Our recent post about Trade Secret's new dedicated organic and natural products section tuned us back into this ... potentially dangerous beauty destination! We'll admit, there may have been some quality work time wasted browsing through our lust lists and sending oh-so-casual gift ideas to our significant others.

Conveniently, it just so happens that Trade Secrets will very soon be starting their Holiday promotion which will include a Gift Card* with your purchase! For example, if you spend $60 or more, you'll get a free $10 card. Spend $150 or more and your bonus card is worth $25. A great way to top off a gift basket, no?

Naturally, we thought you'd like to know which picks top our lists. Sales maven Amanda was all about makeup:
 

Deca Lipstick in "Bordeaux" (C$16.50)
Autumn/winter begs for a bold lip and this hydrating, mineral lipstick is perfect for achieving that look! Highly pigmented and infused with vitamins and minerals this deep, wine shade is the perfect choice. Apply straight from the bullet for instant drama or dab on with your finger for a lip stain effect.

Blinc Eyebrow Mousse in "Medium Blonde" (C$30)
The statement brow is back and this coloured eyebrow mousse from Blinc gives you the look with little effort. Not only does it set your brows for a polished look, the buildable colour allows you to fill in sparse areas. Cara Delevigne, is that you?

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel for Sensitive Skin (C$48.95)
The joys of winter: cold weather, snow, and, of course, dull, dry skin. This peel from Juice Beauty is infused with alpha and beta hydroxyl acids to exfoliate and brighten the skin, giving winter flakiness a run for its money. Plus, it's made with certified organic ingredients - what's not to love?
 
Business Development specialist and official ChickAdvisor photo bomber Maddie-Jo knows nails:
 

Vinylux Nail Polish in "Cream Puff" (C$11.90) & Vinylux Weekly Top Coat (C$11.90): 
Recently I went for a mani, and my aesthetician used the White "Cream Puff" colour Vinylux polish on me (gorgeous colour even in the winter) with the Vinylux Top Coat. I loved it! It lasted at least 3 days longer than a regular manicure and it was easy to remove. The fact Trade Secrets sells this product makes me crazy-excited!! Another great feature of this polish is that it doesn't require a base coat - therefore it's a quicker application process - LOVES IT! I know what's going on my Christmas list :)

Prolinc Spa Gel Toe Separators (C$2.95)
These Toe Separators make for an easy, no-mess pedicure process. They feel a wee awkward, but they keep my baby toes from creeping under my other toes and smudging my freshly painted nails. Best of all, they're GEL so they can be placed in the fridge prior to your pedi to cool down your hot, tired feet. At this price, they would be an excellent stocking stuffer or a mini "thinking of you" gift.

Essie's All in One 3-way Glaze (C$8.95)
It's a base coat, top coat, and strengthener. I have a ginormous box of polishes and hate playing "Where's Waldo" searching for my base coat and then my top coat, blahh! (1st world problems). This product has made my nail-paintin' sessions conveniently wonderful with less thinking and more relaxing. 

Campaign manager Claire is obsessed with hair:
 


A few years ago I realized that professional hair tools are really worth spending extra to own. My hair is long and colour-treated, so abusing it with unevenly heating hair appliances is a serious no-no. 

My first pick is Babyliss Nano Titanium 1-inch Ultra Thin Straightener (C$139.95). Its high heat range (up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit) is exactly what my medium coarse hair needs to sit down and behave. Best of all, it keeps the glossy smoothness for several days.

My second pick is Avanti Ultra Dryer GP-2000 (C$124.99), a unit that my sister (Ali De Bold) has declared I shall buy at my earliest opportunity based on her fantastic experience with it. I own another hair dryer but with a teenager in the house, it's not like I actually get to use it--ever. She can have the hand-me-down while I enjoy the Avanti.

My final pick is all about hair removal. The teenager and I have been devoted waxers and epilators for years, and about 2 years ago I picked up a professional wax warmer to make the whole process easier. Trade Secrets carries my favourite line of wax pots - GiGi - and their All-Purpose Honee wax (C$25.95) is fantastic. Between the two of us, waxing at home is much more convenient and a good cost savings (hey, I'm saving up for the Avanti, remember?) 

Which beauty product is on your holiday wishlist this year? Let us know in the comments! 

This post was sponsored by Trade Secrets. Did you know they have free shipping in Canada with no minimum purchase?

*Gift Card promotion is available from November 22 to December 24, 2014. Cards are valid January 2, 2015 until February 28, 2015 only. Offer good for merchandise only, no salon services. Purchases before tax. While quantities last. Not valid in conjunction with any other coupon, promotional discount or offer. Not to be used on purchase of gift cards or previous purchases. See in store for details.