Holiday Haul / Gift Ideas

Christmas tree with wrapped presents

I thought about posting this before Christmas, but I didn't want to give any spoilers for gifts of loved ones. I hope these gift ideas are helpful throughout the year or for next Christmas!

I can not rave enough about Amazon wishlist; they even have a toolbar button so you can add anything to your wishlist, not just Amazon items. I use this all year long and it's great for others to know exactly what you want for any occasion.


Holiday Haul

christmas gifts - makeup, Friends boxed set, kitten

A kitten was all I was really expecting but Brad gifted so much more! Brad gave me many things from my wishlist but a lot of thoughtful surprises, too:

(non-wishlist:)
Friends Completed Boxed Series  - I kept saying I wanted to watch Friends from beginning to end. I feel like there's always so many Friends references that I never understand. I figured I would just stream it, but now I have physical DVDs and no excuses.
Kitten - I have wanted a kitten for the longest time. We finally found a perfect match from New Beginnings Animal Rescue.
Waiter's Wine Opener - I've always found these intimidating at restaurants or parties. Now I have one to learn! 
Wine Rack - I kept mentioning I wanted to build or buy a wine rack. I'm excited to finally have a home for bottles of wine.

new makeup

(pictured: wishlist beauty items, Winter Walmart Beauty Box, & December Pinchme Box)

(wishlist:)  
BCBG Landon Floral Pants  
• Beautyblender blendercleanser solid
• Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Moonstone
• Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette 
• Sephora Favorites: Superstars 
Urban Decay Naked On the Run Palette 

sephora favorites


Sephora Favorites: Superstars had the highest priority on my wishlist. This is the ultimate gift for beauty lovers. This would be a great gift for someone transitioning from drugstore to high-end makeup, too. A few of these products I've already tried but the majority are new-to-me and I cannot wait to try. The Superstars gift set retailed at $75 and it included $225 worth of product - totally worth it! The products included are:

- Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Dark Brown (full size)
- Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional (1/3 size)
- Benefit Cosmetics They're Real Mascara In Jet Black (deluxe sample)
- Bumble And Bumble Surf Spray (half size)
- Chloè by Chloè Rollerball
- Formula X Nail Color in Ignite (full size)
- Fresh Sugar Rosè Tinted Lip Treatment (deluxe sample)
- Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil (deluxe sample)
- NARS Cosmetics Blush in Orgasm (full size)
- Smashbox Cosmetics Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 35 in Light (full size)
- Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day® Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner In Intense Black (full size)
- Urban Decay Eye Shadow in Sin (full size)

unwrapped Christmas presents

My parents got me:
• Candy 
• Gift Cards
• Hue Boot Socks in Oxblood
• Lisa Frank Pen
Minnetonka Gray Three Layer Boots - (wishlist item) I bought the Minnetonka black ankle boots years ago and have worn them so much. These have been on my wishlist for the longest time. I'm so happy to have a pair of shoes that aren't black.
• Old Navy Fleece Pajamas
Purex Mini Casserole Dishes - (wishlist item) I love casseroles but they always produce so much food for just two people. I wanted these to cook half the casserole immediately and then freeze the half for dinner in a week or two.

My sisters got me:
• A kitchen towel: "Cat hair - both a condiment and a fashion accessory."  
•  C.O. Bieglow Lemon Lip Balm - (wishlist item)


For the Man

When I asked Brad want he wanted, he told me 'screwdrivers and socks'. Brad uses Amazon wishlist, too - but he doesn't update it too often. Brad has been talking about an iPad forever but didn't really 'want' one...

Birchbox Man, iPad mini

I gave Brad an iPad mini. (There were plenty of deals Black Friday!) He hasn't put it down since.

I also gave Brad the 'Sweat the Small stuff' gift set from Bircbhox. Luckily, there were socks in here. (haha.) I've been wanting the KOR water bottle since last year. (Yes, I stole it back from him right after Christmas.) All the other stuff in the gift set is super nice, too! The gift set retailed at $54 and has $110 worth of products! The gift set included:

-Bálla for Men Body Spray
-Baxter of California Deodorant
-Bombas Ankle Socks
-Bombas Calf Socks
-KOR Aura Water Bottle
-Quirky Wrapster
-Under Armour Trance Sackpack

tools

My parents got Brad a complete screwdriver set and a carwash set (not pictured.)


The Gift Card Debate

gift cards

Personally, I love gift cards - they're essentially cash to use at your favorite store. However, I know some people think they're impersonal or lazy.

Tips: If you don't know where the recipient shops, go with a gas card or a gift card to your local grocery store. Add a personal item to go with the gift card - like a DIY project, your favorite candle, or your favorite food.

