Beauty Gifts That Are Bad to Give For the Holidays
10 Gifts You Should Probably Think Twice About Before Giving
Most gift givers have nothing but good intentions in mind when choosing gifts for their loved ones. Unfortunately, and mainly due to their inherent nature, some gifts can come off as unintentionally insulting. Here are 10 beauty items you might want to think twice about — or put on your list for the ultimate passive-aggressive frenemy gift.
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- The cause for concern: Don't get me wrong — Bliss is great, but perhaps you'd be sending the wrong message to Aunt Norma by giving the brand's Anti-jiggle Duo kit ($60), which includes the Love Handler and Fat Girl Slim.
- What to give instead: Bliss's blood orange-scented spa collection, which has an invigorating scent minus the cellulite commentary.
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- The cause for concern: A little exercise never hurt anybody, right? Uh, think again. Presenting someone with a Neckline Slimmer ($20) "exercise" tool is probably never a great idea.
- What to give instead: A gift certificate for a tension-relieving deep tissue massage.
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- The cause for concern: Unless you're very close to someone and they've specifically requested it, giving a facial trimmer ($16) could result in the said product being chucked at your face.
- What to give instead: Go for the less offensive Venus Spa Breeze holiday pack ($9).
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- The cause for concern: With something like Peter Thomas Roth's Un-Wrinkle Kit ($68), you might see it as a high-end set that will give them gorgeous skin. Meanwhile, they assume you see them as the Cryptkeeper.
- What to give instead: The brand's travel-size pack of Lashes To Die For and Brows To Die For.
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- The cause for concern: Nothing screams, "Your hair looks fried, my friend," quite like the gift of a Split-Ender Maxi Kit ($60).
- What to give instead: A nice microfiber turban ($11), packaged up with a bottle of your favorite conditioner, will enable your friend to have a hair-enhancing spa treatment at home.
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- The cause for concern: So we've all indulged in a few too many glasses of red wine or coffee every now and then and have the stains to prove it. While this Go Discover Teeth Whitening Discovery Kit ($59) does the job right, it's not so nice to point out yellowing teeth to a loved one.
- What to give instead: Keep the GoSmile for yourself. Meanwhile, this Estée Lauder lipstick sampler ($37) is a good option for showing off a great smile.
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- The cause for concern: If the recipient of a gift such as Lucky Tiger Premium Soap for Acne and Blemishes ($18) does indeed have acne, I'm sure they don't need your smug face pointing it out.
- What to gift instead: A classic gift set of hand and body soaps, such as this Deluxe Soap Trio Gift Set ($30) from Voluspa, is a more suitable choice.
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- The cause for concern: We all have our skin issues, and that's why Viatek DermaBrite Deluxe 4-in-1 Facial Therapy ($200) seems like a cool gift idea (it uses light therapy, after all). But a gadget-loving friend might think you're pointing out uneven skin tone, acne, and lines.
- What to give instead: Almost everyone loves a Clarisonic ($149).
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- The cause for concern: Butt Lift in a Box ($99). Need I say more?
- What to give instead: Sephora's Beauty in a Box series (prices vary) has a much nicer ring about it. Besides, everybody loves new makeup.
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- The cause for concern: So you're telling your loved one they've been extra naughty this year with a lump of coal glycerin soap ($6)? Shame on you.
- What to give instead: OK, so this one's actually not that bad, especially if the giftee has a sense of humor. But if you really want to make a play on words, a luxe kohl eyeliner kit, like Laura Mercier's Mini Kohl Eye Pencil Set ($32), should suit your friend just fine.