By Dâmaris, Brazil Local Contributor

Dâmaris is 37-years old and Brazilian. Her parents taught her to love nature and observe its colors, textures, sounds, flavors, and fragrances. She deeply appreciates nature and respects it, and she has found this education helped her develop a taste for beauty in all its various expressions, like music, photography, and cosmetics.

She studied in Psychology and currently teaches at the University. Dâmaris believes there is an art of self-care, which is good for your emotions. She describes her philosophy as, “Taking care of the body is good for the heart, thoughts, and does good to the will to live. Highlighting your points of beauty is a secret we learn every day.” Check out her blog, Village Beaute!

Holiday Gift Guide: Brazil Edition

Here in Brazil, our Christmas is spent among beaches, swimming, and most importantly, among the people we love. Exchanging gifts is a sign of affection with everyone.  I’m happy to share with you some of the most interesting and beautiful holiday kits from my favorite Brazilian brands this season.

The Contém 1 grama released several kits with sets ranging from small travel bags to makeup palettes with shadows, blushes, applicators. Christmas, for me, is a solemn moment, so I suggest the Kit Glam (R$ 88,00), which is has appropriate colors for night use and, beyond the shadows, also includes a great black mascara. The value of the kit is good–it’s better to buy the set than the products separately.

To stay smelling nice, O Boticário launched kits for men, women, children and teens, with one prettier than the last!  For the most value, I really enjoyed the Portinari Kit (R$148,00) for men, which comes with deo cologne, soap and nail care instruments. The Lily Essence Kit (R$ 199,00) contains my favorite Brazilian eau de parfum for women.  For that person we want to gift, but we cannot spend too much, there are some beautiful bath sets that are good, with several fragrances that start at R$ 13,90.

Finally, a brand in southern Brazil, which is a network of pharmacies, the Panvel. It has fragrant and moisturizing creams, makeup, and soft brushes all with very good prices! It is impossible to resist. Whenever I go to Panvel, I can’t get out of there without something. It has a travel brush kit (R$ 19,90) generously sized, as well as a pretty-in-pink (and super soft) kabuki for only R$ 19,00.

Do you have any favorite Brazilian gifts to give this year?