#blog – Page 21 – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

New To Me — Natural Skincare and Innovative Brands

Hi all! I was recently sent some natural skincare for my honest review. I love trying new (or new to me) brands and finding new favorites!

Below is a coconut oil based cleansing balm, cool peel off and magnetic masks, and body moisturizer with SPF:

Skinny & Co. Clarifying Facial Cleansing Balm ($24.95 USD) — One step makeup remover facial cleanser that unclogs pores and brightens as it eases blemishes and re-balances your skin’s natural oils. The secret is our patented 100% RAW Skinny Coconut Oil that is able to nourish your skin while it protects you from unwanted chemicals and toxins that pollute and cause break outs.

What I think: Cleansing balms are so nice to remove makeup. This one would be great for someone with oily or combination skin. I have sensitive skin, so this isn’t for me, but my daughters love it, it removes makeup without leaving their skin oily. Skinny & Co. has a cleansing balm for sensitive skin. It’s nice there are choices!

Purchase at shop.skinnyandcompany.com

Biovene Charcoal Magnet Mask ($28.27 USD ) — Biovène Magnet Mask is an innovative, natural, anti-aging and rejuvenating face mask consisting of iron magnetic particles, activated charcoal and a blend of the most precious oils nature has to offer for a smooth, firm and radiant complexion.

What I think: This is so much fun to use. You apply it and leave it on for about 10 minutes. Then you put a cover on the magnet, and it actually removes the mask magnetically! It leaves my skin soft, smooth and hydrated. It’s so nice!

Purchase at biovenebarcelona.com

Biovene Pink Peel-Off Mask — Pink Peel-Off Mask

Biovène Pink Peel-Off Mask is the next level peel-off mask utilizing Activated Charcoal in combination with star ingredients such as Sodium Hyaluronate, Strawberry extract, Argan Oil & Collagen.

What I think: Peel off masks are my favorite, and this is no exception! This is a mousse like mask that is very pink and smells like strawberries! Since it is thick, it takes about 30 minutes to dry. Then it peels off nicely. My skin is glowing and soft!

Purchase at biovenebarcelona.com

Trilipiderm Broad Spectrum SPF 30 3oz. Tube — Trilipiderm Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Trilipiderm Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($17.95 on sale for $13.46) — The best dry skin protection under the sun – hydrates as it protects against UVA and UVB radiation and contributes Vitamin D. Available in a handy 3 oz tube for your beach bag, ski jacket or purse. Take it wherever you go outdoors.

What I think: SPF is so important all year long. This one is nice because it does double duty as moisturizer and SPF. I love that combo in facial skincare, so why not for the body. It’s very hydrating without being greasy and has a light floral scent.

Purchase at trilipiderm.com

Have you tried any good skincare lately? What’s your current favorite skincare products/

Beauty Products for Fab Holiday Looks!

Hi All! Can you believe how close it is getting to Christmas? Are you going to hoiday parties? If so, some pretty new makeup might be fun for your Christmas and New Year’s parties!

Below are some choices that will help get you glam through to 2019:

Limited Edition Butterfly Bag – ($20 USD) A portion of the profits goes to SaveOurMonarchs, a grassroots, non-profit organization dedicated to saving the embattled monarch butterflies. Original artwork by Gretchen Kelly designed exclusively for jane iredale. Featured butterflies, Monarchs and Swallowtails, are native to Jane‘s garden. Zip-close pure cotton canvas bag with wipe-clean vinyl liner.

Dance with Me Refillable Compact ($20 USD) Refillable rose gold compact embellished with elegant butterflies holds PurePressed® Base Mineral Foundation, Bronzer Refills, PureMatte® Finish Powder Refill or Beyond Matte® HD Matifying Powder. Elegant, mirrored, rose gold compact has a butterfly embellishment. Close with a satisfying snap, keeping makeup fresh & protected. Sleek, lightweight design is made of recyclable plastic. High-shine finish is fingerprint resistant. Perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.

