By Aimee L and Mandy G
Christmas is possibly the most magical time of the year for us. Even the weather agrees, by changing from its usual sweltering humidity to something more cold and Christmassy feeling.
This is also the season for gift giving and too many people opt for the easy way out when it comes to giving gifts. A gift should not be about the amount of money spent, but the thought and effort that went into it.
There is really nothing better than having someone love the gift you chose for them. So this year, to make your life easier, we have sorted through piles (and we mean that literally) of christmas coffrets and products to whittle the list down to the things we feel that anyone would be delighted to receive.
For That Skincare Junkie Friend
Drunk Elephant Shelf-Control Night Kit $138
We are obsessed with Drunk Elephant’s Shelf Control kit for so many reasons. Not only are the products almost too cute to use, they also do wonders for our skin. This shelfie contains everything you need for your nighttime skincare routine, and all in one pretty place that goes right on your counter.
In the evening, wash your face with Beste No. 9 and pat dry. Mix the recommended amount of T.L.C. Framboos, Lala Retro and Virgin Marula Oil and apply to face and neck. Add C-Tango to your eyes, go to bed and awaken to a brighter, more rested you!
Jyunka Elixir $268 – $279
Die-hard fans of the brand will be happy to know that they recently launched the Elixir range to their collection of must-have skin care products. Jyunka Elixir Cream $268, redefines the concept of a moisturiser. When used daily, skin is detoxified and its cellular energy is improved. Through the use of Marine Phytoplankton Plasma, the skin structure is lifted, regenerated and damaged skin regains back lost moisture, tone and firmness, leaving visibly plumper and more youthful skin.
Jyunka Elixir Serum $279, contains a special cocktail of active ingredients that hydrates, oxygenates, smoothens, lifts, tightens and tones the skin and protects it against external pollution and stress. Get yourself a bottle here.
EHA Skincare Customised Christmas Set
EHA Skincare’s Christmas gift set allows you to customise a set of skin care goodies that you know your recipient would love. You can discuss their skin condition and concerns with the shop assistants who will help recommend the perfect items.
With every three items purchased (one of those items should include a sunscreen to participate) you will receive a complimentary Christmas Glow facial! We would strongly recommend getting their Hydra Serum, Sunshield 24hr or their Suncare SPF face wash. You can visit the store at $03-28 Shaw Centre or shop online.
Jowae Energizing Kumquat Set $69.90
With its energising Kumquat eye gel, revitalizing lotion and overnight energising kumquat mask this vitamin-rich set acts like a much needed energy shot for dull and lifeless skin. Vitamin-rich kumquat extract, as well as antioxidant lumiphenols and energizing caffeine makes for an invigorating blend of ingredients to hydrate the skin for up to 24 hours.
belif Moisturizing Bomb Jumbo Set $90
South Korea’s No. 1 best-seller is now available in Jumbo size! With an ultra-nourishing formula that floods the skin with hydration for 26 hours, this limited-edition festive set includes a Moisturizing bomb powder, that transforms your favourite Bomb into an overnight sleeping mask. This lovely gift set contains a Moisturizing Bomb Jumbo and 8 tabs of Moisturising Bomb Powder.
For That Friend Who Loves Her Scents
Good Girl Glorious Gold by Carolina Herrera $197
This new collector edition features both the box and bottle in sparkling gold. The deisgn is inspired by the Art Deco movement – the peak of glamour in the 20’s. Good Girl Glorious Gold is more sophisticated and bolder than ever and is for the woman who knows what she wants and knows that she’s wanted.
Don’t miss out on the Carolina Herrera Fragrance Candy Store Pop-up outside Tangs Orchard. The pop-up will be around from the 13 to 26 December from 10.30 am to 9.30 pm.
Tiffany & Co. Eau de Parfum, White Limited Edition $165
This holiday season, Tiffany & Co. launched their Tiffany Eau de Parfum in a luminous limited-edition winter white flacon. Inspired by the joy of holiday snowfall, the lustrous high-shine finish creates a radiant and eye-catching juxtaposition against the classic Tiffany Blue® and silver rimming around the collar. Delight in the scent of vert de mandarine, iris, musk and patchouli, the modern blend of the house’s Eau de Parfum juice, created by perfumer Daniela Andrier.
For That Hair Obsessed Friend
PHYTOJOBA Gift Set $69.90
We are all huge fans of PHYTO and especially the PHYTOJOBA range of hair care for its intense moisturization and unfailing ability to keep even the most frizziest hair looking picture perfect! The new improved formula and mesmerizing scent gives your hair lightweight softness and shine in just three easy steps.
For The Man In Your Life
The Body Shop Shave Away Kit $42
Keep his skin soft, smooth, clean and kissable all Christmas with this cute men’s shaving kit. The skin-soothing formula is enriched with maca root from Peru and organic Community Trade aloe vera from Mexico. All he has to do is just lather up with the cruelty free, wooden shave brush and voila, he will have cheeks as smooth as a baby’s bum. It also comes with a stylish pocket square made from 100% recycled sari – each one is completely unique making it the perfect gift for him this Christmas.
