Hospital Visitor Must-Haves

I have spent a lot of time in hospital rooms over the last 4 years.  Too much time.  But in that time, I have learned some tricks to make your time as a visitor a little easier, even if it is one of the hardest times of your life.  

Here are my top 5...

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!  The air in hospital rooms, regardless of the temperature, is incredibly dry.  Add onto that the repeated hand washing and sanitizing and, depending on which hospital unit you’re visiting, other special precautions such as masks and gloves, and your skin will be screaming out for moisture.  I carry a good hand cream and usually a body butter, although sometimes I reach for whatever lotion is closest.  I also carry Aquaphor for when my hands get really chapped or cracked.  

Don’t forget your lips.  Again, depending on the hospital unit you’re visiting, you may not be able to drink in the patient’s room.  You also may have to wear a mask for part of all of your stay depending on the situation.  Make sure to have at least one good lip balm with you, and drink water as often as you can.

Bring your own hand sanitizer.  Hand sanitizer is usually readily available in hospitals, but I have found that it can be very harsh and dry my hands out faster than anything.  (I’ve also learned the hard way not to lick my fingers after using it.)  In my experience, the BBW PocketBac sanitizer works just as well yet doesn’t dry me out nearly as much.

If you’re a critical member of a tenuous patient’s support system, keep a hospital bag packed for yourself.  There will be a future post with my recommendations for this, but in general be prepared for at least one overnight at all times.  Again, I learned this one the hard way.  Don’t forget the deodorant - everyone around you will thank you!

Be able to keep yourself entertained.  The patient is in the hospital for a reason, and may not be able to visit with you in the way you expect.  Remember, you are there to visit with them; it is not their job to entertain you!

Birchbox - January 2016

This month’s Birchbox came with stickers!  The idea was to decorate the outside of the lid with your goals for the year, but none of them really seemed to fit well for me this year.  But I love stickers (I have since I was a kid, but doesn’t every kid? J ) so I know they won’t go to waste.

On to the products:

• Whish Almond Body Butter - Sample size
• IPKN Flash Cream Radiant Primer - Sample size
• LA Fresh Eco-Beauty Instant Body Soother - Sample size of full size wipe
• Cargo Swimmables Shadow Stick in Sea Shell (looking forward to putting this one to the test on my vacation soon) - Full size (at least the size available in kits)
• Ciate Mini Paint Pot in Glametal - Sample size
• Shiseido Ultimune Eye Power Infusing Eye Concentrate - Sample size

Overall, this isn’t a bad month for Birchbox.  I know I’ll get some good use out of the eyeshadow, and the nail polish is a great color for winter.  I’ve had good luck with Eco-Beauty products in the past, so I have high hopes for this one, and hear great things about the other brands.  Of course, you’ll get some mini reviews from me in my empties posts if not before.

Have you tried any of these products before?  Do you get Birchbox?  If so, what did you think of yours this month?

If you haven’t tried Birchbox yet, check them out here. (my referral link)

Ipsy - January 2016

I LOVE my Ipsy bag this month!  I think it is so adorable!  

Ipsy focused on eyes this month, right down to the pattern on the bag.  Besides the bag itself, I’m a big fan of what came in it, too.  I can't believe how many full size products there are!

Included products:

• Skyn Iceland Glacial Cleansing Cloths - Travel size package of full size cloths
• Ofra Eyebrow Pencil in Universal - Full size
• Jelly Pong Pong Fairy Lashes Curl Mascara - Full size
• The Balm Mr. Write (Now) Eyeliner Pencil in Jac B. Bronze - Full size
• J. Cat Beauty Blinkle Shimmer Eyeshadow in Tangerine Light - Full size (I believe)

Ofra Eyebrow Pencil

The Balm Mr. Write Now

 

Aside from lip products, eye products are a close second.  I wear eyeliner every day I put makeup on (which is almost every day), and that is almost always accompanied by mascara.

Jelly Pong Pong
Fairy Lashes Curl Mascara

J. Cat Beauty Blinkle

Do you get Ipsy?  What did you think of your bag this month?  What are your favorite eye products?

If you don't know about Ipsy yet, check it out here. (my referral link)

Refresh and Renewal Target Beauty Boxes (January 2016)

Target has been on their game recently with their Beauty Boxes.  Even though they don’t have a subscription service, they have been putting them out on a more regular basis.  Each box is usually less than $10 and has around 7 products, often including one or two full-size ones.

