The holiday season is just around the corner, and for me, that means an abundance of peppermint candles and an excuse to splurge on all my favorite of beauty goodies — for me and the lucky people on my shopping list.
But in order to stick to my budget (and still get the really good stuff!), there are a few things I make a point to remember when shopping for beauty during the holiday season. The first is to generally avoid those nicely packaged holiday kits a lot of brands put out. I know, I know, they’re so colorful and cutely wrapped, but truthfully, they aren’t always a good deal. Holiday kits can be a great way to try a brand you couldn’t normally afford, but they almost always include extra products you don’t really want or need — and that can add up.
Instead, I shop sites like Amazon and take advantage of Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales to stock up on the beauty gifts I’ve been eyeing since summertime. I also buy in bulk when it works out, like with a pack of 25 face masks or a nail polish set, then divide them amongst my loved ones. The last rule I have for myself for beauty holiday shopping is to think outside the box. You might think beauty means only skincare and haircare, but I like to include wellness items like silk pillowcases, collagen powders, and dental floss. Don’t be boring! Without further ado, here is everything on my beauty wish list this year.
10 Free Chemistry Non-Toxic Nail Polish
I buy non-toxic nail polish for all my pregnant and new-mom friends. This color is great for holiday (or anytime). Just because you’re expecting, doesn’t mean you can’t be festive!
Makeup Remover Cloth
I’m so addicted to this makeup remover. It even takes off my waterproof mascara! Wash it and use it over and over — it’ll last years.
Revlon Hair Dryer & Volumizer Hot Air Brush
So many of my beauty-editor colleagues sing the praises of their hot round brushes. This one can give you a blowout at home and requires no hairstyling skills. It’s time I get one for myself (and my mom and my mother-in-law). You can’t argue with hair tools.
Adler New York Exfoliating Mud Face Mask Trio
I love this set of travel-friendly, single-use mud face masks because they look chic and expensive, are easy to use, and are a feel-good way to tackle fine lines and blemishes. They’re all different and work together to exfoliate, improve the radiance of your skin, and minimize pores.
Fur Skincare Oil
I’ve had my eye on this gorgeous bottle of oil since, well, forever, so it’s at the top of my wish list this year. It’s made to smooth stubble and fights ingrown hairs but can do it all — try it as a cuticle softener, split end sealer, tattoo aftercare, scalp conditioner, or bath oil.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder
Add a boost of protein and collagen to your morning coffee with this tasteless mix. It helps improve hair, skin, nails, ligaments, tendons, bones and joints, and doesn’t have added sugars.
Jade Roller + Gua Sha Scraping Tool
I can’t wait to get my hands on a jade roller this year. I’ve heard it can calm and erase puffy eyes and skin, which will be a lifesaver for me when I’m up all night with my son.
Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
Keep your skin soft and your hair frizz and tangle-free with a silk pillowcase. I’ve been using one for over a year now, and I love it! Your bed will feel like a luxe spa, and you’ll wake up more refreshed. What more can you ask for?
Balm Dotcom Trio
You can’t beat these fruity flavored balms — and they’re not just for your lips! Toss one in your bag to keep your skin hydrated and smooth all winter long.
RMS Beauty Hidden Desire Palette
This limited-edition palette from RMS beauty is cruelty-free and free of sulfates, phthalates, parabens, petrochemicals, mineral oil, silicone, and talc. It has eight never-before-released products, including six eyeshadows, a blush, and a luminizing powder. If I only receive one gift this year, I hope it’s this palette.
4-Piece Coconut Oil-Infused Floss Set
This is hands-down the most adorable dental floss brand in existence, and the floss itself works wonders and tastes great. It’s dentist designed and woven with 500+ grime-grabbing fibers.
All You Need Mask Set
Divide and conquer your shopping list thanks to this discounted pack of 13 sheet masks.
Beauty By Earth Self Tanner
This vegan sunless tanning lotion is the key to perfect sun-kissed skin without chemicals. It gives you a gradual glow (no weird orange tint!) and is safe even if you’re a new mom.
Calpak Hard Side Cosmetics Case
I’m not a makeup artist, but I can’t resist this hardshell cosmetics case from the luxury luggage brand Calpak. I’m planning a ton of travel next year, and this will keep all the rest of the items of the beauty wish list safe and snug.
Ouai Super Dry Shampoo
I usually don’t splurge on dry shampoo, but around the holidays, I like for my hair products to smell less like baby powder and more like expensive perfumes. This dry shampoo from OUAI means I attend parties and gatherings with unwashed hair and still smell/feel fancy.
