My 4 Favorite Gifts That I’ve Already Worn Or Used Every Day Since Christmas
Every. Single. Day.
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by Audie Metcalf
I’m what all my friends and family call a “scary” person to buy gifts for. I don’t know why I have this reputation. It’s just that I need everything around me to be expertly curated, I already own almost every beauty product known to man, I hate how almost all clothes fit, I have impossibly exacting standards when it comes to anything related to home decor, and I’m only interested in about 4 colors.
See? Easy.
It is, of course, in poor taste and wholly unlikable to complain about the very kind and sweet gestures people around us make for our birthdays and holidays, and I should be grateful to have maintained any relationships at all. So in that spirit, I am sharing the 4 presents I received this holiday season that I love so deeply and so unequivocally, that I have used or worn them every single day since opening them. And given that I’ve established my nightmareishness as a gift recipient and, let’s be honest, a person, that should say a lot. And I thought you’d like to see what those very special gifts are.
Let’s look together, shall we?
1. This perfume PRIMER. Hear me out.
WHAT: Future Society Optimal Habitat Fragrance Enhancing Primer*
My husband actually selected this for me with his own hands/heart because I complain so much about my fragrances fading. And as perhaps you know if you read this site, we (I) am a fragrance hound. I wrote this, this, this this and this. Like 8% of you care but that’s fine. But if you feel like your perfume never lasts (I’m looking at you Byredo) spray one or two spritzes of this on the wrist and throat, wait 30 seconds, and then spray your fragrance on top. It promises to DOUBLE the wear time—and it does. I checked their site and they will give you a full refund if it doesn’t work!
Plus, the brand gave us a code for 20% off. Use THECANDIDLY20.
2. This CASHMERE bandana
WHAT: Kujten Small Bandana Hachi*
My darling husband, yet again, comes through with a banger. This is the kind of wardrobe accessory that feels like I’ve both had it forever, and also I can’t remember life without it. I throw it on any old outfit and poof, I’m chic. Even if I’m wearing virtually pajamas as I am here. Well, and this hat*:
I’m wearing the size small, but I am of course saving for the large*.
3. The random assortment of beauty stuff which was a big swing but they’re all incredible
WHAT: Huda Beauty Mini Easy Bake Loose Powder*, K18 Biomimetic Hairscience
Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask*, Shiseido Eyelash Curler*, Danessa Myricks Beauty Vision Flush Glow Highlighter*
I have a friend who is just as obsessed/hoardy with makeup and products as I am, which is to say, pathological. And so getting someone like that a gift in this category is nearly impossible—because we have or have tried everything. But she managed to find 4 MIRACULOUS products I am utterly wowed by, and have been using constantly. The Huda Beauty mini loose powder* is so extraordinary at blurring pores, I will likely be writing an entire article with before and after photos. The K-18* (used for 4 minutes in the shower in between washing and conditioning) has made my hair softer than it’s ever been. The lash curler* is, of course, Shiseido— I used to have one 20 years ago but lost it and then stupidly didn’t replace it with the same one. But it’s HANDS DOWN the greatest lash curler on this earth*. And finally, the highlighter* seen on Julianne Hough here. Yes, it is this blinding in real life.
4. The semi-insane bag by my new favorite semi-insane bag brand
WHAT: Staud Dolly Beaded Clutch*
It’s fine if you hate this and would never wear a jeweled clutch in the shape of a sheep. Although perhaps seeing its legs will change your opinion:
This is a gift from my dog Bunny and I am shocked she would ever select an animal-based product that wasn’t about her. I do love a weird and experimental bag, especially when dressing up— it allows us to dress more simply without ever looking boring. Here is another Staud bag that I purchased for my own self because I couldn’t stop thinking about it:
Audie Metcalf is the Editor-in-chief of The Candidly, and lives in LA with her family. You can find more of her articles here.
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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