Category: Gifts


Dec
2017

Holiday 2017: Makeup Gifts

categories: Gifts, Makeup Most Wanted, Makeup Reviews, Palettes, PR Sample

Makeup gifts are literally my favourite beauty anything. I love to see the different sets and minis. I find a ton of new favourite products this way every year and if I could only get makeup once a year, I’d choose December.

Too Faced Boss Lady Beauty Agenda

People constantly ask if I get certain products and if they can have them. This hands down the most requested thing all season. Everyone wants one of these pretty palette/agenda combinations. I actually think it’s such a great idea and a nice change from Too Faced’s holiday products from the past few years. The agenda is useable and the palette has some great shades. Plus you get a mini lipstick and mascara.

Benefit Eye Heart SF

Benefit released a bunch of these trippy snow globe shaped gifts this year, but this one is my favourite. It includes three full sized products (They’re Real! Mascara, Goof Proof Brow Pencil and Gimme Brow – both in shade 3) and two minis (the POREfessional and They’re Real! Tinted Primer). This is a great way to try Benefit for the first time and I love how fun the packaging is.

Artis Brush Craft The New Classics

These might not be makeup but you definitely need good brushes for your makeup. If you know someone who really wants to try Artis’ brushes but can’t afford them, Brush Craft is their more affordable sibling. For $100 you can get this brush set as well as the cleaning pad and cleansing foam, and if you’ve never tried cleaning brushes like this, it’ll change your life. These Brush Craft brushes are a little different from what we’re all used to but once you get the hang of them, you’ll never go back.

Kat Von D Everlasting Mini Liquid Lipstick Set

This is one of the few things I’ve bought myself this year. There were at least three shades I wanted to try and I figure why not try the minis so I know if I like them. With eight shades including one exclusive (Madrid), you get a ton of shade selection. Just keep in mind, these are all on the darker/neutral side of things. If you’re looking for bright lipstick, skip this one but there are some great winter colours in here. Also, Madrid needs to be a permanent shade.

Tarte Treasure Box

As far as I’m concerned, this might be the best gift set that Tarte has put out. With 24 eyeshadows, 2 blushes, 2 bronzers, a highlighter, a full size Sex Kitten eyeliner and a mini mascara and lipstick, you could be set for the whole year. I really love the shades in this box and if you know someone who’s just starting to use makeup or doesn’t know what colours to use, this is a great way to try things out.


Dec
2017

Holiday 2017: Skin Care Gifts

categories: Gifts, PR Sample, Skin Care, Skin Care Reviews

Skin Care gifts are some of the most coveted presents but also sometimes the hardest. Everyone has a different skin type or need, so this list has a little something for everyone.

Sunday Riley – Bright Young Thing


Winter does a great job of drying out our skin and make it look dull. This adorable set of minis from Sunday Riley will brighten you right back up. Start with the Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment to exfoliate, add C.E.O Rapid Flash Brightening Serum and finish off with Tidal Water Cream and you’ll end up with skin that glows. Even in the middle of a snow storm.

Avon A Box For Fall Moisture

Fall might be over but this little kit will take care of a good chunk of your skin care issues. With cuticle and lip conditioners, a hand cream and a Moisture Therapy body wash and lotion duo, you’ll be covered head to toe. I love the triangle box it comes in as well.

Fresh Picture Perfect Mask Set

If you’re like me and love Fresh’s face masks, you’re going to adore this gift. It includes their Rose Face Mask, Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask and Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask. Plus you get two coloured pencils to colour in the gift box while you’re waiting to take off your masks.

Korres Greek Beauty Sleep Set

There’s really nothing I love more than skin care that works while I sleep (less work for me!) and  this little gift set is amazing good at hydrating and brightening your skin while you sleep. It has their Wild Rose Vitamin C Brightening Oil and the matching Wild Rose Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial. If you want to wake up to magically transformed skin, you need to get this.

