A fresh start: Five skincare sets to gift this holiday season

Guys, we are down to the wire here.

So you may be a little lost on what to get some people on your list. That’s okay, because I’m here to give you a little tip: skincare is always a good idea.

I’ve chatted a little on here about skincare gift ideas already, but there’s so many different options out there and at various price points. Want something more affordable? I have you covered? Looking to splurge? Say no more!

So let’s dive in, shall we?

Holiday skincare sets from Burt's Bees, Ole Henriksen, and Drunk Elephant

Burt’s Bees Naturally Soft Hands Set

Clean beauty has quickly been gaining speed lately, so if you have a friend that is into natural skincare and beauty products, then take a look at what Burt’s Bees has to offer.

The brand has so many gift sets available this season, but since winter means dry skin and hands, then the Naturally Soft Hands Set (C$19.97) is a great idea.

This gift set includes a 3.2 oz. Hand Repair Cream, a .30 oz. tin of Hand Salve, a .30 oz. tin of Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, and a tube of the 100 per cent natural Beeswax moisturizing lip balm.

All the ingredients in these products are made with natural ingredients without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or SLS. They also don’t do animal testing and are a cruelty-free brand.

At only $20 this is the perfect set to gift since I truly believe that anyone could benefit from this (hand cream and lip balm, yes please!). Best of all, you’ll have enough cash left over to pick up some other goodies as well.

Burt’s Bees Essentials Travel Kit

For the frequent flyer, take a look at the Burt’s Bees Essentials Travel Kit (C$14.97), which includes travel sizes of the White Tea Cleansing Facial Towelettes (set of 10), the Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream (.75 oz. tube), Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream (.6 oz. tin), and a tube of the Ultra Conditioning Moisturizing Lip Balm (full size).

I love what the brand included in this set as these are all travel essentials. Throw the makeup wipes and cleanser in your skincare bag, and the lip balm and cuticle cream in your purse for moisture on the go.

There are a variety of other Burt’s Bees sets available for the holidays as well. Best of all, they all come in beautiful packaging, so you can just throw them in a gift bag with some tissue on top and call it a day.

Ole Henrikson sets for the holidays 2018

Ole Henriksen Glow Brightly Set

If your bestie’s skin is in need of a little pick me up, take a look at the Ole Henriksen Glow Brightly set, which includes four bestsellers (C$60, C$109 value; sold out online but still may be available in your local Sephora store).

Included in this bright set are a 30 ml of the Truth Serum, a 7 ml of the Goodnight Glow Retin-ALT Sleeping Creme, 7 ml Banana Bright Eye Cream, and 15 ml of the C-Rush Brightening Gel Creme.

The Truth Serum (regular C$60 for the same size at Sephora) helps to brighten and firm skin, as well as deliver all-day hydration. Pair it with the C-Rush Brightening Gel Creme, which gives your skin hydration and targets fine lines and wrinkles.  For the eyes, apply the Banana Bright Eye Creme, which is inspired by banana powders and illuminates the under eye area.  Finally, before bed, use the Goodnight Glow Retin-ALT Sleeping Creme, which has AHAs and bakuchiol, which is a natural retinol alternative, to target fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots, all the while hydrating skin while you sleep.

I think the value on this set is amazing since the 30 ml of the Truth Serum is the price of this set alone. If you can still find it at your local store, scoop it up (and maybe an extra set for yourself as well).

Ole Henriksen Makeup Your Glow

The perfect stocking stuffer (and such an amazing deal!), the Ole Henriksen Makeup Your Glow set includes a Wonderfeel Double Cleanser and Transformation Perfecting Moisturizer.

This set retails for $15 USD (so probably around $20-something Canadian) and is a great price for Ole Henriksen products. The Wonderfeel Double Cleanser comes in a 60 ml size (the 100 ml size retails for C$39 at Sephora), is a lightweight facial cleanser that gently removes makeup and deep cleanses the face in one step thanks to olive and borage seed oils and black currant extract. Also included in this two-piece set, you get a 15 ml of the Sheer Transformation Perfecting Moisturizer (the same size retails for $15 at Sephora), which is an oil-free moisturizer that hydrates, evens tone, and smooths skin texture. Best of all, since these products are under 100 ml, they are TSA safe for that winter getaway!

