Happy Thanksgiving week! I’ve put together a series of gift guides for the beauty lover, fragrance lover, fitness aficionado and for the home. I hope you find some inspo and ideas if you’re still looking for gifts!
I’ll be hosting a giveaway on my Instagram page @beautylookbook so be sure to check it out on Stories this week! My Guerlain Giveaway is still running a few more days here too!
I am so excited to share a luxury beauty gift guide today with some stunning sets from Guerlain. They’ve kindly gifted a selection of their fragrances for me to share and I am thrilled to host a giveaway too! If you’re the ultimate perfume lover or have someone in your life who has everything, Guerlain has some really special sets I think are unique.
For Black Friday and Cyber Week they have some special gift with purchase options online from 11/25 thru 12/2:
Spend $100 and receive an Abeille Royale Night cream (7ml)
Spend $275+ and receive an Abeille Royale Night cream (7ml) + Gift Set with Abeille Royale minis and pouch with code THANKS24
Spend $500+ and receive an Abeille Royale Night cream (7ml) + Orchide Imperiale Sampler Set with code MERCI24
Spend $1,000+ and receive an Abeille Royale Night cream (7ml) + Orchide Imperiale Sampler Set + 3 wick luxury candle with code MERCI24
I really love their discovery sets as I do not have easy access to a Guerlain counter. They’ve added a few new ones from the L’Art + La Matiere line this year I think are exceptionally beautiful. I’ve also tried their Aqua Allegoria line for the first time with another set.
The Perfumer’s Sets
There are three Perfumer’s Sets from Guerlain. These have beautiful miniatures that have a selection of the L’Art + La Matiere perfumes. They’ve brought back the Iconic Harmony ($395) and Floral Harmony ($395) both containing 8 minis with a twist off cap. Each bottle has 10 ml of product. They also have a new trio with three of my personal favorites.
The Iconic Harmony Set has Neroli Outrenoir, Spiritueuse Double Vanille, Rose Barbare, Cuir Beluga, Musc Outreblanc, Angelique Noire, Herbes Troublantes and Oud Nude.
This year they added a new variation called the Iconic Eaux de Parfum Set ($190) with three pieces including Neroli Outrenoir, Angelique Noire and Musc Outreblanc.
Out of all the ones I’ve tried I love Neroli Outrenoir, Angelique Noire and Musc Outreblanc the most which happen to be the three scents in their new holiday mini trio.
The Exceptional Set
Another new launch is a miniature set with their Signature Extracts. This is the first time I’ve tried any of these scents. They are the high concentration versions and after testing a few of these I think they are exquisite. If you’re one who wants something with a very potent long lasting fragrance these are stunning.
The Exceptional Set ($630) has six miniatures of Iris Pallida Extrait 6, Bergamote Fantastico Extrait 11, Jasmin Grandiflorum Extrait 30, Tonka Sarrapia Extrait 75, Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21 and Rose Centifolia Extrait 1. I am still working my way through all the perfumes but the gourmand ones are so beautiful, I think they’re perfect for holiday and I cannot wait to wear them all.
The first one I tried was the Iris Palladia Extrait 6 which has a beautiful blend of sweet and wood with a tiny bit of powdery almond and musk. It’s velvety and floral all at the same time. As a citrus lover I’m also smitten with the Bergamote Fantastico although I have my eye on a few other citrus scents from Guerlain that I still want to try.
Personalized Gift Ideas
Guerlain also sent a bottle of the Musc Outreblanc which I have been eyeing for over a year. They allowed me to personalize the bottle which I think gives it such a beautiful exquisite touch. I don’t know that I’ve ever been gifted a perfume this special! You can customize the plate on the cap, the ribbon color, seal and also add an engraving to the bottle. You can add this personalized touch for any of the L’Art & La Matiere perfumes.
I did not expect to love this customization this much, but if you have any favorites from Guerlain and do not have a boutique near you, I highly recommend trying the personalization feature online whether it’s something for yourself or a friend.
