What I Got for Christmas!

I'm not sure if anyone else is interested, but I really enjoy these kind of posts/videos, so I thought I'd do one. Santa was much nicer this year than I expected. Because I am spending my spring semester abroad, I wasn't planning on getting much for Christmas. But anyways, here is what a beauty addict receives for Christmas (photographed on a festive tablecloth, I might add):

Bath and Body Works had buy three get three free on Black Friday plus my mom and I had a coupon for a free item, so this is something I knew I was receiving. Eucalyptus and Mint is my absolute favorite scent, so I really love the Stress Relief line, if you couldn't tell.
Bath Soak
Body Cream
Body Wash and Foam Bath (2)
Massage Oil - I really like putting this in running bath water. It smells amazing and makes your bath moisturizing.
Sugar Scrub - This is my favorite of all the body scrubs I've tried.
3-Wick Candle

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Spotlights
Almost every beauty guru I follow has talked about these either in a blog post or YouTube video, and I've only seen people rave about this set. I've wanted a Becca highlighter since they first hit the beauty world, so I was really excited to receive this. It is still in stock on Ulta's website, so snatch it up before it's gone!

Bite Beauty Lush Lip Trio
Unfortunately, this was one of the Black Friday Deals at Sephora and is no longer available, but the three shades included (Currant, Rambutan, and Strawberry) are permanent and can be bought in full size here. I've never tried these lip glosses before, but I've only heard good things.

L'Occitane Cleansing and Softening Shower Oil with Almond Oil 
I'm extremely lazy about applying lotion after taking a shower, so I am really excited to try this out. I've also heard that using a shower oil instead of shaving cream gives a better shave.

Tarte Airbuki Bamboo Powder Foundation Brush
I'm hoping I like this brush better than my e.l.f. Studio Powder Brush with the Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in Exposed
Amazing formula. Perfect neutral blush. This is a blush that I think every woman who wears makeup should have in their stash. It is the perfect color for any look and in any season.

Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Melted Fig
The formula of these lippies is one of my favorites, plus this color is very unique and beautiful.

Panda Slippers!
I've loved pandas for as long as I can remember. I currently have a pair of panda slippers that I got at the National Zoo in Washington D.C. about 10 years ago. I'm not really sure how they lasted that long either. I get so many compliments on them, but they're really worn out. Lucky for me, my aunt bought me this pair for Christmas!

Makeup Brush Bath Time!

I cringe when people say they never wash their makeup brushes. Bacteria builds up and can cause breakouts plus won't allow your makeup to perform at its best. Makeup brushes should be washed at least once a month, but I'll be the first to admit that I rarely have time for even that so I like to use products that save time.

Supplies:
Dirty Makeup Brushes
Clean towel to lay your clean wet brushes on
Beauty Blender Blender Cleanser Solid - I used this cleanser because I travelled with it. It works really well, but any baby shampoo will work. I particularly like Dr. Bronner's version.
Sigma Beauty Spa Brush Cleaning Glove - This isn't necessary, but I would highly recommend it if you have a lot of makeup brushes. The ones in these pictures are only about half of the makeup brushes I own, so this cleaning glove really comes in handy. It reduces cleaning time plus your fingers don't get pruney.
Sigma Beauty Dry'n Shape - This isn't a necessary item, but I like to use it as a traveling case and it is good at reshaping brushes. I don't really find that it dries them faster, unfortunately.
The Brush Guard Variety Pack - These are also a nice solution for shaping unruly brushes.

My Essential Makeup Brushes

Traveling really makes you scale down your beauty clutter, so I thought it would be a good idea to post about the brushes I brought with me as well as the makeup that made the cut. I guess that makes these brushes my essentials since they are the only ones I packed. I'm also sorry for pictures of dirty brushes. Maybe it let's you know how much these are truly loved.

