HOLIDAY 2018 GIFT GUIDE | Stocking Stuffers, Affordable Kits, Men's Grooming, Luxury Splurges

This post is sponsored by Nordstrom. All opinions are my own.

With the holidays in full swing, I wanted to share my gift guide a bit earlier this year.  Normally I shop last minute because I’m always swamped starting Thanksgiving week with cooking cleaning and hanging on to my sanity in general, but I decided no procrastinating this year!  "Adulting" is so much more fun when I can browse and compare prices online and get all my shopping done in my pjs -- no long lines or throwing elbows or circling for parking.  I’m actually looking forward to wrapping up the gifts this season, but before I share what I bought and what I recommend, here are some shopping tips!

Since I’m four months away from turning 30 and my life has changed so much in the last two years, I have started thinking differently about gifting as well.  I still choose with the person in mind, of course, but I almost always go the more conservative route with skin care and personal care items that actually need to be repurchased regularly.  If I want to make it an extra special treat, I will choose a luxury brand for the element of surprise. I think the way I shop for gifts now shows how much more I pay attention and listen to my loved ones’ immediate and regular needs/wants.  

Nordstrom has some of the best skin care sets between $50 and $200 this year, but my top pick is the Sunday Riley Face to Face Kit.  This 4-piece set is priced at $49! It features useful crowd favorites that amount to a $70 value and can be split up into stocking stuffers or for gift bags.  All four products have proven track records with me and my friends who are pretty picky when it comes to skin care. My favorite of the bunch lately is the C.E.O. Serum, but Good Genes reigns supreme for most.

Sunday Riley is one of my favorite brands because it appeals to all ages and all genders in the goal of achieving healthier clearer skin. Her formulations are gentle but efficacious, and these aren't tiny samples so you can get a real feel for each product.  There are bigger more visually impressive sets but I think this is an all-around winner that should be at the top of your radar.

A beauty tool that I discovered recently while wandering around Nordstrom is the rather fancy and beautiful BeautyBio Rose Quartz Roller.  After using it for a month now, I think it makes a fabulous gift! It might be confusing to some because the concept is an old Asian one and recently made trendy thanks to social media but it works.  This roller can be used on the face neck and body to de-puff, which is why I keep mine in the fridge and sometimes freezer.

I love it in the mornings when my face is swollen, an easy and refreshing pre-makeup ritual that I look forward to. The (cold) pink stones boost lymphatic drainage and eases muscle tension in my jawline, neck, and temples.  I would not skimp and go with cheaper models because it’s the weightiness and larger size and single piece stone construction of the BeautyBio tool that makes it more useful and versatile. Any smaller and I would only be able to use it on my facial contours only. I bought this Rose Quartz Roller knowing it might be a waste of money and sit in a drawer but it's actually worth the price tag and comes in a lovely box.

Now, the mister has been great about adapting an official skin care routine upon my advice, but his beard care and grooming products are something that I neglected.  Lately I see this men’s category as an equivalent to women’s base makeup, and this sort of pampering will change your man’s daily routine for the better.

The Art of Shaving Sandalwood Soap with Bowl is a very traditional approach to shaving that is stylish and. I like watching him use the pure badger brush to foam up the bar into a dense creamy lather. My boyfriend is so impressed by it he never skips a shave anymore!  It’s expensive but made in Italy with quality non-drying ingredients plus the keepsake wooden bowl is refillable. If you know any men that enjoy experimenting with products, try gifting the Art of Shaving Shave Oil as well.

It doesn't seem like a natural step but the oil is a game-changer in every aspect, and those are his words.  It helps prevent redness and ingrown hairs and makes that dreaded five o’clock stubble much less abrasive against my sensitive skin. I chose the unscented version since I wasn't sure how he'd feel about a Shave Oil to begin with but next time I will repurchase Sandalwood to match the soap. The men in our lives deserve to be indulged and have soft smooth skin too!

Despite how important and useful skin stuff is to everyone, I still haven’t met a woman who doesn’t appreciate a touch of color to brighten her complexion whether her choice is lipstick lip gloss or liquid color.  The holidays make it easy to gift useful shades and sets in super fun gift packaging at unbeatable prices, and these MAC Shiny Pretty Things Nude Mini Lipstick Kit and Charlotte Tilbury Matte Liquid Lips Duo are so wearable as well as travel-friendly!  

