Manolo for the Beauty

I like to check out Sephora’s sale pages from time to time, as they can feature some pretty good deals.  Here are some products that tickled my fancy, and trust me, my fancy is hard to tickle.

Sephora Collection Classic Double-Ended Brow Sculpting Brush

Rave reviews and over 50% off!

Hello Kitty Shimmering Powder and Eyeshadow Palette

Again, lots of glowing reviews and for those holding back on any of the Hello Kitty products, this might be a good one to go for.

benefit Cabana Glama

Just the thing to keep that summer glow going at sixteen bucks off the original price.

philosophy Candy Cane™ Body Scrub

Christmas in July for a steal!

I got an email today about this new Sephora “nature inspired” palette.  Right now only V.I.B’s (Very Important Beauty Insider=You spend entirely too much money at Sephora)  can purchase it, so I went to look and see what the fuss was about.

Well, when I looked in the comments section, there are a bunch of annoyed V.I.B’s who learned that other (we assume randomly selected, although no one will cop out) V.I.B’s got this palette for free and are giving it wonderful reviews.

The non-comped people are saying that of course the freebie-receivers are only saying nice things about it, presumably in the hope that they will continue getting free things.  Some of them are even saying that since Sephora was so unfair in their goodie distribution process, they will boycott the product altogether.

Hmmm.

I can sort of see their point, but really, it’s just a palette, people!  It certainly wasn’t possible to send a free one to every single V.I.B., and as long as the process was random, I guess I’m OK with it.

What about you? Fair or unfair? A big ado about nothing?

No matter what your romantic status, there’s a product for you!

Soap and Glory Scrub ‘Em and Leave ‘Em

Carol’s Daughter Love Butter

Laura Mercier Lingerie Eye and Cheek Palette

Stila Love At First Blush Set

NARS Wicked Attraction Set

Fresh Brown Sugar Affair Set

philosophy Sweet Talk Trio

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Love Lipstick

tokidoki Adios & Ciao Ciao Rollerball Duo

It’s that time again! The time where I give some sage advice on things you can buy for those with an appreciation for the specialty of this blog.  And all under fifty bucks!

Beautyblender Makeup Sponge Applicator (2)

For those that prefer liquid foundation/concealer, I have heard nothing but fantabulous things about these applicators.  A bit pricey, but supposedly worth every penny.  Definitely something to give someone who probably wouldn’t spring for it themselves.

Gal Pal The Original Retro Ice Bag

Ladies such as myself will remember that this type of ice bag was pretty much the only game in town when we were kids.  And you know, I kind of miss them because they really did have a nice shape to them that made it easy just to plop it where it was needed.  Comes in lots of cute designs, too!

THE NEW BLACK ‘Graffiti – Ombré Nail Shades’ 5-Piece Set

For the more adventurous nail enthusiast, everything they will need to create the perfect ombre look.  Or not.  That’s the beauty of this gift, because the colors still rock even if they don’t use them as originally intended.

Makeup Studio Blockbuster Palette

Not sure what colors they might like? This palette is guaranteed to have at least a dozen or so, seeing as it contains a whopping 197 products.

M.A.C Iced Delights Lip Bag

Three full sized M.A.C. products for a great price. And a bag to boot!

L’Occitane Verbena Harvest Perfumed Sachet

Nice, natural sachets are hard to come by any more.  This is one of the best.  And who says you have to buy just one?  Makes a perfect hostess gift.

Fekkai Chez Moi Gift Set

I’m a big fan of pretty packaging, and the box for this collection of Fekkai hair products is touted as a collectible.  Inspired by  Aix-en-Provence, France, this is the first year of a new series of gift sets from the company that brings you nice hair.

Stila Lip Glaze Holiday Set

I’m of the opinion that you just can’t go wrong with this set.  You can quote me on that.

Me! Bath Mini Bath Ice Cream Gift Set

Get a bunch or get just one!  These bath fizzies are a fun, unique gift.

Sephora Deluxe Fragrance Sampler For Her

Another almost can’t-go-wrong gift.  And a teensy secret is that if the receiver doesn’t like any of the sample fragrances, they can pick out any one in the store that has the approximate value.  Or, you could do aLash Sampler, or a Sampler for Him.

Vanity one of the worst sins? That is SO Old Testament. Jesus is much more forgiving.

“Look your Sunday best!”

“Virtuous Vanilla”

“Get tight with Christ!”

Yeah, I’m probably going to hell just for posting these.

There is definitely a trick to giving beauty gifts to people other than those closest to you. Your aunt may not mind if you present her with some Caudalie wrinkle-fighting cream (that you know she’s been dying to try), but somebody else might look at it and wonder that their wrinkles looked so bad you felt the need to buy them some expensive cream to help them out. So my rule of thumb is that unless I am absolutely sure the person wants a specific product, I try to stay as general as possible. These next gifts fit the bill nicely.

Harajuku Lovers Makeup Girls Makeup Bags  I’m not a huge fan of the Harajuku Girls line, but even I have to admit these bags are hella cute.

The Gingerbread House from philosophy I know many, many women who are hooked on these scents.

Bliss Butter+Bubble Spa Blends in Blood Orange+White Pepper  Bliss’ highly regarded body butter, and a bubble bath. What’s not to like?

Sephora Collection Makeup Brush Box  Better than a bag, great for traveling.  Can even fit a toothbrush and toothpaste in a pinch!

L’Occitane Shea Butter Discovery Collection  What better way to treat your friends with help for their winter skin?

Sephora Collection Microfiber Hair Turban Who couldn’t use a little more Norma Desmond in their lives?

Tarina Tarantino Tulle Flower Anywhere Clip  The Swarovski crystals really make this pop!  More colors, too!