You might think holiday shopping is easy for beauty editors. They know how to get their hands on the latest releases, they're in the know about the newest innovations, and — oh, yeah — they get some sweet swag as part of the gig, too. But let's be real: Skin care and makeup are great gifts, but not everyone flips over a new lipstick or a killer eyeshadow palette.
So we asked our beauty editors to spill what they're really spending money on this holiday season. Not surprisingly, quite a few of our editors are gifting the aforementioned lipsticks and cult palettes. But the rest? Click ahead for the quirky mugs, thoughtful books, and versatile fashion finds that our editors' family and friends can expect this year. If you're one of those friends or family members? It's time to head to another gift guide immediately — we wouldn't want to ruin the surprise.
Cat Quinn, Beauty Director
"I can't wait to see my little sister's face when I give her this Peach Palette — the same one that has a 10K-person waiting list. I don't know what she's going to be more excited about — actually using it or just making all her friends insanely jealous."
Too Faced Sweet Peach Eyeshadow Palette, $49, available at Ulta Beauty.
"I gave my boyfriend this Christmas gift early, because he's constantly stealing my razors. I love that the gift card comes with a mini gift set starter kit (a razor, four cartridges, and two shave creams). Then, four cartridges come every month after that. Those, I'll be stealing."
Dollar Shave Club 12-Month Subscription, $140, available at Dollar Shave Club.
"This chic little beauty device comes with some serious credentials. (Emily Weiss of Glossier raved about it to me over breakfast and Kim Kardashian recently snapped herself using it.) It's the perfect beauty gift for the person who already has everything — which is my older sister."
ZIIP Beauty Device, $495, available at ZIIP Beauty.
Alix Tunell, Senior Beauty Editor
I'm giving my mom this monogrammed tote, because she always tries to steal mine."
Cuyana Classic Leather Tote, $175, available at Cuyana.
"I'm also giving her this Hillary coffee mug, because why not give the gift of sad memories every time she goes to drink her tea?"
Delicious Accessories Hillary Mug, $13, available at Unbound.
"I'm giving my dad this Rolling Stones book. He gets a different coffee table book from me every year — it's tradition."
Exhibitionism Hard Cover Book, $100, available at Exhibitionism.
Samantha Sasso, Beauty Editorial Assistant
"I always give skin-care sets, bath sets of soaps, body oils, etc. For skin care, Origins always kills it as far as offering a multitude of options for someone who wants to try out the brand, so I love giving those to my aunt, mother, or sister-in-law."
Origins Gentle Cleansing Oil, $27, available at Origins.
"I also love putting together my own sets of bath-care products. One Love Organics, Bath & Body Works, The Body Shop, and Lush all have amazing options that are great to put in a DIY basket."
Ahead, find three picks we love...
One Love Organics Dry Shampoo Powder, $12, available at One Love Organics.
You can never go wrong with a throwback scent.
Bath & Body Works Body Lotion, $12.50, available at Bath & Body Works.
Luckily, most small items come in at under $15, which means you can mix and match as you please.
The Body Shop British Rose Exfoliating Gel Body Scrub, $12, available at The Body Shop.
Add on a bath bomb for the ultimate at-home spa experience.
Lush Bath Bomb, $7.75, available at Lush.
Mi-Anne Chan, Beauty Writer
"I don't give beauty products for Christmas because everyone knows I get them for work, but if I was, I'd probably give someone the Nudestix Lip Pencil Set."
Nudestix Mini Lip Pencil Set, $24, available at Macy's.
"Specific to the person, I also like giving candles or jewelry."
Diptyque Choisya/Orange Blossom Scented Candle, $62, available at Nordstrom.
"I give my dad records, because I got him a vinyl player for his birthday this year."
The Beatles Abbey Road Vinyl, $19.79, available at Amazon.
Maria Del Russo, Beauty Editor
"This year, I'm giving my mother massages and Cooking for Jeffrey."
Cooking For Jeffrey, $21.63, available at Barnes & Noble.
"I'm giving my father a fountain pen."
Gullor 450 Fountain Pen, $17.50, available at Amazon.
"For everyone else, I'm donating to charities in their names."
Puppies Behind Bars Charity, donate here.
Photo: Courtesy of Puppies Behind Bars.
Kelsey Castañon, Beauty News Editor
"I love to give candles. Specifically, warm, spicy scents that warm up a house on a cold, winter day."
Ahead, two candles we love...
Sydney Hale Co. Applewood + Birch Candle, $30, available at Sydney Hale Co.
This spicy gingerbread candle will keep the holiday cheer glowing all winter long.
Diptyque Epices & Delices Candle, $35, available at Bergdorf Goodman.
Light this candle and imagine yourself by a cozy, crackling fireplace.
Nest Hearth Classic Candle, $40, available at Nest Fragrances.
Lexy Lebsack, West Coast Beauty Editor
"I'm giving my dad the entire Meaningful Beauty line, because as shocked as I was to hear it, it's been the one thing that had gotten him to finally drink the skin-care Kool Aid. He ordered his first round himself — so I'm happy to replenish his supply. I even told Cindy Crawford about how he loves it, which he thought was both funny and kind of embarrassing...hope he doesn't mind me talking about it again here."
Meaningful Beauty 5-Piece System, $39.95, available at Meaningful Beauty.
"I have three S'well bottles on rotation — my first real investment into actually keeping my skin hydrated from the inside out — and I have become an unofficial spokesperson. I tell everyone how amazing they are and mine never leaves my side. I know my mom will be just as obsessed as I am, so I'll be giving her one this year for Christmas. Shhhh. Don't tell her yet!"
S'well Large London Chimney Bottle in Black, $34.63, available at Amazon.
"I'm giving my closest friends each one of the Jason Wu mini Caudalie beauty elixirs. I don't think I have a single homie who doesn't absolutely love this face mist — and at under $20, they make the perfect, 'I thought about you, but, you know, I'm not rich' gift. Oh, did I mention I am also gifting myself one — in the large size? I was very good this year."
Caudalie Jason Wu For Caudalie Elixir, $28, available at Sephora.
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