Graduation season is almost upon us, and as you’re getting ready to close out one chapter with your grad and begin a new one, it’s a good time to start thinking about a gift to congratulate them on their incredible accomplishments. Whether you know a student finishing high school or college, these gift ideas will carry them from one journey to the next. See our graduation gift guide below.
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1. Noise-cancelling headphones will help block out loud roommates, chatty coworkers, or anything else that distracts them from getting *ish* done.
2. A wireless charging station for all of their techy gadgets will be the gift they use time and time again. Why does everything always need to be charged?!
3. Jewelry is a sentimental way to celebrate the grad. This compass necklace or bracelet will serve as a reminder to follow their own path.
4. A book of lessons, wise words, and funny anecdotes will inspire, instill joy, and provide a little motivation.
5. This inspirational makeup bag, filled with all her favorites and maybe a gift card or two, would make a great gift!
6. A weighted blanket will keep them warm, help reduce anxiety, and replicate a warm hug from mom when she’s miles away.
7. The tassel was worth the hassle! These funny socks would make the perfect addition to a DIY graduation gift basket.
8. And if they’re a coffee lover, this mug is another basket filler that will get tons of use.
9. A tool kit is a must!! This is one of those gifts that they don’t know they want but will be grateful they have when they’re in a pinch.
10. This phone wallet is super convenient. Pop it on the back of your phone, tuck your cards and cash in, and boom…out the door you go.
11. This themed gift box comes with an “adult merit badge” coffee mug, 400 different fun facts, and a motivational book—a little bit of everything!
12. A 3-piece luggage set will get a bunch of mileage. While they make think it will be for all of their exotic adventures, their broke selves will really be using it for all their trips back home so they can do laundry for free.
13. Who doesn’t love a sweet treat?? This tin of delicious cookies will be gone in the blink of an eye, but the sugar high will keep them going for hours.
Shop Graduation Gifts
If you’re active on the internet, you’ve probably seen the brand Elemis somewhere on any number of your social media feeds. What is Elemis and why is everyone using it? Elemis is an innovative skin wellness brand that believes in “truth in beauty” and focuses on delivering proven results. It’s true that the products tend to fall on the pricier side of the budget line, so we wanted to know, “is it really what it’s made out to be and is it really worth the money?” Our girl Kristy decided to jump on the bandwagon (in the name of research, of course!!) and embarked on a 30-day journey to see if the hype was real. Here is what happened from her point of view. **Please note: all of these images are unaltered and unfiltered!!
The Products
Starting and sticking with a new routine has always been an issue for me, but as I creep into turning 40, I’ve noticed my skin transforming and that’s something I am NOT okay with letting go. The Elemis Pro-Collagen Collection uses hydrating ingredients from the sea to give you a more youthful-looking complexion. Always looking for ways to smooth any fine lines and add plumpness to my skin, I decided this sounded like a good collection to try. I grabbed a cleanser, toner, eye mask, serum, hydrating oil, and a moisturizer for daytime and nighttime.
The Routine
This nourishing pro-collagen cleansing balm removes dirt and makeup gently while simultaneously hydrating and soothing. It’s made with essential oils that really leave my skin soft and glow-y. I used this every morning and night and at first I thought it was strange how I just slab it on my face and then add water, but secretly I became obsessed. I used my PMD Beauty scrubber to really allow my skin to absorb the product. You could use your favorite tool as well, but this brush is specifically made to lift, tone, and firm skin, and it’s become a favorite of mine!
After cleansing, I used the soothing apricot toner to refresh my skin and help balance pH levels. Toner is a step of the skin care routine that a lot of people skip (myself included, before this journey), but I realize how important it actually is! Toning helps to hydrate the skin and assists in the absorption of moisturizers. This apricot toner is great for sensitive skin (and has such a clean, fruity scent!!) – just spritz a little on a cotton round and gently wipe over your face and neck (avoiding the delicate eye area).
These dynamic resurfacing pads are amazing for exfoliation!! They’re gentle but effective, and have such a relaxing scent…I feel like I’m at a spa while I use them. The enzymes, lactic acid, and probiotics help to get rid of dead skin cells, leaving my skin bright and fresh. Just take a pad and wipe in a circular motion over your face and neck (you can use morning and night).
