December 8, 2016

What’s the Nicest Holiday Gift You Purchased For Yourself This Year?

best-gift-for-you

I am very guilty of embracing a buy 1, get 1 gifting mentality. Or maybe it’s buy 1, get 5 for myself gifting mentality! Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Cyber Weekend, Cyber Week, it was really hard not buying something for myself during all the crazy sales. It seemed particularly hard this year for some reason as the sales were really, really good especially on higher end goods. I mean when Neiman Marcus is having a dollar amount off, you the sale is good.

I’m proud to say this year I wasn’t really super bad though. I purchased myself one or two items but didn’t go crazy!

What was the nicest holiday gift you purchased for yourself this year?

I have admit the cheapest and nicest gift I got for myself this year was the Etude House Personal Color Palette. I really like that palette and I think I’m going to get a lot of millage out of the shades in it.

I also currently have a few DSH Perfumes in my cart that I’m gearing up to hit submit on.

The most extravagant and expensive gift I purchased was a Victorian Vanity Set from an auction in the UK. I collect old powder jars and vanity sets and this could be the pièce de résistance in my collection. It’s arriving in the mail this week and I’m quite excited to see it in person. I think that would probably be the nicest gift I purchased myself all year.

How about you?

What pretty little (or big) gift did you purchase for yourself this year?

Did you go overboard or was it something small that made you happy?

Do share!

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Bonnie

    Well, those Uggs that were on sale you told us about were one thing! 🙂 Also bought some By Terry foundation (because I ran out of my old favorite foundation, which apparently is no longer made–Fresh Umbrian Clay) and the Lipstick Queen sampler pack. Oh, and that bunch of stuff from Lush a month or so ago–but some of that was ‘necessity’ (everyday cleanser) type stuff. 🙂

    RE: the Uggs, I was going to ask you–I am having a REALLY hard time getting the Allegra boots on. Once I do, they fit–I’m glad I sized down–but wow, it’s next to impossible to actually get them ON! Have you encountered this?

    • Isabella Muse

      haha Bonnie! Did the fit ok? I’m been wanting to get the By Terry Concealer for ages now, haven’t bit the bullet yet! Haha yeah, sure, keep saying it was “necessary stuff” lol 🙂 boot horn, it’s your best friend haha http://www.comfyclothiers.com/products/long-metal-shoe-horn?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=googlepla&variant=17719226627&gclid=CJPRzdSt5dACFU1LDQodsFoMpQ I find it takes a while with new Uggs to “break” them in! After you wear them a few times they are easier to put on but a new purchase is always a little harder! Boot horn totally helps!

      • Bonnie

        Thanks Muse! I will order boot horn. I also have a place that “stretches” the calves of boots but in this case, the calf size is not really the problem–it’s getting the foot down into the bottom part! Sounds like boot horn to the rescue. 🙂

        Yeah I am really loving the By Terry. It even covers up my darker acne scars really well.

        • Isabella Muse

          order it from amazon, free shipping with prime 🙂 Calves aren’t an issue for me either, it’s the bottom half that I have an issue with as well! The boot horn def helps wriggle your into place. I use with vans as well, because man I have a hard time getting my foot into Vans!!!!!!!! By Terry has such lovely stuff 😀

          • Bonnie

            Certain boots I do have an issue with calves, but not these, thankfully! For a skinnier type of boot I would def. need extended calf. Even when I weighed less, those calves are huge! 🙂 I just ordered the boot horn off Amazon! Anxious to start wearing my warm Uggs. 🙂 Great idea–Vans are hard. Husband got an early Xmas present of slip-on Vans (in addition to the other stuff he’ll be getting later). 🙂 I know–the By Terry stuff all looks amazing. Now I’m getting Space NK emails on the daily and goodness, are they tempting! Must resist…

          • Isabella Muse

            I have a severe issue with longer boots myself! They are just a chore to put! I hope it works, lmk how you do with it. OMG Van slip-ons are the worst for me. I’m fine with the regular skater lace ups but slides are so narrow. Mind you I have a small foot that isn’t wide and I still can’t get them on. They are just so b*itchy! They are supposed to be comfortable and easy to slip on. Ahh no! 😀 Nordstrom has a Space NK pop up shop with By Terry stuff by the way 😀

  • Stephanie

    Hi Muse!

