National Alfred Hitchcock Day Reviewed

March 12 has been selected as the day we honor the Master of Suspense - Alfred Hitchcock.

Alfred Hitchcock Day is a holiday in the category of Arts & Entertainment. On March 12 we celebrate the life, times and work of this master filmmaker.

Presenting Alfred Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchcock (Wikipedia)

Hitchcock was an English film director who became one of the  most influential figures in the world of cinema.

In a career that spanned six decades, Hitchcock directed over 50 feature films, many of which are still watched and well known today.  Some of his most famous were Strangers on a Train,  Dial M for Murder, To Catch a Thief, Vertigo, North by Northwest, The Birds and Psycho. The actors in these, and other, Hitchcock films were some of the top names of the day, including Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, Grace Kelly and Ingrid Bergman.

Hitchcock became as well known as any of his actors due to his cameo appearances in most of his films, his many interviews, and his television series Alfred Hitchcock Presents. 

Born in Essex (near East London), Alfred Hitchcock grew up in a rather austere and strict environment without much joy. He had no real friends and developed many fears over the years. Perhaps his background helped bring out the suspenseful and fearful ideas he had for his many films.

Hitchcock's favorite subject was geography and he loved maps and timetables of trains, trams and buses. He had a particular interest in London trams and, fans of Hitchcock films will note, a large percentage of his films included rail or tram scenes. 

Alfred Hitchcock married Alma Reville, an English screenwriter, in 1926 and they had one daughter, Pat. Alma became his closest collaborator and wrote or co-wrote many of Hitchcock's films. 

One of Hitchcock’s most famous movies was Psycho. The violence (shower scene) and the early death of the heroine by a disturbed murderer became the hallmarks of a new horror-film genre and became very popular with audiences. 

Alfred Hitchcock’s films showed recurring themes and plot devices throughout his directing career. The "Hitchcockian" style included the use of "editing and camera movement to mimic a person's gaze, thereby turning viewers into voyeurs, and framing shots to maximise anxiety and fear."

Summary

Alfred Hitchcock received many awards for his work over the years, and frequent accolades.  Life magazine called him the "greatest master of melodrama in screen history". The holiday of National Alfred Hitchcock Day celebrates this outstanding Master of Suspense.

Related Reviews:

• Alfred Hitchcock Suspense Films Collection Reviewed by Sylvestermouse Cynthia

For more Holiday Reviews, Check out

ReviewThisReviews: Holidays

A Few of the Many Favorite & Most Well-Known Hitchcock Films:

The Birds [DVD]

Psycho (1960) - 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital [4K UHD]

North By Northwest (4K UHD + Digital)

Rear Window - 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital [4K UHD]

*Review of the Holiday ‘National Alfred Hitchcock Day’ was written by Wednesday Elf.

 

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There Are Days Just Meant For Fun! A Holiday Review

 As Mid-March arrives, if anyone asks what your favorite color is, the answer better be GREEN!

Why?  Well everyone knows that on the 17th of March, the whole world seems to be Irish!  St. Patrick's Day is the one day of the year where GREEN is the mandatory color in everyone's attire or their accessories!

It doesn't matter if its Kelly Green, pale Green, Bold Emerald Green or any combination, the most important part is that it belongs to the family of Green! 

Now let's get down to a bit of history!  St. Patrick became the Patron Saint of the Green Isle when he was sent to proclaim Christ to the people in the 5th century.  Yes you read that right, he is a very old Patron Saint. He was born in Britain and at the age of 16 was taken from his village and placed into slavery in Ireland.  Yes, the times he lived in were barbarous and slavery was not uncommon. He did manage to escape, but felt a calling to return to Ireland. 

He was a very spiritual man, who during his travels around Ireland, baptized many people into the Catholic Christian Church.  He was very careful to keep the peace with all the chieftains in the region so that he was welcomed by all.  He gave gifts and took none in return.  Many legends surround St. Patrick, the most popular is the Shamrock which helped Patrick explain the concept of the Holy Trinity. 

St. Patrick is also credited with getting all the snakes, demons and practitioners of magic to leave Ireland.  These "miracles" cannot be authenticated, but many still believe them.

