So let’s say you aren’t sure if that special someone would love the 11 other Beauty products I recommended…or that you are buying for a beauty junkie and they already have everything I have suggested.  A perfect solution is to get them a Shoppers Drug Mart Gift Card so they can pick out their own beauty treats!

Here is what I love about the gift card:

• You can fill a card from $5-$200
• Can be used on anything sold at Shoppers Drug Mart
• Super easy but more thoughtful then just cash
• Shoppers Drug Mart stores are everywhere-all across Canada, even the Yukon!
• Easy to throw into a card and mail to that special someone

Whenever I have a guy friend that can’t figure out what to get their sister/mother/Auntie or the girl that they got as a secret Santa at the office, I always tell them to pick up a Shoppers Drug Mart gift card-you can’t go wrong!

And lastly the part I love most is when you buy a gift card you can collect the Shoppers Optimum Points for the dollar amount and then when the recipient spends the gift card they too will receive the SOP for their purchase so everyone wins!!!  YAY!!!

I hope you enjoyed my 12 Days of Beauty Stocking Stuffers.  Have a Holly Jolly Christmas and a Fantastic New Year!!!

XO J9 HO HO HOmie

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Whenever I want to wear my hair curly I will wash my hair and apply Dove Style + Care Mousse while it is still wet.  I will then directionally blow dry my hair for root lift and then I use a curling wand (like the one seen belown) to create loose soft curls.  With the Dove mousse I can keep those waves for a good 3-5 days and my hair looks great.Here is what I love about it:

• Gently nourishes to help eliminate frizz
• Along with hot tools it creates well-defined, soft, bouncy curls
• Provides long lasting style by protecting hair to help prevent frizz, fly-aways and dry/split ends
• Doesn’t leave hair feeling crunchy
• Product doesn’t flake or leave a residue on the hair
• Smells fantastic!
• It’s lightweight and never weighs down hair

Here is a pic of me with my hair all up in curls using Dove Style + Care Mousse!  I think I look pretty cute

Dove Mousse can be found in the aisle with all hair care products at Shoppers Drug Mart and will cost you around $8.

Go get that beautiful bouncy hair you deserve!

XO J9 HO HO HOmie

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So what exactly are they?  They give you a salon fashion manicure anytime, any place. It wears like nail polish because it is nail polish. There is no dry time so you’re ready to go. Salon effects lasts up to 10 days and removes easily with nail polish remover. Just peel, apply and file. Accessorize your nails with neons, glitters, and high fashion patterns.  Nail art can be super expensive at salons so these are the perfect DIY money savers!

Here is a great video on how to apply these nail strips:

I recommend applying a top coat over these nail strips.  One like Sally Hansen’s Mega Shine would do the trick!

It will help seal down the edges of the nail strips and make them last even longer!

I have tried many of the styles available but I think my favorite has been the black and white hounds-tooth pattern.

There are over 24 different patterns to choose from and they often do limited edition patterns for each season.  They are available at Shoppers Drug Mart and will cost you around $10.

Everyone will be asking you “where do you get your nails done?” and you’ll be able to boast that you did them yourself

XO J9 HO HO HOmie

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I can’t say enough good things about this toothpaste.  I feel like after one use you can see a visible whitening of your teeth.  It’s not abrasive and leaves my teeth squeaky clean and my breath fresh for a while.  I’ve tried all the flavors available and you can’t go wrong with any of them.

Here is what I love about this toothpaste:

• Has a dual-action silica system that polishes away surface stains to gently whiten teeth
• Claims to remove up to 80% of surface stains in just 14 days and I believe it!
• It’s a paste-gel hybrid formulation so you get the best of both worlds
• Foams while brushing to get into all your crevasses to whiten all sides of your teeth
• Refreshing flavors that won’t make you gag!
• Whitens but doesn’t leave your teeth feeling sensitive like some whitening pastes can

With lots of Holiday parties to attend this time of year I know a lot of ladies like to sport a bright red lip.  The perfect accessory to a red lip is of course a perfectly white smile!

Crest 3D can be found at Shoppers Drug Mart and will run you around $6.  It may be a little more expensive then regular toothpaste but I think once you see your mega-watt smile, its totally worth it!

Go on…Flash those pearly whites

XO J9 HO HO HOmie

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I stumbled upon this eyeliner pen while working on a music video for the Toronto pop dance group PRTY H3RO.  The other makeup artist lent it to me and I used the eyeliner to create a nice cat eye on Natasha the female lead in the group.  Check out the video here:

I’ve been hooked on the liner ever since.  A staple in any girl’s makeup bag that loves a sleek liner look.

Here is what I love about it:

• A true black that doesn’t fade
• Long wearing and long lasting
• Fine-tipped point to create a nice thin line
• Nice formula that doesn’t dry out quickly
• Doesn’t flake off or smudge throughout the day
• You can’t find a cheaper eyeliner pen on the market!

There are some Eyeliner pens that can run you $30+ for one.  The Essence Easy 2 Use Eyeliner Pen can be found at Shoppers Drug Mart and will cost you no more then $5!!!