This dynamic resurfacing peel instantly improves radiance, texture and clarity and also hydrates skin. It’s a two-part product that actually accelerates natural cell renewal!! You can use this twice weekly to improve the look of discoloration, visible pores and age spots. Apply three drops of Phase 1 to the skin, avoiding the eye and lip areas, and let sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing off. **Note: you may feel a slight tingling – this is normal and means the peel is doing its job, but wash off if it becomes uncomfortable. Then massage three drops of Phase 2 into skin until it’s fully absorbed.
Once I’ve cleansed, toned, and exfoliated, I take my handy-dandy PMD wand and use the rose quartz warming crystal (the BEST part of this tool…soooo wonderful!) to really help with product absorption. I use it to apply the pro-collagen quartz lift serum. This serum firms and smooths skin, giving you the appearance of younger looking skin almost instantly. You can use this morning and evening. Pump a little into your hands and smooth it over your face and neck (again, avoiding the eye area).
I use this pro-collagen eye revive mask at night only, to really let it soak in and work its magic. It’s infused with serums so it helps with puffiness and dark circles. With raising two young kids, running a business, and having a household to take care of, this eye mask has been a miracle! My eyes look bright and refreshed even if I barely got any sleep. Under-eye bags be gone! Take a small amount (about a pea-sized drop) and gently dab under and around your eyes – it’s instantly cooling and feels so nice.
This pro-collagen marine oil is super lightweight and revitalizing. I use it at night before I moisturize if I want an extra boost of hydration. It also helps with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and gives my skin a refreshing glow. Take a few drops and massage them over your face and neck for soft and radiant skin.
Last but certainly not least, I moisturize! For the mornings, I use the pro-collagen marine cream. Let’s just say it’s award-winning for a reason…it’s super moisturizing yet weightless and makes my skin feel instantly rejuvenated. At night, I use the pro-collagen oxygenating night cream which is more rich and nourishing. When I wake up, my skin is so hydrated and feels like it has some life to it again – it feels as firm as it did when I was 20!
To sum it up, my morning and night skincare routines are as follows:
Morning Routine
Night Routine
- Cleansing Balm
- Toner
- Dynamic Resurfacing Peel (twice weekly)
- Serum
- Eye Mask
- Marine Oil (on nights I need a little extra moisture)
- Night Cream
The Transformation
After using these products religiously for a month, my skin feels wayyyy more hydrated and firm, and looks brighter and tighter! It did take my skin about two weeks to get comfortable with all of this washing and using the new products, but after it adjusted and I continued to keep up with the routine, it was definitely worth the extra time I took for myself. Also, I’ll be the first to admit that washing my face or cleaning my makeup off before bed was never a priority (I know – don’t kill me), but I now understand how important it is. With this new routine, I made it a priority to do so and I can’t believe the difference it’s made in how my skin feels when I wake up.
I took a photo once a week to watch the transformation. When I started, my skin felt dry and tired, and I noticed a dullness to my complexion. After the 30-day journey, I can visibly see a difference with my skin tone. I have that dewy brightness and I notice less of the fine lines I saw previously. My skin feels more youthful and looks more radiant!
The Verdict
So…will I continue to use these products? Absolutely. Are they worth the money? Yes! When it comes to skin care, I feel like this is the one area I am willing to splurge a little to get the results I’m really looking for. My day 1 to day 29 transformation says it all – happy, healthy skin is worth any price!!
**UPDATE**
Here is a photo from my 60-day journey and let me tell you – I didn’t think my results could get any better after 30 days but boy was I wrong! I’ve added a few new steps to my routine (the resurfacing peel and the resurfacing pads), and I can’t believe how my skin is still transforming. I feel so radiant and I rarely wear makeup these days which is so refreshing…I love rocking this natural beauty!! Feeling comfortable in your skin is such an amazing thing – I’m so grateful for these products and I’m thrilled I started this journey!
While dishing out for all of the products I use may be a little much, I would HIGHLY recommend the cleansing balm, toner, and both of the moisturizers. These are my must-haves and have made all the difference in my new skin care routine. OR – check out this starter kit and grab trial-sized products if you’re not ready to commit to the full-sized products!
Shop the Collection
Elemis for Men
Healthy skin isn’t just for women!! Elemis now has a revitalizing, refreshing skincare line exclusively for men. With a face wash, moisturizer, and shave gel, these products will help him get soft, smooth skin. Grab this as a gift for any man in your life…he’ll definitely appreciate it!