In January, Target released 2 boxes, focused on the New Year: the Refresh box and the Renewal box.  Each was $7, and each contained at least one full-size product of $5-$6, making the box completely worth purchasing.  Additionally, shipping is free, and you get your 5% discount with your red card if you have one.  (Even though the boxes are no longer available, I linked to each of the pages below because they list each of the products and have links to their individual Target pages)

Here’s what was in each box:

Refresh:

• Acure Day Cream (travel/sample size)
• John Frieda Frizz Ease Keraflex Hair Spray (travel size)
• Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion in Almond Oil (travel size)
• Clear Scalp Therapy 2 in 1 Complete Care Anti-Dandruff Daily Shampoo and Conditioner (travel size)
• Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Total Care Nourishing Daily Conditioner (travel size)
• Simple Micellar Wipes (full-size)
• Marlowe Extra Moisturizing Lotion (sample size)
• Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Pads (sample size)
• Scunci Braided Elastic Bands (full size bands, sample size pack)

Renewal:

• Caress Love Forever Body Wash (travel size)
• Attitude 2-in-1 Shampoo (rippy packet)
• Laneige BB Cream (sample with 3 colors)
• Scunci No Slip Grip Braided Headwrap (full size)
• Degree Women Fresh Energy Dry Spray (full size)
• Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer (travel size)
• Attitude Volume & Shine Shampoo (rippy packet)
• Revlon Ultimate All-In-One Mascara (full size)
• Hada Labo Tokyo Anti-Aging Facial Mask (full size mask, single packet)

Based on the number of full-size products included, the Renewal box is a better value.  I’ll definitely be trying out the mascara, and have liked everything I’ve tried so far from Hada Labo.  The kiddo will be trying out the Wet Skin Moisturizer since we’re in the depths of swim season.

However, I LOVE Acure Day Cream and was on the verge of purchasing this for myself before the box arrived.  Also, I have been interested in the micellar wipes since I am a huge fan of the Simple Micellar Water and use wipes every night.  I’ll also definitely use the hair ties included in the Refresh box, whereas, I’m not as sure I’ll use the headwrap.

Either way, these are both great boxes.

Were you able to grab these?  Did you get the same products or did they substitute something?  I think they wound up changing my Clear shampoos for others in the brand since they don’t match exactly what was listed on the enclosed card.  Which do you think is the better value?  Which has more products you would use?

Because this isn't a subscription service, it can sometimes be hard to know when these go on sale.  You can try stalking the Target Beauty Box page, but the most helpful thing I've found has been following the blog Nouveau Cheap.  G. gives great advice and tips about drugstore beauty finds, and I've found some great things through her!

On Trend: Korean Beauty Box

It seems like Korean Beauty is the next big thing in the beauty world.  It has been heading that way for a while now, but there has been a surge recently and everyone seems to be cashing in.  For beauty junkies like me, this makes me very happy, but my wallet very sad.

I purchased the On Trend: Korean Beauty box from Birchbox using some bonus points I had saved up.  It was originally offered as a replacement for the January box.  I figured if they didn't sell out during the sample selection time period (where subscribers have a chance to choose a specific sample to receive or substiture their box with a specially curated box like this one) there might be some for sale through the Birchbox store.  So as soon as the sample selection period was over, I searched  and was lucky enough to find it.  This normally goes for $15, but current subscribers could purchase it for $10.

Products included are:

• Manefit Benefit Planner Cucumber Soothing + Moisturizing Mask
• Goodal Waterest First Essence
• Goodal Phytowash Yerba Mate Bubble Peeling
• Goodal Phytowash Yerba Mate Cleansing Foam
• RE:P Bio Fresh Mask with Real Calming Herb
• IPKN Flash Cream Radiant Primer
• TonyMoly Delight Tony Tint

I haven't had a chance to try anything out yet, but I'm sure you'll be seeing some of these soon in some upcoming posts.

Have you tried any of these?  Have you gotten into the Korean or Asian beauty trend?  Do you have any favorite Korean beauty products?

If you're not already subscribed to Birchbox, check them out here (referral link).

2015 Yearly Favorites

I know this is a little late, but I've been trying to get posts out as fast as I can.  Hell, I've written more in the past 2 weeks than I have in the past 6 months.  Here's just a quick rundown of some of my favorite products from the past year.  (Also, sorry I don't have pictures for everything.  I'm editing some for upcoming posts now.)

