Amidst all of wonders of the season, mid-December madness has taken hold, reminding us that there is 10 days to Christmas and much to do before it’s arrival! I just finished my semester of teaching and, between deadlines galore, getting Johannah’s first Christmas tree together and grading like crazy, my progress in the present purchasing category is has been limited at best. That being said, I am relying on ordering online (there’s still time for most retailers to ship orders well before the arrival of the holidays, thankfully) and going to the mall with my mom early next week, I’ll be done with my list before I know it.
For those of you who can relate to my timeline (and lack of progress in the gift procurement category), I am excited to share a skin, hair and makeup-centric gift guide, featuring tried and true personal favorites…there’s no time like the present to pick up the presents (couldn’t resist) for those you love (including yourself!).
Kindly scroll on for my gift guide and images of my recommendations in action as well as the Bottom Line…
Need to finish your holiday shopping list? Prepare to be inspired!
Skincare etc.
// SKINCARE ETC. // Progressive products to keep your face fresh and fit.
*Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream (reviewed HERE): My chief skincare for nearly a year, everyone I recommend this to ends up loving it as I do. It’s perfect for a skincare minimalist looking to take their routine to the next level.
*BY TERRY Baume de Rose Set (reviewed HERE): Two cult favorites in a single set, this features my favorite form of the BY TERRY Baume de Rose lip care (gloss!) as well as a decadent hand cream.
*Guerlain Abeille Royale Double R Serum: Skincare with luxurious duality, this potent, double chambered anti-aging cocktail repairs and restores with Royal Jelly and Black Honey…so good.
*Kaplan MD The Perfect Pout Duo: I’ve loved this lip plumping pair for years. The revitalizing scrub buffs away dry skin while increasing circulation and the moisturizing lip treatment instantly increases volume without irritation.
*Mesolyft Lips and Skin: Perfecting the art of micro needling by having targeted skin serum flow through the base of the needles, these two innovations improve skin by painlessly increasing collagen production with every pass over one’s canvas.
*Oribe Run-Through Detangler (reviewed HERE): This is my daily, go-to detangler and I cannot recommend it enough! Seriously, nothing works better to banish even the most pernicious tangles.
*Chanel La Creme Main (reviewed HERE): A gorgeous fusion of style and substance, this hand cream is always in my work bag…give it as a gift and prepare yourself for the audible gasps…it’s that stunning.
*Kate Somerville +Retinol Vita C Serum: For those that like the skin smoothing powers of Retinol A and the skin brightening and clarifying properties of Vitamin C, this formula is a dream come true!
*Jack Black Balm Set: My husband loves this balm and uses it daily…we also love picking up sets as gifts for our mailman and UPS/FedEx drivers. They need moisturized lips, too!
*828 Leggings: Technically not skincare but still an integral part of keeping fit, these innovative leggings are infused with threads of silver to fight bacteria and wick away moisture. I love the blue and black color block styling (very flattering) and next-level comfort they provide.
Skin devices.
// SKIN DEVICES // When it comes to at-home treatments to put your best face forward, the future is now.
*ReFa Carat Beauty Roller(reviewed HERE): This tool is invaluable to increase circulation and lymphatic drainage, firm facial contours and massage one’s limbs (I use it on my arms regularly). If you’re looking to try something from ReFa’s extensive line of rollers this model is a great place to start.
*Skin Inc Optimizer Voyage Tri-Light (reviewed HERE): Sold out at most retailers, this is the light device to have at your bedside. Combining LED Chromotherapy and microcurrent, this tool lifts, tones, brightens and firms contours with every use. I am never without it.
*PMD Microderm: A pricy resurfacing spa treatment in the comfort of my own home, yes please! The highly-rated device uses vacuum to gently refine the surface of one’s skin, resulting in a bouncy and radiant glow and absolutely no down time for recovery.
*Bella Lip Appliance: Never in my routine, this “facial gym,” if you will, is so easy to use. In literally a minute a day, the exercises increase lip volume, sharpen the jawline and improve slackness of skin. It’s my new favorite discovery as of late!
// HAIR CARE ETC. // Unique discoveries that work on all hair types.
*Byredo Triple Gagnat Bois Hair Perfume: A trio of mini hair perfumes in some of the loveliest scents that Byredo has to offer, this set is excellent for the hair enthusiast that has everything.
