Last Minute Gift Guide 2017

Hello Friends! I know we all get so busy at this time of the year, everyone is rushing to get their work done before the Holiday break. So here is my last minute gift guide! I've organised my gift guide by starting with the smaller items to bigger ones. There is also a section each for palettes; value sets; skincare; fragrances and candles. Most of the items shown here are 2017 limited edition holiday items.

If you are on a tight(er) budget, I note that a fair few items are going on sale now. For example, Priceline in Australia is starting their Boxing Day sales on 23rd December 2017 where there are lots of 1 for 1 deals: across Australis, Models Own, Rimmel, Bourjois, Nude By Nature and Revlon. Some skincare items are also going at a discount of 40%: selected skincare and suncare products across Manuka Doctor, Dr. LeWinn’s, Skin Replublic, B.Tan, Olay, Nivea, Reef, Jergens, Swisse, PureTan, Olive Oil Skincare, Invisible Zinc, Sukin, St. Ives, Natural Instinct and Beauty By Nicholas. There are also 50% off deals on brands like Alpha Keri, Avene, Vaseline, St Tropez and Innoxa. Some other stores like Sephora are starting to give discounts on certain items here too.

Some families like to do purchase their gifts after Christmas during the Boxing Day sales. Unless you desperately want a product that is limited edition and you know it is going to be sold out, you could wait.

SO, THERE IS ALWAYS THE OPTION TO GET A GIFT CARD FROM YOUR FAVOURITE STORE FOR YOUR LOVED ONE FIRST, SO THEY CAN SHOP THE AFTER CHRISTMAS SALES.

SHOP AND BOX IS A GOOD WAY TO BUY ITEMS ON SALE IN THE US WHICH MAY NOT BE DISCOUNTED IN AUSTRALIA (http://www.shopandbox.com/)

If you are looking for Shu Uemura's Shu X Mario collection, I have a separate post on that. Go here http://www.teacupofmakeup.com/single-post/ShuXMario-Collection-Super-Cute

Guide to Gift Guide

In Australia, the major places I shop at are Priceline, Mecca Cosmetica/Maxima and Sephora. There is also Myer and David Jones. So to read my guide items from:

Priceline are marked with (P);
Myer are marked with (MY);
David Jones are marked with (DJ);
Mecca are marked with (M); and
Sephora are marked with (S).

For some of the items, I have included prices in AUD. For the majority of the items, in term of price range, there are items from as little as $5 - over $500, items are denoted as follows:

Under $50 - Budget (B);
Under $100 - Affordable (A);
Under $250 Luxury (L);
Over $250 Extreme Luxe (EL)

SO IF YOU ARE SEARCHING BY PRICE OR STORE; YOU CAN SEACH FOR THEM BY FOR EXAMPLE "(M)" FOR MECCA OR "(B)" FOR BUDGET

Photo Credit: Except for the photos that you see my watermark on, I've done screen grabs of the items I've picked BELOW. I simply can't afford to buy all of them! However, I have tested them in-store. I also bought some and was kindly gifted some. I've taken photos of the ones I have bought and gifted and shown/demo-ed them on my Instagram/Instastories (follow me on Instagram @teacupofmakeup)

Plan of Action

I actually do like the hustle and bustle of shopping last minute. It makes it all the more exciting. I would recommend creating a list and then going to each store in the order you prefer. A lot of stores/malls will have extended shopping hours, so do check their websites. Some of them also provide complimentary gift wrapping, so that can save you a lot of time (just dropped them off to be wrapped and continue to shop away).

Weblinks to each stores to check hours:

Stocking Stuffers

From the top left to right:

KRIS KRINGLE Kris Kringle Nail Polish & Glitter Pot $5 (P)(B)
KRIS KRINGLE Kris Kringle Brow Get & Brush $5 (P)(B)
KRIS KRINGLE Kris Kringle Lipgloss Duo $5 (P)(B)
KRIS KRINGLE Kris Kringle Lipstick & Lip Liner $5 (P)(B)
SALLY HANSEN Color Therapy Trio Pack Bold 3 pack $29 (P)(B)
RIMMEL SETS (P)(B)
REVLON Christmas 17 New Year, New Nudes Kit 3 pack $29
SEPHORA COLLECTION Small Fox Pouch (Limited Edition 2017) (S)(B)
TOO FACED Matte Chocolate Chip Eyeshadow Collection (M)(B)
URBAN DECAY LITTLE VICES SETS (M)(A)
TOO FACED Tis The Season To Sparkle (M)(A)
LIPSTICK QUEEN Frog Prince Lip & Cheek Duo (M)(A)
REN Atlantic Kelp & Microalgae Stocking Filler (M)(B)
LIPSTICK QUEEN Sugar, Spice & All Things Nice (M)(A)
LANCOME Surprise Cracker (M)(MY)(A)
CLINIQUE Bright All Night Set (M)(MY)(A)
BILLION DOLLAR BROWS Jet Setter Kit (M)(B)
BareMinerals SOMETHING TO TALK A-POUT (M)(B)
THIS WORKS Sleep Tight (M)(B)
Mecca Max THE GLOW SHOW ILLUMINATING MAKEUP DUO GOLD (M)(B)
Mecca Max THE GLOW SHOW ILLUMINATING MAKEUP DUO BRONZE (M)(B)
Mecca Max PASH & DASH LIQUID LIP TRIO BRIGHT (M)(B)
Mecca Max PARTY TO THE MAX EYE AND FACE PALETTE (M)(A)
NARS LOVE TRIANGLE (M)(B)
STILA WRITTEN IN THE STARS – GLITTER AND GLOW LIQUID EYE SHADOW SET (M)(B)
STILA Star-Studded Eight Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick Set (M)(A)
WINKY LUXE MINI LIP PILL KIT (M)(B)
TARTE Lash Delights Lash Essentials Kit (Limited Edition) $34 (S)(B)
BECCA Wake Up Call Kit (Limited Edition) $25 (S)(B)
BEAUTYBLENDER Midas Touch Kit (Limited Edition) $38 (S)(B)
KAT VON D BEAUTY Rock Candy - Mini Studded Kiss Lipstick Set $65 (S)(A)
HUDA BEAUTY Contour & Strobe Lip Set (S)(A)
BECCA Champagne Dream Lip & Highlighter Duo (S)(A)
HUDA BEAUTY Lip Strobe Minis Winter Edition Set $59 (S)(A)
BEAUTYBLENDER Gold Mine Set (Limited Edition) $60 (S)(A)
FENTY BEAUTY Match Stix Trio $79 (S)(A)
TARTE NATURAL ARTISTRY GIFT SET (S)(B)
STILA Star-Studded Eight Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick Set (M)(A)
STILA Star-Studded Eight Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick Set (M)(B)
Too Faced Under The Kissletoe The Ultimate Liquified Lipstick Set (M)(B)
CLINIQUE Chubby Treats (M)(A)

Palettes

From the top left to right:

BOBBI BROWN PRECIOUS METALS PALETTE (M)(MY)(DJ)(L)
BOBBI BROWN Highlighting Powder Moon Glow (M)(MY)(DJ)(A)
Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powder Trio (M)(MY)(DJ)(L)
SEPHORA COLLECTION Maxi Wonderland Gift Set (S)(B)
SEPHORA COLLECTION Wonderful Stars Eye and Face Palette (S)(A)
SEPHORA COLLECTION Winter Queen Palette (S)(B)
SEPHORA COLLECTION Winter Magic Eyeshadow Palette (S)(B)
ARMANI HOLIDAY EYE AND FACE PALETTE (S)(MY)(DJ)(L)
HOURGLASS Ambient Metallic Strobe Lighting Palette (M)(A)
HOURGLASS Ambient Lighting Edit Palette Vol. 3 (M)(L)
URBAN DECAY Vice Metal Meets Matte Lipstick Palette (M)(L)
URBAN DECAY MECCA20 Lipstick Palette (M)(A)
BAREMINERALS The Hidden Treasure Ready 18.0 Palette (M)(L)
NARS LOVE GAME EYESHADOW PALETTE (M)(A)
NARS The Veil Cheek Palette (M)(A)
NARS Glass Tears Eyeshadow Palette (M)(A)
CHANTECAILLE L'abre Illumine Palette (M)(L)
CHANTECAILLE Les Paillettes (M)(L)
BY TERRY PRECIOSITY FLASH DUAL COMPACT HIGHLIGHTER (M)(L)
SMASHBOX SHADOW HIGHLIGHT PALETTE & SHADOW BLUSH CONTOUR PALETTE: each (M)(A)
TOO FACED MECCA20 Funfetti Birthday Palette (M)(A)

