Gifts that give back is pretty much a staple when it comes to my holiday gift guide; charity and giving back is such an important part of MY life, that I feel it’s super important to spread the word about how there are many companies that actually DO care. Here are a few of my favorite beauty products that give back, all of which would make for excellent gifts:
1. Clinique Happy Hearts Perfume: $10 from every purchase goes to the Happy Hearts Fund, a non-profit foundation dedicated to rebuilding schools and restoring hope in the lives of children after natural disasters. To date, Clinique has donated $250,000 to the Happy Hearts Fund and will continue to support programs provided by this wonderful organization.
2. MAC RuPaul The Original Viva Glam Lipstick: MAC’s Viva Glam has raised a mind-boggling $250 million for HIV/AIDS programs since 1994 and they’re bringing their original Viva Glam Girl back! RuPaul’s shade and every cent will go towards helping women, men, and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.
3. Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Whipped Body Butter: Available in Grapefruit or Coriander, by purchasing a jar of the Kiehl’s Creme de Corps whipped body butter, you can take a step to end childhood hunger in the United States — up to $100,000 from all net proceeds will benefit the No Kid Hungry cause, which provides additional meals to children in need. One jar provides 380 meals, and in addition to the amazing cause it benefits. Done deal.
5. OPI Sandy Hook Green Nail Polish: OPI bottled the rich, bright green of Sandy Hook Elementary’s school colors to support Sandy Hook Promise. All proceeds will aid the families of Newtown and promote an open dialogue about mental health, school safety, and gun safety.
I figured I’d start with something easy: your know-it-all beauty expert friend (e.g. ME). I love the fact that Too Faced took it upon themselves to create a kit with products deemed “amazing” by beauty experts…hence, the Too Faced Beauty Editor Darlings kit. This is honestly one of my favorite gifts to give since every product is beauty editor-approved/Jamie-approved and, get this, it’s only $19. Sure the products are small but once your friend tries them out, she’ll definitely become a repeat customer. I’m especially into the Primed & Poreless primer and the Lash Orgasm mascara, FYI.
It’s the season to give, not receive, BUT that doesn’t mean that a girl can’t dream, right? Here’s a selection of a few things that have been on my “want” list for some time now. I decided to start a Pinterest page as a sort of “to get” checklist…we’ll see if I ever actually even buy any of this stuff (especially the MacBook Air) but, hey, like I said, a girl can dream! It’s funny how, as we get older, our wants and needs totally change. My friend Devon recently posted a story to Facebook called “50 Things You Will Never Get For Christmas Again” (and I literally laughed out loud while reading it). It’s kind of amazing that I used to own nearly everything on this list, not kidding, and even more amazing, what the hell were my parents thinking buying me all this stuff? I’m not complaining, they were (and still are) the best parents ever and I know they clearly just wanted to make me happy, but this year especially, with all the tragedy that’s happened recently, makes me really stop and appreciate the little things; things like my family (especially my nephew!), my friends and, most of all, my health. As I mentioned in my guest post for Dina, I recently found out that a long-time friend has been diagnosed with Leukemia and, on top of that, the recent school shooting in Connecticut has really shaken me (and many people) at the core.
2012 has been a rough year for me personally AND the world, so here’s to a more positive 2013…let’s remember to be kind to each other.
Oh, and after that long, depressing rant, here are my actual gift picks:
1. J. Crew Printed Backup Battery for iPhone: I already have the matching leopard print case so why wouldn’t I want the backup battery? This is genius and I’m not quite sure why they didn’t think of this before. Cheers to a longer-lasting cell phone battery!
2. Vince Camuto Pyramid Stud Bracelet Watch: I don’t usually wear watches and when asked why, I’m one to usually quote Clueless: “a watch doesn’t really go with this outfit, Daddy” BUT I’m way into this bracelet/watch combo. It’s modern and chic and the ugly watch part is hidden.
3. MacBook Air: I was never a Mac girl until about three years ago until a job I had required that everyone work on one. I immediately went into panic mode. And then I got used to it and realized that Mac computers are FAR SUPERIOR to PCs. I, of course, had just recently purchased a new PC laptop before I discovered this little factoid but I think I’ll be ready to make the switch soon. Santa?
4. De Medici Gastronomia Truffle Oil: My obsession with all things truffle is getting a little out of control. And, clearly, once I discovered that you can buy truffle oil (and salt!) at specialty grocery stores, it was pretty much game ON for salads, popcorn, eggs, and other goodness. I can’t get enough.
5. Neiman Marcus for Target Tracy Reese blouse: I was immediately drawn to this top when I saw the pure sparkle of it…but $80??? For a Target top? I don’t think so. Well kids, it was just reduced to $39.99. You’re welcome.
2. Catchphrase Photo Albums: Her life is probably “cray,” “amaze” and “fab” so it’s only natural that she’d love this photo album set.
3. Corksicle: Probably the best invention of 2012; I need one myself. This thing not only corks your open wine but it also chills it. Score.
4. Rebecca Minkoff Best Friends iPhone Case Set: Kinda cheesy but also kinda awesome. I still remember wearing a gold “BFF” necklace back in elementary school with my BFFs of the moment. Ahhh, nostalgia. This is the modern-day version, for sure.
Canvas Pop: The hardest part about this is deciding WHICH photo to choose. This site takes your Instagram pics and turns them into a gorgeous canvas, perfect for anyone, really…
Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier: I got my mom the brown version of this bag for her birthday a few years ago and she became obsessed. I love the maroon (e.g. super trendy oxblood) for an update on the bag…and I’m sure she still won’t let my sister borrow it.