• The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer – I have been really into bold highlighters this year, and this is as bold as it comes. 

• Benefit Gimme Brow – For a quick brow day, I like using a brow mascara for some gentle taming and filling.  I have tried several this year, and nothing has compared to this.  If anyone knows of a less expensive alternative I should try, please let me know in the comments. (also available here and here)

• Benefit The Porefessional – I don’t use primer every day, but when I do this is my favorite.  I have also found that it is an absolute must under powder foundations. (also available here and here)

Rocketeur on bottom right

•  Benefit Rocketeur – This rose gold blush imparts such a great color on my skin.  It’s not too light but also hard to overapply.  In fact, it was this blush that got me started back on powder blushes after using mostly creams for several years. (also available here and here)

• Benefit Watt’s Up – If I want to use a cream highlighter, I almost always reach for this one.  It packs a great punch and blends beautifully. (also available here and here)

•  BITE custom lipcolor created at BITE Liplab in NYC – I know this is kind of a cheat, but this is still one of my favorites this year.  I had such a great experience at the Liplab, and they helped me create this fantastic lipstick; a great color, fabulous formula, and I love the scent I picked. 

•  Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black – My most used fragrance this year; I got rollerballs of both Black and White around the holidays last year and this one is over half gone (which is huge for me).  The Black is SO much better on me than Nirvana White.

•  Lipsmackers Lip Balm – This may seem like a strange choice, but this is a longtime favorite of mine.  I define a good lip balm as one that I can still feel in the morning after applying before bed.  It doesn’t matter what flavor, these are the best lip balms I’ve ever used at bedtime.

•  MAC lip liners – I’ve been late to the game in multiple ways here.  First, I did not appreciate lip liners until very recently.  Secondly, I did not own any MAC products until earlier this year.  Now, MAC lip liners are some of my most used lip products.  A few brands I’ve tried have come close, but most others are too dry, too creamy, tug on my lips, aren’t the right color, something.  The MAC ones have been the perfect consistency and color, and the few I have go with so many of the lip products I own.

•  Mary Kay Day Solution – I like using this nice light sunscreen as a first layer; I am then able to choose which moisturizer I want to use that day to suit my skincare needs.  It also guarantees an extra layer of sun protection above whatever else is being provided in my moisturizer or makeup.

• Mary Kay Whipped Eye Color in Tiki Hut – This LE product has a unique mousse-like texture and is a great cream eyeshadow for using the crease.

• Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm in Comfort Clear – Another lip balm I use every day, I use this when I get out of my shower and it doesn’t come off until I take it off to put on my lipstick.  This is a great moisturizing product for a moderate price that I will definitely rebuy when I run out (or steal the kiddo’s).

• Too Faced Melted Lipsticks – The Melted Fig is a go-to when I’m not sure what to wear since it goes with pretty much everything.  The Melted Metallic Jelly is a fantastic, fairly sheer berry color with shimmer but not glitter. (also available here and here)

• Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in LSD – This is what first helped me figure out how to wear black liquid liner and have it look decent on me (liquid liner on upper lash line, this on tightline and waterline).  (also available here and here)

•  Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless CompleteCoverage Concealer in Light Neutral – I love this full-coverage concealer.  It works well on all parts of my face, including the undereye area. (also available here and here)

• Ulta Color Coat Cream Eyeshadow in Shimmering Topaz – How could I not include this on my list – I think I’ve included it on more favorites lists than any other product.  This was the first cream eyeshadow I ever hit pan on, and I use it any time I do my makeup at home.  It works great on its own, pairs great with the Mary Kay Tiki Hut, and works nicely as a base for powder shadows.  I found that it is a dupe for the Maybelline Color Tattoo in Barely Branded.

I did notice a few repeated brands; Benefit was particularly prominent, with Urban Decay and Mary Kay making repeat appearances.

What were some of your favorite products this year?  Did you feel any brands that were particularly great this year?

Empties - December 2015

Full empties bin this month!

I had a banner empties month in December.  I don't think I've ever used up so many products in such a short time!  Sure, many of them were rippy packets, but many of them were also full size.  This is going to be a long one, so let's get into it.

Makeup

·Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Opal – Sample card from Sephora.  I tried this one, and I’ve been working with a sample compact of the pressed skin perfector in Moonstone.  I may be the only person in the world that isn’t impressed with these highlighters.  Maybe it’s because I’ve just used samples, but I just don’t feel they provide a lot of highlight and I have to work really hard to see anything.  I do have a sample of the original liquid skin perfector which I’ll try out, and I may try the poured before I make a final decision, but so far I’m not impressed.  Purchase: No.

