Last Minute Christmas Gift Guide

Here is a round up of things you can gift directly online, get delivered in the next couple of days, or pick up at your local Target. I tried to compile a list that'd have some options for all of your loved ones (and in various price ranges), so if you're really in a bind, I hope you find some help here!

The Complete Harry Potter Series with Newly Illustrated Covers ($55 on Walmart's website (with delivery before Christmas) or $70 in store at Target): I don't feel like I even need to write an explanation for this purchase, but I will say that the newly illustrated covers are so cool and the set would look gorgeous on any bibliophile's bookshelf.

Guitar wall mounts ($10): Turn any guitar into an instant work of art. These would make great stocking stuffers, especially for someone who's just moved and is trying to decorate a new space.

Paper Source Personalized Notepad Kit ($40): This set allows the gift-receiver to get online and design a custom set of notepads in minutes.

Corksicle Copper Canteen ($33): The largest size of this canteen can fit an entire bottle of wine. Sooooooo I can really just stop typing there, right? It also keeps hot beverages hot for 12 hours, and cold ones cold for 24 hours. I was recently gifted the S'well version of this canteen, and it's incredible. But this one can be delivered with free two-day Amazon Prime shipping. (There are many more colors available if your gift-ee is a guy and/or doesn't want a sparkly metallic water bottle to lug around.)

NARS Steven Klein One Shocking Moment Cheek Palette ($69): This has everything a girl needs: a bronzer, under eye brightener, contour powder and four beautiful blushes. And it's a $165 value(!).

Cards Against Humanity ($25, with $10 expansion packs): If you want to know who the most f*cked up person in your friend group or family is, buy this game. My favorite card is "A Sad Fat Dragon with No Friends." I belly laugh every.time.

iPhone Keychain Charger ($20): I talked about a tassel version here, but this one has a larger hook that you could clip directly onto a handbag or suitcase handle, which I love. This version comes in a few different colors, so it could be gifted without leaning either too feminine or masculine.

Star Wars: The Digital Movie Collection ($90): With everything moving away from physical copies and into the cloud, gifting the Star Wars nerd in your life the entire digital collection would be a pretty awesome and thoughtful gift. Plus, there's no need to worry about shipping or delivery, since you can buy this straight from the comfort of your couch (pants optional).

Black & White Truffle Oils ($35): I love drizzling white truffle oil over fried eggs or tossing piping hot french fries with a little. It never hurts to top with some freshly grated parmesan, too.

Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac (about $200, but some colors are heavily discounted right now): I have a couple of Rebecca Minkoff bags, the Mini Mac being one of them, and they are just so incredibly beautiful, well made and durable. This black one with rose gold detailing is killing me.

Face of the Day: Twenty-Eighth Birthday Brunch

For my birthday brunch, I wanted radiant, flawless skin with a dramatic winged liner and bold lips. I planned on doing a deep, dark blackberry lip, but I saw NARS' Lana sitting on my desk and went orange, instead. For those of you that know me, you know just how me a winged liner and bold lip is, so I thought it would be perfect for a birthday celebration!

Face

L'Oreal Magic Lumi primer

L'Oreal True Match Foundation in N2 + Cover FX Custom Cover Drops in N20

Urban Decay Naked Weightless Concealer in Light Neutral (under eyes)

NYX Conceal Correct Contour Palette in Light (on blemishes/imperfections)

NYX Contour Kit

Hourglass Ambient Palette

Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips in Warm Nude

Eyes

NYX Tinted Brow Mascara in Brunette

Makeup Geek eyeshadows in Peach Smoothie, Creme Brûlée, Cocoa Bear, & Bitten (crease & outer corner)

Wet N Wild single eyeshadow in Brûlée (lid and brow bone)

Kat Von D Metal Crush Eyeshadow in Thunderstruck (inner corner)

Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper

KISS false eyelash trios in Extra Short & Short

Lips

NARS Audacious Lipstick in Lana

Top

Target ($23)

A Lazy Girl's Guide to Makeup Removal

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not the best at taking off my makeup. I try (or pretend to try) during the week, but when I go out on the weekends and come home late (and maybe under the influence of alcohol) the last thing I want to do is pull out a 384-step makeup removal system and go to town. Instead, I rely on one-step makeup removers to do the job most nights. Here are three of my favorite easy options, and the best part is that they're all extremely affordable and readily available.

