A Review of Color Oops - Fix Hair Coloring Disasters

 

Got A Hair Coloring Disaster? Too Dark? Green? Poor Color Choice ?

Don't Panic! What you've done, can be undone.....use Color Oops! 

Most hair coloring mistakes can be fixed. Many times you can return your hair to its natural color, as long as you haven't used bleach. If you have used bleach, your hair's natural color has been stripped away, leaving you with hair that is varying shades of light blonde or white. Your original color is gone, and it cannot be brought back. In that circumstance, the best you can do is to follow advice on how to lose the offending color you ended up with, and then dye your hair a color that is close to what your natural color was.

However, if you just made a mistake with hair dye, no bleach involved, there is a good chance that your hair can be restored with Color Oops.

Color Oops Extra Conditioning

Hair Coloring Disasters Come In Many Forms Like:

Honest Mistake - the color on the bottle is NOT what you ended up with, for whatever reason.

Going Goth - You decided that you wanted to go goth with jet black hair. Now you look like Morticia Addams.

Your Green is Nothing to Envy - You have over processed your hair and now Kermit the Frog wants your number.

Better Dead than Red - You thought your blonde hair would look cute if it was red. Now you look like Carrot Top.

Being Blue has New Meaning - You decided it would be cool to have blue hair....or pink, or teal or even multicolor. Now you look like a unicorn vomited on your head.

Most are repairable as long as you didn't use bleach.

How Does Color Oops Remove Color Without Bleach?

Color Oops has no bleach or ammonia, but it does have aloe vera and soy protein that will help condition and restructure  your hair while removing the color.  The question is HOW does it remove the color without the damaging your hair?  I found the answer to be kind of like magic.....but of course, it isn't.  

Hair has several layers and the peroxide in hair dye opens these layers up so the color molecules can penetrate.  Your hair may look dark on the outside but the peroxide has lightened the inside layers of your hair, permanently, so Color Oops will not take you back to your natural color. You will end up with lighter hair than your natural shade. Color Oops gets rid of color by reopening the layers of your hair and shrinking the color molecules, so they simply fall off when you wash and rinse.  

Honey, I shrunk the molecules!

Regardless of how strange it sounds, it works!

I have been coloring my hair auburn for years.  Frankly I was just sick and tired of dealing with it.  Any shade of red hair dye fades really quickly.  To keep it vibrant you need to reapply every 4 to 6 weeks, but then as your hair grows, the bottom where it is colored over and over gets darker and darker and the new growth at the top is much lighter.  After a while it can look quite ombre.

So I decided I needed a change, but how to get rid of the red?  And what then?  I was in a real quandary, so I decided to check out hair styles and colors on You Tube.  I saw some really lovely videos on people with naturally gray hair and I considered it.  You Tube is where I saw a video on a product called Color Oops.  I was impressed with what I saw in the vid, so I went to the store and bought some.  I decided on Extra Conditioning because my hair can use all the conditioning it can get.  I still had not decided on the final color, but I decided to go for it anyway.

After I applied Color Oops, my hair looked rather unusual.  It was kind of multicolored......some light red, light brown, dark brown and of course, gray.  It was not a look that I was thrilled with which I understand is not uncommon.  There is a good chance that anyone that uses this product will not like the hair color they end up with.

The answer is simple, just recolor your hair.  Color Oops does not do any damage to your hair, so you are safe to recolor it quickly.  I waited two days, but that was more for my scalp, which was kind of tender.  I decided to go blonde because it is easy to maintain when you have a lot of gray, but I was wondering how blonde it would actually come out without bleach.  I loved the way it came out!  I was surprised that it did come out such a light blonde considering it really was more auburn than any color, pre-Oops.  I always wanted to be a blonde, but I never wanted to have to bleach my hair and maintain it.  Now I have pretty blonde hair and I only have to reapply the color about every 3 months, when it starts looking more gray than blonde!

Below is a video showing how to use Color Oops (she chose to use Extra Strength) and the results.

I was delighted with the results I got from Color Oops.  It was quick and easy to use, did not damage my hair and left me free to dye it the color I wanted.  I could not ask for a better or easier way of fixing my color problem, unless of course I could use magic!

Color Oops Extra Conditioning

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The Best Way to Clean Makeup Brushes Without Ruining Them

Good makeup brushes are an excellent investment for anyone who wears makeup. Whether you apply a full face of makeup or just a bit of foundation and blush, the right tools can make all the difference in achieving beautiful results with your makeup application. But whether you choose to invest in high-quality makeup brushes or inexpensive ones, proper care is important for many reasons including the effectiveness and longevity of these beauty tools as well as good hygiene.

