Shopping for the beauty obsessed bestie in your life? You know the one—she has a drawer full of back-ups, was the first to know that Merit was delivering to Australia and has a different sheet mask for every day of the week. Well now’s your chance to show her how much you really know her with our top picks for the best all-rounder beauty buys to give this Christmas season.
What are some trending beauty products for 2024
It’s been a big year for beauty trends in 2024. Between the chrome nails, the continued interest in super clean ingredients (including beef tallow), K-beauty wins and French pharmacy must-buys, there was a lot to play around with.
Some of our favourite products that made a big impact this year include the Laneige Lip Glowy Balm, Mediheal Vitamide Brightening Pad, Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil and basically everything from Glossier.
How do I choose the best Christmas gift?
Gifting can sometimes feel a little daunting. But the old saying rings true: it really is about the thought that counts. Before you add to cart, think about any conversations you’ve had with the gift receiver where they’ve mentioned anything they wanted to try, any products you know they don’t have, or even old favourites that are guaranteed to be used up.
Best overall Christmas beauty buys
Had a stressful year? This overnight mask is a godsend. Its gel formulation is calming on the skin, targeting dull and dehydrated skin while soothing irritation and reducing redness thanks to its cooling effect. Apply it before bed or use it as a quick 20-minute mask for an instant glow.
Choosing a perfume can be such a personal choice but this one from Salt & Stone is almost guaranteed to suit everyone. It has a luscious earthy, woody and floral scent with crisp bergamot aromas. Plus, it’s cruelty-free and vegan for that added tick of approval.
Fight a dull and dry complexion with this luscious moisturiser that hydrates and plumps while improving the look of any makeup that’s applied on top. This lightweight cream is a great addition to your bestie’s everyday skincare routine for an instant luminous finish.
Best Christmas beauty gift sets
This three-piece set features a shower gel, body lotion and hand cream in a fragrant rose scent. They’re all full size products so none of this tiny miniature nonsense to complete your daily routine. It’s suited for all skin types and tackles dry skin and hydration making it a great choice for your gift receiver.
Perfect for the jetsetter in your life, this gift set from Aesop includes the Shampoo, Classic Conditioner, Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser and Rind Concentrate Body Balm in 50ml sizes so they’re perfect for carry-on travel. These best-selling products are gorgeous on the skin and should last that post-Christmas holiday.
We love this makeup brush set from Real Techniques. It’s the perfect starter kit for those getting into make up or a thoughtful gift to replenish someone’s kit. It includes a powder brush, eyeshadow brush, setting powder brush, a brush for liquid foundation and a makeup sponge.
Best Christmas haircare gifts
You know that weird white powdery substance you can get with some dry shampoos? Well this one from R+Co is more like a water mist that cleans the hair and scalp without the powdery residue. It leaves the hair feeling refreshed, soft and healthy, making it perfect when your in-between washes.
I mean who *wouldn’t* want smooth and glossy hair? This water-based leave in conditioner can be used on most hair types to hydrate, condition and detangle. It’s boosted with tamarind seed extract and vitamin E, plus the smell is lush.
If your best mate is concerned about a flaky scalp, this one’s for them. Direct them to disperse product around the scalp, massaging as they go. Leave it on for up to 10 minutes before rinsing off for smooth, glossy hair and reduced flaking.
Best Christmas makeup gifts
Perfect for stashing away beauty and skincare bits for weekends away or trips abroad, this adorable makeup bag makes an excellent gift. It’s a decent size, is padded for extra protection and is made from polyester making for an easy clean.
Complete with 12 different shades (three cream foundations, four concealers and correctors, two blushes, two contouring shades and one highlighter), this really is the all-in-one kit for a special someone. Use it for the entire face at home and on the go.
These dupe bronzing drops give off that gorgeous skin-kissed complexion without needing to spend a week out in The Bahamas. Formulated to brighten and hydrate the skin, mix it with a few drops of foundation for that all-over glow or use to define cheekbones and around the décolletage.
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