I also think their new Flacon Sac Travel Spray ($180) and Refills ($180) are so beautiful. This is quite a splurge but there are a number of scents to choose from and I think it has a WOW factor you won’t find in any other perfume brand.
Aqua Allegoria Sets
I’ve always been curious about the Aqua Allegoria line. I have several on my radar and wishlist but haven’t purchased any yet. Mandarine Basilic Forte is one on my wishlist and it comes in a beautiful Parfum Gift Set ($135) this year. As the ultimate citrus perfume lover this is a dream come true for me.
One last mention for a Guerlain favorite. I think their KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Oils ($40 each) are the best lip oils I’ve tried. Full review + swatches I posted a while back here. I still love them very much. The formula is the best for that lush, cushiony and hydrating feel. Lips remain well hydrated even after product has faded. The colors are sheer but add a fresh pop of color and anytime a reader asks for a lip oil recommendation the Guerlain one is it!
I think it’s a great beauty splurge to treat yourself this holiday season if you haven’t tried one yet. I’m hard pressed to pick a favorite although I have been wearing Pop Rose Glow and Honey Glow the most.
That wraps up my Guerlain holiday gift guide. Be sure to check out all the holiday gift sets online at Guerlain. Every order arrives beautifully wrapped to perfection in a gift box and holiday bow. They also have samples available at checkout.
I’m so excited to be able to giveaway an extra set I have of the The Exceptional Set to one reader (US only). To enter for a chance to win simply complete all the steps in the widget below. Giveaway will run through 12/1/2024 11:59 PM est. I’ll pick a winner through the widget and email them directly on 12/2.
Enter through the widget below. It’s best if you enter via a Chrome or Safari browser to use the commenting system I have on this blog.
Long time no see here! What a month it has been! I have been meaning to write a little life update here to check in and say hello, but things have been chaotic these past few weeks. As most of you know, I am located in St. Pete (the Tampa Bay area) and we just went through two back to back hurricanes. I have been more active on social to share updates on life but haven’t had a chance to share much here on the blog. If you want to see what I’ve been up to everything has been saved to my Instagram @beautylookbook October Life and NYC Highlights!
I’m back with a quick Chanel Beauty review! They launched their Holiday 2024 Collection and Part 1 of their Holiday Gift Sets. There are 6 sets online now with the beautiful soft fluffy zippered bags and this year they have 2 sizes of bags, the standard one we’ve seen for years and then a larger one (so fun!).
I picked up one set Maximum Brilliance Lipgloss Trio ($128) as the others I have my eye on aren’t launching until November 4th (I will pick those up on launch day).
This year the boxes are gold and white and the bags have the cutest snowflake detailing on the zipper. I am not sure about the packaging for online orders but if you purchase in store they also have two options for gift wrapping charms, I opted for the snowflake which is super cute.
These gift sets have full-sized items and usually don’t have a price break for buying the set, but they are beautifully packaged and while you can buy the products individually I really love that you know you’re getting full-sized high quality items.
Maximum Brilliance has three Rouge Coco Glosses in Icing (sheer milky white pink), Bourgeioise (classic mauve with shimmer) and Melted Honey (sheer gold shimmer). All three are super glossy with a thicker texture. They’re hydrating and have a beautiful shine.
Here’s a quick look at what’s online now, there are lots of other fragrance sets and bundles but these are the sets that come with the beautiful gift bags:
Two other sets I know are coming out include one with the UV essential and another one comes with the baume essential in the set. If you have your eye on any I recommend ordering soon or calling your local boutique as they tend to sell out very quickly!
