Happy Holidays! Are we officially allowed to say that yet? With the holiday deals in full swing, holiday decor on store shelves and Black Friday and Thanksgiving this week, it sure does feel like the holiday season! So we'll just go ahead and kick things off with our first gift guide of the season!

Our first holiday gift guide of 2021 is dedicated to gift ideas for beauty lovers. Beauty lover in your life and searching for the perfect gift? Look no further! We've curated the perfect selection of gifts in this year's beauty lover gift guide for anyone who lights up at just the idea of opening a gift of makeup, skincare, perfume or visit to their (our) favorite spa!

From skin masks to serums to candles to our favorite holiday value kits and holiday exclusives, most of these beauty gifts are also on our own holiday wish lists (oh Santa, please leave us that Glossier Lip Trio in Cranberry under the tree!)

Here are our 20 gifts for the beauty lover on your list.

5 Tips For Winter Wellness

 This post is sponsored by Babbleboxx.

Who else is noticing our days getting shorter and colder? Post-daylight savings and I can definitely feel that winter is just around the corner. With the sun now setting in the 4p hour, the temperatures dropping and sweater weather turning into puffy jacket weather, winter is in the air!

This change of seasons brings the importance of winter wellness. From staying warm during the colder days and nights to paying special attention to protection and treatment of lips from harsh weather and stress to transitioning your skincare to winter to taking care of your hands and feet and keeping your body moving, winter wellness is so important.

Today I am excited to share with you, in partnership with Babbleboxx, five tips for winter wellness.  

Delight Beauty Skincare Brings Delight To My Daily Routine

This post is sponsored by Delight Beauty.

I am a big fan of an uncomplicated skincare routine. Seriously, life is busy! With often just a few precious moments a day to myself before heading out the door or at night when things quiet down, it's so important to take those moments for some self care, pampering and practical indulgence to start and end my day with delight. Which is why I'm super obsessed with new skincare line Delight Beauty!

Delight Beauty, available on Amazon, believes that everyday skincare should be a pleasure and that caring for your skin, while essential, can also be truly enjoyable. Yes, please! As uncomplicated as it is unexpected, the world of Delight Beauty offers a skincare routine and beauty solution that is simple, effective and delightful. Exactly what I want to start and end my day and what I need to bring delight into my daily routine.

With products that both indulge your senses and enhance your complexion, there are absolutely zero questionable ingredients! Seriously, every product smells incredible, feels amazing and is formulated with only the good stuff. All Delight Beauty products are cruelty-free, vegan, dermatologist-tested and are clinically proven to be non-irritating. Perfect for skin pampering and delightful for skin!

Clean Beauty Gift Guide

It can often be hard to find the "perfect" gift for loved ones, so I'm here to help! I've created a bunch of gift guides for a variety of budgets and interests including clean beauty lovers, sustainable fashionistas, travel adventurers and more! Check out the latest gift guide below and find more here!

In search of a gift for a beauty lover in your life? This gift guide is dedicated to all things clean beauty. Whether they've already committed to a complete non-toxic skincare routine or are just beginning to discover a love for products that offer a better kind of beauty, one (or multiple items) is sure to delight your gift recipient this season!

I admit to being a bit obsessed with all things skincare and have recently been doing a major overhaul of my skincare and beauty routine to include ONLY clean and green products. As such, I have lots of great gift ideas for clean beauty lovers (and definitely a few, or all!, I wouldn't mind receiving, HINT HINT!)

Also, if you're looking to treat yo' self this holiday season, these gifts are absolutely perfect for a little pampering and self care. I might event take my own advice and add to shopping cart now, because 'tis the season!

Happy Holidays and Happy Gift Giving!

Clean Beauty Gift Guide:

'Tis The Season Beauty Giveaway Worth Over $300!

Disclosure: Affiliate links are occasionally used throughout this site, which means I might make a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting Story of My Dress!