Kiss and Tell Lip Stain/Gloss Kit – ($49 USD) Long-lasting, saturated lip stains and a clear shimmer gloss for creating a variety of beautiful lip looks. Shades are:

Stain Craving – light salmon
Stain Fascination – rosy pink
Gloss Crystal – clear shimmer

Let’s Party Eye Shadow Kit – ($59 USD) — Five super-saturated, universally wearable PurePressed® Eye Shadows with just a playful touch of shimmer. Highly pigmented, long-lasting and crease resistant. Use wet or dry; apply colors alone, blended or layered.Botanical extracts soothe, protect and nurture skin. The shades are:

Spree – pale pink with subtle shimmer
Wing-ding – plum with subtle shimmer
Soiree – royal blue with subtle shimmer
Shindig – shimmery jade green
Hootenanny – shimmery chocolate brown

All of these gorgeous products and more can be purchased at janeiredale.com

Maybelline New York Burgundy Bar Eyeshadow Palette ($11.99) — Filled with ultra-shimmery shades of burgundy and gold, this palette will help you create a warm-toned smokey eye that is perfect your office holiday party, New Year’s Eve, and everything in between.

Maybelline New York Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter ($9.99) — Glitter and glow this holiday season with the go-to highlighter that will have you shining bright all night long! The Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter is available in four shades, offering a match for all skin tones. Shades include: Molten Gold, Molten Rose Gold, Molten Peach, and Molten Topaz

Maybelline New York Lip Studio Metallic Foil Liquid Lipstick ($8.99) — There’s no better time to rock a sparkly, metallic lip than the holidays! See here for a tutorial on how to apply this statement lipstick for the most festive pout at the party. Shades include: Luna, Zen, Calypso, Nemesis, Trident, and Vortex

Purchase at mass market retailers near you.

POP Beauty Topper Popper ($8 each) — Metallic top-coat to use over any lip colour, or use on bare lips for sheer gilded pout. No smudge, no budge to last throughout the day & night! Perfect for Parties, Red Popper is especially nice for Christmas! The shades from left to right are Cream Popper, Peach Popper, Copper Popper, Pink Popper, Red Popper and Violet Popper.

Complete Salon Manicure Ready in Reds Collection ($7.99 USD) — From cool, beautiful berry tones to a classic red, this collection will have you feeling festive throughout the holiday season.

Complete Salon Manicure Ready in Reds Collection shades include:

Red Handed: This lipstick-inspired red hue will be worth getting caught — it’s a full-on holiday hotness heist.
Red Zin: Toast the season in this rich, deep wine-inspired crimson polish with a cream finish.
Belle of the Ball: Be the fairest of them all at every fete in your holiday-party circuit in a sparkle-tinged mulberry tone.
Oh So Lava-ly: This majorly metallic take on burgundy is an eruption of elegance.
Cherry Delightful: Fall for a freshly picked Morello cherry-red polish with a glossy finish to dress up your holiday-party look.
Berry Fancy: A juicy take on this cranberry-hue will add an element of luxury to every ensemble.

Purchase at mass market retailers.

What makeup do you like to use for the holidays? I love all shimmers and glitters, so these products are perfect for me!

Holiday Gift Guide 2018 — Last Minute Beauty Gift Ideas

Hey all! I’m here with my last gift guide of the year (I think). I have a few last minute gift ideas. You can get almost everything by Christmas if you shop online in the next day or two, and you can also go in to stores to pick up lots of great gifts!

Below are skincare, body care and makeup sets that will make amazing gifts:

Laneige Dream and Glow Set ($39 USD) — With the dry winter season upon us, everyone needs to add some extra hydration to their skin care routine. The newest gift set from Laneige is SURE to give you intense hydration to your skin and lips all winter long. The Dream and Glow Set includes a full size Water Sleeping Mask, a travel size Moisture Cream and, of course, our #1 selling Lip Sleeping Mask!

Where to Buy: us.laneige.com,

Burt’s Bees Personalized Beeswax Lip Balm (4 Pack for $20) — For the holiday season, Burt’s Bees are making things PERSONAL! Create a custom gift for your family and friends that everyone will be raving about. Simply go on www.BurtsBees.com, pick your flavor and customize with a name or message!

Where to Buy: www.BurtsBees.com

Buxom Cosmetics Party All Night Mini Lip Plumping Vault

Who doesn’t love Mini Lip Glosses? Buxom Cosmetics has launched their Party All Night Mini Lip Plumping Vault ($49 USD, on sale now for less at the stores below) for the holidays and it is flying off the shelves! The limited edition vault comes with 12 pieces including four lip liners and eight shimmery glosses. Get the $125 value vault for only $49!

Where to Buy: www.BuxomCosmetics.com, www.Macys.com

C.O. Bigelow Hand Wash/Body Lotion Duo Gift Set – Lime & Coriander ($26 USD) — C.O.