Life update: Lots of things have happened the last month! We had two back-to-back hurricanes. I also took a weekend trip to NYC right before Hurricane Milton and came back just in time to help prepare our home for the hurricane and pack as much as we could to evacuate. In our eight years of living in Florida this is the first time we had mandatory evacuation orders for our neighborhood. Andrew booked us an Airbnb to Miami for a couple weeks since he knew even if the hurricane didn’t end up hitting Tampa directly, the size and strength was going to be destructive enough that it meant power would most likely be off for a couple weeks if not an entire month. With the grounds being so saturated with storms, a lot of the counties would also most likely shut off the water for a few days.
We packed what we could in our car along with the fur babies and drove to Miami Beach. With all the traffic it took us 8 hours to drive from Tampa to South Beach (it normally takes us 4 max). We made the best of our two week evacuation, did lots of exploring, ate to our heart’s content all the way through all our favorite spots, tried some new places and also celebrated 23 years together (we dated 7 years and have been married for 16). We checked the news daily for updates on our neighborhood and home. Our neighbors had also evacuated so they weren’t home either to report on our house. With the power out we couldn’t check on our home cameras to see if our house survived.
We drove home as soon as we received notice the power and water was back. So grateful our home is 100% ok inside and that we didn’t have any flooding or damage to the actual house. So many trees had broken branches or were blown over completely from the roots. Lots of homes had damage on the outside and inside – we were very lucky! Our backyard and fence needs a lot of work and repair but any damage is minimal and all things are fixable.
I hope to resume regular posting this week! I’ve had lots in the works for reviews and swatches. Also have a couple Sephora sale guides and holiday gift guides coming your way. I’ve been working behind the scenes while I’ve been away! Just haven’t had a chance to edit and put everything together to share with you.
Hope you are all well and that you had an ok October. Ours was chaotic for sure but we survived it and I am happy to be back!
We have one week before Christmas and I am so excited to share a look at some exquisite last minute gift ideas from Guerlain. They sent over a few things to try, all of which I think would make an exceptionally beautiful gift whether you’re looking to treat yourself or a perfume lover. I’ve ordered several things from Guerlain in the past year, and they always come beautifully boxed and wrapped.
For last minute gifts they are offering complimentary express shipping on all orders now through 12/21 and also offering a 4-piece Abeille Royale Gift Set on orders $200+ with code HOLIDAY2023.
Skincare Sets
For the skincare lover they have quite a few Abeille Royale Skincare Sets this year. If you love the Watery Youth Oil they have it in multiple sets, some come with cute makeup bags. The Honey Care Ritual Set ($195) has a full-size oil along with a small Abeille Royale Eye Cream and KissKiss Bee Balm in 258 Rose Glow (a pretty pink). This one comes in a boxed set.
Perfume Discovery Sets
I love perfume discovery sets and I think they make great gifts. They’re the perfect way to try on different scents at your own pace at home.
This year they have a few different perfume discovery sets for their L’Art and La Matiere perfume line. I bought one a few years ago and I absolutely loved it. I ended up splitting the set up among friends to try and sample. Guerlain perfumes are among the best in terms of quality and lasting power with a unique mix of options.
They launched their Perfumer’s Set in two variations: the Iconic Harmony and Floral Harmony ($380 each). A lot of you have been asking for recommendations on floral perfumes and the Floral Harmony Set is a beautiful option to try and find your perfect floral. The set contains Neroli Outrenoir, Musc Outreblanc, Rose Cherie, Rose Barbare, Cruel Gardenia, Angelique Noire, Herbes Troublantes, Joyeuse Tuberuse.
I’ve already found 2 that I have on my wishlist for my next splurge. I’ve tried Musc Outreblanc a few times and love it for the soft clean skin like musk scent that has long lasting power. The Neroli Outrenoir and Herbes Troublantes are also both beautiful.
If you like a more diverse range of notes the Iconic Harmony is a great option. It has their Spiritueuse Double Vanille (one of the best vanillas I’ve tried) along with some of their other classics. It also has that Musc Outreblanc I love.
