HOLIDAY SKINCARE GIFT GUIDE 2016

It's obvious: skincare can be pretty intimidating. And I'm sure your sitting here reading the title of this post and thinking to yourself, "skincare is hard enough to buy for me, let alone another person?!" And in fact, you are 100% correct. But truth be told: about 98% of the skincare I love and use to this day all started with me trying it on a whim.  And that's really the only way to find out what you're really gonna love (and really might hate). So today, I wanted to share with you guys products I've come to love by just jumping in full force. The point of putting this together is to make these products a little less intimidating, and discuss how each of them has done wonders in my personal skincare. These are all excellent choices for gifts and stocking stuffers, and I think you'll be really pleased by checking them out and potentially adding them to your last-minute christmas lists whether they be for a gift recipient or for yourself. 

KEY:  $ TO $$$ AS YOU SCROLL DOWN

01. Glossier Cherry Balm Dotcom - This one is a no-brainer stocking stuffer. I've talked about my love for Glossier on this blog before, so it's only natural that this would be atop the list. 

What it's used for: Chapstick, Universal Skin Salve

Why it's the perfect gift: Because it's extremely moisturizing, perfect for any skin type and excellent for chapped winter lips. Not to mention, it smells INCREDIBLE. You can even get all four flavors in a bundle here. 

02. Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellaire Water - I just discovered that Ricky's in NYC started selling this and jumped for joy.

What it's used for: Removing makeup, cleansing face

Why it's the perfect gift: Hands down, this is the best makeup remover I've ever used in my life. No burning, no tears (like kid's L'Oreal shampoo would say lol), and legit the most refreshing cleanse for your face. For the record, there is more than just water in there -- it has nine ingredients (fun fact, the less ingredients in skincare products, the BETTER) and is paraben free. This stuff is my skincare religion, legit, and is also a huge favorite among celebrity makeup artists alike. 

03. Glossier Mega Greens Galaxy Pack - Gentle and clarifying, this mask is your acne's worst enemy.

What it's used for: To reduce inflammation, puffiness, redness on the face.

Why it's the perfect gift: For beauty gurus who are just figuring out how to combat irritation on the face, this is an excellent product to really clean out your pores. I would recommend not doing it too often, but it's excellent for once every month/couple of months depending on your skin. 

04. 5 in 1 Bouncy Mask by First Aid Beauty - Your face will be the smoothest it's ever been after using this. 

What it's used for: Evening out skintone, increases elasticity of the skin

Why it's the perfect gift: I'd recommend this one for a beauty guru who already has her skincare routine down-packed, and is looking for a gentle mask to brighten the face. It's insanely gentle, and leaves your skin feeling brighter, refreshed and super glowy. 

05. Age Prevention Serum by Youth To The People - This product made me believe in the magic of hyaluronic acid.

What it's used for: Brightens and evens out skin

Why it's the perfect gift: I have not gone one day without using this serum since I got it, and I've noticed a visible difference in my face. It's actually insanity but I love it. I'm ready to order another bottle as soon as I'm done with this one, and I don't think I'll look back. This has done wonders for small (but developing!) lines on my face and creases/bags under my eyes. Would recommend this to any 20-something that wants to start preventative skincare without going under a needle. It's truly incredible, and worth every penny. I plan on writing more about YTP products soon (; 

06. Clé de Peau Hydro-Clarifying Lotion - Full disclosure here, I received this as a gift, it's the most expensive skincare item I own, and I normally would not purchase something like this. With all that being said, I decided to throw it in as a SPLURGE! item for fun, and if you ever have one hundred dollars to spend on a skincare item. Or, if you like, wanna get it for your mom or something. Or, if you like, wanna make someone who has $100 to get it for your mom. 

What it's used for: Cleansing and moisturizing the skin

Why it's the perfect gift (eventually!!):  As you can see, I've barely broken into this because it's literally just that precious (I figure I should string out an $100 dollar cleansing lotion for as long as I can, right?! But, the multiple times I have used it, it's simply glorious. Perhaps not as good of a makeup remover (don't think it's really for that anyway), this is an excellent luxury cleanser that leaves your skin brighter and smoother. It truly illuminates the skin so nicely, and I will probably try to make this bottle last until I can get another in 20 years or so. 

HAPPY SKINCARE SHOPPING, ALWAYS!

"Why, then the world 's mine oyster"

[Merry Wives 2.2]

Cheers, xx - A. Martine

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