Beauty Gifts for Very Discerning People (for Christmas and Beyond)

Gift-shopping season is in full swing, and while the options are endless, they can quickly become overwhelming. Here’s what The Beauty Edit team is gifting this year—plus, a guide on how to give like you mean it.
Reading Time: 6 minutes

Coming up with the most thoughtful gift is always a monumental task, and we daresay it gets trickier if the recipient is as discerning a consumer as you are. The upside of being part of The Beauty Edit is we get to see and sift through the assortment ahead and find truly worthy buys. But “wow factor” aside, what makes a good gift? And how do we give like we mean it?

Gift Well, Feel Good

Science has a lot to say about how to get gifting right, but at its core, it’s all about finding that sweet spot between thoughtfulness and intention. At its heart, gift-giving is about celebrating relationships, creating connections, and sparking joy. But here’s where many of us trip up: We often focus too much on the receiver’s reaction at the moment of exchange, hoping for a big reaction. Research suggests that the most appreciated gifts are the ones that bring lasting value—something that aligns with the recipient’s personality, preferences, or needs. How much you spend doesn’t matter as much as you’d think, too. Evidence consistently shows that the value of a gift isn’t determined by its price tag.

Another science-backed finding: While we often think we need to surprise someone with something unexpected, most people actually appreciate a gift they’ve hinted at or outright asked for. Turns out, there’s nothing unthoughtful about giving people exactly what they want! Practical gifts or ones tied to their interests also tend to score way higher on the happiness scale than something flashy but not particularly useful, according to studies. And let’s not forget about the power of experiences: A spa date or dinner reservation can create a more lasting impact than any tangible item.

The best part? Giving isn’t just about the recipient. Thoughtful gifting also boosts our own happiness, tapping into our human desire for positive connections. So, whether it’s a handwritten note, a bottle of their go-to serum, or a subscription to their favorite service, the best gifts are the ones that say, “I see you, and I care.” 

From indulgent scented candles and wellness essentials to this season’s must-have makeup and timeless skincare (yes, even the classics that never go out of style), here’s what we’re most excited to gift our loved ones this year.

The Beauty Edit Gift Guide

Nicole Morales, Executive Editor

One of the most thoughtful gifts for those who cherish beautiful spaces—whether couples, families, or friends—is a luxurious home candle. Among the many options available, Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s holiday editions consistently stand out. This year, the highlight is Baies des Lunes, a celebration of mistletoe captured in a blend of soft musk and creamy woods. The scent is refined, understated, and undeniably elegant. Encased in a Limoges porcelain jar adorned with a design inspired by the Maison’s historic boutique at 5 Rue d’Alger in Paris, it’s a perfect balance of fragrance and artistry. A true touch of holiday luxury.

For makeup lovers, Tom Ford’s iconic eyeshadow quad makes for an exceptional gift. Renowned for its luxurious packaging and silky, blendable formula, this palette offers a versatile selection of shades that transition seamlessly from day to night. With expertly curated, wearable combinations, it’s perfect for creating both subtle everyday looks and glamorous evening styles. A gift like this isn’t just a treat for the holidays—it’s a beauty staple that will be cherished and used year-round.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baies des lunes – Scented Candle

P7,300, Rustan’s The Beauty Source

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Trio of Scented Candles

P10,350, Rustan’s The Beauty Source

Tom Ford Beauty Eye Color Quad

P6,100, Lazada

Elaine Reyes, Contributing Managing Editor

For the brow-obsessed: “One of the most common beauty questions I get asked is this: ‘What’s the best brow product out there?’ While there’s no shortage of great options, my ultimate recommendation—one I always return to—is K-Palette’s 1 Day Tattoo Real Lasting Eyebrow Liner. Smudge-proof, water-resistant, and super easy to use, it’s a foolproof tool for anyone who wants flawless, low-maintenance brows. (Think: your officemates, titas, and even your mom.) My personal favorite is the Natural Brown shade, which complements most Filipina skin tones and hair colors. Bonus: Their Ultimate Sets are an absolute steal.”

