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Even if you got holiday shopping out of the way weeks ago, there’s always time for stellar last minute stocking stuffers that won’t break the bank. And beauty stocking stuffers? You’ll never go wrong! To celebrate some new favorites of the year, while tying in a few staples from years past, below is skyelyfe’s ultimate, tried-and-true guide to the best beauty stocking stuffers under $35 (in order from lowest to highest price).
Catrice Cosmetics Glam & Doll False Lashes Mascara: $7
I didn’t discover Catrice Cosmetics until this year, and instantly after trying the brand’s signature purple-packaged mascara, it became an everyday staple. The tube is lightweight and easy to transport, while the formula itself is volumizing and doesn’t make my sensitive eyes react. I also like that the formula doesn’t dry up after two weeks (something I’ve experienced with most of my other mascaras). I’ve gotten so many compliments on my eyelashes using this, and it shocks me that this powerful little tube is under $10. An absolute stocking stuffer must. And if you want to make it a set, I’m a fan of their $10 HD Liquid Cover Foundation, too!
KimChi Chic Beauty KIMCHI X TRIXIE BFF4EVR: LOLIPS – 03 Pink Sorbet: $13.50
Creamy and decadent, just like the shade! This pretty-in-pink perfection glides on effortlessly and stays on all day. Hands down, my favorite lipstick of the year. Added bonus? Pretty packaging and a built-in mirror.
Alpha-H Liquid Glycolic Acid to Go: $14
Alpha-H is another beauty brand I didn’t discover until this year. Its collection of Australian luxury skincare has been around for decades, with a focus and authority on glycolic acid. Their vitamin and acid-rich products have something for every concern you can think of—and their Liquid Glycolic Acid 5% exfoliation treatment, in particular, is one of their best-selling buys. Formulated to resurface and revitalize the skin, the product retails for $56 regular size (making this miniature stocking stuffer a real steal). Clinically proven to improve luminosity and tone, this treat that any skin type will appreciate, will offer its giftee a fresh, glowing complexion.
Pixi Beauty On-the-Go Blush: $18
This ginseng and aloe vera-packed blush went viral on TikTok, and for good reason! It applies with one simple swoop, you can blend with your fingers and it gives you a hydrated glow. With three shades to choose from, the everyday go-to has dominated all of my makeup routines since July. At an accessible price point, in a small, sleek twisty tub, a stocking is exactly where this belongs.
About-Face Line + Paint Custom Lip Duo: $19
Kylie lip kit who? Halsey’s colorful, pigmented makeup line is offering the ultimate mix-and-match treat. With 22 matte lip liners and 22 liquid lip colors to choose from, you may go a little crazy trying to nail down the perfect pick. The liners are super creamy and versatile (but grab your sharpener because the pencil goes down quickly); and the liquid lip colors stay on all day. Without question, these became a standout favorite of 2022.
Melinda Lee Holm Magickal Skincare Discovery Set: $25
I tried this set following a 1:1 meeting with writer and tarot reader Melinda Lee Holm. The Skin Balancing Cleansing Milk is my favorite of the trio (which also comes with a Transformative Face Oil and Skin Plumping Repleneshing Serum)—but ultimately, in three easy steps, you’ll be glowing. Inspired by Holm’s astrology and tarot rituals, the set makes my skin feel rejuvenated and bright. It goes to show you don’t need a complicated skincare routine to tackle the basics. If you want to get a better sense of the set, check out my TikTok demonstration HERE.
Too Faced Shadow Insurance: $26
Creating eye looks isn’t my problem—getting those eye looks not to crease is. I’ve been using a combo of this small eye primer underneath a ColourPop setting powder, and my eyes haven’t creased since. If you’re shopping for someone who lives for eyeshadow looks, this product is their calling.
Boscia Berry Blend Smoothing Facial with 28% Acid Complex: $26 (permanent sale)
This mask launched in 2020, but it is without question my all-time favorite. It’s hard to find a legitimately high-quality face mask in a list of best beauty stocking stuffers under $35, but consider this your pal’s lucky day. If your friend needs a quick fix, a one-time use of this antioxidant-rich mask will leave them with refined, resurfaced skin. With its combination of AHAs, BHAs and Apple AHAs, your friend will feel the effects—but trust me, it’s the best result. This is a full size, but Boscia also offers $8 minis of this, and a little goes a long way!
MARA Beauty Sea Silk Lip Balm (Soft Coral): $26
It doesn’t matter how well your friend takes care of her skin—she’s not safe from chapped lips. The rich, creamy consistency of these balms will ensure her lips get the hydration they need (and the coral shade features a reddish tint). Formulated with the brand’s Algae Plumping Complex™, the proprietary mix of sustainably-sourced, immunity-boosting red and brown algae plumps and improves fullness, aging, volume and definition. The result? A super juicy pout.
Thrive Causemetics Diffusing Angled Bronzer Brush: $28
The brush that does it all! While technically considered a contouring bronzer brush, I’ve been using it to apply foundation and to tap my blush into place. Made with Smart-Sweep Vegan Fibers™, this mimics the movement, texture and pigment payoff from real goat hair.
DESIGNME Care Discovery Kit: $28 (permanently on sale)
For all the hair girlies in your life, this kit is everything because it includes my favorite leave-in spray of all time. The FAB.ME strengthens, protects and nourishes in a mist that boosts manageability and control, with heat protection and instant detangling. The three-piece kit also comes with a glossy hair mask and hydrating serum. The kit is designed to boost hair’s hydration and shine while minimizing frizz.
YSL Libre Eau de Parfum Travel Spray: $30
I took one whiff of this sexy scent and the rest was history! For the friend who loves making a statement, I promise they won’t be disappointed with this everyday aroma they can wear from day to night. With alluring notes of lavender essence, orange blossom and musk accord, they can prepare to turn heads.
Peace Lily CBD Anti-Aging Serum: $32
You can’t do best beauty stocking stuffers under $35 without a hydrating serum! This rich formula actually feels like an oil, and sinks deeply into the skin. It’s packed with 100mg of broad spectrum CBD, and several anti-inflammatory ingredients. The anti-inflammatory properties address acne, redness, eczema and psoriasis. CBD and the other ingredients help soothe, calm and heal. Also, with winter ahead of us, your friend’s dry skin will need to stay hydrated!
YENSA Tone Up Primer Essential Glow: $35
When it comes to all things face makeup, YENSA is it. I’ve been a fan of the brand for several years now, but they absolutely blew me out of the water with their 2022 Super Serum Silk Foundation launch. While this lightweight, glowy, full-coverage product doesn’t meet these stocking stuffer guidelines, the brand’s Tone Up Primer Essential Glow is the next best option. The lightweight, satin-sheen formula, infused with eight superfood skincare ingredients, creates a beautiful canvas for makeup to sit effortlessly on the face.
JAFRA Radiance Foundation Broad Spectrum: $34
If you want glowy results of the aforementioned YENSA foundation, but you want to keep your gift under $35, this foundation is your best bet. Full-coverage and long-lasting, I get compliments every time I wear this. If your pal needs a little pick-me-up in the foundation department, I highly recommend this.
With winter in full swing, you’ll need one of THESE body care products to keep you hydrated and nourished all season long!
