The ultimate feel-good beauty gifts

Finding the perfect gift for that special someone in your life may seem daunting, but rest assured, these beauty gifts are bound to earn a place (or two) on their wish list. So, treat a loved one – or yourself – to a bounty of beauty this holiday season.

While the festive season may look a little different this year, it seems prudent to take advantage of the quieter holidays with some indulgent skin and body care – for yourself or a friend. Should you want to spoil her, the cult classic Super Anti-Aging Serum and Face Cream Rich from Dr. Barbara Sturm live up to their names, with a potent cocktail of active antioxidants and anti-agers that make for the perfect present. Meanwhile, a hydrating trio from hair supremo Christophe Robin, the man behind the supermodel manes of Claudia Schiffer and Elle Macpherson, will add a healthy gloss and vibrancy to dull hair. Making the perfect stocking filler, boost bath time with indulgent salts from Mauli Rituals, a cocktail of the most deliciously-scented therapeutic oils (think jasmine, lavender and patchouli), blended with soothing rose-quartz crystals. And, add a much-needed calmness to any home with the divine Cire Trudon Ernesto scented candle and let the intoxicating notes of leather, tobacco and amber lull you into a peaceful state.

It may be a challenge to shop for someone who favors particular beauty products, but introducing her to one of these game-changers is sure to surprise and delight. Japanese skincare is very much deserving of its cult status, and Ubuna Beauty Drench Intensive Hydration Serum should be first in your basket. A potent shot of hyaluronic and amino acids, plus ostrich-egg-yolk extract, work in tandem to boost real radiance. Another intelligent skincare shot, Venn’s Age-Response Compound K Hyaluronic Booster, is a must-have addition to any skincare wardrobe. Its hero ingredient? Panax ginseng, a free-radical antioxidant as strong as vitamin C. Choosing the right skincare for a gift is by no means an easy feat, but it’s not often skincare comes with such scientific prowess as a Nobel Prize Winner at its helm. Noble Panacea does this – and more, and investing in The Brilliant Radiant Resilience Moisturiser will significantly change skin for the better. Elevate your lashes ahead of Christmas Zooms with Vapour Beauty Mesmerize Mascara, which stays put, adding length, feathery volume and beautiful definition. We recommend one for you, and a second for a friend. Finally, light up a loved one with Cire Trudon’s Abd el Kader scented candle – the notes of mint tea and vanilla will evoke far-reaching, exotic and sunnier destinations.

No matter what type of skincare enthusiast she may be, she’ll most certainly fall hard for these skincare picks. For those willing to splurge, look no further than Bioeffect Limited Edition EGF Serum. This intelligent serum encourages the production of collagen and elastin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles – your skin will thank you. A night-time savior for lackluster skin, RéVive’s Moisturizing Renewal Cream Nightly Retexturizer does this and more. The added glycolic acid and epidermal growth factors work hard overnight to gently exfoliate, nourish, improve skin tone and hydrate, so you wake up looking refreshed. They may the unsung heroes of the beauty world, but an eye serum can transform the look of your undereyes instantly. Give the gift of brighter, lighter eyes with Aurelia Probiotic Skincare’s Brightening Eye Serum, which cleverly contains probiotics to kick-start and support tired-looking undereyes. Also add to your wish list the marine algae and peptide-rich One Ocean Beauty's Replenishing Deep Sea Moisturiser, tired skin’s triple threat. This protecting moisturizer works to lock in hydration, soften fine lines and improve the health of the skin. And, what’s more, this natural, vegan brand has an impeccable sustainability record. Sure to be another hit is the decadent Fornasetti Bacio scented candle. Notes of incense, thyme, lavender and cedarwood make this the perfect winter warmer for a cozy home.