Dazed editors on the best beauty gifts to give (and buy for yourself)

The product I would love to give: Rhode Lip Case

I’ll admit I was somewhat of a skeptic at first, wary of the huge amount of hype around Hailey Bieber’s beauty brand Rhode. But then I got gifted the famous lipgloss phone case and after using it a while I realised what started off as ironic curiosity had turned into genuine enjoyment. At first I thought it was a bit bulky, now I realise it fits perfectly into my hand. “Who needs to have lip balm near them at all times?” I wondered in the beginning. Me, it turns out. I do. I have also received so many compliments and comments on it from strangers, both those who know the brand and those who don’t – everyone wants to talk about it. It’s official, I’m a convert and I would recommend for any and all beauty fans.

Buy it here.

The product I would love to receive: Saint Rita Parlor Signature Fragrance

Please, someone, buy me Saint Rita Parlor’s Signature Fragrance for Christmas, I’m enchanted. The cult LA-based parfumerie was founded by Neil Bardon and named after his beloved whisky-drinking, cigarette-smoking Catholic grandma. This perfume evokes all those reference points – reverence, tobacco, love, incense, ancient wisdom, peaty whisky, nostalgia and roses. It’s a divine smell for only the most cherished people in your life.

Buy it here.

The product I would love to give: Rollr

Deodorant sounds like an inappropriate and potentially offensive Christmas gift idea. But hear me out because Rollr is actually an exquisite present to give any beauty lover (especially one keen to elevate every conceivable aspect of their grooming regime). The reusable glass bottle is a sculptural object of beauty and the rollerball comes in a choice of Rose Quartz, Blue Dumortierite or Green Aventurine gemstone for an added touch of luxury. It uses natural pre and probiotics to effectively balance the skin’s bacteria, and the formula is available in gorgeous scents that make using Rollr more like an indulgent ritual than a daily task. Plus the reusable design and concentrated, zero-waste refills make Rollr a really sustainable option as well as an incredibly decadent deodorising experience.

Buy it here.

The product I would love to receive: Dr Barbara Sturm The Ultimate Youthful Skin Collection

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in 2024, it’s that there are too many people with too many opinions online, and it’s better to choose one person to believe about one thing – whether that’s how to stop your puppy pooing on your living room floor, or how to look after your skin. For the latter, I have chosen to believe in Dr Barbara Sturm, and have taken some of her tips (avoid retinol, a bit of sun is good for you etc) to heart – and use her products whenever I can. So for Christmas, I would like this skincare set from her, to help me in my quest of looking 30 when I’m 40 without resorting to surgical means.

Buy it here.

The product I would love to give: Perfumer H Smoke Eau de Parfum

I would recommend giving a scent from Perfumer H to anyone for Christmas. It’s my favourite fragrance brand (I love Smoke for the colder months and Dandelion for the warmer ones) and I think Lyn Harris, the founder, is a genius – she does everything with such style. Their store in Marylebone is one of my favourite shops in London and you can buy candles, and tea and marmalade there too, which I love.

Buy it here.

The product I would love to receive: Malin + Goetz Cannabis Candle

Perhaps, disappointingly, the Cannabis candle by Malin + Goetz does not actually smell like weed. However, it does make Christmas time with the family all that easier – the cannabis-scented candle, that is. Perfect for masking the damp of a London flat, this grounding scent offers a calmer end to a chaotic year. So roll up (to the store) so I can light up (the candle) please.

Buy it here.

The product I would love to give: NS Novelties The Rose

The gift that keeps on giving. When Chappell Roan sang, “I heard you like magic, I’ve got a wand and a rabbit,” she missed one key player in the sex toy holy trinity: the rose toy. Not to be confused with a rosary – equally holy, but nowhere near as fun.

Buy it here.

