the missing wink

word is that purchases of little indulgences are, at least for now, recession-proof as people seek comfort in fancy chocolates, lip gloss, and other affordable treats. if your peepers have been yearning for a pretty pick me up then you may want to investigate the latest product launch from maleana cosmetics.

biolash promises lush lashes with a blend of 100% natural algae complex, plant-based phytohormones, and bio-informed ginger root extract infused in an olive oil and jojoba oil base while being free of parabens and synthetic hormones. at $59, this lash wonder may be considered an indulgent splurge unless your one and only wish whenever blowing on an eyelash is for an abundance of flirty lashes without the assistance of mascara or falsies.

in other news, the honolulu-based beauty parlor has gone web 2.0 and is now offering destination brides complimentary skype consultations so you no longer have to hop on a plane and hit the streets to book your makeup match.

you can pick up a tube of biolash and shop maleana's spring/summer 2009 color collection at the line's studio in kaimuki (phone/email orders are also welcome):

• where: 3405 waialae avenue, suite 203
• studio hours: mon to fri, 9a to 6p

happy hale*days 08: beauty edition

thankfully, the islands are well past the days when wicked wahine was the most well known beauty product made in hawaii. since pampering treats are always a welcome surprise under the tree (especially for peeps like me who have a hard time splurging on pricey potions), enjoy this roundup of luxe and budget finds for your favorite beauty junkie!

1 - malie kaua'i continues to green its product line and recently introduced an organic update to its popular coconut vanilla collection.

2 - pure & true organic beauty offers up a range of luxe skincare treats concocted with good for you & the earth ingredients. (budget tip: sample the line with the mini facial kit for $20; available in the online shop or at hot mama maternity in kaimuki)

3 - spoil fragrance lovers with nani, saffron james's newest eau de parfum inspired by princess ka'iulani. the fancy scent enchants with notes of pikake, pink plumeria, mimosa & ylang ylang. (budget tip: order up samples at the perfumed court)

4 - glamour girls will adore maleana's holiday gift collection which adds a little sparkle just in time to ring in the new year. (alas, no online shop yet but you can hele over to the kaimuki studio or phone in your order to receive free shipping)

5 - the packaging for the simply kukui line from lanikai bath & body says it all plus all orders score complimentary gift wrap for the holidays! (fyi - there are a few days left to enter to win a $250 gift set!)

6 - a blend of moisturizing oils, hawaiian beeswax, and aloe vera & mango butters make ola's lauhala wrapped tropical lip balm a sweet stocking stuffer.

7 - hawaiian bath & body mixes epsom & hawaiian sea salts with essential oils for a relaxing and detoxifying bathtime soak.

8 - scent your space with island herbal's pretty seashell potpourri infused with fragrant tropical floral notes.

cosmetic counter gift picks

1 - the go to tool of what not to wear's carmindy just happens to be made by honolulu's very own body+soul cosmetics. alas, the darling mini brush set is sold out on the b+s website but you can still scoop one up here.

2 - mama coco's lip rouge has returned just in time for the holidays! red hibiscus petals add a hint of color to the organic and fair trade moisturizing base of coconut oil, shea butter and hawaiian honey.

3 - maleana, makeup artist dorys foltin's cosmetics line, recently introduced color tides, a mineral shimmer that highlights and brightens all the right spots (fyi - the online shop is not fully functional yet. email or call to order).

4 - body & soul's face glow is the one stick wonder to keep in your purse 24/7. it gives your cheeks and lips a pretty pick me up plus adds a little ooh la la to the décolleté.

bridal beauty

maleana lip control kit

all the factors that make hawaii one of the most beautiful places on earth to be married tend to create a few beauty dilemmas unique to the tropics (shine control, anyone?). if you have planned a wedding in the islands over the last few years, you have probably heard of dorys foltin, a makeup artist to the stars who is also quite in demand for brides in the know.

two years ago, dorys introduced maleana, a cosmetics line designed for the specific needs of the bride battling the island's hot and humid weather. there's organic rice silk powder to combat shine, a treatment for kissable lips, and a few secret tricks from dorys' professional makeup arsenal to create smudge-proof eyes.

for the moment, orders can only be placed by phone or email, however new products and a redesigned website are set to debut next month. stay posted for more details.