LATHER Survive & Thrive Holiday Survival Kit: As you know, LATHER makes some pretty amazing products, so clearly, I wasn’t surprised when they came out with the perfect anti-stress kit just in time for the most stressful time of the year. And who gets more stressed out than mom? Muscle pain relievers, Clear Head Balancing Balm (which I adore), an aromatherapy calendar and some calming facial mist…LOVE.
You probably saw my tweets and post about the POPSUGAR holiday beauty video that I shot a few weeks back (for P&G beauty) and I am SO EXCITED to let you guys know that it will go live THIS WEDNESDAY (e.g. tomorrow) during their live holiday gift guide! You can tune in for an hour by clicking HERE – it’s at 12pm PST/ 3pm EST so make sure to mark your calendar!
Here’s the deal. My blogger girls are some of the trendiest, most IT girls you will ever meet so naturally, I needed to know what they’ve been lusting after for the last several years. Here’s a rundown on what they wish they could’ve purchased for themselves at 22, even if that was a decade ago for some of us.
While technically I could’ve afforded the $185 set of four plates, I had no real use for them because when I was 22 entertaining meant uncorking a $9 bottle of Pinot Grigio (wait, I actually still do that) and putting out a bag of Tostitos. Now, that I’m an official grown-up (I have the paperwork to prove it) I like to serve my guests snacks and whatnot on real dishes and these are the perfect mix of badass and fancy-pants.
Now that I’m a “grown up” (ugh) I would splurge on a fancy camera like the Olympus E-P3. I borrowed one last fashion week and it was a life saver — super lightweight and the photos I took made me look like a professional photographer — any camera that can do that is worth a purchase!
Of course, there are so many things I want to give myself that I STILL can’t afford—a Chanel J12 watch, a car…But one “present” I did buy for myself this fall was a pair of nude Jimmy Choo platform pumps. I wanted them forever (at least three years). When I finally did get them, I had two Saks gift cards from various events and one that I had cashed in my Amex points for. I ended up getting them for like $250. And, now that I have them, they’re everything I dreamed of. They really do go with everything and I feel super sexy in them. If only I could walk five blocks in them, they would be perfect!
The thing I can buy myself now that I couldn’t buy when I was 22 is a FOUR SEASONS BED. YES. I’m going there.
When I moved to NYC in June of 2002 (happy 10th anniversary to me, almost), I inherited my brother’s old apartment (he was moving back to Philly and I kind of… evicted him). I also inherited his bed he’d had for a year. It’s a meh full size bed, perfectly fine except for the fact that he and his ex-fiance lived together, which weirded me out from both a Feng Shui and a–just ew– standpoint. I’m convinced my romantical chi has been fakakta since sleeping on a mattress tainted by a failed relationship and I was also in the market for a new bed but I had to wait until things like barely making rent weren’t an obstacle. And as you can see, that took about ten years.
So a couple weeks ago, I ordered the bed of my dreams–I figure, it’s an investment, but I’ll get 10 good years of amazing sleep on it. It’s coming within another two weeks and I seriously cannot wait. I slept on a Four Seasons mattress on a recent trip to Morocco and was sold.
When I was 22 and had my first job at Cosmopolitan all I wanted were a pair of red soles. I remember splurging on a pair of Marc by Marc Jacobs black patent leather and velvet peep toes that I adored (and still have), but all I wanted were Louboutins. Now, I own two pairs of the coveted red soles and allow myself to buy them once in a while. They’re a nice treat!
Say what you will about fur, but I love animals every which were possible – as pets, meals and yes, even accessories. Tops on my holiday wishlist this season is Philip Lim 3.1’s deliciously decadent dyed fur iPad case – truth be told, I can think of no nobler end for a bunny.
I was 22 in 2004…during the height of hurricane Beyonce. She just started her solo career and she was EVERYWHERE! I was obsessed with the Manolo Blahnik lace up boots that she was wearing in the Bonnie and Clyde video with Jay Z. Don’s ask why, but I was obsessed. I wanted a pair so bad. I even bought myself a knock off pair, but it just wasn’t the same. I guess the only way you can really get away with wearing those shoes is if they’re Manolo’s. Knock off just won’t do! I forget the exact cost, but they were Manolo$ so I’m sue they cost a pretty penny. Whatever the exact amount it was more than I had as a Loyola University New Orleans junior.
Now I could splurge and buy myself a pair… but I wouldn’t! Let’s be honest what was hot in 04 prob won’t make the cut in 2011. Today I’d love to gift myself a pair of Brian Atwood Fringe Suede Lace-Up Booties.
What I want for myself more than anything is hair extensions! I may be as unable to afford them as a decade ago, but then I didn’t know how much hotter I’d be with them – and what a worthwhile reason for debt they truly are.
Annie Tomlin – BellaSugar.com: Travel
Now and always, the thing I want most is time to travel. Visiting new places makes me think of the world differently, and when I was 22, I was too concerned with squirreling away money into savings. I still save a good chunk of each paycheck, but now a portion goes into a travel fund. I’d love to see Thailand, Montana, or Patagonia soon.
These Miu Miu heels are the perfect blend of two things I really love – shoes and sparkle! My favorite way to indulge myself is with a luxe pair of shoes, and I love that this pair has a sparkly take on a classic design. While they make a stellar party pump, I would pair them with an everyday look, too. I can definitely see myself getting plenty of wear out of these!
