My Christmas Wish List

For the past couple of years, I haven't been very excited about any products, so I usually just ask for money and then go buy clothing and other boring stuff. However, this year there are a couple of things I've been specifically eyeing. The only things here I absolutely gotta have are the first two; the rest are just additional things I would like to buy, but it all depends on how much my family members decide to give me. Pretty much in order of importance, here's my wishlist:

1. Clarisonic Mia 2 Detox Kit ($150)

I mentioned in my last post that my Clarisonic stopped working and I seriously can't live without this thing. I wasn't planning on asking for this, but when mine died, I knew I had to replace it. This kit up here is meant to detox the pores, which is exactly what my focus is when using the Clarisonic or any other skincare product. Clean, unclogged pores make your skin look healthy and prevents breakouts. I'm gonna wait and see if I find any deals online during Black Friday or Cyber Monday, but if I don't I'm still gonna have to invest in this device.

2. Jackery Mini External Backup Battery for iPhone ($19.95)

Don't you just love when you're iPhone runs out of battery in the middle of the day? Of course you don't... I use my phone all the time so my battery never lasts all-day. Having a backup charger that I can just use on the go is definitely a must-have for technology-dependent people like me. It doesn't have to be this brand or this style, but I am determined to buy one of these devices during the holidays.

3. iPad mini ($299)

I already own the iPad 2 and it is the most important electronic device in my life (over my iPhone and laptop). However, it is quite big and heavy for me to carry around every day, with every handbag. I am hoping to sell my current iPad for around $200 so that I can then get this one. We'll see...

4. Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation ($37)

I seriously do not need any more foundations but I can't stop wanting more.. I've heard so many people say great things about this product that I have finally allowed myself to want it. This is full-coverage, matte and super long-wearing, which are all the qualities I look for in a foundation. The price just kills me, but if I ask for it as a gift instead of buying it I'm gonna feel better about owning it. Grandma, now you know what to get me!

5. Anastasia Brow Wiz in Ebony ($21)

My eye brows are already quite full and shaped, but I always define my arch a bit more with some gray eye shadow. Because my eye brows are so dark brown, every eyebrow product I've tried at the drugstore looks very unnatural and way too warm-toned. I know Anastasia is the best brand for eyebrow products and I know I'm gonna love the easiness of this product compared to what I do right now. Again, the price seems to be a bit high, but it's an investment on a high quality product. This isn't a must-have for me, but I would love to finally own it.

6. Benjabelle Sunflower Brush Tree ($39.95)

I don't own the most expensive brushes in the market, but I take very good care of my Real Techniques brushes. However, I always have a hard time after I clean them because it's quite hard to dry them in a way that will prevent water from coming down the handle (this can loosen the glue and make the bristles start falling). What I do now is tape them to the edge of a shelf upside down until they dry. This is not only inconvenient, but also time-consuming. Having this brush tree will make it super easy for me to dry my brushes without damaging them. 

7. Becca Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector ($36)

I have very oily skin so anything that can help me stay matte for longer is something I must have. I got a sample of this primer from Sephora and really fell in love with it. It keeps me matte all day, without making me look flat. I am a fan of looking radiant, but when you have oily skin the line between having a healthy glow and looking like a grease-ball can be crossed within minutes. This controls my oiliness and makes my skin look really flawless and perfected. I am hesitant to buy it because of its price, but I might have to cave in.

**************

Tell me what you're hoping to get this holiday season and if you've tried any of the things I listed here. I'm very nosy when it comes to people's wishlists. Am I the only one? haha

Gabriela xx

Holiday Gift Guide (for HER)

The holidays are upon us and Christmas time is SO CLOSE (although I embraced the spirit since the start of November so who am I kidding?)

Anyway here are some of my suggestions of what you can ask for Christmas or gift your friends and family based on your budget.

Under $20

Stila Holiday Essentials Kit ($19)

This includes my favorite liquid liner, Stila's best-seller eye shadow, Kitten, and an amazing liquid lipstick. This set would be perfect for any age range because these are essential products with great quality at a fantastic value. 

Under $30

Urban Decay's Naked Basics palette ($27)

This is a must-have palette, even for the people who rarely wear makeup. The color selection is neutral, yet very versatile. From natural every-day looks to deep, smokey eyes, this palette can deliver. Plus, it's great for travelling.  Each shadow ends up costing around $4.50, which is actually less than most drugstore singles and Urban Decay has one of the best quality eye shadows out there. 

Real Techniques Sam's Picks ($29.99)

These are my favorite brushes and this kit is a great introduction to the line or just some nice additional brushes. My favorites are the Multi-tasker, which is great for powder, bronzer or blush, the Setting brush, which is perfect for highlighter or setting the under-eye, and the Essential Crease brush, which is a fluffy blending brush to get that really nice seamless eye look.