Christmas gift basket

Brad's mom gave us gift cards in a super cute basket filled with food, a candle, kitchen items, and personal ornaments. We can't wait to use the gift cards but trying out so many new foods and items has been so neat, too!


Gift Ideas:  

For the Beauty Experienced: I got my mom and Brad's mom a beautyblender. The beautyblender has so many good reviews of people stating the way it changed their makeup routine. I figured both of our moms have been using regular makeup sponges for years - why not give them a new tool?

For the Beauty Lover: Sephora Gift Sets (mentioned above)

For the Man: Sweat the Small Stuff Gift Set (mentioned above)

makeup for beginners or a teenager

For the Preteen or Friend: a makeup kit. My youngest sister has started to get into makeup. (She even knows how to apply it - she watches as many YouTube tutorials as me.) I made her a "makeup starter kit." This would be a great idea for a friend too - give them some of your current favorite products or stuff they occasionally 'borrow' from you!


For the Teenager: techie gifts or eyeshadow palettes. I gave my younger sister an iPad cover. She really liked mine, so I got her a similar one. I also gave her the Coastal Scents Revealed palette. She wears very minimal makeup. With so many saying this is a dupe for Urban Decay's Naked palettes (my favorites), I figured it would be a great way to introduce her to more eyeshadow and create multiple looks.

For the Wino: waiter's wine opener / wine rack / wine saver  (mentioned above)

presents & ideas,
-Kaitlyn

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December Favorites

'Favorites' posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) 'rediscovered' items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month. 

beauty favorites & Bear Naked Granola

Surprisingly, I didn't purchase any new beauty products this month. I received a TON of makeup around Christmas, but it doesn't feel right calling them monthly favorites when I only used them for a week.

Bear Naked Maple-icious Pecan Granola
I purchased this on a whim and it has become my new favorite. I'm already on my second bag within less than a month. I've been eating it with yogurt and fruit for lunch, with oatmeal for breakfast, and I'm looking into making my own granola bars with it.

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner 
(sample) This has been in the bottom of my makeup drawer for forever; I'm not very good with liquid eyeliner but this makes application super easy.

Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara
Nouveau Cheap raved about this mascara a few times. I decided to try it out for under $3.00. I'm impressed. It gives big, volumized lashes and doesn't flake too bad. (Although avoid wearing when baking - I felt my lashes melting getting something out of the oven...)

Laura Geller GlamLASH Mascara
I picked this when I built my own Birchbox in SoHo. This mascara has gotten a lot better with age. The formula has thickened up and makes my lashes look more volumized. I really like the wand, too.

granola & big lashes,
-Kaitlyn
 


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Empties #6

Onto another round of empties! Starting 2015, I'm going to start a project pan and really limit my beauty spending. I'll be joining in on the #100daysofempties and #oneemptyonedollar tags - stay tuned!

beauty empties

Anastasia Brow Wiz in Caramel
Lately, this is my HG brow pencil; I have a few back-ups already but I am on the hunt for a cheaper alternative.

Bath & Body Works Country Chic Shower Gel 
(travel size) This was a freebie, it smelled okay. I probably won't purchase it.

Bath & Body Works Pomegranate Lemon Shower Gel
(travel size) Loved this scent! Like all good things, it was limited edition.

Bath & Body Works White Barn Cranberry Woods 3-Wick Scented Candle 
Loved this scent! It didn't burn evenly though for some reason. I will repurchase next year.

Benefit They're Real! Mascara (2)
(sample size) I really liked these for volumizing and layering with other mascaras. I had one in my vanity and one in my purse. I have quite a few back-ups.

The Body Shop Coconut Body Butter
Didn't really care for this. I prefer the Shea Body Butter or Organic Coconut Oil. I won't repurchase.

Clinque Take the Day off makeup remover 
This is my HG remover; I have a few back-ups.

Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar Bar Soap 
This is my HG soap; I have a few back-ups.

Dr. Lipp original nipple balm for lips 
(sample) This is so sticky. It works but it's not fun to use. I bought a full size awhile ago and now I have quite a few samples. I prefer Aquaphor over this.

J.R. Watkins Foot Repair Salve
I really liked the smell and feel of this but I didn't notice a major difference; I probably won't repurchase.

Laneige BB Cushion SPF 50+ Puff & Light 
(sample) I received this in my Target Beauty Box. I did not like this at all. Generally, I don't wear foundation.This reeked of sunscreen and didn't even cover my redness.

LUSH Ocean Salt Face & Body Scrub
This is my HG face scrub; I'm already working on a new tub.

Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Express Mascara 
This was my HG mascara; I'm not currently using it but I do have a few back-ups.