Today I'm reviewing my tried-and-true method for cleaning makeup brushes quickly, easily, gently, and thoroughly using either a solid makeup brush cleanser bar (my preferred method) or a liquid brush shampoo.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Makeup Brushes Using a Solid Brush Cleanser

In this step-by-step guide, I'll walk you through the easy process of using a solid makeup brush cleanser to clean your beloved brushes.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Collect your dirty makeup brushes, a solid brush cleaner of your choice, a clean towel, and (optional) either mesh brush sleeves or a makeup brush drying rack. (I have linked my favorite recommended makeup brush cleaning supplies further down in this article.) Place these next to your bathroom sink.

Step 2: Wet the Lower Two-Thirds of the Brush Bristles

Run a moderate (not strong) stream of lukewarm water in your sink. Take one of the dirty makeup brushes and wet just the tips of the bristles under the running water. Take care to keep the upper part of the bristles where they meet the handle dry, since getting this area wet can loosen the glue that holds the bristles in place and cause the brush to shed.

Step 3: Swirl the Wet Bristles on the Solid Cleanser

Rub the wet brush gently over the surface of the solid makeup brush cleaner in circular motions. Don't push down, just swirl across the surface with the lower part of the bristles to create a rich lather, making sure to avoid the top where the bristles meet the handle. Lathering the cleanser and working it into the bristles will help break down and lift away impurities such as makeup residue, oils, and bacteria.

Place the tips of the wet, soapy bristles in the lid of the solid brush cleanser jar, then tap them against the inside of the lid repeatedly, rotating the brush to work the cleanser into the bristles on all sides. Don't press hard or push—you want to avoid getting the cleanser lather on the topmost part of the bristles, where the water can wick up inside the ferrule (the metal band inside which the tops of the bristles are glued into the handle), which can weaken the glue and cause premature shedding. 

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse the inside of the lid, then fill it partway with clean lukewarm water. Again, tap and swirl the tips of the brush inside the lid to rinse out the lather. Pour out the dirty water, rinse and refill the lid with clean water, and repeat. (Depending on how much makeup is on the brush, you may need to repeat steps 3 and 4 a few times.) Repeat this rinse step until the water runs clear, indicating that the brush is clean.

I made this video to demonstrate how to properly wet the bristles, lather them on the solid brush cleanser, and rinse them in the brush cleanser lid to avoid wetting the tops of the bristles.

Step 5: Shape and Dry

Gently reshape the brush bristles to their original form with your fingers and allow them to air dry. You have three air-drying options:

• Slide a mesh brush guard sleeve over each brush, starting from the handle tip and sliding the guard down to the bristles. Note: These mesh sleeves are also great for protecting your brush bristles when you are traveling. 
• Use a brush drying rack. Insert the handle of each brush from the underside of the rack through the flanged silicone inserts in an appropriately-sized hole, taking care to center the handle so the bristles point straight down.
• Lay the brushes flat on their sides on a clean towel. Avoid leaving them upright, as water can seep into the handle and damage the brush over time.

Once your brushes are completely dry, store them in a brush case to keep them clean and dust-free until you're ready to use them.

Makeup brush cleaning supplies: Solid cleanser, liquid brush shampoo, mesh brush guards, collapsible acrylic brush drying rack

How to Wash Your Makeup Brushes Using Liquid Brush Shampoo

Follow the same steps as for using a solid brush cleanser, except:

• Use any shallow, clean, medium-sized jar lid in place of the solid cleanser lid.
• Squirt a drop of liquid brush shampoo into the lid, swirl the damp bristles in the lid to work in the soap and create a lather, then rinse the lid thoroughly before filling it partway with lukewarm water and rinsing the soapy bristles as in Step 4 of the solid brush cleanser instructions.

How Often Should You Clean Your Makeup Brushes?

If you are an actress who applies a full face of heavy stage makeup several times a week, you should wash your brushes after each makeup application. For someone who wears subtle daytime makeup, cleansing your brushes weekly with either solid brush cleaner or liquid brush shampoo should be fine. If you wear makeup only occasionally, you may be able to get away with sanitizing your brushes after each use with an alcohol-based makeup brush sanitizing spray and washing them with a brush cleaner and water every two or three weeks.

Maintaining clean makeup brushes is an essential part of any beauty routine. With the use of a solid makeup brush cleaner, this process becomes quick and effective. Incorporate this simple routine into your beauty regimen to ensure your brushes remain in top-notch condition, providing you with flawless makeup application every time.

Recommended Supplies for Cleaning Makeup Brushes

These are the cleaners and related tools and supplies I recommend to keep your makeup brushes clean, sanitary, and performing well for a long time.

