Holiday Gift Guide: 18 Gifts For The Beauty Lover

Looking for the perfect gift? Take a peek at Beauty in New York City's previous Gift Guides.

Anyone else wait to the last minute to do holiday shopping? The month is almost over and now it's go-time! As a beauty lover myself, I curated a list of the top 18 gifts I recommend for any beauty fan. You can choose from the prettiest palettes to the practical skincare set. Keep reading for gift ideas that will make your holiday gift giving a breeze!

Hourglass Ambient® Lighting Edit - Surreal Light, $80

I've been lusting after marble anything for months now. When I first laid eyes on this lush palette from Hourglass, I knew it'd be at the top of my Christmas list. This limited-edition palette contains flattering bronzer, blushes, and highlighter.

NARS Give In Take Dual-Intensity Eye & Cheek Palette, $69

If you're looking for palette that gives option of sheer or high-impact finish, look no further than this holiday palette from NARS. You can use all the shades either wet or dry depending on your look. The palette is perfectly portable and features the bestselling dual-intensity formulas from NARS.

M.A.C. Mariah Carey Extra Dimension Skinfinish in MY MIMI, $45

Lately I feel as though I see Mariah Carey everywhere and I'm not mad about it. The songstress really overdid herself on her recent M.A.C. collaboration. The packaging was over-the-top and stunning as only Mariah can do. Each item was packaged in a shimmery silver box with gold accents. My top pick from the collection is the limited edition Skinfinish featuring Mariah's face! It's already sold out online, but you may get lucky at other retailers or in M.A.C. locations.

Marc Jacobs Beauty About Last Night Style Eye Con No 20 Eyeshadow Palette, $99

This limited-edition palette has every eye shadow shade to take your look from day to night. It's encased in stunning gold packaging and organized in five columns, for a complete wardrobe of looks.

The Estée Edit Gritty & Glow Magnetic Eye and Face Palettes, $58

My new favorite shadow formula is easily from the Estée Edit. The brand continues to blow me away with exciting launch after launch and this eye and face palette collection is no different. The price point is incredibly low for the quality and size of makeup you receive. These two palettes feature shades that are formulated with tiny pearl particles for the most elegant, glistening sheen. The formulas are super blendable and the compacts are magnetic to easily click together! 

ColourPop x Hello Kitty Limited Edition Collection, $5-$42

Sanrio, best known for pop icon Hello Kitty®, has teamed up with ColourPop, the Southern California-based global cosmetics company, to introduce their first collaboration – ColourPop x Hello Kitty. The limited edition collection is only available through February 1st and offers a full range of cosmetics for lips, eyes and face. The Hello Pretty Kit would make a perfect gift and won't break the bank.

Your Je Ne Sais Quoi Complexion Perfection Face Palette, $42

Developed with plastic surgeons, the experts in contouring and aesthetics, the Je Ne Sais Quoi™ Complexion Perfection palette includes four must-have, talc-free powder formulas that instantly enhance and brighten your features: new Sunshine in a Compact™ Matte Bronzer, new Perfect Lighting™ Luminizer, new Bye Bye Pores Blush™, and award-winning Bye Bye Pores Pressed™ Poreless Finish Airbrush Pressed Powder.

SK-II Limited Edition Facial Treatment Essence, $229

One of my favorite skincare products is the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence! No skincare routine is complete without this essence and now you have three limited edition bottles to choose from.

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Luxury Gift Set, $205

I've been wearing Flowerbomb for the last seven years and it remains one of my favorite scents to date. It's sweet, floral scent lasts all day and works on everyone. Gift this set to someone in need of a new scent!

It Cosmetics All That Glitters Brush Set, $58

It Cosmetics makes the softest brushes ever and this set is the perfect gift for any beauty lover. You don't have to worry about storage since the brush set comes with a matching glitter clutch.

theBalm Manizer Sisters, $26

Bronze. Blush. Highlight. You'll have everything you need for sculpted cheeks and endless highlighters.