Burt’s Bees Travel Essentials

If you’re shopping for someone who travels a lot, this is a great little bag to help them take care of their skin. Inside the carry-on friendly bag is Milk & Honey Body Lotion, Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, Facial Cleansing Towelettes, Beeswax Lip Balm and a Coconut & Pear Lip Balm. It’s great for a family trip because kids can use these as well.


Dec
2017

Beauty Gifts For Under $20

categories: Gifts, PR Sample

Gifts for under $20? It can’t be real, right? We know how expensive the holidays can get. So these gifts and mini-stocking stuffers are perfect for a tight budget.

Hard Candy Party Ready Set – Fuel the makeup passion of the next generation with this fun glam set. For under $10 you can get this eyeshadow palette, setting spray, eyeliner and liquid lip colour. It also comes with a cute silver bag. The makeup is all fairly neutral to allow new makeup lovers to experiment without going overboard. It’s the perfect affordable gift.

Schick Intuition Winter Gift Set – Every girl has gotten one of these razor gift sets on Christmas morning, but that doesn’t make it a bad thing. They are a staple present. This year Intuition has upper the game with a pair of coy fluffy pink socks that I can’t wait to get my toes into. Every girl will love this!

Lipsmacker Disney Holiday Gift Sets – Lipsmacker has the cutest Disney co-branded products for the holidays. They are perfect for beauties of all ages from young to old. I will be adding the little Lip Balm Trio Bags into all of the gifts for my nieces. I know they will love it! I might just snag a few for myself too.

Scunci Hair Accessories – Find all of the stocking stuffers you could ever want with Scunci’s wide range of hair accessories. Skip the basics for the holidays and share some of the more unique products that will help friends try different styles or trends. You could try hair shimmer spray, a fun head wrap or a rose braid accessory that they can use to go glam on New Year’s Eve.

 

Calgon Bath Products – Calgon is another holiday staple that you can share with just about everyone. This year they have more great products and scents at an affordable price. I love the bag of Lavender & Honey Bath Fizzies as an unexpected choice. Their new Costal Gardenia scent is perfect to transport you away to warmer climates for a few seconds. It comes in everything from body spray to moisturizer for pure pampering.


Dec
2017

Fragrance Gift Guide 2017

categories: Fragrance, Gifts, PR Sample

Give them the gift of unforgettable scents with this 2017 fragrance gift guide:

Katy Perry’s Indi – Katy Perry fans are going to love the next generation in the pop stars fragrances. Unlike her old scents, this perfume feels a bit more mature and grown up.  This perfume has a strong musk scent that makes it feel like the female version of your boyfriend’s best cologne. It’s not quite masculine, but there isn’t that girly flirty feel to it. It’s really rich, but does fade. The black and white bottle are striking making it a great gift idea.

Clean Skin Eau de Parfum – Clean has redesign their bottles making it the perfect time to share this amazing fragrance line for the holidays. The new bottles are colourful and sleek. They are, pardon the pun, clean. The fragrances themselves still have that same rich, inviting scent that makes you want to wrap yourself up in a fluffy bathrobe.

Maison Martin Margiela Beach Walk Fragrance – If you really want to splurge on someone extra special, this fragrance, or anything from the Replica collection, is where to turn. The line is made of scents meant to replicate scenarios to evoke memories. Beach Walk was the sweetness and saltiness of a day on the beach in the sand. I love that fresh ocean air feel when your spray it. You can’t go wrong with this collection!

Viktor And Rolf Flowerbomb Perfume – Does it get anymore iconic than Flowerbomb? Just the look of this pink box with that black stamp gets me excited. Any lover of floral scents will adore this perfume. It’s also a great scent to transition from girly throwaway scents to classy and elegant designer fragrance.


Dec
2017

Makeup Most Wanted Beauty Advent Calendars 2017

categories: Gifts, Holiday, Makeup Most Wanted, PR Sample

I didn’t grow up with advent calendars but beauty advent calendars have become some of my favourite things about the holiday season. Not only can you try a bunch of products at once but you’re also more likely to try things you wouldn’t normally buy and end up with new favourites. These are my favourite options this year.