BEAUTYBLENDER BLENDERCLEANSER Lavender Solid for Cleaning Makeup Sponges, Brushes & Applicators, 1 oz. Vegan, Cruelty Free and Made in the USA

Sigma Beauty Sigmagic Brushampoo Liquid Makeup Brush Cleaner – Professional Grade Makeup Brush Cleaner Solution to Remove Makeup Build Up and Residue on Makeup Brushes & Makeup Sponges (5.1 FL Oz)

CINEMA SECRETS MAKEUP BRUSH CLEANER 6 FL OZ SPRAY

CLOTHOBEAUTY 40 pcs Makeup Brushes Pen Guard Protector Set Reusable Expandable Mesh Cover(Not include Brushes)

BEAKEY Makeup Brush Drying Rack, Collapsible Acrylic Makeup Brush Holder, Makeup Brush Dryer stand with 28 Holes, for Storing and Drying Various Sizes and Types of Brushes - Black

Reusable Microfiber Cleansing Towels (6 packs) - 12 x 6 Inches, Pink Blue Purple

Why It's Important to Wash Your Makeup Brushes Frequently

Cleaning makeup brushes on a frequent, regular schedule is essential for maintaining skin health, preventing bacterial buildup, preserving makeup quality, and promoting good hygiene habits. It's a simple yet crucial step in your beauty routine that contributes to both the longevity of your brushes and the health of your skin.

Preventing Bacterial Buildup

Makeup brushes come into contact with the skin, which naturally harbors bacteria. Over time, these bacteria accumulate on the bristles of the brushes. Regular cleaning helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that can lead to skin irritations, breakouts, or infections.

Maintaining Skin Health

Dirty brushes can transfer oils, old makeup, and bacteria to your skin, potentially causing clogged pores and breakouts. By keeping your brushes clean, you reduce the risk of introducing these unwanted elements to your skin, promoting a healthier and clearer complexion.

Preserving Makeup Quality

The residue left on makeup brushes can contaminate fresh makeup products, altering their color, texture, and performance. Regularly cleaning your brushes ensures that your makeup applies smoothly and accurately, maintaining the quality and longevity of your cosmetic products.

Preventing Cross-Contamination

Using the same brush with different makeup products, such as foundations, blushes, and powders, without cleaning it in between applications can lead to cross-contamination. This can affect the color accuracy of your makeup and may cause unintended combinations that don't complement each other. You don't necessarily need to wash the brush before using it with a second or third type of makeup in a single sitting; spraying it with an alcohol-based makeup brush cleaning spray and wiping it on a clean microfiber cloth or paper towel in between using it for different makeup products is fine. 

Enhancing Makeup Application

Clean brushes perform better for makeup application. Dirty brushes can carry remnants of previous products, causing colors to mix or appear muddy. Clean brushes help you achieve more precise and beautiful makeup looks and give you better control.

Prolonging Brush Lifespan

Regular cleaning helps maintain the integrity of the brush bristles. Accumulated makeup, oils, and bacteria can damage the bristles over time, leading to shedding and a shorter lifespan for your brushes. Cleansing them properly on a regular basis ensures that they will remain in good condition longer.

Reducing Allergic Reactions

For individuals with sensitive skin or allergies, using dirty brushes can trigger adverse reactions. Cleansing your brushes properly and frequently minimizes the risk of irritation and allergic responses by removing potential allergens and irritants from the bristles.

Promoting Good Hygiene Habits

Regularly cleaning your makeup brushes is part of maintaining good personal hygiene. Just as you wash your face and remove your makeup before bedtime, cleaning your brushes should be a routine practice to ensure your overall skincare and makeup regimen is as healthy as possible.

The Best Way to Clean Makeup Brushes Without Ruining Them by Margaret Schindel

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Hypochlorous Acid: A Versatile, Innovative Health and Hygiene Solution

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in hypochlorous acid (HOCl) as a naturally occurring yet powerful solution with many applications ranging from promoting wound healing and skincare to household cleaning without toxic chemicals. This colorless, dilute acid solution is gaining recognition for its remarkable benefits and uses, making it a valuable tool in promoting health and maintaining a clean environment

In this review, I’ll share what I have learned about this safe, non-toxic, electrolyzed salt water solution and how I use it.

How I Discovered Hypochlorous Acid Spray

Last year, the esthetician from whom I buy my medical-grade skincare added a hypochlorous acid spray to the toners she carries. Since she only carries products from brands with meaningful clinical studies that validate the products' effectiveness, I knew that Hydrinity Hyacin Active Purifying Mist was a high-quality product. According to Hydrinity's Hyacin Active Purifying Mist product page, "Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) is a potent anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory agent that works overtime to treat blemishes, renew compromised skin, and deeply calm even the most stressed and sensitive skin types, including those prone to eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. Used by dermatologists worldwide, this refreshing purifying mist is renowned for its wound-healing abilities, is free of all chemical irritants, and safe for all skin types."