But let's get to the fun part, current day celebrations of St. Patrick's Day are attributed to the European immigrants in the 18th century.  Boston celebrated the first St. Patrick's Day parade in 1737.  The large Irish population enjoyed the celebrations so much that many new ways to celebrate the day came about.  The color GREEN not only celebrates St. Patrick, but rather is a way to celebrate the country of Ireland.  

Today we see everyone as Irish on March 17th and many people enjoy adding to the mirth and merriment of the day by adding something GREEN  to their clothing.  People will enjoy Irish foods and even color their beer for the day. 

Now I've given you fair warning that this holiday is coming up shortly and to that end have furnished you with a page from Amazon.com where you can find anything your little heart could desire to make this St. Patty's Day fun for you and your family. 

Just imagine a day without any strife and everyone wishing everyone else a Happy St. Patty's Day!  A little fun goes a long way. 

Here's an Irish Blessing Just for You!

May love and laughter

light your days

and warm your heart and home,

may good and faithful friends be yours 

wherever you may roam,

May peace and plenty bless your world 

with joy that long endures,

May all life's 

passing seasons 

bring the best

to you and yours!  

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY TO ALL!  MAY YOU ENJOY YOUR IRISH ON THE 17TH!

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Valentine’s Day: Proof That Humans Have Always Been a Little Extra

Ah, Valentine's Day. 

That one day a year when lovebirds get all mushy, single people roll their eyes (or throw an anti-Valentine's party), and stores bombard us with pink and red everything. 

But have you ever stopped mid-chocolate binge to wonder how this whole love-fest even started? 

Buckle up because the history of Valentine's Day is way messier—and bloodier—than you'd expect. Let's review.

The Romans: Masters of Mixing Love and Chaos

Like most weird traditions, we can thank (or blame) the ancient Romans. 

Before Valentine's Day was about overpriced roses and candlelit dinners, the Romans celebrated Lupercalia, a festival held in mid-February. And by "festival," I mean a bizarre mix of fertility rites, matchmaking, and light public nudity. (Yes, really.)

Picture this: young men running through the streets, smacking women with strips of animal hide because someone, somewhere, decided that would increase fertility. And instead of swiping right, single ladies would toss their names into a jar, and men would randomly pick one. 

Ah, romance! Nothing says "everlasting love" like a lottery-based relationship system.

Saint Valentine: The Man, The Myth, The Martyr (Or Martyrs?)

Fast forward to the 3rd century, when Emperor Claudius II had a brilliant idea—ban marriages for young men so they'd focus on war instead of love. (Classic buzzkill move.) 

Enter Saint Valentine, a rebel priest who secretly performed weddings for love-struck couples. When Claudius finds out, he throws Valentine in jail, where legend says he fell for the jailer's daughter and sends her a note signed "From your Valentine."

Touching, right? Well, not for him because Claudius executed him on February 14th. 

And just like that, a martyr was born, and centuries later, we'd all be celebrating his tragic love story by eating too many chocolates.

(Oh, and fun fact: there might have been multiple Saint Valentines. Being named Valentine and getting executed was a trend back then. Who knew?)

Chaucer, Shakespeare, and the Birth of Lovey-Dovey Poetry

For a long time, February 14th was just another day on the calendar.

But then along came Geoffrey Chaucer, a medieval poet who decided to write about birds choosing their mates on Saint Valentine's Day. (This is scientifically inaccurate, but let's not fact-check 14th-century poets.)

Shakespeare took it from there, mentioning Valentine's Day in Hamlet, and before you knew it, the idea of February 14th as a day for romance started catching on. 

By the 1700s, people were writing love letters, and by the 1800s, mass-produced Valentine's cards hit the scene. Because nothing says true love like a pre-written poem on fancy cardstock.

Modern Valentine's Day: Love, Capitalism, and Sugar Overload

Today, Valentine's Day is a full-blown industry. We're talking billions of dollars spent on chocolates, flowers, jewelry, and awkward dinner reservations at packed restaurants. 

And while some people love grand romantic gestures, others see it as a corporate money grab. Either way, the pressure is real. 

Forgot to plan something? Good luck explaining that. 

Single? Congratulations, you'll be getting targeted ads for dating apps all month.

So, What's the Takeaway?

At its core, Valentine's Day is just another excuse to celebrate love.

Whether you're spoiling your partner, your best friend, or yourself (hello, self-care shopping spree), the day is what you make of it. 

