Arguably the best part of the holidays is the guilt-free shopping. Springing for a luxurious candle feels better when you know you’re gifting it to your friend who is making you a fabulous dinner. Grabbing a cute makeup bag for your sister is what you’re supposed to do this time of year; who cares if you got one for yourself, too? Of course, the true meaning of the holidays is family and friends, but your family and friends want presents! And why shouldn’t they? They’ve loved and supported you through break-ups and bleached eyebrows, and they deserve a little something for their troubles. So, peruse our guide with some of our favorite treats from this year’s beauty offerings and enjoy the satisfying lack of buyer’s remorse.
For the Skincare Fanatic
Tucked inside a clutch you’ll want to wear to your next holiday fête are Sulwhasoo’s two hero products, their First Care Activating serum (1 bottle is sold every 7 seconds!) and their Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream.
For Your Sister-in-Law With the Flawless Makeup
This 9-piece brush set looks stunning on a vanity, so she’ll feel every bit the Hollywood star as she blends her smokey eye.
For Your Mom Who Goes Crazy with the Christmas Lights
In just three minutes, Mom will look brighter (and better) than the tree with Omnilux’s LED Mask, which uses red-light therapy to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and cultivate healthier-looking skin.
For Your Girlfriend Who Always Smells Good
Frederic Malle’s On Perfume Making peeks into the world of fragrance. With a foreword by Catherine Deneuve and illustrations by Konstantin Kakanias, this beautiful book will complete any perfectly-perfumed friend’s coffee table.
For Your Friend Who Really Misses the Beach
Costa Brazil’s vitamin- and antioxidant-rich body oils deliver non-greasy moisture as well as an extraordinarily fine, subtle shimmer: Lua is a pale silver, Sol has a warm golden hue. The perfect pick-me-up for anyone who hasn’t seen the sun in a while.
For The Cool Teen
In 10 punchy shades like electric blue and taxi-cab yellow, af94’s highly pigmented liquid liner is exactly what your Euphoria-obsessed little cousin wants in their stocking.
For First-Time Moms
Dr. Sturm’s sweet set comes with a face and body cream specially formulated for young, sensitive skin, and a tiny plush bunny.
For the No-Makeup-Makeup Expert
Dior’s set includes their iconic Dior Addict Lip Glow, which never fails to deliver a subtle but beautiful gloss for anyone who loves that fresh-faced look.
For The Flossing-Obsessed Dad
Three fluoride-free toothpastes in delightful flavors like Mint Coriander and Apple of the Montauban arrive in a festive little Buly tin.
For The Couple with the Lake House
Secure your invitation next summer with Drunk Elephant’s spectacular Trunk 6.0. Ten full-sized products for cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing and more come in a watermelon-colored cooler made in collaboration with Laka.
For the Constant Traveler
For the person who is always on the go, what could be a better gift than curbing their jet lag? Slip’s set includes a neck pillow, eye, and face mask all in the brand’s signature 100% silk.
For Your Friend Who Enjoys Rituals
Crown Affair’s set includes a comb, brush, scented oil, hair-drying towel and a mini hourglass to help make time for proper brushing technique—everything one needs for smooth, luxurious locks.
For an Impeccable Base
Armani’s medium-coverage foundation is a classic for a reason. It’s lightweight and buildable for even coverage and leaves a beautiful glow that makes any face look like it was done by a professional.
For the Hostess
Thank your gracious host with this delightful, unique candle from D.S. & Durga. At first whiff, Lightable Latkes is clean and peppery, but the longer it burns, notes of potato, sweet and earthy, start to come through, and the playful scent becomes just as addictive as the pancakes it’s named for.
For the Guy Who’s Too Busy for a Mani
Bare Hands’ Dry Gloss Kit is the perfect portable manicure. Swathed in a vegan white leather case, the kit includes a nourishing cuticle oil and a glass nail buffer that delivers maximum shine without polish.
For Your Sister Who’s Always on the Go
Classic and feminine with an easy-to-clean vinyl covering and enough space to hold all her products, this Walker Valentine make-up bag looks delicate but will last a lifetime.
For Your Partner Who Works Too Hard
Light some candles, run them a bath, and hand them Osea’s therapeutic bath oil. This herbal soak is like a tonic for de-stressing and skin softening.
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