Their Hive of Wonders Advent Calendar ($720) is one of the most beautiful advent calendars out there. It has a mix of perfumes, mini candles, soaps, skincare and a few other things. All boxed up in a super chic bee hive. If you’re looking for the ULTIMATE splurge gift for the beauty lover, I can’t think of anything more luxurious than one these advent calendar gifts.
Perfume and Scented Options
The L’Art and La Matiere collection is absolutely beautiful. In my years of trying fragrances, I feel like there are few perfume lines that feel as luxurious as Guerlain’s. When you smell the line you can really tell the difference in quality of ingredients and the throw/ lasting power is very VERY good.
I’ve been really curious about the Les Matieres Confidentielles line of Eau de Toilettes and my first experience is Eau de Coton ($180). It’s a fresh powdery velvety citrus. There is a hint of soft musk. I think it’s going to make a nice layering scent. On it’s own it smells like fresh cotton with a soft and airy feel. Notes include orange blossom, almond, musk.
Guerlain also has a full line of candles and diffusers. I know buying scents blind can be tricky but the Figue Azur Scented Diffuser ($130) is the most exquisite fig scent I’ve ever smelled. It’s sweet, fresh and green in a bright way. The throw on this diffuser is very strong. This one is quite the splurge but if you’re looking for a diffuser that will fill the entire room and one that looks beautiful too, this is something I think you will really love. I have my eye on one of the candles to try, Palais D’Orangers or Figue Azur both sound beautiful. (Candles are refillable.)
Available at Guerlain. There is still time for last minute gifts as they are offering complimentary express shipping on all orders now through 12/21 and also offering a 4-piece Abeille Royale Gift Set on orders $200+ with code HOLIDAY2023 (while supplies last).
If you’re looking for some last minute gifts I hope you found this roundup helpful!
Mother’s Day is just around the corner and if you’re looking for some last-minute gift ideas here are a few! I love putting together little gift baskets or bags. I shared a fun basket I’ve put together here. Here are some more ideas if you need some inspo!
For the Beauty Lover
You can’t go wrong with a luxe lipstick like a Tom Ford Lip Color (I love Pink Dusk and Indian Rose). Dior Beauty has some great options like the Addict Lip Glow or Lip Maximizers (shades like Rosewood or Raspberry are great options).
A restock on one’s favorite fragrance is a no-brainer. There’s a good chance her favorite scent is available in a gift set, travel size or discovery set. This Jo Malone Mini Hand Cream Trio is super cute and I love the look of this Wood Sage Sea Salt Duo. Also think this Little Luxuries Travel Set is nice. I’ve been on a Phlur kick lately – so many favorites from the line. They have a lot of nice bundles on their site!
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Spring to Summer Gift Ideas
Warmer weather is here so you can always gift a chic beach bag, beach cooler, cute beach towels. New sunglasses are always fun!
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Luxe Gifts
If you want to go all out you can always splurge on a beautiful tote (love this Tory Burch Perry Tote) or designer wallet (love this YSL one). The Venus et Fleur flowers are absolutely stunning. They have excellent and reliable customer service every time I’ve ordered from them. They also carry a selection at Nordstrom.
A few times I’ve splurged on a Sugarfina Trunk as a gift and it is ALWAYS a huge hit! They have smaller bundles too which are just as fun in my opinion.
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Gift Wrap & Baskets
If you’re looking for some cute and creative ways to dress up the gifts, I’ve linked a few pretty gift bags or baskets I’ve found. I bought several affordable finds from Target and think they’re super cute!
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and if you’re looking for gift inspo here are 20+ fun ideas whether you want to treat yourself or send someone a hint!
BEAUTY TREATS
I think getting a new lipstick, balm or gloss is always fun no matter what time of year! I love the Dior Addict Lip Maximizers (use code VDAY23 at checkout for a gift with purchase on $125+ at Dior.com) and Lawless Forget the Fillers for smoothing plumping glosses that don’t sting or tingle.
