Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Beauty Gifts Under $50

Each year we face a conundrum. What do we get the beauty loving friends and family members on our list? You want to give them something cool and thoughtful (preferably something they don't already have) but you also might not want to break the bank.

Well, fear not. It's quite possible to give your beauty fanatics some awesome gifts at reasonable pricing. Let's take a moment to thank the beauty industry for putting together some awesome gift sets that will help you do just that.

If you're looking for gifts that will cost you less than $50 (sorry Urban Decay lovers that new Naked 3 palette missed the list by $3), you're in luck. There are a lot of options.

I've assembled a list of some of my top picks that range from makeup and skin care, to nails and fragrance. There's something for everyone's beauty-related preferences.

Makeup sets: LORAC Rockin' Red Hot PRO Set ($39) / LORAC Close Up PRO Face Tutorial ($42) / Stila Masterpiece Series Eye & Cheek Palettes ($39) / Skincare sets: Fresh Sugar & Seaberry Sanctuary ($48) / Korres Radiance Revealed Wild Rose Brightening Duo ($48) /Boscia Mask Medley ($38)/ Fragrance set: Nest Luxury Hand Cream gift set ($38)/ Nail set: Sephora Collection Makeup Academy Nails ($36) 

Makeup sets

Listen, there are a lot of makeup sets out there ringing in at less than $50. I can't possibly list them all. This list is clearly not exhaustive. I chose the three makeup sets listed because they offer quality and value. It was difficult to narrow it down to these three. But I didn't want a gift guide that only had eyeshadow palettes in it. We gotta think of everyone else. It's the holidays after all. That being said, if you want a gift guide that's my favorite palettes, say the word. A post of this nature could easily be arranged. 

For now, I want to draw your attention to the three palettes I've picked out that are actually quite affordable and offer you amazing value:

LORAC Rockin' Red Hot Pro Set - I have a lot to say about this set. I'll try to keep it short and sweet. First, you get the LORAC Pro Palette - a huge fan favorite - for less than buying the palette on its own. Yes, that is right. You save $3 and  you get extra stuff. I had to do a double take when I got it. Second,  you also get a travel-sized eyeshadow primer and a full-sized pro liquid liner (which has out shined all my other liquid liners) for only $39. Third, many people have said they like this neutral palette more than the infamous Naked palettes (not referring to Naked 3) because you get equal parts shimmer and matte shades. Four, the quality is ah-ma-zing. The shades are pigmented, buttery smooth, and blend easily. The eyeshadow primer works just as well as its competitors. And that liquid liner is perfection. It's an easy to apply pen liner that glides on so smoothly it doesn't tug on your lids at all. It's cut the time it takes me to apply liquid liner in half and it always comes out looking perfect. I'm in love. Available exclusively at ULTA. Good for the beauty lover on your list who loves his/her Naked palettes and neutral shades. Expand their horizons. 

LORAC Close Up PRO Face Tutorial - This gift set is on my personal holiday wish list. You get an eyeshadow trio with three neutral, look-good-on-everyone shades that will take you from day to night easy peasy (a vanilla-esque shade, a light latte brown, and a dark chocolate brown), a travel-sized mattifying primer, PRO mascara, rosy cheek stain, and peach lip lustre. This set could easily become your every day go-to products. It also includes makeup tips to help you apply your face like a pro. Available exclusively at ULTA. Good for any makeup person on your list because the colors will flatter all skin tones and can be worn for any occasion. From novice to expert, this one is fool proof. 

Stila Masterpiece Series Eye & Cheek palettes - This set combines three eyeshadow and cheek palettes into one collection. You get a cool toned palette, a warm toned palette, and a rosy palette each with five eye shadows and one coordinating blush. If you don't want to do the math, that's 15 shadows and three blushes. The limited edition set retails for $39. At the time of this posting it was available at ULTA for $29. This gift set is adorable and sure to go over like a hit. Available at Sephora and ULTA. Great for the indecisive beauty person on your list. Three palettes. One set. No need to settle.

