Beauty Editors Shop the Gift Guides
We’re biased, but it’s true: Beauty products make absolutely incredible—not to mention easier-than-easy—presents. We organized our favorites from this year’s gift guides (okay, the glamping-under-the-northern-lights trip and the Deven Pavé Link Necklace are also pretty irresistible) by shopping strategy to make it even easier.
Strategy 1
Get multiples.
“Find a single present that’s guaranteed to delight many, stock up, tuck away in a closet and you’re set. I love the feeling of checking practically everyone off my list in one fell swoop. A stack of drawings by Tom of Finland or—if you’re feeling more Shiv Roy this year—an ice-bath tub might be exactly it, but if not, a subtly fabulous, gorgeously wrapped candle pleases just about every person.” —Jean Godfrey-June, executive beauty director
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Everybody loves to sleep, and the world is obsessed with this silky, dreamy serum: The results—just look at Gwyneth’s skin, and remember she just turned 50—are noticeable immediately and even more so long-term. Just about anyone with skin should see benefits. And it’s easy to work into an existing routine.
goop Beauty GOOPGLOW Dark Spot Exfoliating Sleep Milk goop, $98/$89 with subscriptionSHOP NOW -
Inspired by treatments you’d get in a dermatologist’s office, these peels work magic on just about anyone’s skin—the glow is truly next-level. A full box lasts three months, or, like the lip balms below, they can be split up into much-appreciated stocking stuffers.
goop Beauty GOOPGLOW 15% Glycolic Acid Overnight Glow Peel goop, $125/$112 with subscriptionSHOP NOW -
The key to giving candles: Get a really special one, lest it seem generic. The scent should be gorgeous, of course—but subtle enough, too. This one, the signature scent of the Maker Hotel in Hudson, New York, is the very best. It smells like an airy, atmospheric room with a great fireplace crackling in one corner (like the soaring-ceilinged, fantastic-fireplaced, wildly romantic bar at the Maker, crafted from an old two-story barn). The ribbed-glass container reflects candlelight in the most beautiful way, and the box is so pretty, you’ll want to keep it (they sell the print inside as wallpaper, too).
The Maker Spiritus Candle goop, $80SHOP NOW -
The thick jar is so pretty, you really need just a ribbon to wrap up this enchanting, supremely relaxing, mineral-rich bath that’s a godsend for anyone prone to restless nights. A mix of Himalayan, Dead Sea, and Epsom salts plus organic botanicals and essential oils like lavender, ginger, and sweet orange, it’s incredibly special. Pour a capful or two into a warm bath, soak up some pure gorgeousness, and have an extra-restful night.
de Mamiel Soothe Bath Soak goop, $96SHOP NOW -
This little box contains two new shades of the bestselling balms—Peony and Tomato—plus the OG clear version. Keep a stack of them ready, and remember you can break up the sets for stocking stuffers, too.
goop Beauty GOOPGENES Clean Nourishing Lip Balm Trio goop, $48SHOP NOW -
Chic and red and reflective, this present doesn’t need much wrapping at all, and who among us wouldn’t be delighted to get watermelon-vanilla lip balm and vanilla-orange-peel hand cream? The bonus is that these rich formulas—made with clean, bioactive, and organic ingredients—really last. And that the sleek packaging works no matter your gender or style.
Grown Alchemist Lip and Hand Kit goop, $27SHOP NOW -
Does your giftee go for French-girl vibes? This collection of exquisite clean scents—boxed together in old-school-chic wrapping—will absolutely blow her away. Each perfume is prettier and more original than the next, and they come bottled in gorgeous rollerballs, so they’re easily tucked into a bag, whether a vintage Birkin or a teensy pochette.
Maison Louis Marie Perfume Oil Discovery Set goop, $49SHOP NOW
Strategy 2
The hair-obsessed are easy to please.