If you’re active on the internet, you’ve probably seen the brand Elemis somewhere on any number of your social media feeds. What is Elemis and why is everyone using it? Elemis is an innovative skin wellness brand that believes in “truth in beauty” and focuses on delivering proven results. It’s true that the products tend to fall on the pricier side of the budget line, so we wanted to know, “is it really what it’s made out to be and is it really worth the money?” Our girl Kristy decided to jump on the bandwagon (in the name of research, of course!!) and embarked on a 30-day journey to see if the hype was real. Here is what happened from her point of view. **Please note: all of these images are unaltered and unfiltered!!
The Products
Starting and sticking with a new routine has always been an issue for me, but as I creep into turning 40, I’ve noticed my skin transforming and that’s something I am NOT okay with letting go. The Elemis Pro-Collagen Collection uses hydrating ingredients from the sea to give you a more youthful-looking complexion. Always looking for ways to smooth any fine lines and add plumpness to my skin, I decided this sounded like a good collection to try. I grabbed a cleanser, toner, eye mask, serum, hydrating oil, and a moisturizer for daytime and nighttime.
The Routine
This nourishing pro-collagen cleansing balm removes dirt and makeup gently while simultaneously hydrating and soothing. It’s made with essential oils that really leave my skin soft and glow-y. I used this every morning and night and at first I thought it was strange how I just slab it on my face and then add water, but secretly I became obsessed. I used my PMD Beauty scrubber to really allow my skin to absorb the product. You could use your favorite tool as well, but this brush is specifically made to lift, tone, and firm skin, and it’s become a favorite of mine!
After cleansing, I used the soothing apricot toner to refresh my skin and help balance pH levels. Toner is a step of the skin care routine that a lot of people skip (myself included, before this journey), but I realize how important it actually is! Toning helps to hydrate the skin and assists in the absorption of moisturizers. This apricot toner is great for sensitive skin (and has such a clean, fruity scent!!) – just spritz a little on a cotton round and gently wipe over your face and neck (avoiding the delicate eye area).
These dynamic resurfacing pads are amazing for exfoliation!! They’re gentle but effective, and have such a relaxing scent…I feel like I’m at a spa while I use them. The enzymes, lactic acid, and probiotics help to get rid of dead skin cells, leaving my skin bright and fresh. Just take a pad and wipe in a circular motion over your face and neck (you can use morning and night).
This dynamic resurfacing peel instantly improves radiance, texture and clarity and also hydrates skin. It’s a two-part product that actually accelerates natural cell renewal!! You can use this twice weekly to improve the look of discoloration, visible pores and age spots. Apply three drops of Phase 1 to the skin, avoiding the eye and lip areas, and let sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing off. **Note: you may feel a slight tingling – this is normal and means the peel is doing its job, but wash off if it becomes uncomfortable. Then massage three drops of Phase 2 into skin until it’s fully absorbed.
Once I’ve cleansed, toned, and exfoliated, I take my handy-dandy PMD wand and use the rose quartz warming crystal (the BEST part of this tool…soooo wonderful!) to really help with product absorption. I use it to apply the pro-collagen quartz lift serum. This serum firms and smooths skin, giving you the appearance of younger looking skin almost instantly. You can use this morning and evening. Pump a little into your hands and smooth it over your face and neck (again, avoiding the eye area).
I use this pro-collagen eye revive mask at night only, to really let it soak in and work its magic. It’s infused with serums so it helps with puffiness and dark circles. With raising two young kids, running a business, and having a household to take care of, this eye mask has been a miracle! My eyes look bright and refreshed even if I barely got any sleep. Under-eye bags be gone! Take a small amount (about a pea-sized drop) and gently dab under and around your eyes – it’s instantly cooling and feels so nice.
This pro-collagen marine oil is super lightweight and revitalizing. I use it at night before I moisturize if I want an extra boost of hydration. It also helps with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and gives my skin a refreshing glow. Take a few drops and massage them over your face and neck for soft and radiant skin.
Last but certainly not least, I moisturize! For the mornings, I use the pro-collagen marine cream. Let’s just say it’s award-winning for a reason…it’s super moisturizing yet weightless and makes my skin feel instantly rejuvenated. At night, I use the pro-collagen oxygenating night cream which is more rich and nourishing. When I wake up, my skin is so hydrated and feels like it has some life to it again – it feels as firm as it did when I was 20!