Bigelow Chemist Hand Wash & Body Lotion Duo Set features two of their top selling

formulas infused with the scent of Lime & Coriander. You can purchase this in other scents as well.

Purchase at http://www.bigelowchemists.com

Are you still shopping? Any tips for last minute shoppers?

Affordable Makeup in the Pantone Color of the Year 2019 — Living Coral

Hi All! I’m sure you’ve heard that Pantone has announced their Color of the Year 2019 –Living Coral!

Coral isn’t just for spring anymore! It’s a pretty and wearable color for lips, cheeks, eyes and more! Here are some affordable options:

Pixi Beauty LipLift Max, Sweet Nectar ($14 USD) — Volume-maximizing lip treatment with a cooling sensation and glossy finish. Peptides hydrate, firm and plump. Added aloe heals, jojoba moisturizes and chamomile soothes. Fresh mint flavor.

Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Lip Color in Raw Kiss ($4.99 USD) — Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Lip Colour delivers high intensity color with a velvety matte finish from the very first stroke! Apply to hydrated lips for long lasting bold matte color!

POP Beauty Prismatic Pop Blush, Coral Crush

POP Beauty Prismatic Pop Blush in Coral Crush ($12 USD) Beam up your favourite features & make your skin POP with prismatic perfection! This ultra light reflecting illuminator seamlessly blends onto the skin for an ethereal finish; creating a multifaceted, three dimensional, luminous glow.

L'Oréal Paris Paradise Enchanted Scented Eyeshadow Palette — L’Oréal Paris Paradise Enchanted Scented Eyeshadow Palette

LAVANILA Laboratories’ Vanilla + Fire for Strength ($14 USD) — Perfectly aligned with this year’s color is the newest addition of Vanilla + Fire for Strength to the LAVANILA Laboratories’ Elements Collection of healthy deodorants. Pantone credits nature as being one of the leading components behind their selection, and LAVANILA does too. Made with all natural ingredients, LAVANILA Laboratories’ Vanilla + Fire for Strength excludes aluminum and metal ions, and delivers antioxidants and essential oils to the skin instead. It’s time to enter the new year by revitalizing your beauty routine, and embracing the color of the year!

Vanilla + Fire for Strength An energizing combination of warm and exotic essential oils: red ginger, wild orange and vanilla to ignite your inner power.

What do you think about Living Coral? Do you have any coral makeup suggestions?

Holiday Gift Guide 2018 — For The Hard To Buy For Part 2!

Hi all! Still shopping? Me too! What are you getting those people in your life who are so hard to buy for???

Below are fun games for all ages, a cool scooter, clothing that gives back and high vibration wooden jewelry:

Happy Salmon ($14.29 USD) is a simple, fast-paced card game that gets everyone moving and laughing in under two minutes. Everyone simultaneously calls out the action shown on their top card – “High 5”, “Pound It”, “Switcheroo”, or “Happy Salmon”. When two players have a match, they celebrate by performing that action together. Then both players discard their top card and call out the action on their next card. The first player to discard all their cards wins!

Happy Salmon has won several Family Game of the Year awards. The game includes 72 cards, rules, and the Happy Salmon fish pouch. And it’s NOT just for kids either! Adults love this game for parties and team building! Its also great for long road trips and travel!

Purchase at Target.

Calling all Harry Potter fans! What better way to celebrate your fandom than with Pressman’s Harry Potter games? Embrace your inner Gryffindor with Harry Potter Magical Beasts and the Harry Potter Tri-Wizard Maze Tournament.

Magical beasts have broken loose at HOGWARTS! It’s up to your favorite wizards to capture them in the Harry Potter Magical Beasts Game. Play as Harry Potter^™, Hermione Granger^™, Ron Weasley^™ or Ginny Weasley^™ as you collect clues and track down creatures. The dynamic swinging game board adds excitement as you travel in and out of HOGWARTS. The first player to collect a magical beast wins. For 2 to 4 players, ages 8 and up.

Muggles and wizards alike will be enchanted by the Harry Potter Tri-Wizard Maze Tournament! It features fast-action Pop ‘n’ Race play as you race around the Tri-Wizard Maze competing to capture the Tri-Wizard Cup! Beware – there are traps along the way that may hurt or help your journey throughout the maze. For 2 to 4 players, ages 5 and up.

