MAKEUP
I've been a huge fan of Laura Geller for the longest time! I'm so glad that her products are readily available now here in the UK, because for the longest time they were hard to track down. If you're looking for the makeup gift that does it all this year, I highly recommend the Laura Geller Perfectly Pink Collection* (exclusive to Debenhams, £45 here). The pretty box is packed full with SIX items of gorgeous Laura Geller makeup, from mascara, to blusher, to lipstick and even a brush to apply it all!
If there's a brand that screams beautiful makeup, it has to be new CID Cosmetics! I absolutely love the packaging, which is perfect for the gifting season and I spend many a hour swooning over their collections. The gift that caught my eye this year is the The Baked Collection (£25 here). The gift includes both the i - bronze and the i - glow baked powders, with a Small Powder Brush all in a pretty box.
The bareMinerals collection for Christmas this year is phenomenal! You can tell that the brand has given the whole range a lot of thought. I love it all from the packaging with the gold detailing, to the products inside the beautiful boxes. The one I personally couldn't resist buying is 'The Regal Wardrobe' (£35 here). The Regal Wardrobe is an elegant palette, featuring eight eyeshadows, two blushers, a bronzer and an Luminizer. I also particularly love the Pop of Passion™ Lip Oil-Balm Trio (£25 here). In the box you get three colours of the Pop of Passion lip balms, they are enriched with passion fruit seed oil to soften and moisturise, but they have a lightweight texture. These lip balms have been getting rave reviews on the bloggersphere, so I honestly think they'd make a great gift.
I had a hard job just picking one of the Clinique makeup sets, this year I think the selection is really good! All the sets have a fantastic selection of products and they offer a huge discount off the normal retail price. After much deliberation, I picked up the Skinny Meets Chubby Set (£28 here), it actually took me ages to find somewhere where it was actually in stock! Inside the pretty purple box you get three mini Chubby Stick Shadow Tints, PLUS three Clinique Skinny Stick eyeliners, which just makes a heavenly collection of eye products.
NAILS
The Leighton Denny Dazzle Duo* (£17 here), which includes two full sized polishes. Leighton Denny actually say that this set is a 'match made under the mistletoe' and I can see why. The first shade in the box is 'Where's My Limo' (a stunning neutral grey) which is a limited edition shade from the New Hollywood collection. The second shade is 'Sub-Zero Attitude' which is a blue and silver glitter shade, perfect for Christmas parties. Both colours look great on their own, or you can pair them together to create the perfect frosted look.
The Nail Selection Box by AVON* would be a great gift if you're exchanging presents early, as the Nail Selection Box can also double up as a 12 door Advent Calendar! Inside the box, which is designed as a house and finished with a pink colour scheme, you get a variety of nail goodies. There are 12 bottles of nail polish, which are all 10ml each, so they are a generous size. There are three shades of the Nailwear Pro+ formula, six shades from their Gel Finish Nail Enamel formula, two different top coats and a one of their Fringe Effect polishes.
Mavala's Christmas gifts are always popular with beauty fans! The Cracking Duo sets come in six different colour variations. Each contain a duo of two complementary colour polishes, so all you have to do is untwist the lid and get painting! This Cracking Duo in Deep Pink* (£9 here) includes the famous 'Ruby' shade and Velvet Prune which is a beautiful purple shade.
This next gift is from Red Carpet Manicure and it's officially called the Gel Polish Pro Kit* (£89 here). Inside you get everything you need to do a gel manicure from the comfort of your dining table. The whole kit comes in a gorgeous black patent bag and inside you have a whole host of goodies. You get the LED lamp which has been decorated in a gold finish for the Christmas season and you even get 'Good As Gold' which is a sparkly gold nail polish, so you're all set for your nails to rock at the New Years Eve party.
SKINCARE
Merumaya has quickly become one of my favourite brands! Since trying the Mud Marvels Mask I've been hooked! If you're looking for a skincare gift, I love the look of their Spa Night In gift set (£39 here). The set gives you everything you need for a pampering night in, so it's perfect for the girl who needs to take some time to relax. Inside the set you get the Mud Marvels Mask and the Everything Everywhere Beauty Oil, the set even gives you a 15% saving on the retail price.
