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Bubble - 30 Products | Ulta Beauty
Targeting Teen Skin Concerns
Touchland - 8 Products | Ulta Beauty
A Surprisingly Luxurious Gift
Hello, everyone, and welcome back! Today, we're diving headfirst into the exciting world of skincare gifts for 2024. Finding the right skincare present can be tricky, especially with the ever-evolving landscape of products and trends. But fear not, because I've curated a selection of gifts that cater to all ages and skin types. So, whether you're shopping for a holiday present, a birthday surprise, or even that dreaded combined birthday/Christmas gift for a December baby (please, don't do it!), I've got you covered. A quick PSA from someone whose brother has a December birthday: two separate gifts, no matter how small, are always better than one giant, combined present. Trust me on this one.
Let's kick things off with what feels like the most 2024 gift category of all: skincare for younger skin. It's been a hot topic all year, with more and more kids requesting skincare products (specifically brands like Drunk Elephant!), leaving parents, grandparents, and other gift-givers utterly bewildered.
Now, before we go any further, I have to reiterate my usual disclaimer: I am not a doctor. I cannot tell you what's definitively safe and unsafe for kids. However, I can recommend products that avoid harsh ingredients young skin simply doesn't need.
Bubble Skincare is a great option geared towards teenagers. They offer a range of products, from gentle cleansers and moisturizers to stronger chemical exfoliants specifically designed to target acne. This makes it a versatile brand that caters to the specific needs of teenage skin. Instilling good skincare habits early on, like using sunscreen, is crucial, and Bubble makes it easy with their teen-friendly sunscreens. While their "Inside Out Collection" is no longer available, you can find plenty of other adorable holiday sets on Ulta's website that any teen would love. These sets often bundle together essential products, making them a convenient and thoughtful gift.
Targeting Teen Skin Concerns
Teen-focused skincare brand with acne-targeting products.
Bubble - 30 Products | Ulta Beauty
Targeting Teen Skin Concerns
tl;dr
Teen-focused skincare brand with acne-targeting products.
Pros
Cons
Personally, I have a slight preference for BYOMA. This brand focuses on sensitive skin, making it suitable for even younger users than Bubble. Their formulations are gentle yet effective, providing a solid foundation for a healthy skincare routine. BYOMA also offers fantastic gift sets, some of which have been spotted on sale at Urban Outfitters! These sets are a great way to introduce younger users to a complete skincare regimen without overwhelming them with too many products.
Gentle Skincare for Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin-friendly skincare brand with gentle formulations.
BYOMA
Gentle Skincare for Sensitive Skin
tl;dr
Sensitive skin-friendly skincare brand with gentle formulations.
Pros
Cons
For those still hesitant about gifting skincare to youngsters, I have a surprising recommendation: Touchland hand sanitizer. Hear me out! I recently sampled it at Sephora, expecting a gimmicky, overpriced product. I was pleasantly surprised. This isn't just hand sanitizer; it's like a luxurious blend of hand sanitizer and body spray. The scents are amazing, and the formula is hydrating, not drying like traditional hand sanitizers. I'm convinced this delightful sensory experience is why it's so popular with the younger crowd (teachers have confirmed this!). It's a fun and practical gift that encourages good hygiene habits.
A Surprisingly Luxurious Gift
Luxurious hand sanitizer with hydrating formula.
Touchland - 8 Products | Ulta Beauty
A Surprisingly Luxurious Gift
tl;dr
Luxurious hand sanitizer with hydrating formula.
Pros
Cons
Now, let’s shift gears and talk about gifts for more mature skin. This is where skincare devices come into play. Devices can elevate any routine, and the one with the most research backing it is the LED mask. Specifically, a well-designed LED mask with proper wavelengths and output. You know my favorite: the CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask.
I’ve already raved about this mask before, but today I want to compare the Series 1 and Series 2. Many of you have the Series 1 or a similar mask, so this comparison will be helpful.
My main issue with the Series 1 (and similar soft, flexible masks) is the fit. I have a smaller face, and these types of masks never felt quite right. I preferred the hard-shell masks for a long time. However, the CurrentBody Series 2 changed my mind. They call it their “best-fit design,” and it truly is. It combines the benefits of both hard-shell and flexible masks, with a wider, more comfortable strap and even a chin strap for a secure fit. The eye inserts are a nice touch, blocking the LED light. While red light isn’t believed to be harmful to the eyes, some find it too bright, and these inserts provide added comfort.