Purchase at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Go! Calendar & Games

Razor Spark Ultra Kick Scooter with Super Bright LED Wheels ($44 USD) — Lightning on wheels, the Spark Ultra is a blur of brilliant light that’s ready to take riders to a new dimension of fun. Featuring the brightest LED wheels of any scooter in the Razor lineup, the Spark Ultra doubles down on flash with every blast from its Spark Bar for a glowing ride that will light it up all day long. The full-length grip tape sets the tone with its spark-inspired design, while the patented folding system makes it easy to take your light show on the go. Designed for responsible riders ages 8 and up, the Spark Ultra’s aluminum t-tube and deck provide hand-me-down durability, with easy-adjust handlebars that let you find the perfect height.

Age: 8+
Max Rider Weight: 143 lb (65 kg)
No assembly required
Product Dimensions: 24.5” x 11.5” x 33” (648 mm x 292 mm x 832 mm)
Weight: 5.5 lb (2.5 kg)

Purchase at jet.com

Peace Frogs Good Karma Full Zip French Terry Hood Adult Sweatshirt ($49.99 – $57.99 depending on size) — These sweatshirts are 55% cotton for softness and 45% polyester for wrinkle free durability using a ringspun pre-shrunk French terry material. This sweatshirt is a popular classic for good reason. Print is on the back with a smaller front print.

Purchase this and other great items at peacefrogs.com

Statement Peace Necklace ($65 SD) — Find your inner peace and spread peace to all. Make your statement:

Maple 1/8″
Antique Bronze Finish
Chain Length: 24″

Statement Peace is a HIGH vibration wooden jewelry line that is made from peace and love. From the seed that first lays its roots in the ground and sprouts to see the sun for the first time, each tree has a journey that begins. Each tree has a past, a present, and a future.

“We at Statement Peace believe when you operate out of peace and love it is felt by all. We also believe that energy is transferrable. With every piece of peace we create we transfer our passion, high vibrations and good juju with the intention that you feel our vibes. Gravitate. Vibe. Repeat.”

Purchase at http://www.wearstatementpeace.com

I hope that gave you inspiration. There are so many cool gifts out there! I hope you are having a great holiday season so far!

Holiday Gift Guide 2018 — Books Gifts Part 2

Hi All! Still going strong with my gift guides! I know I’m still shopping, and being an Amazon Prime member means I can get almost anything in two days! All of these books are on Amazon and most can be purchased on Kindle.

The books in this guide are all about health and fitness. I did lose a few pounds in 2018 and are hoping to do even better in 2019!

Active by Holly Davidson — We all want to feel fit, healthy and strong, but with today’s fast paced lifestyles it can be hard to find the time or motivation to exercise. What if there was a way to find the fitness that’s right for you — workouts that will fit into the time and space you have available? Holly Davidson is a top personal trainer who works according to the fundamental belief that fitness is within each one of us, and we can find it wherever we are. She has used her years of experience to devise an exercise program that is varied, flexible, and fun in her new fitness book

ACTIVE: Workouts that Work for You (Kyle Books; January 2019; Paperback; $16.99)

Totally Buf by Libby Babet ($19.99 USD) — The BUF Girls are Australia’s revolutionary new team of fitness and nutrition gurus for a new generation of healthy-minded, empowered women. Being a BUF Girl isn’t about competition, body image or comparison, it’s about friendship and community, healthy bodies and healthy minds, and inspiring, supporting and celebrating all women.

THE BUF GIRLS ARE:
LIBBY BABET #ATHLETEMAKER
CASSEY MAYNARD #CURVECREATOR
ALICIA BEVERIDGE #BUTTKICKER
SIAN JOHNSON #BOOTYSHAKER

Together, the BUF (BEAUTIFUL, UNSTOPPABLE, FEARLESS) Girls are on a mission to show women everywhere how to get healthy and fit – and stay healthy and fit – through easy and simple steps.

This 6-week plan (one focus habit each week) will completely transform your health and wellbeing, with core fitness, nutrition and mindset tips that every woman can implement in their day-to-day lives.

With over 100 recipes (including vegan and vegetarian options), easy exercise and nutrition tips, TOTALLY BUF will give you all you need to be a BUF Girl.

