I still remember the first time I ever picked up a book about makeup. It was Kevyn Aucoin’s, and I remember feeling so amazed at the transformative powers of beauty products. I was only in high school then, yet I still find myself leafing through beauty books from time to time. My most recent find is the Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual, which is definitely a keeper. Rather than show you looks that you probably wouldn’t be able to achieve on your own, Bobbi walks you through all the how-tos of makeup so that you can always look your very best.

Along with Bobbi’s expert advice, the book contains beautiful photographs and easy to follow, step-by-step instructions on every type of makeup. You’ll know how to apply eyeliner and blend eye shadow correctly, pick the right shade of foundation for your skin tone, and learn about the different kinds of makeup brushes. But beyond that, Bobbi also discusses how to take care of your skin, since that’s where it all starts. Proper cleansing and moisturizing are super important and too often overlooked in favor of just covering the flaws up.

The Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual is billed as “For Everyone from Beginner to Pro,” and I agree completely. Makeup novices will learn about basic application and those with more experience will find new looks and skin care tips. This book is a must-read for any or beauty BB fanatic!

Editors’ Note: Today, we’re launching the first of our annual holiday gift guides. We spent many hours sifting through hundreds of products to present you with our favorites in hopes that they will inspire and help you find that perfect gift this season. Make sure to look out for these guides over the next few weeks and hope you enjoy!

This year more than ever, everyone is counting those pennies they’re spending this holiday season. We think that the best trick is to find a gorgeous gift that doesn’t make you cringe when you check the price and pull out the credit card. Having trouble?  Don’t worry…we’ve already scouted six fabulous choices under $25 that will be sure to please the recipient!

ONE. Jill Bliss Flower Mini Journal Set — Know a friend who makes a New Year’s resolution every year to start writing in a journal? Make it easier for her this year to achieve this goal by gifting her this set of blank notebook by Jill Bliss ($15.95). The handcrafted design of these notebooks is so beautiful - very 60’s and reminiscent of Sofia Coppola’s Virgin Suicides - that she’ll feel compelled to carry these around all the time to jot down her best ideas. Its perfect pocket size also won’t take up any extra room in her bag, and the blank pages are the ideal blank canvas for any recessionista with an artsy or writer type friend. - joie (more…)

We saw the Miss Dior Cherie commercial in New York last month at the Dior offices. We just heard that it’s making its debut tonight on the CW during Gossip Girl. You MUST tune in to see it. Cutest. Commercial. Ever. With the theme song “Moi, Je Joue” sung by Brigitte Bardot,” it’s directed by Sofia Coppola and features model Maryna Linchuk. A few cute details: a fitting at the gorgeous Dior atelier and an adorable Paris bike ride (in which Maryna Linchuk plays the part of playful, but it’s actually because she doesn’t know how to ride a bike). We’ll see if we can snag a video and post it as an addendum asap!

Edit: We found it! See it below the cut: (more…)

We’re always looking for new ways to reach out to you, our lovely readers. That’s why we would love for you to connect with us by following our Twitter (we’re @tdailyobsession) and joining our Facebook page. We’ve been having fun conversations and tweeting about sales and codes first. You’ll also get updated on our new posts for the day, and get extra entries for our giveaways for more chances to win. We can’t wait to hear from you!

If you’ve been following TDO for some time, you’ll know that Lucky is one of my favorite magazines. (In fact, there’s a little story about how two of us met over this magazine - but that’s for another day.) Right now, Lucky partnered up with Lucky Brand for this contest; send in a photo of yourself wearing a pair of jeans “styled” for a night out and you might get a chance to appear in Lucky, as well as style a Lucky Brand ad. Seriously, just enter…because you could win!

The fabulous ladies at The Jet Set Girls asked me to participate in their “Carry On” feature, which was just posted a little earlier this week. It’s perfect timing because I’m headed to New York on business (also to see a couple of our fabulous editors, of course) and will be packing up a storm this weekend! Want to take a peek into my carry on? Check it out here!

An incredibly sweet editor over at Allure alerted me about the 31 Days of the Best of Beauty, which celebrates Allure’s annual Best of Beauty Awards. When I read about it, I thought, “How great - sign up and you get access to a bunch of beauty tips, recommended skincare regimens, etc.  I’ll definitely check it out!”  

Then the editor sent photos of Rancho La Puerta, which got me really excited.  A trip for two to Rancha La Puerta - complete with beauty treatments, meals, and fitness activities - is one of the prizes.  More importantly, it looks and sounds incredibly heavenly - and like the perfect girls getaway!  Umm…that totally convinced me - and it should convince you too!  Plus, you can also win daily beauty packages from L’Occitane.  What are you waiting for? Check it out now!

Connie and I are honored and thrilled to be featured on The Beauty of Life’s First Look Fridays where we got a chance to dish on our favorite products,brands, blogs - and even talk about our non-blogging lives. Yes…we (try) to have one. We love Jamie and her blog so be sure to checkout the rest of her site too!  Thanks so much!!

We totally heart Allure’s blog, Daily Beauty Reporter! It’s a daily must-read. Written by the adorable and witty Jessica Matlin, this blog is always chock full of useful tips and obsession-worthy products. (Jessica’s posts have made us curious about various products countless times, and she always has a good recommendation!) Jessica kindly asked us, along with bloggers like Bit by the Beauty Bug and BellaSugar, about our desert island must-haves…make sure to check out what product we say we can’t live without if we were stranded!

Can I just tell you that I almost screamed when I saw the trailer for Confessions of a Shopaholic last night on TV? I love this series of books and while the photos tempted me all summer…after viewing the trailer, I can’t wait until the film comes out! The wardrobe alone is reason enough to watch. In case you haven’t seen it, you can view it at BuzzSugar or check behind the cut. Tell me what you think! (more…)