I received my BoxyCharm December 2017 box a couple of weeks ago, and it’s taking me a while to get to it! My anniversary, my daughter’s birthday and Christmas have left me behind a bit on my blog!
Boxycharm is just $21 a month for 5-6 beauty items, most of them full-sized.
The Real Her Blush Kit is a very shimmery blush palette. I really like the color Fearless on the left, which is a pretty pink. Limitless is a nice coral and Unstoppable is bronze. All of the color cosmetics I received will be swatched below.
I do like blush with a bit of shimmer, but this is pretty sparkly. I can see using this in the summer time, especially Fearless and Unstoppable. I also like the packaging. It’s a heavy duty cardboard and will be easy to travel with.
I’m always so happy when brushes are included in BoxyCharm! I love trying new brushes, and this one is great! The bristles are densely packed and really soft. I like how it’s oval shaped, it can be used for blush, highlight or bronzer. The handle is sturdy plastic with indentations for grip.
This is the second time I’ve tried the Tartiest mascara. It has hard rubber bristles instead of more natural ones. It’s okay, and can be built up for length and volume, but it never gets super glam like tarte’s Lights, Camera Lashes or IT Cosmetics Superhero. It is a good everyday mascara.
The Pretty Vulgar (great name) lip gloss is metallic and pretty sticky, but it’s okay. I probably won’t use it often.
The Bellapierre Pro Concealer Palette is very pigmented. I tried the orange under my eyes. It didn’t blend well, but my concealer did cover the orange up and it looked okay. I probably won’t use again.
Here are swatches of all of the color products:
The first three colors are the color correcter palette, the second three are the blush and the lip color is the last swatch. The only thing I really like are the first and third blush colors.
So this month was okay, but nothing wowed me. I will use the blush brush and mascara. I might use the blush palette. I probably won’t wear the lip color and I definitely will toss the color correction palette. What’s interesting about BoxyCharm is that they always have a couple decent brands, plus a few meh or poor quality brands/products. But, at $21, the value is amazing!
Next month, the spoilers are IT Cosmetics Brow Power brow pencil, DR. BRANDT SKINCARE pores no more® Luminizer Primer, Crown Glam Metals Palette and a face palette from an unknown brand. If those sound good to you (for $21), you can join here There may be a wait list, and that is my affiliate link.
PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet has officially been named the Pantone Color of the Year.The color is described as being a “dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade that communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.”
Enigmatic purples have long been symbolic of artistic brilliance. Musical icons Prince, David Bowie, and Jimi Hendrix brought shades of Ultra Violet to the forefront of pop culture as personal expressions of individuality. My makeup picks below will make you look and feel bright and cool, and maybe give you inspiration for the new year!
Pixi Beauty Mesmerizing Mineral Palette in Amethyst Aura
Pixi Beauty Mesmerizing Mineral Palette in Amethyst Aura ($6 USD) — A swish of these shadows illuminates eyes while adding depth and dimension. They are super affordable and come in a beautiful range of violets. They have a nice pigmentation, too.
Pixi Beauty Endless Silky Eye Pen in Velvet Violet
Pixi Beauty Endless Silky Eye Pen in Velvet Violet ($6 USD) — Waterproof, super-long-wear, no-smudge, no-budge eye liners. They glide on like seamless silk, and in a single sweep motion create a flawless, solid jewel-toned line. No retouching required all day – or night! The shade is a light violet, but it looks really pretty with light or no shadows for a fun, day look.
Cargo Cosmetics Swimmables Eye Pencil in Karon Beach
Cargo Cosmetics Swimmables™ Eye Pencil in Karon Beach ($18 USD) – The ultra-creamy, richly pigmented formula glides on effortlessly for precise lining. Allows blending time before setting for a variety of looks. Once set, liner is waterproof and smudge proof! It won’t budge until you decide to take it off.
Also purchase at at Kohl’s/Kohls.com and Ulta.com
Pop Beauty Permanent Pout Liquid Lipstick
Pop Beauty Permanent Pout Liquid Lipstick in OMG Violet — ($14 USD) – Get pouty with this full-coverage lip paint’s velvet, matte finish. Extremely long-wearing and kiss-proof, these lip colours are audacious! Lasts all-day & all-night. Paraben free. Not tested on animals.
Purchase at www.popbeauty.com
Sally Hansen Color Therapy in Plum Euphoria
Sally Hansen Color Therapy in Plum Euphoria ($8.99) — The patented argan oil formula fuses intensive nourishment and instant moisture for healthy looking nails.Up to 10 days of fade-proof, chip-resistant wear.
The Pantone Color of the year for 2018 has been announced and the stunning shade of ultra violet is sure to be a stunner in all areas of beauty! The new Sally Hansen Color Therapy Shade Plum Euphoria will launch in January 2018.
Caption Polish in Enough Already
Caption Polish in Enough Already ($9.99 USD) — Lock in your look with the Caption system. Caption Nail Polish with LacQ3 Technology wears tough as gel with a mirror-like shine. Air dries 3Xs faster than regular polish. Stay chip-free 2-3Xs longer. Non-UV. Soak-free instant removal.