Skincare Sets

If you have a skin care fanatic on your list, there are plenty of great gifting options available to you as well. Skin care can be a little trickier than makeup because you need to know a little more about the person you're buying for. Do they have oily/dry/combo/sensitive skin? What are the skin concerns they want to battle? Will giving them a product be a touchy matter? You’ll have to be the judge of that when buying. However, here are three items that I think are innocuous enough to please anyone. Plus, if you're gifting a skincare fanatic, they are likely to recognize and appreciate these.  

Fresh Sugar & Seaberry Sanctuary  - This set will let you give the gift of skincare without worrying about getting all the details right (skin type, concerns, sensitivities). It’s basically like giving a little at-home spa treatment. It includes Fresh's Brown Sugar Body Polish, Seaberry Restorative Body Cream, and Sugar Lip Treatment with SPF 15. It’s a great bath and body experience that’s a bit more grown up and sophisticated than that other store we know and love. Available at Sephora. Good for anyone on your list that enjoys at little at-home pampering and spends a lot of time grooming (and no, we’re not implying they’re vain). 

Boscia Mask Medley -  There are a few beauty gals I know who would flip to receive this Boscia mask medley.  The set contains three of the brands most popular masks, sure to help treat an array of skin situations that ail us all. Plus, you can give it without fearing you’ll cause offense. This set says you know a thing or two about cult favorites and you know they enjoy a little at-home facial time. Way different than giving someone, say, an anti wrinkle cream they didn’t ask for… Yikes! Available at Sephora. Good for the beauty lover who has it all. If there’s a beauty blogger or editor on your list, they’ll likely appreciate this set.

Korres Radiance Revealed Wild Rose Brightening - Korres’ Wild Rose line is immensely popular for a reason. And this set is on this list because it’s one of my personal favorites. This brightening duo offers two full-sized products for the price of one (it's ridiculously popular Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial). These days, people of all ages are chasing that illustrious glow. Brightening products have out shined the battle against wrinkles in the quest of youthful, envious skin. The Wild Rose sleeping facial delivers. It's luxurious, smells amazing (um, roses people), contains no yucky parabens or sulfates, and is great for all skin types. And that cleanser? Well it's an added bonus! Admittedly, you'll need to know the person you're gifting this to a little better to offer up this set. But, if they happen to love scouring the beauty isles for all things facial care, they're likely to recognize and appreciate this set. Available at Sephora. Good for anyone chasing after radiant skin

Nails

All of us have that one friend who always has amazing nails. They're groomed to perfection and rock some of the hottest nail trends. Heck, that person may also have a nail polish collection to rival the local nail salon. But trust me, they'll always appreciate more. I know. I'm one of them. I may have a million different shades of pink, purple, mint, or grey, but by golly they are all different!

The Sephora Collection Makeup Academy Nails set is perfect for the nail addict on your list. Not only do they get 10 full-sized nail polish colors, they also get a multi-glitter top coat, a jar of star jewels and a booklet that offers 12 different nail art tutorials. How does that not sound like fun? Available at Sephora. Good for the person on your list who seems to rock a new manicure every week (and maybe sometimes multiple manis per week). 

Fragrance

Alright, fragrance is an incredibly personal experience. I've chosen this set of Nest Luxury Hand Creams because it's a great little gift for the person on your list who has an impressive fragrance collection. You know that friend. The one who smells great, and when you ask what they're wearing, the spout out a name of a fragrance (or brand) you've never even heard of. That's right. They're likely wearing something you can't get at any ol' department store. This set (also available in a mini fragrance set) is perfect because they are well known, but not so common that everyone has them. I like the idea of giving the lotion because it's something you can easily keep in your purse or car without fear of a broken bottle. 

Well, there you have it. Those are my picks this year for holiday beauty gifts. Stay tuned for the next holiday gift guides, which will include my picks for gifts $30 and under and my guide to fun beauty stocking stuffers ($20 or less). 

Comment below and share your thoughts! Happy holidays!