Drunk Elephant Agent Ellie Kit

Drunk Elephant Agent Ellie kit

This last set is one of my favourites this season since it’s such a fun theme.

The Agent Ellie kit includes a full-size (30 ml) of the C-Firma Day Serum, as well as four travel-size deluxe samples of Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense SPF 30 (15 ml), Protini Polypeptide Cream (15 ml), B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum (8 ml), and the Shaba Complex Eye Serum (5 ml).

I chatted about the C-Firma previously on here, and since it’s so expensive to pick up by itself, if you can still find this kit, then I would grab it (it’s sold out on Sephora online and on Drunk Elephant’s website). This kit retails for C$110 (the C-Firma alone is C$100), so for an extra C$10 you can grab four other deluxe samples of Drunk Elephant products (I’ve used both the Protini and the Shaba Complex Eye Serum and love them!).

The C-Firma serum is a potent vitamin C serum contains a powerful antioxidant complex, essential nutrients, and fruit enzymes to work together to firm and brighten the skin. I’ll be keeping this one for myself and I can’t wait to use the other products when I travel since I’m always on the lookout for minis of my favourite skincare products.

I save the best part of this kit for last. It also includes an acrylic magnifying glass and six playing cards, where you’re supposed to search for ingredients in your current beauty routine for the six suspects listed on the cards.  It’s totally hokey, but it’s a fun little way to make the kit more interactive.

Skincare is always in season, so no matter which kit you gift this year I’m sure your recipient will absolutely adore it.

Are you gifting any skincare sets this season?

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Thinking of you: Three sentimental gifts for the holidays

Okay, so we all have that friend who may not be into makeup as much as we are.

The best part about the holidays is when it comes to gifting, really, the skies the limit. Maybe an eyeshadow palette may be high on one person’s list, but someone else would rather have a donation in their name.  Hey, to each their own, right?

Anyways, since not everyone is into beauty, I wanted to mention a few other goodies which would make fabulous gifts this season. From a book that does an animal good to ways to share memories.

Drawn Free book by James Wadley
Drawn Free book by James Wadley

Drawn Free

It may not come across here as much, but I am absolutely obsessed with dogs. My American Eskimo dog Ziggy is my best friend and soul mate. If I could, I would do absolutely everything with him. Unfortunately though, only some businesses allow dogs in their stores 😛 (God bless you Indigo and Urban Barn).

Anyways, if you have a dog lover in your life, then take a look at the book Drawn Free, which chronicles dog’s adoption stories all through watercolour paintings. Available to order online, Drawn Free is a beautiful work of art that shares stories of adoption dogs from all over the world. Mostly happy stories (although there are a few sad ones), artist and writer James Wadley will have you tearing up reading about these sweet angels.

Watercolour painting of American Eskimo dog by James Wadley Best of all, each book sale directly benefits no-kill shelters and rescue organizations around the world in the country in which the book was purchased. For instance, if you buy the book from Canada, he will donate a portion of the sales to a no-kill shelter here in Canada. Same if you are from Brazil, Columbia, the U.S. etc.

I keep mine on my coffee table and read it to Ziggy before bed. Ziggy was purchased from a breeder, but my parent’s American Eskimo dog Chase was adopted from a rescue here in Winnipeg, so rescue dogs are very near and dear to my heart (I mean, all dogs are very near and dear to my heart).  James also offers watercolour portraits of your own pets (he drew Ziggy for me earlier this month), so if you wanted to send him a photo of your bestie’s dog for him to draw, then make sure you check out their website and get in touch.

Instax Share SP-3 printer Instax Share SP-3 printer

Instax Share SP-3 Printer 

I absolutely love my Instax cameras, but since the film is so expensive, I hate it when I take a photo and then turns out I blinked (or it was overexposed/too dark).