Face Brushes
e.l.f. Studio Flawless Concealer Brush
This is my favorite brush to use for exactly what the title says. I love it for packing a full coverage concealer on those annoying zits or any other problem areas.

e.l.f. Studio Powder Brush
I love this brush to buff on powder foundation. It allows the foundation to perform at the fullest coverage possible without appearing cakey.

It Brushes for Ulta Live Beauty Fully All Over Powder Brush #211
The. Best. Powder. Brush. Ever.

The Original Beauty Blender
I have a really hard time getting foundations to blend into my skin instead of just sitting on top and looking like a mask. I am a firm believer in the dampened beauty blender. It applies every foundation flawlessly.

Sigma F25 Tapered Face Brush
The shape of this brush is perfect to set your under eye concealer.

Small Stippling Brush
Real Techniques Stippling Brush
e.l.f. Studio Stipple Brush
I own both of these, but only one is necessary. I use one to apply cream bronzer, and I actually use the other one for cream AND powder blush. I recently started using it with powder blush because I find that it's the perfect size to apply blush directly to the apples of my cheeks.

Eye Brushes
Note: I bought a lot of Sigma brushes, but I ended up not liking them as much as I thought I would. There are a lot of drugstore price brushes that I wish I saved the money and bought instead, namely brushes from e.l.f. and Sonia Kashuk are really nice.

Blending Brush
Sigma E25 Blending Brush
A brush like this is used to apply a darker blending shade to the outer crease.

Fluffy Crease Brush
Sigma E40 Tapered Blending Brush
These kinds of brushes are nice for blending a transition shade in the entire crease.

Flat Shading Brush
Sigma E55 Eye Shading Brush
A flat brush like this is the best for packing shadow onto the lid.

Pencil Brush
Sigma E30 Pencil Brush
Pencil brushes are useful for precision in the outer corner and shading shadow onto the lower lash line.

Small Angled Brush
Sigma E65 Small Angle Brush
This is my favorite kind of brush to use with gel liner to apply a winged look.

15 Under $50 - Last Minute Beauty Gift Ideas

To be honest, I am not a fan of most holiday sets. I think most of them are gimmicky and not worth the price, and I gravitate toward them so they hardly get used. They also come out earlier and earlier every year, so a lot of them are sold out already, when let's be honest, most of us are just now starting our Christmas shopping.

Note: Excuse the pictures. I don't own all of these things and had to screenshot pictures of the items off the websites.

Here are my picks among some of the holiday sets that I think are worth buying (listed price low to high):

1. Bite Beauty Mix N' Mingle Lip Minis - $12

Bite comes out with these mini lippies every year, and they would make really great stocking stuffers for the beauty lover in your life. They come with more than half the amount of a full size at half the price, and let's be honest, when was the last time any of us have used up a lippie? Bite is known for their great quality lip products, so whoever receives this gift will not be disappointed.

2. Caudalie Beauty Elixir Ornament - $18
This is an extremely luxurious product that anyone would be happy to receive. It isn't the best deal considering it is the same price as it normally is, but it would still make a great stocking stuffer. It can be sprayed under or over makeup to refresh the complexion.

3. The Body Shop Lip Butter Candy Cane - $20
I love the Body Shop's holiday gift sets. This is the only one I could find in stock on Ulta's website, but if you are able to find others in store, they're all great, especially their body butters. These lip butters are really nice as well. The set includes the Coconut, Honeymania, Mango, Shea, and Strawberry fragrances, and it could be split up into multiple stockings. 

4. Elizabeth and James Nirvana Mini Rollerball Set - $20

Both of these scents are iconic. If you couldn't tell, I am all about getting the best bang for my buck, and this set comes with more product than an individual rollerball for two dollars cheaper. I personally really like rollerballs because, it's difficult to use up an entire perfume and they're perfect for that person on your list who travels a lot.
Nirvana Black - Notes: Violet, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Style: Sensual, Mysterious, Warm
Nirvana White - Notes: Peony, Muguet, Tender Musk, Style: Sophisticated, Feminine, Captivating

5. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Spotlights (Sephora and Ulta) - $25

I, like many others, have been lusting after Becca's Shimmering Skin Perfectors since they first hit YouTube. I think these are the perfect size for the price, and you're also able to try three different shades: Champagne Gold, Opal, and Pearl. Unfortunately, it is sold out online, but I just saw it at my local Sephora, and it is in stock on Ulta's website.