*SlipSilk Skinny Scrunchies: I am in love with how these scrunchies perform…the elastic is wrapped in pure silk to prevent breakage while still remaining surprisingly secure when in use. They are all that my mom and I use these days.
*Oribe Gold Plated Hair Stick: I am never without this clever hair stick; it holds a bun like a dream and is a beautiful essential for those with medium and long hair.
*SoCal Curls Hair Curling Tie: A very creative way to create heatless waves while sleeping, simply wrap hair into the hair band (it’s easier than it sounds) and unravel in the morning. A full mane and no damage!
*Oribe Holiday Gold Lust Collection: I have loved the Gold Lust line for years now and use it daily and this set is a gorgeous gift for those seeking shiny tresses and the most intoxicating Cote d’Azur fragrance synonymous with the Oribe brand.
Longchamp Belt Bag: Kicking off the “etc” part of this category, I have so much love for this belt bag…it’s minimalist and just about as sophisticated as a fanny pack can be. It’s the perfect gift for someone who has sore shoulders and needs their hands free.
*Maison Francis Kurkdjian Travel Case and Baccarat Rouge 540 Travel Edition: The travel case is a new and customizable option that pairs so well with the travel edition vials of MFK fragrance. I opted for a red leather case with a gold top (easy to find in my handbag) and filled it with one of my ubiquitous Baccarat Rouge 540 travel sprays. The pairing is pure luxury and convenience.
*Sisley-Paris Orient Candle: For those who love dark and mysterious spicy scents, this candle is entirely apropos.
*Jenny Patinkin Vegan Brush Set: Exquisitely vegan with weighty handles and a genius travel case, these four brushes can create a full face in seconds. So good, Ms. Patinkin!
// FOUNDATION // There’s a befitting base for everyone…here’s a peek at the ones that I am currently loving (my shade matches stated for reference if you’re NC 25-27 like I am)
*Kosas Tinted Face Oil #6(reviewed HERE): Lightweight with surprisingly good coverage, this is one of the best base launches of the year. **Worn in the images at the end of this post.
*Westman Atelier Foundation Stick IV(reviewed HERE): I’ve used this quite a bit in the past couple of months. The stick offers buildable coverage while still letting your skin breathe…simply lovely.
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter #4(reviewed HERE): I use this as a glowing primer and atop makeup for extra incandescence. Both my mom and I cannot live without it these days…it must be tried to be believed.
*Hourglass Vanish Foundation in Beige (all shades swatched and reviewed HERE): Equal parts buildable foundation and concealer, this highly pigmented stick is full of excellent ingredients and the last power is stellar.
*Face Atelier Ultra Foundation #6 (Honey-Medium): A resplendent formula that I hope gets more exposure in the coming days. One pump creates HD medium coverage that looks like really good skin.
*Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation #143 (all shades swatched and reviewed HERE): This liquid foundation is lightweight and buildable with a very flattering natural finish that lasts.
*Laura Mercier Secret Blurring Undereye Powder: Just a touch of this translucent powder sets and brightens while simultaneously blurring fine lines and wrinkles…I am very impressed.
*Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Corrector in Almond(all shades swatched and reviewed HERE): My favorite option for inconspicuously darkness in the under eye region, the formula adds brightening (and non-shimmery) coverage without the dreaded creasing.
Face + cheeks.
// FACE + CHEEKS // From bronzer to highlight in a variety of textures, these complexion companions instantly add warmth, flush and glow.
Westman Atelier Super Loaded Tinted Highlight(reviewed HERE): As I’ve said before, if you are looking to try the Westman Atelier brand, I suggest starting here. This highlighter makes skin look bouncy and luminous and has just enough color for a flattering peachy flush making it excellent for all skin tones.
*BY TERRY Gem Glow Trio Compact(reviewed HERE): Limited edition for the holidays, this ultra radiant and finely milled powder has three concentric rings of luminosity that can be applied separately or blended together for an ethereal glow.
*Clé de Peau Beauté Bronzing Powder #2 (reviewed HERE): I love the duality of this bronzer; the lighter and darker tones allow for lovely customization and the finish is a multi-dimensional matte that looks sensational.
*Westman Atelier Blush Stick in Petal: This gorgeous pink cream applies sheerly but can be built up for more impact; although it’s a blush, it can also be worn on the lips and even the eyes for a brilliant monochromatic look.