K-Palette The Ultimate Sets for Perfect Brows (Precision Kit A)

P1,399, Lazada


For the local lovers: “With our makeup kits brimming with F-beauty finds, why not carry them in bags that are just as proudly Filipino? A recent discovery is Lokal Bayong, a brand reimagining the humble bayong into chic, elegant pieces crafted by local artisans. Case in point: their stunning Maryse bag, made with wicker rattan and finished with a vegan leather strap—proof that tradition and style can go hand in hand.”

Maryse by Lokal Bayong

P3,999, Frankie General Store

Caryll Cabuhat, Assistant Editor

For the glazed donut-loving girlies: “It’s always a win to have products that give you that effortlessly chic, glowing finish—even on your laziest days. Enter my glazed donut-friendly essentials! As a ‘clean girl aesthetic’ enthusiast, these three have become staples in my makeup routine for very specific reasons. The Strokes Beauty Lab Brow Fixer keeps my brows perfectly in place all day long, the HINCE True Dimension Radiance Balm delivers that natural, lit-from-within glow, and Sunnies Face Lip Glaze ensures my lips stay glossy and hydrated throughout the day. It’s low-maintenance and ultra-chic all at once!”

HINCE True Dimension Radiance Balm

P1,500, Beauty Bar

Sunnies Face Lip Glaze in Bonbon

P495, Sunnies Face

Strokes Beauty Lab Brow Fixer

P398, Strokes Beauty Lab

Justine Gaerlan, Content Associate

For your fitness-loving friend: “This yoga mat is very lightweight yet durable, making it easy to take wherever you go. It’s made from eco-friendly coconut fiber PU leather and natural rubber, so it’s comfortable, sustainable, and built to last. Perfect as a gift for anyone who loves yoga, fitness, or just wants to stay active.”

TIKI TRAVEL MAT by mōov

P1,700, Lazada

Dannah Valdezco, Art Director

For your fellow makeup junkies: “Double cleansing is essential for thorough makeup removal, and Teviant’s Rinse-Free Moisturizing Cleansing Butter makes it effortlessly easy. Its twist-to-dispense packaging is travel-friendly and perfect for on-the-go use. The advanced formula breaks down makeup, oil, and dirt without needing soap or water.”

Teviant Rinse-free Moisturizing Cleansing Butter

P750, Lazada

For Hello Kitty fans: “Teviant’s latest collab with Hello Kitty is a treat for fans of the iconic character and anyone who loves a touch of nostalgia. The collection includes six limited-edition shades across their Lip Affair’s Lip Filter, Lip Vinyl, and Lip Glass lines. Each shade is versatile yet playful, perfectly capturing Hello Kitty’s cheerful vibe.”

Teviant x Hello Kitty Limited Edition Lip Affair Collection

P695, Lazada

Nicole Arcano, Partnerships and Projects Manager

For eyeshadow enthusiasts: “These mini eye palettes from Issy make for amazing stocking stuffers for every beauty lover in your life. The duos are pre-curated so you don’t need to think about matching colors, and the nano size makes them extremely travel-friendly! This is a great way for eye makeup minimalists to foray into bolder looks, while maximalists will love the multidimensional shimmers for their go-to glam.”

Issy Curated Glitter Eyeshadow Duo Palette

P399, Lazada

Marie Besinga, Community and Projects Associate

For the hustlers who deserve pampering: “This has been a staple in my skincare routine all year—a must for me especially after a long, tiring day. The holidays can be quite stressful, and this can cause the skin to appear duller, more wrinkled, and more prone to breakouts. I believe every hardworking person deserves to wake up with a brighter, glowing, and hydrated skin, and this is exactly what this Pili Ani face oil provides. It’s the perfect self-care gift, helping anyone feel and look rejuvenated and refreshed.”

Pili Ani Self-care Night Recovery Oil

P1,700, Pili Ani



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