OK, let’s start with what you can’t buy: face creams, shampoo, anything that has to explain its benefits on the packet. A beauty lover doesn’t wake up on Christmas Day and stroke their new enzyme serum, now, do they? So you buy something beautiful (the beauty world is great at beautiful). Something sexy, like a bath creme. Cowshed Spoilt Cow Indulgent Bath Creme (£36, cowshedonline.com) comes in a glass bottle, with a tassel – I know. Or something new, that even the most extreme beauty queen won’t have bought yet, like a Crème de la Mer Candle (£80, cremedelamer.co.uk). And please, no naff gift sets. Even if they do come in a nice make-up bag. No.
Alternatively
Charlotte Tilbury Mini Lipstick Charms £29, charlottetilbury.com Bobbi Brown Travel Brush Set £89, bobbibrown.co.uk Jo Malone Christmas Cracker £32, jomalone.co.uk Valentino Valentina Rosa Assoluto £92, harrods.com
