We’re a budget beauty site, so we don’t recommend splurges lightly. But sometimes a gift should feel special, and a few luxury skincare products really are worth the extra money.
These seven are well loved, easy to give, and available on Amazon with fast shipping. For each one we explain who it suits, and where there’s a smaller size that costs less.
Our top picks: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair for the skincare lover who has everything, and Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream for a gift almost anyone will enjoy.
Under $40: Paula’s Choice 2% BHA or the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Stick.
Quick list
| Product | Best for | Price range | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum | The skincare lover who has everything | Splurge (1.7 oz) | Buy on Amazon |
| Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment | Dull, uneven skin | Splurge (1 oz) | Buy on Amazon |
| Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream | Peptide fans and sensitive skin | Splurge (1.69 oz) | Buy on Amazon |
| Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream | Almost anyone who loves a scent | Splurge (8.1 oz) | Buy on Amazon |
| EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46 | Acne-prone or sensitive skin | Splurge (1.7 oz) | Buy on Amazon |
| Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant | Blackheads and clogged pores | Mid-range (4 oz) | Buy on Amazon |
| Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Stick SPF 40 | Reapplying sunscreen over makeup | Mid-range (0.7 oz) | Buy on Amazon |
Big-splurge gifts
1. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum
Best for: The skincare lover who has everything · Price range: Splurge (1.7 oz) The little brown bottle is one of the most famous serums ever made. The current formula has hyaluronic acid and peptides, and it’s made to help skin look smoother, more hydrated and more radiant. It’s gentle enough for most skin types and slots into any routine at night, under moisturizer. It’s an easy gift to get right because it doesn’t depend on a shade or a scent.Keep in mind: It’s one of the priciest serums around, and much of the price is the brand; budget hydrating serums can feel similar.
Check price on Amazon2. Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment
Keep in mind: Lactic acid can sting sensitive skin and makes daily sunscreen a must, and it’s very expensive for the amount you get.
Check price on Amazon3. Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
Keep in mind: It’s light, so very dry skin may want something richer, and per ounce it’s a real splurge.
Check price on AmazonGifts under $50
4. Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
Keep in mind: It’s strongly scented, so skip it for anyone sensitive to fragrance, and it’s a body cream, not one for the face.
Check price on Amazon5. EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
Keep in mind: It’s expensive for a daily sunscreen, and the untinted version can look slightly white on deeper skin tones until it settles.
Check price on Amazon6. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Keep in mind: Overuse can dry out or irritate skin, so start a few nights a week, and it’s pricey for the size at full price.
Check price on Amazon7. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Stick SPF 40
Keep in mind: Sticks are easy to under-apply, so swipe several times, and it costs a lot per ounce for sunscreen.
Check price on AmazonHow to choose a luxury skincare gift
- Know their skin type. If you’re not sure, go for gentle picks like Advanced Night Repair, Protini or a body cream.
- Think about scent. Sol de Janeiro is all about its fragrance. Protini and EltaMD are fragrance-free.
- Try a travel size if you’re unsure. Protini, Good Genes and Bum Bum Cream all come in smaller sizes.
- Include a gift receipt. Amazon lets you add one at checkout.
FAQ
What is the best luxury skincare gift?
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair is a safe, much-loved choice for most skin types. For a body-care gift, Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream is hard to beat.Is luxury skincare better than drugstore skincare?
Not always. Many budget products work just as well. Luxury products often win on texture, scent and the experience, which is exactly what makes them nice gifts.Are these sold by the brands on Amazon?
These links go to listings in Amazon’s Luxury Beauty store. Check the “Ships from” and “Sold by” details on the product page before you buy.When should I order for the holidays?
Order by early December to be safe. Delivery dates get longer close to the holidays, so check the estimate on each product page.Price ranges are a rough guide. Check the current price on Amazon. This article is general information, not medical advice. Patch test new skincare. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
