Today I have a special holiday inspired post that I've prepared with
Mateja. As you already know, she is my favorite Slovenian beauty blogger and I wanted us to do a fun, but useful post for the gift giving season. Obviously, the best gifts don't come packaged and with a price tag, but since we love to share our beauty enthusiasm with others, we like to gift those too. To make this even more fun, our suggestions are all affordably priced, under 20€ (except one sneaky product), so your wallet will be happy and you'll be in a good mood for what really counts - family, friends and good food.
I also included prices next to products, but obviously the prices can vary in other countries as well as on other online shops. I also listed full prices of some brands like Avon, but Avon always has discounts on their products, so you can get these products even cheaper.
Skin Care Enthusiast
MuLondon Organic White Chocolate Truffle Moisturizer (24€)
Let's start with a dessert, because why not?! It's probably the most expensive item on my gift guide, but I'm justifying it with the fact that it's organic and it will last you a life time. It's a multi purpose moisturizer for any dry part of your skin and it smells like a proper white chocolate. Gourmet lovers will adore it. It's basically a blend of oils and butters that melt between your fingers and give your skin lovely nourishment. It's one of the rare natural cosmetic products that smells absolutely divine. If you know someone that's on a diet, surprise them with a chocolate for their skin instead of their belly.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (6.80€)
I hear the whole world is dehydrated and I kind of agree. When the weather turns cold, any skin tone needs a good hydrator for the skin and the queen of hydration is hyaluronic acid. This is the kind of cheap product that anyone will love. It should be used after your toner and before moisturizer. You need to put some sort of moisturizer on top to lock the hyaluronic acid molecules in the skin so they don't escape with the water in their hands. It's cheap and works, what else could you ask for.
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch (around 3€)
Buying someone pimple solution may seem a bit odd and even insulting, but I'm sure that person will love you for it, because this really works. It's one of those rare cheap gems that just seems to work. You get a sheet with 24 different sized patches that you stick on top of the pimple (preferably through the night) and in the morning the pimple is gone. If you have a more stubborn one, it may take you about two to three patches to suck all the gunk out of it. It's a more sophisticated and hygienic way of stopping the pimple rather than popping it. I especially recommend this one to anyone who has those really stubborn deep pimples that feel like they'll leave a meteorite hole in your face.
Innisfree It's Real Squeeze Mask - Green Tea and Bamboo (around 1€)
Going back to the topic of adding hydration, what is the better way than using a sheet mask?! It's fun and easy to do. I love Bamboo and Green Tea versions by Innisfree which are lovely basic hydrating masks. Green Tea smells of a real green tea and Bamboo it's a bit more fresh and herbal. The sheets are thin enough, stick well to the skin and there is plenty of leftover essence that you can use the next day as a serum.
Etude House 0.2 Therapy Air Mask - Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramide (around 1€)
I also really liked Etude House version, especially Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramide. These again have great thin masks that stick well to the skin and leftover essence. Hyaluronic Acid is great basic hydrating mask for anyone that needs a bit of hydration and Ceramide is richer and much more nourishing for those that need some nourishment along the hydration.
My Beauty Diary Natural Key Series Facial Mask - Black Pearl (around 1€)
I don't have a sheet of this anymore for the photo, but this one is great for those of you that want your skin to look more even toned and bright. It feels very soothing and has great thin sheet as well. It's for those that are not easily pleased with just a basic hydrating sheet mask.
Snow White Problems
NYX Pro Foundation Mixer - White Blanc (9.50€)
If you live in Slovenia and have a fair skin tone, there is a 100% chance that you can't find the right shade for you. I don't know what the shade selection is in your country, but in our the brands think we all have Mediterranean skin type. In fact, most of my friends have as light skin tone as me and in the drugstores most shades are too dark. The solution is this white mixer that you can mix with any foundation or BB cream and it doesn't chance the texture or coverage of it. It's plain white so it doesn't mess with the undertone either. If you know someone that is going over and over about the fact that every foundation shade is too dark for them, they will love this product.
