A Ridiculously Last Minute Gift Guide
There are very few things I miss about working in retail, but bizarrely, Christmas Eve on a shop floor is one of them. In fact, the two weeks leading up to The Big Day were always my favourite of the year. Namely because we were busy (which meant no pretending to look busy when a manager stalked past), but also because customers were (99% of the time anyway) usually happy, full of cheer, and eager to spend. Then of course we had my favourite customers, the clueless boyfriends and husbands who rarely showed up before the 23rd but came with a list the length of their arm and an unlimited budget - ‘any makeup, whatever, just keep it below £500’ was my favourite type of request and that which first led me to consider launching my beauty personal shopping service.
I’ve been too busy shopping for other people on behalf of other people to enjoy my own gift shopping this year. I normally have an iPhone Notes list of gift ideas for my close friends and family members by Halloween, but uncharacteristically I’ve become the type of person who has to check a website’s ‘last order’ dates before purchasing. In addition to my busy-ness I think the lack of festive vibes in general has is to blame. I very rarely buy gifts ‘IRL’ because you can nearly always find a better deal online, but this year I’ve realised how much I actually do love an overpriced mug of Christmas market mulled wine, eyeballing slow walkers, and raging about the audacity of people who dare to push a double buggy down Market Street at 2pm on a Saturday. Roll on December 2021, is all I can say.
Anyway, back to the gift guide, which is what you’re here for after all. I’ve rounded up some of the best beauty stocking fillers I’ve seen on my (virtual) shopping trips this year. Okay, some of them aren’t stocking sized and some are probably more main present status, but you get the gist. I can only hope that some of you are as unorganised as I am, and that this is actually of some use. Merry Christmas!
An excellent gift for anyone whose skin gets a little dry in winter (who doesn’t?!).
Swap out their regular cracker for this Emma Hardie one. Skincare > miniature screwdriver set.
‘Tis the season to have soft skin, a clear complexion, and silky hair - this NUXE set will make it possible.
This might not seem particularly exciting, but I can assure you, anyone who obsesses over their eyebrows will be impressed.
For Gen Z friends - my sources tell me these waste-free skincare capsules are all the rage on TikTok.
Buy it for women who like unisex scents and men who have requested “something different'“.
Essential reading.
I’m obsessed with Peacci’s polishes - they last a whole week. This set elevates the at-home mani/pedi game even further.
This perfume costs £45 (10% less if you use this link) but smells at least three times more expensive.
Bored of gifting Diptyque, Byredo, et al? Good Candles will win you brownie points with the candle enthusiast on your list.
These gel sheet masks are designed by occasion, like “nights out”, “couch time”, or “lazy Sundays.” I for one am sold.
Byredo’s multitasking makeup sticks. There’s no need to gift the whole army but you’ll struggle to choose just one.
I adore my NuFace - but it is spenny. If you’re gifting to impress, this is a gift for the one who thinks they have it all.
I predict big things for Typology. Buy this to impress a skincare obsessive who thinks they’re always a step ahead of the trends.
It’s not easy to gift skincare, but you can’t go wrong with a Dermalogica set. Luxurious enough to impress and practical enough to be well-used.
Is a silk pillowcase necessary? Not really. But is it a luxurious way to sleep and prevent bedhead hair? Absolutely.
We can all agree that Victoria Beckham was a pioneer of the iconic ‘90s brown lip. Take a leaf (directly) from her book.
How do you gift skincare to someone with acne without offending? Why Starface, of course.
I recommend Dr Jart’s incredible Ceramidin range almost every week over on The Weekly Shop. This one’s got my permission for self-gifting.
For the giftee who likes to choose things for themselves, a subscription to Beauty Pie is guaranteed to be a winner. Not that it’s a competition, of course.
Fancy versions of essentials is my favourite way to gift. This is the softest and most efficient hair towel money can buy.
Don’t let the plain packaging fool you. These body care products are absolutely incredible, and the eucalyptus scent is particularly heavenly.
It’s no secret that I’m obsessed with Fresh’s skincare products. This set contains four of my all-time faves.
Perfect for anyone with expensive taste or an extensive routine who like pampering themselves while watching TV.
Know someone who’s holding out for their first post-Covid facial? Make it a Facegym facial (basically a workout for your face) and they’ll be eternally grateful.
This compilation of Hourglass’ best skin-finishing powders will last all year and won’t make them look orange, no matter how much they pile on.
A simplified skincare routine and a lovely intro to probiotic skincare. Ideal if you don’t know their skin type - it works for all.
A candlelit bath is one of life’s finer pleasures, and these oil capsules won’t leave the tub slippery or stained.