Steal of a deal-you’re welcome

XO J9 HO HO HOmie

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One question that I love to ask my clients is what is their favorite mascara?  I’m always on the hunt for the perfect mascara.   I feel like I have tried hundreds of different brands and formulas.  But something always has me going back to the Covergirl family of mascaras.  I find them the best on the market!  My Covergirl mascara of choice for the last little while has been the Full Lash Bloom Mascara.

Here is what I love most about it:

• Formula is flexible with no flaking
• Doesn’t clump
• Lengthens and thickens the lash
• You can layer this mascara while still wet to really achieve the volume you would like
• The molded brush separates lashes perfectly
• No under-eye smudging
• Lasts all day but still easy remove with a regular cleanser
• The black is rich and dark
• Smaller bristles on the wand allow you to get nice and tight into the lash line
• reasonable price point for a product that needs replacing every 2 months

I use the waterproof version on my bridal clients to prevent smearing on their wedding day!

You can find this fab mascara at Shoppers Drug Mart for around $10.

Katy Perry approved!

XO J9 HO HO HOmie

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I love this cleanser/makeup remover.  When I want to eliminate that extra step of removing my makeup then washing my face I will use this great cleanser.  It foams up nicely and will take all my makeup off.  I feel like it doesn’t strip my skin of moisture either but leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean.

Here is what I love about it:

• This oil-free formula gently and effectively dissolves makeup (even waterproof mascara)
• It deep cleans your skin in one easy step
• It rinses clean without leaving behind any oily residue
• It is gentle enough for use around the sensitive eye area.
• Has a nice light scent to it
• Comes with a convenient pump which dispenses the perfect amount of product

I use this cleanser every evening and I love that my skin and pores feel clean of all makeup.  For a deeper cleanse I will use this cleanser with my Clarisonic Smart Profile Cleansing Device.  It’s a match made in heaven!

You can find Clean & Clean Makeup Dissolving Cleanser at Shoppers Drug Mart for around $10.

Now go stock that stocking

XO J9 HO HO HOmie

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I always recommend to use a primer prior to applying foundation.  It makes a huge difference in how your foundation will wear and look.  There are some high end primers that a lot of makeup artist swear by like the one from Smashbox or the primer from Makeup Forever.

These are great but you will pay a pretty penny for them.  So for those of you looking for a great primer that is within a reasonable price point Maybelline Master Primer Blur & Smooth is the way to go.

Here is what I love about it:

• Creamy lightweight formula
• Easy to apply and disappears into the skin
• Visually blurs skin tone imperfections and smooths fine lines
• Primes skin for even makeup application
• Weightless, water-based and non-oily
• Dermatologist and allergy tested
• Suitable for sensitive skin and all skin types
• Does not clog pores
• Has an SPF of 30

There are 2 other Primers available from Maybelline, one is called Blur & Illuminate and the other is called Blur & Redness Control.  These are great if you are looking for a brightening effect or if you need to counteract red tones on your skin.

Maybelline Master Prime Blur & Smooth is my favorite because its the most versatile and can be used on anyone-even men!

Like all the products on my Beauty Stocking Stuffer list this primer can be found at Shoppers Drug Mart and will cost you no more then $14.

Enjoy your blurred lines!

XO J9 HO HO HOmie

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I use a lot of products on myself and clients that are beyond waterproof.  I feel like I’ve tried many different makeup removers but none of them work as good and quickly as Nivea’s Express Eye makeup remover.  I even have my 80 year old Grannie hooked on this stuff!

Here is what I love about it:

• Instantly dissolves makeup including resistant waterproof make-up
• It has Blue Cornflower extract which hydrates the sensitive eye area and protects eyelashes
• Doesn’t leave an oily residue after you use it
• For all skin types
• Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested
• Suitable for contact lens wearers

You can find Nivea Eye Makeup Remover in the cosmetic section at Shoppers Drug Mart.  It is usually around $8 but it’s often on sale for $4.99

See ya later raccoon eyes

XO J9 HO HO HOmie

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When I was pregnant I was on the hunt for a great deodorant that was Aluminum-free and not as toxic as most of the regular deodorant brands out there.

I tried almost every ‘natural’ deodorant on the market and most of them were duds.  There were some that actually made me smell more then if I wore nothing at all!  I was about to give up all hope when I stumbled upon Avène’s Deodorant.

Here is what I love about it:

• It’s alcohol and aluminum-free formula
• It’s great for dry, sensitive skin
• The roll-on applicator allows you to control how much, or how little, you use
• The fresh scent and light formula leave a clean feeling
• The mild formulation is also gentle on clothes so you don’t need to worry about those nasty yellow pit stains
• It actually works!!!

This deodorant was a savor when I was pregnant and I love it so much I continue to use it now.

It can be found at Shoppers Drug Mart in the cosmetics section where all the other Avène products are kept.  Ask one of their beauty advisers if you are having trouble locating it!  It will be around $16 for 50ml.

Yay to no B.O. and no yucky Aluminum!!!

XO J9 HO HO HOmie

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