Vanessa Beauty, Infographic, skincare

Beauty & Bank x Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday-Gift-guide.jpgThere is nothing that Laura (@lathertolashes) and I love more than talking about what things we are loving… and I am also low-key obsessed with reading every gift guide I come across (Oprah’s favorite things episodes used to be the highlight of my year…not really, but kind of). So we figured we would put together our own little Holiday Gift Guide with some things that we are loving as well as some things that are on our personal wish lists.

Happy Holidays, lovelies!

Before we get into the lists, just a reminder to use Ebates when you are shopping online!  You will be surprised how it adds up–especially during holiday shopping!  If you need a referral link to get $10 in your account after your first order of $25 or more, here is my referral link: Ebates Referral

*Some links in this post are affiliate links. When you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a very small commission. I appreciate if you shop through the links because this small compensation helps support this blog and my time spent creating and maintaining content for you all. 

First up – Shop Shop Small (but Mighty) Businesses

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  1. Jordan Samuel Skin Holiday Collection: Principal
    • $69 for The After Show Treatment Cleanser (3 fl. oz., value $20), Hydrate Facial Serum (1 fl. oz., value $29), and Etoile with Retinol Treatment Oil (1 fl. oz., value $43).
    • Remove makeup, banish dull skin, plump up fine lines, and gently target signs of aging. Give someone the perfect skincare kit or break up the set and you have three gifts for different people and you save $23 by getting the bundle.
  2. Herland Home Candle Trimmer & Candle
    • Candle wick trimmer (with cute sayings like “kill the lights” “find your fire” “Let sparks fly”)- $20 and Interstellar candle – $20 for 8 oz candle.
    • I have smelled four scents by Herland Homes and I love them all but I think Interstellar is the most universally flattering, if you will. It is something that would smell amazing in a living room or bathroom–it is light but complex and not too sweet.
  3. Sydney Hale & Co Candle in Garden Mint
    • $30 for 14 oz.
    • Liven up your kitchen with the soothing smell of fresh mint
  4. Malie Organics KOKE’E Hand Soap
    • $30 for 16 oz
    • Soap that smells like you are walking past a pastry shop with freshly baked almond croissants -what could go wrong? This will seriously elevate your bathroom game.
  5. Maelove Glow Maker
    • $27.95 1 oz
    • Vitamin C and all it’s benefits, without the price tag. Often out of stock for good reason. (see review) (Don’t stock up though because Vit C serums should be purchased and used immediately)
  6. Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Cleanser
    • $16 for 4.05 oz
    • Gentle, hydrating, low pH. Leaves skin feeling calm and happy.
  7. The Granola Goat S.O.S Mask
    • $19 for 2 oz
    • This is such a versatile dry powder mask that you can mix in with a variety of mediums, like water, aloe juice, etc. It uses the power of sulfur, matcha powder, sacha inci powder, and tumeric to tackle pesky blemishes while not  being overly harsh or drying (see review)
  8. Apothaka SOS Recovery Nail & Cuticle Oil
    • £14.95 ($19.45)
    • Help your friends show off their new manicures with their cuticles on point
  9. Eufloria Botanicals Wild Chaga Revival Mist
    • $27 for 4 oz
    • This is one of Vanessa’s favorite mists because it is a treatment mist that gives skin a boost of hydration and soothes inflammation and is packed with mushrooms (see blog post for why mushrooms in skincare is a good thing)
  10. Stratia Liquid Gold Moisturizer
    • $24 for 60 ml
    • Moisturizer packed with great ingredients to help balance, hydrate, brighten  and strengthen the skin. It’s amazing that the price is so low because the INCI is so good
    • 11/26 20% off site wide
  11. Shop Tart at Juniper Boutique (a boutique Vanessa’s cousin owns this boutique in Northbrook, IL but you can order online and help support a small business!)
    • Tart Asher Hoodie
    • $150 for the cutest hoodie that is perfect for weekend leisure-ware. It has pretty ribbon drawstrings, thumb holes, a hood and it covers the butt …perfection!
  12. Twig + Birdie Apothecary Peppermint and Basil headache remedy
    • $22
    • Great to keep in a bag and use at the first sign of a headache. The scent (peppermint, basil and rosemary) is amazing and it actually works! Another great product from this company is the balancing face oil (see review)
  13. Lovinah Skincare Pumpkin Enzyme Mask
    • $55 for 50 ml
    • One of the best enzyme masks I’ve tried in terms of actually delivering results. It’s a potent 15 min mask that is great for when your skin is looking dull.
  14. Alkimi Skin VI Facial Oil 
    • £35.00 (45.50)
    • Quite possibly the perfect oil blend. It leaves the skin feeling balanced, nourished, and it feels light on the skin. It has a faint smell of pencil shavings and quickly absorbs in the skin. It is currently unavailable, but trust us when we say it is worth the wait. Keep an eye out on the website for pre-orders in December and you should be able to get your hands on this gorgeous oil in January.
  15. You.Skincare Barrier repair cleansing balm
    • $58 for 50 ml
    • This is the cleanser Vanessa reaches for when she wants to have a spa-like experience (using this more as a mask than a cleanser). Apply it and enjoy the scent and reap the benefits of the gives you a spa experience. Leave it on and enjoy the scent and let your skin get the benefits of the ingredients. Great as a morning cleanse or second cleanse.
  16. Osmia Organics Soaps
    • Get the Soap Stash -$67 Or pick out a favorite individual scent, like Coffee Mint ($18). They look like works of art!
  17. Covered Uptown Athena Ring Set
    • $78
    • This is in Minneapolis and it is where Vanessa loves to shop. The good news is that they offer FREE US shipping to the lower 48 for orders over $50. You can text 612 825-1610, FB message, or DM to order something. I follow their IG and Facebook feed to find the latest jewelry, shoes, and clothing. The selection is curated perfectly but they only buy a couple items in different sizes, so if you like something you need to jump on it!

