The holidays are coming up, and if you’re anything like me, you’re still scrambling to find your favorite people the absolute best gifts!

My personal pet peeve is bad gifts.
Know why?

Because I hate faking that I like the gift.
Also, as a non-actress, it takes a LOT of energy to hide immense disappointment and to smile with your eyes when your whole face wants to frown.

Especially if it’s something I can’t use and that just takes up space.
Or if the gift feels like it would be a great fit for my worst enemy, as though it was bought without an ounce of thought about the receiver (me!)…
Oh and if it’s a difficult thing to return…

Some gifts have literally whipped me into a fury with the amount of time they wasted.

This is why I love giving the gift of money (with a nice hand-written card, obviously!).
The person can do as they please with it.

But I understand that most people are not as pragmatic. And you seem to love my gift guides…

So back by popular demand, an all-new gift guide!

A guide of gifts that hopefully won’t anger the receiver or embarrass you…
A guide for different tastes, sensibilities, and budgets.

Some of these gifts you’ll probably want to give yourself, and that’s cool too.

I’ve included some new 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.

1. Rephr 30 Brush
   This is a super fluffy and soft brush that I personally like to use for my powder foundation or bronzer. I love the bigger size because it helps me do my makeup extremely quickly. Buy it here.
   
   
2. Nippies Skin Reusable Covers
   I got this super cool backless dress and had to figure out a way to wear it without my nips showing. I searched the web, far and wide, and found these awesome silicone covers.
   
   They’re extremely easy to wear and last forever. I’ve had mine for about 3 years and I don’t travel without them. Buy them here.
   
   
3. Morphe Fan Brush
   One of my all-time favorite brushes of all time. I use it for bronzer and it helps me blend super easily while using less product. I’ve had it for at least 4-5 years and use it daily. Buy it here.
   
   
4. H&M Silk Scrunchies
   Superior to hair elastics and look really cute in your hair or on your wrist. Nobody can be mad to receive these! 🙂 Buy them here.
   
   
5. Rephr 14 Eyeshadow Brush
   I have 3 of these. They’re a bit smaller than a typical eyeshadow brush which helps with super precise eyeshadow application. But they’re still fluffy and soft and great at blending too. Buy it here.
   
   
6. Amazon Hair Claws
   There’s something very chic yet effortless about throwing your hair up in a claw clip. They’re just useful to have. Buy them here.
   
   
7. Essie All-In-One Base and Top Coat
   My go-to base for every single manicure and pedicure in the last 10 years. A good base and top coat is what makes or breaks a manicure. I can use cheap nail polishes on top of it, which still can last at least a week. Buy it here.
   
   
8. Essie Vanity Fairest Nail Polish
   This is a pale pink with the subtlest white shimmer. It can start semi-sheer but become opaque with 3 coats. It has been in my arsenal for at least 3 years and is my all-year-round pedicure color. I also love it as my first color layer (I often layer Sugar on top).
   
   Margot Robbie wore it on her Barbie press tour…so there’s also that. Buy it here.
   
   
9. Essie Sugar Nail Polish
   The most perfect neutral pale pink. It is quite a sheer color, so I like to use it over Vanity Fairest or just do two coats for my-nails-but-better look. Buy it here.
   
   
10. Dior Rose Glow Nail Polish
    I didn’t know I could love a transparent pink polish as much as I love this one. It applies with the subtlest pink color (so not totally invisible), but it contains a fluorescent ingredient that eliminates the yellow in your nails, especially in the sunlight.
    
    I have been using it as my top coat to make my manicure a touch more pink. It dries down incredibly shiny and smooth and makes for a fantastic top coat. It can also be used alone — one or two coats depending on how pink you want your nails to look. It’s something to behold. Buy it here.

Holiday Glam & Glossy

Here are some gorgeous makeup options for the girl in your life who likes to put her best face forward! 😉

1. Kiko Cosmetics Jelly Stylo in 509 Persian Red
   This is a real no-brainer hydrating lip balm with quite a bit of color payoff. It feels nice and makes your looks look juicy. Buy it here.
   
   
2. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Eyeshadow Palette
   I got this a couple years back for Black Friday and I gotta say, the colours are extremely natural and well-chosen. This is one of the few eyeshadow palettes that you actually want to use most shades — I still don’t use the pops (sparkles) much.
   
   They blend well, wear well, and you can use one palette for a natural, everyday look and for a smokier, nighttime look making them extremely versatile. You can choose a different palette from this series because there are color combos that will suit just about anyone. Buy it here.
   
   Bonus: it looks fab on your counter and doesn’t take up much space in your makeup bag.
   
   
3. Idun Minerals Bronzer in Midnattssol
   If you like a bronzer with subtle shimmer (I sure do!), and you like it to look a bit pink as though you were burned by the sun, and you don’t want it to be too orange…Then this is the shade for you!
   