I decided to order a bottle of the Hydrinity Hyacin Active Purifying Mist from my favorite medical-grade skincare supplier, SkinBEAUTIFUL RX. I have occasional breakouts and, as I have gotten older, tend to heal more slowly from cuts and scrapes, and the hypochlorous acid spray has really helped with both. It also is great for helping to soothe insect bites.

I was really impressed with the effectiveness and versatility of this product, and I also started seeing more ads for other brands of hypochlorous acid spray, such as Magic Molecule. So I did more research into different applications and different brands and discovered there was a lot more to learn.

Understanding the Science Behind Hypochlorous Acid

Hypochlorous acid, often referred to as nature's disinfectant, is a weak acid formed through the electrolysis of salt water. It mirrors the antimicrobial properties of the body's immune system, particularly in fighting bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This naturally occurring compound is colorless, and its ability to effectively combat pathogens makes it a promising candidate for many applications.

Health and Wellness

• Skincare: In the realm of skincare, hypochlorous acid has found its place in combating various dermatological issues. From acne treatment to soothing irritated skin, it offers a natural alternative to traditional skincare ingredients, ensuring a healthy complexion without harsh side effects.
• Wound Healing and Infection Prevention: The innate antimicrobial properties of hypochlorous acid can accelerate wound healing. By reducing the risk of infections, inflammation, and scarring, HOCl is becoming a key component in advanced wound care, offering a gentle yet effective approach to recovery.
• Oral Health: The incorporation of HOCl into oral care products has shown promising results in reducing bacteria in the oral cavity. This not only contributes to improved oral health but also aids in preventing conditions such as gum disease and halitosis.

Household and Environmental Applications

• Surface Disinfection: Hypochlorous acid is an effective disinfectant for surfaces within households and in public spaces. Whether it's countertops, kitchen utensils, or bathroom fixtures, HOCl provides a safe and efficient means of maintaining a hygienic living environment.
• Air Purification: Hypochlorous acid's ability to neutralize airborne pathogens and allergens makes it a valuable tool to promote a healthier indoor atmosphere in enclosed spaces.
• Fruit and Vegetable Wash: Concerns about pesticide residues and contaminants on fruits and vegetables have led to the adoption of hypochlorous acid as a natural wash. Rinsing produce with an HOCl solution helps eliminate potential threats, ensuring that our produce is not only delicious but also safe.
• Laundry Disinfection: Adding hypochlorous acid to the laundry cycle enhances the disinfection of clothes, bedding, and towels. This extra layer of protection helps provide peace of mind in a world increasingly concerned with hygiene.

More Economical Hypochlorous Acid Options

Once I started to understand the many uses for this antimicrobial solution, I started thinking of other ways I could benefit from it, such as bringing a TSA-approved spray bottle with me when I travel to disinfect airplane tray tables, public phones, and other surfaces, such as gym equipment.

I wanted to keep a small spray bottle of it in my purse to sanitize my hands after using a public restroom and another bottle next to each bathroom sink, since HOCl is less drying than alcohol hand sanitizers. (I found this article on using hypochlorous acid as an antiseptic in caring for patients with a suspected COVID-19 infection very interesting.)

And, since I use it to help heal cuts and scrapes quicker, I also wanted to keep small spray bottles in the medicine cabinet and in my nightstand.

Since the Hydrinity Hyacin Active Purifying Spray was $60 for 3 fl. oz., I wanted a more economical version for these more widespread uses.

Hypochlorous Acid Spray - 1 L Refill – Acne Prone Skin – Eczema - Tattoo Aftercare – Piercing Aftercare – Saline Toner – Facial Cleanser – Lash Cleanser - All Natural Face and Skin Spray - e11ement

What I discovered is that there are several brands of hypochlorous acid, with more and more coming on the market as the popularity of this product grows.

Initially, I bought some small bottles of Magic Molecule brand hypochlorous acid spray to keep by my nightstand and in my purse. But even on sale, the price was more than I wanted to spend for using it as liberally and frequently as I wanted, for everything from washing my produce to healing and soothing scrapes, cuts, and insect bites and sanitizing my hands. So, I decided to look for a more affordable bulk option that I could use to refill my little spray bottles.

I ended up buying a 1L (32 fl. oz.) refill bottle of e11ement Hypochlorous Acid Face and Skin Spray for $27.50, enough to refill a whole bunch of smaller spray bottles many times over. The e11ement Hypochlorous Acid spray works beautifully, and now I don't have to think twice about how often I use it.