Tis the Season! It's the first giveaway of the holiday season and it's a good one! This beauty giveaway is worth over $300 and includes facial scrubs, serums, a cleansing oil, lip treatment, gift cards and more! I'm all about gifting the love this holiday season and this one is a gift to all you beauty lovers out there!

What You'll Win:

• European Wax Center $60 Gift Card
• European Wax Center Smooth Me Ingrown Hair Serum 1.7 fl oz
• European Wax Center Restoring Serum 0.5 fl oz
• Julep Love Your Bare Face Hydrating Cleansing Oil 1.5 fl oz 
• Julep Your Lip Addiction Tinted Lip Oil Treatment in Crave 0.15 oz
• DevaCurls How to Quit Shampoo Kit for Hydrated Natural Curls, Kit Includes: No-Poo Decadence 8oz, One Condition Decadence 8oz & SuperCream 3oz 
• HUM Nutrition Collagen POP
• Sebamed Moisturizing Body Lotion 6.8 fl oz
• Dessange Paris Top Coat Serum for Color-treated Hair 3.4 fl oz
• Indigo Wild Zum Face Rosemary-Mint & Walnut Sugar Facial Scrub 4 oz
• Bang Beauty Dolce Pink Cream Color 
• Redken Color Extend Travel Size Shampoo 1.7 fl oz
• Redken Color Extend Travel Size Conditioner 1 fl oz
• NYX Professional Makeup Suede Matte Lip Liner in Brooklyn Thorn
• NYC  Liquid Lipshine Lip Gloss in Nude York City
• Jesse's Girl Lipstick in Victoria
• Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen Lavender Lemon 1 Stick Pack
• Free 20-Minute Facial at Aveda
• $1 off any service at Brow Arc
• Colleen Rothschild Dual Enzyme Polish, travel size
• Colleen Rothschild Radiant Cleansing Balm, travel size
• Dermalogica Precleanse travel size
• Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peel, Travel Size Samples x3
• Caviar Anti-Aging Miracle Multiplying Volume Mist, Travel Size Sample x2
• Nomaterra Malibu honeysuckle Fragrance Wipe 
• Nomaterra Oahu gardenia Fragrance Wipe
• Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Perfecting Wand Sample
• Yves Saint Laurent Forever Youth Liberator Water-in-Oil Sample
• Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick Samples
• Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick Sample
• and more!

Total Beauty Giveaway Value Over $300!

Gift Guide: Beauty Lover

Disclosure: Affiliate links are occasionally used throughout this site, which means I might make a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting Story of My Dress! 

Beauty lover in your life and still searching for the perfect gift? Look no further! I've curated the perfect selection of gifts in this year's beauty lover gift guide for anyone who delights at just the idea of opening a gift of beauty, skincare, perfume or nail polish!

From a beauty silk sleep mask to my favorite holiday value kits and holiday exclusives, these beauty gifts are also on my own holiday wish list (oh Santa, please leave me that Chanel Rouge Coco Pink under the tree!)

These gifts are perfect for beauty lovers!

How I Beat Jetlag With a Spa Day at Penelope and the Beauty Bar

Thank you Penelope and the Beauty Bar for partnering on this post and graciously providing a RENEW treatment and spa day. All thoughts are my own!

I spent much of my summer and now into fall traveling. Between weddings on Eastern Standard Time and our honeymoon in Amsterdam and Greece, my internal clock was a mess. I couldn't tell 3am from 9pm or 1pm from 11pm and every time I boarded a plane crossing time zones, jet lag would hit me once more.

I've always been one to struggle with time zone changes and I absolutely hate that. Which is why I was so excited to discover what I have deemed the perfect way to beat jet lag (disclaimer: this worked for me, but I am by no means an expert on jet lag and this is not a professional medical opinion.)

Following our honeymoon in Greece, I was invited by Penelope and the Beauty Bar to enjoy a spa day with a full relaxing RENEW treatment that included a full body exfoliation, followed by a soothing body wrap and concluding with a customized European facial. 

