So my third and final Christmas Gift Guide is all about the lux… my top picks on luxurious beauty items for those we love. I often give a little piece of luxury, such as a small item by Dior or Chanel as a gift. It’s something I love to receive myself, which is generally a good gauge when it comes to choosing for others.
Dior…
I think Red Royalty is the perfect festive red - like a glimpse of Santa’s coat dashing by! Except of course it’s super glossy (no topcoat used in these pics) and comes in a beautiful heavy glass bottle with a chrome CD embossed lid. The consistency of this polish is unlike any I’ve ever tried - it’s dense and velvety, heavily pigmented and works best applied in thin layers. The new wide brush means most nails only require one stroke for coverage and although I applied two coats for these pics, they were opaque in one.
Dior Vernis Long Wearing Nail Lacquer in Red Royalty #999 (love the red hot ‘emergency’ number!) £17.50 at House of Fraser
Guerlain…
I was so chuffed to receive this gorgeous perfume and body lotion set as a birthday gift last week. Amber floral, Guerlain Shalimar Parfum Initial is my new favourite Winter fragrance - it is rich, spicy, warm, sensual and yet quite discreet. It’s not overpowering as I know some found the original Shalimar. And isn’t the bottle just stunning!
Guerlain Shalimar Parfum Initial costs £37.00 for 40ml edp at Boots. My set came from Debenhams for the same price, currently available with 10% discount at £33.30.
Neom…
I have two Neom Luxury Organics items to share… firstly the ‘Inspiration’ treatment candle with Violet, Chamomile and Cedarwood - a gorgeous uplifting fragrance to help you feel ‘inspired, confident and motivated’. Perfect way to start the New Year, don’t you think? It comes beautifully presented in this sturdy gold box with a satin bow.
This is the large 300g/1kilo size at £37.50 from Neom Organics - also available in travel size.
How about some gorgeous Tranquility Organic Bath Oil to use with the candle? I love this vintage style heavy glass bottle, which looks beautiful on the dressing table or bathroom window sill. Fragranced with English Lavender, Sweet Basil and Jasmine, this smells divine and is very relaxing - perfect antidote to a great night’s sleep. Just a few drops are all that’s needed… deeply moisturising too. (A Tranquillity Candle is available in the same scent).
Tranquility Bath Oil, 100ml £32 at Neom Organics
Chanel…
My luxury guide would not be complete without a little piece of Chanel… Illusion D’Ombre, the mousse to metallic cream eyeshadow has been one of this year’s cult beauty products that any girl would be thrilled to receive. Pictured in Illusoire, a mauve toned metallic steely grey, this looks stunning for day or evening wear.
Chanel Illusion D’Ombre Longwear Luminous Eyeshadow costs £22.50 at Boots or most department stores.
Aspinal…
Last but by no means least, this gorgeous gold mock croc cosmetics pouch by Aspinal.
*sigh* isn’t it beautiful? … I’d love to whip this out to touch up my lipstick on a special occasion.
£45 at Aspinal, where you can view a range of cosmetic pouches and cases in various sizes and finishes.
Despite being a luxury guide, all of my suggestions come in at under £50… I hope you’ve enjoyed reading and been inspired with some gift ideas. Enjoy the final week of Christmas shopping!
Please have a look at my Stocking Filler Guides #1 & #2!
Nic x
Dior polish was a sample
