Holiday Series: Stuff your Stockings!

Can you believe it's already December? Between Thanksgiving to Christmas, these couple of weeks is one of my favorite times of the year- spending it with family and shopping for others! I have only a few short weeks and quite a number of folks on my Santa list (lots of people who were nice this year apparently). Each year I usually like to give a mix of stocking stuffers to go along with the gift. It just adds a nice oomph to it.

For my beauty lovers, I love gifting them with useful beauty tools and beauty sets. A gal can never have more than enough glosses! Plus, I adore both so these are definitely on my wish list as well! 

Beauty tools:

-new compact mirrors!

-new hair brushes

These 2-in-1 combine a compact mirror and hair brush! From Olivia Gardens, these are available at Ulta for $3.49-perfect for your bestie and yourself!

Gift sets:

One of my fave beauty brands Vapour Organic Beauty is offering these three gift sets on Target.com! Obsessed with sets in general, I adore their multi-use sticks to provide lip colour and cheeks the same colored flush. Here are three with 3 different price points to match your holiday budget!

Available for $40, the duo set includes: Siren Lipstick in Plush, a dusty rose, and Elixir Plumping Lip Gloss in Mystery, a sugared plum.

Available for $50- this is the perfect holiday duo. With nude eyes and berry stain lips, you'll be the catch of the party! This set contains Aura Multi-Use in Instinct, a decadent pomegranate stain, can be used on both lips and/or cheeks and Mesmerize Eye Color in Chill, a silvered taupe, which brightens the eyes with a soft shimmering light.

What I love most about their products is that their colors are buildable so you can get a more intense look by layering on an additional coat of color. 😍

This is my favorite combo- for $70- the set provides Aura Multi-Use in Lavish, a gilded peach to get the perfect glow, Mesmerize Eye Color in Bliss, a smoky brown with a hint of violet and the Elixir Plumping Lip Gloss in Bon Bon, a golden peachy pink. These can be worn together or separately to help create your holiday look this month!

Use the code SHINE to save 10% at Target on select beauty items!

Get yourself a Boyfriend... perfume set!

Whether you have a boyfriend or not this holiday season, you can definitely wear Kate Walsh's Boyfriend perfume. Hearing about this scent recently via a Fragrance twitter party- whether celebrity endorsed perfumes are actually any good- and from a friend's rave, I knew I had to check this out. It's a floral fragrance with the combination of muguet, dark plum, myrrh, and night blooming jasmine. It also has an amber and woody musk which makes its scent smell like a guy but also maintaining its femininity. I actually was quite impressed with this celebrity perfume and I'm definitely going to rave about it to all my pals!

The Boyfriend fragrance comes in various packaging- rollers, sprays, and even this deluxe Boyfriend Kit with an adorable makeup case! I personally like mini-sprays so I can keep it in my purse at all times!

This $95 kit contains:
- 0.5oz Eau de Parfum
- 0.16oz Pulse Point Oil Mini
- 1.oz Dry Oil Mini
- 1.6oz Body Crème Mini
- Votive

If you can't afford it, add it to your wishlist! :)

(Disclaimer: I received a sample from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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Holiday Potpourris from Thymes!

I've been a huge fan of Thymes since the end of last year when I discovered their Agave Nectar Collection. This holiday, I'm excited to try out their NEW potpourris collection in amazing scents such as Bitter Orange & Cedar (woody), Magnolia Fig & Vetiver (green), Juniper Berry & Sandalwood (woody), and Frasier Fir (more green).

If you're looking to make your home smell more like the holidays, nothing says it more than the winter greens, wreaths, and the scent of a fresh Christmas tree! These potpourris are perfect to place in your home- such as the hallways, living room, or even bathroom! Afterall, you do want to balance out all the home baking right?

I recommend the Frasier Fir scent ($28 USD), which is more green. It consists of "fragrant birch and jack pinecones, natural cedar tips, red cassurina pods and green apple pods." Smells like you just took a walk in the forest and back!

Thymes also has available this gorgeous silver, ceramic bowl for your potpourri. The Potpourri bowl ($26 USD) is 11 inches in diameter so it's sizable.

Check out more Frasier Fir products at Thymes.com here.



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Holiday Series #9: Holiday Shopping at Daffy's in NYC

If you're looking for affordable holiday gift items then you should check out NYC's Daffy's department stores. They have a huge assortment of discounted clothing for men, women and children, as well as home goods. It reminds me a lot of stores that sell different brands but at a huge discount. On the price tag, you see the retail price and then the DAFFY's price, a whole lot cheaper.

