7 Gift Ideas for the Beauty Lover in Your Life
Happy Christmas Eve Eve, everyone! If you’re still doing some last minute shopping, here are 7 gift ideas for the beauty lover in your life.
Happy Christmas Eve Eve, everyone! We are just two days away from Christmas. And if you’re a procrastinator like me, you’re probably not done with your Christmas shopping yet. Or maybe you already got the wine connoisseur and witch in your life covered, but you’re still wondering what to get for the beauty guru in your life. Don’t worry! I got you covered with some last minute gift ideas that the beauty babe in your life will be sure to love.
1) FOREO Here & There Gift Set, $139
The FOREO Here & There gift set is a duo of the Perfect T-Sonic Cleansing Pair. The gift set includes the FOREO LUNA mini 2 and LUNA play facial cleansing brushes, both in the color fuchsia. The FOREO LUNA mini 2 is suitable for all skin types, has eight adjustable massage intensities, and is rechargeable with up to 300 uses per charge. The FOREO LUNA play is travel-friendly sized, non-rechargeable version of the LUNA mini 2. Both facial cleansing brushes will eliminate impurities and bring a brighter complexion. The beauty love in your life will be grateful for this holiday glow!
2) Benefit Cosmetics Bomb Ass Brows! By Desi Perkins Set, $59
Your beauty babe will be jumping for joy when they open this value gift set by Benefit Cosmetics and Desi Perkins. Bomb Ass Brows! is a limited-edition, rose gold set of Benefit brow products selected by beauty guru, Desi Perkins. The gift set contains Foolproof Brow Powder, Precisely My Brow Pencil, High Brow Highlight & Lift Pencil, 24-hour Brow Setter Shaping & Setting Gel, ka-BROW! Cream-Gel Eyebrow Color with Brush, as well as an angled brow brush and spoolie. With their #eyebrowsonfleek, the beauty lover in your life will definitely be thanking you for this bomb ass gift set.
3) Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Gift Trio, $120
Another gift set the beauty lover in your life will love is the Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb gift trio. This gift set contains perfume, shower gel, and body cream — all in the popular Flowerbomb scent. Whether they spritz some perfume, use the shower gel or the body cream, your beauty lover will be smelling like an explosion of floral scents and will surely get compliments.
4) Charlotte Tilbury Bar of Gold Highlighting Palette, $58
The Charlotte Tilbury Bar of Gold Highlighting Palette is probably the next best thing to receiving actual gold for Christmas. The Bar of Gold highlighting palette features three must-have highlighting shades — original Bar of Gold, soft pink-tinted rose gold, and deep shimmer bronze-gold. The three shades work together to illuminate, slim, and sculpt the face.
5) Lush Cosmetics Snow Fairy Gift Set, $35.95
The beauty babe in your life will be happy for some R&R time with the Lush Cosmetics Snow Fairy wrapped gift set. This Christmas gift comes with four enchanting treats with Lush Cosmetics’ famous bubblegum scent — Snow Fairy bath bomb, Magic Wand bubble bar, Snow Fairy shower gel, and Snow Fairy body conditioner. After some self-care time using this gift set, the beauty lover in your life will be smelling and smiling like a snow fairy.
6) ColourPop Fa-la-la-Flawless Eye & Mini Lip Set, $30
Your beauty lover will also enjoy this bundle set from ColourPop. The Fa-la-la-Flawless Eye & Mini Lip Set includes peachy nudes from the Strike Twice mini size kit and Rockin’ Around kit. The Strike Twice mini size kit comes with five mini liquid lippies in the shades Fantasia, Zuma, Champagne Mami, Magic Wand, and Take a Pixie. The Rockin’ Around kit is a Super Shock Shadow Trio in the shades Goodbye Butterfly, Polly, and Buzzin. Your beauty babe will be feeling just peachy with these new eyeshadows and lippies.