The Body Shop Guarana & Coffee Skin Energising Kit $36
Energise his grooming routine with this cute yet manly uplifting gentlemen’s skincare kit. The reviving, invigorating formula is enriched with guarana seeds from Brazil and caffeine-rich green coffee beans from Ethiopia and comes packed in a cool cork wash bag.
For That Friend Who Appreciates The Finer Things In Life
Tenu Gin
This is quite possibly our favourite gin ever and we are not just saying this because we are drunk. The bottle itself is a beauty and words don’t do justice to the delicate and almost citrus notes of this delightful spirit that is crafted from rare wild forest ingredients from deep within the Finnish Taïga – the last primitive, untamed forest wilderness of the North.
While you can’t actually purchase the bottle (as of now) of this exclusive gin, you can visit either the Alchemist Beer Lab, Monte Carlo Boys, Olivia Restaurant & Lounge or BeGIN Bar and give your spirits loving friend or family member the gift of this premium gin and your company. What could be a better gift than that?
The Rare Honey Company Mini Collection $45
This beautiful sampler box of honey is the perfect gift for anyone. With four different types of honey to choose from, our favourite is the Creamed Karri which tastes absolutely delicious, like melted marshmallows. We also totally love the packaging and the whole philosophy behind the brand which is dedicated to offering only the best Australian raw honey.
The Rare Honey Company sells its selection of delicious, rare honey in small quantities via its online store and by appointment only at TRHC Honey Bar, located at 315 Outram Road, #10-01, Tan Boon Liat Building, Singapore 169074.
For That Friend Who Loves Her Bling
Lee Hwa Jewellery
This year’s hero collection by Lee Hwa Jewellery is their Destinée Carol and Destinée Alanore which draw on the classic symbols of the season – the delicate snowflake.
Because each snowflake is unique, they are often used to symbolize a person’s individuality and uniqueness, while it’s delicate and short-life represents the fragility and fleetingness of life itself.
“Moments come and go, but memories last forever. What better way to commemorate a personal moment or achievement, no matter how big or small, than to turn it into a memory with a meaningful piece of jewellery as a symbolic reminder?” – Mavis Toh, Business Director of Lee Hwa Jewellery.
Until the 29 December, shoppers can get on top of their Christmas gift shopping by visiting the Lee Hwa Jewellery’s Glittering Christmas Roadshow at VivoCity, Central Court 2. Shoppers can expect a delightful range of offerings catered to various budgets along with attractive promotions and activities.
Poh Heng Jewellery
This Christmas, Make It Personal with Poh Heng Personalisation and create an unforgettable gift for your loved ones. In Poh Heng’s tradition of offering the finest jewellery, pick and choose from a selection of exquisite 22K gold jewellery, that includes a name necklace, name ring, engravable pendants, and a bar necklace.
Get creative as you personalise these fashion pieces, Wearing the initials of a loved one or family member, or a special phrase two people share, offers a unique way to convert strong sentiments into something tangible and wearable. Thus, making this the ideal gift this Christmas!
Whether you choose to engrave their initials or write a special phrase or quote, you can now add that special touch this season. Poh Heng Personalisation is available at all Poh Heng boutiques island-wide. Find out more here.
For That Friend Who Is Obsessed With Makeup
Charlotte Tilburry Limited Editon Filmstar Bronze & Glow, $130
Charlotte’s bestselling, iconic Filmstar Bronze & Glow, is now in an extra-special, limited edition, collectable design embellished with crystals from Swarovski. The ultimate star in glamourous gifting.
The classic gift inspired by Charlotte’s love of crystals and stars, this limited-edition glittering starburst design shimmers with the sparkle of the night sky, whilst the magic inside lights your skin with ethereal perfection.
For The Hostess With The Mostest
Fornasetti Nuvola Candle $210
No hostess worth her salt is going to say ‘no’ to a Fornasetti candle. These absolutely stunning decor pieces add an unforgettable and very expensive scent to any room in the home. Encased in an Italian handmade ceramic vessel, the candle is adorned with the enigmatic face of Fornasetti muse Lina Cavalieri surrounded by clouds and has been crafted using the brand’s long standing techniques. Emitting the intoxicating Mistero scent, it has notes of pink pepper, cypress, labdanum, laurel and incense on a deep base of cedarwood, sandalwood and musk.
The hand-poured vegetable-wax is infused with a blend of floral and musky flavours as a nod to Italy’s vast countryside. While the fragrance that exudes after burning these vegetable wax creations is absolutely divine and nothing we have ever experienced before — think a heady blend of herbs, wood tones, and incense, it’s the cylindrical ceramic containers that totally stole our hearts.
These candles take luxury and decadence to another level and will bring more than just a smile on the recipients face. The Nuvola scented candle comes in three sizes; the Nuvola scented candle 300g $210, Nuvola medium scented candle 900g $365 and the Nuvola large scented candle 1.9kg $640.
Cire Trudon Abd El Kader $160
Established in the 17th century, Cire Trudon is the oldest candle maker in the world and was responsible for perfuming the people and palaces of the French monarchy. With fans from King Louis XIV to Madonna, Cire Trudon’s celeb endorsements speak volumes about the quality and luxury of this beautiful brand.
