Shopping for the holidays can be a bit overwhelming. But shopping for the holidays can also be fun. Now is a perfect time to explore the world of beauty, hair and skincare (plus a little extra) because every company has so thoughtfully put together holiday gift sets of their favorite products. You really can’t lose. The gift guide below is just a small sampling of what’s available for your pleasure. So, whether you are buying for a loved one or for yourself, stock up and have fun.
STOCKING STUFFERS
Avon and Burt’s Bees has you covered here. From Wrapped in Velvet Eye shadow Palette ($10.00, the perfect palette to keep in your handbag during the holiday season) to Nail Art Design Strips ($10.00, Holiday cheer for your nails) to Holly Jolly Mini Hand Creams ($0.99), Lip Balm ($0.99) and Bubble Delight Bubble Bath Minis ($0.99), everyone’s stocking will be filled with fun gifts this season. All are available at www.avon.com or through your Avon representative.
The Beeswax Bounty Gift Set ($9.99) from Burt’s Bees contains four of the extremely popular Burt’s Bees lips balms and a Bonus Woven Paper Change Purse. The change purse will hold all of your essentials – credit card, ID, and of course, a Burt’s Bees lip balm. The set comes in 2 variations: Classic, with four Beeswax Lip Balms or an Assorted Mix, with Beeswax Lip Balm with Vitamin E & Peppermint, Rejuvenating Lip Balm with Acai Berry, Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil and Nourishing Lip Balm with Mango Butter.
The Tint ‘n Shine ($9.99) Gift Set contains coordinating shades of Tinted Lip Balm and the new Lip Shine! The set comes in two variations: Pink, with Tinted Lip Balm in Hibiscus and Lip Shine in Blush and Red, with Tinted Lip Balm in Red Dahlia and Lip Shine in Smooch.
Last but not least, the Party Lips Gift Set will keep you looking gorgeous at any holiday or New Year’s Eve party. Each set contains two shades of the brand new Burt’s Bees Lip Glosses; the two variations are Pink, including Ocean Sunrise & Spring Splendor and Neutral, including Autumn Haze & Sweet Sunset. These lip glosses contain ingredients that will not only deliver rich color with high impact shine, but also enriches your lips with nourishing oils. Burt’s Bees are available at drug stores and other retail outlets and at Burt’s Bees website.
RESTING IN THE LAP OF LUXURY WITH HASTENS
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Hästens is so much more than just about mattresses and oh-so-soft blankets and pillows these days. Hästens Down Slipper Boots ($80, Hästens Stores nationwide; www.hastens.com) The ultimate cozy treat for your feet for the upcoming cold winter nights, these 100% cotton boots are filled with a blend of 75% white down and 25% sea bird feathers, and feature a ribbon in the Hästens’ signature blue check pattern. This, dear friends, is what true luxury is all about.
Hästens Bathrobe ($450, Hästens Stores nationwide www.hastens.com) Envelop yourself in a robe fit for royalty with this double cut, terry cloth bathrobe. Made of the most premium quality cotton, it features Hästens blue check design as well.
Hästens Blue Check Pyjamas ($140, Hästens Stores nationwide; www.hastens.com) Drift off to sleep dressed in the most comfortable pajama set you’ll ever wear. Featuring the chic Hästens blue check pattern, this set includes a long sleeved top and matching pants, both made of supple, soft cotton.
FOR HER
L’Occitane Hand Cream Bouquet ($54, www.usa.loccitane.com) – Tis the season to give back. Return the love you get year round with the gift of nourishing hand creams in L’OCCITANE’s most beloved scents. This soothing set features hand cream in various mouth-watering scents: Cherry Blossom, Almond Delicious Hands, Rose 4 Reines, Shea, Pivoine and Lavender.
LE COUVENT DES MINIMES Eau des Minimes Trio ($48.50): Discover the citrusy freshness of the Botanical Cologne of the Minims Fragrance. Thanks to an original recipe combining three refreshing Citrus Fruits and seven beneficial plants the Botanical Cologne of the Minims invigorates and leaves a refreshing fragrance. This gift set includes Eau des Minimes Fragrance, Eau des Minimes Soap Bar and luxurious Eau des Minimes Shower Gel. www.usa.lecouventdesminimes.com
L’Occitane La Collection de Grasse Traveler’s Set ($35 www.usa.loccitane.com) Developed by L’OCCITANE’s private perfumer Karine Dubreuil, this exclusive fragrance collection unites the most precious essential oils from Grasse and rare ingredients from around the world to create scents as unique as the special women in your life. Set includes mini Eau de Toilette’s of Jasmin & Bergamote, Magnolia & Mure, Vanille & Narcisse and The Vert & Bigarade.