And if history teaches us anything, it's that we've come a long way from whipping people with goat skins.

Happy Valentine's Day! Now go eat some chocolate.

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National Catchers Day Review

February 2nd is National Catchers Day.

In 2019,  Xan Barksdale created National Catchers Day. A minor league catcher for the Atlanta Braves, Xan went on to become a well-known catching coach and author of the best-selling book Catching-101. Xan’s aim in creating National Catchers Day was to celebrate baseball and softball catchers of the past and present.

Is Catcher the Hardest Position in Baseball?

In the very early years of baseball, catchers stood 20 feet or more behind the batter and wore no protective gear. Today, the defensive position of the catcher, crouched down between the umpire and the batter, has become the most important position in the game as catchers have more responsibilities than anyone else on the field. It is also the hardest position in baseball to play.

Well-Known Major League Baseball Catchers

Image Source: Pixabay

There are many baseball catchers who have made a name for themselves over the years due to their outstanding achievements in that position. In this article, we will mention just a few of those past and present whose names baseball fans recognize. Every fan will have their favorites, so don’t be surprised if I include MY favorites as we recognize and celebrate baseball catchers on National Catchers Day. :) 

Jorge Posada

One of my most favorite catchers, who played 17 seasons with my favorite baseball team ~ the New York Yankees ~ is Jorge Posada. His MLB debut was in 1995 and he retired after the 2011 season. Posada established himself as a mainstay in the Yankees lineup as  a solid-hitting catcher (one of the Core Four players) who contributed to the Yankees’ winning seasons. 

Posada’s career stats included 275 home runs and 1,065 runs batted in. He played in 4 World Series as the Yankee’s catcher and his #20 has been retired by the NY Yankees. 

"If the world was perfect, it wouldn't be."

Johnny Bench

Ranked #1 in most polls of MLB best catchers ever, Johnny Bench played his entire baseball career as the catcher for the Cincinnati Reds (1967-1983). At the time of his retirement, he held the MLB record for number of home runs hit by a catcher. Bench still holds the Red’s team record of 389 home runs and 1,376 runs batted in.

"You wouldn’t have won if we’d beaten you."

Mike Piazza 

Piazza played 16 years as a catcher in major league baseball; his first seven years for the Dodgers (1992-1998). I remember him most during his six years (1998-2005) with the New York Mets, especially in the 2000 World Series against crosstown rivals, the NY Yankees. Mike became known as the greatest 'hitting' catcher in the history of baseball. 

Piazza is regarded as one of the best offensive catchers in baseball history. His uniform number 31 was retired by the Mets in 2016.

"When you come to a fork in the road.... take it."

Buster Posey

Gerald “Buster” Posey is another MLB catcher who spent his entire career with one team, playing twelve years with the San Francisco Giants from 2009 to 2021. Posey’s career saw him earn many awards, including Golden Glove and Silver Slugger, beginning with being named the 2010 NL Rookie of the Year. His MLB stats included 158 home runs and 729 RBIs and he was a 3x World Series champion.

Buster retired in 2011 and today is President of Baseball Operations for the San Francisco Giants.

“Ninety percent of the game is half mental."

Yadier Molena

“Yadi”, as fans chanted in many games during his career, was one of the most beloved of baseball catchers. Molena played his entire 19-year career for the St. Louis Cardinals. 

Molina ranked first in many categories among catchers.  He also holds the record, along with pitcher Adam Wainwright, for all-time most games started and won as a battery. He holds many awards and distinctions over his long career, including career stats of 2,168 hits, 176 home runs and 1,022 runs batted in. 

Yadier Molina is the product of a baseball family, beginning with his father who played second base as an amateur and was the all-time hits leader in Puerto Rican baseball. Yadi’s two older brothers also had standout major league baseball careers as catchers, Bengie for 4 different teams and Jose for the Cubs and the Angels. 

Molina retired in 2022 and today is the team's Special Assistant to the President of Baseball Operations, as well as the manager of the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League. 

“I always thought the record would stand until it was broken."

Yogi Berra

Yogi Berra is a name everyone, fan and non-sports people, most know about, not just for his nearly 20 years as a professional baseball catcher, but also as a manager and a coach. His playing stats and managerial roles aside, what Yogi seems to be most remembered for is his zany use of the English Language. His ‘Yogisms’ have often been quoted and remain so to this day. You will find several of them sprinkled throughout this article. 