The MAC minis come in orange bullets so they are easy to spot and can be mixed to make custom shades. I think the shades best suit medium to tan skin tones. CT’s lip products are beloved by A-list actresses everywhere, but the matte liquid formulas are great in the winter to prevent smudging or hair sticking accidents.  This Charlotte Tilbury Mini Hollywood Lips Duo is universally flattering and can be blended to create a vibrant deep berry color that looks as good with a natural eye as it does a smoky eye.

Almost all women tend to have a strong preference for lip formulas though, which is why I like keeping a quality balm option on hand in case color is a non-factor.  The Malin + Goetz Hand & Lip Duo comes in a festive gift wrapped box and hits the ideal price point at a respectable $20. It can be used as an ornament, stocking stuffer, and last minute gift.

I love the Almond hand cream because it isn’t too rich or too fragranced but prevents my dry hands from cracking when my boyfriend and I visit the freezing East Coast.  We discovered how much we adored Malin + Goetz via our regular travels with Delta, so now we use the Hand and Body Washes too! My top pick is the uplifting zesty brightening Lime scent whereas my man prefers the more earthy Cannabis fragrance — the brand's bestselling signature.

Last but not least if you really want to treat a beauty junkie in your life, Chanel is always the right answer. During the winter months just a touch of bronzer can totally uplift the rest of your makeup and the Les Beiges Bronzing Powder shade range adds radiance without ending up muddy.  I go through a lot of bronzer and believe it when I say I always come back to this in Medium or Medium/Deep because of the silky smooth texture.

Plus the compact’s ivory and black dual colored lid and styling are undeniably unique and handbag worthy making it a winning luxury gift option!  If face makeup isn’t an option, then check out this incredible deal that Tom Ford released. This Eye & Lip Gift Set is a warm-toned four pan eyeshadow palette with two lipsticks that comes in a Tom Ford keepsake box for under $100. Highly recommend!!

Last but not least, here is a truly gorgeous Chanel Makeup Brush Set this holiday, but it’s $270 so that would be something to gift to the girl that has everything.  It would make a wonderful travel companion since the six brushes included can complete an entire glam look. And that red brush bag is really tempting, isn’t it?  

Ultimately my best advice is to be reasonable and treat everyone to the best of your abilities, but don’t neglect yourself. "Adulting" means we give a lot more than we receive so minimizing the stress and being proactive and balanced makes it truly more wonderful for all.  I wish you all the happiest and healthiest of holidays xo

@nordstrom #nordstrom

REVIEW | Best of Chantecaille: Bio Lifting, Rose de Mai, Future Skin and more!

Mother's Day is coming up within a fortnight edit: in two months (got the M months confused, my apologies) so I figured this would be good timing to share my favorites from Chantecaille, a luxury brand adored by daughters and mothers alike for their chic packaging and focus on botanicals and natural ingredients!  I've featured their products sporadically throughout the years but I've explored a lot more of their line up recently so I wanted to share my thoughts.

My first must-have from the brand is the Future Skin Gel Foundation because it is oil-free.  It doesn't cause break outs or irritate my skin or cause congestion like blackheads.  Even though I am using severely drying acne topical treatments like Epiduo, Future Skin doesn't leave my skin looking parched.  I love that it is water-based because it is lightweight yet manages to diminish imperfections like redness with very little product.  Do try stippling instead of rubbing for best results if your complexion is sensitive.

SAND // CREAM // CAMOMILE

I currently mix Chamomile, Cream, and a tiny bit of Sand to balance out the undertones.  Chamomile is yellow-based but a couple shades too fair to wear alone, and Cream is neutral but slightly more pink (the closest match if I had to pick one).  Sand is another yellow-based shade but it's much darker than I expected so I just ordered Shea which is similar but lighter in color!  You can adjust your final complexion color with loose/compact powder and bronzer if purchasing two foundations seems like overkill.  Since Future Skin is my favorite foundation and I wear it at least a few times a week, I enjoy having multiple jars.

Now let's move on to masks!  I have always preferred sheet masks but Chantecaille produces some of the most effective rinse-off formulas.  My friend Dayna bought me the Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask last year while my skin was suffering in cold windy Portland and it is truly calming.  I struggle with stress, redness, and inflammation so this is an indispensable cream mask and it works even better than the Healing Emulsion which I bought first.  I love using this mask overnight every now and then although it performs equally well when I slather it on and let it work its magic for ten minutes before sponging off.  I know when my skin is super dehydrated because my skin absorbs most of it within five!  Since it is the heaviest mask in my collection, I limit my usage to once or twice a week.