LE COUVENT DES MINIMES Rose Skincare Trio ($52.50): Indulge in the beneficial softness of 4 Roses to moisturize, boost radiance, and preserve a youthful complexion. This elegant gift set includes Gentle Cleansing Milk to delicately purify skin, 3-in-1 Micellar Water, a multi-purpose cleanser, toner, and make-up remover, plus the Complete Moisturizing Cream to intensely hydrate and leave a hint of fresh rose scent. www.usa.lecouventdesminimes.com
LUSH Winter Garden Gift Set ($37.95, LUSH stores and www.LUSH.com) This bauble-shaped gift is an elegant addition to anyone’s Christmas tree, but is an especially decadent option for your favorite female. Along with softening Snowcake soap and solid hand serum, this gift also contains the line’s most luxurious rose-scented shower gel and body conditioner.
LE COUVENT DES MINIMES Energizing Verbena Trio ($38.50): These energizing offerings combine invigorating Verbena with refreshing Lemon for a formula that pays tribute to the ardent work of the inhabitants who brought the convent of Mane to life. This revitalizing gift set includes Gardener’s Hand Healer Cream, Energizing Shower Gel in Verbena & Lemon Fragrance, plus Verbena & Lemon Revitalizing Body Lotion. www.usa.lecouventdesminimes.com
Sensai ULTIMATE Holiday Gift Set ($740, http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/, http://www.neimanmarcus.com/) Allow your loved one to take on the luster and refinement of premium silk. Sensai’s unmatched product line, ULTIMATE, is truly the ULTIMATE gift for any beauty connoisseur. Included is a Full-Size Ultimate Cream, Travel-Size Ultimate Lotion and Travel-Size Ultimate Emulsion.
LUSH Fab Christmas ($139.95, LUSH Stores and www.LUSH.com) A fabulous hatbox filled with pampering products to condition, polish and moisturize your special someone into a state of perfection. Sexy jasmine and rose scents abound in this gift and the sparkly pink and gold wrap is simply diva-licious!
Exotic Jasmine by Halle Berry 3-Piece Gift Set ($21.99, Available at mass retailers and drugstores nationwide). Give your special girl this exotic blend of intoxicating jasmine, inspired by the luminous Halle Berry. Set includes a 1.0 fl. oz. EDP, 2.5 fl. oz. Shower Gel and a 2.5 fl. oz. Body Lotion.
Katy Perry Killer Queen ($64.00, Macys and www.macys.com) Killer Queen by Katy Perry is an intoxicating and charmingly playful floriental fragrance with luscious notes fit for royalty. This regal holiday gift set includes a 3.4oz Eau de Parfum, a 2.5oz Royal Body Lotion, a 2.5oz Royal Shower Gel, and a 0.5oz Eau de Parfum.
Avon Passion Eau de Parfum ($35.00) – Unleash your inner passion with this sophisticated yet feminine scent.
Sensai Cellular Performance Holiday Gift Set ($130 http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/ and http://www.neimanmarcus.com/) Give her Sensai’s classic skincare line. Included is a Full-Size Cellular Performance Cream, Travel-Size Prime Solution and a Travel-Size Lip Treatment. Ideal for the exotic traveler, this series will comfort and hydrate your skin in any climate.
We all have that special woman in our lives who deserves only the best. For the holidays, give her the Osmotics Spa Connoisseur Collection ($85, www.HenriBendel.com). The gorgeous gift box is filled with luxuriously fragrant and soothing products, perfect for relaxing and feeling pampered. The set includes:
– MOISTURE LOCK Body Wash (4 OZ) – Treat her skin to the ultimate bathing experience! This sulfate free, moisturizing formula is perfect for all skin types and contains aloe vera, glycerin and soothing botanicals to gently cleanse and hydrate leaving skin silky smooth and soft.
– SUGAR SCRUB Body Polish (5 OZ) – This fragrant concoction of natural sugar, exotic oils and skin pampering vitamins polishes to perfection, leaving even the driest skin, soft and silky smooth – perfect for relieving the skin from the effects of the dry winter air!
– MOISTURE REPAIR Body Shimmer (4 OZ) – Enjoy glowing, smooth, beautiful skin with our luxurious body treatment. A combination of naturally fragrant oils, antioxidant vitamins and soothing botanicals moisturize, repair, and protect skin. A hint of shimmer erases imperfections and enhances skin tone to reveal a healthy, radiant glow. The Osmotics Spa Connoisseur Collection is available at www.HenriBendel.com.
Avon’s has beautiful palettes this year for the beauty junkie in your life. She can create dozens of looks and they’re perfect to take on the go.
Mega Mix ‘N Go Palette (29.99) – This portable mini case has a mirror that slides out from the main palette to make sure your look is top notch for the festivities.
Gilded Treasures Makeup Set ($39.99) – Blush, eye shadows, lip gloss and more, this makeup set has it all. Plus, it’s a great new accessory for your bathroom vanity.
Pretty In Neutrals Palette ($22.50) – For the trendsetter in your life. This palette has all the classic colors to make for a show stopping look. All are available at www.avon.com or through your Avon representative.
UNISEX
L’Occitane Shea Embrace ($68, www.usa.loccitane.com) Since the 1980’s L’OCCITANE has created sustainable, fair trade partnerships with the Shea-producing women of Burkina Faso. For a gift that gives back, choose this luxurious body care set, infused with protective and nourishing Shea. The kit includes Shea Hand Cream, Shea Foot Cream, Shea Body Cream, Shea Soap Milk, and Shea Ultra Rich Shower Cream.
