Christmas Stocking Stuffers for Last-Minute Shoppers: Drugstore Beauty Finds

Just as this gift guide is kind of last-minute (sorry guys, 2018 has just been such a crazy year for me), I'm sure some of you may be scrambling for last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers. If you've got a beauty lover on your list, look no further than your local drugstore for these fun finds. If you're in Western Canada, most of these can be found at London Drugs!

Makeup Brushes. I particularly love Real Techniques and EcoTools because they are great quality at an affordable price. The Real Techniques Mini Multitask Brush ($8.99 CAD) could easily be thrown into a purse for on-the-go touch-ups while something like the EcoTools Start the Day Beautifully Kit ($18.99 CAD) features brushes for a full face and comes in a useful storage tray. If your giftee is more of a makeup sponge girl, the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge ($10.49 CAD) is a nice alternative to the much more expensive Beauty Blender.

False Lashes. Maybe not for everybody but if you've got a lash lover on your list, look for MesmorEyes, available as singles ($5.99 CAD) or trios ($12.99 CAD). This brand stands apart from your basic lash brand because theirs are designed specifically for your eye shape. Find the perfect fit for almond, hooded, round, and monolid eyes!

Face Masks. Single-use masks from Montagne Jeunesse like the 7th Heaven Pink Guava Peel-Off Mask ($1.99 CAD) are always a hit. Multi-use tubes, such as the new KISS NY Professional 24K Gold Peel-Off Mask ($6.99 CAD), are also a good pick for avid maskers.

Nail Polish. I like the idea of a colour/top coat duo like this festive red (Cherry Delightful) from Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure ($9.99 CAD). OG readers of my blog will know these polishes were among the first to kickstart my now insane nail polish collection (check out this post from way back in 2010).

Mascara. It's a makeup must-have that needs to be replaced every 3 months... every girl could use a backup! For something a bit fancy, there's the new L'Oreal Unlimited Mascara ($16.99 CAD) which has a two-position wand (straight or bent), but you can't go wrong with a classic like CoverGirl LashBlast ($9.99 CAD). The new Active version is supposed to be sweat-resistant and smudge-resistant, making it perfect for workouts.

Lipstick/Lipgloss. I feel like one can never have enough lip products, be it lip balm, lipstick, or lipgloss. CoverGirl has revamped their Colorlicious Lipsticks, now called the Exhibitionist Cream Lipstick ($10.99 CAD), with sleek new packaging and 48 different shades to pick from. I'm also obsessed with the super holographic Almay Goddess Gloss ($10.99 CAD) which can be layered over lipstick or worn on its own.

Chanel Mini Backpack

Ever since I jumped back on the mini backpack train and also started using one for my office commute, my love for "fashion backpacks" has grown. It was really only a matter of time before a luxury one entered my collection, and what better than a classic Chanel with gold hardware? Special thanks to my new hubby -- I've bought all my own designer bags up until now and it seems I've finally rubbed off on him because he got me this one as a random just-married present!

Coat: Ever New / Blanket Scarf: Dynamite (c/o) (similar)

Boots: Stuart Weitzman (here) / Backpack: Chanel

Hat: Mackage (here) / Gloves: Club Monaco (here)

FOTD: Stila "Vivid Labradorite"

Stila's Vivid & Vibrant Collection came out this Fall and features some really pretty jewel tones. In the midst of beautiful sapphires and jades, however, I was drawn to the shade Vivid Labradorite, which is a cool metallic grey... perfect for creating a smokey eye for any holiday parties you might have coming up.

The shade comes in a few products, including an Eyeshadow Duo and the two I received from a media preview a while back: Shimmer & Glow Eye Shadow and Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner. I've never really been a fan of liquid eye shadow but the Shimmer & Glow is actually quite a nice product. The doe foot applicator delivers concentrated pigment that feels like nothing on the lids and you don't have to deal with any fallout like you would with a powder. It dries to a non-transferable finish, but if you work fast you can easily use your finger to blend it in or with another colour. The Smudge Stick glides on smoothly but I wouldn't say it's long-wearing despite being waterproof... ironically, it smudges considerably after a long day.

For my "Vivid Labradorite" makeup look I wanted to use a few other Stila products I've been excited about, namely the Heaven's Hue Highlighter in the cult classic shade, Kitten. This shimmery nude is the palest of pink and is a perfect complement to the Kitten Eye Shadow that I ran along my bottom lashes.

On my lips, I'm wearing the Stay All Day Lipstick in Fia, described by Stila as a "neutral nude." I'm pretty tan from my honeymoon (more on that coming soon but you can see some preview pictures on my Instagram) so on me it runs more brown and kind of makes me feel like I'm living in the 90s. While I prefer more traditional lipsticks, Stila's formula has always been a favourite. It's pigmented and although it dries a creamy matte, it doesn't feel drying or uncomfortable.

P.S. Can you believe it's already December and Christmas is basically a few weeks away? This year has just flown by!!