(photograph by Hallman Productions; Creative Direction by Rocky Owens @box_of_rox)
I don’t have a ton of time for beauty, but as I get–ahem–older–I realize I need to find products that work really well with very little effort. And, I also know that the scent and feel of a product are super important for enjoying their use. So this year I sourced beauty products from companies who not only use incredible ingredients (and leave out the nasty stuff), but who also put extra effort into the user experience. Here’s my roundup of beauty gifts I’ll be giving (and enjoying?) this holiday season.
(starting from upper left and moving clockwise).
1. Kopari Coconut Kiss Kit, $30, koparibeauty.com
For anyone looking for some holiday love: These sheer, super smooth glosses are perfect for that mistletoe moment. The set includes Mai Tai, a lovely coral; Hibiskiss, a strawberry red; and Pinkini, a bright (yet totally wearable) pink. All colors are free of silicone, parabens, cruelty, petroleum and GMOs. Pucker up! And don’t forget that FLR VIPs get a nice 20% discount off of all Kopari products?.
2. Alaffia Good Coconut Soap Trio, $6, wholefoodsmarket.com
For your socially responsible friend: This lovely trio of triple milled, ethically-traded coconut and goat’s milk-based soaps are exclusive to Whole Foods Market. The three substantial bars are naturally scented with peppermint, blackberry and lavender and make a wonderful stocking stuffer too.
3. Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream, $15.99, wholefoodsmarket.com
For your multitasking sister who needs help multitasking: She can brighten, balance and fight aging all in one little tube. This lightweight formula provides a subtle sheen and works with most skin types. Use it as a primer under makeup or wear by itself when you’re running out the door for yet another errand. Free from silicone, petroleum, parabens or phthalates.
4. Derma-E Essentials Radiant Glow Face Oil, $22.99, wholefoodsmarket.com
For your cousin who loves outdoor workouts: Winter skin cries out for extra moisture to protect it from bitterly cold temperatures and wind, and this oil delivers. Anti-aging seabuckthorn and argan oils make this oil hardworking, as well as luxurious.
5. Feel Brilliant Bamboo Charcoal Facial Sheet Mask (set of 4), $35, thisisfeel.com
For your jet-setting gal pal: Help her maintain her skin in-flight (or anywhere else) with these amazing masks. Each mask contains active charcoal to purify and declog pores, plus hyaluronic acid to tone and plump skin. She’ll arrive at her destination with runway-ready skin. Also great for beautifying while binge-watching Mr. Robot!
6. BioClarity Clear Skin System, $29.99; BioClarity Hydrate, $19.99, BioClarity.com
For the teen in your life who wants clearer skin, naturally: This 3-step, dermatologist-developed system starts with a gentle gel cleanser with cucumber and antioxidant-rich green tea. The second step is a salicylic acid-based treatment that effectively fights blemishes and exfoliates to prevent future flare-ups. The third step helps to restore skin with a proprietary ingredient called Floralux, which is derived from chlorophyll and is proven to alleviate the dryness and redness that other skin clearing systems can cause. The Hydrate moisturizer is great for anyone on your list–it works for folks with even super sensitive skin and contains that awesome Floralux, plus argan, olive and jojoba oils.
7. Pacifica Ice Baby Mineral Highlighter, $11.99, wholefoodsmarket.com
For the vegan, beauty queen who wants to shine, cruelty-free: I love a little shimmer, especially for the holidays, and this velvety powder is great for adding highlights to your cheekbones and bare shoulders. Plus, it’s small enough to fit into a festive clutch for touch ups while party-hopping.
8. Feel Restored Self-Warming Clay Mask, $38, thisisfeel.com
Any of your overworked, under-slept mom friends: It’s no secret that raising kids ages you. Yes, your spirit is kept young, but all that extra sleep-deprivation and worry makes those fine lines and dark circles even more pronounced. This mask is such a game-changer for anyone who needs a beauty boost. The clay naturally warms on contact to clean pores and nigiri sea salt extract helps detox and gently exfoliate the skin. But the best part is the way your skin feels and looks after you use it–buttery soft and significantly younger. I’ll take two!