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From tried-and-tested hero products to our new favourite brands, find out what our beauty team is loving before anyone else.
Gift sets and bath bombs? Not this year
Make-up, skin and haircare are extremely personal, which makes beauty shopping for loved ones a perilous pursuit. But these practical hero products will be universally adored – promise 
 
Lip service

Male, female, young, old: there’s no one on your Christmas shopping list whose lips wouldn’t benefit from some winter TLC, and there’s something indulgent about a posh lip balm. Le Labo’s plant-based formula leaves lips moisturised, rather than glossy, thanks to protective skin-softening ingredients including shea butter and jojoba seed oil. A Secret Santa success story, guaranteed. £11, John Lewis

 
Studio 54

Once upon a time, you’d never buy someone a shower cap as a present: they were uniformly frumpy, ill-fitting and destined to grow mildew. But Shhhowercap’s hair-shields are different. Delightfully colourful, with a stylish 70s silhouette, they stay firmly in place without leaving forehead marks. The perfect gift for anyone who can go a few days without washing their hair. £35, Cult Beauty    

 
Dab hand

In all likelihood, only the most meticulous beauty obsessives will already own a nail and cuticle oil – but it’s a little luxury that everyone will appreciate. Made with jojoba seed, lemon peel and geranium flower oils, this version by sustainable brand French Girl Organics will keep hands in tip-top shape. And the chic, pared-back packaging will appeal to everyone. £20, Free People

 
Bubble and squeak

Soap is a bit of a cliched Christmas gift, but it doesn’t have to be boring. The right soap means someone will think of you every time they wash their hands – and if they can display the packaging with pride in their bathroom, even better. Liberty’s soaps come in a range of delicious scents, from balmy fig to zesty lemon, and the packaging is as gorgeous as you’d expect. £6.95, Liberty London

 
Knot today

Proper brushing is key to hair health whatever your type or texture – and a luxury hairbrush is the ultimate ‘they’re not going to buy it themselves’ gift. This one, by cult east London salon Glasshouse, is crafted in an eco-friendly way from sustainable maple wood. £22, Glasshouse Shop 

Want more beauty gift suggestions? See our full round-up here

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In need of some more gift inspiration? Here’s what Stylist’s beauty director Shannon has on her list
 

My Christmas wishes this year are simple. I’d like the Lumie BodyClock (£79.99) so I can enter 2020 more of a morning person, thanks to its dreamy sunrise-mimicking light. I am desperate to see whether BaByliss’ Tight Curls Wand (£25) can revive my natural second-day curls (I’ve seen it in action backstage and it’s impressive). And for third-day hair? The Uniform’s achingly chic Velvet Bow Scrunchie (£25) will make the inevitable topknots a little more polished, don’t you think?

A bottle of Kiehl’s Crème de Corps (£28) wouldn’t go amiss, either. It’s buttery but non-greasy: no other body lotion compares. And finally, do I have to explain why I want Nars’ Disco Dust Lipstick in Bianca (£26)? It’s heaven! 

Brought to you by Molton Brown
This event will help you nail your Christmas shopping

Want to take all the faff out of Christmas shopping while treating yourself along the way? We’ve got just the event. Molton Brown are transforming their stores for a 1920s inspired Christmas Cocktail party. You’ll be able to graze on seasonal nibbles and drinks inspired by the fragrance collection as you take a spin on the 1920s tombola to win prizes. You can also browse Molton Brown’s new decadent Bizarre Brandy collection as they handpick your presents with their bespoke gifting service and complimentary personalisation. Count us in.

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All this week, we’ll be supplementing our gift guides with suggestions of little treats to buy yourself. First up: Stylist Loves’ deputy ed Moya has found the ethical lipstick of her dreams
 

It’s hard to buy lipstick for other people. Unless you know them very, VERY well, you’re always liable to get something a bit too nude/glossy/matte for their liking. My tip? Stick to buying it for yourself. Axiology lipsticks feel luxuriously creamy without being slippery, the pigments are rich and long-lasting (I’m wearing Noble here), and the gold tube is satisfyingly weighty. And yet! They’re also vegan, organic and palm oil free. Success! £29, Glow Organic

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