·elf Makeup Remover Pen – Full size.  This has been helpful since I’m not always fully awake when I’m doing my makeup.  It has been really helpful fixing up stray eye makeup when I’m trying something new, and especially lipstick when I’m having a rough time.  Repurchase: Already have.

·Mai Couture Hello Gorgeous Travel with Me “Makeup Paper” Travel Blush in Sicily – Sample from Ipsy.  This is an innovative idea and makes for a great way to travel with makeup.  However, I never wound up using all of a single paper, and blush did get on my fingers while trying to apply.  Also, I often got more than one paper out of the package while trying to get my blush for the day.  It would have been nice to have either different size papers or perforations in the papers to allow for easy ripping with minimal staining of fingers.  Purchase: Maybe.

·MUFE Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation in R230 – Sample from Sephora.  People rave about this foundation, but it made me look greasy by mid-day.  I also wound up having to use a lot to get the coverage I wanted, and I don’t like a lot of coverage in my foundations.  Purchase: No.

·Tarte Amazonian Clay Tightlining Eyeliner in Black Brown – Full size from QVC Beauty in the Basics kit (no longer available).  I just included this in my December Favorites, so you can probably guess what I think of it.  If I can find it again, I would definitely pick this up in bulk.  Purchase: Yes!

·W3LL People Expressionist Mascara – Sample from Birchbox.  I was pleasantly surprised by this mascara.  The sample didn’t last a huge amount of time, but I think that’s a combination of the formula drying out slightly and my lashes not particularly liking the brush.  Purchase: Maybe.

Face Care

·Acure Cell Stimulating Facial Mask – Sample from Birchbox.  I have liked just about everything I’ve tried from Acure, and this is no exception.  This made my skin look fantastic right after I removed the mask and the next day.  It cleared up any lingering blemishes like magic!  Purchase: Yes.

·Exfoliating Face Wipes (brand unknown) – Full size.  These are so old, I don't remember what brand they are.  Similar ones are available from Equate.  I didn't feel like these were any better than my regular face wipes, and were no less of a hassle then just washing my face.  Purchase: No.      

·Hada Labo Skin Plumping Gel Cream – Rippy packet from a magazine.  Another night face cream I was using had been breaking me out.  One night of this and not just no new breakouts, but the rest of my skin had calmed down too.  Purchase: Yes.

·Marcelle Hydra-C Energizing Hydrating Gel – Sample from Birchbox.  Light with a slight orange scent that always helps wake me up in the morning.  It wasn’t ultra-moisturizing, though.  Purchase: No.

·Mary Kay Timewise Day Solution Sunscreen – Full size.  I’ve learned, with the help of this, that I really like using a serum sunscreen.  I can then adjust my moisturizer, pile on my foundation of choice, etc., and not worry about my sunscreen interfering.  Repurchase: Already have.

·Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes – Full size (x2).  HG product.  Repurchase: Already have.

·Pond’s Rejuveness Anti-Wrinkle Cream – Sample from Walmart Beauty Box.  This wound up being too heavy for my face and I had to stop using it eventually.  I found this to work fine on other areas, particularly the decolletege.  Purchase: No.

·Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels – Full size.  I got this from Ipsy a long time ago, and this is the second set I've used.  This is a nice change from a full face mask and super cooling around the eyes.  Purchase: Yes.

Skincare

·BBW True Blue Spa Glycolic Acid Cracked Heel Treatment – Full size.  I’m finally done with this!  This is fine, and if I wear socks I still feel it in the morning, to the point where I have to be careful walking or I might slip.  But I don’t think it did all that much for the cracks and uber dry spots.  Repurchase: No.

·The Body Shop Glazed Apple Body Polish – Travel size from Glazed Apple Tin of Treasures set (no longer available).  This was a really nice scrub.  The scrubby particles were all-natural (I believe from apricot pits or something similar), although a few more scrubbies are always appreciated.  The cap broke, which actually make keeping it in the shower more difficult, between wanting to keep it pointing down because of how thick it is, but also not wanting it to drip everywhere.  Also, I loved this scent; even the hubby likes it for the body butters.  Repurchase: Yes.

