Holiday gift guide: Fab finds for beauty lovers
Whether your list includes a sister obsessed with lipstick, a tween who seems to collect nail polish, a mother-in-law who loves a spa day or a BFF who’s way into skincare, it’s hard to go wrong with something shiny, bright and sweet-smelling this time of year. Here are nine picks sure to make beauty lovers beam!
Starry nights
As if the sparkly gold star ornament box wasn’t enough of a lure, this moisturizing lip treatments will leave lips soft and shiny (wear it alone, as a primer or over lipstick for a glossy look). Menthol cools and freshens the skin, while beeswax offers serious hydration. XOXO. Eve Lom Kiss Mix Star, $22, bloomingdales.com
No. 1 with a bullet
When one just isn’t enough (and, really, is it ever?), gift a lucky gal on your list this set of two great creamy lip colors in Wine Gum (plum) and Motel (nude), all wrapped up in a pretty little box. Topshop mini Lip Bullet duo set, $20, topshop.com
In the bag
Go festive with this flapper girl-inspired black makeup bag that’s party-ready with its gold zippers, white trim and fun and flirty tassels. In fact, it’s so chic, it could be carried on its own. Sonia Kushik Completely Organized petite The Flapper bag, $13.99, target.com
Lather up, honey!
This sensitive skin brand is known for its fab baby products, but it offers items for the mamas, too! We’re smitten with this nourishing body wash made for sensitive skin, that’s complete with organic lavender and clover to soothe, vitamin E and provitamin B5 to moisturize and milk protein and honey to leave the skin oh-so soft. Did we mention it smells, well, heavenly? Noodle & Boo Heavenly Honey Wash, $12, nordstrom.com
Sweet tooth
If this limited-edition collection of nourishing Sugar lip minis doesn’t get the recipient into the holiday spirit, well, you’re dealing with the Grinch. Festive shades of berry and red, plus and untinted version, will keep lips moisturized for up to six hours after they’re applied. Did someone say “mistletoe”? Fresh Sugar Cravings Kissing Trio, $28, sephora.com
Lap of luxury
Not sure what to bring your boyfriend’s mother, your co-worker Secret Santa or the holiday hostest with the mostest? Try this triple-milled luxury French soap, hand-wrapped in custom-designed prints with gold foil and tied with a gorgeous satin ribbon. Did we mention how amazing it smells? Golden Cassis, orange, berries, rose, jasmine, lily. Ooh la la. Agraria Golden Cassis Luxury Bath Bar Soap, $20, neimanmarcus.com
You’re making me blush
Can’t decide on lipstick or blush? Get both with this sweet set that contains a velvety lip color and a lightweight cream to powder blush that melts into the skin for a radiant finish. Done and done! Topshop Blush and Lip Duo, $24, topshop.com
Simply wonderful
If you’re buying for someone who takes her skincare seriously, we have the perfect gift. This luxurious cream lives up to its name, aiding in anti-aging and restoration, lightening sunspots and exfoliating and nourishes the skin for an improved complexion. With pearl powder and caviar extract, it’s like getting a spa treatment at home every morning and night. Trust us: This one is worth the price. And, if you don’t want to stop there, pair it with the equally fab BB Cream, a tinted moisturizer with SPF 36 that offers coverage and protection at the same time. See, wonderful, right? Amarte Wonder Cream, $97, dermstore.com; and Amarte Natural Finish BB Cream, $55, dermstore.com
Instant gratification
For low-maintenance women who still want to look great, put together a package of items that will make her camera-ready with just a swipe her and a dab there. We love these lip plumpers that give color and stimulate blood circulation to make lips naturally fuller faster (in seven shades), this light-reflecting under-eye concealer that wakes your skin right up and these double-ended highlighter pencils that make your eyes seem bigger and brighter (tip: you can also use them on the cupid’s bow of the lip!). Who says you need an hour to put your best face forward? Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip Plumper, $25; Active Light Concealer, $26; and Highlighter Pencil, $16.50, janeiredale.com and nordstrom.com
All that jazz
Glamour girls everywhere will cheer for this gold compact that holds five shades of nude lip color, from rosy pink to a simple shine. And with the mirror and lip brush, she’ll have no problem applying often. Sonia Kushik nude lip palette in Jazzed Up Nudes, $19.99, target.com