The Holidays are just around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, you’re scrambling to find your fave people the absolute best gifts!
So this year, I wanted to help you out again with an all-new gift guide.
I’ve included some goodies I have and love — some you already know, while some are totally new!
Here you go.
*Drum roll*, please!
Some links are affiliate links, which means we might make a small commission if you decide to purchase through them.
Stocking Stuffers
Here are some small, fun, crowd-pleasing gifts that won’t break the bank.
Essie All-In-One Base & Top Coat
This is a my favourite base and top coat. It helps my manicures last at least 7 days, but it’s usually around 10-14. More nail tips here.
Buy here
H&M Silk Scrunchies
I can’t remember what I used before I got these awesome scrunchies, but this is all I’ll use now! I always have one on my wrist, and I use them to put my hair up when I sleep.
Buy them here
Eyelash Primer + Mascara Combo
I stumbled on this combination kind of by luck. This makeup artist recommended the L’Oreal Lash Paradise primer, while I randomly bought the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara only because I ran out of my old mascara. This is combination works wonders in giving my lashes volume, length, and separation — so much so that I won’t go back to the LashBlast mascara I used since I was a teenager.
Innbeauty Project Lip Oil in Cookie
The super lovely, Ingrid Nilsen, sent me a generous care package with some of her spectacular candles (coming up below!) along with this incredibly yummy lip oil. What I was surprised to enjoy most about this product is the colour — it has this perfect nude shade that tones down some of my brighter lipsticks and gives me a really grown-up and sexy lip colour every time. It isn’t sticky, and makes my lips feel very comfortable, oh and it even tastes sweet and smells really good! Thank you Ingrid!
Holiday Glam
Here are some glamorous makeup options for the girl in your life who likes to put her best face forward! 😉
Jane Iredale Bronzer
I can’t say enough about this lovely product again — I love it so much that I have TWO. This palette is extremely versatile, you can use the colours individually or together, on the eyes, cheeks, to bronze, to highlight. The shade Peaches and Cream is my fave.
Take 20$ off your next purchase at janeiredale.com.
Or buy here: Neiman Marcus, amazon.com
Laura Mercier Caviar Shade Sticks
I wear these almost every day because I love the applicator, but more than that I love the colors and the gorgeous wet shimmer. I have Kiss From A Rose, and Bed of Roses and they are just so pretty and bring out my eye color. They also last alllllll day, and seem to be very water-resistant. I’m able to remove them with my cleanser without needing a separate eye makeup remover.
Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush
I can’t believe it took me so long to try this since it was in my mom’s makeup arsenal for years. Turns out, it’s an incredibly gorgeous neon pink blush that gives a stunning, buildable, natural flush. This is now the ONLY blush I wear and I seriously don’t need anything else.
Essence Micro Eyebrow Liner
I love popping into local pharmacies when I travel to see what goodies I might find there. This time in Split, Croatia, I was delighted to find the super affordable brand Essence and try these eyebrow pencils. I bought two and I’m on the second one (and just purchased more) because I love them! They glide on easily, the colour 04 is perfect for me, the tip is super fine that you can literally draw on hairs if you want.
Rephr The Essential Collection Brush Set
Last year, these brushes were my Christmas present to myself. They’ve quickly become my favourite brushes. I even purchased an additional 3 to complete my collection since then. Rephr brushes are handmade in Japan, they are very soft, don’t shed much during cleaning, and they look pretty cool too! This is an investment purchase, but they should last many many years. My favourites are the 04 angled cheek brush, the 30 super fluffy face brush, and the 13 eyeshadow brush for hooded eyes.
Milani Color Fetish Matte Lipstick in Peony
This was another vacation buy that turned out really well. It has a really luxurious velvet-matte texture that applies really easily and lasts a fairly long time. I also enjoy the packaging and color.
For An Inner Glow-Up
I know you already know that an inner glow-up is where it’s at, so here are some really interesting and growth-inspiring books you might want to share with a book-loving friend. Click here for my previous booklist.
The Weirdest People In The World: How The West Became Psychologically Peculiar and Particularly Prosperous (non-fiction) — Joseph Henrich
Every page of this book is full of amazing insights about us humans and why we are the way we are. It’s extremely enthralling and fun to read and you learn quite a bit about our history on this planet!
Invisible Influence: The Hidden Forces That Shape Behavior (non-fiction) — Jonah Berger
I have a weakness for psychology and the topic of influence has been top of mind for me (especially seeing how many people are influenced to create acne), and this book offers insights on all the different ways that we are influenced without our awareness or knowledge. It’s fascinating and easy to read.
The Anomaly (fiction) — Hervé Le Tellier
The Anomaly was recommended to me by my husband, who is also an avid reader. I had a hard time putting it down, and finished reading it in about 5 days. It has everything: love, intrigue, mystery, suspense, and a really thought-provoking ending that left me reeling for days.
Mistakes Were Made But Not By Me: Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts — Carol Tavris, Elliot Aronson
This book is mind-blowing and insightful, and one of the authors literally worked with Leon Festinger, the father of the theory of cognitive dissonance. Can be a great gift for a psychology buff! (I’m about to read it again and seriously hope more people do too!)
