Best Affordable Makeup Products To Use As Stocking Stuffers

'Tis the season to be jolly, but not every element of Christmas leaves everyone feeling warm inside. Peppermint candies and chocolates remain polarizing. Eggnog is either delicious or nauseating depending on who you speak to (via BuzzFeed). And cheesy Hallmark holiday movies aren't for everyone. But that being said, there are also some undeniably iconic elements. Christmas trees will always be magical. Cookies are always welcome. And stockings always complete the entire gift experience.

Whether you're a child eagerly waiting for your candy or an adult excited for the mini treats that await you inside, stockings are a seriously underrated part of the holiday. Your wrapped gifts are your chance to wow and spoil your loved ones, but stockings are a thoughtful opportunity to treat them to a few little somethings that you know they'll love. It's also always fun to build up the suspense for the big event. Stuffed full of snacks, necessities, and special touches, they are always a fun area to embrace someone's personal interests and loves.

What better gift for a beauty-lover than a stocking stuffed to the brim with makeup minis and precious little holiday sets to add to their collection? Here's a round-up of some of the best makeup stocking stuffers that are guaranteed to go easy on your purse strings and delight their recipient.

For the tools

Why not start where every makeup routine begins? Sure, you can get your loved one some amazing makeup products, but why not surprise them by throwing in an unexpected brush set stocking stuffer. EcoTools are known for their impressive quality brushes at an incredibly affordable price point. This EcoTools Eye Kit ($10.88 on Amazon) will just about fit into a stocking, and it kills seven birds with one stone by including interchangeable brush heads. It's all you could need for any eyeshadow routine (via WWD).

For the base

Any true makeup fanatic knows the cardinal mistake of sleeping on Sephora's own brand. Everyone heads to the mecca of beauty in search of famous and well-known brands but people rarely peruse the Sephora Collection range. The truth is, they've perfected their products to be ideal dupes for the expensive brands they sell (via Byrdie). 

This Mini Gift of Glow Multi-Stick Set ($10) isn't only adorably packaged in a festive box, but it contains three mini multi-sticks that can be used for bronze, highlight, blush, and even eyeshadow or lipstick.

For the eyes

When it comes to what to get your makeup-fanatic who is eyeshadow-obsessed, an eyeshadow palette is the obvious answer. However, it could get a little tricky trying to stuff one into a stocking. But you can still fit in a little surprise by throwing in a single eyeshadow in a fun and unique shade. 

Colourpop is iconic when it comes to quality, buttery eyeshadows at a fraction of the going rate (via Insider). Tossing in one of Colourpop's Super Shock Shadows ($6) in a fun bright shimmer or bold pop of color is guaranteed to be the perfectly pigmented and creamy addition to your loved one's eyeshadow collection (via Strategist). 

For the setting

Every makeup routine must have the grand finale of getting set. Whether you're a baker, or prefer a light brush of powder, you need to set all the hard work you just put in into place. Every makeup-lover is likely to have instantly thought of the exact same makeup product as they read this — and that's Laura Mercier's Translucent powder (via Stylecaster). This setting powder is the gold standard — and was even used on Jennifer Aniston on the set of "Friends." – 

You may be wondering how something as large as a setting powder could make its way onto this list. Well, Laura Mercier's Mini Set-a-Porter Translucent Loose Setting Powder Ornament ($13 at Sephora) comes in an adorable festive ornament that's perfect for a stocking. Whether your makeup lover has wanted to try it or already own's the larger version, this mini setting powder will be much appreciated.

For the lips

Korean and Japanese beauty brands have gone international and been huge hits over the past couple of years. It's all about the glass skin, dewy hydrated look, and glossy lips (via Vogue). 

Kaja Beauty has been a big hit with their mini sets and cute packaging, so they are guaranteed to be on your makeup-addicted loved one's wish list. Get them the Kaja Lil Shots Mini Gloss Shot Duo ($15 at Kohl's) for a chance to try out their infamous lip glosses that are infused with jojoba oil, squalane and rosehip fruit oil — plus they come with adorable stickers to decorate the glosses (via Allure).