While some of us here might consider ourselves beauty experts or even beauty-obsessed, not many around us are equally interested in the realm of hair, nails, and skincare. Some couldn’t care less about the latest beauty trends flooding our feeds.
But if you’re looking to push boundaries just a little this Christmas for the BFF who gets overwhelmed by the sheer number of brands at Sephora, or for the younger sibling who can’t tell serum apart from sunscreen, we’re here to help with this gift guide.
From scented diffusers to anti-ageing tools, read on to find the perfect gift to get the beauty novices in your life! Besides, there’s never a better time for beauty rookies to build up their stash than the holidays.
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1. Acne patches
Surely everyone wakes up with a ghastly zit or two every now and then, right? These K-beauty innovations function similar to spot treatments – minus the flakiness that drying formulas tend to cause. When done right, they can even add on to your look. Just remember to change them out once the patches have turned white or oxidised.
We love the classic CosRx Acne Pimple Master Patch that clings well onto skin, rapidly soothing inflammation with its impurities-absorbing formula. These hydrocolloid circles come in three different sizes (7mm, 10mm, and 12mm) to cover spots of various sizes.
CosRx Acne Pimple Master Patch (24 patches) retails for S$3.70 on Althea.
2. Foaming net
Who doesn’t like soft fluffy bubbles, especially in your everyday cleansing routine? These foaming nets are neat tools for getting the most out of your face wash, producing dense and fine bubbles that reach deep into your pores and effortlessly lift dirt and impurities out.
Simply pair them up with a foam cleanser for the maximum effect and violà, your regular Tuesday morning could look and feel like Christmas morning.
Get this Ohe Foaming Net for S$1.14 on Amazon.
3. Beauty spatulas
We’ve all hit the bottom of our favourite jar of face cream and wished we had something nifty on hand to scrape up the remaining dollops of product with. Let us introduce to you a beauty tool you never thought you’d need!
These tiny spatulas are made small enough to bypass the nooks in some oddly shaped bottles, yet sturdy enough to scoop up any leftovers. Self-proclaimed beauty gurus could do with one of these too when putting on clay masks. If you want to protect your products from any contamination, these work great as well.
This one from innisfree retails for S$2, shop here.
4. Hair brush cleaner
We don’t know about you, but cleaning our hair brushes have gotta be one of the most tedious (and not to mention, grossest) things to do ever. But fret not, because you can put your hair brushing nightmares aside with these multi-purpose, durable tools.
Use the plastic brush side of the double-headed cleaner to rake hair off the base of the brush and the soft nylon bristles to clear fine hair. This set comes with mini hair cleaning brushes as well for added convenience.
This four-piece set retails for S$9.54 on Amazon.
5. Mascara shield applicator
This might look like an evil contraption you see in horror movies, but it’s actually a tool even beauty enthusiasts may find useful! With three functions that help to perfect a bright-eyed look in a jiffy, this plastic guard aids in the application of mascara by protecting against smudges and fallout.
Simply hold the mascara shield under or over your eye as you swipe on a coat before combing through your lashes with either the wide- or narrow-teethed tail end.
Retails for S$6.81 on Amazon.
6. AQUIS Rapid Dry Hair Turban
For those who value practicality, this option would make a functional beauty gift that’s worth every penny. Made with signature Aquitex towel fabric that rapidly wicks water away to prevent water damage after shampooing, this turban dries hair 50% faster and more gently than towel-drying.
It also aids in reducing split ends, frizz, tangles, and breakage for smoother, healthier tresses. Secure it around the head for hands-down, the quickest hands-free drying ever – perfect if you’re always rushing off for meetings in the morning!
The AQUIS Rapid Dry Lisse Hair Turban retails for S$46 on Sephora.
8. Shampoo brush
Just like the skin on our body, our scalp needs a whole lot of TLC and exfoliation. Remove a buildup of dead skin cells and excess sebum easily with a thorough cleanse of the scalp using GRAFEN’s top-selling Edge Finger.
Suitable for oily and dry scalps, this 100% waterproof brush is made with medical-grade silicone that provides a gentle, relaxing massage for the scalp. Its compact, ergonomic design also makes shampooing an utter joy to look forward to!
The GRAFEN Edge Finger is available in two colours, retails for S$15.90 on Shopee.
