Shannon Constantine

As a person who hosts parties, I know what a lovely surprise a good host gift can be. I named this list "don't come empty handed" because that's what my mom always told me about going to parties. She would always bring a bag of oranges as a gift to hosts. There's no oranges on this list, but there are lots of great options for various types of parties.

The older I get, the more I embrace that giving and receiving gifts is my love language. This list is the culmination of that personal realization.

I grew up in a family that saw makeup and skincare as either 1) vain, or 2) for special occasions only. Naturally, I grew up to be obsessed with makeup and skincare that makes me feel beautiful inside and out, as well as products that can help protect my skin as I get older. I wanted to build this list for the people who have zero makeup and skincare experience, and want to build a routine! That's why, if you shop this entire list, you can have a fully built routine for your everyday or your special occasions. These are just some items that make me feel more confident when I'm going out or going to bed.

These lounges, bars, and restaurants might as well be portals. As a person who has lived in New York for ten years, and has a spouse that works in hospitality and nightlife industry, you can trust these magic-making spots.