Words Kate Duggan:
www.kateduggan.co.uk
It just wouldn’t be Christmas without a few ‘smellies’ under the tree. If you’re stuck for the perfect giftset this Christmas, look no further.
For the intrepid traveller
Whether she’s constantly jetting off on mini-breaks, or just pulls the tent out at the slightest opportunity, treat her to Elemis’ The Adventuress set. The six travel-friendly bestsellers include Ultra-Rich Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, Frangipani Monoi Shower Cream (which smells amazing) and Smart Cleanse Micellar Water. You also get a case to keep them in. The products are worth £86, so the giftset is pretty good value at £54 from www.elemis.co.uk.
For the man in your life
Origins Men’s Grooming Treats looks to be a good buy. For £40 you get the Blade Runner shave cream, Save the Males moisturiser, Modern Friction exfoliating cream and Clear Improvement charcoal body wash. All the products are between 50ml and 150ml, and you’re saving over £15 on the cost of buying them separately. Plus you get a free wash bag. The shave cream in particular is sure to prove a hit. It smells good, soothes irritation, helps to avoid nicks and leaves skin feeling moisturised. See www.origins.co.uk.
For the green goddess
Optiat’s founders decided they wanted to do something about the amount of used coffee grounds that are discarded every year. So they started buying the grounds and turning them into luxurious face and body scrubs. Now Optiat has several ranges, all featuring at least one ingredient that would otherwise go to waste. The 100% natural soaps include antioxidant-rich chai spices. The soaps are very gentle and help to boost circulation and leave skin feeling smoother. They’re also cruelty-free, vegan and organic. Individually, the soaps cost £6.95 each, but you could treat your eco-conscious friend to all five with the Soap Block Collection for £29.95 from www.optiat.co.uk.
For the perfectionist
Clarins have some fantastic giftsets out this Christmas. It’s hard to choose just one, but the Precious Lip Collection (£20) is pretty high on the list. Four miniature lip products are included: Joli Rouge lipstick in 742, Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil in Honey and two Instant Light Natural Lip Perfectors. They’re all very wearable colours, and you save over £11. Plus you get the obligatory free makeup bag, making it a really attractive little giftset. See www.clarins.co.uk.
For busy mums and workaholics
Rest Lavender Bath Salts by Neal’s Yard Remedies should go down a treat. Made with French sea salt and organic lavender essential oil, the bath salts help to draw out toxins, calm the mind and aid sleep. They come in a pretty little drawstring bag and you also get a wooden scoop. It’s £15, from www.nealsyardremedies.com.
For luxury stocking fillers
Sets that can be split into individual presents usually work out better value than buying separate gifts. Pacifica’s Mini Body Butters giftset is £28.99, so less than £6 per tube. Each butter is richly scented and packed with skin-loving natural ingredients such as cocoa butter, aloe vera and jojoba oil. See www.naturisimo.com.