Hermes just launched new Shiny Lipsticks in three shades available at Saks (use code NEXTFEBSF for 10% off) and also at Hermes.com. I still think the Hermes Lip Oils are stunning (review + swatches here) and would make for the best treat yourself gift.
A fresh manicure always makes me feel more put together. I love the Olive and June Quick Dry polishes (at Target and Olive and June). Picante is super fun for spring to summer.
Charlotte Tilbury launched her new Matte Blush Wands in four dreamy shades. If you shop through her site she has bundles and sets available with a price break like this Cheek Duo.
For the ultimate splurge you can never go wrong with a nice piece of jewelry. I’ve been looking for a diamond bracelet for a while and am still debating what to splurge on but this Mejuri bracelet has been on my radar. I love the Pave Diamond Huggie Earrings and wear them all the time.
This Gucci Makeup Bag in the pink shade looks super cute. I also love the peach color in some of the YSL pieces like the Wallet On Chain (also available in small leather goods).
For the girl who has everything you can always find something new and stunning at Venus Et Fleur. There are so many beautiful combinations and arrangement options for roses, hydrangeas, gardenias and more. I love this Round Floral Box.
I bought myself some Sugarfina treats for Valentine’s Day. Andrew likes them too and I bought a few things for my mother-in-law.
Shop the Post
If you’re looking for some ideas I hope you found this gift guide helpful!
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! So many of you have shared that you’ve been loving the gift guides so I’ve put another round up of ideas for everyone on your list. These are the top categories you asked for! All the items in each collage are clickable to take you directly to shop the items featured.
For the Home and Hostess
A number of you asked for gift ideas for the host and here are a few of my favorite things. There are lots of cute wine bottle holders this year which adds a special touch. For the kitchen a good olive oil is a must. I love the Olio Santo or Williams Sonoma House Olive Oils. Lots of cute sets and bundles available!
The past few years we’ve added Marshall Speakers to our home and I absolutely love them. There are lots of options at different price points and I love the vintage look. Sound quality is top notch!
The tray everyone keeps asking about is linked here and in the roundup below too!
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For the Perfume / Scent Lover
So many great options for perfumes, candles, shower gels and more! I love the sampler sets like this Jo Malone Ornament. Creed is among the best of the best in perfume and cologne for both men and women and their sampler sets are amazing. I absolutely adore the Diptyque Softening Hand Wash (which I just bought recently). Highly recommend! And the Constellation Candle Holder is absolutely breathtaking! See it in action here.
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For the Sporty Girl
This is probably my favorite category for gift ideas. So many cute athleisure sweatshirts these days and great sneaker options! I gifted several friends some APL slides this year and they are all obsessed.
For gifts that have that wow factor I think anything from Venus Et Fleur is amazing. I would love to find some of their floral arrangements under the Christmas Tree this year (I’ll be sending a hint to Andrew). The Chanel body oils are among the best of the best. Quite expensive but large in size and 100% worth the splurge. They feel so nice on the skin.
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For the Guys
So many of you wanted gift ideas for the men in your life, especially skin care! I feel so lucky Andrew is a well groomed man on his own. For skin care he actually uses a lot of mine like Drunk Elephant, Sisley, and Glamglow. He also really loves Kiehl’s and Jack Black – both brands are excellent and have simple easy to follow routines. Lots of great kits available too.
He swears by the Jack Black body washes. His favorite is Turbo Wash but they recently launched some scents exclusive to their site which he’s been pretty impressed with. He really likes the newest Blue Midnight Body and Hair Cleanser and also the Big Sir is nice.
Lululemon makes the best workout clothes and he swears by their socks. For cologne the only brand he wears these days is Creed. I think their holiday sampler set is a great place to start. His favorites are Aventus, Silver Mountain Water and Green Irish Tweed.
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Hope you girls found this roundup helpful! Would love to hear what gifts you’ve bought so far and if there’s anything exciting you want to share!
