What Should You Be Using In Your Skin Care Routine?

Take my quiz and get personalized recommendations from a
licensed esthetician!

Skin Care Quiz

My Top 23 Beauty Buys for Everyone on Your Gift List

Let the Gift-Giving Season BEGIN! (*trumpets*)

You guys, I love this time of year!

Aside from all the twinkling lights and festive holiday splendor, I adore giving gifts to my friends and loved ones (and all you wonderful Beauty Mates, too!).

It brings me sincere joy to find that perfect item, wrap it up all pretty - yes, I actually LIKE wrapping presents! - and watching someone special open a gift I picked just for them.

This is totally true when it comes to my babies!

If you’ve ever seen the explosive joy of a kid ripping open a present, you know what I’m talking about!

But, sometimes gift shopping can get a little stressful, am I right?! Especially when you've got someone on your list that you have NO IDEA what to buy (hello, Secret Santa coworker).

In fact, according to studies by the research firm NPD Group and CivicScience and a Pew Research poll, the struggle is real for some of us during the holiday shopping season.

Don’t fret, my friends! I’m here to ease the pain of shopping and help you find the perfect item for everyone on your list with my ultimate gift guide!

I'm excited to bring you my Top 23 Beauty Buys to add to your gift list (or YOUR wish list) this season!

My Top Tips for Giving the Perfect Gift

Crafting the perfect gift list for your friends and family can be tricky.

You want to find that ideal item for everyone to show you’re thoughtful so you don’t have to resort to the classically impersonal card full of cash.

Here are just a few of my tips for getting everyone on your list the perfect present this holiday season!

1. Think of the Person, Not the Gift

When figuring out what to get someone, we can get distracted by how awesome or extravagant an item is and lose sight of whether the recipient will actually want it.

Does your friend need yet another coffee mug with a cat on it, or would she rather have something more practical?

A study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that gift givers get too caught up in the appeal of gifts and don’t pay enough attention to how much the recipient may actually use or want an item.

Rather than buying a novelty gift that might get used once before disappearing in a closet, shoot for gifts that your recipients will really use and appreciate.

Plus, every time they use it, they’ll be reminded of how much you love them!

2. If You're Stumped, Make a List

We’ve all got those people on our list that are nearly impossible to buy for.

They already have everything.

They don’t use gift cards.

They’re picky. They have very particular tastes.

If you find yourself at a true loss for gift ideas, make an extensive list describing your gift recipient.

Think of her interests, hobbies, favorite movies, books, music, food, etc.

Also, think of her needs.

Is she always cold at work? Get her a cozy scarf and hand warmers.

Is she super stressed? Assemble a basket of some at-home beauty spa treatments to pamper herself.

When you have a full list laid out in front of you, it’s bound to spark some good gift ideas.

Bonus: You might even come up with some gifts for future holidays and birthdays!

3. Get Personal

The best gifts are the ones with a personal touch that show that you really know the person receiving it. (That list thing I just mentioned is a great way to discover some of these ideas.)

Yes, we can always fall back on the ol’ gift card. Everyone loves a gift card, right?

Well...sort of. While most people don’t hate receiving a gift card, the majority would prefer a less-general gift.

A 2016 survey conducted by Bankrate found that only 27% of Americans would prefer a gift card over a more personal gift.

chart

If you do want to get someone a gift card, aim for something tailored to their tastes or interests to make it a little more personal!

4. Express Yourself

Did you know that sometimes the best way to find a gift for someone is to look to yourself?

That’s right! Giving a gift that reflects yourself can make it feel more special for the person receiving it.

A study published by the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology looked at 122 university students.

Some givers were instructed to give recipients an iTunes song that “reflects your true self,” while others were told to give one that “reflects your knowledge of the recipient.”

The study found that “Surprisingly, both givers and receivers report greater feelings of closeness to their gift partner when the gift reflects the giver.”

Putting a little bit of yourself into a gift really personalizes it.

A great place to start? Try getting a friend a beauty product that you really like. Include a tag that says, “I love this lotion, and I thought you might love it too!”

Now that you have my tips for how to find the perfect gift, it's time to bring you my Ultimate Gift Guide so you can find something for everyone on your list (and some for you too)!