Low Carb Express by Annie Bell — Adopting a low carb diet doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of delicious food. Author of Low-Carb Revolution, award – winning food writer Annie Bell offers a speedy update to this diet, revolving around fresh, seasonal ingredients with her latest cookbook

LOW CARB EXPRESS: Cut the Carbs with 130 Deliciously Healthy Recipes (Kyle Books; January 2018; Trade Paperback; $19.99) . Every recipe lists the carbohydrate and

protein values and can be made in 30 minutes or less. Chapters include: Bread, including a low-carb Rosemary Focaccia and Sesame Parmesan Crackers; Eggs and Frittatas, which features three Omelet Pizza recipes; Protein Pots such as a Chicken, and Chile Pot with Miso Dressing; Very Veggie, including a zucchini noodle salad; the Sweet Satisfaction of Papaya Creams and Chocolate, Date, and Orange Mousse; and more.

Beat Your Bloat by Maeve Madden — Being honest about bloating is something Irish-born blogger, model, and fitness guru Maeve Madden has never shied away from. In fact, her social media channels depict her real-life battle with IBS and PCOS, as well as adult acne. Her transparent, “no filter” approach is a proven hit and she has gained her more than 140k Instagram followers as a result. Our increasingly stressful lifestyles and poor diet choices means people are crying out for relatable, informative, and inspirational advice.

BEAT YOUR BLOAT: Recipes and Exercise to Promote Digestive Health (Kyle Books; January 2019; Trade Paperback; $16.99) covers Maeve’s personal journey to achieving a healthy lifestyle and shows how you too can transform your digestive health and fitness. Chapters cover Getting Started, Beating the Binge, Cut the Cravings, Rescue Remedies, and Consistency Not Perfection, and provides guidance not only on how to beat bloating but also on achieving body positivity.

What do you still need to get this year?

BoxyCharm BoxyLuxe Subscription Box Review — December 2018

My first BoxyLuxe arrived yesterday! I’m so excited! I’ve been a subscriber of BoxyCharm for over a year. The regular BoxyCharm box is $21 a month. BoxyLuxe is a once-a-quarter upgrade option you can add to your existing $21-a-month Boxycharm subscription. So for an additional $28.99, you’ll get the Luxe items, and be paying a total of $49.99 for that quarterly box.

Here’s what I got this month:

I have to say that my first impression was wow! This box is so much larger than norm BoxyCharm and it was packed full. The products are basically what you need for a full face of color cosmetics, eyeshadow, blush, highlighter, mascara and a lippie. Plus, a beautiful brush set and skin care and a bath and body product!

Here’s a closer look and my thougts of each item:

When I found out this was in the box, I was so excited! I was still on the waitlist for BoxyLuxe, but I was so hoping I would get off in time for this box. I’ve never tried Violet Voss. I am going to review this on my blog later this month (after I’m done with all of my gift guides). But I have tried it yesterday and today, and spoiler alert — it’s as gorgeous on as in the palette!

This is a highlighter and blush palette. I think the shades are pretty, but it’s strange that the product is in strips and not square pans. It will be difficult to get face brushes into it. I will probably give this away to someone for Christmas.

I’m so happy to receive both of these variations. My shade of lip gloss is Flaming Hot. It’s a shimmering purpley pink with glitters. It’s so gorgeous on! It will be really nice for holiday parties and my anniversary, which is next weekend.

The LORAC mascara is so fun. When you apply the blue primer, your lashes are blue! Colored mascara usually doesn’t show up on my, but this did. And with the mascara over it, my lashes had so much volume. I will keep and use both of these products. And I love that they are from brands I know and like.

This is such a gorgeous set! It includes 8 brushes, and they are so pretty and soft! I’m good on brushes right now, but this will make an amazing gift for a friend (who hopefully isn’t ready this right now)!

I was happy to see this as well. I’ve heard such great things about this cram and am looking forward to using it. I’m not the biggest fan of the strong scent, but I can get past that if it’s as good as I hear.

I have tried Spongelle before years ago, I think in a PopSugar box. They are sponges with body wash in it. They are so foamy and smell amazing. A really nice addition to my shower routine. This is in the shape of a star and was made for BoxyCharm.

It’s hard to tell, but this is a small and very cute straightener. I’m not sure if I will give this away or keep it. Hmm. I think I might keep it. We got to choose between a straightener and an eye shadow palette, so I decided to choose this. I think I might need a small straightener for travel! It folds up nicely into the felt case, too.

