I’M BACK!,
It’s been a while, but I’m officially done with finals and wrapped up the semester (finally). Now it’s time to relax to some records, sit by the fire and enjoy some much needed family time. Today I decided to list-off my old November favorites (yes, I know I’m very late on it) but! to make it up to everyone, I put in a bonus mini- gift guide for super-last minute holiday shopping plus some early- December favorites I’ve had so far…
Enjoy!
~November/ Early- December Favorites~
1. Yves Saint Laurent
TOUCHE ÉCLAT – Radiant Touch ($41)
I’ve had my eye on this little gem for quite some time. It’s a gorgeous luminizer pen that has the duality of both a highlighter and concealer. The pen is packaged in a sleek, gold tube that is easy to handle with a soft, mini- brush for application. It is one of those products where as soon as you try it, you’re sold (at least for me- though I have a weird bias with anything Saint Laurent) haha but really, this is an amazing, luxurious product I’d highly recommend.
2. Holiday polishes: Urban outfitters ($6)
The holiday season is the only time where I feel like sparkle polishes don’t look too much like your nails are a 1st grader craft project. They just fit the season. Urban Outfitters has some of the most unique glitter combinations out there and they’re pretty inexpensive (a great plus). These would be super cute as a “stocking-stuffer” too!
3.
First Aid Beauty:
Skin Rescue Purifying Mask With Red Clay ($30)
This is one of those products that I didn’t know much about and bought it pretty much on a whim (which I rarely do). Turns out, this little guy has pulled out some great reviews including getting ALLURE magazine’s “Best of Beauty 2014” award. Lucky pick, I guess!
What I love about this mask is it’s very gentle and leaves your skin feeling incredibly detoxified. I thought the product description on the Sephora website was spot on… here it is for reference:
What it is formulated to do:
This mask treatment delivers immediately visible results akin to a professional treatment. In just 20 minutes the mask detoxifies and deeply purifies the complexion by drawing out skin impurities with a potent concentration of red clay. It regulates excess sebum, and eliminates clogged pores. In addition, mineral rich red clay reduces congestive pigmentation in problem areas where pimples previously formed and improves the skin’s texture. As the mask is peeled away, skin looks smoother, softer, and refreshed while pores appear visibly reduced.
4. Oribe Texturizing spray ($40)
I came back to this product A LOT the past couple of weeks. You may remember this product from my “No-Heat Beachy Waves” tutorial (link here): https://jvwbeauty.wordpress.com/2014/08/05/the-ultimate-no-heat-beachy-waves/
This bottle is packed full of volume and texturizing power- the ideal combination to get body, bounce and hold with any curl or wave. Yes, it’s a little pricy but totally worth it.
5. Butter London Nail Foundation ($19)
So there’s actually a thing called “nail foundation.” Basically, it’s a solid base that slightly amplifies the lasting power and pigmentation of whatever nail polish color you choose. I’ve been using this product all month and I find it to be very useful and now it’s just routine for me to put it on prior to color application.
~MINI- GIFTING GUIDE~
I absolutely LOVE giving my friends and family gifts. Here, I’ve picked some gifts that I know I would love to receive (and they’re not all girly type things either haha)
NARS
Virtual Domination Cheek Palette ($65)
This is a relatively new launch for NARS and it contains a great starter-kit of their blushes and bronzing powder. Plus, it’s packaged in a sleek case and will last you all year!
CANDLES!
WHO DOESN’T LIKE A CANDLE? If you know someone who is as obsessed with candles as I am, then look no further than Urban Outfitters- they have the greatest selection of rustic, moody candles. Personally, I’m not a fan of sugary, sweet candles and U.O seems to have the most dynamic collection of scents I just can’t get enough of. This one, pictured above, is a Lavendar- scented candle made by the Pommes Frites Candle Co for $20, found at Urban.
Urban Decay: NAKED “On the Run” palette ($54)
I choose to include an Urban Decay palette simply because they are like the “UGGS” of cosmetics, meaning it is so widely popularized- the difference is this is a fad company I can actually get behind. Also, I don’t think the popularity of Urban Decay will ever fade like UGGS (so I guess they’re not really a ‘fad’ company), because they make pretty reliable products. This new collective palette includes great natural, shimmer shadows, a shimmer highlighter, blush, bronzer, mascara, black liner and lip-gloss. You can’t go wrong!
RECORDS, BOOKS & JOURNALS!
A good journal, record or book is a wonderful gift for everyone and anyone (as long as they like to read, write and have a record player that is) Go to local record stores and book stores- shop local!
Yves Saint Laruent Nail Polish ($27)
Last but not least, YSL polish. I think I’ve mentioned this beauty a couple hundred times on this blog. Honestly, I’m obsessed. From the insane pigmentation to the easy- application brush, this polish is stunning. The only thing I would say about this polish is it isn’t chip-prone but the colors are too beautiful to pass up.
Well that wraps it up!
HAPPY HOLIDAZE & as always, thanks for reading!
~JAX
jackievw.com 