Editors On The Best Beauty Gifts To Give (And Receive) In 2026

There’s an inherent magic surrounding the holidays, from the twinkling lights strung across the city illuminating the winter days to the clink of champagne glasses toasting to the end of the year. It’s a time of food, drink and merriment indulgence – and you need not let the question of gifting cloud the jubilation.
’s top beauty gifts at a glance:
The giving season can come with a degree of stress. The ever-pressing question of what to wrap up for your family and friends gets more anxiety-inducing as the days get nearer to December 25. There are gifts for him, her and teens to consider – and the shopping experts have you covered for all. But for the beauty lover in your life, you have come to the right place with beauty gifts galore.
This year’s beauty gift edit comes directly from the desks of the beauty editors. We have spent the last few months squeezing, spritzing and spraying to showcase a selection of hair, skin, body, make-up, wellness and fragrance goodies sure to charm your giftee.
Our recommendations lean away from landfill-destined stocking fillers to prioritise moments of treat-worthy indulgence. Think high-tech gadgets to supercharge their skincare routine, buzzy K-beauty brand discoveries that will transform their bathroom cabinet and cult classic cosmetics collections that spotlight a holy grail and throw in some additional products to try for good measure and even better value.
See below for the edit of the best presents to place under the tree that are as coveted as they are thoughtful.
CryoGlow Clinic Face + Body
- Why it’s -approved: The Shark CryoGlow Clinic is more powerful than the original CryoGlow. The face mask alone has 510 LED bulbs (versus the previous 480), and these are tactically placed around the crow’s feet and nasolabial folds, which are common areas of concern. In the same well-fitting hardshell design, the brand has layered the LEDs so that there is seamless coverage across the face (which is not always possible with a silicone mask). The brand says there is higher radiance too, which delivers faster results. Importantly, the wavelengths remain the same, as they are clinically proven.
- Where this device stands out when compared to its predecessor is greater power and thus faster results, the addition of heat to the cooling eye pads for contrast therapy and, most excitingly of all, the brand’s first foray into a neck LED mask. But this is no ordinary LED neck mask. This is a multitasking LED mini panel that doubles up as an LED hand mask, and after over a decade of gel manicures, I am thrilled to add this to my red light therapy routine. Yes, I have a red light therapy routine.
- Shark has teamed up with an army of dermatologists and skin scientists to create a gadget that is designed to minimise visible signs of ageing, firm the skin, stimulate collagen production, boost elasticity and combat sagging. Clinical testing from the brand has reported an improvement in the appearance of fine lines on the forehead, lips, neck, chest and hands, as well as crow’s feet and frown lines – and all this through just one device.
- There are three programs: Wrinkle Repair, Balance & Clear and Skin Sustain, which are offered on both masks. Wrinkle Repair is a six-minute treatment that harnesses red and infrared light and is designed to be used daily for eight weeks. Balance & Clear is the spot-fighting option with blue light as the star and, according to the brand, can help clear blemishes in just a month of usage. Skin Sustain is to keep up the results of the previous treatments. These can be paired with either Under-Eye Revive, which, much like the original CryoGlow, uses soothing InstaChill Technology to depuff or the Dual-Temp Restore contrast technology mentioned above. You can mix and match any of the above treatments; for example, I use Balance and Clear on my face but Wrinkle Repair on the neck at the same time. Helpfully, everything is controlled via the remote, so there is no need for any storage-filling companion apps.
- Why it’s -approved: When it comes to the Dyson CameraJet, you are getting a lot of tech for the price. That includes the powerful sonic motor and sonic oscillation, which are both said to remove more plaque, but the most impressive features take oral health up a few notches. There is both a built-in camera and water flosser. The former is very revealing, as you can see where you are missing likely for the first time during your own brushing process. The flossing function is more than just a gimmick too, even if it’s fun to use. It does take a minute to get used to the brush positioning to make sure you are not treating your bathroom to a mouthwash shower. I used a manual toothpick flosser after brushing, and while there was some plaque still, it was much better than without its use at all and a great solution if you find manual flossing mundane.