    You probably remember me debating over whether or not to get the Too Faced Funfetti collection from HSN. I gave in and I bought it as a gift for myself. I know you weren’t crazy about the eyeshadow palette, but I loved it along with the lip gloss and mascara.

    Unfortunately, the blush came broken and I didn’t want to go through the hassle of sending back my package and waiting for a new one so I just got a refund. I did keep the case as a cute mirror though.

    • Isabella Muse

      I’m glad it worked out for you Stephanie!!!!!!! 🙂 Although I’m sorry about the blush being broke sad sigh 🙁 But hey, at least you liked the eyesahdow palette!

  • bri

    I ordered the complete zoeva set since it was 20% and they never have sales….Merry Christmas to me 🙂

    • Isabella Muse

      I convinced myself not to buy the rose gold set! I’m so jealous 🙂 enjoy them!

  • Mary Brenner

    Well……….I bought several new sets of Fiesta place settings when Macys had a sale. In addition to that I bought a lot of beauty gifts. I have a family that is severely dysfunctional so I don’t spend holidays with them. I choose to spend it with some dear friends and as a result I buy and wrap my iwn5 gifts:). Separating from my family all those years ago was truly the best gift I ever gave myself. I think it saved my sanity and over all mental health. 🙂 #familyisntalwaysfun

    • Isabella Muse

      Family is who and what you make of it 😉 doesn’t have to be blood! I’m glad you have good friend to be with!!!!!!!! Kohl’s had some good deals on Fiesta too! I got my mom some stuff 😀

    • Staci

      I don’t speak with my family either . Also buy my own gifts. At least I get myself nice stuff

    • Elise

      I heart Fiesta too! I have the deep cobalt blue!I need to replace a couple broken plates and add some place settings. for the holidays. I bought a set for 4 just before Thanksgivings from Kohl’s! It was on sale, free shipping and got $20 in Kohl’s cash back.

  • Deb

    Some Gucci makeup. Finally took the plunge. And it is as awesome as the hype. Was planning on that being it but then I stopped in Sephora while running errands. Big mistake. Huge. Picked up a Geurlain lipstick and a makeup bag. That was going to be it. Until I got in line. And the mini bins at my local store have been massively expanded. Lost my damn mind.

  • Ruth

    I was actually really good this year, kinda surprised with myself 😉 I bought 2 Anastasia pallets and the really dark lippie from UD.
    Would love to see pics of the vanity when it arrives! I bet it’s stunning!

    • Isabella Muse

      I was proud of myself too! I really didn’t get too crazy! The sales tempted me but I pulled back 😀 SURE! I’ll born you to tears with my entire collection haha 😀 I’ve always wanted to do a post vanity sets!

      • Ruth

        the sales were amazing but I just treated myself to the SPN con in Atlanta as a combined college graduation/Christmas present and that was a TON of fun! I couldn’t in good conscience spend a ton on make up when I already have more than enough.

        omg if you wanted to the vanity set posts-i’d totally be into it!

        • Isabella Muse

          I can’t wait to see pics Ruth 😀 I’m been debating doing one for a while, I never know if those posts will bore everyone or not!

  • Staci

    I’m traveling to Peru, hiking the Inca Trail, and seeing Machu Picchu. It’s a combo Christmas and graduation present.