I love the First Aid Beauty FAB 'Faves to Go' Kit (£22 here) as it's perfect for all skin types and it gives you 'everything you need to achieve clear and radiant skin'. The kit has the FAB Face Cleanser, the FAB Facial Radiance Pads and the FAB Ultra Repair Cream, all in handy travel sized bottles.
The GLAMGLOW Glamtastic Facial Set (£49 here) is a must have for any face mask fan! The set contains four GLAMGLOW masks (the Youth Mud Face Mask, Very Gorgeous Super Mud Clearing Treatment, Thirsty Mud Hydrating Treatment and the Bright Mud Eye Treatment are all in the box) all in travel size bottles.
Over the last year I've been able to try a few things from REN and nothing has disappointed me yet. That's why I think the REN Skincare Set (£23 here) would be a great gift! They use ground-breaking formulations and hi-tech ingredients, to make top-notch skincare. This set gives you an introduction to REN, including Flash Rinse, the Hot Cloth Cleanser, the amazing Glycolatic Mask, the Vita Cream, the KYB Eye Cream AND a cloth. Woah!
BODYCARE & PAMPER
Yardley's gift selection is bursting at the seams this year, so there really is something for everyone, no matter what your budget is. The English Rose Fragrance Collection* (£12 here) incorporates a Deodorising Body Spray, Moisturising Body Wash & Body Lotion and a Nourishing Hand Cream. If you're looking for a stocking filler, the Nourishing Hand Cream Cracker* (£4 here) is fabulous! Inside the cracker you get a single tube of the Nourishing Hand Cream, delicately scented in a Yardley London best-selling scent. If you're looking for a perfume gift, the Yardley London Jade Gift Set* (£19.99 here) might be for you. The set includes an Eau de Toilette, a Body Wash and Body Lotion. The scent is fruity, with notes of peach, bergamot galbanum, rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang, orris, patchouli, sandalwood and moss.
One of my favourite gifts I've seen this year, has to be the House of Roger & Gallet* (£25 here from Escentual). It's a stunning gift set, inspired by the Boutique du Bonheur in Paris. Inside the box is home to Roger & Gallet's iconic fragrances and body treats (including the fleur de Figuer Eau Fraiche, Bois d'Orange Sublime Hand Cream, Fleur d'Osmanthus Shower Gel and the Gingembre Rouge Body Lotion.
This Christmas NIVEA has created some beautiful, special, limited edition NIVEA Creme 75ml Tins* (£1.99 here). They will appeal to everyone, young or old - and they will be a great addition to any Christmas present or stocking this year. Each special tin has been designed by artist Joelle Tourlanias. However, what I love most about these special tins, is that inside the lid, there is a link to an online fairytale, written by children’s author Udo Weigelt. NIVEA hope that the four unique stories will encourage families to spend more time together, reigniting the magic of story time.
I'm a big fan of the Look Fantastic Beauty Box (£15 a box here) all year round, but luckily they've been given a Christmas collectable twist for the gifting season. The black boxes have been swapped out for white boxes, decorated with gold detailing. They really look quite special and that's even before you've wrapped them! If you're feeling really generous, you could actually gift someone a YEAR long subscription (priced at just £11.25 a box) I think they'd be grateful for the excuse to pamper themselves all year long!
This year diptyque has introduced three new candles to light up the holiday season. They all all decorated with attributes of trees, designed by Julien Colombier – a painter. My favourite of the three has to be the Sapin Candle (£28 or £48 here) which aims to remind of our childhood and the beauty of winter. The candle is infused with a hint of mandarin, combined with woody notes.
Connock London is a brand new brand to me, but it has a rich heritage. Set up originally in 1973 Alan and Elizabeth Connock used their 12 years of technical experience to create the brand. The brand has now been taken over by their daughter Amanda, who spent her childhood sampling perfumes and bath salts. The brand has been reimagined with beautiful new packaging and Connock London takes a fresh approach to caring for skin in a naturally beautiful way. The Handbag Heaven Gift Box* (£30 here) is boxed and wrapped beautifully in scented tissue. It contains Connock's Nourishing Hand Cream, Wonder Balm and Kukui Oil Soap, so it gives you a good introduction to the brand.
