Reviewing Short Stories for the Holidays

 

Holiday Decorations by mbgphoto

I love to read but, in the hustle, and bustle of all of the holiday preparations sometimes I just don't feel like getting into a full-size novel.  This year instead, I read three short stories with holiday themes.  This really worked well for me, and I enjoyed the short stories which were light reading.  All of these books were ones that I downloaded to my Kindle from Amazon and because I am a Prime member they were all free to read from Prime Reading.  They are also available to purchase in either paperback books, audio books, or digital books.

Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel

This book was written by Rebecca Raisin and can be ordered from Amazon at Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel .  What can be better than a delightful story taking place in Paris during the holidays?  In this story Anais receives an unwelcome surprise in her divorce settlement.  It is a run-down hotel in Paris.  She needs the money desperately but what is she to do with this run-down hotel.  

She would really like to sell it and move on with her life, but this does not prove to be a viable option.  Her next thought is to turn it into a beautiful place and open by Christmas.  But is this even possible?  This is a must-read story full of romantic comedy and mystery!  Something for everyone.

Paris at Christmas (AI generated)

The Christmas Book Hunt

This book was written by Jenny Colgan and can be found at this link The Christmas Book Hunt.  The setting for this story is London and small towns in the UK.  

The main character, Mirren is on a hunt to find a rare book for her Aunt Viola, who is dying.  Viola remembers this book from her youth and her dying wish is to once again see this book before she dies.  The book is rare and hard to find because the author Robert Louis Stevenson had teamed up with a famous author who did illustrations for the one book.

Mirren is determined to find this book for her aunt and her search takes her to several small towns that have lots of rare book shops.  Along the way she runs into a handsome stranger who, unknown to Mirren is searching for the same book for his uncle's rare book shop.  All of this is taking place in the days leading up the Christmas.

Holiday Hideaway

Mary Kay Andrews, the author of over 30 award winning novels, wrote this delightful short story.  You can find it at the following link.  Holiday Hideaway  

In this enchanting story, Tilly is not very happy about the upcoming holidays.  She is recently divorced and down on her luck, so she is staying in one of her companies unoccupied rentals until her new apartment is ready.  All is going along until the owner, George,  shows up to sell his granduncles house.  He is staying in the house so Tilly hides out in the attic.  Fun ensues as Tilly tries to avoid running into George.

This story is taking place just before Christmas and you will need to read it to find out what Christmas magic happens.

Happy Reading and Happy New Year

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Merry Christmas to All : From the Heart!

Christmas Day is here!  All the build up has come to it's climax!  Hopefully everyone is now relaxed and playing or using their gifts in ways that will bring them joy!

Joy is the result we are all looking for!

May the days that follow Christmas morning bring you Joy!  Joy at the sight of family and friends!  Joy at the wonder in the eyes of the children.  Joy in the singing of Christmas carols and Joy in the delight of a wonderful Christmas dinner shared with loved ones.

2024 is coming to an end very quickly, so take the time to make some wonderful memories that will hopefully start 2025 on the right note. 

May you all be Blessed this Christmas with Peace, an abundance of Love and Joy for you to take with you into the New Year.  From all of us here at ReviewThisReviews.com, this is our wish for you all!

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A Review Embracing Nature And Gratitude On Christmas Eve

 

I always think Christmas Eve is a magical time, filled with anticipation and joy. It is one of my most favourite days over the Christmas period.

While it is often a busy day, it's lovely to take a moment to pause and reflect on the beauty around us, especially the wonders of nature, and to express gratitude for the blessings in our lives and remember those for whom this time is difficult.

The Beauty of Nature on Christmas Eve

Life and events and all the preparations for Christmas can be very hectic. By the time we reach Christmas Eve we may try to find a moment to rest, to find peace.

I love to take photographs to capture the particular beauty of the season. Appreciation will be different for everyone, it may be the crisp winter air, the beautiful blanket of snow in the garden, rain on a window pane when you are warm and cosy, or the distant stars in a dark sky. 

Nature reminds us of the simple beauty of our world. Whether you're in a snowy landscape or a milder climate, taking a moment to step outside and appreciate the natural surroundings can be a grounding and peaceful, even profound, experience.

Finding Gratitude in the Little Things

Christmas Eve is a perfect time to reflect on the past year and acknowledge the things we are grateful for. Sometimes life is lovely, other times it can be very hard and I am among those this year that have lost loved ones and miss them, this first Christmas without them. I am also grateful that they were in my life and what we meant to each other and that love never dies.