Haul: Sephora VIB Sale & Nordstrom Mascara Madness Event

As you may already know, Sephora hosted its VIB sale on Veterans Day weekend. The sale started on Thursday (11/7/13) and ran through Monday (11/11/13). During the sale VIBs (and a guest) could shop all weekend and get 20% off their entire purchase. You could use the discount voucher multiple times in store and online, which I did (of course).

I had to hit up two Sephora's and their website to get the things that I wanted (even though my haul wasn't even that big) so that little feature is a godsend in my opinion. I had a few generous Sephora gift cards burning a hole in my wallet and it was time to go spend them.

Hooray for minimal out of pocket expenses! (And that is why I hang on to my gift cards people)

That same weekend, Nordstrom (possibly my favorite retailer - Lord help my bank account) was hosting their Mascara Madness event, which took place on Saturday (11/9/13). During Mascara Madness it's buy two get one free mascara all day long. You can mix and match any combination of mascaras and still qualify. Try new ones. Stock up on old ones. Be brand loyal or spread the love. Whatever you want.

My husband remembered that I'd off handedly mentioned this sale (as a Nordstrom card holder he also got an email reminder) and wanting to cheer me up (if you recall, we had a sad incident last weekend), took me mascara shopping. This was definitely a treat. You guys know that I normally stick to drugstore mascara. I get stressed out at the thought of tossing out a half used tube of high-end mascara when the shelf life elapses (that's why I stick to this mascara trick).

But, who am I to turn down such a sweet gesture? Not crazy, that's who. (OK, maybe makeup crazy)

So off we went. Check out my haul video to see all the goodies I bought -- partially because I'd planned to and partially because I was sad and trying to take my mind off things. All items are listed and linked below.

Items purchased:

YSL Volume Effect Faux Cils Mascara in Hight Density Black - $30
YSL Volume Effect Faux Cils Baby Doll Mascara in Fetish Black - $30
Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara in Steel Black - $30 (This was my freebie)

Hourglass Ambient Light palette - $58
This palette includes:
Dim light: A neutral peach beige powder that blurs imperfections and highlights a radiant complexion with the perfect balance of warm and cool tones.
Incandescent light (limited edition): A pearlescent powder that highlights the cheekbones and brightens the complexion with a celestial glow.
Radiant light: A sun-kissed golden beige that enhances the overall complexion with believable, subtle warmth, and also extends a summer glow.
Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer with SPF 15

Clinique Clinical Dark Spot Corrector Serum - $49.50
Sephora Skin Perfect CC Cream in Light - $26
Sephora Supreme Cleansing Oil - $15
Korres Radiance Revealed Wild Rose Brightening Duo - $48 (This is a great deal. The Wild Rose night cream is $48 when you buy it alone. That means you get the facial cleanser for free. It's normally $24. Both items are full size!)

Did you hit up the VIB sale or Mascara Madness event? What did you get? Comment below and let me know!

Holiday Gift Guide: Beauty Gifts under $50

I love holiday time in the beauty industry because of all the great gift sets. It's a great time to get a lot of bang for your buck, try out new products without spending a fortune, and get some stand-by items in pretty sparkling packaging.

In my last post, I showed you some of my picks for gifts specifically at Sephora. This time, I extended my search to other stores for the beauty obsessed on your list.

Gifts under $25

1. Real Techniques brushes ($6-18) - If you've got a beauty lover on your list, chances are, she loves a great makeup brush. Makeup brush quality and prices can range wildly, but you can find some great brushes at great prices. Real Techniques brushes are fantastic and they're available at fair prices. Individual brushes range from $6-10 and brush sets are $18. The brushes are sturdy, have synthetic, soft, taklon bristles, and are cruelty free. Order them online or get them at your local ULTA, they are bound to please.
2. Sonia Kashuk All Out Glam brush set ($24.99) - Check out the sparkles on this gorgeous brush set. It's so festive and perfect for the holidays. Who wouldn't feel like a million bucks when getting glammed up with these makeup brushes? Sonia Kashuk makes great brushes and the best part is their easily accessible at your local Target. 
3. Sonia Kashuk Limited Edition Formal Affair face palette ($19.99) - A compact palette that flatters most skin tones is great for on the go. It has a pretty shimmery bronzer, matte pink blush, shimmery coral blush, and four metallic, yet neutral, eyeshadows. Great for the holidays and to use year round. 

