Stuck for gift ideas? You’ll be all ’set’ for Christmas with a fab pampering pack. Katie Wright unveils her favourites.
A prettily-packaged beauty bundle can make a fine festive gift for everyone, from your octogenarian Nana to your pre-teen niece – but choosing from the vast array that hit the shelves in December is half the battle.
Fear not, however, as we’ve waded through the mountains of make-up, skincare and smellies to bring you the definitive dozen.
From budget to blowout, these are the kits that will delight your nearest and dearest this Christmas…
1. FOR YOUR SECRET SANTA
2. FOR COOL KIDS
Lush Father Christmas, £17.95, ties up four fun festive favourites in a jolly red wrap. The sweet little Butterbear made with Fairtrade cocoa butter, sparkly red shower jelly Santa bath bomb and mouldable soap will have kids ho-ho-ho-ing at bathtime (www.lush.co.uk).
3. FOR TEEN QUEENS
Housed in a cool pop art-inspired bag, Soap & Glory Poptastic, £18, is packed with six iconic products from the fun-loving brand. Featuring everything you need for a spa-themed slumber party, it’s a total teenage dream (www.boots.com).
4. FOR PARTY ANIMALS
Got a pal who loves to party more than any other? Then she’ll love the Emma Lomax Party SOS Kit, £24. With everything from dry shampoo and a hair brush to plasters and a sewing kit, it’ll ensure she never suffers a beauty or wardrobe malfunction again (www.emmalomax.com).
5. FOR SKINCARE OBSESSIVES
Centred around the uber-iconic Hot Cloth Cleanse and Polish, Liz Earle Superskin Botanical All-Stars, £43, includes the five key ingredients for an effective and luxurious daily skin ritual (www.lizearle.com).
6. FOR NATURE LOVERS
Bursting with nourishing honey and vanilla lip balms, and lemon and coconut lotions, Burt’s Bees Treat From The Bees Gift Set, £14.99, is a real winter wonder, and comes in a lovely glass honey jar that also makes a sweet tea-light lantern (www.burtsbees.co.uk).
7. FOR THE STARGAZERS
All the chicest bathrooms keep Aesop on display, and this collection is exceptionally chic. In a reusable tin, the Andromeda Gift Kit, £75, includes gorgeously scented hand wash and balm (to show off to guests), plus body cleanser and balm to pamper yourself (www.aesop.com).
8. FOR THE SLEEP-DEPRIVED
L’Occitane Relaxing Lavender Collection, £49, is a quintet of floral fancies that will fill your home with a cloud of sleep-inducing scent. New mums, stressed-out sisters or anyone else in need of a good night’s slumber will be eternally grateful (www.loccitane.com).
9. FOR CAT LADIES
Paul & Joe’s feline-themed Oh! Carnaval Makeup Collection, £35 (BeautyBay.com), is an eight-piece kit that comes in a sweet cat girl bag. Featuring five eye colours, a pink cream blush and a rose balm, it’s a make-up maven’s delight.
10. FOR MANICURISTS IN THE MAKING
Know a girl whose nails are always immaculately manicured? The Soigne Nail Art Tool Kit, £18, is a luxurious gold trio of tools for creating spots, stripes, snowflakes, Christmas puds – you name it. Just add nail polish for the complete package (www.soignenails.com).
11. FOR LUXURY LOVERS
A stunning selection of six much-loved classics, the House Of Jo Malone, £130, is a mix of scents and sizes nestled in a beautiful monochrome gift box. The Grapefruit Hand Wash and Pear & Freesia Body Lotion are ideal for home, while the mini bath oil and Pomegranate Noir Travel Candle are perfect for relaxation on the road (www.jomalone.co.uk).
12. FOR BEAUTY JUNKIES
If nothing less than the finest brands are good enough for your gift recipient, the Space NK Christmas Hamper, £150, is sure to be a winner. A sleek edit of the beauty boutique’s best-sellers from the likes of Aromatherapy Associates, Eve Lom and Diptyque, it’s worth a whopping £185 (www.spacenk.com).