When life is hard, or even when it isn't, we don’t have to look to the big things to be grateful for. Especially at this time of year there can be many small day to day special moments. 

The warmth of a cosy fire, good food, the laughter of loved ones, the look of wonder in a child's eyes, a call or message from a friend or family member. 

We may find comfort in our faith, connecting with friends across the world, watching birds in the garden, listening to a lovely piece of music, carol singers, a starry night sky, or the quiet stillness of a winter night are all things we can be thankful for.

Winter Trees Against Blue Sky
by RaintreeDesigns

Connecting with Nature

One way to appreciate our Christmas Eve experience is to connect with nature.

This could be as simple as taking a walk in a nearby park appreciating the red and yellow winter berries and shapes of the trees branches against the sky. We might find a scented shrub with tiny flowers and a powerful perfume to amaze us.

It might be listening to the sounds of the night, an owl maybe or birds singing during the day. We may like to feed the birds and watch their appreciation or help at an animal sanctuary. Reindeers and Donkeys are of course also intrinsically linked to the Christmas story in their different ways. 

Even going out on a clear night to watch and maybe identify the stars and constellations. These activities can help us feel more connected to nature and a sense of our place in it.

Who knows some of us may even see Santa and his Reindeers running across the night sky with the sleigh! 

We also like to collect pine cones, berries and Holly in our garden and on our walks to decorate and bring nature in to our home.

Practicing Gratitude

Often it is easier to recall all the things that have not gone right and I am guilty of that too. However it is healthy to practice gratitude when we remember. 

We might write a list of things we have been thankful for this year or give someone close to you a genuine compliment to show them how much they mean to you. We might like to help at a charity for children or older people who need support or a listening ear or give local people who helped you a simple Thank you card or small gift. 

It can be useful to spend a few moments in quiet reflection thinking over the year that has gone, the good, the difficult, the special and the ordinary times. How we handled it all and how we have grown with the experiences.

Expressing gratitude in this way can improve our wellbeing, support our relationships, and enhance our well-being.

Snowdrops In Snow Thank You Card
by RaintreeDesigns

A Grateful Heart On Christmas Eve

As you celebrate Christmas Eve, whether we are with family, friends, alone or with our animal companions, a couple, single or part of a big family, working or at home, this day can be special to us. 

However you spend your day whether it is busy or quiet, whether you attend any religious or other celebrations or not, let the beauty of nature fill your heart with joy and peace.

It is lovely and fun to give gifts at Christmas and for many of us is a key part of the celebrations. The best part of the spirit of the season is in the love and connections we share with other people, animals and nature and the appreciation for the world around us.

May your Christmas Eve be a special time filled with the wonder of nature with love and joy and peace in your heart.

Read More Holiday Reviews 

Read More Reviews By Raintree Annie

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The Best Of Andy Williams Christmas Shows Review

Tis the holiday season and what are holidays without classic songs! And the perfect time to bring in a little holiday nostalgia courtesy of Andy Williams.

I happened upon this holiday gem while surfing Christmas shows that were streaming for free. What a find! The Andy Williams Christmas Shows were originally filmed from 1962-1974. This is a compilation from the Christmas shows, The Best Of Andy Williams Christmas Shows. 

The Voice

Smooth as silk as always, Andy Williams sings the classic and timeless holiday favorites. 

Songs included: Jingle Bells, I'll Be Home For Christmas, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Happy Holidays, What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?, Ave Maria, Mary's Little Boy Child, Silver Bells,  The Christmas Song, Holy Night, You Meet the Nicest People at Christmas.

Also included are the Williams Brothers! Don, Dick and Bob and Andy began as a quartet and reunited during the Andy Williams Christmas specials. Special appearances by Andy Williams family also include his mom.

The Sets

By today standards of television sets and costumes the Christmas sets are charmingly simple. But simple in a very very good way as the emphasis on the song. It is fun to look at the styles as a trip of reminiscing down vintage clothing lane. Also noted is the color coordination and classic style which holds up through the years (and may be in a store near you currently!)

At Home With Andy

One viewer aptly noted watching Andy Williams and his special guests at Christmas is like watching home movies with Andy at the holidays. What a great way to describe the feeling generated by Andy and his guests as they seamlessly harmonize through the classics.

Where To Find Freevee? And Is It Free?

Yes, the shows on the Freevee app are free and yes, access to the Freevee app is free! The app is actually loaded already on many devices and smart televisions. The app may not be evident on your device, so a search for the app can be started to see if the Freevee app is pre installed.