NYX Lippie Countdown

If you love lipstick as much as I do, or know someone who does, this is the advent calendar of your dreams. With 24 different lip shades and finishes, there’s literally something for every look. From their iconic Soft Matte Lip Cream to Butter Gloss and nudes to reds to grey, it’s a fantastic way to find new lip shades and maybe find something you would never think of trying. That is, if you can still find one of these.

Biotherm Advent Calendar Christmas Set

This set has something for everyone. From moisturizer and lip balm to body care and men’s products, this is the gift that the whole family can share. But you’re probably going to want to keep it for yourself.

Charlotte Tilbury Naughty & Nice Magic Box

If anyone wants to pick one of these up for me, I won’t say now. It’s the perfect Charlotte Tilbury starter kit, or the perfect travel kit for things you already own. There’s makeup (eyeshadow, lipstick, mascara) as well as skin care (moisturizer, mask, makeup remover). This 12 piece box is the ultimate luxury gift and I’m still trying to talk myself out of buying one.

The Body Shop Countdown To New Year’s 

The Body Shop has a number of calendars this year but I love this take on the traditional ‘end on Christmas’ calendar. Instead this one goes to New Years. It has night cream, body cream, lipstick, glitter and a bunny headband, plus a couple other things that are necessary for all the parties between Christmas and New Years.


Dec
2016

Holiday Most Wanted: Skin Care Gifts

categories: Gifts, Holiday, Skin Care

Everyone’s skin suffers in the winter and a skin care gift is a fantastic way to take care of it.

REN x Kangan Arora Moroccan Rose Otto Duo
ren-x-kangan-arora-moroccan-rose-duo
Skin care experts teamed up with London based textile designer Kangan Arora to bring together some pretty great looking gifts. This Moroccan Rose Otto body wash and lotion will leave you clean, hydrated and smelling delicious all winter. It’s also great for sensitive skin.
Amopé Pedi Perfect Gift Set
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If you know someone whose feet need help but don’t go for pedicures, you need to get them this gift. It comes with a rechargable foot file, charger station, Daily Moisturizing Foot Cream, suction shower hook and an Amopé and Veet coupon book.  Since the foot file is waterproof, you can use it wet or dry, meaning there are no excuses not to use it. I wish I had about five of these lying around, I know some people who would love it.
Biotherm Aquasource Skin Perfection Holiday Set
biotherm-aquasource-skin-perfection-holiday-set
A lot of us have dry or oily skin with a ton of issues but if you’re shopping for someone with the covetable ‘normal’ skin, this Biotherm set is a great way to go. With an Aquasource Skin Perfection, Night Spa, Cleanser and Toner all in a holiday pouch, they’ll have everything they’ll need for soft, glowing skin.
Boscia Balanced To Pore-fection
boscia-balanced-to-pore-fection
I’m constantly trying to find products that’ll help minimize my pores and one of my holy grail items for that is Boscia’s Luminizing Black Mask. I’ve been using it for years and it’s hands down my favourite. This gift set has that mask plus the Detoxifying Black Cleanser, White Charcoal Mattifying Makeup Setting Spray and Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel, all teaming up to whip my pores into shape. If you know someone who wants to minimize their pores or a teenager who might be a little self conscious, you might want this one.
Fresh Rose Skincare Ritual: Daily Essentials
fresh-rose-skincare-ritual-daily-essentials
Fresh’s Rose products have been cult faves for years when it comes to dry skin beauty junkies and their Soy Face Cleanser is also pretty legendary. This gift teams them up for an essential winter hydration boost. It includes the Soy Face Cleanser, Rose Hydrating Gel Eye Cream, Rose Face Mask and Rose Floral toner. Anyone would be happy with a gift of bright, hydrated skin!


Dec
2016

Holiday Most Wanted: Makeup Gifts

categories: Gifts, Holiday, Makeup Most Wanted, Makeup Reviews

To say I love holiday makeup is an understatement. If I could only buy makeup once a year, it would be holiday stuff and these gifts are perfect for any makeup junkie.