From the top left to right:

MAC HOLIDAY 2017 PALETTES (MY)(DJ)(MAC stores) $79 each (A)
BECCA Après Ski Glow Collection Eye Lights Palette (M)(A)
BECCA Après Ski Glow Face Palette (M)(A)
MARC JACOBS BEAUTY The Wild One Eye-Conic Eyeshadow Palette (M)(L)
MECCA MAX PARTY TO THE MAX EYE AND FACE PALETTE (M)(B)
FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA Galaxy Eyeshadow Palette (M)(L)
HUDA BEAUTY Desert Dusk Eyeshadow Palette (M)(A)
TOO FACED Best Year Ever Makeup Collection (M)(L)
TARTE Limited Edition Treasure Box Collector's Set (M)(A)
TARTE Blush Bazaar Palette $65 (S)(A)
CIATÉ LONDON Chloe Morello's Beauty Haul by Ciate London Volume 2 (M)(A)
NATASHA DENONA Sunset Eyeshadow Palette (S)(L)
URBAN DECAY Heavy Metals Metallic Eyeshadow Palette (M)(A)
ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Prism Eye Shadow Palette (S)(A)
KAT VON D Saint & Sinner Eyeshadow Palette (S)(A)
MODELS PREFER MP Kit Complete Collection Shadows Matte Nude $21 (S)(B) - seriously Models Prefer make good and very affordable palettes
TOM FORD BEAUTY Soleil Contouring Compact $160 (S)(DJ)(L)
DB COSMETICS HOLLYWOOD GLAM PALETTE $19.99 (https://www.dbcosmetics.com.au)
DB COSMETICS HOLLYWOOD GLAM PALETTE (WHAT'S INSIDE)
DB ALL EYES ON YOU EYESHADOW TIN $14.99
DB LIKE A DIAMOND EYESHADOW PALETTE $17.99

Makeup Value Sets

From the top left to right:

MAC SNOWBALL PIGMENT AND GLITTER SET $59
MAC SNOWBALL EYE AND LIP BAG $99
MAC SNOWBALL MINI LIP GLOSS $59
MAC SNOWBALL SHADECENTS $59
MAC SNOWBALL ADVANCED BRUSH KIT $119
MAC SNOWBALL EYE BAG $89
URBAN DECAY Naked 4Some (M)(EL)
BEAUTYBLENDER Gold Mine Set (Limited Edition) $60 (S)(A)
TARTE Artful Accessories Brush Set (Limited Edition) $64 (S)(A)
BENEFIT COSMETICS Erase Case Concealer Kit $45 (S)(B)
KAT VON D BEAUTY Rock Candy - Mini Studded Kiss Lipstick Set $65 (S)(A)
ARTIS BRUSH Elite Collection Gold 10 Brush Set Limited Edition $790 (S)(EL)
BECCA The ULTIMATE Collectors Collection - Shimmering Skin Perfector Vault $340 (S)(EL)
ZOEVA Rose Golden Vol. 2 Luxury Set $126 (S)(L) - Zoeva makes great affordable brushes and makeup as well, so I would recommend anything from the Zoeva line.
SEPHORA COLLECTION La Piñata (S)(A)
COVER FX Custom Enhancer Drops Vault (S)(EL)
NUDESTIX Nude(art)ist Box Creator's Palette (S)(L)
COVER FX Illuminating Prime & Set Kit (S)(A)
BECCA Champagne Dream Lip & Highlighter Du0 (S)(A)
SMITH & CULT Eyes, Face & Highlights Set $180 (S)(L)
URBAN DECAY LITTLE VICES SETS, each (M)(B)
Bare Minerals BOX OF WONDERS (M)(L)
BY TERRY Preciosity Terrybly Velvet Rouge Gift Set (M)(L)

From the top left to right:

Hourglass Confession Refillable Lipstick Set (M)(A)
BY TERRY Preciosity Ombre Blackstar Set (M)(L)
MECCA COSMETICA THE PERFECT PAIR Lip Duo (M)(A)
Marc Jacobs Beauty Lipstick Jungle 13 Piece Le Marc Lip Crème Collection (S)(L)
Bobbi Brown Luxe Classics Mini Lipstick Set (M)(MY)(DJ)(EL)
BITE BEAUTY The Perfect Bite Amuse Bouche Lipstick Set (S)(A)
BITE BEAUTY Amuse Bouche Liquified Lip Set (S)(A)
SMASHBOX Drawn In. Decked Out. Lash + Liner Set (S)A)
ILIA Love Me Do Set (M)(A)
NARS The Kiss Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Set (M)(L)
NARS Les Amoureux Audacious Lipstick Coffret (M)(L)
STILA THE CHOSEN ONES – SMUDGE POT EYE LINER SET (M)(A)
TOO FACED UNICORN SURVIVAL KIT (M)(A)
CIATÉ LONDON Mini Nail Set Snow Globe (M)(A)
MECCA COSMETICA THE ESSENTIAL BRUSH COLLECTION Face And Eyes Perfecting Tools (M)(L)
Mecca Max PARTY TRICKS MEGA BRUSH SET (M)(A)
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Soft Matte Lip Cream Vault II 36 pack $89 (P)(A)
NUDE BY NATURE First Light 3 Minute Sheer Glow Beauty Collection 04 Natural 4 pack $59.95 (P)(A)
CAMILLA & MAE Cosmetic Brush Collection 6 pack $14 (P)(B)
MODELS PREFER Die Cut Pink Weekender & Brush Set 1 Kit $27 (P)(B)

Skin & Hair Care Gadgets and Value Sets

From the top left to right:

Bobbi Brown Extra Glow Skincare Set (MY)(DJ)(L)
Jurlique Radiance Renewal 28 Day Programme (MY)(DJ)(A)
Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Essentials (MY)(DJ)(A)
Jurlique Lavender Mini Treats (MY)(DJ)(A)
Jurlique Ultimate Activation (MY)(DJ)(A)
philosophy Pure Grace Gift Set (M)(S)(MY)(DJ)(L)
philosophy Miracle Worker Goodbye Wrinkles Trial Set (M)(S)(MY)(DJ)(L)
OLE HENRIKSEN Glow Together Set $115 (S)(L)
Farmacy Skin Savior Kit (S)(L)
Lancôme Makeup Accessories The Prep & Cleanse Set (M)(MY)(DJ)(S)(L)
SUKIN Super Greens Gift Pack 3 pack $20 (P)(B)
ESSANO Mini Me Gift Bag 1 Kit $17 (P)(B)
NATIO Orange Blossom Gift Set Scrub Up Kit $19.95 (P)(B)
A'KIN Coconut Water Christmas Set 3 pack $24 (P)(B)
DR. LEWINN'S Ultra R4 24-Hour Beauty Solutions Trio Pack $159 (P)(L)
DR. LEWINN'S Eternal Youth The Ultimate Trio 3 pack $139 (P)(L)
Dr Lewinns ETERNAL YOUTH CHRISTMAS GIFT SET (P)(A)
Dr Lewinns LINE SMOOTHING COMPLEX CHRISTMAS GIFT SET (P)(A)
REMINGTON Shine Revival Hairdryer Pack 7 pack $69 (P)(A)
TRILOGY Rosehip Radiance Christmas Gift Set 3 pack $37 (P)(B)

From the top left to right:

MURAD Ultimate Skin Perfectors Holiday Set (Limited Edition) $115 (S)(L)
MURAD Joyful & Rejuvenated $145 (S)(L)
MURAD Hydration Sensation $115 (S)(L)
MURAD Joyful & Radiant $125 (S)(L)
Kiehl's Since 1851 Travel Essentials (M)A)
TOCCA Crema Veloce (M)(A)
Caudalie Brightening Blockbusters (S)(L)
SUNDAY RILEY Bright Young Thing Visible Skin Brightening Kit (M)(A)
Lancôme Énergie de Vie Nighttime Routine (MY)(DJ)(L)
REN Face Favourites (M)(A)
NuFACE Mini On The Glow Microcurrent + Hydration Travel Essentials (M)(EL)
Origins Antioxidant Protectors (M)(L)
Ouai To Go Kit (S)(A)
philosophy Always On The Glow (S)(M)(DJ)(A)
PETER THOMAS ROTH Ready, Set, Drench! (S)(L)
PETER THOMAS ROTH Mask A Holic Kit (S)(L)
DRUNK ELEPHANT Volume 1 Hot Date (M)(A)
DRUNK ELEPHANT Volume 2 Come C About Me (M)(A)
GLAMGLOW Let it Glow! SUPERMUD® Set (M)(A)
THE BEAUTY CHEF Holiday Boost Set (Limited Edition) $45 (M)(A)