Amazon has announced in November 2024 it will begin integrating Freevee into the Amazon Prime service; the content will remain free and it is not required to have an Amazon Prime membership to view the content.

More Free Streaming Services

Free is relative (as in access to your local library!) But library memberships can open up a variety of  streaming services included with your membership. The library is the middle party and contracts with the services and access is via your library membership /library website.

Kanopy offers free movies with an emphasis on Indie films and documentaries.

Hoopla offers free books, movies and television shows.

Freegal offers music of every genre.

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Discovering the Power of Mel Robbins' "The Let Them Theory"

 

As someone who thrives on personal growth and exploring transformative ideas, I was thrilled to learn about Mel Robbins' new book, The Let Them Theory. 

I've pre-ordered my copy and, in the meantime, have been soaking up the principles through her podcast episodes and short, impactful clips featured on social media and episodes on YouTube.

What's incredible is that without realizing it, I'd been applying aspects of this theory to my life for years. But now, hearing Mel Robbins articulate it with such clarity has allowed me to truly embrace and delve deeper into this outstanding, life-changing approach to navigating relationships and everyday challenges.

I have to add that I use this theory daily! As a mom who thinks ten steps ahead for her husband, grown children, and life situations, I've learned to erase that from my mind and "let them." Of course, primary health and financial obligations get the attention they need when needed. Still, I'm also practicing the let them theory for minor issues related to those topics as well.

What is The Let Them Theory?

At its core, The Let Them Theory is about radical acceptance and releasing control. 

Mel Robbins explains that much of our frustration and disappointment in life comes from trying to control others or shape situations that are fundamentally out of our hands. The theory encourages us to simply "let them" — let people be who they are, let events unfold as they will, and let go of our need to intervene in things beyond our influence.

This mindset shift isn't about indifference or apathy; it's about embracing the reality that the only person you can truly control is yourself. By letting others act according to their values and decisions, you conserve your energy for your growth, well-being, and authentic connections.

The principle can be distilled into three key elements:

1. Acceptance: Understand that people are who they are, and trying to change them often leads to unnecessary tension and frustration.

2. Non-attachment: Release the expectation that things or people need to align perfectly with your preferences. This principle is also known in Buddhism.

3. Empowerment: Use the energy you'd spend trying to control others to focus on improving your own life and reactions.

What Life Situations You Could Use The Let Them Theory For

One of the most exciting aspects of The Let Them Theory is its versatility. Here are five practical examples of where you can apply these principles in your life:

1. Minor Daily Issues: Have you ever had someone cut you off in traffic or an email go unanswered longer than you'd like? Instead of stewing in frustration, let them. Recognize that their actions reflect their choices, not your worth. Shift your focus back to what you can control—your reactions.

2. Romantic Relationships: Many of us have been tempted to "fix" or "improve" our significant other. The Let Them Theory reminds us that we can't change other people. Instead, we can choose to accept them as they are or reassess the relationship. This principle fosters healthier, more authentic partnerships.

3. Family Dynamics: Families can be a source of love and, at times, frustration. Whether it's a sibling who always runs late or a parent who gives unsolicited advice, "let them" means understanding their quirks without letting them disrupt your peace.

4. Friendships: If a friend drifts away or doesn't reciprocate the effort you put into the relationship, let them. Friendships ebb and flow, and clinging to expectations can often create unnecessary tension.

5. Workplace Challenges: Dealing with difficult colleagues or supervisors? Let them. Instead of trying to change their behavior, focus on how you can adapt, set boundaries, or move toward solutions that empower you.

Why The Let Them Theory Resonates

Practicing The Let Them Theory has been a game-changer for me. The more I integrate this mindset, the more freedom and clarity I feel. I apply it to even the smallest annoyances.

It's incredible how much energy is reclaimed when you stop fighting battles that were never yours to begin with.

Mel Robbins has given a name and structure to something I intuitively practiced but hadn't fully embraced until now. 

If you're ready to transform your approach to life and relationships, I highly recommend diving into this theory—starting with her podcasts, social media, and, of course, the book itself. 

I can't wait to receive my pre-order and continue this journey of letting go and living fully.

Here's a YouTube Episode For You

There is some profanity in this episode.

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The Forest of Lost Souls - Book Review

 

A Dean Koontz suspense thriller novel published in 2024.

Synopsis

Raised in the wilderness, Vida knows the forest well. 

