Gift Guide: 19 of the Best Skincare Gifts That You Should Probably Just Buy for Yourself

If you're into skincare—and I mean REALLY into skincare—then no gift would make you happier than a new product or tool to add your growing collection. Even if you have to buy it yourself!

That's why I created this list of the ultimate gifts that any skincare enthusiast would love. 

I'm talking about the big guns here, like powerful retinoids, reparative moisturizers and high-tech gadgets. No, they're not cheap, but they might just be the most worthwhile additions to your daily routine. 

Keep scrolling for the best skincare gifts from brands like ZIIP, Augustinus Bader, Foreo and more.

The Best Skincare Gifts of 2021

ZIIP Nano Current Device

The ZIIP Nano Current Device is like having a professional facialist on call to give you a customized skin treatment. This handheld device emits painless electrical currents (both micro and nano) that flood cells with ATP, a.k.a. cellular energy. Through an app on your phone, you can choose from a range of guided programs to target signs of aging, pigmentation, dullness, dark circles or breakouts.

Augustinus Bader The Cream

Augustinus Bader The Cream has a cult following, and for good reason. Although lightweight and silicone-free, it actually helps to repair your skin barrier with ceramides and fatty acids. But it's not just a hydrator. It also features a proprietary amino acid complex that activates the regeneration of your skin's own stem cells. Think of it as a complete skin treatment in one product.

Foreo Luna 3 

The Foreo Luna 3 is the latest iteration of the brand's iconic cleansing brush, and it takes washing your face to a whole new level. As you probably know, I've always been a fan of this brush because of its ergonomic design and silicone bristles, which give you the best deep-clean without irritating your skin or collecting bacteria. Now, the device syncs up with an app so you can pre-program your cleansing preferences, and be guided through various facial massage routines.

Shani Darden Retinol Reform

Shani Darden Retinol Reform is one of the best over-the-counter retinoids, especially if you're looking for a lightweight and silicone-free formula. The secret to its effectiveness is the combination of 2.2% encapsulated retinol and 2% lactic acid, which work in tandem to treat fine lines, dark marks, breakouts and dullness. I saw great results from this product—see my full review here.

Skin Gym High Frequency Wand

If you deal with the occasional breakout, the Skin Gym High Frequency Wand could be a worthy investment. Inspired by professional facials, it zaps blemishes with high-frequency electrical current, which helps to shorten their lifespan—no drying spot treatments required. It comes with three different treatment heads: the mushroom is for flat areas, the dot-point is for pimples, and the spoon is for contours (like around the nose).

Verso Super Facial Serum

If you find retinol too irritating, but still want a strong anti-aging treatment, Verso Super Facial Serum deserves your consideration. This rich serum contains 0.1% of a stabilized vitamin A complex, which includes retinol retinoate, a powerful but gentle retinoic acid ester. So it acts like a 0.8% retinol, sans side effects.

BeautyBio GloPRO Microneedling Facial Regeneration Tool

The BeautyBio GloPRO Microneedling Facial Regeneration Tool comes with everything you need to get started with microneedling at home. The tool itself is covered in tiny shallow needles, which stimulate collagen and increase the absorption of your topical skincare treatments. As you roll, it also delivers red LED light and microcurrent to enhance healing. With continued use, you can expect, plumper, firmer, glowier skin.

Kristina Holey + Marie Veronique Soothing B3 Serum

If there's one ingredient that ALL skin can benefit from, it's niacinamide—and the Kristina Holey + Marie Veronique Soothing B3 Serum is among the best formulations. With a 10% concentration, this gel-like serum addresses redness, dryness, pigmentation and breakouts. It also happens to be free of both fragrance and essential oils. 

