Christmas is merry, bright and magical, but it can also be very expensive. Thankfully though, beauty is a category that spans many different price points, meaning it’s easy to wrap up something wonderful that won’t burn a hole through your wallet. The secret is knowing where to look and what to buy — thoughtful gifting options that are cheap, but still chic; excellent, but not expensive!

And for that reason, our team of editors has compiled their favourite beauty buys that all come in under $50. So you can shower your loved ones with goodies this season without the need to max out a credit card. Keep scrolling to shop.

Boy Smells Cedar Stack Candle, $46. SHOP NOW

“What I love about these Boy Smells candles is that they smell much more expensive than they are. Cedar Stack is festive but not in a cliche,  gingerbread way. Instead, it’s a rich mix of wood chips, dried tobacco, bay leaves and crushed peppercorn. It’s woody, comforting and warm — like sitting in a cosy log cabin next to the fire.” — Emily Algar, Contributing Beauty Editor

Diptyque Rinse-Free Hand Wash, $43. SHOP NOW

“Call me cliché, but if incessant hand sanitiser usage is going to be a part of life, we may as well be using a chic one. Diptyques’s Rinse-Free version is less like a sanitiser, and more like a hand cream. With notes of sambac jasmine, peach and pink peppercorn, it has a beautiful fragrance, while the addition of sweet almond oil leaves the hands feeling nourished. This is a good one to wrap up for any office Kris Kringle.” — Jessica Bailey, Editorial Director

Officine Universelle Buly Scented Matches Alexandrie, $27. shop now

“When it comes to cheaper beauty gifts, I like to seek out smaller, quirky items from luxurious brands. Buly is the perfect example. Everything is packaged beautiful and had an old-world apothecary feel to it. They even carry a lemon ginger scent, so you get a lovely olfactive moment every time a new one is struck. Plus, who doesn’t love a boujee box of matches? If you had more money to spend, I’d pair it with a candle and glass cloche.” — Emily Algar, Contributing Beauty Editor

Chanel

“Another example of an unexpected luxury buy is this mirrored compact from Chanel. It’s hard to get Chanel anything for under $50, but this beauty accessory fits the bill. It’s fitted out with a magnifying side and a normal side for all kinds of touch-ups, while the slim design fits in even the tiniest of handbags. A designer gift minus the designer price tag.” — Emily Algar, Contributing Beauty Editor

ORRIS Mild Face + Body​ Cleansing Bar, $35. SHOP NOW

“This is not just any bar of soap. Hailing from Paris, ORRIS was born to replace commercial facial and body cleansers for particularly sensitive skin (me). It also serves as the most wonderful and luxurious stocking stuffer or small gift for any fans of artisanal goods. The botanical soaps are hand-poured and hand-cut in small batches. Drawing from traditions such as Ayurveda, aromatherapy and Western herbal medicine the cleanser thoughtfully crafted for a therapeutic bath time. Much needed at this time of year.”  — Rebekah Clark, Features Writer

Ere Perez Clear Quartz Sculpt & Lift Face Stone, $34. SHOP NOW

“Upon my search to find a new and luxurious addition to my often mundane skincare routine, I came across the effects of the Chinese massage technique, Gua Sha. The facial stone has since become a beauty staple in a bid to help with lymphatic drainage and ease facial tension – the pre-Christmas stress is oh so real. I’ve loved the process so much that it has become a go-to gift for the girlfriend or mum who has everything and bonus, this clear quartz iteration looks so chic on someone’s vanity. — Rebekah Clark, Features Writer

Loveseen Romy False Lashes, $31. SHOP NOW

“I get that false lashes aren’t exactly the first thing one thinks of when it comes to gifting, but this set from Loveseen is so beautifully packaged that they’re the exception to the rule. The brand actually belongs to Jenna Lyons (formerly the creative director at J.Crew) so of course they’re impossibly cool — but the lashes themselves are also amazing. Soft, fluffy and natural, they are a cinch to apply and the perfect accompaniment to the party season.” — Emily Algar, Contributing Beauty Editor

Mecca Max Cheek Chic Blush Powder, $25. SHOP NOW

“The Mecca Max makeup line is cheap, cheerful and amazing quality, given the price point. The Cheek Chic blush is especially cute — the pigment is buildable and they have impressive longevity. I love the shade Pink Pop! It looks intimidating but on the skin it’s fresh and youthful. You could gift this one alone, or wrap it up with a few additional pieces from the range.” — Jessica Bailey, Editorial Director

Malin + Goetz Cannabin Hand+Body Wash, $37. SHOP NOW

“Chic hand wash is always a great gift idea to fall back on, but I’m forgoing the usual Aesop or Diptyque in favour of this cannabis-scented pick from Malin + Goetz. Earthy and green, it smells understated but fresh and I love the packaging. A great gift for the beauty or home obsessed.” — Jessica Bailey, Editorial Director

Nars Air matte Lip Colour, $37. SHOP NOW

“There’s something glamorous about a bold lip colour that feels right in the context of gifting. The NARS Air Matte range is incredible — the only way I can describe it is a silky, almost-powdery fluid that becomes one with the lips, imparting a really fresh wash of colour. You can also layer it for dramatic effect, meaning it’s a great pick across a spectrum of makeup looks. I think I’ll buy one for my sister, and one for myself.” — Emily Algar, Contributing Beauty Editor