Navigating the cosmetics aisle during the festive rush can indeed be overwhelming. But fear not! We've taken on the challenge, rigorously trialing and testing the finest beauty products to simplify your gifting woes. Our aim? To present you with exceptional beauty gifts that guarantee a flawless look, effortlessly achieving runway-worthy glamour with minimal fuss.
Say goodbye to the stress of endless choices. We've curated a selection of must-have items that will leave the cosmetic world swooning. From skincare gems to makeup marvels, these treasures will elevate your loved one's beauty routine, ensuring they step into the year ahead with unparalleled confidence and style.
So, kick back, relax, and allow us to take you on a journey through these beauty revelations. Let's equip your loved ones to shine, leaving an indelible mark in the realm of beauty, ready to conquer the year ahead with their absolute A-game.
Starting our guide with the primer of dreams we have YSL Beauty's Illuminating Gel Primer, a masterpiece that transcends the ordinary. This 'light-infused' primer is more than a mere beauty product; it's an enchanting elixir that harmonises your skin tone, ensuring a flawless canvas for your makeup to shine all day long.
Infused with the Touche Éclat Illuminating Pen's optimal light diffusion technology, the YSL Blur Primer arrives in a transparent gel format, an effortless path to seamless application. Whether beneath your foundation for a radiant boost or alone for a captivating "no makeup" allure, this primer elevates your beauty routine to an art form.
Valentino Beauty Liquirosso Lip & Blush Blur Liquid shade Rosso Valentino £33
Valentino Beauty emerges straight from the coveted catwalks with their game-changing Liquirosso. This marvel effortlessly redefines boundaries, boasting rich colours that seamlessly suit every occasion - from the sleek LBD affair to the vibrant office soirée.
Drenched in peony flower extract, this jewel offers a luxurious 12-hour comfort, caressing your lips and cheeks with a moisturising sensation. With its meticulous blend of oils and spherical fillers, the formula glides on effortlessly, unveiling flawlessness akin to a weightless second skin. As the enchanting light oils dissipate, Liquirosso unveils a captivating powdery finish, courtesy of two ingenious light-diffusing gels, culminating in a mesmerising blur matte effect.
An iconic gem from the illustrious House of Dior's face makeup collection, available in travel-friendly and couture cushion versions. This is the ultimate skincare foundation, offering a high-perfection finish and customisable coverage effects.
This stellar product boasts an incredible finish that stands the test of time, lasting for hours on end. Its versatility shines through, accommodating various application methods - whether it's your fingers, a makeup brush, or a beauty sponge. With minimal wastage, it's crafted for enduring use. Infused with SPF, it not only refines pores but also bestows a natural, matte finish, elevating your complexion.
Adding a unique touch, this year brings the opportunity to personalise your foundation with an engraving service, making it a bespoke delight in your beauty arsenal.
Gucci Stylo Définition L'Obscur (Felt Tip Eyeliner) £31
Beautiful, enchanting and most importantly good quality the Stylo Définition L’Obscur is a remarkable felt tip eyeliner and the ultimate tool, delivering stunning, one-stroke results effortlessly. Crafted with a precise felt tip, its ultra-pigmented formula ensures a long-lasting, waterproof satin finish that's simply enchanting.
Easily gliding onto your skin, this liner dries quickly, leaving behind a striking black satin colour that exudes an ultra-intense effect. Whether you're mastering the classic cat eye, playing with freckles, or aiming for a bold statement, this eyeliner elevates every look and then some!
Get ready to be amazed by its exceptional durability and highly pigmented, long-lasting intense colour.
Sisley Paris So Stretch Mascara in Deep Black £53
Being avid users of Sisley Paris products, we just couldn't wait to get our hands on their lengthening and fortifying mascara. This hero product – is a must-have for those passionate about Sisley Paris innovations. This mascara isn't just a product; it's a godsend that instantly transforms lashes, providing length, definition, and strength that lasts all day.
