Beauty Experiences Gift Guide
Some of the best gifts can't be wrapped and placed under a Christmas tree. No, we're not talking about a car or a plane (though either would be nice), we're talking about experiences. AKA not things. Don't get us wrong – we love things: when we find the perfect present for someone, everything from wrapping it, to watching their reaction, is exciting. But there's something to be said for taking it one more step: making the gift the experience, and whatever you have at the end (whether it's glowy skin from a facial or a custom lipstick you just hand poured) be that extra cherry on top. There's even some science to back up the idea that experiences make people happier than material objects. Plus, if you've ever had a friend who's impossible to shop for (you know, the one who has basically everything) then you know how hard it is to find their present: you've got to get creative. From customizing a personal scent to a makeup class that involves Kim Kardashian (yup, you read that right), click through for some unexpected holiday ideas.
Getty Images1/22Ahead, check out all the best beauty experiences that make the greatest gifts.
Photo: Courtesy of LUSH2/22Lush Santa Claus Kit, $8.
Lush's Santa Claus kit invites you to mold your own Santa with their various colored bars, letting your inner artist shine. But wait, there's more – this Santa is also functional and can be used as a body wash/ shampoo.
Photo: Courtesy of Bite3/22Bite Beauty Lab In New York City and Toronto, prices vary.
Experience the art of making your very own personalized lipstick. You’ll sit down with a Lip Lab artist, who will walk you through hand selecting a custom shade, finish, and scent.
4/22Penhaligon's Fragrance Profiling
Chat (over some tea and biscuits) with a Penhaligon profiling expert and through a series of questions, and lots of trial and error, they'll help you discover your signature fragrance.
Getty Images5/22A Haircut
Whether you're overdue for a trim, or have been contemplating a big chop, the gift of a haircut is guaranteed to please (and be put to use).
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@thinkheyday6/22HeyDay Facial
Customized to your skin concerns, a facial is the perfect gift to help ward off the season stressors or help kick off the new year glowing.
Getty Images7/22Spa Massage
This classic gift is a no-brainer and perfect for anyone on your list: from your sister training for a marathon (Swedish massage) to your stressed out best friend in law school (deep tissue massage), everyone can use a little me-time. If you're in NYC check out Paul Labrecque.
Photo: Courtesy of Sue Williamson8/22Natura Bisse Bubble Pure Air
This is one for the books: a facial in a bubble. Natura Bisse's Bubble Pure Air cocoon has 99.9% pure filtered oxygen air, which helps enhance the absorption of the treatment and accelerate the boosting effects of the nutrients and active ingredients. Plus, it will make for a really cool Snapchat.
9/22Sensory Deprivation Float Tanks
Gifts are supposed to make you feel good, but this one in particular is supposed to make you feel nothing. As in, you'll float in a tank of epsom salts (900 pounds to be exact) and not feel your body. Sensory depravation tanks are supposed to help with everything from sore muscles to anxiety, so give this unique gift to a friend who'll appreciate a little zen time.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@pinrosescents10/22Penrose Perfume, $60.
Find your scent style with Pinrose's scent personality test. Then order it, with a custom label. Personalized perfume at its finest.
Photo: Courtesy of NCLA11/22NCLA Custom Nail Wraps, $19.
Use NCLA's app to upload any photo and they'll print you custom, one-of-a-kind nail wraps.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@jinsoon12/22Manicure/Pedicure
You can never go wrong with a nail treatment. We love Jin Soon (especially the rose pedicure!), TenoverTen, Olive& June, Paintbox for nail art, and Enamel Diction for a truly unique manicure.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@glamsquad13/22Glamsquad
Just because you're not a celeb doesn't mean you can't have the celeb experience. Have your own personal glam squad (the artists are trained in hair, makeup, and nail services) at your door to help you get party ready.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@ancientbathsny14/22Aire Ancient Baths
You can easily spend all day at this oasis. Alternate between four baths of varying temperatures, hang out in the hammam and lay on the heated marble benches.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@alliwebb15/22Drybar Blowout, $40.
You can never have too many blowout gift cards. Plus, you can even email the gift to the recipient, which is key for any last-minute emergencies.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram.@kiehlsnyc16/22Kiehl's Apothecary Preparations
Pop into Kiehl's for a tailor-made formula that targets your skin concerns. They'll also walk you through how to incorporate your new concentrate into your routine for maximum results.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@mndflmeditation17/22MNDFL
Meditation is all anyone can talk (or think?) about these days. This NYC-based studio offers guided meditation classes in their zen space but if you can't make it to the city, Headspace offers a similar experience at home.
Photo: Marleigh Culver18/22Astrology Reading
Your natal chart is based on where the stars and sun were when you were born, and with just a few key pieces of information, an astrologer can pull up your chart. He or she can then provide insight into everything from personality traits, to the best date to take an exam. We like Rose Theodora.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@beautyrxskincare19/22BeautyRx Peel Bar
This gift is great because the results are instant. It's a professional peel, but only takes 15 minutes and there's no down time. Brighter, smoother, healthier skin is on everyone's wish list.
Photo: Courtesy of Blue Lagoon Iceland20/22Blue Lagoon Iceland
This is an experience gift if there ever was one. The Blue Lagoon spa in Iceland is based around the unique properties of the genothermal sea. Apply a silica mud mask, get an in-water massage, or just sit in the steam room – this gift is next-level but so worth it.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@kimkardashian21/22Mario's Makeup Class, $1,667.47
Dubai with Kim Kardashian's makeup artist AND Kim Kardashian? Sign us up. (Oh and BTW can we borrow $1,700?) This gift might only be reserved for the most die-hard beauty junkies (and their very generous friends) but it's definitely one you won't forget. You get to spend 6 hours learning from the best, meet Kim Kardashian, and walk away with some of Mario's favorite products. This is the definition of #GiftGoals.
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