Gift Guide: For The Beauty Obsessed
Violet Code Approved Makeup, Skin, Body and Haircare
Today’s letter is in partnership with Violet Grey, the retail beauty holy grail!
We’re back with the final instalment of my gift guide—I hope you’ve been enjoying them so far!
Today’s letter is for the beauty-obsessed. We’re diving into all of my giftable favorites: everything from makeup, skincare, body, and hair care.
It’s perfect timing, too, because Violet Grey is currently running their annual Best of Beauty Event. If you know me, you know Violet Grey is my favorite place to shop for all things beauty. Just ask my fiancé—he’ll tell you I never miss a chance to drag him to their Melrose Place store (which is especially amazing) whenever we’re in LA. It’s like my beauty pilgrimage. It also just so happens to be next to The Row, which is a bonus—but I digress.
All that to say, I’ve discovered many a beauty favorite through Violet Grey, like my beloved Susanne Kaufmann’s Rejuvenating Eye Cream, Ami Colé Highlighter, and Agent Nateur Body(Balm)—all of which, and more, are included below and available for 20% off until December 4th! Let’s get into it.
All About the Skin
Buying skincare as a gift can be tricky—everyone's skin is so different! With that in mind, I’ve curated this selection of products that work well for nearly any skin type.
The Augustinus Bader Cleansing Balm is a luxurious way to start your skincare routine. Plus, the iconic blue and gold packaging is sure to thrill any skincare lover. For an added touch, include a second cleanser (foamy or gel) to complete the double cleanse and/or a nourishing lip balm.
Kristina Holey x Marie Veronique’s Balancing Hypotonic, Barrier Restore Serum, and Barrier Lipid Complex make an unbeatable trio for anyone battling cold winter weather or irritated skin. They truly work wonders for the barrier.
For anyone looking for plump, glassy skin, The Eighth Day Performance duo is the way to go. It’s comprised of their Resurfacing Tonic, a glycolic- and lactic-acid toner, and their Regenerative Serum, highly concentrated with Peptide-rich Plasma.
Give the gift of fresh-looking under eyes with Susanne Kaufmann’s Rejuvenating Eye Cream or 111Skin Cryo De-puffing Eye Masks—or both if you’re feeling really generous. This combo is truly my go-to whenever I want to look my best.
As for tools, the QUIET HOURS facial ice roller is sized and shaped perfectly for de-puffing and sculpting. For the big guns, there’s the Lyma Laser, which is for someone who is ready to commit to their skincare in a serious way. I can personally attest that you will see results if you’re consistent, and I’m not even at the three-month mark yet, which is when you’re really supposed to see the change.
Khaite’s Python Lina Pochette is a chic gift that doubles as a beauty-product stash and an evening bag.
Lastly, if someone is concerned about their skin, they’re likely also concerned about their water intake. For this, I would suggest Service Project’s Walter Carafe and Tumbler!
Full Glam
Makeup! For the ultimate radiant base, start with Westman Atelier’s Skin Activator before moving on to UBeauty’s The SUPER Tinted Hydrator, which is perfect for light, everyday coverage. Combine it with Ami Cole’s Desert Date Cream Multistick and Light-Catching Highlighter for added glow and a healthy flush. For another option, you’ve likely already heard about my love for Westman Atelier’s Face Trace, Lit Up, and Baby Cheeks — as a trio, it makes for a really fab present.
Les Filles En Rouje’s La Palette Visage and Le Mascara is a gift that gives glamour.
A lip product is always a crowd-pleaser, and I love La Bouche Rouge’s Lip Pencil paired with their ultra-chic, refillable leather lipstick case. Alternatively, UBeauty’s Lip Plasma Compound (in any shade) is a favorite. Westman Atelier’s Lip Suede Palette is also very chic, and with four shades in each compact, it’s four times more likely to be a hit! Combine the palette with a lip brush, and you're good to go.
Gifting scent can be risky, so a smaller-size roll-on is a great option!
If you’d rather play it really safe, a luxe set of brushes, a glossy makeup pouch, or a beautiful silk robe to get ready in is sure to be well-received.
Ultimate Bath and Body
Bath and body is one of my favorite things to gift because it’s the perfect way to encourage a moment of relaxation and self-care.
Anything from Santa Maria Novella feels really giftable, but I particularly love this three-piece soap bar set. Alternatively, Nécessaire’s eucalyptus body wash is one of my favorites, and it pairs beautifully with their body serum.
For the ultimate at-home spa experience, this gift set is the way to go. Otherwise, a dry brush and body scrub make a great pairing. So does Agent Nature’s Holi(Body) Oil and Body(Balm). Honestly, I don’t think I could survive the winter without any of the above.
One thing I’d personally like to make mine this year is Tenoverten’s overnight hand mask to repair my dry hands.
For post-body care, you definitely can’t go wrong with a beautiful pair of pajamas and a matching eye mask!
Perfect Hair Days
Onto the hair.
I’ve been loving Augustinus Bader’s The Shampoo and The Conditioner, which I pair with their Scalp Serum 2-3 times per week. This is what I’m planning on gifting to my sister, who colors her hair, lives in Barbados (lots of sun and sea salt), and is always focused on her hair health—hopefully, she’s not reading this!
If you’d ask her, she’d probably suggest Crown Affair’s Renewal Mask and Leave-in Conditioner for ultra hair nourishment—I would second that. And while we’re on the topic of Crown Affair, their Hair Towel and Hair Clips are staples for me and make for lovely gifts!
In a similar vein, I love a Slip silk pillowcase and scrunchie combo.
For styling, the T3 Switch Wave Trio is a fun option, and for anyone traveling over the holidays, Yves Durif’s Comb and Petite Brush Set would be perfect!
A chic nightgown is the ideal outfit for doing your hair because, at least for me, it helps to prevent getting overly frustrated and overheated.
Okay, that about covers it! But I’ll leave you with one final suggestion: gift The Violet Box: The Holiday Heroes—a curated selection of Violet Grey’s hero products and seasonal festive staples. Its contents are valued at $536, but it’s being offered for $275. Receiving and unboxing one of these is truly a thrill.
Until next time!
Anna
While I want to thank you Anna, my wallet is feeling lighter 😂 . I just hit up your favorite things. My Christmas I love me gift. ❤️ Happy Holidays . You are the best . Love ❤️