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Secrets of a Beauty Junkie: Great Beauty Gifts

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at CMU chapter.

 

You may not realize it yet, but the holidays are fast approaching (Less than two months until Christmas!).  Soon the stress of the fall semester will be over and there will be hot chocolate and cookies aplenty.  This also means that it’s time to start shopping while the pre-holiday sales are hot.  This year, try your local Ulta or Sephora for great gift giving.  From great smelling creams to makeup palettes to nail polish, there is something for everyone.  Here are my top 5 beauty gifts to give (and receive) this year:

 

1. Philosophy Home for the Holidays Set 

This great set comes with four shower gels and four lip glosses in matching scents.  The scents, Sparkling Cranberry, Have a Cherry Christmas, Peppermint Bark, and Cinnamon Bun are sure to make anyone on your list happy, and since it’s formulated without phthalates and parabens, it’s super good for them, too.  The multitasking shower gel can be used as shampoo, body wash, and bubble bath, and the lip gloss is moisturizing while giving shine.  Plus, since the set has eight different products, you can break them up into separate budget-friendly gifts.

 

2. Stila Snow Angel Color Palette 

This Stila palette containing 12 blush colors, 18 eyeshadow colors, and volumizing mascara has everything your beauty-obsessed friend needs to create the looks she loves.  Plus, it comes with a step-by-step instruction booklet for creating all kinds of looks, and the cute snowflake shape makes it a perfect holiday gift.  Add this to the top of your list, beauty lovers, and get one for your friends, too!

 

3. Sephora Favorites Lash Stash 

Okay, so this one might be more about my beauty obsession than anyone else’s (I go through more mascara in a month than most people use in six months), but it really is a great gift for anyone who enjoys trying out new products.  The set contains two full-sized mascaras, eight deluxe samples, lash primer, and a set of false eyelashes- all from great brands.  It’s actually a great deal for $45 at Sephora, so pick up a few while they last.

 

4. Ciate Sequined Manicure Kit 

This kit contains everything your glitter-loving friend needs to create a gorgeous sequined manicure just like the ones on the red carpet.  The kit includes glitter grip nail polish, glitter, and a brush to sweep away the excess.  It comes in two different colors, multi and black & gold.  I love the black and gold to show Pittsburgh pride, and the multi is great for a new years celebration. 

 

5. Philosophy The Gingerbread Man 

Not only does this scrub come in an adorable package perfect for gift giving, but it’s also great for the skin.  The holiday scented scrub, which combines sea salt and natural extracts, leaves skin super-soft and silky.  The Gingerbread Man is the perfect gift for anyone who needs a little extra pampering this holiday season.  Get one for yourself, too, and get that perfect glowing skin for all those holiday gatherings.

I am a junior Materials Science and Engineering mjaor at Carnegie Mellon University, and I am also minoring in Professional Writing and Business. I am a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma.  I love TV and trying out new beauty products.  I follow E! on Twitter so that I can stay up-to-date on celebrity news.  I'm royal-obsessed, and I love Kate Middleton's style.  I'm kind of a Sephora addict, and I could easily spend hours there.  I also spend way too much time on Pinterest.  Finally, I love hockey and all Pittsburgh sports.