(Hint – they’re even better than warm woolen mittens and whiskers on kittens)
It’s here, it’s here, it’s finally here – the most wonderful time of the year! Whether you’ve been counting down the days until it’s socially acceptable to hang your wreath or are more of a grin-and-eggnog-it type, there’s sure to be some gift exchanging going on before you ring in the New Year.
Regardless of where on the seasonal spectrum you fall, no one wants to be that harried shopper searching the gas station for last-minute gifts (frankly, no one wants to be on the receiving end either), so we’ve pulled together a few of our favorite things to point you in the right direction.
First on our list is Côte Nail Polish - the perfect stocking stuffer for all of the mani/pedi lovers in your life! Who doesn’t like the look of a shiny manicure, especially during party season? All Côte polishes are free of the major toxins often associated with other brands. This means chip-resistant, fabulous color without things like DBT (a plasticizer used in car interiors), formaldehyde (a known carcinogen), or parabens (linked to hormone disfunction). You get extra points for delivering a good-for-you gift they’ll actually use! Insider Note: Chelsea especially loves the peace-of-mind using Côte gives her while she’s expecting baby #2.
For your friends who receive proactive skincare treatments like chemical peels and microdermabrasion (Yeah, them!), we have just the thing – PCA Silkcoat Balm. Nothing soothes post-treatment skin better than this powerful, non-greasy moisturizer that contains jojoba seed oil and hydrolyzed silk (actual silk protein). It’s also our #1 recommended product for clients experiencing retinol-related dryness. Silkcoat Balm is the ultimate treatment for dry and/or mature skin, as well as skin exposed to cold climates (Hello, New England!).
Next up is another good-for-you gift they’ll use every day – Intelligent Nutrients Harmonic® Shampoo. This non-toxic, antioxidant shampoo gently cleans without stripping hair’s natural emollients. It removes buildup caused by styling products and chemical treatments. It also contains Intelligent’s Minty Destress Express® aroma guaranteed to kick-start the day with a stimulating tingle. And, for those mornings that require a triple venti, Harmonic Shampoo can double as a body wash to perk you up until that caffeine is in hand. Additionally, its natural, potent ingredients mean that a little goes a looooong way, making it the gift that keeps on giving! FYI – La Bella Derma carries two sizes, so be sure to pick one up for yourself (even dedicated elves need a good tingle).
Pro Tip – Those who regularly use products such as hair spray and dry shampoo, or
body-building formulas can get a deeper clean by leaving the suds in a bit longer.
Need a great gift for your uber-busy friend who swears she would take better care of her skin if she only had the time? Slip a PCA Pigment Bar under her tree. Formulated for the face and body with Azeliac and Kojic acid to promote an even skin tone and niacinamide for hydration, the Pigment Bar doubles as a mask that’s safe to use daily (apply it at the bathroom sink before your shower routine, then rinse – voilà, mask complete). Plus, its yummy rosewood oil is a natural antidepressant that’s basically guaranteed to make you smile with each use. And, thanks to its unique packaging, this cleansing bar-in-a-jar stays more sanitary than other soaps in the shower (plus, it comes with its own sponge for application). It’s like a gift inside a gift.
For the bath lover in your life you can’t go wrong with Epicuren After Bath. This moisturizer’s 50/50 blend of lotion and oil allows it to literally glide on and soak into your skin, providing the perfect level of hydration. And, because it’s non-greasy, it won’t stain your clothes or sheets. After Bath is available in a number of naturally-derived scents (in-house favs include Orange Blossom and Kakui Coconut) and comes in two sizes, which is essentially permission to gift one to yourself!
Pro Tip - Apply while still in the shower, before toweling off, to make the product go further and allow deeper penetration.
Have someone on your list who needs a little something extra in their skincare regimen? Wow them this year with Kerstin Florian’s Rejuvenating Firming Extract. Known for her holistic approach to skincare, Kerstin Florian’s products are inspired by nature and its intrinsic connection to health and wellness. This intensive serum contains a blend of herbs and botanicals that rejuvenates skin on the cellular level. The result? Firmness is restored, pores are minimized, and those pesky signs of aging are diminished. Could gifting this be construed as somewhat passive-aggressive? Perhaps, but once they see the results, they’ll be wondering what took you so long. Insider Note: Chelsea loves the natural scent of this product and how quickly it soaks into the skin.
