Last Minute, Easy to Find, Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Hello everyone! I hope you're all doing well and for those who celebrate, I hope you're ready for Christmas. If you're not all done with shopping don't fret, I have a few suggestions for last minute stocking stuffers that should be pretty easy to find. These are a few of my favorite tried and true items and I would love to see any of these in my stocking. This post is not sponsored in any way. I used promotional images from the official websites, I did not take these photos. 

First up is CND Solar Oil. This is a fantastic product that works hard to keep your cuticles and nails looking fresh and hydrated in the cold weather. 

I use this all times of the year as my go to cuticle oil. After removing a manicure, filing and buffing my nails, I slather this all over my nails and cuticles, rub it in for a minute or two then wash it off. If I am feeling super dry I will put some on and keep it on (just using a little less than I would during a manicure). 

This stuff smells divine, like sweet almond oil. It's absolutely beautiful smelling. 

You can pick this up at CVS for around $8.00 to $10.00 depending on your location. 

Photo Credit: CND.com

Next up is my favorite hand lotion from Bath and Body Works. This is the True Blue Spa Shea Cashmere & Silk Hand Cream.  This retails for around $10 from Bath & Body Works but right now it's going for $6.00 in stores and online.

This is one of the best hand creams I have ever tried. It smells amazing, like vanilla and almond with a touch of sandalwood. It's quite a sexy scent. Be warned though if you're sensitive to strong scents you may not like this. The scent will last through several hand washings and lingers for quite some time. I love that but it may be a turnoff for some of you. 

This is one of the only hand creams I can tolerate on my hands. It sinks in quickly and doesn't leave my hands feeling greasy, just insanely moisturized. I love love love the feeling of this cream on my hands and rarely use other hand creams. Nothing has compared to the scent and feeling of this one. It's a real winner in my book. 

 Photo Credit: Bathandbodyworks.com

Next up is the world's greatest quick drying top coat. I cannot live without this in my collection, I just can't. I keep several back ups of it available at all times.

This is a quick drying, high shine top coat that has become a cult favorite though out the years. I have yet to find a top coat to live up to the expectations this has created. It will seriously change your nail polishing life. I swear. It makes giving yourself a manicure so much faster as it cuts down on drying time. The result? Perfect nails in no time flat.

If you haven't tried this, trust me, you need it. It's not a luxury, it's a necessity.

You can find this at CVS, Sally Beauty Supply and a few other similar stores for around $6.99 - $9.99 depending on your location. 
Photo Credit: Seche.com

Next up is a good old lip smacker lip balm in plain ol' vanilla. I have lip balms that I love more than this one but we're talking last minute stocking stuffers so I wanted to suggest a great product that was easy to find in a snap.  I've seen Lip Smacker products anywhere for CVS and Walmart to my local grocery store.

I love the good old classic  vanilla lip smacker. It's actually a pretty great quality balm to have in your purse. It's super moisturizing, smells and tastes great and only costs around $1.75.  I think this little balm would make anyone happy from your little sister to your mom. Can't beat classic.

Photo Credit: Lip Smacker

And last, but most certianly not least is a stocking stuffer for the reader in your life. I know all of my lovely followers are into beauty but I am sure there are some on your Christmas lists that just are not. Well if they are into books, and I mean books, not Kindles LOL, they will love love love my favorite book marks from "Last Line".

I have mentioned these on my blog before but I just love them and wish more people knew about them. They are the best bookmarks and never fall out. They clip to the side of your page and allow you to mark exactly where you left off last time you read.

I get mine at Barnes and Noble for around $1.99 for a two pack. They come in a variety of fun colors too.  I can never have enough of these lying around!

So that's all I have for you today but I hope it helps you make those stockings a little more full this year. 

What are your favorite items to stuff stockings with? 

Images are promotional images and were not taken by me. I have not received any of these products for free  they are just things I love and use.  This post is not sponsored in any way. 

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CND Fall/Winter 2011 (ALREADY!!!)