Since I had major success with the Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask, I decided to indulge my curiosity and give the Hibiscus Smoothing Mask a try.  They look very similar in terms of packaging, but this one is meant for re-texturizing so I have been using this once a week as well.  The papaya and grapefruit extracts pair well with the glycolic acid leaving my skin feeling smoother and firmer!  I leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes and sponge it off with lukewarm water depending on how recently I exfoliated that week.  If you have sensitive and/or acne-prone skin as I do, give this gentle mask a try! 

The packaging is not travel friendly, so I'll only pack whichever is better suited for the climate I'll be in.  The Hibiscus Smoothing Mask eliminates dead skin cells so I do love it because it allows me to take a much-needed break from all the heavy duty, super intense scrubs and peels in my acne regimen.  If I had to pick one to recommend though, I would start with the Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask.  Both result in recharged glowing skin, but the Healing Mask can be used as an overnight treatment so I think you get more bang for your buck!

My latest Chantecaille obsession, however, is the Bio Lifting Series.  I raved about the Bio Lifting Fluid moisturizer in my last YouTube video on my hormonal acne skin care routines.  I recently began integrating the Bio Lifting Serum and it is a silky serum that is less expensive alternative to my Holy Grail 111SKIN.  In fact I think Chantecaille's helps my skin look firmer while the 111SKIN is more reparative.  This serum noticeably softened the appearance of my expression lines on my forehead after two weeks!  I follow the directions and press three drops' worth with clean fingertips into the skin and pat until it is fully absorbed. It smells divine, no sticky reside, absorbs quickly.  I started using the Fluid alone first but when paired with the Serum, I do find that my skin is smoother overall.  If you have textural issues from scarring, this should help!

Since I discovered it, there is no other moisturizer I would rather use than the Fluid and I only wish I could afford to use this on my body too.  Most oil-free formulas are not hydrating enough, but this gives my skin a healthy glow and hydration that actually lasts throughout the day.  I use about three or four pumps to cover my face and neck but it absorbs within seconds.  I adore the gel consistency, the pump packaging that never falters, and the formula never clogs my pores.  Yes it is expensive but the Bio Lifting Fluid is one of the best moisturizers I've used in years!

And of course we cannot discuss Chantecaille or their brand heritage and dedication to roses without including the iconic Rose de Mai, a gel-cream.  I love this during hot summer months because it works well under makeup, but I usually put this moisturizer on and then apply the Jasmin and Lily Healing Mask on top before heading to bed.  Chantecaille actually does say Rose de Mai may be used as a moisture boost under regular cream so yes is expensive if you have extra dry skin as I do.  But if you have combination or oily skin, you will love using this alone because the thinner consistency is refreshing yet balancing.  It makes my skin look dewy and feel baby soft.

Now isn't this one of the prettiest skin care boxes you've ever seen? The most recent Chantecaille addition to my skin care arsenal is the fairly new Rose de Mai Eye Lift, and the sleek on-trend rose gold packaging is gorgeous yet practical.  This gel-cream formula is very light and refreshing, so I recommend this more as a preventative first step for those in their twenties.  I still use TATCHA's Luminous Eye Serum in the morning, but I switch off between 111SKIN and this one in the evenings.  They keep my fine lines and baby crow's feet at bay brilliantly.

The pen applicator is long but it's easy to grip — place your pointer finger on top of the  transparent silicone circle then your thumb directly aligned underneath and squeeze to release the product.  Slide the ceramic tip from inner corner to outer corner to melt the gel-cream into the under eyes and gently reduce puffiness.  Don't forget the brow bone!

Ultimately I adore Chantecaille.  The older I get the more I identify with natural, so if you care about ingredients and textures, give some of my top picks a try.  I also started testing the Compact Makeup in Cashew yesterday and it is so smooth, perfect for mattifying my T-Zone.  The ultra-finely milled formula provides sheer coverage while concealing my blemishes, but the sponge applicator stored below the powder can build up coverage so that it appears more like a powder foundation than a pressed powder.

P.S. Take advantage of this quick sale to grab some goodies for 15% off!