I feel like I've saved one of the best to last in this category and I'm sharing a product from ESPA. If you're looking for a gift that is indulgent, but still doesn't break the bank, check out 'Little Box of Joy*' (£17 here). Inside an exquisite box, you will find the Restorative Bath Oil, which is infused with a nature's ultimate de-stressors (Sweet Orange, Rose Geranium, Palmarosa and Lavendar). There's also a bottle of the Optimal Body TriSerum, which will leave skin deeply nourished and beautifully radiant. ESPA have a whole range of beautiful Christmas gifts, so whatever you're looking for, you're bound to find something for your budget.
The bareMinerals collection for Christmas this year is phenomenal! You can tell that the brand has given the whole range a lot of thought. I love it all from the packaging with the gold detailing, to the products inside the beautiful boxes. The one I personally couldn't resist buying is 'The Regal Wardrobe' (£35 here). The Regal Wardrobe is an elegant palette, featuring eight eyeshadows, two blushers, a bronzer and an Luminizer. I also particularly love the Pop of Passion™ Lip Oil-Balm Trio (£25 here). In the box you get three colours of the Pop of Passion lip balms, they are enriched with passion fruit seed oil to soften and moisturise, but they have a lightweight texture. These lip balms have been getting rave reviews on the bloggersphere, so I honestly think they'd make a great gift.
I had a hard job just picking one of the Clinique makeup sets, this year I think the selection is really good! All the sets have a fantastic selection of products and they offer a huge discount off the normal retail price. After much deliberation, I picked up the Skinny Meets Chubby Set (£28 here), it actually took me ages to find somewhere where it was actually in stock! Inside the pretty purple box you get three mini Chubby Stick Shadow Tints, PLUS three Clinique Skinny Stick eyeliners, which just makes a heavenly collection of eye products.
NAILS
The Leighton Denny Dazzle Duo* (£17 here), which includes two full sized polishes. Leighton Denny actually say that this set is a 'match made under the mistletoe' and I can see why. The first shade in the box is 'Where's My Limo' (a stunning neutral grey) which is a limited edition shade from the New Hollywood collection. The second shade is 'Sub-Zero Attitude' which is a blue and silver glitter shade, perfect for Christmas parties. Both colours look great on their own, or you can pair them together to create the perfect frosted look.
The Nail Selection Box by AVON* would be a great gift if you're exchanging presents early, as the Nail Selection Box can also double up as a 12 door Advent Calendar! Inside the box, which is designed as a house and finished with a pink colour scheme, you get a variety of nail goodies. There are 12 bottles of nail polish, which are all 10ml each, so they are a generous size. There are three shades of the Nailwear Pro+ formula, six shades from their Gel Finish Nail Enamel formula, two different top coats and a one of their Fringe Effect polishes.
Mavala's Christmas gifts are always popular with beauty fans! The Cracking Duo sets come in six different colour variations. Each contain a duo of two complementary colour polishes, so all you have to do is untwist the lid and get painting! This Cracking Duo in Deep Pink* (£9 here) includes the famous 'Ruby' shade and Velvet Prune which is a beautiful purple shade.
This next gift is from Red Carpet Manicure and it's officially called the Gel Polish Pro Kit* (£89 here). Inside you get everything you need to do a gel manicure from the comfort of your dining table. The whole kit comes in a gorgeous black patent bag and inside you have a whole host of goodies. You get the LED lamp which has been decorated in a gold finish for the Christmas season and you even get 'Good As Gold' which is a sparkly gold nail polish, so you're all set for your nails to rock at the New Years Eve party.
SKINCARE
Merumaya has quickly become one of my favourite brands! Since trying the Mud Marvels Mask I've been hooked! If you're looking for a skincare gift, I love the look of their Spa Night In gift set (£39 here). The set gives you everything you need for a pampering night in, so it's perfect for the girl who needs to take some time to relax. Inside the set you get the Mud Marvels Mask and the Everything Everywhere Beauty Oil, the set even gives you a 15% saving on the retail price.
