This time of year, beauty fans are always bombarded with gift guides galore, making it tough to know what’s *actually* good. I get it – even as an editor I find the choice alarmingly overwhelming.
But I’m here to tell you that after many years of seeing what’s out there, I can be trusted to find the ultimate picks to add to your own Christmas wish list (or to be a good Samaritan and buy for a loved one).
I’ve selected the 12 best gifts you can find on the market, ranging in price from just £10 to £499. Whether you’re after a stocking filler or a full-on splurge, I’ve got you.
Expect to see big ticket items from Dyson, Phlur and Jo Malone, along with cute sets by Glossier, Tatcha and Sephora, and affordable finds courtesy of Neom and The Body Shop.
Want more Christmas ideas? Check out our best Christmas makeup sets and skincare sets to add to basket ASAP.
Tatcha Polish and Plump Duo, £30
I’m the biggest Tatcha fan going, meaning it was my all-time favourite UK launch of 2022. To celebrate, I’d love to find this adorable duo under my mini tree this year (I live in a one-bedroom flat, after all). It’s worth £40 and features two of the best products from the line: the Rice Polish and Dewy Skin Cream, which is the ultimate glowy base for a dewy makeup look.
Glossier Cross Country Kit, £41
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a Glossier limited edition special. This year, the brand has three main offerings, with this being my pick. It comes housed in a super cute green and pink tin, with a mini Milky Jelly Cleanser, After Baume, Mint Balm Dotcom and – wait for it – a specially designed Glossier toothbrush and mini Marvis toothpaste. Adorable.
Rituals The Ritual Of Jing Aroma Diffuser, £42.50
I recently went on a trip with Rituals and the brand pulled out all the stops for a peaceful night’s sleep. Most memorably, it placed one of these by my bedside to soothe and calm the senses before climbing into bed. After just one night with it, I glanced over in the morning and thought ‘you’re coming home with me’ in that TikTok voice. It smells amazing, releasing a fine mist of fragrance to support a mellow pre-bedtime routine, and looks super cute on any bedside table. Also, as far as diffusers go, this one won’t break the bank too much.
Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete In Vinca blue and Rosé, £499.99
2022 was the year I finally got to own an Airwrap, and I’ve not looked back since. The tool has totally revolutionised the way I style my short hair, giving it volume, curl and lift with less heat damage. I’m a huge advocate, therefore, but understand it’s a major expense. Christmas is the perfect time to pop a bigger ticket item on your wish list, and with Dyson, you’ll often score some limited edition colourways and added extras. This year for example, you can pick up the Airwrap in this gorgeous Vinca blue and Rosé hue, and also secure a travel pouch, Paddle brush and Detangling comb (worth £80 collectively) as part of the deal.
Olivanna Beauty Sleep Collagen Boosting Set, £144
Sleep is my number one favourite activity (don’t @ me) so anything that makes it cosier, easier and more all-round wonderful is going right to the top of my winter wish list. Case in point: this excellent set from Olivanna, which contains its serum and moisturiser for before bed, along with a chic silk eye mask. There’s nothing lovelier than climbing into bed after a long day having completed a ritualistic skincare routine, and this set will do the job.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Lipstick In Alter Ego, £34
As someone with dry lips, it can sometimes be a struggle to find a lipstick that feels comfortable and non-drying. VBB’s formula is one that’s always in my makeup bag, and my favourite shades include Fire (a bright orange-red) and Smile (a pink-toned nude). For the festive season, the brand’s newest addition has to be my go-to, however. This bold, glossy raspberry pink is crying out to be worn at your work Christmas party or that New Year’s Eve get-together you’ve just been invited to. Add it to your list now, just in time.
Phlur Somebody Wood Eau De Parfum, £96
Fragrance fans will likely be aware that Phlur’s Missing Person scent had its moment trending on social media recently. The super subtle scent is supposed to smell like a missing loved one who’s just left your bed, and tends to be different on every person. While Missing Person has been the bottle to gain most traction, the brand’s next launch is the standout for me. It’s smoky, sexy and woody, and lasts for ages on the skin. With base notes of sandalwood, vanilla musk, amber, moss and cedarwood, it’s pretty much my perfect scent. I implore you to try it too.
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Face Palette, £60
Another Christmas, another Pillow Talk special – and this one’s a goodie. Coming in two colour-ways, the palette features two gorgeous blushers and two dazzling highlight hues for the perfect pop of colour come Christmas time. This is *the* palette to get you noticed on New Year’s Eve, so snap it up now (or whack it on your list for Santa), stat.
Jo Malone London Pine-Eucalyptus Home Candle, £58
As mentioned earlier, I’m a major pine stan, so when I heard Jo Malone was set to feature it as one of its 2022 Christmas notes, I was over the moon. Yes, JML candles sure aren’t cheap, but they’re wonderful as presents, making Christmas time the ideal time to finally treat yourself or another. An added bonus? As well as smelling spectacular, this one will give any space a gorgeously festive feel with its snowy packaging.
Neom Organics Perfect Night’s Treat, £10
Neom is such a lovely little brand that I personally feel doesn’t get enough time in the spotlight. For those who value self-care above all else, a mini treat such as this is the ideal stocking filler. The Body Butter contains shea butter and coconut, and is scented with English lavender, sweet basil and jasmine for a brilliant night’s sleep.
Liberty The Get Ready with Me Starter Pack, £100
When it comes to beauty brands and variety of choice, you simply can’t beat Liberty. The retailer truly does offer the best of the best in makeup, skincare, body and hair, so a set from them would be well-received by any beauty addict. This one showcases some of its most glorious brands, from Necessaire to Hourglass, Sunday Riley to Rose Inc. It’s also worth a cool £365, meaning in theory (in THEORY), you’re actually saving money. Or at least, that’s what I like to tell myself…
MAC Sparkler Eyeshadow Don’t Burst My Bubbly, £20
MAC’s Xmas collection always has makeup fans bursting with excitement, and this year’s has already done the rounds on TikTok. My choice from the range has to be this gorgeously party-worthy single shadow, which comes in a perfect champagne shade for dazzling eyes. It’ll suit every skin tone and works perfectly as a base for a smoky eye or worn alone with a red lipstick.