Smith & Cult Lip Trio Gift Set, $60

Keep lips glossy with The Shining Lip Lacquer Trio by Smith & Cult. Enjoy shades Now Kith, The Lovers, and the Queen Is Dead along with a S&C Pochette.

Oribe Holiday Travel Essentials Collection, $98

Oribe's 'Holiday Travel Essentials Collection' is comprised of travel-friendly versions of the label's most coveted haircare products. The perfect gift for frequent jetsetters, they're housed in a sleek canvas bag that fits comfortably in your carry-on and conveniently doubles as a cosmetics case.

H20+ Beauty 6-pc. Must-Have Mini Favorites Set, $40

Satisfy all your skin care needs with this H20+ Beauty Must-Have Mini Favorites Set.

R+Co Treasure Set, $49

Keep your jewel tones shining bright. Gemstone color shampoo + conditioner protect and preserve your hue while Death Valley dry shampoo helps you go longer between washes.

Smith & Cult Nailed Lacquer Collection, $50

Nail collection includes a stunning trio of nail lacquers -Stockholm Syndrome, Dark Like Me, Kundalini Hustle - a Limited Edition Nail File and a S&C Canvas Pockette, all exquisitely packaged in a Limited Edition Box.

Fresh Skincare Treasures, $67

A collection of Fresh skin care favorites that cleanse, mask, and moisturize—adorned in rich, gold-accented packaging. 

e.l.f. Beautifully Precise Brush Collection, $74

e.l.f. has launched a premium collection of brushes designed for precise application of products. These new brushes are baby soft and perfect for application and blending.

Happy Holidays!

Last Minute Valentine's Day Beauty Gift Guide

It's that time of year again... chocolates, flowers, and gifts are seen everywhere to celebrate Valentine's Day all around the globe. The beauty space has taken note and these are the gifts I know any beauty lover would adore.

Diptyque & Olympia Le-Tan Rosaviola Scented Candle, $67

A deliciously scented pink candle from Diptyque would make any girl swoon this V-Day! In celebration of diptyque's new Valentine's Day collaboration with Olympia Le-Tan called, "The Key To My Heart Is In My Bag," the brand has also launched an emoji keyboard (compatible with iPhone + iPad) – as a way to communicate with your loved ones. You can download in Apple's App Store.

Lipstick Queen Saint & Sinner Lip Tints, $24 each

Whether you're feeling like a Saint or a Sinner, Lipstick Queen has your lips covered with the newest lip tint that has color and hydration in one light-weight formula.

Charlotte's Magic Cream, $100

Charlotte's Magic Cream from Charlotte Tilbury is a hydrating and anti-aging wonder cream in gorgeous rose gold packaging. Face looks instantly hydrated and is left with a radiant finish.

Frank Body's Lip Scrub & Lip Balm, $14.95

A natural, caffeinated duo that gently buffs away dry skin and smooths lips to reveal a soft, supple pout. Get on my lips immediately.

Dove Pink Beauty Bar, Varies

The Dove Beauty Bar is the #1 recommended bar by dermatologists & pediatricians, and it's no wonder. It's extremely moisturizing and has many added benefits. I recently visited the Unilever factory in Trumbull, CT and spent the day making my own soap and learning the science behind the bar. Stay tuned for a separate post on that experience! 

Capri Vince Camuto Fragrance, $82

Like a cool Mediterranean breeze, this floral-fruity fragrance transports your senses. The sea-glass inspired bottle extends Vince Camuto’s iconic signature fragrance collection design. Added bonus? I love how the bottle looks displayed on my vanity.

Dolce & Gabbana Beauty Voyage Travel Palette, $150

This is the game-changer gift that any beauty fan would swoon over. It's absolutely beautiful and made in Italy. The Beauty Voyage palette includes four Eyeshadows, a Blush, an Illuminator and two Lipsticks.

Moroccanoil Body Butter Fleur De Rose, $52

Who wouldn't want to smell like a rose? With Moroccanoil's body collection, that's a definite do on Valentine's Day.

