The Most Impressive Beauty Gifts Under $50
October 28 | 3 minute read
Words by Christie Sinclair
Do you write yourself a holiday budget every year, only for it to fly out the window the moment those first few notes of Michael Bublé’s Christmas album start playing?
Your best intentions to save quickly turn into an overwhelming urge to become the world’s best gift giver. But this year proves you don’t need to spend that big to impress.
Whether you’re on the hunt for the ‘main event’ gift for your beauty-obsessed friend or just adding a little something extra to Mum’s stocking, these are the gifts they’ll love unwrapping – all for under $50.
A Post-Party, Post-Sun, Post-Chaos Reset
MECCA COSMETICA Your Ultimate Future Face
A gift to bring to the party, for after the after-party – three times over. Infused with peptides, ceramides and vitamin C, all they have to do is whack one on, scroll aimlessly for 20 minutes and they’ll emerge looking glowy and well-rested.
Lip Glosses That Bring the Sparkly (Not the Sticky)
MECCA MAX All That Glitters Mini Shimmer Lip Gloss Duo
For the person with 47 lip balms in their bag, they’ll appreciate a festive addition to their collection! This adorable MECCA MAX lip duo includes one rosy pink hue and one sheer, glittery gloss. Both are highly nourishing, not sticky and perfect for those who like to layer their lip products. And at only $20(!), we suggest wrapping them up with this lip liner trio in three trending shades.
Sunshine in Body Care
Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Party Of Two
What could be better than unwrapping Sol de Janeiro’s cult-loved brightening body cream and matching mist? Not much! Bom Dia Bright™ Body Cream is enriched with exfoliating fruit AHAs, vitamin C and cupuaçu butter to leave skin incredibly smooth and hydrated. While the Cheirosa 40 Perfume Mist, a warm blend of amber, vanilla and plum, is like serotonin bottled.
Lip Gloss or Dessert?
Polite Society Naughty & Nice Neutrals Lip Balm Ornament
The ultimate treat for anyone who can’t resist a glossy lip and a festive flavour. Four high-shine, hydrating shades, including the brand’s beloved French Caramel and three new holiday exclusives: Chocolate Croissant, Christmas Cookie and Hot Buttered Rum. Yum! Don’t underestimate their ability to remedy ridiculously dry lips!
Face Masks for People Who Can Never Sit Down
LOOPS Sculpt & Glow Face Mask Kit
For someone who can’t sit still or lives with small children (and thus lives life vertically), these hydrogel masks were engineered for multitaskers. They cling comfortably to the skin without slipping, sliding or dripping, and deliver instant hydration and rejuvenation in under 20 minutes. There’s even a limited-edition gua sha for an extra lift.
A Gift That Goes Straight to Their Head
Hair by Sam McKnight Holiday Cool Girl Cracker
Now this is a cracker of a beauty gift. This includes Sam McKnight ‘Cool Girl’ icon – the Barely There Texture Mist – in handbag size to help them create that lived-in, tousled finish the legendary hairdresser is known for.
A Cult French Balm That Doubles as Tree Décor
By Terry Midnight Glow Baume de Rose
Obviously, we’re partial to a lip gift. Inside this glittery ornament is By Terry’s iconic, and highly addictive, Baume de Rose – a rich, velvety balm that smooths, nourishes and leaves lips with a subtle sheen scented like a rose garden. It’s the perfect hydration therapy for sun-exposed lips in need of repair, and won’t stay hanging on the tree for long!
A Keychain That Guarantees Good Hair Anywhere
Briogeo Sweet To Sleek Treat Kit
A charm-sized hair styling stick that clips straight onto their bag and smooths fly aways and frizz in a few swipes. It almost looks too cute to be so practical! Swinging from a sweet pink keychain, the Style + Treat™ Yuzu and Plum Oil Sleek Stick tames, smooths texture and leaves behind a glossy, polished finish for all hair types. Don’t forget one for yourself!
The Gold Standard in SPF
MECCA COSMETICA To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen
MECCA’s bestselling SPF? A no-brainer! Lightweight and laced with moisturising ingredients, it glides on like skincare, layers beautifully under makeup and won’t leave them looking ghostly pale. If you know they’re not an everyday SPF wearer, this will win them over.
SPF50+ is a broad spectrum very high protection sunscreen. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Sunscreen is only one form of sun protection. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and reapply as directed.
SPF50+ is a broad spectrum very high protection sunscreen. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Sunscreen is only one form of sun protection. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and reapply as directed.
A Mini K-Beauty Skincare Routine
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Ritual Set
This travel-sized routine from K-beauty brand Dr. Jart+ delivers big results in just three steps. Each formula focuses on barrier health, packed with ceramides and nourishing ingredients to instantly boost moisture. Tell them to start with the milky toner, then follow with the viral Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturising Cream and eye cream.
