It’s once again the most wonderful time of the year. The season when, no matter how many things I’ve been eyeing online over the past twelve months, I somehow forget them all. But this year, I’ve worked hard to curate the perfect Christmas list, featuring something for every budget. From must-have products to unforgettable experiences, this list is a mix of both wants and needs. These are the items I’m dreaming of, so I can start the new year in style.
1. $11.99 Therabreath Whitening Fresh Breath Oral Rinse, Dazzling Mint
My mom is queen of filling our stocking with hygiene needs like toothpaste, floss and deodorant, so I figured I’d use that to my benefit and suggest a mouthwash I’ve been interested in trying. I have heard nothing but good things about TheraBreath, and I’ve been convinced I need to test it for myself.
2. $12.20 The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
I was on the search for an affordable skincare product that would reduce my small bumps and acne, and since I started using The Ordinary, I don’t think I’ll go back to anything else. With the bumps on my forehead diminished and my acne vanished, I feel more confident in my skin. This is a perfect stocking stuffer and refill product that I’ll be happy to see on Christmas morning.
3. $15 Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lip Liner, Gifted
Picture this: it’s midnight, and I see a girl out whose lip combo still looks flawless — no smudging or fading, just perfect. Naturally, I couldn’t resist approaching her to ask about her secret. She revealed it was the Rare Beauty Gifted Lip Liner paired with a Dior gloss. While the Dior is a little out of my budget, I was immediately sold on the Rare Beauty lip liner. I’ve seen it work wonders firsthand, and it’s reasonably priced. I couldn’t wait to send the link to my mom, and now I’m counting down the days until I can try it myself and share the magic with others.
4. $18 Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment, Rhode Vanilla
Maybe I’m giving into trends, but Hailey Bieber has convinced me with her lip treatments. They look beautiful, and I think this is the perfect gloss to up my lip game on days when I don’t need any extra color.
5. $18 Rhode Peptide Lip Tint, Raspberry Jelly
Since I’m asking for the clear gloss, I have to put a tint on my list, too. A perfect match for the Rare Beauty liner, I am excited to try out the product my entire Instagram and TikTok pages have been raving about.
6. $21.99 Hero Cosmetics 72-count Mighty Patch
Pimple patches are another must-have skincare product for me. We all have those days where we need a pimple to vanish, and I love to wear these overnight to reduce the appearance of my blemishes.
7. $24.99 IQ BARS
IQ bars are one of my favorite protein bars. Not only are they incredibly convenient for a quick on-the-go snack, but they’re also delicious — something I can’t always say about other protein bars. As I continue my nutrition and fitness journey, trust me when I say these bars successfully provide you with protein, fiber and nutrients. I like to purchase the 3-pack Almond Butter Chip, Peanut Butter Chip and Chocolate Sea Salt from Costco, but I am excited to try their seasonal Gingerbread flavor!
8. $28 CRZ YOGA Butterluxe Sports Bra, Wild Indigo and $32 CRZ YOGA Butterluxe Leggings, Wild Indigo
Now that I consistently go to the gym, I want to reward myself with a new workout set. I looked at Set Active and Alo, and while they are so cute, I’m not interested in breaking the bank. After consulting with some of my friends, I determined that CRZ YOGA’s Butterluxe line will give the most bang for my buck. The sports bra and leggings set comes in a variety colors, too. I love this wild indigo, but I am looking forward to getting more colors after I wear this one out.
9. $110 Second Piercings
I got my ears pierced for the first time in eighth grade, and I’ve been too scared of needles to get my second holes. Now that I am 20, however, I’ve mustered up the courage to get my second lobe piercings. A new piercing shop called Rowan just popped up at my home shopping mall, so I am taking it as a sign to go over winter break!
These products are the perfect addition to my wellness journey, and I can’t wait to try them (and many more) in the new year. I’m excited to see how they help me feel my best and elevate my self-care routine.