Next up…gifts for around the home and to accessorize.

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  1. Cire Trudon Abd El Kader candle
    • $95 (but if you live in the US, I recommend getting it through Cultbeauty because once the VAT is excluded you will pay £58 which works out to be roughly $75!)
    • Perfect for someone that truly loves candles because Cire Trudon is the oldest candle maker in the world. It was founded in Paris in 1643 and was the provider of the royal court of Louis XIV, as well as most of the great churches of France. This one smells like spearmint, jasmine and vanilla and it truly is a work of art.
  2. Barefoot Dreams CozyChic throw blanket 54 x 72
    • $147
    • Perfect for naps or hangovers. If you are okay with a slightly smaller version, you can often find the 45×60 version at Nordstrom Rack for $49.
  3. Le Labo Candle in Cade 26
    • $85 for 8.6 oz
    • Created exclusively for the Gramercy Park Hotel in NYC and only sold through Le Labo stores or at Gramercy Park Hotel. There is something so appealing about a niche fragrance that you aren’t able to find and smell everywhere. It is similar to Santal 26 but a bit smokier and in my opinion, better. BONUS: if you order it through the Le Labo site you can also personalize the label on the candle and box with the name of your recipient.
  4. Chunky chain band for Apple watch
  5. Paravel Travel fold up bag
    • $39
    • Vanessa has this on her wish list because (1) she wants it when she goes to Paris an inevitably buys too much skincare to fit in her luggage and (2) it was on Oprah’s favorite things and she trusts an Oprah recommendation.
  6. Chandon Champagne club membership
    • $89-110 every shipment (there are 6 shipments a year and you get 2 to 3 bottles of sparkling wine each time)
    • This was the best gift that my husband and I ever gave ourselves. We love it because we get to have delicious sparkling wine that we can’t usually find in stores, and it has sparked a new tradition of popping a bottle on a random Tuesday rather than waiting for a special occasion to enjoy a glass of bubbly.
  7. Lululemon Energy Bra Nulux in Inflorescent Multi
    • $58
    • How can this gorgeous floral print not brighten your mood as you sweat it out in the gym.
  8. Leah Alexandra Jewelry
    • $ wide range
    • Literally, pick any piece, it’s all gorgeous. Two favorites that Vanessa quickly emailed to her husband as a strong HINT for Christmas was this ring ($145) and this necklace ($170).
  9. Aritzia Blanket Scarf
    • $88 
    • Perfect for cooler temps, wear as a scarf, blanket, or sweater/cover up
  10. Jonathon Adler Mr & Mrs Muse Salt & Pepper Shakers
    • $48
    • I got these as a gift years ago and they still make me smile. So cute! You can also find Mrs & Mrs and Mr & Mr.
  11. Coffee table book
    • Such a great gift for someone to show that you appreciate their style and interests. There are books for those that love millennial pink and can appreciate the history of color in all its glory, books for the art lover, the fashion lover, books for the person who always has (or wants!) fresh flowers… the options are endless!
  12. April Soderstrom Featherweight Earrings
    • $29-$55
    • Earrings so dainty, they’re almost not there. Subtly enhances any look, weightless on the ears
  13. Peloton Bike
    • $3000
    • Laura only put this in here because she’s hoping her husband reads this gift guide and lets her save up the $$$ to buy it.

