THROUGH BEAUTY EYES' LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING SURVIVAL GUIDE & GIFT IDEAS 2012

5 more days to Christmas? Yeap, I think its time I start squeezing myself into the human sardine can (ie, shopping malls) and get some Christmas shopping done. (I have gotten my lunch plans sorted for the next three days!) Last minute, much? Well, #standard. I work better under pressure anyways – and I think this apply to Christmas shopping too. 

(SEE: LAST YEAR'S EVIDENCE :P)

Here are a few tips that I have been adhering to, especially if you are trying to get your Christmas shopping done at THIS time of the year.

-          MAKE A LIST. I cannot stress enough how important a list is when it comes to mass Christmas shopping (or anything in life, really) which makes your life so much easier and ensure that you don’t overbuy stuff or missing someone out. Include the loved ones that you would like to share some love and presents you think they (may) like.

-          INCLUDE AN EXTRA ITEM for each person just in case you couldn’t find that particular present. Always include a back up item on your list for those who have difficult wishlist. For example, a pink headphones with that particular design and certain features.  Last thing you want is trying to run around like a headless chicken within the crowd trying to figure out what to buy for your boyfriend’s sister because you couldn’t find that lime green satchel bag that she has been lusting for.

-          FOCUS & DO NOT GET DISTRACTED. I know its hard to not check out that favourite floral pants of yours that is currently having 30% of its RRP.

-          COMFY SHOES. Please for the love of god, do not do your Christmas shopping in your favourite stripper pumps, especially not in the hustle bustle of last minute Christmas shopping “traffic”. Trust me, I have seen people in those and I really wonder what was going through their mind!

Boring tips aside, now we shall move on to what’s hot (and cool #ohtheirony) this Christmas and some last minute Christmas gifts ideas that will hopefully help you guys! I will be splitting the Christmas guide into two sections – Personal and General and here are a few of my favourite picks:

PERSONAL

By personal, I am referring to people that hold a place close to your heart, people whom you know almost inside out, people whom you know their likes and dislikes… you get the gist. You may consider options like perfume and skincare for those who fall within this category and here are a few of my picks: 

L’OCCITANE’S DELICATE CHERRY BLOSSOM COLLECTION, RRP $100 (From their Christmas Collection)

I have always been a fan of L’occitane’s Cherry Blossom handcream – so this range is perfect with a collection of Cherry Blossom Body Lotion 250mL, Cherry Blossom Hand Cream 30mL, Cherry Blossom Soap 50g, Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette 100mL and Cherry Blossom Shower Gel 250mL. Fancy a cherry blossom shower? This is your answer *sniff self* #NoIAmNotCreeepyAtAll

L’OCCITANE’S MARVELLOUS FLOWERS EAU DE TOILETTE, RRP $60

With rose absolute and peony extract, it smells like a joyful marriage of both flower and fruit – just the way I like it! Get this sweet little gem for your girlfriend/ sister or mum if she is a fan of sweet refreshing scent. She will be evoking the scent of roses and peonies with a dash of sparkling red berries. #yummy

BODY SHOP CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

Instead of the following the “White Christmas” theme just like the rest of the globe, The Body Shop Australia decides to introduce its very own “summer collections” by launching the NEW! Ginger Sparkle range, NEW! Cranberry Joy range, NEW! Vanilla Bliss range, “Book” sets and the cutesy mini “pamper tins”. My personal favourites are the Book Sets and Pamper tins only because they look SUPER ADORBS! It’s probably more for collection purposes =P But if you want something more practical – definitely check out the NEW! Chrissy range. 

DERMALOGICA DAILY MICROFOLIANT SET, RRP $83.50 (Microfoliant comes with FREE Gentle Cream Exfoliant 10mL and PreCleanse 30mL)

I know I know, this isn’t exactly one of those pressie where you squeal and yell cos its so pretty or cute or sparkly.  But as someone who swears of this holy grail daily exfoliant, I will be pretty over the moon if I receive this full sized product along with the freebies that come along with this. Extra points if my current one is running out. Trust me, us ladies love products that keep our skin nice and healthy as much as pretty things!