Enriched with powerful ingredients, such as Damask Rose extract for softening, Bamboo powder for flexibility and length, Vitamin Peptide for thickness, and the renowned castor oil for promoting hair growth, this mascara does more than beautify. It's a fusion of innovation and care, elevating your lashes to new lengths, making them visibly longer, stronger, and thicker. Say hello to effortlessly gorgeous lashes, courtesy of Sisley Paris's brilliance.
It's official, Bobbi Brown has released your ultimate brow game-changer. Crafted with a versatile slanted tip, this pencil effortlessly sculpts brows from subtle definition to striking structure in just a few strokes. Not to mention, the attached spoolie ensures a seamless finish, gently blending colour and taming unruly hairs for that coveted natural look.
This multitasking hero boasts a unique, sword-like design – its flat edge delicately fills while the pointed tip defines, ensuring both precision and artistry with ease. What's more, it's sweat-resistant and eco-friendly, allowing you to replace the brow cartridge, making it one of the most sustainable beauty gems on the market. Say hello to your new go-to for flawlessly groomed, long-lasting brows!
Gucci Beauty Blush de Beauté Cheeks & Eye Powder shade Radiant Pink £41
This is the House’s first powder blush made for pure creative expression. Gucci Beauty's Blush de Beauté in Radiant Pink is a breathtaking experience that goes beyond just a blush. It's a canvas for your creativity, a touch of self-expression that indulges your skin with every sweep. This isn't just any blush; it's a masterpiece in a compact, a fusion of smooth powders and pigments that meld seamlessly onto your skin, layer after layer, building colour that lasts.
What makes this blush stand out? It's more than the exquisite shades or the intense, long-lasting hues. Infused with Shea Butter, Hyaluronic Acid, and Black Rose Oil, it's a skincare delight, providing hydration, a second-skin feel, and a comforting moment of self-care. The result? A radiant flush that feels as good as it looks, accompanied by the most elegant packaging you've ever laid eyes on.
Valentino Eye2Cheek Blush and Eyeshadow shade Roman Sky 08 £39
Valentino's Eye2Cheek in Roman Sky 08 knows no boundaries when it comes to makeup compacts. This creamy powder is your ticket to limitless creativity, whether you're looking to add a touch of magic to your cheeks or make your eyes shine with stunning colour.
Inspired by the runway looks of Valentino, Eye2Cheek isn't just a blush or an eyeshadow - it's an art form. Using the integrated applicator, create your own masterpiece by draping colour from your eyes to your cheeks, painting a story of radiance with each stroke. Infused with the unique Roma-Light Complex™, these shades capture the enchanting light of Rome, boasting colour-boosting pearls for a show-stopping finish.
Experience the sheer delight of a product that's highly pigmented yet incredibly buildable. Wear it as a subtle blush for that healthy flush of colour or layer it up for an intense impact, adapting effortlessly to your mood and style. Eye2Cheek isn't just makeup; it's a canvas for your self-expression, allowing you to be the artist of your beauty journey.
Say hello to your brow's new best friend: DIORSHOW Onset Brow, the secret to bolder, fuller, and lifted brows in a single swipe. Packed with natural ingredients, this eyebrow mascara works wonders, giving your brows an enviable volume and definition that lasts all day and all night. Yes, it's even waterproof!
But here's the magic: it's not just a brow product; it's a runway staple from Dior, designed to elevate your gaze to star-studded heights. Whether it's a casual outing or a glamorous soirée, this little wonder transforms your look effortlessly. Crafted for the brow arch, its precision brush shapes and defines your brows with an artful finesse, providing just the right amount of lightweight, silky texture without that dreaded stiff feel.
It's not just makeup; it's a statement, a Dior signature that illuminates your eyes and completes your style no matter the occasion. With Onset Brow, a little stroke goes a long way, delivering brows that are Instagram-worthy, ready to take on the world with that quintessential Dior touch.
This perhaps is skin’s best-kept secret: Bobbi Brown’s Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation. This isn't just foundation; it's a 16-hour skin symphony, a magic potion that brings out your natural beauty. Picture this: a formula that feels like silk looks like a second skin, and stays flawlessly matte all day long. It's like wearing confidence in a bottle!
