All I Want For The Holidays

By AP contributor Kristine Rose

I grew up with half my family celebrating Christmas, and half celebrating Hanukkah. Confounding theologically? Sure. Though my default answer for all things religious since the age of six could be summed up with “no thanks, I’m trying to quit” it’s hard to knock the double helping of holiday gifts. They’re the light at the end of the tunnel for sitting through many a mass and Seder.

I’m kind of an adult now, but that doesn’t mean I can’t gift myself something sparkly. Tis the season for shameless, rampant consumerism and limited edition Sephora gift sets after all. See, the plan was to make this a general gift giving suggestion list, but I looked inside my heart and I just can’t lie to you, dear reader. We’ve already been through so much together. So fine, here it goes: This is for me. This is a list of what I want for me. I mean, I threw myself three birthday parties this year, no one is shocked by this admission. But fear not if you are in fact looking for gift suggestions, I have good taste.

Sephora Pantone Universe Modern Watercolors Eyes Palette

These are probably some of the least “flattering” colors I’ve seen together in a palette, so of course it must be mine. They have that chartreuse color I can’t get enough of, plus a diverse array of salmon/pink/red shades. I especially love those, if it makes me look like I’m crying or have an eye infection I am all over that shit. The lavender is bound to make me look dead, like what is there not to like about this? Yes, please.

Sephora Pantone Universe Modern Watercolors Lip Gloss Set

Basically the lip version of the eye palette. Be a fancy weirdo this holiday season, confuse and alienate your extended family with blue and yellow lip gloss.

L’Occitane Eau des Baux Fragrance

People who are much closer to being French than I say that you pronounce this as “Oh de bow”, but the jury is still out. It smells like spicy, earthy incense and the last time I sprayed it on before going out I had a gaggle of drunk friends literally inhaling me. This is technically “cologne” but I happen to love masculine scents in general. If I want to smell like a burly lumberjack in a porno, nothing is getting in my way.

JinSoon Tout Ensemble Nail Set

The perfect winter nail kit. Black? Good! Beige? Good! Glitter? GOOOOD! Plus I’ve used this brand before and the staying power gets an A+.

Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powder in Pink Glow

Bobbi Brown makes the most amazing highlighters. I love a rosy pink for the winter to apply high on the cheekbones, right under your eyes.

Peter Thomas Roth Luxury 24 K Gold Cleansing Butter

My skin gets so dry in the winter, I need something a little heavier than just cleansing milk or oil. I got a sample of this recently and I adore it, I put it on and get in the shower, leaving it on while I wash my hair and shave. By the time I rinse it off I feel much more hydrated.

Feel free to forward this article to your loved ones and just casually mention what great gifts these are. Nothing about that is tacky. Happy holidays!