Bee Shapiro’s Holiday Gift Guide

January 1 | 5 minute read

Words by Arabella Roden

Originally published on | December 6

As a long-time beauty columnist for The New York Times, Founder of Ellis Brooklyn and ‘Taurus through-and-through’, Bee Shapiro is one person we just had to tap for her festive season gift picks. From her home in Brooklyn, where the winter chill is just starting to set in, Shapiro shares some of her favourites this year…

“With work and travel being as busy as it is, I love any excuse to get together with my loved ones. I'm a Taurus through-and-through, and there are few things better in life for me than amazing food in a gorgeous, cosy environment.

“I also love that during the holidays, New York City has this swagger to it. The holiday decor is in A+ mode and there's a glamour to things in this gritty city that's just this stunning contrast.”

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“Over Christmas, we are all going to Jackson Hole [in Wyoming, USA] to go skiing – I'm the only snowboarder of the household. Anytime I go to the mountains, I always bring Ellis Brooklyn Après EDP and a couple candles – it makes the place where we stay feel like home.

“I also can't live without my Dyson Supersonic™ Hair Dryer; it's cut down so much on styling time for me as I rarely pull out my flat iron anymore. (The Ceramic Pop version of the dryer is especially lovely to gift if there is someone you want to spoil!)

“I’ve always wanted to go to Australia during the summer. I keep thinking of a work excuse but I am somehow always in Australia when it's cold out – like May or August. I think I have to plan a trip to Perth and the Gold Coast and then stop in Melbourne for the food!

“I'd be wearing Salt EDP and Sun Fruit EDP layered – I'd throw in a Sand Fragrance Body Mist in there as well. I actually spray on Sand every night before bed in this New York City weather just to cheer me up, so I can daydream of ‘beach’.”

“I actually spray on Sand Fragrance Body Mist every night before bed in this New York City weather just to cheer me up.”

Bee Shapiro

Alternative Image Ellis Brooklyn Sand Body Mist

And now, to the gifts!

“I love to gift beauty stocking stuffers – perfume travel sprays especially, but also mini eyeshadow palettes and little lip glosses.

“For the bigger ticket items, I'm much more into experiences. So, this holiday season, I'm taking my girls to get their ears pierced for the first time at this fancy jewellery place called MARIA TASH.”

(Editor’s note: for those in Sydney, MARIA TASH is exclusively at MECCA George St!)

Travel-size scents

“With the nip in the air, I love the warmth of Ellis Brooklyn Vanilla Milk EDP and Super Amber EDP. For the spicy personalities in my life, I'll gift Bee EDP, which is this deep, complex, spiced honey vanilla.”

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Makeup duo

“I personally have the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Blush & Glow – it's such a crowd-pleaser that it'll be flattering on anyone.”

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Fragrance discovery set

“The Fairy Tales set is such a fun way to explore Ellis Brooklyn scents. Also, the rollerball format is so easy to throw into a purse and is low pressure if you want to gift someone the opportunity to ‘fragrance layer’.”

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Silk sleep accessories

“I've gotten my entire family hooked on silk pillowcases and sleep accessories, and there is no going back – something from Slip is a terrific treat!”