July Beauty Edit: Skincare Favorites for Summer

Disclosure: This post includes sponsored product placement by VIIcode.  Items gifted and sent for editorial consideration are marked c/o. Affiliate links are occasionally used throughout this site, which means I might make a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase.  Thank you for supporting Story of My Dress!

VIIcode T2 Oxygen Eye Cream c/o  | Kiehl's Cucumber Herbal Conditioning Cleanser | Zum Face Gentle Facial Toner c/o | Herbivore Botanicals Lapis Facial Oil | Tula Hydrating Day and Night Cream c/o | Kopari Coconut Melt c/o | Izipizi Sun Nautic King Blue Sunglasses c/o | Straw Tote (thrifted, similar) | Greek Beach Towel (similar)

Oh hello summer! The sun is shining, iced coffee is the order of choice, bikinis are emerging from the back of closets and jet-setters are leaving on summer holidays. Summer is pure bliss in my humble opinion.

However, summer also means a change in both outdoor and indoor temperatures (hello Heat to AC and back to heat), a change in humidity and spending more time outdoors in the sunshine, which all tend to affect my skin. As such, a skincare seasonal change is necessary.

From a cleanser made with whole cucumbers to an eye cream that's been a royal secret for over 2 centuries, today I'm sharing a July beauty edit of my current skincare favorites for summer. With colors inspired by the blue and green waters of the Aegean Sea from my recent Honeymoon in the Greek Islands (post coming soon!), these beauty and skincare products, just like summer and Greece, are pure bliss!

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I Found #mySPFMatch: Olay Regenerist Whip with SPF is Not Your Average Sunscreen

I love sunshine! I love summer and sunshine and if I could, I would spend every bit of the summer season basking in golden rays and barefoot outdoors. I am just loving the current rising temperatures and disappearance of gray in Seattle. Summer is on the way! However, I am the first to admit that even though I know I am spending more time in the sun in the warmer months and know I should wear SPF daily for skin protection, I often go without (Sorry Mom.)

I'm more of a beach-day, poolside or vacation-only kind of SPF gal, like for our upcoming Honeymoon to the Greek Islands in June! When I know I'm going to get those direct rays for hours upon hours, I'm actually decent about applying sunscreen. But daily use? Ha ha ha. Sunscreen is greasy, heavy, smells terrible and makes me breakout. I mean, who would actually want to wear it every day?

Well, I'm so so excited because I've finally found my SPF match!  I've mentioned before my love for Olay Whips, aka the "Unicorn of Moisturizers," and Olay Regenerist Whip with SPF 25 has absolutely changed my perception of wearing sunscreen every day!

Ready, Set #GlowUp: 3 Ways to Glow Head-to-Toe This Year!

2018 is the year I am going to #GlowUp! I am dedicating this year to taking better care of myself, indulging less in the less-than-healthy and embracing a well-rounded well-being. Last year things got a little crazy during wedding planning and as I continue to inch away from 20 and closer to 40 I realize it's time to prioritize taking care of me.

This year I'm going to make some changes to take better care of myself and today in partnership with Olay I'm sharing 3 ways I plan to Grow up and #GlowUp this year. I've reached that point in my life when I realize it's time to 'adult' more and that includes drinking more water, saying goodbye to my favorite sweet treats and taking better care of my skin with the NEW Olay Cleansing Infusions collection.

Olay Whips: The Unicorn of Moisturizers for Winter Skin Problems

Dealing with winter skin problems? Ugh, the worst, and I am so with you! As soon as those temperatures started dropping, I knew that dreaded dry, itchy skin would soon be upon me, and the oh-so-heavy moisturizers required to deal with it that also cause me to breakout, #winterskinproblems. No thank you, so over it.

Did you know that our skin starts to feel the effects of cold weather when temperatures drop below 53.6 degrees Fahrenheit? Also, that central heating reduces air humidity levels to just 20-25%, the same moisture content as the Sahara Desert? No wonder by mid-winter and mid-January our skin is on the defensive!

