My Sephora Gift Guide
Welp, I’m pretty sure every blog post I write from here on out is going to open with how shitty this pandemic has been. The one thing that has kept me afloat during this time (aside from red wine, white wine, ladling tequila directly into my mouth) has been doing some good ol’ fashioned retail therapy. “Tis the season” seems to have started early, so in that spirit, I’ve listed what I think loved ones would be pumped to find in their stockings or displayed next to their birthday cake this year. Bonus: everything included can be bought discounted from Sephora right now with code: HOLIDAYFUN… Hurry up, there’s only a few days left to score these deals.
Laneige Dream & Wonder Gift Set: this could possibly be the cutest gift giving idea ever. I own a few of these lip sleeping masks and they are worth all the hype they receive. I slather this balm on every night before bed and revel in the deliciously plump and hydrated lips it delivers the next morning. The packaging is adorable and the scents will rival those of our daughter’s beloved lip smackers.
Herbivore Emerald Glow Oil: Last year, I bought this glow oil in bulk and distributed it to every good friend for the holidays. I knew this gift would be a hit after a visit to my local nail salon sans a drop of makeup and only with Herbivore’s glow oil slathered on my face. At least three people stopped me to compliment me on my skin that day, which was three more than had ever stopped me before…. I use this as a last step in my skincare routine during the colder, drier months. It never breaks me out which is a feat in itself and makes my skin look years younger.
Benefit Lash & Line-up Mascara Eyeliner Set: First off, this “roller lash” is the best mascara I’ve ever used hands down… so forget gifting this to someone else, buy it for yourself. The mascara wand is designed to curl your lashes without having to use a separate tool to do so. It’s formula is never clumpy but super thickening and can be removed at the end of the day without a sledge hammer. The eye liner has a super fine, felt tip and is easy to work with especially if you’re going for that coveted cat eye.
Slip Silk Pillowcase: I’m sure by now you’ve heard of all the benefits of sleeping with a silk pillowcase: it preserves a blow out, reduces split ends and prevents wrinkles. It’s a tad pricey but worth every penny in my opinion… just waiting for the entire sheet set to hit the market.
Farmacy Honey Potion Hydrating Mask: If you’ve been following any of my social media channels as of late then you are already hyper aware of my absolute affinity for this mask. It's a warming mask that is mega hydrating, smoothing and soothing and leaves your skin brighter than Rudolph’s very shiny nose. It doesn’t break you out either and is now LOVED by all of my friends and family who I’ve gifted it to. This is important because it shows that this mask is a well-tolerated and effective for ALL skin types. Don’t overthink this one…. buy it for someone else or just buy for yourself (there seems to be a theme here…).
Beautyblender Blend and Cleanse Sponge Set: Ok, who isn’t the biggest fan of beauty blenders? And also, who doesn’t need a mega stash of these sponges when they get super grody apres use? For when you are feeling motivated, it comes with a vegan “blender cleanser’ to remove any makeup or stains from the sponges and brushes. This is a totally underrated gift… and it shouldn’t be, this is one that would be a well-received gift by all. It’s a staple for ANYONE who wears makeup and the brightly colored sponges are merry and bright and we could all use a little cheer to finish out the year! You can’t go wrong. You can also buy this in a smaller set HERE.
OLE HENRIKSEN Happy Juice Set: I have been a big supporter of this line from Ole Henriksen for a long time. I love that the brand runs deep and each product is worthier than the next. I also appreciate that this line is more affordable than others. This is an awesome, well-rounded set to gift…. it includes one of my all time favorite cleansers, a vitamin C serum for brightening (which my sister and good friend swear by), the banana bright eye creme which everyone knows I COVET, and their brightening moisturizer. I love that these products are all boxed together because it takes the guesswork out of establishing an exceptional morning skincare routine. This is a game-changing gift that would be relished by everyone from beauty novices to beauty gurus. Hooray Ole!
Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray: if you have a sister, a friend, a daughter… any beauty enthusiast in your life, than this is the gift for them. My affection for this spray runs deep. Before I discovered UD’s All Nighter, I would apply my makeup pre-event and by hour two (or drink three) my face would resemble that of a melting marshmallow being roasted over a campfire. All Nighter gives my foundation, concealer, bronzer, blush, liner, shadow serious staying power and makes it less likely to come off on my clothes. This is my secret weapon to giving good face and this deal, in particular, is sweet because you get two bottles discounted.
Fenty Glossy Posse: Let me just lay it out like this with this one …. BEST LIP GLOSS EVER. All the other lip smackers I used to swear by are a far cry from the look, feel and smell of this stuff. I like this as a gift set because it comes in a really pretty tin and in multiple colors. I also like that the gloss bombs are small so they can be conveniently stored in pockets etc for a quick touch up. I keep one of these glosses in every purse I own. Fenty for life!
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream: I found this on….. my mom’s vanity- oh mon dieu! It turns out my mom is a huge fan of this Brazilian body lotion and I’ve found myself sniffing her pathway every time I’m down wind (wow, that sounds weird.) This stuff is the thickest (but in a luxurious way), most hydrating, lovely scented lotion out on the market. My sister who is very particular about fragrances etc is now a cult follower of the bum bum cream and I know this isn’t just a family thing because it earns major love all over social media. I like the idea of giving a hearty-sized lotion as a gift…. it’s one I’ll be looking for myself under the tree this year.
Drunk Elephant TLC Babyfacial: Welp, if you’re looking for The Godfather of face masks, this is it. Drunk Elephant’s Babyfacial contains a cocktail of active ingredients that when applied to the face, resets your skin back to it’s happiest and healthiest state (which for me was 1996 but this mask gets me close enough). I use it about once a week and bask in the glow up that takes place immediately after. The bottom line is, this mask is not a gimmick… yes, the packaging is brilliant and the brand is so reputable but this products super effective and is second maybe only to an in-spa facial.
Some additional RIDE OR DIES non gift related that you need NOW:
Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic Blush
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick
Huda Beauty Contour and Bronzer
