It’s that time of the month — the time when you’re either saying 1. “O shit, I still need gifts and I have a week left to get them” or 2. “I’m done shopping and I’m about to treat myself bc I know I’m about to open some socks on Christmas morning.”

Each year I like to gather an assortment of some of the best products I’ve tried, some go-to favorites, and things off my actual wish list. And this year is no different! Aside from the fact that it skews more beauty heavy than previous years (and the addition of some dog-specific products), you’ll find my typical mix of everyday style, activewear, Chanel, self-care, and cutesy girly gifts.

I hope you find something you absolutely love for yourself & for your loved ones!

Sakara Life Gift Cards — So this year I fell head over heels in love with the Sakara meal program and snacks. I. Am. Obsessed. The food on this program has helped me physically and mentally heal in 2018 and I truly believe that health is the best gift you can give anyone, so I’m VERY highly recommending Sakara meals & snacks to anyone in need of a health-centric gift. Use my code REF_DA15 to get 15% off your order! Ya welcome.

PTR Skin to Die For Primer ($24)  —  if you want your skin to look like it’s photoshopped IRL, get this stuff. It makes it look like you don’t have pores, swear on my life. It’s wild. It also feels so smooth and silky when you apply it.

Rituals Ritual of Sakura Shower Oil ($15) — from Sakara to Sakura! This is heaven in a bottle, friends. I love the entirety of the Rituals collection, but this shower oil is so uniquely beautiful (and affordable!), with a gorgeous scent.

Madewell Top ($82, originally $110) — I saw this in the store while I was Christmas shopping and had to physically restrain myself from buying something for myself. I’m obsessed with this print and style!

Chanel Le Jour Serum ($85) — a serum that I’ve loved for a long time but have only tried in sample form, Le Jour has made my skin feel and look brighter, clearer, and more radiant.

Lululemon Anew Strap Tank ($58) — I’ve been needing a plain white tank to toss on over my sports bras, and this breezy top looks perfect. Do I need more lululemon? Come on, that’s like asking if you need more water. The answer is ALWAYS YES. This is a great neutral basic that’d make for a gift that’s equal parts practical and exciting.

Becca Be a Light Palette ($29, originally $46) —  Another product that majorly changed my beauty routine this year was this Becca palette. With a bit of highlight, bronzy glow, and subtly shimmery blush, it makes my skin look so good I could rival an airbrushed Kardashian. You need to try this, especially since it’s on sale.

Golden Retriever Hat ($25) — Now that I’m a mom, I think I need this cute mom hat with a golden retriever on it…. right? That’s a thing, right?

Rituals Savage Garden Candle ($45) — Not only is the name of this scented candle reminiscent of early 90s pop, but the fragrance itself is to die for. My other favorite (that I already have) is Goji Berry and it is also miraculous.

Chanel Rouge Coco in Adrienne ($37) — my go-to Chanel shade is #99, Pirate; I spied this color in my bff Olivia’s repertoire and fell in love. This lovely, light taupey shade is the exact neutral I need in my life.

AUR Body CBD Sour Watermellows ($25) — you guys know how much I love CBD products, and these are hands down the tastiest CBD candy I’ve EVER tried! If you love Sour Patch Watermelon, envision that exact candy but with a little CBD snuck into it — you’d legitimately never notice, and you can’t tell the difference. GET THESE!

One Two Lash Magnetic Lashes ($59) — These little babies have changed the game for me this year. While it took a lot of frustrating attempts to figure out how to apply them, once I got it, I GOT IT and I’ve never looked back. Adios, glue-on fake lashes and no need for expensive extensions — these reusable magnetic lashes have been an on button for instant glam, and they look so natural and lovely. (I’m due for a replacement set myself, Santa)

Rachel Hollis’s Start Today Journal ($24) — OK so this has been sold out for a while but a girl can dream, right? I loved Rachel Hollis’s “Girl, Wash Your Face” so much, and totally want one of these dream & vision planning journals to keep manifesting wonderful things in 2019.

David’s Tea Seal Nordic Mug ($23) — Do I need another David’s Tea mug? No. No I do not. BUT LOOK AT THIS SEAL!!!!! I also legitimately NEED this tin. OK so if you’re getting a DT mug for someone, be sure to add in one of their gorgeous tea sets too so your gift recipient can fill said adorable mug with delicious (also adorable) teas, in really fun flavors. Some of my favs are Jasmine Creme Brulee, Santa’s Secret (like vanilla peppermint), Chocolate Macaroon, Let It Snow (eggnog, basically), Coconut Cream Pie, and of course Forever Nuts (trust me on this one).

J.Crew Long Wrap Coat in Lavender Field ($173, originally $348) — I’m praying to the Lord Baby Jesus that a restock happens because I’ve had my eye on this pale lavender coat for months, and it’s on clearance finally. J.Crew tends to restock popular items like this, but THAT COLOR. Sweet lord. Some of you know from the beginning that I’ve been infatuated with J.Crew coats for years (remember the parka of 2015?) — and for some reason, I haven’t gone out to get one myself. I’m a full believer that a gorgeous winter coat makes a stunning gift, and J.Crew has a ton of beautiful options on offer.

Anthropologie Gilded Coupes ($28 each) — these have been on my Pinterest for a few years. I swoon EVERY time I see them. They’re so elegant!! If someone you know moved into a new home recently or perhaps they’re getting married (or they’re a fab hostess!) then these would be a wonderful gift.

