Is there in truth no beauty?
Dolly famously said, “It costs a lot of money to look this cheap,” but the truth is, beauty costs. And you need to make the most of your dollars. So products by First Aid Beauty are investments in you, or that special someone on your list. Put together a survival kit ranging from Eye Duty Triple Remedy cream to moisturize and erase dark circles, to Facial Radiance Pads, and Ultra Repair Cream for exfoliating, and Vitamin Hydrating Mist for instantly revitalizing your face — all for about $100, a bargain to protect your body’s largest organ. And that’s the truth. From $16–$36.
Available at FirstAidBeauty.com.
and local Sephora and Ulta stores.
Candy coma
After the year we’ve all had, who wouldn’t appreciate snuggling up in a fetal position with a basket of handmade chocolates to soothe your frayed nerves? North Texas-based Yelibelly Chocolates makes everything fresh in the store, using preservative-free ingredients, locally sourced when possible. You can customize a basket for a friend, and pick up a seasonal box for yourself while you’re at it. We all need a chocolate hug.
Boxes from $12–$24; custom baskets available.
Available at Yelibelly Chocolates,
2364 E. Northwest Parkway, Southlake. 817-789-5563
Yelibelly.com
When you pour, you reign
We live in a cocktail culture. (Hey, we’re gay. We like the word.) It’s one thing to get a shot at your local watering hole. But at home, you can class up any wet bar with designer decanters from Nuvo. This handmade cocktail set can gussy up any liquor — your moonshine can look like a fine sipping tequila, and show your guests (or the giftee on your list) that you know how to enjoy a refreshing adult beverage with some style. Glasses $22.50; decanters $125–$150.
Nuvo Dallas
3311 Oak Lawn Ave. 214-522-6886
NuvoDallas.com
Cuff ‘em!
Jewelry has usually been the province of women, but Dian Malouf feels strongly that men also need a little beauty on their bodies that doesn’t come from the gym. The local designer has an entire line of boy-bling, from rings to bracelets and what may be the ultimate in masculine accouterment: cufflinks. Check out her sterling silver and 14k gold “Longhorn” cufflinks — nothing shows your Texas pride better. $510.
Available at
Dian-Malouf.com
214-520-3123
A toast to savvy wine shopping!
Wine shopping can be intimidating. You may know what you like, but how do you
take a chance on something new, to broaden your horizons? The folks at Whole Foods
are specially trained to walk you through the vast oceans of fermented grapes,
from regions to varietals to flavor profiles … and they can set you up with the perfect hostess gift for under $20. Raise a glass to that!
Available at Whole Foods Markets across the Metroplex.
WholeFoodsMarket.com.
Here comes the groom!
Few pleasures in life are as satisfying as the soothing ritual of a beauty regimen. When you surround yourself with quality products designed to make you look good, you also end up feeling good. The folks at S.E. Cote & Co. know this, which is why they have assembled a variety of packages for the dapper dandy in your life, such as the Deluxe Male Grooming Package that’s like a home spa in a box. Or put together your own kit to show someone you love the way they look, and they deserve to feel that back. Available in a range of prices; Deluxe Package at $34.95.
Available at S.E. Cote & Co.
222 Browder St. 469-248-2113
SECoteCo.com.
Coin of the realm
Hand-crafted jewelry makes an excellent gift idea for the holidays, as does money … and you can incorporate both with this Rewind Jewelers bracelet from Flower Reign. A 50-cent British coin, struck with the likenesses of Princess Di and Prince Charles, has been refurbished by artisans into dia de los muertos-inspired skulls and placed on a chain with this funky, steampunky piece of wearable art. $120.
Flower Reign
3904 Cedar Springs Road. 214-774-9236.
ShaneWalkerDesign.com
RewindJewelry.com.
Feed your hands … and someone else
Winter is coming, and we all know what that means. No, not the white walkers — chapped hands. And Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve is designed specifically to combat that. The legendary apothecary company imbues its lotion with soothing emollients that strengthen and soften your hands after exposure to the cold. And if you buy a special three-pack, Kiehl’s will donate the equivalent of 295 meals to Feeding America. Pack/$34.95.
Available at area Kiehl’s shops and Neiman Marcus.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition November 18, 2016.