Why bother with crappy soap sets that no-one ever appreciates when you could get the makeup maestro or fragrance fiend in your life one of these nifty gifts.
Christmas Pudding Lip Balm
£2.99, Totally Funky
This fruity number makes a festive change from your bog standard tin of Vaseline. Not only does this balm taste good, it does what it's supposed to (i.e. keeps lips soft and smooth) which is more than can be said for most novelty gifts. Pretty much a please-all option and I'm sure creative types could reuse the packaging for something.
Balms Away Eye Makeup Remover
£17.50, Balm Balm
Investing in the latest cult beauty buy is sure to make you popular with the beauty buff in your life, even more so if the packaging is really cute. The good news with this miracle balm is that is removes every trace of makeup from around the eyes, even stubborn waterproof mascara and heavy duty party glitter. Way more gentle on your eyes than a wet wipe and much more stylish too.
Lola Ring and Pouch
£30, Marc Jacobs
Selling out rapidly online but still available at Marc Jacobs counters in the so-called real world, this solid version of Marc's latest fragrances will make you instantly popular with whoever you buy it for. Who cares what the scent smells like (nice, for the record), the ring is ridiculously awesome and you'll be able to wear it long after you've run out of the smelly stuff.
Celia Birtwell Cosmetics Brushes and Case
£12, Boots
A good set of makeup brushes is always a winning gift for beauty fans. No matter how many you already have, they're always a willing addition, if only because it means you can get away with washing them less often. This kit from textile legend Celia Birtwell includes a good selection of brushes (decent sized too, none of these piddly cracker-sized things) and you also get a stylish, reusuable purse.
Glamour To Go Palette
£16, Too Faced
Too Faced are one of those tweenage-aimed brands that still seem to manage to make grown women weak at the knees. Case in point being: I'm a 25 year old beauty editor and I got a in fist fight with one of my interns over this. This palette is actually pretty on the sparkly side so not so great for those that like their makeup subtle and chic, but if you're into glitter and bright shades, this Marie Antoinette-adorned kit should do the trick. And, considering it's credit card-sized, you get loads of great stuff in here too, over two layers.
Fuck Off Eyemask
£6, Urban Outfitters
No matter how much beauty sleep you're getting over the holidays, there always seems to be some joker out there trying to get you to spend time with your family or enjoy some kind of wholesome activity. Tell 'em all where to go and hide those partied-out peepers with this tasteful sleep mask which lets your friends and family know exactly how your feel about them.