It’s that time of year again - time to hit the malls and online shops to find the perfect gifts and stocking stuffers for loved ones.
Until a few days ago, I was vacationing in Italy so I’m a bit behind this year. I haven’t had time to deck the halls or trim the tree, but I have rounded up some fantastic gifts to help your holiday season go a little more smoothly.
First up we have the
Knot Dr. All-in-One Mini Oval Dryer Brush ($39.99) by Conair. These blow dry brushes are very popular and have become an essential styling tool for all hair types.
Last Christmas I was gifted Revlon’s bestselling Dryer Brush and ended up returning it because of the weird chemical smell, weight and bulkiness.
Knot Dr. is much easier to use. The brush is lightweight, easy to hold and smaller which makes it simple to manoeuvre. Although it is classified as a “mini oval brush,” it is actually quite large and accommodates my long hair with ease.
Key Benefits:
*Flexible, well spaced bristles for painless detangling.
*Voluminous perfect blowouts.
*Tourmaline technology creates a smooth, polished, frizz free finish.
*Perfect size for travel.
*Three heat settings: cool, low and high.
*700 watts of power.
*Smooth and refresh hair between wash days.
(
Conair is available at conair.ca and Walmart)
The
Schick Intuition Lather & Shave ($17.99) comes with one advanced moisture razor with sure grip handle and three refill cartridges. The shaver is infused with organic vegan shea butter, oat and jojoba oil that is activated with water (no need for shave gel). Four blades gently glide and pivot over all your curves for a clean, precise shave that leaves skin soft and smooth. (
Available at Shoppers Drug Mart)
One of my favorite skincare sets this year is the
Neturogena Hydro Boost Collection ($29.99). Infused with a blast of hyaluronic acid, these products are great for dry winter months.
The set comes with:
*Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel to remove impurities and makeup.
*Non-greasy, fast absorbing Hydro Boost Gel Hand Cream.
*Fragrance-free, skin quenching Hydra Boost Gel Face and Neck Cream.
(Available at Shoppers Drug Mart)
For couples looking for a fun intimate gift, Lelo has recently released the innovative
DOT Vibrator ($239) featuring 8 intense pleasure inducing patterns that tantalize erogenous zones with unmatched precision.
Lelo is a leader in luxury adult toys that are artistically crafted, fully waterproof, certified body-safe and made with easy to clean ultra-smooth premium silicone. The DOT also comes with a one year warranty, USB charging cord and storage pouch.
This toy is easy to use (solo or with a partner) and features infinite loop technology – arousing every nerve ending with a surprise elliptical pattern and shifting angles. The soft silicone tip bends and flexes rapidly creating a combined sensation of flicking, fluttering and intense vibration without leaving you numb.
The sleek ergonomic design and versatility is definitely unique, highly focused, powerful, quiet and efficient. The ladies on your list will love it! Lelo is available online at
lelo.com and select products can now be found at S
hoppers Drug Mart.
Makeup Revolution makes gorgeous, affordable palettes (my favorite being Revolution Reloaded). This holiday season, the brand has released the Forever Flawless Collection – I have the Affinity Palette ($19.99) which features flattering warm hues. The beautiful browns and neutrals are mixed with pops of hot pink and shimmer. There are 8 high pigment mattes, 9 shimmers and one glitter.
(Available at Shoppers Drug Mart)
If you’re in the market for a luxurious gift for the home, I suggest
Dr. Vranjes Firenze Rosso Nobile Oil Diffuser with Refill Bottle ($395). The glass is opulent and the fragrance smells amazing – fruity, sweet and rich. The main accords are grapes, berries, violent, magnolia and birch wood which combine to evoke feelings of relaxation throughout the room.
The design of the diffuser is a tribute to Florence’s beloved Duomo which I visited for the second time just last week! It definitely captures the essence of Tuscan artists and the unique olfactory experience of Italy.
You can find this scent and other great gifts at
drvranjes.ca
So far my gift guide hasn’t featured many options for the men on your list, so let’s talk about my favorite cologne of 2022 – Boss Bottled ($138 / 100 ml). I describe this scent as, bold, masculine, sexy, robust, rugged and irresistible. Its potency lasts all day so a little goes a long way.