The Forest of Lost Souls: A Novel

She was brought to the forested mountains by her great-uncle after becoming orphaned at the age of five. As a result, she has developed a special affinity for nature and for the animals who call it home. Her life has been filled with hard experiences and loss, but shaped by love and by the prophecies of a fortune teller.

All Vida ever wanted was to live her life peacefully in her simple home. She would have willingly shared it with the love of her life, local hero Jose Nochelobo, except he dies in what, at first, appears to be a tragic accident.

Eventually, Vida learns that nearby Kettleton County has powerful men who are determined to proceed with a plan that will only benefit them financially, and Jose was standing in the way. 

Vida is determined to discover the truth, but now these men of power want her to disappear forever. 

As these men begin to come for her, one by one, prepared to see their plans through, Vida prepares for them.

Summary

Vida has goodness and hope in her favor and the help of her knowledge of the forest and its animals. The wolves, especially, have become her friends and will play a role in her survival. Her determination will help her prepare to defeat evil brought to the area by powerful and greedy men and restore the natural order of life in her world. 

Another spellbinding thriller by Dean Koontz! 

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*Book Review of The Forest of Lost Souls written by Wednesday Elf

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Carry-On (2024) Netflix Movie Review

Anyone who travels and flies on airlines is very familiar with the term "carry on".  Even those who have never flown most likely know what someone is talking about when they reference a carry-on.  Therefore, the title of the movie tells us a great deal about the movie before we even read a synopsis.  We know instantly that a carry-on bag is going to be part of the main plot.

For those who travel during the holidays, we know to expect highways, rental agencies, bus terminals, train stations, and especially airlines to be crowded and for everyone to be irritable.  Every experienced traveler knows they can anticipate delayed flights and lost luggage.  A carry-on bag can be an essential element of making everything more comfortable for a passenger in an atmosphere that requires patience.

Personally, my carry-on consists of one change of clothes and my glasses in case my checked luggage gets lost.  Many of us carry itineraries, tickets for events, makeup, contact lens supplies, jewelry, laptops, books, crossword puzzles, and a vast assortment of things to keep us prepared for mishaps and/or occupied during travel time.  

What no one expects is for someone to be able to get through all of the security with an explosive or deadly agent.  We expect to arrive at our destination, albeit late or without our luggage, we expect to get where we are going.  This movie is based on the unexpected and involves passengers as well as airline employees.  The very frightening scenario and unusual plot of this movie makes it the best thriller for this holiday season, or any time.

 

Carry-On Movie Synopsis

On Christmas Eve, TSA agent, Ethan Kopek, is headed to work, prepared to request job advancement and a pay raise.  The last thing he expects is to find himself in the middle of a high-level threat that no one else knows is happening.  

Only Available on Netflix

When Ethan asks his boss for a job with more responsibility, his friend in a higher level position, suggests that Ethan can take his place on one of the carry-on scanners and he will move to a different location for the day. Since the airport is shorthanded and needs more coverage, their boss agrees to a trial to see if Ethan is truly ready.  

Ethan is thrilled and quickly moves into place behind the scanner. His friend, happy to have helped, moves to a location in a different section.  Neither man has any idea what is happening in the background or that they just made a group of terrorists scramble to change plans.  As it turns out, when the leader of the group finds out Ethan has a pregnant fiance, he is content to use Ethan instead of his friend.

When Ethan slips an earpiece into his ear, an unknown voice starts talking and giving him directions on exactly what he will do.  Even though he doesn't want to participate, they are threatening to kill his fiance if he does anything to stop them.  Unfortunately for one co-worker, Ethan finds out just how fast the terrorist will kill. They are determined to get a specific carry-on bag onto a specific flight and plane. They are equally determined that nothing will get in their way or stop them.

____________

 

As I said earlier, this action-packed suspense thriller movie is the best thriller for the holiday season.  As a Netflix original, it is available only on Netflix.

Be sure to find time to watch it, especially if your are not traveling for the holidays.  If you are traveling, it might well make you decide to drive if you are planning to fly.

 

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Carry-On (2024) Netflix Movie Review by:

 

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Cat Tunnel Bed Review

This donut shaped cat bed caught my attention the very first time that I saw it. Even I was intrigued by the circular donut shape, and then my cat was as well.

Well actually, my cat was intrigued by it the minute I started trying to put it together. For me, that presented the tricky part.

A simple tip, to tell which side is up, is to place the curved pieces on the floor and observe where the hanging balls are. If a hanging ball isn't hanging, flip it over so that it becomes hanging. Then try to do the zippers!

