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 has 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, $88. 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 color mood is all-flattering, too. Almost too beautiful to use… almost.” – Emily Algar, contributing beauty editor
Jo Malone ENGLISH PEAR & FREESIA LIMITED EDITION COLOGNE, $144. 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 a 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 Jewelry Case, $139. shop now
“As a frequent traveler 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 and this Oroton jewelry 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 favorite, black, the case features three trays and four ring slots made for any keepsakes or even your small beauty favorites. 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, $48. 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 tumor 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 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 up my skin and brighten it.” – Jessica Bailey, editorial director
Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Mask, $120. 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 moisturizing. 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
OUAI TREATMENT MASK, $38. shOP NOW
“With its chic, monochrome packaging and aesthetic branding, Ouai does gifting so well. This hair mask is a rare find because it’s formulated for medium to fine strands, so it won’t weigh things down or leave a filmy coating. It still offers great nourishment thanks to a mix of keratin protein and shea butter, making it a top choice for colored, processed or brittle hair. It looks great in your shower, too. Run (don’t walk) to Sephora and gift it to a hair-obsessed friend.” – Emily Algar, Contributing Beauty Editor
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit in Sculpture, $80. 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, $259. shop now
“Take it from someone who heat 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 colored 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, $38. SHOP NOW
“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, $97. 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 are 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
