Holidays 2017: Holiday Gifts For Her For Under $25

Below are some of my favorite holiday gifts for under $25 and the best news? They're all available at Target! Start shopping below and get them right in time for the holidays.

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Holidays 2017: Gift Guide for The Beauty Lover

The holidays are here! And with that comes holiday wishlists!  Below are some of my top picks for the beauty lover. These will be great as stocking stuffers or wrapped under the tree.

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Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Best Black Friday + Cyber Monday Deals

I would be lying if I didn't say I was in the holiday spirit, and to be honest I've been listening to Christmas music since November 1st.

I love the holiday season and pair that up with some amazing deals, and I am as jolly as Mr. Clause! Below are some of the deals that I'm most excited for and I hope you are too!

2016 Summer Olympics: The Gold

Today is the last day of the Olympics so here are my favorite gold colored beauty products!

 

 

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit

Let’s ignore the fact that this is upside down in the pictures (Blogging 101: details!) but this palette is AMAZING. It features all of Hourglass' best-selling powders to help finish, contour and highlight!

Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Eyeshadow Palette

I admit that I don’t get as much use as this palette as some of my others, but it is still up there as one of my favorite gold colored products. The shades in this palette are just as amazing as all of UD's other eyeshadow palettes!

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick in Forbidden Burgundy

So this shade in particular isn’t really summery, but since fall will be right around the corner I anted to include it! It’s gorgeous wine shade (see my full review here!) and it is still one of my favorites. Here’s to hoping the weather will cool down and I can wear this soon.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

This is my favorite foundation! I used to be a YSL Touche Éclat Foundation lover but this Estee Lauder option gives me so much more coverage. I still use the YSL foundation on days when I just want light coverage and even out my complexion, but I find the Estee Lauder foundation lasts all day and provides flawless, even coverage when I apply with a beauty blender.

Lipstick Queen Velvet Rope in Entourage

This was the second LQ lipstick I've tried and I fell in love with it immediately! It glides on and stays put all day.

Eve Lom Mineral Powder Foundation

The past few days I have been reaching for this powder more and more. It's super easy to apply and you can build for more coverage, but the reason I've been reaching for it is because it really reduces the shine from my skin!

stila Huge Extreme Lash Mascara

I am a sucker for mascaras and will try almost any new mascara that hits the shelves! This one lives up to it's name. One coat and you will have extreme dramatic lashes - yay - and the brush makes it so much easier to coat every lash.

2016 Summer Olympics: The Silver

You read about the bronze - now it's time for the silver! Below are some of my favorite Silver colored beauty products. Let's get started!

PÜR Cosmetics 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation

I'm not quite sure if its this foundation or my new skincare routine - but when I mix the two my skin looks amazing. The formula in this foundation is said to help correct, prevent and interrupt your skin concern, smooth away the look of lines and wrinkle, plump, lift and firm the skin's appearance and balance uneven skin tone. I can say that it definitely helps balance out my skintone but I can't be totally sure on the other benefits!

Lipstick Queen Silver Screen in Play It

This lipstick is one of my favorites for fall. It almost looks like a gloss, but its so moisturizing it almost feels like a chapstick. It's pigmented, the color doesn't fade it it contains Pomegranate Sterols - a 100% natural ingredient and antioxidants Vitamin E and Vitamin A so that it does mroe than just give you a great-looking lip: it helps keep the soft! 

 Avon Big & Multiplied Mascara

Avon is another brand that doesn't get enough credit!  When people ask me where my mascara or lipstick is from and I tell them Avon they give  me the strangest look, but the truth is that Avon does make high quality products...you just can't buy them at a store.

I'm a mascara junkie and although I haven't used this one in aw hile, it's still a great mascara. This mascara makes my lashes look fuller and longer and never flakes. I can apply this in the morning before I leave for work and I never have to worry about touching it up throughout the day. But the best part about this mascara? It's only $9!

ZO Skin Health Ossential Growth Factor Serum

ZO Skin Health is an amazing brand and I don't think they get the recognition they deserve. They aren't that well-known because you can only get the products through their website or through a dermatologist's office.

