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Micheal Bublé really tugged on our heart strings when he crooned, “Santa baby, slip a Rolex under the tree, for me…” Because yes, Christmas is a time for family and friends, but we’d be lying if we said our wish list wasn’t filled with extravagant, luxurious designer beauty wares. From supercharged serums to artisanal candles, our dream haul from Santa would be the crème de la crème of Christmas beauty gifting — the finest festive pieces to be found on the internet (or the North Pole, depending on your belief system).
If you’re in a similar mindset — or simply want to treat yourself after the year that was — scroll on for our luxury gifting edit made for those at the very top of the nice list.
Chanel No. 5 Eau de parfum, 200ml, $382. SHOP NOW
“Arguably the most famous perfume in the world, CHANEL No.5 turned 100 years old this year, a sure-fire reason to gift a bottle to the purveyor of luxury in your life. If you’re in Melbourne, consider adding a ticket to the Gabrielle Chanel Fashion Manifesto exhibition at the National Gallery Of Victoria. Here, you’ll spot the very first bottle of the fragrance, made in 1921, and over 100 of Gabrielle Chanel’s designs plucked from the rich holdings of the Palais Galliera in Paris, public museums and private collections. It’s truly a rare opportunity to see a comprehensive display spanning the designer’s long career, and is in Australia until late April. Trust me, a bottle of CHANEL No.5 and a ticket to the show is at the top of any woman’s wish list, for sure. What a gift.” — Jessica Bailey, Editorial Director
BOTTEGA VENETA Intrecciato leather cosmetics case, $980. SHOP Now
“As I get older, I’ve begun to appreciate the finer things in life and that applies even to my beauty accessories. As Daniel Lee departs the helm of Bottega Veneta this month it feels like the perfect time to purchase one of his original pieces – no matter how small. While close collaborator Matthieu Blazy will now take over the luxury Italian house, I have a feeling that Lee’s signature Intrecciato styles will become just a cultish as Phoebe Philo’s “Old Celine”. I appreciate that the price tag of this Intrecciato leather cosmetics case is extravagant. But think of it this way, it can also double as an evening clutch (significant other, I hope you’re reading this).” — Rebekah Clark, Features Writer
Estee Lauder Tender Light eau de parfum, $284. SHOP NOW
“Estee Lauder’s newest olfactive offering has launched just in time for Christmas. Inspired by ‘nature’s breathtaking moments’, the entire range is gift-worthy but I am particularly in love with Tender Light. With warm, energising notes of bergamot, florentine iris and Chinese tea, it’s just the ‘bottled sunshine’ type scent to spritz all summer after what has been a rough 18 months.” — Jessica Bailey, Editorial Director
Rae Morris Radiance Brush, $200. SHOP NOW
“Hand-made in Japan from custom synthetic fibres, Rae Morris’ entire brush range is the epitome of quality. The Radiance Brush in particular has been on my wish list since Rae herself — one of Australia’a most established makeup artists — used it to apply my foundation at a work event. The unique shape buffed in product like a dream, giving me a base that was both luminous and undetectable. Because of the size, it’s quick too! A forever kind of makeup tool.” — Emily Algar, Contributing Beauty Editor
Dior DIORIFIC LIMITED EDITION XMAS LIPSTICK, $64. SHOP NOW
“The level of detail poured into this limited edition Christmas lipstick from Dior is so incredible. Like a tiny piece of art, the bullet is stamped with the brand’s famed Parisian flagship address, while the colour pigment is creamy, buildable and long-wearing. The shiny gold casing is glamorous and weighty in your hand too — the perfect piece to show off in front of strangers in the bathroom.” — Emily Algar, Contributing Beauty Editor
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Cream, $320. SHOP NOW
“This iconic cream is jam-packed with vitamins, antioxidants, butters and oils to flood the skin with moisture, restoring a well-rested, luminous look no matter how many deadlines/holiday parties are filling your calendar. I’ve long been a big fan of the brand’s makeup (the Supersize Me Liner in particular is noteworthy) and after trialling this magic cream for a recent event (my skin stayed so hydrated all night!), I would love nothing more that to unwrap this come Christmas!” — Jessica Bailey, Editorial Director
Augustinus Bader The Serum, $490. SHOP NOW
“Ever since facialist Melanie Grant got me hooked on Augustinus Bader’s iconic The Cream, I’ve been a huge fan of the brand. The science behind the products is revolutionary and I can attest to the fact they absolutely work, especially for skin that’s prone to redness, dullness and pigmentation (me). The Serum is a newer addition to the regimen, and I love it because it’s incredibly lightweight but still contains all the signature Bader ingredients — an amazing way to reap the complexion benefits without the heaviness of a cream. It’s pricey, but a small pump is more than enough for the face, neck and décolletage. Hoping/praying/wishing Santa has this one on order for me.” — Emily Algar, Contributing Beauty Editor
Le Labo the Matcha 26, $406. SHOP NOW via mecca
“Like the rest of the world, I am obsessed with the smoky notes of Le Labo’s Santal 33, but there’s nothing I love more than a fresh scent to reset my mood heading into the new year. The Matcha 26 is sweet, slightly creamy and has a woody undertone that’s strangely addictive. While I’m no expert on the scent of traditional Matcha (it’s black coffee or nothing for me) the fresh, understated redolence of this just feel right. Love!” — Emily Algar, Contributing Beauty Editor
Fornasetti Profumi Coromandel Scented Candle, $942. SHOP NOW via mecca
“Say what you will about a candle that’s almost $1000, but this 1.9 kg Fornasetti masterpiece is like buying a piece of art. Also, what is Christmas for if not lusting over extravagant luxuries? The design on the vessel — originally created in in the 1950s — is opulent, exotic and somewhat festive thanks to the gold and bordeaux colour palette. The scent used within the wax itself is called Otto: a woody, herby redolence that smells like a log cabin. I’ve always had a soft spot for beautiful candles and this really feels like the best of them.” — Emily Algar, Contributing Beauty Editor
Oribe Gold Lust Collection, $220. SHOP NOW
“I first discovered Oribe hair products during a seasonal haircut at RAW Hair Salon in a trendy pocket of Sydney’s inner city earlier this year. I’ve become accustomed to using salon-strength hair products for my weak and dried tresses and this was just incredible — another level of luxury hair care. Naturally, the price point is reflective of that and serves as the perfect gift for yourself (of course) or a very close friend. The Gold Lust Collection as pictured here is described as a “fountain of youth for your hair.” It includes the Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo, Gold Lust Repair & Restore Conditioner and Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil to strengthen, moisturise and treat coloured or damaged hair. Much, much needed!” — Rebekah Clark, Features Writer
