Last-Minute Christmas Gifts For the Beauty Obsessives In Your Life

Luxury meets practicality in this year’s most coveted beauty releases, and with plenty of options to choose from, there’s something they’re sure to love. Here’s what Cosmopolitan Australia’s Beauty Director is gifting this season (and stowing extra for herself).
Published December 17, 2024

(Image: Courtesy of Mecca)

If finding the perfect gift is an art form, then call me Picasso—particularly when it comes to beauty. After a decade of testing thousands of products (tough gig, right?) I’ve developed a gift of my own: an ability that allows me to pinpoint the perfect present for any skin type, makeup style, fragrance preference or hair concern. 

Whether you’re on the hunt for your mum or a bestie, or facing the annual challenge of buying for that colleague you only ever see in the kitchen, I’ve got you covered with MECCA’s selection of this season’s most giftable beauty treasures. From stocking stuffers to serious splurges, here’s my ultimate beauty wishlist for the holidays—whether you’re giving or getting for yourself.

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best christmas beauty gifts...

These scents >>>

last minute christmas presents for women

Byredo Miniatures EDP Set

$279

The Byredo Miniatures EDP Set offers an olfactory wardrobe of the iconic brand’s scents in miniature—perfect for the #fragrancetok obsessee who appreciates a distinguished, elevated collection. Each scent provides a considered introduction to Byredo’s effortlessly cool back catalogue, while also providing a more portable size option for frequent flyers.

Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 76 Perfume Mist

$42

For something better suited to the budget of an office Kris Kringle, Sol de Janeiro’s Cheirosa 76 Perfume Mist captures the essence of summer in a bottle. The crowd-pleasing scent profile builds from creamy vanilla and warming toasted coconut before set tling into a sophisticated mix of salted caramel and rich amber notes.

The ultimate duo for the BeautyToker

Drunk Elephant C-Luma Hydrabright Serum

$113

Drunk Elephant C-Luma Hydrabright Serum combines vitamin C and gentle exfoliants for that lit-from-within glow we all want come summer (particularly when sunny days often mean that our pigmentation really starts to pop). The genius lies in its hydrating, stable formula, which ensures that the vitamin C actually stays effective until the last drop.

MECCA Cosmetica In A Good Light Illuminating Drops SPF30

$45

Layer it under MECCA Cosmetica In A Good Light Illuminating Drops SPF30 for luminous skin that looks naturally radiant. The formula can be worn alone or layered under makeup and it’s dual-action, so you’re getting both immediate gratification (hello, subtle shimmer) and long-term skin health benefits.

The big investment (go on, spoil them)

The Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler in Strawberry Bronze Blush Pink

$849

The Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler in Strawberry Bronze Blush Pink remains the most coveted styling tool on planet earth, and this chic new colourway only adds to the hype (seriously, Dyson’s limited colours always sell out). What sets this new, tricked-up edition apart? The re-engineered Airwrap i.d. attachments work across multiple hair types, the barrels are now single-sided for easier styling, and the entire system operates with less heat damage than traditional styling tools. Consider this your invitation to better hair days with less damage, from now until forever.

For Gen Z beauty fans

Kosas The Wet Set Juicy Jellies 3 Pack

$42

The Kosas The Wet Set Juicy Jellies continues the brand’s unique skincare-meets-makeup approach, offering three ultra-glossy, limited-edition shades of its best-selling, sheer lip glosses with hydrating hyaluronic acid, plumping peptides and nourishing oils.

Kit: Cold Therapy Facial Treatment

$42

Kit: Cold Therapy Facial Treatment brings luxury wellness to your bathroom with this clever formula. The innovative cooling effect helps to calm the skin and reduce puffiness with super-soothers centella asiatica, squalane and a tri-mushroom blend, turning your routine into a cold plunge ritual.

Best gift packs (for best value, obvi)

Glossier BalmDotCom Duo

$45

The Glossier BalmDotCom Duo remains a cult favourite for good reason, so you know they’re gonna be a big hit as a gift for all ages. With heav y-hitting moisturisers such as castor seed oil and beeswax, these exclusive new flavours – Biscotti and Espresso – are the perfect combination of treatment, taste and tint.

Hair by Sam McKnight Mini Styler Trio

$84

Hair by Sam McKnight’s Mini Styler Trio offers professional-level styling in travelfriendly sizes, formulated by the hair icon himself. Each product in the set has been carefully formulated to work alone or in combination, creating endless good hair days – which we all need when the humidity gets cranked up to high.

High-end heroes

Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm Duo

$91

For a luxe lip treat, Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm Duo delivers that perfect combo of colour and care that elevates any makeup look. The minty formula includes plumping peptides and hydrating oils that actually improve the condition of the lips over time, while providing an instant volumising effect and a glassy finish.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Satin Mood Sparkling Body Oil

$333

For the ultimate indulgence, Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Satin Mood Sparkling Body Oil transforms your morning moisturiser obligations into a sensorial experience. The oil’s dry-touch formula means there’s no annoying waiting around for absorption, while the scent and subtle glossy sheen lingers beautifully on the skin all day.

Easy gifts for the homebody

DedCool Holiday Air Freshener Trio

$53

For a modern take on fragrance, DedCool Holiday Air Freshener Trio is perfect for refreshing any space with sophisticated scents. Hang from your rearview mirror or wardrobe rod, or pop in a drawer or gym bag.

D.S. & DURGA Portable XMas Tree candle

$116

Create an ambiance with D.S. & DURGA’s Portable XMas Tree candle, w h i c h captures the essence of a fresh pine forest without being overtly festive. The complex fragrance profile evolves throughout the burn time, revealing different facets of forest botanicals

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This article originally appeared in Issue 03 of Cosmopolitan Australia. Get your copy and subscribe to future issues here.

Kate Lancaster
Kate Lancaster is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan Australia. She has spent the better part of a decade covering beauty, lifestyle and wellness across print and digital for Australian and international titles such as ELLE, Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE Decor, Vogue Living and GRAZIA. She is also the co-founder of Dollface Agency, publishes weekly beauty newsletter The Vanity, and can pinpoint exactly where get the best facial within a 1km radius.
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