Kevyn Aucoin Etherealist ($58) — speaking of photoshopped skin, this is one of the most natural-looking foundations I’ve ever seen, and it makes your face look literally ethereal. Fantastic naming choice. Yes, foundation is a personal purchase and less of a gift and yes, I put this on here in hopes my mom would maybe read it and maybe also know I’m an EF 5 shade and then she’d be like “wow Dominique did such a great job starting her business and writing her book this year I’m gonna make sure her skin looks flawless in 2019” and then buy it for me okay bye.

YSL Touche Eclat Highlighter ($42) — I got a sample of this in January and it’s been on my Sephora wishlist ever since. The shimmery, rosy liquid highlighter blends so smoothly and makes for a gorgeous sun-kissed glow. This would be a particularly luxe stocking stuffer!

J.Crew Bow Earrings ($15, originally $30) — these sweet little earrings are so festive! I want to pair them with my fav J.Crew and madewell cable knit sweaters. J.Crew has been having the wildest 40 and 50% off sales for the holidays so you can score these for under $20 and stuff ’em in a stocking or give them to a friend for a great price that won’t break the bank so close to year’s end.

Chanel Gabrielle Eau de Parfum ($135) — my go-to fragrance changed last year from Chance to Gabrielle when I first smelled this parfum in Paris. I’m just about out of perfume from that first bottle I bought at the Rue Cambon Chanel store so I’m hoping Santa/Dad will read this. It smells like Parisian perfection.

Ankit Narwhal Slippers ($20) — It has come to my attention recently that this pair of narwhal slippers has been on my personal wish list since 2017. They’re adorable. They’re cushy. I want them. I NEED THEM. You need them. I recently brought their shark cousins to a white elephant gift exchange and they were literally the crowd favorite. People fought for them. Grab these — they’re only 20 bucks on Amazon Prime so you can have them in hand like, tomorrow.

Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM Damier Print ($1,400) — Listen I’m not delusional, I know that no one is actually going to get this for me for Christmas, Santa included. But I had to put it on here because it’s such a beautiful classic & IMO, the perfect airport bag.

Lululemon Align Crops in Dusty Mauve ($88) — Align pants are the butteriest, softest lulu pants of all time. I always say they’re like a stick of butter who had dreams of becoming pants and then went for it. This dusty mauve is SPEAKIN TO MAH SOUL. I’d highly recommend getting the active woman in your life a pair of Align pants — lulu anything is great, but these are on another level of magic.

Function of Beauty Shampoo & Conditioner (varies) — So like, I totally bought this from an Instagram ad on a whim, but I’m HOOKED. This is the best shampoo & conditioner I’ve ever used, and my hair is softer, silkier, shinier, and way less frizzy than it has been in my whole life. You customize based on your hair goals, scent preference, and colors… it’s such a fun gift!

APL Techloom Bliss, Burgundy ($200) — I have probably a dozen APL Techloom Phantoms, but haven’t yet tried the Techloom Bliss — and I definitely don’t have anything in burgundy! How sweet are these? I’m really into this deep berry hue; it’s so perfect for the winter months! Gift these to your active running bootcamping goddess best friend, sister, mom, etc. They make men’s shoes, too!

Dog Mom Mug ($18) — This is just super cute. I’ve had my eye on it since before I brought Stella home, and I’d love to have this on my tea cart! Perfect for any puppy mamas in your life, new and old.

PTR Mask Frenzy ($75) — I love love love Peter Thomas Roth products (as you may have gathered), and this holiday gift set is RIGHT UP MY ALLEY with a variety of masks. This would make an ideal gift for the beauty junkie in your family or friend group.

Dog Mom Tee ($32) — to go with the mug, in case anyone forgot I have a dog. It’s such a cute everyday shirt!!

Kopari Deodorant ($14) — So growing up my mom always put toiletries in my stocking, was that just our family? Do you guys have that going on too? Anyway, this would be an awesome stocking stuffer. I’ve been using this coconut oil-based natural deodorant all year and have noticed an amazing difference. My skin is softer and smoother and I smell cleaner overall! So happy to be free of the aluminum-based deodorants — you’ve gotta check this out. Definitely gift this to someone who wouldn’t be offended by receiving deodorant.

Mermaid Tail Blanket ($19) — Surprisingly I don’t have this??! I find it necessary for some reason. Like for movie nights and stuff. Right? Right. IT’S SO CUTE! And also would make a super fun white elephant gift. Grab it on Amazon, friends!

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There are about a million more things I want to add to this gift guide (books! bath bombs! home goods!) so I’ll have to just do a January shopping guide for those of you who like to hit the after-holiday sales/got cash for Christmas/received a Christmas bonus that is NOT the jelly of the month club… sound good?

My hope for you (and for myself, honestly) this season is that you take time to actually enjoy the hustle and bustle of the holidays, shopping included. It can be stressful, overwhelming, and trying at times — but remember what it’s all about. I LOVE shopping for my loved ones (even though this gift guide feels like shopping for myself, lol) and I treasure putting pieces together that will wow my closest friends and sweet family, but even I can get bogged down with stress at times.

Remember — throughout the craziness — how special it is that we can take this time to put some of our feelings into the form of a gift, which for all intents and purposes is a love language. Savor it. Come back to your why. Don’t let yourself drown in the holiday madness! There’s a whole lot of stress when it comes to scheduling and wrapping and going from the stores to malls to family events to office parties, but if we don’t stop to breathe and enjoy it, then what’s it all for? Anyway, thank you for coming to my TED Talk.

Merry merry Christmas, my beloved readers. This is our fourth Christmas together and I do truly cherish putting stories together for all of you. Thank you for being here, for reading (and shopping) along with me, and for giving me the chance to do what I love each day.

xx,
Dominique