The Coziest Gifts
This is the season to get your cozy on, and these gifts will help just about anyone do that!
The New Savant Candles
These candles are handcrafted with really unique, delightful, and INCREDIBLE scents; watch the obsession here. They’re less candle, more experience. Since last year, I’ve almost completed my collection and have all the candles except one. If I had to choose my faves, it would have to be California Christmas, Summer Splendour, and like another three (but I really LOVE THEM ALL and don’t have to choose because there’s at least one in every room). These can be an epic gift for just about anyone. A cozy candle can get anyone into a cozy mood. 😉
Millie Alpaca House Slippers
I bought these for myself two winters ago on Etsy and they are the coziest, cutest, most lux, and warmest slippers I’ve ever had. Warning: shipping can take a long time, but the wait is worth it! I wear them almost year-round except for summer. Can make for a really lux gift for your sister, mother, mother-in-law, or even boss if you know her shoe size!
Zara Home Wool Blanket
Omg, I cannot tell you just how cozy and soft AND warm this blanket is. I got two last year on sale, for my hubby and I, and we LOVE them. They come in neutral colors, and I love cozying up in it while watching Netflix. This blanket will be a hit with any human!
Sparkle & Shine
Who wouldn’t want a nice piece of jewelry for the Holidays? I’m sharing pieces that I haven’t taken off since I got them — not to shower, not to swim! Well-made jewelry is a gift that really lasts and can have memories and stories attached to it.
Verie Leia Heart Necklace
I pre-ordered this necklace back when it first came out — I was on the waitlist and everything and have worn it since. You guys always ask me about it. This is the most extravagant gift on this list, but I’m sure it could make someone very happy! It’s made of gold and Swarowski crystals. 😉
Stackable Cable Chain Ring 10K Gold
I bought 4 of these chain rings on Etsy, three on my hands and one on my toe, and I’m tempted to get more. They’re simple, delicate, and gorgeous and add just a little something to your hands. They’re also comfortable and don’t tarnish.
Give The Gift Of Clear Skin
You might have a daughter, a sister, a mother, an aunt who has tried everything for clear skin and is still struggling with a skin condition. In this case, the best thing you can do is give the gift of skincare knowledge and end that struggle once and for all!
Skin Queen™ The Ultimate Skincare Course
Ready for to get clear skin with a strategy that’s worked for thousands of women around the world?
This video course includes 6 modules (20 videos + 6 PDFs!) that will help you understand the how, why, and what of skin health so that you (or the recipient of this course) can get their clear skin back once and for all. You’ll get access to the step-by-step method that shows you how to get clear skin without diets, pills, or expensive treatments — with strategic, well-formulated skincare.
Get on the list here and you’ll receive more information (we might have a Holiday sale, but I’m still not sure!)
Happy Helpers
I was going to call this list life-savers, but I didn’t want to be too dramatic. These are products that help your skin, your hair, and save the heavy flow day!
Bioderma Hydrabio Gel-Cream
Skin functions better when hydrated, and especially with the 3-Step Moisture Method™. This is a crowd-favorite moisturizer that suits a lot of different skin needs and can be used as the 3d step! If the person you’re gifting this to is not very skincare savvy, make sure to at least tell them to apply this on damp skin for better results.
Paula’s Choice Resist Ultra-Light Wrinkle Defence SPF 30+
This mineral sunscreen has a silky texture, a slight tint that evens out the skin tone, and can be a great option for that low-maintenance friend of yours who doesn’t like to wear much makeup or do much in the way of skincare.
Thinx Period Proof Undies
These made my dreams come true when they first came out, but I didn’t know they can be so life-changing. Periods are so much easier, there are no more day and pant-ruining explosions. I have at least 12 pairs. I recommend the Cheeky (for light flow), and the Super Hiphugger (for those ULTRA heavy days — get 1 per heavy day). These will make any girl happy!
Use my referral credit and get 10$ off your purchase (and I’ll receive 10$ off my purchase).
K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
Hair missing bounce and shine? Is it brittle? This mask brings damaged hair back to life — after my first time using it, my split ends disappeared! You only need to use it 4-6 times to see the full-effects and then use it for maintenance about 1x a month. I’m still on my first bottle even though I’ve used it at least 10 times.
Alright, this wraps up my hopefully pretty exhaustive list of amazing gifts you can give this holiday season! Let me know in the comments if you end up gifting these to anyone (even…to yourself?).
Should I include a Gifts For Him section next year?
Happy Holidays!
Olena
4 Responses
Any Olena approved skincare & cosmetics I buy! Made a purchase last night thanks to you! It may not make me look like you but at least I’ll feel good trying! 😉
Aww! You’re way too kind! Which goodie did you buy last night? 🙂
A few items from this holiday gifts and a few items from last year:-
Charlotte Tilbury bronze and glow
Caviar eye sticks ( Laura Mercier)
Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush
Bioderma Gel cream moisturizer
Rephr The Essential Collection Brush Set
Jane Iredale Bronzer – Peaches & Cream!
WHOOOOAAA!! Oh no, it sounds like I’m a real influencer now!!
Let me know how you like the new goodies 😛
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