Best Christmas Gifts for Beauty Junkies

All the stores in the mall are decked with Christmas trimmings, yet there's no doubt that shopping during the holidays is still a stressful experience. While it’s easier than ever to make purchases online and avoid the maddening mall rush, the true dilemma is in mastering the art of gift giving.

You have friends you’ve known for years, but you still have no idea what they’d want to see under the Christmas tree. Rather than buying a gift at random, and including a gift receipt for return, it’s time to flex your creative juices, in the spirit of holiday cheer. Chances are you have a girl friend (or three!) that has been your resident guru for all things beauty related. You just know, that they’d love to receive something they can use to primp during the holidays. Here’s a handy guide on the perfect gifts for each type of beauty personality!

The Classic Beauty

This girl would be lost without her Lacoste Polo Shirt and pearl earrings. She’s a sucker for the no-make up look and prioritizes looking fresh as a daisy all the time. Your beloved preppie would love to get products that are designed to enhance her already radiant complexion. Try out Chanel’s CC Cream (their version of the ubiquitous BB cream) or a good primer such as Smashbox or Laura Mercier.

If shades and skin type are too complicated for your haggard holiday self, your friend will also appreciate tried and tested beauty tools to upgrade her everyday routine. Consider buying her Acca Kappa hairbrushes or the famed Shu Uemura eyelash curler.

The Nature Lover

This flower child might be accused of looking unkempt from afar, but make no mistake, the loosely braided hair and carefully dewy complexion is the result of a bunch of products that are designed to enhance the natural glow.

To be extra thoughtful, take her lifestyle into consideration when choosing gifts. If she’s a staunch vegan, cosmetic products tested on animals are a definite no-no. Opt for organic lines from the likes of Origins, Lush or Kiehl’s, to appeal to her nature loving sensibilities. If she’s the type to get down and dirty planting trees and literally giving nature a hand, consider gifting her with Loccitane’s brightening hand cream to keep her hands soft and smooth.

The Funky Hipster

Never one to become a wallflower, this life of the party likes loud colors that showcase her equally vivacious personality as well. She doesn’t shy away from bold colors or surprising combinations, purple lash extensions anyone?

Almost every party animal worships at the altar of Andy Warhol, so it’s a great excuse to amp up her 15 seconds of fame by gifting her with any of the wonderful products from the Nars x ay Warhol collaboration. The stellar polish shades and the Edie gift set are particular recommendations.

For someone who is out every night, it’s only a matter of time before her skin starts to rebel on her lifestyle. Gift her with the priceless present of prevention by sending her a skin care set, Clinique’s iconic three step program is one of the easiest to follow, so drunkenness won’t stand in the way of her comprehension. If her partying has started to take a toll on her skin, Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Serum does wonders for skin as well.

The Know-It-All

We all have friends who have a habit of rattling off obscure facts or ingredient names of the cosmetics we purchase. This kind of girl knows her stuff, and this means that her taste in beauty products is just as discerning as well.

Try wooing her by introducing her to obscure brands that are known to produce great product. Santa Maria Novella and Diptyque are two specialty stores that you might want to tap if you seriously want to impress her. Another option is to give her beauty coupons for services instead of pre-selected products. This way customer maintains a sense of responsibility to possible delays or modifications in the mechanics.

Happy Christmas Shopping!