By MICHELE MEYER
I’m sorry to report that the Grinch–aka supply chain shortages due to the global pandemic–stole most of my holiday gift guide this year. But not all! Read further and check out some tantalizing treats.
Though I started my search in August (as always), I was unable to find and experience the newest Diptyque, Jo Malone and many other exquisite, elegant, hip, fragrant and beautifully packaged candles and creams I’d planned to feature.
I’d never recommend products without seeing them in person–and being confident their scents and packaging were worthy of you, my dear readers, the all important shoppers.
I also needed to know if you could attain them in time to pamper those you cherish. Alas, that may not be the case.
This year people are shopping early and so much is sold out already!
However I did find five lovely brands I’m excited about and that are not sold out–yet: Pamella Roland, Carrière Frères, Natura, Lavanila and Eve Lom.
PAMELLA ROLAND
You may know Pamella Roland as an evening gown designer for celebrities Taylor Swift, Lily Collins, Eva Longoria Bastón, Karlie Kloss, Jennifer Hudson, Emmy Rossum and Hilary Rhoda. This year she introduced some beauty dazzlers: a rich body cream and candle with a heady blend of Persian rose, citrus and amber moss.
FEEL GOOD FACTOR: The glass containers are ultra-feminine and topped with floral arrangements.
WISE BUYS: A dash of decadence costs $65 for the 8 oz. candle and $75 for the 6.7 oz. cream,
NATURA
Natura Body lotion, hand cream, shower gel set
Rich in essential fatty acids, Natura’s Maracujá oil soothes and softens skin. A tempting trio is packaged as a gift set: body lotion, hand cream and Triple Phase Shower Oil. Other sets also remain available. All are lightweight yet lasting, and delicately scented with passion fruit. Joyful art by William Santiago adorns the recyclable box.
FEEL GOOD FACTOR: This Brazilian beauty brand’s wares are 100 percent vegan and packaged in 100% green plastic made from sustainably sourced sugarcane.
WISE BUYS: Usually the varied holiday sets cost under $78. YAYHoliday is the latest code to apply.
LAVANILA CANDLES
Lavanila’s new candles come in five delectable aromas: pure vanilla, vanilla sugarcane, vanilla lavender, coconut vanilla and vanilla grapefruit.
WISE BUYS: The 7 oz. candles are $16 each–but when bought with the $48 fragrance, are $58. First-time shoppers score a 15-percent-off discount.
CARRIÈRE FRÈRES
Forgive the pun–hey, it’s the holidays–but Carrière Frères candles blow me away. Even if the fragrances weren’t delicious, I’d be seduced by these French candles. The brand’s logo, font, boxes, glass containers and craftsmanship are first class. Ingredients come from Laos, Siberia and the Ivory Coast–exotic locales closed to us due to COVID-19.
When it comes to these beauties, my philosophy is: Better late than never.
WISE BUYS: The full-sized, single-wick, 6.5 oz. candles are $85, but your recipients ought to be worth it–especially if I’m on your gift list.
https://carrierefreres.com/us_en/
EVE LOM
What are the holidays without a little something under your own Christmas tree? My friend with fabulous skin swears by Eve Lom, so I’m psyched to sample the brand’s Rescue Glow Gift Set. The packaging is gorgeous–and I hope, come Dec. 26, I will be too!
This set includes cleanser, rescue peel pads, rescue toner and moisture cream.
WISE BUYS: Who cares if it is? It’s for me! $85.
Here’s hoping the pandemic–and supply-chain shortages–are over soon and the traditional, comprehensive holiday gift guide can return! In the meantime, let’s savor what truly matters: those we love. They are the gift that keeps on giving.
As for the guide, next year, my friends. Next year.
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