GLASSHOUSE FRAGRANCE CHRISTMAS LIMITED EDITION COLLECTION

I was one of those who reckons buying candles is like burning your money #punintended. You buy the candle – you burn it – it’s gone. But boy was I wrong when I was introduced to Glasshouse Fragrance thanks to the lovely ladies from Invisible Thread PR as a post Bio Oil celebration gift. And, that, my ladies, changed my life. I find it extremely relaxing and soothing just letting yourself go in a room filled with burning Glasshouse candles with your favourite tea and a book/ mag in hand. My recommendation will be  Glasshouse Fragrance Christmas Limited Edition Collection. I personally have not tried any of their Christmas collection but I love my jasmine and lime candle that was gifted to me and Sweet Orange & Nutmeg, Sweet Sugar Plum, Fruity Clove do sound pretty delicious to me, don’t cha reckon?

GENERAL

For friends or acquaintances or even colleagues in which you are close but not overly close to know their personal perfume preferences and what skincare products they fancy. 

Illamasqua Generation Q Collection 

Empower Palette, RRP$53; Lipsticks in Underworld (Blueberry violet shimmer) and  Lipstick in Magnetism (Deep raspberry pink), RRP$25; Nail Varnishes in Charisma (Deep raspberry pink), RRP$21; Powder Blushers in Sophie (Golden coral shimmer) and Allure (Dusky rose pink shimmer), RRP$28; New Precision ink in Wisdom, RRP$26

How can I forget the good ol' Illamasqua when it comes to gifts? Of course, I am not asking you to buy an entire collection (in which you may if you wish :P).With this new, dynamic range of products that are ageless and without limits or restrictions, Generation Q has been formulated and chosen irrespective of age, race, gender or sexual preferences and seek to empowers and complements the user with light reflective products! That means, you could probably get ALL your shopping done for your mum, sister, auntie, grandma, cousin, or that older colleague at work at the Illamasqua counter. 

VASELINE TOTAL MOISTURE STRATYS-3 RRP$5.41

(Available in Dry Skin, Aloe Fresh & Cocoa Glow) 

Once again, this is more of a practical gift than a "pretty" gift, which I think is a pretty good KK present. You are probably going, WHAAAa....aaaat? Vaseline as present? Trust me, when I was first sent these products, that's the reaction I had too. This is a classic example of do not judge a book by its cover. The Total Moisture in Aloe Fresh and Cocoa Glow are absolutely amazing! I have already gone through a bottle of Aloe Fresh myself! Reasonably priced, moisturising without leaving you feeling all sticky (major pet peeves in summer!), doesn't that just spell awesome?

Photo Credit

TYPO

And if all the above fail, JUST GO TO TYPO! For my non- Australian readers, TYPO is a "stationery" stores that sells incredulously cute and quirky stationery at a really reasonable price! And you are often greeted with discounts and sales at the store. One of the few stores that I have to keep a constant distant to avoid hoarding random stuff that I don't need just because they are "too cute to pass" #OhNoIDidNT

Products range from iPhone case to decorative items to stamps to notebooks and diaries to laptop casings to colour pens. In fact, I received my Christmas pressie from the bestie this morning from TYPO! Except, there's special meanings/ reasonings behind these gifts. <3 font="font" nbsp="nbsp">

Of course, there isn't a black and white line that divides the present groups between general and personal and you are more than welcome to move it around. (perfect example: TYPO). It's subject to your understanding of that particular individual! BUT REMEMBER, you should only be considering products like perfume, candles and skincare IF AND ONLY IF you’re close to this person and you know her well. I have received perfumes as gifts from acquaintances and let’s just say they probably spend more time sitting in the corner of my room than having body contact with me. It’s not that I am ungrateful or anything but they just aren’t my scent... You get the point :P

ULTIMATE - MIX AND MATCH GIFTBOX

AND if you still can't find THE gift, how about a mix and match giftbox of products and stuff that you think your "receiver" may enjoy. It could be beauty products, chocolate, accessories... anything really. You may be able to get some ideas from my previous favourites posts, my fav lippies and contouring products, or even pop into GLOSS for some quick and cheap fix to your present crisis! 