Instead of gifting an Instax camera this year (although the new Instax Square SQ6 are sooo cool as well!), take a look at their printers, which print photos on the same film but allow you to choose the photo from your phone, edit it, and then print it the same way as the cameras (perfect for your friend who always travels and wants to print off some memories the old fashioned way).

The Instax Share SP-3 (available in white and black) connects to your phone through a WiFi connection and the Instax SHARE app. Choose the photo you want printed, edit it, then send it to the printer. The app also allows you to throw a filter on the photo, tinker with the lighting, collage a couple photos into one, and put a caption on it. This way you know you aren’t wasting the film and always end up with the perfect shot every time.

The Instax Share SP-3 retails for a little more than the cameras (honestly, both are great gift ideas though!) at C$249.99. I also want to note that the printer does not include the film, which I feel like for $250 FUJIFILM could have included a 10-pack in here. Also, this particular printer only takes the square film, which retails for C$12.99 a pack (although if you buy them in bulk, it’ll cost a little less).

These things are so fun that I guarantee you anyone you gift it to will absolutely adore it (and maybe print off a couple photos of you guys together as well).

Coal and Canary Sweater Weather candle set

Coal and Canary Sweater Weather candle set

We all know that certain scents evoke memories for people, so for that friend who wants to feel cozy this season, take a look at gifting some candles (which are always a good idea, might I add).

I’ve chatted about various candles on here (I love Nest Fragrances as well), but Coal and Canary are very near and dear to my heart since they’re based locally here in Winnipeg.

Although there are a ton of different sets to gift this year (including these Sephora-exclusive ones), I’ve been obsessed with their Sweater Weather gift set (C$50), which includes five fall-scented votives to fall in love with.

Included in this set are five three-ounce votives in the scents Chunky Knit Sweater (notes of pumpkin, pecans, vanilla cake, and hints of spice); Cable Knit Scarf (notes of toasted hazelnuts, vanilla and butter); The Cider Made Me Do It (notes of McIntosh, Red Delicious, and Fuji apple); Gimme Some Sugar (notes of brown sugar, yam, honey, and vanilla); and Warm Wooly Mittens, which is only available in this set (notes of almond, cherry and orange blossom).

If you’ve never experienced a Coal and Canary candle before, they feature a wooden wick, which crackles when lit. It’s like you have The Fireplace Channel on in your bedroom/living room (but on a much smaller level). Trust me, you’ll love this set so much that you’ll even want to pick one up for yourself!

If you are interested in this set, you can score an additional 15% off with code SHAYNA15 on their site.

From candles to printers to even dogs, there’s lots to gift this year that will go above and beyond and might even make your recipient tear up a bit.  I think all of these gifts make amazing presents and show that it’s the thought that truly counts (but in a good way of course).

Do you have someone who is hard to buy for on your list?

 

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Pucker up! Five lip sets to gift this holiday season

If you’re completely stuck on what to get someone this season, then lip sets are always a good idea.

Unlike perfume and skincare, which also make amazing gifts but are a little personal, lip sets contain a variety of different shades to choose from and are super convenient to gift and have. I’ve chatted about a few sets already (and there’s still more to come), but with so many brands releasing these sets this season, it’ll be easy to find the one perfect for that person on your list.

Here are some of my top picks!

Buxom Party Girl Pout Mini Lip Balm Kit

Buxom Party Girl Pout Mini Lip Balm Kit

This set (on sale for C$26, reg. $37) is perfect for just about anyone. Since lip balm is always in style and a bare necessity of life, you can’t go wrong with gifting a set of tinted lip balms.

This set includes four lip balms that hydrate your lips, plus a fun little eye veil (in case you’re going to a masquerade party this season). These lip balms come in four shades (nude, pink, berry, and red), which works with your skin tone to create a look unique to you.

Buxom Party Girl Pout Mini Lip Balm Kit

I always carry around lip balm, so I think this set is ideal for someone who may not wear makeup, but you still want to gift them something makeup-related. The best part is that these include their PowerPlump technology, which delivers moisture thanks to the rich oil complex. The minty flavour also helps plump up those lips; perfect for a little something-something under the mistletoe.