I love the First Aid Beauty FAB 'Faves to Go' Kit (£22 here) as it's perfect for all skin types and it gives you 'everything you need to achieve clear and radiant skin'. The kit has the FAB Face Cleanser, the FAB Facial Radiance Pads and the FAB Ultra Repair Cream, all in handy travel sized bottles.
The GLAMGLOW Glamtastic Facial Set (£49 here) is a must have for any face mask fan! The set contains four GLAMGLOW masks (the Youth Mud Face Mask, Very Gorgeous Super Mud Clearing Treatment, Thirsty Mud Hydrating Treatment and the Bright Mud Eye Treatment are all in the box) all in travel size bottles.
Over the last year I've been able to try a few things from REN and nothing has disappointed me yet. That's why I think the REN Skincare Set (£23 here) would be a great gift! They use ground-breaking formulations and hi-tech ingredients, to make top-notch skincare. This set gives you an introduction to REN, including Flash Rinse, the Hot Cloth Cleanser, the amazing Glycolatic Mask, the Vita Cream, the KYB Eye Cream AND a cloth. Woah!
BODYCARE & PAMPER
Yardley's gift selection is bursting at the seams this year, so there really is something for everyone, no matter what your budget is. The English Rose Fragrance Collection* (£12 here) incorporates a Deodorising Body Spray, Moisturising Body Wash & Body Lotion and a Nourishing Hand Cream. If you're looking for a stocking filler, the Nourishing Hand Cream Cracker* (£4 here) is fabulous! Inside the cracker you get a single tube of the Nourishing Hand Cream, delicately scented in a Yardley London best-selling scent. If you're looking for a perfume gift, the Yardley London Jade Gift Set* (£19.99 here) might be for you. The set includes an Eau de Toilette, a Body Wash and Body Lotion. The scent is fruity, with notes of peach, bergamot galbanum, rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang, orris, patchouli, sandalwood and moss.
One of my favourite gifts I've seen this year, has to be the House of Roger & Gallet* (£25 here from Escentual). It's a stunning gift set, inspired by the Boutique du Bonheur in Paris. Inside the box is home to Roger & Gallet's iconic fragrances and body treats (including the fleur de Figuer Eau Fraiche, Bois d'Orange Sublime Hand Cream, Fleur d'Osmanthus Shower Gel and the Gingembre Rouge Body Lotion.
This Christmas NIVEA has created some beautiful, special, limited edition NIVEA Creme 75ml Tins* (£1.99 here). They will appeal to everyone, young or old - and they will be a great addition to any Christmas present or stocking this year. Each special tin has been designed by artist Joelle Tourlanias. However, what I love most about these special tins, is that inside the lid, there is a link to an online fairytale, written by children’s author Udo Weigelt. NIVEA hope that the four unique stories will encourage families to spend more time together, reigniting the magic of story time.
I'm a big fan of the Look Fantastic Beauty Box (£15 a box here) all year round, but luckily they've been given a Christmas collectable twist for the gifting season. The black boxes have been swapped out for white boxes, decorated with gold detailing. They really look quite special and that's even before you've wrapped them! If you're feeling really generous, you could actually gift someone a YEAR long subscription (priced at just £11.25 a box) I think they'd be grateful for the excuse to pamper themselves all year long!
Connock London is a brand new brand to me, but it has a rich heritage. Set up originally in 1973 Alan and Elizabeth Connock used their 12 years of technical experience to create the brand. The brand has now been taken over by their daughter Amanda, who spent her childhood sampling perfumes and bath salts. The brand has been reimagined with beautiful new packaging and Connock London takes a fresh approach to caring for skin in a naturally beautiful way. The Handbag Heaven Gift Box* (£30 here) is boxed and wrapped beautifully in scented tissue. It contains Connock's Nourishing Hand Cream, Wonder Balm and Kukui Oil Soap, so it gives you a good introduction to the brand.