This makeup bag is very nicely made, but I don’t see myself using it. I will give it to my 23 year old daughter. I think she will like it. I will probably give her the charger, too.

So, my first BoxyLuxe was a hit! Out of the 9 items received, I will keep and use 6 of the products and give away 3. Wow! I usually only keep one or two of the 5 BoxyCharm products each month.

I really recommend BoxyCharm and BoxyLuxe so far. You can subscribe here.

Do you subscribe to BoxyCharm and/or BoxyLuxe? What did you get this month and what do you think?

Holiday Gift Guide 2018 — Beauty Stocking Stuffers

Hi all! I hope you’re having a great weekend! I’m back with another gift giving guide. This time its beauty stocking stuffers. From makeup to skin care to hair accessories, there are so many great products that you can give the beauty lover!

I have a range of products and price points, in no particular order:

Flower Beauty Warrior Glitter Shadow ($10 USD) — High impact glitter pigments meets luminous opaque color for a look so fierce it can’t go unnoticed. Our boldest eye look yet, this captivating collection of long-wearing glitter packed liquid eyeshadows is not for the faint of heart. Dries down completely, no glitter fall out. Step out of the shadows with Warrior Glitter Shadow. Comes ins 6 gorgeous shades. The one above is Camo. It’s perfect for fall!

Available at flowerbeauty.com and Ulta stores.

Urban Decay Naked Petite Heat ($29 USD) –This is one hot little palette. Naked Petite Heat is a compact eyeshadow palette featuring six all-new scorched neutrals inspired by our own Naked Heat. With five matte shades for lid, crease and liner, plus one demi-matte highlighting shade, it has everything you need to create looks that range from soft and sultry to flat-out fire.

The ultra-compact packaging was made for travel and fits in your smallest purse. But don’t let its petite exterior fool you—it contains full-size pans of our legendary Eyeshadow and a mirror. Emblazoned with burning roses, this hot commodity will be your go-to palette.

Use each shade alone or pair them up with your favorite shadows to create endless sizzling eye looks. Some of our new favorites are Hot Spell, our latest terra-cotta obsession, and Strike, a rich reddish brown. Feel like totally going up in flames? Try Wild Thing, a burnt orange shade, or Heist, a rich cayenne, for extra spice. Better yet, you can use these matte shades as a base to pair with your 12-shade Naked Heat palette.

Purchase at urbandecay.com, Ulta and Sephora.

bareMinerals GEN NUDE Eyeshadow Aurora Lights ($48 USD) — Discover 18 dazzling shades of our bestselling GEN NUDE mineral eyeshadow in one beautiful, gift-ready palette. The rich, flattering colors in matte, radiant, shimmer and metallic finishes are suitable for creating endless day-to-night looks, and this palette features 8 new limited edition shades.

Shades included: Spotlight, 500 Thread Count, NEW Interstellar, NEW Venus, NEW Earthling, NEW Wave Length, NEW Galaxy, NEW Comet, NEW Force Field, Presto, Delightful, Catch Me If…, Romp, Louder, Santorini, NEW Meteor Shower, Dazzle, Perspective.

GEN NUDE eyeshadows are crease resistant and last up to 12 hours with clean, good-for-skin color.

Purchase at bareminerals.com and ulta.com

Josie Maran Soul Sisters Pure Argan Hydration Duo ($19 USD) — A bestselling duo featuring 100 percent organic multitaskers that smooth the appearance of wrinkles, while increasing hydration.

Josie Maran’s 100% Pure Argan Oil refines the look of fine lines and nourishes overnight as a youth-activating hydrator filled with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E. In addition, 100% Pure Argan Oil Light absorbs quickly with a semi-matte satin finish.

This set contains:
– 0.5 oz/ 15 mL 100 percent Pure Argan Oil
– 0.5 oz/ 15 mL 100 percent Pure Argan Oil Light

Milk Makeup The ‘Rents ($20 USD) — Includes:

MINI COOLING WATER UNDER-EYE DE-PUFFER STICK: Cooling, under-eye de-puffing stick packed with soothing seawater and caffeine for instantly energized skin.

DE-PUFFS: Infused with caffeine to support micro-circulation, giving skin an energized, glowing look.
SOOTHES: Formulated with natural seawater to calm irritated skin and hydrate.
HYDRATES: Gel formula glides onto skin to lock in moisture all day. Directions: Swipe on undereyes to de-puff and refresh skin.