"I really didn't say everything I said!"

Summary

There you have a few fan favorites of baseball catchers in honor of National Catchers Day celebrated each year on February 2. 

Let me know which MLB catcher (or even Little League or softball league catchers in your family) are your favorites in the comments below and enjoy remembering them on this holiday. 

"It ain't over till it's over."

Stories of some baseball catchers: 

Catching-101: The Complete Guide For Baseball Catchers

Long Shot

The Journey Home: My Life in Pinstripes

Yogi

*National Catchers Day review written by Wednesday Elf, the Baseball  Contributor on ReviewThisReviews

 

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Merry Christmas to All : From the Heart!

Christmas Day is here!  All the build up has come to it's climax!  Hopefully everyone is now relaxed and playing or using their gifts in ways that will bring them joy!

Joy is the result we are all looking for!

May the days that follow Christmas morning bring you Joy!  Joy at the sight of family and friends!  Joy at the wonder in the eyes of the children.  Joy in the singing of Christmas carols and Joy in the delight of a wonderful Christmas dinner shared with loved ones.

2024 is coming to an end very quickly, so take the time to make some wonderful memories that will hopefully start 2025 on the right note. 

May you all be Blessed this Christmas with Peace, an abundance of Love and Joy for you to take with you into the New Year.  From all of us here at ReviewThisReviews.com, this is our wish for you all!

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A Review Embracing Nature And Gratitude On Christmas Eve

 

I always think Christmas Eve is a magical time, filled with anticipation and joy. It is one of my most favourite days over the Christmas period.

While it is often a busy day, it's lovely to take a moment to pause and reflect on the beauty around us, especially the wonders of nature, and to express gratitude for the blessings in our lives and remember those for whom this time is difficult.

The Beauty of Nature on Christmas Eve

Life and events and all the preparations for Christmas can be very hectic. By the time we reach Christmas Eve we may try to find a moment to rest, to find peace.

I love to take photographs to capture the particular beauty of the season. Appreciation will be different for everyone, it may be the crisp winter air, the beautiful blanket of snow in the garden, rain on a window pane when you are warm and cosy, or the distant stars in a dark sky. 

Nature reminds us of the simple beauty of our world. Whether you're in a snowy landscape or a milder climate, taking a moment to step outside and appreciate the natural surroundings can be a grounding and peaceful, even profound, experience.

Finding Gratitude in the Little Things

Christmas Eve is a perfect time to reflect on the past year and acknowledge the things we are grateful for. Sometimes life is lovely, other times it can be very hard and I am among those this year that have lost loved ones and miss them, this first Christmas without them. I am also grateful that they were in my life and what we meant to each other and that love never dies.

When life is hard, or even when it isn't, we don’t have to look to the big things to be grateful for. Especially at this time of year there can be many small day to day special moments. 

The warmth of a cosy fire, good food, the laughter of loved ones, the look of wonder in a child's eyes, a call or message from a friend or family member. 

We may find comfort in our faith, connecting with friends across the world, watching birds in the garden, listening to a lovely piece of music, carol singers, a starry night sky, or the quiet stillness of a winter night are all things we can be thankful for.

Winter Trees Against Blue Sky
by RaintreeDesigns

Connecting with Nature

One way to appreciate our Christmas Eve experience is to connect with nature.

This could be as simple as taking a walk in a nearby park appreciating the red and yellow winter berries and shapes of the trees branches against the sky. We might find a scented shrub with tiny flowers and a powerful perfume to amaze us.

It might be listening to the sounds of the night, an owl maybe or birds singing during the day. We may like to feed the birds and watch their appreciation or help at an animal sanctuary. Reindeers and Donkeys are of course also intrinsically linked to the Christmas story in their different ways. 

Even going out on a clear night to watch and maybe identify the stars and constellations. These activities can help us feel more connected to nature and a sense of our place in it.

Who knows some of us may even see Santa and his Reindeers running across the night sky with the sleigh! 

We also like to collect pine cones, berries and Holly in our garden and on our walks to decorate and bring nature in to our home.

Practicing Gratitude

Often it is easier to recall all the things that have not gone right and I am guilty of that too. However it is healthy to practice gratitude when we remember. 