If you don't already have small mister bottles into which you can decant the contents of this quart-size refill bottle, I can recommend the following:

• This set of two 2 oz. travel size spray bottles is perfect for your purse, your nightstand, your laptop bag, etc. Each TSA-approved size, leakproof bottle sprays a fine mist.
• This larger, 10.1 oz. continuous mist spray bottle is great for keeping on your kitchen countertop to disinfect the counter, wash produce, etc.

Hypochlorous acid spray has been a great addition to our household. It's excellent to use after shaving (face or body) to soothe the skin. If you have teenagers or family members who are acne-prone, they will also benefit from using it as a facial toner after washing and drying their faces and then allowing the HOCl spray to dry before applying any other topical skincare products such as acne medication, moisturizer, sunscreen, etc.

Hypochlorous Acid: A Versatile, Innovative Health and Hygiene Solution by Margaret Schindel

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Awesome, Affordable Beauty Gifts to Fill Her Christmas Stocking

Now that November is upon us, it's time to start thinking about what to buy for the friends and family members on our holiday gift lists.

Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to give special things that our gift recipients would love to have but might not treat themselves to. While larger, more expensive Christmas gifts might need to be a bit more practical, stocking stuffers are the perfect vehicle to treat giftees to something a bit more fun and indulgent that won't break the bank.

Image generated using Canva AI tools

Many women and teen girls love and use makeup, skincare, and other beauty-related products, while others who might feel guilty spending money on something so impractical might secretly love to receive beauty gifts to enhance their appearance.

Even women who don't wear much makeup might enjoy some nice skincare, bath, or spa products to make them feel a bit more pampered and special.

Following are some wonderful affordable beauty gift stocking stuffer ideas handpicked to delight the women and teen girls on your Christmas list.

The Best Makeup Stocking Stuffers

Whether your gift recipient wears just a quick swipe of lip balm or enjoys a full face of glam makeup for special occasions, I've got makeup stocking stuffer ideas that your favorite woman or teen will love.

Nearly all of these makeup gifts are priced at $25 or less, and most cost less than $15, so it's easy to put together a nice selection to fill her Christmas stocking without busting your holiday gift budget.

There are so many little-known brands on Amazon (mostly from China) that knock off high-end palettes and other makeup but are of questionable quality and safety. It's hard to know whom you can trust!

The brands I am recommending are excellent quality, established, and trustworthy companies that make products that perform as well as much more expensive brands and offer very similar products at value prices. So, you can order these affordable beauty gifts with confidence.

Lip Balm, Gloss, or Oil

I feel positively undressed without something on my lips, especially since mine tend to be dry and chap easily in winter. I own a large collection of lip balms, glosses, and lip oils ranging from drugstore to high-end, and I'm very picky about quality! Here are some of my most affordable favorites.

Burt's Bees Beeswax, Strawberry, Coconut and Pear, and Vanilla Bean Lip Balm Pack, With Responsibly Sourced Beeswax, Tint-Free, Natural Lip Treatment, 4 Tubes, 0.15 oz.

Burt's Bees Lip Balm Stocking Stuffers is a 4-pack of Burt's Bees beeswax lip balms available in different flavor combinations, including the Best of Burt's Bees combo of original with vitamin E and peppermint, strawberry, coconut & pear, and vanilla bean. These lip balms are great to keep by the bedside, in a purse, in a coat pocket, etc., so it's great to have a four-pack! There's a reason these have stood the test of time. (I've used them for decades!) Even women and teens who don't wear makeup will appreciate a good set of lip balms, especially in the winter months.

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Fat Oil Lip Drip is a real bargain! It has all the moisture, shine, and gorgeous shades of high-end glosses without the premium price tag. 

This lip gloss is also vegan and comes in a range of shades to suit any taste. I own three colors and am tempted to add a few more to my collection. If you're not sure which color your gift recipient might like, the clear version will add a beautiful shine to bare lips or over a favorite lipstick. Or, choose a few different shades to add to her stocking.

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Butter Gloss, Non-Sticky Lip Gloss - Pack Of 3 (Angel Food Cake, Creme Brulee, Madeleine)

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Butter Gloss is a cult favorite among beauty influencers and makeup artists, for good reason. This gloss keeps lips soft and smooth, adds a hint of flattering color, and isn't sticky. This set of 3 NYX Butter Glosses in packs of three extremely wearable shades is a winner!

