Im a Shopping Expert, and These Are the Best Beauty Stocking Stuffers

Since I was a young girl, I was always most excited to unwrap the mini gifts that filled my Christmas stocking, which almost repeatedly included candy, small toys, and, best of all — beauty products. I’m nearly 30 years old now, but I still look forward to seeing what’s inside my stocking, eager to try out any new beauty finds as soon as possible.

As a shopping writer, I’m quite confident in my gift-giving abilities, and nothing brings me greater joy around the holidays than finding a perfect present suitable for everyone on my list. So many brands such as Kiehl’s, Youth to the People, and It Cosmetics have special holiday sets and travel-sized formulas that’ll fit perfectly inside stockings.

If you want to treat friends and family to new beauty products this year, these are the eight stocking stuffers for less than $45 worth grabbing. And every single one will arrive in time for Christmas if you shop them today. 

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Classico Mascara

If I were stranded on a deserted island and could only have one makeup product with me, it’d be a classic black mascara, specifically this formula from Giorgio Armani. One 40-year-old shopper deemed the non-flaking, waterproof formula “the best” they’ve ever used. The brush bristles are designed to supply volume and length with just one single coat, and one reviewer attests that their lashes look “fuller and longer” thanks to the formula that doesn’t “smudge or flake.” It’s also available in a mini-size that’s perfect for when you’re on the go. 

Lancôme 0.5-Ounce Hydra Zen Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer With Salicylic Acid

Now that we’re in the thick of cold weather, there’s no better time to gift some hydrating skincare like Lancôme’s Hydra Zen Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer, which is available in a 0.5-ounce, $12 travel size. The non-greasy formula combines hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, and amino acids to lock in hydration all day. One reviewer said they noticed that their pore size decreased, redness diminished, and skin was “smoother” overall since using the cream. Another reviewer praised it for absorbing quickly, and numerous people raved about its “light and refreshing” rose scent. 

Kiehl’s Richly Hydrating Hand Care Trio Gift Set

This time of year, I always get excited when brands release limited edition gift sets that I can give to one person or split between several. This hydrating hand care trio from Kiehl’s includes grapefruit and lavender creams and a rich salve. It’s a no-brainer stocking stuffer since our hands are put through the wringer this time of year with consistent washing, sanitizing, and harsh, cold temperatures. Avocado oil, shea butter, and vitamin E work together to restore suppleness and improve skin’s overall appearance. One shopper who lives in Alaska claims the hand salve is the best product they’ve ever used to “combat [their] dry and cracking fingers.” 

It Cosmetics Your Transforming Superhero Eye Duo Makeup Gift Set

Mini-sized makeup is fun and all, but a set with full-sized products that can still fit inside a stocking is a true holiday miracle. This duo from It Cosmetics features the Superhero eyeshadow stick and Superhero mascara for a brightened look, and they’re just $18. The shadow is “pigmented and lasts all day,” per one five-star review. Another shopper said the same for the long-wear mascara that “looks great hours later” without clumping or smudging. 

Urban Decay 24/7 Moondust Glitter Eyeshadow Single

I spend a lot of time checking out what beauty products are going viral on TikTok, and one I can personally vouch for being worth the hype is Urban Decay’s 24/7 Moondust Glitter Eyeshadow, specifically in the shade Space Cowboy. I’m not sure what sorcery is in these shimmering shadows, but they look stunning on the eyes without the hassle of chunky glitter getting everywhere. I apply it with my finger for maximum shine, but can also use a brush for a diffused look with up to 16 hours of staying power. 

Youth to the People Youth Stacks: Plump It Up for Dry Dehydrated Skin

I’m a loyal Youth to the People fan, especially because of its hydrating skincare like this Plump It Up set, which includes a firming serum and a deep moisture cream for under $30. The serum’s blend of hyaluronic acid, bio-peptides, and cactus stem gives winter-stricken skin a bouncy, youthful radiance, and the moisturizer’s squalane, shea butter, and ashwagandha formula reduces visible signs of irritation and redness. One 40-year-old shopper said it “plumps their skin and gives [them] a glow” that has led friends to ask if they got Botox. 

Mugler 10-Milliliter Alien Goddess Supra Florale Perfume

My personal perfume collection is quite expansive, and I love a long-lasting scent that lingers for hours and is still fragrant on my clothes by the end of the day. It’s even better if the scent is offered in a travel size to use whenever a refreshing spritz is necessary. Mugler’s Alien Goddess Supra Florale Perfume is available in a mini $35 bottle and features notes of cactus flower accord, jasmine, and amber that one shopper calls  “intoxicating.” Numerous reviewers mentioned receiving loads of compliments on the scent, with one person saying it’s the “number one most-complimented” fragrance they own. 

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick

One beauty product you’ll find on me at all times is a hydrating lip gloss, and this stick from Yves Saint Laurent is one of the best in my entire collection. After owning it in several colors, I always gravitate back to the Healthy Glow Plumper shade — a sheer balm with a breath of light pink. It makes my lips look plump and juicy, and it lasts through eating and drinking without needing to reapply often. It features hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and mango oil for a high shine that feels nourishing on the lips for hours, making it my wintertime secret weapon. Aside from the formula, the packaging makes the product feel even more luxurious, and I love displaying it on my vanity. 

Grab these must-have beauty finds to stick in the stockings of your loved ones this holiday season, and be sure to add them to your cart quickly to receive them in time.

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