December is an exciting and festive time of year filled with wonderful beauty shopping opportunities. With so many amazing promotions, gift boxes and sales, how do you decide where to start?
When shopping for yourself or the lucky recipients on your list, focus on the seven beauty categories.
1. Skin care
Shopping for skincare is always fun, and with so many amazing brands, it’s hard to decide what to put in your shopping cart. It is much easier to buy for yourself than for others because skin conditions vary so much from person to person.
However, the safe bets when it comes to providing skincare are ancillary products like face masks, scrubs, patches, lip balms, exfoliating pads, and face mists. These products are generally suitable for a wide range of skin types and conditions and are generally not part of an individual’s basic AM/PM routine. This way, your recipient can add these products to their existing product line at their own pace without unbalancing their skin.
2. Body care
When it comes to giving a beauty home run, body care products are definitely the way to go. Most people can benefit from body scrubs, hydrating body butters, foot smoothers, hand lotions and shower gels.
They are perfect for pampering, smoothing and hydrating some of the most neglected areas of the body and come in very handy during the cold, dry winter months. Plus, we all need a little more TLC right now, so you really can’t go wrong. When in doubt, body care products can be bundled in a basket with a spa robe or set of Turkish towels and you’re giving a spa day gift that will keep on giving until the new year.
3. Makeup
Makeup, like skincare, can be a delicate gift to give. Makeup color selections are usually personalized based on the person wearing them. Skin tone and undertones, as well as eye and hair color should all be considered. However, if you have a make-up addict on your list, don’t be discouraged from offering a great gift.
The great thing about the holiday season is the plethora of curated sets on offer. So even if you want to avoid offering foundations and concealers, for example, don’t hesitate to get a selection of lipsticks, lip glosses or eyeliners. And of course bronzers, blushers and highlighters are always a huge hit. Also keep an eye out for some awesome palettes that contain a full makeup option in a handy compact. This will definitely bring a smile to your makeup loving friend or family member!
4. Hair care
Hair care is a wonderful category for gifts because it’s a bit more unexpected but still appreciated. If you have a traveler or gym-goer in your life, these smaller, travel-friendly sizes will be a fantastic gift to receive.
Other ways to buy hair care include hair masks, styling products, heat tools, hair serums, scalp exfoliators, beard oils, and accessories like towels and wraps. Hair care products make wonderful gifts and are sure to be used and enjoyed for many months.
5. Nail care
If you know your recipient loves a good manicure and/or pedicure, be sure to fill their stocking with some fun, colorful nail products. Nail care products and accessories are in demand as many of us do our nails at home instead of going to nail salons etc.
So, in light of that, nail polish, nail polish strips, hand lotions and scrubs, and some awesome files or pumice stones will be a huge hit this holiday season. You can even think of creating a set of nail care products for an at-home manicure/pedicure set. Add flip flops, cotton gloves and bath salts to a decorative sink. Who wouldn’t want that?
6. Perfume
If there’s one thing for sure, all the major perfume brands offer beautiful gift sets this time of year. If you have a loved one who wears a specific perfume then do not hesitate to buy him a box with his favorite perfume, his body lotion and his shower gel for example.
If you are unsure of the preferences of the perfume lover in your life, consider offering them a sample or a discovery box. These sets will normally contain swatches or travel sizes of several scents and are really interactive and fun for the recipient to explore.
Fragrance is a wonderful category to offer this year, especially since many retail outlets have pulled their tester displays. Your gift will delight and help your loved one find their next favorite scent.
7. Tools, devices, accessories
Beauty has certainly gone high-tech and now, with the right tools and accessories, we can take care of our skin very well at home. In light of that, pretty much everyone on your list will be thrilled with a state-of-the-art beauty tool.
Some of my favorites are the silicone cleansing brushes because they help cleanse and replenish the skin deeply. Handheld microcurrent devices are an absolute must for any beauty-loving holiday gift recipient to give their skin a glow and glow. If you have someone on your list who complains of wrinkles or acne, consider donating an LED mask or hand tool at home. These are the types of gifts that keep on giving and will be appreciated for years to come.
Take my advice and shop across all seven beauty categories this holiday season. By keeping these categories in mind, you’re sure to find something for just about everyone on your list. Forget the bottle of wine or the boring fruit cake and explore all the amazing options available in the beauty space now!