A stunning addition to any bedside table, desk or mantelpiece, each candle is housed in hand-blown Italian glass, adorned with their signature gold label stating the motto of the ‘Maison Trudon’; ‘Deo regique laborant’ meaning ‘They work for God and King’.
The scent evokes the exoticism of North Africa, conjuring the scent of warm, mountain air mingling with spices, tobacco and mint tea in the country’s bustling bazaars. Top notes of Spearmint, Lemon, Blackcurrant Buds, Apple, Ginger and Clove give way to a heart of Jasmine before the smouldering base of sweet Vanilla.
Completely paraffin-free and made using only the finest natural oils and waxes, each Cire Trudon candle burns cleanly and evenly for up to 70 hours. The Cire Trudon Abd El Kader candle is available at escentials Paragon, escentials TANGS at Tangs Plaza and escentials.com.
Thann Absolute Relaxing $269
The Thann Electric Aroma Diffuser and Essential Oil, 50ml is the perfect addition to any household. This award-winning Thann Electric Aroma Diffuser disperses 2.5 million ultrasonic vibrations per second to tastefully create a serene atmosphere, while maintaining the unique benefits of the essential oil and if you are a fan of Thann, you know that this is going to smell absolutely divine!
For the Woman Who Has Everything
Christian Louboutin Lipstick $142
What do you give the woman who has it all? A covetted lipstick from design maestro Christian Louboutin obviously. These stunning gold tubes are works of art in themselves and that’s even before you get to the lipstick within.
The design of the metal body was inspired by Middle Eastern antiquities and the Art Deco movement and is reminiscent of a precious vial. The turret-like crown cap is topped with a small ring threaded with a silk ribbon, turning the lip colour into a necklace. This is a lipstick that any woman would be proud to show off, whether her lips need a touch-up or not.
This Silky Satin Lip Colour is the brand’s patented red hue and is also a universally flattering shade of red. The lipstick glides on beautifully and is super comfortable on the lips and fared well through a rather greasy dinner.
This Velvet Matte Lip Colour has a strong colour pay-off and a comfortable soft-touch feel unlike a lot of other matte lipsticks in the market. Just one swipe is all it takes to get complete coverage. This colour has now become our editor’s favourite and it fared really well through the wear test we put it through.
These beauties are available at the Christian Louboutin Beauty counter at TANGS at Tang Plaza.
For That Friend Who Believes In Giving Back
SOSD 2020 Calendar
This beautiful calendar featuring 12 of SOSD’s very own pups makes for a great gift this Christmas. Better yet, 100% of the proceeds goes to fund the hungry Singapore specials.
Each calendar retails for only $10 and can be ordered here or picked up at selected veterinary clinics. This is a great way to donate to the shelter and at the same time get a lovely gift that is both stylish and useful.
Embrace Jewellery
Embrace Jewellery has launched its first jewellery collaboration – The Jar of Salt, with artist Cherie Altea. The collection comprises of eight distinctive and vibrant motifs that aptly reflect Singapore’s unique Asian culture and would make for a quirky and thoughtful gift this Christmas.
Made in Spain and crafted in silver and gold finishing, the charming illustrations include cheongsam and sarong kebaya clad girls. The Jar of Salt x Embrace Jewellery collection is available from 8 November 2019 at all Embrace stores and at the Embrace Jewellery counter at Takashimaya.
10% of the proceeds from every purchase until 8 May 2020, will be donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation. The collection is priced from $89.90 for a pair of earrings to $168.00 for a long necklace.
Perfect Stocking Stuffers And Secret Santa Gifts
These inexpensive gift sets make for wonderful stocking stuffers and secret sants gifts that people would actually love to receive.
The Body Shop Bath Lily $9, these are beyond cute and would make bath time so much more fun! How could anyone not love them?
The Body Shop Don’t Ask Just Mask $15, comes with the cutest a reindeer antler head band and masks. Do we really we say more?
BEYOND Classic Hand Cream Set $20
Keep your hands soft and scented with BEYOND’s limited-edition Classic Hand Creams. This set of three deeply nourishing hand creams contain natural ingredients including pomegranate, natural berry mix, honey and red wine extracts to give skin its smoothness and firmness.
The Body Shop Shea Delights Bag $24, is a gift set that will be loved by all. The Shea range both smells and moisturises wonderfully and the little pouch is just too cute not to own!
The Body Shop Rocket Gift Set $35, is just so adorable. We love the retro-esque metal rocket and the goodies inside are like the icing on an already delicious cake.
The Body Shop Body Butter Festive Star $45, while a slightly more pricey stocking stuffer, this is a sure winner. Consisting of five of the brand’s top body butter scents, whoever gets this in their stocking is going to be very happy indeed!
We hope that this list of suggestions helps you to find the perfect gift this Christmas. It’s important to remember that it’s better to give a gift that you know will be loved, than give a gift simply for the sake of gifting. Happy shopping!
THE LIFESTYLE COLLECTIVE 