Close your eyes and imagine what your holiday wish list might look like if money were truly no object. Diamonds, Chanel, $1,000 creams...all fair game. What would you ask for? We'd guess your list would be littered with gorgeous bags and boots, first adaptor-approved electronics, once-in-a-lifetime trips, and heaps of beauty products.
Sometimes, a 1%-themed holiday wish list is even more fun to scribble out than a realistic one filled with socks and coffee makers. But more goes into building one than simply arranging your favorite beauty e-commerce site by "Price: High to Low."
We asked some of the most knowledgeable celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists, and manicurists in the game one question: What is the ultimate beauty splurge that deserves a spot on your bucket-list wish list? The answers don't disappoint. Think: face masks that cost more than your weekly lunch budget, walk-in saunas that ring in at more than your first car, and lipstick collections that, well, you get it.
Ahead, find all the inspiration you need to keep working toward the big bucks — or just forward this list to your really, really rich aunt and cross your fingers that she's feeling generous.
The Pro: Mario Dedivanovic, makeup artist to Kim Kardashian, Demi Lovato, Kate Bosworth, and more
"There is nothing more luxurious than having 24K gold on your face to make your skin smooth and luminous. This face mask has so many elements working while [you're wearing it], creating instant results and achieving multiple skin goals. The pure 24K gold calms, the lavender stimulates new skin-cell formation, and the collagen nourishes deeper tissues to make your skin look more youthful."
The Pick: Adore Cosmetics Golden Touch 24K Techno-Dermis Facial Mask (12 masks), $3,300, available at Adore Cosmetics.
The Pro:Carola Gonzalez, makeup artist to Kerry Washington, Leona Lewis, Uzo Aduba, and more
"This new, moisture-infusing technology plumps fine lines, diminishes wrinkles, brightens, and evens out the complexion. [People] mostly use it under the eyes, but the stickies can also be used on other areas of the face, such as laugh lines, the forehead, and the temples. You immediately see results, and it’s definitely effective!"
The Pick: 111SKIN Meso Infusion Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin C Micro Mask, $160, available at Space NK.
The Pro: Pati Dubroff, makeup artist to Priyanka Chopra, Natalie Portman, Michelle Williams, and more
"My pick is a state-of-the-art infrared sauna. It's a must for detoxification and keeping the skin gorgeous by sweating out all the toxins that cloud and pollute the body. I am dying for this and would gladly give up a corner in my home to have this little magic box."
The Pick: Ensi RED 2 Person Zero-EMF Far Infrared Sauna - Top Grade Red Cedar, $2,399 (originally $3,899), available at JNH Lifestyles.
The Pro:Mai Quynh, makeup artist to Emma Stone, Mandy Moore, Kristen Stewart, and more
"I'd pick Urban Decay's Vice Lipstick Stockpile, because all the shades are versatile and can complement any skin tone. You get 30 lipsticks that are a super-creamy, matte formula and range from nudes to pinks to bright reds to dark, vampy shades."
The Pick: Urban Decay Vice Lipstick Stockpile, $325, available online only at Sephora.
The Pro: Clyde Haygood, hairstylist to Demi Lovato, Khloé Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, and more
"My pick would be a Mason Pearson brush because you will have it your entire life! It’s worth that one splurge for a brush that will last forever."
The Pick: Mason Pearson Handy Bristle Hair Brush for Medium Length Hair, $230, available at Nordstrom.
The Pro:Monika Blunder, makeup artist to Jessica Alba, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Nina Dobrev, and more
"This is one of the best multi-use serums that actually makes a difference in the appearance and texture of my skin. It’s a brightening serum that gently exfoliates and smoothes. Most skin types would benefit from using this product — apart from very sensitive skin, since it contains lactic acid. There’s nothing quite like it on the market. It’s a unique product that really lives up to the hype."
The Pick: Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment, $105, available at Birchbox.
The Pro: Nikki Providence, hairstylist to Tori Kelly, Leona Lewis, Jenny Slate, and more
"Christophe Robin Lavender Oil, combined with the Cleansing Mask with Lemon, turns a shampoo into a true luxury. I love it for dehydrated, curly, or damaged hair. It really, truly can bring your hair back from everything winter has thrown at it. Plus, it smells incredible."
The Picks: Christophe Robin Lavender Oil, $47, available at Violet Grey; Christophe Robin Cleansing Mask with Lemon, $49, available at Violet Grey.
The Pro:Michelle Saunders, nail artist to Taraji P. Henson, Kate Beckinsale, Mandy Moore, and more
"Essie's new Gel Couture long-wear nail polish is my pick. The price point is higher than regular polish, but worth it. It’s important that you get both the topcoat and color because they work together to create the longest-lasting manicure, ever — with super shine! All of the colors are amazing, but I'm drawn to two colors in particular: Spool Me Over for your hands and The It Factor for your toes."
The Pick: Essie Gel Couture Kit, Rock the Runway & Top Coat Nail Polish, $18.50, available at Macy's.
The Pro: Cervando Maldonado, hairstylist to Reese Witherspoon, Lily Aldridge, Kirsten Dunst, and more
"The product I recommend is the Harry Josh 2-in-1 curling iron. You use the bigger barrel of the curling iron if you want looser waves, and the smaller barrel to create a more natural curl pattern, or a tighter curl — you're basically getting two curling irons for the price of one. Plus, it's less abrasive to the hair because it's ceramic."
The Pick: Harry Josh Pro Tools 2-in-1 Ceramic Marcel Curling Iron 1.25 Inch (4 piece), $138.75 (originally $185), available at Dermstore.
The Pro:Gregory Russell, hairstylist to Lily Collins, Chloë Grace Moretz, Miley Cyrus, and more
"I recommend getting either a Mason Pearson Popular Brush or Le Labo Oil in Rose 31. The brush is amazing for blowing out your hair. It is expensive, but it's a high-quality, multifaceted brush that you can use to brush out your hair without it ripping. It's one of my favorites, and a staple. I also love using the Le Labo Oil in Rose 31 in my hair as a perfume and to moisten the ends. It contains safflower oil, which makes your hair shiny and strong."
The Pick: Le Labo Rose 31 Oil, $65, available at Barneys New York; Mason Pearson Popular Mixture Brush, $205, available at Need Supply.
The Pro:Christian Wood, hairstylist to Olivia Munn, Bryce Dallas Howard, Isla Fisher, and more
"The best hair product you should be asking for is a Christophe Robin hair-color mask. Most people don't invest enough into shampoo and treatments — and these masks are amazing at keeping hair hydrated, shiny, and manageable, but the color aspect is the best part. It keeps blonds bright and expensive-looking, reducing brassy tones while also keeping brunette and red color rich and luscious."
The Pick: Christophe Robin Shade Variation Care Nutritive Mask with Temporary Coloring - Ash Brown, $51, available online only at Sephora.
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