I tried to keep it to "needs" over wants this year.... didn't quite happen... still came out to be over $300. :(
What I bought this year:
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo (Brunette) - this is my 3rd refill. So natural and stays on well for a powder. I use the lighter of the two shades more often and use a little of the dark at the ends where I'm missing a few hair spots. :)
PROS: natural looking, stays on well, duo shades
CONS: a brow brush is needed to apply it (but I prefer applying my brows with a brow brush)
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz (Brunette) for my mom - it's a twisted brow pencil. I've tried this as well as the powder duo and I like the powder duo better. It looks more natural.
PROS: no sharpening needed (just twist), long lasting
CONS: gives a pencil not natural looking stroke.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Perfect Brow Pencil (Dark Brown) for my mom as well. - I have this one in my purse and wanted her to try this pencil version over the twisted one. The pencil version strokes on more natural and the color seems like it might fit my mom better.
PROS: easy to throw in your purse, stays on well, lots of color selection, have a brush wand on the other end to blend.
CONS: have to sharpen it (but not often)
Josie Maran Winter Dream Argan Skincare Collection - bought this for a friend's birthday gift. I normally buy gifts I would like myself. AND BOY DO I LIKE THIS ONE! I was tempted to buy myself a set because I use and love this line.
PROS: small travel size samples of all their best skin care products
CONS: don't care for their oil cleanser in the collection
Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47 - love that it's natural high SPF and natural moisturizer. This was my second refills.
PROS: natural SPF and moisturizer, light-weight, non-greasy
CONS: pricey
Make Up Forever HD Press Powder (travel sample size) - to travel with and is less messy on-the-go.
PROS: not messy like their loose powder version, flawless finishing look
CONS: can sometimes make you looks powdery if you don't blend well.
SMASHBOX Step-by-Step Contour Kit - been wanting to try this for a while but it was sold out at multiple Sephora when I went looking for it several months back. I've been using a bronzer to contour my face but learned that a contour color should have a gray undertone like a shadow (which totally makes sense). I was happy to see it was available during my VIB shopping spree :) This kit has a contour color, bronzer, and highlighter. I don't care for the bronzer as much because I already have a favorite bronzer. But the contour is the perfect shade for contouring. I do see a difference between using a grey undertone color vs a bronzer to contour your face. Game changer! The highlighter is a matte white/bone-like color. The highlight color is nice but somehow it doesn't brighten/highlight the area as well as my NARS contouring kit duo. Even though I prefer the NARS highlighting powder in their contour duo, the SMASHBOX contouring color is much more like a shadow.
PROS: perfect shade on their contouring color (more grey undertone than the other brands I've seen). Comes with a bronzer and highlighter and brush.
CONS: The highlight color needs more pigment or something. Didn't do it for me.
Wanted to buy Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Lip Stain & Shine in Honeymoon Honey but they ran out. It was gorgeous on my friend! :)
To justify the spending, 3 of the items weren't even for me!!!! Guess I did pretty good :)
