Best Monthly Subscription gift boxes - Holiday gift ideas for everyone on your list!

Back in the day, a subscription to a magazine seemed to be a good holiday gift idea, but now the subscription market has exploded beyond anyone's expectation. And with Christmas just over a month away these boxed deliveries will allow you to check everyone off your list - there is literally a subscription for everything and everyone!

What's in your box? Watch the video {HERE}

The Beauty Box

The most widely known monthly box service. I am a subscriber to many of these monthly programs and when my package arrives it feels a little like Christmas! I get to try out new makeup without having to research and purchase. Plus, if you can imagine what a beauty bloggers' bathroom cabinets look like then you'll understand when I tell you that my collection has exploded far beyond into other areas of the home which is why I appreciate trying before buying full size product.

• Birchbox is one of the original sample subscription boxes. I am a faithful member and at $10 a month this is still one of the best values out there! They send out 4-5 deluxe samples each month and usually one full size product and offer video tutorials and you can earn points for purchasing products through their website. {Subscribe to Birchbox}

• IPSY formerly myGlam - I also subscribe to this box. This box was created by You Tube beauty guru, Michelle Phan. Very similar to Birchbox, also $10 a month for a variety of samples that arrive in a super cute zippered pouch. {Subscribe to IPSY}

• GlossyBox has been an international success UK and Canada. Now launching in the U.S.Included each month are 5 high end and emerging beauty treats from around the globe for around $20 a month depending on your plan.  I just received my first box and was very impressed which contained a full size Tarte Lights Camera, Flashes Statement  Mascara with a retail price of $23. {Subscribe to GlossyBox}

• New Beauty Test Tube - This comes straight from the editors of one of my favorite magazines, New Beauty. This is sent out quarterly and for $29.95 you receive a large tube with awesome products valued over $150. {Subscribe to New Beauty Test Tube} 

Man Boxes

• Birchbox has also rolled out their program to the men so that they can discover the best new grooming and style products geared for them. This subscription is $20 a month. {Subscribe to Birchbox for men}

• Dollar Shave Club. For as little as $1 a month, receive razors delivered to your door. Shave time and shave money! {Subscribe to Dollar Shave Club}

• Mystery Tackle Box. 

• Ashton Kutcher Fancy Box. Each month Ashton will be sending you the coolest gadgets, hippest t-shirt, electronic accessories and more. $39 monthly gets you over $80 worth of products. {Subscribe to Fancy Box}

Personal Style Boxes

• Pop Sugar Must Haves. Every month the editors of Pop Sugar will send you full size items worth over $100. The "must have" in fashion, beauty, home decor accessories and more. {Subscribe to PopSugar Must Have Box}

• Wantables. A monthly subscription that sends you hand selected items that match your style. Three categories: Intimates, Makeup and Accessories. Cost is $36 and each has a value between $80-100. You enter your profile of likes, dislikes and loves. You never get your dislikes. My first box I received a statement necklace, super cool ring that fit me perfectly, and Betsey Johnson houndstooth boxer pj bottoms - that all fit my style perfectly! WOW I was impressed. {Subscribe to Wantables}

• Stunner of the Month. A monthly subscription service that sends you a new pair of sunglasses every month for $9 including free shipping. {Subscribe to Stunner of the Month}

• FabFitFun VIP Box. Giuliana Rancic and her team 4 times a year for $49.99 per season will send you full sized premium products worth over $120 in beauty, fitness, fashion and wellness. Yes, pretty fabulous! {Subscribe to FabFitFun VIP}

• Stitch Fix. Fun clothes, chosen by your own personalized stylist delivered straight to your door. You fill out a detailed questionnaire and they send you a box of 5 clothing/accessories hand picked for you based on your profile. Yes your personal stylist. You pay $20 for the styling fee which also includes delivery. You have 3 days to try on and decide what to keep or send back. Your $20 will be applied as a credit for anything you decide to keep. Keep all 5 items and get a 25% discount! {Subscribe to Stitch Fix}

Children's Boxes

• Citrus Lane. Babies to preschoolers will love this box tailored to grow with each stage of your child's life. Products chosen by moms for moms. A great way to try and discover new brands. around $20/month. Your Citrus Lane box will be filled with healthy treats, books, engaging toys and sometimes a goodie for the parent. {Subscribe to Citrus Lane}

