As you might have gathered from my Instagram Stories, I’m a big fan of Christmas. It really does bring me joy in ways even the cynic in me doesn’t understand. I especially love the gifting process – every year, my sister and I get up in the early morning and open the stockings we put together for each other. Seeing her eyes light up at a nail polish or candle I bought for her is one of the highlights of my day. As you read that last sentence, I’m sure you were thinking of at least one person who brings you that kind of joy when you watch them open their gifts!
In the name of reducing my clutter and general waste, this year I’m asking for fewer, more specific presents. My parents prefer to be given a short list, and my sister is so busy I’m amazed she manages to find time to get me anything! As I’m sorting out my note for Santa, I’m doing a bit of browsing and I’m sure one or two of these incredible beauty gifts will make it onto my wishlist. In case you were looking for help with your own, or another family member who loves a palette or fragrance, I’ve compiled this list of the very best cruelty-free Christmas gifts I could find!
This Charlotte Tilbury Instant Eyes Palette is absolutely stunning and as soon as I saw it on Space.NK I popped it in my basket. Made up of neutral tones, it steps slightly out of my comfort zone with midnight blue and sage green trios, and a fair bit of Christmas sparkle. Perfect for Christmas parties and New Year, with a lot of wearability as we go into 2020.
For a stocking filler, this Almond Milk and Honey set from The Body Shop would be such a nice surprise! I’m a big fan of this range, especially as I can’t use the L’Occitane Almonde products. I love miniatures, they’re perfect for weekends away or when you’re visiting your parents. They sell a number of their other classic fragrances, including another all-time favourite, Shea Butter. I will wait patiently for the day they make an Olive collection…
It wouldn’t be Christmas in the Moon household without a LUSH giftset under the tree. Every year there will be some bath bombs for my mum to unwrap, and a solid shampoo for my dad. I am personally hoping for a top up of my favourite body wash, The Olive Branch, and perhaps also the Dreaming Of Christmas gift set as anything with a Dream Cream is my kind of gift.
For a bit of home luxury, I always love a Diptyque candle. While their evergreen candle range is always a treat, their Christmas range is a gem too – one of my favourite fragrances of the year was their Myrr candle from 2018’s collection. I’m currently lusting after the Do Son Surprise Pocket, which contains three products in my favourite scent for slightly less than the typical Diptyque pricetag.
If you’re off to Boots, I’d take a look at the selection of minis they have – perfect for gifting. This Fenty Beauty mini glosses set is incredibly cute, as is this Bumble and Bumble superstars set or these Lime Crime Holiday Glow lipglosses. I’m also a big fan of this BareMinerals Glow On The Go palette, it’s so pretty!
When it comes to skincare, the prize for the most beautiful luxury gifts have to go to Votary’s Darlings set and Aurelia’s Overnight Treatment Collection. When I received the Darlings set last year I nearly welled up – the packaging is so nice and the face towel it comes with is so soft. This year, I’ve got my eye on the Drunk Elephant Shelf Control night kit as I am all about finding the best night routine for my skin. I’m also loving this Pai Sensitive Skin Toolkit – Pai make some of the nicest skincare, my personal highlight being the Rosemary BioAffinity Toner.
For the haircare lover, I couldn’t recommend Slip silk scrunchies enough. They’re decadent, but take you from 0 to a 10 on low-key, second day hair days. They’ve made this Silk Scrunchie Bauble which would make such a nice gift. They also sell Zodiac Sleep Masks, which are incredibly extra but you can bet I will be asking for one to help me sleep soundly into the new decade.
And finally, the most oddly desirable gift I came across… this set of miniature Marvis toothpastes. Not particularly conventional, but I wouldn’t be disappointed if I found this in my stocking.
You look gorgeous