Ulta Holiday Gift Guide

I think it's obvious that I'm obsessed with beauty products. I feel like I'm an easy person to buy for. Beauty products, like nail polish and lipgloss sets, pedicure gift cards or ULTA gift cards are perfect gifts for me!

But not everyone is easy to buy for. I have lots of different people on my list this year, including dad and father in law, mom, friends and coworkers. I made a list of people who I need to buy for, and I just checked off several names with one trip to ULTA!

I spent about an hour in the store smelling the new fragrances, playing with the eyeshadow sets, swatching lip gloss on my hand and testing out under eye concealer (okay, this was for me, not for the people on my list!). There was seriously something for everyone on my list! If you're still looking for the perfect gift, look no further! Here are my top gift suggestions for the holiday....

For Moms or Mother in Laws...

Clarisonic Mia 2
Talk about the gift that keeps on giving. I'm a firm believer in investing in skincare. You only have one skin! I use my Mia 2 a few times a week. It makes my skin so soft and it's the only time I feel a deep clean on my face. If someone on your list already has one, get them a replacement brush! They are suppose to be switched out every 3 months and it's easy to slack on replacing.

Perfume
Ulta has an amazing free gift with fragrance purchase - a super comfy robe! Two gifts in one! Marc Jacobs' fragrance, Honey Eau de Parfum, has a sweet scent and is 2013 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner. Notes include pear, juicy mandarin, orange blossom and peach nectar.

For Dad, Father in Law, or brothers

Cologne sets
Ulta carries all of the popular men fragrances. Dolce & Gabana, Acqua Di Gio (got this one for my dad), Burberry Brit (got this one for my father in law), and more. I smelled Jay Z's new fragrance, Gold, and loved it.

For your sister or girlfriends
I grew up an only child, and always wanted siblings. After I married my hubby, one out of six kids, I got my wish! I love my siblings in laws. They are so much fun. Around the holiday time it's so much fun to shop for the girls! 

Lorac PRO Face

I love treating my sisters with beauty products. Ulta has a huge selection of makeup and bath and body sets. I love buying full sets like this Lorac PRO Face set. It has everything you need to create a full look, along with instructions on how to apply 

Philosophy Season of Sparkle
If your sisters or girlfriends like to be pampered, check out Philosophy's Season of Sparkle shower gel set is a great gift. The sweet scents are a shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath, all in one.

Urban Decay Vice 2
This is an all star palette. 20 beautiful, edgy colors, that can be combined to create looks from day to night. 

Ulta Beauty Box
Ulta's Beauty Box is always a hit in my book. There are colors in this set for everyone. I love how they fold up into a pretty box that makes for great decor for a vanity or bathroom counter top.
For your female coworkers

Ulta has a large selection of beauty products you can mix and match, 5 items for $5. These make great stocking stuffers or secret Santa gifts!

If you're still looking for someone on your list, check out Ulta's Holiday Gift Guide.  Or check out my Pinterest board where I have more ideas posted. Happy Holidays!

ULTA Beauty is not just another store for holiday shopping; it's an exciting wonderland of beauty products that make great gifts, stocking stuffers and personal treats. This year, ULTA is filled with a dazzling variety of holiday treasures that are sure to delight your friends, family, loved ones, and even yourself!

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by ULTA Beauty via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of ULTA Beauty.

Best Eyeshadow Primers

In my opinion, eyeshadow primer is a must when applying makeup. I can't get through a day of work, even in an air conditioned office, without my eyeshadow creasing. Here are my favorite primers that save me from the dreaded crease....

I'm totally obsessed with Lime Crime's Eyeshadow Helper. If you work all day or night, or you're going out for a night out, you're going to want to ensure your makeup stays put, including your eyeshadow. I hate when it creases up! Lime Crime's Eyeshadow Helper works insanely well. I purchased this last summer while in NYC and my eyeshadow didn't move in 100 degree NYC subway heat!

