There’s no denying it – Christmas is well and truly on its way and it’s about time you got those prezzies sorted.
I’ve asked around friends and family to see what they are lusting after (at least beauty wise!) this festive season to give you some inspiration, be it for your own wish list or to help work out what to get your mum, or that friend who has everything.
I will try to include items that may be easier on your purse and then some more indulgent buys too.
Nail Polish
After asking female friends, it seems that a fab idea for a budget present is nail polish.
I’m a firm believer that Barry M have the best range of colours, and have you tried their gel polishes? They go on like a dream and actually last more than a day – plus they come in at a measly £3.99 each. You could even treat your best mate to a few! Plus, Boots and Superdrug often have offers on their beauty range – sometimes giving free gifts or even 3 for 2 (my favourite time of the year).
If you’d like to splash slightly more on a more prestige name – Leighton Denny make really nice nail polishes too which are a bit pricier at £11.00 each, but definitely worth the money. I’ve got the colour Steel Appeal and have honestly had this shade on for over a week without any chips or the dreaded peeling. They also have some gift sets which any nail polish lover would be thrilled to unwrap on Christmas morning.
Perfume
Not feeling nail art? Giving perfume for Christmas will automatically put you in someone’s good books. Keep an eye out for gift sets which often include body lotions or other products ideal for layering the scent so it will last even longer.
One of my friends commented that she loves Daisy by Marc Jacobs which not only smells super pretty and girly, but also has the added bonus of a beautiful decorative bottle which will look fab sat on your dresser.
If the person in mind prefers a sweet, fruity fragrance, they might love Viva La Juicy by Juicy Couture. This was my personal favourite for a long time and is definitely a good buy for a teen or young adult. Again, that bottle is a stunner!
Skin Care
I also asked my mum about her recommendations for those pesky present ideas. As far as skin care is concerned, she received the YSL Forever Youth Liberator Serum last year and mentioned how it’s not the sort of thing you would buy yourself but is lovely to receive as a gift. This luxurious serum is definitely on the pricey side but has fantastic reviews and would make a superb present for older skin.
As a cheaper alternative, The Body Shop make friendlier priced skin care in a variety of formulas for different skin. The Vitamin E serum is a purse-friendly version of the YSL which your mum may love just as much.
Hair
To look after tired tresses, head to a salon and pick up gift sets by professional names, such as Clynol, Wella or L’Oreal Professionnel. These gift sets are often already gift wrapped and can be great value for money. Sets usually come in around the £30 mark but completely depend on what you go for. If you can’t make it to a salon, this miniatures set by Moroccanoil is a great gift and can be bought online.
Make-up
Personally, make-up is always top of my Christmas wish list, and can suit all budgets. For those who want to treat someone, high end brands like MAC, Urban Decay and Clinique all make gift sets with Christmas in mind.
MAC’s holiday collections each year are the ultimate present for the makeup lover, and come in at around £40.00. They are always beautifully presented and good value for money, if you can get your hands on them before they sell out.
The Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Eyeliner set is perfect for someone who loves to experiment with colour.
And finally a bit cheaper but still a well-known brand, Benefit sell mini gift sets which house some of their most popular products for under £30, such as their Primping with the starts kit.
For the men
As an added extra, I thought you may be after some grooming gifts for the man in your life, so here are some quick ideas.
The Body Shop shaving set is a good idea for encouraging your SO to keep his face smooth and ready for that mistletoe!
Eau de toilette or aftershave is also a firm favourite. Diesel Only the Brave is one everyone-loves-it option with a cool bottle he will probably love.
A cheap and cheerful stocking filler is a toiletry set such as this Baylis & Harding set, perfect for keeping your Dad happy and fresh. Or for the younger male, this Lynx set will get you a guaranteed thumbs-up.
What tops your wish list this Christmas season?
Pictures sources
Barry M: http://www.superdrug.com/Barry-M-Nail-paint/c/bs-barrym-nailpaint#.VG93D…
Leighton Denny: http://www.leightondenny.com/products/1/1/beauty-products
Perfumes/ EDT: http://www.theperfumeshop.com/
Serum: http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/skin/facial-anti-ager/2012/ysl-for… shop: http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/shop-by-range/vitamin-e/vitamin-e-overnight…
Morocconoil: http://www.feelunique.com/p/Moroccanoil-Moisture-and-Repair-Travel-Kit
MAC: http://mamasarollingstone.com/give-look-royal-treatment-mac-keepsakes/
Shave kit: http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/gifts/view-all-christmas-gifts/modern-gents…
Edited by Jayde Richards