Hello! It’s December 18th. Which means for those of you who are celebratin’, you have like one week til Christmas. But don’t feel bad, fellow procrastinators. Because I too am a procrastinator. And that’s why I waited until December 18th to post a gift guide for you all. This is sort of an addendum of my Holiday Picks video with even more beautifully delicious ideas. So without further ado, my awesome gift guide:

1) BLOOMING GARDEN TEA GIFT SET FOR 2, $40

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This just reminds me of my very first apartment in New York when I lived with two fellow tea-lovers, Eugenia and Jess, and every so often, we’d have a jasmine tea with these blooming teaposies. This Blooming Garden Tea Set includes a heat-resistant glass teapot (with a removable filter for loose tea) and two matching cups and saucers. The best part? It comes with 6 blooming teas that expand when immersed in hot water. It’s kinda magical really.

2) TARTE LIMITED EDITION COLOR COLLECTION + CLUTCH, $48 (worth $406)

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This would definitely be top on my list as far as makeup gifts — Tarte’s holiday gift set puts the glam in full gear with this silver clutch that comes with three interchangeable palettes that can be easily snapped inside. The clutch even has space for your essentials (a mirror plus pockets for your credit cards and money) and has a gold chain strap to wear over your shoulder or as a cross body. Also, it comes with their maracuja-infused lip gloss in a universally-flattering shade. And the price (under $50) for all you get is insane.

3) KISS MY FACE PEACE SOAPS, $13

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Excessively stylish? Or is there no such thing?

Jimmy Choo cup holders, $165

Totally appropriate gift for the office-going coffee-lover. Also, depends how much you love said coffee-lover. The cup sleeves are available at jimmychoo.com for $165 in fucshia and orange (or £95 for the black and croc ones at Net-a-Porter).

x
Shy

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By Nicci Jordan Hubert

Laura Geller The Lightness of Beauty Kit

Ever since I met Laura Geller at her flagship store on the UES and since I began using her makeup, I have become a full-fledged Laura Geller Worshipper. Her Spackle Skin Primer is so good that I have actually added a bottle to my Emergency Kit along with water, matches, and blankets. So when Laura’s team sent me her newest set of products, the Lightness of Beauty kit to review, you can imagine it felt a bit like Christmas morning at my house.

Laura Geller The Lightness of Beauty Kit

Balance-and-Brighten Color Corrector with SPF 15

Here’s the breakdown: The kit includes the new Balance-n-Brighten SPF 15 Baked Color-Correcting foundation, which is a mouthful to say. So far, I’m on the fence about this product. It boasts amazing skin-health benefits from the Centella Asiatica and white tea extract antioxidants, which I love. And as promised, the foundation applies so smoothly… but that’s actually part of my beef with it. I cannot tell it’s actually going on. And although I see teeny-tiny differences in my skin when I apply the foundation, it doesn’t seem to provide enough coverage to be labeled a foundation — at least not a full coverage one. I did notice some evening of my skin tone, but nothing akin to a true foundation. Laura Gellar fans: what do you think of the product? Have I not given it enough of a shot?

Eye Elements Baked Eyeshadows & Highlighter Quad

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By Melissa Stephans

Spice cupcake with salted caramel buttercream

If you are particularly strapped for cash this season or simply want to give something that warms the heart (and tummy), I suggest firing up your oven and start baking!  Presentation is key, as is flavor.  My choice was to make (Non-Pumpkin) Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Buttercream for loved ones this year.  I took a recipe from my favorite database, Tastespotting.com, and tweaked it to my liking. (Basically, I dumped the pumpkin part of this recipe because using it in baked goods grosses me out).

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Parasol

I fell in love with Inslee Hayne’s whimsical designs when I first laid eyes on a calendar by her hanging on my friend’s fridge. The DC-based artist has already had her darling designs featured on People Style Watch. You can visit inslee.net to purchase her artwork on stationery, cards or calendars starting from $18. I thought they would make such an original, statement gift…to a friend or yourself . Check some of her illustrations below and let me know if you have any favorites!!

In the Kitchen

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