Michael Bublé really set the bar when he asked Santa to slip a Rolex under the tree. Because in all honesty, if you can’t splurge at Christmas time, when can you? Especially after the year that was…
But expensive timepieces aside, one thing we’d really like to unwrap this year is a luxurious beauty buy: think decadent face creams, high tech hair tools, classic designer fragrance and serums housed in golden bottles. So here, we’ve put together the Grazia edit of big ticket beauty buys – the best (and brightest) in show for that special, skincare-obsessed someone (or you know, the ultimate gift to self). Put these on your list and check it twice… you most certainly deserve it.
Dyson Corrale, $500. SHOP NOW
“I’d be lying if I said that I’ve always used luxury heat tools. I got my first heat-styling device in middle school: a crimper from the drugstore that resembled one of my father’s electric power tools. I pressed it onto my hair sans heat protectant on school picture day, making my already frizzy hair even frizzier, à la pre-transformation Mia in The Princess Diaries. That memory of searing my strands is seared into my mind forever, but it’s also the reason why I celebrate new innovations like the new Dyson Corrale. It’s designed to prevent hair damage thanks to genius flexible plate technology that evenly disperses heat to every strand. What that means is that you don’t have to pass the straightener through your hair more than once to achieve shiny, smooth locks. Take it from me: this will be the first and last hair straightener to really impress you, or that very special someone? And did I mention that it can be used cordless?” – Marisa Petrarca, US Beauty & Style Editor
Imbibe gold sculpting tool, $110. SHOP NOW
“When it comes to beauty investments, I love a facial device more than most. Imbibe is a relatively new brand but this Gold Sculpting Tool has firmly cemented itself on my wish list. The 24-carat plated wand gently vibrates 6000 times per minute, working to lift the skin and deeply infuse serums. Perfect before a big event or to lessen post-party season facial bloat.” – Emily Algar, Contributing Beauty Editor
La Prairie Platinum Rare Haute Rejuvenation Cream, $1,525. SHOP NOW
“If La Prairie was a person, it would be someone who makes every head turn when they walk in a room. The Swiss brand is undoubtedly luxurious, known for its science-backed skus made with precious ingredients that take skin rejuvenation to a whole new level (not to be overly dramatic, but think Benjamin Button). Its newest scientific innovation is the miraculous Platinum Multi-Peptide, born to fight any and all signs of aging. It’s present in the brand’s newly reformatted Platinum Rare collection, all six of which are worth the splurge, but it’s the multi-benefit Rejuvenation Cream that’s earned the coveted spot on our vanities. Meant for use in the morning and evening, it reduces wrinkles, fine lines, and enhances your natural glow. If and when you gift it, it only requires a little box but a big bow—this one’s (extra, extra) special.” –Marisa Petrarca, US Beauty and Style editor
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Gold, $159. SHOP NOW
“‘What does everyone know about this product that I don’t?’ I used to wonder as I gazed upon the glowy visage of the 723rd person I met who declared their love for Estée Lauder’s cult Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex. Celebrities swore by it, seasoned beauty editors set aside an endless onslaught of press offerings in favor of it, but I had never actually tried it until this year – which in the beauty industry is akin to writing about cars, without ever having driven one. Beauty lore dictates that you enlist this famous complexion defender at least once in your life, but likely around the time that those first few aging indicators arrive, such as fine lines, dullness, loss of elasticity. The oil-free emulsion (read: fine for blemish-prone complexions like mine) boosts brightness and refines skin tone and texture courtesy of an impressive formula packed with antioxidants. I was an immediate convert after a few months of consistent use. In short? It’ll work (really, really) well for almost everyone so it’s a safe gifting bet this season, and if you needed any further convincing? It’s also gotten dressed up for the occasion with swanky gold packaging. Sold!” – Kate Lancaster, Contributing Beauty Editor
La Mer The Restorative Hydration Collection, $800. SHOP NOW
“Everyone remembers the first time they tried Crème de La Mer: a powdery soft face cream easily recognized by its luxe white ceramic packaging reminiscent of a piece of artwork. In my early 20s, I tried the cream for the first time, new to the world of high-end beauty, but familiar with the industry’s adoration for the formula. I remember carefully taking the cream out of the box and fastidiously researching how much of the floral-scented cream to use, feeling like I was on top of the world as I gently pressed the smallest amount of the lightweight formula into my skin. As is the case for most beauty enthusiasts, that was only the beginning of our love story, our latest chapter of which is inspired by the Restorative Hydration Collection: a set comprising its precious Crème de La Mer and its new protective barrier serum, The Concentrate. Housed inside of a blue-and-white travel bag, the skin-perfecting duo will excite the woman with an affinity for little luxuries—or a wide-eyed 20-something-year-old looking to discover the best that beauty has to offer.” – Marisa Petrarca, US Beauty & Style Editor
Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Lipstick Trio, $110. Shop Now
“Posh Spice had many iconic beauty moments; the time the bob became the bouffant in the “Say You’ll Be There” music video, the creamy flush on those high cheekbones at the Los Angeles premiere of Spice World in ’98, the list goes on. In a year where nostalgia tugged heavily on the heartstrings of many (remember when you could jump on a plane to London?), Victoria Beckham paid homage to her former moniker by releasing a series of 90s-esque lipstick shades in browns, mauves and beiges. The Posh Lipstick Trio – in “Spice,” “Pout,” and “Pose” – makes a beautiful, luxury gift this Christmas (one is a mid-tone ginger shade, one a pale coral pink and the other a mid-tone mauve). Each is infused with the brand’s Pomegranate Jojoba Complex for smooth, plump and moisturized lips. Take it from us, the formula is so emollient that your lips feel really hydrated and lush, two non-negotiables when kissing under the mistletoe or planning world domination come 2021.” – Jessica Bailey, editorial director
Chanel No. 5 Eau de Parfum, $135. SHOP NOW
“I have this really vivid memory of sitting on the bed in my mother’s bedroom as a little girl and watching her get ready for a dinner. Her scent of choice was always the classic Chanel No.5; the powdery, floral fragrance was the olfactiory translation of something really indulgent and expensive and signaled a good night was to be had. There was something almost sensual to the smell as well as she walked out the door, its vanilla note leaving a trail that would last minutes. While I used to wear Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum in my early 20s, I now wear Chanel No.5 for an occasion – and in one spritz, I’m instantly transported back to that singular pocket of time in my mother’s bedroom. If you’re unsure what to get a woman of any generation, gifting Chanel will always be a winner (and maybe too will become somewhat of a time capsule for your family as well.)” – Jessica Bailey, editorial director
Sulwhasoo Cult Classics Skincare Set, $175. SHOP NOW
“There’s been a movement this year towards buying and using less skincare and I’ve become a fervent disciple. In 2020, we’re finally starting to recognize that perhaps layering product after product could actually be counterproductive to our complexions, with experts now advising us to strip it back and prioritize efficacy over extent. Enter Sulwhasoo’s Cult Classics Skincare Set, a limited-edition edit of the Korean beauty brand’s bestselling items, to whittle down your routine without deducting the ever-important indulgence factor. Inside the plush velvet case (a very welcome bonus), you’ll find your first step post-cleanse, Sulwhasoo’s First Care Activating Serum – a product so popular it’s sold more than two trillion units since launch – which employs traditional Korean skin principles to hydrate, brighten, firm and leave the skin properly prepped for ensuing products. The next step is also your final step, thanks to the potent properties within the Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream (ginseng, obviously, to nourish and energize skin cells and promoting a youthful luminosity). Buy it for yourself or your serum-obsessed bestie, and thank me when your skin is better for it.” – Kate Lancaster, Contributing Beauty Editor
Resorè Body Towel, $99. SHOP NOW
File this under things I didn’t know I wanted until now. Sure, a towel seems pedestrian as far as gifting is concerned, but this luxe iteration is actually designed for skincare enthusiasts (such as myself). It’s hypoallergenic, antibacterial and made from eco-friendly fibers that feel straight out of a five-star hotel (all my Kevin McCallister Plaza Hotel dreams realized). The hero technology is actually something called Silverbac, a compound that breaks down germs and odors, stopping the spread and incubation of 99.9% of bacteria and irritants, even after machine washing. The branding is also impossibly chic, and lord knows I can’t resist that. – Emily Algar, Contributing Beauty Editor
byredo fleUr fantome room spray, $120. SHOP NOW
Some people want their home to smell like cookies and mulled wine during the holidays, but I can’t go past this heavenly Byredo room spray. It’s a floral that’s anything but ordinary – think cut grass, zingy lemon, sweet tulips and deliciously rich suede. It smells expensive but welcoming… just the way I like it. I’ll be gifting this to my best girlfriend who just bought her first place. – Emily Algar, Contributing Beauty Editor
