The non-gift guide

With Christmas practically upon us, the interwebs have been aflutter with loads of gift giving ideas -- but what about you? What if you're out of ideas on what it is really want? Or, better yet, do you even want for anything?

Out of frustration from all the pressing, you blurt out gift cards. Come December 26th and the months to follow, it'll be time to Treat Yo Self.

Here are a few ideas on how to spend those gift cards you "asked" for..

1. Aesop's Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash - unadulterated citrus-y goodness for your hands; I find any excuse to wash my hands with this stuff.

2. Bauble Bar's Dual Cone Cuff - punk chic.

3. Lululemon's Run: Inspire II Crop - the most comfortable pants you can't see your roos through and they stay put while you workout.

4. Asics' Gel Phoenix 5 - New sneaks for the gym and perhaps your New Year's resolution?

5. Essie's On a Silver Platter - Van Gogh in a bottle.

6. Daiquiri Leather Barrel Bag in Black from Bagaholics - a classic leather bag at an affordable price.

7. Halogen's Cat Sweater - Meow. It also comes in pink.

Even Councilman Jamm loves Ro's Argan Body Conditioner

"We're all out of Paunch Burger here, but Michelle Wie will keep you company while I finish my shower."

Lush has always been the sort of store that takes my breath away.

What can I say, I'm a sensitive nelly and Lush's earth-friendly scents aren't always pleasing to my nose. But if you can get beyond the ephemeral burst of perfume like I did, you'll soon be able to enjoy Lush's passionate and knowledgable staff and all they have to offer.

Back in September, Lush invited a few Melbourne-based beauty and lifestyle bloggers as a way to introduce their brand to us. Lush uses word of mouth to spread their message -- by having us as their captive audience, they were able to get their product into our hands as a way to let our own user experience do the talking. I tip my hats off to you Lush, because I don't think I would've fallen for Ro's Argan Body Conditioner.

Where's a spoon when you need one?

Kale made a top-notch batch!

Early morning Nicole appreciates Ro's Argan Body Conditioner for its ability to expedite my somewhat cumbersome morning routine. Some days after washing up with my shower gel, I like to spread on a small dollop of Ro's Argan Body Conditioner and let it soak in for a solid minute. Just before turning the shower off, I'll rinse off and pat myself dry.

My skin is left feeling soft and that softness is matched by the subtlest hint of powdery, almost buttered rose. With repeated use I have noticed its not enough to keep my skin properly hydrated. For the time being I'll have to pair Ro with my old standby or Sympathy for the Skin (that stuff smells like cookies and cream ice cream, mmmm).

Side note: when I workout the scent is heightened upon sweating. It made doing push-up slightly bearable. Bonus?

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Ro's Argan Body Conditioner:

• $32.50 AUS / $32.95 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 10 out of 10 bags — one word, addictive.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• Hi there, Dreamwash.

*PR sample provided –  Thoughts and ramblings written here are completely my own.

The non-review: Maybelline's Color Tattoo Metal 24HR Cream Gel Eyeshadow

There are no smoke and mirrors with Maybelline's latest offering (I use that loosely here because these guys have been on the market for almost a year). Primer isn't necessary and don't even think about reaching for your NYX Milk stick.

What you see is what you get and that's a good thing.

Electric Blue is a striking navy hue with an undercurrent of silver. Tis far prettier and cheaper than Chanel's Apparition.

Fat Bastard will only have eyes for Gold Rush. Unfortunately, this colour was never released in Australia.

Looking for a steely gaze, Silver Strike might be more to your liking.

Barely Branded is a close cousin of MAC's Bare Study.

Inked in Pink could easily pass for Bobbi Brown's Metallic Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Oyster Pink.

Swatches from left to right: Barely Branded, Inked in Pink, Silver Strike, Gold Rush and Electric Blue

Last year I wrote a pretty thorough review -- definitely check it out if you're a Color Tattoo newbie.

Mom, thanks for trolling around Wal-mart and CVS in order to find these bad boys.

Total amount for Maybelline's Color Tattoo Metal 24HR Cream Gel Eyeshadow:

• $11.95 AUS / $4.97 USD

Help dial back the shine with Rimmel London's Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation

Stay Matte

It's noon and there's an oil slick across my face.

And in my purse I have what I consider to be my essentials:

• iPhone 
• Brush
• Hand Moisturiser 
• Keys
• Tram Card
• Wallet
• Loads of lip products

But, I always manage to rule out blotting paper. One of these days my happy, shiny face will serve as a glaring warning to the rest of you out there.

Shining my "light"

Instead of fighting oil with paper, Rimmel's Stay Matte pulls double duty with its light/medium coverage and shine fighting properties. If you're already planning on putting something on your face, why not make it work for you?

Swatches of Stay Matte in Classic Beige (left) and Sand (right)

Stay Matte is a light mousse with no discernible scent, applies easily (a little goes a long way) and stays for the day. With my sun kissed glow all but gone Sand proved to be a tad too dark for me with its orange undertones, but Classic Beige is a bang on match for my skin ATM.

Wearing Classic Beige

For the dewy kinda gals, Stay Matte might not be for you. 

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Rimmel's Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation:

• $14.95 AUS 

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 9 out of 10 bags — If you're in the market for a wallet-friendly foundation, Stay Matte (available in 8 shades) is definitely one to toss in your shopping basket.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• I'd be lying if I said no :)

*PR sample provided –  Thoughts and ramblings written here are completely my own.