We might write a list of things we have been thankful for this year or give someone close to you a genuine compliment to show them how much they mean to you. We might like to help at a charity for children or older people who need support or a listening ear or give local people who helped you a simple Thank you card or small gift. 

It can be useful to spend a few moments in quiet reflection thinking over the year that has gone, the good, the difficult, the special and the ordinary times. How we handled it all and how we have grown with the experiences.

Expressing gratitude in this way can improve our wellbeing, support our relationships, and enhance our well-being.

Snowdrops In Snow Thank You Card
by RaintreeDesigns

A Grateful Heart On Christmas Eve

As you celebrate Christmas Eve, whether we are with family, friends, alone or with our animal companions, a couple, single or part of a big family, working or at home, this day can be special to us. 

However you spend your day whether it is busy or quiet, whether you attend any religious or other celebrations or not, let the beauty of nature fill your heart with joy and peace.

It is lovely and fun to give gifts at Christmas and for many of us is a key part of the celebrations. The best part of the spirit of the season is in the love and connections we share with other people, animals and nature and the appreciation for the world around us.

May your Christmas Eve be a special time filled with the wonder of nature with love and joy and peace in your heart.

Read More Holiday Reviews 

Read More Reviews By Raintree Annie

Raintree Earth Designs Zazzle Store

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The Best Beauty Gifts for Last Minute Gift Giving

Who doesn't like to be pampered with a special gift they wouldn't normally buy for themselves, especially during the holidays or for another special occasion?

Whether you have nearly finished your holiday shopping or are just getting started, you can order these these beauty gifts and have them delivered quickly. I've included gifts at a variety of price ranges in this review, from stocking stuffers to splurges.

Happy gift-giving!

Beauty Gifts Under $25

These inexpensive gifts pack a big punch for their low price tags. They're perfect stocking stuffers for the beauty lovers on your list or anyone who could use a bit of pampering.

NISHEL Travel Toiletry Bag for Women Large Capacity, Travel Essentials Organizer, Hanging Makeup Case for Accessories, Cosmetics, Toiletries, Pink

The Nishel Travel Toiletry Bag is far and away the best bag of its kind I have ever owned, and I have tried a lot of different brands and models over the years. It holds a LOT of products, from shampoo, soap, conditioner, deodorant, body lotion, razor, etc., to sunscreen, skincare and makeup — enough for quite a long trip, if desired — while keeping everything neatly organized and easily accessible throughout your stay. 

Despite how much it holds, it folds and zips up into a compact size with convenient carrying handles. 

I wrote an in-depth product review of the Nishel Travel Toiletry Bag last year that includes photos of how I pack mine so you can see just how much it holds and how you might want to organize yours. Also, although it is marketed as a women's travel toiletry bag, it would also be great for men who like to travel with more toiletries than can comfortably fit in a traditional Dopp Kit style bag.

NISHEL Large Double Layer Travel Makeup Bag Women, Large Cosmetic Case, Organizer for Travel-Size Accessories Bottles, Brushes, Conditioner, and Skin Care Products, Pink

The NISHEL Large Double Layer Travel Makeup Bag is for women who travel with a lot of makeup and prefer a train case style bag.

This large-capacity makeup bag measures 10.5 x 7.5 x 7 inches and has both top and bottom makeup storage compartments with a capacious center section with elastic straps that can accommodate even large fluffy makeup brushes easily. 

The large main section can hold bottles, tubes, compacts, palettes, etc., and includes a removable divider that you can position as desired (or omit). The top section, inside the lid, is a shallow zippered compartment that's perfect for a larger makeup palette. 

Like the travel toiletry bag, the outer shell is a soft, smooth, quilted microfiber material that is both attractive and easy to clean.

Eli with Love Ice Globes for Facials - 360 Rotating Unbreakable Steel Ice Globes with Carry Case - Professional Esthetician Supplies - Ice Roller for Face and Eyes - Ideal Skincare Tool (White)

These 360-Degree Rotating Ice Globes are an extremely inexpensive alternative to the professional quality ice globes often used by estheticians when giving facial treatments. The difference is that those cost hundreds of dollars, while this set costs less than $20 and comes with its own fitted storage case to keep the ice globes clean when in the refrigerator in between uses.

