1.) Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist
I ended up getting two of these: one for me and one for my mom. Even though my skin tends to be on the oily side, I like my skin to look more dewy. And my mom is always on the hunt for something that will make her skin glow. I have heard so many good things about this and so far I am very impressed with it. It takes away the need to use a highlighter, which is great if you are in a hurry. I have used this before foundation, after foundation, and with no foundation. It is incredible in all three cases.
2.) Caudalie Beauty Elixir
My mom got me the 1 oz bottle for Christmas last year, and I loved it. I used it sparingly because of the price and I just ran out of it. I didn't plan on buying it, but I saw the large bottle sitting on the shelf and went for it. It refreshes my skin better than any facial mist and I like using it between my toner and moisturizer. I also spritz it on my face during the day. It smells wonderful and it re-invigorates you. Well worth the money.
3.) GLAMGLOW Pout Mud Fizzy Lip Exfoliator and Wet Lip Balm Treatment Duo
I am a lip balm fanatic because I have such dry lips. I have only found a few that really work, and this is one of them. Besides the pretty packaging, this exfoliates well without being abrasive and the lip balm does wonders. It is very thick, so it is best to apply it before bed. My skin drinks it right up and by morning, my lips are nice and soft. It costs a pretty penny. but you do not need to use a lot of product and it actually works. Oh, and it smells like peppermint. My obsession with peppermint scented anything is so intense that when I hear someone say that they hate mint, I want to slap them. I'm sorry, I really am. I love it that much.
4.) Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Skincare Line
My mom's skincare routine has always been the very definition of simple. In fact, there are many nights she doesn't even wash her face. And her skin is better than mine. Everyone in my family has good skin. Apparently that gene skipped me. Anyways, my mom is showing more of an interest in skincare and she was intrigued by this brand. Everything has amazing reviews, so I have high hopes.
5.) Make Up Forever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation in 115
I am already in love with this foundation. The coverage is amazing, the shade matches perfectly, and the finish looks natural. It isn't too matte or too dewy. It blends easily and lasts all day. So, you need to try it.
6.) Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Mask
Trying new sheet masks is always a fun experience, My mom has never tried one, so I picked out this one by Tatcha. I honestly don't see her being a fan of sheet masks, but it doesn't hurt to try.
7.) Stila 'A Whole Lot of Love" Set
I haven't tried a lot of Stila products, and this palette looked like a good opportunity to become more familiar with the brand. I have used it twice and so far so good.
8.) Sephora Collection Break Ups to Makeup Holiday Bag
I have wanted one of these bags since they first came out. I never realized how big they are until I saw them in person, which justified the price a bit. I picked this one out for my mom because she loves cute makeup bags and needed a new one.
9.) Sephora Collection Wishes Come True Eye and Face Palette
For the last few years (maybe longer) Sephora has released one or two affordable small palettes that make great gifts. They are also good for travel. The few that I have purchased have always made their way back to the store because they were crap. But 2015's versions are fantastic. The packaging is the cutest yet, and the quality is a thousand times better. The eyeshadows are smooth and pigmented, as are the blush and highlighters. And it is only $15. They also have a $10 with only eyeshadows that is pretty good, too.
10.) Sephora Collection Face and Eye Mask Discovery Collection
Sephora's sheet masks are surprisingly good. I am a huge fan of their honey mask, and with this set I get to try two others in addition to three of the eye masks. Yes, please.
11.) Sephora Collection Sleeping Mask Set
So I am slightly addicted to face masks of any kind. I have never tried a sleeping mask, though. I don't see this online anymore, but you should be able to find it in store.
12.) Sephora Favorites JC Penney Exclusive Skin Wonderland Kit
This is the perfect gift for a skincare junkie like myself. I actually discovered a few new favorite products already thanks to this $39 set. Everything is trial size, but they will last ages. For example, the Algenist Eye Renewal Balm will probably last forever because you only need the teeniest amount. It includes products by Josie Maran, Boscia, First Aid Beauty, Algenist, Fresh, and many more. Everything comes in a huge bag that can be used for other things.
13.) Sephora Collection Color Wishes 5 Eyeshadow Palettes
Here is another cute set from Sephora. This set comes with 5 mini eyeshadow duos that are amazing for a quick look. I have tried one of them so far and I could not be more pleased. Each duo is centered around a certain wish. For example, the first duo is called "Wish No.1 Be a Celebrity." I am going to try them all out this week and I cannot wait to review them for you.
