By Kate Duggan
There’s something a little bit special about a beauty gift set. (And not just because you usually save money compared to buying the products separately.) Here’s our pick of some of the best sets this Christmas.
Bobbi Brown’s gift sets are always a treat and this year’s are no exception. Top of my list is the Must Have Essentials set. You get a make-up bag, full-size Pot Rouge Blusher and five minis, including a Luxe Lip Color in Neutral Rose and a Smokey Eye Mascara. Together, they’re worth £82, so the set is an absolute steal at £36.50; see www.bobbibrown.co.uk.
Buying for a teenager? Organic Young’s My Skin Goals set is likely to be well-received. It features the Clear Skin Foaming Face Wash, Purifying Serum and Cleansing Moisturiser. Each product has been specifically designed with teen skin concerns in mind. Together, they help to tackle acne, soothe inflammation and keep skin healthy. Plus, each purchase supports the Born Free Foundation. The set is £30 from www.greenpeople.co.uk
Know someone who could do with a better night’s sleep? Treat them to Neal’s Yard Remedies’ Beauty Sleep Collection. It features the Beauty Sleep Foaming Bath Gel, Shower Oil, Body Lotion and Concentrate Serum, all of which smell heavenly and are designed to aid relaxation. It’s £40 from www.nealsyardremedies.com.
It can be tricky to find the perfect gift set, so a few brands now allow you to create your own. British brand Noble Isle is one of them. Select three or four products from its extensive range, and they’ll be popped into a gift box and posted out. And what a range to choose from… Personally, I love the spicy Fireside Bath & Shower Gel and the subtly floral Willow Song Body Lotion. The bespoke Trio set is £20 from www.nobleisle.com.
Liz Earle (www.lizearle.co.uk ) has outdone itself with its gift range this year. The packaging is lush and many of the sets come with festive tins or reusable bags. It’s hard to pick a favourite to be honest. If you’re looking for a stocking filler, The Joy Cleanse and Polish set (£12) is ideal. Buying for a man? You can’t go wrong with the Shower and Shave Collection (£30). And I’m personally lusting after the Together We Shine Haircare Set (£33).
I think we all deserve a bit of relaxation this Christmas. Open the Puressentiel Time to Unwind travel bag and you’ll find a Rest & Relax Air Spray, a Rest & Relax Massage Oil and a Stress Roll-on. Together, they use the power of essential oils to promote a feeling of calm, ease stress and tension, and aid relaxation. Bliss, at £20 from www.uk.puressentiel.com.
If you’re looking for a gift with the wow factor, try Rituals’ The Ritual of Ayurveda Rebalancing Collection. All four products (Foaming Shower Gel, Body Scrub, Body Cream and Mini Fragrance Sticks) smell amazing. They’re perfect for creating an at-home spa experience on Boxing Day and beyond. And as they come with a gift box and tag, you don’t even need to wrap them. It’s £39.90 from www.boots.co.uk.