One of the advantages of these rotating, gel-filled stainless steel globes over the professional model I looked at initially is that they can be used either cold or warm.

I recently wrote a product review of The Best Affordable Ice Globes that goes into more detail about the many ways these inexpensive, high-quality ice globes can be used for things like facial depuffing, lifting and firming, lymphatic drainage, enhancing skincare product absorption, and calming inflammation, as well as for soothing sore muscles, depending on whether you use them cold or warm.

Maybelline The Blushed Nudes Eyeshadow Palette Makeup, 12 Pigmented Matte & Shimmer Shades, Blendable Powder, 1 Count

This Maybelline The Blushed Nudes Eyeshadow Palette is absolutely stunning and is an incredible bargain for less than $12. It contains 12 extremely wearable, neutral eyeshadow shades in both matte and shimmer finishes that would be flattering on any eye color or skin tone.

The matte shadows could be used alone for an extremely subtle, conservative look, or can be paired with the metallic shimmer shades for a fancier evening or special occasion makeup look.

Maybelline is known for high-quality, highly pigmented makeup at very affordable prices. This would be great for anyone from a teen to a senior who enjoys "putting on a face."

Note: Although this eyeshadow palette comes with two double-ended sponge applicators, I would highly recommend giving your gift recipient a set of good makeup brushes if they don't already own some.

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP, Ultimate Shadow Palette, Eyeshadow Palette - Warm Neutrals

This NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Ultimate Warm Neutrals Eyeshadow Palette is another terrific choice with 16 high-quality eyeshadow shades to suit any eye color or complexion. The highly pigmented shadows include a mix of safari-inspired neutral browns in a range of finishes, from matte and satin to shimmery and metallic shades. 

The colors in this palette were curated by makeup professionals in Los Angeles. It is recommended to apply these shadows over an eyeshadow primer for the best color payoff.

NYX eyeshadows are now vegan, cruelty-free, and packaged with 30% recycled materials. 

Shower Steamers Aromatherapy - Christmas Gifts for Women, Gift Box of 6 Premium Shower Bombs with Essential Oils, Relaxing Home Spa, Stocking Stuffers for Family, Green

These Shower Steamers Aromatherapy Shower Bombs with Essential Oils are the perfect, affordable way to pamper someone who doesn't love makeup or skincare but loves a warm, relaxing shower. They will make the lucky recipient feel like they have escaped to a relaxing spa for a while, in the comfort of their own home.

This set of six shower steamers comes beautifully gift boxed for easy gift giving. The six scents, which come from fragrant essential oils, are eucalyptus, green tea, jasmine, rose, lemongrass, and lavender in the green box. If you choose the blue box, your giftee will receive eucalyptus, peppermint, green tea, lemongrass, salvia, and tea tree. The pink box contains rose, gardenia, lavender, chamomile, rosemary, and jasmine to make your recipient feel relaxed, restored, and well rested. The orange box contains orange, bergamot, pineapple, lemon, strawberry, and coconut — perfect for someone who enjoys the smells of the tropics.

These shower steamers are a cinch to use. Let your gift recipient know to unwrap one, place it in the corner of their shower away from the water stream, and allow the steam activate the fragrance from the essential oils.

Burt's Bees Christmas Gifts, 6 Skincare Stocking Stuffers Products, Tips & Toes Set - Pomegranate Lip Balm, Almond Milk & Honey Hand Creams, Coconut Foot Cream, Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream & Hand Salve

This Burt's Bees Tips & Toes Kit makes a wonderful, unisex stocking stuffer for less than $13. It's a nicely boxed set of five travel-size products and a sixth, full-size product that would also be great for a purse, gym bag or briefcase:

• Honey & Grapeseed Hand Cream (travel size)  
• Coconut Foot Cream with Vitamin E (travel size)
• A tin of Hand Salve (travel size)
• A tin of Burt's Bee's deservedly popular Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream (travel size)
• Almond & Milk Hand Cream (travel size)
• A tube of Pomegranate Lip Balm (full size)

This would make a great gift for anyone, especially during the cold winter months.

Beauty Gifts Under $50

These affordable gifts are sure to please.

