Holiday Gift Guide 2017: All We Want for Christmas Are…These Problem-Solving Beauty Picks!
What’s on the holiday wish list of the people who have tried every K-beauty product out there? A lot it turns out. Here’s what our staffers are hoping to find underneath their trees come Xmas morning.
A SKIN BOOSTER IN A BOTTLE
“My favorite gift for the holidays is the LJH Vita Propolis Ampoule. With all the travel and festivities that happen around now, this versatile glow creator is an essential add-on to give dull, tired skin a boost. The festive gold and silver box also makes it perfect for gifting.” —Christine Chang, co-CEO & co-founder
RELIEF FOR DEHYDRATED HEATER FACE
“My skin’s number one enemy this time of year is the indoor heater. High temperatures plus low humidity make my cheeks angry and red. Thankfully, the Make P:rem Cicapro Cream, calms all signs of irritation with Centella asiatica, a natural herb that repairs skin cells, while its balmy texture acts as a physical barrier, trapping in precious moisture. It’s the perfect size for a stocking stuffer and is super travel-friendly; a total must-have if you’re getting on a plane at any point this holiday season.” —Cathy Wang, content and social media manager
A TONER THAT DOES IT ALL
“The Whamisa Organic Flowers Deep Rich Essence Toner is hands down my favorite product during the erratic winter months. It’s formulated with aloe vera, chrysanthemum extract, and oat kernel to hydrate my skin, so it looks healthy and bouncy with a touch of radiance. The fresh, flowery scent is another winning feature. I count on this product to keep my face from getting out of control, and with all the festivities coming up, I’m hoping I won’t run out.” —Vivian Chen, intern
THE ULTIMATE MULTITASKER
“The J.One Jelly Pack is my daily morning mask that I can’t live without. It’s a glow-boosting treatment and makeup-gripping primer in one that’s packed with niacinamide to instantly brighten, soothe, and protect—even under foundation. I love that it helps my makeup glide on effortlessly and creates a flawless, natural finish without any transfer or cakiness. In fact, I was never able to keep my makeup looking good until 5pm without a serious touch up, until I found this. Can’t think of a more perfect skin BFF to achieve an instant holiday glow.”
—Sarah Lee, co-CEO & co-founder
A GLOWING COMPLEXION ON THE GO
“Sheet masks—of every kind, especially the Polatam Brightening, Moisturizing, and Optimal Repairing Sheet Masks—are at the top of my holiday wish list! I’m flying cross-country this year and one of my favorite travel hacks is to pack single-use masks, instead of weighing down my bag with a bunch of bulky, full-size bottles. They’re lightweight, spill-proof, and allow me to tote a variety of targeted options for my oft-unpredictable skin. Bonus: They’re carry-on approved, which means no waiting at baggage claim— ever!” —Kirsten Peterson, executive assistant & office manager
THE DEWY COMPLEXION DUO
“2018 is the year I make mul-gwang, aka super bouncy, so-glowy-it-looks-wet skin happen, and my shortcut to getting it is the LJH Grow Hyal B5 Toner and LJH Grow Hyal B5 Ampoule. They both have an insane amount of not one, but five different kinds of hyaluronic acid to plump up even the driest skin types without clogging pores. Since doing the 7-skin method isn’t realistic for me on a daily basis, I’m vowing to do my own 3-step version every night with this toner and a once-a-week mini-mask with it, too. Stay tuned!” —Maureen Choi, director of content & partnerships
AN EXFOLIATOR FOR SKINCARE SLACKERS
“I’m obsessed with the Blithe Patting Splash Mask Yellow Citrus & Honey, because it’s innovative and beyond easy to use. You splash a capful-amount on your face in the shower, leave it on for 15 seconds while you lather up, and rinse to reveal brighter, smoother skin. So simple—even beauty novices will be hooked! I use it twice a week to keep my oily, acne-prone skin in check, but for Christmas, I’m hoping Santa will bring me the Patting Splash Mask Soothing Green Tea, so I can upgrade my skincare routine in the new year.” —Janet Rojsirilawan, graphic designer
A CUPE OF CHAI FOR THE EYES
“Something as simple as an eye cream feels indulgent when it’s made with a warm blend of antioxidant-rich turmeric and chai tea extracts, which is exactly what the Whamisa by Glow Recipe Chai Tea Eye Cream is formulated with. The creamy shea butter base hydrates and perks up my tired eyes instantly, while hyaluronic acid helps soften fine lines over time. It also has licorice extract, which is a natural brightener. For me, it’s proof that chai tea can give you better skin—from the inside and out.” —Alison Collins, assistant marketing manager
CLEAR SKIN IN A BOX
“I’m completely sold on the Whamisa by Glow Recipe Green Tea Set. The reviews for the Green Tea Moisturizer are what really made me pay attention. And they were right—this is as lightweight as it claims to be, while somehow providing the same calming protection of a dense cream. I like how invisible it becomes once it’s patted in and how well it plays with makeup. My oily skin loves the gentle, balancing Green Tea Foaming Cleansing Gel, because it removes makeup and clears clogged pores without making my face feel tight. I’m also a 7-skin method addict, and the Green Tea Serum Toner was made for it! It’s rich in antioxidants to calm inflammation, but thin enough to absorb without buildup. Since I’ve been using this trio, my skin has never looked so calm and clear.”
—Laura Benjamin, customer service manager
THE GADGET THAT HELPS WARD OFF WRINKLES
“As a dude, I’m not the biggest user of products. But I’m all for cool techie gadgets that make getting better skin a little easier. That’s why, I want a Wayskin Skin Analyzer for Christmas. It helps track your skin’s moisture level, as well as, the humidity in the air and the ambient UV light you’re exposed to at any given time. Pretty genius if you ask me.—Calvin Moyes, designer
THE SILKIEST SERUM EVER
“The new Blithe Gold Apricot Pressed Serum is where it’s at. I normally resort to face oils during the winter since moisturizer never seems to be enough, but this unique gel-balm packed with brightening apricot extract is perfect for giving me all the hydration I need without the extra step.” —Roz DeMesa, marketing intern
A SMART SOLUTION FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
“All I want for Christmas is a refill of the Make P:Rem Safe Relief Cream. It cushions my face against the harsh winter winds that whip around New York City at this time of year. I usually experience some irritation with most stuff I try, but I’ve had zero problems with this since it only has 12 ingredients, including moisturizing glycerin and soothing Nordic berry extract. I love that it strikes the perfect balance between gentle and effective.” —Kerry Andrews, content intern