I hope this last minute guide assisted you with your christmas shopping one way or another!

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING! 

Done with Christmas shopping? You can now reward yourself with a chilled glass of Savignon Blanc ;)

XOXO,

A

SPONSORED POST: STRAWBERRY NAILS & #GLOSSMANICAM BY GLOSS

Fun and quirky accessories - CHECKED

Hair styling tools - CHECKED

Everyday bag & party clutches - CHECKED

Wide range of nail polishes - CHECKED

A variety of make up products - CHECKED

Extremely affordable - CHECKED 

That's GLOSS for you. 

I know, it's pretty hard to find a store with a vast variety of beauty and fashion products which allows you to splurge without breaking the bank here in Australia. By extremely affordable, I mean you are able to get lipsticks, blushers and nail polishes with a 5 dollar note. I know right. 

And now, you can add manicure/ nail art service to the list above.

Gloss is now offering manicure for FREE with any purchase of $50 and above or $25 (if you do not feel like hoarding any more products =P), at its Parramatta flagship store. 

So, amidst my hangover and feeling somewhat fragile from my Friday night shenanigans, I got my (strawberry) nails did at the GLOSS Parramatta store yesterday by the famous nail team from I Scream Nails in Melbourne. #winning I Scream Nails were specially flew in by the GLOSS team in conjunction with the new store launch! 

And the BEST part of this launch is............ *wait for it*....... the #GLOSSManicam.

Puzzled?

Mani.... what?

You should be! 

The creative team from GLOSS has came up with this idea of having a red carpet for nails. That's right, imagine your freshly painted nails walking down the mini red carpet! Total cool beans!

 After having my nails painted with the bright fuchsia that screams summer and watermelon accent fingers, of course I have to flaunt them on the catwalk! 

Unfortunately, the catwalk photos taken by the store manager has not been sent to me as I am typing up this post but it looks pretty similar to the watermelon nails above. I mean, they are both from the fruits family. =P

Aren't these nails adorbs? 

*squeals* 

Here are the nail art designs offered by GLOSS:

If you are feeling like a pampering session for the upcoming festive season, don't forget to drop by the GLOSS Paramatta store for an instant pick me up! 

You can also do some last minute Christmas shopping before getting your nails did as GLOSS offers some really cute and reasonably priced Christmas gift sets! #KillingTwoBirdsWithOneStone

For more information about GLOSS, don't forget to check out their website or "LIKE" their Facebook page for the newest updates on their products.

XOXO,

A

QUICKIE FRIDAY FAVOURITES: CONTOURING PRODUCTS (QUICK REVIEW + SWATCHES)

"Its Friday, Friday, Friday...."

And it's time for some Friday Favourites again. Now that it's summertime in the land down under - its all about the minimal makeup, sun kissed look! I shared with you my current spring/ summer fav lippies two weeks ago #badblogger. This week it's about my favourite "colouring" products. By colouring, I really meant contouring =P

Arbonne Bronzer, A$46* - I think I might have just discovered my favourite bronzer! Matte finish without giving you that dirty "greyish" undertone = #winning! Also, its moderately pigmented - which translates to you don't have to risk looking like someone who has just dunk her face into a bowl of orange powder. Just a few swirl with a large fluffy blush around the temple of your forehead, under your cheeckbones and your jaws (also known as the "3" zone) and voila - sunkissed finish! :) This has been my daily contouring bronzer since well, I got it from the lovely girls from Brand New Solutions and it’s safe to say I will definitely repurchase once it hits pan!