Purchase at www.captionpolish.com
John Frieda Hair Care Frizz Ease
Ultra Violet represents originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking – which makes it the perfect new color and look for the iconic John Frieda Hair Care Frizz Ease collection.
John Frieda Frizz Ease has been on shelves for over a quarter of a century, keeping their innovative and revolutionary products the leader in fighting frizz. Whether it’s a cult classic that smooths hair for every look or a shampoo that moisturizes and hydrates, John Frieda Frizz Ease is there for you no matter what you need.
Are you picking up any Ultra Violet products to rock in 2018? Are you a fan of the color?
Here are the product descriptions from the website:
Anti-Wrinkle Cleanser — Wash away dirt, oil, and impurities for a fresh, healthy complexion with this naturally exfoliating formula. Vitamin A, commonly referred to as the “skin vitamin”, is best known for its cellular renewal properties. Glycolic Acid, Marine Plant Extracts and Papaya thoroughly clean skin and encourage mild exfoliation.
Anti-Wrinkle Scrub — Exfoliate away dull, lifeless surface cells and cleanse away impurities with this pro-grade refining scrub formula. With skin-renewing Vitamin A, purifying Marine Plant Extracts, sloughing Glycolic Acid, Apricot Seed Powder and Papaya, this formula reveals a healthy, smooth, younger-looking complexion.
Both products are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, lanolin-free, gluten free, GMO-free.
The first thing I always notice in skincare is the scent (or lack of it). The scent of these are mildly unpleasant to me. It kind of reminds me of old time paste (glue)! It’s probably the combo of the natural ingredients. The products themselves work really well!
The Cleanser is clear and suds up a bit when washing. It leaves my skin super clean and smooth. The scrub is amazing. It’s creamy, but has bits of something in there that really exfoliates so well! When I rub it in, it foams as it exfoliates so it’s hydrating along with cleaning my pores and removing the gunk. I like to use it once or twice a week and the cleanser every day. The combo really smooths my skin and prepares it for makeup.
Thumbs up for both products, they are affordable and work very well!
I recently received Gigi Hadid/Maybelline New York products for my honest review. I was so excited to receive them and have enjoyed trying them out!
My overall impressions of the packaging is that it’s gorgeous, kind of a soft nude pink. It’s really elegant, but I don’t know if we need Gigi’s signature all over each product!
Plus, you can purchase the entire collection for 30% off at Ulta.com and Ulta stores nationwide!
Here are the items I received:
Gigi Hadid East Coast Glam Eye Contour Palette ($14.99 on sale for $10.49) — These shades are soft and perfect for every day looks. I received the cool shades, but there is also a warm palette. There’s a tiny bit of shimmer in these that you can see in the pan, but it doesn’t really show when I wear them, so I would call them a satin finish, and there is a little kick up in the pan. Also, you need a fairly small brush because the pans are quite narrow. But this is an affordable little palette that is super portable.
Gigi Hadid West Coast Glow Eyeshadow Palette ($14.99 on sale for $10.49) — This is my favorite of the two palettes I received. It has a super glam feel to it, while still being a bit natural. I am more of a cool toned girls in eyes shadows — that’s my preference. But this also has a bit of warm colors to equalize the palette and to help create lots of great looks. I think this palette could be thrown in my makeup bag with the eye contour palette for some amazing looks while on vacation! The glitters are gorgeous and are amazing for evening looks, mixed with the satins. Love!
Gigi Hadid East Coast Glam Fiber Mascara ($12.99 on sale for $9.09) — First of all, sorry for the shadows, I had forgotten to take these photos with the rest and took them later in the day. You can see the fibers on the left had side though. There are a lot of them. I do have to say that the mascara alone gave great volume and definition. The fibers added a bit more, but you don’t really need them. There wasn’t a ton of length added, but enough to make lashes look long and full. Really nice mascara!
I did a group shot of the rest of the products. I’ve only used the nude eyeliner as I don’t wear red lipstick or liner. Here are the products:
Gigi Hadid West Coast Glow Gel Eyeliner ($11.99 on sale for $8.39) — This is a shimmery nude shade, as you can see from the swatch. I’ve used it a couple of ways, on my brow bone and on the inside corner of my eye as a highlighter, and I lined my waterline with them to open my eyes. It lasts a long time and is comfortable to wear. Plus, its a pretty color!
Gigi Hadid West Coast Glow Lip Liner ($7.99 on sale for $5.59) — I read that Gigi likes to apply lipstick first and then line. I might try it sometime, but I line my lips, fill them in with the liner so I won’t have a weird line, then apply the lipstick over. That gives great staying power. I have only swatched this because I don’t wear red, but I will give it to a friend who does. It is a cherry red color, very pretty.
Gigi Hadid West Coast Glow Matte Lipstick ($8.99 on sale for $6.29) — The shade I have is called Khair. It’s an orange red. It has a soft matte finish, not a drying one. Very pretty!
Overall, the products I used are very nice and well pigmented. I recommend the eye shadows and mascara and will continue using them and trying new products from the collection!
Have you used any Maybelline/Gigi Hadid products? What do you think?
As we inch toward Christmas, I have been trying products that help me look and feel better during the hectic season!