“Who on your list doesn’t want shinier, smoother, healthier-looking hair? When you give a person something really amazing for their hair, you’re also giving them a truckload of future compliments every time they use it.” —Brianna Peters, associate beauty editor
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These stunning glossy tortoiseshell clips come in a pack of two—and make an exceptional present for anyone with hair past their ears. They look beautiful in a going-out updo, and at the same time they’re wildly practical for blow-dries and throwing your hair up at a moment’s notice.
Crown Affair The Air Dry Clips goop, $54SHOP NOW -
Deluxe and chock-full of nourishing botanicals, one pump of this silky cream works softening, moisturizing magic—it’s a leave-in conditioner, it’s a styler, it’s a shine-enhancer—and the big pump bottle looks so good on a bathroom counter.
Sangre de Fruta Botanical Hair Elixir goop, $96SHOP NOW -
Loaded with chunks of Himalayan pink salt and exquisite natural oils like rose hip, this giant jar of scalp-exfoliating shampoo works into a beautiful, frothy spalike lather, massaging your scalp and leaving your hair soft and shiny.
goop Beauty G.Tox Himalayan Salt Scalp Scrub Shampoo goop, $55/$38 with subscriptionSHOP NOW -
Stocking-stuffer heaven (if you break up the box) or a major indulgence for the hair-obsessed: You get a dozen mini high-performance, beautifully scented hair-care stars in an adorably wrapped package that opens each day onto a new and fabulous Amazonian-ingredient-infused essential.
Rahua The Rahua Advent Calendar goop, $180SHOP NOW -
This is the blow-dryer to end all blow-dryers: Sleek, minimalist, brilliantly light, it uses something called Oxy-Active technology to dry and style hair wickedly fast as it amps up shine.
Ga.Ma. Italy Professional IQ Perfetto Hair Dryer goop, $399SHOP NOW -
Anyone’s hair will look better after trying this golden preshampoo serum even once: It delivers noticeable shine and incredible texture. It’s so nourishing and softening, it smells amazing, and it guarantees good hair days whether your giftee air-dries or loves a full-on bouncy blowout.
goop Beauty GOOPGLOW Restore + Shine Hair Serum goop, $55/$44 with subscriptionSHOP NOW
Strategy 3
Splurge like you mean it.
“Going all out for someone who really deserves it feels sooo good. (And that someone could be you, BTW.) These lavish, big-ticket presents are supremely indulgent and really memorable.” —Brianna
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Everything anyone needs to face winter—luxuriously. You get full sizes of Dr. Bader’s incredible squalane-and-vitamin-C-infused serum, wake-up-your-face eye cream, and superstar lip balm, plus a mini of the legendary Rich Cream.
Augustinus Bader The Winter Recovery Kit goop, $575SHOP NOW -
The before-and-after photos for this next-generation skin laser are jaw-dropping, and the minimalist wand makes the most stone-cold sleek gift. It’s 100 times more powerful than a standard at-home LED treatment and is the only 500mW laser cleared by the FDA for at-home use. You (or your happy giftee) will kvell: This glamorous little laser is the real deal in terms of results for wrinkles, firmness, and more.
LYMA Lyma Laser Starter Kit goop, $2,700SHOP NOW -
Beloved by the dry-skinned, youth-obsessed, and breakout-prone alike, this cult-favorite serum-and-essence set delivers the supercharged botanical goodness and serious results that Vintner’s Daughter is famous for. We love the sleek black travel case, and, even more, we love the glow.
Vintner’s Daughter Signature Set and The Limited-Edition Travel Case goop, $420SHOP NOW -
The ultimate full-on-luxurious artisanal present for anyone who adores a truly beautifully made thing, this exquisite leather trunk comes from the Maker Hotel. Packed with the stunning, just-launching-on-goop eau de parfum Naked (it’s fresh and sexy at once, with musks, passionflower, and orris, and it comes in a gorgeous sustainable glass spray bottle), a gloriously smoky oud-and-cardamom-scented Café candle, and four exquisite leather coasters, the trunk makes a next-level jewelry box or repository for other treasures (it’s also a design objet on its own). The leather is upcycled, the fragrances are clean and vegan, and the trunk has to be one of the most enchanting gifts this season.
