Eek! Christmas is officially a week away. Breathe. If you’re still on the hunt for that perfect skincare gift, I hope that featuring some of my personal highlights can be helpful. The truth is, I plan to share some of these generously gifted goodies with my friends and family. But it also means that I will be keeping a handful for myself. Because no matter how well stocked you are, when you really really really like something, you can never have enough of it. Also, everyone online retailer is throwing in free 2-day shipping this week. You’re good. Pour yourself a drink, tell Alexa to play something festive, and click away.
Skinstore Evergreen Holiday Collection
After last year’s Advent Calendar, Skinstore shifted gears and unveiled this gorgeous two-tiered box that is every beauty aficionado’s dream come true. The expertly curated collection features skin, body, hair care, and a couple of makeup essentials. Some of the best picks (Caudalie cleanser, Aesop body cream to name a few) come in full-size. Other gems such as Christophe Robin’s iconic sea salt scalp scrub, are in a convenient deluxe, travel-ready packaging. The $65 price tag is insane considering the set is valued at $280. skinstore.com
Kat Burki The Cult Favorites
This trifecta of anti-aging heroes from Kat Burki is a perfect gateway into the eco-luxe beauty landscape. It features a full size Vitamin C Intensive Face Cream and a lifting collagen face serum paired with a mini Intense Recovery eye serum. The moisturizer tops the list of my all time favorites so I am keeping this set for myself. If you’re looking to indulge in cold-pressed, plant-based, and high-performing formulas, I highly recommend you treat yourself to this limited edition set. $188 at spacenk.com
Drunk Elephant Shelf-Control Night Kit
The beauty of Drunk Elephant seasonal offerings is that they come in all shapes, sizes, and most importantly, price points. I am thrilled with this year’s Shelf-Control Night Kit which includes a full size Framboos Glycolic Night Serum. If your skin tends to get congested easily and you constantly fall for the promises of shrinking your pores (nothing can), you need to try this particular configuration. To ensure the resurfacing AHA’s deliver all the smoothness and none of the irritation, the set also includes a full mini skincare routine suitable for all complexions. $98 sephora.com
Molton Brown Hand Care Gift Set
Am I the only one who needs to carry a tube of hand cream on me at all times? It may be my OCD hand washing style. Or this brutal winter weather. Luckily, the Molton Brown hand cream trio is both practical and indulgent. In addition to keeping my hands soft and moisturized, the scent lingers just enough to compliment my personal space without being intrusive. I am selfishly keeping this one for myself. One tube goes in the car, one in my bag, and one on the nightstand. $40 moltonbrown.com
Laneige Hydration Dream Team
If you’re wondering how the hell you’re going to keep the glow going with all the holiday-related stress and overindulgence.. Oh? Is that just me? Well, that’s why I’m keeping the Laneige Hydration Dream Team set. It highlights the Water Sleeping Mask, one of the most iconic K-beauty formulas ever made (if you ever spot the Lavender version, get 3) alongside the recently raved about Cream Skin toner moisturizer hybrid. Add a lip mask and facial moisturizer in mini-sizes and the holiday PM routine just got sorted. $39 sephora.com
Peter Thomas Roth Mix, Mask & Hydrate
Even those happy with their current skincare routine, could benefit from incorporating a face mask into their rotation. This Peter Thomas Roth sets delivers all the facial-in-a-jar superstars that erase signs of dullness, refine the look of pores, brighten, plump, repair, and soothe. Also included, is a mini jar of the mega-hydrating hyaluronic acid moisturizer to follow up after your masking ritual. $75 skinstore.com and guess what, the code BLACK is good for 25% off
Ranavat x Payal Singhal Set
I could write poems about the Mighty Majesty Hair & Body Serum. This luxurious oil blend is all my hair knows now because I haven’t used a conditioner in over a year. A single pump on damp hair gives this Leo the softest, most glowing mane every single time. In collaboration with Indian fashion house Payal Singhal, the limited edition set includes a silk scarf alongside full size bottles of Jasmine Tonique and Radiant Rani. Since I just opened a fresh Mighty Majesty, I *may* gift this stunning box to a very good friend of mine. Ugh, us Leos are generous to a fault. $175 ranavatbotanics.com
Glow Recipe Let It Glow
Welcome to the watermelon household. The original Glow Recipe hydrators get the most use around here. I happen to love the Sleeping Mask that started it all and my husband goes through the Pink Juice moisturizer like water. That’s why among all the holiday sets, Let It Glow is without a doubt, my top pick. It includes a full size of the overnight mask with deluxe minis of Blueberry Bounce Cleanser and Pink Juice. Because of the soothing and hydrating properties, the watermelon infused formulas also make the best travel partners. Also, the Let It Glow set is currently down to $39 at sephora.com
ELEMIS Beauty Sleep Trio
Name a more giftable beauty brand. I’ll wait. Nothing brings me more joy than sharing some ELEMIS goodies with my favorite people. This year, I am getting my friend hooked via the stunning Beauty Sleep Trio. The Gentle Foaming Face Wash is ideal for absolutely anybody (it’s creamy and smells like chocolate, hello?) and the Peptide 4 Thousand Flower Mask gives a much needed boost before the holiday madness kicks in. When your skin craves extra moisture, pop one of the Skin Bliss Capsules on freshly cleansed skin before going to bed to wake up looking like you got the recommended eight hours of sleep. $58 elemis.com
L’OCCITANE Relaxing Lavender Collection
Everything about this gift set is perfect. If you’re new to L’OCCITANE, be aware that once you try their lavender, you won’t be able to use anything else. I plan to keep the full-size bubble bath and pillow mist for the ultimate relaxing experience at the end of ‘one of those days’. The mini soap, shower gel, body lotion, and hand cream and going upstairs to make the next house guest’s stay a little more Provencal. Fingers crossed the pillow mist becomes a permanent addition to the lavender line up. $79 loccitane.com
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum
Recently, Sulwhasoo spoiled me with an extra bottle of the First Care Activating Serum, which I seriously cannot be without. To avoid the risk of landing on an episode of ‘Hoarders’, I am gifting it to a very good friend of mine. She also happens to be a major complainer who insists nothing she’s tried works. I also know she’ll be impressed with the instant hydration and long term brightening effects of this luxe K-beauty treatment. This unique blend of plant extracts is the first thing to go on your skin after cleansing with a goal of amplifying the benefits of everything that is to follow. This holiday limited edition is also double the size and comes in a winter wonderland chic box. All I need to come up with is a ribbon. $120 sulwhasoo.com
TULA Glow Getters Kit
Skincare but make it extra. That’s why I love this particular TULA kit. It features the iconic face cleanser and a couple of hydrogel sheet masks to maintain the complexion plump and radiant during frustrating yo-yo-like temperature changes. The other extras add glow and luminosity — both are about to become your holiday staples. Everybody needs the lightly tinted face filter primer and glow & get it cooling eye balm in rose gold which delivers an instantly brightening effect. It’s skincare but also makeover in a bag. $68 at tula.com but if you use code OMGBART it shaves extra 20% off any order
Glamglow The Complete Set
This nine-piece set of paint-like tubes is all a Glamoholic needs this holiday seasons. I’d get this adorable assortment for the fun artwork and travel-friendly packaging alone. It helps that it includes the brand’s OG Youthmud, which is straight up magic when I need a quick fix — like prepping my face before going out on New Year’s Eve. I plan to recover the morning after with a heavy-handed application of Thirstymud. The $89 price also just dropped to $71 over at sephora.com so…