Lipstick Queen Smokey Lip Kit
lipstick-queen-smokey-lip-kit
There are actually two of these kits, one comes with Black Lace Rabbit and Pinky Nude Sinner and the other with Black Lace Rabbit and Bright Natural Sinner. I like both options but for this post went with Pinky Nude. You can use both these lipsticks on their own or layer the Black Lace Rabbit over Pinky Nude for a deeper, smokey look. If you’ve never tried Black Lace Rabbit before, this is a great way to try the sheer, transforming black lipstick that’ll at least double you lipstick options.
Tarte Color Vibes Amazonian Clay Palette
tarte-color-vibes-palette
This palette has been out for months, so it’s getting a little difficult to find, but keep looking because it’s worth it. With twenty eyeshadows in Tarte’s amazing Amazonian Clay formula, there’s a shade for every look you want. I personally love the shades on the Monet, Seascape and Mosaic but there isn’t a single shade I wouldn’t use.
Arbonne Midnight Muse Holiday 2016
arbonne-midnight-muse-holiday-2016
It’s pretty rare for a holiday kit to give you a complete makeup look but Arbonne’s Midnight Muse does a pretty good job of it. The kit includes an eyeshadow duo, a pencil liner and a matte cream & sheer lip gloss duo. All you really need to add is mascara and some blush (or at least I do) and you’re good for any holiday party.
Kat Von D Hello Canada! Set
kat-von-d-hello-canada
This really isn’t a holiday kit, but it’s a fantastic way to introduce someone to Kat Von’s makeup. Available only at Sephora in Canada, this kit includes some of my favourite Kat Von D products. It has deluxe mini versions of Studded Kiss Lipstick in Lolita, Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Double Dare and Tattoo Liner in Trooper (everyone needs to try this one) and it’s all wrapped up in a vegan leather bag. Did I mention it’s only $30?
Too Faced Grande Hotel Cafe
too-faced-christmas-in-new-york-grande-hotel-cafe
I look forward to Too Faced holiday releases every year and while they do seem somewhat similar, there’s always something special about them. This year my favourite was the Grande Hotel Cafe. You open up the cafe to reveal three palettes, a deluxe sample of Better Than Sex mascara and a leaflet with three makeup look instructions. Each of the palettes is scented differently (Eggnog Latte, Gingerbread Coffee and Peppermint Mocha). You can also carry around each palette separately or use them together. I can’t wait to see what they come out with next year.


Dec
2016

Holiday Most Wanted: Gifts For Guys

categories: Gifts, Holiday

Buying for guys can be pretty difficult but now that a lot of them are really into grooming, we can help you out with a couple ideas.

Les Industries GROOM Shaving Care Trial Kit
groom-shaving-care-trial-kit
For the guys who love to try out new shaving products, Montreal’s Les Industries GROOM have a new shaving cream and it comes in their Shaving Care Trial Kit along with Aftershave Balm, Aftershave Splash and Shaving Oil. It’s the easiest way to get a guy’s beard looking great, while they get to try new things.
Beardhood Graille N°3 Beard Oil Gift Pack
beardhood-graille-no3-beard-oil-gift-set
If you’re shopping for a guy who likes as few things crowding his bathroom as possible, Beardhood’s Beard Oil Gift Pack might be the way to go. It includes four of their beard oil packs which can be used for multiple things ie: beard oil, cologne, hair conditioner, skin moisturizer, aftershave and probably a few more things. Best of all, it’s a Toronto company.
Jack Black Beard Grooming Kit
jackblack_beard_grooming_kit_
If you’re buying for someone who’s a little insane about their beard (my brother), this is a great travel kit for them to keep things looking good on the road. In the travel bag comes an All-Over Wash that they can use on hair, face and body, Beard Oil, Beard Lube and a Beard Comb. It might be the only way to get them to stop talking about how rough their beard is looking during the holidays.
Lush Ice Cube Gift
lush-ice-cube-gift
If you’re not buying for a beard loving guy, this minty, guy friendly gift from Lush might be the perfect thing (and you might want to steal it for yourself). It includes Christingle Body Conditioner, Whoosh Shower Jelly, Salt and Peppermint Bark body scrub, Candy Cane Shower Smoothie and Outback Mate soap. Plus it’s already wrapped, which is less work for you.


