There’s no better gift than the gift of good skin! And what girl doesn’t love a new serum, moisturizer, or tool to add to their morning or nightime routine? While the skincare market is a bit saturated, that just means you have plenty of options (and price points) to select from. Ahead, the best presents for the skincare-obsessed girlie on your nice list this year.
1. “Pro-Aging” Products
No matter if you’re gifting to someone in their twenties or sixties, ageless skin is something that many women are seeking. The term anti-aging has received some backlash, which is why many dermatologists and skincare brands are swapping their language by embracing “pro-aging.” You can’t fight time, but you can combat unwanted signs of aging to age more gracefully.
Incorporating pro-aging products into a skincare routine has both short and long-term benefits. Short-term, you’ll notice a brighter, more radiant appearance. And with long-term continued use, you’ll be retaining the skin’s firmness and reducing fine lines for an ageless glow. Pro-aging products come in various forms — from serums and gels to powders and creams. When gifting this type of product, think about your friend’s current skincare routine and what types of products they gravitate toward.
You may find it helpful to do a bit of research online to find something that is truly worth gifting. During your research, you’ll likely come across retinoids. The beauty of retinoids is that they have many benefits. Not only will they help combat wrinkles, but they also help stimulate collagen production and reduce hyperpigmentation. Tretinoin cream is a prescription-strength retinoid that stimulates cell growth and reduces breakouts. Pair tretinoin with a vitamin C serum and/or a hyaluronic acid moisturizer for a praiseworthy, pro-aging present.
2. Eye-Loving Essentials
Forgoing your eye care as part of your skincare routine is nearly as bad as wearing makeup to bed! The delicate skin around and under your eyes has specific needs that differ from the rest of your face or body. Unfortunately, many women may forget to tend to this part of their face until they already have noticeable dark circles. By gifting a special eye-loving kit, you’re reminding your friend or family member to take care of this fragile skin area.
A simple eye cream can do wonders to someone’s face, reducing puffiness, bags, and fine lines. And don’t think that you have to spend a fortune: many top eye products can be found in your local drugstore. Choose an eye cream with ingredients like caffeine to counteract dark circles and/or peptides to tighten the area. Eye gels will glide on more smoothly than thicker creams, but both have their own unique benefits.
In addition to an eye cream, an undereye roller can be a nice addition to the gift. Most of these rollers are made from natural stones, such as quartz or jade. Others are made with stainless steel or copper to help calm and cool the skin. These tools should always be used with a cream, serum, or mask to avoid any pulling on the skin. A cream with a roller tied up in a pretty bow makes a great package for anyone on your list.
3. Sun Care Package
If your recipient is heading somewhere warm and tropical over the colder months or is generally outdoorsy, then this present is especially for them. A sun care package filled with everything their body will need for a day at the beach or pool is a thoughtful gift. That said, sunscreen is needed year round, not just when you’re laying out and deliberately soaking up some vitamin D.
The best sun protection will block both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can lead to premature signs of aging, including age spots and wrinkles. UVB rays, on the other hand, are responsible for getting either a tan or a sunburn. Both types of rays can lead to skin cancer, which is why you want to look for products that will filter out both.
Sunscreen has come a long way in terms of form and function. Long gone are the days of appearing overly greasy or having an unpleasant white cast across your skin. Many brands have reformulated to create SPF-promoting products that you’ll actually love applying daily. For a delightful sun care package, pick a well-tested face and body sunscreen along with a new pair of sunglasses.
3. Spa Set
For those hard-to-please friends, a dreamy, relaxing spa basket is the way to go. Life is stressful, so everyone can enjoy some well-deserved TLC. With the right products, you can treat them to a much-deserved relaxing night in.
Your choices are really endless when it comes to creating a spa basket. You can fill their basket with various, less expensive items, like face masks, foot scrubs, and bubble bath. Alternatively, you can add in a tool like a red light mask for a more expensive gift. Red light therapy is a really healing modality, calming the skin and reducing overall stress in the body. They may be a bit pricey depending on the model, but it’s a gift that keeps on giving as regular, daily use is recommended for the best results.
Round out your spa basket with a scented candle, sleep mask, and cozy socks for a luxurious experience. Or, if you simply can’t decide then pick up a quality pre-made bath set, so all you have to do is add a gift tag for the perfect present.
How to Decide What to Gift
The hardest part of gifting skincare is deciding what to get! If you know your giftee well, think about what is missing from their routine or what products you particularly love. If you’re unfamiliar with what exactly is in their medicine cabinet already, think practical. A nice bottle of sunscreen or a decadent moisturizer will rarely go unused.
