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Holiday Gift Guide

Merry {almost} Christmas and Happy Holidays to You and Yours!!!

Have you gotten all of your holiday shopping done? For all you last minute gift givers {ahem, like me}, this post is for you. Given my recent move, I haven’t had a moment to spare for purchasing anything– so you are NOT alone.

When I’m about to go out to the mall {heaven forbid} either to shop for myself or my clients,  there are so many things that are running in my head like: how can there can be so many people? these lines take forever; this store is just a wreck; the traffic makes me want to cry; will I find parking? I wonder if I can make this at home?

AHHH whatever will I do?!

Well if you’re like me… stop fretting and follow my “Top 10 Bucket List for the Holidays” to usher in peace and cheer.

1.} Make a shopping list and stick to it! Don’t be a slave to the word “sale” and focus on your priorities items. Then get the heck out of the mall and put your pajamas on next to the fire.

2.} Shop online and take advantage of free shipping especially through December 21st which is often the cut off date! It will save you the stress and worry of getting out in the hustle and bustle of the holiday shuffle.

3.} Take advantage of Valet parking when you shop at the mall. You will avoid driving around looking for the perfect space saving you time and energy.

4.} Shop with a friend or family member who is an efficient shopper. Make it a day and pause for a fun lunch and a mid-day cocktail–cause let’s face it–shopping is hard work!

5.} Challenge everyone to put away hand held devices at the dinner table when celebrating your meal times. Prompt meaningful conversation with questions at each place setting to get the dialogue rolling.

6.} Make a holiday playlist of your favorite tunes and gift that instead of a standard christmas card especially for co-workers and family members.

7.} Allow yourself to dance in your pajamas on Christmas morning. Eat pie and sleep late without guilt…for once. 

8.} Purchase a decadent holiday coffee creamer and fill your cup to the brim in the morning. For wine drinkers…spend a little more on that bottle of wine you have been saving for a little night cap. I plan to book-end my day with both. Smiling ear to ear. 

9.} Make eye contact with your store clerks at the checkout lines and tell them they are beautiful and a hard worker. Remind others that they matter.

10.} Pay for someone’s meal in the drive through line behind you. Random acts of kindness never fail to encourage others during the holiday season. 

NOW! For those still not sure what to give your girlfriend, fiancé, wife, or even best friend….I have curated my top ten holiday gift guide including various price points, current trends and staple items.

Melaya Over The Knee Boots {Bark Verona Suede} // NuFace Power Kit // Firebird Wine Cooler // PJ Salvage Jersey Pajamas // Naked Ultimat Basics Pallet // Swell Water Bottle {17 inch} // Skin Rejuvenating Pillow Case // Rest Less Hoodie // Velvet Tunic Dress // Marcie Medium Satchel {color: Nut}

Hope my wish list will give you some inspiration for these crazy shopping days upon us. But remember if you like to keep things simple or you’re really not good a finding that perfect gift- you can never go wrong with gift cards from J. Crew, Anthropologie, Sephora, Nordstrom, Lululemon, and Amazon.

OR.. you can give the gift of STYLE this holiday season. Contact me to purchase gift cards in amounts of $100 or more: jen@foreverstyled.com; 678-772-9975

{Check out Style Packages and Services for more information.}

Spend your shopping hours and dollars wisely and remember, the best gift is one that comes from the heart !

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young

Must-Have Makeup Brushes

Must-Have Makeup Brushes-2

Hello my Beauties!

Just two weeks ago I did a blog post on Makeup Bag Essentials, so I figured it would be helpful to supplement that post with a special feature on “Must-Have Makeup Brushes.”  Of course, you can’t successfully apply your makeup if you don’t have the right tools!

So let’s explore what brushes never leave my makeup bag–call them my holy grail of applicators. I’ve picked several basic necessities below I consider the best of the best featuring a few from the Sephora Collection, but you can find other substitutes and lookalikes brushes for a lesser cost elsewhere. I will say I NEVER skimp on brushes and consider them an investment. As long as you clean them on a regular basis with appropriate cleansing wipes or liquid cleaners, you can keep them on rotation for at least two to three years.

For all you DIY’ers, here is a recipe for making your own cleanser for your brushes as well: {Featured on Popsugar}

Step 1: Mix two parts antibacterial dish soap to one part of the extra-virgin olive oil on a clean plate (don’t use paper plate, as the oil will seep through).

Step 2: Grab your first brush and wet it slightly with lukewarm water. Make sure the brush stays bristle-side down throughout the entire process. If water gets into the ferrule (the middle tube part that holds everything together) of the brush, it can loosen the glue, causing the bristles to fall out.

Step 3: Dip the damp brush into the soap mixture and coat it thoroughly. Next, work the mixture into the bristles using the palm of your hand and fingers. Continue until the soapy residue is makeup free.

Step 4: Rinse the brushes under lukewarm water until no soap runs from the bristles.

Step 5: Roll a dish towel like you would a yoga mat, and drape a paper towel over it so that most of the paper towel hangs off. (The paper towel should look like a slide coming down from the dish towel). Next, arrange the brush so the top of the handle sits on top of the towel, pitching the rest of the brush down onto the paper towel. This will allow your brushes to dry on a slant, while keeping moisture away from the ferrule.

Repeat with remaining brushes. Some make take two washings to get completely clean, depending on the amount of residue left behind. Allow them to dry overnight, and repeat about once a month.

Here are my MUST HAVES:

Foundation Brush: To achieve that airbrushed and flawless face, you must use a foundation brush. I love the Sephora Collection but Bobbi Brown makes one that I also love. Apply a small amount of liquid foundation to the back of your hand; dip your brush into the foundation you squeezed out and then buff in circular strokes onto the face until you find the amount of coverage you want. Remember to start small and then build up gradually!

Powder Brush: To set all your foundation and concealer in place, use a fluffier brush to cover your whole face with powder. Apply the powder in broad, sweeping strokes all over the face to set coverage on the face. There are so many brands that make powder brushes so pursue your local beauty store to find one that feels good on your face. Take a look at some of the Chanel collection brushes that I adore!

Bronzer Brush: Another essential includes a Bronzer brush. Starting with the perimeter of the face, apply bronzing powder and blend inwards from the temple, the contour of the cheek, and the jawline. Bronzers can be temperamental in achieving the coverage you want so make sure you find a brush that is soft, dense, and fluffy. I love the IT Brushes from ULTA because of how soft the are!

Blush Brush: This staple brush is my favorite because it includes an angled shape making it easier to brighten and sculpt your facial features in a single gesture. Again you have to start light handed and then build your blush to your liking.

Eye Shadow Brush: If I had one brush I couldn’t live without it would be my Bobbi Brown Eye Sweep Brush. It makes putting on eyeshadow so easy and effortless and gives a beautiful result. This brush has soft bristles and a full, rounded shape to it. It’s really great for anyone looking to create a variety of eye makeup looks, from a dramatic smoky eye to subtle daytime shadow.

I trust and love everything about the Sephora Collection brushes as well as some gems from Chanel and Bobbi Brown. They make applying my makeup so easy and flawless!

What are your favorite brushes? Please share in the comments section below. Check out below some more great picks to have in your makeup bag!

Fashionably Yours,

Jen Young