Now it’s time for all things hair and makeup. 

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  1. Dyson Supersonic Dryer (Laura’s pick) / Harry Josh Ultra Light Pro Dryer (Vanessa’s pick)
    • $349-$399
    • Go big or go home, if you dry your hair often or frequently color your hair, it’s worth it. Minimizes dry time, protects the cuticle, and leaves hair soft and smooth
  1. Tom ford Cream and Powder Eye Color in Naked Bronze
    • $62
    • This has been on my wish list for years, but I have yet to pull the trigger. Sometimes products like this are great gift ideas because it is probably something that the person (like me) may not buy for himself or herself even though they want it oh so badly.
  2. Pai-Shau Supreme Revitalizing Mask
    • $43 
    • This smells like a sexy man and leaves you with soft, manageable hair.
  3. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Very Victoria
    • $34
    • A great cooler weather lipstick with a bit of a “my lips but better” feel where by better you mean sexier.
  4. Nudestix JetSetter Palette by Mary Philips
    • $69
    • The perfect palette for anyone looking for a simple, polished day or night look.
  5. Kerastase Initialiste Advanced Scalp & Hair Serum
    • $51
    • Strengthening the hair at the root, this encourages a healthy scalp with revitalized hair
  6. Oribe Dry Styling Collection
    • $74 ($90 value)
    • A full size and travel size dry texturizing spray, which is one of my favorite texturizing products ever and a travel size dry shampoo. You can break up this gift and keep certain things for yourself 😊
  1. Too Faced Hangover 3 in 1 Primer and Setting Spray
    • $32
    • Currently on sale at Toofaced.com for 30% off and free shipping.
    • The ultimate multi-use spray to prime, set, and refresh makeup on any skin type
  2. slip Pure Silk Scrunchies – Small – Mixed
    • $39 for 6
    • Great for at night when you want to throw your hair up but you don’t want to damage your hair.
  1. Cricket Static Free Ponytail Pro
    • $14.95
    • It has a place to hold 3 hair ties, a brush to help tease up the pony, a sectioning pick for a perfect part, and boar and nylon bristles for a bump-free ponytail. Vanessa’s nieces are both in competitive dance, so she immediately got one of these for them.
  2. Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Glow Stick
    • $55
    • The perfect multi-tasker for that rich “I vacation all year” glow
  3. Mason Pearson Popular Hair Brush
    • $205
    • A classic, and luxurious, brush that stimulates your scalp, distributing your hair’s natural oils and leaving your hair so shiny. This is still one of Vanessa’s favorite gifts that her husband has given her. It is definitely a splurge for a brush, but the quality is impeccable, and it makes brushing your hair feel like a treat.
  4. Marc Jacobs O!mega Bronze in Tan-tastic 104
    • $49
    • A color that seems to work well on fair, light, and medium skin tones and it has a mirror that is amazing. It is big enough to see your whole face and it is crystal clear
  5. Gee Beauty Prime Skin Kit
    • $125
    • Primer, Foundation, Concealer, Setting Spray, and a brush in three easy shades, what’s not to love?

On to Skincare! (Well.. more skincare really since the small business section has a TON of great skincare finds)

