2023 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: BEAUTY
Feels like the Sephora Sale just ended. In light of not being redundant, I kept my very faves and added some new things! With either Guide (don’t miss Lifestyle!), you can forward to someone buying YOU gifts, or as an aid for you to shop for everyone on your list! A list of incredible items I’m obsessed with. Keep up in IG Stories, because I’m sure there will be last min sales. For now: Anthro and Derm store usually do 30% off Black Friday, Tatcha is 25% off and I know Sephora will do their thing. There is a day in Dec where Sephora does 20% off full size fragrances, so unless you see something that beats that, I would wait…
UNDER $25
RARE BEAUTY
SETTING SPRAY
This is my fave everyday dewy setting mist. It’s not a hardcore setting spray, more of a soft focus finish. A burst of hydration at the end. I also love this to refresh your makeup throughout the day, to prime your skin before foundation or even to hydrate on no makeup days. The mini is a great stocking stuffer. Another fave is the All Nighter Setting Spray and I’d gift this to the ultimate makeup lover since it’s the most durable!
VELOUR PUFFS
I’m obsessed with these for setting powder under your eyes. If you want that flawless look, these are your BFF. If you prefer a brush to lightly feather on the powder, get this setting brush.
ALPYN BEAUTY
LIP PLUMPING MASK
I can’t think of a mask that lasts longer on the lips. This is a bit like a paste coming out of the jar, but it glides onto the lips and stays put for clean beauty nourishment! LOVE.
*SPA HEADBAND
I love getting my hair out of the way for my skincare routine. These are fab. I hate the ones that velcro so much. I have a few of these and I’m kind of a hot mess so I wash them after every time!
WET BRUSH
MINI
The cutest purse or backpack size of the cult fave wet-dry brush! I love the full-size Wet Brush for everyday use, and this teasing comb is GREAT for getting that volume. Give these 3 gifts to your hair-obsessed friend and they will adore you!
SIGMA SWITCH
TRAVEL SIZE
A fun gift for the makeup lover. Wipe off your makeup brush to easily transition between colors.
*VACATION
CLASSIC WHIP SUNSCREEN
This looks like a gag gift but it actually works! Smells incredible and really fun to apply. SPF 30 for your fave sun worshipper.
TOWER 28
LASH CURLER
Super cute lash curler that really, really works! I also love Shiseido if you want more luxe vibes!
MERIT
LIP OIL
Love this for a sheer wash of color, and the packaging has a nice bouge factor. For more pop, pair with a lip liner! Another great option is the iNNBEAUTY Lip Glaze Duo.
RELAVEL CASE
This is for the makeup-obsessed. After using this, they will not go back to their old ways of dumping all their makeup into a bottomless bag - it’s all sorted here! The smaller size is my everyday bag, and I use the XL for my kit. If they are major beauty-guru then get them that size ( XL size.)
If you’re on the fence watch my video about it!
UNDER $50
*TWEEZERMAN
TWEEZER SET
Everyone can appreciate a good pair of tweezers. This color is gorge and if you can snag for 30% off BF weekend even better.
HOT TOOLS CURLING IRON
1 INCH BARREL
This a great starter curling iron, it’s effective and relatively inexpensive. The main link below is the standard version, but if you or your giftee have long hair, get the long version!
HOT TOOLS CURLING IRON
2 INCH BARREL
If you want the Dyson blowout look without paying the Dyson price, this is your new BFF.
CHARLOTTE TILBURY
SUPERSTAR GLOW KIT
These products are viral for a reason. Glowy, glamorous and long-lasting. Blush fades throughout the day (sometimes more than other makeup) and I find these formulas stand the test of time.
GOOP
THE MARTINI BATH SOAK
The emotional detox soak. This body-and-spirit-centering bath soak, infused with Himalayan pink salt, helps take the edge off during turbulent times (or after a crazy day). Called “The Martini” after the traditional name for the last take of the day in filmmaking (says GP), the soak is made with Epsom salts, chia-seed oil, passionflower, valerian root, myrrh, Australian sandalwood, and wild-crafted frankincense.
AQUIS FLIP
Something they may not buy for themselves. Swap out that terry cloth towel, for the ultimate hair drying tool. Your hair will thank you. Comes in multiple shades.
YSL
CANDY GLAZE
The way this stays on your lips. I am so obsessed. It is the perfect marriage of chapstick and gloss. There are tinted options and clear. Wear alone or with lip liner. If I had to pick ONE hydrating lip option it would be this!!!! I love shade 02 Sweet Pink for basic, and 15 Showcasing Nude for a bit of color!