7) Kora Organics Rose Quartz Heart Facial Gua Sha, $58
What better way to say “I love you” than with a heart-shaped facial sculptor made out of rose quartz? Kora Organics’ Rose Quartz Heart Facial Gua Sha is a beautifying stone that uses traditional Eastern treatments to enhance circulation and skin tone, reduces puffiness, and evens out fine lines and wrinkles. Not only is rose quartz a pretty color, but it also stimulates the heart chakra, bringing love and healing. The beauty babe in your life will be delighted to add this tool to their skincare regimen!
These are just a few of many gift ideas for the beauty lover in your life. If you have any other beauty gift ideas, let us know in the comments!
5 Favorite Fall Lip Colors
by Valerie N
The fall season is in full swing and with the cold weather come boots, flannel, scarves, pumpkin spiced everything, and of course… fall lip colors. You’ve got your choice between gloss, satin, or matte finishes. And beyond that, you get to choose your favorite range of shades from nudes, to pinks and reds, to dark stained lips. Wearing different lip colors are my most recent favorite way to finish my makeup look and to express myself. I’ll wear a certain shade all depending on my mood. When it comes to fall time, I usually lean towards darker shades. Keep reading to find out 5 of my favorite fall lip colors!
1. Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in “Fig”
The Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in the shade “Fig” is great for fall. The site describes the shade as “red grape” and I think it’s perfect for more casual days when you’re headed to class or meeting a friend for coffee. Unlike my other favorite fall lip colors, this product is satin-smooth and also works to hydrate your lips. It also contains ingredients such as shea butter, vitamin C, and vitamin E to protect your lips. With this lipstick, you’ll be looking… wait for it… legendary.
2. NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in “Vintage”
The NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in “Vintage” is the absolute perfect vampy shade for fall. NYX’s website describes the shade as “plum with mauve undertone.” I love their Liquid Suede line because the product glides on so easily and stays put for a long time. I can go a whole night without having to re-apply. The only thing about the “Vintage” shade is that it’s so dark but sheer, you have to apply a few layers or else it’ll look blotchy.
3. NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in “Soft-Spoken”
Another one of my favorite shades from the NYX Liquid Suede collection is “Soft-Spoken.” The shade is described as a mauve nude and it’s perfect for all seasons. I’ve worn it throughout the summer and plan on wearing it well into the wintertime. I’ve gotten so many compliments while wearing this color and will continue to use it until I run out… or find a new favorite shade.
4. ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip in “Tulle”
If you can’t tell by now, mauve nudes are my favorite lip shades. Another mauve nude that’s my favorite is the ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip in “Tulle.” Tulle is described as a dusty mauve burgundy. It definitely looks like I have wine stained lips when I wear this shade. And there’s definitely nothing wrong with that.
5. ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip in “Love Bug”
ColourPop’s Ultra Matte Lip products have easily and quickly replaced NYX lip products as my favorite. They’re cheap, easy to apply, long-lasting, and the perfect dupes for the Kylie Cosmetics Matte Lip Kits because they’re basically the exact same formula. Another ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip shade I’ve been wearing a lot lately is “Love Bug.” Unlike the other berries and mauves I’ve mentioned, this shade is more of a rich terracotta and I think it looks great on my warm toned skin. This is another shade I can see myself wearing during both winter and summer times.
What are some of your favorite lip shades for fall? Let us know! Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more updates.
Product Review: Rimmel London's Kate Sculpting Palette
by Valerie N.
Hi everyone! Rimmel London recently released their very first sculpting and highlighting kit designed by the one and only Kate Moss. I was roaming around the makeup aisles at Target awhile ago when I saw this contour kit on sale. Rimmel’s Natural Bronzer is one of my absolute favorites so naturally, I had to give this sculpting palette a try. It’s available in three different shades – golden sands, coral glow, and golden bronze. I got the kit in the shade “coral glow” and if you want to find out more about this product, keep reading!