Jenny Patinkin makes my absolute favorite makeup brush cleaners, and now she is offering a Jenny Patinkin Spray Away Instant Makeup Brush Cleaner and Luxury Vegan Makeup Brush Soap bundle at a discounted price. (Note: I love her products so much that I became an affiliate partner and this is an affiliate link.)

As I have explained in previous reviews about washing makeup brushes, keeping makeup brushes clean and sanitary is essential for many reasons, including optimal performance and avoiding cross-contamination of bacteria between your brushes, your makeup, and your skin.

I use the Spray Away Instant Makeup Brush Cleaner with a microfiber cloth to clean my makeup brushes in literally just seconds after each use. Then, either once a week (if I'm wearing makeup most days) or every other week, I wash them properly with the Luxury Vegan Makeup Brush Soap.

With these two products, I am able to care for even my most expensive makeup brushes effectively yet gently. The set of both products would make a fabulous gift for any makeup wearer!

Gift Baskets for Women, Body & Earth Gift Set with Jasmine & Honey Scent Includes Bubble Bath, Hand Cream, Christmas Gifts for Mom, Bath and Body Gift Sets for Women, Bath Sets for Women Gift

This Body & Earth Jasmine & Honey Spa Bath & Body Gift Set consists of a sleigh-shaped basked filled with 5 luxurious jasmine and honey-scented bath and body products:

• Hand Cream
• Shower Gel
• Bubble Bath
• Body Lotion
• Bar Soap

Your gift recipient will think of you fondly as they luxuriate in a bubble bath or fragrant shower, and their skin will be silky soft thanks to the body lotion and hand cream.

The contents are beautifully packaged in a white, gold, and silver pattern with a lovely winter scene. This gift looks much more expensive and luxe than its affordable price tag (less than $30)!

Gift Baskets for Women Body & Earth Bath and Body Gift Set for Women, Cherry Blossom & Jasmine Spa Gifts for Women Bath Gifts for Women, Regalos Para Mujer, Christmas Gifts for Women

A similar set that isn't winter holiday themed is the Body & Earth Cherry Blossom & Jasmine Bath and Body Gift Set. This 8-piece set includes cherry blossom and jasmine-scented bath and body products in a bathtub-shaped gift basket. The set consists of:

• Bath Salts
• Shower Gel
• Bubble Bath
• Body Lotion
• Rose-Shaped Soap Petals
• Shampoo Bar
• Soap
• Reusable Bathtub-Shaped Basket

Real Techniques Au Naturale Makeup Brush 9 Piece Set, For Liquid, Cream, & Powder Eyeshadow, Foundation, Blush, Bronzer & Contour, Travel Friendly, Stocking Stuffer, Gift Set, Cruelty-Free

For the woman (or girl) who doesn't have a good set of makeup brushes, the Real Techniques Au Naturale Makeup Brush 9 Piece Set would be a great starter set or a nice but inexpensive upgrade (if she's just using whatever cheap brushes or applicators come with her makeup). It would also make a great second set to keep in a gym bag.

This set of cruelty-free, vegan makeup brushes for face, cheeks and eyes includes:

• Ultimate Powder Brush
• Light Layers Complexion Brush
• Perfecting Prime Brush
• Blurring Concealer Brush
• Precision Fan Brush
• Full Coverage Brush
• Shading Brush
• Defining Crease Brush
• Flat Liner Brush

The brushes have sturdy aluminum ferrules and custom-cut UltraPlush synthetic bristles that apply and blend makeup beautifully.

Brush Babies Mini Makeup Brush Set

I have a lot of high-quality makeup brushes, but I still covet this Jenny Patinkin Brush Babies Mini Makeup Brush Set.

This tiny pink zippered pouch holds 6 mini makeup brushes that feature full-size vegan, synthetic bristle brush heads on palm-size weighted handles that give them the same balance as full-length brushes without the size. The brushes in this set are:

• Complexion
• Powder/Blush
• Concealer
• Eyeshadow
• Crease
• Smudge

Jenny Patinkin claims that her brushes have 2.5x the number of bristles as other brushes. I'm not sure which brushes she's comparing them to, but her brushes definitely have ultra-fine bristles and a luxurious feel and deliver an extremely smooth makeup application.

This mini but mighty set is perfect for an avid makeup lover who appreciates good quality brushes. Even if your gift recipient already has a good set of makeup brushes, she will love this one for her purse, car, desk, gym bag, or carry-on bag.

