They looked so pretty sitting on my mirrored nightstand.

Do you know how many beauty brands come out of Texas? Aside from the well known ones like Mary Kay, Jack Black, and Niven Morgan, we’ve got a slew of under-the-radar local skincare and makeup lines that will blow your mind. I got a pitch last week from Austin mineral-based cosmetics company CATTIVA, launched by former model Joelle Maryn. The sparkles scared me. I like glitter, but anything too bedazzled doesn’t tickle my fancy. These cases are all kinds of sparkly. (Although I’m sort of into the black rhinestones on the mascara–they remind me of edgy studs.) But, more importantly, after playing with a couple samples that were sent, I think I really dig the products. The lip gloss is a bit sticky (I can handle that), smells like vanilla, and stays on for hours. The eyeliner surprisingly lasted through an 85-degree outdoor workout with only a minimal amount of smudging. The mascara is my favorite part. It actually gives my lashes a little volume and no. clumping. (And everything makes my lashes clump.) It’s not dramatic. No thick goop hanging onto a couple strands. Just clean, evenly coated lashes. As for the eyeshadow? Haven’t tried it yet. TBA. Until then, the compact would be fun to whip out out parties as a glamorous accessory. Find CATTIVA at Stanley Korshak. Prices run $20 to $50.

Kristin peruses the color-coded racks.

Kristin and I accidentally found this three-day-old shop called Sample This! in Mockingbird Station last night. It’s a full-time, year-round sample sale. L.A. designers, like Notice and Ogle, send their samples to this mom-and-daughter owned store, and the girls sell it for half the original price. Only sizes 2, 4, and 6 are carried (with the occasional 8). I love that the warehouse-esque store is divided and organized by color. The most expensive piece I found last night was $59. Not bad, right? Merchandise will rotate monthly. Go check it out.

$19.95 at Nest

Nest sent out an email blast about its current sale, and I saw this darling headphone set in the lineup. They’re described as being “light as air” and having “great sound.” But with those cute pink ear pieces, who cares? I’d wear them anyway. They’re only $20!

photography by Matthew Shelley

I went on and on about how great some of the Santa Maria Novella stuff is, but I left one out. (Actually, I didn’t leave it out; I just didn’t realize it was a Santa Maria Novella product until last week.) This incense box packs a handful of “burning papers,” which smell delicious. Fold them to create a sturdy pose, light ‘em up, and smell ‘em burn.

$25 at Grange Hall and LAFCO New York

photography by Sergio Garza

Pick a color, any color, and you’ll find it in a chunky cocktail ring in the black tray at La Mariposa. Each of these little babies runs about $25, so there’s no guilt when you pick one up to add a little pizazz to your holiday attire.

Stink Bombs on bottom row. (photography by Sergio Garza)

Found at Grange Hall, these little guys are actually called Stink Bombs. But instead of stinking bad, they stink good. They’re made by one of the oldest candle companies in existence (Marie Antoinette was a customer) and match the already existing fragrances of candles. Think floral Trianon, spicy Nazareth, and woody La Grande Bougie. Candles can run to nearly $400, so consider the Stink Bombs an amazing, luxurious little find at $45. Take one of the little glass bottles, throw it on the floor, and the oils inside smell up the joint. (Do it outside or near a fireplace to avoid glass shards on carpet.)

photography by Sergio Garza

These darling flower-printed enamel pitchers and glasses are inspiring. This is a gift that would get me ridiculously excited about the next spring brunch I could host. Heck! When I think about it, we live in Texas! With the warm days we’ve been having who needs to wait for spring? The jugs run at $40; cups are $11 a piece. Find them at The Gypsy Wagon.

Looking to spend a little less? Check out the sparkling bobby pins.

More stocking stuffer ideas:

• Rainbow collar bones for him, $25
• Sleek Nice/Naughty journal, $38
• Fresh lip balm, $22

photography by Sergio Garza

Perfect addition to any gift.

These pretty babies run for $5 a pair at The Gypsy Wagon. If these aren’t your cup of tea, check out the necklaces and earrings that dangle all over the store.

photography by Sergio Garza

This beauty was spotted at Henderson gem Art is Art. If you haven’t been in, you’re missing out. Stay tuned for a review. The 10-piece set is a wonderful, inexpensive addition to the holidays warm fuzzies. Only $38 at Art is Art on Henderson.

photography by Matthew Shelley

I know we already featured a Thomas Pink giftable yesterday, but I’m a sucker for anything that comes in rainbow colors. If you’ve got a pretty boy on your “nice” list this year, trust me, he’ll appreciate these little accessories to keep his collar straightened out. Plus, they’re an inexpensive little luxury. $25 at Thomas Pink at the Galleria

More stocking stuffer ideas:

• Plastichic colorful watches, $35
• LAFCO New York little luxuries, $20 to $50
• Foot Petals, $60 to $13
  

photography by Matthew Shelley

Guys pretty much always need another pair of socks. Either the ones already owned are worn to shreds–my boyfriend thinks his jokes about his Sunday socks being “holey” are hilarious–or they’re disgusting. Like, dirty, unfashionable, mismatched, or, likely, all three. That’s why I love these socks. They’re funky and colorful, which makes gifting a pair of socks less lame. Plus, they’re a sturdy quality, so they’ll last until next year. And though it’s probably still not a guy’s favorite gift, let’s face it: these are kind of for you. $30 per pair at Thomas Pink in the Galleria

More stocking stuffer ideas:

• Holiday nail polish, $5 to $25
• Queens votive set, $38
• Luxurious laundry detergent, $45
  

photography by Matthew Shelley

These colorful Italian IceCube watches from PlastiChic are light, waterproof, and available in 19 colors. Celebs love them (like Ashlee Simpson and Kirsten Dunst, as do magazine editors from InStyle (see the latest holiday gift guide), Glamour, Vogue, etc. Get a different color for each stocking you must fill, and pick a favorite color for yourself. $35 at Mal Malouf

Never been to Mal Malouf? See our review.

More stocking stuffer ideas:

• Nice vs. Naughty journal, $38
• Carolina Amato mittens, $28
• Pet portrait cards, $18

photography by Matthew Shelley

What gal doesn’t love a festive polish to match the holiday? These are easy, thoughtful beauty gifts that fall in a very affordable price range. (Like, mostly under $10.)

*If a polish is starred, I want you to see it up close, so follow the jump. (Polish names after the jump, too.)

Estee Lauder "Extravagant Night"

China Glaze's "Mistletoe Kisses"

China Glaze's "Sugar Plums"

China Glaze's "Party Hearty"

Barielle's "Jess' Champagne Toast"

The polishes you see here are as follows: (clockwise from far left) OPI  in Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous, China Glaze in Sugar Plums, Estee Lauder in Extravagant Night, Barielle in Jess’ Champagne Toast, OPI in Yodel Me On My Cell, China Glaze in Cheers to You, China Glaze in Party Hearty, China Glaze in Mistletoe Kisses, Barielle in Gelt Me To The Party, OPI in Glitzerland, Dior in City of Gold, and Estee Lauder in Extravagant Pearl. Find China Glaze at Sally Beauty for $6, OPI at Ulta for $8, Dior at Nordstrom for $21, Barielle at Ulta and Dougherty’s Pharmacy for $6, and Estee Lauder at Nordstrom for $18.

photography by Matthew Shelley

I had the pleasure of meeting Margaret Lippman, National Sales Director (and sometimes member of product development) for LAFCO New York at Highland Park Village yesterday. I always think it good when someone who has worked for a company for a long time is still in love with its product. That’s Margaret. She’s truly passionate about LAFCO products. And who could blame her? Everything in there is delicious. When I mentioned our under-$50 online (and ongoing) gift guide, she had plenty of suggestions for us. I can vouch for all of them as being wonderful. The candle up top is part of the Little Luxuries candle collection and comes with a set of matches in the lid. Perfect, sweet, and only $20. Scents include everything from Apricot to Sage & Walnut. The colorful bath salt/soap combo is part of the Claus Porto line, which dates back to 1887. The soaps are milled multiple times, and although I really don’t know what that means, I know that it ensures soaps last longer than cheapo soaps and don’t goo all over your soap dishes. Plus, the scents are fantastic. (Think Wild Pansy, Melon, Orange Amber, etc.) Only $20. And finally, though the white, orange, and blue jars of hand and foot cream from Santa Maria Novella are kind of hideous, they’re miracle formulas made in a church in Florence. I’d say this is the La Mer of the hand cream world. It’s thick, but miraculously, does not feel greasy. Get it for $50. The foot cream is even better. Grab a whiff of it in the jar, and it smells like sweet almonds. Rub it into your skin, and experience it change into a tingly menthol and camphor blend. Tired holiday shopping feet deserve the treat. Only $48.

More stocking stuffer ideas:

• D.L. & Co. Naught vs. Nice journal, $38
• Bath & Body Scentbug, $16.50
• Jeweled Tarte eyelash curler, $15

photography by Matthew Shelley

Six reasons this is a great gift:

1. Journals are thoughtful and personal.
2. It’s made by D.L. & Co., purveyor of the some best fragrances, candles, and gifts on earth.
3. It’s festive. One side reads “NAUGHTY,” and the other says “NICE.”
4. It means you’ll have to go to the new Nest to pick one up. Darn.
5. It comes in a rectangular D.L. & Co. box. (Read: easy wrapping job.)
6. It’s only $38 at Nest.

More stocking stuffer ideas:

• One bath and body products
• Queens of history votive set
• Holiday Foot Petals