Wishing you all the loveliest Valentine's Day. Any special gifts on your wish-list?

Holiday Gift Guide: Last Minute Gifts For The Skincare Obsessed

Looking for the perfect gift? Take a peek at Beauty in New York City's 2015 Holiday Gift Guides.

We all have those family and friends that are obsessed with their skin. They're always trying the newest products and constantly looking for the next best thing. Christmas is only two days away, but here are 12 last minute skincare gifts that would be perfect for them.

Philosophy Glowing Days Ahead Set, $89

Get ready to have glowing skin for the New Year! This set from Philosophy includes many of their best-sellers and is an excellent value.

L'Occitane La Crème De La Crème Divine Gift, $375

I live for L'Occitane's Divine Youth Oil (seriously, it's that good) and the entire Divine line is a must-have for anyone who is concerned with anti-aging. This set comes with the full Divine collection, including oil, toner, eye cream, serum, and best-selling Divine Cream. The perfect gift for any skincare maven.

Eve Lom The Perfectors Gift Set, $125

Cleanse, hydrate and smooth skin with this luxurious set from Eve Lom. It even comes with a  Muslin Cloth!

Ole Henriksen 3 Little Wonders + Cleanse, $72

A morning and evening daily system developed for an effective, easy, and healthy skincare routine to treat all major skin concerns.

Holiday Wishlist: The Gifts I'd Give Myself

Looking for the perfect gift? Take a peek at Beauty in New York City's 2015 Holiday Gift Guides.

As a beauty editor, I love a good beauty set just as the next person. My favorite time of the year for beauty shopping is definitely the holidays. From the beautiful packaging to the insane discounts, it's the most exhilarating time to shop for new beauty. Here are the beauty gifts on my holiday wishlist, including a few non-beauty items!

Violet Grey Iconic Nudes Set, $65

I love a good nude lip and this set includes one of my favorites from Charlotte Tilbury. Violet Grey has a great collection of holiday gifts and this set is my dream! The Iconic Nudes Set comes with a nude lipstick, nude nail polish from YSL, and a sleek white pouch to carry it all around.

La Prairie 'Reflections of Radiance' Set (Limited Edition), $870

La Prairie is another brand I fell in love with in 2015. Their skincare products are super luxurious and I can feel a difference in my skin immediately after using. The Reflections of Radiance Set includes my favorite Cellular Radiance line. This gift has a steep price point, but it's worth it.

Fresh Nude Lip Lover, $42

It's important to prep lips before you apply a lip product. I love using fresh's sugar lip treatment prior to lipstick. These are nude, rose, and honey tinted!

Nordstrom 2015 Holiday: Beauty Gifts Galore

Need a last minute gift? Nordstrom is my go-to online shopping destination for all things beauty and fashion. They offer some of the most luxurious brands from Tom Ford to Chanel. This year, I'm coveting many of their holiday gift sets. You can shop in store or online and online orders will arrive in in time for Christmas Eve. Shop my top must-haves below!

Holiday Gift Guide: Best Beauty Gifts for $50 & Under

Looking for the perfect gift? Take a peek at Beauty in New York City's 2015 Holiday Gift Guides.

With Christmas quickly approaching, it's crunch time to purchase those last minute gifts. I find that $50 and under is my sweet spot when shopping for gifts. Here are my top $50 and under picks for the season.

Sonia Kashuk Limited Edition 4pc Brush Set - Starstruck, $29.99

Super smooth brushes with gold encrusted handles? Sign me up.

Frank Body Sweet Cheeks, $49.95

A complete face range wrapped in a reusable canister.

Glossier Mask Duo Set, $38

Glossier is easily my new favorite brand of 2015. I adore the packaging and the products are getting better and better. This set includes six single serving pods of their best-selling detoxifying Mega Greens Galaxy Pack and six of their Moisturizing Moon Mask. Special bonus: a Glossier embroidered headband!

