will elicit a gasp of joy when opened.

Neiman Marcus exclusive cropped leather jacket $245 - This 3/4-length sleeve, three-button beauty is available in burgundy, mocha, or black leather, and is the perfect piece of outerwear to dress up any outfit.

And the most luxurious gift on our wish list this year…

The Faridah Hobo bag from Marc by Marc Jacobs $448 - This gorgeous cherry patent-leather bag is a true investment piece for any wardrobe, and a bonafide luxury gift that will make any girl *SQUEE* this year!

We hope you enjoyed our Blissful Style 2008 Holiday Gift Guide! What’s on your wish list this year? Do tell in the Blissfully Domestic Forums!

When not obsessing over what clothing and accessories she wants for Christmas this year, Jenny Rapson can be found blogging about motherhood over at Mommin’ It Up!

Recently, a friend asked for help on what to wear for a photo shoot. She was getting a corporate photo taken for a new job, and the picture was going to be in the newspaper. I gave her some basics tips, and it made me wonder if people generally think about these things when they are getting family portraits taken or having a picture taken for business or blog.

Here are some photo session wardrobe tips:

• Be careful of anything patterned, especially stripes. They can take on a life of their own in a photo.

• Clothing…stay away from anything baggy – or even anything with an empire waist, tunic or baby-doll style. On camera, you can’t tell that it is ‘the flow’ of the garment, it just adds bulk (which is code for it will make you look fat).

• If you have light hair, wear something dark…light colors (with all the light at the shoot) might make you look washed out. Likewise, if you have dark hair, be careful of wearing dark colors. Also think about the background you are going to be photographed on. Is it a tone that is like your hair? If it is, you will get lost in the photo.

• Double up on your makeup – specifically your foundation. Although you might feel like a circus clown, on TV (or in a photo), you’ll look great! Truth is – you will be back lit, front lit, side lit…all of that light will wash you out (and can make your skin look – well, odd). So, double layers of foundation, use lots-o-powder (shine is bad in photos), and don’t be scared of eyeliner.

• Think about what you would wear on a date night. That is what you should wear. Don’t wear something you wouldn’t normally wear – you’ll feel self conscious, and it will reflect in the photos.

• Think about the reason you are getting your picture taken. Your job, blog, (whatever) has a personality – and that personality should be expressed in the photo. If you are getting your picture taken to post on your blog, you don’t want to freak out your readers by being photographed in a way that is completely contradictory from the tone of your blog. For example, if you are a banker, you don’t want to be photographed in a sun dress and a market hat. Likewise, if your blog has a cutting edge tone, covering edgy topics, and your writing style is ‘anything goes’ – you won’t want to be photographed wearing a stuffy pin striped business suit.

• If you’ve got great curly hair – make that your statement! I have a friend who is a photographer, and she has this big curly red hair – it is her ‘thing’…it’s awesome. If your hair is straight – spray on a little shine, and be careful of ‘fly-aways’. Remember in the picture, (especially if it is a head shot), we’re going to see a lot of your hair.

• If you wear glasses, be sure the photographer is especially careful of glare. Clean them, and wear a TON of eyeliner (so we can see your eyes through the glasses).

PHOTO CREDITS: All pictures were taken by, and are property of the uber talented Cathy Dietz

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Kathy Friend is a wardrobe coach, fashion stylist and personal shopper. Visit Kathy’s blog at www.FashionAnswers.blogspot.com – or website at www.KathyFriend.com