So, we’re a little late to this un-boxing. Illness is the worst, especially when you don’t know the cause. Anyway, onto the highly-anticipated FabFitFun summer box for 2018! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. We get a small something to use for add-ons when our affiliate links are used.
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| A quick look at our box items and add-ons. |
The Box
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| The un-boxing. |
I received this quarter’s FabFitFun box just before we left, and was so excited! It’s a bit like Christmas (well, the consumer part of it), but quarterly. I love hats, plus I needed a new gym bag, so this box already came with two things I was looking forward to. Since I ended up upgrading (the only “upgrade” is being able to pick certain products and/or colors) I was able to pick most of what was in the box. Continue reading
First off, a big thanks to Revlon and Crowdtap for the products in this post. I recently received four face products to help create the perfect photo-ready look: Revlon Photoready™ Pore Reducing Primer, Photoready™ Brightening Primer ($12.99 and up at Ulta), Revlon Insta-Blush™ in Nude Kiss ($12.99 at Ulta), and a 4-in-1 Blending Sponge ($7.99 at Ulta), (list provided by crowdtap.com). Continue reading
MAKE Beauty creates professionally formulated skincare and makeup that are user-friendly and “designed for personal experimentation.” You may be wondering what that means. That means you are able to customize your look and tailor every product to your specific needs. You can go from barely-there to super-pigmented in just a couple of steps. Blend, layer, and play to your heart’s content. Their makeup formulas contain high-quality pigments that can be toned down or cranked up, depending on your mood. Want a no-makeup look? No problem! Headed out for a fun night on the town and want a bold, super-pigmented look? MAKE has all you will need.
I was sent a mini eye shadow & mini lipstick to try out (see my Instagram post here), and I must say that I love both of them. The eyeshadow is a wonderfully neutral color that looks great by itself or blended with other colors. Taffy is the color of the lipstick I received. I love that it doesn’t dry my lips out. Sometimes, depending on the brand (and it can be drugstore or the pricey kind) my lips will crack and dry up in no-time. MAKE’s did not do that. Currently we are overseas, so I decided to take these with me, especially since they didn’t take up much space.
Anyway, celebrate and show off your own creative skills with MAKE’s expertly- designed products. I am sure you will not be disappointed. Each product is packed with ingredients that are good for you, such as antioxidants, safflower oil, and chamomile extracts are just a few.
PROMOTIONAL OFFER: Use the code MAKEYOURSELF to receive 20% off your purchase (site-wide, valid through 5/31/2016)!!
Valentine’s Day is in 4 days, and whether you are celebrating with your sweetheart or friends, gifts always add a nice touch. They may not get them on the day, but (1) It’s the thought that counts, and (2) It’ll be a nice little extension of the day. Gift cards & handmade gifts are always nice as well. Anyway, here are some ideas for everyone.
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| Image courtesy of razerzone.com |
Gunnars Gaming Glasses, $59.25 & up
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| Image courtesy of gunnars.com |
The frames of the gaming glasses are specifically designed for headset compatibility. Gunnars also makes outdoor and crystalline glasses. The crystalline glasses are made for graphic designers and those who work with true color. They can also be customized using your gamer’s prescription. You can read their FAQ for more information.
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| Image courtesy of amazon.com |
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| Image courtesy of amazon.com |
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| Image courtesy of SouthernGalSass |
For the Makeup-Lover
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| Image courtesy of sephora.com |
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| Image courtesy of sephora.com |
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| Image courtesy of nigelbeauty.com |
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| Image courtesy of bdelliumtools.com |
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| Image courtesy of sephora.com |
For the Skincare & Fragrance Guru
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| Image courtesy of carolinechu.com |
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| Image courtesy of sephora.com |
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| Image courtesy of sephora.com |
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| Image courtesy of sephora.com |
For the Accessorizer
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| Image courtesy of enchantedleaves.com |
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| Image courtesy of enchantedleaves.com |
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| Image courtesy of enchantedleaves.com |
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| Nabu Forged. Image courtesy of Razer |
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| Nabu Forged. Image courtesy of Razer |
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| Nabu Watch. Image courtesy of Razer |
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| Nabu Watch. Image courtesy of Razer |
For the Chocolate-Lover
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| Image courtesy of chuaochocolatier.com |
Anyone who knows me knows how much I love Chuao. My dad introduced me to it awhile back, and I was so sad when they closed the only boutique close to me. Now that they have a full online store virtually any combination of bonbons/truffles can be arranged, and they have several gift baskets & items. This set contains 4 Potato Chip Bars OR 4 Baconluxious Bars & a bottle of Arrogant Bastard.
