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How to Give a Beauty Gift: The Rules

How to Give a Beauty Gift: The Rules
Eliana Belmonte, D.D.S.
Writer and expert5 months ago
View Eliana Belmonte, D.D.S.'s profile

 

 

Beauty products make wonderful holiday presents—if you know how to pick. Here, I’ve listed a few guidelines so you can choose the right products for anyone on your holiday list. Whether they're already a beauty buff or the type who thinks toner is merely for printers, this guide will surely earn you bragging rights for being the only person who truly knows what their skin needs.

Before you even head to the beauty store, ask yourself these questions:

1. What is their age?

For teens, simple products designed to cleanse, tone and moisturize young skin is ideal. Someone who has just started experimenting with makeup could also use a tinted sunscreen or a BB cream.

Prevention is key for those in the 20 to 30 age range, so a daily moisturizer and sunscreen would keep their skin nourished and protected.

Between the ages of 30 and 40 is the perfect time to boost collagen production. Help them minimize fine lines and wrinkles with an exfoliator and an anti-aging serum.

For those ages 40 to 50, you’d want to introduce skin care products that will brighten and improve the skin’s texture.

For 50 and older, a face oil or a retinol serum would increase their natural cell turnover for softer, smoother skin.

2. What is their skin type?

By observing their normal behavior or even their complaints—whether it’s acne, oil or sunburns—you should be able to diagnose their skin type. If they have dry skin, go for a mild cleanser and a creamy moisturizer. Oily skin tends to require frequent exfoliation followed by immediate application of sunscreen to protect the new skin. Combination skin can be tricky since their skin condition tends to fluctuate, so go for products that multitask.

3. What is their skin care personality?

Is your friend a regular at the spa, a beauty-product junkie or a minimalist? If they're the type who can’t last a week without going for a facial or peel, they might gravitate toward an at-home beauty gadget or a face mask. For a product enthusiast, a monthly beauty-subscription box would be a great year-round gift. For the minimalist, go for an all-in-one product.

4. Any health conditions to consider? Now let’s get serious. Are they allergic to aspirin? If so, avoid products with salicylic acid. Do they have any health conditions? Certain conditions like diabetes, psoriasis and eczema can cause dry skin, so in this case a mild moisturizer, bath oils and lip balm go a long way. If you’re unsure of the particulars, it’s best to avoid peels or products with alcohol, hormones and dyes.

5. What is her lifestyle?

Another thing to consider is whether the recipient has a preference for special beauty categories. Are they vegan? Do they only use natural beauty products? Are they an animal-rights advocate? The good news is that Dermstore makes it easy to search conscious-minded formulas.

If you’re still unsure what to give, opt for a really potent sunscreen. Sun protection should be at the forefront of any skin care regimen. Skin is the body’s largest organ: Protecting it is the best gift you can give to your loved ones any day of the year.

Eliana Belmonte, D.D.S.
Writer and expert
View Eliana Belmonte, D.D.S.'s profile
Eliana Belmonte, D.D.S., is the founder and president of Abella Skin Care. She is a licensed paramedical esthetician with decades of experience working with physicians and patients in the esthetics industry. Dr. Belmonte comes from a Hispanic background, and her skin care company focuses on the demand for specialized formulas that are compatible with all skin types, including ethnic skin. Eliana shares her industry knowledge and tips with blog posts and social-media updates. Read her blog at AbellaSkinCare.com, or view it in Spanish at PielBoutique.com, and follow the Abella Skin Care Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
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