My sister-in-law loves receiving skincare products as gifts, so I’ve been trying to think which products would be best for her. My first thoughts are: What type of skin does she have? And What are her main concerns? But then a complication creeps into my mind: is it boring to just give an eye cream? Or should I just pick the one product I think is most effective and go with that?
The main product I would always buy someone if given the chance is Alpha Ret, just because I know how effective it is, and I think EVERYONE should be using a retinoid. However, I also know that receiving a retinoid may not seem like a “fun” gift to someone not in the aesthetics industry. So, taking that into account, I have compiled some effective yet fun holiday/hostess/stocking stuffer gift ideas if you have someone on your list who likes skincare.
EYES
Colorescience Intensive Eye Masks: These are adorable and will give your eyes a serious hydration boost. It comes with an intensive hydrating serum with a metal roller ball applicator, plus gel eye masks. You WILL see a difference immediately after using them.
Revision’s DEJ Eye: While a typical eye cream might not seem that fun, this one has a cool metal applicator tip that feels great going on, especially if your eyes are feeling puffy. It lifts and firms, has antioxidants to correct and protect, contains prebiotics and postbiotics to support the skin’s microbiome, cucumber fruit water and hyaluronic acid for hydration and plumping.
Skin Better Eye Max: This is a nighttime eye cream paired with a retinoid. It’s formulated for the delicate skin of the eye, but is also effective at targeting crepiness and crow’s feet.
LIPS
Revision’s YouthFull Lip Replenisher: This little tube has it all: hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, shea butter and peptides! Revision has sleek packaging too – it’ll look fancy when they pull it out of their stocking.
Skin Ceuticals AOX Lip Repair: This lip cream is chock full of everything you need to repair and protect your pout: botanicals, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and Vitamin E. It is a MUST after lip injections (lips can often peel and become drier after lip injections once the swelling goes down). As a gift, this would be perfect for anyone going skiing over the holidays.
MASKS
Allllll the masks!! How to choose?!?
Skin Ceuticals Clarifying Clay Mask: This mask is perfect for when you’re feeling like your face needs a deep clean! It has a thicker consistency and dries when it’s ready to come off. It’s great for teenagers with breakouts, and for use between Hydrafacial sessions, to keep your pores cleaned out, and oil under control.
Revision's Pore Refining Mask: This is another option for oily or acneic skin. Unlike the Skin Ceuticals clay mask, this one is thinner and does not harden. It is made with high quality clays that unclog pores and absorb excess oil. It refines the appearance of pores and deeply cleanses skin, leaving it polished and smooth.
Skin Ceuticals Phyto Corrective Mask: Phyto Corrective Mask contains highly-concentrated botanical extracts, a calming dipeptide, and hyaluronic acid to soothe temporary skin reactivity (redness and heat) and restore moisture. It reduces visible redness and cools skin by five degrees. It’s perfect to use: after sports, sun exposure or post-procedure.
Skin Ceuticals Hydrating B5 Mask: This mask takes the Hydrating B5 Gel to the next level. It’s a thick, clear gel mask that does not harden. It’s for use weekly, or bi-weekly if you’re really dry. And pro tip: you can sleep in this for alllll the extra hydration! (You’ll have to wash your pillow case of course)!
Revision’s Pumpkin Enzyme Mask: It’s easy to get into the spirit of the season when your face smells like pumpkin pie! There are a lot of pumpkin-scented skincare products around but this one is high quality and effective. It’s a scrub and mask in one, with naturally-derived pumpkin enzyme, plus pumpkin and cocoa micro-exfoliating powders, that help optimize cell turnover and remove pore-clogging debris.
HYDRATION
Hydrating B5 Gel: This is an oil free hyaluronic acid moisturizer that’s perfect for any skin type, and I think the apothecary-style, glass bottle with dropper makes it a little more stylish than your average moisturizer. It also stimulates circulation for some added glow.
WILD CARDS
Alpha Ret Peel Pads: These carry some nostalgia I think. Remember Stridex pads? Well these are like that but WAY better. They are individually wrapped and contain a blend of salicylic, glycolic and lactic acids to give added exfoliation, reduce fine lines, smooth rough skin patches, and prevent clogged pores.
Skin Ceuticals Microexfoliating Scrub: Makes any face wash a scrub! I think everyone enjoys a good scrub – it’s perfect for the days your skin is just feeling blah.
All of these products are highly effective and will work on most skin types. Those prone to dry skin may want to use the clay masks sparingly, and those with very sensitive skin may want to stay away from the peel pads...they have a bit of a bite to them. I love that, but it might not be the best for those with reactive skin.
Happy skincare shopping!