To sum it up, my morning and night skincare routines are as follows:
Morning Routine
Night Routine
- Cleansing Balm
- Toner
- Dynamic Resurfacing Peel (twice weekly)
- Serum
- Eye Mask
- Marine Oil (on nights I need a little extra moisture)
- Night Cream
The Transformation
After using these products religiously for a month, my skin feels wayyyy more hydrated and firm, and looks brighter and tighter! It did take my skin about two weeks to get comfortable with all of this washing and using the new products, but after it adjusted and I continued to keep up with the routine, it was definitely worth the extra time I took for myself. Also, I’ll be the first to admit that washing my face or cleaning my makeup off before bed was never a priority (I know – don’t kill me), but I now understand how important it is. With this new routine, I made it a priority to do so and I can’t believe the difference it’s made in how my skin feels when I wake up.
I took a photo once a week to watch the transformation. When I started, my skin felt dry and tired, and I noticed a dullness to my complexion. After the 30-day journey, I can visibly see a difference with my skin tone. I have that dewy brightness and I notice less of the fine lines I saw previously. My skin feels more youthful and looks more radiant!
The Verdict
So…will I continue to use these products? Absolutely. Are they worth the money? Yes! When it comes to skin care, I feel like this is the one area I am willing to splurge a little to get the results I’m really looking for. My day 1 to day 29 transformation says it all – happy, healthy skin is worth any price!!
**UPDATE**
Here is a photo from my 60-day journey and let me tell you – I didn’t think my results could get any better after 30 days but boy was I wrong! I’ve added a few new steps to my routine (the resurfacing peel and the resurfacing pads), and I can’t believe how my skin is still transforming. I feel so radiant and I rarely wear makeup these days which is so refreshing…I love rocking this natural beauty!! Feeling comfortable in your skin is such an amazing thing – I’m so grateful for these products and I’m thrilled I started this journey!
While dishing out for all of the products I use may be a little much, I would HIGHLY recommend the cleansing balm, toner, and both of the moisturizers. These are my must-haves and have made all the difference in my new skin care routine. OR – check out this starter kit and grab trial-sized products if you’re not ready to commit to the full-sized products!
Shop the Collection
Elemis for Men
Healthy skin isn’t just for women!! Elemis now has a revitalizing, refreshing skincare line exclusively for men. With a face wash, moisturizer, and shave gel, these products will help him get soft, smooth skin. Grab this as a gift for any man in your life…he’ll definitely appreciate it!
If you’re active on the internet, you’ve probably seen the brand Elemis somewhere on any number of your social media feeds. What is Elemis and why is everyone using it? Elemis is an innovative skin wellness brand that believes in “truth in beauty” and focuses on delivering proven results. It’s true that the products tend to fall on the pricier side of the budget line, so we wanted to know, “is it really what it’s made out to be and is it really worth the money?” Our girl Kristy decided to jump on the bandwagon (in the name of research, of course!!) and embarked on a 30-day journey to see if the hype was real. Here is what happened from her point of view. **Please note: all of these images are unaltered and unfiltered!!
The Products
Starting and sticking with a new routine has always been an issue for me, but as I creep into turning 40, I’ve noticed my skin transforming and that’s something I am NOT okay with letting go. The Elemis Pro-Collagen Collection uses hydrating ingredients from the sea to give you a more youthful-looking complexion. Always looking for ways to smooth any fine lines and add plumpness to my skin, I decided this sounded like a good collection to try. I grabbed a cleanser, toner, eye mask, serum, hydrating oil, and a moisturizer for daytime and nighttime.
The Routine
This nourishing pro-collagen cleansing balm removes dirt and makeup gently while simultaneously hydrating and soothing. It’s made with essential oils that really leave my skin soft and glow-y. I used this every morning and night and at first I thought it was strange how I just slab it on my face and then add water, but secretly I became obsessed. I used my PMD Beauty scrubber to really allow my skin to absorb the product. You could use your favorite tool as well, but this brush is specifically made to lift, tone, and firm skin, and it’s become a favorite of mine!
After cleansing, I used the soothing apricot toner to refresh my skin and help balance pH levels. Toner is a step of the skin care routine that a lot of people skip (myself included, before this journey), but I realize how important it actually is! Toning helps to hydrate the skin and assists in the absorption of moisturizers. This apricot toner is great for sensitive skin (and has such a clean, fruity scent!!) – just spritz a little on a cotton round and gently wipe over your face and neck (avoiding the delicate eye area).
These dynamic resurfacing pads are amazing for exfoliation!! They’re gentle but effective, and have such a relaxing scent…I feel like I’m at a spa while I use them. The enzymes, lactic acid, and probiotics help to get rid of dead skin cells, leaving my skin bright and fresh. Just take a pad and wipe in a circular motion over your face and neck (you can use morning and night).