Another tip for the zipper, I found was when I held the outer zipper in a downward fashion and pushed it down onto the corresponding zipper, while holding the corresponding zipper stationary with my left hand. Once I did that maneuver, I easily zipped the zippers. Before that little maneuver, I was contemplating putting two half tunnels in two different locations!

And before I got those two half tunnels together, my cat was already enjoying laying in the end of one of them. I didn't even realize she was there until I went to move it. It had gotten heavier pretty quickly. It was a hit.

And then when it became whole, it was even more of a hit. She could go around the whole inside.

Our cat was more smitten with the round bed part that fits within the circle, when it wasn't yet attached. It took her a bit of time to reconsider laying on the round bed part, after she figured out getting over the the raised tunnel area. After that, she was okay with that too.

Once I got the tunnel with center round bed assembled, I placed it in my bedroom.

Here is our cat Tori venturing inside the assembled bed.

She has slept in it most nights since then, which is three weeks now. I think that she is in agreement that this is a winner.

This bed does take up quite a bit of space. The measurements given on Amazon are 47.2"L x 9"W x 9"H. Once I put it together as a round tunnel, the overall width is approximately 33-34 inches across. The height of the tunnel part is around 9 inches high. The tunnel part can be left open on two of the ends and shaped into an S shape or a C shape, so that will give cat parents more options on where to place it. The tunnel pieces are also collapsible if they need to be stored.

The fabric is soft and plush on the outside and feels more like a nylon on the interior (kind of like umbrella material). It has a bit of crackle noise to it when the cat is walking in it, touch it, etc.

There are stars designs on the exterior fabric that can glow in the dark for awhile, if you have light or sunlight on it for awhile first. It can be quite intriguing to look over after having gone to bed and seeing the glowing stars. Hmmm. Anyway, I don't seem to notice that much anymore.

If you're looking for a new cat bed for your purr-baby, that can also provide some extra play fun, I recommend the cat tunnel by Nasonet. The current one that shows up is pink with stars and moons. The one I got is gray with large and small stars.

Cat Tunnel Bed by Nasonet on Amazon

Cheryl Paton

As an Amazon affiliate, Cheryl Paton earns income from qualifying purchases made through links on this blog.

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The Best Beauty Gifts for Last Minute Gift Giving

Who doesn't like to be pampered with a special gift they wouldn't normally buy for themselves, especially during the holidays or for another special occasion?

Whether you have nearly finished your holiday shopping or are just getting started, you can order these these beauty gifts and have them delivered quickly. I've included gifts at a variety of price ranges in this review, from stocking stuffers to splurges.

Happy gift-giving!

Beauty Gifts Under $25

These inexpensive gifts pack a big punch for their low price tags. They're perfect stocking stuffers for the beauty lovers on your list or anyone who could use a bit of pampering.

NISHEL Travel Toiletry Bag for Women Large Capacity, Travel Essentials Organizer, Hanging Makeup Case for Accessories, Cosmetics, Toiletries, Pink

The Nishel Travel Toiletry Bag is far and away the best bag of its kind I have ever owned, and I have tried a lot of different brands and models over the years. It holds a LOT of products, from shampoo, soap, conditioner, deodorant, body lotion, razor, etc., to sunscreen, skincare and makeup — enough for quite a long trip, if desired — while keeping everything neatly organized and easily accessible throughout your stay. 

Despite how much it holds, it folds and zips up into a compact size with convenient carrying handles. 

I wrote an in-depth product review of the Nishel Travel Toiletry Bag last year that includes photos of how I pack mine so you can see just how much it holds and how you might want to organize yours. Also, although it is marketed as a women's travel toiletry bag, it would also be great for men who like to travel with more toiletries than can comfortably fit in a traditional Dopp Kit style bag.

NISHEL Large Double Layer Travel Makeup Bag Women, Large Cosmetic Case, Organizer for Travel-Size Accessories Bottles, Brushes, Conditioner, and Skin Care Products, Pink

The NISHEL Large Double Layer Travel Makeup Bag is for women who travel with a lot of makeup and prefer a train case style bag.

This large-capacity makeup bag measures 10.5 x 7.5 x 7 inches and has both top and bottom makeup storage compartments with a capacious center section with elastic straps that can accommodate even large fluffy makeup brushes easily. 

The large main section can hold bottles, tubes, compacts, palettes, etc., and includes a removable divider that you can position as desired (or omit). The top section, inside the lid, is a shallow zippered compartment that's perfect for a larger makeup palette. 

