THE VERY LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
We’re heavy into the last lap of the holiday gift buying marathon. For those who still have a few gifts to purchase before you cross the finish line, the beautymakers have made the decision, purchase, and wrapping process as easy as pie. Check out the following faves, for gifts that will please and surprise and in some cases, keep giving long past the 25th.
Gift Box Subscriptions
Photo Credit: Glossybox
From the luxury-oriented Glossybox to Birchbox and Beauty Army, there is no shortage of gift box subscriptions. The best part is that you’re giving gifts that keep giving: even if you order a three-month supply, the effects of your gift will linger over time. Glossybox’s three-month plan costs $60, and includes 5 full-sized products in each box and a detailed trends guide.
Picks from Local, Indie Brands
Gloss48, a new beauty portal specifically devoted to indie brands debuted in October. Started by Jill Kravetz who also founded the hip nail and waxing salon MiniLuxe in Boston (now in its eighth location), the site is specifically for those who shy away from mass brands in favor of small batch, hard to find names like Iris Moreau and Pur-lisse. If you want to eschew mass brands in favor of indie labels, go to this site, or visit some of your local independent shops and prepare a gift basket filled with hand-made goods. It will make you feel good to support a local business.
Finds from Sephora
Christian Dior “Backstage Hero” ($49; Photo Credit: Sephora)
Yes, there’s always Sephora, and the list of gifts at this well stocked, as ubiquitous-as-Starbucks chain pretty much has it all, from derm brands like Peter Thomas Roth to high-end makeup items from Marc Jacobs beauty and Christian Dior. Try Dior’s “Backstage Hero” an eye-focused set for $49, which has the famous Diorshow mascara, and comes in a black patent Diorshow Backstage carrying case that is as portable as your latte. For a stocking stuffer, I love L’Occitane’s beautifully-patterned Limited Edition Hand Indulgences Set ($28)
Photo Credit: CVS/pharmacy
I continue to remain impressed at some of the skincare, haircare, and makeup finds from CVS/pharmacy, whose Beauty Club offers $5 off for every $50 spent (and yes, it’s free to join). And chances are that you have a pharmacy that is open 24/7, even well past 10pm most days, including Christmas Eve. Don’t forget that they carry proprietary brands like Nuance by Salma Hayek, which offers products like the Flawless Wear Tinted Moisturizer and Texturizing Sea Salt Spray, both excellent value for the price, and which are comparable in performance to those you buy at luxury stores. Also, the Hunger Games’ inspired Capitol Collection from COVERGIRL is a great way to please your teen giftee (if anything, get her the Flamed Out mascara).
Beauty Gift Cards
And if you’re really in a pinch, there’s always the gift of beauty gift cards: from Sephora to Amazon.com (which has a new, better compartmentalized beauty portal), there’s a gift card for just about everyone, in any denomination. What’s not to love?
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