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  1. Paula’s Choice Boosters
    • You can pick C15 Super Booster for brightening and AOX protection, the Peptide Booster to help target signs of aging, the Niacinamide Booster to help reduce the appearance of pores and improve overall skin tone, or the retinol booster to help reverse and prevent signs of aging.
    • 20% off sitewide at paulaschoice.com 11/23 – 11/26 or 15% at dermstore.com with code MONDAY on 11/26
  2. Patchology On the Fly multi-masking travel skincare set
    •  $20 (Currently on sale for $15!)
    • Complete with 1 FlashPatch Eye Gel Pair, 1 Hydrating Lip Gel, 1 Hydrate Mask & 1 Illuminate Mask. Perfect skincare kit for a weekend getaway.
  3. Belif Merry Moisturizers
    • $38 ($68 value)
    • The Belif Moisturizing Bomb is a fantastic moisturizer that works on almost every skin type (Vanessa is oily/combo and this is still a favorite!). She has gifted this to multiple people and so far everyone has loved it.
    • If you purchase this on belifusa.com you get a free TSA-approved travel pouch with 5 bestselling belif minis
  4. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
    • $128
    •  Skinstore.com currently has 16% back through Ebates and 10% off with code SALEX10, or lovelyskin.com has it for 15% off, no code required
    • If you really want to give the gift of luxury skincare, this is a winner. It feels creamy and nourishing and tackles dehydration like no other. We would bathe in it if we could.
  5. Allies of Skin Bright Future Overnight Facial
    •  $120
    • 30% off at Dermstore with code MONDAY (11/26 only)
    • Pricey, but results are worth it, and you only use a small amount at a time. If you follow Laura on Instagram (@lathertolashes), you know this is staple product for her. The reason? It’s an all in one hydrating and exfoliating treatment that gives results similar to a facial. Perfect for pre-holiday parties and post-holiday party detox 😊 While you are picking up AOS stuff, you might also want to toss in their 1A all day mask ($99) for hydration, repair, and protection. Perfect product for when you want a super streamlined skincare routine. Just add SPF on top and you are good to go.
  6. Shiseido Facial Cotton
    • $10
    • Love giving these as a gift because it’s often something that people can’t bring themselves to buy the first time. But usually people get hooked on these amazing soft cotton pads.
  7. DefenAge Holiday Luxuriating Set – Limited Edition
    • $285 ($354 value)
    • Great gift for someone with more mature skin who wants to have a streamlined but effective anti-aging regime. This kit includes the 8-in-1 BioSerum (1.0 fl oz) –the star of the show, the 24/7 Barrier Balance Cream (1.5 fl oz) (amazing moisturizer), 2-Minute Reveal Masque (2.5 fl oz), and the NEW 1-Step Multi-Cleanse (2.5 fl oz). For a review of the first three products see here)
  8. Sk-II Pitera Essence Set
    • $99 ($132 value)
    • Totally a splurge but such a fabulous gift to receive. Glass skin, who dis?
  1. EO Botanical Bubble Bath, Be Well, Eucalyptus and Arnica (PACK of 2!)
    • $17.18 ($8.59 each)
    • This makes the best bubbles with the most relaxing scent, and it is perfect for soothing sore muscles. It’s a pack of 2 on Amazon, so you can split it up give one away and keep the other.
  2. Tula Kefir Ultimate Recovery Mask
    • $56
    • So plumping and hydrating and enjoyable to wear. It smells like apple vanilla ice cream and makes you look magical—with a beautiful iridescent glow—while you wear it. There are always sales on this either at Dermstore, QVC, or Tula’s website.  And if there ISN’T, you can use the code GETGLOWING on tula.com to save you 20%
    • 30% off at Dermstore with code MONDAY (11/26 only)
  3. Dermstore BeautyFix Subscription
    • $24.95 per month (free shipping, cancel any time). Or you can do a one-time box for $34.95.
    • This really is the best subscription box because it seems to focus less on tiny little samples of products you really don’t want to try, and instead it consistently has a curated selection of products that you actually want to use (and many actually become favorites). November’s box has a full-size Lancer oil (value $75) that Vanessa had never tried before but she ended up being SO impressed with it!
  4. Biologique Recherche Collagen Natif
    • $68 for 0.3 oz
    • Plumping, smoothing, and pore reducing magic in a teeny tiny bottle.
  5. Origins Winter Skin Soothers
    • $35 ($57 value)
    • This set is great because it has the toner and mask we both LOVE. The mask in particular is great for soothing, brightening, and calming the skin with a relaxing scent, great for long, holiday baths
  6. Botox/Filler (or some other skin treatment) Gift Certificate
    • Varies (Botox ~$520 for 40 units)
    • Don’t shoot the messenger… but this is a great gift for someone in your life that has been thinking about, or is currently getting, Botox or filler. Bottom line, Botox and Filler suck to buy and maintain, so gift cards to a medspa or cosmetic surgery office are pure gold. Even if you don’t cover the whole cost, even small amounts will be much appreciated. NOTE: We are not saying to gift basement Botox. No No Darling. Don’t skimp on quality when it comes to you face! Another option is to give someone a facial, or at many cosmetic surgery offices or medspas you an find really great skin treatments like hydrafacials, peels, or dermaplaning

Last, but not least…. Stocking Stuffers!