Now, when I first heard about this brand I was skeptical. I have sensitive skin and everyone made it seem like these products would only irritate it further. But let me tell you, I have been using their entire collection and my skin has never looked better.

The Growth Factor Serum is a lightweight gel that helps strengthen skin, supports skin repair and protects against future signs of aging. It helps reduce the appearance of expression lines, lines and wrinkles, strengthens weak skin and minimizes irritation, restores hydration and enforces the skin’s protective barrier and helps stimulate cell renewal.

It's meant to be used at night and features ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid and red ginseng extract.

Benefit Watt's Up Highlighter
I got this sample in a Birchbox and it's one of my favorites. I never was one to really use highlighters before, but after I finally got the process down I realized how much of difference they make! I would definitely purchase this one in it's full-size!

What's In My Bag

Summer may be winding down, but in New York City the heat and humidity are still up. These have been a staple in my bag for a few weeks now – let me tell you why!

 

Avene Thermal Spring Water

I received this in my last Birchbox, and I’m so glad I did! I had been using up the last of my Caudlie Face Spray, but I think I prefer this one more. I hate to say that I tend to GLISTEN quite easily, even though the walk from my apartment to the subway is a block and a half.

This spray helps me cool off instantly. I usually pat my face dry (disgusting, I know) and then apply a spritz of this and I’m instantly refreshed.

Laura Geller Beauty Color Enriched Anti-Aging Lipstickin Tiger Lily

I am LOVING this shade for summer. It’s fun and bright but not too bright that I feel like I'm blinding everyone on the streets.

Yves Saint LaurentManifesto

This perfume is one of my summer favorites but my local Bloomingdales told me it's been discontinued. It features notes of Jasmine, Wood, Vanilla, Tonka Bean. It's currently still avaialble at Kohl's and Sephora.com so I'll probably be picking up a few extra. In the meantime, I keep this rollerball in my purse for “special occasions.”

Sunglasses

The best way to reduce fine lines is prevention! I always keep sunglasses stashed in my purse.

ELF Blush in Twinkle Pink
This blush is perfect for a little pick me up on the days where I need some extra color. It's super subtle and features just a hint of shimmer to help make me glow.

Metrocard + Starbucks Card
I will always have these two things with me! I can't get anywhere without my Metrocard, and I go to Starbucks at least once a day.

2016 Summer Olympics: The Bronze

The Summer Olympics have started and I am so excited! I love the Summer Olympics because it features one of my favorite sports: soccer!

I was feeling patriotic and inspirational so I wanted to do some fun Olympic-themed posts. Introducing the bronze, silver and gold beauty series.

Up first: the bronze!

Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse
I don't think I can say enough great things about this self-tanner. It works wonders. I shower and exfoliate, dry off and then I apply this mousse everywhere. It dries in minutes and blends into the skin so easily that I never find any streaks! One thing to note: wash your hands immediately after applying. Your body will look fab but your hands (unless using a mitt) will be darkened!

It comes in two shade ranges: light bronze and deep bronze. I opt for the lighter shade, the color develops over a couple hours and you can reapply the following day if you're looking for a darker tan. It's so easy to use, that even a self-tanner noob like myself can use this without fretting about looking orange. 

PÜR Cosmetics Glow Together Jumbo Bronzer

I'm not one to usually go for bronzers because I feel as though I can never look Kardashian-esque. However, the past few weeks I have been using this bronzer every single day. It's jumbo and GORGEOUS. It comes with 3 matte shades and 3 shimmer shades - I haven't touched the shimmer ones, as I'm afraid of not looking natural but the matte shades are amazing.

This bronzer is so silky and blends seamlessly into the skin. I've been using this as a contour and as long as I blend, blend, blend it gives me such a natural looking glow. And, a portion of the proceeds are donated to Action Against Hunger, a global humanitarian organization committed to helping end hunger around the world. 

Urban Decay Naked Palette

Without a doubt, one of my favorite eye shadow palettes of all time. I don't really think I need to go into too much detail on this one because I'm sure you've heard it all before. The colors, the pigmentation - this palette is amazing.