Miracle Skin Transformer Miracle Mud Skin Restoring Treatment Mask 
(sample) I received this in my Birchbox. I wasn't a big fan. It was super messy, felt gross, and I didn't really see any difference in my skin.

N. 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect Spray 
(sample) I received this in my Birchbox. I liked it. The scent was too vanilla for my liking but it did a good job at detangling.

Neutrogena Makeup Removing Cleansing Towelettes 25 ct (2)
These are my HG wipes; I already have a few back-ups.

Satin Dry Skin Shave Gel 
(travel size) This lathered nicely but I didn't notice any difference in my skin.

Secret Clear Gel Outlast Unscented Deodorant 
I'm not a fan of gels; I won't be repurchasing.

Skintimate Lotionized Moisturizing Shave Gel 
(travel size) This lathered nicely but I didn't notice any difference in my skin.

Skintimate Lotionized Moisturizing Shave Gel  for Dry Skin 
This was my HG shaving gel but lately, I haven't been using it. I have a few back-ups.

Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter Body Butter
I love this scent, it's pretty moisturizing and lingers all day. I might repurchase although I just prefer Coconut Oil.

Sure Regular Scent Invisible Solid Deodorant (2)
I used this cheapie deodorant for awhile but it has messed up a lot of my clothes. I've switched to something else. I might repurchase.

Up & Up Cotton Rounds 100 ct (2)
These are just a necessary staple.

Venus & Olay Razor Cartridges (2)
These are my HG razors; I already have a few back-ups.

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November Favorites

'Favorites' posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) 'rediscovered' items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month. 

beauty favorites

Rimmel Show Off Lip Lacquer in Comet

I got this in a lighter color about a year ago. I liked the formula but didn't love the color. Recently, I saw the shade 'comet' at CVS for 50% plus I had a $1 off Rimmel coupon. (I paid about $2.00 for it, which makes me love it even more.) The applicator is awesome. I feel like the color suits me well. I've been wearing this almost every day.

Nuxe Reve De Miel Lip Balm (Pot & Stick)
I bought the pot form nearly a year ago. It's one of my favorite lip balms but using it in public just doesn't seem very hygienic. I was a few dollars away from free shipping on Amazon and decided to finally buy the stick. It doesn't leave a white cast, it tastes nice, and it's pretty moisturizing.

Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator
I got this in my Birchbox and have been using it weekly in the shower. I've been loving all face scrubs with microbeads, it just seems like a deeper cleaning and not abrasive. This one doesn't disappoint!

Himalayan salt lamp

Himalayan Salt Lamp 

Long story short, I accidentally broke our bathroom lamp. It was from Ikea (we don't have an Ikea in Memphis - yet!) Not to mention, the $20 lamp is now sold out and is selling for nearly $80 on eBay. Umm, no thanks! I've been wanting a salt lamp for a few months but I couldn't think of a good place to put one. I guess it was a happy accident; I finally got a salt map! (This one, to be exact.) Salt lamps have a ton of benefits but I mostly just like how cool it looks. Plus, this one has a dimmer and has been making an awesome night light too!

orange lip balm & salt lamps,
-Kaitlyn

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October Favorites

'Favorites' posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) 'rediscovered' items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month. 

beauty favorites

Beautyblender
I was lucky enough to have received the beautyblender in one of my first Birchboxes a few years ago. I used it on and off for awhile; it's been in my makeup drawer for a few months. Recently, I fell in love with this tool all over again. It blends concealer and illuminating products so effortlessly!

Benefit Gimme Brow in Light/Medium
I've never been a fan of tinted brow gels. Birchbox x Benefit sent me this and I decided to give it a try. I've been liking this on days I don't have a ton of time to do my makeup and just want a bit more brow definition.

Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet
My skin has been so dry lately with the cold weather coming in. I've been shopping my stash and trying to use up a lot of my skincare samples.  This smells awesome and has a great texture.

ELF Studio Blush Palette
I was wanting some new blushes without paying a lot. I remembered emilynoel83 reviewing these blushes, so I decided to give them a try. I got both the light and dark palettes. These palettes are cool because you can easily remove the pans from the palette and make it custom to your needs. (Two blushes from the light palette and two from the dark palette are pictured.) All of the blushes are super pigmented and have great staying power.

Jordana Easyliner for Eyes & Easyliner for Lips
I've raved about these multiple times. Through the entire month of October, Walgreens had Jordana cosmetics for 40% off; some of the colors were being discontinued and were only .59 cents a piece. I bought a few more shades that I didn't already own. These are such a good value. Best of all, they're twistable - you never have to sharpen them.

Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum
I received this in my October Birchbox and started using it immediately. It's definitely helped with redness and dry skin patches. I'm contemplating purchasing the full size.

blushes & samples,
-Kaitlyn

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