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  1. Clinique TTDO Balm and Clinique Dramatically different hydrating jelly
    • $9.50 and $14.50
      • 25% off every order on Clinique.com with the code 25OFF
    • No bells and whistles balm that destroys makeup. And a no bells and whistles moisturizer that combats dehydration and reduces trans epidural water loss (TEWL).
  2. Harry Josh Mini detangling brush
    • $12
    • Perfect brush for on the go. It doesn’t feel scratchy and the color is perfection
  3. Origins Blooming Sheer lip Balm (Honey Blush)
    • $20
    • From the minute Vanessa used these, she knew she found a winner. The formula is so creamy and moisturizing and the colors are beautifully sheer. Current favorite is the Honey Blush shade which is like a slightly darker version of Vanessa’s natural lip color.
  4. Gloss Modern Clean Luxury Masque Travel Trio(3 count)
    •  $24
    • Such a great gift to split up. This is great for travel, smells delicious, and leaves hair incredibly soft.
    • 30% off at Dermstore with code MONDAY (11/26 only)
  5. Herb & Lou’s Quick Cocktail Meltdowns
    • The cecile – watermelon, cucumber, margarita with clover honey and thyme
    • $17.99 box of 12
  6. ATELIER COLOGNE Vanille Insensée Cologne Absolue Per Perfume Travel Spray
    • $26
    • Every time I wear this I get asked what I am wearing. It’s a good one that has staying power
  7. Klorane Smoothing and Relaxing Patches with Soothing Cornflower
    • $24 for 7
    • These don’t slide off your face and they really do soothe tired eyes. These were in a previous Dermstore BeautyFix box and Vanessa fell in love with them!
  8. Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist Ornament
    • $20
    • Cutest little mist with such a fine spray that you can apply it easily over makeup. Better for those with dry to normal skin as it definitely imparts a glow and lots of hydration!
  9. Champagne and Wine Sealer
    • $9.35
    • Preferably gifted with a bottle of wine or champagne 😊
  10. Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen in shade Rose Glow
    • $12
    • This color looks amazing in the water line. Its staying power is seriously impressive, and the color is gorgeous. It’s not too bold to wear in the day and it is a fun departure from the your everyday brown or black.
  11. Tweezerman Brow Scissors
    • $20
    • This is another product that you don’t really know you need until you have one. Vanessa’s mom gifted her a pair years ago and they have ended up being such a useful tool to have to precisely trim up your brows and even cut false lashes.
  12. Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Bath Bomba
    •  $10
    • For when you want to smell and feel like you are in the middle of a tropical paradise even though it is the middle of winter.
  13. Drunk Elephant NightBright Duo
    • $28
    • We both love the Marula oil (Laura pointed out that it is also great for cuticle care on the go!) and the TLC is an impressive acid exfoliant. Also, these DE littles last a lot longer than you would expect so they are a good value and a great way to explore the brand.
  14. Gee Beauty Rose Gua Sha
    • $35
    • Great for sculpting the face and a relaxing massage
  15. Benefit Holiday Packs (any)
    •  $15-$32
    • Cute sets that come with a primer, lumizer, blush/bronzer or brow wand. Benefit always delivers and their travel sets are fantastic as stocking stuffers
  16. Paddywax Library Collection Travel Candle (Vanessa likes Mark Twain, Edgar Allen Poe, Ralph Waldo Emerson)
    • $10
    • You get bonus points if you know the recipient’s favorite author and can you can get them a book by that author and the candle to match. These little candles are perfect for travel (that right… some of us can’t be without candles even when we travel). Vanessa keeps one at her desk at work and never lights it, but by opening the lid every day the area around her is still filled with the scent.
  17. Marvis toothpaste
    • $6.00
    • Do we want to spend that much on toothpaste? No. Do we want to receive these little toothpastes as stocking stuffers? Absolutely.

Donate to Charities

Finally, a great way to spend your hard earned money this holiday season is to donate to cause that you believe in and that focuses on issues that matter to you.

Here are some resources to find a charity to donate to:

Also, check out my Amazon storefront to see an ongoing and constantly updated list of things that I recommend and have on my wish list. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.