- Sonic motor: Oscillates 245 times a second
- Cleaning modes: Three
- Battery life: 10 days
- Charging type: USB-C
- Best for: Excellent return on investment
- Release date: 1 September
- Number of products: 27
- Number of days: 25
- What’s inside? Medik8 Total Moisture Cleanser, Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator and LANEIGE Vanilla Lip Glowy Balm
- Why it’s To create its three advent calendars for 2026, beauty retailer Lookfantastic has taken an interesting approach. It has reached out to 25 beauty experts – from big beauty names to its own buying team – each of whom has selected an inclusion. These include the likes of hairstylist Sam McKnight and Dom Seeley, and creators Ash Holme and Gary Thompson. In The Beauty Advent Calendar, there are 27 products with a value of £665 and brands like Medik8, Clinique, Laura Mercier and Elemis. The edit leans on cult buys like Medik8 Total Moisture Cleanser, Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Night Cream and Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, as well as hyped heroes like Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 40 Perfume Mist and Color Wow’s Kale Cocktail.
- The Fragrance Advent Calendar, which sold out in three days last year, has a reported worth of £530 and costs £150. The brands to know include Jo Malone, YSL and Rabanne. Enduring bestselling aromas include Jo Malone London’s Pomegranate Noir Cologne, Issey Miyake’s L’Eau d’Issey Eau de Parfum and Juliette Has A Gun Not A Perfume.
- Last but the most value-packed of all, The Grooming Advent Calendar costs £90 and has £469 worth of products inside, according to the retailer.
Why it’s Vogue-approved: If early autumn had a dress code, Iris Debonair would fit it perfectly. Lavender and powdery iris give it a crisp, polished quality, while violet leaf and fig bring something greener and juicier, with cardamom adding a subtle hint of spice. Bergamot keeps things bright enough for September’s lingering warmth, before soft woods emerge as it settles on the skin. It’s fresh and put-together, with just enough warmth to signal that summer is on its way out.
- Why it’s -approved: A step up from red light in terms of the depth its beams penetrate, Lyma’s device combines low-level cold laser therapy with NIR to rejuvenate skin from the inside out. This handheld tool can treat fine lines everywhere on the face and body – from the crow’s feet to hands and lips – and offers impressive results for deep-set concerns like pigmentation and scarring. What’s more, it fits inside your handbag and is still effective when used over your SPF or make-up. Great for the jet setter who needs on-the-go treatments, it’s no wonder this device is beloved by the celebrity set.
- Device type: Handheld
- Best for: deep-down skin rejuvenation. Tightening lax skin, renewing dull skin and remodelling skin with scars. Several users praise the non-invasive device for its anti-inflammatory effects on conditions like psoriasis.
- Target area: Face, body, neck and hands
- : Three plus minutes daily
- Good to know: As well as whole face rejuvenation, try using it for five minutes on targeted areas like acne scarring and persistent sun spots.
- Ease to use
- Results in a short amount of time
- Covers a small surface area at a time
Shower Head 2.0
Why it’s -approved: Hello Klean has built its name around mitigating the beauty effects of less-than-ideal shower water, and its latest shower head is designed with both skin and hair in mind. The built-in filter targets chlorine, heavy metals and other impurities, while the smaller water droplets provide a satisfying high-pressure shower without requiring any complicated plumbing. Simply swap it for your existing shower head and replace the filter every few months.
- Best for: High-end minis
- Release date: Pre-order now
- Number of products: 25
- Number of days: 25
- What’s inside? Color Wow Texas Hold’Em Big Hold Hairspray, Medik8 C Tetra Advanced Gel-Serum and Clé de Peau Beauté Correcting Cream Veil
- Why it’s Harrods has unveiled three advent calendars as part of its 2026 seasonal offering. The largest and flagship is the 25 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar (£270) which contains 25 products in which the Color Wow Texas Hold’Em Big Hold Hairspray (worth £30), Medik8 C Tetra Advanced Gel-Serum (worth £72), Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk Medium (worth £29.50) and Clé de Peau Beauté Correcting Cream Veil (worth £61) are full sized (total £192.50). This is without mentioning the Temple Spa Peace Be Still Calming Skin Balm (£21) and Otis Batterbee eyelash curler and brush (est £26). Hyped-about heroes are stashed within, from the By Terry Tea To Tan Face & Body to the Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream, and if you’ve been eyeing up the CurrentBody devices but have yet to make the plunge, there is a voucher inside with £75 off your purchase. For travelling, there are helpful minis inside, including Philip Kingsley shampoo and conditioner, La Prairie Foam Cleanser, RéVive Renewal Moisturizing Night Cream and Moncho Moreno One Minute Wonder Hair Mask so you can fill your washbag with high-performance formulas even when you’re away from home.
