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It's back!! Ms. New Beauty has finally had time to attack the evergrowing pile of magazines on her kitchen table. Unfortunately, most of the December issues were nothing special. But, as always, The Beauty Bible, bka Allure, came through. Allure never disappoints the hardcore makeup junkies like MNB. The best part December fashion/beauty magazines is the holiday gift giving and party survival guides. Allure did a great job with both of those. Ms. New Beauty wants to know what's better than a step by step guide on how to go to work after a night of clubbing and drinking looking like Sleeping Beauty when she just woke up. Nothing!

If you don't have the time or money to read, or just can't expend the effort on flipping the pages, catch the highlights of the December issue of Allure here.

• I didn't read the cover article on her because I'm like the only person in America who doesn't watch Grey's Anatomy, but Ellen Pompeo looks pretty on the cover
• Beauty 101 - this month it's a step by step guide to putting on falsies. My favorite tool featured is the Sephora Lash Placement Kit. Allure recommends only wearing clumps of individuals, but the Sephora clamp is perfect for placing full rows of false lashes. If you pick ones with thin lashes and trim it to fit your eye, you really can't tell that they're fake.
• Style 101 - tips on pulling off the wide leg pants of the season. Make sure your pants are long and fit snugly in the hips and butt and then hang loose. Pair with a delicate, lightweight top to keep the look sleek.
• How to Hide Signs of a Hangover - written by dermatologist Katie Rodan, you might recognize her as one half of the team that created the fabulous Proactiv Solution
• Before bed - slather on a face cream to keep skin feeling soft in the morning and try to sleep elevated on a few extra pillows to prevent puffiness and dark circles
• Alcohol can increase oil production, so wash your face. But skip any acidic cleansers since skin is more sensitive during a hangover.
• Use an eye cream with caffeine and a hydrocortisone cream to handle any inflammation. A few eye drops can take care of bloodshot eyes
• Use a little foundation to cover any splotches or inflamed areas
• Ms. New Beauty tip - line lower lashes with white eyeliner to open up eyes and make the whites of your eyes look whiter
  
• The secret to a long lasting manicure - use basecoat and topcoat. Basecoat acts like glue to keep polish on and topcoat seals it in. Make sure to paint topcoat onto the end of each nail. If you still get chips, add a layer of nail hardener after the topcoat to make nails stiffer and prevent bending
• Total Makeover Note - all the ladies look great but the first participant looks fabulous!! She lost almost 100 lbs and looks like a different person.
• Thierry Mugler "Perfume" Collection Coffret - a collection of 15 scents based on a murder mystery novel has already sold out in Europe despite the $700 price tag and the fact that a few of the fragrances purposely smell like dirty hair, urine, grease, overripe cheese, and feces.
  
• The article on getting the gifts you want is insightful. I just may try the gift drawer idea but I don't know if it works since my family tends to buy the presents they want you to have.
  
• A new study suggests that rubbing sunscreen may decrease effectiveness. Spray on sunscreens that don't require rubbing may be the most effective. If you use creams or lotions, just wait a few minutes for it to absorb and then add another layer.
• Presents Perfect - one of my favorite parts of this issue. My picks
• Neiman Marcus Swarovski Crystal Dumbbells - I know I won't use them, but they just look so good.
• Balenciaga's Toiletry Case
  
• Bobbi Brown Gold Leath Deluxe Trunk
• Bond No. 9 Pocket Spray - okay, I'll admit it, I'm a sucker for anything with Swarovski crystals. But, at least I haven't covered my cell phone in them - I will agree that it's tacky
• Yves Saint Laurent Beaute Makeup Bracelet
  
• Forecast for Spring - gold on eyes, full lashes, and nude lips. The way Pat McGrath layered gold over chocolate for the Versace runway is gorgeous!
• A full holiday party survival guide, including makeup and hair tweaks that take your look from day to night, figuring out holiday dress codes, and the best way to handle the parties, from going it alone, to working the room and the best way to cancel
• Objects Lust - 13 products that have achieved that ever-elusive but oh-so-coveted status as cult following
• NYX Color Trio Eyeshadow
• DiorShow Mascara
• The Beautyblender
• Tarte fRXtion
  
• Boujois Suvoltee Waterproof Cream Eyeshadow
• Jordana Cosmetics Eyeliner in Morning Coffee
• Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup
• Rubis Tweezers
• Smashbos Photo Finish Foundation Primer - Ms. New Beauty recommended this one a while back
• OPI Friar Friar Pants on Fire Nail Polish - don't you just love the names that OPI comes up with for their shades??
• Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer
• Fresh Here Comes the Sun Face Palette
• Julie Hewitt Los Angeles Noir Lipsticks
  
• The 5 Biggest Skin Sins (Product overload, Picking pimples, Overcleaning, Assuming your skin is sensitive, and Ignoring the neck and decollete) and the simple solutions for salvation
  

Don't bother reading it, because Ms. New Beauty already told you!