My Top Lifetime & Hallmark Christmas Movies

If you know me, you know I'm obsessed with Lifetime and Hallmark Christmas movies. Are they cheesy and predictable? Absolutely. Are they still magical and heartwarming? Oh yes. They are a gingerbread latte for your soul. Even my dad watches them. He used to do it secretly until finally he just admitted that he's addicted. We often even compare notes and he's informed me that Lacey Chabert is favorite, Candace Cameron Bure is too goody goody for him. That is a direct quote. Many of these are recycled from actual movies (Groundhog's Day, Runaway Bride, The Family Man), but I'm OK with that. And I should note that none of my favorites star Lacey Chaber (sorry dad) or Candace Cameron Bure (you're welcome Dad).

Not going to lie, some are pretty horrible and they are churning them out like butter. I'll always find a few new gems, but below are my all time favorites, which I watch every single year. Along with my mainstream classics like While You Were Sleeping, Love Actually and The Holiday.

Dear Santa 

A young woman who comes from a life of privilege falls for the owner of a soup kitchen after discovering a Dear Santa letter written by his seven year old daughter.

Love At the Christmas Table

A man realizes that his best friend since childhood is the woman that he loves. It also stars Danica McKellar, Leah Thompson and Luke from Gilmore Girls!

A Christmas Kiss

After a spontaneous kiss, a struggling designer ends up falling in love with her demanding boss's boyfriend as she decorates his home for a Christmas party.

A Bride for Christmas

A single man tries to win a bet by getting a woman recovering from a broken engagement to marry him by Christmas. Arielle Kebbel and Andrew Walker have such amazing chemistry.

12 Dates of Christmas 

A story that follows Kate, a young woman who after a horrible blind date on Christmas Eve, wakes up to find she is re-living that same day and date all over again. Mark Paul Gosselar is so hot in this movie.

Holiday in Handcuffs

A struggling artist working as waitress kidnaps one of her customers to bring home and meet her parents at Christmas.  Mario Lopez is so hot in this movie. Can ya tell I love Saved by the Bell?

Eve's Christmas

A wealthy and successful career woman gets a second chance in life when a magical wish transports her back in time eight years to when she walked away from her fiance to lead a business life in New York.

Kristin's Christmas Past 

Shiri Appleby stars as a woman who gets a do-over when she falls asleep alone on Christmas Eve and wakes up on Christmas morning 17 years in the past. It's a Christmas miracle that lets her fix the mistakes of her past, correct her fashion faux pas, and, you know, find love and the true meaning of Christmas

A Snow Globe Christmas

Alicia Witt plays a jaded TV executive who gets sucked into an antique snow globe. She's okay with that, though, because inside the globe it's always Christmas, she's married to Scrubs star Donald Faison, and she has two cute kids—plus a guardian angel in the form of Christina Milian.

Snowed Inn Christmas 

Jenna Hudson (Bethany Joy Lenz) and Kevin Jenner (Andrew Walker) are polar opposites working for the same online publication in New York City. With both having nowhere they want to be for Christmas, they volunteer for a special writing assignment. After a snowstorm forces their plane to land in none other than Santa Claus, Indiana, the two are placed in a Christmas Wonderland and the focus of their story shifts to saving the historic town inn run by Carol and Christopher Winters. As the two overcome their differences, they also rediscover the magic of Christmas. But with the inn's fate in jeopardy and the return of someone from Jenna's past, Carol and Christopher lend a helping hand to bring Jenna and Kevin together.


What are your faves? Seriously, I want to know because I be binging.

 

Holiday Makeup Must Haves

I love this time of year. Gingerbread lattes, Christmas lights, Hallmark movies and holiday parties. When I think about makeup, I definitely think red lips and glitter. Below are my top holiday makeup must haves. Some of these items I own, some I would like to own, but all of them just scream holiday fun.

Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint

This one is on my wish list, BUT I do own one of her stunna lip paints in the shade buff (the nude one obviously). Normally, I don't like liquid lipsticks because I find them to be super drying and uncomfortable. My lips are always dry, but especially in the winter months. The Laneige lip mask has been my best friend. That said, I love this formula! It's actually comfortable and does not budge, which is what you want in a red lipstick (usually red lips scare me because it tends to get on my teeth and even places where you wouldn't think you could get lipstick). I love the applicator because it makes it super easy to apply.  And can we just talk about this packaging?I

https://www.sephora.com/product/stunna-lip-paint-P39787544?icid2=products%20grid:p39787544:product&skuId=1925114

Fenty Diamond Bomb Highlight

Yes, another Fenty Beauty item but let's be honest, Rihanna really can't do any wrong. I'm usually not a fan of glittery highlights because well, I'm 36 years old. This is such a pretty wet looking highlight though. It's just stunning and guaranteed to get you noticed at that holiday party.

https://www.sephora.com/product/diamond-bomb-all-over-diamond-veil-P85225585?icid2=products%20grid:p85225585:product

And while I'm at it you also need the gloss bomb in diamond milk. It makes your lips look juicy and ready to be kissed under the mistletoe.

Huda Beauty Obsessions Eyeshadow Palettes

I've probably mentioned these adorable little palettes before, but I just love them. The are so pretty, the formula is great, they make awesome stocking stuffers and are easy to travel with due to being so teeny.

https://www.sephora.com/product/obsessions-eyeshadow-palette-P425909?icid2=products%20grid:p425909:product&skuId=2137255

Stila Magnificent Metals

To me, nothing celebrates the birth of Jesus like some glitter on your eyes. The Stila Magnificent Metals are amazing because they are really easy to work with, they look so beautiful, you don't need a glitter glue or adhesive and unlike with loose glitters, you won't be like why is there glitter in my ear? No mess, just prettiness. Sephora is offering some great sets so you should check those as well to get more bang for your buck and more glitter for your eyeballs.

Melt Cosmetics Smokey Obsessions

https://www.meltcosmetics.com/collections/smoke-sessions/products/smoke-sessions-palette?variant=13732267753524

Whether you're celebrating Hannukah, Christmas or the fact that weed is legal in California, this is a green eyeshadow lovers dream. Sadly, this is sold out so I haven't been able to get my sticky little hands on it. Dear Melt Cosmetics, please restock this palette asap! I do own the Gemini palette, which I'm obsessed with so that is another great option if you want your eyes to look like a grungy Christmas tree (and who doesn't want that?)

Natasha Denona Gold Palette

https://www.sephora.com/product/gold-eyeshadow-palette-P436736?keyword=natasha%20denona%20gold%20palette

This is like new years for your eyes. I'm going to be honest, I do not own this palette and I'm most likely never going to own this palette because it's $130. Which is insane. I can tell you though that Natasha Denona shadows are some of the best I've tried so if you have generous relatives or you can afford an eyeshadow palette that costs a small little fortune, this is beautiful.

Pat McGrath BlitzTrance Lipsticks

https://www.sephora.com/product/blitztrance-lipstick-P439070?icid2=products%20grid:p439070:product

Since you have glitter on your eyes and your cheeks, you obviously need some on your lips. Pat McGrath is also ridiculously expensive. $40 for a lipstick is INSANE, but it's the prettiest lipstick you will ever own. I've tried Pat McGrath lip liners and eyeshadows and I can honestly say...they are the BEST. However, if you're looking to try Pat McGrath at a slightly more reasonable price, there is a little lip bundle for $25 and the mini eyeshadow palettes are $55.  If you give a makeup lover anything by Pat McGrath they will love you forever. She is queen.


