The Best Luxury Beauty Gifts, According to Gemma Dimond

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? While my mum likes to think I’d say my little sister, I know, in my heart of hearts, the answer is my first ghd hair straightener, circa Christmas 2011. It was the kind of best-in-class beauty gift I’d always dreamt of but would never buy for myself – a formula I’ve since learnt makes for the perfect present, every time.  

In truth, it’s a philosophy I learnt from Gemma Dimond, who “unashamedly pinched” it from journalist Sali Hughes. As a beauty writer, host, podcaster and person with famously expensive (and most importantly, impeccable) taste, Gemma believes in buying the smallest possible thing with your entire budget. What does this mean, exactly? 

“Let’s say you want to spend $90. I find a loved one is more likely to appreciate a beautiful Tom Ford lipstick more so than, say, a big bumper hamper full of products they may not necessarily use,” Gemma explains. “One beautiful gift – something they’re unlikely to spend money on for themselves – always trumps lots of little bitsy things to make up volume.” 

For a moment, forget practicality. We’re talking about all things indulgent and extravagant; like a whole wardrobe of French scents or a DIPTYQUE candle the size of a Yorkshire Terrier – “Nothing says ‘luxury’ to me like three pounds of scented wax, and in no way is that a joke,” Gemma declares. Below, she shares the extra-exquisite gifts she’ll be wrapping up this holiday season. 

Inside, outwards, upside down! We're bursting with beauty... Your next gift? Head to the MECCA Holiday Gift Guide and consider it found!