It’s gift guide time, yay! I love writing these I have to tell you. I look at lots of aspects of gift sets on offer from some of the world’s best known beauty brands. I have some criteria when putting these together which I will outline and you can keep these in mind as you read all of my guides over the month of December.
Number one and quite obvious; value for money. Beauty sets can be pricey and you want to make sure they are worth it. Some contain extra products which on the outside seem great, but will you use them? Secondly, what size of product are in them. Full size is great but more often than not some brands reduce the size to make the price more attractive. Third is presentation. I love beauty sets to look nice and be extra special for Christmas. Most will be some kind of limited edition which is great, but is the packaging practical? And lastly, product variety is a big thing for me.
Benefit generally always live up the festive gift set standard. This year, exclusive to Boots, is this Beauty, Brows and Bestsellers set which is worth €100.50 but priced at €40.
Price: €40, highly recommended
LOVE: Full size Cookie highlighter, Gimme Brow and Mascara all of which are excellent products. Also comes with glittery gift bag.
FOR: The discerning brow lover.
A long standing favourite of mine is Elemis. Not only is their skincare well worth the money (the Pro Collagen Marine Cream is outstanding on my skin), their festive sets never disappoint me. My personal favourite is the travel set for her, not only as it has a leather wash bag, but the range of products in it is better than most. Hero products like the marine cream and foaming facial wash are both included within travel size requirements as well as body products. All you need in one bag.
Price: €84, worth €134. Premium skincare.
LOVE: I am a Pro Collagen fan so any gift set with these is good. Shower cream in the set is 100ml which is excellent since you use lots of it. And the skincare products are 30ml which is a good size for a festive set.
FOR: The skin junkie.
Never one to disappoint we make up fans, Charlotte Tilbury presents a new festive range of sets at lots of price points. The smaller, stocking filler size sets I really like. The mini brush set in a blue velour pouch (€45) is lovely, as well as the Pillow Talk lip kit (€75) and the epic palette Starry Eyes to Hypnotise (€75)
PRICE: Trinkets are under €35, Treats under €75 and Treasures start at €75
LOVE: These are not necessarily gift sets, but thanks to the variety of the smaller size gifts, you could make up one yourself. Very well priced for the quality of the makeup, especially eye palette which will last months.
FOR: Die Hard Make up fans.
Tan lovers, there is a multitude of gift sets to choose from, but my pick is from Vita Liberata. Full size everything in a nice gift set from the buffing to the hydration to the application. Also in this is a box of the organic tan infused cloths, very handy for overnights away over Christmas when a tan top up is needed.
PRICE: €49.99, worth €130
LOVE: Well the fact that you get an entire tan system and a few extras. And you can keep maybe one of the tans themselves for the summer.
FOR: Anyone who likes a bronze glow during the winter months.
And lastly, something small but amazing. NARS make amazing make up, no doubt. When it comes to Christmas they always bring out something limited edition that you know you will want. This year’s theme is Studio 54 so think glitter, dazzling shades and lots and lots of lipstick.
PRICE: Start at €22
LOVE: What is not to love about a lipstick? Lip crayons are great for nights out thanks to their long lasting ability. And the colour range is excellent.
FOR: Anyone who likes a little luxury in a glittery box