MINI BLUR STICK MATTE PRIMER: Silicone-free matte primer that minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines to create a smooth, shine-free finish.

PRIMES: Creates a matte finish on all skin tones for makeup that goes on smooth and stays put.
BLURS: Powder-filled blurring microspheres absorb oil and minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines.
BREATHES: With an innovative non-comedogenic, silicone-free, and oil-free formula that won’t clog pores.

Available at milkmakeup.com and Sephora.com

JINsoon Encore Collection ($42 USD) —

Cricket Happy Hair Ties Tin ($4.99 USD) — Compact and loaded with 25 black hair ties for easy access – even on the go! Affordable, adorable, and useful for styling the perfect bun, ponytail, or updo.

Purchase at cvs.com

Eylure x Vegas Nay Gift Set ($14.99) This limited edition gift set includes 3 of the most popular Vegas Nay Lash styles in the Luxe Collection, all featuring a mink effect texture. The feather light lashes add dramatic enhancement for any eye shape and are made for reusable application.

STYLES:

Platinum Princess
Golden Goddess
Bronze Beauty

Purchase at Target and Ulta

What do you give in stocking stuffers? Any fun beauty products?

Holiday Gift Guide 2018 — Books Gifts Part 1

Hi all! Happy Friday! I’m so glad it’s the weekend! I’ll be decorating and Christmas shopping this weekend (and working on more gift guides).

If you’re not done shopping yet, think about giving a fun book as a gift! I’m going to be featuring a bunch of books this season. All of the books below will make thoughtful gifts and they are available on Amazon and most on Kindle for quick and easy giving!

An Old-Fashioned Christmas ($12.95 USD) — An Old-Fashioned Christmas presents a carefully curated collection of inspirational, meaningful and fun quotes celebrating the spirit of the holidays.

Deck the halls with boughs of jolly and the An Old-Fashioned Christmas. Chock full of holiday sentiments and joyous words, this Christmas quote book is the perfect stocking stuffer book for the season.

The Enchanted Sonata is a fresh, whimsical retelling of The Nutcracker Ballet with a dash of The Pied Piper, which will captivate readers of all ages. The Enchanted Sonata was written by Heather Dixon Wallwork, who has worked as a storyboard lead for Disney and is the author of two novels published by HarperCollins.

In The Enchanted Sonata, 15-year-old Clara Stahlbaum has her future perfectly planned: marry the handsome pianist, Johann Kahler (ah!), and settle down to a life full of music. But all that changes when Clara receives a mysterious and magical nutcracker. Whisked away to his world—an enchanted empire of beautiful palaces, fickle fairies, enormous rats, and a prince—Clara must face a magician who uses music as magic…and the future she thought she wanted.

Dixon Wallwork is a musician, animator and author. Working under Disney Interactive, she has illustrated for many popular franchises including Lucasfilm, Marvel and Pixar, and was the story lead for the Moana playset. She is the author of two novels published by Greenwillow Books – HarperCollins: Entwined and Illusionarium.

Ciao Italia Lifelong Adventures

Ciao Italia Lifelong Adventures ($25.12 Legions of loyal fans of Mary Ann Esposito’s groundbreaking PBS cooking show CIAO ITALIA have enjoyed cooking with and learning from this beloved television personality, a trailblazer who helped spark a billion dollar food media industry and paved the way for countless other television chefs. Fans have three words to describe her cooking style: traditional, authentic and passionate. From creating and launching CIAO ITALIA in 1989 to authoring 12 cookbooks, Esposito has inspired a worldwide audience who want to know more about Italian food and culture.

Musing Mediterranean — ($15.56 USD) When Beth Daigle’s husband, Tony, announced that he was planning a two-week Mediterranean cruise, she wasn’t exactly excited. Plagued by anxieties about leaving home and air travel, as well as the fact that this was to be a multi-generational family vacation including her parents, daughters, sister and her family, there was some definite potential for disaster. Despite that phobia and reluctance, though, the Mediterranean called her in a way that she couldn’t deny—she’s half Greek and half Italian, and seeing her ancestral countries had always been a dream. Musing Mediterranean is the full account of that dream coming true—from the planning phase to the return home, Daigle takes us along on her family’s journey through Rome, Sicily, Athens, Ephesus, the Greek Islands, and Naples.

