Christmas time is all about giving and hopefully our fair share of receiving. If you are tied up preparing the ultimate feast or still racing around stocking up on gifts, we have last minute inspiration to spare the confusion of trawling the stores and online boutiques.
By Kate-Marie Thorpe
Try our edit of the best skincare, spa and gift packs ranging from luxe to a little less. These have been selected based on their ability to delight and… okay we admit it, what we’d also love to receive ourselves!
Philosophy
The sensorial pleasures of walking into a Philosophy counter makes you feel like a big kid in a candy store. This is the best destination to grab stocking fillers and deliciously scented gift sets. Each year I love to give the Philosophy classics pack featuring three of their heavenly shower gels. What’s not to love?
RRP: $30 from selected David Jones stores, davidjones.com.au, mecca maxima and adorebeauty.com.au.
Ultraceuticals
The glow-giving Aussie powerhouse brand offers a range of amazing gift sets that you will have a hard time parting with. Our pick is The Radiance Collection including the ultra brightening serum and moisturiser, perfect to prevent and offset summer’s misdemeanours.
RRP: $179 at selected beauty salons and David Jones stores
ASAP
Serious skincare sets that will surely tick the box for the finicky recipient. The Skin Summer Essentials features a hydrating moisturiser, eye cream, CC cream and nourishing lip balm for post-fun in the sun care.
RRP: $149 / $125 exclusively available through skin care professionals. For stockists, call 1300 131 970
Elemis
Me time just got serious with one of the most indulgent spa at home treatment packs. The Ultimate Gift of Pro-Collagen is the gift that keeps giving packed with signature anti-ageing and pampering products like the Pro-Collagen cleansing balm, super serum and enzyme peel.
RRP: $520 from Elemis Spas and Salons nationally
Trilogy
Gifts for every budget and taste. Best sellers from the brand are packed in a gorgeous gift box that require minimal packing and maximum joy. We’re gifting the Botanical Beauties set which contains body wash and certified organic rosehip oil for deep-down hydration.
RRP: $24.95 / $19.95 at Myer, Priceline, selected pharmacies and health food stores.
Sanctuary Spa
A perfect gift solution to surprise and delight, and what great value! We love Sanctuary’s glorious bath and body treats and their bountiful gift packs will be gratefully received by the ones that you love. Give the lasting gift of beautiful skin with the Luxury Moisture Collection, which contains the 2 Day Moisture Shower Oil and 4 Day Moisture Oil Scrub.
RRP: $25 available at Priceline.
Kora Organics
Miranda Kerr’s certified organic range is a long time favourite at Rescu. HQ. This year team one of the great Kora gift packs such as the Christmas Holiday Beauty Gift Set with her Treasure Yourself affirmation quote book.This beautiful duo make a thoughtful and inspirational gift to pamper and uplift.
RRP: $79.95 available online at www.koraorganics.com, David Jones department stores and Terry White chemists nationally.
Model Co for Little Joe Woman by Gail Eliott
Combine the glamour of former super model turned designer Gail Elliott with the fun and sizzle of ModelCo in the ultimate collaboration that will leave you effortlessly gorgeous. The Model Co for Little Joe Woman by Gail Eliott Lip and Lash Essentials kit contains highly pigmented Lip Lacquer in Creme Brulee and Viva and the Power Lash mascara.
RRP: $29 at Little Joe Woman by Gail Elliot Boutique, and online at www.littlejoeny.com and www.modelcocosmetics.com
Keihl’s
DIY gift packs have never been easier. This cult New York brand works for men and women. We love the limited edition Craig & Karl Ultra Facial Cream and Calendula Herbal Extract Toner for the holidays. Add these to a beautiful scented box complete with handwritten note for an extra special touch.
RRP: $36 / $40 at selected Myer and David Jones stores, Kiehl’s boutique and www.kiehls.com.au.
John Frieda
Give the gift of good hair days with gift packs to suit all hair types and hair aspirations. These kits are perfect alone or added to a beauty hamper. Our pick of the kits this year is ‘For the Beach Bombshell’ in your life, which includes a highlighting shampoo and conditioner, limited edition repair treatment and handbag-friendly hair spray.
RRP: $14.95 from Priceline, Woolworths, Coles, Target, Chemist Warehouse and selected Pharmacies.
Colour Theory
Our pick for a little something extra are these Lip Gloss Towers are great for Kris Kringle, as stocking stuffers or just to say thank you. Featuring 6 heavenly shades, this delightful little selection will keep lips looking great all year round.
RRP: $9 from Amcal, Amcal Max & Guardian Pharmacies.