Chuao Chocolatier: Milk Chocolate Bliss Tower, $64.95
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| Image courtesy of chuaochocolatier.com |
This generous gift can be given to one person or broken up to provide several smaller gifts. It contains a 9-piece bonbon set, 4 regular sized chocolate bars in: Oh My S’mores, Ravishing Rocky Road, Cinnamon Cereal Smooch, and Strawberry Waffle Wild, and a 16-piece mini bar assortment in: Potato Chip, Caramel Apple Crush, Baconluxious, and Pop Corn Pop.
** Get free shipping on orders of $60+ with promo code SWEETTHING OR $10 off expedited shipping on orders of $60+ with promo code HOTSTUFF **
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| Image courtesy of aftershokz.com |
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| Image courtesy of aftershokz.com |
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| Image courtesy of amazon.com |
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| Image courtesy of amazon.com |
For the Kids
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| Mint Chocolate. Image courtesy of Milk Jar Cookies |
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| Birthday Cake. Image courtesy of Milk Jar Cookies |
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| Chocolate Chip. Image courtesy of Milk Jar Cookies |
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| Chocolate Covered Strawberry. Image courtesy of Milk Jar Cookies |
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| Image courtesy of activitiesforkids.com |
The holidays seem to come earlier and earlier. Of course, it’s now the end of October, and before you know it, it’ll be time to give gifts. Personally, I love gift-giving. Whether it’s a gift card, set, or something handmade, there is something for everyone. Here are a few ideas for the makeup-lover on your list. I have complied a list a high- and low-end (regarding price) sets that will hopefully fit any budget. You can also create your own gift set by adding full- or travel-sized items to a basket, jar, or other container.
1. ULTA: Time to Shine 71-Piece Collection, $24.99
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| Image courtesy of ulta.com |
For the makeup lover who is just starting their collection, or someone who wants a kit on-the-go, this ULTA brand collection has everything in one convenient train case. The train case has two pull-out drawers that house makeup, and comes in either a pink or silver finish. Time to Shine contains the following (list from ULTA.com):
2. ULTA: Lip Glossary, $16.00
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| Image courtesy of ulta.com |
Lip Glossary contains 15 mini glosses in a wide array of shades from neutrals to reds, and everything in-between. Gift the collection or break them up, and create a custom gift for multiple people.
3. Sephora: Lancome Noel Eye Set, $38.00
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| Image courtesy of sephora.com |
This eye set is a great value. It comes with the following:
– 0.35 oz Grandoise Mascara (full size)
– 0.135 oz Hypnôse Drama Mascara (mini size)
– 0.028 oz Drama Liqui-pencil Eye Pencil in Noir Intense (mini size)
– 0.07 oz Cils Booster Base Mascara Primer (mini size)
– 0.047 oz Artliner Eyeliner in Noir (full size)
– 1.7 oz Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover
The Grandiose mascara alone is $32.00, so for $6.00 more, you get a mini mascara, primer, remover, and two eyeliners. It is a wonderful set for you or any makeup-lover on your list. This set will ensure amazing eyes whether one is going for a dramatic night look or soft day look.