Another extremely affordable gloss that looks and acts like those from more expensive brands is the Rimmel Stay Glossy Lip Gloss. The shades range from neutrals and pinks to reds that are flattering to many different complexions. The formula is long-lasting, moisturizing, and non-sticky while providing lots of shine. This gloss is also cruelty-free, Leaping Bunny-approved (i.e., the company has made a genuine commitment to ending animal testing), and looks beautiful on bare lips or over lipstick or balm. Rimmel is a very popular brand in Europe that more and more beauty editors are recommending in the affordable beauty category.

Makeup Palettes

Makeup palettes are extremely popular beauty gifts for the Christmas holidays. They feel like an indulgence that your recipient might not buy for herself but would love to receive as a gift. They're also great to take on vacations, business trips, etc.

Fortunately, the affordable makeup palette selections are getting better and better, with shades and formulations that rival those of expensive luxury brands. The shades available at any given time may change, but you're sure to find some wonderful options among my top recommendations.

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP palettes are a fantastic choice. The quality and selection for the price can't be beat. The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Ultimate eyeshadow palettes each contain 16 highly pigmented eye shadows that glide onto the lid silky smooth and blend out effortlessly. There is always a wide range of options, from neutrals to brights, with something to suit any taste. Some palettes are all-matte, while most include a mix of matte, satin, shimmer, and/or metallic shades. Your gift recipient will have fun mixing and matching the 16 shades to create a whole wardrobe of eye looks for different moods, outfits, and occasions. Tip: Most teen girls would love the gift of a good eyeshadow palette!

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Highlight & Contour Pro Palette

If your gift recipient is really into makeup, she would probably love the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Highlight & Contour Pro Palette. It contains eight "creamy" powder highlight and contour shades that are pigmented enough to make a difference, but not so pigmented that they are hard to blend out (one of the keys to effective face contouring). Learning how to contour subtly can help you slim (or shorten) your nose, accentuate (or fake) cheekbones, minimize jowls, and other artistic "magic tricks." This set has a wide enough range of shades to work for many different skin tones, too.

Physicians Formula is another of those affordable beauty brands loved by magazine editors and influencers that looks and acts like formulas costing much more. 

The brand is known for its silky powder formulas, and a Physicians Formula Face Palette is a great way to give a beautiful selection of coordinating powders in a range of finishes. 

For example, the Physicians Formula All-Star Face Palette Holiday Gift Set for 2023 includes six stunning pans of bronzers, highlighters, face powder, and blush to flatter a wide range of complexions, although they are probably best suited to light-to-medium skin tones.

My ColourPop 9-pan "Of Quartz" palette, now discontinued
(but there are always plenty of new choices!)

ColourPop Eyeshadow Palettes are amazing quality for the price. The brand is famous for its stunning palettes and, especially, its fabulous shimmer shades. 

I have one of the 9-pan palettes (called "Of Quartz") and absolutely love it. I love the versatile mix of mattes and shimmers and how easily I can blend out the formula, even on my crepey, hooded lids. 

There are also larger palettes, including "mega" sizes with 30 shades (which won't fit in a stocking)! You can choose from sets that would appeal to women who prefer subtle makeup or colorways with bold, bright hues that fashionistas and teen girls would enjoy.

Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Eyeshadow Palette, Dermatologist Approved, Tropical Days

The Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Eyeshadow Palette comes in a smaller choice of shades, but these eyeshadows have the same luxe feel as the brand's acclaimed face powders, blushes, highlighters, and bronzers. It's a    wonderfully blendable formula that's extremely easy to apply and manipulate to achieve the desired look.

I also appreciate the mix of matte, satin, shimmer, and metallic shades in these versatile palettes that would flatter all skin tones.

 Like all Physicians Formula makeup products, these eye shadows are clean, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, safe for sensitive skin and eyes, and dermatologist-tested.

Tips on Choosing Eyeshadow Palettes as Gifts

If you're not sure which palettes your gift recipients might prefer, here are some guidelines to help you choose.

• Green and hazel eyes are complemented by purple shades, taupes, and earth tones, including bronzes, golds, and burgundies.
• Blue eyes are flattered by warm, orangey browns, like amber or copper, or gray and silver shades for a smokey eye look.
• Brown eyes can wear almost any shade, especially warm browns, golds, purples, and blues.
• When in doubt a neutral color palette is the most versatile and flatters most eye colors and skin tones.

Just remember, there are no hard-and-fast rules when choosing eyeshadow colors, especially for beauty lovers!

Affordable Skincare Stocking Stuffers for Women and Teen Girls

An effective skincare routine makes a huge difference in our skin's appearance and health. A stocking filled with a good quality makeup remover, facial cleanser, micellar water, facial serum, and moisturizer would be a wonderful gift for teens as well as for any woman who still washes her face with soap. (Most soaps are too harsh for facial skin, disrupting the protective skin barrier and causing excessive dryness, oiliness, acne, sensitivity, and other problems!)