COMMODITY
MOSS+
This is a genderless fragrance. I would say it smells like a more classically male situation, BUT it will change with your chemistry. I love wearing it, because my jam is that woodsy vibe. I get so many compliments on this from other women. I wear it when I want to feel sexy and powerful. Green and citrus aroma of bergamot, oakmoss, and petitgrain is amplified with the added freshness of juniper berry and depth of patchouli. It’s a robust, earthy tonic that quenches all the senses. I own the travel size, because the full size is huge.
OUAI
ST. BARTS SCALP AND BODY SCRUB
This is INCREDIBLE. It smells like heaven. Unless the recipient is sensitive to fragrance, there isn’t a person who wouldn’t adore the hell out of this. A yes please for a teacher’s gift.
LAURA MERCIER
MINI EYESHADOW STICK SET
These are so fun to play with and you don’t know you need them till they have them. My favorite shade (Wild Rose) on the far left is included and the other two colors are gorgeous and will help deepen the look. Love!
LOVE BY KILLIAN
DONT BE SHY
This is Rihanna’s fave fragrance. I love it too. It’s sweet smelling, not like vanilla, more like marshmellows. It’s considered a warm floral. With orange blossom, honeysuckle and rose are paired with marshmallow sugar accord, and warm amber base lends a touch of sensuality. This is my go-to when I’m with clients. I know I won’t overpower the room, but you feel feminine and beautiful without coming on too strong. I have the travel size.
*CABOODLE ON THE GO GIRL
OMG she is an icon! If I had a tween I would be ALL over this! Comes with a mirror to do your makeup too! My everyday makeup bag is NOT nearly as cute and there is no mirror, but it’s also an option.
CROWN AFFAIR
DRY SHAMPOO
I have been avoiding aerosol dry shampoo as I don’t like how it makes my scalp feel. This is such a great alternative and it smells divine!! And you can really concentrate your application with the brush! I also adore the Leave In Conditioner too and Flexible Hair Gel because it really locks your hair in. No fly-aways!
UNDER $85
GUCCI BRONZER
Luxury beauty and effing amazing. The compact is beautiful, but the product is GORGE. I love applying with the Sephora Collection PRO 93 brush. I wear shade 03. I think it’s worth every penny. My absolute fave. The deeper shades pull too red. 03 is it or nothing. The lighter shades can run yellow.
If you or your giftee are super fair, I’d try Tarte and if you or your giftee are dark or deep dark, try Fenty.
Don’t forget to apply with the best brush - SC Pro 93.
FAVE iNNBEAUTY SETS
I love this latte makeup set. Face Glaze is gorge to wear solo for that soft focus finished, a glowy primer or highlighter. Bronze glaze is fun to add with your foundation or moisturizer for an instant glow, as a creamy bronzer, chest glow up etc. The sheer neutral and bronzey lip oils also give vacation vibes. If latte isn’t your jam, I also like this frosty set and this GRWM. They are having a big Black Friday Sale, so shop before 11/26.
PATRICK TA
MAJOR DIMENSION 3
The new favorite child. All mattes with the top row are predominantly warm tones, and the bottom row is cool tones, so you have the best of both worlds. There are two cream shadows in dark brown and black that can be used as a shadow base or as a liner (I would set it with one of the powder shadows to ensure it stays put). It is my most used palette right now and I’m probably going to pick up another!
If you want a more affordable palette with still great quality, I love Tarte In Bloom.
TOM FORD
OMBRE LEATHER TRAVEL SPRAY
I love this. It is very woodsy, but sexy. If you like more traditionally masculine scents I adore this. I have the travel size. Black leather, patchouli, vetiver and Jasmine. I wear when I’m going for subtle and sexy.
MAKEUP BY MARIO
ETHEREAL PALETTE
This wouldn’t be my choice for an everyday palette, but I think it’s a great companion palette. STUNNING. Looks good on everyone.
PETER THOMAS ROTH
EYE MASKS
Love these hydrating eye masks for a good pick-me-up. The best before makeup or to wind down at night. I also love Summer Fridays Jet Lag for a reset on your entire face or the Alpyn Lip Mask
TOM FORD
SOLEIL BLANC
I just got the travel size. That seems to be a theme, collect pricey perfumes in the travel size! I wear it when I want to feel like I'm on vacation. Feels reminiscent of the beach. Addictive notes of floral amber and coco-de-mer-infused perfume. It is alive with seductive cardamom and refreshingly decadent ylang-ylang and unapologetically exudes the endless pursuit of sun and luxury. Says Tom Ford. I enjoy it very much.