9. Brush cleaning mat
For the lazy beauty lovers out there who can’t be bothered about the state of their beauty brushes, here’s a no-fuss way to keep them in check!
The Sigma Spa Express Brush Cleaning Mat is a compact silicone mat that effortlessly swirls away any makeup, oil, and dirt built up in makeup brushes for cleaner, long-lasting tools. Uniquely designed with high-grade silicone, all you have to do is slap this suction mat on the inside of the sink for an easy lather.
The Sigma Beauty Sigma Spa Express Brush Cleaning Mat retails for S$45 on Sephora.
10. Beauty blender holder
Nobody wants dirty sponges but what’s the perfect way to keep them safe and germ-free? In a well-ventilated place, of course! And makeup sponge holders are the way to go.
Convenient and minimalistic, we’re into these spiral-shaped holder engineered to allow air to pass all around, ensuring a clean and dry sponge without the bacteria-breeding pool of moisture. Check out 10 more adorable makeup sponge holders to snag right here.
This spiral version retails for S$8.09 on Amazon.
11. Rollerball perfume
For the beauty novice who’s still dipping their toes into the fragrance department, this gift option would make the perfect tester prior to investing in a full bottle of perfume. Besides, these are a whole lot easier to carry around.
Get the best bang for your buck with the peony-infused Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet Eau de toilette Roller-Pearl Duo, which comes in a pair of crowd-favourite scent composed of bergamot, rose, and white musk notes – making for two separate gifts if you’re on a tight budget this year!
This scent happens to be one of local socialite Jamie Chua’s faves too! Check out our latest round-up of new fragrances to get this season, or find one based on your personality here.
The Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet Eau de toilette Roller-Pearl Duo retails for S$120 on Sephora.
12. Smart facial toning device
For the giftee facing visible signs of ageing, FOREO’s BEAR microcurrent series lends help in the utmost form of luxury. Utilising advanced microcurrent and T-Sonic pulsations, the device works your facial and neck muscles in a quick at-home pampering session. Reach deep into the pores with this device to increase circulation, eliminate toxins, and build collagen for more a radiant and smoother-looking complexion.
Simply hook your device up with FOREO’s mobile app to adjust the intensity for an opulent, customised facial massage.
Available in BEAR and BEAR mini, the range retails from S$299 to S$436 on Sephora.
13. Fragrance diffuser
Not only can the right scent act as an instant pick-me-up, but it can also lift your spirits as you indulge in some self-care at the end of a hectic day. Lately, we’ve been loving the innisfree Perfumed Diffuser Holiday Edition, which features two uniquely crafted holiday-inspired scents, Fruity Sweet and Deep Floral.
Whether you like your room cosy and warm-smelling or spritely and floral-scented, these diffusers are bound to get you in the mood for the most wonderful time of the year. Each diffuser bottle has been quirkily adorned with vivid graphics by LA-based, street artist Steven Harrington.
These limited edition diffusers retail for S$33 at innisfree as part of the 2020 Green Holidays collection.
14. Lip toppers
If Christmas isn’t the best excuse to get your sparkliest makeup out, what is? Stay on top of your lip game this season with a glittery lip topper that’s sure to divert all attention to you. These multi-tasking products add extra hydration to your pout while creating an iridescent gleam that virtually anyone can pull off! Simply layer on some product (or wear it with bare lips) and wait for it to dry.
Huda Beauty’s cult-favourite Lip Strobe will be stealing hearts all night with its pearl infused pigments that incorporate a dewy finish alongside a prismatic spectrum of colours. Its naturally plumping effect combined with its non-sticky consistency is definitely a plus for us! Here are 10 more stop-showing lip toppers to check out.
Huda Beauty Lip Strobe retails for S$30 on Sephora.
15. Nail wraps
Say hello to pretty nails in no time. Whether it’s a gift for yourself or another, you simply can’t go wrong with nail wraps. They’re wallet-friendly, require no downtime, and can be done in the comfort of your own home.
Deck out your cuticles in the most festive designs this holidays with homegrown brand Nodspark’s Christmas collection, featuring a total of 12 designs with multiple sell-outs! The brand recently debuted their pedicure range too, which includes solid and dainty patterns for the modern woman.
Nodspark Winter Blossoms retails for S$15 per set, check out the full range of nail wraps here.