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Dermaflash Dermapore Ultrasonic Pore Extractor & Serum Infuser

Dermaflash Dermapore Ultrasonic Pore Extractor & Serum Infuser could be a great addition to your routine if you struggle with clogged, congested pores. This two-in-one device has an "extract" mode that uses sonic vibrations to gently loosen and remove dirt, oil and blackheads. Then, on the "infuse" mode, the vibrations enhance the penetration of your favourite serums so they work more effectively.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Ask any dermatologist to name the best vitamin C serum, and you're guaranteed to hear about SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. That's because it's a patented blend of 15% L-ascorbic acid with ferulic acid and vitamin E, which work synergistically to neutralize free radicals while brightening and firming the skin. Unlike other serums of its kind, this one is formulated at a low pH for maximum penetration.

PMD Personal Microderm Classic

Why pay for professional microdermabrasion treatments when you can invest in your very own PMD Personal Microderm Classic? This device uses the same exfoliation and vacuum technology to resurface (and you won't believe how much dead skin it takes off!). It's a great alternative to acids, and is equally effective at brightening, softening, clarifying and anti-aging.

EleVen by Venus Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35

Nothing in your routine is as important as sunscreen. But if you've struggled to find one that doesn't give you a white cast, feel greasy or break you out, EleVen by Venus Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35 is for you. Not only is it completely weightless and invisible on all skin tones, it also gives incredible protection from UVA (the rays that cause aging and skin cancer). 

Red Light Man Red Light Device

Red light therapy is one of the best things that you can do for your skin, as well as your overall health. I've tried many LED light devices over the years, but none compare to the Red Light Man Red Light Device. What's the difference? It's far more powerful (which means shorter treatment times) and it emits the optimal wavelengths on the red light spectrum (which means better results!). Find out more about red light therapy here and here.

Omorovicza Acid Solution

Adding a gentle acid toner to your routine can totally transform your skin, and Omorovicza Acid Solution is the newest formula in town. With its mix of glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids, plus mineral-rich Hungarian thermal water, it gently exfoliates, brightens, smooths and evens out tone. This would be a good alternative to Lotion P50 (which is a little trickier to get hold of!).

ReFa S Carat

The ReFa S Carat is a step up from massaging your face with a jade roller. This device replicates the gentle kneading technique of a professional facialist in order to release tension, de-puff, and get a glow going. At the same time, it emits a mild microcurrent to help with overall firming. I have one of these, and the massaging power is legit!

Sisley Paris Sisleÿa L'Intégral Anti-Age Eye & Lip Contour Cream

Sisley Paris Sisleÿa L'Intégral Anti-Age Eye & Lip Contour Cream is the Rolls Royce of eye creams. Not only is it incredibly luxurious to use (and comes with a petite massage tool), it really does it all—hydrating, brightening, firming and de-puffing. The texture is also perfect, as it's nourishing but non-greasy, and wears beautifully under makeup. There's a reason you'd be hard-pressed to find a negative review!

NuFace Trinity Facial Toning Device

If your main concern is a lack of firmness, the NuFace Trinity Facial Toning Device is the way to go. Although you can't feel it, this handheld device tones and tightens as it glides across your skin, leading to a lifted look over time. Similar to the ZIIP, it's powered by electrical current, but uses exclusively microcurrent (the best type for strengthening muscles).

Dr Roebuck’s Ningaloo Firming Serum

Did you know that copper peptides are on par with retinoids as one of the best anti-aging ingredients for your skin? Dr Roebuck's Ningaloo Firming Serum is my top pick for getting started. This ultra-clean, six-ingredient serum works on skin elasticity and collagen repair, resulting in fewer fine lines and improved moisture retention, texture and tone.

Georgia Louise Pulse + Glo Sheet Mask Ion Enhancer

Created by a celebrity facialist, Georgia Louise Pulse + Glo Sheet Mask Ion Enhancer is a galvanic current device that's meant to be worn in conjunction with a sheet mask. It uses positive and negative ions to pulse the active ingredients into your skin, promising 10 times deeper penetration. At the same time, it also boosts blood circulation and softens the appearance of pores and wrinkles. 

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