Gift Guide: For the Beauty Buff

Let’s face it, we all have a self-proclaimed beauty buff on our friend list. You know, the one that’s a VIB member at Sephora or at Ulta Beauty, can name all the eyeshadow palettes that dropped this year, and can recommend the best moisturizer before you can even say the word. It can be difficult to shop for someone who’s makeup bag is already filled to the brim, which brings me to today’s post. I have compile a list of gift ideas for the beauty fanatic in your life. From top-rated face masks, to beauty blenders and makeup organizers, this list will make holiday/celebration shopping a breeze. The best part of it all? Everything in this gift guide is under $100! Keep scrolling to do a little holiday shopping for your favorite beauty obsessed babe…
beauty buff (2)

1. Glossier Balm Dotcom Trio, $30
One of my favorite cult beauty brands has to be Glossier. This Balm Dotcom trio is the perfect gift for the girl who’s always reaching for a moisturizing lip balm. Plus they smell and look amazing!

2. Caboodles Le Sophistique 10pc Bag Set Black & White Stripe, $29.99
Every beauty babe needs a trusty cosmetic case. You can head over to target and see what affordable choices they have to offer. They have many popular name brand cosmetic bags, so you won’t be disappointed.

3. Sorbus Cosmetic Makeup and Jewelry Storage Case Display – Spacious Design (4 Large – 2 Small Drawers), $33.99
This sturdy, clear acrylic makeup organizer set includes four drawers on the bottom unit and two top drawers are great for holding smaller items. The 16 slots on the top portion let you place a variety of items like makeup brushes, lipsticks and more, making this display a must-have on your vanity. Talk about a chic and functional way to keep your sink nice and organized!

4. BRWNGRLMGC Set, $44
These classic elegant hues are mani/pedi worthy if you ask me. If you have a gal in your life that nails the at-home mani, this is the gift that keeps on giving.

5. The Little Market Lavender Spa Gift Box, $76
Give the gift of rest and relaxation with this luxurious lavender gift set for any celebration. This box has their incredible Bath Bomb, Lavender & Honey Soap, Soaking Salt and Candle, all in a yummy lavender scent. Treat the beauty buff in your life while giving back to female artisans at the same time.

6. Philosophy 4-step hydrate & glow set, $34
This next gift is a beauty must. I’m kinda obsessed with everything that Philosophy has to offer, and this gift kit is the perfect way to introduce your loved ones to some of the best skincare.

7. Moon Juice Moon Dust Sachet Sampler Box, $35
Have your beauty buff feeling beautiful from the inside out with this blend of Moon Dust sachets. Add them to your favorite beverage to help combat the effects of stress to nourish body, beauty and consciousness from the inside out.

 Bigelow Benefits, $19.95 
All of us know how important it is to put good things in our bodies to help us stay strong. That desire was the inspiration for the Bigelow Benefits line, everyday teas that fuel your body with good for you ingredients. And of course, the flavor is everything! The Bigelow family designed this tea collection to taste fabulous and help support your well-being. They Benefits teas can be used as part of your everyday routine and can help you define the life you want to live! This boxed set of six includes 18 tea bags each of Cinnamon Blackberry Herbal Tea, Lemon & Echinacea Herbal Tea, Turmeric, Chili Matcha Green Tea, Chamomile & Lavender Herbal Tea, Ginger & Peach Herbal Tea and Blueberry & Aloe Herbal Tea …108 Tea bags in all. 

8. Taking Care Of Your Hair Under There Kit, $45
Have you heard? CURLS came out with these ultra-chic gift boxes with the best CURListas haircare line has to offer. Now you can have the freedom to rock your protective styles fearlessly. Take care of your “hair under there” before, after and throughout the duration of your protective style, using CURLS Blueberry Bliss Curl Collection! Enriched with certified organic blueberry extract to PURIFY – PROTECT, PRESERVE & GROW your hair while rocking your braids, wigs, clip ins or extension styles.

9. White with Style Sparkle White Professional Home Teeth Whitening Kit, $269.99 
On the go? Use White with Style Teeth Whitening kits to get your teeth whiter than a pearl. Use code: CRYSTALEE to get Sparkle White Professional Home Teeth Whitening Kit for ONLY $28. Click here for more info!

10. MyMakeupBrushSet 10 Piece Black and Gold Oval Brush Set, $34.99
Last but not least, I have the Black and Gold Oval Brush Set for all of the makeup lovers out there. Blend that makeup look into perfection with the beauty world’s favorite tool.

 BH Cosmetics Crystal Quartz – 12 Piece Brush Set, $15.60
Enchant your beauty routine with our Crystal Quartz 12 Piece Brush Set, a collection of top-quality face and eye brushes. The set comes in an ethereal, iridescent zip-top case for convenient storage and travel.

Do you have any gift ideas for the beauty buff in your life?

Let me know your suggestions in the comments!

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Primp Tip: Brush, Sponge, or Fingers?

For some of us, putting on makeup is almost second nature. We have our routines down and can even step away from the mirror in 5 minutes flat. But for others, the application process can pose more questions than productivity. When there are so many ways to apply your makeup, it’s easy to get confused on which way is the correct way to go about it. Which brings me to my latest Primp Tip… Today I will be debunking the brush vs. sponge vs. fingertip debacle.