They include a luxe primer and setting spray, cruelty-free makeup that makes you look glowy, luxe skincare, a fun steam mask and hair care that will help with dry, winter hair:
Elcie Cosmetics Pearl Radiance Primer ($38 USD) — An oil-free, water-based primer that acts as lingerie for your skin, providing a smooth, seamless and satin-like finish. The formula brightens the complexion with a touch of pearl, boosting luminosity for a healthy and radiant glow. Minimizes the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles.
Elcie Cosmetics Hydra Enhancer Setting Mist ($35 USD) — An innovative hydrating and setting mist that balances the complexion, sets makeup and refreshes the skin. This alkaline facial water is an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals. It has smaller molecules than tap water, so it absorbs more easily into your skin giving you maximum hydration with a quicker effect, while holding your makeup in place all day. Suitable for all skin types.
What I think: I love the packaging of these products. They are very luxe! The primer smoothes skin for makeup and leaves a soft glow. It so nice under foundation, or on it’s own for a bit of polish. The mist is so refreshing! It’s a soft mist and instantly hydrates and sinks into the skin. It holds my makeup in place all day!
Available at elciecosmetics.com
Did you know the amazing and affordable line essence is cruelty-free? A lot of their products are gluten-free and/or vegan, too:
essence blushplay sculpting blush palette ($5.99 USD) — This palette includes three tonal shades for individual use or the perfect blend to create a multidimensional look. Available in 2 fresh color combinations.
essence shine shine shine lipgloss ($2.99 USD) — This high-shine, wet-look gloss glides on smooth with a highly-pigmented finish. The flocked applicator ensures precise application. Available in 6 shades.
What I think: I do love a blush palette, and this one is fresh and fun to blend and use together, or separately. The one above is the Play in Peach, and it also comes in Play in Pink. The glosses are very shiny, but pigmented too. There’s also a nice clear gloss for a more natural look, or to wear over other lip products.
Vertere Skincare Travel + Discovery Kit ($51 on sale for $28 USD) — This set includes Travel + Discovery sizes of our patented Dramatic Transformation Cream SPF 18 and Refining Treatment Cleanser. This two-week introduction to VERTERE is a perfect companion for traveling, or to gift to friends in need of portable yet highly effective and hydrating wrinkle smoothing and dark spot brightening that won’t clog pores.
What I think: This little kit comes in a cute bag! The cleanser is so nice, it comes in a handy pump despenser and has a refreshing citrus scent. It leaves my skin clean, but hydrated, too. The night cream is not greasy at all, it actually hass a bit of a matte finish, which is interesting for a night cream. In the morning, my skin looks amazing! My skin tone in more even and looks younger!
Purchase at vertereskincare.com
Erborian Pate au Ginseng Concentrated Black Mask
Erborian Pate au Ginseng Concentrated Black Mask ($61 for 1.7 oz) — Formulated with Ginseng root, used for ages in Korea to help fight visible signs of aging, PÂTE AU GINSENG helps improve the appearance of skin’s firmness and elasticity through its tensor effect. With a concentrated dose of Ginseng, and its instant tensor effect, this mask helps your skin feel firmer and smoothes out the appearance of the skin, providing immediate comfort and vitality for tired complexions. As if plumped from within, the skin looks visibly smoother, more luminous and younger.
What I think: This is so hydrating, but I can also feel it firming my skin. It makes it look smoother and younger. This is amazing before going out or photos, too! It’s also great for those of us who are older and need a bit of help firming skin.
Purchase at usa.erborian.com
MegRhythm Lavender Gentle Steam Eye Mask
MegRhythm Lavender Gentle Steam Eye Mask ($10.99 for a pack of 7) — MegRhythm self-heating eye mask is the perfect way to relax the eyes and hydrate surrounding skin. Its advanced self-heating technology heightens relaxation and relieves hard working eyes with the warm and soothing sensation of steam heat.
What I think: This is such a fun product. It’s very easy to use, just open, unfold and place the tabs around your ears. It does get pretty warm, so fair warning. It’s very relaxing and soothing on my eyes.
John Frieda Frizz Ease Daily Nourishment Shampoo and ConditionerJohn Frieda Frizz Ease Daily Nourishment Shampoo and Conditioner ($5.99 USD each) — Cold, dry air also dries out your hair. Quench your hair’s thirst and give it a daily dose of intense hydration with this duo that provides humidity resistance, breakage reduction and improved conditioning. This shampoo and conditioner will help keep your hair continuously soft, silky and smooth through the winter months.
What I think: I love this hair care duo! It’s so great when my hair needs extra moisture. I find that my hair is soft and manageable afterwards. They smell nice, too, but not an overpowering scent.
Available at Food, Drug and Mass Retailers Nationwide
Christmas is so close — time to get cracking on buying those gifts! I’m almost done, maybe just a few more stocking stuffers. And lucky me, my youngest daughter’s birthday is on the 23rd!