Like the travel toiletry bag, the outer shell is a soft, smooth, quilted microfiber material that is both attractive and easy to clean.

Eli with Love Ice Globes for Facials - 360 Rotating Unbreakable Steel Ice Globes with Carry Case - Professional Esthetician Supplies - Ice Roller for Face and Eyes - Ideal Skincare Tool (White)

These 360-Degree Rotating Ice Globes are an extremely inexpensive alternative to the professional quality ice globes often used by estheticians when giving facial treatments. The difference is that those cost hundreds of dollars, while this set costs less than $20 and comes with its own fitted storage case to keep the ice globes clean when in the refrigerator in between uses.

One of the advantages of these rotating, gel-filled stainless steel globes over the professional model I looked at initially is that they can be used either cold or warm.

I recently wrote a product review of The Best Affordable Ice Globes that goes into more detail about the many ways these inexpensive, high-quality ice globes can be used for things like facial depuffing, lifting and firming, lymphatic drainage, enhancing skincare product absorption, and calming inflammation, as well as for soothing sore muscles, depending on whether you use them cold or warm.

Maybelline The Blushed Nudes Eyeshadow Palette Makeup, 12 Pigmented Matte & Shimmer Shades, Blendable Powder, 1 Count

This Maybelline The Blushed Nudes Eyeshadow Palette is absolutely stunning and is an incredible bargain for less than $12. It contains 12 extremely wearable, neutral eyeshadow shades in both matte and shimmer finishes that would be flattering on any eye color or skin tone.

The matte shadows could be used alone for an extremely subtle, conservative look, or can be paired with the metallic shimmer shades for a fancier evening or special occasion makeup look.

Maybelline is known for high-quality, highly pigmented makeup at very affordable prices. This would be great for anyone from a teen to a senior who enjoys "putting on a face."

Note: Although this eyeshadow palette comes with two double-ended sponge applicators, I would highly recommend giving your gift recipient a set of good makeup brushes if they don't already own some.

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP, Ultimate Shadow Palette, Eyeshadow Palette - Warm Neutrals

This NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Ultimate Warm Neutrals Eyeshadow Palette is another terrific choice with 16 high-quality eyeshadow shades to suit any eye color or complexion. The highly pigmented shadows include a mix of safari-inspired neutral browns in a range of finishes, from matte and satin to shimmery and metallic shades. 

The colors in this palette were curated by makeup professionals in Los Angeles. It is recommended to apply these shadows over an eyeshadow primer for the best color payoff.

NYX eyeshadows are now vegan, cruelty-free, and packaged with 30% recycled materials. 

Shower Steamers Aromatherapy - Christmas Gifts for Women, Gift Box of 6 Premium Shower Bombs with Essential Oils, Relaxing Home Spa, Stocking Stuffers for Family, Green

These Shower Steamers Aromatherapy Shower Bombs with Essential Oils are the perfect, affordable way to pamper someone who doesn't love makeup or skincare but loves a warm, relaxing shower. They will make the lucky recipient feel like they have escaped to a relaxing spa for a while, in the comfort of their own home.

This set of six shower steamers comes beautifully gift boxed for easy gift giving. The six scents, which come from fragrant essential oils, are eucalyptus, green tea, jasmine, rose, lemongrass, and lavender in the green box. If you choose the blue box, your giftee will receive eucalyptus, peppermint, green tea, lemongrass, salvia, and tea tree. The pink box contains rose, gardenia, lavender, chamomile, rosemary, and jasmine to make your recipient feel relaxed, restored, and well rested. The orange box contains orange, bergamot, pineapple, lemon, strawberry, and coconut — perfect for someone who enjoys the smells of the tropics.

These shower steamers are a cinch to use. Let your gift recipient know to unwrap one, place it in the corner of their shower away from the water stream, and allow the steam activate the fragrance from the essential oils.

Burt's Bees Christmas Gifts, 6 Skincare Stocking Stuffers Products, Tips & Toes Set - Pomegranate Lip Balm, Almond Milk & Honey Hand Creams, Coconut Foot Cream, Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream & Hand Salve

This Burt's Bees Tips & Toes Kit makes a wonderful, unisex stocking stuffer for less than $13. It's a nicely boxed set of five travel-size products and a sixth, full-size product that would also be great for a purse, gym bag or briefcase:

• Honey & Grapeseed Hand Cream (travel size)  
• Coconut Foot Cream with Vitamin E (travel size)
• A tin of Hand Salve (travel size)
• A tin of Burt's Bee's deservedly popular Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream (travel size)
• Almond & Milk Hand Cream (travel size)
• A tube of Pomegranate Lip Balm (full size)

This would make a great gift for anyone, especially during the cold winter months.