Top notes: mandarin and incense
Heart noted: orris and fig tree
Base Notes: cedarwood and vegetal leather
(Available at Shoppers Drug Mart)
My top fragrance choice for the ladies this year is Prada Paradoxe Eau De Parfum ($192 / 90 ml). This gorgeous floral amerby scent is inspired by the multi-dimensions of women and celebrating yourself. It is vibrant, fresh, warm and intoxicating.
The perfume starts out strong with top notes of orange blossom, jasmine and vanilla and slowly fades into a lovely sweet, musky aroma that I can’t get enough of. It is perfect for daily wear and special occasions.
Another skincare set that your loved ones will enjoy this Christmas is the
belif Moisturizing Bomb Holiday Home & Away Set ($55) which comes in a cute little gift box. You get one full-size and one travel size jar of the brand’s bestselling cream. The light, refreshing, cushiony formula provides dull, flaky skin with an explosion of comforting moisture that lasts up to 26 hours. This is exactly what you need to battle harsh winter conditions.
(Available at Sephora.ca)
STOCKINGS STUFFERS FOR $20 AND UNDER:
*Quo Everyday Basics Eye Kit ($20) – includes the Pump Up Volume Mascara, Precision Liquid Liner and a neutral Eyeshadow Crayon.
*Quo Gua Sha Face & Neck Relaxation Tool with Velvet Pouch ($15)
Gua Sha is technique used in traditional Chinese medicine. It involves massaging the skin with stone to stimulate blood flow, fluids and energy within the body so skin appears radiant and less puffy. It also eases tension.
*Quo Limited-Edition Beauty Mini Delights Brush Set ($20) – perfect for touching up your makeup on the go.
*Quo Blending Sponge Trio ($18) – great for applying liquid, cream and powder foundation, concealer and blush.
*Cosmetic Crackers ($18) – Comes with 6 sheer mini lip glosses in various shades.
(Quo is exclusively available at Shoppers Drug Mart)
*Manna Double Wall Vacuum Isolated Stainless Steel Mug ($11.99) – keeps liquids cold for 18 hrs or hot for 8 hrs. BPA free and leak proof. (Available at Shoppers Drug Mart)
*Kim Chi Chic Candy Lip Scrum - Minty Kisses ($14) – buff away rough, dry skin with a blend of jojoba and Vitamin E. This refreshing formula leaves skin smooth, soft and hydrated.
(Available at Shoppers Drug Mart)
*Biosculpture Gemini Nourishing Nail Polish ($20.50 ea) is a healthy alternative to traditional lacquer. They have a built-in UV filter and contain a hardening plant extract derived from aloe vera, lemon and ginseng. The formula does not contain any of the harsh, damaging chemicals found in most polish – making it better quality and much healthier for your nails. The rich color glides on effortlessly and lasts longer.
Shades seen here: 98 To Date, 274 Perky Pollen and Hot Chocolate.
(Available at irisbodyandbeauty.com)
*Lindt Lindor Milk Chocolate ($13.99) available at Shoppers Drug Mart
*PC Cake Donut Mix ($3.99) – gather the family around for a decorating party during the holiday season!
(Available at Shoppers, Loblaws, Zehrs, Real Canadian Superstore and No Frills)
Hope you enjoyed this holiday gift guide.
Unlike regular masks, these are separated into two compartments – one side has the cellulose mask and the other side has gel essence. When you’re ready to use it, simply fold (as directed on the box) and break the seal between the two sides to push the serum into the mask. Keeping them separate like this ensures that your mask won’t dry out in the package and will remain fresh. It also guarantees that the mask is infused with a lot more hydrating botanical serum so skin looks soft, supple, plump and renewed. I can actually use each one twice! 
The set comes with: 
The Silkening Dry Oil ($24) creates a subtle luminous sheen and lightly perfumes the body with a delicate mood-boosting scent. The main accords are peony, fresh cut stems, bergamot, white tea, oak and water lily – very fresh and feminine. Apply some after a warm shower and smell amazing all day!
The Mint Bliss Energizing Lotion ($16) helps revive tired feet and legs with a refreshing cool mint formula. It is perfect for days when your feet are on the go and you can even apply it over sheer hosiery. 