I have some amazing gifts for women and men below. Hope this gives you ideas:
Sugar Cookie Collection
NEST Fragrances has some great new holiday collections including the Sugar Cookie Collection (above). This confectioner’s dream mixes the warm flavors of Tahitian vanilla bean and bourbon-infused caramel with delicate threads of sugarcane crystals and the rich essence of golden amber. The result is the aroma of a freshly baked sugar cookie that satisfies even the most sophisticated sweet tooth; exquisitely delectable. The collection includes:
Votive Candle – $16
Classic Candle – $40
3-Wick Candle – $64
Reed Diffuser – $44
Also amazing are the Birchwood Pine, Holiday (spice) and Hearth Home.
Purchase at fine stores like Sephora, Nordstrom and Bloomingdales
Surya Brasil has amazing vegan and natural products that would be amazing for stocking stuffers!
Vegan Tinted Lip Balms ($4.99 each or $25 for 6) – Providing your lips with a treatment to keep them smooth, soft and hydrated these lip balms moisturize, nourish, restore elasticity and are the perfect middle ground between lip care and lip color. The range comes in 6 unique flavors including Blood Orange, Coconut Nectar, Pink Grapefruit, Pomegranate, Sugared Fig and Vanilla Dragon Fruit.
Exotic Animals Nail Polishes ($12 USD) – Named after exotic animals from around the world and inspired by nature’s vibrant colors, this range features 16 polishes in unique colors that leave your nails feeling beautiful and healthy. The collection also includes a Base Coat, Extra Shine Top Coat and an Oil Dryer to provide a strong foundation, long lasting color and extra protection for your nails.
Vegan Lip Balm ($3.49 each or $10 for all 4) –Surya Brasil’s 100% natural and Vegan Moisturizing Lip Balms come in four delicious flavors that are inspired by Surya’s commitment to organic ingredients and sustainably harvested botanicals. These nutrient rich, vegan lip treatments keep your lips soft, smooth and perfectly hydrated. Handcrafted with superior rainforest emollients, Surya Brasil lip balms nourish, replenish moisture and restore elasticity to your lips. Flavors available are – Acai Berry, Cinnamon Cupuacu, Strawberry Buriti, Chocolate Mint and Chocolate.
Hard Candy Glossing All the Way Lip Collection, 20 piece
Hard Candy Glossing All the Way Lip Collection, 20 piece ($7.99 USD) — Get glossing all the way with this limited edition 20 piece lip color collection. This set includes 10 sultry matte shades, 5 super shiny shades, and 5 heavy metal metallic shades. Be kiss ready this holiday season!
Treets Traditions Bath and Body Products — Inspired by ancient practices around the world, Treet Traditions searches the globe for valuable knowledge and traditions of body care to enrich these ancient old traditions with the knowledge we have today, Treets ensures that these traditions become accessible for everyone. At Ulta stores from December 1st – 31st get 30% off all products through the month of December.
Purchase at Ulta.com and Ulta stores
DirtyBird Energy Soaps
DirtyBird Energy Soaps ($5.99 for one, $11.95 for 2 pack and $23.50 for the Multi-pack –You may have tried one (or even tried NONE!) but now you can try them all with the Complete Care Multi-Pack from DIRTYBIRD ENERGY. This exclusive kit offers a full-sized Energy Soap, Recover Soap, Relax Soap and Replenish Soap, delivering a productive experience to help you get up and GO, recuperate, refresh and restore while keeping your skin softer, smoother and squeaky clean as can be.
These are great for men and women. Purchase at dirtybirdenergy.com
BRÖÖ Holiday Gift Set
Bröö Holiday Thickening Gift Set: Shampoo, Conditioner, & Pint Glass ($14.88 USD) –Happy Holidays and Happy Hair Care! Give the gift that keeps on giving. Includes 8.5oz thickening shampoo, 8.5oz thickening conditioner, and 16oz top-of-the-line pint glass by Klean Kanteen. All BROO haircare products are made with premium craft beer, serving up B Vitamins, proteins & minerals for strong, shiny hair. An added shot of barley protein volumizes your hair without weighing it down. BROO uses a natural alternative to detangle hair and provide shine, without smothering your hair like synthetic silicone. And no, you wont smell like beer! Promise! The 100% natural Citrus Creme scent is intoxicating, and smells delicious.
Are you all done with your shopping? What do you need to get? Leave a message and let me know!
I tell you, the cold air is killing my skin! It is so tight and dry. And my makeup seems to stay in my pores.
So I was so glad to be sent the following skin care that helps exfoliate and clean the gunk out of my pores:
Snow Fox Arctic Breeze Detox Mask
Snow Fox Arctic Breeze Detox Mask ($30 USD) — A powerful mask that moisturizes, brightens and evens out skin tone while tightening pores. Essential oils work to extract impurities from deep within the skin. Key ingredients including Peppermint Oil Extract, Aloe Vera Leaf and 100% Organic Cotton Sheet.
Designed for all skin types, Snow Fox products do not contain any artificial colors, dyes or fragrances, parabens, SLS, phthalates, sulphates, mineral oils, silicones, phenoxyethanol, and petrochemicals.
