2014 Holiday Gift Guide

Tuesday, December 2, 2014
The Holidays are upon us and every year I'm asked for advice from girlfriends, guy friends, colleagues, anyone, on what to gift the special ladies in their lives. I pride myself on giving good recommendations, so to put that to use, I created a gift guide for this holiday season with everything from makeup and skincare to extras and stocking stuffers at different price points. On top of this list being a compilation of things that are on my personal wish list (of course!), I've also put a ton of thought into my selections and did so thinking of many kinds of ladies from the minimalists to those who love a little beauty drama.

MAKEUP: 

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One of the top items on my list and the list of several friends. It includes some of Nars' best-selling blushes, highlighters and bronzer, 5 total, to create a number of different looks. Nars blushes are truly iconic and you can't beat the pigmentation. 

This palette really is everything and it's very nice. I have owned this for a couple weeks and am finding it just as easy to use the bright pinks and purples, as I am to use the perfect neutrals. It comes with 20 shades total, 2 blushes, an exclusive and GORGEOUS highlighter, and the perfect Chocolate Soleil Bronzer.

3. Lorac Pro to Go Eye and Cheek Palette - $38
I recently tried and fell in love with the Lorac Pro palette and felt like I'd been living under a rock. The shadow consistency is like butter, they blend effortlessly, and the colors are so rich. The same applies for the Pro to Go palette. This is great size for someone who travels often or has a low-maintenance makeup routine, and includes classic shades that can still create bold looks.

4. The Balm Cindy, Mary, Betty-Lou Manizer - $24
These beautiful highlighters come in three different shades to suit anyone - Mary is a honey shade, Cindy is soft coral shade, and Betty is a bronze shade. These finish off any look with a perfect, subtle and youthful glow. They even do double or triple duty as an eyeshadow and blush.

5. Mac Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo - $16
There's no better time to gift THE classic red lipstick than during the holidays. Ruby Woo is the perfect shade of red, suits just about any skin tone and works just as well dressed up or dressed down. While it's especially perfect for winter, it looks amazing during any season. 

SKINCARE:

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1. Glam Glow YouthMud Tinglexfoliate Treatment - $69
This face mask does it all, and considering it's not easy to drop $70+ on a 1.7 ounce face mask, this really makes this the best kind of gift. This works for all skin types, gives immediate, incredible and stunning results and is great to use before big events like weddings, vacations, holiday parties, etc.

2. Josie Maran Argan Oil - $48
This miraculous little concoction has received tons of praise and with reason.  It helps even skin tone, is a great moisturizer, has tons of anti-aging properties and can be applied to hair, nails and cuticles. And it's even great as an acne treatment. An oil? I know.

3. Kiehl's Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish - $30
This body polish is the perfect winter-time indulgence. Unlike many body scrubs or polishes that are oil based, this one is creamier and feels and smells delicious. It's a great exfoliator that also quenches dry skin's thirst when it most needs it. And did I mention that smell? I did. But still.

4. First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads - $30 
These are great as toner and give skin a beautiful glow. When I use these I instantly see more even skin tone and much brighter complexion. They're great for nightly use and I also love to use prior to applying my face for the day.

5. Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask - $24
This mask has a huge following. I use it almost weekly and have converted even a few male friends into loyal fans. It calms the skin, clears pores and just feels like a really nice facial detox, especially on Sundays before you get your week started.

STOCKING STUFFERS: 

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This part toner, part serum feels like luxury. It has bitter orange and peppermint, calms the skin and instantly makes your complexion more radiant. This can be used prior to makeup, after makeup for a dewy glow, or on bare skin that just needs a little freshening.

2. Lush Cosmetics Lip Scrub - $10
These are perfect for the winter when lips are feeling dry and need a little extra exfoliation. They're handmade and their many flavors are super yummy - my personal favorite is the Bubblegum.

3. Essie Nail Polish - $8.50
One of my favorites to give and receive. With so many iconic shades to choose from, you can easily find something to suit anyone. Holiday favorites for me include First Dance, Hors D'Ouvres and Good as Gold.

4. EOS Lip Balms - $3.50
These are just adorable, leave your lips feeling baby soft and come in great colors and flavors. With so many options to choose from and at such a great price, these are great to gift as multiples.


EXTRAS:


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1. Victor & Rolf Flowerbomb - $45 - $215
I've never met a woman who didn't love this scent. Aside from it having major sentimental value for me - I wore it when Andres and I first started dating and then again at our wedding, gifted to me then by my best friend - it's a distinct, floral scent that's rich but not overpowering and great for both summer and winter.

2. Kendra Scott Danielle Earrings - $60+
If Dr. Mindy Lahiri loves these, then so do I. I still have yet to pick up a pair for myself, so they're definitely at the top of my wish list. With so many stone and metal combos to choose from, it's easy to find something that works for anyone or any occasion. I love them in green or emerald cat's eye.

3. Capri Blue Volcano Candle - $28
I have several of these in my home and can't get enough. I love a scent that works year-round (like the Flower Bomb above), and this is definitely one of those. I love lighting this when I'm having company or even when the apartment's clean, the laundry's done and I'm just feeling good.

4. West Elm Gilded Dapper Animal Mug - $10 
What could be more fun than having your morning coffee with a dapper, gilded gold accessory-wearing snowy owl? Nothing. There are 4 super cute furry friends to choose from and these regularly go for $10 but are currently $6.99 if you buy online.

Please let me know if you're looking for something for a special someone in a different category or if this list just absolutely did not help. I'm happy to do a little more digging for you. Happy Holidays! 







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