For years I felt pressured to write a substantial holiday gift guide. You know, the kind intended to advise you, dear reader, on what to buy for your partner, your kids, your parents. The kind of list you’ll find on every major publication and retailer’s home page. Instead of gifts for him, her and them, this year I offer a special gift guide. This one’s for you. That’s right — after the year you’ve had, I’m thinking you deserve a gift or three. Maybe I’m projecting based on personal experience, but this past year felt like two rolled into one. Tis the season to make up for lost time, am I right?
The Afrobella “Treat Yourself” Holiday Gift Guide
This is a list of things that you may not want someone else to pick out for you. Like, do you really want someone else choosing skincare items based on what they think you’d need? What perfume they think you’d love? Is that not a gift best chosen by you, for yourself? I happen to think so. These are products I’ve been reviewing over time that I think are reasonably priced and truly worth the spend. Items that can arrive just before or shortly after Christmas that will make you feel well-gifted, pampered, and well deserved. Products with staying power that won’t feel like a waste of your hard earned money. From skincare to home goods, I’ve got some special suggestions for you and I’m breaking it down into separate posts so they aren’t super long. Merry Christmas, bellas!
Nail Gifts Just for YOU
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel – this year was the year I had to take care of my own situation. I couldn’t spend the face to face time with a manicurist that I desperately needed. Gel nail polish to the rescue! I fell head over heels for the Sally Hansen gel line because it’s super easy to use – no light needed! And in my experience, most shades last for ten days or more depending on how much you’re using your hands. Plus the color range is spectacular.
Dazzle Dry is a cruelty-free, non-toxic nail brand that has their own fast drying, long lasting system. The system comes in a cute kit, and there are additional absolutely beautiful, fun, vibrant colors to choose from. Right now I’m loving Fringe, a sumptuous seasonal brown, Cinnamon Spice, and Evergreen, the perfect sparkling shade for the holidays.
Maniglovz are the perfect gift for gel manicure fans who want to keep their hands protected from potentially harmful UV rays. These gloves come in an array of colors and patterns to make them fun, while keeping your hands safe from the risks of gel manicures. Slip them on before getting a manicure and keep your fingers and hands protected from those lights!
Pearnova is a beauty brand based in Chicago that has expanded in an amazing way. Since 2012, they’ve been all about anti-cruelty beauty and 10 free nail polish and gel, but now they’re also offering cool press-on nails and products for lips and eyes.
Janet and Jo is an indie nail care brand I have such a love for, the owner is a genuinely sweet person and her products are awesome! Check her brand out for great nudes, glitters and vibrant shimmery shades.
KBShimmer is another indie nail care brand but with a unique niche in the space – their thing is bold shimmers, flaky glitters, chrome, and holographic shades all made to turn heads. If you like a really unique nail polish, this is your brand. They also offer great nail tools, cuticle products and little bath bombs to take your at-home mani up a notch.
