..Gift Guide: Beauty (All Under $100!)
November 25, 2015 • Beauty Benefit deborah lippmann Diptyque Drybar MAC Cosmetics MAMA Philosophy polyvore
Let's be real. It can be SO easy to fall into the trap of buying a cute beauty product because the industry makes it SO damn easy. The problem for me is that I believe the real point of gifting anyone a beauty product should be because 1. you love the product, know it's wonderful and want to share your find with your loved one or 2. you already know they love a certain product and you want to gift them something they are comfortable/familiar with but can possibly play around and explore a little variety within it. I HATE when people just gift random sets of crap product because it came in a cute package or give someone a bold lipstick set when that person never wears lipstick. It's a little unintentionally thoughtless and ends up being wasteful so I rounded up some things I would love to receive and would be more than comfortable giving because I have experience with them.
1. MAC pallet. This set is an awesome value, the colors are gorgeous and give room to go neutral or dramatic. There are just no better shadows in my opinion than MAC. The Urban Decay is a nice one too but there is just so much fall out with those shadows that I would 100% recommend this one over it. It's a little pricier but you get more product and it's higher quality.
2. Laura Mercier lip trio. This little trio is perfect for someone who is intrigued by the whole Kylie Jenner lip phenomenon but isn't sure how to execute. You have a nice nude liner, lipstick, & gloss to complete the look. Super fun!
3. Real Techniques brushes. These brushes are WONDERFUL for how inexpensive they are! Please do not get tricked by the lure of cheap Sephora brand brushes. Real Techniques ones are even less expensive and MUCH better. I use the travel basics ones on an every single day basis.
4. They're Real mascara kit. Great mascara, awesome way to turn someone on to it.
5. Diptyque mini candle set. These are the most luxurious scented candles on the market. While they are pretty pricey, I love the idea of this little mini set to explore which full size ones you might want to invest in later.
6. Deborah Lippmann "Shades of Nude" set. While it's nice to get one of those jumbo sets that has a ton of different shades, usually half of the colors don't ever get opened. With this set you can be sure it will get tons of use.
7. Smashbox lip glosses. I love the range of bold to demure colors in here, you really have a nice range of "fun but not totally out there" options.
8. Philosophy "Cleanse, Refine, Renew" gift set. I love the Purity cleanser so I would love getting this kit as a gift to try out the other products to see if they are just as great without having to full on commit to purchasing the full size.
9. Drybar "Mai Tai" kit. If you have ever traveled with me you know I always bring my mini Drybar shampoo and conditioner. I don't have any reason other than it's great product and I usually want my hair to look extra great on trips so I spring for nice travel size things. Who wants drugstore shampoo when you are doing something out of the ordinary, I say. ANYTHING from Drybar would make a great gift so I love this little DIY kit they have out right now.
10. Bumble & Bumble "Full of Cheer." I usually have this thickening shampoo in my "luxe" product rotation (I always keep an inexpensive, medium price, and luxury shampoo & conditioner in the shower to keep things fresh). I'd be curious to try the hairspray as a bonus in this cute set.
The deets: GAP sweater (35% off w/ code HAPPY); Express leggings (buy one get one for $19 right now); Zara booties (almost identical); Prada sunnies; Balenciaga bag; J.Crew pendant (similar); MAC "Brave" lipstick.
I love these leather leggings SO MUCH. They are not very expensive but look luxe enough for me. I got them for my sister for xmas last year and she loves them too! I also live in this souchy sweater (I got it in beige too since I liked it so much) and would definitely say it goes nicely with the leggings as an easy flattering outfit on any body shape. Easy peasy. If you have a trendy girl on your list these make a great presents, especially paired together!
The deets: Oliver Gal painting; Joss & Main antler hook & sparkly candles; Urban Outfitter utensil holder & ceramic food storage bowls; Kate Spade tea kettle; Anthropologie coasters; Hattan Home pineapple shot glasses & teal throw; Rachael George pear jar.
I decided to participate in the yearly inundation of gift guides that come at you from all angles if not for any other reason but to put out there what I would personally like to see (ahem, hopefully my fiance checks this blog of mine..jk..but not really..). Each Thursday for the next three weeks I will pull together some favorites from different groups, all under $100. Tis' the season!
The deets: Anthropoligie canisters, utensils, stocking, bundled animal ornaments, flamingo ornament.
Overstock canisters; Joss & Main utensils; Target stocking; World Market bundled animal ornaments, & flamingo ornament.
I am in full on decorate my apartment/plan my wedding/holiday shopping mode so outfit posts (and all posts, really) have really fallen low on my priority list, sorry! While I have been madly searching for cute ornaments and home goods since I started from scratch this year (we threw out all of our furniture including holiday decorations) I have come across some veeeeeery similar items that look like Anthropoligie cute without the Anthropoligie price so I thought I should share!
The deets: J.Crew top (similar), pencil skirt (both on sale now w/ code SHOPTOIT), & pendant (love this one); Ray-Ban sunnies; Zara heels (similar); Balenciaga bag; Express scarf (similar); Knox Thomas Designs bracelets.
This beautiful crisp November has been EVERYTHING. All you really need is a cozy scarf to keep you comfortable. It's rainy now but I wore this to work yesterday and felt super comfortable. Are you guys sick of this background yet? I hope not because it's my terrace and the easiest place to shoot a quick picture before leaving the house. I promise I will try to get more creative in the coming months though...maybe.
The deets: Treasure & Bond boyfriend buffalo check shirt; AG jeans; Rag & Bone booties; Rebecca Minkoff bag; Revlon "Certainly Red" lipstick; Knox Thomas Designs bracelets.
I was going through my closet recently and realized I didn't have a "go-to" cozy flannel top. This seemed crazy so I set out to fill the void. When I came across this top at Nordy's it hadn't even been put out on the floor yet. I saw a pile of them behind the counter and asked if I could take one right there and I'm so glad I did! Although this is the first experience I have had with the brand, I am now a big Treasure & Bond fan.
Last month I was lucky enough to be selected as a judge for AOL’s Beauty Awards, the nail polish category specifically, and I got to test out like a million awesome products for the following categories: red polishes, top coats, nude polishes, and nail treatments. It was super fun to go a little crazy pampering my fingers for a couple weeks. Below are my favorite pick from each group.
Top Coat: Seche Vite. I have been using this top coat for years ever since I discovered it while working at ULTA when I was 16 (my love for beauty products runs deep). Its just the best. Drys fast and finishes super glossy.
Red: China Glaze "Salsa." It's the perfect true red that has just the right amount of brightness and pop. I also love the formula it paints on really easy.
Nail Treatment: CND Rescuerxx Daily Keratin Treatment. It was like the oil treatment I put in my damp hair, only for my nail beds. I didn't know I needed it until I tried it. Bye icky cracked cuticles!
Nude: Mischo Beauty "The Tents." Great grippy polish top for easy application and the peachy pink color ended up being the perfect nude for my personal skin tone. This was a "new to me" brand and I was very impressed with it.
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