Finding a great gift for even your closest friends and family can be challenging year after year, which is where a thoughtful gift guide can come in handy. But not every recommendation can account for the fact that your mom gets a weekly Hydrafacial, your best friend is obsessed with RF microneedling, and you might enjoy a little TLC too.
That’s where we come in. Short of gifting someone a visit to their aesthetics provider, these options offer impressive at-home results that can help them maintain the results they love—or see newfound improvements they never expected. All told, these skin-care devices and topical products are guaranteed to improve their aesthetics game.
For the friend with a monthly Hydrafacial appointment: Dermaflash Dermapore+
If a professional-level machine that sucks gunk out of pores and then flushes skin with serums isn’t in your budget, then this at-home device might do the trick. The Dermaflash Dermapore+ ($109) has two modes, the first of which focuses on extraction; it uses sonic vibrations to gently nudge clogs and debris out of pores, without risking the usual collateral damage of irritation. The infuse mode, meanwhile, uses ionic technology to work your favorite serums into skin for better results.
For the person who’s running on fumes: CurrentBody Skin LED Eye Perfector
No sleep, no problem: the beauty of the CurrentBody Skin LED Eye Perfector ($249) is that it’s wearable, so your giftee can go about their day while the four LED wavelengths stimulate production of collagen and elastin, which serve as the scaffolding in skin and keep it firm and supple. Each treatment is just three minutes long for added convenience, and the mask is designed to target crow’s-feet, the 11s,” and under-eye bags.
For the person who can’t get injectables right now: Skinceuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced
For the person who can’t get injectables for whatever reason but still wants to soften lines and smooth wrinkles, SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced ($185) is as close as a topical formula can get. It targets the lines caused by the combination of collagen’s natural decline over time and glycation, the process through which excess sugars lead to weak, brittle collagen and elastin fibers. The formula was found in clinical studies to improve fine lines all over the face as well as forehead wrinkles, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and glabellar lines—and doubles as a velvety moisturizer.
For the woman who’s always post-procedure: Colorescience Even Up Clinical Pigment Perfector SPF 50
If they seem to be constantly recovering from a laser resurfacing treatment, peel, or injectable, elevate their after-care with this hybrid skin-care product. Think of Colorescience Even Up Clinical Pigment Perfector SPF 50 ($155) as a brightening serum, a tinted moisturizer, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen in a single product. Formulated specifically for post-procedure use, it helps minimize discoloration while protecting vulnerable skin from sun and pollution damage. The universal tint also helps disguise mild redness, so no extra foundation is necessary (unless you want it).
For the woman who loves dry brushing: Luxene Beauty FIRMAGLOW Body
Upgrade your friend’s post-shower game with Luxene Beauty FIRMAGLOW Body ($149), a diamond-coated microdermabrasion tool that buffs away dead skin, smooths rough texture and KP bumps, reduces the appearance of brown spots, and improves circulation. Use it weekly on clean, dry skin free of oils and creams, for a healthy glow that will make you want to wear miniskirts without tights all winter long.
For the workaholic who’s never not looking at a screen: HigherDOSE Red Light Neck Enhancer Mask
Tech neck is real, but a dedicated device like the HigherDOSE Red Light Neck Enhancer Mask ($349) can help.The silicone, collar-shaped device—which includes a bib to cover the décolletage—emits both red and near-infrared wavelengths of light, which are clinically shown to smooth lines and rejuvenate skin. It comes with strap options that allow the user to apply it anywhere on the body, and the cordless design is convenient.
For the woman who’s not quite ready for invasive procedures: Ziip Halo
For those who want to look more refreshed without the downtime, there’s this high-tech device. The ZIIP Beauty Halo ($349) works via microcurrent technology; acting like a cup of coffee for your skin, it helps stimulate both the facial muscles and, on a micro level, skin cells. This helps to spur natural collagen and elastin production, although the device has seven treatments that target various concerns.
For the person who takes a “quiet luxury” approach to beauty: Gucci Multipurpose Hydrating & Nourishing Balm
Gucci’s Multipurpose Hydrating & Nourishing Balm ($55) is the kind of thing everyone wants—especially as we enter the season of flaky lips, ragged cuticles, rough elbows, and staticky flyaways—but would never buy for themselves. That’s where you come in: Tell them to toss their Vaseline aside while presenting them with a velvety shea butter balm that not only takes care of all the aforementioned winter issues but makes them feel like someone who could one day afford Loro Piana.
For the friend with a dirty little vaping secret: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite LipWare Pro LED Device
If you can’t get your friend to stop smoking for her health, appealing to her vanity and fear of lip lines may just be the way to go. The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite LipWare Pro LED Device ($148) has 56 red LED lights that, when used for just three minutes a day, help to support circulation and collagen production for fuller lips and smoother skin around the mouth. It even has a mouthpiece, allowing the user to go hands-free while satisfying their oral fixation.
For the person who vacations exclusively on beaches: Braun Skin i·expert Smart IPL
It’s an investment, yes, but the Braun Skin i·expert Smart IPL ($600) is still cheaper than a pack of hair-removal sessions. What sets it apart from the average at-home hair-removal laser is that it connects to an app via Bluetooth or WiFi, which then relays real-time guidance during the treatment and tracks overall progress. It also detects skin tone and adjusts the level accordingly. The result? Less hair in as soon as three weeks.
For the TikTok devotee: Dieux Skin Air Angel Gel Cream
All the cool Gen Zers either already swear by Dieux Skin Air Angel Gel Cream ($44) or have it on their holiday wish list. But don’t think that means it’s only for the youth—any skin that needs moisture (whether it’s supersensitive, acne-prone, or just plain old dry) will love the soft, supple texture and all-day hydration this gentle cream gives. (The cherry on top: $1 from every bottle sold goes to the Union of Concerned Scientists, to fight the climate crisis.)