What I think: I think this is the first sheet mask I’ve used that smells like peppermint. I have sensitive skin so I was afraid it might irritate it. When using it, it did cool and tingle on my skin. I left on for about 15 minutes or so. I removed it and rinsed my face, per the instructions. My face was so smooth and soft afterwards! It did irritate parts of my face a little bit, but that went away. The results of the mask were so nice! My pores appeared smaller, which I love! I will be using this again!
I wanted to reach out with the exciting news that Sofia Richie has just been announced as the new face of NIP + FAB!
We love Sofia’s style, energy and confidence. She perfectly embodies the NIP+FAB woman with clean skin and on-trend makeup for a fresh and effortless style. We are the first beauty brand to work with her and we welcome her to the Nip+Fab family!
NIP + FAB Dragons Blood Fix Plumping Mask ( $14.95 “This is my go to. I travel loads and I like to use this mask to keep my skin really hydrated, I like to sleep in masks.”
NIP + FAB Glycolic Scrub ($9.95 USD) “I use a scrub every morning, I love this one as it really exfoliates and leaves my skin feeling super soft.”
What I think: These products help gently exfoliate and hydrate my skin. The Glycolic Gentle pads don’t irritate my sensitive skin, and leave my skin so smooth. The scrub is great for daily exfoliating. And the mask hydrates and leave skin so soft!
Some people are so hard to buy for! So what I love to give are fun gifts, like food, novelty items and toys!
Below are some fun gifts to give, plus some festive stationery to give or use this holiday season:
Winter Wonderland Holiday Gift Basket
GourmetGiftBaskets.com Winter Wonderland Holiday Gift Basket ($59.99 USD) – Send holiday cheer with this delightful gift! Inside a beautiful bright blue basket, your recipient will discover an enticing arrangement of favorite wintry treats and delicious holiday snacks. Complete with delicate wafer cookies, a decadent dark chocolate bar filled with sea salt caramel, and handcrafted gourmet popcorn, this festive gift is the perfect way to spread merriment this holiday season! Contains:
Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt Caramel Filled Bar by Ghirardelli – 3.5 oz. – This decadent dark chocolate bar is filled with creamy caramel that has been lightly salted.
Sugar Cookies by Kimball Lake Bakery – 4 oz. – Deliciously crisp and delightfully sweet cookies that are baked according to a family recipe.
Almond Nougat by Golden BonBon – 1 oz. – Following a time-honored family tradition, this nougat is handmade from only the finest almonds and the freshest ingredients.
Chocolate Wafer Rolls by Fusion Gourmet – .9 oz. – Delicate wafers that are gently rolled into crisp cylinders and filled with creamy chocolate.
Buttered Peanut Crunch by Old Dominion – 3 oz. – These crunchy peanut squares are made with butter and a deliciously sweet hint of brown sugar.
Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper Kettlecorn – 4 oz. – Gourmet popcorn that’s expertly handcrafted and generously tossed with sea salt and cracked pepper.
Vanilla Wafer Rolls by Dolcetto – 4.4 oz. – Crisp, European style wafers that are rolled and filled with a delicate vanilla cream.
Bigmouth Inc. Color Changing Santa Mystery Mug ($9.99 USD) — Just add hot liquid to our Santa mug to watch it’s artwork change before your eyes. When hot, Santa’s clothes disappear, forcing him to deliver the goods in his “unmentionables”. It’s a perfect for gift swaps, stocking stuffers, and holiday parties. Check out the Snowman and Gingerbread Man heat-sensitive mugs, too!
BigMouth Inc Holiday Cheer USB Phone Charger for Android ($11.99 USD) — You could charge your phone with the cable that came with your phone—just like you could watch paint dry. But where’s the fun in that? The new LED Phone Charger series is glowing with a better way to charge your phone’s battery. One side is a USB-A plug—you know, the one that goes into your computer or wall-charging adapter. The other end is a USB Micro-B connector (for use with most Android™ devices).
BigMouth Inc Original Wine Bottle Glass – “I only have time for ONE glass of wine”($17.99 USD) — This hilarious wine glass holds an entire 750mL bottle of wine—or just one glass. Even the busiest people carve out some time for a sip or 47. A viral sensation, our patented Wine Bottle Glass design has been featured on the Today Show, The Tonight Show, and more.
Revell Snaptite Build and Play Star Wars: The Last Jedi! Resistance A-wing Fighter ($19.99 USD) —Battle the forces of the first order with the resistance A-wing fighter! This detailed authentic movie 85-1639 kit includes 25 easy snap together pieces. Features a battle ready pilot, light up engines and battle-action sounds.You are now ready to recreate your own great movie scenes from Star Wars: the last Jedi!
Revell Snaptite Build and Play Star Wars: The Last Jedi! First Order Heavy Assault At-M6 Walker ($19.99 USD) —Drive the Assault on the resistance troops with the first order heavy Assault at-m6 Walker. This impressive, highly detailed 85-1649 kit includes 46 easy snap together pieces and features a light up cannon blaster.Battle action sounds and full-motion Positionable head, legs and feet.Buy more than one to recreate your favorite movie battle scene from Star Wars: the last Jedi!