4. Sephora Favorites Lashstash, $45.00
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| Image courtesy of sephora.com |
For the one who loves to try out different types of mascara, this set contains 8 mini mascaras, eyelash curler, lash fibers, and a liner. This list is courtesy of sephora.com:
– 0.1 oz Benefit Roller Lash Mascara
– 0.08 oz Blinc Mascara
– 0.20 oz Buxom® Lash Mascara
– 0.002 oz Hourglass Cosmetics 1.5MM Mechanical Gel Eye Liner
– 0.51 oz Marc Jacobs Beauty O!Mega Lash Volumizing Mascara in Blacquer
– 0.13 oz MAKE UP FOR EVER Mascara in Smoky Extravagant
– 0.12 oz NARS Cosmetics Audacious Mascara in Black Moon
– 0.01 oz Tarte best in faux extending fibers
– Tarte picture perfect™ eyelash curler
– 0.17 oz Too Faced Cosmetics Better Than Sex Mascara
– 0.06 oz Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils
The mascara sizes make them perfect for travel. The rating is not that high, and I don’t quite know why seeing as you are getting quite a bit for the money. For instance, the mini Roller Lash is $12.00 and the mini Buxom retails for $13.00. The recipient won’t have to worry about their mascara going bad or dry, and a wide array of looks can be achieved by what is in this little box.
5. Sephora Collection: Jem and the Holograms Liquid Lip Set, $25.00
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| Image courtesy of sephora.com |
Jem and the Holograms ran in the 80s. For those of us who grew up watching and loving the show, we can be transported back through this makeup collection created for the movie. Let’s be honest; there is nothing like an original, but the colors are fun. You can complete the Jem collection with the eye palette, lipstick, and mirror.
have an idea or set you want to see in an upcoming post? Let me know!
Stay beautiful!
I am always on the lookout for a high quality SPF brand, and I really love COOLA. COOLA is an organic suncare company that focuses on quality suncare free of phthalates, parabens, petroleum, and paba. COOLA also donates to the Melanoma Research Alliance and Healthy Child Healthy World. To learn more about the company, click here.
They were amazing, and sent me a couple of products to try out. One has the scent of plumeria (body), and the other is unscented (face). Plumeria reminds me of strolling up and down the beach in Waikiki when my family and I went a few years ago. Don’t you just love when scents bring back happy memories? The unscented face suncare is great because it absorbs fast and is not sticky. Because it is unscented, it does not irritate my nostrils. Sometimes, scented face products can be a bit nauseating, don’t you think?
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| Plumeria SPF 30 for Body |
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| Unscented SPF 30 for Face |
COOLA offers a wide array of SPF products including: sprays, lotions, lip care, and a new makeup setting spray. COOLA products are not sticky nor greasy, which is wonderful because so many brands are one, the other, or both. My face and body are never left feeling like an oil slick. There is no white residue to worry about because it all sinks in. My legs and arms never stick to my clothes while I’m getting ready, and I couldn’t be happier. There is something for everyone, even the kids! Not sure what to try? You can always purchase the travel kit ($39.99). It comes with TSA-approved sizes of the following: Piña Colada spray, full-sized lip care, after sun lotion, and cucumber face moisturizer. I can’t wait to try out the other products they offer. Don’t forget: ALWAYS protect your skin. Even when it is overcast, apply some sunscreen.
Stay beautiful!
So I thought I would be productive and get a head-start on Christmas shopping. Since Halloween and fall have been taking over stores since August, you know the holiday items will soon follow. I try to get most of my shopping done over summer, unless there are holiday sets I can’t pass up. ULTA had some good promotions, a couple of which may still be available, and BOOM, half my Christmas list is complete (okay, not half, but nearly). Anyway, here is what I purchased:
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| Sorry! The picture isn’t the greatest. |
1. ULTA Brand Eyeshadow Palette: Gilded Gold
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| Image courtesy of ulta.com |
For a store brand, ULTA has good-quality pigments. Both this and the Gilded Rose palette are great for anyone who is looking for something to travel with, or someone who is just starting to wear eyeshadow. There are several finishes (i.e matte, shimmer, etc.) and colors from across the more neutral spectrum. You can go from a fresh, no-makeup look to a more dramatic night-on-the-town look, by taking the colors from one palette.
Color List (courtesy of ulta.com)
2. ULTA Brand Eyeshadow Palette: Rose Gold
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| Image courtesy of ulta.com |
The Rose Gold and Gilded Gold palettes may look the same, but differ quite a bit. The Rose Gold palette, for one, does not contain black in any form. Mauve, pink, brown, and other rich tones are highlighted in this palette. Similar to its counterpart are the finishes, and a variety of looks can be created using this range of colors.