I was given the opportunity to go on a bit of a shopping spree to find items that are holiday-worthy. (THANK YOU DAFFY's!) After browsing on several floors (there's 4 floors in the DAFFY's in Herald Square, New York) I came myself to liking the Stationery/Organizing sections best. They have lots of great products including binders, notepads and organizing compartments for your desk. Their design prints are also super adorable and they're such a great deal! These make wonderful gifts for friends who love matching things!

Here are some key holiday items that I got and loved!

This adorable Santa dish can be used to hold your candies, cookies, treats, whatever you want for the holidays! This only costs about $5-6.	The set of 6 citrus- decorated coasters makes a great gift! Made of ceramic, these are sturdy and can be easily wiped off so no worries about a spill! Best part? It's only $4.99 ! :)
This $9.99 jewelry organizer has 9 compartments to organize all your favorite necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. The gorgeous black and white paisley print on the outside gives it a nice touch, too!	I'm loving this green and brown paisley print for the inside of these desk organizers. I have tons of pens and letters that need organizing so these are a great! So's the price; it only costs: $7 - 10!
If you prefer to have your jewelry hung and be seen, this 16-jewelry pouch is a great alternative! You can hang this in your closet and visually see 16 of your favorite jewelry all at once. It's only $13 but makes a terrific gift!	I didn't get these large candles which were only $10, but I found these to be incredibly festive for the holidays. I haven't seen anything like these before (I'm talking about the large cone shaped ones, not the small regular ones..)

Hope you enjoyed my Holiday Daffy's picks! You can find a great selection of holiday items for yourself, for friends and for your home just in time for the holidays and year-round!



(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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Holiday Series #8: Sally Hansen Holiday 2010 Collection

The Sally Hansen Holiday 2010 nail polish collection arrived on my doorstep right in time for the holidays and I'm excited to share this with you! With 10 gorgeous colors that scream, FESTIVE, these bright reds and plums and glittery goodness colors are perfect for any holiday dress you'll be rockin' this month and into the New Year's!

From Left to Right( Downtown Rubies, Feeling Saucy, Perfect Match or unknown, Trouble Maker, Rockstar Candy, Starry Starry Flight, Golden Ticket and Sequin Scandal.)

Unfortunately one of the polishes leaked and I couldn't read the name for it, hence no swatch for "Feeling Saucy" either. The polish that jumped out the most is Trouble Maker. The bottle makes it look a lot lighter than it is but two coats of this and you've got a gorgeous dark plum.

My favorite part of the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure nailpolishes are (not only its gorgeous color ranges) but their brushes!! Its wide brush and rounded tip makes it so easy to do a neat manicure and its formula gives you a sleek shine at the end. No need for a top coat or base coat!

(Read reviews on Sally Hansen nail polishes here.)

To see swatches.......

(Note, I don't have the second from the left polish- Feeling Saucy)


(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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Holiday Series #7: Accessorize with Scarves by Lindsay Phillips

This holiday season, accessorize your outfits with scarves! I love to wear scarves because they can really brighten and differentiate your outfits, especially if you like to wear a lot of blacks or neutral colors.

For the holidays, if you're wearing a colorful dress, you can wear a more neutral scarf such as this one on the left. This beautifully made Cape Coral scarf in grey by Lindsay Phillips ($25, USD) feels very light and soft on your skin. The pattern is quite interesting too- it looks a bit leopard with glittery threads sewn in. It's definitely eye catching and great to pair your outfits in! If you're going to stick with dark colored dresses, I would pair it with brighter colored scarf, such as this gorgeous turquoise here.

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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Holiday Series #5: Pacifica Wanderlust Kit in Tuscan Blood Orange scent

I've been a huge fan of Pacifica since I was introduced to their scent, Tuscan Blood Orange last year (Remember my Pacifica Travel Set from last year?) This year, they have a new kit for the Holidays- Wanderlust Collection ($28, USD)- that contains their full size Body butter, Body wash and rollerball perfume. It's a dream come true!

Their body butters used to be in a tub jar which made it easy for germs to collect; can you imagine your hands digging in the cream every time? The past year, they've repackaged the body butters into a tube so it'll be cleaner and easier to squeeze out of. I slather this on after I shower with their Body Wash. It smells deliriously good and the sweeet scent makes me not want to get out of the shower!

Their rollerball perfumes is a convenient way to get touch ups of the scent during the day. It's easy to use and extremely fragrant. The scent of blood orange, raspberry and strawberry notes is delicious and so sweet, I could just eat it!! But I won't... ;) (Have you tried the California Star Jasmine scent before?)


Currently available at Sephora.com and Pacifica.com, so get your Wanderlust kit for the holidays! Enjoy :)
P.S. Kits are the way to go this year; can you tell I'm obsessed with holiday kits this year?

