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.

The Wet Brush vs. Tangle Teezer

It may come as a bit of a surprise to some of you but up until quite recently, I didn't own a hair brush. That doesn't mean I let my hair run wild & free, of course. But since it's naturally fine and straight, I could get by easily with a wide-toothed comb and nothing else. After many rounds of bleach, however, my hair is now more prone to tangling and knots so when Nail Polish Canada asked me to compare two brush lines that they sell (for those not familiar with NPC, they sell a lot more than nail polish!), their request could not have come at a better time.

The Wet Brush versus the Tangle Teezer... which one came out victorious in this battle of hair brushes?

For me, the answer is hands-down, The Wet Brush!

The Wet Brush looks like a standard hair brush with a long handle, round brush head, and a padded base. What differs from a standard hair brush are its IntelliFlex Bristles which are thin and flexible so when you run the brush through your hair they don't pull or get stuck. They also feature rounded ultra soft poly tips, what the company calls SofTips, that don't poke against the scalp. The Wet Brush can be used on both wet and dry hair without causing any damage, and I have been using it when I get out of the shower as well as after styling to brush out my curls and create softer waves.

As for the Tangle Teezer, I had heard about it ages ago and have always wanted one. Unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. The small plastic brush is designed to ergonomically fit into the palm of your hand, which it does perfectly. The bristles are staggered between long and short for "dual action" but they do not have tips. Instead they are very pointy and kind of sharp which does not feel so great against the scalp, especially in comparison to The Wet Brush. Despite this fact, the Tangle Teezer does do what it says -- it detangles without getting stuck and I do really like the unique design.

I think if I had not tried The Wet Brush, I would have thought the Tangle Teezer was fine but there is definitely a marked difference in the way the two brushes feel. Nonetheless, the Tangle Teezer is a great travel companion (I keep mine in my purse for on-the-go brushing) whereas The Wet Brush has now become an at-home staple.

MAKE UP FOR EVER #110 Foundation Kabuki Brush

MAKE UP FOR EVER recently released its Artisan Brush Collection, the most expansive luxury makeup brush collection available today with seventy-six (yes, you read that right) brushes in total. Aside from the years of work spent developing these beautiful hand-crafted brushes, what makes them even more special is their specific synthetic fibre technology. The brushes with straight fibres allow for more generous and precise application, while the brushes with wavy fibres allow for a lighter and freer application. 

I was lucky enough to receive one of the face brushes to preview, the #110 Foundation Kabuki Brush (Medium). All of the brushes are numbered (100s = complexion; 200s = eyes; 300s = lips; and 400s = artistic specially designed for professionals).

The #110 is a medium, dense kabuki brush made with straight fibres and tapered bristles that form a point. This shape provides flexibility for even greater firmness and precision than with a traditional kabuki. As you can see, it's also got a short and slender gunmetal handle that fits nicely in my hand and feels quite weighty. However, most of the brushes in the collection are actually made with beech wood handles (though the gunmetal is featured on all the ferrules).

MAKE UP FOR EVER recommends this brush for all types of foundations to get a quick and even result. In particular, liquid foundations but also compact and loose powders. I personally use mineral foundation on an everyday basis so a good kabuki brush is a beauty necessity. The #110 does its job extremely well, blending and buffing to perfection. Plus, the tapered point makes it easy to apply the powder around my nose in a more controlled fashion. Turns out I love this brush so much that it's actually replaced my trusty MAC 182 which I've been using for the past 8 years. Now that's how you know it's good!

All brushes are available at Sephora online and MAKE UP FOR EVER boutiques. Select brushes are also available in Sephora stores.

Real Techniques Your Eyes/Enhanced Starter Set

Real Techniques makeup brushes, designed by Samantha Chapman of pixiwoo fame, have been getting rave reviews ever since they were first released but sadly weren't available in Canada for the longest time. Thankfully that's no longer the case.

I recently got the chance to test out the Your Eyes/Enhanced Starter Set ($19.99 CAD), one of three brush sets in the Real Techniques line (there are a number of individual brushes as well). The Starter Set is intended to provide all the tools needed to create the ultimate eye look.

Included with all the brush sets is a panoramic case which you can fold in half and toggle to create a stand. I haven't been using the case because I store my makeup brushes a different way but I can see it coming in handy for protection if you're travelling or on-the-go. The elastic holds the brushes very tightly in place... perhaps a little too tightly.

Now for my thoughts on the brushes!

The Base Shadow Brush is a very full round brush that is good for packing on eyeshadow to achieve a smooth foundation of colour. This is especially so if you're using a product that's less pigmented. However, I personally prefer to use a flat paddle-shaped brush to apply my base eyeshadow so don't use it as much as some of the other brushes in this set.

The Deluxe Crease Brush is designed for contouring, so you can use it to apply darker crease colours and for blending. It also works well for applying concealer to the undereye area or around the nose.

The Accent Brush is designed for precision detailing. I like using it for smudging or applying shadow close to my bottom lashes.