The product I would love to receive: NuFACE Mini Starter Kit

Let your loved ones know this Christmas that you’re a high-class gal with exceptional taste by whacking this bad boy on your list. I’m a firm believer that preventative Botox is a pure hoax, and tools like Gua Sha, ice globes and even ice bath plunges are the way forward when it comes to ageing gracefully and appearing naturally snatched. And while the price tag seems hefty, I personally would rather invest in tools that are therapeutic in practice and can take with me wherever I go. With the power to lift, contour, tone, firm and cleanse your sins — the NuFACE MicroCurrent is definitely on my list.

Buy it here.

The product I would love to give: Herbar The 360 Set

The Herbar 360 kit which includes their Face Nectar, Gua-Shroom, Skin Pearls, Barrier Cream and Face Oil. I went for one of Herbar’s mushroom-powered, adaptogenic facials recently, and was blown away by the team’s knowledge of Chinese Medicine and overall wealth of information about a person’s physical and psychological state (because good skin health starts from within obviously!). Not to sound like an ad, but I personally recommend their products as someone that suffers with dry, sensitive skin, hates heavily fragranced skincare, and is looking for something more holistic when it comes to my cosmetics. 

My favourite way to apply is to use the gua shroom paired with the Face Nectar to stimulate as much blood flow to my face and open up those lymph nodes. Then apply the barrier cream and finish off with the oil while using the gua shroom to help it all soak in.

Buy it here.

The product I would love to receive: Ouai Detox Shampoo

I moved to London just over a year ago and while I’ve loved every minute of it, it’s safe to say my hair has not taken to the city in quite the same way. Thanks to the capital’s hard water, my roots often look lank and greasy mere hours after washing my hair. The only product I’ve found which makes my hair feel truly clean and soft again is OUAI’s Detox Shampoo, which contains apple cider vinegar to help remove any build-up on my scalp. Maybe it’s a little dull to ask for something as practical as a shampoo for Christmas instead of a fun candle or perfume, but for me this is one of those holy grail products that does exactly what you need it to, and I would never not be thrilled to receive a bottle as a gift.

Buy it here.

The product I would love to give: Glossier Body Hero Duo

In my opinion some of the best kinds of gifts to give (and receive) are often ‘elevated’ versions of mundane products, which is why I think this Glossier oil wash and body lotion would make such a wonderful present. Both the wash and the lotion are infused with orange blossom neroli – perfect for a refreshing, energising morning shower. I’d be hard-pressed to think of anyone who wouldn’t want to find this set wrapped up for them on Christmas Day.

Buy it here.

The product I would love to receive: Officine Universelle Buly The Great Traveller’s Beauty Kit​​

Two things about me are there are few things I despise more than having dry lips and few things I love more than cutesy little trinkets. This is why since I first came across videos of the personalised luxury lip balms from French brand Officine Universelle Buly, I’ve needed to get my hands on one. Customising the colours of the mini leather case and pouches with different leathers, the little lip balm comes with a mini mirror and is just the chicest little practical trinket. The lip balm also comes in The Great Traveller’s Beauty Kit, which comes with hand creme, face cream, an engraved toothbrush and mint dental floss. It’s one of those little sets that make me want to spend my life earnings travelling only on the Orient Express while staring longingly out the window and writing love letters with an ink pen.

Buy it here.

The product I would love to give: Laneige Strong Barrier Minis Set

As someone with pretty sensitive skin, I am pretty wary about a lot of skincare. But I still need my skin to look and feel like there’s something actually on it. If there is one brand that has never let me down, it is Laneige. This Christmas, I would give someone several of the Strong Barrier Minis Set. The set features three different free products: a moisturising sleeping mask, the Water Bank Cream Moisturiser, and two of my all-time favourite products, Cream Skin Toner and Moisturiser. Usually, minis go so quickly but the products are so great that a little truly goes a long way and they are perfect for the horrible dry air that causes breakdowns when travelling. So whether you’re on a long-haul flight or possibly toying with the idea of not coming home until the next day after a night out, pop one of the Cream Skins in your bag and you’ll survive the separation from your full skin care for one evening.

Buy it here.