Rimmel London’s Kate Sculpting Palette
According to Rimmel’s website, the Kate Sculpting Palette is “Rimmel’s first sculpting & highlighting kit designed by Kate Moss.” First, you use the “shading powder to contour the sides of the nose, jawline, and forehead.” Then use the “powder blush for contour and definition.” Lastly, you use the “soft shimmer powder to highlight the cheekbone, brow bone, center of the chin, and bridge of the nose.”
Before Contouring
After Contouring
by Valerie N. (Twitter || @avec_valerie)
Hi everyone! Rimmel London recently released their very first sculpting and highlighting kit designed by the one and only Kate Moss. I was roaming around the makeup aisles at Target awhile ago when I saw this contour kit on sale. Rimmel’s Natural Bronzer is one of my absolute favorites so naturally, I had to give this sculpting palette a try. It’s available in three different shades – golden sands, coral glow, and golden bronze. I got the kit in the shade “coral glow” and if you want to find out more about this product, keep reading!
Rimmel London’s Kate Sculpting Palette
According to Rimmel’s website, the Kate Sculpting Palette is “Rimmel’s first sculpting & highlighting kit designed by Kate Moss.” First, you use the “shading powder to contour the sides of the nose, jawline, and forehead.” Then use the “powder blush for contour and definition.” Lastly, you use the “soft shimmer powder to highlight the cheekbone, brow bone, center of the chin, and bridge of the nose.”
Before Contouring
After Contouring
The lighting isn’t the best and I was having a bad skin day (due to PMS) but I hope you can see the slight difference. My cheekbones are a little more defined and have some color to them. But trust me, it’s more noticeable in better lighting and in real life!
Pros
- $6.49 plus tax at Target
- soft and velvety texture
- good pigmentation
- different shades to choose from
- 3-in-1 kit – you get bronzer, blush, and highlighter without having to buy them separately!
- subtle but still noticeable
- easy to blend
- perfect for everyday wear
- back of the kit shows you how and where to contour/highlight
Cons
- kit does not include a mirror (which would be nice but isn’t a deal breaker for me)
- highlighter isn’t as noticeable as others
Final Verdict
Honestly, there aren’t too many cons about this sculpting kit. Overall, I’m very satisfied with this affordable drugstore contouring palette. It has a nice feel, it’s lightweight, and it does the job well. If you’re a beginner looking for a contour kit to start with, definitely give the Kate Sculpting Palette a try! And if you liked this post, stick around. Maybe I’ll teach you how to contour/highlight next time!
What products do you use to contour/highlight? Let us know! Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more updates.
7 Ways To Get Optimal Beauty Sleep.
by Val N.
Daylight Saving Time ends this coming Sunday so don’t forget to set your clocks back an hour! But more importantly, we all get an extra hour of sleep. I know I’m excited! Especially when you’re constantly keeping busy with work, school, and a social life, it can be difficult to get the right amount of sleep every night. But I’ve found some tricks that help me get a good night’s sleep. Here are 7 ways to get optimal beauty sleep.
1. Set a Sleep Schedule
Setting a sleep schedule may seem childish but it will definitely help you sleep better. Try to get daily activities, like packing your lunch or planning tomorrow’s outfit, out of the way before your bedtime. Then try to wake up at the same time every morning, even on weekends. That way, your body and sleep cycle are in sync. Try to do this for a few weeks and your body will get used to waking up at the same time every day.
2. No Caffeine After 5PM
I am a bonafide caffeine addict. I’ve said this many times before and I’ll say it again because it’s true – my day hasn’t truly started until I’ve had my first cup of coffee. But over the years, I’ve found caffeine to be the reason why I can’t sleep at night. Whether I’m sipping on soda, coffee, or tea, I force myself not to drink any after 5pm. That’s my cutoff time. Or else I’ll be wired and can’t sleep at night. It’s all about self-control and I believe this is one of the reasons why so many people, like myself, are addicted and dependent on caffeine.