Catrice Liquid Camouflage High Coverage Concealer (3.79€)
I've seen this concealer being mentioned on several foreign blogs as well and I understand why. It's one of the best drugstore concealers that offers you fairly high coverage, but also feels moisturizing under the eyes. The selection of shades is more suited for light skin tones, so if you're light to medium, you will like it. I usually wouldn't buy foundation for someone, because it's much more complicated, but I would pick a concealer shade for them. If they are very light and have yellow warm skin tone go with 005. For a more neutral to cool undertone and light skin tone go with 01 and if you think they are not that light, go for 02 which is also more on warm side.
Look by Bipa Matte Camouflage Concealer (3.25€)
For those that also have light skin tone and are looking for a more matte and even higher coverage, I recommend getting this one by Bipa. It has really good coverage, dries matte and despite being so dry, doesn't grab in fine lines. It will however make your under eyes look a bit dry, if they're naturally dry anyway. They have two shades and both are on the light side. I find 01 to be more neutral and 02 a bit warmer and already darker.
Crowd Pleasers
Paese Rice Powder (18€)
I feel that this is one of those powders that many would like. It's so finely milled and transparent that those who don't particularly like powders would like it too. Because it doesn't look cakey or add any color. Those that get oily t zone will like it too, because it has great absorbing properties due to the rice ingredient. It's one of those products that you can't really go wrong with.
Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer (around 12€)
Another products that everyone seems to love is this bronzer by Physicians Formula. I almost used mine up (and thought I made a repurchase, but something obviously went wrong, since I don't find it under my purchases) that's how much I like it. It has a buttery soft texture that is still powdery enough, but blends on the face like a dream. It has slight natural sheen to it, but no visible shimmer. The scent is somewhat artificial tropical pina colada like. Packaging is a bit bulky, but the product is worth it. It's a fool proof blendable bronzer. They have two shades and both are for either really fair or light skin tone.
Makeup Revolution Ultra Blush Palette - Golden Sugar (9.99€)
I think this is a gorgeous multi use palette that is a bit underrated. I've had my doubts about the quality of the product, but most of the shades are really pigmented and actually last on the skin very well. I got it from a friend who didn't use it, but I fell in love. I especially like the matte warm bronzer and lightly colored and shimmery blush shades. Highlighters are also amazing, but more for medium skin tone. It's a great all around palette for someone that just wants a bit of everything - highlighters, blushes and bronzers. I would recommend getting this one for someone that has light to medium or medium skin tone.
Glow Baby Glow!
Sleek Highlighting Palette - Solstice (13.99€)
You all know I am obsessed with highlighters, so I can definitely advise you some good options to buy for those that are like me blinded by everything sparkly. For fair to light skin tones that would love a more colorful option to highlight with, you can't go wrong with this Solstice palette. It gives you mostly light shades with gold, peach or purple sheen. There is also one creamy shade which is a bit more natural looking and slightly darker. The powders all apply lovely and give you a really intense look.
Terra Naturi Shimmer Powder Body & Face - 01 Golden Highlight (3.99€)
For those that like a more natural looking highlighter with warm gold sheen, get them this one. It's probably the most underrated drugstore highlighter that just looks so natural. Shimmer is finely milled and it gives you such a lovely golden sheen. It's baked, so it will last you a life time. The marble design is different in each product, so if you're buying it for someone with very light skin tone, get the marble design that has more white in it. If you're buying it for someone with more medium skin tone, get the design that has more of gold in it.
Kiko Radiant Touch Creamy Stick Highlighter - 100 Gold (8.50€)
If you want something that applies very quickly, blends with almost no effort and still gives you great amount of sheen on you're skin, then go for the creamy Kiko version. I probably have it for too long already, but it's my favorite cream highlighter ever. It has universally flattering champagne base with a light gold sheen and you can apply it very sheer or build it up to look even more intense than powder highlighters. Shimmer in it is very fine and it looks amazing as a base for powder highlighters as well.
theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer (around 20€)
It comes as no surprise, that I would list this one in my gift guide. It's a more expensive version, but universally loved. Then again, who has ever used up their highlighter?! I think it's worth the price, because it will last you a really long time. This is that classic warm gold shade that will look good on light warm skin tone as well as medium skin tones. It gives great amount of sheen and glow with just one swipe and it's very long lasting. The packaging is also quite durable.
Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighter - Golden Lights (4.99€)
For the light skin tones that have very apparent yellow undertone to them, I would advise this version. It's still very light, but the gold sheen is much more yellow toned. Powder is very pigmented, but can be applied sheerer. I actually love it for more warmer makeup looks and even more so for the inner corners of the eyes. It's a fun more golden drugstore option for those that already have too many champagne shades.
Blushing On You
H&M Pure Radiance Powder Blusher (7.99€)
This is my favorite blush formula ever and I don't know why more people don't gush about it. Packaging is slim and sleek, color range is big and formula is buildable. In my collection are three shades that I use all the time. It's such a lovely fine powder formula that can be applied sheer or build up for a more intense look and I love the natural sheen that most of these shades have. H&M has so many unconventional more muted and dirty colors that you can't always find in our drugstores. You'll find unusual neutral shade for that picky person.
Trend It Up Powder Blush (3.49€)
Another very affordable brand that does blushes well. These are your basic matte powder blushes with no sheen, but a good amount of color selection. I especially like a berry mauve shade 050 which seems to suit everyone.
Rimmel Lasting Finish Soft Colour Blush (5.99€)
For those that like a more shimmery blush in the packaging that you can almost throw in the back pocket of your jeans, get them one of these by Rimmel. They are surprisingly long lasting, have just the right amount of tiny shimmer and light muted colors. May I suggest shade 010 Santa Rose for all those muddy peachy lovers.
Wet n Wild Coloricon Blush (3.99€)
I'm not sure if these all have shimmer in it, but my shade does (Apri-Cot In The Middle). It's actually more of a highlighting blush. If you apply this one to the cheeks, you can easily skip highlighter. You can also use this one on top of other blushes for that added golden highlighter sheen. It's very pigmented formula with still small enough shimmer. They have small but nice range of colors and this would be for anyone that likes a good glow on their cheeks.
Milani Baked Powder Blush - Luminoso (around 8€)
A bit more muted down version of the Wet n Wild is this iconic Milani shade called Luminoso. It has even finer shimmer. Baked formula will last you a life time -literally. I've been using it for years and it looks like I haven't even touched it. It gives you light peachy golden glow that looks kind of natural and dewy. I love this one for those days when a matte blush just looks too dull for your skin tone.
Avon Glow Bronzing Pearls - Radiant Glow (13.70€)
For those that don't really like blushes, I would get these bronzing pearls. Shade Radiant Glow is the most natural looking brownish peachy pink shade that almost looks like pink and peach blush mixed with bronzer. It always applies like a dream with no effort and it never looks too much. It's the best choice for the more natural look that will suits all skin tones.
All About Eyes
Etude House Proof 10 Eye Primer (around 6$)
You know that friend that always complains about her eyeshadow creasing and fading...she probably doesn't own an eyeshadow primer. This one is my current favorite, because it almost looks like nothing on the lid. It's like a very sheer skin like silicon base that smooths out your lids. It makes the eyeshadows stick to the lid better and definitely prevents them from creasing. It's that invisible base that works wonders for someone that have never used eyeshadow primer.
Colourpop Super Shock Shadow (5$)
If there's one brand that does drugstore priced products at an amazing quality, it has to be Colourpop. Their Super Shock Shadows have the most interesting mousse creamy formula that dries powdery on the lids, it's super long lasting and very pigmented. I have a few of their shades, some more on the way, and I always recommend these to anyone. It's the most fool proof pigmented formula for anyone. You can apply these with fingers and they have a huge selection of gorgeous shimmery as well as matte shades. You can't go wrong with gifting one of these. I know I wouldn't mind getting any shade of these.