 Anastasia Sultry Palette

They don't call this palette Sultry for nothing. If you find yourself stranded in a small town that stopped believing in Christmas, this palette will definitely help you attract the handsome widower who will convince you to leave the big city behind. OK, maybe I'm describing a Hallmark movie, but I own this palette and I love it. Even if I didn't love it, I'd probably keep it on my vanity for the festive packaging but it lives in my top makeup drawer because I really do love it. I also love feeling sultry.

https://www.sephora.com/product/sultry-eyeshadow-palette-P436870?icid2=products%20grid:p436870:product

Anstasia Amrezy Highlighter

https://www.sephora.com/product/amrezy-highlighter-P429201

I felt like I couldn't just include one highlight on this list. I do not yet own this highlight, but it's on the way from the North Pole aka Sephora! This was limited edition, but everyone raved about it and bought back ups and people kept begging for it to come back and then it finally came back. So of course I had to have it because I HAVE AN ADDICTION PEOPLE. Just look at her though, she pretty.


 Huda Beauty New Nude Palette

https://www.sephora.com/product/the-new-nude-eyeshadow-palette-P43818047

I have one last palette to include because obviously everyone needs 10 eyeshadow palettes, am I right? This palette is so gorgeous and literally everytime I wear it I get compliments. I don't know what Huda put in those spackled shadow things, but they are magic in a pan.

OK, I lied. This palette just launched and I had to include it because...just look at it. It's so beautiful and so holiday and I am so excited to try Linda Hallberg cosmetics. I've heard so many great things and if this is not the most magical and holiday looking palette, I don't know what is.

https://shop.lindahallberg.se/product/metallic-mysteries-2-palette/

What are your holiday makeup must haves? What's on your wish list? Inquiring minds (mine) would like to know.

Ode to Vici Dolls - Fashion Haul/Amazing Sale on Cozy Sweaters and More

Do any of you follow past Bachelor contestants on Instagram? I may do this. While you can get inundated with paid sponsorships and codes on gummy vitamins, Fabfitfun boxes, sunglasses, etc. sometimes they wear super cute outfits that I would like to own. The most recent Bachelorette Becca Kufrin was wearing a beautiful dress, which of course was linked. This is how I discovered Vici.

The clothes are super adorable, but the best part is that they often have flash sales where you can grab some pricey items for $20!!! While you have to act quickly (they sell out super fast), you can get some really great pieces. They always have items on sale and often provide an additional discount code. I figured I would share in case you don't follow past Bachelor contestants. Below are the items I purchased during their latest Flash Sale as well as the items on my wish list. After all, the holidays and my birthday are coming up. Hint Hint.

Striped Cardigan Sweater

How cute is this? I love me a long cozy cardigan. I also have been loving anything green. Green clothes, green eyeshadow...I was very excited to snag this at $20.

Suede Leggings 

My winter uniform basically consists of leggings and sweaters. Occassionally, I'll mix it up with a pair of jeans, dress pants or a sweater dress but more often than not, you will find me in leggings and a sweater. So whenever I can find cute leggings that are not just basic black, I'm all about that life.

Lorelai Shirt

I definitely love stripes (more stripes to come!). I love these colors for fall and I also love that it's called the Lorelai shirt because it makes me think of Lorelai Gilmore, one of my favorite fictional television characters of all time. This makes me want to grab some Luke's coffee.

Rouched Dress 

I love this dress because you can dress it up with some booties, heels and a leather jacket or dress it down with a cardigan and flats. I feel like this will definitely be a staple in my wardrobe that can be layered to work in all seasons (well, all seasons in LA).

The Baltimore Sweater

Yup, that's what this is called!!! So naturally I had to have it because...I love striped sweaters and I'm from Baltimore. This is the one item I purchased that wasn't part of the $20 flash sale, but I had 20% off so there's that.

Wish List

 

I know what you're thinking...another striped sweater. But this is a striped sweater DRESS. So it's OK.

And for my last striped sweater love...This is called "The Partridge Family Sweater." I love The Partridge Family and I got to work with and spend the day with David Cassidy, which will always be an amazing memory. So basically I need this sweater. It's also super cute and gives me those 70s vibes, which I'm living for.

And finally, one last sweater dress, which I think could be good for both work and for dating, which I am going to force myself to do this year.