Dec
2016

Avon Gifts Most Wanted

categories: Fragrance, Gifts

Nowadays everyone is shopping online, but there was a time when very few company would let you shop from the comfort of your pyjamas. Avon was always there for you to be able to shop from home for beauty products, bath essentials and great gifts. We have turned to Avon this holiday season to see what we can find for everyone’s wishlists.

avon-anew-creme

For Mom – Avon Anew Ultimate Supreme Advanced Performance Creme – If your mom is anything like my mom than she has a soft spot for Avon products regardless of what other beauty line are on the market. And she will love this Creme from Avon. It’s a cool night creme that has a powdery soft scent, smooth finish and is supposed to improve signs of aging with rare black pearls. For just $60, it’s worth the treat for mom!

avon-ultra-sexy-body-mist

For the little diva – Avon Ultra Sexy Body Mist – Help her feel grown up, while still keeping it light. This collection comes with three bottles for $20 and the scents are young and light and fresh. They will make any young lady feel all grown up without the cost of a designer fragrance. Notes include cherries, pear, raspberry, and chocolate marshmallow, so you know she will love it.

avon-prima-pack

For the classic belle – Avon Prima Fragrance Pack – If you need a stocking stuffer for a girl who likes the classics look no further than this fragrance which has ballerina Courtney Lavine as it’s face. The scent is just the right mixture of rose and patchouli to be soft and luxurious feeling. Get the trio pack for just $30 before Christmas so she cam pamper herself in it.


Nov
2016

Most Wanted Beauty Advent Calendars

categories: Gifts, Holiday, Makeup Most Wanted

I’m the kind of person that loves the little samples I can get at Sephora or when I’m ordering things online that let’s me try new products and while I’ve never used traditional advent calendars before, I love the idea of beauty advent calendars. You can try products or brands that are new to you or just use them as travel versions of your favourites. These are our Most Wanted beauty advent calendars of the year.
L’Occitane Advent Calendar 2016
loccitane-advent
This is the advent calendar that got me interested in the idea of these and people completely lose it over L’Occitane’s advent calendars every year. It’s full of 24 mini versions of everything from their cult fave hand cream to shower oil to shampoo. This one will definitely sell out everywhere, so if you can find one, grab it.
NYX Wanderlust 
nyx-wanderlust-advent
If you’ve never used NYX’s Soft Matte Lip Creams, this is the way to try them out. This kit comes with twelve mini versions as well as twelve eyeshadows. Don’t like the shades? They’ll make great stocking stuffers or little add-on gifts for your friends.
Charlotte Tilbury World Of Legendary Parties
charlotte-tilbury-world-of-legendary-parties-advent
I’m so in love with the Charlotte Tilbury makeup I already use but I still have a fairly long list of things I still want to try. Most of those things are in the World Of Legendary Parties calendar. Filled with twelve travel-sized versions of products like Magic Cream, Wonderglow, Legendary Lashes, lip products, eye products and more; this is a great (and very luxe) way to introduce yourself to the Charlotte Tilbury world.
The Body Shop Ultimate Beauty
body-shop-ultimate-beauty-advent
The Body Shop has two advent calendars this year; the Beauty Advent Calendar and the Ultimate Beauty. Both come with 24 bath, body and makeup goodies but the Ultimate Beauty just seems a little better to me. There’s everything from shower gel, makeup remover and nail polish to bath gloves and a muslin cloth. It’s literally everything you’d need to pamper yourself head to toe.

I know you’re supposed to open one advent calendar window a night, but if you’re anything like me, you’ll be grabbing everything at once.