Everyone has that person in their life who is obsessed with trying the newest and best products when it comes to skin care, make up and nails. But if you aren’t, shall we say, as #obsessed with the latest palette being released at Sephora, you may need some help while you’re shopping. Luckily for you (and me), I have some serious beauty buffs in my squad, so I was able to poll them to make this epic gift guide filled with amazing products that is sure to make any beauty lover squeal with excitement.
FACE
1. Aztec Secret: Indian Healing Clay ($9.50)
I love a good detoxifying mask and I was recently turned on to this miracle clay. Seriously, google the reviews of this and you will instantly want to try it. You take a little bit of the clay (which comes in powder form) and mix it with some organic apple cider vinegar until it turns into a paste and apply it to your skin. I won’t lie, the smell is not the best, but the after effects are SO worth it. When I washed it off, I felt like I had just spent a day at the spa: I was blissed out and relaxed, plus, my skin was so smooth!
2. Laniege Water Sleeping Mask ($30)
This mask is for those who need some hydration. This gel mask absorbs instantly and works while you sleep to hydrate your skin, but it won’t stick to your pillow case. Made with highly ionized mineral water, this is for dehydrated and stressed skin that can use a boost!
3. Kate Somerville Age Arrest Eye Cream ($90)
This eye cream has actual diamond powder in it (what!?). Formulated with Telo-5 Technology, which is based on Nobel Prize-winning medical research, this eye cream actually works on your DNA at a cellular level to keep your under eye looking more youthful. It whips dark circles and puffiness into shape and leaves your skin looking smooth and youthful looking. A serious splurge, but worth it!
4. Caudalie Beauty Elixir ($53)
This toning mist was inspired by Queen Isabelle of Hungary’s famous elixir of youth. It sets makeup, provides an instant burst of radiance and tightens the appearance of pores. You can use it between layers of makeup for a long-lasting and smooth finish, but can also be spritzed throughout the day to refresh your skin and make it look like your makeup was just applied. It’s also available in a travel size ($19), which is perfect for anyone who has long days and needs a pick me up!
EYES & LIPS
5. Urban Decay NAKED3 ($64)
I’m picking NAKED3, but really, any of Uban Decay’s NAKED palettes would be a dream gift. These palettes are known across beauty circles for being amazing, and I must say, I have to agree with the reviews. The eye shadows blend well and the variety of colours let you create so many different looks. NAKED3 contains 12 rose-hued neutral eye shadows that range from pale, shimmery pink to a deep matte black.
6. Benefit They’re Real Mascara ($31)
Listed as Sephora’s Top-Seller, this mascara definitely lives up to the hype; it’s been one of my go-to’s for a few years. Not only is the formula great, but the brush is the perfect shape to get volume, length and definition from your lashes. Also available in a travel size ($16) which would make a lovely stocking stuffer!
7. Sara Happ Lip Scrub ($24)
The perfect product for that lipstick lover in your life, this lip scrub is great at exfoliating dry lips and leaving them prepped for their colour-du-jour. Not only will this leave lips feeling softer and smoother, they will also look a little bit more plump!
8. MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick ($20)
Because we all want to follow in Kylie Jenner’s lip footsteps, right? Matte lipstick is huge right now and I’ve found this shade from MAC to be universally flattering on a number of my friends (you can check out Shannon rocking it in NYC here). It’s a deep beige colour that applies well, stays on for hours and always gets me compliments. Other highly recommended shades: Ruby Woo (voted the best red by a number of sources), Diva (for the perfect deep burgundy) and Whirl (for a deep, dusty rose).
NAILS
9. Essie Berry Naughty Nail Polish ($11)
I’m literally on my second bottle of this colour because I have been wearing it on repeat since mid-October. For someone that has 50+ colours to choose from, it takes a real winner to make me consistently repeat one over and over. It’s the perfect deep red for the colder months, especially around the holidays!
10. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat (10)
The holy grail of top coats. I literally rave about this product every chance I get because it has revolutionized my nails. Not only do people regularly think that I have a gel manicure, but it dries so quickly and leaves nails strong and resistant to chips. It’s actually been such a game changer for me and I can’t say enough good things about it!
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