·Coloplast Gentle Raid Extra Mild Sensitive Skin Moisturizing Body Wash, Shampoo & Hand Wash – Hospital sample.  Luckily, you can’t buy this, because this complete dries me out and I would avoid it at all costs.  Purchase (or Use): No.

·Dove Go Fresh Restore Body Wash in Blue Fig & Orange Blossom Scent – Sample from likely Walmart or Target Beauty Boxes.  This had the underlying scent of Dove soap.  Makes sense, but I would prefer to have a single scent, either the soap one or the “added” one (i.e. Dove soap vs. Blue Fig & Orange Blossom).  Purchase: No.

·First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream – Rippy packet from likely from Sephora.  This was OK, but I expected more because of the word “Ultra” in the name.  Purchase: No.

·Jasmine Seven Fresh Feet Wipes Antibacterial Hands and Feet in Peppermint – Sample from Birchbox (Set of 2).  These are antibacterial wipes that smell like peppermint and are supposedly made specifically for your feet.  I’m still not quite sure what makes them so different than standard baby wipes except for the scent.  They were a pleasant experience, but not enough to spend the extra money.  Purchase: No.

·Neutrogena Body Lotion Light Sesame Formula – Hotel sample.  Standard Neutrogena moisturizer, but one of the thinner one.  Non-irritating, and didn’t bother anyone with sensitivities to scents.  Purchase: Maybe.

·Tarocco Nourishing Moisturizer – Hotel sample.  This light moisturizer had almost a blood orange scent that was almost a little off-putting.  Purchase: No.

Fragrance

·Chloe Eau de Parfum – Sample card from Sephora.  I use these samples every chance I get.  Trying to use some things up so I can justify purchasing this.  Purchase: Yes.

·Harvey Prince Sincerely Eau de Parfum – Sample from Birchbox.  Another success from Harvey Prince, although not my favorite of theirs.  Purchase: Yes.

·Prada Candy Eau de Parfum – Sample card from Sephora.  Another good fragrance that I will use every sample but I can’t justify purchasing yet.  Purchase: Yes.

Hair Care

·Coolway Strong Hold Spray – Sample from Ipsy.  I didn’t think I was going to like this, since I don’t use hairspray.  But when I was reading up on it, there was mention of using this on wet hair then styling as usual.  So I tried that out, using this like I would a spray gel or sea salt spray.  It worked great!  The scent was amazing, and I loved every minute of using this.  Purchase: Yes.

·Fekkai Technician Color Care Shampoo and Conditioner – Rippy packets from Birchbox.  Unremarkable; nothing overwhelmingly great or awful.  Purchase: No.

·Hask Macadamia OilMoisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner – Rippy packets from Ulta.  This smells great: creamy and a little nutty.  It worked well too, and made my shower an enjoyable experience.  Purchase: Yes.

·L’Oreal Smooth Intense Ultimate Straight Straightening Shampoo, Kera-Tourmaline Pre-Condition, and Straightening Conditioner – Rippy Packets from Target Beauty Box.  These aren’t bad but not for me.  I don’t straighten my hair unless I have it done at the hair dresser, and I actually don’t own a hair dresser, curling iron, or straightening iron.  So I don’t need all of the help these products provide.  Purchase: No.

·L’Oreal Total Repair 5 Restoring Shampoo, Restoring Conditioner, and Damage-Erasing Balm – Rippy packets from Ulta.  This set was unscented, which was OK.  The conditioner was very thick, so I thought that made the balm rather unnecessary.  Purchase: No.

·Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner – Rippy packets from Ulta.  This smells like a salon at the beach.  The conditioner was very thick, which was nice because the shampoo made my hair feel squeaky clean and in need of extra moisture.  Purchase: Maybe.

·Hask Mint Almond Oil Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner – Rippy packets from Ulta.  This smelled AMAZING!  Worked pretty well, too.  Purchase: Maybe.

·Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray – Full size.   HG product.  Repurchase: Yes.

·Paul Mitchell Kids Taming Spray – Full size.  This wasn’t my favorite leave-in conditioner.  It actually took us many years to use up this bottle, and I had to make a conscious effort to do so.  Repurchase: No.

Toiletries

·ACT Advanced Care Plaque Guard Clean Mint Mouthwash – Sample from Walmart Beauty Box.  Pretty standard.  Purchase: Maybe.

