Choosing the right holiday gift for the beauty lover on your list isn’t easy. In fact, there’s usually some risk involved. Makeup is tough because there’s always the chance that the gift may not be the right shade or color for your friend. And skin care is a minefield as well—gifting a serum or a mask for acne-prone skin to your friend who struggles with breakouts may come off as aggressive or rude. Plus, with such a saturated beauty market, there’s an endless amount of options available, which makes picking out a present that much more difficult.
When it comes to beauty gifts, I tend to stick to items that are fun, luxurious, and something that my loved one might not have gotten themselves. In case you’re in need of a little inspiration, we compiled a list of the best holiday gifts that your resident beauty enthusiast will absolutely love.
Les Mains Hermès Nail Enamel
So you can’t get your friend a Birkin bag—the next best thing? Hermès nail polish. The luxe lacquer comes in 24 different shades; plus, each one deposits fine pigments smoothly onto each nail for a chip-free manicure that lasts for days.
Nécessaires à Parfum Golden Case
For that one person on your list who has everything, consider this perfume vanity case from Cartier. The sleek and slim piece is meant to store one of the brand’s fragrances, but honestly, it’s so striking, it could work as a decorative piece in your home.
Fragrance Subscription
Started by siblings Emily Cameron and Owen Mears, this niche fragrance subscription service has quarterly drops. Each scent is tied back to a specific place or time, evoking a strong sensorial response from those who spritz it on.
Tortoise Shell Press-on Nails
Yes, these nails are a bit pricey, but they aren’t your average press-ons. Each one is hand-painted with quality gel polishes for long-lasting nails you can wear time and time again.
Armor + Refillable Lip Set
Not only does this makeup set come with your choice of eight of the brand’s creamy satin lipsticks, but it also includes a trio of refillable feathered cases that you can toss in your bag or display on your vanity.
Newsletter Subscription
Like everyone else in 2020, Cat Marnell launched a newsletter. However, unlike everyone else, hers is actually exciting to read. The former beauty editor and author of the New York Times bestselling book How to Murder Your Life, launched her own lifestyle and beauty column, BEAUTYSHAMBLES, on Patreon last year. In posts about everything from her European travel journeys to her old xoJane stories, Marnell reveals her favorite red lipstick (Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips in Tell Laura), the most comfortable walking shoes (FitFlops), and the best product for de-puffing your eyes (Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Eye Patches).
Honeysuckle Small Scented Candle
Housed in elegant terracotta holders and developed in Spain, Loewe’s line of candles is designed to bring a sense of the outdoor world inside. This scent is my favorite—it’ll envelope the room with a floral aroma that isn’t too overpowering.
Persona
With over 300 never-before-seen photographs shot by François Nars, this visually stunning coffee table book features unconventional images of celebrities, from Naomi Campbell and Bella Hadid to Cindy Sherman and Liv Tyler.
In-office Treatment
No, gifting a beauty service isn’t tasteless. In fact, whoever’s on the receiving end will be beyond grateful. (In-office treatments aren’t cheap.) Whether you’re in New York City or not, the person to see is Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Instagram’s #PillowtalkDerm. Her new office, located in Midtown Manhattan, is warm and inviting, with views of Central Park. Splurge on a laser treatment or injectables for the person on your list who swears by them.
Cushion Hair Brush
If you’re willing to splurge on a hairbrush, consider gifting this one. The cushion brush comes with a lightweight Italian olive wood handle with bristles that smooth frizz while stimulating the scalp.
Car Diffuser
The easiest way to elevate a drive is with one of Acqua di Parma’s car diffusers. Opt for the Luce di Colonia fragrance refill—the combination of citrus, patchouli, and vetiver will fill your vehicle with a warm, floral scent.
Soap Home
The stains on the ledge of your tub, the slimy residue left behind—anyone who uses a bar soap understands the struggle. Thankfully, Soft Services has a solution. The brand recently launched Soap Home; it comes with an elevated ceramic tray, so the soap doesn’t stick to your bathtub, and a sleek aluminum cover that protects the bar from water while it’s in the splash zone.
Photo: Courtesy of Ffern & Soft Services
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