beauty gift idea

The Beauty Gift Idea Guide by Becca

If you're short on gift ideas, beauty gifts are an almost sure-fire winner.

We don't only do beauty gifts! Browse our gift idea catalogue using the top navigation bar.

Why a beauty gift idea?

OK, a few things to consider before choosing a beauty gift:

• Does your girl / wife / mother have any allergies or medical conditions that might effect your choice of gift? OK, this might sound a little melodramatic, but there are plenty of girls who are restricted in the types of beauty products they can use. Be aware of:
  
  
  • Eczema -- Dry, itchy skin that means you'll need to avoid scented gifts and those containing soap. Go hypoallergenic to be on the safe side.
  • Sensitive skin / allergies -- likewise this means choosing hypoallergenic or nothing. That luxury bubble bath gift box may look and smell great, but it's no use if it brings her out in a rash, is it?
  • Migraine, headaches, sinus irritation are other symptoms some girls suffer when exposed to heavily fragranced beauty gifts. That would rule out the ultimate cop-out gift -- perfume -- which is no bad thing really!



• Enough about unpleasant medical conditions, let's think about what she currently wears and uses.
  
  • If you're still considering perfume, then make sure you either get something you already know is her favourite, that she's asked for or that is similar to fragrances she wears now. You don't have to buy the same brand -- although you might consider complimentary products like moisturiser and foam bath as a low risk buy -- but it should be at least in line with her taste. Some girls like bold, intoxicating scents, others prefer light floral perfumes, some mix and match, what about yours? If in doubt, get some gift-buying advice from her girlfriends or at the perfumery counter.
    
    
  • Brand is another important gift consideration. Some girls are brand snobs. They insist on Clinique and nothing else will do. Others just like particular ranges and find them most suited to their complexion. Thing is, you need to distinguish between what she buys herself everyday (ie the ordinary) and something a bit more special, suitable for a gift. What does she aspire to -- perhaps she just has one or two products from that range at the moment?!
    
    
  • Make up is rarely a good gift idea for anyone other than her closest girlfriends to buy her. You simply aren't qualified to buy this gift, so forget it right now. Stick to those invisible lotions, potions, creams, oils, granules and extracts us girls so adore, but that leave no lasting impression!
    
    
• Be aware of the implicit potential of some gifts to offend. Don't need to labour this too much, as I'm sure you are the sensitive caring type. Suffice to say that, perhaps anti-ageing cream is not the best 40th birthday gift idea?!



• If all this gift advice is starting to put you off the idea of a beauty gift... perhaps you would be better off buying her a beauty experience instead? There are loads of experience gifts in the beauty arena, from less expensive stuff like manicures, French polishing ( of nails ), through to a Vidal Sassoon haircut, body wraps, or spa days and weekend retreats. These latter gifts are likely to be infinitely more memorable than another bottle of eau de parfum.

Girls: Would your partner benefit from this gift-buying advice? Send them a gift guide link!