3. Work Out
A lot of times when I come home from work, I’m so tempted to change into my pj’s and take a very long nap. Then I realized napping took away time from being productive and getting things done during the day. I’d always wake up feeling more tired and I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night. So now instead of taking a nap, I go to the gym for 45 minutes to an hour. Even if I’m tired, I force myself to go because I know I’ll leave the gym feeling much more energized. Not to mention, working out releases endorphins, which relieve stress, and makes it easier to fall asleep at night.
4. Take a Hot Shower or Bath.
Some people like to shower when they wake up in the morning but I like to do it before bedtime. I do it because I like going to bed feeling fresh and clean. Taking a hot shower also helps me relax and calm my nerves, making it easier to fall asleep.
5. Use Lavender Oil
Another thing that helps me calm my nerves and sleep at night is lavender oil. I have a small bottle of essential lavender oil, which I rub on my wrists and the soles of my feet. I can instantly feel myself relaxing and getting ready to fall asleep. You can also leave drops of lavender oil on your sheets and pillow case to optimize your beauty sleep. Drops of lavender oil can also be added to your bath or shower to help you relax.
6. Drink a Glass of Water Before and After Sleeping
I don’t like going to bed with an empty stomach. But I also don’t like to snack before bed. So I drink a glass of water before going to sleep. I purposely do this so I wake up with a full bladder and have to get out of bed. It may sound funny but it’s one of my secrets. And it works better than setting multiple alarms just minutes apart from each other. I also drink a glass of water when I wake up to get my metabolism going. It also helps me be more alert and energized in the morning.
7. No Electronics Before Bedtime
This is probably the most important factor for optimal beauty sleep but so many people, including myself, fail to go through with it. With so many social media apps and games to play, it’s hard to put your phone down before bed. But in order to get a good night’s sleep, it’s absolutely essential to shut off all electronics – your phone, laptop, tablet, tv – at least an hour before going to bed. It’s because these electronics emit a blue light, which mimics sun light, and tricks your brain into thinking it’s day time. To trick your brain into thinking it’s bedtime, just shut your electronics off. Instead, opt for journaling, meditating, or reading an actual book before bed.
Those are some of the tricks I’ve used to get optimal beauty sleep! What are some of your tips for getting a good night’s sleep? And don’t forget to set your clocks back an hour on Sunday!
4 Halloween Makeup Looks To Try.
by Val N.
DIY, and make it fun!
October is quickly coming to an end and it’s almost that time of year again! Halloween is just around the corner and if you’re anything like me, you’re still scrambling to come up with a costume idea. We all know there’s gonna be multiple Harley Quinn’s and Minnie Mouses this Halloween. Why not go for something different so you can stand out in the crowd? And get tons of flattering compliments while you’re flaunting your look.
Not even gonna lie, I’ve been Minnie Mouse before. I’ve also been a sailor and an army girl. And we all know Halloween costumes can get very pricy. So this year, I’m trying to spend as little money on my costume as I possibly can. Plus, I want to play around with makeup so I’ve decided to do a Halloween look where I can do just that. Although I haven’t exactly decided what I want to do, I went to Pinterest for some ideas. Here are 4 Halloween makeup looks and tutorials you and I can pull off!
1. Zombie
Okay, I’ve been obsessed with The Walking Dead. Rather than going for a sexy costume this Halloween, why not switch it up with something scary like a zombie? I’m sure you’ll be getting compliments on your makeup skills all night.
2. Deer/Fawn
The deer/fawn makeup look was a huge hit for Halloween last year. So huge, it’s been overdone but I still want to try this look. I found a bunch of tutorials but really liked this one by From Head to Toe because of the cute headband she also created.
3. Cat
This one is just as cute and simple as the fawn look. I’ve been a cat before but never went past the cat eyes. This tutorial by Lavenda’s Closet also shows you how to do the lips and whiskers. Plus, she also has a super cute headband!
4. Snapchat Filter
I was actually joking about going as a Snapchat filter but look what I found! A page for not one, but four, Snapchat filter makeup tutorials. The puking rainbows filter is a classic but I was thinking about going as the dog filter. Check out all four tutorials on eHow!