Surprise the beauty obsessed with these gifts, as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside.
GODDESS SKIN
Just announced the most trending makeup artist of Google’s #YearInSearch, Charlotte Tilbury is at the top of her game (not to mention, best buds with reigning supermodel Kate Moss, also her muse). Charlotte’s kaolin-based Goddess Skin Clay Mask smells sublime, like a bough of frangipanis. $70, charlottetilbury.com
ROSY GLOW
Same goes for Shiva Rose Pearl Milk Cleanser: the magical blend of hydrating hyaluronic acid, luminizing pearl powder, and rich oils –Bulgarian rose, jasmine, and ylang ylang—is soothing to the skin and Smells.So.Good. $45, ShivaRose.com
MIRACLE MOISTURIZER
Interesting backstory: Mirakle Cream’s antioxidant-rich recipe hails from the Republic of Uzbekistan; being so effective, it is now made in the US. The fluffy cold cream incorporates coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, and beeswax. But the standout ingredient is algae—a nutrient-dense anti-inflammatory lapped up by the skin. And how cute is its drawstring packaging?! $34, thebetterskinco.com
GORGEOUS GEM
A little Kristals Cosmetics Firming and Lifting Eye Cream goes a long way. After all, it is infused with sapphire and retinol, so best apply liberally. Whoever gifts this gem is worth their weight in gold. $449.95, kristals.com
ANCIENT BEAUTY
Sulwhasoo is simply the best Korean skincare brand; its line is packed with ginseng, the king of Korean herbs. If you’re in LA, head to Koreatown’s Aritaum store, where you can find this Sulwhasoo Essential Value Set ($121)— a perfect introduction to anyone unfamiliar with the luxe brand—plus full-size bottles of many more K-beauty lotions and potions. Otherwise, go crazy on us.aritaum.com.
LOVELY LAYERS
In the world of beauty, 2016 will go down as the year of sheet masks. They’re so fun to give, receive, and use—just give Instagram a scroll. Pad Christmas stockings with a few masks by Karuna, whose focus is on everything from brightening to exfoliating. From $8 at Sephora, Ulta Beauty, and Anthropologie. The Holiday Survival Kit pictured is $25 and available on karunaskin.com.
SWEET ART
The scent of Claus Porto’s Cedar Poinsettia candle heralds Christmas. Encased in a porcelain votive inspired by Portuguese design, it makes for a perfect hostess gift. No need to wrap either — the candle comes in an Art Deco box that’s perfectly festive. $75, ClausPorto.com
PRETTY PLANT FOOD
The Most Beautiful Book of 2016 award goes to The Mix, authored by chef, food stylist, and certified nutrition expert Liora Bels. The plant-based “cookbook” ails hungry eyes: A bowl of borscht looks like art; the Banana Bliss smoothie leaps off the page. You beauty obsessed friends might not love spending time in the kitchen, but they’ll fall in love with this book. $39.95, teneues.com
How delicious does this bowl of borscht look?!!!