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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Holiday Series #4: Smashbox Eye Wish palette

"Star light, star bright, The first star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight!" The Smashbox Eye Wish Palette will be the perfect holiday gift for yourself or your BFF! For every Smashbox Eye Wish Palette purchased, a $1 will be donated to the CHILDREN'S MIRACLE NETWORK. Palette available at Smashbox.com or Sephora.com ($45, USD).

If you wished for the perfect eyeshadow palette, then your wish may have just came true! Smashbox's Eye Wish Palette is a fabulous palette with 12 gorgeous eye colors, shimmery and matte with 4 gel eyeliners, a primer and a mascara. The colors (vertically in each row) are complementary and create gorgeous looks for the holiday party and neutral everyday looks as well! Overall, the shadows were pigmented (colors in the first row def. need the primer to be show up on my skin) and they lasted for a long time. The primer def. helped make the shadows last longer and the mascara/gel liner made my lashes pretty and eyes defined.

My favee part of this palette is their LOOKBOOK. They have easy instructions for several different looks so if you're a beginner, you can learn what colors in the palette go well together.

Get Swatches here of the eyeshadows here!


(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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Holiday Series #3: NEST Holiday 6- Votive Candle Set - Limited Edition

The best things about the Holidays is staying at home and spending time with your family. And of course, it's even better when your home just smells like the Holidays. I'm a huge fan of NEST candles- recently spotted them at the C.O. Bigelow store- and this season, they have a limited edition Holiday 6 votive candle gift set ($32, USD). If you prefer yours in a large candle form (such as the Pumpkin Chai, see here) they also have that too.

Packaged in a gorgeous red box, this 6 mini candle set is perfect for scattering around the living room, around your coffee table, window sills, etc. These are incredibly fragrant with rich aromas from pomegranate, mandarin orange, and hints of clove and cinnamon. The combination of all these makes it a perfect holiday scent. (Note: You must take these candles out of the box- since it's cardboard inside.) A great bonus? You can keep this box as a keepsake to put your holiday cards, small ornaments, or any other keepsakes from this holiday.

Available at Bergdorf Goodman, CandlesOffMain.com, and other luxury candle retailers.

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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Holiday Series #2: One Bath and Body - Lip Butter Balms

Holiday Series #2- Looking for stocking stuffers?
Gift all your friends on your list this year this affordable and scent-worthy lip balm from One Bath and Body. Their collection includes 6 different flavors including the Cherry Pie & Honey Cream balms that I tried. They're moisturizing with shea butters and they smells great. Its moisturizing formula contains cocoa and shea butter and various oils. These are widely available at your local Target store and oh, did I mention that these are only $3? Its a great deal and cones in a cute tin. Again like the shampoo and conditioner bars this also uses recycled packaging.

The Cherry Pie lip butter balm is my favorite- it smells like a delicious pie is baking and ready in your oven!

Made with recycled packaging, I thought I would open it up to see what was holding the lip tin in place. Inside- was a cardboard cutout with images of M&M frosted cupcakes. I thought it was a bit strange but it looks like they really recycle their goods! Give this eco-friendly gift to your pals this holiday!

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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Holiday Series #1: Miss Oops Rescue Sponge & Lint Roller

My 2010 Holiday Series is baaack and I'm so excited to share my holiday must-haves with you. Even though it's only the end of October and a week away from Halloween, why not get a head start? Before you know it- Holidays will come and go and you're off to a new year!

To kick off my 2010 Holiday Series, I want to introduce you to the Miss Oops brand. (read more reviews here) All the products in Miss Oops are designed to correct your beauty boo-boos with a mission to correct your beauty problems in an affordable manner. Below are two purse must-haves when you're at a holiday party and you come across some natural blunders. Got deodorant stains and extra lint on ya?

Remove deodorant marks- The Allure award winning product, Rescue Sponge, is a patent-pending sponge made to remove deodorant marks, powder and other marks you have. Instead of having to wet a sponge, use this to sponge to absorb the excess and poof it's gone! Each set comes with 2 sponges per pack, so you can leave one in your purse and another at the office or home. Instead of using a tissue, this leaves no lint behind! Speaking of lint...