ELF Mineral Blush in Candid Coral, US$3 – Natural flush, pigmented, easily blendable, cheap, this baby here ticked the box for all of the above. Looking for something more subtle and give you the summer glow? This blush is your answer! This is my fail proof everyday blush and has been making frequent appearance ever since the land down under was greeted with spring.

WITH FLASH (L - R): Australis Highlighter, Benefit High Beam, Benefit Cha Cha Tint, Benefit CORALista, Bobbi Brown Bronze Shimmer Brick, ELF Candid Coral, Arbonne Blush in Blossom, Arbonne Bronzer

Bobbi Brown Bronze shimmer brick, A$85 - This is my to-go-to "blush" for my cheekbones when I want a really bronzy, sunkissed look with a glowy finish to complement either my bold eyes or bright lips (usually the latter)! Do keep in mind though, as the name is pretty self-explanatory, please keep the shimmer on your eyes to the bare minimum as the last thing you want is to look like a shiny disco ball. Unless, that's what you fancy.... If that's the case, go for it. :P The only downside is, it’s probably costs you a week’s worth of lunch to “invest” in this brick. #damnyouAustralianretailprice

Arbonne Blush in Blossom, A$40* - It reminds me of NARS Orgasm when I first received it (although I don't own Orgasm myself) - tell me if you agree? Blossom is a gorgeous coral blush with gold shimmer bits - the perfect blush to "wake you up" and give your look some colour. This blush is usually seen on my lazy days when I am a tad couldn't be bothered with my eye make up! The formula is super pigmented and very blendable. Like any good blushes, a little go a long way..

NATURAL LIGHT (L - R): Australis Highlighter, Benefit High Beam, Benefit Cha Cha Tint, Benefit CORALista, Bobbi Brown Bronze Shimmer Brick, ELF Candid Coral, Arbonne Blush in Blossom, Arbonne Bronzer

Benefit Go Tropicoral, A$59* – Your everyday carry-on beauty kit for instant beauty. No, you do not get a prize for guessing which colour family did I choose when I was given a chance to trial one of Benefit’s lip and cheeks kits (Including Sugarlicious and Feelin’ Dandy).  This compact but handy kit consists of a 4mL Cha Cha Tint, 4mL High Beam highlighter, 3g CORALista face powder & 6.5mL Ultra Plush CORALista lipgloss – perfect for touch ups and takes you from beach day to drinks at the bar. Blend away with a pea size of Cha Cha Tint on the apple of your cheeks; High Beam highlighter on your cheekbones/ undereyes and your nose bridge; and finally a sweep of CORALista lipgloss and you are ready for the beach! Ready to move on from the beach to the nearby pub? You can add on some CORALista face powder on top of your cha cha tint and instead of using the CORALista lipgloss on its own, you might want to apply some ChaCha Tint under the lipgloss for a more intensify lip colour for the night. My favourites from the kit are non-other than the famous Cha Cha Tint and High beam highlighter! :)

Australis Highlighter in Pearl, A$14.95* – Australis claims that it contains skin illuminators to reflect light, leaving your skin looking forever fresh, radiant and glowing. I couldn’t agree more with it! This has become a new favourite of mine – half a pea size is sufficient to brighten up your otherwise dull and “dead” morning face, giving you a glowy finish!  If you do not have the habit to highlight your face, you should probably start now. Trust me, it really makes a difference in “waking you up”. 

That pretty sums up my current favourite summer products - there are actually more to the list now that I have started trying a few new products. But, I shall keep that for the future! 

Have you tried any of the above products? What are your favourite contouring products?

Can you guess which one did I wear to work and what will I be wearing?

NEXT UP - stay tune for my last minute shopping gift guides :)

Disclaimer: Products marked with asterisk* were sent to me for consideration purposes. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions stated are 100% honest. For more information, please refer to Through Beauty Eyes disclosure policies.  

XOXO,

A