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.

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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

September Favorites ♡

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September is almost over (which is crazy!) so I decided to share my first ever favorites! 

♡ MAKEUP

Urban Decay's Naked palette: this stuff is just amazing for every season and every occasion. I wear this every single day to uni. My go-to colors this month were Sidecar, Buck and Hustle.

Physicians Formula Matte Collection Quad Eyeshadow (in Canyon Classics): What I've been loving this quad for is to fill in my eyebrows. My eyebrows are dark brown (bordering on black) so that bottom gray shade is the PERFECT shade for me to fill in my eyebrows. I just avoid the inner part of my eyebrows to get the most natural look.

Real Techniques brushes: These are super soft and high quality. Slowly purchasing the complete line...

Wet n Wild coloricon blush (in Mellow Wine): I own all four of these blushes, but Mellow Wine has always been my favorite. Really pigmented and not too shimmery.

Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer (in Rich Bronze): Perfect for contouring. I take a small stipple brush and apply it under my cheekbones and around my temples... It's easy to go overboard with this so a little goes a long way with this if you want a seamless/natural look.

FRESH Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 (in Rosé): I love this for uni! A very light wash of color that enhances your look. It doesn't matter if I'm wearing a full face of makeup or just  some mascara, this is a must for me!

Maybelline Lasting Drama by Eye Studio Gel Eyeliner (in Blackest Black): This lasts ALL day, it's really creamy and easy to apply. Screw felt tip eye liners. This is the way to go. 

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation (in Golden Tan): New favorite foundation. It is so long lasting and perfect for oily skin. 

♡ SKINCARE

Clarisonic Mia 2 with Acne Brush Head: This was definitely an investment, but it was worth it. I used the sensitive brush for a couple of months before switching to the acne one and I find that it is softer and my skin likes it a lot more.
St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub: This stuff is so cheap yet AMAZING! Feels really nice on my skin, but you can definitely feel the scrubbing. Since I got this, I've been getting a lot less breakouts. (It's oil-free, 2% salicylic acid and 100% natural exfoliants)
Proactiv Solution Refining Mask: This has been my go-to mask this month. Whenever I feel like my skin is acting up I just feel like it needs a deep pore cleansing, I use this. This came as a sample with my first (and only) Proactiv kit and now it's almost gone :( I would definitely repurchase it if I find a good deal.
up & up Maximum Strength Acne Medication (store brand for the Clean & Clear Pesa-Gel 10): I have tried SO many spot treatments and I've finally found one that works. A must-have!
L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution: I showed this in my haul and since then, I've been using this every single day. Love this stuff! There might be an upcoming review soon :)

♡ HAIR & BODY

Caress Sheer Twilight Body Wash: This stuff smells like a dream. Every time I use this I just feel so luxurious and the smell is so delicate. I've lost count of how many times I've repurchased this.

L'Oreal Total Repair 5 Damage-Erasing Balm: This deep conditioner is SO good and inexpensive. It seriously brought back to life my hair. Pick it up if you have a change; you won't regret it!

Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Curl Boosting Mousse: this is the one product I can't live without. Like, holy grail status! My hair is just not the same if I don't use this. I stopped using it during the summer because I had another mousse laying around and as soon as I went back to this one I noticed a HUGE difference.

♡ RANDOM

Fiber One Protein Bars (in Caramel Nut): I've been obsessed with these. When I don't have time to eat full on meal or I'm on the go, I grab one of these. I also like to use them as a snack in between meals. They taste so good! And these actually have a great amount of fiber (5g), unlike most protein bars.
My iPhone 5: Yes, I know the new one just came out but I got my first iPhone on August and I've been loving it this month. It feels good to have a new phone you love...
Gratitude journal: This is the most random favorite ever, but I've been really enjoying using my gratitude journal more. I just take 5 minutes at the end of each day to write 3 things I am grateful for. It can be something good that happened that day or just small things like having enough food. Especially when having bad days, forcing yourself to think about the good things makes you feel instantly better.

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So that's it! Hope you enjoyed my (long) list of favorites. Be sure to follow this blog to read all the upcoming reviews I have planned.
Question of the day: What was your favorite product of the month?

Gabriela xx