[click on the images to shop the picture above]
This one’s for the beauty lovers, and boy oh boy have the holiday collections been good this year. Aside from being a fun gift idea (especially if you’re opting for a jazzy eyeshadow palette), it’s also an excellent chance to restock your vanity. The gift sets always deliver good value for money, and what I like to do is repurchase my skincare heroes to have on standby for when I run out during the year. It’s also when I look at trying new products, as minis are a great way to experience a new brand, without having to invest upfront.
Makeup
Let’s kick off with makeup. I thought I’d start by sharing four products which I think would make a beautiful treat for a loved one. First up, the Laura Mercier Grand Overture Mini Quartet. I find it challenging enough as it is to get through a full sized cream shadow. These pint-sized eye crayons feel like a great solution; the small size is perfect for popping in your bag if you’re doing makeup on the go, plus you get to try out four different shades. It’s a win-win. As an eyeshadow pick, I also wanted to mention the Madison Beer X Morphe Channel Surfing Artistry Palette. This is super affordable, but the shadows really pack a punch. Very pigmented, a good mix of shimmers and mattes, and the colour story is perfect for the summertime.
My other two favourites are for face. Every year, Hourglass is always one to watch, as their holiday collections are always a delight. This year is no exception. My pick? The Ambient Lighting Edit Mini in ‘sculpture unlocked’. This quartet is compact, featuring a powder, bronzer, blusher and highlight. At a pinch you could easily use this as an eyeshadow palette too. I also love the Double-Take Creme & Powder Blush from Patrick Ta (shade “she’s that girl” pictured above). Again, I see this as being a bit of a multi-use product. While you have the option of using either a cream or powder blush on your cheeks, you could also pop the cream on your lips for a cohesive makeup look.
You can shop my other makeup picks below.
Skincare
Skincare is where it is at this year. I’ve been a little blown away by the holiday gift sets, and I have to admit, it’s always hard to know where to start. As a stocking stuffer, I think a luxurious body cleanser and body butter never goes amiss. I am loving this guava set from Korres. So fresh and tropical, it smells like a summer holiday. Also for in the bath, I’ve got two picks from Salt by Hendrix. The Soak Infusions are absolutely beautiful, and such a nice way to unwind. I like to add a bit of bubble bath, or alternatively a generous drizzle of their Bath to Body Oil.
Next is a set I bought for me – the Go Go Ginzing Trio from Origins. This is a brand I’ve wanted to try for years, and I thought this might be a good place to start. For something a little more luxurious, the Darphin Hydraskin Gift Set is beautiful, and features their best-selling gel-cream, plus two skin-pampering deluxe minis.
Haircare
It’s really only been since moving to Australia that I’ve become seriously invested in looking after my hair. In the carousel I’ve picked out a handful of products which caught my eye. Safe to say I’ve had to resist adding all of these to cart. What’s that saying… one for you, ten for me…?
Tools
The right beauty tools make all the difference, especially when it comes to makeup application. I’ve been needing to give my brush stash a little refresh, and this year I’m doing it with an eight piece brush kit from Mecca Max, and this beautiful essentials brush set from Laura Mercier. I love how both of these gifts come with beautiful storage solutions – makes travelling with your makeup tools a breeze! As part of my night time skincare ritual, I’ve been making an effort to use jade rollers or rose quartz tools to practice a little ‘gua sha’. The rose quartz stone I have is so sweet – it’s shaped like a heart and is from Salt by Hendrix.
Fragrance
Finally, a personal favourite of mine… fragrance. Gifting a loved one a top up of their signature scent is a sure-fire winner. Even better if it comes in a lovely gift set to enhance the longevity of the fragrance. If you aren’t sure what they might like, a perfume library or set of fragrance minis is another great option. Depending on your budget, you could also offer to purchase them a full-size of their favourite at a later date. My go-to brand for fragrance is Jo Malone, and I absolutely love their cologne mini sets. Above is the ‘Cologne Intense Collection’, with Jasmine Sambac & Marigold, Velvet Rose & Oud, Dark Amber & Ginger Lily, Myrrh & Tonka and Vetiver & Golden Vanilla fragrances. There’s three different fragrance sets – the best part is that you can layer up the perfumes to create your own unique signature scent. PS. If you haven’t checked out my perfume collection, I shared it recently HERE if you need a few more ideas.