I feel like I've saved one of the best to last in this category and I'm sharing a product from ESPA. If you're looking for a gift that is indulgent, but still doesn't break the bank, check out 'Little Box of Joy*' (£17 here). Inside an exquisite box, you will find the Restorative Bath Oil, which is infused with a nature's ultimate de-stressors (Sweet Orange, Rose Geranium, Palmarosa and Lavendar). There's also a bottle of the Optimal Body TriSerum, which will leave skin deeply nourished and beautifully radiant. ESPA have a whole range of beautiful Christmas gifts, so whatever you're looking for, you're bound to find something for your budget.
HAIRCARE
My top pick for haircare this year is this set from TIGI, because it looks like a really substantial gift, but it's actually budget friendly. I'm a huge fan of the Big Head Volume range from TIGI, so I'm pretty excited about the Big Shot Gift Set (RRP £20.95, but only £12.55 here). Inside the stunning purple packaging, you will find the "perfect duo for volume and shine". The contents include a bottle of the Superstar Queen For A Day spray, plus the Blow Out Shine Creme.
The Honey & Oat range from label.m has been getting some pretty rave reviews on the bloggersphere, so I love the look of the Honey & Oat Trio Gift Set (£31 here). It's a special set designed by fashion designer Giles Deacon. Inside the box you get the Honey & Oat Shampoo and Conditioner plus the new label.m Honey & Oat Mask.
I'm a huge fan of Bumble & Bumble and several of their products make up my daily hair routine. So I thought it was only right that I include something from the brand. I personally use the range for curly hair, but the Full Of Cheer gift set (£22 here) is a set that will suit almost all hair types. Inside the box you get everything you need to create bold holiday styles (a travel-size Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner, plus the Thickening Dryspun Finish).
My top pick for haircare this year is this set from TIGI, because it looks like a really substantial gift, but it's actually budget friendly. I'm a huge fan of the Big Head Volume range from TIGI, so I'm pretty excited about the Big Shot Gift Set (RRP £20.95, but only £12.55 here). Inside the stunning purple packaging, you will find the "perfect duo for volume and shine". The contents include a bottle of the Superstar Queen For A Day spray, plus the Blow Out Shine Creme.
The Honey & Oat range from label.m has been getting some pretty rave reviews on the bloggersphere, so I love the look of the Honey & Oat Trio Gift Set (£31 here). It's a special set designed by fashion designer Giles Deacon. Inside the box you get the Honey & Oat Shampoo and Conditioner plus the new label.m Honey & Oat Mask.
I'm a huge fan of Bumble & Bumble and several of their products make up my daily hair routine. So I thought it was only right that I include something from the brand. I personally use the range for curly hair, but the Full Of Cheer gift set (£22 here) is a set that will suit almost all hair types. Inside the box you get everything you need to create bold holiday styles (a travel-size Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner, plus the Thickening Dryspun Finish).
LIFESTYLE
Mugs tend to be my “go to” gift when I have no idea what to buy. I use them a lot for Secret Santa as I feel like no matter you’re interest everyone needs a nice mug. This year my favourite mug that caught my eye, is the 'Queen of Awesomeness*' mug by Happy Jackson (£7.99 here). A friend of mine got me a similar mug to this a few years and it just makes me smile every time I spot it in the cupboard. So I’m almost certain that this mug will be a winner with whoever you buy it for! I love that it’s not specific, so it’s just a good “one size fits all” gift!
I had to include a Selfie Stick (£7.99 here) in my gift line up this year, I think it’s something that can lighten the mood at any Christmas party or get together. This one is pink, but you can get them in lots of different colours. Pair this with some props and you’ve got yourself a very quick Photo Booth without breaking the bank.
You can never beat something sparkly for Christmas and one of my favourite items this year, are these Bow Stud Rose Gold Earrings from Beaverbrooks (£29 here). They are an item that will add a touch of glamour to any outfit and a must have for any ladies jewellery box. Also on the jewellery theme, I had to include a necklace. In the picture above, I’ve included the stunning ‘Starry Nights’ necklace from London Road Jewellery. I love these very simple items of jewellery, as it’s something that most people will love and you can wear them with any outfit. I’ve spotted a few really nice pieces on ‘Not On The High Street’ this year, there are tons of jewellery designers out there who can provide something a bit special.