Which is why I am so excited about the new Olay Whip! Formulated to work and feel different, Olay Whip offers powerful hydration with a smooth matte finish that feels as light as air! Excuse me while I shout from the rooftops, "The weight is over, heavy creams no longer necessary!"

Apothecary Preparations: Kiehl's New Personalized Skincare Service

Disclosure: Kiehl's provided a product sample for review purposes.

Ever wanted your own personalized skincare formulated just for you? Well now you can make that dream a reality! Kiehl's now offers personalized skincare in all Kiehl's retail stores! I was recently invited by Kiehl's to visit their University Village store in Seattle to try to out Apothecary Preparations, Kiehl's new personalized in-store-only service, and I love how it gives your skin exactly what it needs!

Get Hydrated Skin this Winter with Olay Winter Skin Challenge

It is officially winter this week, and as the temperatures drop in Seattle, I am already feeling those harsh effects of this season on my skin. As much as I love the holiday season, my skin is definitely prone to a bout of uncomfortable dryness at this time of year. Pretty much as soon as the heat is turned on full time indoors, my face, hands, feet and skin start to dry out. Ugh, dry skin on face. Sound familiar?

To combat dry itchy skin this winter, I am taking part in the Olay Winter Skin Challenge and you're invited to join me! Olay Moisture Ribbons Plus' rich moisturizing formula helps you overcome the harsh effects of winter. With immediate moisturizing effects, you can use Olay Moisture Ribbons Plus just once for softer and more moisturized skin that feels and looks great! Super easy skin care!

Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas from Bartell Drugs

Thank you Bartell Drugs for partnering on this post and and graciously providing a shopping excursion to my local Bartell Drugs to shop for holiday gifts from the Bartell Drugs Holiday Gift Guide!

There are just a few days left until Christmas and if you're like me, you're doing some last minute holiday shopping! Bartell Drugs, with 65 locations throughout the Seattle area, is the perfect place for finding last minute gifts for anyone on your list.

Each Bartell Drugs store has it's own distinctive neighborhood character and a commitment to carrying products from local brands and businesses. With roots in the Pacific Northwest since 1890, my family have been shopping at Bartell Drugs during the holidays for generations; I love that I get to continue that tradition and shop local!

Olay 28 Day Challenge: An Easy Skincare Routine with Proven Results

Thank you Olay for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own!

If you follow me on Instagram, than you might know that just about a month ago I started the Olay 28 Day Challenge. As someone who is starting to notice a few more smile lines, dark circles under my eyes and all those beginning signs of stress and aging, I jumped at the chance to try an easy-to-follow daily skincare routine with proven results! Plus, my skin was in need of some major love after a year of wedding planning (where pretty much every routine flew out the window . . .).

Since beginning the challenge, I’ve been using the Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream and Olay Eyes Ultimate Eye Cream daily, which have been clinically proven to make skin look younger in 28 days. As someone with super sensitive skin, I have to admit I was a bit hesitant, but after Day 1 I was already seeing results! Halfway through the challenge, my skin was feeling smoother, plumper, more hydrated, and I noticed my fine lines were a bit softer. 

What To Include In Your Wedding Day Emergency Kit

Disclosure: Affiliate links are used throughout this blog. This post contains paid placement. Thank you for supporting Story of My Dress! All thoughts and opinions are my own!

With less than a week until our wedding, S and I are crossing our final T's and dotting our final I's in preparation for our Big Day! Our endless to-do list is beginning to shrink down to just a few last items to take care of and friends and family are starting to arrive in Seattle! We are down to the nitty gritty details and beginning to pack up everything we might need to get hitched, including the oh-so-important Wedding Day Emergency Kit.

If you've ever been a bride or bridesmaid it's likely you're familiar with the Wedding Day Emergency Kit. This kit contains all those just-in-case items needed to avoid mishaps and make sure your dream wedding goes off perfectly! Kept close at hand in the bridal prep area and throughout the ceremony and reception, these lifesavers make sure you're ready to handle anything.

