MY TOP 5 BEAUTY GIFTS (THAT'S ACTUALLY NOT MAKUP) FOR UNDER $25!

This list is perfect when you have someone that's really into makeup or beauty products but you don't know their favorite brand or what colors the prefer. So, I made it super easy to find the perfect gift and a bonus these are all under $25! 

1. Sephora Favorites Perfume Travel Sampler

$25

You guys know that I'm all about trying different perfumes! This set is perfect because you get to try 7 different perfumes and it comes with a scent certificate. So, when you find the perfect perfume you take the scent certificate into Sephora and get a full sized roller ball!! The gift that keeps on giving!!

2. Deborah Lippmann Ice Queen Nail Polish Set

$17

Perfect little gift set for the holidays, it is so festive together, but can be worn for any occasion separately. Great as a stocking stuffer! Nails fit for a queen with this nail duo. Channel your inner queen with Lady is a Tramp, a classic sanguine red shade, and The Golden Rule, a golden shimmer with mirror-like reflection. Make a statement by wearing these shades alone, or try layering The Golden Rule over Lady is a Tramp to let your mani stand out. Infused with biotin and green tea extract, these long-lasting formulas dry quickly. 

3. Beautyblender with mini Blendercleanser Solid®

$25

This kit features an original beautyblender and one mini blendercleanser solid® for the perfect stocking stuffer. Use the original beautyblender to flawlessly apply foundation, powder, bb cream, cc cream, and more. The mini blendercleanser solid lets you keep your beautyblender squeaky clean while on-the-go. The beautyblender’s exclusive material ensures impeccable, streak-free application with minimum product waste. 

4. philosophy Holiday Handbook

$20

Everyone could use this especially during the winter months! Holiday Handbook is the perfect holiday gift for everyone on your list: smooth, soft, hydrated hands. Formulated with shea, mango, and cocoa butters, and natural oils and antioxidants, skin is left feeling super soft and smooth—never greasy—and delicately scented.

5. NEST Holiday Ornament Scented Candle

$16

The Holiday scent captures the aroma of a sparkling holiday season by blending pomegranate, mandarin orange, pine, cloves, and cinnamon with a hint of vanilla and amber. This is also a perfect hostess gift for your holiday party!!

Travel Beauty Essentials

Wouldn't traveling be so much easier if we could just bring our whole makeup collection along without having to try to pack products that are under the 3.4 oz?! Just like overpacking with clothes, I often overpack with beauty products. With my last trip to Los Angeles I condensed down my must have beauty products and essentials because I didn't check a bag, and my husband wasn't with me to fill up the extra room in his bag.  

So here is what made the cut:

Skincare

Moisturizer: My favorite moisturizer is Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture. I love this moisturizer because it is so lightweight but still provides gentle yet effective moisturization for even my sensitive skin.

Cleanser: I love Lush's Dark Angels it has black sugar and charcoal which are great exfoliates and is gentle enough to use every day. I absolutely love the way it leaves my skin feeling! Plus, it's super easy to travel with!! 

Makeup Remover: Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes are great on the go makeup removing wipes that use gentle cleansers that remove everything without the irritation!

Makeup

BB: Instead of wearing a heavier foundation while traveling, sometimes I like to use a BB cream (which also can be used as a Primer for regular foundation). I have been obsessed with Revlon PhotoReady BB Cream it gives great coverage without that heavy foundation feeling.

Foundation: I've been a loyal fan of MAC Studio Fix SPF 15 for years and it is my go to foundation. I love the color and the medium coverage it offers.

Concealer: Keeping it in the family, I love the moisture of the MAC Mineralize Concealer as it applies to the skin with a very creamy texture and offers great coverage!

Blush/Bronzer: When I travel, I love palettes! It's a great way to have a couple products (with dual purpose) without taking up too much space. I love the colors of blushes in the Becca x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Collection Face Palette.

Eye Shadow: Another palette that is good is the Urban Decay Naked Basics. This palette is compact and the colors are highly pigmented and blend out so easily. 

Mascara: Old Faithful is L'Oreal Paris Voluminous. I have tried high end and drug store mascaras and this $6 mascara gets it everytime!

Lip Balm: So, if you have read my previous blogs you will know that I can't live without or go to sleep without my Fresh Sugar Norishing Lip Balm Advanced Therapy . A travel must, especially when traveling on dry planes!

Lipstick/Gloss: I love The Balm Stainiac lip stain. It is a light berry stain that works well with all skin tones.  I always top mine off with Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil in Everlasting Honey which is so pretty together and also gives great moisture. 

Perfume: Rollerballs are always great for traveling. Right now I'm loving Elizabeth & James Nirvana White. When I am not traveling, I throw the roller ball in my purse and when it runs out I challenge myself not to buy the same one. This is a great way to try new scents, which is great especially when the seasons change!

Happy Travels. 
XOXO,

Ashley

My Top 5 Fall Beauty Must Haves

I’m in full fall mode right now. Especially now that it's starting to get a bit cooler and thanks to PSLs (pumpkin spice lattes). This time of year, I pack away my pops of pinks and corals and bring out my deeper, richer hues of reds, burgundy and darker nudes. With the change of the season comes a change in my mood for more warmth and less vibrance in both my beauty color palette, wardrobe, and perfume. 

1. Laura Mercier 'Velour Lovers' Lip Colour in Boudoir  

(Aveda also makes a color similar in Rare Orchid)

Such a great fall color and perfect for all skin tones.

2. Fresh Sugar Nourishing Lip Balm Advanced Therapy

This is a must for cooler weather and every night for me. I can't say enough great things about this lip balm! I wear it as a mask for my lips at night and when I wake up I can still feel the moisture! 

3. BECCA x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop

This highlighter is amazing. You won't fine one person that this color will not look amazing on. It's all in the peach hue. When you look at the color peach, it's a mix of pink and yellow. And when those two colors are blended together, you get a shade that neutralizes your skin's own undertones, which are usually some combination of yellow and pink, and warms up your complexion.. and who doesn't want that?!

4. Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush in Alezane

This color is perfect for fall. It's the right amount of coverage and shimmer and looks so natural. 

5.Hermes Jour d'Hermès Absolu Eau de parfum natural spray

This is my favorite fall/winter scent. It has notes of Gardenia, Sambac Jasmine, Apricot Flower and just has a warmer but still feminine scent.

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving Week!!

XO,

Ashley