Beauty gifts were once failsafe stocking fillers (see: Sanctuary Spa gift sets — helping forgetful sons appease their mums since the dawn of time). But with the era of the armchair beauty expert upon us, a bunch of Cath Kidston hand creams will no longer cut it. According to consumer analytics group Kantar, post-pandemic we’re wearing less make-up than ever but spending more on high-end brands to guarantee results. Thankfully, we’ve lined up everything the hard-to-please could need this Christmas.
For the picky, perhaps a little more thought is required. Thankfully, we’ve done the thinking for you. Here’s everything those hard to please beauty addicts need this Christmas.
ISAMAYA Wildstar Pressed Pigment Palette
Revered international makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench has been dolling up the likes of Kendall Jenner and Bjork in editorials for years, and in 2022 she finally launched her own line of products. Her first collection was inspired by the kink scene, but don’t worry, her second drop is cowboy themed - so a little more appropriate for gifting. The eyeshadow products are highly pigmented (and highly sought after), so get this for a lover of statement eye looks.
£85, Isamaya.com
Gisou Honey Facial Oil
You might have seen Gisou’s glistening branding all over Instagram and thought it was all packaging, no product, like everyone who hopped on the Glossier hype back in 2016, but this facial oil is more than just a pretty face - it’s Allure’s award winning facial oil for 2022 and apparently leaves you with that perfect dewy finish.
£46, gisou.com
NARS Light Reflecting Foundation
Speaking of looking dewy: Since minimal has become the new thing, it makes sense that NARS’ “reflective” lightweight foundation is one of the most talked about base makeup products this year. Not only does it cover and correct your skin tone, its ingredients also improve your skin quality as you wear it. Sign us up!
£39, narscosmetics.co.uk
Soie Malaquais Perfume by Dries Van Noten
The Belgian designer’s pivot into the beauty and fragrance world this year has already garnered the approval of Vogue beauty editors and been hailed as “the chicest beauty brand in existence” by beauty writers. Each of the perfume bottles look so good you just want to knock ‘em back (don’t do that) but people are particularly raving over Soie Malaquais, a chestnut and silk scent with hints of sultry vanilla.
£215, driesvannoten.com
Dizziak Deep Conditioner
This minimalist haircare brand has attracted so much attention in recent years for its paraben-, sulphate-, silicone- and mineral oil-free products that its been garlanded with awards and even recieved support from Miss Dua Lipa, who loves the brand so much she even invested in it earlier this year. Talk about putting your money where your mouth is. Dizziak is most famous for its Deep Conditioner, so if you know someone that loves sleek, sexy hair but hates sulphates, this is one to cop.
£22, dizziak.com
Hyper Skincare AHA mask
Hyper Skin is growing quickly because of its stylish aesthetic, but it’s also winning beauty awards left right and center (Allure, Cosmopolitan, Byrdie, The Beauty Shortlist). This product has three awards on its own, and is considered the best AHA Mask of 2022. Plus, Hyper is a Black-owned business on the up, so it’s very much worth supporting.
£47, revolve.com
Bleach London Proper Copper Dye
The hair colour of the year is undoubtedly and unambiguously copper. Just look at Kendall Jenner, Sydney Sweeney, Emma Chamberlain, Hailey Bieber, Barbie Ferreira, the list goes on. Bleach’s Proper Copper will give you an easy, attainable copper top of your own, and it’s conditioner based so it won’t wreck your hair either.
£6.50, beautybay.com
Fenty Beauty Heat Hot Chocolate Lip Gloss
Awards are great, but word of mouth is everything and the Fenty lined lips of TikTok have been spreading the word about this product since its release. One video of a creator trying it has 10M views on its own, making it one of the most watched beauty videos on the app.
£20, boots.com
Google Pixel SmartWatch
At this point you may be thinking: one of these is not like the others. But the Google Pixel Watch is actually built with wellbeing in mind: it has a FitBit built into it so you can check on your health and keep up with your busy schedule without having to wear two cumbersome smart watches. Plus, there’s six months of FitBit premium thrown in for free, and three months of YouTube premium as a little treat.
£339, store.google.com
Diorshow On Stage Liner
With Euphoria being undoubtedly one of the biggest beauty influences of the past two years, this Vogue-approved liner is the key to recreating some of the boldest looks from the series. Get it for a friend that loves their liquid eyeliner but hasn’t yet branched out to different colours - they’ll be feeling all Alexa Demie in no time.
£29, dior.com
Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Voile Lipstick
Gucci’s best selling lipstick is one of the most popular shades of the year, essentially becoming the 2022 version of Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillowtalk. For a family member that knows their brands but wears very little makeup, this lipstick is all they’ll need to feel flawless this festive season - it’s relatively lightweight, not too matte and can also be used on the cheeks if needed. A real all rounder.
£36, selfridges.com