1. Trader Joe's Micellar Cleansing Wipes ($4/20 at Trader Joe's): These are my go-to pre-moistened face wipes. They take all your makeup off with a single wipe, don't irritate your face or eyes, and don't leave a sticky residue. I have extremely sensitive eyes, so if they don't bother me, 'm sure you'll be fine. These are a good option to leave in your nightstand drawer and use when you're already laying in bed and dozing off.

2. Simple Micellar Cleansing Water ($6 at Target) + Koh Gen Do Cotton Pads ($12/60 at Sephora): This cleansing water is so gentle that you could probably squirt it directly into your eyes, and it wouldn't hurt (I mean, please don't do that, but you know). I love to use this to get off stubborn eyeliner and mascara, specifically. It does such an incredible job at removal, your makeup actually just disappears right off your face; I can't sing its praises enough. I prefer to use it with the Koh Gen Do cotton pads because they're extremely soft and well made, and you don't get lint all over the place with them, either.

3. Garnier Clean + Nourishing Cleansing Oil ($6 at Target): How this works: you put a few drops in your hands, and start rubbing it on your dry, makeup-covered face. The makeup literally begins to melt off, and when you add water to rinse the oil off, it turns into a milky cleanser. This is the ultimate one-stop cleansing method, because not only does it remove your makeup, but it cleanses and moisturizes too.

What are your favorite lazy girl ways to remove your makeup? I'd love to get some new products to add to my skincare regimen. 

November Favorites

November went by very fast and very slowly simultaneously. I threw a party, celebrated friends' birthdays and popped over to L.A. for the Thanksgiving holiday. But I also spent days napping on the couch with the kittens or lazily reading books and listening to James Taylor on vinyl. Through all the craziness of this past month (and through the days where I didn't even get out of my leggings the whole entire day), these are the few products that really stand out.

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips (in Warm Nude) ($14): The shades in the top left corner make the perfect face highlight when blended together (I always pop some on the tip of my nose) and the palette as a whole is great for a one-stop eye look.

Jessica Jones: In an age where it's imperative to capture your audience right out of the gate, Jessica Jones succeeds so, so well. It's a Marvel show on Netflix following Jessica Jones, a sort of anti-hero hero, as she battles her demons, both in real life and internally. The acting is incredible, which isn't always the case with Netflix Originals, and the dialogue is equal parts terrifying and hilarious. Even if you're not a fan of the super hero craze, I highly recommend giving this show a go.

Cuyana Tote ($150): I have this tote in both blush and stone, and it's just the all around perfect bag. If you're traveling, you can load it to the brim without worrying the straps will snap, or you can throw in just the bare necessities for on-the-go. The leather is extremely soft and luxurious, and it's the only bag I consistently get complimented on in public. (One time a lady asked me under the bathroom stall at the movies where I got my purse. I had to spell the "Cuyana" name out to her. It was awkward, but I hope she bought one!)

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara ($32): The spindly brush on this mascara makes it incredibly easy to get length and volume, and the formula lasts all day with no flaking or smudging. 

The Happy Planner ($25): One-size-fits-all doesn't work in practically any form or fashion, and planners are no exception to that rule. The Happy Planner has removable pages and kits you can add in. I've customized mine by changing the cover, inserting to-do lists and meal planners, and removing the months that have already passed. It's sold at Hobby Lobby & Michaels, and there are a ton of customizable options available on Etsy, too.

NYX Contour Kit ($25): This is only $25 and has everything you need to correct, highlight, bronze and contour. The powders blend seamlessly and last all day, and the shades are guaranteed to work for a pretty large variety of skin tones.

Belkin Tassel Charger Keyring ($25): This is a chic key ring that has an iPhone 5 charger tucked inside of it. I can't think of anything better for traveling, ever. 

Two-Minute Affordable Eye Look

Today's look is a two-minute, three product, nine dollar makeup look that you can recreate without even using makeup brushes. All the products I used are from Elf, a brand you can find at your local Target or Walgreens. The Elf baked shadows can be used wet (for a smokier look) or dry (like I used them here), and the smudge pot can be used alone or as an eyeshadow base (they last forever and never crease on me).

I love this super versatile look because it's work appropriate and party appropriate. It's got just the right amount of shimmer and depth without being totally overboard for 9 a.m. This makes my blue-green eyes really pop, but I think it would complement practically any eye color and skin color. In fact, if you've got a rich, deep skin tone, I imagine this would be especially great for an easy every day eye look.

Products Used:

Elf Baked Eyeshadow in  Toasted ($3) | Elf Baked Eyeshadow in Burnt Plum ($3) | Elf Smudge Pot in Ain't That Sweet ($3)

How To:

1. Apply Toasted all over your lid and slightly up into your crease (I used my pointer finger for this). 

You want the most product on your lid and for the color to fade as you get closer to the crease area.