Essence Metal Shock Eyeshadow (3.79€)
If you have a friend that loves everything sparkly or has Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadows on their wish list, get them these instead. They have a mousse texture with lip gloss applicator and give you very metallic and shimmery look that is budge proof. I think these need more praise, since they are that good. You can apply them thicker and get a true metallic foiled like look or sheer them out and get a more shimmery look or topper for other eyeshadows. The formula is amazing for a drugstore product.
Kiko Long Lasting Stick 8 Hour No-transfer Shadow (6.90€)
These are a creamy option for those that prefer creams. Creamy eyeshadows can look a bit more natural, because they can be applied really sheer or build up. It's also hard to find creamy eyeshadows that will stay put whole day and these do. It's the most pigmented and long lasting version of cream eyeshadows I have tried so far. The pen like shape makes them really easy to use and apply. The shade range is also nice enough.
Zoeva 12 Eyeshadow Palettes (22.50€)
When it comes to eyeshadow palettes, I love Zoeva palettes. The ones with the 10 shades. These have great shade selection and I just love how creamy and pigmented shades are. Shimmery shades are extremely creamy and some can look very metallic. Mattes can be a bit drier, but still on the wet side and they have great pigmentation for a matte shade. I've expressed my anger towards Zoeva upping up their prices for these eyeshadow palettes, but I can't deny they are great quality. My personal favorite is Caramel Melange and would be great for warm toned lover. Cocoa Blend is one of those neutrals that will suits anyone.
Fly On The Wings Of Eyeliner
Clio Kill Black Waterproof Liner - Pen or Brush Version (9 or 10$)
For that friend that can't go out of the house without a winged liner, you can get these by Clio. I've tried pen as well as brush version. Brush will be great for those that like a very thin line with extremely thin wing. For those that prefer a good felt tip liner, get the pen version. Both of these versions have so much product in them that just lasts and lasts. Your friend could easily use these for 3 or more months without them drying out. It's also very long lasting formula that is waterproof. They have both version in black and brown colors.
Avon Mark Gel Eyeliner (before it was Supershock Gel Eyeliner) (7€)
Avon called these Supershock liners, but now they are renamed under a Mark brand. It's the same formula as with those gel pot liner, but in a pencil form. I adore super soft, ultra creamy and very long lasting formula that once it sets doesn't move at all. It's great for anyone that hates pocking themselves with hard pen liners or likes the ones that can be smudged out for that perfect smoky eye. You can even use shimmery shades blended out on the lid or on top of other shades. It's such a good formula in a convenient packaging.
Beyu Soft Liner - For Lips And More and For Eyes And More (6.99€)
Another amazing creamy and very pigmented formula is the one that I've tried from Beyu. It's not ultra soft, but it still gives you a nice glide on the eyes. But I even prefer the lip versions as they seem to be slightly creamier and wear just as long lasting on the eyes. They also don't irritate eyes at all. If you're choosing from a lip formula, you can choose among colorful unconventional shades and use them on your eyes as a bold colorful eyeliner. Plus, if you're friend doesn't like the color, she can still use it on the lips. So it's more of a two in one product really.
Yes, They Are Real!
L'Oreal Paradise Extatic Mascara (around 12€)
European version is way overpriced for the amount of product that it contains, but if you live in US, get it. It's one of the best volumizing mascaras I've tried so far. The wand coats every lash and makes them look voluminous and multiplied. I also don't get that overly clumpy look with this one. Those that have a more understated lashes and love volume, will adore this mascara.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Lash Multiplying Mascara (around 11€)
If you're friend already has good long lashes or wants more of a definition and not spidery lash effect, then get her this version by Maybelline. It's still one of my all time favorites, because it's one of the few mascaras that doesn't clump my lashes, gives them a bit of volume and makes them look defined. It's great for those that really hate clumpy lashes and just want their lashes to look dense. It also comes in a waterproof version for those that have really stubborn straight lashes, but I find that the regular formula keeps my lashes curled good as well.