My Top 23 Beauty Gift Picks

I’ve broken down my Top 23 Ultimate Gift Guide so you can find the perfect exclusive gift sets, everyday essentials, beauty devices and even stocking stuffers for all those special somebodies in your life!

Let's take a look at some of the amazing gifts Skincare by Alana has in store for you and yours this holiday season!

Exclusive Gift Sets

1. Image Skincare Hydrating Essentials Kit

This Image Skincare kit contains the amazing hydrating products that you'll love this winter!

This kit includes:

  • Vital C Hydrating Facial Cleanser 6oz
  • Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum 1.7oz
  • Prevention+ Daily Ultimate Protection Moisturizer SPF 50 3.2oz

2. Alana Mitchell All Skin Types Set

This kit is from yours truly! I’ve put together my essentials for gorgeous, healthy, and radiant skin! It’s the perfect gift for the holiday season because it will work for all skin types.

My kit includes my:

  • Daily Vitamin C Moisturizer
  • Foaming Pumpkin Cleanser
  • Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum
  • Anti-Aging Peptide Eye Cream
  • 4-in-1 Cleansing Sponge
  • Clear Collagen Peel-Off Masque

3. Mirabella Lip Service Gift Set

The Mirabella Lip Service Gift Set is the perfect lip treatment for this holiday season! This is a great gift for someone looking to achieve the perfectly plump pout.

This kit includes:

  • Mini Lip Definer Pencil in Spunky
  • Plump + Condition Lip Mask
  • Mini Luxe Advanced Formula Lip Gloss in Angelic
  • Mini Lipstick in Mulberry Mocha
  • Cosmetics Bag

4. GM Collin Golden Perfection

This limited edition kit ensures a perfect holiday anti-aging skincare regimen!

This kit includes:

  • Mature Perfection Serum
  • Mature Perfection Day Cream
  • Mature Perfection Night Cream

5. iS Clinical New Year Skin Clear Holiday Collection

This kit includes:

  • Cleansing Complex 6oz
  • Pro-Heal Serum Advance 0.5oz
  • Active Serum 0.5oz
  • Hydra-Cool Serum 0.5oz

6. Glo Skin Beauty Cool Smokey Eye Kit

This set is a part of the limited edition holiday eye set. The shadow quad contains four cool toned shades and is paired with a cream stay shadow stick!

This kit includes:

  • Cool Smokey Shadow Quad
  • Cream Stay Shadow Stick - Orbit

7. Eminence Organics Cleanse and Glow Gift Set

Designed to gently exfoliate and cleanse, this lactic acid duo evens out the look of skin tone, leaving the complexion feeling soft and vibrant so you can get glowing again. Combine for an instant exfoliating boost or use separately.

This kit includes:

  • Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant 1oz
  • Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser 4.2 fl oz

Everyday Skincare Essentials

8. Alana Mitchell Foaming Pumpkin Cleanser

I personally designed this gentle formula to refine pores and deliver healthy, glowing skin every day. This soothing cleanser contains no artificial fragrances or parabens, so all skin types can enjoy it. Plus, it smells wonderful!

9. June Jacobs Citrus Body Balm

Perfect for stepping out of a warm shower on a chilly night! This luxurious body balm blends citrus and other natural botanicals to nourish and revitalize tired, dry skin.

10. Skin Script Retinol 2% Exfoliating Scrub/Mask

Remedy dry, flaky winter skin with this powerful exfoliating scrub! This formula is enriched with 2% retinol to polish skin and improve cellular turnover for a rejuvenated, glowing complexion. It also works to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots my stimulating the production of collagen and elastin!

11. Dermaquest Stem Cell 3D Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30

This 3-in-1 formula is the ultimate multitasker! First, it provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 daily sun protection (a skincare must!). Second, it’s lightly tinted to give even, sun-kissed coverage. Finally, this lightweight formula penetrates skin with deep hydration while active ingredients firm and tone skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. AND, it infuses skin with antioxidants to fight free radical damage and prevent future signs of aging. Phew! That’s a lot of bang for your buck!

12. Osmosis+Skincare DNA Repair C Serum

This amazing serum boasts some incredible skincare technology! It features Zinc Finder Technology and AC-11 to increase DNA and cellular damage repair by 33%. It also stimulates collagen production for firmer, tighter skin with fewer fine lines. Antioxidant vitamin E fights hyperpigmentation and signs of aging as well as free radical damage. Rejuvenate skin with this super serum!