   I personally use it as blush, bronzer, and eyeshadow. It’s a very sophisticated, versatile shade!
   Buy it here.
   
   
4. Idun Minerals Bronzer in Sommardröm
   If you like a matte and cool-toned bronzer that can double as a contour shade then this shade is what’s up. I haven’t used anything else since this product arrived a couple months ago. Obsessed. Buy it here.
   
   
5. Idun Minerals Eyeshadow in Snöwflinga
   I’m a sucker for a bit of sparkle! This shade is really cool because you just get the sparkle without any background color, so you can layer it over just about anything. It will just give your eyes a bit more oomph without looking tacky. Buy it here.
   
   
6. Maybelline Vinyl Lip
   I have 3 of these (my favorite shade is Cheeky). It applies like a gloss, and stays glossy, but doesn’t rub off or transfer with food or drink. Excellent choice for upcoming holiday parties and celebrations if you want your lipstick to last! Buy it here.
   
   
7. Dior Backstage Blush in Cherry
   I have this is Rose Glow and it was my go-to blush for a solid two years. But if I was going to buy it again, I’d recommend the Cherry shade for a more sunkissed/natural flush. Once I run out of blush, this one is on my to-try list. But the thing is, after two years of almost daily use, I still haven’t hit the pan. Buy it here.
   
   
8. Catrice Glam & Doll Easy Washoff Mascara
   I bought this on a whim because I really wanted to try a tubing mascara, and it’s replaced my other faves. I ONLY reach for this one and don’t want to use anything else.
   
   Besides the ridiculously low price, I love how natural and non-spidery my lashes look. It wears really well, doesn’t give raccoon eyes despite my oily lids, AND is ridiculously easy to wash off. Whenever I accidentally apply it on my lid or face, I can remove it with a wet Q-tip with no fuss. It’s foolproof!!
   Buy it here.
   
   
9. BONUS: Essence Micro Eyebrow Liner
   This is officially my fave eyebrow pencil of all time. I’ve gone through like 6 of them and have another 6 or so backups ready to go. It’s extremely precise where you can literally draw on hairs, giving you the most natural brows ever. Buy on essence.com, essence.fr

The Coziest Gifts

This is the season to get your cozy on, and these gifts will help just about anyone do that!

1. COS Le Chic Tshirt
   I know. It seems basic. But the thick, high-quality cotton and simple cut make it a wardrobe staple that anyone would appreciate. It’s just a matter of getting the right size (I wear Small, for reference, and have this T-shirt in white, black, and navy). Buy it here.
   
   
2. Skin Worldwide Pyjama Pants
   These are on the pricier side but in my defense they are made of PIMA cotton (which is like next-level-cotton in how soft and smooth it feels). They’re also double-layered and look really chic. As someone who used to dress like a gremlin at home, I have to say that wearing civilized pajamas makes me feel a LOT better. I can no longer wear my ugliest pyjamas because they make me feel really ugly and I can’t even be productive while wearing them.
   
   There’s something really nice about looking put-together and cozy even when no one is around…So yes, these pajamas changed me, and they might change you (or whomever you gift them to). Buy them here.
   
   
3. Zara Home Cashmere Blanket
   On my first-ever Gift Guide, I featured similar blankets from Zara that were made of pure 100% wool. Well, we still use them every day from late Fall to early Spring and LOVE them. Wool and cashmere are such cozy fibers, and they’re way warmer than any polyester nonsense. Plus, they last.
   
   They don’t make the ones we have anymore, so I found you this cashmere one and this alpaca one. This is a pretty universal gift that would suit pretty much anyone.
   
   
4. COS Cashmere Scarf
   There is no better gift than a cashmere scarf. Period.
   
   They’re warm, soft AF, and light! It’s also the perfect unisex gift, and a simple scarf is chic and never goes out of style. Giving a cashmere scarf has resulted in smiles 100% of the time! (I’ve given these to a bunch of family members). Buy it here.
   
   
5. Etsy Marino Wool Slippers
   I love cozy house slippers and insist on natural fibers for maximum warmth. I used to have Alpaca slippers on my Gift Guides and have gone through 2 pairs of them since. They are the bougiest and cutest slippers ever; the price is proof of that.
   
   This year I looked far and wide for an alternative that’s less expensive, less delicate, and more durable than the Alpaca slippers and found these.
   
   If you’d like something similar but even less expensive, then Zara Home also has these. I feel like people love cozy slippers, no?
   
   
6. The New Savant Candles in the Usual and California Christmas
   I’ve mentioned these candles on the previous two gift guides because they’re really delicious and I feel like these two fragrances are pretty foolproof. I can’t imagine someone not liking them. So if you’re not sure what to get for someone, especially if maybe it’s someone from work, then these will be a beautiful gesture! Watch my obsession here. Buy the Usual here. Buy California Christmas here.

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 booklist.