Color List (courtesy of ulta.com)
3. ULTA Brand Raincoat Waterproof Mascara Topcoat
This clear coat is supposed to lock in your mascara, so no matter what you’re doing, your mascara won’t make you look like a hot mess. I, literally, just put it on, and it does dry clear. It’s a bit opaque; similar to the color of the PTR peeling gel. In the description, it also says that the product is great as an eyebrow gel, so I put some on my brows. Most of the time, clear brow gel will start to flake and (of course) look white. Anyway, I was interested because I have been looking for a mascara setting product. I used two different mascaras, one from tarte and a duo from Urban Decay. I will update you on how well it worked.
Short Update: So, I thought I would test it out by watching something that would make me cry to test the product…alone of course… ’cause everyone knows I HATE crying in front of others. So far, the mascara has stayed put. My lashes also don’t feel dry and crunchy. Thus far, it has been a great product. I will head to the gym later for further testing.
4. Hask Coconut Monoi Oil Vial
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| Image courtesy of ulta.com |
These oils were buy two get one free, and I am really on a hair oil kick. I also love the smell of monoi oil. It reminds me of summer nights on the balcony overlooking Waikiki Beach. I am quite excited to try this out. My plan? Treat my hair, scrub my face, and apply a face mask. Then, relax with some tea and a hot bubble bath. It’ll be like a mini tropical vacation.
5. Hask Keratin Protein Oil Vial
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| Image courtesy of ulta.com |
The Keratin oil smells like a light fruit salad. it is supposed to smooth and strengthen the hair, so once I try it, I will update you on my results.
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| Image courtesy of ulta.com |
The scent of this oil reminds me of a light vanilla-musk. I just applied some to my hair to use as a treatment. You can use it as part of your styling routine as well. It is definitely lightweight. This formula is supposed to revitalize my hair, so I guess we will find out. I like that a little goes a long way. I applied about a dime-sized amount to dry hair. Next time, I will apply it on wet hair, to see if there is a difference.
I have yet to put these oils to the test. I do like the scents, and I like that they come in a convenient travel vial. Each vial has a cap that snaps on, so no need to worry about the vials leaking.
Gift With Purchase Items (Note: Each bag came with a $5 off $15+ ULTA brand purchase.):
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| Image courtesy of ulta.com |
This bag is more of a chocolate brown with a purple tone, and is great for holding a small mount of makeup. It is long enough to fit full-sized brushes and smaller palettes and skincare. This set in particular came with the following:
– Three Shadow Quads
– Two Brushes + One Sponge Tip
– One Highlighter/Blush Duo
– One Shadow Topcoat
– Mini Nail Polish
– Mini Ligloss
– Double-Ended Eye Pencil
– Brow Tint
– One Full-Sized Mascara
– One Full-Sized Lipstick
2. ULTA Beauty Bag
This bag is not that attractive, but holds so much. I am using it as my gym toiletry bag. The products you see below (sorry for the poor quality!) took up less than half the available bag space! The packet samples are a nice way to try something new, but sometimes they are not large enough to really see if you will like the product. The Urban Decay and tarte samples a
re single-use, but if you play your cards right, you will get a couple of uses out of the samples.
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| The Bag |
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| Makeup: Urban Decay, smashbox, ULTA, Laura Geller, tarte, benefit |
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| Hair: John Frieda, Hask, Kenra, phtyo |
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| Skin: The Body Shop, Algenist, Mario Badescu, philosopy |
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| Perfume: Juicy Couture, Gucci |
3. Variety Sampler
With every ULTA purchase, you can choose to have samples added, free of charge. There are three mystery samplers: Fragrance, Skincare, and Variety. In the past, I have not found the samples to be anything significant, this time was no different. Last time I opted for the Variety, and they sent me three hair packets from L’oreal. This time, I opted for Skincare, and was provided the POREfessional single-use packet and the smashbox Photo Finish Primer packet (not pictured). Free is always nice, but I prefer Sephora’s selection.