From the top left to right:

BY TERRY Preciosity Flash Light Elixir (M)(L)
CLARISONIC Mia Fit (M)(S)(L)
FOREO Bespoke T-Sonic Skincare Collection - Luna 2 Holiday Set $372 (S)(EL)
SEPHORA COLLECTION Maxi Wonderland Gift Set (S)(A)
GOLDEFADEN MD BRIGHTENING TRANSFORMATION KIT (M)(L)
DR DENNIS GROSS GLOW GETTER (M)(A)
DRUNK ELEPHANT LET’S DEW IT (M)(A)
JOSIE MARAN BEST OF ARGAN SKIN REVIVERS (M)(A)
URBAN DECAY SETTING SPRAYS SETS (M)(A)
THIS WORKS Sleep Tight (M)(B)
SKYN ICELAND Multi Masking Kit (M)(A)
KATE SOMERVILLE MECCA20 Intro To Glow Set (M)(A)
KORRES MECCA20 Brightening Beauties Beauty Shot Set (M)(A)
BEAR High Summer Protect Restore (M)(A)
MALIN+GOETZ Skincare Essentials Kit (M)(L)
GLAMGLOW The Big Wheel of Sexy (M)(EL)
MECCA COSMETICA The Brush (M)(B)

I think this one single product will be a much welcomed one for those who are particularly fussy. It is vegan friendly, made from certified organic products and cruelty-free. It is THE multipurpose beauty product and more. It is Dr Bronner's Castile Soap. You can get in the liquid form or in soap bars. You can use it on your face, hair and body. To clean your makeup brushes. You can even wash your laundry and clean your house with it. Now who would refuse that? Some would call it "magical". (DJ)(B/A)

Fragrances & Candles

From the top left to right:

ELIE SAAB GIRL OF NOW (S)(MY)(DJ)(DJ)(L)
DEREK LAM FRAGRANCES - a fairly new entry to Australia, these fragrances are quite unique (packaging is super cool) (S)(A/L)
ELIZABETH & JAMES NIRVANA - always a hit, this is the one called "Nirvana Amethyst" (S)(A/L)
NE'EMAH FRAGRANCES - these fragrances are generally quite musky (S)(A/L)
MICHAEL KORS SEXY RUBIES - c'mon it's red (MY)(DJ)(A/L)
NEST FRAGRANCES - honestly ANYTHING from this line is great. I'm currently loving RED TULIP (S)(A/L)
COMMODITY GOODS - a cult brand that is just too cool for school (S)(L)
CLEAN RESERVE - another line I have a soft spot for because of their eco-friendliness (S)(A/L)
DAISY BY MARC JACOBS - get the limited edition crystal studded one if you can (S)(MY)(DJ)(A/L)
MARC JACOBS Honey EDP Gift Set $99 (S)(MY)(DJ)(A)
MARC JACOBS Decadence Eau de Parfum Gift Set (S)(MY)(DJ)(L)
JO MALONE LONDON Luscious & Lively Trio ((MY)(DJ)(L/EL)
TOCCA Eau De Parfum Travelette Trio (M)(L)
MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN Baccarat Rouge Extrait (M)(L)
BYREDO Rose Of No Man's Land EDP (M)(L)
DIPTYQUE 3 Candle Holiday Set - YOU NEED THIS SET IN YOUR LIFE (M)(EL)
DIPTYQUE Oranger Hourglass Diffuser - (M)(EL)
DIPTYQUE Philosykos EDP And Figuier Candle Duo (M)(EL)
FORNASETTI Nuvola Candle (M)(L)
FORNASETTI Scacco Candle (M)(L)
FORNASETTI MECCA20 Regalo Candle (M)(L)
MALIN+GOETZ Cannabis Hand Wash + Votive Set (M)(L)