What a Beauty Writer Really Wants in Her Stocking
These products are truly elite.
I can't quite explain it, but opening the gifts in my stocking on Christmas morning has always felt more exciting to me than unwrapping presents under the tree. I just love reaching inside to see what fun-size item I'll find next—and of course there's the fact that it's very often beauty products. Even though I've been writing professionally on the subject for nearly a decade, finding a fragrance or a lipstick in my stocking still feels magical.
Now I'll admit: Given my job, I'm probably not the easiest person to gift beauty products to. My medicine cabinet is overflowing, and I'm pretty discerning when it comes to what I'll apply. That's why I'm making a list and not-so-subtly dropping hints to my family. If you also have a picky beauty lover in your life, feel free to grab some inspiration—it's filled with my favorite viral products that are worth the buzz, tried-and-true routine staples, and other picks that will no doubt impress.
Lip products make the ultimate stocking stuffers, and e.l.f. has the best of the best, period. The products are not only good but affordable, too. Top of my list: this new lip oil. Each of the seven shades provide a sheer wash of color and are super-wearable, seem to offer an unmatched level of shine, and are infused with skin-loving oils that will hopefully do something about my perennially parched lips.
This celeb-hairstylist favorite has been on my radar for quite some time, so I'm really hoping it turns up in my stocking this year. Just take a peek at the before-and-after photos and you'll see why. It makes dry, puffy, and flyaway-prone hair look sleek and glassy for days. Plus, it offers heat protection. I need, I need, I need.
I love travel-size fragrances. They're just so cute and convenient—you can take 'em anywhere. This set contains three of Carolina Herrera's Good Girl fragrances (the line is known for its sophisticated, modern scents), allowing me to take each for a spin before shelling out the big bucks on a full-size bottle.
I've seen this $6 product applied at least a thousand times on social media, and it's obvious why it went viral: It looks just as stunning as any expensive lip stain on the market. The finish is so gorgeously shiny, yet has remarkable staying power thanks to the gloss-to-stain formula. Plus, there are eight gorgeous shades to choose from.
I'm on a hair health journey and am determined to be better about using hydrating products. Not only is the packaging of this oil super-chic, but it contains three ingredients I already know work well for my hair: honey, coconut oil, and almond oil. It's formulated to be lightweight, which is perfect for fine-haired gals like me, and I've heard it smells divine. Need I say more?
I turned 30 this fall and have noticed some new fine lines around my eyes. While I'm embracing the aging process, I'm not going to say no to a device that helps smooth and tighten. This sleek tool from NuFace is designed to do just that, courtesy of microcurrent technology. I love that it can be used around the lips and on the forehead, too.
You can never have too many lip balms—that's just a fact. This one contains hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and goji-berry extract for superior nourishment and comes in five fun scents like vanilla frosting and honeydew. Here's hoping I get all of them in my stocking.