Have you checked out Vici? What did you buy? What do you want to buy? Inquiring minds (mine) would like to know.

Sephora Fall VIB Sale - My Recommendations and My Wishlist

It's a wonderful time of year. Time for sweaters and boots (unless you live in LA like me where it's still 90 degrees and I'm trying to make sweaters happen, but it's rough). Christmas lights, gingerbread lattes and Hallmark Christmas movies are right around the corner. AND it's the Sephora VIB Sale.

I'm going to go ahead and give my recommendations:

Skincare 

You all know by now I looove my bum bum cream by sol de janiero. I also love the body/hair spray and their body wash. I just ordered this gift set for myself and it's seriously awesome.

https://www.sephora.com/product/bum-bum-carnaval-extravaganza-P436097?icid2=products%20grid:p436097:product


Ole Henrikson has some of my favorite skincare products. I absolutely love their sauna facial scrub (feels like a spa in your shower and my face feels so clean and exfoliated). I'm also obsessed with their truth serum and undereye brightening cream. This holiday set is a great steal if you want to grab it, I'd definitely recommend.

https://www.sephora.com/product/glow-brightly-P436910?skuId=2148252

Drunk Elephant also has truly amazing skincare. The baby facial has helped my skin a ton. It's definitely pricey so if you can grab something during the sale...dooooo ittt. I thought this kit was a fantastic option.

https://www.sephora.com/product/the-big-reveal-P436099?icid2=products%20grid:p436099:product

Foundations:(keep in mind my skin is dry and I like medium to full coverage, but a dewy or natural finish)

Dior Forever Foundation (this is my ride or die)

https://www.sephora.com/product/diorskin-forever-perfect-foundation-broad-spectrum-35-P405059

Jouer Essential High Coverage Foundation  (this is my going out, full coverage, want flawless pictures foundation)

https://www.sephora.com/product/essential-high-coverage-creme-foundation-P434015

YSL Touche Eclat All In One Glow (this is my everyday foundation)

https://www.sephora.com/product/touche-eclat-all-in-one-glow-P428504

I also highly recommend the Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Sunshine Serum (I mix into my foundation for a bronzed glow)

https://www.sephora.com/product/d-bronzi-tm-anti-pollution-sunshine-serum-P432668

Concealer 

Too Faced Born This Way Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer (it hasn't quite replaced my Tarte Shape Tape, but I really do love this one. It's hydrating, gives great coverage and easy to blend. 

https://www.sephora.com/product/born-this-way-super-coverage-multi-use-sculpting-concealer-P432298

Powder 

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder (this is my fave pressed powder. It really does give an airbrushed finish and is just so beautiful

https://www.sephora.com/product/airbrush-flawless-finish-setting-powder-P433526

Hourglass Veil Translucent Powder - It's just the best powder ever honestly

https://www.sephora.com/product/veil-translucent-setting-powder-P430240

Face Palette 

Last year I purchased the hourglass holiday palette and it's the best purchase I've ever made. I use this every single day, I travel with this palette, I love pretty much everything in it. Hourglass makes my absolute favorite blushes, bronzer and powders and the highlights also give that beautiful and more subtle glow from within. I know $80 is pretty pricey so this sale is the perfect time to grab this. You won't be sorry, I promise

https://www.sephora.com/product/ambient-lighting-edit-unlocked-P436439?icid2=products%20grid:p436439:product

Highlight

This is fairly shocking, but I really only have one highlight to recommend. I've been reaching for this highlight everyday. It is not quite as blinding as I used to go, which I think is more appropriate in my old age, but it still gives a gorgeous and wet looking glow. Two words: Natasha Denona

https://www.sephora.com/product/super-glow-P433404?skuId=2041879

Eyeshadow Palettes 

You can check out my previous blog of my favorite eyeshadow palettes, but during this sale I would definitely recommend snatching up The Urban Decay Born to Run Palette, Anastasia Soft Glam or Norvina and a Huda Beauty Obsessions Palette.

