Stocking Stuffer Ideas: New to Me Cosmetics

I was sent a selection of new-to-me cosmetic products that would make excellent stocking stuffers or small gifts.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas

• The HAIR edit French Twist Claw Clip: I’m usually terrible at putting my hair up. Frankly, I can never do it. Until The HAIR edit French Twist Clip came into my life. Not only is it an attractive matte gold, it is strong enough to hold my thick heavy hair. And the clip itself isn’t heavy even though it is made from metal. This summer, I’ll be the woman wearing a French twist! It’s a game changer! The HAIR edit French Twist Clip is widely available either from The HAIR edit where it’s on sale at 30% off for $9.80, Ulta Beauty, Target, CVS, and Amazon. Prices ranges from under $10-13.99 depending on where you shop. (P.S. Amazon is $9.79 with free shipping if you have Prime.)

• Curel Deep Moisture Spray: This product was also a surprise. In fact, because it came from Curel, I thought it was going to be spray body oil. Imagine my surprise when I went to spray it onto my post-shower legs, when I discovered it is a Deep Moisture Spray for the face! I’ve mentioned several time over the years that I dislike spraying myself in the face. Ugh. But this spray is an ultra-fine mist. Even I can tolerate it. Plus, this Japanese skincare brand contains ceramides to strengthen the skin’s barrier. It can be used as a facial moisturizer or as an on-the-go moisture spritz. In the winter, my face is drier than usual due to indoor heating, fireplaces, and cold temperatures. Spraying Curel Deep Moisture Spray even over makeup gives my dry skin a nice drink . Love it! Curel Deep Moisture Spray is sold on Amazon,and on Curel.com, It’s priced around $15. It’s dermatologist-test, pH balanced, fragrance-free, color-free, and alcohol-free. It comes in 60g and 150ml sizes: 60g will be great for travel or on-the-go and 150ml is perfect for your or your giftee’s bathroom or bedroom vanity.

• Ban Pits AHA Roll-on Serum Deodorant: OK, another new to me product. Ban deodorants and antiperspirants have been around for decades, but Ban Pits AHA Roll-on Serum Deodorant is one of their first forays into the non-aluminum market for a younger consumer. Instead of coming in a bottle, Ban Pits comes in a tube with a roll-on. I think it’s the first time I’ve ever seen a roll-on tube, and it works! AHA is an exfoliator and it could be a bit drying, but I haven’t noticed any negatives at all…plus, I use it after shaving my underarms. In addition, AHA has odor-reducing properties, and it promises to leave you odor-free for up to 48 hours without aluminum, baking soda or talc. Although I don’t wait 48 hours in between usage occasions, it works well for me using it once a day. It comes in Unscented as well as in two scents: Citrus & Jasmine and Amber & Cedarwood. I received Citrus & Jasmine, and it has a light, fruity/floral scent. It is sold on Amazon and CVS as well as via the manufacturer, Kao, at My Kao Shop for about $10.

• John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Touch-up Creme: I’ve used John Frieda Frizz Ease for decades, but I haven’t tried their avocado oil Touch-up Creme. It’s meant to be used on dry hair for frizz prone hair or fly-aways. Since there is almost no humidity in the Boston area right now, I don’t have to be concerned about frizz right now. I am saving this product to take with me on our trip to Costa Rica at the end of January! Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Touch-up Creme is sold at Target, CVS, Walmart.com.

• Naturopathica Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream: I’ve been interested in trying the clean beauty brand, Naturopathica, for quite a while, so I was happy to have the opportunity. Naturopathica is a cruelty-free brand. In addition, Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream is vegan and gluten-free. It is a rich, nourishing, moisturizing and soothing face cream that is well-suited for my winter dry skin. When I opened the jar, the cream itself is a deep yellow, like calendula or marigold, but the color pretty much blends in. It does have a noticeable floral scent most likely due to its natural ingredients and oils. The key ingredients include calendula that is deeply nourishing and hydrating, antioxidant-rich borage seed oil strengthens the skin’s barrier, and trehalose that helps skin retain moisture and look healthier. Although this moisturizer is suited for all skin types, I would recommend it for those with dry skin who can use a moisturizer with a fragrance. Naturopathica Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream is sold at Dermstore.com, Lovelyskin.com, Amazon, and Natural Beauty Group.  

• Hairdo 23″ Long Wave Wrap Around Pony: So this is the first time I have tried hair extensions. My hair colorist always said that my color-treated red hair is impossible to match, especially since my color fades over the month between color treatments. But when I was offered a hair extension in the form of an attachable ponytail, I was in! The Long Wave Wrap Around Pony from Hairdo is made from synthetic hair that feels very soft.

• Although a 23 inch extension was too long for me since I’m only about 5 feet tall, it is fun to play with. The Pony extension weighs 3.4 oz., but because this is the first extension I’ve tried, 3.4 oz. felt heavy. I would choose a shorter one in the future.

• The “Long Wave” was really nice. It was just curly enough to add interest.

• There are lots of color choices with several choices for redheads. I chose two shades, and I was sent R28S Glazed Fire/Bright Red that turned out to be a very decent match!  Although I could have used some help attaching it the first time, I got it in. It comes with a sewn-in small comb that gets attached just above my own ponytail’s rubber band. Next, I did the best I could wrapping the shorter faux hair around my own ponytail and pinning it in. This was the time I really missed my former neighborhood girlfriends both of whom moved far away. Nevertheless, the Hairdo Long Wave Wrap Around Pony is a super fun accessory and would make a great and memorable gift for the right person. Hairdo 23 inch Long Wave Wrap Around Pony is sold at The Wig Company, Wilshire Wigs, Wig Outlet, and Wigs.com. The prices vary according to the deal offered and where you shop.