  • Kimmwc03

    I’m going to get the Guerlain foundation (my HG) with my Sephora coupon so that will be my splurge at over $60 (minus $25). 🙂

  • NikkiNeverWithoutPolish

    I went out for Black Friday for the first time this year… all for a Nintendo 3DS for myself! LOL Been having a blast with Luigi’s Mansion Dark Moon. I have placed a few Sephora orders, but mostly to stock up on the essentials – can’t be without They’re Real Primer, you know! I did splurge on Bite Beauty Cava since I’ve always wanted it, thought I missed out when they reformulated to the Amuse Bouche line, and then discovered it’s a Sephora online exclusive now! I buy stuff for myself throughout the year and feel guilty about it, so I told my husband I did not need any Christmas gifts this year! ^_^ He really should take away my credit card!

  • Karen

    Happy Holidays Muse. Not make up related but I bought new washer, dryer & refrigerator for my house. I needed the fridge because my old one sounded like it was ready to take off but the W/D that was a splurge. What the heck. You only go around once, right?

    • Isabella Muse

      haha I have to say I do love new home appliance purchases 🙂 Happy Holidays Karen!

  • Dee

    I got gifts for family when Kendra Scott had 20%off everything including sale prices and treated myself too. 20% off! That’s how I justify it

  • lolliholic

    Can’t wait to see pics of your vanity set!
    I got Diptyque Eau Duelle and the Maison Magiela female fragrance set.
    I really have to stop getting more perfumes – I’ve already run out of space to store them!

    • Isabella Muse

      excellentpick on the Duelle 😀 Omg me too! Thank god I’m not alone 😀 Def will post pics when it arrives. I’m getting antsy, it’s coming special courier service and I’m biting my nails waiting for it!

  • Ana

    Hey Muse! You did a great choice, that palette looks amazing!
    I got a few things from Lush (New, Fresh Farmacy and Mask of Magnaminty) and I plan to shop some more since sales have just begun at my local stores. I’m getting Crystal Noir by Versace and some Maybelline mascaras (love those!).
    Ana

  • Pamela

    Well I bought a house this year so I guess that kinda counts as a “present”. I know you mentioned a new house for your too. If you ever want to post about some decorating things or furniture purchases, I know I would be interested.

    • Isabella Muse

      congrats Pamela!!!!!!!!!!! That’s awesome! 🙂 Good for you! I hope you have many, many happy years there! I actually had a Summer home built which is more modern than the house I live in full time (my house was built in 1800’s). So, I went really fresh and clean with my look there. All I can say is wayfair, wayfair, wayfair! and Home Goods! I was going to every single Home Goods within 50 miles seeking out different do-dads to decorate with! I ended up getting most of the furniture at Williams-Sonoma and a lot of the bedroom items from anthropologie. Use retailmenot for coupons 🙂 Sign up to be an antro member and they send coupons on occasion!

    • Randi MacDonald

      We bought a house too!! We get the keys today. I feel really bad about buying any making considering we’re bleeding money with all this house stuff. I have a few makeup wants, but NO needs.

      • Isabella Muse

        CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂 Yay! Don’t worry about the makeup, it’ll be there when you’re done making your house a home 🙂

  • Anna

    I picked up a Dior foundation and the too faced shadow insurance, as well as a 10 pack of shrimp ramen #sorrynotsorry

  • Elise

    I would say my official holiday gift to self is the purchase of both of the tarte Rainforest of the Sea Eye Shadow Palettes (from the current 30% off sale). They will stay wrapped up until Christmas!

    I held off on the first palette released earlier this year. But when I saw the second palette and how it coordinates perfectly with the first, I could not resist! Hubby and I travel to Mexico in Jan for our vacation and I see these palettes being perfect for travel makeup!

    • Isabella Muse

      Yay! Good Pick! 🙂 I just reviewed and love it! Have fun in Mexico!!

  • Jean

    This is a tough one since I seriously over spent. Outside makeup my favorite purchase has to be the PS4. When it comes to makeup I’d have to think hard about one specific item.

  • Jenny Nicole

    I’ve definitely been buying a lot of gifts for myself but the gifts are also things I wanted. I decided to refresh my makeup collection and kind of start over again. I brought 3 brush sets from BH cosmetics, about 20 lip products from colourpop, and a new makeup palette. The nicest gift I’ve gotten myself was the Modern Renaissance palette.