Matte Is The New Black
Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquer Matte (9.50€)
Matte lipsticks have been all the rage these couple of years and there are still many lovers of that look. If you know someone that wants to get a matte lip look, but hates the feel of dryness, then I recommend these by Avon. They have a mousse texture that can be applied really sheer and will give you almost stained effect look. If you apply it more opaque it can look more intense. But the formula is very lightweight on the lips. It's long lasting without being drying. Color selection is more on the colorful side, but there are some neutral colors too.
NYX Soft Matte Lips Cream (7 to 9€)
This is another option that is great for those that have often dry lips and hate the regular matte liquid lipstick formula. It's again a more mousse type of product, but that one actually dries a bit more matte than Avon and can look more opaque. The color selection is one of the best, because they have a lot of neutral shades as well as some crazy colorful choices. Something for every taste.
Paese Silky Matt Lipstick (around 12€)
Another great option of matte liquid lipstick formula that doesn't feel like cement and isn't overly drying. It looks and acts like a proper matte liquid formula, but is not as drying and needs quite a lot of time to dry down to a matte finish. Once it dries down, it looks completely matte. They've just expanded their shade range and have now added some more fun fall shades as well as some nudes.
Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor (around 12€)
If there would be a dry lips winner for a matte look, it would be these. These are the closest you can get to a proper liquid matte lipstick look, but in a most comfortable way. It applies like a regular liquid lipstick formula or even very pigmented lip gloss and feels ultra comforting on the lips. Then it slowly dries down to a proper matte finish that will never dry out your lips. This is the one for that friend that says her lips are way too dry for any matte liquid lipstick formula.
Colourpop Ultra Satin Lip (6$)
Colourpop can do no wrong with the lip products and their Ultra Satin Lips are a great option for that matte look, but without the discomfort of dry formula. It's that proper matte liquid lipstick formula, but still wearable. These never made my lips overly dry or heavy feeling. They also have a huge selection of shades, a lot of neutral as well as more unique muted colors.
Avon True Colour Perfectly Matte Lipstick (8.50€)
Some prefer a proper lipstick and don't like liquid formulas. For those that still want a matte look with comfortable wear, I would advise getting an Avon version. These have surprisingly smooth silicon like formula that glides on the lips easily and lasts well. It doesn't feel drying either. They have some colorful colors to chose from.
For Every Lip Lover
Avon Mark Plump It Lipstick (8.50€)
For that very basic good quality creamy lipstick formula, I love Avon Mark Plump It version. It's creamy, has a bit of sheen, great pigmentation and is fairly long lasting. The shade selection has some neutrals as well as some more colorful shades. I love Avon lipstick formulas and this one is that basic formula that everyone will love.
Juicy!
Kiko 3D Hydra Lipgloss (7.95€)
Lip glosses are definitely making a come back and I have a feeling brands will be expanding their ranges soon. Kiko already has a great range of lip gloss colors. Some have shimmer in them and some don't. I like the formula, because it sticks well to the lips, but doesn't feel sticky and it's very comfortable to wear. It also lasts well on the lips and I especially like shimmer shades which will give any base color a very fun twist. If you apply these on top of a lipstick and blot them down, you get a fun metallic look. The packaging is also cute and a bit different from the usual.
I Just Want Some Color
Catrice Lip Foundation Pencil (2.59€)
When it comes to lip pencils, I love Essence and Catrice. They both have very affordable prices, great formulas as well as color choices. Foundation Pencil is one of my all time favorite, because the formula is nicely pigmented and soft enough to wear on its own. They have a color selection of nude colors that would suit most light to medium skin tones. Get this for someone that likes a good nude lip.
Catrice Longlasting Lip Pencil (2.29€)
These are also very soft, but a bit less opaque than Foundation Pencil and not as thicker in consistency which makes them lightweight to wear. They have a good selection of colorful as well as more nude colors and I love to wear these as a light stain or under the lipstick to really define the edges.
