No category lends itself to Christmas gifting quite like beauty does. From superlative skincare and fine fragrance to palettes that are almost too precious to use, beauty gifts are indisputably the best kind of gift (both to unwrap and receive). Often, the beauty we buy for ourselves is purely functional, so a special item 'just because' is guaranteed to please.

But if you're lacking inspiration, or overwhelmed by the sheer amount of choice, help is here. Whether you're shopping for the friend who has their skincare routine down to a fine art, or are looking to discover and gift a signature scent for a loved one, this guide has you covered.

Below, find all the best Christmas beauty gifts we're coveting this holiday season, from some of the best household names in beauty.

CHANEL Beauty The Timeless Makeup Look

A chic set of everyday CHANEL makeup essentials (including the very viral and difficult to find Baume Essentiel in the shade Sculpting). This is one I'll be gifting to self.

Le Labo Discovery Candle Set

There is not a person on Earth who would be disappointed to unwrap Le Labo for Christmas (at least, I'm yet to meet them). This candle trio is an esoteric, smoky mix of scents that will suit every home.

Dyson Airwrap

There is no better big ticket gift than the Dyson Airwrap. If you really love someone, this is what you should give them. Also, a very worthy gift to self.

Aesop Screen 2

Give the gift of a five star shower. This set includes the Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser, Body Scrub and Body Balm (the Geranium scent is herbaceous and clean). It's a safe bet for close friends and loose acquaintances alike.

La Mer The Rejuvenating Night Cream

La Mer is a love language all of its own. The Rejuvenating Night Cream is a new formula that's clinically proven to reduce visible signs of ageing, An impressive choice for a mother in law or best friend who worships at the church of prestige skincare.

Sisley Mascara Phyto-Noir Discovery Set

Makeup can be a little hazardous to gift, but this considered set from Sisley is perfect. The custom artwork by Fee Greening is a treat to unwrap, while the mascara and lip crayon duo will appeal to anyone. The Phyto Lip Twist is actually one of my all-time favourite products.

Dior The Miss Dior Beauty Ritual

I love that this set pairs Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet with the original pink shade of Lip Glow, two products that don't come from the same category but compliment each other as part of a beauty ritual. The purse-sized rose-scented hand cream is also a really nice touch.

Flamingo Estate Discovery Set 

For the friend who loves bathing, gardening and the farmer's market. The Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle is also life-changing.

La Bonne Brosse No.2 The Essential Brush

Beautiful to look at, beautiful to use. The perfect gift for anyone with great hair.

Hermès Le Courbe-cils Eyelash Curler

I feel the best gifts are those we wouldn't buy for ourselves, like this eyelash curler. It's matte black with a gold and teal band, stamped with a subtle 'Hermès' logo. Made in Korea, it's as good an eyelash curler you'll find. Plus, it's all wrapped up in that orange box...

Kindred Black Simmer Down Body Oil

Even the most discerning beauty consumer will be speechless at this. Kindred Black do small, boutique beauty in considered batches — the packaging is also something to behold. Simmer Down Body Oil is a superlative mix jojoba, argan, peppermint and lavender. You can access it via Moda Operandi.

Creed Silver Mountain Water

Silver Mountain Water is a classic and very respected scent in the niche perfume universe. While it's categorically masculine, the citrusy-green profile is definitely gender neutral. It's fresh and crisp, a little sweet. Also, a great choice for the men in your life.

Kiehl's Creme de Corps

This is a cult classic formula with mass appeal. It's a hydrating body cream with the perfect consistency; dewy but not greasy, long-lasting but lightweight hydration. Anyone who tries it, is guaranteed to love it.

Santa Maria Novella Magnolia Bath & Shower Gel

Anything from Santa Maria Novella will do, but I love this floral bath foam. It has a gentle foam and is enriched with lipids for soft skin after your bathing ritual. Add the matching body lotion if you're really looking to impress.

Clarins Double Serum

Friends or family into skincare will appreciate the gift of Double Serum. The iconic formula was recently reformulated with 22 plant extracts, it prevents and slows signs of ageing for healthy, youthful, radiant-looking skin. It's instantly hydrating and leaves a glossy skin finish, as well.

Guerlain Rouge G Limited Lipstick

Have you seen anything so beautiful before? This limited lipstick case from Guerlain is a true collectors item. It's festive and fun — but the best element is that it's refillable so the case can be kept forever.

*It's available from mid November. 

YSL Beauty Touche Eclat Gift Set

The very famous YSL skin brightening Touche Eclat and a taupe shade of Rouge Pur Couture... what more could anyone want?

CHANEL Hydra Beauty Micro Serum Lévres

This is another gift you might not buy on a whim for yourself, but it's beautiful all the same. The watery plumping serum hydrates dry lips with a weightless finish, so it's perfect for makeup minimalists. Similarly, it's an ultra luxe way to prep for lipstick.

Frederic Malle The Essentials Collection

You could take a calculated risk and gift someone a Frederic Malle scent of your choosing, or you could wrap up this sampler. There's a fun element of discovery, and each 3.5 ml vial is enough for a few days worth of scent. However if you do prefer a full sized option, my suggestions are Musc Ravageur or Carnal Flower (the addictive sweetness of Portrait of a Lady is also sure to please).

Pearl Marine Collagen Superpowder Matcha

If you are trying to gift someone who is a. into Matcha or b. wellness obsessed, Pearl's Marine Collagen Powder with Ceremonial match is a beautiful choice. The marine collagen supports skin, hair and nail health, and the flavour is sweet but subtle (there's madagascan vanilla bean and monk fruit in there).

Officine Universelle Buly Huile Antique Mexican Tuberose Dry Body Oil

A dry body oil that smells like tropical tuberose and it's in a beautiful bottle. You can't loose.

Penhaligons Christmas Candle

The perfect festive candle that isn't overly sweet or gingerbread like. Instead, this is laced with vanilla, tobacco and spice.

Looking for more Christmas gift inspiration? Our Christmas gift ideas guide is where you'll find gift ideas for just about everyone. We've got dedicated Christmas gift shopping guides for your Dad, your Mum, for husband, for her, for him and even a selection of gifts that come in at under $100.