All the Products Our Beauty Editors Will Be Gifting to Their Loved Ones This Year
I know, I know, it seems like summer just ended. Despite this year feeling like it was never going to come to a close, we've somehow managed to arrive at the final level of 2020: the holiday season.
So first off, congratulations on making it this far.
Secondly, even though the holidays won't look the same this year, at least now most of us will (hopefully) have something to look forward to, right?
That said, with nothing else to do, we've been getting a head start on holiday shopping for our loved ones this year. Because, truly, is there anything better than putting a smile on someone's face — even if it's over Zoom or FaceTime?
But, if you're stuck on what to gift your favorite people this year, let us help you out by giving you a little inspiration.
Below, all the products we'll be sending to our loved ones for the upcoming holidays.
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Kayla Greaves, Senior Beauty Editor
La Mer Miracle Moments Collection
I am not one to be shy about my love for La Mer. Without a single doubt, I can say it is one of the best skincare lines I've ever indulged in — hands down. And most of my friends have become a wee bit jealous of the collection of products I've built over the years, especially because I won't let any of them touch it! That's why when I saw this gift set, I knew I had to get it for some of my homegirls. Plus, at only $160, this package is quite literally a steal (I had to refresh the page a few times to make sure I was seeing correctly — for real). So if you're blessed enough to have the extra funds, this is a gift set you should definitely keep in mind for someone special.
To shop: $160; sephora.com
Yves Saint Laurent Mini Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick Set
Yeah, I know everyone is saying that lipstick is basically canceled for as long as masks will be a thing. But, like, I don't really care (so long as you wear a mask while you're around others!). Truth is, even if I can't see some of my loved ones physically this year, I'm still going to want to hop on a Zoom or FaceTime call with them. And if I know anything about my girls, it's that they love a good lip. With this YSL set, they'll be able to easily switch things up between their virtual office holiday parties and video calls with family.
To shop: $50; sephora.com
The DB Method
OK, fine. I admit this technically isn't a typical beauty product, but hear me out for a sec. In my pre-COVID life, I was always on the go, catching the train, and walking all over the city, whether I was in New York or Toronto. Being active for work was my excuse for not having an actual workout routine. During COVID, I have become quite the couch potato, and I needed to do something. Lucky for me, I stumbled upon The DB Method.
Now that that's off my chest, let me be the first to tell you that you should believe the hype — because this machine works. Not only has it helped to tone up my once very active legs and butt (which has made me personally feel way better about my body), but it can also provide a full body workout, then be folded up for easy storage. So when I think of my friends and fam stuck at home, especially those who may be a little hesitant about hitting the gym for now, how could I not share the goodness of this machine with them?
To shop: $229; thedbmethod.com
Gold 'N Hot Professional for Textured Hair Ionic Volumizer Dryer & Styler
Thanks to COVID-19, subsequent lockdowns, and the never-ending anxiety I feel every time I step outside, getting a professional blowout has become a thing of the past. But lucky for me, Gold 'N Hot had the good sense to create this two-in-one dryer and styler that's specially designed to work with natural hair. Whenever I use this tool to switch up my look from curly to straight, my friends always think I made a trip to the salon to get my hair done. Now they can enjoy the goodness of this brilliant tool too, right from the comfort of their own homes.
To shop: $60; sallybeauty.com
ghd Glide Professional Smoothing Hot Brush Gift Set
When looking for a hot tool for a friend that won't completely annihilate her natural curl pattern or add brass to her color, ghd makes the choice pretty simple. This hot brush stays at a temperature of 365°F, leaving the homie with shiny, smooth hair without the damage. Another plus? It also comes with a cute heat-resistant carrying case, so my girl won't have to wait around if she's just styled her hair and wants to take it with her for any touch ups. I'll also be adding ghd's Heat Protect Spray to her gift bag for good measure.
To shop: $169; sephora.com
Laneige Dream & Wonder Gift Set
You should absolutely believe the hype when it comes to Laneige's lip masks — trust me, they're good. But don't just take my word for it. Last year, I gifted a few to my friends and now they cannot get enough, whether they're wearing it to repair dry, chapped lips, or just for its beautiful, glossy finish. I know no one will be disappointed when they unwrap this three-piece set on Christmas morning.
To shop: $30; sephora.com
VIDEO: The Beauty Product Alicia Keys Uses “a Thousand Times” Per Day
The Beauty Product Alicia Keys Uses “a Thousand Times” Per Day
Plus, a few of her other favorites that are all nearly less than $45.
Erin Lukas, Beauty Editor
Birthdate Candles
Chances are you have a few people in your life who are just as into astrology as you are. I love giving Birthdate Candles to friends because it’s a unique, custom gift that’s tailored to that person based on their sign’s personality traits. All you need to know is their birthdate – or find a way to subtly ask.
To shop: $38; birthdatecandles.com
Olive & June The Winter Box
Nail polish is a foolproof beauty gift, because the only thing that dictates the shades you wear is personal preference. Olive & June's Winter Box has seasonal colors ranging from neutral to bold and even glitter. So, there’s a polish in there for everyone. It also comes with every tool one needs to DIY a manicure at home.
To shop: $94; oliveandjune.com
Nécessaire The Body Collection
Considering we’re going to be spending more time than ever at home this winter, why not give the gift of a shower upgrade? Nécessaire’s body products look ridiculously chic in any bathroom, but the formulas are also extremely luxurious. Consider the natural deodorant, body exfoliator, body wash, body lotion, and body serum the next best thing to a spa treatment. And while all of the brand’s scents are subtle, you can’t go wrong with the fragrance-free option.
To shop: $100; necessaire.com
BeautyStat Mini Universal Essentials Kit
Running with a face mask on and spending too much time in my apartment’s stale air is making my skin drier than usual this fall. I recently started using BeautyStat’s Universal Pro-Bio Moisture Cream and it’s helped restore my skin’s moisture. So, I figure the people in my life deserve glowy hydrated skin, too. Along with the moisturizer, this starter kit includes minis of the brand’s cult-favorite patented vitamin C serum to target dark spots and squalane oil for extra hydration.
To shop: $39; saksfifthavenue.com
Olaplex Holiday Hair Fix Kit
With trips to the salon few and far between in 2020, most of my friends have been complaining about the status of their hair. That’s where Olaplex’s set comes in The system, which includes minis of its celebrity-favorite repairing treatment, shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in conditioner, works across all hair types and textures. Plus, it really delivers results — whether your hair is damaged from chemical treatments or heat-styling.
To shop: $60; sephora.com