Gifts under $50

1. Stila Seeing Stars Smudge Stick waterproof eye liner set ($32) - I purchased this eye liner set for myself at the Makeup Show in Orlando and I love it. Five, long-wearing metallic shades in very wearable colors. Fun to wear and not too in-your-face, for those out there who are color shy. Available at Sephora and ULTA. 
2. Korres Butter Me Up body & lip butter collection ($38) - If you have any natural beauty fans on your list, consider giving the gift of moisture with this Korres gift set that includes three super smooth lip butters (guava, jasmine, quince) and four luxuriously creamy body butters (guava, jasmine, basil lemon, and apple blossom). What it doesn't include: parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. Pick it up at your nearest Sephora.
3. Stila Luxe Eyeshadow Palette ($45) - Another palette I purchased at the Makeup Show and absolutely love. It includes nine eyeshadows in neutral, smokey, and bright colors and has a nice mix of matte and shimmer shadows, as well as a smudge stick eye liner in lady killer (a pewter/purple metallic). The shadows are soft, pigmented and easy to blend and has a lot of great go-to every day colors. Available at Nordstrom. 
4. BareMinerals The Star Treatment set ($40) - If you've got a mineral makeup lover on your list (like I do) check out some of the great gift sets BareMinerals has this season. There were too many to include them all, so I chose my personal favorite of their products, their pressed shadows. This particular palette is limited edition for the holidays and it has some gorgeous colors in it. Ten gorgeous shadows to be exact, an eyeshadow brush, and an eyeshadow primer.  You're getting quite the deal, since normally the two-shadow palettes run for $20 and here you're getting five times as many shadows. Available at Sephora. (If you'd like a separate post on all my BareMinerals gift set favorites, just leave me a comment below.)
5. Sephora Favorites Glitz and Glam Party Sampler ($45) - If you have an ultra-glam gal to gift, consider this gift set from Sephora that includes nine of their best-selling products that give you that holiday glow. Three of those products are full-sized items. Give your glam puss a full look and the chance to sample some new goodies. 
6. Lorac Eye Candy Eye Pencil set ($28) - This eye liner set is just functional, it's gorgeous to look at. I'm gushing over it! The golden packaging with rhinestone accents is positively luxe. But it's not just pretty on the outside, it's functional too. The set includes four wearable eye liners in coal (slate grey), licorice (black), cocoa (brown), and plum. Available at ULTA.
7. Lorac Pro palette ($42) - If you know someone who owns and loves the Urban Decay Naked palettes (either of them), surprise them with the new Lorac Pro palette. It's a great neutral palette to add to their arsenal, with 16 gorgeous shadows that are generously pigmented and easy to blend. Use shadows wet or dry to line, define, shadow - creating office friendly and all out glam looks with the same palette. Available at ULTA and Sephora. 
8. MAC Guilty Passion 4 pigment gift sets ($32.50) - Pigments are so much fun! Use them as shadows, apply them on your lips, or mix them into polish -- they're truly versatile. MAC released three new sets of mini pigments this holiday season, but don't let the term "mini" fool you. These are generous minis, with 3g each they'll last you quite a long time. Ask anyone who's ever owned a MAC pigment. They are seemingly endless. My two favorites are the Sweetly Smokey and Tenderly Warm sets. I think Tenderly Warm will give you a great glow the likes you might see in on the pages of Victoria's Secret. Secretly Smokey has some great shades in purple, berry, frosty pink and shimmery taupe. 
9. OCC Lip Tar gift set ($49) - The lip junkie on your list will go nuts over this collection. Five favorite Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics lip tars they can mix and match to create their own unique shade or wear straight out of the tube. The possibilities are endless and the price is right. The tubes of liquid lipstick might look small, but they'll only need a pea-sized (that may even be too much) amount to pretty their pout. Check out my post where I swatch my OCC lip tars here. You can purchase this set from Sephora. 

What are some of your favorite beauty gift sets this year? Are you buying for yourself or to give to others?