Well folks, we only have one week of shopping to go until Christmas. And while I would hope that most of you are done by now, there are always a couple of people who leave things until the last minute. And that’s where this Gift Guide comes in!
I’ve compiled a list of some of my favourite affordable goodies from this year. Most of these are under $50 and they are all great ideas for the beauty lover in your life!
*Em’s Note* Some of the products featured were sent in PR. Those products have been marked with an asterisk.
I’ll start with the priciest thing first. But this is something that I used every single day since I got it. The FRANK GREEN CERAMIC REUSABLE BOTTLE – $59.95*. This bad boy hold 1Lt of water. The lid is super secure. It keeps water cold for ages out of the fridge. And it’s durable AF. Lord knows that I’ve dropped this a few dozen times and I’m yet to dent it.
Next up, I have a few goodies from DESIGNER BRANDS COSMETICS. Every year, they bring out a collective ton of holiday sets. And while their palette are amazing quality, it’s their brush sets that I end up buying every year. The one I went with this time was the SOFT FOCUS 8 PIECE BRUSH SET – $29.95. Which features four face brushes, three eyeshadow brushes, one brow brush and a beautiful clutch for easy storage. I can speak very highly of the quality of these brushes. They are made from vegan bristles and they are so soft! They also have another eight piece set and a five piece set available too.
The other thing that DB Cosmetics does really well are their fragrances. They are really great quality for the price. And their signature range has some absolutely beautiful scents in the mix. My top pick is IN YOUR ELEMENT – $14.99*. This is such a unique combo. Citrus, yet spicy, very delicious.
A few skincare sets now. And first up, ESSANO! This is a brand that has really impressed me this year. And I could easily recommend a ton of things from them. But when the CHRISTMAS TREE TIN GIFT SET – $14.99* rocked up on my doorstep, I couldn’t not talk about it! First of all, how stinking cute is that packaging? This set includes a mini of the Rosehip hand cream, the Rosehip moisturiser and the best selling Rosehip oil. I might slip this one into my mum’s stocking!
Another great Aussie skincare brand is ALYA SKIN. I reckon most of you would know about their award winning AUSTRALIAN PINK CLAY MASK – $49.95*. But they have so many other goodies in their line. Two products that I have been super intrigued by are the VITAMIN C SUPERCHARGED SERUM – $39.95* and the PINK PEARL ILLUMINATING EYE CREAM – $39.95*. I also recently spotted this range at Woolworths, which is super exciting!
Now, it wouldn’t be me if I wasn’t recommending some kind of sunscreen as a stocking stuffer. And my current top pick from the drugstore has to be the BONDI SANDS HYDRA UV PROTECT FACE FLUID SPF 50+ – $19.95. The formula of this is so thin and easy to use! I only wish that it came in a bigger bottle.
My final skincare pick comes from the fine folks over at LANOLIPS. I have been one of the biggest cheerleaders for this brand because their products really are that good! And how good do these TROPICAL MINIS 101 SUPERBALM TRIO PACK – $19.95* look? This set comes with three of their best selling 101 Ointments in the scents Watermelon (my favourite), Strawberry and Coconut! So perfect for summer
Getting into makeup now, and I have to share with you one of my favourite collabs from this year. Iconic nail polish brand Sally Hansen teamed up with Mentos to create the SALLY HANSEN X MENTOS INSTA DRI NAIL POLISH – $8.95ea.* They come in six fun pastel shades and one chunky glitter shade that has to be seen to be believed! These do dry down super fast and they last for ages on the nails.
Now, a product that I’m shocked that I didn’t suggest last year. The MAYBELLINE LIFTER GLOSSES – $18.95. These are still some of the best glosses at the drugstore and they have so may gorgeous shades (I know that in the US, they just did their first expansion of the range so I’m hoping they come to Australia soon). A perfect stocking stuffer. Especially because they are half off at Chemist Warehouse right now! (not sponsored, just love a deal).
Now, you know me. I do like to be bougie on a budget sometimes. And for that, you can’t beat NATASHA DENONA and her mini palettes. I have featured the MINI RETRO PALETTE – $38.00 and the MINI LOVE PALETTE – $38.00. But I’m not kidding when I say that she has so many of these mini palettes in her line now. So, there is definitely a palette to suit you. Also, if you ask me, these shadows are consistently great in quality.
Finally, if you can’t think of anything else, you can’t go wrong with a BELLABOX SUBSCRIPTION – $19.95/month. Every month, they send you up to 6 different beauty goodies from all over the beauty world. I have discovered so many amazing new brands with my Bellabox subscription over the years. And this would be an amazing option for someone who is just starting out in the beauty world. If you’re not in Australia or NZ, there are so many amazing beauty boxes out there.
And that is it for my gift guide! I hope that I may have given you some inspiration for your shopping over the next few days. Be safe and shop well, my friends!
Cheers and love
Emily xo