Revell Snaptite Build and Play Star Wars: The Last Jedi! Kylo Ren’s TIE Fighter($19.99 USD) —Track down the resistance with Kylo Ren’s personal tie fighter! Highly detailed 85-1647 kit includes 20 easy snap together pieces and is loaded with features. Including Kylo Ren, light up engine, battle action sound and opening cockpit hatch. You are not ready to hunt down the enemy and play out movie scenes from Star Wars: the last Jedi!
Purchase on Amazon
Papyrus Santa’s On His Way Boxed Holiday Cards ($18.95 USD) — The moon shines down on a snowy landscape while Santa waves as he flies by on this delightful holiday card that really captures the anticipation of Christmas Eve.
Herbie & Friends Letters to Santa (Set of 10, $7.95 on sale for $3.98) — Send your wish list to Santa or a letter to loved ones on these lined sheets. The festive Christmas themed border is sure to put anyone in a holiday mood.
Books are such amazing gifts to receive. From fun fiction reads to books that teach you something new, I love to give the people in my life the gift of adventure and learning!
Here are a bunch of great books that the readers in your life would love to receive. Starting with baking books, to inspirational books to amazing fiction and fun stocking stuffers; there’s a little bit of everything on my list! This is a long list, so curl up with a cup of coffee or tea and get ready for some great gift ideas:
CAKE, I LOVE YOU: Decadent, Delectable, and Do-able Recipes
CAKE, I LOVE YOU: Decadent, Delectable, and Do-able Recipes By Jill O’Connor ($24.95 USD, on sale at Amazon for $15.09!) — What better way to celebrate life’s big and small achievements than with cake? There is something inherently festive and special about a homemade cake. Master baker, Jill O’Connor walks home cooks through the cake-making process with crowd-pleasing recipes, perfect for the holidays. It offers more than 50 divinely decadent recipes home bakers will want to make right away.
Organized by flavor profile (banana, coconut, chocolate, caramel, spice, fruit) and level of difficulty, each chapter in this cookbook presents a wide range of sweet choices, from easy weeknight sheet cakes to showstoppers layered with frosting and ganache. With photos that will make readers want to reach out and swipe their fingers through the frosting, Cake, I Love You offers foolproof cake-making advice for beginning bakers and master mixers alike.
Taste of Home 365 Days of Cookies
Taste of Home 365 Days of Cookies ($24.99, on sale for $19.99) — When it comes to smile-fetching sweets you can’t go wrong with cookies! From soft and chewy to crisp and crunchy, the buttery sensations always get thumb-up approval. This new book features hundreds of full-color photos, this must-see edition offers after-school snacks, coffee-break bites, classroom treats, bake-sale favorites and holiday delights that are perfect throughout the year. You’ll even find cookies that celebrate days such as National Potato Chip Day (March 14), Jelly Bean Day (April 22) and National French Toast Day (November 28). Best of all, a Christmas- Cookies Bonus Section makes this cookbook a home baker’s dream come true!
Crystal Bliss
Crystal Bliss by Devi Brown — ($18.99 USD) — If you’re feeling worn out, uninspired, and unmotivated, you can change your energy with the help of crystals.Crystal Blissprovides you with everything you need to harness the innate energy and vibrations of crystals. This guide walks you through the process of selecting crystals, cleansing and preparing them for use, and incorporating them into your meditation and energy healing process.
With the help ofCrystal Bliss, you can learn how to boost your own energy, beat back negative vibes, open your heart to love, manifest wealth, and promote good health.
To Hear The Forest Sing some musings on the divine
To Hear The Forest Sing some musings on the divine by Margaret Dulaney ($14.98 Paperback and $4.49 Kindle) — To Hear the Forest Sing is a collection of essays by the founder of the spoken word website Listen Well. Margaret Dulaney has been accumulating a life’s worth of spiritual musings for the past two decades. In 2010 she founded the spoken word website Listen Well, which offers one recorded essay a month to a growing number of followers. Listeners tune in for ten quiet minutes as she explores sacred and secular themes through story and metaphor.
Let the Story Do the Work: The Art of Storytelling for Business Success
Material for stories surrounds us. Yet few people are skilled at sharing personal anecdotes and even fewer know how to link them to professional goals. Whether you want to stand out in the interview process, add punch to a presentation, or make a compelling case for a new initiative, Let the Story Do the Work shows you how to mine your experience for simple narratives that convey who you are, what you want to achieve, and why others should care.
Real Life Super Heroes
Real Life Super Heroes by Nadia Fezzani ($22.99, $15.63 on Amazon) — t’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s… Stuart, the CPA from down the street! Dressed like heroes from comic books and action movies, Real Life Super Heroes dress up at night, fight crime, save people, and some of them even have secret identities. Are they ordinary, mild-mannered citizens, or are they larger-than-life characters, determined to fight crime, risking life and limb to defend victims of violence and injustice? In her revealing new book author and investigative journalist Nadia Fezzani shines a spotlight on the people who come home from work, change into their uniforms (or costumes), and patrol the streets looking for crime to fight and victims in distress.