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TOP 10 | Best of 2017 Skin + Hair

Even though we are well into February already — yikes — I wanted to share my favorite skin and hair care from 2017 because some of these products were truly life changing.  Since my skin was so problematic last year I didn't wear much makeup and experimented more with hair care and gentle skin care products.  It gave me time to really appreciate the value of great basics and reevaluate what I consider holy grail material!

TRAVEL | My Skin Care Bag, Winter Edition

The cold and windy season is in full swing, although ironically and tragically, so much of Southern California is on fire right now.  Although my thoughts are with all the first responders including my firefighter brother, I am escaping the smoke and traipsing off to Canada to go snowboarding!  Since the high is about 30 degrees Fahrenheit there, the freezing temperatures and chilly conditions make for a great look at my winter skin care routine.  Check out my travel bag after the jump!

INSPIRATION | Mother's Day 2017 Gift Guide

Mother's Day is right around the corner so here are some ideas if you'd rather skip the flowers and treat your special lady or ladies to a special gift! Some retailers are offering expedited or overnight shipping still or swing by a store.

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is a cult classic. I don't know a single mother who wouldn't be thrilled to be gifted with this gorgeous feminine sakura themed bottle. It is already sold out on Nordstrom so get one from Bloomingdale's while you still can! The Facial Treatment Essence is excellent for clarity and translucency. I like to use it as a quick fix two-minute mask before makeup application.

My mother personally loves the SK-II Brightening Derm Mask since it is one of the few that immediately brightens and calms the complexion while my grandmother prefers the Signature 3D Redefining Mask. I've raved enough about the Brightening masks over the years, but I wasn't wholly convinced about the Redefining Masks until recently. I've always enjoyed the comfortable milky texture of the serum and two-piece construction of the mask but using two per week actually does soften my skin and give it a healthier glow as advertised! I can now enthusiastically recommend both masks.

I introduced my mother to 111SKIN and she is absolutely in love with the Y Theorem Repair Light Serum lately, featured above.  I normally request her feedback when it comes to luxury skin care since she has tried so much of it over the years.  Her verdict: SK-II and 111SKIN are the only brands worth splurging on. I personally love the Eye Lift Gel, but if you're looking for the gift of the year, try the new Lunar28 Day Brightening and Anti-Aging System.

Of course it smashes any and all senses of a budget, but for skin care junkies who regularly get facials and peels and treatments, an intensive 4-week treat like this makes sense!  Lunar28 is an innovative range of products they would not have tried yet.  It is truly a gift for the woman in your life who has it all.

The Y Theorem Repair Light Serum is one of the brand's best sellers, and I can see why!  It is a fast absorbing gel that immediately replenishes the skin and layers well so I prefer to use this the week after getting any kind of facial or extractions.  The texture is supremely lightweight yet helps my skin hold moisture better.  I don't have wrinkles besides a bit of crow's feet, but my mom says it plumps up the wrinkles and firms any saggy bits.  We also adore that it is paraben, paraffin, silicone and sulfate free.

The Tatcha Dewy Luminous Mist makes a perfect gift because the ombre lavender bottle is unique and stunning but the product quality is impressive — one of the few mists that I believe is worth the money. A mist isn't an essential part of my skin care regimen, but I absolutely love using them. Plus Tatcha packaging is so elegant and beautiful and thoughtful that using it feels like I'm doing something good for myself.

In case you missed the launch there is a limited black and gold One in A Million design available or you can create your own mini trio set directly on TATCHA's website with a Dewy Mist that's sized for travel! Or you could also try one of expertly curated "The Starter Ritual" kits which are offered based on skin type (dry, sensitive, normal to dry, and normal to oily). I love TATCHA skin care because it is gentle yet effective especially when my skin is irritated or stressed!

Atelier Cologne is my latest fragrance brand in case you missed my VIB Sephora Haul sale posts. I visited my friend Dayna in Portland a couple months ago, and I fell in love with her Pomélo Paradis and had to get one for myself.

This Perfume Wardrobe collection of clutch-sized spray bottles — not another roller ball set, thank goodness — makes a fresh and adventurous gift! I love how bright and uplifting most AC scents are, especially because it can be difficult to find fruity notes that do not smell overly artificial or excessively sweet. They are perfect for my active lifestyle, but I adore Clementine California and Bergamote Soleil in addition to the grapefruit scent.

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