Holiday Gift Guide for the Beauty Lover

Holiday gift shopping can be stressful, especially when you’re shopping for a variety of different personalities. Not to mention shopping for beauty lovers is on another level because everyone has their own interests, want this glitter vs that glitter, or are very aware of what their skin needs. While I can’t speak for everyone, I’ve compiled a list of swoon-worthy gifts for the different types of beauty lovers out there.

The All-Around Pleaser

Skincare, haircare, beauty—in general—may not be your forte and you’re not quite sure where to even start. Luckily, there are tons of gift boxes out there to help you get where you need to be! I’m a bit obsessed with Dermstore gift boxes, not gonna lie, because they’re so versatile AND you get a cosmetics bag that fits an amazing amount of beauty products. So, I’ll start with the Dermstore Essentials Kit gift set ($100) because it really does have all the essentials: sunscreen, dry shampoo, cleanser, exfoliant, lip balm, you name it. If you prefer sprinkling in more cosmetics-related items, this Skinstore Holiday Chest (currently 30% off, $104.30) not only has skincare and hair care, but also has an eyeshadow palette and mascara. If you want to dive into extra luxurious gift sets, opt for Net-a-Porter’s Joanna Czech Beauty Kit ($136) or the Ultimate Gift Set ($375).

PRO TIP: Buying gift boxes and parting them out for stocking stuffers is a great way to save a bit of time and money! 2 birds, 1 stone.

If They Only Want the Best

We all know someone who only wants the best, and lucky for them, I have a few recommendations for the best of the best. First off, in the world of skincare and Vitamin C serums, you can’t get any better than Skinceuticals CE Ferulic ($182). But, I will say, as the professional esthetician in me, if who you’re buying for doesn’t have normal/dry skin, you really need to get them either the Phloretin CF (combo/pigment-prone) or the Silymarin CF (oily/acne-prone). Bouncing off of that, Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore ($150) has a special place in my heart. If you don’t want to dish $200 for a small container of Creme de la Mer, don’t worry about it and do the Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore. It’s fabulous and luxurious all the same.

We can’t talk about best-sellers without also including Asian beauty products. The two OGs of essences: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence ($99) and MISSHA Time Revolution First Treatment Essence ($35.10; $54.00 regular). SK-II, for as long as I can remember, was the OG for introducing essences into the Western beauty world. It uses fermented filtrate in order to fight signs of aging without the use of exfoliating acids or scrubs. It also provides much needed nourishment for the skin. MISSHA’s essence made such a product comparable and more affordable for us to use and reap similar benefits. The type of fermented filtrate is different, but they’re both aces in the hole.

Makeup is another fun thing to shop for because there are so many options and best-sellers are always changing with the times. I would like to add I tend to avoid gifting things like foundation and concealer, mostly because shade matching is difficult unless you can access any of those details. Aside from that, Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream ($60) is a classic best-seller for a bronzed but not overdone look. The creme formula makes for an easy blend that melts right into skin and gives a perfect sun-kissed glow. Another fabulous, glowy complexion product is the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette ($90). The fine powders are gorgeously balanced and illuminate the skin just perfectly. I love the Ambient Lighting palettes because of the inclusion of nearly all the face powder you could possibly need.

Lastly, a little eye makeup never hurt anyone. We can take a look at the splendor that is Tom Ford Eye Color Quad ($90). I would, personally, recommend De La Creme, due to it’s neutral tones and good mixture of matte and shimmer shadows. It’s everyday wearable and versatile. For someone more adventurous, opt for Dark Opulence. The rich jewel tones definitely make an impression and would thrill any makeup lover.

When They Really Need a Spa Day

Finding time for a spa day can be difficult and sometimes best snuck in to a random night of the week. I like to gift products that require a little extra time so the receiver actually has to slow down and take more than a minute to enjoy their self-care ritual. When I think about a Spa Day, it’s not complete unless there’s a good body scrub, like this FarmHouse Fresh Brandy Pear Body Polish ($36). It has subtle hints of pear and the brandy is not at all offensive. Mix the polish in with the nourishing oils so there’s an equal ratio and then get to scrubbing. Mix in a bit of water on your hands to soften the sugars for a finer grit and finish up with a rich layer of moisturizer! This Unwind with Lavender gift set ($85) from L’Occitane is equipped with hand wash, hand cream, body lotion, and a pillow mist. The body lotion has that amazing and calming scent of lavender to help unwind at the end of the night. Plus, the pillow mist so you can doze off to the smell of lavender fields later in the night.

After a good scrub and lotion, I always make sure to get my facial masking in. This Best of Dermstore Mask Edit gift set ($50) is the perfect solution. There’s a mask for every skin type, whether the receiver has sensitive or oily skin and it’s a great way to try out different products from varying brands. And don’t forget, that cosmetics bag.

For the Make-Up Obsessed

Makeup is a girl’s first love. You fall in love with all the colors, glitter, and all the possibilities that come with it. Some of us move on, some of us stay knee-deep in makeup. One great thing about getting makeup for Christmas is that you can use it for New Year’s Eve parties! My favorite glow comes from Charlotte Tilbury and the Dreamy Superstar Glow Kit ($32) gives the most ethereal of them. Pop it in stockings as stuffers or wrap the whole box for a Christmas gift to remember. A more well-rounded kit like Lisa Elridge’s Elevated Eye and Lip Kit ($130) is perfect for anyone who needs elegant simplicity. The palette is balanced and has matte and shimmer shadows to take makeup looks from day to night. The kit comes with a neutral lip color, but if you find the person you’re gifting to wears their lips more boldly, try the Tom Ford Mini Lip Color 5-Pc Discovery Gift Set ($105)! If you’re gifting to a beauty minimalist, Merit’s Five Minute Morning Set ($176) is perfect for pals on the go, or those who simply love a more natural makeup look.

Let’s not also forget beauties love a little luxury. The Gucci Palette de Beaute Quatuor ($69) has been a recent hit, with multi-tasking powders for eyes and face, and a lovely cream quad suitable for all over the face and lips.

The Fragrance Lover

Smell evokes so many memories, and whether you’re well-seasoned or a budding fragrance lover, you have to have a signature scent. It’s a lot to figure out and sometimes it’s hard to choose just one. Dedcool’s Limited Edition Travel Spray Trio ($68) or their Build Ur Own Sample Tin ($21) makes it easy to get a mixture of different fragrance options. I like that Dedcool provides descriptions of their fragrances on these pages to make making a selection easier. I highly recommend checking out “Taunt,” as it’s one of their best sellers. Another fragrance set option is the Maison Francis Kurkdjian The Fragrance Wardrobe Discovery Collection for Her ($275). I fell in love with Baccarat Rouge 350 some odd years ago and fell in love through this set. You’re able to get a good idea of what it feels like to smell posh through these discovery sets.

Another things about fragrance lovers is that they’re also more than likely candle fans. One of my favorite small-business candle makers is Domari. They recently released a new Limited Edition collection of vessels to house their signature scents in. I typically opt for Summit No. 15 Candle ($52) during the holidays because of the mixture of fraser fir and spices. It really gets you in the mood. If you’re feeling nostalgic, Emme NYC’s Holiday Gift Set ($88) comes with vanillas, ouds, and santals to round off the holiday fragrances.

Natural Skin Lovers

Natural skincare is always a treat in itself and the availability of natural skincare is vast. One of my favorite gifts to give to lovers of holistic skincare is the May Lindstrom The Chocolate Box ($70). It’s truly a luxury in itself and equipped with a full skincare routine! My two favorite products in the kit are the Blue Cocoon and The Problem Solver facial mask. The products are packaged in reusable containers, so when your friends run out of goodies and purchase a full-size, there’s already a matching travel container. The Lacueor Luxurious Travel Set (~$142) is another banger of a beauty kit for natural beauty lovers. Lacueor was formerly known as Namari Skin, but have revamped and come back with the products we love. This set comes with all our favorite skincare products, plus a new room spray to complete the experience. Aside from all the discovery kits and gift sets, the Live Botanical Tidal Moon Moisture Mask ($60) is a much-loved facial mask. Originally a limited edition mask, the Tidal Moon Mask became part of the permanent collection. It’s a replenishing moisture mask that also works to keep the skin barrier strong. It reeks the holidays—douglas fir, port orford cedar, and himalayan cedar give it a subtle fragrance.

Techies

We all have that friend who’s always into the newest device out there, be it skincare, haircare, or a body device. They probably introduced you to dry brushing and gua sha, then told you about getting dermaplaned at the spa. If there’s anything that will get their attention, it’s the NEWA Classic Starter Kit ($289). NEWA uses radio frequency technology in order to fight the signs of aging by heating the skin to a specific temperature that optimizes collagen production. The Classic version is a plug-in version, while the + (plus) version is rechargeable. You’ll want the kit since it comes with the cooling gel in order to provide slip for the device and for a gradual temperature increase to the skin.

Another device worth the penny is the FOREO Smart Microcurrent Facial Toning Device ($329) or the Mini version ($219). It uses microcurrent technology to tighten facial muscles and reduce fine lines. It helps provide a sculpted, supple look and can be used as often as needed. This is especially great for anyone you know who has to attend events often and may enjoy the extra oomph.

Now, hairstyling tools are a must and every girl out there is talking about the Dyson Special Edition Airwrap Multi-Styler ($599), also available in this color. It’s classic Dyson. Easy, efficient, streamlined. This is the ultimate treat-yo-self, treat-yo-friend gift. No one would be mad getting a Dyson Airwrap.

Hair Obsessed

Okay okay, hear me out. Another Dermstore kit. Dermstore Hair Edit Kit ($50) has a volumizing spray, dry shampoo, hair mask, shampoo, conditioner, gel, and MORE. PLUS the cute cosmetics bag. I rest my case. No, but seriously, this is a great mixture of fabulous hair products that could fit many people’s hair routines. Having a full-sized Briogeo Be Gentle Be Kind Avocado Kiwi Mega Moisture Superfood Mask in this kit is perfect for the winter weather months, when hair is dry and as staticky as ever.

If you’re tired of me talking about Dermstore, check out Sephora’s Holiday Hair Kit ($48) instead. Sephora’s set primarily contains travel sized items, which makes it perfect for anyone on-the-go, or anyone who loves trying out new products without too much commitment. The Gisou Honey Infused Leave-In Conditioner is a star product and Kerastase’s Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum goes on my hair every wash day.

Speaking of Kerastase, their Fresh Affair Dry Shampoo ($38) is chef’s kiss of a dry shampoo. It’s lightweight, subtly fragranced, and leaves the hair still looking healthy smooth. It might not be strong enough for anyone who really loves dry shampoos, but if someone is texture adverse and prefers washing their hair more frequently, Fresh Affair is the perfect dry shampoo.

For anyone who loves holistic, ayurvedic hair treatments, Ranavat Botanics Mighty Majesty Fortifying Hair Serum ($70) is the way to go. It’s a fabulous hair and scalp treatment that can be used for daily maintenance or weekly hair repair. Apply to wet or dry hair to keep hair smooth and conditioned or apply to the scalp and mids and ends for an overnight hair treatment. The nourishment helps with any dry, flaky scalp issues and can help with hair thinning.

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