The Edge of the World
The Edge of the World: A Visual Adventure to the Most Extraordinary Places on Earth ($26, on Amazon for $15.16) — With a foreword by world-renowned photographer Jimmy Chin and an introduction by Outside magazine’s editor Christopher Keyes, The Edge of the World is a stunning collection of the best photography ever published by the leader in outdoor adventure photography and journalism. Created in partnership with Outside magazine for its 40th anniversary, this includes Outside’s most compelling stories from throughout the years and offers readers an inside and dramatic look through the lens of the world’s top adventure photographers.
Christmas in London
Christmas in London by Anita Hughes ($15.99, on Amazongfor $9.99) — It’s a week before Christmas and Louisa Graham is working twelve hour shifts at a bakery on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. When a young cooking show assistant comes in from the rain and begs to buy all the cinnamon rolls on her tray, she doesn’t know what to do. Louisa is just the baker, and they aren’t hers to sell. But the show burned the rolls they were supposed to film that day, so she agrees.
The next morning, Louisa finds out that her cinnamon rolls were a hit, but the star of the show was allergic, and the whole crew is supposed to leave for London that afternoon. They want Louisa to step in for their annual Christmas Eve Dinner TV special at Claridge’s. It’s a great opportunity, and Digby Bunting, Louisa’s famous baking idol, will be there. Even if he does seem more interested in her than her food.
And then there’s Kate, the show’s beautiful producer. On their first day in London she runs into the skinny boy she jilted at St. Andrew’s in Scotland ten years ago. Now he’s a handsome, brilliant mathematician, and newly divorced. Their familiar spark is still there, but so is the scar of how they left things. Kate and Louisa are busy preparing for the show, but old and new flames are complicating their work.
Set during London’s most festive time of year and filled with delicious food, CHRISTMAS IN LONDON is about love and friendship, and the season’s most important lesson: learning how to ask for and give forgiveness.
Best Day Ever
Best Day Ever:A Riveting Psychological Thriller about the Perfect Marriage by Kaira Rouda ($26.99, $16.27 at Amazon) — Paul Strom has the perfect life: a glittering career as an advertising executive, a beautiful wife, two healthy boys and a big house in a wealthy suburb. And he’s the perfect husband: breadwinner, protector, provider. That’s why he’s planned a romantic weekend for his wife, Mia, at their lake house, just the two of them. And he’s promised today will be the best day ever.
But as Paul and Mia drive out of the city and toward the countryside, a spike of tension begins to wedge itself between them and doubts start to arise. How much do they trust each other? And how perfect is their marriage, or any marriage, really?
Forcing us to ask ourselves just how well we know those who are closest to us, Best Day Ever crackles with dark energy, spinning ever tighter toward its shocking conclusion.
Help! Oh I was talking to myself!
Help! Oh I was talking to myself! by Offshoot ($10.89 USD) — This activity book plays a vital role in reducing stress by helping the readers stand above an issue. They acknowledge it, and treat it lightly in the awareness that they are touched by the issue but not contained by it. The activities take the readers’ minds off the banality of everyday life. There is an affirmation for the readers on every leaf of this book. It reminds them that they are much more than the problems life throws at them.
Shocked!: When office doesn’t rock!
Shocked!: When office doesn’t rock! by Offshoot — ($9.95, $1.79 at Amazon) — Pressure, deadlines, workload and race against time.Banging heads and lost in files, oh my god, I have lost all smiles―an alarming microscope of the oddities of life in the workplace fishbowl, the book works as a buffer for your daily rants and curses. Caustically funny illustrations make it the book your boss would never want you to lay your hands on. So, here is the chance to cope with office drama and fine tuneyour worries and frustrations with this awesome book of activities.
Do you like to give books as gifts? What are some of your current favorites?
Still looking for that perfect beauty gift or stocking stuffer? I have some great choices for all price ranges today.
I usually do a favorites post on Sundays, but instead I am featuring gorgeous makeup, body care and an amazing skincare set that will makeup perfect gifts for any beauty junkie you love:
The Meaningful Beauty Beyond Starter Kit
The Meaningful Beauty Beyond Starter Kit ($50 USD) — Keep your skin merry and bright this holiday season with Meaningful Beauty by Cindy Crawford. Infused with powerful antioxidants and anti-aging technology, The Meaningful Beauty Beyond Starter Kit includes a 4 step regimen that will keep you glowing all winter long while revealing a perfectly polished, radiant complexion. The kit includes:
Youth Activating Melon Serum harnesses the anti-aging power of Meaningful Beauty while leaving the skin looking and feeling younger with twice daily use.
Intensive Triple Exfoliating Treatment works hard to give you spa-at-home results with no down time. Simply use twice weekly in the shower to banish dull, rough texture, dirt and impurities and reveal more visibly smooth and supple skin.
Environmental Protecting Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is a multi-tasking moisturizer designed to visibly firm, plump and hydrate the skin and to reduce environmentally induced damage that can lead to the visible signs of premature aging.
Overnight Retinol Repairing Crème is an intensely hydrating overnight that helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and increases the look of visible firmness and impart a smooth overall texture.
Purchase at Ulta and Ulta.com
Merle Norman Holiday 2017
Merle Norman Lush Lips Gift Set ($36 USD) Prep lips for a kiss with Merle Norman’s nourishing Lip Revive and an assortment of lip color treats. Top-selling Lip Pencil Plus in Mocha and Tender Kiss are paired with Creamy Lipcolor in Gold Illusion. This new, innovative limited edition shade adds a shimmer to any lip color or can be worn alone for a light blush of shimmering color.