So I walked down to the mailbox, and was greeted by the July Birchbox. I started my subscription last year, and after the June box had seriously considered cancelling. Boy am I glad I didn’t. The July box features the following: A benefit mini they’re real mascara, mini Stila liquid lipstick (I received the shade Venizia), a travel-sized Oribe dry hair texturizing spray, a deluxe sample of COOLA‘s cucumber SPF 30 sunscreen, and a deluxe sample of Dr. Brandt‘s microdermabrasion (one of my favorite exfoliators!).
I haven’t had an opportunity to try everything just yet, but as soon as I do, I will have a review. Did you receive the July box? I would love to know your thoughts on which product(s) did or didn’t work for you.
Also, if you haven’t subscribed but would like to, click here to sign up. It’s easy and you can cancel at any time.
Stay beautiful!
Mother’s Day is coming up. Instead of the usual bouquet of flowers, why not surprise her with a a gift that will keep on giving? Here are some of my favorite Mother’s Day sets.
For the Tea-Lovers:
Teavana
For the tea-lover, Teavana has created a wide array of gifts to suit several tastes. Pictured below are the Radiant Flower Collection ($49.95) and In Bloom Collection ($69.95) gifts, on the left and right, respectively. The Radiant Flower Collection contains: One 14oz infuser mug, two tea tins, and 2oz each of Jasmine Dragon Phoenix Pearls & Strawberry Blush Rose Oolong teas. The In Bloom Collection contains: A 32oz teapot, two tea tins, and 3oz each of Flowering Pineapple & Lemon Marigold Blossom teas.
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| Image courtesy of teavana.com |
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| Image courtesy of teavana.com |
You can also create your own gift. Grab a tea maker or teapot, some rock sugar or honey; a teacup, teapot/infuser or mug, and tea tin. Fill the tin with tea you know she will love, and arrange the items in a gift basket. Wrap the basket in some cellophane and tie it all together with a ribbon. You will have a customized gift your recipient is sure to love. Don’t forget to pay using your registered Starbucks or Teavana card–you’ll get a star.
Tea Forte
Another one of my favorite tea companies, Tea Forte. They have several gift options available. If you are in the market for the tea gift, I suggest The Ultimate Tea Forte Experience.
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| Image courtesy of teaforte.com |
It is definitely pricey ($174.95), but includes the following:
If you are just looking for a beautifully wrapped tea-only gift, the Teas for the Heart Box is a way to “I love you”, subtly. The boxes come in two sizes, and host a variety of tea flavors.
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| Image courtesy of teaforte.com |
Adagio Teas
Adagio Teas has a few Mother’s Day gift sets out. This one (photo below) is titled Celebrating Mom ($34.00), and it is one of my favorites. It comes with an ingenuitea teapot and two tins of loose-leaf tea (Bushel & a Peck and Pocketful of Posies blends)
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| Image courtesy of adagio.com |
You can also create a custom gift by purchasing either of the tea sets below. The only difference is that one is loose-leaf and one is bagged tea. The Sunlit Blooms sets are both $24.00/set, and come with the following teas: Bushel & a Peck, Pocketful of Posies, and a-Tisket-a-Tasket.
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| Image courtesy of adagio.com |
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| Image courtesy of adagio.com |
For the Beauty Queens:
Sephora
Everyone knows how much I L-O-V-E Clarisonic. In my opinion, everyone needs one in his/her life, period. They have come out with a couple of Mother’s Day sets, and my favorite is the Sunwashed Peach Mia 2 ($149.00). The color will brighten even the gloomiest of mornings, and the face wash is (as it states) quite refreshing.
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| Image courtesy of sephora.com |
Origins also has a gift set that will help in giving the best complexion your recipient has ever had. The Rest & Recharge Mother’s Day Set ($51.00) contains the following products:
– 1 oz VitaZing™ SPF 15 Energy-Boosting Moisturizer with Mangosteen
– 1.7 oz High Potency Night-A-Mins™ Mineral-Enriched Renewal Cream
– 0.5 oz GinZing™ Refreshing Eye Cream
– 1.7 oz Drink Up™ Intensive Overnight Mask
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| Image courtesy of sephora.com |
For the one who loves variety, there is the Sephora Favorites Beauty Closet ($99.00). It contains several of Sephora’s best-sellers and most coveted products. Whoever receives this gift will be pampered for sure! This set is filled with lip, nail, and skincare, as well as makeup, fragrance, and the cutest little BeautyBlender ever!