I've had this for about 6 months so far and I still have over half of the product left. A little goes a long way. I only use a small amount on each eyelid, all the way up to my brow bone. Once applied, it dries very quickly in a neutral matte color. I would wear this even when I'm not planning on adding eyeshadow, to give me a more awake look. When I purchased this back in August, the packaging was a little Tiffany blue dome (pictured above). Since then, they changed their packaging into a squeeze tube (left). Although I haven't tried the new packaging, Lime Crime claims it's the same formula and you get 40% more. It retails at $16.99 and it's worth every cent. LimeCrimeMakeup.com

Votre Vu Lingerie Pour Les Yeux is another favorite of mine. I don't use this as a primer if I'm applying shadow, only as a shadow replacement. I use this more for when I'm running out the door somewhere, without time to put on makeup, and I sweep it over my eyes to make me look more awake. It visibly helps minimize lines too (not permanently, just while it's on). I also like using it under my eyes to help conceal my dark circles. I usually use this when I roll out of bed for an early AM workout. It comes in two different shades, light and medium. You can purchase this on VotreVu.com. It retails at $29.


Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion was the first ever primer I tried (thanks for recommending Justine!). It works well as a primer and by itself. Urban Decay has seen such success with this product that they created several other shades, some that even have a pop of color and can be worn alone. The only downside is the packaging. It's hard to tell how much you have left. It would be a crisis to be at the end of the tube and not have primer in the AM (half joking). It retails at $20.

 

What's your favorite eyeshadow primer? I'm always open to trying new ones!

 Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

My Favorite Beauty Sets of 2012

Need a gift for a sister, mom, girlfriend or secret Santa? Here are my 3 favorite sets of 2012. Each palette is very versatile. You can create several 'looks' with each one, great for every type of skin tone and style. 'Tis the season to shop beauty....

Urban Decay, Naked Basics - Great to keep on you at all times. You can go from day to night with just a few color changes from this kit. These matte shadows are a staple for every beauty counter.

Pixi Beauty, Early Bird Kit - I love Pixi Beauty in general. They are high quality products with great prices. Their blushes look so natural and there's always a good variety for different skin tones. The center column of shadows are bases that help to keep the color shadows on longer. I sometimes use these bases alone when just going to the gym or running errands.

Senna Cosmetics, Haute Nudes - I was able to try this set out in Mystic. The kit comes with directions on how to apply two different looks, for day and night. These are the best makeup kit application directions I've ever seen. Very easy to create and everything is in the kit, even the brushes. I like this kit for traveling. I'll pack this set, a mascara and gloss and I'm good to go.

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

HauteLook Urban Decay sale

Stock up on your favorites from Urban Decay. Starting at 11amEST today!

Urban Decay Friends & Family Sale

Urban Decay Friends & Family sale is here! Stock up with 20% off! Perfect time to start stocking up on holiday gifts. This starts tonight (Monday) at midnight and ends Saturday the 13th. Discount valid on sale items as well. Use code FFHOLIDAY12 at checkout. Have fun!

HauteLook Beauty Sales this Week

Beauty on the Go makeup bags. These bags are so cute, some could pass for a clutch!



Urban Decay sale - Some items up to 75% off. $4 lipglosses? Can't beat it. Stock up on stocking stuffers!

5 Dollar Deals at Urban Decay!

Holy deals! $5 lipglosses, eyeliners, pigments, and more...oh my! Have fun shopping!

Urban Decay Friends & Family Sale 30% Off!

Urban Decay is having their Friends & Family Sale - everything is 30% off from April 6-19th. Use code 1SFNF!

Urban Decay Alice in Wonderland palette

NEW YORK, NY — Inspired by the upcoming Disney film, Alice In Wonderland, scheduled for release in March 2010, Urban Decay today unveils its upcoming line of eye shadows as an Underland-inspired dream come true. The book of 16 gorgeous eye shadow shades was inspired by Alice’s whimsical and colorful adventure — a “curiouser and curiouser” hike through twisted vines and skyscraping toadstools.

