Favorites

2015 Holiday Gift Guide – Under 25

by

Those of you in the United States, I hope you had a delightful Thanksgiving. I’m still working on my tryptophan coma. No, I did not go shopping yesterday (I vehemently disagree with shopping on Thanksgiving). No, I did not line up or go shopping today (as someone who, in a past life, worked Black Friday at a big-box store… never).

ANYWAY. The $25 and under price point is where value really starts to kick in. Admittedly, I was wanting to add most of these to my own cart (especially the candles & Black Honey set!) – but I’m on a bit of a no-buy for myself for the time being.

2015 Holiday Gift Guide – Under $25

LORAC Pocket PRO and Pocket PRO2, $18 ea

I’ve hosted giveaways for each of these, because, frankly, they’re a great sampling from their big sister palettes, LORAC PRO and LORAC PRO 2 (which I also reviewed & gave away). They’re a great value, and a nice way to expose someone to prestige-quality products without busting your own budget. Quite stuffable, as far as stockings are concerned, too.

2015 Holiday Gift Guide – Under 25

Primal Elements Santa’s Cookies, $20

This one is the scent of warm cookies (side note, who’s ready to put those holiday baking skills to the test?!) and it is divine. Really, practically anything from Primal Elements. I found Primal Elements years and years ago – Ulta.com actually carried some of their smaller candles on their site back then. I picked up a small pair of their Tahitian Vanilla candles – the’re so unique, a blend of wax and that weird, fun-colored jelly-goo… and they smell amazing. Most of the candles in my house are Yankee due to the sheer accessibility and price-point, but I’d say Primal Elements candles are my true candle love.

More of my 2015 Holiday Gift Guide – Under 25 after the jump…

Read more

2015 Holiday Gift Guide – Under 15

by

I’ve thrown out some things here-and-there that could make decent gifts, but I haven’t set out to make a whole guide. But because I’m a skeptic, I have to look past the enticing glittery packaging.

Maybe you’re looking for gifts for your friends or family. Maybe it’s a gift exchange with a coworker you don’t know so well. If you need to stuff a stocking, too, there’s a lot of good ideas in the 2015 Holiday Gift Guide – Under $15.

Also, before we get into the list – if you’re in the United States, don’t go shopping tomorrow. It’s a dick move. Tomorrow is a day for a lot of things, and shopping isn’t one of them. Happy Thanksgiving!

wetbrush

The Wet Brush, $9

I’ve sung the praises of this brush, and even gave one away. If your recipient that has hair that requires brushing, this is a win.

Turbie Twist Stock Photo

Turbie Twist, $12.50, pack of 2

Keeping to the theme of haircare, this is something I think many people (at this point) might not buy for themselves (because of the understandable As Seen on TV stigma). That said, it is an inexpensive, practical beauty tool that I’m really satisfied with. If you wanted to make this part of a larger gift solution, maybe pair it with a leave-in treatment and a facial masque.

More after the jump…

Read more

Worth it? Freeman Avocado and Oatmeal Clay Mask

by

I’ve used Queen Helene Mint Julep mask on-and-off for over ten years – every time I would change, I’d find myself going back to it. It was reliable, refreshing, and whipped my skin into shape. Aztec Healing Clay is no doubt effective (and I still have a ton!), but it is a labor to remove, and it isn’t convenient to mix or apply – but it’s also pretty intense. It doesn’t really irritate my skin, but it isn’t something I’d do right before going out.

Freeman Avocado and Oatmeal Clay Mask
Freeman Avocado and Oatmeal Clay Mask

I’ve been wanting a gentler approach. I still want clay masks, but I’m longing for the long-discontinued one (got2b Pure Intent kaolin clay mask). I found this Freeman Avocado and Oatmeal Clay Mask at Ulta and gave it a shot. You might have noticed that it wound up in my October 2015 Favorites post last week.

Read more

October 2015 Favorites

by

The sky might be falling. I tried a Pumpkin Spice Latte. There are two people in the world who could get me to do such a thing: 1) my husband (but he wouldn’t; unlike me, he is not a coffee drinker, and like me, he doesn’t get the PSL-mania) 2) my best friend, who came to visit – this was her doing. I don’t know that I’d order it again, but it wasn’t as weird as I expected it to be. It certainly isn’t a favorite, but I felt compelled to share.

October 2015 Favorites

October 2015 Favorites
1. Alpha Hydrox 10% AHA Moisturizing Lotion, $10 / 2. Freeman Clay, Avocado, & Oatmeal Mask, $6
3. EcoTools Eye Enhancing Duo Set, $5 / 4. Naked Juice Smoothies, varies

Anyway, it’s the first week of November, which means two things: the end of 2015 is nigh, and that it’s time to share my October 2015 Favorites. You can check out my favorites this time last year here.

Read more

September 2015 Favorites

by

September 2015 Favorites

September 2015 Favorites
1. Turbie Twist, $12.50 for 2 / 2. China Glaze Gelaze Recycle, $11
3. Ponds Luminous Finish BB+ Cream, $11 / 4.  L’Oreal Infalliable Shadow in Amber Rush, $6

My September 2015 Favorites are all inexpensive drugstore products! Aside from one being discontinued (jerks – but you can still find it on Amazon), they’re all accessible!

Read more

August 2015 Favorites

by
August 2015 Favorites
August 2015 Favorites
1. Philosophy Fresh Cream EDT, $38 / 2. Urban Decay Naked Skin Powder Foundation, $36
3. Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner (2oz), $8 / 4.  Gigi No Bump Roll-On, $6

Damn September, sneaking up on us. You can check out the details on my August 2015 favorites after the jump.

Read more