I recommend packing up the kit in a tote bag, tackle box or the Sterilite Stack & Carry Tray Organizer Storage Tote (which is what I'm using). If you're not the DIY type or too busy wedding planning (seriously, I get it!), the Sheemergency Kit for Brides by Pinch Provisions is a great option. Priced at less than $40 with 50 travel size products, this kit is ready for any emergency and also perfect for packing for your honeymoon!

If you're more of the minimalist and interested in a mini kit with just the absolute must have essentials for mishaps, Wedding Wire recommends 7 Things You Actually Need in Your Wedding Day Emergency Kit. It's also perfect as a starter kit and you can create the rest of your kit with exactly what will meet your unique needs.

However since I'm one that tends towards the better-safe-than-sorry, a Wedding Day Emergency Kit with all the essentials is a must-have for me. I've listed below everything I'm including in my kit. Because as much as I've spent the last 12 months preparing and creating a perfect day-of itinerary, I know that hiccups are bound to happen.

~ What To Include In Your Wedding Day Emergency Kit ~

7 Anti-Aging Tips for Beautiful Healthy Skin

Thank you Olay for sponsoring this post. Olay is a worldwide leader in skin care and has been trusted by women for over 60 years! #ad #ageless

I was super lucky as a teenager and had fantastic skin. This continued into my twenties, and as such, I neglected to adopt any type of daily skin care regimen or consider how my diet or water intake might affect my skin long term. Other than the occasional face wipe to remove a few swipes of mascara from a night out or to clean up while on a camping trip, I thought a skin care routine was for my peers struggling with breakouts and greasy skin.

Lately, however,  I have started to notice some beginning signs of aging; first wrinkles appearing (sigh...), dark under eye circles (particularly on days following a night of little sleep) and spots of discoloration. I've realized it's time to up my game and commit to taking my anti-aging destiny into my own hands. Today I've partnered with Olay to share 7 anti-aging tips for achieving beautiful, healthy skin without spending prestige prices.

The Bride's Guide: 6 Essential Items to Prepare for Your Wedding Day

This post is sponsored by BabbleBox.com on behalf of Single Edition Media. As always, all opinions are my own!

Well hello 3 month countdown to our Wedding Day! Things are getting seriously real over here in terms of wedding planning. S & I visited Whidbey Island a couple weekends ago (where I grew up and where we are getting married!) and found some great recommendations for our guests for lodging, dining and spending time on the island for our big day!

As much fun as we are having, I'm not gonna lie, wedding planning has been and continues to be a bit stressful. From our guest list, to dress shopping, to the food, to choosing our venue, it was hard to know where to start. With a vision in mind for the perfect day, I've partnered with Babble Box to share a list of 6 items to help things go a little smoother and to prepare any bride for her wedding day . . .

 ~ The Bride's Guide: 6 Essential Items to Prepare for Your Wedding Day ~

How I Keep My Hair Looking Fresh & Healthy Everyday in 3 Easy Steps

I have long, thick frizzy hair that is constantly a hassle in the morning. I am always on the lookout for ways to make my hair care and beauty routine easier and more effective, because as much as my hair is a hassle, it's also one of my favorite traits and I'm definitely not ready for the cut. I've partnered with Satin-lined Caps by Grace Eleyae to share how I keep my hair looking healthy in 3 easy steps.

5 Beauty Upgrades To Make Traveling a Breeze

After years of jet-setting, including 5 continents checked off my bucket list and a semester in college spent traveling around the world by boat, I have learned the art of packing a suitcase. I tend to be a minimalist packer, choosing to pick up many items needed throughout my vacation (the perfect souvenir!). I can now fit everything I need into a carry-on bag for any length of trip! However, there are a few beauty essentials I refuse to leave home without. Today I'm sharing with you 5 beauty upgrades that keep my skincare on point, take up very little space and make traveling a breeze!