What Alexis Finc, Associate Editor for BeautyRiot.com, is giving ...
• To her grandmother: Elie Saab Le Parfum by Elie Saab, $120. "My grandmother, Nanny, is someone I always associate with grace and old school glamour. And whenever I smell a new fragrance I always wonder if it reminds me of her ... and that's a good thing! I'm currently in love with this Elie Saab fragrance. It's the most beautiful scent -- classic, feminine, and has a touch of musky rose. I know my Nanny will love it."
• To her boyfriend: Art of Shaving Engraved Nickel Plated Shaving Set, $575. "My boyfriend Brooks is the most picky man alive -- especially when it comes to his personal appearance. At almost $600, it's completely ridiculous and in no way can I afford it, but Brooks is old-fashioned in many ways, (i.e. he carries a handkerchief) and will really treasure this gift."
• To her best friend: JINsoon Nail Lacquers, $18 each. "Marly is one of my oldest friends. We met in seventh grade and have been friends ever since. We both love to paint our nails, so we can share this gift (kidding � sort of). Plus, Marls is big into all-natural products, and JINsoon's formula doesn't use any harsh chemicals, like formaldehyde."
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And what Alexis is asking for ...
• Gift certificate to Wi Spa in Los Angeles. "The Wi Spa is a Korean style spa, and has hot tubs, showers, saunas, a restaurant, and a co-ed jimjilbang (family hangout). But the real reason I want to go is for the body scrub. They exfoliate and get rid of every single dead skin cell on your body. When you leave, your skin feels like a baby's. So amazing!"
• Essie Winter Collection, $8 each. "I love Essie's nail polish and always try to keep up with the latest releases. This winter, the colors are bright and fun. I especially love the teal hue called 'Where's My Chauffer?' and the blood orange 'Snap Happy.'"
• Nars Andy Warhol Collection, the Edie Set, $75. "I loved the 'Pop Art' line from Nars Andy Warhol collection, so of course I want the 'Factory' line too. But I especially want the Edie Set, which includes a Pure Matte Lipstick, a blush duo in Deep Throat and Amour, Edie Eye Shadow, and a Stylo liquid liner. All the shades are pale pinks and roses, perfect for a subtle, feminine look."
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What Meghan Rabbitt, Executive Editor, is giving ...
• To her mom: Clarisonic Mia brush,$119. "My mom loves getting facials, but she doesn't get them very often due to the cost. I think this brush is the closest you'll come to feeling like you got a deep pore facial. Plus, my mom does spend a good amount of money on anti-aging serums, and this brush makes those work even more effectively."
• To her sister: Palmer's Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Oil, $10.99. "My sister is pregnant, and I'm going to make sure this is in her stocking. She's been asking me what the best body oil is to prevent stretch marks, and this is the one to use, say my friends with kids."
• Sanitas Skin Care Vitamin C Serum,$90. "I'm officially addicted to Sanitas Skin Care. It's potent. It's effective. And it's crazy expensive. I'm hoping I find this little guy in my stocking."
• Tocca Candle in Florence, $38. "I just can't justify spending $38 on a candle for myself. But if someone else gets it for me, I'll happily burn it. I wear Tocca's "Florence" scent -- it's fresh and clean and scores me tons of compliments -- and I'd love my apartment to smell just as pretty."
• Lather Nutcracker Sweet Body Buff & Butter Duo, $35. "I love everything this company makes, and this duo contains two of my faves: The Almond Creme Body Buff leaves my skin baby soft and the Almond, Milk & Honey Body Butter is a rich moisturizer that's perfect for winter. Plus, the almond scent screams holiday."
'Tis the season to shop till both you -- and your bank account -- drop.
Running around from store to store trying to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list can be both exhausting and somewhat futile. After all, what are the odds of honing in on precisely what'll wow your Aunt Helen?
It's about time that we face facts: Holiday shopping can be a colossal fail. You spend a whole lot of money on gifts that your friends and family may not even like, when you'd really rather be blowing that cash on a couple of indulgences for yourself. (C'mon, you know it's true.)
As our gift to you this holiday season, we've jotted down our must-give (and hope-to-get) beauty items. These coveted beauty goodies will appeal to even the most persnicketydiscerning ladies on your shopping list.
Want to make sure some of these goodies make their way under your tree? Drop the hint by sharing this article on your Facebook page.
Now, about those gifts you'll be proud to give (and hope to receive) ...