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: NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in "Mont Blanc," "Laguna" bronzer; Bobbi Brown "Peony" blush; Laura Mercier "1" concealer; MAC "Mystery" shadow in brows & as eyeliner; Bobbi Brown lip pencil in "Brown" used as lipstick with Burt's Bees balm; Benefit "They're Real" mascara. Cute robe is from VS and was a bridesmaid gift.

You guys, Benefit's "They're Real!" Mascara was already one of my favorite beauty products known to man. When they came out with a "They're Real!" Push-Up Gel Liner that makes doing a  perfect cat-eye a piece of cake, I HAD to have it (like I went on the pre-order wait list you guys). Needless to say, it's now also one of my favorite things, especially when paired with the mascara. Sexy kitteny lashtastic eyes in a snap.

The only down side is this ish basically gets tattooed onto your face so be prepared to use a bunch of remover before washing it off. See me going from zero eye makeup to just adding these two products and what a difference it makes, no shadow or anything! Go out and give them a try.

I figured that since I've already shared my hair routine and skin-care regimen with you guys it only seemed natural to introduce you to my kick-ass make-up team that saves my tired, hungover, broken-out, pale (you get the point) face from embarrassment on a daily basis.  The products above collectively comprise my beauty kit and while I don't use every one every single day (esp eyeliner, foundation and lipstick at the office), if I were to do it up right, these guys are my first string.

1. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer - When I want light all over coverage that wont irritate my skin or smear off. Not something I use daily, but the ONLY foundation I will go near with this sensitive face.
2. Bobbi Brown Corrector - Of all the items on this list, this one is most important. Hardest working product I own. MVP. Covers the bags under my eyes, conceals blemishes, highlights, you name it. I finally found the perfect shade (light bisque) and it feels so good.
3. Urban Decay Eye-shadow Primer Potion - I have eyes that are very set back and thus I get one crazy crease line if I don't take proper precautions. This guy is the antidote.
4. MAC Eye-shadows - They are so wonderfully pigmented and blend-able. You can take a closer look at my exact hand-picked color pallet that I use daily here.
5. Bobbi Brown Gel Eye-liner - Lasts for hours with out moving and I love the control I have over the line shape using a fine liner brush rather than a pencil.
6. Benefit "They're Real!" Mascara - THE BEST MASCARA MONEY CAN BUY. HANDS DOWN. You have to try it to believe me. Non clumpy long gorgeous lashes for DAYS, y'all. I vined about my first go with it here.
7. Josie Maren Argan Color Stick - I got this product as a gift and ended up really loving it. The neutral pink is a great every day cheek color and it smells fresh and minty (wakes up my face). I love cream blush over powder because I of how natural it looks on skin.
8. Rosebud Salve - I get really dry lips which don't take on lipstick well no matter how expensive or moisturizing it says it is.  I use this to help get them in shape before applying any lip color and as my everyday balm.
9. Lancome "Midnight Rose" Lipstick - My favorite color for over a year now.  It really works with just about anything and it's a nice shade for my skin tone. A pretty magenta-y pink that pops! This formula really is amazingly non-drying too!
10. NARS "Laguna" Bronzer - The finishing touch to any look.  That glow-y, sun-kissed, bronzed dusting that is absolutely mandatory for this girl to feel "finished."