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Left your gifting to the last minute? You’re not the only one. And honestly given the year we’ve had, be proud you made it this far at all. But we get that last minute shopping is stressful, so our team of editors have compiled a list of special beauty buys you can pick up quick smart. We’ve got fragrance, makeup, skin… the whole nine yards. So leave the gifting stress outside… 2020 has been enough as is.
Shop the edit below.
TOM FORD LIMITED EDITION GOLD-DECO EYE QUAD, $122. shop now
“Does it get more special than Tom Ford? I think not. This limited eyeshadow palette is pure luxury: buttery pigment, wearable shades and a stunning metallic case. It’s pricey as far as eyeshadow is concerned, but once the shadows have been used, the compact mirror is a special keepsake. The pinky-brown colour mood is all-flattering, too. Almost too beautiful to use… almost.” – Emily Algar, contributing beauty editor
Jo Malone ENGLISH PEAR & FREESIA LIMITED EDITION COLOGNE, $204. shop now
“Walk into any department store today and the Jo Malone stand will hold the little piece of luxury you need to impress that person who is really hard to buy for. May I suggest this limited edition English Pear and Freesia scent; one spritz to the wrist and neck is like a bouquet of ripe pears, white freesias and notes of amber, patchouli and woods. While this cologne is housed in a beautiful little art deco-inspired glass bottle, there is also miniature 15mL version available inside the JM Christmas Ornament (and its significantly cheaper as well). Go on, opening up a Jo Malone package will feel extra lavish after one chaotic year.” – Jessica Bailey, editorial director
Oroton Jude Jewellery Case, $139. shop now
“As a frequent traveller for work (in non-COVID times of course) I always take pride in my luggage and this extends into what I pack. Yes, I’m certainly that person who is a sucker for nice amenity cases and packing cubes – this Oroton jewellery case takes the cake. The Australian luxury brand has expanded from apparel and handbags, to travel and beauty must-have accessories. Available in white, treacle and my personal favourite, black, the case features three trays and four ring slots made for any keep sakes or even your small beauty favourites. It is also compact enough to take in your carry-on or a beach bag.” – Rebekah Clark, features writer
Indie Lee I-Waken resurfacing Mask, $82. SHOP NOW
“A couple of months ago, I was holding back tears while interviewing Indie Lee over a Zoom call. She was telling me about the moment she was diagnosed with a brain tumour which was, according to many doctors, caused by environmental factors. Lee said goodbye to her young children as she went into surgery with the knowledge that she had all but a 50 percent chance of survival. The day she woke up from her operation was the day she decided to look at not just what went into her body but the products she put on it. Quitting her big job in New York City, Lee consulted dermatologists, acupuncturists and holistic doctors and founded her namesake chemical-free brand. The part of the interview which really stuck with me was Lee’s message about the importance of being in the moment. Since that interview, I have made it a morning ritual to wake up, cleanse my face with Indie Lee Soothing Cleanser – and really take a minute to absorb its fresh, zesty scent. I then apply this I-Waken Resurfacing Mask for 10 minutes; the Vitamin C-rich Java Plum, Mango and Banana extracts completely wake my skin up and brighten it.” – Jessica Bailey, editorial director
Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Mask, $169. SHOP NOW
“Dr. Barbara Sturm is a great gift in terms of skincare because all of her products are gentle, nourishing and effective (she’s not big on harsh actives). This mask in particular is heaven. It’s essentially a clay product, but it isn’t drying, rather softening and moisturising. It’s full of Sturm’s signature purslane to protect against environmental damage and chamomile to soothe. It’s also pretty accessible through various retailers, making it a lush but easy-to-get skincare gift.” – Emily Algar, contributing beauty editor
Minenssey Mine Natural Perfume Oil, $55. shOP NOW
“I’m a self-confessed hoarder of fragrance. Recently however, I have turned my attention to perfume oil for a solution to a more long-lasting scent throughout the day and night. Australian skin care hero, Minenssey, has entered its next offering with a natural fragrance. The signature scent, ‘Mine’ is crafted from Linden Blossom, Damask Rose and Jasmine; blended with citrus notes of Mandarin, Neroli and Pink Grapefruit. In turn, the concoction of essential oils and uplifting fruit scents boost natural levels of serotonin and lend a sense of tranquillity. Any help is needed during these uncertain times. The small roller ball makes it perfect for application on the go too.” – Rebekah Clark, features writer
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit in Sculpture, $128. SHOP NOW
‘Hourglass Cosmetics fans like myself impatiently wait for a new limited-edition version of this palette to drop each year. If you’re new to the Lightning Edit, it contains all the essential powders needed to perfect one’s complexion: blush, bronzer, highlighter, and finishing powder. A bonus is that the gold palette itself is so pretty that all you need to do when it arrives just in time for Christmas is stick an elegant gold bow on top.” – Marisa Petrarca, US beauty & style editor
ghd Platinum+ Iridescent White Gift Set, $360. shop now
“Take it from someone who heats styles their hair way more frequently than I should: This hair straightener is as powerful as it is sleek. It’s just as ideal for achieving a shiny, straight mane as it is for creating bouncy curls and waves. If you know someone who could use a new heat tool, this coloured straightener is not only limited-edition, but it comes in a midnight blue vanity case. It’s one of those gifts that’s so good, you’ll be forgiven if it’s a day or two (or three) late.” – Marisa Petrarca, US beauty & style editor
Rodin Olio Lusso Lipstick, $61. SHOP NOW
“One of the many things I love most about Net-a-Porter is its crazy-fast delivery options, which are a godsend when you’re in a pinch (i.e., when Christmas Eve is rapidly approaching, and you still need a few last-minute gifts). For a luxe little stocking stuffer, I highly recommend these gorgeous, hydrating lipsticks from the prestige beauty brand Rodin Olio Lusso. The line is most well-known for its signature glow-inducing face oils, loved by celebs like Cher and Madonna. Rodin’s signature jasmine and neroli oil is infused into this creamy, soft matte lipstick, making it the perfect little gift for the beauty lover who values quality ingredients.” – Marisa Petrarca, US beauty & style editor
Giorgio Armani My Way Eau de Parfum, $209. shop now
“This brand new designer fragrance is a cut above the rest. It’s a true white floral: bright, luminous and hyper-feminine. There’s bergamot, orange blossom, tuberose, jasmine and vanilla with a soft, musky base. The bottle is also divine – the blue and gold lid resembles a precious gem (an Armani signature) while the flacon itself is actually refillable. So not only is this gift supremely luxurious, it’s sustainably-led, too. And what’s great about designer fragrance is that you can shop them online and in-store (safely) at most major retailers and department stores.” – Emily Algar, contributing beauty editor