LE COUVENT DES MINIMES Hand Cream Trio ($19.50): This essential gift sets includes the brand’s most well loved hand creams, including a Honey and Shea infused Nourishing Hand Cream, Lavender and Acacia Extract Soothing Night Hand Cream, and the award winning, best-selling Gardener’s Hand Healer with Shea Butter and 7 beneficial plants. www.usa.lecouventdesminimes.com
For those prone to dry, winter skin, the Bee Keeper’s Winter Care Kit ($14.99) from Burt’s Bees is ideal. Containing the Richly Replenishing Cocoa & Cupuaçu Butters Body Lotion, Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Cream, and Ultra Conditioning Lip Balm with Kokum Butter, the kit is ideal for anyone spending any amount of time outside in the cold!
Lavanila Mini Deo Trio ($22, http://www.lavanila.com) Stay fresh through the holidays with Lavanila’s mini 100% natural deodorants. As always, these good-for-you deodorants contain no aluminum or any harsh chemicals. Lavanila’s aromatic deodorants soothe, condition, and nourish the skin while effectively blocking odor. The gift set trio comes with Pure Vanilla, sparkling Vanilla Grapefruit, and Vanilla Coconut, so you can choose your favorite scent and take it on the go.
LE COUVENT DES MINIMES Soap Quatro ($22.50): Perfect for all skin types, these pure, vegetable based soaps gently cleanse without drying and leave a graceful scent. This chic collection includes an Eau des Missions Vanilla Fragrance Soap Bar featuring Vanilla, Benzoin, and Virginia Cedar to enhance well-being; an Eau Amiable Fragrance Soap Bar bursting with sweet Orange Blossom essence; and two Eau Des Minimes Fragranced Soap Bars featuring the brand’s revitalizing blend of Lemon, Blood Orange, and Grapefruit. www.usa.lecouventdesminimes.com
LE COUVENT DES MINIMES Gardener’s Hand Healer Trio ($37.00): Whether you’re tending a garden or navigating modern life, these rich hand care recipes restore overworked hands to their softest, healthiest state with a traditional blend of reparative botanicals. This repairing kit includes the ultra-nourishing Gardener’s Hand Healer Cream, a travel sized Gardener’s Hand Cream to take on the go, and the gentle Exfoliating Cleanser to prep hands to receive moisture. www.usa.lecouventdesminimes.com
Lavanila Holiday Tree-O ($39, http://www.lavanila.com) This fragrance set is the gift that keeps giving. Three of Lavanila’s top scents are offered with a ready-to-plant live tree seedling. Included is Lavanila’s Pure Vanilla, Vanilla Grapefruit, and Vanilla Coconut ultra convenient Roller-Balls, all wrapped up in a merry jute bag.
GIFT FOR THE BUSINESS TRAVELLER
Hästens Travel Pillow ($110, Hästens Stores nationwide; for more information, visit: www.hastens.com) With 100% duck down this travel pillow is the perfect accessory to guarantee a little beauty rest while you’re travelling during the holidays – whether by air, train, or automobile. Is it worth $110? No, It’s worth so much more. This pillow has several smart design features that make it great gift for multitasking, harried business travelers. First and formost, it has a small strap on the side which means you can attach it on your suitcase or backpack, Looking to get around the weight requirements for your suitcase, you can stuff your key toiletry essentials, key makeup pieces, a bottle of water, pretty much any small object inside with the rugged blue check fabric out. The pillow also unfolds, meaning it transforms from normal, airplane-sized travel pillow to almost-regular-bedroom-sized pillow. Then when you have settled in to your seat for your long trip reverse the pillow to expose the soft cotton and down interior. Comes in three colors. Throw in the unbelieveably soft Alpaca throw/blanket (100% baby alpaca wool. Plain weave available in oatmeal, ink and charcoal. Cable knit weave available in birch and nutmeg) and he or she will be in the lap of luxury.
FOR HIM
Nautica Voyage 4-Piece Gift Set ($65.00, Macys and www.macys.com) With Nautica Voyage, your special guy will love the crisp and intoxicating scent of the latest extension of the Nautica men’s fragrance line. As a longtime Nautica fan, I endorse this one as my 2013 Holiday Favorite. Gift set includes 3.4 fl. oz. Eau de Toilette Spray, a 2.5 fl. oz. Aftershave Balm, a 2.5 fl. oz. Shower Gel and 1.0 fl. oz Eau de Toilette Spray.
LUSH Dirty Gift Set ($44.95, LUSH Stores and www.LUSH.com) The minty-fresh Dirty scent is perfect for guys looking for an invigorating blast of spearmint and menthol. This gift has him covered from tooth-to-toe with refreshing toothy tabs, shower gel and deodorizing body spray.
Stetson Deluxe Set ($21.99, Available at mass retailers and drugstores nationwide) Stetson’s collector’s edition set includes 3 cologne decanters – Stetson Original, Stetson Fresh and Stetson Rich Suede – in a special cigar-box style gift box.
L’OCCITANE Star Gift ($78, www.usa.loccita