The Maker Fragrance Trunk Duo goop, $370SHOP NOW -
Does your potential recipient love facials? Or perhaps they’re devoted fans of the Theragun? Or both? This brilliant new device takes anyone’s skin routine to the next level. It comes with six attachments—three for percussive therapy (like the Theragun, they feel fantastic), a microcurrent ring, a blue/red LED light therapy ring, and a cleansing ring. All work solo or together for amazing results, whether your issue is wrinkles, firmness, dullness, problem skin, stress, or simply wanting better-looking skin.
Therabody TheraFace PRO goop, $399SHOP NOW
Strategy 4
Go low-key fabulous.
“A hint of color or sparkle here, a flash of glowy, healthy-looking skin there. Firming face oil, designer makeup brushes, subtle tints that wake up your face instantly—all appeal to a wide range, from your best friend to a parent to your eye-shadow-enamored niece.” —Megan O’Neill, associate beauty director
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It’s hard to get past how much we love this refillable jelly compact (holding it alone is a sensorial delight), but a dab of the moisturizing, beautifully pigmented glosses (you get two) on lips or cheeks and anyone will be instantly addicted.
NEEN Glisten Up Double Down Gloss goop, $22SHOP NOW -
Better brows equal better-looking, brighter, happier faces. This miracle gel-serum hybrid nourishes, shapes, lifts, and conditions brows beautifully—and lasts all day. The best part? The jungle-floral box is just so freaking cute that there’s no wrapping needed.
Rye Beauty Brow Grooming Serum goop, $42SHOP NOW -
One easy swipe of this subtle shimmer stick and your skin looks instantly fresher, dewier, and lit-from-within. It’s so hydrating and silky—it feels like a special treat every time you use it.
Ami Colé Light-Catching Highlighter goop, $22SHOP NOW -
This exquisite, almost jewel-like lip palette from rock-star makeup artist Gucci Westman is a classic and a bestseller. The four neutral pigments—Warm Rose, Peony, Café Crème, and Mulled Wine—flatter literally any skin type.
Westman Atelier Lip Suede – Les Nudes goop, $85SHOP NOW -
Gorgeous and pampering, this deluxe box comes with trial sizes of every Furtuna bestseller—the depuffing face and eye serum, gently exfoliating micellar essence, firming eye cream, adored blue skin balm, daily renewal cream, and firming night cream.
Furtuna Skin Restore & Renew Essentials goop, $175SHOP NOW -
Not only is this bakuchiol face oil one of Gwyneth’s sworn secrets for glowing skin at 50 years old, it’s also clinically proven to firm, smooth the appearance of wrinkles, and boost radiance—there’s no not falling in love.
goop Beauty GOOPGENES All-in-One Super Nutrient Face Oil goop, $98/$89 with subscriptionSHOP NOW -
For hazing out eye shadow, smudging inky liner into soft French-girl perfection, or shaping and taming brows, this set of pillowy-soft brushes from the London designer is a multitasking dream. The graphic stripes give a French-girl flair to any vanity or bathroom sink.
Otis Batterbee Eye Makeup Brush Set goop, $65SHOP NOW
Strategy 5
Make them think of you when they’re naked.
“This isn’t a strategy for every recipient, but if you’ve got anything from a crush to an SO, consider a present that your giftee sees (and loves) every time they shower. The context of steamy warm water makes an incredible-smelling bodywash or a fantastically foaming shampoo into a great subliminal advertisement for the sensual possibilities in your relationship.” —Jean
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This sandalwood-and-cedar-scented bodywash bursts with nourishing botanicals in a way that’s full-on dreamy. It lathers gloriously, soothes dry skin with turmeric and aloe, and comes in the prettiest 100 percent recyclable aluminum bottle (everything Pangea makes is beautifully considered and climate-conscious).