15 Years of Fashionable Fingertips Regal on the Runway - CND's Fall 2011 Nail Trend Forecast For 15 years, CND has created trend-setting manicures to perfectly accessorize designer visions on the catwalk. This season, CND worked with 22 designers including household names Jason Wu, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Carolina Herrera, Malandrino and Monique Lhuillier. "This Fall, manicures are emerging in waves of rich jewel tones, earthy and worn shades, and comfortable colors - as cozy as a boyfriend's t-shirt," says CND Co-founder and Style Director, Jan Arnold. Eccentric, old world charm takes center stage this season with eminent dark jewel toned nails that accessorize bold satin and chiffon, off-kilter tweeds, wild jacquards and sumptuous velvet fabrics. Prince William and Kate Middleton aren't the only royal marriage in the future - runway manicures unite lavish eggplant purple with decadent gilded gold. For opulent nails, use CND's limited edition The Look: Fall 2011, comprised of Midnight Sapphire deep cobalt blue crème, Dark Amethystvelvet aubergine crème and Sheer 24K Sparkle gold lamé effect. These brand new polishes were seen on the runway atSachin & Babi, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Jen Kao and Monique Lhuillier.      Manicures delve into the past...faded, traditional and textured in soft sandstone washes of color. A literal return to the roots. Nature takes back the urban landscape with earthen shades of muted brown, green and patina peach. Pair this grounded look with rugged leather, sediment shaded woven wear, tough denim and weathered knits. For the inky spectator nails from 3.1 Phillip Lim, use warm opaque Desert Suede and half circles of Midnight Sapphire. To get Monique Lhuillier's "Shady Lady" manicure, try Silver Chrome topped with Desert Suede, and iced with Dark Amethyst.   Worn-in clothes evoke softness and worn-out colors, and provide an element of comfort and timelessness. Manicures are faded with muted iridescence blushing in vintage gold, peach, icy blue and green. Worn best with softened sateen sweaters, heirloom jacquards, Victorian buttons and pearls, and smoky sheers. Custom blended minty sage nails were sported atCostello Tagliapietra, and a hazy purple was mixed for Malandrino. For the blushing taupe nails from Jenni Kayne, useDesert Suede, layered with Copper Shimmer Effect, washed out with a coat of semi-sheer Rose Water and topped withSuper Matte Top Coat. Achieve waistline-approved toffee brown nails from Isaac Mizrahi using Chocolate Milk mixed with 5 drops of Asphalt.   NEW! The Look: Fall 2011 box set of Midnight Sapphire and Dark Amethyst Colours and Sheer 24K Sparkle Effectis $29, available while supplies last starting in September 2011 at select salons and professional beauty supply stores. For additional information, please visit CND.com.

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Embrace the Love - Valentine's Day Gifts from CND

Please enjoy the following press release I received yesterday from CND. I think these would make great gifts for sure! 

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Embrace the Love - Valentine's Day Gifts from CND 

Love is in the air.  Seductive scents, siren red nails and kissable lips ensure your place in the spotlight. Whether going steady or crushing on a special someone, look and feel your best with these fun gift sets.  Save the teddy bears and balloons for "Get Well Soon" and snatch up these CND must-have items before they're gone!

Scentsations™ Heart Duo

Get close to your sweetie this holiday season, and give your lips and skin a sweet treat with the Scentsations™ Heart Duo.  Fragrant, silky-smooth skin, and shiny, subtle pink lips ensure that Valentine's Day comes sealed with a hug and kiss!  Includes an 8.3 fl oz bottle of Heart Lotion scented with a blend of citrus, white flower, and warm amber, and a .39 fl oz tube of sheer-pink Heart Lip Gloss. 

Suggested retail price: $17.90 US / $22.40 CAN

Red Hot Colour Collection

Dress up your digits for a night of hand-holding and romance with CND's Red Hot Colour Collection.  This alluring, ruby sparkle layering combo will be sure to steal hearts!  Includes a .33 fl oz bottle of Just Red Colour and a .33 fl oz bottle of Red Sparkle Effect.  

Suggested retail price: $20.00 US / $25.00 CAN

Available for a limited time only in salons and professional beauty supply stores.   For locations visit cnd.com.

Images and info received directly from PR.

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CND 2.0. CND Shellac Unveils New Colors

CND has expanded their Shellac line to include new colors. Please see the press release below.

November 2010 - CND will unveil 12 new Shellac shades in March 2011, with colors ranging from beige to black. This exciting addition expands the Shellac line to 24 chic shades plus countless layering options. Shellac addicts will now have more choices for the convenience of a 14-day manicure. "This new range features perennial classics and fashionable favorites to give salon-goers a wide variety," says Jan Arnold, CND Co-founder and Style Director.


Shellac's May 2010 launch spurred a major shift in the global nail industry. Unprecedented waitlists at salons around the world for this innovation have been the beauty equivalent of the much-buzzed-about iPad. If it doesn't say "CND" on the bottle, it's not Shellac. Shellac is hypo-allergenic and 3-Free (no formaldehyde, toluene or DBP), leaving a brilliantly shiny finish with maintenance-free wear and safely removes in 10-minutes. Shellac's status has instantly grown from 'cult following' to 'modern must-have.' Within one month of its introduction, Shellac sold out four times over.