The Pixel-Point Eyeliner Brush, used for applying gel or cream liners, is my least favourite brush in this set. It works if you like thicker liner or cat eye looks but I find the brush too thick to achieve a super fine line.

The Brow Brush works great for shaping and defining eyebrows, or even as an angled eyeliner brush. In fact, if I had to choose a brush in this set to apply eyeliner with it would actually be this one over the Pixel-Point Eyeliner Brush.

All Real Techniques brushes are made with Taklon, a synthetic material which is 100% cruelty-free. They are super soft and I haven't had any problems with shedding, which I am constantly battling with some of my more expensive MAC brushes. The quality is very impressive, especially for the price, and I'm glad to finally understand why everyone has been loving this line. Definitely recommended to anyone looking for affordable and well-made brushes!

Fellow Canadians can find Real Techniques at Walmart (only the sets) or online through their Canadian distributor (including the individual brushes). I've also heard they can be found at select London Drugs.

ghd Candy Styler Tutorial: Retro-Inspired Glamour Waves

ghd has long been hailed as one of the best (if not the best) brand of hair straighteners around. I'd wanted one for ages but eventually put the purchase on hold for what I thought were very practical reasons. Since my hair is naturally straight I figured spending money on a flat iron didn't make much sense, even if it did have additional styling capabilities apart from just straightening. I finally got the chance to check this straightener off my lust list when ghd (which stands for "good hair day") sent me one of their new Candy Stylers. Well, apparently I've been missing out all these years!

Inspired by retro sweetshop favourites, the candy collection features the ghd IV styler in three limited edition colours: mint, lemon, and violet. I opted for the mint, which is super cute.

While I don't have much personal experience with hair straighteners, I've found the Candy Styler very easy to use. The ceramic plates heat up quickly and the 2.8 metre swivel cord makes handling a breeze. Plus, the curved barrel means you can also use the straightener to curl or wave your hair.

I've really been liking the side-swept glamour waves a lot of celebrities have been sporting on the red carpet (for example, Jessica Alba and J. Lo) so I thought I'd put together a tutorial on how you can use the ghd Candy Styler to get a similar look.

First, start by combing your hair to get out any knots and spray on a heat protectant (I'm currently using Tresemmé Heat Tamer Protective Spray).

Next, take a section of hair and place it in the ghd Candy Styler as if you're about to straighten it. Turn the styler outwards (away from your face), wrapping the hair around it. Pull the styler all the way down the length of your hair, creating a curl. This part can be a little tricky but holding onto the ends of the hair as you're turning and pulling helps a lot. Repeat until all of your hair has been curled.

Once your whole head is done, brush or comb out the curls (I'm using a pick comb) to create softer waves. Apply a mousse or serum like UNITE Shina Liquid Gloss for smooth, shiny hair and to keep it in place.

Lastly, bobby pin your hair to one side and the look is complete!

ghd's hairstyles inspirations page has a lot of other great ideas on how the Candy Styler can be used. I can't wait to experiment some more with mine!

Rowenta Beauty Curl Active: Automatically Curls Hair at the Push of a Button!

As you guys know, I love curling my hair since it's really one of the only ways I can get volume and style with my pin straight hair (see, for example, my beachy waves tutorial). That's why I'm so grateful for tools like the Curl Active curling iron from Rowenta Beauty, which I was recently sent to try out.

Rowenta Beauty is a Canadian line of luxury hair styling tools, which released the Curl Active (and the Double Straight) earlier this year. The Curl Active is a ceramic curling iron equipped with a high tech curling system that automatically rotates your hair around the barrel at the push of a button. It essentially curls your hair for you!

The 1 1/4 inch barrel is slightly slimmer than my usual curling iron but isn't so small as to create tight ringlets. The iron heats up very quickly and you can choose from medium (for thin/fragile hair) or high (for thick hair) heat. The two left/right arrow buttons allow you to change the way the barrel rotates, allowing you to achieve a number of different styles.

Using the Curl Active is also as easy as it sounds! Simply section your hair, slip the ends under the clip, and press one of the arrow buttons to automatically wrap your hair around the iron. Once you release the button, the barrel rotates back a short distance for safety reasons. Hold for 10 seconds then press the rotation button in the reverse direction to release your hair.

To illustrate the auto curl function, I've created this handy gif image (not gonna lie, I was so excited when I figured out how to do this):

As a finishing touch, I always set my curls with hair spray. Lately I've been using hair rules Volumizing Hair Spray, which I received from Folica. hair rules actually caters to "textured, wavy, kinky, or curly locks" (a.k.a. not me) but this particular hair spray can be used on all hair textures. It works well to hold my style in place but perhaps because it has such a strong hold, it also has a very strong smell upon use which is almost unbearable if the room is not well-ventilated. Thankfully it's not noticeable once actually on the hair.

For an example of some light waves I did with the Rowenta Beauty Curl Active, check out my latest outfit post. The styler retails for $179.99 (CAD) and can be purchased online or in salons nationwide.