This foundation doesn't just cover; it corrects, hydrates, and does a victory dance over excess oil and shine. No more juggling between skincare and makeup; this gem does both. Oh, and did we mention its superhero ability to double up as a concealer? Say goodbye to redness, hyperpigmentation, and those pesky spots; this coverage is nothing short of wizardry!
It's a powerhouse that not only minimises pores but also strengthens your skin’s natural defence over time. Perfect for those with combo or oily skin, it's your secret weapon against the midday shine. This foundation isn't just makeup; it's a skin affair, a long-lasting love story that gives you that picture-perfect, 'I woke up like this' glow every single day.
Gucci Palette de Beauté Quatuor (Multi-Use Cream & Powder Quad Eye Palette) shade Wild Bouquet £53
Gucci Palette de Beauté Quatuor in Wild Bouquet – is the treasure chest of endless creativity and elegance in this year's guide. This vibrant palette isn’t just a beauty essential; it’s a canvas for your imagination, offering a quartet of colours: Royal Silver, Valentine Verdante, Delicate Lilac, and Marina Scarlett, a symphony of versatility for your eyes, lips, and cheeks.
From whispers of soft elegance to bold sophistication, this palette plays a matchmaker between satin and matte finishes, offering three powder formulas that moonlight as eyeshadow or blush. But wait, there’s more! This isn’t your ordinary palette; it's a secret garden of cream formulas, whispering its magic to warm up your eyes, lips, and cheeks, giving that bare-to-bold blushing effect with every touch.
Picture this jewel on your dressing table: a gold-encased compact, adorned with vintage-inspired embellishments on top. It's not just a palette; it's a stroke of opulence, an invitation to create and captivate.
Dior Forever Cushion Powder in shade Lavendar £49
This is the Maison's 1st loose powder that sets makeup and is a masterpiece curated to enchant. Delve into the Maison's inaugural loose powder, an exquisite beauty secret encased in couture.
This finely crafted loose powder, with its ethereal texture, harmonises seamlessly with your skin’s natural hue, creating an immaculate, mattified canvas that glows with a subtle, velvety radiance, sans any powdery residue. Its versatility astounds: when applied solo, it sets makeup flawlessly; when paired with foundation, it elevates the finish, extending its wear for an all-day flawless allure. Consider it your trusty companion for on-the-go touch-ups, an instant rejuvenation for your complexion.
The lavender shade is a whisper of brightness and correction that breathes life into your skin. Yet, it’s not just about the product; it’s about the experience. Enclosed in an elegant couture case, this powder resonates with luxury, an ode to sophistication that speaks volumes about Dior’s finesse.
Valentino Dreamdust Lip & Cheek loose glitter shade Self-Celebration £26
Make the ordinary extraordinary with Dreamdust glitters, the loose glitter in shade Self-Celebration – gives a sprinkle of magic to lips and cheeks.
This isn't just glitter; it's a couture accessory, your ticket to a personalised dream couture glitter look that defies the ordinary.
Designed with an embedded applicator, Dreamdust brings ease and elegance to your routine. Glide it onto your lips or cheeks for an ethereal glimmer that catches the light effortlessly. It’s not just makeup; it's an art form, with a universal shade that harmonises with any style, elevating it with a touch of glamour.
This versatile gem enhances any lipstick, transforming it into a dazzling statement, while its specially crafted glitters ensure a safe application on the lips. But the magic doesn’t stop there – for a playful, luminous allure, gently tap extra glitters onto the high points of your cheekbones and let them captivate with a radiant sparkle all through the day and into the night.
This hero product is a go-to beauty weapon designed with an upgraded Brow Conditioning Complex featuring Rice Bran Protein, Coconut, and Caster Oils for brows that never miss a beat. This isn’t just another product; it's a game-changer, an all-day-and-night formulation that effortlessly styles your brows, transforming them from feathered elegance to sleek sophistication, giving you that coveted flawlessness.
This gem is more than a fixer; it’s an enhancer. The versatile gel-wax hybrid takes care of any stray and greys also, while offering a seamless application for any brow style. From the rushed mornings to the style seekers, this is your time-saver, your secret to effortless brows. Its non-sticky formula ensures no mess, just a quick and easy application that effortlessly frames your face.