14.) Sephora Collection Diamond Eyeliner in Canary, Swagga, and Bling RockI have only used Canary so far, but I love it. The sparkle is subtle, but noticeable. It is smooth and stays put all day. I cannot wait to see what Swagga and Bling Rock look like.
15.) Shiseido Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask
My mom and I both are interested in adding more retinol to our skincare routines. We don't get a lot of sleep nowadays, and it is starting to show. I used these a few years ago after pulling some all nighters for classes, and I really liked them.
16.) Josia Maran Argan Oil
I've heard so many great things about this product that I had to get it. I got the smallest size to try out, and so far so good. It has been working well for my skin and hair.
17.) Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil in Vanilla Apricot
This is the best moisturizer ever! The texture is so smooth and the scent is perfection. You need to get your hands on it.
18.) Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Sheer Candy in Rose Candy
I don't care if these are stupidly expensive for a balm like lipstick, I am in love with them. They do a darn good job at keeping my lips moisturized and they add beautiful color to the lips. They are perfect for slapping on if you don't have a lot of time, but still want to feel glamourous. They smell really good, too.
19.) Kat Von D Lolita and Lolita II Lip Duo
I get it now. I understand why so many people love this lip color. I've never thought it was the great based on switches, but now that I have worn it, I get it. It is a fabulous color and it is perfect for autumn.
20.) Kat Von D Unlock It Makeup Removing Wipes
I had two sample packets of these wipes and I used them to remove some eyeshadow and lipstick swatches from my arms. I was stunned by how quickly, and how well, they removed everything. I knew right then that I had to get them. Most wipes don't do the job and I am left with a stained arm. Not a good look. I haven't used them to actually remove my makeup (and I probably won't), but I bet they would do one heck of a job.
21.) Beauty Blender Micro Mini
I love the original Beauty Blender, so why not try the micros? They are going to be great for blending concealer under the eyes and around the nose.
22.) Beauty Blender Solid Cleanser
This is a re-purchase for me. My first one is about done for. I love using my Swirl and Sparkle cleanser for my brushes, but I am going to stick with this cleanser for my Beauty Blender. At least until I make another Etsy order.
23.) Tarte Bling It On Blush Palette
I am trying to expand my pathetic blush collection and wear it more often. This blush palette covers it all. Tarte has a reputation for having some of the best blushes. And it is true. They are fabulous!
24.) Ole Henriksen 3 Mini Wonders + Cleanse Set
I have been using The Truth serum for a few weeks, and love it. My mom likes the entire line, so we both win with this set. If you have ever wanted to try this line, want to re-vamp your routine, or need a gift idea, this would be a good option.
25.) Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Rollerball and 6.7 oz Eau de Parfum
This has been my mom's go to fragrance for about as long as I have been alive. At least it seems that way. This is the perfect time of year to stock up on fragrances thanks to sales and gift sets.
26.) Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black Perfume Oil
I had a sample vial of Nirvana Black and it was love at first sprtiz. It reminds me of a toned down version of Tom Ford's Velvet Orchid. You would expect a perfume oil to be more intense and long lasting, but it isn't. I like it, but it isn't quite as great as I was expecting.
27.) Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black and Nirvana White Mini Rollerballs
They were only $12 before the 20% discount and I like both. So, why not?
28.) Ole Henriksen The Clean Truth Cleansing Wipes
29.) Boscia Perfectly Poreless Collection
Remember the Skin Wonderland set I mentioned above? The first thing I tried happened to be the Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser, and I now love it. I went with this set because it also includes a konjac sponge and Boscia's Luminizing Black Mask.
30.) Dior Addict Lipstick in Bold
This gorgeous pink shade has my mom all over it. She loves all thing pink, especially when it comes to lipstick. I swatched this and immediately knew she would love it. So it is now part of her collection.
31.) Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
I am almost out of my Burt's Bees Cleansing Oil. Even though I like it and it does a great job at removing makeup, I wanted to try something new. Enter this cleansing balm, which also does a good job. And it doesn't make my eyes sting like the Burt's Bees Cleansing Oil.
32.) Guerlain Maxi Shine Lipgloss in Prune Zip
See description under item #30.
So...yeah. That VIB Rouge sale did me in. This is what happens when you are not able to go to a freestanding Sephora in a year. In a way, I am glad that the VIB Rouge sale days didn't last any longer. But then again, if we are supposed to have all of the benefits of the VIB's, Sephora kind of screwed us over.