• Crafter's Crate. Designed for girls ages 5-10. For $20 you will receive 4-5 complete craft sets to make. Perfect for busy moms who want to do something fun with their child. {Subscribe to Crafter's Crate}

• Fab Kids. Every month you will get a new play outfit for your son or daughter. Girls or boys sizes 2 to 12. $39.95 a month. {Subscribe to Fab Kids}

Pet Boxes

• Bark Box. $29/month. We love a box that gives back. 10% of all proceeds given to shelter and rescues for animals in need. 4-6 items each month including all natural treats, toys and pet products not typically found in big box stores are sent depending on the size of your dog, small, medium, large. {Subscribe to BarkBox}

How to look like a Victoria Secret Fashion Show Model - 2013 video peek

Makeup by Margarita Potts 

Every woman has a little secret ... above is a photo from my own inner angel transformation last month.  

In just a few weeks, on Dec 10, the  2013 Victoria Secret Fashion Show that just taped a few days ago will air on CBS. I always look forward to watching because it motivates me to stand taller, wear heels, eat better and try harder with my own beauty regime. 

Here's a video of the Victoria Secret Fashion Show:

Don't be too hard on yourself ... these girls have advantages beyond good genes to looking this wonderful: stylists, professional makeup artists,  extra hair, and perfect lighting! There's a reason their call time is 9am for an 8pm show! It takes alot of effort to look that good! 

Here's a few of their tricks: 

HAIR

What you might not realize is that most of the Victoria Secret models are wearing hair extensions. Models' hair is typically damaged from the constant products and styling required for multiple photo shoots and appearances. Watch this video to see how they are matching up extensions for one of the models, at minute 7:08 to 7:30. Most of us don't have stylist to help us every day so read on to learn about a new design hair extension that anyone can put on themselves in less than 30 seconds.

The best human hair in extensions to buy is REMY hair, it is 100% real and cuticle correct meaning the cuticles all lay in the same direction which makes it soft, silky and less apt to tangle. Because it's REAL hair, you can color it for a perfect match to your own, but a word of advice - because this hair is already processed you do not want to lighten, only deposit color. Lowlights, toner or all over color. Unless you can find a perfect match I suggest taking it to your stylist to color for you. Here's a photo from theFashionspot.com's backstage photos pass just to give you an idea of how many extensions are used in the show: 

Real hair is also measured by weight. For my own hair which is long, somewhat fine but lots of it, I find that 120 grams is the right amount to add fullness and body.

Clip in extensions are great, but they can damage your own hair sometimes and the tracks can be hard to hide so people might notice.

My favorite hair extension design is called Hidden Crown halo style hair extensions and it is literally a whole set of extensions on a transparent wire which requires no glue, no clips and gives no damage to your own hair. It literally takes less than a minute to put on and you just pull your own hair over top to hold it in. You can shake your head up and down - side to side, and it doesn't come off!

Here I am getting glammed up with my Hidden Crown Hair extensions prior to my own Victoria Secret-esque shoot. Order yours at www.hiddencrown.com

Photos by Zara Ashby

BRONZED SKIN

Victoria Secret runway girls and women in athletic competitions always get a tan on before competing. A tan will automatically make you look a bit thinner

Of course nothing can replace regular workouts at the gym and a healthy diet, but you can fake more muscle tone by applying tanner or bronzer strategically in areas that you want to define.

The trick is doing it in 2 steps. First an all over color and then a second layer or contour bronzer. For the second step you will want to add deeper color to the sides of your stomach - this is to make the love handles disappear. (Use this same concept for slimmer thighs) Then flex your muscles and make a line down the center of your abs and finish with horizontal lines to define your muscle tone.

My favorite self tanners are St Tropez and Phenomenal by Vita Liberata (the world's first 2-3 week tan!), for bronzer use Lorac's Tantalizer - especially wonderful to add some shine down the front of your shins.

PERFECT LIGHT

We don't always have control over this, but one thing that makeup artists always make sure to do is add highlights to our face with light reflecting products, often using 2 different colors of foundation to contour the face. 

FULLER LIPS

To perfect a  fuller pouty lip, draw a line straight across your cupid's bow in a pinky tone just a tad darker than your own lip color before adding your favorite lipstick - finish with a dab of gloss in the center. I have no idea why, but this trick gives an optical illusion of bigger more kissable lips!

