The best Christmas Beauty Collections 2012

You know how it feels like Christmas comes earlier every year? Well, in the case of the cosmetics companies, it’s true! Almost all the big brands have already launched their holiday collections… meaning they’ll probably all be sold out come December, so if you want to get your mitts on those gorgeous gift sets, you’ll have to act fast!

Never fear, I’ve rounded up the best holiday beauty collections for you to get started on your Christmas shopping early (or indulge in a spot of self-gifting *wink*) and make sure you don’t miss out on some of the best value gift sets this festive season!

Bliss Merry Bliss-mas Collection

Sassy must-have: I’m obsessed with the Two Turtle-Gloves set ($650), including some High Intensity Hand Cream and a pair of ‘Glamour Gloves’. They may look strange, but put these babies on overnight to make your hands softer than you thought possible (they’re also great at taking on long-haul flights to prevent dry hands getting even more dehydrated).

SASSY GIVEAWAY: For everyday luxury, you can’t beat Bliss’ skincare – and we have five Berry Bubbly Gift Sets worth $290 each to give away! They include a bottle of delicious-smelling Raspberry Champagne Soapy Suds shower gel and moisturising Body Butter, plus a funky pink shower pouf. The giveaway has now ended, but stay tuned for more…

MAC Fabulousness Collection

Sassy must-have: We’re talking serious gift sets galore at MAC, with almost 20 different ones to pick from. Our faves are the Primped Out Fabulousness sets, which boast gorgeous leopard print packaging – the Perfectly Plush 4 Piece Brush Kits ($520) are always good investments, whilst the Eye Look  ($540) or Lip Look Bags ($440) have tonnes of goodies stuffed into mini leopard print purses.

See all MAC locations in Hong Kong here

Crabtree & Evelyn

Sassy must-have: I always stock up on Crabtree’s gift sets because they’re super useful to have around – everyone in HK seems to love them, so they’re great to have ready as gifts for any last-minute parties you get invited to! My pick this year is the Vintage-Inspired Carry Case ($595), which includes a shower gel, body lotion and hand cream (and trust me, you’ll want to keep the case for yourself!)… and my scent of choice is the scrumptious Pomegranate, which my whole family became obsessed with earlier this year!

See all Crabtree & Evelyn locations in Hong Kong here

Laura Mercier

Sassy must-have: Laura Mercier have loads of amazing value Christmas sets too, but as a total eyeliner addict, my favourite is the Smoky Effects Mini Kohl Eye Pencil Collection ($380) – boasting EIGHT equally amazing and great quality different coloured eye liners. These should see you through until next Christmas!

See all Laura Mercier locations in Hong Kong here

Shu Uemura x Karl Lagerfeld Collection

Sassy must-have: Cutest holiday collection goes to Shu Uemura, for their collaboration with Kaiser Karl, where all items come adorned with an adorable ‘mon shu girl’ drawn by the man himself! Shu Uemura’s Eyelash Curler ($140) is a cult must-have anyway… so add in some uber-cool red and black design and a cute ‘mon shu girl’ charm and you have the perfect stocking filler!

See all Shu Uemura locations in Hong Kong here

 

NARS Andy Warhol Collection

Sassy must-have: We are IN LOVE with the packaging for the Edie gift set (yes… as in Sedgewick, $720), which includes a lipstick, eye shadow, eyeliner and blush duo… in short, pretty much everything you need for your average make-up look, and all in easy-to-wear flattering pink shades. And did we mention we LOVE the packaging?!

NARS is available in Hong Kong at their stores in Pacific Place’s Beauty Gallery and Langham Place, plus counters in Times Square, IFC and Canton Road Lane Crawford

Benefit

Sassy must-have: When do you ever finish a full tube of lip gloss? Never, right?! Which means this six-pack of mini High Flying Glosses are the absolute perfect size! You get one of each of Benefit’s new Ultra Plush Lip Glosses (which match their iconic box o’ powder blushes – my fave is the shimmery nude Sugarbomb) – and at only $280 (each full size gloss normally retails for $160), it’s stonking good value!

See all Benefit locations in Hong Kong here

bareMinerals

Sassy must-have: I was never a huge fan of bareMinerals loose eye shadows, but their new READY pressed shadows are a total winner. Intense pigmentation, velvety smooth texture and amazing colours mean you’ll need to snap up one of their great value Christmas palettes; my pick is The Star Treatment ($480), full of glimmering golds and burnished bronzes perfect for any Christmas party.

See all bareMinerals locations in Hong Kong here

Estee Lauder

Sassy must-have: Estee Lauder has dozens of gift sets, plus their collectible solid perfumes, to pick from – but I’m more interested in this amazing freebie! If you spend over $580 at an Estee Lauder counter (very easy to do), you get this fantastic Ultimate Colour set for FREE. It includes two eye and cheek palettes, a lipstick, lip gloss, lip liner, mascara, lash primer, eye pencil, bottle of cleansing milk and wallet (phew!), all in a gorgeous red travel case. These are expected to sell out ASAP so hit the counters now!

See all Estee Lauder locations in Hong Kong here

An Aesop Aviary

Sassy must-have: Not into all the Xmas bling? Then keep it chic and classy with these bird-themed (yes, you heard right, bird-themed) sets from Aesop (from $440-1300). They each include different hero Aesop products in cool collectible tins, so they’re perfect for taking on any travels you have planned.

See all Aesop locations in Hong Kong here

Elemis Royal Collection

Sassy must-have: Got a very special someone you need to treat? Then the Elemis Pro Collagen Queen set ($3080) is the one to beat. It includes six of Elemis’ skincare bestsellers (like their Pro-Collagen Marine Cream and Quartz Lift Mask), packed up in a luxurious purple vanity case.

Elemis is available at Times Square and Canton Road Lane Crawford or Pacific Place Harvey Nichols