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Although you might think you have plenty of time left before Christmas is upon us, it’s never too early to start planning, buying and wrapping your Christmas gifts. If you’re well organised, then you can really embrace the run up to Christmas instead of last-minute panic buying.
I know we have become accustomed to a culture of “keeping it easy and buying online” but I’m all for living in the moment and enjoying the delights of our Christmas-filled shops.
I’ve always liked giving my friends and family makeup and beauty treats as gifts because it’s what I know and love. Hence, I thought I would share with you my Christmas gift ideas.
1 Why not try something a bit different this year? The latest craze is advent calendars that are full of mini beauty treats. If you want to splash out on an advent calendar to spoil a loved one in the run up to Christmas, Armani have brought out their first exclusive Beauty Advent Calendar. At €299 it’s packed full of 24 utterly gorgeous Armani gifts. Clarins also have created an advent calendar to add a bit of fun to your December. There are body, face and makeup gifts hidden behind each door and at €120 what’s not to love? Like any new exciting beauty gifts, my advice is to get cracking and purchase these ASAP as they are flying off the shelves. They can also be purchased online.
2 A good idea is to pick up any fun nail varnishes or lipsticks that are on special offer, usually up at the counter in chemists. Sometimes there is a little basket full to the brim with marked-down last season’s stock. Always have a rifle through because you might just find a bright shimmer nail polish or a neon lip gloss, perfect for the younger girls in the family. They often have glitter nail files and fun coloured hair scrunchies in Claire’s Accessories on a three-for-two deal. Another different and memorable gift for a godchild, niece or sister is a Claire’s Accessories gift voucher to get their ears pierced. The vouchers start at €5. The earring selection is brilliant.
3 Ikea have a good selection of small wicker baskets from €6. So, a lovely idea is to fill the basket with beauty treats and then it can be used after to store makeup. A suggestion for a candle to go into your fun Christmas basket is the Aldi large Luxury Lime Basil and Mandarin No 1 scented candles, which I think smell very similar to the Jo Malone but for a quarter of the price at €9.99. Once lit, the room fills with the most beautiful aroma that lingers on even after the candle is blown out. Ideal for the hall as a welcoming smell for your Christmas guests.
4 Another easy but thoughtful beauty gift is a voucher. Treat your grandmother or mother to a file and polish, a wash and blow dry or a stylish up-style if they are off to a New Year’s Eve party. You can speak with your local beautician/hairdressers and they will advise you on their Christmas beauty offers. You could give a voucher for a spray tan or a makeup lesson. Inglot have vouchers on offer for €15 for a 30-minute makeup lesson.
5 Debenhams have put together some super cosmetic ideas for guys. They have a wide selection of grooming boxes, aftershaves and fun gadgets – all ideal stocking fillers. You can choose your items and then for €3.50-€7 you can purchase a luxury gift box (in store). The shop assistant will pop your products inside and wrap them beautifully for you. Another job done!
6 There is nothing nicer than luxury bath and body products; you can’t go wrong with any of the Jo Malone range. I adore the Red Rose Bath Oil that costs €54 for a sumptuous bathing treat. Also, the Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Body Crème that is €65. It is a sensual cream that leaves your skin smelling divine and feeling as smooth as silk. I buy mine in Brown Thomas or the duty free, but you can purchase online too with free delivery.
7 On the makeup side of things Max Factor Lipfinity lipsticks from €16.99 are smooth, creamy, glide onto the lips and last really well. They have a colour range to suit everyone so that’s another great little gift. Sexy Mother Pucker Pillow Plump XXL lip plumping glosses are something different at €12.50. Your lips will tingle slightly and temporarily look plumped and more defined. Handy to have in your handbag or in the car. Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effect thickens even the finest lashes and comes in a waterproof version at €32.50. Such a useful treat.
I hope these Christmas gift tips will help you on your merry way and please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
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