SHOPPING LIST: 7 skin, hair, and makeup picks for your early holiday shopping

You would think that with online shopping becoming the national pastime, we would run out of things to shop for. Maybe you have but you just won’t admit it. Maybe you’ve just found a different reason to shop. My reason for this round of sales is Christmas gift shopping.

I’m going to start early with shopping for my friends and loved ones. If I happen to have an item or two in the “Checkout” page that’s for me, do know I’m just doing it to get more points. Or to get free shipping. Or to get the purchase needed to get that cute freebie.

In this list, I have some luxury skincare, hair, and body care items to spoil anyone in your life. Given the focus on our after-work rituals, self-care, and Zoom-friendly makeup, here’s what I’m gift-wrapping. Just don’t tell my friends and ruin the surprise.

111 SKIN Master Masking Set

These are for nights that require wine and your favorite series before peaceful sleep. You get two different kinds of eye patches and four different face masks that address various skin concerns each from dehydration to aging. 111Skin is a brand developed by a dermatologist to give top-tier products and is a celebrity favorite.

Available via BFF Manila

Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing & Dark Circle-Diminishing Vitamin C Eye Serum

The formula carries Vitamin C, tri-peptide, and hyaluronic acid. All of which work together to reduce the appearance of undereye wrinkles and dark circles. You can feel a slight warm sensation as you apply this to let you know how it wastes no time getting things done.

Available via LazMall

Abyssian Sunday Detox Exfoliating Shampoo

A solution to dry hair that’s damaged by the humidity. I use this just once a week as the granules exfoliate the scalp to give you a mane that feels restored.

Available via sephora.ph 

Aesop Citrus Melange Body Cleanser

The goodness of petitgrain, lemon rind, and grapefruit rind leaves a sophisticated scent as it gently cleans without making your skin dry. I prefer using this in the morning especially since the citrus smells energize my mood.

Available at Greenbelt 5

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Sculpture Palette Set

A palette that’s multi-use and dummy-proof. I didn’t want to give in to the hype of how Hourglass creates powders that mimic the Instagram Clear Skin filter. But just one use of this palette converted this skeptic into a believer. You can go the extra mile and get the other offerings in this holiday collection for all your makeup-lover friends.

Available via sephora.ph

Laura Mercier Translucent Powder in Honey

When you raid any makeup artists kit, you’ll always find this jar. The classic powder that’s a gold-standard in baking and setting makeup receives a shade that’s morena-friendly and gives no flashback in photos and videos.

Available online via MyMercier Concierge

NARS Climax Extreme Mascara

Trust NARS to take things further. Their Climax Mascara gets an overdramatic sister with Climax Extreme. You can use both of these mascaras layered on top of each other for long and thick lashes. On its own,  Climax Extreme offers the truest black with Pigment Complex and a latex-like finish so it looks like you’re wearing false lashes.

Available via Rustan’s 

Photo courtesy of @bff_manila