5 Beauty Founders on the Best Gifts Under $100
November 27 | 5 minute read
Words by Christie Sinclair
So to help you narrow down what’s worth your time – and what’s considered the best value – we went straight to the experts, asking five founders of some of the world’s most loved beauty brands to share their top picks (and what’s best to avoid).
Because who better to narrow down the best beauty gifts than the people who dream them up in the first place? Immersed in the beauty world 24/7, they know exactly which textures will delight, what will make people feel special, and ultimately, which will be used to the very last drop.
Plus, every gift is under $100, and guaranteed to make every day – not just one day – infinitely better.
Do: If makeup is at the top of their wishlist, keep it neutral and easy, explains the industry veteran. “Try our V.I.P. Polite Principles Eyeshadow Palette or any of our Polite Pout Glossy Lip Balms as everybody loves a good effortlessly pretty, natural look,” Blandino recommends. If the person you’re gifting to is makeup or TikTok obsessed? “Go for something viral like our B.I.G. Mouth Lip Plumping Oil Glosses – you can never go wrong with a juicy and delicious lip gloss.”
Don’t: “I would avoid a highly pigmented lip colour, as lip colours can be very personal. Or a very shade-specific product like foundation if you aren’t sure of their shade.”
Top MECCA picks:
“Polite Society’s More Than A Pretty Powder in shade ‘Universal Translucent’ is the game-changer they’ll become obsessed with for controlling shine and minimising the look of pores,” says Blandino.
Next up? “Polite Society’s Polite Pops Powder Blush Sticks are such an innovative formula, you’ll want to share with your besties!”
And when it comes to stocking stuffers, Blandino says a beauty sponge is a gift makeup lovers are guaranteed to use.
Diana Cohen, Founder, Crown Affair
Do: When it comes to gifting beauty, Cohen’s approach aligns with her brand’s philosophy, focusing on beautifully crafted items that will bring the recipient both joy and a sense of self-care: “I often gravitate towards items that encourage ritual, like Crown Affair’s The Comb No.002 or a calming candle; something that feels personal and thoughtful,” she explains.
Don’t: Try not to choose items that are too specific to individual preferences, like foundation or concealer, recommends Cohen: “Instead, focus on universally loved items that feel luxurious and can easily fit into anyone’s routine.”
Top MECCA picks:
“The Crown Affair Hair Towel is my choice for anyone who loves caring for their hair. It’s super soft, ultra-absorbent, and helps protect strands from damage.
“The kit: Gua Sha Facial Tool is a ritual I stand by,” reveals Cohen. “It helps with lymphatic drainage, reduces puffiness and gives a natural lift to the face. I love gifting one of these because it encourages people to slow down and take time for themselves."
Bee Shapiro, Founder, Ellis Brooklyn
Do: Few people know beauty as well as this beauty editor and founder, who loves gifts that are a little indulgent – but not necessarily something you’d buy every day. “Fragrance is something that can be such a beautiful gesture – the packaging alone, sometimes!” she explains, adding, “I also like the idea of using a specific fragrance as a gift with the intention to create scent memories together.”
For younger beauty lovers, Shapiro thinks lip balms are a no-brainer. “They are such a fun category these days and a lip balm from MECCA is a little luxurious treat and stocking stuffer.”
Don’t: It’s best to avoid gifting active-packed skincare, explains Shapiro. “I love skincare personally but unless I know there is something specific that suits the person I'm gifting, then I'd likely not get them a new retinol product for example.”
Top MECCA picks:
Shapiro’s strategy is to gift fragrances that smell like a happy summer escape, without investing in an entire trip. “I think we all work so hard and the holidays are a time to be with loved ones and mentally escape. Ellis Brooklyn’s Miami Nectar EDP and Salt EDP are pure escapism! Peaches Fragrance Hair & Body Mist is also just such a crowd pleaser,” she adds. “It's this very optimistic scent that's easy to wear and I like the idea of gifting a scent that is wonderful to start the day with.”
Samantha Brett, Founder, Naked Sundays
Do: There’s one beauty gift you can never, ever go wrong with, reveals Brett, founder of game-changing Australian SPF brand Naked Sundays: “A MECCA gift voucher is my staple gift!”
It’s no surprise that sunscreen makes its way into her loved ones’ stockings ahead of holiday season, too, given Brett is responsible for making SPF one of the most exciting products in our beauty bags. “You can never have too much sunscreen!” she says. “Also, I find clear lip glosses or lip oils always work well with everyone’s skin tone.”
Don’t: “I wouldn’t gift anything with a shade as a gift – so lipsticks, foundation, even blushes,” she says. “Shade is such a personal choice, so it’s always important to stay away from gifting shades unless you ask the recipient beforehand what they prefer – and not just the family of the shade, but the exact name.”
Top MECCA picks:
“I love an ornament,” reveals Brett, adding, “Anything that is a bit festive with interesting and fun packaging makes such a stunning gift and also gets everyone into the holiday spirit.” The three you’ll find on her tree this year are the Naked Sundays Golden Glow Travel Set Ornament, Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops Ornament and the MECCA MAX Cosmic Glaze Phase Lip Oil Ornament.
Amy Liu, Founder, Tower 28
Do: Unless you know the recipient’s favourite beauty brands and products (in which case, a restock is always well-received!), Liu's safe bet is to shop for a gift set. “They’re typically designed to be universally flattering and skincare products that work on a wide variety of skin types,” she explains. “Couple it with a handwritten note and you can’t go wrong!”
Otherwise, Liu says a face mist is always a hit: “It offers a little moment of refreshing luxury that they can take on the go, or even keep at the office for a self-care boost throughout the day.”
Don’t: “Fragrance is another category that can be tricky to gift, unless you’re very familiar with their preferences,” she says, adding, “Or, you could opt for a travel gift set.”
Top MECCA picks:
Liu tells us, “Ceremonia’s products are so lovely, and I have my eye on the Scalp Power Duo for a few people on my list!”
And from her own brand, Tower 28, Liu says you can’t go wrong with the SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray: “Thanks to its hero ingredient, hypochlorous acid, it has incredible calming properties, supports the skin barrier and keeps flare-ups at bay – making it a great fit for every skin type.”