Check out the newest colors:

All info and photos were provided directly from PR.

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Jason Wu & CND!

Jason Wu's Elegance Travels from Fabric to Fingernails

Jason Wu and CND Collaborate on Nail Color Collection

September 10, 2010, New York, New York - Fashion designer Jason Wu is collaborating with runway manicure leader CND to introduce a limited edition Jason Wu Collection that honors iconic women through wearable, timeless shades. The set will come with 4 Colours and 1 Effect that can be layered to achieve the designer's effortless yet elegant nail styles.

"Every season I play with different ways of using color in my collection, so it was a natural choice to collaborate with CND on a capsule of nail colors that reflects my aesthetics. Included in the set is my signature gray color," says Jason Wu.

These fabulously femme Colours provide rich coverage and everyday accessibility:

· Miss Wu - Jason's signature limestone, warm gray that dries matte with subtle chrome sheen, in perfect harmony of masculinity and femininity

· Brigitte - voluptuous warm pink that perfectly channels 50's screen siren

· Sophia - gorgeous mushroom taupe

· Veronica - highlights the evolution of decadence with a blue-based, oxblood red

· Anna Effect - layered over any of the four Colours provides a tweed finish via microscopic fibrous pieces that create cool, subtle texture

Jason Wu and CND have joined forces on the runway for the past eight seasons. This color collection is Jason Wu's first foray into nail products, and CND's first designer product partnership. The full collection will be introduced at Jason Wu's Spring 2011 runway show where audience members will receive a complimentary set.

The Jason Wu Collection will be available for purchase in salons and via CND.com in May 2011. Suggested retail price is $47. The collection will be sold globally while supplies last.

I think this collection looks exciting. I love CND. I think their products are super high quality and I cannot wait to see these colors in person. Very pretty!!!!!

Images and info were provided by PR.

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Essie Merino Cool and a Possible Chanel Paradoxal Dupe

Hello readers! I hope all is well. Sorry it's been a slow week but I didn't have much sun here this week so I wasn't able to take any new photos and didn't have any posts lined up. My bad! I received the Essie Fall Collection and I am excited to share this with you. I think the colors in this collection are really beautiful and perfect for fall.

Today I want to show you one of the gorgeous colors from Essie's Fall Collection. This is Merino Cool: Essie describes this as a "sensuous autumn mulberry" whatever that means LOL. It's a purple/grey color reminiscent of Sephora by OPI Metro Chic. I love colors like this so I am really happy with the color.

The formula on this was quite nice. No problems to report. I am generally a big fan of Essie and this is no exception.

Now I may have a possible Chanel Paradoxal dupe here though I am positive that my photos are not good quality at all because they were taken in overcast sort of dreary weather. However, use your imagination and you may have yourself a little dupe here. I used Merino Cool with the CND effect in Amethyst Sparkle and I swear in real life it's close to Paradoxal.

See Vampy Varnish's swatches of Paradoxal here.

What do you think of Merino Cool? What other colors from the Fall Collection are you excited about? Is this combo a close enough dupe for you? I think it is for me. I don't want to shell out Chanel money for that color LOL I am too cheap.

Have a great day!

Disclosure: This collection was furnished to me by PR for consideration. All reviews published on this blog are at my own discretion.

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CND: Shellac Hybrid Nail Color

Since yesterday's post featured a CND product I thought I'd take the time today to tell you a bit about their newest venture Shellac. I received this press release and I think it explains the product better than I ever could:

May 2010 - CND (Creative Nail Design), the leader in professional nail, hand and foot beauty, is proud to introduce the first hybrid nail color after nearly five years of development in its state-of-the-art laboratory. Now you can say good-bye to chips, smudges, and dry time and say hello to Shellac™ Hybrid Nail Color! This game-changing product applies like polish, wears flawlessly for 14 days of high gloss shine, and is removed in minutes.

Shellac paints on like polish - base coat, color, top coat - and is cured in a UV light so there is zero dry time. The colors are hypo-allergenic, and "3-Free" - no formaldehyde, toluene or DBP. Shellac will launch in 12 varieties of shades, from pretty French pinks and whites, to siren red and rich darks.

Meet the colors:

The formula is thin and flexible like polish, so it not only looks natural, it provides strong natural nail protection with a resilient mirror finish that resists dullness and chipping, even during the most rigorous activities.