In her warm and approachable prose, Daigle communicates the beauty, history, architecture and culture of each location that her family visits, and a sense of awe that the trip has given her for what is truly a life altering experience. Whether or not you’ve experienced the beauty of the places Daigle visits in this book firsthand, you’ll feel like you have after going on this journey with her. Most importantly though, in a time when we could all use a bit of an escape now and then, Musing Mediterraneanis an unequivocally happy book that injects humor wherever possible. One that will make readers glad they’ve read it.

Do you like to give books for gifts? What kinds do you like to give (or get)?

Holiday Gift Guide 2018 — Beauty Gift Sets Part 2

Hi All! I hope you had a great weekend. I’m back with more beauty gift sets that will make amazing gifts. So if you haven’t finished your shopping, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Below are skincare, body care and lots of makeup picks:

DR. JART+ Cicapair Friends Skin Soothers

DR. JART+ Cicapair Friends Skin Soothers ($36 USD) — Cicapair™Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30 is a green-to-beige color-correcting treatment that corrects redness and helps protect skin from environmental aggressors. Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Re.Pair Serum is a highly concentrated, fast-acting serum that soothes skin sensitivity while calming redness and irritation. Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Cream is a moisturizing cream to calm sensitive, irritated, inflamed skin. Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Nightly Re.Pair Mask is an overnight mask that soothes redness and irritation to calm damaged skin. Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Camo Drops is a smart hybrid product—an ultra-lightweight, revitalizing serum and color corrector that neutralizes redness and turns on skin’s glow.

This set contains:
– 0.17 oz/ 5 mL Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Re.Pair Serum
– 0.34 oz/ 10 mL Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Cream
– 0.5 oz/ 15 mL Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30
– 0.17 oz/ 5 mL Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Camo Drops
– 5 x 0.1 oz/ 3 mL Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Nightly Re.Pair Mask

Purchase at Sephora

NaturaBrasil Hand Cream Trio ($29.50 USD) — A great way to try three of our best-loved hand creams in the perfect take-anywhere size. This set contains:

– Maracuja Hand Cream Enriched with soothing Maracujá Oil, this lightweight but efective hand cream penetrates quickly to leave hands feeling soft and smooth, never greasy.

– Castanha Hand Cream Enriched with Brazilian Castanha Oil and Murumuru butter, this extremely effective hand cream softens and smooths skin and provides a protective barrier against the elements. The rich texture absorbs quickly to leave hands feeling comfortable, not greasy.

– Cacau Hand Cream Enriched with Brazilian Cacau and Murumuru Butters butters, this extremely effective hand cream softens and smooths skin and provides a protective barrier against the elements.

Check out more sets and purchase at http://www.naturabrasil.com

Pixi Beauty Lid Lovelies 2nd Edition

Pixi Beauty Glow Tonic Holiday Edition ($15 USD) — The Pixi Glow Tonic 100ml miracle working toner helps brighten the complexion resulting in a healthier glow.

Pixi Beauty Lid Lovelies 2nd Edition ($22 USD) — 18 coordinated eye shades in a blendable natural mineral formula. Use with a fluffy eye brush for a sheer natural looking finish.

Purchase at http://www.pixibeauty.com and Target

bareMinerals Supernova Space Glossary 12-Piece Full-Size Bestsellers Collection ($79 USD) — With full-sized versions of cult-classic favorites like Prime Time and Mineral Veil, this 12-piece set is sure to be a smash. Complete with a brush, mascara, a few lippies, and more, this gift covers all of your bases.

On Saturday, December 8th, all bareMinerals holiday sets will be 40% off at Ulta in store and online. They have lots of sets in different price ranges, so check it out!

Purchase at Ulta or http://www.bareminerals.com

Urban Decay Holiday Hall of Fame ($39 USD) — Time to pay homage to the holy-grail favorites with some serious cult following. This year we’re welcoming these heavy hitters into the Holiday Hall of Fame, an ultimate arsenal to complete any look this season. Features a travel-size original Eyeshadow Primer Potion, travel-size All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray, full-size Perversion 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil and a full-size Perversion Mascara.

Urban Decay has lots of other great sets and beautiful palettes (Born to Run anyone?) that would make such nice gifts!

Price: $39, Available at Sephora/Sephora.com, Ulta Beauty/Ulta.com, select Macy’s stores/Macys.com, and UrbanDecay.com

Are you still shopping for beauty gifts? Any good ideas to share?