Good gift ideas for anyone who wants to look, smell, or feel nice

We’re back with another gift guide! I actually debated doing this one, because I think grooming/beauty is a category that is really only right for partners, siblings, parents, children, other family members, or very close friends, and/or as stocking stuffers for those folks. Grooming gifts are simply too personal/intimate to give to a lot of other people, and could feel like a letdown (or, worse, an insult) if you don’t know the receiver and their tastes/interests well. On the other hand, if you know your audience well, they can make great gifts — it’s so nice to be able to upgrade someone’s everyday items, solve one of their most pressing problems, or splurge on something luxurious and special that they’d never buy for themselves.

So if you’re looking for something both pampering and (somewhat) practical to gift, here are some recs!

L’occitane deodorant

These L’Occitane deodorants are technically for men, but that’s…a bit silly, right? Everyone sweats and everyone would like to smell good instead of bad, and these deodorants will help folks do just that. Both of the fragrances are fairly delicate and neutral, and ultimately work really nicely with your natural scent; they make you smell like you, but better.

The cypress has a woody, slightly spicy vibe that’s great this time of year, and the citrus is great for warmer months when you want something light (though my gf uses them both interchangeably depending on her mood, and I stick with the citrus year-round). A nice added bonus is that they go on clear, meaning they won’t leave white stains on clothes.

One stick will run you about $19 (and last you a while) — get Eau des Cedrat (citrus) from L'Occitane or from Amazon, and get Eau De Baux (cypress) from L'Occitane or from Amazon.

Shiseido eyelash curler

My girlfriend doesn’t wear makeup; she simply curls her very thick eyelashes and looks totally transformed. (It’s honestly wild.) She also always has an eyelash curler with her for touch-ups — tucked in her coat pocket, in her backpack, etc. As such, she has pretty strong feelings about the best eyelash curler, and she swears by this Shiseido one.

To me, the gold is a great way to take this eyelash curler to the next level if you’re giving it as a gift; you can get it from Macy’s or Nordstrom for $22. Otherwise, you can get the standard metal one from Sephora or most major department stores for $22.

Radha organic rosehip oil

I’ve used/loved/recommended this rosehip oil for years, and I think it makes for a great gift. It looks and feels a lot more expensive than it is, does a lot of jobs (I love it as a moisturizer and cuticle oil, but other reviewers swear it helps with acne), and the bottle lasts for a while because you only need a few drops at a time. Get it from Amazon for $14.95.

Starface pimple patches

A cute alternative to the (highly, almost scarily, effective) Cosrx pimple patches! These hydrocolloid patches are great at flattening out whiteheads, will help keep you from picking at any spots, and are so cute that you won’t necessarily mind having one on your face. Get them from Starface for $14.99.

Allegra M. France ice globes

My gf learned about these through an article Rio Viera-Newton wrote for The Strategist, and said it’s “probably the best purchase (second only to hydrocolloid pimple patches) I’ve made based on one of Rio’s recommendations.” Pimple patches are great, but they can’t help you when the blemish is under you skin. In those situations, you need ice to flatten the spot out. Rio outlines all the benefits of these globes in her article, but the short version is that they’re much more effective than an ice cube because they stay colder for longer, won’t melt, and won’t burn your skin. Buy them from Amazon for $42.

An Aesop gift hand wash and body balm bundle

Aesop-Kits-Gift-Kits-2020-21-The-Chance-Companion-Hybris-Large-1584x962px.png

When I was growing up, the go-to gift for someone you don’t know particularly well was literally any gift set from Bath and Body Works. And while that still might be a great choice for the person you’re shopping for, you can level things up by choosing a gift set from Aesop instead. Aesop (pronounced EE-sop for some reason) is a great gift because it’s one of those brands that often feels too expensive to justify buying for yourself, making it a thrilling, luxurious present to receive. This particular bundle is especially great because it includes their Rind Concentrate Body Balm, which has a really lovely grapefruit scent. Get it from Aesop for $63.

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer

This is a super rich moisturizer that feels very light on your skin and really does make your skin look dewier and brighter. Much like Aesop, it makes for a great gift because it’s a pricier than your average moisturizer/hard to justify purchasing for yourself. (It also lasts a while.) Buy it from Sephora or Amazon for $68. (Sephora also sells a mini for $22.)

Dr. G Brightening Peeling Gel

I’ve been singing the praises of this peel for years; the first time I used it, I had my head down as I was rinsing it off, and when I finished and raised my head up, I actually said "holy shit" out loud to the mirror. I was glowing. It smells and feels great, and using it is just an extremely pampering experience. (Bonus: pair it with some sheet masks or the rosehip oil to use afterward.) Get it from Amazon for $11.

Dior Glow nail polish

I first started using this polish several years ago, when I decided to stop getting shellac manicures and grow out healthy nails. It’s got a subtle pink sheen that is basically clear, but still makes your nails look brighter and healthier (and doesn’t really show chips). I often get compliments on my nails when I’m wearing it, and I recommend it for anyone who wants nice, manicured nails but can’t or doesn’t want to wear color. Get it from Sephora for $28 or from Nordstrom for $28.

Marvis toothpaste

I started using this Italian toothpaste around the time I got Invisalign, which had me brushing my teeth multiple times a day. The toothpaste genuinely made the annoying experience better, while adding a bit of fanciness to my bathroom counter (and my life). The jasmin mint flavor takes a couple go-rounds to get used to, but I promise it’s great. If the person you’re shopping for isn’t the adventurous type, they might prefer the mint, which I also swear by.

Get jasmin mint for $10.50 from either Amazon or Sephora, and get classic strong mint for $10.50 from either Amazon or Sephora. You can also get a set of minis in seven different Marvis flavors from Amazon for $36.

Hay toothbrush

Ugh, I love these toothbrushes! They are one of those design-y items that still feels accessible, and also isn’t wildly expensive. Get them for $6 each from MoMa Design store or from Hay (currently on sale for $3.60).

Static Nails press-ons

Honestly, I love a good press-on; it’s a great way to go if you’re short on time before a big event, and an especially good manicure option during this pandemic. My coworker Amy Rose recommended this brand over the summer and I immediately bought a couple packs for the days that I’ve listened to Megan Thee Stallion one too many times. The Static Nails come in tons of colors, are easy to use, last for a few uses, and will make you feel wildly glamorous. $14 per pack — browse more colors and shapes at Static Nails.

Shhhowercap

This is another item I love and use every single day; it’s an effective shower cap that also looks chic. It comes in multiple colors/prints, and you can get one for $42 from Shhhowercap, Anthropologie, Bloomingdale’s, or Dermstore.

Trixie Mattel sparkles

Trixie is one of my favorite drag queens (her YouTube channel is very worth your time) and the body glitters from her makeup line are gorgeous. Available in several colors; get them from Trixie Cosmetics for $10 each. ✨

Get more gift ideas: