OUR BEAUTY EDITOR PICKS THE ULTIMATE IN CHRISTMAS GIFTS
Having been a Beauty Editor for well over a decade, I have come to recognise the good, the bad and the downright gorgeous when it comes to beauty gifts. What to steer clear of? Anything throw-away – instead look for timeless goodies and modern classics that you’d be thrilled to receive yourself. Remember: Christmas is a time for maximalism in the beauty world, so shower that loved one with an enormous bow-wrapped perfume, that game-changing high-tech hairdryer they’ve had their eye on all year, a grown-up yet gorgeous gift set, or the eye cream of their dreams. Then treat yourself to a little something too…
Viktor & Rolf Bonbon Eau de Parfum
Viktor & Rolf are the avant-garde fashion designers who brought us gowns decked with oversize ribbons and models imagined as red-haired clones of the actress Tilda Swinton. Luckily, their delightful Bonbon perfume is far more wearable – but still boasts an iconic twist. Cue a floral-meets-oriental fragrance with fruity top notes of mandarin and blackcurrant, a delicious caramel heart and cedarwood base notes infused with amber and sandalwood. It is satisfyingly indulgent.
MAC Lipstick – Frosted Firework in Out With A Bang
No-one does lipsticks like MAC does lipsticks. Intense pigments with wearable textures and a smooth, long-lasting formulation, it’s no wonder that it was the brand’s lipsticks that first made them a household name. For Christmas 2020, their new collection has striking flare-embossed, frosted pink packaging. Personally, I love the Out With A Bang shade, a deep, rich burgundy with a subtle gloss effect.
Charlotte Tilbury The Super Nudes Palette
The best Christmas eye palettes are the ones you actually want to wear all year round. Drum roll please Charlotte Tilbury's The Super Nudes Palette. There are three cool, caramel brown shades, which suit all skin tones, and three warm bronze hues which you can custom blend for a universally-flattering smokey-eye. You might want to keep this one for yourself.
Dyson Supersonic™ Hair Dryer Exclusive Copper Gift Edition with Travel Bag
The Mercedes Benz of hairdryers, this is a real game changer. It not only has a super fast drying time – which makes all the difference on those cold, winter mornings – but it also regulates the temperature (something most hairdryers can’t do), which prevents any extreme heat damage. The result? Shiny, healthy hair that you’d usually only have after a trip to the salon.
Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara
A personal favourite of mine, I’ve been using this mascara since it launched in 2002 and nothing is better for instantly giving longer, thicker lashes. Apparently I’m not the only one to think so, as it’s beloved by makeup artists and models alike. The newly revamped ‘overcurl’ edition has a curved brush, which makes coating every single lash even easier (it’s also enriched with cotton nectar for stronger and shinier lashes). I like the brown shade for a natural look that’s flattering for all ages.
NARS Naked Paradise Lip Pencil Makeup Gift Set
Makeup artists always swear by NARS’ lip pencils for definition and ensuring that lip colour lasts the distance. The chunkiness means they’re super easy to use and the colours are flattering on every skin tone. The ideal gift for anyone who loves natural-looking, pretty lip colours.
La Mer The Eye Balm Intense
Much-hyped but certainly worth the hefty price tag, this contains the cult La Mer formula, which soothes and nourishes the skin. It feels beautifully rich to apply and has an instant cooling and hydrating effect. When it comes to lifting, de-puffing and generally youth-enhancing your delicate eye area, nothing compares.
Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer Triplet
A good primer is the mainstay of your makeup look and this Laura Mercier gift set trio is just the ticket for tackling all your skincare concerns too. Exclusive to John Lewis & Partners, it's designed to balance your complexion, preparing your skin for makeup - as well as evening out tone and texture when you’re going makeup-free.
Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil
55-years-old and still the Beauty Editor’s go-to for firm, supple skin – Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil is more than a cult classic, it’s a life-saver for everyone from pregnant women to those on a weight-loss programme and anyone who wants firmer, more toned skin. Made from 100% pure plant oils, there’s always a bottle in my beauty cabinet.
Philip Kingsley Mayan Vanilla and Orange Blossom Elasticizer
Between 1974 and 1980 Philip Kingsley worked with Audrey Hepburn to create the world’s first pre-shampoo treatment, after she asked him to devise a treatment that wouldn’t weigh down her fine hair. The result was the original Elasticizer, a tried-and-tested holy grail that adds shine while strengthening and nourishing. The modern version smells delicious, adds a super-charged dose of health to your hair and – without doubt – is top of my wish list.
