Under $100: Best buys under $100 Image by: Zara
When December rolls around, it's hard to justify shopping for yourself instead of picking up presents for your family friends. But, we managed to find a few things that we're coveting this holiday season. You'll notice our picks this month tend to be holiday-spirit-festive (sparkle and shine!) or comfy-cozy stay-home comfort (knits and undies!). While you may be tempted to pick up one of these options for someone on your list, we think you deserve a little treat for yourself too. Happy holidays!
A classic mascara
Clinique High Impact Mascara, $24, thebay.com.
When I received a mini of the Clinique High Impact mascara earlier this fall, I didn't think too much about it. But when I recently ran out of my latest go-to, (and since mascara is my desert island makeup pick) I decided to try this tube. I am so glad I did. Length, separation and just a touch of volume (I prefer my lashes to look "done" but not va-va-voom during the day) are packed in this bottle and I can tell you with certainty when my little travel size runs out, I'll be picking up more. - Alexandra Donaldson, fashion & beauty editor
Catch of the Day
Ronen fishnet stockings, $6.30, aldoshoes.com.
Attention-commanding fishnets re-emerged as one of the biggest trends in 2017. So it’s about time to jump on board! - Julia McEwen, fashion & beauty director
Sparkle & shine
Icone sequin cami, $69, simons.ca.
When it comes to holiday dressing, I prefer to wear some of my favourite basics and dress them up accordingly—in fact I wrote a whole article about doing just that. So I'll be wearing a sparkly, festive top with my favourite boyfriend jeans. This cami will definitely do the trick—you can wear it on it's own for a sexy take on holiday dressing, or wear it over a white t-shirt or turtleneck for a more cozy, layered look. - AD
Sleep aid
Sleepy body lotion, $10, lush.ca.
It’s the season of dry skin, busy social lives and running on minimal sleep. I could use a little help in the sleep department, so I'll be picking up this body lotion. It has lavender perfume in it to help you relax, and since it's so compact, I'll take it when I travel to visit my family this holiday season! - Madison Dechief, fashion & beauty intern
Bright baubles
Pinata Tassel Earrings, $36, baublebar.com.
I've been slow to hop on the bigger-is-better earring trend this season. But a few weeks ago I picked up a pair of gold hoops from designer Jenny Bird—and I've been looking to add more to my collection ever since. This pair will look great with chunky knits and button-downs this winter—though I'll likely pull them out for wedding season as well. - AD
Minty fresh
Sweater, $30, hm.com.
Add a pop of fresh, pastel colour to your winter wardrobe with this mint sweater. It's a great layering piece—over turtlenecks and dresses, or under blazers—and will make you look chic, but comfortable all winter long. - MD
Unmentionables
Seamless boybrief, $16, ae.com.
I've been on the hunt for the perfect seamless underwear for years—VPL is not really a look I'm going for—and I may have found it with my latest purchase from Aerie. Simple, comfortable and thin enough that I can wear them under my skinny jeans without worrying too much about whether my panty line is visible. Plus at $16, I'll be stocking up. - AD
Glitter de grownups
Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow, $31, beautyboutique.ca.
One of the most innovative products of the year has got to go to this brilliantly long-wearing sparkle eye shadow from Stila. It combines the perfect mix of pearl and glitter to lavish eyes with incredible luster and shimmer. The best part—it’s easy to apply with virtually no fallout from glitter. - JM
Hello, hydration!
Coconut water hydrating mist, $15, skinfix.com.
This brand focusing on natural ingredients for sensitive or eczema-prone skin. The body wask is a favourite of mine in the winter. But this season, I'll also be stocking up on this coconut water-based hydrating mist. Cucumber and rose water are also key ingredients in the gentle mist. - AD
Velvet underground
Velvet tube dress, $50, zara.com.
Still looking for a stunning outfit for your holiday soirees or Christmas dinner? Trade in your tired LBD for this wrap velvet frock, the look is festive with a hint of sex appeal in all the right places. - JM
Subtle shimmer
Bite Beauty Prismatic Pearl Crème Lip Gloss in Cherry Pearl, $25, sephora.com.
Shimmer has found a new home this holiday season—on your lips. While there are plenty of bold and out there ways to wear this trend (purple! holographic!) I'll be sticking to a simple reddish lipstick with just enough sparkle to catch the light. - AD
Haute hat
Cashmere hat, $35, hm.com/ca.
Is it time to retire your go-to tuque? Look for a simple topper with rolled edges found is a super soft cashmere. - JM
Cozy comfort
Striped sweater, $99, zara.com.
My family Christmas gathering is nothing if not comfortable—we don't go in for fancy attire and instead opt for our favourite cozy pieces. This year, I'll be wearing an oversize knit. This one is just festive enough—the stripes and the ribbon detailing on the back see to that—to show a little of my Christmas spirit. Without getting all dolled up. - AD
Layer player
Necklaces, $15, hm.com.
Layered necklaces are a great way to finish an outfit and this three pack from H&M is easy and perfect. It's a set that works together or separately—so you get a lot of mileage out of this purchase. - MD
Leg warming
Aerie leggings, $20, ae.com.
Being comfortable is key during the winter season, when you’re staying in to beat the cold. These are the perfect leggings to wear around the house—just throw on an oversized sweater for the ultimate comfort. If you need me, I'll be spending the weekend inside while reading a good book and catching up on my favourite shows. - MD
Code red
Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color in Uncensored, $30, sephora.com.
On the market for a red lipstick but find it hard to get the tone just right? Look no further. This red liquid lipstick from Riri’s Fenty Beauty looks good on everyone. Like the rest of the line, the lip colour was created with all skin tones in mind. The texture is creamy and non-drying, which is a huge win for a matte liquid lipstick. - JM
Print story
Dress, $36, zara.com.
The print on this dress is what drew me to it. The placement of the two large pattern pieces is perfect, making this dress easy to dress up for an event (holiday party, anyone?) or to wear during a more casual day. I'll be wearing it on New Years Eve with a pair of fun heels. - MD
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