2. Apply Burnt Plum in the outer third of your eye (I used my pinky). 

Use short swiping motions to make sure this color blends nicely in with the Toasted color.

3. Apply Ain't That Sweet in your inner corner.

4. Using your pinky, rub a little bit of Burnt Plum along the lower lash line.

5. Add mascara (and liner, if you like) and you're ready to run out the door to work, a holiday party or happy hour.

Sephora VIB Sale: Haul & Recommendations

If you're a Sephora VIB Rouge member, hopefully you took advantage of the 20% off sale that ran from November 6-9. If you're just a VIB member, you can participate in the general VIB sale which starts today and will run until November 16. The code for the upcoming sale is VIB20.

Things I ordered during the 2015 Rouge sale:
NARS Steven Klein One Shocking Moment Cheek Palette ($69)
Beauty Blender kit (two Beauty Blenders, one Micro.Mini & the Rea.activate rehydrator) ($40)
Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation ($62)
Koh Gen Do Pure Cotton facial pads ($12)
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper ($19)
Kat Von D Metal Crush Eyeshadow in Thunderstruck ($21)
Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara ($32)
Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black Dry Shampoo ($28)
Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black Parfum ($100 for 3.4 ounces)

Things I have already tested & recommend + mini reviews:
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz ($21): There is no better pencil for filling in your brows. You can make tiny, hair like strokes and can also vary your look from natural to bold depending on how much pressure you apply.
Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black Parfum ($25-$100): The best way I can describe this perfume is intoxicating. According to Sephora, the notes are violet, sandalwood, and vanilla & the style is sensual, mysterious and warm. Just a tip for the sale: if there's a perfume you're obsessed with, order a backup now to take advantage of the 20% off sale.

Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayons ($24): Bite lipsticks are made with food-grade ingredients, so they taste like dessert. The Leche crayon is my favorite nude of all time.

NARS radiant Creamy Concealer ($29): This has a cult following, and for good reason. It has great coverage but doesn't feel too heavy or cakey and resists creasing, as well. Plus, the shade range is bananas.

Jack Black Lip Balm ($7.50): This is the best lip balm I've ever used & they have value kits out now that I'd highly recommend.

Beauty Blender ($20-$40): There's nothing better for achieving a flawless makeup application. If you want to look airbrushed, you need one of these. And a savvy shopping tip: if you need a Beauty Blender during the sale, spring for a kit containing multiple sponges to get the best bang for your buck.

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper ($19): The best black eyeliner ever. You can achieve a flawless wing in seconds, and it'll last through any late nights or sob-fests, too.

Tarte Maracuja Oil ($15-75): I recently pulled this out again after a glowing review from Kristina at Pretty Shiny Sparkly (Kristina is a Houston blogger, too!). If you apply a couple drops of this oil before bed, within a few days of repeated use, your skin will arguably be in the best shape it's ever been in.

If you have any holy grail products I should take a look at during the Sephora sale, please leave me a comment!

The Decision to Go Cruelty-Free

Why don't we just jump back into blogging with a super serious post? Take things slow, you know? Ease into it?

A couple of months ago, I made the decision (for myself & my boyfriend--luckily he has completely approved) to go cruelty-free with any makeup, skin care, body care & hair care products we purchase from here on out.

This all started when I was reading the back of the shampoo bottles in our shower and realized less than half of them were labeled as "cruelty-free" or had a "no animal testing" disclaimer. I started thinking about all the money I spend on make up and skin care (#hoarder) which got me wondering: exactly how much of my money is supporting brands that are rubbing concealer in bunnies' eyes? By the time I got out of the shower, I had made my mind up (I don't know if I've ever made a decision in nine minutes before...).

I'm not going to be preachy about this because the only thing I hate more than soggy french fries when you get to-go food is people pushing their views in other people's faces. The only real effect this will have on the blog and its content is that I'll only be featuring cruelty-free brands. Practically every beauty good I own is from Ulta, Sephora or Target/the drugstore, so rest assured, if you see something you like, it'll be readily available.

I read somewhere that going cruelty-free is the lazy person's way of making a difference, and I almost spit my coffee out I laughed so hard. Literally all I have to do with this decision is not give money to brands that test on animals. Simple as that. And while the ultimate goal is to live a life where everything we're consuming has animals' best interests in mind, this was just the easiest place for me (and the boyfriend) to start.