Pangea Body Wash – Moroccan Cedar & Sandalwood goop, $28SHOP NOW -
Two giant, minimalist pump bottles of some of the most shine-inducing shampoo and conditioner on the planet—this is the present no one knew they needed but everyone will be forever grateful for. The shampoo lathers into a botanical-infused foam; the conditioner is ultramoisturizing and gleam-inducing. Together, they leave practically anyone’s hair shinier, bouncier, and healthier-looking. (They also leave any shower looking decidedly more luxe.)
Grown Alchemist Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner Set goop, $98SHOP NOW -
Even if your recipient has never tried body oil—this one sinks in beautifully (you can put your clothes on right away), smells so good (the ginger-vetiver-cedar scent is gorgeous for all genders), feels so good (like silk), deposits a total-body glow that’s next-level, and instantly replenishes dry winter skin—they’re bound to be obsessed.
goop Beauty GOOPGLOW Afterglow Body Oil goop, $48/$43 with subscriptionSHOP NOW -
We don’t know what’s more appealing: the fresh-citrusy-green scent, the epic lather that leaves skin springy with moisture, or the sleek celadon aluminum pump that makes any bathroom look more chic.
Corpus Natural Body Wash goop, $30SHOP NOW -
This enchanting candle radiates a beautiful cloud of lavender, but the real gift is that you’re setting someone up for a sexy date night in. The warm wax melts into a skin-replenishing oil that feels and smells next-level amazing and doubles as the sultriest massage oil.
Kiki de Montparnasse Massage Oil Candle goop, $75SHOP NOW
Strategy 6
Everybody loves a spa night in.
“We all need help taking a break, and giving someone something fantastically pampering—the world’s prettiest bath soak, a luscious skin-coddling oil, scents that bloom inside your shower—gently forces them to slow down and luxuriate in the moment.” —Megan
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They’ve never seen anything like this kit that instantly transforms any shower into an aromatherapy steam room. It comes with three essential-oil-scented tablets—calendula, palo santo, and eucalyptus—that release into the steaminess as they melt, along with a hand-carved marble holder that makes a gorgeous soap dish once the tablets are used up.
Esker Aromatic Shower Steamer Set goop, $65SHOP NOW -
No matter your giftee’s skin type, this peptide-and-adaptogen-infused sheet mask—there are five in a pack—brightens, balances, and leaves skin looking (and feeling) about a thousand times more well-rested.
YINA Divine Bio-Cellulose Mask goop, $85SHOP NOW -
Truly the most beautiful way to untether oneself from the day (and from the email onslaught), this luxurious soak soothes both body and mind with pharmaceutical-grade Epsom salts, passionflower, and wild-crafted frankincense. Gift-wrap it before presenting it to the person in your life who could use a bit of help unwinding—or, alternately, the bag as is makes an excellent stocking stuffer.
goop Beauty “The Martini” Emotional Detox Bath Soak goop, $40SHOP NOW -
You might be tempted to keep these hand-poured French soaps that leave both body and face supple, lather gorgeously, and pamper skin with the finest botanical oils and butters—but refrain, if you can. The joy and delight they bring to every recipient (each one smells and foams up more decadently than the last) feels better than luxuriating in them yourself.
ORRIS Le Quartet Face and Body Cleansing Bar Box Set goop, $84SHOP NOW
Strategy 7
Stealth help will be appreciated.
Your friend who breaks out will not appreciate a bottle with “ACNE” writ large across it, and a tube of “WRINKLE CREAM” is rarely an appropriate present for anyone. But it is possible to give something useful and specific without insulting your giftee.
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Internet-famous for absolutely amazing results for troubled skin, this spritz comes in a chic red bottle.
Tower 28 Beauty SOS Daily Rescue
Facial Spray goop, $28SHOP NOW -
This is the best deodorant on the planet—the results are hard to believe for a clean deodorant, and it smells so good. Plus, most giftees will appreciate the implication that they’re…a megababe.
Megababe Smoothie Deo goop, $14SHOP NOW
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The fact that this brush has got to be the best head massage ever is the reason you’re giving it. It’s just a happy accident that the massage stimulates circulation and blood flow, which can help with hair growth.
Manta Pulse Healthy Hair
Brush Therapy goop, $69.95SHOP NOW
