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The Beauty Insider:

Journalist Sali Hughes picks her

top 10 luxury gifts for Christmas

The journalist, beauty columnist and author of bestselling books Pretty Honest and Pretty Iconic
picks 10 beauty wonders guaranteed to bring the biggest (and brightest) smiles on Christmas Day.

Tom Ford eye colour quad
Tom Ford – Eye Colour Quad in Nude Dip

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Tom Ford – Eye Colour Quad in Nude Dip

Brown eyeshadows are ten a penny, but cool, sexy, sophisticated browns (as opposed to warm bronzes and rusty tones) are a little harder to come by. This luxury quad is precisely what I’m after. I use the cool taupe in the socket line, the champagne on the brow bone, peachy-fawn on the lid
and the bitter chocolate as a smudgy liner. It suits everyone, and the shimmery, gel-powder texture makes it fabulous for parties and special occasions, too (I wore it on my wedding day).

Buy it now

YSL La Laque Couture in Studio Silver
YSL – La Laque Couture in Studio Silver

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YSL – La Laque Couture in Studio Silver

I’ve lost count of the number of YSL nail polishes I’ve given as Christmas gifts – they’re such a gorgeous little luxury for any beauty fan and, unlike skincare or make-up, can be bought without knowing specific skin type and shade details. The YSL brush is perfection, and the shades are my favourites anywhere. This high-sparkle, multi-tone glitter is perfect for Christmas. 

Buy it now

Frédéric Malle L’eau d’Hiver parfum
Frédéric Malle – L’eau d’Hiver parfum

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Frédéric Malle – L’eau d’Hiver

I adore so many perfumes by Frédéric Malle (Portrait Of A Lady is glorious, as is the wonderful Lipstick Rose, which smells exactly as the name suggests). But this nutty, creamy, cosy scent is my absolute favourite, and perfectly appropriate for this time of year. Warm, soft, elegant and refined, it’s like a cashmere blanket in a bottle.

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GHD Creative Curl Wand
GHD – Creative Curl Wand

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GHD – Creative Curl Wand

I can’t be without this for effortlessly styling my hair into casual, bendy waves. It heats up in seconds and could not be easier to use. Just separate dry hair into irregular sections and, with the wand pointing downwards, wind each around the conical barrel for around eight seconds. Allow to cool, rake through with fingers and set with hairspray. I can do my whole head in 10 minutes flat.

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Trish McEvoy Jumbo Instant Eye Lift
Trish McEvoy – Jumbo Instant Eye Lift

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Trish McEvoy – Jumbo Instant Eye Lift

I wear this every single day of my life. It’s an instantly brightening, tightening corrector that neutralises grey or blueish dark circles instantly. It blends like a dream, disappearing into the skin in seconds, with no caking or drying out. Apply onto bare skin or after foundation, then follow with a concealer to match your skin tone. Ideal for the morning after a big Christmas bash. 

Buy it now

Charlotte Tilbury Magical Mini Brush Set
Charlotte Tilbury – Magical Mini Brush Set

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Charlotte Tilbury – Magical Mini Brush Set

I use Charlotte’s brushes an awful lot, and this kit contains mini, travel-friendly versions of my very favourites. I can’t live without the smudge brush for softening liner and smoking out shadow under the eye, and the eye-blending brush is my go-to for darkening the socket line. A terrific gift for any make-up lover.

Buy it now

Jo Malone – Dark Amber & Ginger Lily and Mimosa & Cardamom candles
Jo Malone – Dark Amber & Ginger Lily and Mimosa & Cardamom candles

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Jo Malone – Dark Amber & Ginger Lily and Mimosa & Cardamom candles

I recently got married and our venue was scented with clusters of these two luxury candles. The smell was absolutely glorious, and I love that just lighting one will always transport me back to such a fun, happy day.

Buy them now

Nars Man Ray Glass Tears Eye Shadow Palette
NARS – Man Ray Glass Tears Eye Shadow Palette

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NARS – Man Ray Glass Tears Eye Shadow Palette

I love everything in this year’s Christmas collection by NARS, inspired by the work of iconic photographer Man Ray, but this eye palette (exclusive to Selfridges) is especially gorgeous, and great value for money. The beautifully designed compact contains six rich, densely pigmented shadows in nudes and jewel tones, and I know I’ll wear every last one.

Buy it now

Kypris Moonlight Catalyst
Kypris – Moonlight Catalyst

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Kypris – Moonlight Catalyst

If you want some of the effects of chemical exfoliants and retinoids, but find they cause your sensitive skin to flare up and complain, I think you’ll love this. A gentle, all-natural bedtime serum that helps clear breakouts, noticeably smooths the complexion without irritation, and imparts a soft, healthy glow.

Buy it now

Estée Lauder – Exclusive Victoria Beckham x Estée Lauder Lit Beauty Box

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Exclusive Victoria Beckham x Estée Lauder Lit Beauty Box

A curated selection of Victoria Beckham’s signature products, housed in a beautiful leather travel case with a built-in, backstage-style illuminated make-up mirror. If anyone I know is reading this, I’d love to find one under the tree, okay?

Buy it now

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