Merle Norman It’s In The Eyes Gift Set ($66 USD) — Make an entrance with Irresistible Eyes. This set features limited-edition Soft Touch Eye Pencil Duos in
Meteor/Bordeaux and Pacific/Lilac, a full retail-size Mascara Primer and the Fat Lash Mascara Black.
Merle Norman Blissful Body Butters Gift Set ($25 USD) — Soften and smooth skin all over with this ultra-rich set of body butters in 3 delectable flavors that smell like your favorite holiday desserts! Cocoa & Vanilla, Apple & Cinnamon, and Sugar Cookie make the perfect.
Available exclusively at Merle Norman Studios beginning November 1st
Sephora Collection Easy on the Eyes Eyeshadow Palette
Sephora Collection Easy on the Eyes Eyeshadow Palette ($36, on sale now for $25 USD) — This palette of 30 shades in not-quite nudes with matte and metallic finishes creates flattering looks that are anything but ordinary. Shades are grouped by tone and depth, making it easy to find a custom color just for you. Large matte pans are used as a base, while smaller pans offer subtle pops of color in matte and metallic finishes. Whether your look is natural or bold, fair or deep, you’ll be sure to find color combinations that must have been made just for you.
Purchase at Sephora
Pixi Beauty Lid Lovelies Eye Shadow ($22 USD) — A swish of these shadows illuminates eyes while adding depth & dimension. These 18 soft silky eye shades come in a natural mineral formula. Blend with a fluffy eye brush for a sheer natural looking effect.
Pixi Beauty Endless Silky Eye Pen Trio ($14 USD) — This limited edition kit includes some of our classic bestselling shades. Included is a limited edition colour exclusive to this kit in our bestselling award winning formula. Replace cap after use. Paraben Free
ybf Your Best Friend majestic matte lip collection
ybf Your Best Friend majestic matte lip collection ($28.80 USD) — A glorious girlfriend such as yourself deserves lips that can last while you’re taking names and conquering your dream! From all of us at ybf, we declare that all girlfriends near and far shall love their lips in our new majestic matte lip. Let your lips do the talking, girlfriend; they’ll love the all-day stay! This new formula bonds to your lovely lippies the way girlfriends bond to each other. This lip is going to stay put through your morning (and afternoon!) coffee. That’s a matte-er of fact!
Colours:
peachy keen
proud pink
magnificent magenta
awe-inspiring apple
Buxom Lips Off Leash ($59 USD) — This 15-piece mix of lip plumpers includes shimmer-shine lip polishes and glassy-smooth lip creams for two different finishes. With lip-loving vitamins and richly pigmented color, this collection is formulated with a unique peptide and hyaluronic acid booster to help stimulate collagen, build volume, and plump look of lips without irritation.
This set contains:
– 7 x 0.07 oz/ 2 mL Lip Polish in Brooke, Clair, Sophia, Jasmine, Stacy, Jill, Kayla
– 8 x 0.07 oz/ 2 mL Lip Cream in Pink Champagne, Peach Dacquiri, Dolly, Mudslide, Berry Bramble, Wild Orchid, Cherry Flip, Sangria
Purchase at Sephora stores and Sephora.com
Sephora Puff & Shine Shimmery Body Powder
Sephora Puff & Shine Shimmery Body Powder ($13 USD) — This shimmering loose powder with subtle color is perfect for lighting up features. With a super-soft brush, it’s easy to apply to the body, face, and hair for a light sparkle that amps up any look for the holidays.
Purchase at sephora.com and Sephora stores
Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Mini Sets ($9.99 USD) — Jazz up those tips and get jolly with the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure™ holiday collection of mini sets; quaint quartets of festive polishes in festive hues. The Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure™ offers 7 benefits in 1 bottle, allowing you to skip the salon, for a party ready manicure. The chip-resistant polish with Keratin features all of the elements you know and need: base coat, strengthener, growth treatment, salon color in chic shades, top coat, and gel shine finish. The Complete Salon Manicure mini sets are ideal for stocking stuffers and holiday gift exchanges- or just a treat for a bit of self-indulgence.
Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil in Peppermint and Vanilla Buttercream, ($6.99 each USD) — For a limited time only, Sally Hansen’s Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oils come in two delicious holiday scents. The oils are available in either tasty vanilla buttercream or refreshing peppermint. Indulge your senses with the creamy and merry aromas that celebrate the holiday spirit. Your cuticles and nails crave moisture and protection during the cold holiday season, so grab these Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oils for the perfect stocking stuffer gift. Enriched with a natural essential oil complex with Vitamin E, its formula leaves skin and nails feeling hydrated, soft, and healthy while helping to protect nails.
Purchase at a mass market retailer near you.
What fabulous beauty gifts are you giving – or wanting – this year?
The Bellapierre Pro Concealer Palette is very pigmented. I tried the orange under my eyes. It didn’t blend well, but my concealer did cover the orange up and it looked okay. I probably won’t use again.
Forty, Flirty & Fabulous 