Beauty Gifts Under $50

These affordable gifts are sure to please.

Jenny Patinkin makes my absolute favorite makeup brush cleaners, and now she is offering a Jenny Patinkin Spray Away Instant Makeup Brush Cleaner and Luxury Vegan Makeup Brush Soap bundle at a discounted price. (Note: I love her products so much that I became an affiliate partner and this is an affiliate link.)

As I have explained in previous reviews about washing makeup brushes, keeping makeup brushes clean and sanitary is essential for many reasons, including optimal performance and avoiding cross-contamination of bacteria between your brushes, your makeup, and your skin.

I use the Spray Away Instant Makeup Brush Cleaner with a microfiber cloth to clean my makeup brushes in literally just seconds after each use. Then, either once a week (if I'm wearing makeup most days) or every other week, I wash them properly with the Luxury Vegan Makeup Brush Soap.

With these two products, I am able to care for even my most expensive makeup brushes effectively yet gently. The set of both products would make a fabulous gift for any makeup wearer!

Gift Baskets for Women, Body & Earth Gift Set with Jasmine & Honey Scent Includes Bubble Bath, Hand Cream, Christmas Gifts for Mom, Bath and Body Gift Sets for Women, Bath Sets for Women Gift

This Body & Earth Jasmine & Honey Spa Bath & Body Gift Set consists of a sleigh-shaped basked filled with 5 luxurious jasmine and honey-scented bath and body products:

• Hand Cream
• Shower Gel
• Bubble Bath
• Body Lotion
• Bar Soap

Your gift recipient will think of you fondly as they luxuriate in a bubble bath or fragrant shower, and their skin will be silky soft thanks to the body lotion and hand cream.

The contents are beautifully packaged in a white, gold, and silver pattern with a lovely winter scene. This gift looks much more expensive and luxe than its affordable price tag (less than $30)!

Gift Baskets for Women Body & Earth Bath and Body Gift Set for Women, Cherry Blossom & Jasmine Spa Gifts for Women Bath Gifts for Women, Regalos Para Mujer, Christmas Gifts for Women

A similar set that isn't winter holiday themed is the Body & Earth Cherry Blossom & Jasmine Bath and Body Gift Set. This 8-piece set includes cherry blossom and jasmine-scented bath and body products in a bathtub-shaped gift basket. The set consists of:

• Bath Salts
• Shower Gel
• Bubble Bath
• Body Lotion
• Rose-Shaped Soap Petals
• Shampoo Bar
• Soap
• Reusable Bathtub-Shaped Basket

Real Techniques Au Naturale Makeup Brush 9 Piece Set, For Liquid, Cream, & Powder Eyeshadow, Foundation, Blush, Bronzer & Contour, Travel Friendly, Stocking Stuffer, Gift Set, Cruelty-Free

For the woman (or girl) who doesn't have a good set of makeup brushes, the Real Techniques Au Naturale Makeup Brush 9 Piece Set would be a great starter set or a nice but inexpensive upgrade (if she's just using whatever cheap brushes or applicators come with her makeup). It would also make a great second set to keep in a gym bag.

This set of cruelty-free, vegan makeup brushes for face, cheeks and eyes includes:

• Ultimate Powder Brush
• Light Layers Complexion Brush
• Perfecting Prime Brush
• Blurring Concealer Brush
• Precision Fan Brush
• Full Coverage Brush
• Shading Brush
• Defining Crease Brush
• Flat Liner Brush

The brushes have sturdy aluminum ferrules and custom-cut UltraPlush synthetic bristles that apply and blend makeup beautifully.

Brush Babies Mini Makeup Brush Set

I have a lot of high-quality makeup brushes, but I still covet this Jenny Patinkin Brush Babies Mini Makeup Brush Set.

This tiny pink zippered pouch holds 6 mini makeup brushes that feature full-size vegan, synthetic bristle brush heads on palm-size weighted handles that give them the same balance as full-length brushes without the size. The brushes in this set are:

• Complexion
• Powder/Blush
• Concealer
• Eyeshadow
• Crease
• Smudge

Jenny Patinkin claims that her brushes have 2.5x the number of bristles as other brushes. I'm not sure which brushes she's comparing them to, but her brushes definitely have ultra-fine bristles and a luxurious feel and deliver an extremely smooth makeup application.