Maybelline Color Tattoo Pure Pigment in Downtown Brown
I LOVE this eyeshadow! I have quite a few of these Color Tattoo Pigments and I absolutely adore them. I actually think these are discontinued because I haven't seen them in stores but that's also because I stocked up on all of them when they initially came out. Oops. The pigments are amazing and the formula is so silky. This is one of my favorite shades because I feel like I can wear it daily or I can make it more dramatic for a night out.

What are your favorite bronze-colored beauty products?

And are you watching the Olympics this month?

Fall Wishlist

I am starting to get very excited for fall! I used to dread the fall (probably because it made me think of going back to school) but now its my favorite season! So of course, I had to put together a wishlist for fall goodies!

01. Michael Kors Hamilton Leather Large Traveler Tote Bag - Lord and Taylor

02. Ray Ban Original Aviator Sunglasses - Nordstrom
03. Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Lipstick in Rose Asarine - Nordstrom
04. Pearl and Woven Necklace - Forever 21
05. M·A·C Lipstick in Lady Danger - Nordstrom
06. Michael Kors Slim Runway Watch - Nordstrom
07. Steven Madden Zendra Tall Leather Boots - Lord and Taylor

 

Are you excited for fall? Do you own any of these already?

Favorite Summer Nail Shades | Part One

This is definitely one of my favorite kinds of posts, simply because I am a nailpolish hoarder. So when it comes to picking out my favorite shades for a season, I generally gravitate towards whatever was just released. But there are a few oldies that I just absolutely love so keep an eye out for part two!

L to R: Find Me An Oasis, Go Ginza, Romper Room, Cocktails & Coconuts, Spin The Bottle, Cute As A Button, Snap Happy

I love pastels in the spring and summer (as I'm sure you could probably tell) but I also love bright and bold! And Cute As A Button is definitely within my top 5 favorite Essie shades...ever! Such a pretty shade.

Do you have favorite shades for a season? Are any of these included in your picks?

Review: Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette + EOTD

Another day, another Urban palette review. Who can resist?

When I first laid eyes on this palette, I knew I had to have it. And I went out and bought it days after it was restocked at Sephora (of course it sold out within hours of its release)! But I have to admit, the reason I haven't reviewed it sooner is because I’m not that impressed with it.

In pictures, these colors are gorgeous! And they are great colors, with the usual UD pigmentation which makes for a perfect eyeshadow.

Below is the look I usually create using this palette. Its my two favorite shades: Liar & Factory.

You can buy the Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette here!

Do you have this UD palette? Which one do you like the most?

Review: Josie Maran Argan Oil

I received this in my Sephora Superstars box months ago, and I have been using it for the past couple of months and I wanted to share my thoughts!

I go on and on about my dry skin but I was never one to try oils. I had a bad experience with using oil in my hair back in middle school and I never wanted to go near it again. But as oil is all the rage these days, I thought maybe I should give this Josie Maran Argan Oil a try. And I am sure glad I did!

I never know how much oil to use – I actually think I use too much of it, but my face needs the hydration. I would say use what you think works for you. Even though I think I use more than what someone else may use, it sinks into my skin and shortly after I can lay down without worrying if I’m making a mess all over my pillows and sheets.

Not only does this feel so good going on my skin, but the next morning my skin looks fab. I never wash my face the next morning or use toner because my skin I think it dries my skin out even more. So I ususally just go straight into my morning makeup routine with this oil still on my face.

It gives me such a dewy glow the next day all while keeping my skin hydrated. Bye-bye dry patches!

Do you use oils? What's your favorite?

What's Inside: April Birchbox

 

Yes, my favorite time of the month! My April Birchbox arrived, see what's inside!

Kind Healthy Grains Bar - Maple Pumpkin Seeds with Sea Salt
The perfect combo of salty and sweet, these delicious treats pack a whole grain punch. Um...need I say more? Just look at that picture!

