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11 Gifts For the Beauty Lover, According to Our Culturally-Obsessed Shopping Editor

Nov 26 2025 - 6:00am

While I didn't know that my career in journalism would lead me to the beauty space, I'd like to think of myself as a beauty girl since birth. Growing up, I had a ridiculously large collection of the roll-on lip glosses from Expression and Lip Smackers to Baby Lips — you name the brand, I had it. This same obsession with lip products has followed me into adulthood (my beauty cabinet has a section overflowing with Laneige lip balms [1] alone). Fortunately, working in the field has allowed me to hone my skills in other categories, from skin care and makeup to natural hair care. That being said, I always enjoy delving into new beauty finds, even though I have enough to stock a section at Sephora. One of my favorite times to do that? Gifting season.

As a shopping editor, I view the holidays as my Super Bowl not only for work, but also for curating gifts for my friends and family. You can call gift-giving one of my love languages, but it's even more fulfilling when I'm gifting products that I've actually tried and used consistently, which is why I've crafted this holiday gift guide [2]. It features picks from not only my longtime go-to brands, but Black-owned [3] companies that truly master creating quality beauty finds for my community. I'm talking Cécred [4]'s hero shampoo and scalp scrub, a Shark facial system for those cozy spa days in, Miu Miu's Miutine scent that's literally Heaven-sent (no pun intended), and so much more.

Whether you also consider yourself a culturally-obsessed beauty lover or looking for gift ideas for the high-maintenance girl in your life, I've got you covered ahead.

Naomi Parris's Beauty Holiday Gift Guide

Bolden Awake Under Eye Patch [16] ($19, originally $24)

On the hunt for eye patches that actually work? Enters Bolden. I've used these masks everyday since purchasing them during Prime Day, and trust me, they live up to all of their promises. Formulated with caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and kaolin clay, they work to not only reduce puffiness and fade discoloration, but also deliver hydration, boost elasticity, and support collagen production.

Ami Colé Hydrating Lip Treatment Oil [17] ($20)

If you're a lip gloss lover like me, you'll love Ami Colé's lip oils. They not only deliver an irresistible shine, but actually moisturize and nourish your lips, thanks to their baobab seed, camellia seed, and passion fruit seed oil formulation.

Snif Half Baked Pumpkin Smash Candle [18] ($27, originally $34)

One of my favorite ways to decompress after a long day of work? Doing an extended self-care routine as my Snif candle burns. I recently got this Pumpkin Smash scent, and trust me, you won't want to leave your space after using it. Whether you're doing an at-home spa day or enjoying a relaxing bath, you'll want to keep this candle on hand. And with its notes of pumpkin spice, cinnamon stick, whiskey, and salted maple, this purchase will be anything but regrettable.

One/Size On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray [19] ($34)

If there's one setting spray I had to use for the rest of my life, it's this mattifying one from One/Size (seriously). With just a few spritzes, it promises to keep your glam in-tact for 16 hours, and trust me, it really does. I've used it during the hottest summer's day in New York, and my makeup did not budge. Furthermore, it includes green tea extract and witch hazel, so your skin stays nourished even while wearing makeup.

Cécred Holiday Double Cleanse Duo [20] ($37)

Want hair like Beyoncé? Just reach for this double cleanse duo set from Cécred. On a serious note, this set includes a full-sized bottle the brand's hydrating shampoo and scalp scrub, which both include notes of tea tree, lemon, and peppermint. Through these hero ingredients, they work well for all hair types — from fine hair to thick coils — penetrating the scalp, removing buildup, and giving your hair maximum hydration. Need any more convincing? Just look at Beyoncé's hair.

Medicube PDRN Pink Glow Full Set [21] ($90, originally $96)

Medicube's products are viral, and for good reason. This set features the brand's tried-and-true rose PDRN toner, serum, and cream that all work to prevent future breakouts, improves skin elasticity, and strengthen its resilience. Not to mention, your skin will absolutely glow.

Miu Miu Miutine Eau de Parfum [22] ($108)

With one of my close girlfriends working at Miu Miu, I've developed a different love for the brand. I tested its newest Miutine scent at a Fashion Week party she invited me to and have been obsessed ever since. I mean, it has notes of wild strawberry, vanilla, and brown sugar — just delicious. She so graciously gifted it to me for my birthday, and the compliments have not stopped ever since I started using it.

Isamaya Core Palette 1.0 [23] ($110)

Some beauty products are worth the splurge, and this palette from Isamaya is one of those products. It features various shades, from metallic hues to everyday neutrals, making it a go-to pick for my everyday makeup and dramatic looks for nights out. It's a palette that truly makes you feel like that girl, or an "Alien Superstar" for my Beyhive girls.

Pattern The Hair Steamer [24] ($179)

I've had this steamer for two years, and it revives my curls like none other every time. It's multifunctional, aiding in hydrating, detangling, stretching, deep conditioning, and enhancing the volume of the hair — and it does just that. It also comes with a diffuser and extra prong attachment, which works well with my thick, curly hair. Regardless of your texture, it's bound to revitalize and strengthen your hair within minutes, especially if you're skipping wash day that week.

Shark™ FacialPro™ Glow at Home Hydro-Powered Facial System [25] ($400)

Participating in self-care rituals is one of my favorite pastimes, and Shark™'s facial system is one gadget I'm excited to incorporate in my routine this season. I love the system's DePuffi attachment that helps my skin look and feel instantly rejuvenated, especially if I haven't gotten a full eight hours of sleep. It even comes with a 9 percent BHA+AHA exfoliating gel that helps tackle buildup for smoother extractions, and is gentle enough for my sensitive skin. Not to mention, the brand's Hydro Infuse (a hyaluronic acid + peptide complex) helps replenish my skin's hydration, which is perfect since my face gets pretty dry in the winter. With many brisk days ahead, it will save me a few trips to the spa (and some money).

Shark Glam™ Ceramic & Powerful Air Styling & Drying System [26] ($450)

I've been natural all my life, so it's very rare that I use heat tools on my hair. Of course, Shark™ has successfully found a way into my hair-care regimen thanks to the diffuser attachment for this air styling and drying system. With just a few combs through on low heat, I'm able to achieve even more voluminous curls without compromising the health of my hair.


Naomi Parris [27] is the assistant shopping editor at Popsugar, based in New York. With over eight years of experience and previous roles held on the brand's Beauty and Operations teams, she enjoys telling stories that merge fashion, beauty, and Black culture. Naomi has also lent her skillful pen to Essence Girls United, Elle, Bustle, and Elite Daily. When she's not crafting shopping roundups, high-profile features, beauty op-eds, or trend guides, you can find Naomi behind her blog "Eli-Nay," where she inspires readers through style guides, cultural pieces, and innovative content on her Instagram.


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