Beauty: Stocking fillers (and wallet savers)

QVS 2 eye gels. Photo / Babiche Martens

Here's some practical little presents to top up the usual festive fare - and prove you don't have to spend up large to find a thoughtful gift. Pretty soaps, glass nail files, cosmetic purses, tins of lip balm and, at this time of year, bottles of sunblock, fake tan or moisturising body lotions are other good bets.

24 NP Set 10-Colour Eye Shadow Palette $12.99

Remarkable value in a usable shade selection that would work with most eye colours. Nice texture and a little sheen. Worth seeking out, as are the silver and black eyeliners.
(NP Set is Napoleon Perdis' cheaper line of cosmetics and is available only at his concept store in Sylvia Park.)

25 Palmer's Olive Body Butter $12.95

Good for dry or ageing skin, this vitamin E-enriched body butter is made with extra virgin olive oil and comes in a generous tub.
(From Kmart, Farmers and selected pharmacies.)

28 Roger & Gallet Shiso hand cream $9.50

Handbag-sized mini tube of hydrating handcream in a new delicate oriental-inspired fragrance from the French company which makes accessibly priced bodycare, soaps and candles in a wide range of scents.
(From department stores and selected pharmacies.)

6 QVS 2 Soothing Mini Eye Treatment Gels $9.99

Pop these little plastic pads in the fridge or freezer, then on to tired or puffy eyes. A bigger Eye Treatment Mask Gel Mask covers eyes also and can help relieve headaches.
(From in-store stands.)

5 Orly French Polynesian Island Spa Ultimate Strength Foot Creme $24.90

With hibiscus and lime, this hydrating non-greasy foot cream is a welcome change from the predominance of peppermint aromas in foot care products. (From selected pharmacies and salons. For stockists, ph 0800 883434).

29 Antipodes Organic Lip Balm $14.95

This certified organic balm will please the eco-aware and anyone looking for an effective lip smoother.
(From Smith & Caughey, health stores and selected pharamcies.)

26 Manicare Nail Enamel Corrector Pen $9.96

Anyone who regularly does home manicures will become hooked on this little gadget, which is like a felt-pen to wipe away polish smudges around the cuticles. Suitable for natural and artificial nails and comes with three bonus tips.
(From in-store Manicare stands, where you'll also find nifty fake lash kits.)

27 Sally Hansen Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Colour Pen in Black $18.99

Good for the family Goth, though seven other fast-dry colours mean this pen will have wider appeal. I find this very portable brush-on technology, once limited to more expensive brands, works best in lighter shades.
(From selected pharmacies.)