 If you were to throw in some additional brushes, the must haves are the Expert Face brush and the Blush Brush.

Under $40

Lorac Pro To Go ($38)

This is such a great palette for people just starting on make up or for people who travel a lot. The eye shadow selection is neutral, yet it's very easy to create fun or natural looks. The palette includes a great matte bronzer, a matte pink blush and a shimmery coral blush (my personal favorite). The brushes aren't great, so don't expect to be impressed with them, but the actual products are amazing. Any person you give this to will be pleased and satisfied.

Under $50

Lorac Pro palette ($42)

Hands down the best and most versatile palette I've ever tried. The color payoff is outstanding, the color selection is perfection (half matte/half shimmer) and the quality is THE BEST. Great gift for any make up lover! This is not a new palette so make sure the person doesn't already have it, but if they don't they should. 

Side note: This is my holy grail palette. Is there anything on this list that you should get, it is this. I actually won this palette at a YouTube giveaway (YaYa Sen's channel) and I was so over the moon when I got this because I've been wanting it for SO LONG and I haven't stopped using it ever since!

Over $50

GLAMGLOW treatments ($69)

I haven't personally tried this, but I've heard so many good things about it that I decided to include it. This is a luxury item to pamper the most special women in your life (or yourself because why not?).  It's crazy expensive but I am pretty sure it's worth the price based on the results I've seen it has had on people. 

Clarisonic Mia 2 ($150)

Look, I know the price is scary and intimidating. I thought so, too. However, you have to trust me. This thing will change your life. You think you clean your skin well enough? This will show you that you're not. I can't say enough good things about this. A teenager would definitely enjoy this. Your mom would enjoy this. Even your grandma would enjoy this. The only thing you have to keep in mind is that every 3 months you have to change the brush head, which is approximately $25, so just expect that expense four times a year.

Mine is actually not working at the moment and I'm freaking out. I'm definitely asking for a new one this Christmas. Which perfectly connects with my next post, which is going to me MY Christmas wish list. I'm probably not gonna actually get everything I ask, but I thought I'd share what I have an eye out for this year (basically it's gonna be a continuation of this guide, except those are mostly things I have not tried so I can't fully endorse, but that I think would be awesome gifts). Be on the look out for that!!!!

Gabriela xx

Top 5 products under $5!

Soooo....I haven't posted here in a while... *awkwardly says hi*

Today I wanted to show you my top products under $5 because it is so hard to navigate the drugstore aisles and know what products are worth trying. Behind the simple/cheap packaging you can find amazing products that can even reach holy grail status.

Wet n Wild color icon blushes ($2.99)

These are AMAZING. If you don't have them, go get them. NOW! The packaging on these is pretty cheap and simple, but the blushes themselves are SO pigmented and gorgeous on the skin. There are only four shades available and they are all so pretty. My favorite from the bunch is Mellow Wine, but they are all worth having. Definitely my favorite blushes (even more than my high-end ones).

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder ($3.97)

Can't live without this. This is the best drugstore powder. The packaging is ugly an inconvenient but the actual powder is very fine and doesn't cake-up my face when I set it with this product. From all the powders at the drugstore, this is for sure the one that keeps me matte for the longest time. I just wish the packaging was safer to keep on the go (the lid never stays on).

Wet n Wild megalast Nail Polishes ($1.99)

These are my favorite drugstore nail polishes. The brush is nice and big (photo here) and the formula is very easy to apply. Now, you definitely have to wear a base and top coat with these because the longest time they last without chipping is two days. I use the Sally Hansen Double Duty, btw. But yeah, these are great and really opaque. I can usually get away with just one coat (even though I usually do two).

elf Eyelid Primer ($1!)

This isn't a fancy product or a miracle worker, but it gets the job done. I have the Urban Decay Primer Potion and the Lorac Behind the Scenes and I still reach for this one more. It doesn't do the best job at covering veins or redness, but it really keeps my eye shadows from creasing or fading and makes the colors pop. You can't beat its price!

Jordana Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stains ($2.99)

These are a relatively new product from Jordana and I am very impressed. They feel really nice and moisturizing on the lips, the color payoff is pretty good (not quite sheer, but it isn't super opaque either, which i like), and they leave a nice stain behind once they start wearing off. They are comparable to the Revlon Just Bitten (but less drying and more affordable, of course).

I had to pick my top 5, but I thought I'd give a shout-out to some of the other products under $5 that I love: NYX HD concealer, Wet n Wild coloricon trios and 8-pan palettes and the Jordana Fabuliner.

Hope you guys enjoyed this post and if I you think I missed any of your favorites under $5, leave me a comment below. I'm always looking for new gems at the drugstore!

Gabriela xx