I also really recommend the hourglass scattered light glitter eyeshadows and stila magnificent metals. You can't have too much glitter especially around holiday time! Stila is offering some great holiday sets, I'd definitely recommend grabbing one for you or for a glitter loving friend.

https://www.sephora.com/product/scattered-light-glitter-eye-shadow-P433811?skuId=2087674&icid2=products%20grid:p433811:product

https://www.sephora.com/product/mini-glitter-glow-liquid-eye-shadow-set-P432331

Mascara 

The Hourglass Caution Mascara - This is hands down the best mascara I've ever tried. In addition to really lengthening and separating my lashes, it doesn't transfer!! No more little dots underneath my eyes. I'm obsessed

 https://www.sephora.com/product/caution-extreme-lash-mascara-P433809

Brows

Benefit has my favorite brow products specifically the Precisely my brow pencil. The brow powder and give me brow are also fantastic. If you are looking for some great new brow products, this kit is fantastic.

https://www.sephora.com/product/magical-brow-stars-blockbuster-brow-set-P437284?icid2=products%20grid:p437284:product

 To set my brows however, I am completely in love with the Milk Makeup kush fiber brow gel. It's also great for natural days, you can just run this through your brows and be good to go.

https://www.sephora.com/product/kush-fiber-brow-gel-P433125

Lips: There are so many great lip products that its honestly hard to choose. For lipsticks my faves would be Charlotte Tilbury and Bite Beauty. For glosses, I love marc jacobs, fenty beauty, bite beauty french press lip gloss, Buxom in the shade White Russian. For liquid lipstick I'm loving Lawless Beauty. I'm also obsessed with Lancome L'Absolu Lacquer, Dior Lip Glow balms and Nars Velvet Lip Glides.

Hair

When it comes to my hair, I highly recommend Olaplex and Briogeo. These products have brought my dull and damaged hair back to life!

https://www.sephora.com/product/hair-o-scopes-brightest-stars-bestsellers-P435405?icid2=products%20grid:p435405:product

Wishlist 

So now that I've suggested my favorite products for you to pick up, below are the products that I'm dying to pick up. I probably will only treat myself to a couple, but a girl can dream...and my birthday and the holidays are coming up so there's always that.

Kevyn Aucoin Nude Pop Eyeshadow Palette
Mel Thompson on Youtube has been raving about this palette and it looks so beautiful. I've also been really into cool toned shadows lately so this is right up my ally.

https://www.sephora.com/product/nudepop-pro-eyeshadow-palette-P436039

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

https://www.sephora.com/product/kiss-make-up-set-P436691

I've heard such amazing things about this mask. My lips get super dry and chapped especially in the winter, so I'm all about this life. Especially if I can just put it on my lips, go to bed and let the mask do the work while I sleep.

Mark Jacobs See-Quins Glam Glitter Eyeshadow

https://www.sephora.com/product/see-quins-glam-glitter-eyeshadow-P436426

Have I mentioned that I love glittery eyeshadows? Tati Westbrook on Youtube loves these and I typically love what she loves. They just look so beautiful and I want!

Urban Decay Lo-Fi Mousse

I have one color and I'm dying to get another. Not only are these a long wearing lip stain, but they can also be used as a long lasting cream blush (thanks to Jkissa for sharing that tip!) I have a puple-y one so I need pink obviously.

https://www.sephora.com/product/lo-fi-lip-mousse-P433130?skuId=2087187

Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer

So many of my favorite Youtubers have been living for this primer. It's very hard to justify a primer that is over $50 even with the sale, but...it can still go on my wishlist.

https://www.sephora.com/product/the-silk-canvas-P428661

Pat McGrath Lip Liners
Kathleen Lights says they are her favorite lip liners of all time. $25 for a lip liner is INSANE but if I'd ever spend $25 on a lip liner it would be for Pat McGrath. I also wouldn't mind another one of her eyeshadow palettes because her fomula is magic.

https://www.sephora.com/product/permagel-ultra-lip-pencil-P423696?skuId=2005718

What's on your list?