1. The Catalyst: How To Change Anyone’s Mind, Jonah Berger
   With polarization seemingly everywhere, most of us have forgotten how to speak to each other. Well, this book will explain how, and it’s very easy to read and implement. I took notes on flashcards lol. Buy it here.
   
   
2. A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian, Marina Lewycka
   The title got me (given that I’m Ukrainian), but I had no idea how delicious, funny, and sweet the story would end up being. I found myself crying through the last chapter because of the adorable characters.
   
   If you’re open to learning a little about Ukrainian culture while exploring some ridiculous family dynamics and laughing out loud, this book is a little treasure for you! Buy it here.
   
   
3. Brave New World, Aldous Huxley
   I first read this in High School during our exploration of dystopian novels. I remember liking it a lot, but wanted to see if it stood the test of time for me. Well, it is a classic for a reason.
   
   Aldous Huxley has a way with the English language, and the story is way ahead of its time. Not giving anything away — but it will entertain you and make you think! Buy it here.
   
   
4. Factfullness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About The World – And Why Things Are Better Than You Think, Hans Rosling
   With the world seeming more chaotic and uncertain than ever, this book will help ground you and show you that things are much better than they seem. It’s an extraordinary reality check and teaches you why things seem much worse and how you can see the world more clearly.
   
   This is probably the only non-fiction book that made me cry happy tears (I won’t tell you why, but the final chapter might tug at your heartstrings too). Excellent book for just about anyone!
   Buy it here.
   
   
5. Bonus: Road To Unfreedom: Russia, Europe, America, Timothy Snyder.
   I feel like every citizen of the world needs to read this book to understand A. authoritarianism B. the fragility of democracies C.the influence of malicious freedom-hating states. This is for a curious person who wants to understand the world, even if some truths are beyond uncomfortable.
   Buy it here.
   
   
6. Bonus: Reading Light
   I just got one and it’s LIFECHANGING.
   
   Sometimes I go to sleep later than my hubby, and I have to turn off the light to not bother him – instead of reading I revert to watching stuff on the iPad. Well, no more. This little gadget makes my 13 year-old-reading-under-the-covers-with-a-flashlight-self SO HAPPY. Buy it here.

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!

1. The Skin Queen Course
   Give yourself (or someone you love) the gift of clear skin and skincare ease FO LYFE!
   
   This video course includes 6 Skin-Clearing Modules 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 useless treatments — with strategic, well-formulated skincare.
   
   Learn more here and you’ll receive more information about the next enrollment window (which is opening soon)!
   
   Also includes:
   6 Workbook PDFs helping you put all the information into action (including routine examples and templates)
   A Brand New Skin Queen Community with Monthly Coaching Calls
   Mobile Access (Bring the Course with you and learn on the fly!)

Silky Goals

These are some really great products for your skin and even hair!

1. 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 now on my second or third bottle and will never be without it in my hair routine.
   
   I’ve gifted it to someone whose hair has transformed after only 2-3 uses, so I can vouch for it as a great gift! 🙂 Buy it here.
   
   
2. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
   I raved about this product in my latest YouTube video but TLDR: makes for a great facial moisturizer, body moisturizer, hand cream, and even lip balm. If you’re gonna get it, just go for the large bottle because it can really be used all over! It can be used as step 3 of the 3-Step Moisture Method™. Buy here.
   
   
3. 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. Buy it here.
   
   
4. Bioderma PP Balm Moisturizing Lotion
   Once upon a time, I loved this one lotion from Victoria’s Secret, but it got discontinued, of course. Nothing has hydrated my skin and left it as silky as that one until I found this lotion from Bioderma. It’s superb and can be used by literally anyone – men too.
   
   I just received this timely message from someone on IG about moisturizing:
   
   “I need to THANK YOU for your content which has completely transformed my skin!! I’ve never struggled with pimples (thankfully), but I have KP and have “tried everything”; various creams, scrubs, soaps, masks, oils, blah blah blah and NOTHING has worked. I find you and now, from simply putting on lotion after every shower, it’s NEARLY GONE 🤯 (and only 3 months in at this point)! It never occurred to me that being consistent and patient was the key. 😂 You’ve educated me and now I look forward to my morning and evening skin care routines. They’re great bookends to my day. Keep doing what you’re doing!! Your knowledge needs to be heard!! Thank you!!!!!! 💝🙏“
   –Kendra M.
   
   Buy it here.
   
   
5. Bondi Sands Gloss Finishing Glow
   This is more of a summer item, but I’m throwing it in for good measure.
   
   You know that celebrity body glow where the skin looks both tanned and glowy at the same time? Well that’s what this product does. It gives my pasty, ghost-like skin a bit of color and shine which I love in the summer for special occasions (especially when I forgot to fake tan!!). But it would look even better on a fake tan. It’s gone after you shower. Buy it here.

Alright, this wraps up my hopefully awesome list of 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 another section next year? Any ideas?

Happy Holidays!
Olena