As amazing as Shellac is on, removal is just as satisfying! No soaking, drilling or filing is necessary. Nails are gently swathed in individual Shellac Remover Wraps that limit finger and skin exposure to acetone by keeping it pinpointed on just the nail. Ten minutes of time in exchange for two weeks of perfect color is all it takes. Say good-bye to manicure frustration and hello to pure manicure satisfaction.

"Our chemists invented a modern solution to the normal polish inconveniences that frustrate women. Shellac is fret-free and convenient. Women can finally get their time back," says CND co-founder and style director Jan Arnold.

Like a normal manicure, Shellac application involves a base coat, color coat and top coat. After each step, nails dry briefly under a special CND UV Lamp, which also accommodates feet for perfect, long-lasting pedicures - just in time for beach season! The lamp ensures a dazzling finish for gorgeous, maintenance-free nails.

Shellac is a professional service launching in salons globally May 2010. To locate a Shellac Salon in your region, please click here.

See for yourself! To watch an informational video on Shellac, click here. Short on time? Check out the quick version here.

So, does Shellac interest you? I think it's a really great concept and if I didn't like changing my mani color almost everyday I'd be all over this. I think the color selection is sort of boring but I imagine they will come out with new and exciting colors if this line is successful.

I think this is perfect for vacations. When I was in Disney in February I didn't bring any nail supplies and ended up purchasing some travel sized nail polish remover around day 2 because I had such horrible chipping I couldn't stand looking at. Next time I am going to be away for a week I think I will splurge on one of these Shellac manis. I think that's the perfect time to do it.

Also, I would consider getting a Shellac pedi. I hate doing my own pedicures, I am so lazy about it so I think this is perfect for the tootsies. I found a salon about 30 minutes away that does Shellac pedis so I think at some point this summer I will go an indulge in one. I will report back when I do of course.

Pricing: Just a side note. I am not sure what price other salons are charging for this service but the local salon I found adds $10 charge to their manis and pedis for the service. At this salon standard manis are $20 so Shellac would make it $30 and standard pedis are $45 so Shellac would make it $50. A splurge indeed but if it lasts as long as they say it could be worth it.

Thoughts?

All images and information were provided directly by PR. I am committed to sharing true and accurate information with my readers. I only post direct from the source to avoid rumors.

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CND Colors Eclectic Purple and CND Effects Amethyst Sparkle

Hello readers! Today I have a fantastic polish to share with you, well really two polishes. Excited?

CND has a really interesting product line consisting of 50 polishes and 15 effects which essentially allows consumers to customize their own manicures. This idea is great, I like the thought of wearing a creme one day and freshening up the manicure a day later with an effect. Nice concept.

I tried out Eclectic Purple and Amethyst Sparkle I thought the two would compliment each other well and I think I was right.

First let me talk to you about Eclectic Purple which is a stunning purple creme. I am a sucker for purples, especially cremes so once I laid eyes on this I knew I'd love it. The formula is absolutely incredible. I have not been as impressed with a nail polish in a long time. This polish applied like butter and was opaque in just one coat... ONE COAT! This almost NEVER happens! When I heard the price of the CND Colour line, $9 a bottle, I cringed a little (I am cheap) but I think this product is worth every single penny. I plan to purchase several more polishes from the line and I hope each one lives up to the quality of this one because I am so impressed.

So let's take a look at the color without the Effect:

Isn't that amazing for just one coat? Beautiful!

So to go with the Eclectic Purple I choose the Amethyst Sparkle Effect. I think it compliments the purple creme very well.

It applied well and looked amazing in the sun. It was shiny and added interest to my tired manicure. I liked how this went on vs. just a traditional glitter top coat or polish. When topping polishes with glitters I often get bald spots and need to apply several coats. I only needed one coat of this, I had no streaks and no balding. It's not a glitter but rather a very fine shimmer particle.

I think this color is one I can use with many of the polishes in my collection so it should get a lot of use. The CND Effects retails for $11 a bottle. I think the price is a little high but if you plan to use it often it can be worth the money simply because the Effects can be used to create so many different looks. I wish it was slightly less expensive but the quality is wonderful so you won't feel too bad splurging.

So overall I am very impressed with CND products. I am not totally sold on the Effects for the price but the if all the Colors are like Eclectic Purple then I believe they are worth the $9 SRP. The formula is incredible, I wish all polishes were like that! I have my eye on many colors in the range so be on the lookout for posts about them when I find the money to splurge.

Do you have any CND polishes? What are your favorite colors/effects? Have an interesting and exciting Color/Effect combo? Let me know!

Disclosure: These products were furnished to me by CND for consideration. All reviews published on this blog are at my own discretion. Please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

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