Dear Santa: what we'd love for Christmas
Quite honestly, we don't think there's ever been a better year for beauty gifts. We're completely spoiled for choice, but here's a shortlist of what we'd most like to receive under the Christmas tree (or in a stocking) - and watch the website for a few more suggestions over the coming weeks. It's beginning to look - and smell - a lot like Christmas, to us... Just click on any of the product names to find them on-line. Liz Earle Botanical Essence No1 Gift Set/£55. Liz Earle have a whole host of fabulous gifts but this is the one that's made our Christmas list, a collection of the divine Botanical Essence No.1, a Sheer Lip Gloss in the prettiest shade, Waterlily and a Nail Polish that co-ordinates perfectly - a fab neutral shade that works on any squinting.
Molton Brown Festive Shower Gel Bauble/£10. Molton Brown have decanted their legendary shower gels (think: Black Peppercorn, Pink Pepperpod, Gingerlily and Frankincense and Allspice) into baubles for a festive finish this year, the gorgeously jewelled colours would look fabulous upon your tree or they'd make the perfect Secret Santa gift, if you ask us.
Bamford Mini Pebble Soap Set/£30 for 3 soaps. You can't go far wrong with some prettily scented soaps but this trio from Bamford is one of the loveliest we've seen. A selection of Rose, Geranium and Jasmine - and so sweetly made into heart shapes from a pebble found on the beach! They're exquisitely fragranced with pure essential oils and a rich base of jojoba oil, beeswax and aloe vera mean they're super caring for your skin, too.
Crabtree and Evelyn Ultimate Hand Therapy Collection/£45. The perfect gift for any hand cream lover or Crabtree fan (includes us, for sure). A selection box of 12 handy-sized tubes featuring all the classic scents, La Source, Tarocco Orange, Eucalyptus & Sage, Wisteria and the hero, Gardeners. One for every month of the year.
Andrea Garland Liberty Mirrors/£30. We think you'll be hard pushed to actually part with one of these as they're just beautiful - but if you find yourself feeling über-generous then we're sure your best friend, sister or mother would love one of Andrea Garland's mirrors. She has teamed up with Liberty to produce three compacts in classic Liberty prints, making for a truly treasured gift.
Paul & Joe Limited Edition Body Fragrance Collection/£32. Paul & Joe's beauty range never fails to excite us and their holiday collection has especially got our hearts a flutter. The scented trio of Body Milk, Body Soap and a gorgeous soap dish encased in a vintage inspired box will glam up anyone's Christmas morning.
This Works Perchance to Dream/£70. A stellar pressie that we'd be thrilled to unwrap: a dreamy selection of Deep Sleep treats, Heavenly Candle, Dream Cream, Pillow Spray and Bath Soak. This whole range is like knockout drops, so perfect for an insomniac friend or relation.
Benefit Pretty Parfait/£29.60. Benefit are the masters of all things festive and pretty much their whole christmas collection is perfect but we are completely smitten with the sweet, treat filled tins they are offering. Especially Pretty Parfait, which includes are They're Real! Mascara, Benetint, Porefessional and a mini of the Laugh with Me, Lee Lee fragrance.
Aromatherapy Associates Star/£10. Another tree decoration gift here - but we know they're great stocking fillers and it's impossible to disappoint anyone with a mini Inner Strength Bath & Shower Oil - and in addition, 10% of proceeds go to Foundation Defence Against Cancer. A perfect gift, which just keeps on giving.
Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Roller Ball/£15. A sure-fire remedy to make any of the possible seasonal stresses disappear: this 100% natural blend of clary sage, frankincense and cardamom can be rolled onto pulse points for instant calm. (We're going to need this.)
Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Sweet Orange and Mint Limited Edition/£19.75 for 150 ml and two muslin cloths. Our favourite iconic cleanser has been given a seasonal twist with sweet orange oil and crushed peppermint - and the limited edition packaging is so beautiful, there's barely need for wrapping!