While there are pros and cons to each tool, it all comes down to personal preference. In order to find out which technique works for you, I recommend experimenting to see which applicator you feel most comfortable using. While trial and error is always a good way to determine the winner, below I’ve broken down each applicator and it’s specific benefits. So if you’re still deciding between a brush, sponge or your fingertips, keep reading…

Brush

Using a brush to apply your makeup is a great way to give your skin an airbrushed finish. Brushes are known for their precision and also for their blendability. Whether you’re using powder or cream, brushes are versatile enough to get the job done. Tip: It’s important to start with a small amount of product and build up to your desired look. With a brush you tend to get a more concentrated amount of product and color, so blending it all out is essential.

Sponge

Similar to using a brush, sponges are known for their blended out, flawless finish. For an even distribution of product, wet the sponge before using a liquid foundation. By doing this you should get a sheer and lightweight look that is easily buildable. Like brushes, there are a variety of sponges used for different makeup techniques (highlighting, contouring, etc.). The only thing to be mindful of when using a sponge is that they soak up more product than a brush or your fingertips does.

4fbd15de73d7ce2331ad04fda9c4b588--makeup-tips-makeup-productsFingertips

Last but not least, using your fingers to apply makeup is just as effective as using a brush or sponge. The warmth of your fingertips makes for more blendability—but be careful because you’re going to get more of a concentrated application. For colorful eye shadow and cream blushes, your fingertips will give you the best color payoff. If you’re going to use your fingers, be gentle! Always use a tapping motion with your ring finger and don’t use too much pressure.

While there isn’t a dramatic difference between each technique, the end results should be similar as long as your product is blended into your skin. You never want a harsh line! It ultimately comes down to practice and preference. I find that I use my fingers when I’m in a rush as opposed to a brush or sponge when I want a more done-up look.

So, which method do you prefer?  85367ab070c62321d54dd32c58d13edd

Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 

Click here to find out which tool(s) I prefer

15 tag

1.What is your daily skin care routine?

I use the Oil-Free Acne Wash pink grapefruit foaming scrub from Neutrogena, then use the Nicel night renew anti-wrinkle cream alpha hydroxy & aloe at night. In the morning, I use the Oil-Free Acne Wash  again, I use the Dermasil Oil Free Retinol Facial Cream with Vitamin A & E, and then I use the OLE HENRIKSEN ultimate lift eye gel.

2. What is your weekly skin care routine?

I use TruSelf ORGANICS Detoxifying Mask.

 3. How do you prep your face for makeup?

 I do my skincare routine and use foundation primers. The primers I do use are from elf, NYX, and MILANI cosmetics.

4. How do you take off your makeup?

I use the oil-free eye makeup remover from Neutrogena with cotton balls or I use the epielle Argan Oil Cleansing Tissues, then I do the rest of my nightly routine.

5. What are some DIY face masks?

I have tried so many…. I will save this for another time.

6. What are some inexpensive makeup brushes?

MYMAKEUPBRUSHSET is an amazing company! I also have brushes from wet n wild but their makeup brushes are whack to me. The most expensive place that I have bought makeup brushes from is Sephora. And even with their brushes, I’m not that impressed. So basically, shop at mymakeupbrushset. They are not that expensive and you can get the whole set for like $15. I have different brush sets from them and I love all of my brushes. The price depends on what sets you want but its worth it.

 7. Do you prefer matte or shimmer eyeshadows?

I really don’t wear eyeshadow a lot but if I had to choose I would say both.

8. Do you prefer matte or dewy skin?

 I love both looks honestly. Matte skin is good for the people with excessively oily skin or acne/breakouts. People with this concern usually want to minimize the oil and prefer a matte formula that won’t add more moisture. While, Dewy skin has a young, fresh, and vibrant look to it. It works well on any age including mature skin as it moisturizes and reflects light, softening any fine lines or imperfections. Dewy skin gives the appearance of health and an active life. Plus, it’s sexy! But there is a fine line between dewy and shine.

9. Do you prefer matte or shiny lipstick / lip gloss?

I live for a good matte lipstick so matte it is.

 10. Lipstick, Gloss, Lip Stain, Balm, or Lip Liner?

It depends on the outfit, the hair, and the makeup. Everything has to come together to make the look.

11. What type of coverage do you prefer from a foundation?

Right now, I’m into the whole full coverage look. In the past I used the Sephora Foundation but lately I’ve been using the L’OREAL Paris true match foundation. And, I love it. Sometimes I do switch it up, I will use the NARS All Day Luminous or the Naked Skin Urban Decay foundation. The Maybelline New York Dream Liquid Mousse Airbrush Finish and the Revlon PHOTOREADY Airbrush Effect makeup foundation isn’t too bad either.

12. What cosmetic brands you always wanted to try but haven’t?

YSL, Tom Ford, Estee Lauder, Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Makeup Forever, and etc.

13. Do you wear fake lashes?

No, but I do collect them. I am just too scared to put them on myself. I love dodolashes, use my code:IAMCRYSTALEE to get some $$ off your next purchase.

14. What type of product do you buy the most of?

I buy a lot of hair products and skincare products.

15. Do you like trying new skincare products or do you keep a certain routine?

I prefer to stick to same skincare routine if it is working for me, but I like to try something new every now and then.

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