Remove fuzz/lint- Another Miss Oops product is their mini lint roller. When you're wearing a BLD or your favorite black wool coat, and you've got dog/cat hair all over- this lint roller will help remove all that from your clothes. What I love most about that is the size- small and cute to tote around and perfect for your purse that already has everything in it. For your holiday parties, this AND the rescue sponge will be your bffs and save you from those oopsies you make. Do note that it won't be able to help you from any other embarrassing one-too-many drink moments though, so caution.. :)

Enjoy your upcoming holiday parties!! :)

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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Holiday Series #9: Gift exchanges

One more week till Christmas! Have you done any or most of your Christmas shopping yet? It's such a hallmark holiday here with Santa, elves, gifts, etc.. but it's also about spending time with friends and family with goodies in between.

So far, I have participated in two White Elephant gift exchanges, where people bring in a generic gift worth a said amount and then people choose gifts based on their numbers. If they like a present that someone opened already, they can steal it! :)



I have two more Secret Santa exchanges to participate in (can't wait!!) which is much different than the White Elephant game. In Secret Santa, you actually know who you have to buy the gift for, so you can be more creative if you wish or actually get something from their wishlist.

I use Elfster to handle all the gift exchanges online because their site works wonders! :)

What kind of gift exchanges are you participating in this year?


Stay tuned to my last Holiday Series post on my gifts!! :)



(Disclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link.)
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Holiday Series #8: Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide

Your Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide

Still shopping? Feeling a little stressed? We've got help

The holidays are practically here! Are you totally ready for them? Shopping done, decorations complete? Yeah, we aren't either. Luckily, this guide has everything you need to get ready in a snap. From the perfect gifts for everyone on your list to ways to de-stress and truly enjoy this fun and busy time! See guide

(Disclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link.)
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Holiday Series #7: Holiday Tipping

Holiday Tipping Cheat Sheet

Who deserves an extra treat this year? Find out!

Money is tight, we know, but it's still nice to give a little something extra to the people who make our lives easier all year round. Find out who you should be tipping this season and how much (don't worry, it won't break the bank!). See tips

(Disclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link.)
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Holiday Series #6: Travel Essentials with Yes to Carrots & Virgin Airlines

Source: YTC Facebook page

After checking our Yes to Carrot's facebook page, I found out that they are teaming up with Virgin Airlines to provide an exclusive travel amenity kit. Called the "How Could I Forget?" Kit, this package makes me want to forget my essentials just so I have a reason to purchase this!

This adorable sampler pack for only $10 includes generous sample size items of:
* Yes to Carrots Shampoo
* Yes to Carrots Conditioner
* Yes to Carrots Night Cream
* Yes to Carrots Body Butter Lotion in a tube
* Yes to Carrots Shower Gel
* Lip Balm (rando flavor, I think)
* Breath Mints
* And a zip-lock bag to get back through security fast (I guess this is useful on your way home, since you will purchasing this on your destination flight.)

If you haven't tried these products before, this is a great way to sample the variety of Yes to Carrots products. If you're looking for other value kits to try the Yes to Cucumbers or Yes to Tomatoes brand because you have more sensitive (Cucumber) or oily/combination (try Tomatoes) skin, check out their new Yes to Carrots new Facial Starter Kits.

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Holiday Series #4: Best Holiday Gifts for your Budget

Best Holiday Gifts for Your Budget

Whether you have $20 to spend or $100, we've got beautiful gift ideas for everyone on your list this year

Mom, check. Husband, check. Sister, check. With these 20 gift ideas, you'll have everyone crossed off your list by early December. Pretty nice, huh? Check out this guide of our 20 favorite gifts to give this season, no matter how fat -- or thin -- your wallet might be. See gifts

(Disclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link.)
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Holiday Series #3: Pür Minerals Holiday Collection

Get ready for your Holiday soirees with a glam Pür Minerals look! Their cosmetics are simply pure- free of chemical dyes, talc, etc. and includes shea butter and Vitamin E to nourish your skin. The products shown here will help you achieve the picture perfect look while you're out having fun with your friends and family.

Start with a flawless face by using Pür Mineral's Pressed Mineral Foundation and Chisel Brush.

For the Holidays, get a glamorous look with these products from Pür Minerals that I received to test: (From left to right) *Mineral Lip Pencil with Lip Brush in Ruby *Eyeshadow in Champagne Citrine *Eyeshadow in Gold Dust *Mineral Eye Defining Pencil with Smudger in Chocolate Mica *Mineral Shea Butter Lipstick in Red Ruby (bottom)

Here are swatches of the two eyeshadows. The one on top is Champagne Citrine. It's slightly yellow-based and actually looks like the color of bubbly champagne. Delicious and gorgeous as a highlighter. The shade below is the Gold Dust, a bit more coppery but also pretty as a highlighter or a base. Depending on your look, both shades have enough shimmer to last you all night! (Tip: Intensify your look with a wet application.)

What I like best about Gold Dust is that its subtle enough to wear as a monochrome color during the day and it looks great, too! Yes- this is what I wear during work.

