Best Beauty Holiday Gifts 2014
18 Gifts Beauty Editors Really Want From Santa This Season
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By now, you've probably seen your share of gift guides — and sometimes that can be daunting. Too many options can lead to indecisiveness. That's why we've broken down what products we, the beauty editors at POPSUGAR, really want to see under our trees and beside our menorahs. Since you can trust that we've seen it all, you know these may just be the best of the best. So keep reading, and you may just discover your perfect present.
Tatcha Kokoro Golden Lip and Mirror Duo
Why use basic balm to soothe chapped lips this season when you can coat them with something luxe, like Tatcha's Kokoro Golden Lip and Mirror Duo ($48)? That's my mind-set for investing in this 24-karat gold-leaf-infused pucker savior. The gorgeous mirror compact will help me apply lipstick on my hydrated lips.
Fleur du Mal x Violet Grey Blush Bombshell Set
If there is one thing I love more than beauty products, it's lingerie. I've been known to blow all my birthday and holiday money on luxurious, lacy undergarments. Finding this Fleur du Mal x Violet Grey Blush Bombshell ($215) duo under the Christmas tree would save me the trouble of cashing the checks, and the coordinating Lipstick Queen lipstick is purely a bonus.
Dolce & Gabbana Beauty Velvet Scented Candle
I'm a candle fiend, and I've learned through the years how to distinguish a good candle from a great one. I'm also keen on Dolce & Gabbana Beauty's Velvet Desire Fragrance; the top notes, which include tuberose, are carnal and intoxicating. That's why I hope to stockpile the fashion house's new Velvet Scented Candle ($95) featuring the fragrance I know and love. This isn't an ordinary illuminator; it's packaged up in a stunning box, the golden glass candle is hidden in a satiny pouch, and monogramming the lid adds a luxe, personal touch.
Amika Glam Deco Titanium Digital Pro Styling System
I am often wary of hot tools because of the damage they can cause, but my hair won't hold a curl unless I use a device on high heat. Amika's hair straightener duo ($135) solves this dilemma with special technology that locks in moisture to protect my sensitive strands. The one-inch-plated iron features a glimmering Gatsby-esque motif that I'd proudly display on my vanity, while the ministraightener is perfect for stashing in my travel kit.
Charlotte Tilbury Filmstars On the Go Palette
Since I first got my hands on products from Charlotte Tilbury's epic beauty launch in Fall, I've been using everything nonstop (in fact, I'm on seconds for some pieces). So I was thrilled to hear she's debuting her new sets — the Filmstars On the Go Palettes ($55) — come Dec. 26. Each of the five palettes includes a metallic eye shadow paired with a lip-and-cheek cream. Pictured is my personal favorite duo: The Spy Who Loved Me, a rose-gold luminescent cream matched with a berry balm.
Paul & Joe Limited-Edition Makeup Collection
I have a lot of makeup (shocker), and my cosmetics cases tend to get a lot of milage out of them, so I appreciate any present that comes in a small clutch. Paul & Joe's Limited-Edition Makeup Collection ($54) includes a gorgeous watercolor pouch, an illuminating eye shadow trio, and a vivid lip-and-cheek stain with a mousse-like consistency.
Artis Elite Mirror 5 Brush Set
This Artis Elite Mirror 5 Brush Set ($135) reminds me of something I might see on my grandmother's vanity. The innovative curved brush shape makes them easy to hold, the densely packed CosmeFibre gives seamless makeup application, and these are cruelty-free. I can just imagine myself belting out Beyoncé tunes in the foundation brush while applying my makeup this New Year's Eve.
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Pro's Picks Portables
Your lips will never be the same after Lip Tar has gotten a hold of them. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Pro's Picks Portables ($59) comes with 12 minisized tubes of its vegan liquid lipstick that haven't been released, along with a brush for precise (read: not a sloppy mess) application. The minis are the perfect size for carrying in your purse and make a glamorous stocking stuffer to boot.
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Wild Edition
Supposedly, one of Yves Saint Laurent's iconic highlighting pens ($41) is sold every 10 seconds in the world. This little brightener's fierce makeover makes it even more spend-worthy and definitely earns it a place in my daily makeup bag.
Urban Decay Little Perversions Kit
If you're a lash girl like me, you need to nab Urban Decay’s Little Perversions Kit ($45). It includes the brand's instant-classic mascara, Perversion (the results are remarkable!), plus three waterproof liners and a lash primer.
Make x Mercado Global Cosmetics Pouch
The best gifts are those that give back, like this makeup case Make Cosmetics made with Mercado Global ($45). Thirty-three percent of sales go toward the We See Beauty Foundation, which benefits women-led, worker-owned co-ops. Bonus: the cute case also contains a Make Custom Finish Effects Matte/Dew Palette featuring two balms (one for mattifying, another for illuminating).
Aromatherapy Associates Bath Jewels
Even though I don't even own a bathtub, these Aromatherapy Associates Bath Jewels ($48) are on my holiday wish list. The blends mix coconut oil with a bevy of essential oils that I can use as postshower body moisturizer or even a subtle fragrance. I plan to indulge in an oil fix three times a day: Revive Morning before breakfast, the De-Stress Mind at lunchtime, and The Deep Relax when it's time to snuggle in bed.
Butter London Gears & Gadgets Ultimate Lacquer Trunk Set
As a self-proclaimed nail artist, I am swooning for Butter London's Gears & Gadgets Ultimate Lacquer Trunk Set ($150, originally $300). With 20 nail lacquers, four nail treatments, a five-piece tool set, nail file/buffer, and five scrubbers (read: polish remover), you'll be able to open shop in your own home.
Givenchy Les Mini Prismes
I can never resist adorable beauty packaging — case in point, I audibly cooed when I spotted this little set of drawers by Givenchy ($39). Its leather-bound layers hold eye shadow, face powder, and blush in its confines and include minibrushes and a mirror for on-the-go application.
Julep Brush With Greatness
Packing makeup brushes can be a nightmare — the bristles often get crushed or dirty in my makeup bag. So when I saw this brilliant set ($74, originally $120) from Julep, I knew my problems were solved. The lightweight bag lays flat in your luggage, but when you unzip it, it flips open to become a stand-up container showcasing six synthetic brushes.
T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand
If this isn't the sexiest curling wand in the world, I don't know what is. I'm a Harry Josh Pro Tools girl, but he doesn't make a wand, so I'm thrilled I found this beauty from T3 ($230). The gorgeous white handle (with rose-gold accents) comes with three interchangeable barrels to create all types of waves.
Bobbi Brown Scotch on the Rocks Highlight Powder
This limited-edition Bobbi Brown Scotch on the Rocks Highlight Powder ($45) is sure to sell out soon because it's so shiny (yes, it's basic but true)! I'm not much of a bronzer girl, but I will brighten up my face with highlighter to get a faux glow. The baked brick glides on sheer for just the right amount of shimmer and is packaged in a gorgeous tortoise compact.
Marc Jacobs Blacquer and Bleu Five-Piece Eye Essentials Collection
Give a girl Marc Jacobs, and she'll love you forever. Marc made my 2013 list, and it was such a great gift that I couldn't help but be seduced by one of his 2014 offerings: the Blacquer and Bleu Five-Piece Eye Essentials Collection ($79). This is the best bang for your buck; $79 gets you three makeup products packaged in a bag designed by Marc himself, plus a hand mirror.
