by BR Kellie
'Tis the season to... buy presents! Fa la la la la, la la, la, laaaaaa!
BR Kellie here - your present buying-loving Head Pixie! While Santa's elves are toiling away up in the North Pole, I shall be out and about, instore and online searching out the best beauty gifts for my loved ones! Why? Because beauty gifts are the BEST! (Yes, the bias is real.) A well chosen beauty gift can show a person how well you know them - their fragrance preferences, their skin's needs, even their makeup style!
So what gifts are sure to see your giftee's eyes light up like a Christmas tree? Read on...
The Candle
Years ago, I was told there was one gift that, for the majority of people, you can't go wrong buying: the candle. The person who told me that is a genius. I mean, what's not to like about a candle? They're long lasting, they throw gorgeous scents, they look attractive! AND, once it's fully burned, the jar can be recycled and turned into a makeup brush holder, cotton round holder, whatever-you-want holder! The trick though to buying a candle is to have an idea of your person's favourite scent... which might mean doing a little research. If that's not possible though, you can't go past a festive-themed candle. My pick? A pine scented candle for an instant hit of Christmas every time you inhale.
Downlights Christmas Star - Silver Pine
The Skincare
When it comes to buying skincare for another person's face I would, on the whole, stay well clear. As we all know, skin types vary and what might be your holy grail could be their hellish fail. That being said, if you know there's a fancy serum or moisturiser they adore but wouldn't usually buy for themselves - splash out!
Further south of the face? The sky is the limit! A gorgeous hand cream, a luxurious body wash, a bougie moisturiser are all glorious gift ideas!
essano Body Luxe Restoring Giftset
The Makeup
To this day, one of my favourite Christmas gifts ever was that of a lipstick from my brother and sister-in-law. My sister-in-law had seen my love of bright lippies and bought me a M.A.C lippy in a fuschia pink. Not only was it my first M.A.C product, the colour and tone was spot on. The present was (back then as a new mum working veeerrryyyyy part time) not only something I'd never justify buying myself, but her attention to detail made it even more special. The point?
The key to buying makeup is to know the person's preferences. Check out their social pages, see what floats their boat, and then find something similar, but with a bit more pizazz. A beautiful blush, a lush lippy, an eyeshadow palette that's a little extra... all winners when colour preference and tone are taken into consideration.
Clinique Pop Treats Lipstick Set
The Fragrance
Fragrance can be a tricky beast to gift and, honestly, if I didn't know a person's favourite scent I would consider skipping it, because even if you know they like floral tones, the chemical makeup of another floral perfume might not work with your person's body chemistry. HOWEVER, if you do know your giftee's favourite scent, there are a fab range of holiday gift sets that can see them receiving a full-sized and travel-sized version, or even their favourite fragrance with matching body care! Alternatively, a coffret is a wonderful way for the fragrance lover in your life to try a selection of perfumes that they might never have before!
Lancôme La Vie Est Belle Gift Set
There you have it! Gift ideas that will have them saying Ho Ho Ho, not oh, no no!
So, are you giving the gift of beauty this Christmas? What do you have your eye on? Is there a beauty gift that you're hoping to find under the Christmas tree? Chat below!
I would strongly disagree with this. I'll take the candle, but most of these are definitely too risky (and as someone who has received a lit if "toiletries" as gifts in my life - please don't!), unless you know a fragrance that they love and needs replacing. Otherwise stick to something less personal.