·CareLine Mouthwash Blue Alcohol Free – Hospital sample.  This was actually really nice with a combination flavor of mint with a hint of cinnamon.  I will get this if there is any way to do so by not being in the hospital.  Purchase: Yes (if I can find it)

·Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Alcohol Free Refreshing Clean Mint Mouthwash – Travel size from a care package.  Standard mouthwash.  Purchase: Maybe.

Other

·Two-sided mirror compact – Full size (similar here).  I have carried this with me for years, and it has served me well.  The mirrors have come loose and I just got several mirrors with new kits, so I’m going to retire this one.  It has definitely been worth the few dollars I spent for it.  Repurchase: Yes (in the future).

Giveups

·elf Mascara Primer – Full size.  This just did not work for me.  Check out my full review here.  Repurchase: No.

·L’Oreal Brow Stylist Plumper Brow Gel Mascara in Light to Medium – Full size.  This was so messy.  There were ways I could make it work, like my scraping off the brush completely before using it each time, but that just became too time consuming.  The whole reason I like colored brow mascaras is that they give quick brow control with a little bit of added fullness.  This took away the quick and added messy.  Repurchase: No.

·Mirenesse iCurl Secret Weapon 24Hr Mascara in Black – Sample from Birchbox.  This was a wet, goopy mess that didn’t do anything for my lashes.  It didn’t thicken, lengthen, or curl my lashes, all claims of this mascara.  Purchase: No.

·NYX Liquid Crystal Liner in Crystal Jade – Full size.  I had picked this up after finding this randomly in my shopping bag at Ulta one day and decided to give it a shot.  Now I wish I had saved my money.  First, it says right on it that it isn’t intended for use in the eye area, probably because of the glitter.  But more so, it is so patchy it is insanely difficult to work with.  If you want a single line, you need to go over it at least 5 times for it to look like anything resembling solid.  Repurchase: No.

What was the best thing you used up last month?  Have you used anything up in 2016 yet?

What I Got for Christmas (Beauty Related) - Individual Items

I received an abundance of beauty products for Christmas.  So many, I’ve had to split my list into at least 3 posts.  Here is the first, what I’m calling the Individual Items.  These are items that are not kits or sets.  They may have more than one color, such as a palette, but are a single item when all components are held in your hand.

Top row: Fearless, Flawless, Firm, Flirty, Friendly, Fierce
Bottom Row: Fabulous, Faithful, Fit, Feisty, Funky, Fine

·         The Balm Nude Dude Nude Eyeshadow Palette – This palette has been out for a while, and gets great reviews.  It is a well-rounded neutrals palette with a good blend of mattes and shimmers, light and dark.  While swatching, it did seem that the shimmery shades were creamier, while the matte shades were drier, patchy, and somewhat difficult to swatch.  I will know more once I get to use the palette for some actual looks.

·         MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo – The kiddo put a lot of thought into this one.  I briefly mentioned this the other day.  She picked this lipstick to go along with one of the FunkoPops she picked out for me, and insisted that I open them back-to-back.  I love her imagination and the wordplay (Ruby Woo and Ruby Rhod).

·         MAC Matte Lipstick in Evening Rendezvous – This was another one from the kiddo, and was a huge surprise.  I didn’t know anything about this one, and it’s gorgeous!  I love the packaging, love the color, love everything about it!  It’s limited edition and had to be ordered, since even after asking she couldn’t find it in-store.

L to R: Brown Powder, Taupe Powder, Brow Wax

Kit includes the powders, wax, mirror, and tool kit

·         Tarte Amazonian Clay Brow Tool Box – This cute little kit is included here because it is basically just an eyebrow duo like you could pick up in the drugstore, but better quality, and with a great set of tools.  There’s a brow was, and both brown and taupe brow powders.  The tools include tweezers, a brush, and a spoolie, and are contained in a small, pop-out compartment.

L to R: High, Dirtysweet, Radar, Armor, Slanted, Dagger, Black Market, Smolder, Password, Whiskey, Combust, Thirteen

 ·         Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eyeshadow Palette – Thank you so much Santa for listening to me on this one.  This is the only Naked palette I’ve ever wanted.  I really like the deeper, richer colors of this palette compared to the more subdued neutrals in the other Naked palettes.  I usually wear gold eyeshadow as a base most days, but then change up my other colors.  This should provide me with those options.  (Also available here and here)

Stay tuned for at least two more beauty-related Christmas posts.  What was on your holiday wishlist this year?  Did you get any of it?