6. Too Faced Melted Kisses Lipstick Set - $25

This set comes with four minis of the same amazing formula we all know and love of the Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipsticks. You get the shades Melted Nude, Melted Peony, Melted Fuchsia, and Melted Berry. Unfortunately, it is sold out everywhere online, but I just saw it in stock at my local Sephora.

7. Tarte Kiss & Belle LipSurgence Lip Set (Sephora and Ulta) - $34
This set comes with eight minis from Tarte's LipSurgence line: four of the regular formula, two matte, and two glosses. All of the colors are unique to this set. The only formula I have tried out of these is the matte, and I really enjoy it. I have heard great things about the others as well, so this would make a great gift for the lip lover in your life.

8. Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray Duo (Sephora and Ulta) - $39

This product is an essential part of my makeup routine. This set includes two full sizes, and considering one full size is $30, you're getting a whole extra full size for only $9. It's a really good deal.

9. Make Up For Ever Studio Case - $39.99

This kit is now on sale on Sephora's website! I've heard amazing things about the formula of these shadows. You get twelve shadows that are smaller than the full size, but using up an eyeshadow is a huge feat already. A full size Artist Liner in Matte Black is also included, which costs $19 alone. This kit is a really great deal and would be a good way to try out these shadows.

10. Benefit 3 Scoops O'Sexy - $42

I have personally been really into sheer washes of color this season. I think it adds something to a look when you haven't gone all out to apply a full face of makeup. This set comes with three full size tinted lip balms which are worth $18 alone. I've never tried any of the tints from Benefit, but this would be a really good way to do that as well. I think these are a good size as it would be difficult to use up a full size.

11. It Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Celebration Matte Palette - $42

I love matte shadows, so this palette is right up my alley. I don't personally own either of the Naturally Pretty Palettes, but I have seen excellent reviews of both. A good quality neutral matte eyeshadow palette would work for any beauty lover on your list.

12. Marc Jacobs Daisy Rollerball Trio - $44
Daisy is a classic scent. These are full size rollerballs for less than the price of two full size individual rollerballs, so it's a really good deal. I have seen this set at Sephora and Ulta, but I could not find it on the latter's website.
Daisy - Notes: Strawberry, Violet Leaves, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Gardenia, Violet Petals, Jasmine Petals, Musk, Vanilla, White Woods, Style: Bright, Alluring, Eternal
Daisy Dream - Notes: Blackberry, Grapefruit, Pear, Jasmine, Lychee, Blue Wisteria, White Woods, Musks, Coconut Water, Style: Ethereal, Free-spirited, Luminous
Daisy Eau So Fresh - Notes: Natural Raspberry, Grapefruit, Pear, Violet, Wild Rose, Apple Blossom, Musks, Cedarwood, Plum, Style: Exhilarating, Bubbly, Playful

13. Laura Mercier Creme Brulee Honey Bath - $45
This isn't a limited edition item, but I've been lusting after it for awhile. Quality bath products make great gifts, especially for someone who works a lot or for the host of your holiday party.

14. Bobbi Brown Warm Eye Palette - $48.50
This is a beautiful, simple great quality neutral eyeshadow palette. The packaging is gorgeous as well. It would make a beautiful gift. There is a Cool Eye Palette too.

15. Nars Digital World Lip Pencil Coffret - $49
You get five lip pencils total in this kit: two matte (Passionate and New Iberico) and three satin (Yu, Descanso, and Torres Del Paine). From what I can tell, the only color from the permanent collection is Yu. They're just a little bit smaller than the full sizes, which are $25 each, so this is a pretty good deal. I have never tried either of these products, but Nars never fails to impress. On top of that, the box that these come in is adorable and could be used for future makeup storage.

