Emerging Beauty Founders on the Best Gifts Under $100
November 27 | 5 minute read
Words by Christie Sinclair and Izzy Wight
Beauty is a gift that anyone is going to thoroughly appreciate – but when faced with endless aisles of serums, creams and sparkly palettes, even the most seasoned shoppers can start to crack.
So, to help you narrow down what’s worth your time, we went straight to the founders of some of MECCA’s most exciting emerging brands – 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, these six experts know exactly which textures will delight, what will make people feel special and ultimately, which products will be used to the very last drop. Even better? Every gift is under $100. Scroll on to start ticking off your list.
Fabienne Sebaoun, Founder of Mimétique
The French cosmetic chemist and skincare brand founder lists her Skin Cloud Nourishing Cleansing Balm as the one product she “can’t live without.” The hydrating balm-to-milk formula is gentle enough for all skin types, making it her go-to gift for skincare enthusiasts and beginners alike. “It cleanses and gently takes off everything – makeup, SPF – while nourishing the skin like a treatment,” she says. “You massage it in, and your skin feels calm, soft and restored. We all need that cloud-like moment during the holidays.”
On her own list? A set of limited-edition candles from DIPTYQUE. “This mini candle set brings a cozy, elegant holiday mood to any space,” she says. “Timeless, and beautifully crafted, [it’s] the kind of gift that instantly feels special.”
On her own list? A set of limited-edition candles from DIPTYQUE. “This mini candle set brings a cozy, elegant holiday mood to any space,” she says. “Timeless, and beautifully crafted, [it’s] the kind of gift that instantly feels special.”
Jerrod Blandino, Co-Founder of Polite Society
"If you’ve got $100 to shop for gifts that’ll get every glam girl on your list excited, you have to check out our Holiday collection,” says Jerrod, co-founder of the skincare-forward makeup brand, Polite Society. “You absolutely can’t go wrong with Cinnamon Chalet. It’s the cutest gingerbread box that includes a full-size Polite Pops Powder Blush Stick and a mini Polite Pout Glossy Lip Balm, both in limited-edition cinnamon roll shades.”
When asked what he’d love to receive, Jerrod’s answer is immediate: “That would have to be my absolute favourite SPF in the entire world, MECCA COSMETICA’s To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen. I’m a total SPF lover, and this one is incredible! I’d gift it to myself or anyone on my list.”
When asked what he’d love to receive, Jerrod’s answer is immediate: “That would have to be my absolute favourite SPF in the entire world, MECCA COSMETICA’s To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen. I’m a total SPF lover, and this one is incredible! I’d gift it to myself or anyone on my list.”
Tash Scutts, Founder of LOVEBYT
Australian-based creative Tash is “obsessed” with makeup artist Rae Morris – so much so that Rae’s Makeup Masterclass book is at the top of her holiday wishlist. “I learnt about Rae while listening to the MECCA Talks podcast and was enamoured about her story with her makeup techniques and how her brushes were developed. I think this is a gift you could give to anyone who has an interest in makeup,” Tash says.
From her own range of sophisticated, botanical-based oral care, Tash will be gifting the LOVEBYT Travel Essentials Box: “It’s a gift to give to a friend, teacher, colleague of loved one who’s into health and wellness, or who travels regularly,” she says. “It's international flight-approved and can also fit inside a handbag for on-the-go freshness. It's super chic oral care that reminds people to slow down and enjoy the ritual of self-care.”
From her own range of sophisticated, botanical-based oral care, Tash will be gifting the LOVEBYT Travel Essentials Box: “It’s a gift to give to a friend, teacher, colleague of loved one who’s into health and wellness, or who travels regularly,” she says. “It's international flight-approved and can also fit inside a handbag for on-the-go freshness. It's super chic oral care that reminds people to slow down and enjoy the ritual of self-care.”
Babba Rivera, Founder of Ceremonia
The Chilean-Swedish tech executive-turned-haircare brand founder has always been inspired by the beauty rituals of her heritage – so it’s no surprise she loves giving and receiving at-home spa essentials. “I'm currently loving the LOOPS Weekly Reset Rejuvenating Hydrogel Face Mask... and the Ceremonia Spaliday Reset Kit makes for the perfect at-home spa experience,” she says.
“The kit contains our bestselling Papaya Scalp Scrub for an exfoliating and sensorial wash day, paired with our Babassu Mask to hydrate and nourish the strands. As someone who is almost always on the go, I cherish this weekly spa-like ritual and will be gifting this kit to all of my friends and family this holiday season.”
“The kit contains our bestselling Papaya Scalp Scrub for an exfoliating and sensorial wash day, paired with our Babassu Mask to hydrate and nourish the strands. As someone who is almost always on the go, I cherish this weekly spa-like ritual and will be gifting this kit to all of my friends and family this holiday season.”
Jessica Armstrong, Founder of FUCA
As founder of the gentle skincare brand, FUCA, Jessica recommends her own Hydration Hero Hyaluronic Rescue Serum for the hard-to-buy-for friends on your list. “It’s the perfect summer gifting option for parched summer skin that may have had a few too many festive drinks,” she explains. And for dry lips in need of some TLC, Jessica’s favourite is Tatcha‘s The Kissu Lip Mask: “The packaging is gorgeous, and it is such a universal gift.”
Pernille Jensen, Founder of The Gut Cø
Naturopath Pernille often gifts her Cleanse Prebiotic & Probiotic Blend as a holiday reset: “This season is full of social events, rich foods and festive drinks, so it’s important to support your body and keep it functioning at its best,” she explains, adding, ”By staying proactive with your health during this busy time, you can maintain optimal wellbeing and continue to look and feel great throughout the celebrations.”
As for what’s topping her own wishlist, Pernille is hoping for the Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick. A buttery, buildable formula, it blends out effortlessly for an instant sculpting effect.
As for what’s topping her own wishlist, Pernille is hoping for the Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick. A buttery, buildable formula, it blends out effortlessly for an instant sculpting effect.
