Did you enjoy part 1 of my gift guide? The good news is, I have more treats in store. The festive season is for sharing and giving. ‘In a world where you can be anything, be kind,’ says Jennifer Dukes Lee, and this is the most famous quote of 2020 (in my opinion). The gift of love is the most precious of all; hence, give kindly and without expectation.

Why not add skincare products to your gift shopping list? They promote self-care, about which the national lockdowns have educated us, profoundly. I used to spend a substantial amount of money on clothes until the latter became a pointless exercise after three months of being housebound. Alternatively, I found joy in beauty shopping on Amazon. The return of investment included frequent self-pampering and improved mental health.

Eco-Friendly Collection

Organic skincare products make excellent gifts. They accommodate all skin types and support the broader community of eco-friendly consumers. Ecooking launched in the UK in 2018 and is one of the fastest-growing skincare brands in Denmark. Prone to sensitive skin, I appreciate products that contain natural ingredients, hence my interest in Ecooking. The name alone sparks intrigue. Upon further research, I had discovered that Ecooking is an amalgamation of ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘cooking.’ The brand name is synonymous with traditional home-cooking and core teaching. As such, Ecooking’s humble birthplace is the kitchen of its founder – Tina Sogaard.

Ecooking For Better Skin

The cleansing milk contains extracts of vitamin E and cucumber. It is quite creamy; hence, I apply a small amount. Ecooking’s moisturising serum is lightweight, which I use after cleansing. I gently massage four drops into my skin, which is sufficient to facilitate hydration. My skin spoke for itself and reacted well to Ecooking’s day cream. In retrospect, I have mistakenly purchased day creams that are too lightweight. Ecooking’s moisturiser, however, has a medium consistency. Surprisingly, I needed only a small amount to keep my skin moist. I am genuinely amazed by the results, as my skin is tough to please. Ecooking leaves my skin youthful, soft and even in tone.

Vegan Beauty

Other products include skin tonic which hydrates and refreshes the skin, multi oil (mix this with body lotion to give your skin an extra moisture boost), Deo roll-on and a clay mask. The latter causes a slight stinging sensation at first which, I thought, may overpower my sensitive skin. However, the sensation soon faded and my skin felt incredibly soft. I would use the clay mask once or twice per week. Additionally, use only a small dollop of day cream as it is quite rich.

Enriched with organic and natural raw ingredients, Ecooking would make a wonderful Christmas gift. All products are fragrance-free, paraben-free and vegan (excluding natural beeswax in the brand’s multi balm and lip balms).

Espa Special Gift Set

Espa offers a replenishing collection in luxurious packaging. Their Christmas gift sets stand out in evergreen and gold. Espa’s signature winter spice scented candle is perfect for those winter nights or when you need a relaxing bath. Their hydrating cleansing milk helps smooth and revitalise skin. I often use facial oils and oil-based serums to which my skin reacts well. Espa’s Replenishing Treatment oil helps replenish and protect the skin.

Keep Me Close Kit

Espa’s gift set also includes a 24-hour replenishing moisturiser and Hydrating Floral Spa-Fresh Mist. I still remember the raw, natural scent of Espa skincare from a spa-day gift experience years ago at the Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge. Espa’s Keep Me Close Kit would make a precious Christmas gift. Made from velvet, it would suit an evening outfit and accommodates essential items, including rejuvenating hand cream, positivity pulse point oil and nourishing lip treatment. Why not celebrate Christmas in style? Look good, feel good and remember to be kind.

Glo Beautifully

Glo by Lydia Elise Millen is an independent toolkit that provides a practical solution to your skincare routine. It is aesthetically modern and includes an exfoliator glove, a double-sided back exfoliator, velour applicator mitt, and double-sided velour back applicator.

In essence, Glo offers multifunctional products – for tanning or body-lotion application – in a quaint, travel-friendly bag made from vegan leather. The back applicators are foldable and fit neatly alongside the glove and mitt. Bristle back brushes are somewhat old-fashioned and awkward to use in comparison. On the contrary, Glo’s stretchable back applicators come with handles. The kit would make a wonderful gift for skincare enthusiasts who appreciate convenient and sustainable products when on the go.

Lola’s Diamond Lashes

or that effortlessly chic girl who loves to go glam, Lola’s Diamond Lash Kit would make a fun-loving Christmas gift. Beautifully packaged in an elegant box, the kit comprises diamond magnetic eyelashes, magnetic eyeliner cleansing oil and liquid magnetic eyeliner. All products are cruelty-free and suitable for vegans. Why not take your pick from Lola’s Ruby and Amber lashes? The choice is yours – hence, consider yourself spoilt. Lola’s collection of cute beauty accessories also includes a compact mirror, dual-ended angled brow and lash brush and an eyelash applicator. You can purchase all three products as a pro bundle.

Holistic Silk Therapy

Wherever you go this Christmas, let your face covering make a statement. Holistic Silk is a beauty, wellness and relaxation brand. They offer beautiful face coverings made from reusable, pure silk. Our health and mental well-being are paramount during such unprecedented times; thus, provide a gift of tranquillity for someone special this Christmas.

Enriched with the scent of lavender, Holistic Silk’s Rejuvenating Sleep Set looks and smells beautiful. It includes a hypoallergenic 100% mulberry silk pillowcase and eye mask for the best sleep. The rose pillow set is ideal for those who adore vibrant colours and sensual products. Holistic Silk offers a collection of luxurious and authentic gifts. Unsurprisingly, Harrods and Harvey Nichols are UK stockists of Holistic Silk.

Christmas Giveaway

It’s my turn to give something back. It’s been a tough year for all. I just want to thank each and every one of you for your continued support. The winner of my Christmas giveaway is Lisa. Enjoy your prizes.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Written by @styleiconnat | Gifted Collaboration.