DE-BLOAT

Strictly limit sodium. and drink lots of water to flush out toxins. 
Eating can be as simple as fruits and vegetables as long as you stay clear from gassy veggies like broccoli, brussel sprouts and cauliflower. And avoid dairy and starches. Read a few more in depth tips on how to de-bloat {HERE}

SKIP the GYM 

One thing every one of these Victoria Secrets girls' will tell you is that they work out every. single. day. But models don't hit it hard core, many do Pilates, yoga and jogging. They tone, and watch what they eat so their weight doesn't fluctuate. 

If you're headed to the beach in your bikini and want your thighs to look their thinnest, skip the heavy weights the day before. Hitting the iron too hard can make lactic acid build up and make your muscles temporarily swell. 

Finding your Fashion Style without a Personal Stylist!

As a model there are a few things you pick up walking in show after show. Each designer's goal is to make their clothing stand out so models are sent down the runway looking somewhat the same, with usually these three things kept constant:

HAIRSTYLE

MAKEUP

SHOES 

So it makes sense then that you could use this strategy in reverse, to stand out. In other words, regardless of whatever clothing designer you are wearing, lose the model uniformity by developing your own personal style as simply as changing your hair, makeup and shoes! 

I recently sat down with All Parenting writer Molly Smith to share these ideas in depth and the simple ways to develop a signature style from a model mom's perspective.You can read the entire interview and all my tips {HERE}

My best advice ... always, always, always,"Dress for the part you want to have and never get lazy with this!"

Working out is an important part of my daily routine but it's important not to get so comfortable in workout clothes that you end up sitting in spandex at lunch with your girlfriends. This is NOT a style. Go home and throw on jeans, boots and a sweater ... you'll feel better about yourself, and that will show ---- on or off the runway!

GIVEAWAY: Enter to Win one of these holiday gift set from ULTA Beauty!

As promised on Arizona Midday today, you can enter here to win one of these great holiday beauty sets! In case you missed it here's the video segment:

To enter leave a comment below on this blog post

&

Like our Facebook page {HERE} so we can get in touch with you if you are the winner! Plus if you "share" this from our Facebook page onto your wall we will enter your name twice in the giveaway!

AND the Winner's are ...
Erica F and Lisa A!
Thank you everyone for your comments and likes ... I printed out everyone's comments (7 pages), cut them into strips and put them in a big box. When my son came home from school he shook the box and picked 3 names which we numbered ( a runnerUp just in case). I know not very high tech but as fair as I could make it! Congratulations.

A $71 value! Exclusive to Ulta!

Show Me The Love! Best of Benefit $36 

Includes They're Real!, Benetint, & the POREfessional mini.

A $120 value! 2 new colors.

BUTTER LONDON: Luxe Rock 12 Piece Fashion Size Set $65 

A $220 value! Contains 10 new shades

BARE MINERALS: Degrees Of Dazzling ($79)

Set of 20 spectacular Eyecolors in four versatile finishes, from creamy velvet to high shine. 

A $91.50 value!

JACK BLACK: Online Only King Of The Road ($65)

The King of the Road Travel Pack is everything you need, for everywhere you go. Six of Jack's best-selling products in a durable black micro-fiber bag to make grooming easy wherever life takes you. Just throw in a toothbrush and comb, and go.

A $290 value! Exclusive to Ulta!

TOO FACED: Be Merry & Bright ($45)

2 palettes that will take you from day to night and full size Lash Injection mascara.

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Bearded Disney Princesses - A girl's gotta shave!

Just when you thought you've seen it all from Disney - including a twerking Hannah Montana, in walks the bearded princesses!

You moust-Ache yourself the same question Moustacherella is thinking here .... Should I shave it for later or find a way to deal with facial hair?


Princesses and ALL women around the world have fines hairs or peach fuzz on their faces. Like Cinderella looking in the mirror, you might be just as frighted or maybe overwhelmed, with the concept of shaving your face - but check out the biggest secret that Japanese women, not to mention models, this one included: I have been doing it for years ... I just never knew anyone else was!

 Read about it {HERE} Women's Facial Shaving - Deffuzing the Myth of the Female Mustache.

Check out all the bearded beauties @ Buzzfeed.com