The shadows are amazing to use; the colors go on smooth and silky. Read my TotalBeauty review here.

Now that you have the perfect shadow shades on your eyes, complete the look with a soft, brown eyeliner. The Pür Minerals Eye Defining Pencil has the color on one tip of the pencil and a sponge-tip smudger to create a smokier look or to simply clean up any boo-boos. To get your cherry-red lips, line them first with the Lip Pencil and color in with the Shea Butter Lipstick. It's a bright color which looks good to brighten your face. If you're not comfortable wearing this bright color, you can use a bit of gloss in a nude shade over it to make the color less subtle. (Tip: Blot powder on lips after application and reapply lipstick. This will make the color last longer) Use your favorite blush to finish the polished look.

To see a closeup picture of the products,


(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)



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Holiday Series #2: Sephora Beauty Gifts

While the Sephora Friends and Family discount is still valid, here are a few items that look holiday-worthy! These items are featured on my wish-list (hehe) but there are tons of more great products on the site than I could wish for this Holiday. However, it would be impossible for me to use everything..

Source: Sephora.com

1) Tarte Treasure Chest- I got a similar Holiday palette last year- the tarte vanity limited edition palette and this year's is even better! It has 16 more eyeshadows but doesn't have brushes and a mascara, which is fine since the matte shadows are worth it! Isn't this divine? :) I'm debating whether I should get this yet.. but I still have the one from last year to finish using.. (eek! *_*)

Source: Sephora.com

Source: Sephora.com

2) The Harajuku Lovers Snow Bunnies fragrance collection is a Limited Edition set. Based on the original fragrances; the Snow Bunnies collection has an updated wardrobe; tres chic and fashionable for the snow bunny in each of you! My fave fragrance of the set is Love. :) I think it's her hair with three buns, which is why I like her best. I probably won't get this since I got her in the old outfit this summer..

Check out the rest of my Sephora Holiday Wishlist...

Source: Sephora.com
3) Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange is my new secret! Accidentally found at a Borders shop this summer, (I can't believe they sell this either!) and I fell in love with this scent. Tuscan Blood Orange smells so sweet and bloody delicious that you just wish you could take a bite out it. I only got the bar soap but I will have to go back and see if they still sell the kits. But I'm glad that Sephora is selling this. I only want the Solid Perfume because it's just the scent that I want.. :)

Source: Sephora.com

The Stila Gift of Appreciation set contains many must-have Stila items! Their eyeshadow trio in Gold Glow looks like something they have included in previous sets.. but it is still a gorgeous set. I would get this but there are a few lip items I wouldn't use.. like the plumping lip glaze..

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Holiday Series #1: Cosmetic Bags from Apple & Bee

I am dedicating my first Holiday Series to Apple & Bee's wonderful cosmetic bags because not only are they made of durable material, this company is carbon neutral and donates part of their profits to environmental organizations. Hurrah! After my fabulous, fun night at the PrettyCity Beauty Sample Sale, I knew I had to showcase my Apple & Bee bags. Apple & Bee's table stood out in the crowd (literally- the place was packed) because they had gorgeous cosmetic and travel bags and a friendly and helpful staff!

A 100% Australian owned company, Apple & Bee provided a generous selection of bags to choose from. It really took me a while to figure out which bags I wanted to get.. My friend and I were checking the table out, thinking we were only going to get 1 or 2, but at the end, we got a whole lot more! :) They make wonderful gifts for girlfriends, so I am saving a few for the Holidays! (Not shown so they will be a surprise.)

"These are a few of my favorite things..." - Sound of Music

The quality of the bags is amazing; They are made of certified organic cotton, bamboo silk, hemp (for inside layer of the smaller makeup bags) and genuine leather for their label. The inside is just as lovely as the outside!

The largest bag in the trio, called the Bowling Bag, is my favorite. This print is one of a kind so I am a proud of owner. :) Here are some of the popular prints in the same style (Click to enlarge):

Print: Red Apple Blossom

Print: Black Japan

Print: Ivory Turtle Dove

Check these out and many other Apple & Bee bags at Vitamin Shoppe now!

To see more detailed pictures of my bags..


Above is my bowling bag! Isn't it gorgeous? :)


Here is an upclose picture of Delicious Grass Green pencil case. This style is not available in the Vitamin Shoppe, but you can get this print in a small makeup bag (see below) here.


This is the small makeup bag size. This print is not available but there are many other wonderful prints on the site. Check it out! :)


Each bag comes with a dust bag, to protect your NEW bag.

Apple & Bee also carry baby bags and travel bags!!

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