  • bebe

    I did the $8.50 candle sale at Bath & Body Works last Saturday..treated myself to 40 candles. 🙂

  • Pamela

    I’m proud of myself too! I usually am shopping for others and get one for them and one for me. But this year I was good. Don’t know how that happened! But I DO love one thing I bought for myself and it’s not pricey. It’s Nip and Fab products. So far so good…….

  • Pamela

    I did forget something now I’ve seen other comments that weren’t about makeup. Today I had a security system put in. The whole nine yards. My husband said I was nuts because there is no crime where we live. Then he went golfing with some friends. One had his door kicked in when they were running errands in broad daylight. This is new in our town. So I stood my ground and it’s IN.

    • Isabella Muse

      I think that’s a great gift!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I live in a great neighborhood to but I had a security system put in around 10 or more years ago and feel like it was the best thing I ever did! I also have two outdoor nest cams that I can connect to remotely when I’m away. thankfully no breaks ins in my neighborhood but there’s god forbid always a first time. Good for you, Pamela! That’s a smart gift 😀

      • Pamela

        Thanks Isabella… I feel great with it in. No break ins is our neighborhood either but it was just time.

        • Isabella Muse

          I think it’s smart, break ins or not. Priceless for the piece of mind it’ll give you 🙂

          • Pamela

            You are so right. I’ve had a kind of sereneness since it went in. I don’t pay any attention to things that go bump in the night now. And I love the fact I can control it from my phone and my husband and I have key fobs to turn it off and on too. Now no one can steal my two thousand beauty products the muse made me buy, hahahahaha!

          • Isabella Muse

            LOL!!! haha ;-D Yes, because we must protect all the pretties!

    • Jean

      It doesn’t matter how safe a neighborhood is, it’s still a good idea to do it. I grew up in a safe neighborhood. As a kid (12) I would walk around on my own, even late at night. As a teen, and 20’s I walked around at midnight and past that. Nothing ever happened. Until one day a few years ago we had break ins all over the neighborhood. My parents still haven’t installed anything except a camera on the inside and got a dog. It’s safe again, but you never know.

      • Pamela

        Boy do I hate the idea of needing one. But I guess better safe than sorry. We weren’t even locking our doors in 20 years! Now this? Just the thought of some stranger riffling through my things ticks me off! Better safe than sorry and it makes me feel very comfortable now.

  • melissa

    ohhh please post pictures of your vanity set when you receive it !!! victorian is so my taste ! just curious congrats on your gifts lol….i ordered a custom bracelet for 15$ with my zodiac stones/rocks waiting for it to be made…and i am seriously thinking on using my 15$ off at sephora !!! & i will receive my bday present as well plus samples lol i just dont know what to order !, much love to u Isabella my fav blogger <3

    • Isabella Muse

      Absolutely will instagram it 😀 It’s my taste too!:) Oh I’d love to see your bracelet when it is complete!!!!!!!!!! 😀 I’m having the same issue! Can’t decide what I want yet! 😀 A thank you Melissa xoxoxoxox!

  • genevieve

    My best present to myself was the L’Occitane Advent Calendar, followed by the Lorac Rose Gold Metals palette and a few new Milani lipsticks at $5 each.

  • Gisele

    I used the 20% off at YSL and bought the Apricot Primer and tinted Brow gel. LIFE CHANGING!

  • Ashe

    I got like twenty bottles of shower gel from Bath and Body Works on Black Friday! One of the best ideas I ever had was to use coupons and stock up so I can get it delivered or buy in one huge bunch and not worry about it when I go to the store!

    I also got a LOT of new clothes from Old Navy on BF, it would have been stupid of me NOT to go. It was stuff I needed like new jeans, black pants…and then pajama pants, which I didn’t need but everything was friggin half off.

    It’s very hard not to shop for myself with all the sales and coupons flying around, depending on what you need or have been waiting for it may be the best time to shop!

    • Isabella Muse

      haha I know I totally get it! The sales were absurdly good this year! 😀