2021 Beauty Gift Guide
My top three beauty gifts to give and get this holiday season.
It’s gifting season. And while some of us enjoy the hunt for that perfect present, it can also be incredibly stressful once budgets and time constraints are factored in. Despite all our best efforts to plan ahead, this time of year always goes by in a blink thanks to the shorter days and longer checkout lines. And while there is no amount of money you have to spend, it does feel good to treat those you love to something special, whatever form that takes.
Gifts are my love language, so to help make your holiday shopping a little easier, this week’s edition is the first of three MIDDI gift guides. To kick things off, I’m sharing three buys that would make any beauty lover happy, along with some additional gifting suggestions. This is arguably the category I spend the most on year round and I’m sure the skin care, makeup or hair care fan in your life will adore them as well.
Happy gifting!
1. Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm - Supersize (£92)
This luxury cleansing balm from Omorovicza (a Hungarian family brand with a seriously cool history) actually lives up to the number on the price tag. I haven’t found another balm that feels as much like a spa experience as this one, which is made with mineral-rich Hungarian moor mud to dissolve sunscreen, makeup and grime. When massaged into dry skin, it melts into a warm oil to clean out the pores while leaving the skin soft, smooth and hydrated. There is a smaller version available as well for £59. Gift it along with this cleansing mitt to complete the ritual.
2. Charlotte Tilbury Look Of Love Instant Look in a Palette (£55)
My makeup routine has gotten more and more minimal with age, which is why I love a good face palette for busy days at home or away. With everything you need in one place, you can lighten up your luggage and get out the door faster. This one from British makeup icon Charlotte Tilbury is available in two tones, each with a face power, bronzer, blush, highlighter and three eye shadows all housed in a luxe, rose gold case. The final look is glowing, fresh and romantic, gorgeous for day or night. Pair the palette with this brush set and the giftee will be good to go … anywhere.
3. René Furterer KARITÉ Nutri Intense Nourishing Mask ($48)
The right hair mask can help you restore damaged hair after coloring or, as was the case with me, after moving to a new country with very hard water. This mask from legendary French hairdresser René Furterer saved my locks and feels like a salon treatment. It’s made with shea butter and oil, wheat micro-proteins and Cimentrio complex, which is a blend of ceramides, essential fatty acids and phytosterols. Leave it on for just a few minutes and your hair is noticeably improved. I would gift it along with one of these microfiber hair towels to protect the hair while it dries.
Something to think about …
Trust me, it can be a lot of fun to collect beauty products. Whether you always want to try the latest thing or simply can’t leave a hotel room without snagging all of the soaps and mini shampoos, chances are you have more than you need. A great option is to donate them to a homeless shelter to help residents look and feel their best.