This dynamic resurfacing peel instantly improves radiance, texture and clarity and also hydrates skin. It’s a two-part product that actually accelerates natural cell renewal!! You can use this twice weekly to improve the look of discoloration, visible pores and age spots. Apply three drops of Phase 1 to the skin, avoiding the eye and lip areas, and let sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing off. **Note: you may feel a slight tingling – this is normal and means the peel is doing its job, but wash off if it becomes uncomfortable. Then massage three drops of Phase 2 into skin until it’s fully absorbed.
Once I’ve cleansed, toned, and exfoliated, I take my handy-dandy PMD wand and use the rose quartz warming crystal (the BEST part of this tool…soooo wonderful!) to really help with product absorption. I use it to apply the pro-collagen quartz lift serum. This serum firms and smooths skin, giving you the appearance of younger looking skin almost instantly. You can use this morning and evening. Pump a little into your hands and smooth it over your face and neck (again, avoiding the eye area).
I use this pro-collagen eye revive mask at night only, to really let it soak in and work its magic. It’s infused with serums so it helps with puffiness and dark circles. With raising two young kids, running a business, and having a household to take care of, this eye mask has been a miracle! My eyes look bright and refreshed even if I barely got any sleep. Under-eye bags be gone! Take a small amount (about a pea-sized drop) and gently dab under and around your eyes – it’s instantly cooling and feels so nice.
This pro-collagen marine oil is super lightweight and revitalizing. I use it at night before I moisturize if I want an extra boost of hydration. It also helps with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and gives my skin a refreshing glow. Take a few drops and massage them over your face and neck for soft and radiant skin.
Last but certainly not least, I moisturize! For the mornings, I use the pro-collagen marine cream. Let’s just say it’s award-winning for a reason…it’s super moisturizing yet weightless and makes my skin feel instantly rejuvenated. At night, I use the pro-collagen oxygenating night cream which is more rich and nourishing. When I wake up, my skin is so hydrated and feels like it has some life to it again – it feels as firm as it did when I was 20!
To sum it up, my morning and night skincare routines are as follows:
Morning Routine
Night Routine
- Cleansing Balm
- Toner
- Dynamic Resurfacing Peel (twice weekly)
- Serum
- Eye Mask
- Marine Oil (on nights I need a little extra moisture)
- Night Cream
The Transformation
After using these products religiously for a month, my skin feels wayyyy more hydrated and firm, and looks brighter and tighter! It did take my skin about two weeks to get comfortable with all of this washing and using the new products, but after it adjusted and I continued to keep up with the routine, it was definitely worth the extra time I took for myself. Also, I’ll be the first to admit that washing my face or cleaning my makeup off before bed was never a priority (I know – don’t kill me), but I now understand how important it is. With this new routine, I made it a priority to do so and I can’t believe the difference it’s made in how my skin feels when I wake up.
I took a photo once a week to watch the transformation. When I started, my skin felt dry and tired, and I noticed a dullness to my complexion. After the 30-day journey, I can visibly see a difference with my skin tone. I have that dewy brightness and I notice less of the fine lines I saw previously. My skin feels more youthful and looks more radiant!
The Verdict
So…will I continue to use these products? Absolutely. Are they worth the money? Yes! When it comes to skin care, I feel like this is the one area I am willing to splurge a little to get the results I’m really looking for. My day 1 to day 29 transformation says it all – happy, healthy skin is worth any price!!
**UPDATE**
Here is a photo from my 60-day journey and let me tell you – I didn’t think my results could get any better after 30 days but boy was I wrong! I’ve added a few new steps to my routine (the resurfacing peel and the resurfacing pads), and I can’t believe how my skin is still transforming. I feel so radiant and I rarely wear makeup these days which is so refreshing…I love rocking this natural beauty!! Feeling comfortable in your skin is such an amazing thing – I’m so grateful for these products and I’m thrilled I started this journey!
While dishing out for all of the products I use may be a little much, I would HIGHLY recommend the cleansing balm, toner, and both of the moisturizers. These are my must-haves and have made all the difference in my new skin care routine. OR – check out this starter kit and grab trial-sized products if you’re not ready to commit to the full-sized products!
Shop the Collection
Elemis for Men
Healthy skin isn’t just for women!! Elemis now has a revitalizing, refreshing skincare line exclusively for men. With a face wash, moisturizer, and shave gel, these products will help him get soft, smooth skin. Grab this as a gift for any man in your life…he’ll definitely appreciate it!
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