A set of sheet masks would be a wonderful treat to encourage someone who's feeling stressed or overextended to squeeze in a few minutes of much-needed, relaxing, self-care and "me time."

While you might want to tailor products to the recipient's skin type, the following recommendations are appropriate for most.

Oil-Based Cleansing Balm/Makeup Remover

Cleansing balms are a great first step to remove sunscreen, makeup, and skincare at the end of the day. One of my favorites, Farmacy Green Clean makeup meltaway cleansing balm, is available on Amazon in a cute 0.4-ounce sample size that's perfect as a beauty gift stocking stuffer.

This popular makeup-removing balm dissolves even stubborn, long-wear makeup, waterproof mascaras, and mineral sunscreens. It's the first step in a two-step cleanse, to be followed by a gentle facial cleanser.

This cleansing balm is effective without stripping the skin of its natural moisture or damaging the protective skin barrier. It leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth, not dry or tight. It's also free of parabens, sulfates, and artificial coloring and is not tested on animals.

Farmacy Green Clean cleansing balm starts to melt into an oil as you massage it into your skin with your fingers, and then it turns into a milky cleanser as you add water and continue to massage. Just rinse with warm water and continue with step two (your gentle facial cleanser). I also recommend following with micellar water on a cotton pad to remove any cleanser residue before applying your nighttime skincare routine.

Facial Masks

SpaLife Holiday Treats Facial Masks 12-Pack Assorted - Festive Christmas Skincare for Soothing and Nourishing - Gingerbread, Sundae, Cocoa & Eggnog

The SpaLife Holiday Treats Facial Masks 12-Pack has the cutest, most festive packaging! It's also more wintry than specifically Christmas-y, so it would also make a great gift for other winter holidays and gift-giving occasions.

The set comes with a dozen face mask packets in four yummy holiday scents, so it's easy to split up into multiple gifts to help stuff several stockings.

It includes three of each of the following:

• Eggnog-scented anti-aging facial masks
• Peppermint cocoa-scented nourishing facial masks
• Gingerbread-scented soothing facial masks
• Candy cane sundae-scented brightening facial masks
  

 These would make great gifts for anyone who loves a bit of holiday whimsy! 

Tonymoly I'm Real Hydration Sheet Mask Set, Pack of 5

TONYMOLY is an extremely popular Korean skincare brand that's PETA-certified and 100% cruelty-free (no animal testing).

The TONYMOLY I'm Real Sheet Mask Collection is a fun way to introduce the women or teen girls on your Christmas gift list to sheet masks—skincare-infused paper masks that hold the serum against your skin and let it soak in as you lie back and relax.

This set of 5 different sheet masks focuses on deep hydration and includes one each of the following:

• I'm Aloe, infused with aloe extract and a water-based essence to hydrate the skin
• I'm Avocado, an "avocado-infused micro emulsion-based essence" that nourishes the skin
• I'm Watermelon, infused with watermelon extract to hydrate, refresh, and condition
• I'm Lavender, with lavender extract to relax, soothe, and deeply hydrate
• I'm Coconut, with vitamin E and coconut extract to "remove dirt and revitalize skin"

To use them, start with a freshly cleansed and dried face. Lie or lean back, open and unfold the sheet mask carefully, and place it over the face, aligning the cutouts with your eyes, nose, and mouth. Gently smooth the mask against the skin and let the serum soak in for 20–30 minutes. (I recommend listening to music or an audiobook to enhance the relaxation effect.) Then remove the paper and pat/press in any excess serum into the face and neck.

Gift-Worthy Skincare Sets

e.l.f. SKIN Hydrated Ever After Skincare Mini Kit, Cleanser, Makeup Remover, Moisturizer & Eye Cream For Hydrating Skin, TSA-friendly Sizes

The e.l.f. SKIN Hydrated Ever After Skincare Mini Kit includes small sizes of everything a woman or teen girl on your gift list will need to keep her face soft, smooth, and hydrated. It includes a makeup melting cleansing balm, facial cleanser, hydrating booster drops, face cream, and eye cream.

These products are infused with hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and plump the skin, ceramides to help strengthen the skin's moisture barrier, and peptides to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

While these products would be ideal for someone with dry skin year-round, they are also excellent for all skin types during the cold, dry weather months. (Did you know that even oily skin needs hydration to help regulate oil production?)

Even if your gift recipient already has a skincare routine, she will appreciate this complete set of TSA-approved travel sizes for packing.