Buxom Black Tie Tease

Buxom Black Tie Tease

If you would rather gift a little more colour, then take a look at the Buxom Black Tie Tease set (on sale for $25), which includes six nudes to complement all skin tones (valued at $68).

With this set, you get PlumpLine Lip Liner in Hush Hush, Layer Big & Sexy Bold Gel Lipstick in Rebel Rose and Sinful Cinnamon, Full-On Plumping Lip Cream in White Russian, Full-On Plumping Lip Polish in Celeste, and Va-Va-Plump Shiny Liquid Lipstick in Honey Do.

This set is great because it gives you a variety of different Buxom lip products to try out. They are all mini sizes so if your recipient loves a certain shade then they can go and purchase the full size. It also comes with the fun little eye veil that the other set comes with as well.

Kat Von D Best of Nudes Mini Studded Kiss Creme Lipstick Set

Kat Von D Best of Nudes Mini Studded Kiss Creme Lipstick Set

Who doesn’t love Kat Von D? The brand’s lipsticks are bestsellers with good reason, so anyone who receives this set of six mini Studded Kiss Creme Lipsticks will surely love it.

Included in this limited-edition set are six of the brand’s most iconic and best-selling neutral shades, including Bow N Arrow, Ophelia, Hawkwind, Sanctuary, Crucifix, and Piaf.  Since the shades range from light nude to rich brown, there is truly a shade for everyone.

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lip Creme set swatches

In case you haven’t tried the Studded Kiss formula, it’s a matte lipstick that delivers high-pigment colour and a comfortable wear. This set is on sale on the Kat Von D Beauty site right now for $22, so snatch it up!

Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Paint-On Liquid LipColor Collection
Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Paint-On Liquid LipColor Collection Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Paint-On Liquid LipColor Collection

I got to try out these liquid lip colours earlier this year at the Estee Lauder spring preview in Vancouver, and I can tell you right now this this formula of lipstick is awesome.

Included in this gift set (C$52) are three full sizes of the Pure Color Envy Paint-On Liquid LipColors in three different formulas, matte, metallic, and vinyl.

I love the colour selection that the brand included in here as you get a nude (Smash Up), a berry (Flash It) and a sparkly bordeaux (Wine Shot). If you’ve never tried these before, the applicator makes applying these super easy and they have a pleasant scent to them. Colour is long wearing and it feels cushiony soft on the lips. Also, one of these alone retails for C$39, so for C$52, you’re getting a steal with this set.

Tarte Tartiest Sunshine & Smooches Lip Set

Tarte Tartiest Sunshine & Smooches Lip Set

I already chatted about this one in my Tarte Cosmetics holiday post last week, but the Tarte Tartiest Sunshine & Smooches Lip Set (C$51) would make the perfect gift for that friend or family member who loves matte liquid lipsticks (myself included!).

This set features five full-size nudes of the brand’s Tartiest Quick Dry Matte Lip Paints. Included are the shades Bling (pink berry), Pillowtalk (white nude), Low Key (nude), Vibin (wine), and Xoxo (red).

I have some of these shades already, as well as other colours, and I can honestly tell you that these are one of my favourite matte liquid lipsticks. I find the colours to be very flattering and they dry down to the perfect matte texture.  Since there’s a variety of different nudes and reds in here, I think that this set is pretty universal for pretty much any skin tone (although Pillowtalk maybe be a touch too light for a lot of people.. not for me though, that one is my faves in this set).

You can never have enough nude lipsticks or matte liquid lipsticks, so this set is truly a match made in heaven (and it’s a C$132 value; total score!).

I have gotten so many so many lip sets in this season for the holidays and clearly it’s a very popular gift to give. Like I said, you really can’t go wrong here with a great lip set, because there’s something for everyone included. You could also break up the set and gift them to different people if you have a bunch of gifts to give.  It’s a total win-win when it comes to these.

Are you gifting any lip sets this season?

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