Keims Cleanshire Energizing Shampoo
This invigorating cleanser fortifies and nourishes strands for a silky smooth finish.

Camille Beckman Body Butter - Morelia Monarch Scent
A handcrafted formula that softens skin with shea butter, sweet almond oil, and glycerin.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel
Botanical oils and conditioners tame unruly brows for a natural, polished look.

Color Club Gala's Gems Collection - Breakfast at...
Color Club teamed up with style blogger Gala Gonzalez to create this exclusive shimmery shade.

Unfortunately, I'm not super impressed with this month's Birchbox. I am excited for the Anastasia brow gel, but I'm usually pretty picky with my shampoos and I have so many exisiting body butters and nailpolishes these will definitely have to be pretty darn good to get me interested.

What do you think? Have you tried any of these products?

Sephora Haul

Recently, Sephora VIBs received a discount code for 15% off their orders which only means one thing – time to stock up! I did place quite a hefty order – check out what I purchased:

Yves Saint Laurent ROUGE PUR COUTURE Vernis À Lèvres Glossy Stain 

I was loving my YSL lipstick, so I thought it was about time to check out their line of lipglosses. It was really hard to settle on one considering they have SO many shades, but I settled on Coril Fauve. So far, so good. Expect a full review soon!

NARS The NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette

There is something about an eyeshadow palette that pulls me in. And when I saw this in-store, I couldn’t walk away…a few swatches later and I knew I had to have it. I am very excited to see what I can come up with using this palette!

Murad Radiant Skin Renewal Kit

I am so, so, excited to try this set from Murad! I have always struggled with dark spots on the sides of my face from who knows what and I have been on the hunt to try to find something, anything that will lighten them to a point where I feel I no longer need to use foundation. I did some research and read up on a ton of reviews and this seemed like my best pick. I’m usually one to think if it ain’t broke don’t fix it, but I think its about time I switch up some things in my skincare routine if I want to see some changes!

Review: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

If there is one beauty product I never really had a preference for, its concealer. I think I may have bought the same drugstore concealer for years and I never had any desire to try anything new.

That is, of course, until I started working in the beauty industry and started to try different higher quality concealers for free! And then there is the fact that my hours of sleep started declining, I was getting older, etc. and I realized that I should probably invest in a nice concealer. Cue the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer!

 

 

 

I did a lot of research on many different brands before deciding to go with this one, from NARS for $29.00.  After all, I was used to spending $7.00 or so, I wanted to make sure I was getting exactly what I needed!

 

Let me just say that this stuff did not disappoint! I really needed something that would hide any dark circles under my eyes, dark spots that I suffer from on the sides of my cheeks and any other blemishes that may crop up all while being sure to not cake up. And this does exactly that! I use this concealer for EVERYTHING and it never looks like I'm wearing concealer. Isn't that the point?!

I can't recommend this concealer enough, even with a $29 price tag, it truly is an all in one kind of product which makes it worth the price. Not only that - but even Beyonce's makeup artist uses it on her. If its good enough for Bey - its good enough for me!

You can purchase this concealer here for $29.00.

Have you tried this concealer? Would you shell out $29 for it?

Review: Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

I was in need of a new makeup remover, and after seeing Siobhan's post about the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm ($28.50, Sephora) I knew I had to have it. Unfortunately, it is currently sold out at Sephora but you can find it at Macy's!

 

My favorite thing about this balm is how it is gentle, yet very effective! This is unscented, which means it won't irritate sensitive skin and its also great for getting rid of stubborn eye makeup without irritation. It takes off all of my eyeliner and mascara without any issues.

 

I usually use a small amount, and rub it in my hands to turn it into an oil, and then rub it all over my face to get rid of everything. It leaves my skin feeling clean but not dry or tight, which is perfect. I usually follow up with my cleanser to make sure my skin is really rid of any makeup I wore during the day but there are some nights where I use just the balm.

 All in all, I would definitely suggest this for anyone with sensitive skin who is looking for a cleansing balm that won't strip your face dry. The price tag could put some off, but its a worthy investment and as of now its been lasting me quite a long time!