Glam tidings I bring…
Unlike more divisive gifts, such as socks, tea towels or anything with a plug, beauty presents are an easy win. (Relatively) affordable, they combine covetable packaging, delicious scents and the implicit promise of a more gorgeous you. They’ll fire up joy in all but the most curmudgeonly receiver.
Here are some buys that are guaranteed to keep on giving pleasure, long after the wrapping paper has been torn off. So, share this list with your friends and family. Or, better still, treat yourself.
1 Vieve Treasure Tin in Cherub
(€47, vieve.co.uk)
Oh Vieve, you had me at cherubs! This brand has flattering formulations that I keep returning to. Encased in a limited-edition tin are a full-size
Lip Dew and a Sunset Blush. Both flattering and wearable. Available in Pesca and Rosa shades, too.
2
VB Perfume Bottle Necklace
(€280, victoriabeckham.com)
Want! Keep your favourite perfume close to your heart with this gorgeous accessory. Fill the gold-plated brass vessel with your signature scent and reapply throughout the day.
3
Goutal Une Forêt d’Or Limited Edition Scented Candle (€96, escentual.com) Truly exquisite, Goutal’s is this year’s standout candle offering. If self-gifting, buy early for maximum enjoyment and relish the sophisticated pine forest fragrance and cheering glow. A bigger than average size, its seductive red and gold packaging instantly lifts spirits.
4
Jessica Phenomen Oil Intensive Moisturiser (€12.45, lookfantastic.com) A brilliant stocking filler, this dinky
7.4ml travel-size bottle is both transportable and transformative. Perfect for strengthening abused nails after the party season. Can also be used on lips, elbows and knees.
5 La Bonne Brosse N05 Round Brush (€128, labonnebrosse.com)
I know my editor’s eyes will be rolling
at the price, but this brush is an investment. In a throwaway culture, the manufacturer promises it will last a lifetime. Such is the detangling, smoothing power of its boar bristles, I’m back blow-drying my hair. Plus, it’s a thing of beauty.
6 La Montaña Night Star Eau de Parfum (from €25.75, lamontana.co.uk) If you don’t want to smell like everyone else, then this is for you. Produced in small quantities, the rich, velvety fragrance is sexy, chic and feminine: a come-closer blend of sensual (and seasonal) ingredients such as nutmeg, myrrh and mandarin.
7
Oto The Ultimate Balm
(€33.65 otowellbeing.com)
This is therapy in a tube and in the crazy Christmas run-up period I reach for it hourly. Loaded with calming
CBD oil and soothing botanicals, it de-stresses, relieves tension and eases muscle aches. Ultra-nourishing, it’s also a beauty multitasker. Pat on to chapped lips, dab over cuticles and use it to highlight brow and cheekbones. Oh, and did I mention that it smells divine?
8 No7 Limited Edition Lipstick in Infinity (€14, boots.ie)
The nude version of this lipstick was a Boots bestseller last year, so grab this iteration while you can. Beautifully bold, the sparkle-infused colour creates a showstopping look with its flattering, lip-plumping formula. Gold packaging and cult status add to its appeal.
Sparkle-infused colour creates a showstopping look