Getting ready for the High Holy Days

Planning the holiday dinners is well on the way for many of us. Others may try to find the perfect gift for their hosts. So how should you get ready? Here are a few ideas.

An air of exclusivity and distinction

Boadicea the Victorious is an independent British fragrance brand that was launched in 2008 as a worldwide exclusive at Harrods, soon becoming one of the best-selling fragrances within the renowned Black Hall Perfumery. A year later saw similar acclaim at Henri Bendel of New York and at Selfridges, where it continues to be one of the best-performing niche brands.

Since then, these perfume collections have become coveted in luxury shopping destinations around the world. Now selling in Israel for the holidays, the brand launched a new unisex perfume that we simply fell in love with. Consort, in a beautiful golden flask, is a perfume that exudes an easy elegance with its bright, charming and inspiring sentiment. The floral fragrance is fresh, with opening notes of bergamot orange, lime, juniper, pink pepper and citrus leaves; and heart notes of sage, magnolia and orange blossom, with earthy tones and vetiver, musk, white wood, amber and patchouli.

NIS 1,250. Available online at exxenceboutique.co.il

Lovely lashes longer

Clinique introduced a new mascara – High Impact Zero Gravity – which, according to Clinique, makes using a lash curler redundant. The mascara instantly lifts and curls lashes and keeps them lifted for 24 hours. Removing it is easy – it rinses off with warm water. According to Clinique, one simple step is enough to get a perfect result. The gel is weightless and the formula very flexible, making lashes feel feather light with no drooping. The curved brush lifts and sets lashes. The inner curve scoops up every lash, while the outer curve helps to set and hold the lift in place. Great! NIS 135, now sold for NIS 99. www.clinique.co.il

Get up and glow

Do you need a night cream? Some say it is a must, others tend to forget it at the end of the day, but cosmetic experts say that good night creams help the skin renew and rebuild, and the creams can contain more active ingredients. GA-DE introduced a new Glow FX night cream enriched with Niacinamide B3, which helps protect skin from losing hydration, and helps achieve better texture and more even tone. The cream is produced in Swiss laboratories, based on knowledge developed there. With the pampering texture, as well as the Swiss Youth Complex in the formula, you are bound to wake up more radiant than ever. NIS 209 www.gade.co.il

Drawing the line

MAC has introduced new eyeliner pencils that are a lot of fun. The Color Excess Gel Pencil

Eye Liner comes in 12 vivid shades that are easy to use thanks to the Line Lock formula that promises no color transfer. And the new pigment alchemy technology affords strong color in one stroke. The texture is creamy, and the line will stay in place for more than 24 hours. I tried the lovely brown Sick Tat Bro, but some of the other shades (such as the green Serial Monogamist) look delicious. To use, make sure to blend immediately after application. Otherwise, the line will fix and will not blend later. Safe for use with contact lenses. NIS 115. www.maccosmetics.co.il

Pretty lips

Maybelline New York introduced new liquid lipstick in vibrant colors that, according to the company, will stay fresh for 16 hours. We love the shades and the texture. The new pigment-rich formula adds hydration yet covers the lips perfectly, does not run, and keeps looking fresh and shiny. The vanilla flavor is a welcome addition. Love them. NIS 45, now NIS 39.90. Available in stores and at www.maybelline.co.il

Just what you knead

How many challot do you bake every Friday? The new Morphy Richards professional mixers in the Artist line are not only very handsome but also have an extra-strong motor (1.6 horsepower and 1,200W). The maker says that thanks to the large eight-liter bowl, you can prepare enough dough for three challot (3 kg. of dough) at one time. I tested the Artist Max in black (model 48981) and was amazed. When preparing a large amount of dough (2 kg.), as well as small batches, the collection was very efficient, and the kneading was excellent. An LED touch screen lets you program the time and strength of the kneading – so the dough is not over or under worked

– while the clear plastic cover makes adding ingredients easy. Cleaning was also a breeze.

Overall, I am in love with this mixer. The price is NIS 1,690, with an eight-year guarantee for the motor. The efficiency and design are well worth the price. There are also additions, such as a pasta maker and a meat grinder.

Available at electrical stores and at sarig.com