Essence Longlasting Lipliner (1.59€)
If you think you're friend wants to get into wearing bolder colors, but doesn't really know which colors would suit her, get her one of these. They feel like a proper creamy lipstick just in a pen form that you don't even need to sharpen. You can wear these on its own and since they have some great crazy colors to choose from, you can get the cheapest lipstick ever. You're friend will be able to experiment with these before deciding to invest in a full sized lipstick in similar color.
Perfect Tool Kit
Real Techniques Blush Brush (around 13€)
It's called blush brush, but it can be used for so many things. I like it for that rounder natural blush application, but I also love it for bronzer. It applies bronzer in a more defining way and you could even contour with it. It's also great for powdering all over the face. Bristles are very soft and tapered so that what ever you apply, blends like a dream.
Real Techniques Setting Brush (6 to 8€)
Another brush for multi use, but in a smaller version. It has soft and tapered bristles, but it's smaller. I find it great for blending out concealer, powdering under the eyes or other smaller areas and for highlighting. It could even be used to contour, if you want a really precise application. It's one of my favorites, because it's so small and I love to travel with it.
E.l.f. - Blush Brush, Highlighting Blush and Small Tapered Brush (2.55€)
E.l.f. is my favorite affordable brush brand. I've tried a few brushes so far, but I'm only mentioning the ones that I really liked. They have ultra soft bristles for such an affordable price and the shapes of their brushes are just as interesting and can be used for many parts of the face. Blush brush is great for precise blush application or applying powder. Highlighting brush is obviously great for an all over highlight look, but I prefer it for contour, because it has the perfect shade that fits into the contours of the face. It could also be used for a light application of powder. Small tapered brush is great for dense and precise application of highlighter or it can also be used to powder smaller areas like under the eyes and around the nose. I've had these for a while and they don't shed at all and keep their shape well.
Essence Hololighter Brush (3.79€)
Before I got this one, I didn't even know I needed something like this. It's the best brush for precision highlighting. You can really control where you'll be applying the highlighter which is great if you want a more precise highlighting or applying very pigmented highlighters that can look a bit overpowering all over the face. It has very soft bristles that are super fluffy and pick up the product well. You can apply it sheer or really build it up. I only dislike the fact that the coating of the handles starts to rub off, but the shape of it is perfect.
Zoeva Eye Brushes (10.50€)
When it comes to eye brushes, I like Zoeva. They seem to have a huge range of shapes that will fit every corner of your eye. Yes, their prices are a bit steep, but a good brush can last you a life time. You can also get sets, but I prefer buying singles and slowly building up my collection with the brush shapes that I really need. For someone that needs a universal brush that can apply eyeshadow all over the lid or be great for blending out eyeshadow, I recommend 217. A bigger fluffy brush for blending the shadow all over the lid or in the crease, I recommend 228. Something precise for the crease is also 231. 226 is great for the lower lash line or smudging out pencils and creating smokier looks. They have many more styles to choose from depending on what you're looking for.
E.l.f. Eyeshadow "C" Brush (2.55€)
Finding good makeup brushes can be a bit harder on a budget, but not impossible. This one is a proof that you can get great very soft basic shader brush for applying eyeshadows on the lid. It's a bit too soft for something more shimmery, but if you know someone that hates hard brushes, they will love it. I love it for applying creamy shadows.
Ebelin Blending Brush (2.99€)
This is another drugstore option that is very nice. It has soft very pointed tapered bristles that are great for defining the crease. It blends out eyeshadow well, but I think it's best for the crease, because it's smaller and it really fits into that small space.
For That Extra Finishing Touch
Ardell Demi Wispies False Eyelashes (around 5€)
Here are some suggestions, if you have a friend that seems to have all the bases covered. If I could chose one false eyelashes, I would definitely go with the Demi Wispies by Ardell. These have invisible band which makes them very easy to apply and comfortable to wear. They also have soft lashes that give you just enough volume, but still look fairly natural. It's great for someone that doesn't like too heavy or intense lashes, but just wants something extra to make the best out of their natural ones.
