Never forget to reward yourself. One cannot give what one doesn’t have, after all. In the hustle of the season and in your search for presents for loved ones, it is paramount you also treat yourself to something you really want, or perhaps to something that will see you through the coming year. It will serve as a reminder that in our pursuit of achievements, taking time for yourself is paramount. This gift guide is meant to give you ideas on what gifts will help you feel pampered, loved and special.

I will always suggest that the gift of skin care keeps on giving. Since it’s the holidays, I couldn’t think of a much better time to go for something luxe. Chanel Skincare offers L’Essence Fondamentale Sublimage and L’Extrait De Crème. Meant to be used as the third and fourth step in your skin-care routine after cleansing and toning, these two products harness the power of Chanel’s signature ingredient, Vanilla Planifolia.

The L’Essence Fondamentale Sublimage is an exceptional serum that promises to tighten and tone the skin. It uses moisturizing hyaluronic acid and nourishing vegetal butter to give you that supple and radiant skin. L’Extrait De Crème promises to revitalize and protect the skin. After four weeks of consistent use, you will get skin that is more visibly nourished, smooth and plump.

Once you have a good base, you’re ready to play with some makeup. I find that premium makeup never fails to brighten up my day and put me in a good mood. That’s a good investment to have to conquer the coming days and the new year.

Once you have a good base, you’re ready to play with some makeup. I reach for the Nars Unwrapped Collection, their latest for the holidays. The pretty packaging is a delight on top of the trusted and no-fail product. You can’t go wrong with the Endless Orgasm Mini Set, which includes a mini Orgasm blush along with Afterglow Lip Balm in the matching shade. Honestly, you can get a full look with these two and a skin tint for that healthy glow.

Power of scent

No matter what you’re doing, never underestimate the power of scent. Now is indeed the time to restock on your favorite one or to discover a new concoction. Art of Scent is a great place for this purpose with its curated collection of fragrances.

A brand that might pique your fancy is Alexandre J. Their fragrances are displayed in bottles that mimic art and deserve a star place on your vanity. The Mandarine Sultane scent features the gardens of Alhambra with “the opulence of citrus, musk and jasmine.”

When it comes to fashion, opt to elevate your basics and get something that you can use time and again. Balmain and its Philippine flagship store at The Shoppes at Solaire is the perfect place to find just that. You can pick up their iconic cotton logo T-shirt in a color of your preference. It will never fail to make a statement whatever the occasion and can be easily styled to your look.

In 2022, we hope for more travel, with the utmost caution, whether it is for work or play. You will repeatedly thank yourself if you get something like the Tumi Continental Expandable 4-wheeled carry-on. It is made with recycled polycarbonate shell, making it lightweight and flexible, but hardworking. You get a lot of space and smooth, quiet wheels so you can catch the next flight without a hitch.

The carry-on also shows off Tumi’s skill at adapting to our needs. The PROTX2 technology means that the lining has been treated with innovative antimicrobial coating to help prevent the growth of bacteria, mildew and mold that may cause fabric odor on its surface.

Chanel and Nars are available at Rustan’s The Beauty Source. Tumi is at Greenbelt 5.

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