Note: This set retails for $58, but at the time of this review's publication, it's available on Amazon for less than $50.

DRMTLGY Pumpkin Enzyme Face Mask with Jojoba Beads. Gentle Exfoliating Pumpkin Facial Mask for Dullness, Uneven Skin Tone, Fine Lines and Wrinkles. 5.5 oz

The DRMTLGY Pumpkin Enzyme Face Mask with Jojoba Beads is one of my favorite treatment masks. It's a great way to get a spa-like facial-treatment affordably, in the comfort of your own home.

This mask uses a combination of enzymatic and physical exfoliants to brighten dull skin and leave it feeling soft and silky. It reduces the appearance of large pores, deeply hydrates the skin, cleanses impurities, and gently exfoliates the dead surface layer of the skin for a smoother, more radiant complexion.

Key skin-loving ingredients include pumpkin, jojoba oil beads, kaolin clay, vitamin E, peptides, ceramides, enzymes, and colloidal silver.

You can read more about this outstanding rejuvenating face mask in my detailed product review that explains why it's The Best Exfoliating Enzyme Mask for Brighter, Softer, Smoother Skin.

Beauty Gifts Over $50

BK BEAUTY - Nikki La Rose Pro Artist Makeup Brush Set (7PC)

By now you know that I feel strongly about the importance of good makeup brushes for a beautiful, professional-looking application. Although it took me many years to bite the bullet and invest in a really good set, I finally did. In fact, I have become a bit of a high-end makeup brush collector by now. I wish I had made the investment sooner, as the positive difference in my makeup application when using good brushes is really noticeable. Of course, it's also important to learn good application techniques, but with the right tools, it's so much easier.

My very favorite makeup brushes of all time are this set of BK Beauty x Nikki La Rose Pro Artist Makeup Brushes. Nikki is an incredibly talented makeup artist with a long list of celebrity clients and her work is amazing. The collab she did with one of my favorite brush companies, BK Beauty, to create this 7-piece set of professional makeup brushes is simply superb. The set includes:

The N14 Petite Precision Multitasker is ideal for small areas.

The tapered N15 Precision Medium Powder brush is perfect for blending, bronzer, and contouring.

The triangular tip of the N16 Pro Concealer brush allows for precise concealer application.

The N17 Multi-Pro Face brush is an ingenious, dual-sided brush with lighter bristles on one side for creams and liquids and darker bristles on the other side for powders.

The N11 Ultimate Angle brush lets you create a winged liner look effortlessly with a single stroke.

The N12 Ultimate Smudger is designed for blending pencil liner, smudging, and defining eyes and lips.

The N13 Precision Pro Blender, ideal for deep-set, mature, and small eyes (which I really appreciate).

All seven of the brushes are multitaskers that make them worth their weight in gold for anyone who loves a beautiful, professional-looking makeup application. In fact, pro makeup artists love this set!

Oribe Gold Lust Collection

Oribe is a luxury salon hair care brand, one that is out of reach for most people. The products are not only expensive but also really good. Since it's something that most people wouldn't buy for themselves, it makes a wonderfully indulgent gift.

Oribe has many different lines for different types of hair. My favorite, by far, is their Gold Lust line, designed to repair and restore damaged hair.

The Oribe Gold Lust Collection set includes the three most often-used products in the line in a limited-edition box featuring original artwork by award-winning Kenyan fine art photographer Thandiwe Muriu:

• Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo (Standard, 8.5 oz)
• Gold Lust Repair & Restore Conditioner (Standard, 6.8 oz)
• Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil (Travel, 2.5 oz) 

In a 7-day consumer panel survey of 101 women using Oribe Gold Lust shampoo & conditioner, 91% saw an improvement in the appearance of their hair and 82% felt damaged ends were more reinforced and sealed.

In clinical tests conducted on human hair against a control group, hair treated with Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil was 2x softer and more manageable and was protected from frizz for up to 72 hours.

My own experience with this line makes me wish it were less expensive, because it's so darn good for my long, dry, frizz-prone, greying hair.

I hope this review of the best beauty gifts for last-minute gift giving helps you find the perfect gifts for people on your list!

The Best Beauty Gifts for Last Minute Gift Giving by Margaret Schindel

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Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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