This is by far my favorite post to write each year, I have so much fun testing out samples, and finding amazing products as I start my own holiday shopping. I just love sharing these great products with you and I'm hoping this list inspires you to treat yourself and the special people in your life. The following products are a compilation of both PR samples and a few bits that I've purchased on my own within the last few months.
Lush Cookie Dough Lip Scrub
Starting off with an oldie but a goodie! Every fall as the weather starts to change in NY I purchase a new lip scrub from Lush Cosmetics. This year I treated my chapped lips to the cookie dough flavor. It has a lovely vanilla, almond, and cocoa scent that is sure to make you feel warm and cozy. With constant mask-wearing, I've been keeping my lip products to a minimum but this is an amazing treat just before bed. I like to follow with a lip mask so my lips feel soft and hydrated when I wake up the next morning.
This is an amazing set to treat your mom or best friend to. Isa Lazo's line of products is not only cruelty-free but extremely gentle and kind to your skin. The toner and facial oil can be purchased as a gift set with their body collection, or separately. I received mine in separate packages, and they were beautifully boxed and placed in velvet pouches. A real treat to unwrap. Their toner is a beautiful blend of witch hazel and rose water. Their facial oil contains rosa damascena an ingredient that is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and aids tissue regeneration all while hydrating your skin. The ingredients in both of these wonderful products really speak for themselves, as someone who suffered from mascne earlier in the pandemic, I've found these products to be gentle yet effective, I tend to see a bit of rosacea pop up in the colder months and I have yet to see it appear this season. A little goes a long way with these products, and I love how light the oil feels on my face. I love to layer it under my SPF moisturizer during the day and use it as the last step in my routine at night. If you're looking to really treat someone you love this holiday season, Isa Lazo is a beautiful option.
CBD Living Tincture & Massage Oil
With all that is going on in the world, and life I have been trying to find new, effective, and healthy ways to combat stress. While I've always loved CBD skincare products, I held off for quite a while when it came to supplements. I tried a tincture for the first time a few months back and found it incredibly beneficial in times of high stress. Tinctures have allowed me to relax, take a breath, and soften the amount of stress I'm feeling. I recently tried the Pumpkin Spice Latte Tincture from CBD Living and loved it. The flavor is anything but boring it has a vanilla-like taste, with a hint of holiday spice. You can take it directly (placing a dropper full under the tongue), or you can add to a beverage. I occasionally add this to my coffee. The formula is GMO-free, THC-free (making it non-psychogenic), and the CBD is sourced from state-licensed farms within the US.
I also tried out the massage oil, this is wonderful post-hike or workout to help soothe tired muscles, or just to hydrate your skin. It's non-greasy, and unscented so great for layering under other products, or if you have sensitivities to fragrance.
These make the perfect stocking stuffer for a partner or anyone who you want to treat to some relaxation.
Lyda Beauty Cleopatra Cat Eye Stamp
I posted a quick story about these great little pens last week. I used to love doing cat eyes, it was my go-to look when I was 19. Once I graduated college and began working full time I started spending less time on makeup, and more time commuting, working out, working... just elsewhere. In the last few months, I've noticed when I try to do a winged look, it's not as easy to get them even. This eyeliner has been my saving grace. On one end of the pen, there is a triangle-shaped stamp to help you easily create your wing, and on the opposite end, there is a felt tip to create your line and connect your wing. It takes me about a minute and a half to do both eyes and then I am out the door. Such a fun product and great for beginners, or those of us that need a little help with our application. My favorite of the two is the 'sleek' style pen, but there is also a 'bold' option for a more dramatic show-stopping look. Keep your eyes on my Instagram in the next few weeks, as I'll be showing these pens off way more!
ESPA Soy Candles
I'm still in the very early stages of learning about household toxins, but a major switch I've made lately is to soy candles. Not only are the slower to burn than typical paraffin wax candles, but they are cleaner burning and produce less soot. ESPA candles are made with a blend of soy, rapeseed, and beeswax. Their packaging is clean and minimal, it looks beautiful sitting on your nightstand or bathroom shelf. I have burned both the positivity (gardenia, jasmine, rose geranium, bergamot, and sweet orange) candle and the energizing (peppermint, eucalyptus, lime, and rosemary) candle, both are beautiful scents but I am drawn most to the energizing blend of scents. It has a beautiful spa-like quality and is just what I needed to create a cozy, relaxing, environment.
Since I'm working from home this winter I really wanted a pair of cashmere sweatpants. Quince has really high-quality items without the premium price tag. I purchased the Mongolian Shrunken Cashmere Sweatshirt, along with the joggers. I have been living in these, they are so comfortable and so far have washed super well. I will say the one negative to this outfit is that the jogger waistband tends to roll and it does take a bit of adjusting to get it to lay correctly again, but it's not a big enough issue for me especially when there are so many other things to love about the brand.
I love that they are transparent about their pricing, as well as their commitment to sustainability and responsible production. As I get older I am investing in brands that take interest in how their goods are produced, rather than just purchasing from fast fashion sites. If you're looking to do the same Quince is an amazing place to start. They also have smaller items like cashmere hats, leather goods, and even home products.
I'd love to hear more about the items you're purchasing this holiday season, let me know in the comments what items are on your holiday shopping list!
What's your opinion?
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