“I’m a senior beauty writer, and this is what’s on my Christmas list this year”

Best christmas beauty gifts

Credit: Courtesy of brand

Beauty


“I’m a senior beauty writer, and this is what’s on my Christmas list this year”

By Charlotte Bitmead

3 months ago

All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article

6 min read

People always tell me that I’m hard to buy for, but I like to think this list might prove otherwise… 


When it comes to Christmas gift giving, nothing hits quite like a well-thought-out beauty gift. They’re something people will actually use rather than a festive jumper that only gets dragged out of storage one month of the year.

As a senior beauty writer, I’ll admit I can be a tough customer to buy for; I’m fortunate in that I receive a lot of products to test out. Still, there are a lot of beauty-related gifts I’d be chuffed to unwrap on Christmas morning. Whether you have someone impossible to buy, are struggling for some inspiration or looking for the It beauty gift to wrap up this Christmas, I’ve got you.

Here are 14 beauty gift ideas to treat your loved ones this Christmas that won’t have them queuing up to return them in the Boxing Day sales. 

Vieve Skin Nova Primer XL

Vieve Skin Nova Primer XL

One of my peaks of 2024 was discovering how incredible Vieve’s Skin Nova Primer is. Due to my obsession, I run through this stuff quickly. Not only would I appreciate a top-up so I’m never without it, but this XL 100ml version will keep me going for a while. Trust me, this stuff is the answer to any dull skin prayers. 

Shop Vieve Skin Nova Primer XL at Cult Beauty, £65

buy now

Glossier Limited Edition Balm Dotcom

Glossier Limited Edition Balm Dotcom

Everyone’s go-to lip balm just got a festive upgrade. These limited edition shades of Biscotti and Espresso not only provide a trendy tint but the sweet toasted almond notes and freshly roasted coffee beans will deliver a treat for the senses while moisturising chapped winter lips. 

Shop Glossier Limited Edition Balm Dotcom at Sephora UK, £27

BUY NOW

Artah Metabolic Fix

Artah Metabolic Fix

Give the gift of a good gut this festive season (I know it sounds off but bear with me). I try my fair share of supplements and swear by these for regulating my gut and minimising bloating.

I buy tubs monthly to keep me feeling in tip-top shape, and if someone were to tick that off my to-do list as a present, that would be greatly appreciated. 

Shop Artah Metabolic Fix at Artah, £32

buy now

Merit The Dress Code Set

Merit The Dress Code Set

There is never a better time for a bold lip than at Christmas. Merit makes some of the best matte lipsticks out there. Not only do they look like velvet and stick around throughout dinner, but they don’t leave lips as dry as a fresh sponge after wearing.

I’ve never gone through an entire lipstick, but the one I have in the shade ‘Equestrian’ is down to a nub – proof of just how much I rate this formula. This limited edition set nails the moody tone I look for in a lipstick shade in three wearable colours. 

Shop Merit The Dress Code Set at Merit, £63

buy now

Manucurist Green Flash LED Gel Polish Discovery Set

Manucurist Green Flash LED Gel Polish Discovery Set

For the person on your list who loves a manicure, this DIY kit provides the same chic finish and long wear without damaging your nails or requiring an hour to soak them off.

The plant-based formula lasts up to 10 days (I’ve found it can last longer) and peels off in one go after just a minute. My nails look less flakey and grow faster when I stick with this kit over a traditional gel formula. 

Shop Manucurist Green Flash LED Gel Polish Discovery Set at Manucurist, £75

buy now

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Vault

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Vault

You may have noticed that I love a lip product by now, so you need to believe me when I say Fenty makes the best lip glosses, hands down. I will debate anyone who doesn’t agree. I always have one in my bag, so this vault of almost all of the Gloss Bomb shades and formulas is heavenly to me. 

Shop Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Vault at Sephora UK, £115

BUY NOW

The Rhode Kit

The Rhode Kit

While Rhode might not cater towards specific skin conditions, such as acne, if you’ve got normal or dry skin and are looking for a sure way to keep it hydrated this winter, this kit has everything you need. I’ve used the brand for months and found the products really do deliver on the dewy doughnut finish they promise – without causing my skin to break out. 

Shop The Rhode Kit at Rhode Skin, £109

buy now

Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club Eau de Toilette

Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club Eau de Toilette

By far my most used fragrance, Jazz Club isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it’s the perfect wintry scent – and one that actually lasts all day. The cocktail of spicy pink pepper, smoky tobacco leaf and warm vanilla makes the ideal cosy scent. 

Shop Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club Eau de Toilette at LookFantastic, £60 for 30ml

buy now

Lush Spa Treatment

Lush Spa Treatment

As a beauty journalist, I get spoilt when it comes to trying out the latest beauty treatments. When I got the opportunity to try out Lush’s offerings in their spa in-store, I was in awe of the value of the treatments on offer and how quiet and peaceful it was – no hustle and bustle to be heard despite its Oxford Street store being on one of the busiest streets on the planet.

The experience was better than some of the fancy spas I’ve tried and has me craving to go back. If you know someone in need of a well-deserved break (hello, mum), treat them to a massage or a voucher towards one. Plus, it’s a great idea if you’re looking to pare back on the material gifts this Christmas. 

Shop Lush Spa Treatments at Lush, from £40

buy now

Loewe Tomato Leaves Small Scented Candle

Loewe Tomato Leaves Small Scented Candle

Not your traditional festive candle, I’ll admit, but it’s important to remember that a candle isn’t just for Christmas. This red option fits with the theme and emits a delicious aroma of freshly picked tomatoes that have just been torn from the vine. Talk about wholesome. 

Shop Loewe Tomato Leaves Small Scented Candle at John Lewis, £85

buy now

Drowsy Pillow Scrunchie

Drowsy Pillow Scrunchie

No offense to Carrie Bradshaw, but the scrunchie is definitely back. As someone who has no skills when it comes to hair styling, this scrunchie makes my style look ‘done’ with minimal effort required. It’s a statement piece that also doubles up as a handy travel pillow when I inevitably fall asleep on my commute. 

Shop Drowsy Pillow Scrunchie at Drowsy Sleep, £35

buy now

L’Occitane Almond Delicious Shower Cream

L’Occitane Almond Delicious Shower Cream

I’m not loyal to many shower products, but L’Occitane’s Almond Shower Oil is one I always reach for during the winter months when my skin is dry but I’m too tight on time to moisturise. This shower cream is the newest formula in the range and is possibly better than the original. It delivers the same luxurious sweet scent while giving me more of a thorough clean than the oil. 

Shop L’Occitane Almond Delicious Shower Cream at L’Occitane, £17.50

buy now

Diptyque Holiday Carousel and Baies Scented Wax Candle Set

Diptyque Holiday Carousel and Baies Scented Wax Candle Set

I’ve collected the Diptyque Holiday carousels for years, hoping to eventually display them all on a mantelpiece one day. While joining the property ladder will take more than a Christmas miracle (Santa, please fix that), I think this set makes the perfect gift by combining a luxe candle and a decorative piece you can keep forever. 

Shop Diptyque Holiday Carousel and Baies Scented Wax Candle Set at Selfridges, £110

buy now

Images: courtesy of brands

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