Unlock your brows' potential, whether it's a subtle enhancement or a bold statement, this Brow Shaper is your tool for that perfectly groomed, no-fuss look.
Gucci Poudre de Beauté Mat Naturel (Beauty Powder) £47
This exceptional smooth matte powder is a godsend for that picture-perfect complexion. This isn't just your average powder—it's your flawless finish, your setting magician.
Crafted as a seamless matte powder, it's a heaven-sent gem for those seeking an immaculate canvas. But that’s not all—it's your multi-tasking ally, perfect for setting your makeup or worn solo for that natural radiance. This isn't just about coverage; it's about enhancing your skin’s true beauty.
Adaptable to all seasons, it's your year-round partner, embracing your skin in winter and blending effortlessly during those summer months. The magic doesn’t stop there—the subtle floral fragrance adds an extra touch of elegance without overpowering your senses. With a versatile range of 13 shades, finding your perfect match has never been easier. Elevate your beauty game with a whisper of luxury from Gucci.
DIORSHOW Brow Styler shade 002 £29
Step into the spotlight with the DIORSHOW Brow Styler—your 24-hour backstage pass to impeccable brows. Glide through the day with ease as this precision-perfect brow styler transforms your brows with a single stroke, embracing that effortlessly natural finish.
Marvel at the sleek packaging housing this makeup maestro, where every precise line is at your fingertips. This isn't just about lasting power—it's about finesse. The soft, velvety texture of the pencil effortlessly shapes your brows, making you the artist of your beauty canvas.
Craft the perfect arch, and define every angle—this styler is your partner-in-crime for stunning catwalk brows. Embrace precision, and sophistication, and embrace the confidence of brows that speak volumes.
This Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick isn't just a beauty staple—it's a paradigm-shift. Offering an impressive spectrum of shades, this foundation multitasks as your contour stick, perfect for those aiming to curate a beauty arsenal.
Crafted to suit every skin tone, this portable powerhouse embodies convenience and luxury. With just one glide, experience the magic of this moisturising foundation, delivering flawless coverage wherever you go. The foundation's weightless, medium-to-full coverage gives that 'real-skin' finish, transforming your complexion effortlessly.
It's not just about even skin tone—this stick conceals hyperpigmentation and spots, while the infusion of Shea Butter ensures instant hydration, making it a skincare superstar in disguise. This isn't just makeup; it's a beauty must-have offering confidence, convenience, and a touch of sheer elegance.
Typology Concealer £23.50
This is probably the most innovative concealer on the market and the coverage is astounding. Typology has given us a true maverick in the world of beauty innovation. and their groundbreaking approach is revolutionising beauty, offering a line of transparent cosmetics and skincare, all meticulously crafted from natural ingredients. This disruptive formula is powered by caffeine, niacinamide, and cornflower hydrolase, delivering not just immediate coverage, but also long-term skincare benefits that your skin craves.
Get ready for a multitasking wonder—it's not just about concealing flawlessly, as this beauty dynamo tackles dark circles, and puffiness, and corrects imperfections, all while boasting a 97% naturally-derived formula.
Dries Van Noten Refillable Lipstick Case (£62) and Latin Carmine Matte Lipstick (£32)
Treat the beauty lover in your life this Christmas with Dries Van Noten's exquisite lipstick collection. Select from four stunning cases inspired by fashion collections, with the Coral Ceramic standing out as our favourite. Its jasper coral design paired with a blue-on-white ceramic pattern creates a truly unique and artistic piece.
Encased within is the Latin Carmine Matte lipstick—a shade that boasts intense pigmentation and offers 12-hour wear without compromising on comfort. This lipstick isn't just about style; it's infused with nourishing rosehip oil and hydrating mango butter to care for the lips.
For precision application, pair it with the lip brush. Elevate their beauty routine with this luxurious lipstick that marries artistic design and high-quality wear, making it a perfect Christmas gift for the beauty connoisseur.
Words by Jheanelle Feanny
