by BR Kellie
On the whole I would give myself a solid 8/10 when it comes to Christmas present organisation. It helps that the majority of my family live in other cities or countries, so I have to be well prepared. That being said, there's always the last minute face-palm moments that pop up when I realise that I've forgotten someone in my life that needs a gift as a way of saying 'thank you for all you've done this year' or simply 'I'm glad you're in my life'.
Now while a box of choccies or a bottle of something liquidy is always an option, a beauty gift gives the impression that you've been thoughtful, that you planned this, that the gift wasn't stress-bought at the very last minute. So what can you give that shows you care... even though you've been careless enough to forget?
'Tis the season for brands to be putting out little boxes of minis containing everything from makeup to skincare. If you're really stuck and unsure what to buy a person who you knows likes beauty but you're not sure exactly what, snap up one of those because even if everything's not to their liking, more likely than not something will be - especially if they contain both skincare and cosmetics. (They're also great for the travelling beauty in your life. Minis for the win!)
There's nothing like being gifted a cult beauty product. To this day I remember the joy I felt when my sister-in-law gave me my first ever MAC lipstick for Christmas. Heart eyes all round. The best thing about cult products is that there's a huge choice out there for the beauty lover - from good ol' MAC lippies to Trilogy's Everything Balm to NARS' Orgasm (which is so revered you don't even need to say what the actual product is) to CK ONE. To find the perfect cult present all you have to do is think about the beauty lover in your life's favourite kind of beauty product and take it from there.
While it's tempting to just buy a fragrance, any old fragrance, there's a high chance of getting this very, very wrong and giving someone a scent that they wouldn't even use to make their undie drawer smell nice. This is when a good fragrance coffret comes in. With a selection of scents to discover, it gives your person a chance to try a perfume they might not have otherwise and find a new favourite! Some (like the one above) also include vouchers that can be swapped for a larger size fragrance of their choice from the set. Genius!
Beauty tools are one of those items that some put off as a 'one day'. As in 'one day when I have some spare cash I'll try that, but until then I have bills to pay', which is why they make an excllent last minute gift! Gua sha stones, quartz rollers, hair straighteners, hair curlers, body sculptors - there are so many options to choose from, which makes picking one up a stressless last minute shopping experience, while making your giftee grateful that you gave them such a thoughtful present!
I'm just gonna put it out there... I'm just gonna say it... It's a complete cop out, but sometimes it's gotta be done... Grab a candle. They smell good, they look good, and they look pretty all wrapped up with a gift bow on top. If the person you're buying for hates it they can stash it away and regift it when they're stuck for a last minute gift idea - and then they'll really be thanking you.
So, my lovelies... Are you a last minute Christmas shopper? If so, what are your fast and furious beauty buys? Sharing is caring, so get chatting below!
You can't go wrong with scented candles.