Mini Sephora Haul + VIB Rouge Status

I was so close to becoming a VIB Rouge, so, as if I haven't already spent enough money at Sephora, I went to pick out a few things to get me "to the top."



Elizabeth and James Nirvana Mini Rollerball Set
I've been lusting after both of these scents for awhile. After doing the math, this set comes with more product for less than the price of one of the individual rollerballs. It's limited edition, so if you've been wanting this scent, grab this set before it's gone!

Tarte LipSurgence Matte Lip Tint in Lively
I am really excited to try this product. I have heard good things about the formula, and this color is beautiful. It is a perfect matte, opaque red-ish hot pink. A perfect bright pink for winter.

Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Sheer Candy in 06 Luscious Cherry
I went to Sephora with the goal of finding a sheer red lip color to wear when I am sporting a minimal makeup look. I swatched multiple in store, and this was my favorite. YSL lip products are quite the splurge, but I used by VIB $20 off a $50 purchase coupon so I felt more justified.

So this is what you get when you become a VIB Rouge. Honestly, I was a little disappointed because when I became a VIB, I remember receiving a coupon. I was kind of expecting that with this, again, as if I need to spend any more money there.

You do get this mini lipstick from Bite Beauty, however. The color is exclusive to VIB Rouges, but I wouldn't see it's an extremely unique color. It is definitely dupable. Sorry for the creepy way I am holding the lipstick, my nails are looking very subpar.

Swatches from left to right: YSL Sheer Candy in Luscious Cherry, Tarte LipSurgence Matte Lip Tine in Lively, and Bite for VIB Rouge

Travel Makeup Bag: Home for Winter Break

I thought this would be a good first post because it basically tells you what my essentials are. I also realize that I brought way too much stuff home for winter break, but I feel justified since it is such a long break and I can't predict what I am going to do or where I'm going to go! However, it seems as if breaks are when I actually wear the least amount of makeup. Go figure. So get a snack or take a bathroom break because this is going to be a long post.

Base Products

Benefit The POREfessional

This isn't my favorite primer, but it gets the job done. I've just had it for a long time and am trying to use it up.

Bobbi Brown Corrector in Light to Medium Bisque

The salmon color of this product works magic for covering those annoying dark circles.

Bourjois Bronzing Primer

Bourjois is a French drugstore brand. My parents bought me a few things while they were in the UK this summer. You can buy it on Amazon through the link, but unfortunately, it's much more expensive. Because I am very fair, I like to apply this before foundation for a nice subtle contour.

Coty Airspun Face Powder in Naturally Neutral

This is the best setting powder I've tried. It doesn't have much color pay off but leaves a beautiful finish on the skin.

CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation in Nude Beige 832

This is a really nice medium to full coverage foundation from the drugstore. I am an NW20 at MAC, and this shade is a perfect match for me.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette

This is recently back in stock on Sephora's website! If you buy one holiday limited edition beauty product this year, this should be it! Snatch it up from Sephora's website before it sells out again. I find a lot of holiday collections to be very gimmicky, but I really love these blushes and am so happy I got this palette.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light

Diffused Light is a yellow toned powder that I like to use it to set my under eye area for a subtle highlighted effect. If you're familiar with the beauty blog or YouTube world, I'm sure you've heard enough about these powders and how amazing they are.

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Fair

This is my favorite under eye concealer from the drugstore. It has good coverage and a nice finish with minimal under eye creasing.

Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

This is my favorite step of my makeup routine. After finishing a face of makeup, it is so refreshing to spray my face with this. I find that it prevents my makeup from looking cakey and really does help my makeup last longer.

The Eyes

Ardell Twin Pack Lash 110

I am relatively new to the falsies world, and this is the first pair I've owned. Considering I spend five days a week in class and I'm lucky if I wake up in time to put any makeup on at all, I don't get much chance to wear them. When I wear a full face of makeup going out on the weekends, however, they are the perfect touch. My makeup doesn't feel complete without them.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Medium Brown

This is the best brow pencil. End of story.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel

This stuff is like hairspray for your brows. They are not going anywhere after this is applied.

