From fabulously fragrant body creams to superb skincare – and the ultimate beauty icon heirloom, discover brilliant beauty gifts for Christmas 2023 …
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THE SENSATIONAL SCENTS
I love Matiere Premiere perfumes, and the French brand recently launched a standout bath and body care line. Here’s why. Matiere Premiere specialise in full-bodied perfumes, and the hand/body washes (€45) and body creams (€55) are equally striking – you rarely get such impact from a body cream. So if you love scents with a Tom Ford kick – ie, when you walk into a room, people instantly get closer and ask what perfume you’re wearing – then you’ll love perfumer Aurélien Guichard’s creations. Guichard founded an organic farm in Grasse back in 2016; this helps to explain the quality of the ingredients in his scents. While the undeniably divine Tom Ford scents clock in now at an astonishing €330-plus for 50ml, MP’s are at the €145 mark. These body products are carefully formulated, with a minimum 88 per cent natural ingredients and no silicones, parabens, mineral oils or petrolatum. There isn’t a dud in the line: we love sunshiney Neroli Oranger, seductive Parisian Musc, Radical Rose – a stunning peppery floral – and rich, spicy and lingering Crystal Saffron. Try the discovery set (€45) to start with – we guarantee you’ll get hooked. Smell the scents and hair perfumes at Parfumarija, Westbury Mall, Dublin 2.
THE PARTY PALETTE
Charlotte Tilbury’s The Beautyverse Palette is the prettiest of the winter. Sheer, luminous shades make for a glamorous party season. €61 at www.theloop.ie (rrp €75). Also at www.cultbeauty.com at €47.46 (limited stock).
THE QUIRKY OBJECT
With Ridley Scott’s Napoleon movie just landed in cinemas, this crazy candle stands out. Yes, it’s more than a little ludicrous. And who is going to set fire to €170? But we kind of love it nonetheless. In black, stone or this “Empire” shade, at www.trudon.com.
THE GIFT SET
Byredo is one of the most exciting beauty brands around right now. Everything is creative, smart and considered, with an emphasis on self-expression. The Transported lipstick was one of my favourites of the year. This Lipstick and Lip Balm Gift Set limited edition is a real treat, €90. Great website, too; www.byredo.com.
THE LIP CARE
French skincare line Guinot has the perfect lip care routine, with this Lip Smoothing Scrub and moisturising Lip Balm, to exfoliate and then hydrate lips ready for that statement lipstick. Yes we want hyaluronic acid spheres and mango butter to save our lips this season. €58, at pharmacies and www.guinot.com.
THE SKINCARE LINE
We’ve been impressed by Environ this year, and rate the Skin EssentiA Eye Gel (from €48) in particular. I was talking to Zeba hair salon’s Angie Dromgoole this week, as they launched Cascata Hair – she has the most amazing skin, and told me that Environ is one of her favourite brands. She’s a great ambassador for the vitamin A-focussed skincare, and is testament to the results. At www.theskinnerd.com and www.millies.ie.
THE HOME SCENT
Fill your rooms with the winter blend by Irish essential oil maestros, The Nature of Things. Cosy Winter is a mix of orange peel, cypress leaf, cinnamon, clove and cedar wood oils. Add to a diffuser or check the website for ideas on using it to create a room spray. PS Their jasmine absolute oil is currently reduced to €18.90 – don’t miss it, it smells divine. www.thenatureofthings.ie
THE HAIR TOOL
Check out the new Dyson look – the Ceramic Pop range is certainly eye-catching. As always, we recommend heading to Dylan Bradshaw for advice and guidance before taking the plunge (plus Bradshaw’s salon on South William Street is newly renovated, complete with state of the art facilities plus new coffee shop ku.fee; www.dylanbradshaw.com). Meanwhile, the Coralle hair straightener in Copper is currently €350 (usually €450) online. www.dyson.ie
THE IMAGE
The word icon is thrown around all the time now, but there are few people that really deserve the label. Marilyn Monroe, unquestionably, is one. This photo was taken by the magnificent Eve Arnold, whose Estate – carefully and considerately run by her grandson, Michael – has just released three museum-grade archival prints (10x12inch) featuring Monroe from Arnold’s negatives. They are currently £280stg each for a limited time, edition of 250 (the price includes free worldwide DHL shipping). “This means we can stay true to Eve’s wishes while also ensuring her work is valued and displayed in the most popular galleries where the public can see it,” says Michael Arnold. Each print is individually created by Eve’s own printer Danny Pope, using exactly the same method as the larger versions that currently sell for up to £4,500stg. This is your chance to snap up a truly iconic image, and a beautiful and enduring gift. www.evearnold.com
Main featured image: Jo Malone London beauty crackers are currently €34 (rrp €40) at www.theloop.ie.
