Shark
Facial-pro Glow & DePuffi Facial System, £340
Hot and cold contrast therapy, de-puffing, pore extraction… what can’t this small but mighty multi-tool do? Like having a facialist in the palm of your hand, I’ve been itching to give this a go – it’s right at the top of my wishlist.
Ortigia
Venice City Soap Box, £25
Soap should not just be reserved for grannies. I would be over the moon to receive this beautiful box of olive oil soaps from Ortigia, ready to tuck among my linens and gently scent them.
Cult Beauty
The Gift of Colour, £40 (worth £140)
I absolutely love a beauty edit, and not just for the savings it offers. The chance to discover new products and brands I haven’t tried leaves me like a kid in a sweet shop.
39BC
Silk Veil Oil Body Cleanser, £39
A decadent neroli, jasmine and amber body cleansing oil is such a brilliant wintry indulgence. It’s exactly the sort of thing you might not buy for yourself, which makes it a perfect Christmas gift.
Slip
Scrunchie Trio, £25
I am a devotee of silk scrunchies and these skinny ones are the perfect size for my newly acquired bob.
Missoni
Bath Robe, £350
A complete indulgence but an iconic one – and if you can’t dream big at Christmas when can you?
Chanel
Les 9 Ombres High Intensity Multi Effect Eyeshadow Palette, £103
Forget the selection box. This pretty chocolate and caramel toned palette from Chanel has a great mix of matte and satin finishes to layer up a smoky eye for party season.
Hourglass
The Travel Brush Set, £174
My make-up brushes are definitely past their best and if Hourglasses brushes are even a patch on their palettes, I know these are the ones to invest in.
Diptyque
Feu de Bois, £89
Controversially, I don’t love a ‘festive’ scent candle, but a top up of my all-time favourite, smoky, cosy Feu de Bois candle? Now you’re talking.
Ouai
Travel Bundle, £24
I always think a bougie upgrade on an everyday use product is a surefire win when it comes to gifting. These are definitely a step up from my usual supermarket haircare and will feel like a real treat in the depths of January.
Laneige
Midnight Minis, £20
I have a stash of these in my travel kit, beside my bed and on my desk. So a restock would definitely be well received in my stocking. Rich, lip softening without a hint of stickiness. Cult for a reason.
Byredo
Mumbai Noise, £155
I definitely have a ‘scent identity’. Following on from my Feu De Bois entry above, Mumbai Noise is my signature winter scent thanks to its rich, woody and amber notes, balanced with sweet tonka and bitter coffee. It’s punchy but cosy at the same time. A fresh bottle under the tree is an annual ritual that sees me through till spring.
AT A GLANCE
Best for the beauty-tech obsessive: Shark FacialPro Glow & DePuffi Facial System
Best little luxury: Ortigia Venice City Soap Box
Best value: Cult Beauty The Gift Of Colour
Best for bath-time indulgence: 39BC Silk Veil Oil Body Cleanser
Best stocking filler: Laneige Midnight Minis
Best blow-the-budget buy: Missoni Giacomo Robe
Best for party season: Chanel Les 9 Ombres
Best everyday upgrade: Hourglass Travel Brush Set
Best for winter evenings: Diptyque Feu de Bois
Best for frequent travellers: Ouai Travel Bundle
Best for short hair: Slip Silk Skinny Scrunchies
Best fragrance: Byredo Mumbai Noise
Xmas Beauty Wishlist
What makes a good beauty gift for Christmas?
The best beauty gifts tend to be either a luxurious version of something the recipient already uses or a properly indulgent treat they would be unlikely to buy for themselves. Think elevated haircare, beautiful fragrance, high-end make-up or a clever beauty tool.
What are the best beauty stocking fillers?
Small luxuries work particularly well: lip treatments, silk hair accessories, miniature fragrances, hand creams and travel-sized versions of cult products all feel special without requiring a huge budget.
Is skincare a good Christmas gift?
It can be, although it is worth avoiding highly targeted or active skincare unless you know exactly what the recipient uses. Body products, cleansing oils, lip treatments and beauty tools tend to be safer bets.
What should I buy for someone who already has lots of beauty products?
Look for an upgrade rather than another version of something they already own. Luxury make-up brushes, an indulgent candle, beautiful bath products or a beauty-tech device can all make excellent gifts for the beauty obsessive.
How much should I spend on a beauty Christmas gift?
There is no need to spend a fortune. A £20 cult lip set can feel every bit as desirable as a three-figure beauty gadget; the key is choosing something that feels more special than an everyday purchase.