- The Harrods 12 Days of Fragrance Advent Calendar is, as the name suggests, a fragrance-based calendar. There are sample-sized scents but also large sizes of Parfums de Marly’s TikTok favourite Delina aroma (in 30ml, worth £180), Floraiku Gong Eau De Parfum with an incredibly beautiful bottle (30ml, est worth £177) and Memo Paris Omnia Omnibus Ubique Eau de Parfum (30ml, worth £140). That’s £497, and you are getting regiftable fragrances, should they not be your preference. There is both a limited-edition and exclusive aroma in the form of Golden Milk by BORNTOSTANDOUT and, on the flipside, a bestseller from Jo Malone with English Pear & Freesia that comes in the handbag-ready 30ml. Honourable mention goes to the exclusive Ex Nihilo
Brompton Immortals Extrait de Parfum (50ml, worth £212.50). - Most uniquely of all is The Harrods 12 Days of Hair & Body Advent Calendar 2026, an unexpected combination of two bestselling categories. Brands include Sol De Janeiro, Chāmpo (including the bestselling Pitta Growth Serum and Flyaway Fix) and Philip Kingsley (and its fan-favourite Elasticizer). The selection is as practical as it is luxurious, with pampering treats like the Starskin VIP The Gold Mask and Rehab Retreat Bath & Shower Milk.
Skin Series 2 LED Light Therapy Mask
Why it’s -approved:
Clinically proven to reduce wrinkles by an impressive 35 per cent in just four weeks, CurrentBody’s LED Mask is also a hit with a number of celebrities. With red and near-infrared, it won’t target acne-prone skin (as it doesn’t offer blue light), but it is brilliant for general luminosity, collagen boosting and skin smoothing. And to add to that? It’s made from patented flexible silicone, which isn’t just comfortable, but it also ensures light covers every area of the face. It’s a yes from us. “I love using this mask. Not only do I see genuine results with better clarity and improved bounce when I use it regularly, but it’s comfortable to wear and simple to activate. A great option if you’re new to LED.” – contributing editor, Georgia Day.
This device also ranks high on dermatologist Dr Nicole Ruth’s list. “I find CurrentBody’s face mask sits nicely on the curvatures of your face, allowing even coverage on the skin surface without any gaps,” she says.
- Key specs:
- Red (633nm), near infra red (830nm), deep near infra red (1072nm)
- Device type: Face mask
- Target area: Face
- Best for: The mask has noticeable anti-ageing effects, including improved skin texture and firmness.
- Good to know: Emily in Paris actress Lily Collins is a fan of this mask. With her virtually poreless skin, that’s good enough validation for us.
- Best for: The ratio of full-sized products
- Release date: Available now
- Number of products: 35
- Number of days: 25
- What’s inside? Colour WOW Dream Cocktail, LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask, Ole Henriksen Peptide Lip Treatment, Summer Fridays Pink Dew Gel Cleanser
- Why it’s Space NK always impresses with its ratio of full-size to minis in its annual advent offering – and 2026 is no different. The calendar itself is weighty and when you start to open the drawers, you’ll see why. First and foremost, there is a full sized Naturium The Booster Hyaluronic Acid Body Wash (RRP £19), one of the team’s favourite body washes in an epic 500ml. There is also the Color Wow Carb Cocktail in its full size (£26.50), Augustinus Bader’s The Body Cream (£92), the newly launched Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ (£79), Olaplex’s No.3 PLUS Complete Repair Treatment (£32) and Summer Fridays Pink Dew Gel Cleanser (£28), so that each step of your skin and bodycare routines is accounted for. Purchasing the aforementioned items individually would set you back £276.50, which makes the remainder of the items – including the Skin Rocks The Cleansing Balm (£58) – free. No girl maths even needed.