I'm a bit of an Afternoon Tea fan, is there much better than tea, sandwhiches, cake and scones? I don't think so! Why not treat your mum, sister, girlfriend or best friend to Chocoholic Afternoon Tea at the Hilton on Park Lane* (£49 here). It's by far one of the best Afternoon Tea's I've ever been to (and I've been to a lot)! The tea includes open sandwhiches, chocolate scones, chocolate themed cakes and a selection of pastries all served on a chocolate plate. Phew, that's a lot of chocolate! You can wash it down with your choice or tea and coffee, plus you can upgrade your experience to include champagne. I've got a full review about my experience coming in the next few days!
If my last gift selection didn't give it away, I'm a huge tea/coffee fan and I love receiving tea/coffee related gifts on Christmas Day. I particularly LOVE this Glass Jar from Twinings (£25 here), it's filled with Nutty Chocolate Flavour Assam Loose Leaf Pyramids. Perfect for a chocoholic or a tea fan who wants to try something different. If you're not a fan of tea, then maybe hot chocolate is your thing. The Whittards Dotty For Hot Chocolate Hamper (£26 here on the Whittards website) offers amazing hot chocolate and super cute mugs.
I really hope you enjoyed this gift guide, I've spent months selecting the best gifts, so I hope it appeals to everyone and you find a gift for your loved one.
Mugs tend to be my “go to” gift when I have no idea what to buy. I use them a lot for Secret Santa as I feel like no matter you’re interest everyone needs a nice mug. This year my favourite mug that caught my eye, is the 'Queen of Awesomeness*' mug by Happy Jackson (£7.99 here). A friend of mine got me a similar mug to this a few years and it just makes me smile every time I spot it in the cupboard. So I’m almost certain that this mug will be a winner with whoever you buy it for! I love that it’s not specific, so it’s just a good “one size fits all” gift!
I had to include a Selfie Stick (£7.99 here) in my gift line up this year, I think it’s something that can lighten the mood at any Christmas party or get together. This one is pink, but you can get them in lots of different colours. Pair this with some props and you’ve got yourself a very quick Photo Booth without breaking the bank.
This is one for the Stationery Addicts among us! I think most people can make good use out of a notebook or a diary. This year I spotted a beautiful ‘Craft & Gold’ stationery range from BHS (the one pictured is £5 here), which is covered in gold foil details. The notebooks come in a variety of sizes and designs, so there’s lots to choose from. Of course you can always check out Paperchase for more Stationery inspiration, or Kate Spade for something really fancy.
I'm a bit of an Afternoon Tea fan, is there much better than tea, sandwhiches, cake and scones? I don't think so! Why not treat your mum, sister, girlfriend or best friend to Chocoholic Afternoon Tea at the Hilton on Park Lane* (£49 here). It's by far one of the best Afternoon Tea's I've ever been to (and I've been to a lot)! The tea includes open sandwhiches, chocolate scones, chocolate themed cakes and a selection of pastries all served on a chocolate plate. Phew, that's a lot of chocolate! You can wash it down with your choice or tea and coffee, plus you can upgrade your experience to include champagne. I've got a full review about my experience coming in the next few days!
If my last gift selection didn't give it away, I'm a huge tea/coffee fan and I love receiving tea/coffee related gifts on Christmas Day. I particularly LOVE this Glass Jar from Twinings (£25 here), it's filled with Nutty Chocolate Flavour Assam Loose Leaf Pyramids. Perfect for a chocoholic or a tea fan who wants to try something different. If you're not a fan of tea, then maybe hot chocolate is your thing. The Whittards Dotty For Hot Chocolate Hamper (£26 here on the Whittards website) offers amazing hot chocolate and super cute mugs.
I really hope you enjoyed this gift guide, I've spent months selecting the best gifts, so I hope it appeals to everyone and you find a gift for your loved one.
