It’s easy to classify someone as a beauty queen (or junkie) –we’re everywhere! However it’s not always easy to find the perfect gift for us, especially since we’re so picky. Here are some recommendations to help you get a little more creative this holiday season.
1. Mixer Kit by Geri G ($39) – The all-star in this 5-piece kit is the Mixer Solo (also sold separately, $29), it’s a very cool multi-functional aloe-based product that can be used as a face or eye shadow primer or base to mix your cosmetics. I use it for all of the above. It has a nice silicone type smoothing feel when applied to skin, so I enjoy it as my base product before putting on my makeup. I’m also someone who’s skin-tone changes by season so I often use it as a buffer to mix my foundations or powders to create my perfect shade. Additionally it’s water-resistant, allergy-tested, irritation-free and formulated with Titanium Dioxide for sun protection, The set also includes the M Brush (regularly $14.95), instruction booklet and DVD (11.5min) and mixing spatula.
2. BeautyBlender Holiday Set ($23.95) – This set contains a BeautyBlender sponge and BlenderCleanser bundled a red pouch, ready for the holidays. I was originally turned onto the BeautyBlender sponge by celebrity makeup artist, Jackie Gomez. She raved about it in a class I attended –how great the shape of the sponge was for applying makeup to the contours of your face, how it could be used wet or dry, and that it is very durable and long lasting. This set also includes BlenderCleanser, a lightly lavender-scented cleanser that’s free of dyes and skin irritants. It not only works great with the sponge but also as a cleaner for my makeup brushes. I apply a small amount to my sponge after application, rub it in under water, then leave it out to dry on my sink and it’s as good as new by the next time I need it.
3. Revitalash & Raven Mascara Holiday Gift box ($98) – Revitalash eyelash enhancer is insane! Or at least that’s what everyone keeps saying in reference to my eyelashes. And it’s true they are so long! So much so, that my mom has already purchased one for herself. I’ve been using it for over a month and the results are outstanding, I don’t even wear mascara during the day anymore. It comes with a 3-month supply; I saw results within 3 weeks (and progressively stronger results for every week after). Revitalash is $98 on it’s own, so get the set, since it’s the same price and includes their Raven Mascara ($24). I feel pretty neutral about the mascara; it’s good for the thickness, but my lashes really don’t need that much help these days.
4. Style Eyes by Taylor Chang-Babaian ($17.95) – A makeup book is always a great gift idea for anyone who has a lot of cosmetics or a beginner trying to figure out what they need. This book focuses only on eyes, and as someone who own tons of eyeshadows, I’ve benefited from figuring out how to maximize the use of my collection. Style Eyes is a great book to teach you the basics and how to play. Written by makeup artist, Taylor Chang-Babian, she goes over everything from tools and brushes, to grooming, tips and techniques to a variety of step-by-step looks. I’m actually in it for the pictures (and her instruction); it feels very satisfying to successfully create a whole look based on multiple eyeshadow shades and feel like a pro. Plus it has me using colors I never thought I could get away with.
5. Flexflop ($24.95) – On my birthday, my fellow blogger Erika and I went to get pedicures near her house and for some moronic reason I completely forgot to bring sandals. That error was what attracted me to Flexflop. They’re terry flip flops that fold into a compact case that is perfect for those trips to the salon or if your feet need out of your heels after a night out (if only it was summer!). It’s considerably easier to throw this pouch in your bag then a pair of regular flip flops –and less risk of dirtying your pocketbook. This set comes in your choice of pink, white, brown and black, with a variety of sayings on the case (such as Glam, World Traveler, Chic Feet…). Personally, I would prefer them without all the blinging writing, although I suppose there is a level of fun of matching the set to the gift receiver’s personality.
Happy Holidays!
Disclaimer: A complimentary sample of these items were given to Pretty Connected by a company representative. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review.