I could apologise for being the kind of person that's about to bring up the C-word in the first week of November, but I can't lie: I wholeheartedly love Christmas and will jump at the first opportunity to talk about the festive season. With my advent calendar already picked out, my party outfit wish list narrowed down and names already drawn for our family secret Santa (yes, I come from a home of festive fanatics), I've already started thinking about ticking off that present list. And I'm going to go out on a limb here and hazard a guess that I'm not the only one.
However, there's one problem. This year, beauty brands have really raised the bar when it comes to their gift offering—particularly when it comes to skincare. And as a self-confessed skin obsessive, there have been a number of luxurious items that have made their way onto my own Christmas list. Needless to say, I'm ready for a little self-gifting.
From a celebrity-favourite moisturiser to a mini cabinet packed with products from one of this year's cult skincare brands, these products might not be cheap, but they're definitely worth the investment. So if you're feeling generous then keep scrolling for a guide to the best luxury skincare to gift this Christmas. Or, if you're like me, then why not treat yourself to a little end-of-year pampering from the list instead? (Trust me—you're worth it.)
I'm a long-time fan of the Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask (£99), so when I heard that the French skincare brand was launching an overnight mask I was instantly interested. Formulated with soothing saffron flowers and enriched with macadamia and sunflower oils, this is the ultimate winter mask. You can use it as an intense 10-minute treatment or leave it on overnight to hydrate parched complexions and restore your skin's moisture barrier. Simply dreamy.
First things first: How damn cute is this mini skincare cabinet? It's not just about the packaging, though. Inside you'll find a carefully curated routine of Drunk Elephant products which have been handpicked to restore glow to tired skin. It's ideal for anyone who has been burning the candle at both ends during the festive season, it contains travel sizes of the brand's jelly cleanser, vitamin C eye cream, face oil and moisturiser alongside a full-sized bottle of its cult glycolic acid serum.
This eye cream has pretty much been on my wish list since Alyss Bowen, our social media editor, became obsessed with it earlier this year. Sure, it's ridiculously expensive (that'll be the gold caviar), but Alyss claims that she has never seen an eye product work so fast and credits it with drastically reducing both dark circles and puffy eyes. With my first baby on the way later this year, I'm sure that sleep will become a thing of the past. I'm sold.
Despite celebrities like Amal Clooney, Emma Roberts and Zendaya swearing by Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream, I have yet to try it still. However, this year that's about to change thanks to this dreamy gift set containing a full-size jar of the radiance-boosting moisturiser, a mini pot of rejuvenating night cream and a lavender-infused eye mask to help you drift off.
For me, good skin starts with how I'm feeling inside, and when I'm stressed or burnt out, I'm always more prone to breakouts. But not this year. Aromatherapy Associates are my go-to brands for bath oils because, quite simply, they're the best, and this year's chest of 10 mini vials contains a remedy for whatever you're feeling. Bingo! Whether you're looking to relax, re-energise or de-stress there's oil in here for the occasion. Plus, if you haven't got a bathtub, then try pressing a couple of drops into your chest before you hit the shower for the same effects.
Having just drained an entire bottle of Rosie HW's favourite serum, the IS Clinical Super Serum Advance, I was so excited to spot it in the product lineup of this four-step kit. Alongside the serum, which I really rate for fading scarring and pigmentation caused by acne, this kit contains a cleanser, moisturiser and SPF all formulated to optimise skin health, combat breakouts and even skin tone.
From Priyanka Chopra to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, basically every celebrity swears by this 111Skin sheet mask to prep their complexions for the red carpet. I have to say that it really is worth the hype. This chic set contains two of them alongside a brightening skin booster—one of this year's trending products.
The Fresh Soy Face Cleanser is a bit of a cult product in its own right. Not only is it universally suited to all skin types, but one also sells ever minute worldwide (so you know it's good stuff). This set is like a moment of calm at the end of a busy year, with a hydrating face toner (another raved-about product), a face cream and mask to replenish moisture levels and soothe and calm the skin.
Australian brand Sand & Sky are the creators of one of my favourite face masks ever—the Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask (£40)—so I really can't wait to get my hands on the brand's latest launch. This brightening serum contains vitamin C, which my skin loves, along with hyaluronic acid to lock-in hydration and leave behind a silky glow.
I swear by the Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque (£33) when my skin is going haywire so what better Christmas gift to my complexion than this three-step parsley seed cleansing routine? Inside the stylish zip bag, there's a cleanser, toner and serum formulated to clarify and balance all skin types. Plus, let's be honest—Aesop has the chicest beauty packaging in the business.
From Alexa Chung and Victoria Beckham to Margot Robbie's makeup artist Pati Dubroff, name any A-lister and likely they will swear by this moisturiser. Is it the most expensive thing I've ever put on my face? Certainly. But with 30 years of research and expertise behind the formulation, you can expect that your skin will look regenerated and renewed.
Both myself and Who What Wear Editor Emma Spedding are totally obsessed with the original Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (£40), but this rose-scented version feels even more special. Plus, it comes with a mist and a candle, so you've basically got everything you need for a pamper night at home.
Seriously, when a cleanser is this iconic, why have just one pot when you can have four? The Eve Lom Cleanser might be pricey but it does it all: melts away waterproof makeup, removes impurities, nourishes and purifies. This luxurious set contains versions ranging from a travel size to a jumbo, along with 100% cotton muslin cloths to complete your cleansing ritual with.
The lady behind Victoria Beckham's amazing skin, Sarah Chapman is a top London facialist with a whole host of incredible skincare products that mimic the results of her renowned treatments at home. Her Overnight Facial is my favourite product from her collection thanks to the way that it illuminates your complexion overnight. Basically, you wake up looking like you have new skin. So this double-sized version is right at the top of my Christmas wish list.
Last but by no means least on my Christmas list is this silk pillowcase from Slip. An indulgence, yes, but because it's made from 100% pure mulberry silk, it prevents your pillow from drawing moisture from your face (reducing dehydration and creased skin) and protects your hair for less breakage and flyaways. Effectively, it's beauty sleep in a pillowcase.
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