The limited-edition palette opens to a playful pop-up scene of Alice and her journey through the mushroom forest. Having just ingested the contents of the fabled “drink me” bottle, Alice has shrunk down to a tiny size and is staring upward toward gigantic mushrooms and one very peculiar caterpillar. The mirror rests in the background, transporting you into the film itself. The book-like cover is adorned with a lush black pattern and copper foil deco with teacup details.

“Tim Burton’s interpretation of the classic story of Alice In Wonderland will excite Disney fans in a whole new way and spark demand for edgier products inspired by the story’s heroine and her fantastical world,” said Johanna Mooney, director, Health & Beauty for Disney Consumer Products. “Disney Consumer Product’s collaboration with Urban Decay marks a continued emphasis on bringing beauty products to consumers that resonate with their sense of style and highlight current trends and color palettes,” said Mooney.

The limited-edition Alice In Wonderland-inspired Book of Shadows includes 16 best-selling eye shadows, as well as two travel sizes of 24/7 Eye Pencils and one Eyeshadow Primer
Potion. Disney and Urban Decay worked together to develop names for the eye
shadows reflective of the many topsy-turvy people and things in Underland: Underland, Alice,Oraculum, Queen, Chessur, White Rabbit, Wonderland, Curiouser, Muchness, Mushroom, Midnight Tea Party, Vorpal, Absolem, Drink Me, Eat Me, Mad Hatter, Jabberwocky.

"When we met with Disney and heard about Tim Burton's vision of Alice in Wonderland, we were so excited to create a palette that reflected his distinctive interpretation of the story,” said Wende Zomnir, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Urban Decay Cosmetics. “We dove into the project, working on shade names inspired by the film, and recreating the journey through the mushroom forest; it's our way of giving an edgy and modern spin to this classic, but dark and curious story," Zomnir said.

The Alice In Wonderland-inspired Book of Shadows from Urban Decay available in January 2010 for $52 at Sephora, ULTA and Macy’s or online at sephora.com, ulta.com, macys.com, and urbandecay.com.

Urban Decay Friends & Family Event

Urban Decay Friends & Family Event - 30% Off November 9th - 20th...Stock up now!

Eyeshadow Break - Urban Decay Sin Eyeshadow Primer Potion

This two-in-one beauty miracle gives you a brand new eyeshadow shade AND the staying power of our #1-selling product, Eyeshadow Primer Potion. Created with the same award-winning formula, Sin Eyeshadow Primer Potion is a crease-proof shimmering champagne shade that can be worn alone, or layered under Eyeshadow for a subtle dimensional sheen…even under matte textures.

Sweep this universally flattering base shade all over lids to smooth and perfect eyelids while perking up tired eyes. Or dab on brow bone and inner corners of eyes as a highlighter. Perfect alone during the day, your eyes are already prepped to add shadows for evening…just add crease color.

This silicone-based miracle cream uses tiny molecules to fill in any imperfections on the surface of the skin, becoming a powerful Eyeshadow magnet. With a silky smooth, non-irritating texture, it won’t dry out the delicate skin around the eyes and Eyeshadow will not flake, crease or fade away as you ride off into the sunset.

Sin Eyeshadow Primer Potion ($17) is available at Sephora, ULTA, and select Macy’s West Locations. Or log on to sephora.com, ulta.com, macys.com, beauty.com or urbandecay.com to shop online.

Eyeshadow Break - Urban Decay Primer Potion

I received a generous sample size of this from Sephora, and a full size one is on my wish list for Valentine's Day. I have oily eyelids, and have always struggled with keeping my eyeshadow on for a full day at work. A little bit of this on each eyelid, each morning, keeps my shadow on throughout the day. It feels like a soft powder once it's on my eyelids. I use it even when I'm not wearing eyeshadow, to give my lids a nice, soft, neutral matte finish. It definitely is a magic potion.