This mini but mighty set is perfect for an avid makeup lover who appreciates good quality brushes. Even if your gift recipient already has a good set of makeup brushes, she will love this one for her purse, car, desk, gym bag, or carry-on bag.

Note: This set retails for $58, but at the time of this review's publication, it's available on Amazon for less than $50.

DRMTLGY Pumpkin Enzyme Face Mask with Jojoba Beads. Gentle Exfoliating Pumpkin Facial Mask for Dullness, Uneven Skin Tone, Fine Lines and Wrinkles. 5.5 oz

The DRMTLGY Pumpkin Enzyme Face Mask with Jojoba Beads is one of my favorite treatment masks. It's a great way to get a spa-like facial-treatment affordably, in the comfort of your own home.

This mask uses a combination of enzymatic and physical exfoliants to brighten dull skin and leave it feeling soft and silky. It reduces the appearance of large pores, deeply hydrates the skin, cleanses impurities, and gently exfoliates the dead surface layer of the skin for a smoother, more radiant complexion.

Key skin-loving ingredients include pumpkin, jojoba oil beads, kaolin clay, vitamin E, peptides, ceramides, enzymes, and colloidal silver.

You can read more about this outstanding rejuvenating face mask in my detailed product review that explains why it's The Best Exfoliating Enzyme Mask for Brighter, Softer, Smoother Skin.

Beauty Gifts Over $50

BK BEAUTY - Nikki La Rose Pro Artist Makeup Brush Set (7PC)

By now you know that I feel strongly about the importance of good makeup brushes for a beautiful, professional-looking application. Although it took me many years to bite the bullet and invest in a really good set, I finally did. In fact, I have become a bit of a high-end makeup brush collector by now. I wish I had made the investment sooner, as the positive difference in my makeup application when using good brushes is really noticeable. Of course, it's also important to learn good application techniques, but with the right tools, it's so much easier.

My very favorite makeup brushes of all time are this set of BK Beauty x Nikki La Rose Pro Artist Makeup Brushes. Nikki is an incredibly talented makeup artist with a long list of celebrity clients and her work is amazing. The collab she did with one of my favorite brush companies, BK Beauty, to create this 7-piece set of professional makeup brushes is simply superb. The set includes:

The N14 Petite Precision Multitasker is ideal for small areas.

The tapered N15 Precision Medium Powder brush is perfect for blending, bronzer, and contouring.

The triangular tip of the N16 Pro Concealer brush allows for precise concealer application.

The N17 Multi-Pro Face brush is an ingenious, dual-sided brush with lighter bristles on one side for creams and liquids and darker bristles on the other side for powders.

The N11 Ultimate Angle brush lets you create a winged liner look effortlessly with a single stroke.

The N12 Ultimate Smudger is designed for blending pencil liner, smudging, and defining eyes and lips.

The N13 Precision Pro Blender, ideal for deep-set, mature, and small eyes (which I really appreciate).

All seven of the brushes are multitaskers that make them worth their weight in gold for anyone who loves a beautiful, professional-looking makeup application. In fact, pro makeup artists love this set!

Oribe Gold Lust Collection

Oribe is a luxury salon hair care brand, one that is out of reach for most people. The products are not only expensive but also really good. Since it's something that most people wouldn't buy for themselves, it makes a wonderfully indulgent gift.

Oribe has many different lines for different types of hair. My favorite, by far, is their Gold Lust line, designed to repair and restore damaged hair.

The Oribe Gold Lust Collection set includes the three most often-used products in the line in a limited-edition box featuring original artwork by award-winning Kenyan fine art photographer Thandiwe Muriu:

• Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo (Standard, 8.5 oz)
• Gold Lust Repair & Restore Conditioner (Standard, 6.8 oz)
• Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil (Travel, 2.5 oz) 

In a 7-day consumer panel survey of 101 women using Oribe Gold Lust shampoo & conditioner, 91% saw an improvement in the appearance of their hair and 82% felt damaged ends were more reinforced and sealed.

In clinical tests conducted on human hair against a control group, hair treated with Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil was 2x softer and more manageable and was protected from frizz for up to 72 hours.

My own experience with this line makes me wish it were less expensive, because it's so darn good for my long, dry, frizz-prone, greying hair.

I hope this review of the best beauty gifts for last-minute gift giving helps you find the perfect gifts for people on your list!

The Best Beauty Gifts for Last Minute Gift Giving by Margaret Schindel

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Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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