All of e.l.f.'s products are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and Leaping Bunny-certified, and they're very good quality at surprisingly low prices. At less than $20 (at the time of this post's publication) for the entire 5-piece kit, the price for this stocking stuffer can't be beat!

COSRX All About Snail Korean Skincare | TSA Approved Travel Size, Gift Set with Facial Cleanser, Essence, Cream & Eye-cream, Repairing, Recovering, Rejuvenating Kit with Snail Mucin, Korean Skincare

Korean skincare is known for its innovation and high quality at reasonable prices, and COSRX is a popular brand recommended by many dermatologists and beauty influencers. The COSRX All About Snail Kit would make a wonderful gift for women with more mature or sensitive skin.

The hero ingredient, snail mucin, may sound off-putting, but it's a powerhouse skincare ingredient with multiple benefits. In the medically-reviewed EveryDay Health article "Snail Mucin 101: A Detailed Guide," Georgia Smith, a Sydney, Australia-based cosmetic chemist and founder of Skin Sister, described snail mucin as "a complex mix of proteins, enzymes, hyaluronic acid, copper peptides, antimicrobial peptides, iron, zinc, and proteoglycans." It can help strengthen the skin barrier; retain moisture; improve plumpness, smoothness, fine lines, and wrinkles; promote collagen building; enhance wound healing; and improve the appearance of scarring. It is also antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, potentially helping with acne and redness.

The COSRX All About Snail Kit includes TSA-approved travel sizes of four of the brand's most coveted skincare products: Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser, Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream, and Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream.

Pampering Body Care Stocking Stuffers

Skincare isn't just for the face, especially during the cold, dry winter months. A gift of a body wash, body scrub, exfoliating gloves, or moisturizing body lotion can soothe and smooth dry, crepey skin all winter long. A moisturizing hand cream, cuticle balm, or foot cream is something every woman or teen girl can use.

Here are some gift-worthy body care stocking stuffer ideas.

Aromatherapy Shower Steamers or Bath Bombs

Cleverfy Shower Steamers Aromatherapy - Compact Variety Pack of 6 Shower Bombs with Essential Oils. Self Care and Relaxation Birthday Gifts for Women and Men. Blue Set

I only recently learned about shower steamers, which are similar to bath bombs but designed for use during a shower instead of a bath. 

Cleverfy Aromatherapy Shower Steamers are beautifully packaged and are available in several different assortments of different sizes and scents. 

The boxed sets of six Cleverfy Aromatherapy Shower Steamers are the perfect size for stocking stuffers, but you might also consider splitting one of the larger assortments into several gifts.

I really like the set of six aromatherapy shower steamers that includes one each of the following scents:

• Menthol & eucalyptus
• Peony & pear
• Grapefruit
• Watermelon
• Cocoa & orange
• Lemongrass & coconut

Hand and Foot Care

Burt's Bees Tips and Toes Gifts Set, 6 Travel Size Products in Gift Box - 2 Hand Creams, Foot Cream, Cuticle Cream, Hand Salve and Lip Balm

The Burt's Bees Tips and Toes Kit is a boxed, six-piece set that's perfect for gift-giving and costs much less than you might expect. It includes a full-size pomegranate tinted lip balm to soften and smooth lips while adding a hint of color, plus five mini sizes of the following products:

• A cute little tin of almond & milk hand cream that's perfect to tuck in a purse
• A tube of honey & grapeseed hand cream
• A tin of hand salve
• A tin of lemon butter cuticle cream (a long-time favorite that's perfect for massaging into dry cuticles on the go)
• A tube of coconut foot cream

These travel-size products would also be great for a frequent traveler.

You could also put together a set of high-quality nail care tools for a woman or teen who either loves having pretty nails or wishes she did. Check out my in-depth guide to The Best Manicure Tools to see my personally curated, tried-and-true picks. Consider adding a bottle or two of nail polish. Essie nail polish kits always include some great holiday gift sets at affordable prices, and the quality is excellent.

Spa Accessories

Consider filling her stocking with one or more spa accessories to up her beauty and skincare game. Check out my in-depth reviews of the best spa headbands for face washing, skincare, and makeup application, the best silicone face cleansing brushes, the best reusable microfiber facial cleansing sponges, and my favorite microfiber face washing wristbands to keep your arms and sleeves dry.

Need an Elegant Christmas Stocking to Stuff?

Check out my recent product reviews of The Most Beautiful Christmas Stockings for Elegant Holiday Decor. You’ll find a selection of festive picks to hold these beauty gift stocking stuffers.

❆❅❄ Wishing you and your loved ones a beauty-filled holiday! ❄❅❆

Awesome, Affordable Beauty Gifts to Fill Her Christmas Stocking by Margaret Schindel

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