Essence Lashes To Impress 03 Half Lashes (2.79€)
If you're like me and hate wearing false lashes in general, then go for the half lashes, which are much easier to apply. They basically go just on the outer edges of your lashes. I love these by Essence, because they are very light, have a cute winged out shape and blend well with your natural lashes. They are just enough visible, but still very natural and you don't need special powers to apply them on.
Avon Mark Magix Prep and Set Spray (11€)
I like spraying setting sprays on top of my makeup, if I feel that I have overdone it with the powders and that my face looks a bit cakey or unnatural. Setting spray gets rids of powdery look and makes powders blend together better. It can also be used sprayed on brushes to intensify the color of eyeshadows or highlighters. I feel like this one by Avon also makes my makeup last a bit longer. The spritz is not super fine, but if you keep it away from the face while spritzing, it works fine.
Stocking Stuffers
Balea Handschaum (under 2€)
I like filling up my gifts with those small fun products that you usually wouldn't think to buy for yourself. One of those is this Balea hand cream that smells of sweets and is so fun to use. I don't know how moisturizing it is, but hey, it smells nice and is fun to play with.
L'Occitane 20% Shea Butter Dry Skin Hand Cream (around 7€)
If you want something that is actually very nourishing, but fits in your bag as well, then go for this L'Occitane version. It's one of those creams that feels nourishing and leaves a nice layer on your hands even after washing them, but is not greasy at all. It also has a nice subtle soothing scent.
Sierra Bees Lip Balm - Pomegranate ( 3 to 7€)
I remember iHerb selling these as individuals, but now you can get them in sets of 4 or 8. It's still a cheap option that you can divide among your friends with a really nice all natural lip balm. It's one of my favorite lip balm formulas, because it feels lightweight, but still has a nice almost greasy nourishing layer. I've tried a few scents and my favorite is Pomegranate, because it's sweet and fruity.
Avon Planet Spa Sleep Serenity Pillow Mist (6€)
If you know someone that seems to have it all, but loves to pamper or never gets enough sleep, then get them this. It's a pillow spray that you spray on your pillow and it should soothe you into sleep. Honestly, I like using it as a room spray too for that cozy sleepy soothing feel. It has more of a chamomile scent than lavender and it's a fun product to use.
Bubbles, Bubbles!
Avon Bubble Baths (3.50 to 5.90€)
Continuing with the pampering guide, what could be more fun than a bubble bath. I personally love Avon bubble baths, because they have many scents to chose from and even some holiday packaging. I've already tried a lot of these and they all give you nice amount of foam and a soothing scent to go with it. Throw in some scented candles and your friend's next pamper session will be amazing.
For That Inner Child
Bilou Cremiger Duschschaum (around 4€)
For that inner child in your group that doesn't like to grow up and loves cute things, get these Bilou shower foams. They look cute, are a bit more expensive, but have fun sweet scents. Foam is just a fun thing to play with and it cleans your body, so it's a fun experience while doing something mandatory. Talking about an upgrade for that boring shower gel gift.
Classics That Never Go Out Of Style
Nivea Rich Nourishing Body Milk (around 4€)
When it comes to body moisturizers, I love Nivea body lotions or milks. That typical Nivea scent reminds me of childhood and it's the one product that never disappoints. I love this particular milk, because it's very nourishing for the skin, but it also gives you an amazing glow. Some foreign Youtubers already praise it as the party glower for your body and I can get why. It looks glowy on the skin and it works for moisturizing it too. Nivea has many body lotion options and I've recently been trying out another one which I also like. It's one body brand that I always go to.
Nailtastic!
Avon Magic Effects Molten Metal Nail Enamel (5.90€)
Since this is also the party season, not just a gifting season, you may want to buy something sparkly to add to the holiday spirit. If you like sparkly nail polishes, I recommend Molten Metal collection by Avon. These have just enough metallic sheen to it and shimmer that you're friend won't curse you while taking it off, but it will make any regular manicure look more festive. Or just wear it on its own for that extra sparkle all day, every day.