Kat Von D Mi Vida Loca Remix Studded Kiss Lip Set, $42

A lip set with Studded Kiss lipsticks, featuring new limited-edition shade Gold Blooded and seven mini lip colors. Plus, the studded bottoms are perfect to find at the bottom of your purse.

Skyn Iceland Saving Face Kit, $50

I recently met with the founder of Skyn Iceland and I was really impressed by how much time and effort goes into creating this unique brand. Many trips to Iceland and ingredients later, the brand continues to innovate. This kit has two of my favorite products - Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels & Icelandic Relief Eye Pen. Whenever my eyes are looking too tired and need a bit of a boost, these are my go-to products.

Hum Nutrition Red Hot Holidays Set, $50

A special-edition holiday set that combines HUM's popular Red Carpet for glowing skin and fuller shinier hair, and Skinny Bird, a unique weight loss program.

beautyblender® pretty.posse Set (Limited Edition), $45

The holy grail of makeup sponges now comes in a limited edition set for the holidays. The set features the new micro.mini beauty blender (perfect for under eyes), bling ring dry stand, solid cleaner, and the rehydrator. 

Josie Maran Whimsical Wonder Argan Oil Color Essentials Set, $44

A five piece collection of Josie's Argan-infused color essentials-housed in a whimsical, pop-up style box for the holiday season.

bareMinerals The Regal Wardrobe, $29

bareMinerals never disappoints for holiday and this set is right on par. The shadows are smooth and the shade range works for day or nighttime looks.

Stella McCartney 'Stella' Eau de Toilette 1 oz, $48

The new Stella Eau de Toilette is inspired by the idea of a fresh, dewy rose captured in the morning sun. Underscored by sparkling green notes, this bright and bold composition embodies a young, fresh fragrance.

What's your price point sweet spot during the holiday season?

Holiday Gift Guide: Top 10 Gifts Under $25

Looking for the perfect gift? Take a peek at Beauty in New York City's 2015 Holiday Gift Guides.

Shopping for someone on a budget can sometimes be a struggle, so I rounded up my top ten favorite gifts under $25.




1. Dove Shea Butter Gift Set, $15
Who wouldn't love to receive Dove for the holidays? I love this set because it contains their best-selling body wash, 2 Shea Butter beauty bars, nourishing shampoo, conditioner, bath pouf, and comes in a convenient travel bag. This set is exclusive to Walmart, but Dove Beauty Bars make an excellent gift as well.

2. Tarte Deluxe Amazonian Butter Lipstick Set, $21
Tarte's butter lipsticks are just that - smooth as butter! This set comes with 4 shades that will work on every skin tone.

3. Lush Cosmetics Joy To The World Wrapped Gift, $19.95
LUSH gift sets are the perfect gift to give for the season. Not only do their gifts smell delightful, the packaging is an easy hit and comes already gift wrapped.

4. Sara Happ 'The Lip Slip®' Lip Balm, $24
Slip into this glossy, hydrating balm (no color) and wear all day and night.

5. Fresh Suga(RED) Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15, $22.50
A limited-edition Sugar Lip Treatment wrapped in red to support the fight against AIDS.

6. Compartes x Kelly Wearstler Marbleized Chocolate Bar, $12.95
You can't go wrong with this limited edition chocolate bar designed by Kelly Wearstler. It's even studded with edible 24karat gold leaf!

7. LORAC Pocket PRO Palette, $18
One matte and two shimmer eye shadows are just a beauty girl needs on the go. This product palette is a great gift for someone who travels often and wants to carry a small palette in her bag.

8. Lipstick Queen Galactic Gorgeous Lipstick, $24
Take your lips into a fuller dimension with this travel-sized selection of Big Bang glosses formulated with light-reflecting shimmer particles for an otherworldly shine.

9. Wildflower by Drew Barrymore, $16.66
I'm a huge Drew Barrymore fan, so I was very excited to hear she was releasing a new book on her life. The book just launched, but it's already a New York Times Bestseller!

10. e.l.f. Endless Eyes 100 Color Eyeshadow Palette, $15
100 color eye shadows for only $15? Say no more.