Gifting season is here!
The Christmas season is fast approaching and if you’re more organised than most, you’ve probably already started your shopping hauls – or at least have begun deciding what to get each loved one.
We all have a skincare-lover in the family, who is obsessed with TikTok trends, hacks and achieving that glass-skin glow.
At Her, we are incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to try brands galore, ranging from budget-friendly options to products that would be considered a serious splurge.
Some we love, some… not so much. So we’ve decided to round up a few of our favourite products in 2024 to give you some inspiration for yourself or someone you care about.
Splurge
Yonka
Yonka is a brand that quickly became one of my favourites last year when my skin was in needs of a bit of TLC. At the moment, their Phyto-Aromatic Treatment spray is part of my daily routine, and over the past few weeks the difference it has made to overall hydration is great.
It’s described online as “a refreshing face spray will awaken your skin at any time during the day, providing instant relief.”
Another favourite from this brand is the their Hydra No 1 Masque. It’s a splurge, but I’m currently only using it once weekly, so it’s lasting well and has so many gorgeous ingredients that my skin is loving.
The brand say it “softens, firms and rejuvenates dull, wrinkled and dry skin. Rose flower oil acts as an astringent to tighten pores and wrinkles. Sandalwood extract soothes inflammation and provides a calming fragrance. Salicylic acid loosens dry and flaky skin to reveal softer, brighter skin.”
You can have a look at some of their Christmas sets available this year here.
Ultraceuticals
Ultraceuticals has been a great ally of mine since the beginning of my pregnancy. I was always unsure about what was safe to use and what wasn’t. So many people were telling me to pare back my routine completely and to opt for more sensitive products without actives.
I used the Ultra-Calming cleanser and moisturiser for the first trimester back in July and loved how gentle it was on my skin. It didn’t flare up my acne – anymore than pregnancy itself was – and kept my skin hydrated when it was at its driest.
Ultraceuticals describes the line as “products [that] can help to moisturise, comfort and soothe sensitive skin affected by environmental triggers and support the skin’s natural protective barrier.”
All of their Christmas offers and savings can be found here.
Seabody
I have been using Seabody for nearly two years now on-and-off, and the science behind this brand is so incredible. The Glycan enrich moisturiser is sure to be a favourite of anyone who loves a spa-like experience with their evening routine.
It’s so hydrating and another great pregnancy-safe option for those who need it – and want to splurge a bit on themselves or someone they love. Paired with the overnight elixir and honestly, you wake up with glowing skin – give it a few weeks to really work its magic and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.
The Glycan Enrich Moisturiser is described on the website as a “supercharged moisturiser with multi-functional marine actives, including time release microencapsulated MaraFucoidan™, Vegan Algal Omegas, Phyto-ceramides, Phytosqualane and Vitamins B, C & E. These actives work with your skin to replenish moisture and neutralise free radicals from environmental stressors. Features Time released microencapsulated MaraFucoidan™ Replenishes moisture Neutralises free radicals from.”
The overnight elixir is a ”lightweight hybrid serum is enriched with microencapsulated marine actives, MaraFucoidan™ and PhytoMara™, which neutralise free radicals, support dermal cell turnover and collagen & elastin production. This formula also contains Vitamins A & E, Phytosqualane, Hyaluronic Acid and an array of vegan lipids including Algal Omegas, Jojoba, Rosehip, Grapeseed, Blackcurrant.”
They have lots of great savings on Christmas sets this year for anyone who is a lover of the brand or intrigued to try them – all of which can be found here.
Guinot
Guinot has been a final fav of 2024, and its Hydra-Summum cream is always top of my list when recommending a really rich moisturising face cream to friends and family – but again, it is not cheap.
I am a firm believer that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get results from your skincare, but there is something about this brand that just always feels like such a treat to use and it’s effective!
The Hydra-Summum cream is “a complete hydrating treatment, Crème Hydra Summum from Guinot rejuvenates the skin, creating a softer, supple, beautiful and more youthful appearance.
“The Hydralogic Complex enhances the skin’s hydration mechanisms, enforcing a barrier that reduces evaporation and locks moisture into the skin. In addition, Hyaluronic Acid plumps up the skin, easing the appearance of lines caused by dehydration.”
I was kindly gifted a few of their Christmas sets, but have yet to try the wonderful masks included in them. While I can’t vouch for their effectiveness just yet, I’m dying to add them into my routine after Christmas to give my skin a boost after the festive season.
You can have a look through all of their available sets here.
Savings
La Roche-Posay
I think it’s safe to say that La Roche-Posay has been a staple brand in many Irish households over the years. It was definitely a favourite in my family from secondary school year onward.
Still to this day I rely on the Effaclar range to sort any major breakouts and keep them at bay too, so it’s a great gift for anyone who loves their skincare and has specific issues they need to address.
They’ve lots of options and sets galore.
Your Skin Stuff
This brand is the perfect option if you have a little one in the house that is enamoured with skincare because of what they see online.
It’s so important to be careful with what ingredients your kids have access to in their skincare routines to make sure they don’t damage their skin barrier or burn their skin.
Your Skin Stuff has all the personality of some of the adult brands being flogged online but it also has carefully formulated their line to be safe to use for pre-teens.
They have lots of bundles at great discounts for the Christmas season here.
P.S.
Some people look down on the skincare bits being sold in Penneys, but there are a number of gems among the mass of dupes they’ve brought out in recent years.
From a dupe for the Bobbi Brown Face Base, to their brow sculpt inspired by the Refy Brow Sculpt and face masks galore – don’t knock them until you try them.
They would make a lovely gift and are also budget-friendly. Someday, Penneys will deliver us a website that allows for purchasing, but until then you can pop in-store for a look at what they have in time for the festive season.
Her Team picks
I asked the other members of the Her team to choose their holy grails for this gift guide, and their recommendations suit every budget, from a splurge on Elemis to a budget-friendly Q&A sets:
Kat: Skingredients
“The €44 serum is a little on the pricey side but it’s one of the best skincare products I’ve used in recent years. It’s refreshing, soothing for my acne and gives my skin some well needed TLC in the winter months.”
Jody: Q&A
“Q+A for the affordable price point, quality ingredients, and easy to understand skincare info — you know before you buy if it’s suitable for your skin by reading the checklist on each product which is a major selling point for me! And for Christmas it’s only €18 for this set.”
Triona: Elemis
“I savour every last drop of this cleansing balm when I manage to get my hands on it. Between the rose scent, luxurious feel, and effectiveness for makeup removal, the skincare lover in your life will thank you.”
READ MORE:
- Her Tries: Yon-Ka Hydra No. 1 Masque and Phyto-Aromatic Treatment Mist, a must-have duo
- ‘The et al. radiant foundation is a splurge but gives you the perfect winter glow’
- The winter skincare changes you need to know about, according to Dr. Helena McMahon