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| Image courtesy of sephora.com |
The closet contains:
– 0.23 oz Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm
– 0.085 oz Anastasia Beverly Hills Mini Clear Brow Gel
– 0.04 oz Full-size Ardency Inn MODSTER Smooth Ride Supercharged eyeliner in Gold
– 0.15 oz bareMinerals Mini READY™ Touch Up Veil Broad Spectrum SPF 15 in Translucent
– Full-size Beautyblender® micro.mini sponge applicator
– 0.34 oz Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector™ in Opal
– 0.04 oz Bite Beauty BB for Lips in Flush
– 0.24 oz Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black eau de parfum rollerball
– 0.4 oz Full-size Formula X Nail Color in Fahrenheit
– 0.33 oz Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
– 0.16 oz Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil
– 0.12 oz Julep Freedom™ Polymer Top Coat
– 0.10 oz Lancôme Paris Lip Lover in 355 Framboise Etoile
– 1 oz Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 in Nude
– 1 oz Living Proof Prime Style Extender
– 0.5 oz Ole Henriksen® truth serum® collagen booster
– 0.07 oz SEPHORA COLLECTION Colorful Mono eye shadow in #32 Pop Idol
– 0.25 oz Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 35 in Light/Medium
– 0.07 oz Stila Convertible Color in Peony
– 0.11 oz Tarte Amazonian clay waterproof bronzer in Park Ave Princess™
– 0.17 oz Too Faced Better Than Sex masca
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For the Cook/Chef:
Williams-Sonoma
Williams-Sonoma is one of my favorite stores. They have so much to choose from, and have put together sets that will please everyone. For the baker, there is the Citrus baking Gift Set ($69.95). It contains a Meyer lemon & poppy seed loaf mix, citrus-themed tin, spatula and towel. All items are packaged in a wooden crate and topped with a ribbon.
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| Image courtesy of williams-sonoma.com |
The VitaMix personal blender ($449.95) is another great gift, especially for those who love to blend. Want a smoothie? Sure! Soup? Yep, it will make that, too. Your recipient will be able to take all of their creations on-the-go.
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| Image courtesy of williams-sonoma.com |
For the Fashionista
Scarves are functional and can bring together any look. These Vincent Camuto scarves are on HSN ($38.00/each), and come in three colors. They are lightweight, and the colors are beautiful. The scarves will go with any ensemble regardless of the season.
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| Image courtesy of hsn.com |
The Tarah Tote from Danielle Nicole ($88.00) comes in white and navy. The sides can be zipped up (see photo on the right) if the whole width of the bag is not needed. The handbag is a great addition to one’s handbag collection. It is perfect for travel because it can fit just about everything!
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| Image courtesy of hsn.com |
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| Image courtesy of hsn.com |
This orb necklace ($23.00) from zusnA on Etsy is beautiful and fun. It is definitely different that the typical diamond or pearl necklace, and is perfect for everyone.
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| Image courtesy of zusnA |
Gifting on a Budget
Is it just me or is gifting become more and more expensive? For those who are on a budget, here are a few ideas for creating the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Starting a scrapbook can be a great way to show how much you care. Start with what you have, photos that capture memories, and leave remaining pages blank. You can add to them as new experiences arise, and make a continuous project out of it. It is creative and interactive. You could also get a shadow box, and fill it with items that will bring back all of the good times you have shared.
I had a classmate years ago who said that she never bought gifts. Instead she and whoever would go out to eat. It didn’t have to be an expensive place. She said that people remember experiences over gifts, and for the most part, she is right. Making memories and food! What could be better than your undivided attention?
Whatever you end up doing, remember that it’s not the price, but the thought behind the gift you choose.
Darphynia's Diary 
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