Mally Beauty Volumizing Mascara

This is my favorite mascara. It gives a crazy amount of length and volume.

Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze

I just bought this, and I have no idea what I was waiting for! This color especially is perfect for a minimal makeup day. Just apply this color to the lid, and it looks like you actually tried.

Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner in Blackest Black

Gel is my favorite way to get winged liner. This one gets the job done, although it can smudge throughout its wear. This is actually the first and only gel liner I have tried because it's lasted so long.

Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

This is a really good eyeshadow primer, but I've never really tested it against others to be able to say it's better.

Revlon Precision Lash Adhesive

I've really been liking this lash glue. I especially like that it has a brush applicator.

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

This is my all time favorite palette! I love neutrals and mattes, and this palette combines my two favorite things in an eyeshadow. It's perfect for minimal makeup days, and all you need for a more fancy look is a separate lid color.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Double Ended Eye Pencil in Zero and Corrupt

Unfortunately, I bought this in a set awhile back, but this one in Zero and Whiskey is very similar. I really enjoy having a black and brown in one. I like using brown for daytime and black when I actually have time to apply a full face of makeup.

The Lips

I packed with the idea of doing neutral eyes with any color lip, so fair warning, I went pretty overboard with lip products.

Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask:

This is a great overnight lip treatment. If I remember to apply it every night, I notice that I have to apply far less, if any, lip balm throughout the day.

Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayons in Fuchsia Libre and Red Sunrise

I really enjoy these for a more sheer wash of moisturizing color when I'm not wearing a full face of makeup. Again, they're unfortunately more expensive on Amazon than they are in places the brand is available.

Dior Creme de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm:

I splurged on this item when I had a coupon for Sephora. To be honest, I'm not entirely sold on it. It is a good lip balm but not worth the money.

Gerard Cosmetics Color Your Smile Lighted Lip Gloss in Seduction

I much prefer a matte finish when it comes to lip products, but as far as glosses go, these are amazing! They have a mirror on the tube and an LED light that comes on when opened. I feel so fancy using it. The formula is extremely opaque, like a liquid lipstick, and not too sticky. Gerard Cosmetics always has sales, and their lip products are sold in bundles that are a really great deal. Plus, this color is perfect for that dark winter lip.

Jordana Easyliner for Lips in Sedona Red and Tawny

The Amazon prices through the links are much more expensive than what you can find in store. I am able to find it at Walgreens where I live. I like using lip liners to extend the wear of my lip color. These are good lip liners, and I don't really see the need to splurge on lip liners.

LimeCrime Velvetine in Pink Velvet

I absolutely love the formula of these. They go on liquid and dry matte, and they're unbelievably long lasting. This is the perfect hot pink color for any season.

Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Color in Daringly Nude and Touch of Spice

Let's just take a minute to commend Maybelline for creating these lipsticks. They're an amazing matte formula. Daringly Nude is a beautiful pinky nude shade. Touch of Spice has been my go to lip color all fall. It fits the Kylie Jenner lip color trend, and if you aren't already sold on this color, my boyfriend actually noticed it and said he liked it.

Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in Elusive and Sultry

I really love the formula of these matte lip colors too. I'm pretty sure I have every color, but these two are my favorites. Elusive is a beautiful pink that could fit with any look. Sultry is a color that is also similar to the Kylie Jenner lip color trend, but it is a little bit more red. It has been another one of my go to lip colors this fall.

Rimmel London Exaggerate Full Colour Lip Liner in Eastend Snob

I bought this because one of my favorite bloggers and YouTubers, Amelia Liana, said it is a dupe for her favorite Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Pillow Talk. I don't own the Charlotte Tilbury lip liner because it's expensive and difficult to get in the US, but she talks about it so much that I HAD to have the Rimmel dupe. It is a really nice lip liner and a beautiful color. Check out her blog post about it here.