The technology itself is crucial. LEDs must be at specific wavelengths with the correct irradiance (or “dosage”) to be effective. Both the Series 1 and 2 meet these criteria, with the Series 2 also including infrared light for enhanced benefits. The Series 1 has 132 LED bulbs, while the Series 2 boasts 236, providing more comprehensive coverage. CurrentBody states their irradiance is 30 milliwatts per centimeter squared, which is within the clinically effective range. The Series 2 also includes a Veritas NFC card, verifying that each mask has been tested and meets these parameters. For every 100 Series 2 masks made, a staggering 90,000 LEDs are tested! This level of quality control ensures your results mirror the clinical research.
Price-wise, the Series 1 is $380, and the Series 2 is $469. Remember, you can use my code ALICE10 for 10% off. Either mask would make a fantastic gift, but I personally recommend the Series 2 for its advanced features, improved comfort, and potentially better results. The extra cost is justified for the enhanced experience and technology.
Important note: If you're ordering from CurrentBody for Christmas, keep the cutoff dates in mind to ensure timely delivery.
Series 1 vs. Series 2
Advanced LED mask for mature skin with enhanced features.
Red Light Therapy Mask | LED Face Mask
Series 1 vs. Series 2
tl;dr
Advanced LED mask for mature skin with enhanced features.
Pros
Cons
Moving on from devices, let’s discuss skincare products for mature skin. My suggestion? High-end Korean skincare sets. Brands like Chogongjin, Sulwhasoo, and Donginbi are known for their luxurious formulations and beautiful packaging. These sets are beautifully presented, making them truly special gifts. I recently purchased the Chogongjin Nourishing Care Essential Set from YesStyle, and the box is so stunning I kept it. Even the mini sets, like the adorable one from The History of Who, are exquisitely packaged. These brands offer nourishing formulas ideal for dry, mature skin, addressing concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. With Christmas approaching, I recommend ordering from Jolse or YesStyle with express shipping to ensure timely delivery.
Another option is Rejelica, a Korean-American brand. Their products are made in Korea but ship from the U.S., offering a convenient alternative for those concerned about international shipping times. They offer similar high-quality ingredients and luxurious textures as the Korean brands mentioned above, designed with mature skin in mind. Rejelica also uses synthetic fragrance, which, contrary to popular belief, can be less irritating than natural fragrance due to the lower risk of allergic reactions. Their curated sets, complete with a beautiful bag and tray, are perfect for gifting.
My fourth suggestion is a well-made travel bag. This might seem mundane, but trust me on this one. I used to think travel bags were disposable, lasting a year at most. Then, I received a Ries travel bag as a gift, and it completely changed my perspective. Over a year later, it’s still in perfect condition! It’s incredibly well-designed, with compartments for everything (including skincare!), and it’s held up beautifully through countless trips. It’s made me rethink my stance on expensive bags – if they last this long, maybe they are worth the investment. A high-quality travel bag is a practical and luxurious gift that any frequent traveler will appreciate.
A Well-Made Travel Bag
Durable and well-designed travel bag.
I'm Rie Doing Rie Things Tote Bag
A Well-Made Travel Bag
tl;dr
Durable and well-designed travel bag.
Pros
Cons
Finally, if you’re still feeling overwhelmed, consider body care. It’s a foolproof gift category. Everyone appreciates body lotion, butter, or wash. There are scented and unscented options at all price points, and, of course, beautifully curated sets.
Kopari is one of my favorite brands for gifting. Their products smell and feel amazing, deliver results, and come in gorgeous packaging. Their coconut oil-based formulas are hydrating and nourishing, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth. I highly recommend checking out their sets, especially on their website, where they offer exclusive kits and accessories. They even have their own fragrances now! Their gift sets are beautifully curated and make for a truly indulgent present. I also have a 15% off affiliate code, which I'll include below.
That's it for my 2024 skincare gift guide! I hope this helps you find the perfect present for everyone on your list. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Have a wonderful day, and I’ll see you all next time!
Affiliate Code: ALICE10 (CurrentBody)
Luxurious Body Care
Coconut oil-based body care with luxurious feel.
Value Sets | Natural, Coconut Oil-based Beauty
Luxurious Body Care
tl;dr
Coconut oil-based body care with luxurious feel.
Pros
Cons
That's it for my 2024 skincare gift guide! I hope this helps you find the perfect present for everyone on your list. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Have a wonderful day, and I’ll see you all next time!
Affiliate Code: ALICE10 (CurrentBody)