LE LABO
BEARD OIL
Men’s skincare doesn’t need to be any different from she/they. It needs to be targeted to their skin type. With facial hair, this is a fun specific product. Softs the hair and smells amazing. 5 stars all around. Who doesn’t love Le Labo.
SUNDAY RILEY GOOD GENES
If you know, you know. Gift it to your BFF. The below link will take you to a duo so you’ll get two products for close to the price of one!
$100+
ALL THINGS TATCHA
Big Tatcha fan over here. The entire site is 25% off, obvi the value sets are where you will save the most. I’d be all over it!!! The sale is through 11/30.
BIO IONIC
1 INCH CURLING IRON
This is a traditional curling iron. It’s leaves your hair shiny and smooth. I use the 1 inch mostly, but occasionally the 1.25 inch for loose waves. When I use this iron, I blow out with the Dyson paddle attachments and then curl with this when I want more deliberate curls.
*MINI+ PETITE FACIAL TONING ROUTINE
Get the benefits of the NuFace on the go or at a more affordable price of entry. Toned and snatched coming your way!
I believe Dermstore is also doing 30% off so you may have moreNuFace options here!
*NUFACE
TRINITY+ FACIAL TONING ROUTINE
Even better than ever! This little beauty will lift and snatch your face immediately and over time. Follow along with the app so you don't have to read the directions. 5x a week for 60 days and you will see the effects on your facial muscle tone! Highly recommend.
If you know someone who has the NuFace, get them a refill of the Firming Gel or a plus-up attachment for your Eye/Lip area. They will thank you!
I believe Dermstore is also doing 30% off so you may have moreNuFace options here!
DR. DENNIS GROSS
LED LIGHT MASK
LED Light therapy at home! An FDA-cleared LED device for the face that targets wrinkles and blemishes for visibly smoother, clearer skin in just three minutes. Both red and blue light options.
DYSON
You need this. Send this list to someone shopping for YOU. LOL. Or buy it for yourself. It dries and styles at the same time. It’s the ultimate luxury.
If you or your giftee prefer to wear your hair straight vs. blowout look, try the Airstraight. If you’re in the market for an overall awesome standard hairdryer, Supersonic is your best bet!
T3 SHOWER HEAD
The T3 Source Showerhead transforms your haircare regime by eliminating toxins from your water supply for fresher, healthier-looking locks. Perf if you have hard water. Or if you notice your hair turns “brassy.”Say goodbye to dry, damaged hair and hello soft, touchable tresses with this advanced water filtration system. The first step in any hair care routine is washing. Household water supplies often contain a high level of chlorine, which over time causes damage, dullness and frizz.Removing up to 95% of chlorine from shower water, it results in hair looking sleeker and healthier, with enhanced shine and manageability. Skin also benefits with improved hydration levels. The filter is recommended for replacement every 3-4 months or when the colour indicator turns black. Save 30% off at Dermstore for black friday! I love mine!
LOVE SHACK FANCY
FOREVER IN LOVE EAU DE PARFUM
I typically do not enjoy floral fragrances, but something about this one got me. There is a subtle note (I think its the gardenia?) that makes you want to keep sniffing your wrist. LOL. Gardenia flower is in full bloom, brightened by green pear and Italian mandarin, surrounded by jasmine, rose petals, and cedarwood. I wear when I want to feel gorge and feminine.
CHRIS COLLINS
LOST IN PARADISE
This reminds me of vacation and gives beach vibes. It’s lovely!!! Like salt spray off the Caribbean Sea, Lost in Paradise transports you with coconut water and marine notes. Warm ylang-ylang contrasts with the wanderlust-provoking scent of salted musk. Wear this fragrance to summon a feeling of peacefulness and possibility. It feels like a bolder beach option than the Tom Ford Soleil Blanc.
ELLIS BROOKLYN
FLORIST
If you like a floral fragrance (I historically do NOT) this is amazing! So fresh and modern! I actually like it which shocks me! It’s been in the rotation! Tuberose Petals, Golden Gardenia, Honeysuckle. I wear this when I want to feel energetic, productive and fresh.
LE LABO
DISCOVERY SET
If you or someone you know is searching for a new signature scent, Le Labo's 'Discovery' set is one of the best places to start your journey. Has all my faves!
BRYEDO
MOJAVE GHOST
One of my faves from Byredo. Luxe woodsy vibes with a note of powder to soften it.
Check out the Lifestyle Gift Guide too!