By: Scarlett Leung, Co-Founder & Chief Brand Officer of Pretty Tasty
If your search for the perfect skincare-focused gift led you here, it’s your lucky day: Gift giving is my primary love language, and skincare is the anchor of my beauty routine. So naturally, I’m super excited to share some of my favorite products for glowing skin with you—many of which are from brands I use regularly that were founded by dear friends of mine.
Each and every one of these products are expertly-crafted items you would find in my home right now. From stocking stuffers and white elephant friendly gifts to presents for under the tree, I’ve selected a few different price points to provide you with a little flexibility depending on your holiday gifting budget.
Gifts for Skincare - Under $100
1. Slip Contour Silk Sleep Mask - $80
I love this sleep mask because the contours make sure that the mask isn’t pressing on my eyelids. The strap keeps the mask in place without creating a dent in my hair, and they’re thin enough so the mask doesn’t bother me when I’m sleeping on my back. I also really love that it’s made out of silk and that you can get a matching pillow case, so your skin and hair are protected while you sleep.
2. Dune Suncare Carry-Ons - $53.95
This is my all time favorite sunscreen! Started by my two friends Emily and Mei, the gel texture of Dune sunscreen makes it glide right on. Be warned: this sunscreen is so cool, it might get stolen…True story: every time I’m on vacation, people always try to swipe it for themselves. Added bonus: their face sunscreen doesn’t sting my eyes, and it has hyaluronic acid to boost my skin’s hydration.
3. Esker Beauty Shower Steamer Set - $65
This shower steamer makes every shower feel like a visit to the spa. The marble holder is so chic and the scents are incredible! 10/10 do recommend.
4. Blissy 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase - $82
When I’m traveling with my silk pillowcases, I always notice my skin seems less breakout prone. But when I don’t, I tend to get more blemishes and my hair always becomes a frizzy mess (picture Anne Hathaway in the beginning of Princess Diaries). Having them makes SUCH a big difference. Plus, there’s no better feeling than resting your head on a cool and silky smooth pillow at the end of a long day.
5. Santa Maria Novella Vitamin Body Oil - $90
This is my favorite brand in the world! It’s also the oldest pharmacy on earth, started by the nuns of Santa Maria Novella. Tip: A trip to Florence is not complete without a visit to their store, which is a magical experience in itself. I love love love all their body care items, with this oil being my favourite.
Gifts for Skincare - Under $50
6. Ceremonia Guava Spaliday - $49
Everything Babba, the founder of Ceremonia, does is so thoughtful and beautiful. I’m obsessed with the scent of her Guava products, which makes me feel like I’m being whisked away to a tropical paradise when I’m really just stuck in city life.
7. Pretty Tasty Collagen Teas - $47.99
I’ve been using collagen in my beauty and skincare stack for over a decade now, and can honestly say Pretty Tasty is the most effortless way to get your daily dose. And not just because I created it! There’s no mixing, no mess, no chalky powders, no unpleasant aftertaste. Just crisp, delicious, refreshing, collagen infused iced tea that’s ready to drink, not too sweet, and incredibly smooth. I spent a long time working on the formula to ensure a clean, great-tasting and convenient experience every time. Simply crack open a can, sip, and glow on the go.
8. Mount Lai Rose Quartz Gua Sha - $30
This is in my makeup bag and I take it everywhere! We can always do with a last minute gua-sha to help depuff our face a little and look more snatched, right?
9. Maude Massage Candle - $32
The candle is a true 2-in-1. Smells expensive and melts down into a luxurious massage oil that is just the right temperature. Leave it to Eva, founder of Maude, to create something functional, sexy and ultra aesthetic.
10. Higher Dose Serotonin Soak Salt - $39
Katie sent this to me and I save it for when I have had a REALLY long week. It reminds me of being in an onsen in Japan with the rich mineral content in the soak.
11. 4 AM Beauty Clean Sheets - $29
I’m super loyal to oil based makeup removers, except when I travel or if I’m on the go. These clean sheets are incredible! They removed all my makeup in one easy wipe and left my skin feeling soft and clean. Normally, I’d still rinse my face after using a micellar makeup wipe because I’d still feel some chemical residue on my face. The best part is that they smell like the freshest rose water! They’re constantly sold out for a reason! But I was lucky enough to get some off of the founders Jade and Sabrina. (Thanks again!
12. Image Skincare Lip Balm - $29
I cannot survive a New York winter without this lip balm. Originally recommended to me by my aesthetician at Heyday, this balm is so protective and smells like Juicy Fruit.
13. That Girl That Did Your Hair Boar Bristle Knotty Brush - $38
My friend Nina is a genius for coming up with this hairbrush. I have a stack of hairbrushes that I find impossible to clean. The design of this brush makes it super easy to pull out hairs stuck in the brush. Did I mention that this is also a boar bristle brush?? So it’s perfect for blowouts!
Gifts for Skincare - Under $25
14. Barriere NAD+ Patches - $17.95
I don’t know about you, but I cannot swallow any more pills or have more powders (thus Pretty Tasty). These genius patches look cute enough to be a temporary tattoo, but with the benefits of what would have been in a pill. I travel with a stack of Barriere patches from vitamin D to travel support ones (actually I forgot mine during my latest trip, but thankfully founders Alexa and Cleo hooked me up with a bunch on the go), but these are their latest.
15. Dieux Forever Eye Mask - $25
It’s sustainable and it’s cute! You can use your favorite eye cream to create an eye mask. Founded by my dear friend Charlotte, I am a huge fan of their products.
16. Winky Lux PH Glitter Lip Balm - $17
I am still waiting for mood rings to have a comeback. In the meantime I’ll just revel in PH changing lip balms…and glitter is necessary for the holidays.
17. The Qi Rosebud Tea - $23.50
Rose tea is amazing for your circulation and complexion…and so pretty to look at. I steep mine and add a touch of honey.
18. Tower 28 Mini Softies - $20
A girl can never have enough lip glosses! These are nourishing and not sticky.
19. Gitti Vegan Nail Polish in Cranberry Glitter - $20
The holiday season is my excuse to have red glittery nails and listen to Mariah Carey on repeat. Gitti is free from a lot of the bad things and vegan! Also, your friends probably haven’t heard of this brand, as it was founded in Berlin and it is just expanding into the U.S. (congrats Jenni)!
20. Starface My Melody Hydrocolloid Patches - $17
Zits are not cute and I have a tendency to touch them and make them worse. BUT who can resist having these cute stickers on their face? And yes I had a My Melody phase when I was trying to be “different” and not like Hello Kitty.
It’s my hope that these recommendations simplify your hunt for a thoughtful present that the skin-care lover in your life will actually appreciate.
Here’s to giving the gift of dewy, radiant skin!
Happy gifting,
Scarlett
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your physician, dermatologist, or qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your skincare routine, diet, or wellness practices. At times, we may recommend products or services from other brands. These recommendations are based solely on our belief in their value—we do not receive compensation or commissions from the sale of these items.