13. Image Skincare The MAX Stem Cell Eye Creme

If late-night online holiday shopping is leaving you with tired eyes, wake them up with this eye-brightening serum! It uses natural ingredients and nourishing hydrators to increase cellular activity making wrinkles, puffiness, bags, and dark circles disappear! It’s powerfully effective, yet gentle enough that those with sensitive skin can use it too.

Devices

triahair

14. TRIA Hair Removal Laser

No more expensive spa visits, get laser hair removal right at home! TRIA’s laser allows you to quickly and easily (and permanently!) remove hair on both the face and body. This new device is 4x faster and reduces hair by 70% after just two uses! Hair returns much finer and lighter for 2-3 months after treatment. After three months of regular use, hair no longer grows! It’s simple to use and is safe and effective for all skin and hair types.

tria

15. TRIA Age-Defying Laser

Younger-looking skin is totally possible with this amazing little wrinkle correcting device! The age-defying laser uses 1000’s of little laser signals to penetrate skin and activate collagen and elastin production. This equals softer, smoother skin and diminished fine lines. This process is super effective, completely safe to use, and delivers superior results!

nuface

16. NuFACE Trinity

This amazing little gadget tones and firms facial skin using gentle microcurrents to stimulate blood flow. It’s a like a glorious face massage that leaves you looking revitalized and youthful! And, it won The Best At-Home Anti-Aging Device in the 2018 New Beauty Awards!

Stocking Stuffers

17. Jan Marini Sugar Cookie Holiday Exfoliator

Enjoy this festive scent while treating skin! This decadent exfoliator combines physical and chemical exfoliators with antioxidants for a silky smooth, glowing complexion. Proteolytic enzymes and glycolic acid polish the skin for superior exfoliation without the need for harsh abrasives.

18. Skin Script Minimalist Kit

Designed for combination to oily skin, this kit has your skincare regimen bases covered! Designed to balance surface lipids, cleanse skin without over-drying, and help maintain clear pores, skin will be more balanced and calm.

This kit includes:

  • Charcoal Clay Cleanser
  • Mint Refining Toner
  • Light Aloe Moisturizer

19. Alana Mitchell Clear Collagen Peel-Off Masque

My innovative masque works to tighten, smooth, firm, and tone after just one use! Yes, you read correctly: ONE. USE. Perfect to use before (or to recover from) special events or whenever you want to give your skin an extra boost.

20. Tokyo Milk Let in the Light Eye Shadow Palette

This is a beautiful five color palette which feature long wearing eyeshadow formulas that apply evenly for diaphanous looks from day to night.

Five shades from left to right:

  • Into The Mystic - Brown
  • Solar Soul - Gold
  • Cosmic Glow - Coral Peach
  • Pure Love - Pastel Pink
  • Enlighten - Ivory

21. Amika Glass Action Universal Elixir

Real talk: this stuff smells AMAZING. And it works, too! This Sea Buckthorn Berry and nutrient-boosted strand transformer treats, preps, and finishes to transform hair.

22. Dermalogica Nightly Lip Treatment

This product goes to work while you're asleep! The rich overnight formula firms, hydrates, and restores skin on and around the lips. Indian Gentian Extract, advanced Volumizing Technology, and Sesame Seed Extract help restore skin volume and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin-rich shea butter hydrates to improve skin elasticity and restore barrier function against visible signs of aging.

23. Tokyo Milk 20,000 Flowers Under the Sea No. 31 Parfum

This keepsake story box (and perfume) makes a great gift! I LOVE this scent, and the bottle is adorable! Fragrance notes include White Lily, Mineral Salt, Sun Kissed Coral, and Ylang Ylang.

Final Thoughts

Hooray! I’m so excited to share my favorite beauty gifts to give your fave friends and family.

It’s always fun to share the gift of beautiful, healthy skin!

This season, remember it’s not about crossing someone off your gift list.

It’s about showing someone special that you love them!

Need help finding the perfect beauty gift for someone (or yourself)? We’re always here to help! Contact us, or leave your questions in the comments section!

0 comments


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

featured in
about me
woman owned small business

Are You Taking the Right Steps to Care for Your Skin?

Take the Quiz
side form

Skincare Secrets!

10-step guide for healthy, beautiful skin after kids.

100% privacy. I will never spam you!