The countdown and pressure are on. It’s time to start closing in and checking off all the holiday gifts you need. Beauty gifts are always universally loved, and with great packaging (and values) they make perfect last minute gifts.
No matter how “prepared” I think I am, I always need a gift at the last minute. Does this happen to you, too? This year, I planned ahead and as I was shopping, picked up an extra here and there to put in the gift closet. I’m determined not to have to give a “last resort” gift.
My favorite ideas for last minute beauty gifts include:
The Aveda ‘Feeling Balanced Is A Gift’ Collection ($85) is a wonderful collection of pure essential oil body mists that help balance, ground and enhance the sense of well-being. A zen way to start the New Year.
The essie 2016 holiday minis gift set ($12.99) is universally loved. These mini sets fly off the shelves, because it’s a great way to try on-trend, seasonal nail polishes. I love this season’s holiday set, which includes go ginza (soft Cherry blossom pink/soft lavendar), altitude attitude (a great scarlet; love this for the holidays), no more film (deep violet) and apres chic (icy platinum). Pick up several!
One of my favorite gifts to get are candles; do you ever have enough? The Space.NK apothecary Shimmering Spice Candle makes a great gift. It’s scented with cinnamon, citrus, cedar and vanilla and would look pretty in any setting. Pair it with a bottle of wine for instant ambience!
If you need to buy a hostess gift, a gift where you pick names and don’t know who you’re buying for or it’s the office Christmas party and you’re exchanging gifts, the Kiehl’s Holiday Hand Duo ($26) in Coriander is a great choice. I love the limited-edition release featuring Brooklyn-based artist Jeremyville. These are wonderful products for winter hand care.
M·A·C has had some of the best holiday releases this season, and the Nutcracker Sweet Nude Mini Lipstick Kit will please anyone. This set of four mini-lipsticks (3 matte, 1 cremesheen) are presented in a festive holiday box. The shades are neutral, so they will look great on everyone. Buy a bunch of these sets and take care of the college student, the beauty girl, the gal that does your hair…you get the idea.
The Laura Geller So Scrumptious Beauty Collection ($59) takes all the guesswork out of a makeup set. Included are 6 full-size beauty essentials: Spackle Primer, Baked Balance-N-Brighten Foundation, Double-Ended Face Brush, Baked Blush-N-Brighten, Baked Eye Shadow Trio and a Color Luster Lip Gloss. The shades are all neutral, so they’re easy to wear. This set is great for travel!
There are very few beauty/skincare lines that I can say I love as much as the day I bought my first product, but Fresh is one. I rebuy and rebuy their products and have never been disappointed. If you need a gift for the person that has everything, I’d recommend the Fresh Sugar Lip Entourage Set ($40). There are two shades of the Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment, A Sugar Lip Polish, Nourishing Lip Balm Advanced Therapy (I love this at night) and Lip Serum Advanced Therapy. Great set for the cold weather.
I can never recommend Philosophy without saying “I love it” because I do. And no time is Philosophy better than at holiday. If you’re looking for a last minute gift, the Amazing Grace Gift Set ($60) will please anyone. If you haven’t tried Amazing Grace, it’s a fragrance that’s so soft and pretty, I always recommend it. In addition to the Amazing Grace spray, the set includes a Whipped Body Crème and Shampoo, Bath & Shower Gel.
When I travel, I don’t believe in leaving my “good stuff” at home. For someone that loves luxury hair products, the Kerastase Style-To-Go ($49) travel set is perfect. Included are three hair essentials: Laque Couture Hairspray (love), the V.I.P. Volumizing Powder (texturizing spray) and L’incroyable Blowdry Lotion. Make it really incredible by slipping a pair of airline tickets in the case! Check kerastase-usa.com or Kerastase salons for availability.
The Body Shop Spa Of The World Blissful Ritual Set ($35) is a pampering and indulgent gift. The set includes a large Hawaiian Kukui Cream, which smells ah-mazing (I literally can’t get my nose out of the jar!) and a large Brazilian Cupuacu Scrub-In-Oil, which is great for exfoliating dry skin. For someone who loves going to the spa, this is a nice alternative.
Disclosure: Some press samples were provided for editorial consideration, product testing, photography and review. Affiliate links have been used in the post, which helps to support this site. Thank you!