- Why it’s -approved: The Ghd Sculpt is the first hair tool from the brand to include AI-powered technology where, instead of there being a predestined temperature (typically around 180°C), it adapts to your strands to prevent damage. In fact, Ghd says there is zero damage in the styling process. The heat-adapt technology is made up of sensors that respond to hair type – be it thick, thin, coarse or curly – providing consistent temperatures to give styles longevity, enhance shine and combat frizz. It’s a slimline tool, incredibly speedy and may even prolong colour treatments.
- Key specifications:
- 2.7 metres
- Automatic shut-off time: 10 Minutes
- Best for: an at-home spa
- Release date: Available now
- Number of products: 25
- Number of days: 25
- What’s inside? Positivity Bath & Shower Gel, Winter Spice Candle and Tri Active Regenerating Smooth & Firm Body Butter
- Why it’s Within the ESPA advent calendar are bestsellers like the brand’s Pink Hair and Scalp Mud and a selection of beautifully scented body oils designed for different purposes. Wake up with the reviving aromas of Positivity that layers notes of jasmine, gardenia and rose geranium with bergamot and sweet orange or wind down with the myrrh, rose geranium, and frankincense that make up the Soothing blend – both of which are featured inside the calendar. But alongside sumptuously fragranced bodycare are ESAP’s high-performance skincare favourites too, namely heroes from the Tri-Active collection that harness the power of nature with plant and marine actives but always with ESPA’s signature aromatherapy twist so that while you are treating the complexion to nourishing ingredients, you are also igniting inner calm. For 2026, the advent calendar has £200 more value than the previous year, and each item has been selected with intention to bring tranquillity and a moment of care to the always hectic festive season.
ZIIP Halo Microcurrent Facial Device
- Why it's Vogue-approved: ZIIP Halo is a microcurrent and nanocurrent device that A-listers, including Jennifer Aniston, Margot Robbie and Kim Kardashian, swear by. A great pre-red-carpet fix, it promises to instantly lift and improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin with consistent use over time. It is paired with a companion app where founder and facialist to the stars Melanie Simon walks you through the treatments.
- The ZIIP Halo uses “dual waveform” technology, which combines microcurrent and nanocurrent technology. In fact, it uses 26 different waveforms which work on multiple layers of the skin to offer results from the first session. It’s the only tool on the market that offers these two types of current together. Microcurrent is a higher frequency, low-level electrical current which stimulates the facial muscles to contract and relax, which tones them. Results last up to 72 hours. A much lower electrical current, nanocurrent, mimics the electrical impulses that the brain sends to skin cells to support their work. This helps with collagen production, cellular regeneration and more, leading to overall rejuvenation of the skin. You’ll see the best results after six weeks of consistent use.
- Best for: boosting collagen production
- : different intensities of Microcurrent and Nanocurrent
- Follow along with app makes it so easy
- Great for jowls
- Connecting to app can be temperamental
Bon Charge Infrared Sauna Blanket
- Why it’s -approved: A great all-rounder that’s especially great if you’re looking to ease muscle tension and promote recovery after working out. Its custom temperature settings and low-EMF technology are great for personalising the session to suit your needs, while the blanket itself is crafted to ensure a comfortable experience.
- Temperature range: 77 to 176°F (25–80°C)
- Timer settings: 5–60 minutes
- Easy wipe down to clean
- Improves recovery
- Quick heat-up
- Rolls up for easy storage
- Longer plug would make more convenient
Pro LED Light Therapy Mask
Why it’s -approved:
Modestly priced compared to its counterparts, Sensse Pro’s mask is our pick for LED therapy on a budget. It is flexible, comfortable and easy to use, with a whopping four wavelengths included to rejuvenate skin. There are the usual suspects – red and blue – to boost collagen and banish acne, but with added yellow and purple treatment modes that help promote lymphatic drainage and brighten blemishes too.
Key specs:
- Red (630nm), blue (465nm), yellow (605nm), purple (combination of red, blue and near-infrared)
- Purifies, rejuvenates and repairs skin as well as addressing signs of ageing
- Slim and lightweight silicone is comfortable to wear
- Easy to wipe clean after each use
- Doesn’t break the bank
- Needs patient, consistent use over several months to see the best results