Almost as mystical as Santa Claus himself, Laurel Healing Balm Face & Body is a modern-day cure-all. This hard-working balm remedies almost any skin ailment – yup, there is almost no one who wouldn’t benefit (including those hard-to-buy-for, has-everything people on your list). Using the power of whole plants to address the body’s chronic inflammation, Laurel Healing Balm treats everything from extreme cases of eczema, dermatitis and cystic acne, to sensitive allergy-prone skin, and the occasional cut or scrape. It reduces the appearance of redness, swelling, and irritation while jump starting and supporting the skin’s own healing process. Insider Note: Chelsea calls this her “miracle salve,” and relies on it to treat hormonal acne brought on by pregnancy. She also gives it her Mom Seal of Approval, noting it was the only cure for the facial eczema her young daughter experienced last winter. Plus, she loves the glow it gives her skin beneath makeup!
Pro Tip: Use twice the suggested amount as a massage medium and give yourself a mini at-home facial; leave the excess on as an overnight mask and wake-up feeling
merry and bright with improved skin.
‘Tis the season for all the sparkles – from party dresses to statement bling, seasonal festivities have us adding glow all over, especially when it comes to the eyes. Whether it’s intense, glittering shadow, multiple coats of mascara or thick liner, everything is holly and jolly until you’re desperately trying to wash it off without fracturing your eye sockets. Enter Epicuren Crystal Clear Eye Makeup Remover. Not only does this velvety, fragrance-free gel easily remove even the most dazzling eye makeup, it also delivers peptides and vitamins to strengthen eyelashes and nourish the fragile skin around the eye area.
Pro Tip: Leave on for up to one-minute to easily wipe away stubborn waterproof makeup. This product can also be used alone as a lash conditioning treatment for those who are prone to brittle lashes related to lash extensions or drying mascaras.
Have any stocking stuffers or Secret Santa gifts to buy? Of course, you do! (Think your hairdresser, mail carrier, dog walker, favorite barista.) All too often these items end up last on our holiday shopping list. Sure, they’re likely smaller, less expensive gifts, but that doesn’t mean they should be purchased en route to the company party or limited to what’s within arm’s reach at the check-out aisle. Since you’re going to spend your hard-earned money, why not spend it on something useful…and lovely (a.k.a. something you would like to receive)? Laurel Citrus Lip Treatment makes a great stocking stuffer or Secret Santa gift because no matter who you are, winter brings dry lips (yup, even to Angelina Jolie). This 100% whole plant organic balm is pure enough to satisfy even your most consumer conscious pals, and it combines the calming scent of lavender with phytonutrients to provide intense conditioning to chapped lips.
LATHER aromatherapy candles are another gift perfect for your Secret Santa and stocking stuffer needs. Available in a variety of scents from the festive cranberry orange and clove to lavender lime and lemon vanilla, these 4 oz. candles check all the boxes – 100% soy wax that burns toxin- and carcinogen-free? Check. Made without paraffins? Check. Pure essential oil blends? Check. Wicks that are 100% spun cotton and primed in beeswax? Double check. These are perfect for creating a relaxing tub-side ambience or setting the stage for holiday guests and at just $10 each, we suggest choosing a few (they also make delightful host(ess) gifts).
There you have it folks – 10 of our favorite spa products. Not only are they all available at La Bella Derma, but each was handpicked (and is currently used) by Owner and Esthetician Extraordinaire, Chelsea Russell, so you know they meet tough, real-life, mommapreneur standards. We also want to remind you that there’s no shame in giving a La Bella Derma gift card, because sometimes the best gift is the gift of choice. Got a mile-long list and a time crunch? We’d love to help! Stop into the spa or give us a call today at 802.735.3031.
Heather Frechette-Crowley is principal and founder of Root Marketing, where she uses content-based strategy to help businesses of all sizes connect with their target market. Looking for help telling your story? Visit www.rootmktg.com or email heather@rootmktg.com.