*Tom Ford Soleil Eye and Cheek Palette 2018 (reviewed HERE): The ultimate gift for the luxury beauty lover in your life (is it you?) this palette features a blush, a highlighter and four satiny shadows in warm neutrals that wear for hours.
* Tom Ford Glow Drops in Liquid Sky (reviewed HERE): Liquid light in a bottle, just a couple of drops on the high points of the face impart a refined glow.
// EYES // Palettes and pots and lashes and liners, oh my…with so many on the market, these are the best of the best.
*Lawless The One Palette (launching at Sephora on 12/18 and reviewed HERE): This clean, talc-free palette is designed to give you all the eye looks you’d ever need in life. The range of buttery colors and finishes gives me confidence in this claim. Give this to the vegan makeup lover in your life and they’ll be eternally grateful.
*Natasha Denona Gold Palette(reviewed HERE): If you or someone you know likes gold, then this palette must be present. Rife with an astonishingly versatile range of gilded shades as well as a couple peacock blue options, the Gold Palette’s color payoff and performance make it an investment worth pursuing.
Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Shadow (reviewed HERE): Every time I wear this eyeshadow formula (Blaze, Foil and Aura are favorites), someone asks me what I am wearing. The glitter is refined and the formula is thin and resilient, thereby explaining why it’s constantly sold out.
*Jouer Making Magic Ultra Foil Palette: An entire palette of ultra-reflective foils? Yes, please! This super pretty collection of shades will be one you reach for all year long.
*Gressa Eye Tint in Plumm: The latest shade from the illustrious Gressa, this buildable cream-gel tint in a burgundy plum tone has immense dimension and lasting power.
Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in African Violet: I picked this up on a whim and am still intrigued by the captivating blend of colors–the purple shifts rosy (making it very wearable) and the three bronzy brown tones are neutral nirvana.
*Zoeva Cocoa Blend Eyeshadow Palette: Neutrals abound in this palette of ten shades…from warm truffle shades to rosier options this is subtle and sublime.
*Orlane Mascara: I am currently testing a curling version and a primer (both not released yet) but the other two Orlane formulas are simply lovely as well.
*Sisley-Paris Phyto Eye Kohl in Sparkling Black (reviewed HERE): This is such a pigmented and long lasting retractable pencil; it wears beautifully on the lower waterline and is perpetually in my makeup bag.
BY TERRY Lash-Expert Mascara: My daily go-to for a year now, everyone I recommend this to (even those who don’t really like mascara) adore it as I do. Try it and you’ll see exactly what I mean.
Also, I wanted to give you a peek at the new *Nude Envie Eyeshadow. This series of ten shades in the neutral family have both matte and satin finishes and the color payoff is insane. Everything that comes from this carefully executed brand is pure quality and the eyeshadows, which are buttery, blendable and fallout-free, are no exception…can’t wait to continue to play with these shades and expect them to pop up on BP again soon!
From bottom to top: Single pass swatches of the *Nude Envie Eyeshadowin Beguile, Bewitch, Daring, Dangerous, Dazzle, Delight Desire, Divine, Dreamy and Risque.
Lips.
// LIPS // In a flattering range of nude, peach and pink (with 3 excellent lip treatments, too), this edit is sure to please the most discriminating lip color lover.
*Orlane Magnificent Lip Balm: An excellent overnight treatment for both genders due to its nourishing and demi-matte finish.
*Christian Audette x Beauty Professor Lipstick in Golightly(reviewed HERE): My replica of the exact shade that Audrey Hepburn wears in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, this hue comes in a trio with two other essentials in nude and pink. Pick it up before the bundle sells out! *Worn in the images at the end of this post.
*Guerlain KissKis Lip Lift: A smoothing lip primer that expertly prepares lips for lip color while masterfully extending wear time.
*Clé de Peau Beauté Lip Serum (reviewed HERE): My favorite lip treatment to date, this serum instantly makes lips feel incredible, increasing hydration and yielding a subtle shine. It’s a luxe formula that is entirely worth it.
From bottom to top: Gressa Aux Rouge, Christian Audette x Beauty Professor Golightly, Tom Ford Spanish Pink, Armani Kimono and Pat McGrath Nude Romantique.
I also wanted to give you a look at the new *Charlotte Tilbury Superstar Lips Glossy Lipsticks. Hydrating and sheer yet buildable to a juicy and color saturated sheen, these shades are universally flattering, making them effortlessly delightful gifts!
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