Essence Top Coats - Holo Rainbow (2.99€)
Essence makes one of the best glittery top coats. Each season they change up their range, so some of these are not available anymore, but they always have some fun top coats in the range. This year I love Holo Rainbow range which has some amazing sparkly shimmery nail polishes. They have different colored bases with multi colored shimmer in it. Shimmer is very dense and you can get that perfect sparkly nail look with these.
Avon Mark Gel Shine Nail Enamel (6.50€)
These are one of my favorite regular creamy formula of nail polishes and their range is big enough that you'll find the right shade for every taste. I love these, because they have great pigmentation, apply easily and seem to stay on my nails well. Btw, you can also get a top coat that goes with that range and makes your manicure last even longer.
Kiko Nail Lacquer (1 to 2€)
No one has better range of colors at affordable price than Kiko. They will have those amazing shades that you haven't even thought off. If you know someone that has all the basic shades and want to get them something more unique, be it a muddy neutral or shimmery galaxy blue, you'll get it at Kiko. This is also one of my favorite formulas, because it's pigmented, creamy and lasts a long time on the nails.
Revlon Parfumerie Scented Nail Enamel (6.99€)
You know someone that has every possible shade of the nail polish and still wants more, but you don't know how to impress her? Get one of these scented nail polishes by Revlon. If you're friend doesn't own any of these, she will be mind blown. It's pigmented creamy nail polish formula that once it dries, leaves your nails scented. The scent lingers on your nails for a few days. Mine smells like fall warm oriental spices and I love it. It's unique and a fun twist on regular nail polish. They have more shade and scents in the range.
Rapunzel Would Be Proud
Batiste Dry Shampoo (around 2 to 4€)
Batiste has the best dry shampoos for those that really need something to make their hair look not greasy. It may sound rude buying this to someone, but think of it as a refresher. Maybe you have a friend that loves going to the gym or just has a busy schedule. She will appreciate discovering a dry shampoo that actually makes her hair look freshly washes. I found it to be a must have for student days when I overslept and didn't have time to wash my hair. They have a lot of scents and you can even buy a mini travel version and maybe get more scents to try out.
Avon Moroccan Argan Oil Leave-in Treatment (6.90€)
Most people have dry hair ends and I love oils for treating that. My favorite is still this one by Avon, because it smells nice, is not too greasy, but makes my hair look more hydrated and shinier. It has a lovely sweet scent and comes in a cute little bottle. The packaging works great and you can control how much oil you want.
Toni & Guy Sea Salt Texturizing Spray (5.90€)
If someone got me a texturizing spray, I would love it. For someone that has fine straight hair and wants something to add texture to their regular hair style or make curls last longer, there is no better product, than a texturizing one. I like this one, because you can get it in a small travel size. It adds a bit of texture to your hair without making them too crunchy or sticky.
Sexy Hair Soy Tri-Wheat Leave In Conditioner (3.90€)
Another product that you can get in a cute mini travel size bottle is this leave in conditioner that I forgot to write a review on my blog, but I've actually had a full size version before. It's a great leave in conditioner to add some nourishment and hydration to your hair. I mostly use this on my ends. It also smells lovely fruity sweet.
Toni & Guy Casual Rough Texturiser (around 7€)
This is texturizing product that I've started loving as soon as I used it up. It looked like it didn't do much, but it actually adds a nice amount of texture that just seems to prevent your hair from laying down flat. It's more of a dry shampoo and hair spray hybrid, but it still lets your hair comb through and once you fluff your hair again, it gives them nice volume too.
L'Oreal Elnett Heat Protect Styling Spray Smooth (5.99€)
So many people forget to use heat protect when they dry their hair. I find it to be essential step in the hair routine for keeping your hair at best condition. I like this one, because it also feels moisturizing and nourishing, almost like a conditioner. It helps to blow dry my hair straighter and makes them look really smooth.
If you think those were useful suggestions, you have to check out what
Mateja thinks is worth gifting. We actually have very few common products to recommend, so you'll find many more suggestions on her blog.
