WHAT TO BUY THE BEAUTY FAN THAT
HAS IT ALL

 

Buying a gift can be tricky at the best of times but add a hardcore beauty fan into the mix and things get a little more intimidating. So, we’ve called on two of the biggest beauty buffs at Selfridges to find out what they genuinely want to find under the tree this Christmas, from the tool our Beauty Editor is smitten with to the lipstick set our Beauty Buyer has her heart set on.

WHAT TO BUY THE BEAUTY FAN THAT HAS IT ALL

Words: Grace Gargini

Buying a gift can be tricky at the best of times but add a hardcore beauty fan into the mix and things…get a little more intimidating. So, we’ve called on two of the biggest beauty buffs at Selfridges to find out what they genuinely want to find under the tree this Christmas, from the tool our Beauty Editor is smitten with to the lipstick set our Beauty Buyer has her heart set on.

On our quest to find the most epic products of 2021, we brought together our buyers, experts, and passionate beauty fans from across Selfridges to vote for their standout products of the year. From our Head of Beauty’s favourite make-up launch to our Beauty Editor’s go-to gadget – these are the best of the best! Plus, scroll down to cast your vote for this year’s People’s Choice Award. Cue drumroll, we hereby announce the winners…

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MELISSA MCGINNIS
Head of Buying

Melissa has a unique knowledge of the brilliant brands in our iconic Beauty Hall, so who better to ask for their top picks this Christmas.

GUCCI

Lip Vault Limited-Edition Assortment

Gucci lover? Tick. Lipstick lover? Tick. If you’re looking to spoil a special someone who has a penchant for lipsticks, this really is the ultimate gift. The limited-edition collection includes 25 Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Lipsticks – from velvet mattes to creamy satins and glossy finishes – plus its hydrating Baume à Lèvres lip balms. Named after iconic Hollywood films and characters, the collection is designed to be mixed and matched so the possibilities are endless.

HOURGLASS

Universe Unlocked Limited-Edition Palette

If glowing skin is what they (and you) are after, look no further than Hourglass. This limited-edition Christmas palette recreates the most flattering light on the skin; it’s like walking through life with a personal ring light. Utilising photoluminescent technology, the palette contains the brand’s signature Ambient Lighting Powder and Strobe Lighting Powder to set make-up and blur fine lines and pores, as well as two buttery-soft blushers and bronzer. 

BY DR. VALI

Cutis: The Ultimate Micro-Contouring Tool

I love a beauty tool, and this is hands-down my favourite tool to date. Launched by the world-leading cosmetic dermatologist, Dr Vali, Cutis brings patented technology and clinical results into the comfort of your home. It’s the most powerful micro-contouring tool on the market, delivering up to 14,400 oscillations per minute that work wonders on de-puffing, improving radiance, lifting, tightening and relieving tension.

OLAPLEX

Healthy Hair Essentials Gift Set

Who wouldn’t want to receive the gift of luscious locks? Whatever your hair type, this Olaplex set is a win-win for fans of the salon-approved brand. The Healthy Hair Essentials kit includes its bestselling No. 3 Hair Perfector, Bond Maintenance Shampoo and Conditioner, plus the No. 7 Bonding Oil – I always get complimented on how silky my hair looks after I use this.

JO MALONE LONDON

Orange Bitters Scented Candle

There’s nothing quite like putting on some cosy loungewear and lighting my favourite candle over the winter months. Jo Malone London has nailed it again with this year’s limited-edition Orange Bitters scent. This is my perfect festive fragrance, with juicy citrus and a burst of fresh mandarin paired with a sensual base of rich sandalwood and creamy amber. It’s a zesty, warm, spicy scent-sation.

AUGUSTINUS BADER

The Cream

Any skincare buffs on your Christmas list will be thrilled to open this. Can a moisturiser be that good, you ask? Well, powered by Professor Bader’s patented technology and with more than 30 years’ research, the ground-breaking TFC8 compound unlocks your skin’s innate ability to regenerate and promote collagen production. The wonder cream really does it all – and leaves skin looking perky and plump. It’s the Rolls-Royce of skincare.

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GRACE GARGINI
Beauty Editor

Looking for a truly standout gift? Our guru of all things beauty recommends the gifts that will bring some joy to the start of 2022.

DR DENNIS GROSS

DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro

Any skin aficionados on your Christmas list that regularly get facials? This medical-grade mask from dermatologist and all-round skin guru Dr Dennis Gross harnesses red and blue LED light therapy to tackle acne breakouts and stimulate skin cell renewal to even skin tone and texture for brighter, firmer skin on regular use. It’s genius.

BYREDO

Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum

Any fragrance fan will likely be well acquainted with the wondrous world of Byredo – and if not, boy they’re in for a treat. If you’re looking for a safe-bet scent (as in, one that works for men and women, day and night, summer and winter), Mojave Ghost is one of my most recommended go-tos. Housed in a special limited-edition box for 2021, the multi-layered fragrance blends musky ambrette with floral magnolia, sandalwood, crisp amber and cedar wood for a richness that builds on the skin. Delicious.

SUSANNE KAUFMANN

Mallow Blossom Limited-Edition Bubble Bath

I’m a huge fan of baths. Yes, I like the magnesium salts and aromatherapy oils, but sometimes you just need big frothy bubbles! Possibly the most elegant version of a bubble bath going, this gorgeous elixir creates an inviting joyful cloud that smells delicious and leaves your skin silky soft. Anyone who loves a pamper will adore this. 

AESOP

The Advocate Gift Set

Aesop is always one of my favourites to gift (and receive) thanks to its gorgeous formulas and chic apothecary-style packaging. The Advocate Gift Set contains its bestselling Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash and Hand Balm (yes, that’s the one you see in all the cool interior posts on Instagram) with a refreshing body wash and body balm to keep winter skin nourished. It’s the perfect gift for anyone on the list who loves a little luxurious step-up from the everyday.

PAT MCGRATH LABS

Crimson Couture Limited-Edition Lip Kit

I’m a sucker for a classic red lip at Christmas time, and this limited-edition lip liner and lipstick duo from legendary make-up artist Pat McGrath is the perfect crimson shade for festive get-togethers, and beyond. I love the melted velvet-effect texture and it stays put through a few too-many glasses of fizz.

CHANEL

La Crème Main Texture Riche

If you’re going to gift someone a hand cream, then make it CHANEL. Granted, this iconic packaging could be mistaken for an ornamental piece of art, but inside this satisfying egg-shape is a nourishing formula that instantly hydrates the skin but, crucially, won’t leave a sticky residue. 

Feeling inspired?

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