14 Little Beauty Gifts That Bring Big Joy, According to Vogue Editors

Amid all the dizzying holiday shopping happening over the next few weeks, there’s one oft-overlooked person on that long list: you. That’s right, considering all the heavy lifting you’re going through to ensure each present is perfectly picked for family, friends, and even mere acquaintances, here’s to making the case for grabbing a little (or big!) something to treat yourself.

This year, heed the seasoned advice of a few Vogue editors, who have dished on their must-have beauty picks. From a transformative facial at one of New York City’s top salons to an almost-sold-out fragrance, here’s what the staffers are coveting—and keeping—for themselves this month. You’re welcome.

Edward Barsamian, Vogue Style Editor

“The only scent to get me through holiday-party season—and put me in the festive spirit—is Tom Ford’s F*cking Fabulous.”

Chioma Nnadi, Vogue Fashion News Director
“I'm treating myself to Régime Des Fleurs's Falling Trees fragrance. I discovered the line after Eckhaus Latta used one of their scents for their exhibit at the Whitney. This particularly perfume smells like a cross between a summer camp fire and the inside of a cathedral (I'm a sucker for anything that's heavy on Frankincense, or in this case Myrrh).”

Catherine Piercy, Vogue Beauty Director

“Since I’m six months pregnant, this year, it’s all about the baby bump: prenatal Pilates classes with Erika Bloom or one of the amazing staff at her New York City studio—nothing makes the aches and pains vanish faster or keeps my body as strong and balanced. At home, I’m committing to a Melt Soft foam roller—it’s heaven for working out the little kinks. And for additional pampering, it’s restocking on Loli’s super-hydrating, all-natural Date Nut salve for my belly and Augustinus Bader’s miraculous The Rich Cream on my face for the best skin ever—baby or none.”

Steff Yotka, Vogue Fashion News Editor

“I am notoriously lackadaisical about my skin-care regimen, which, as I get older, is proving to be an issue. Thankfully, Vogue Beauty Editor Jenna Rennert has turned me on to a whole host of products and treatments even the laziest woman can adhere to. The saving grace was Joanna Vargas’s Triple Crown Facial that restored a glow-iness to my skin—and a contour to my cheeks—that I haven’t seen since age 17. With her [self-titled] Vitamin C rich serum, it’s saved me some face, literally.”

Nicole Phelps, Vogue Runway Director
“I got my first whiff of doTERRA's essential oil blends in Milan, via my friend, the LaDoubleJ designer JJ Martin, who in addition to being a fabulous dressmaker and an inspiring entrepreneur, also has seriously excellent taste in scents. My beauty gift to me this year is a stash to rival JJ's. I especially love the On Guard oil, which supports immune system function with a delicious smelling mix of orange, cardamom, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary.”

Lilah Ramzi, Vogue Features Editor

“Is there anything more glamorous than a tasseled atomizer perfume bottle, spritzing an aromatic haze whilst seated at your vanity, preferably in a feathered silk robe? This is something I think I need to experience.”

Lauren Tom, Vogue Editorial Producer

“Something about glitter always makes things more magical and pretty! I’ve wanted to try the GlamGlow GlitterMask for a while—it’s not only great for your skin but also the best for that perfect Snapchat selfie!”

Jenna Rennert, Vogue Beauty Editor

“Combine my love of art history and beauty and you get this realistic pink candle bust—an exact replica of Marie Antoinette’s portrait in The Louvre. No doubt she will look as fabulous in my New York City apartment!”

Ella Riley-Adams, Vogue Living Editor

“A trip to Dimes market in Chinatown revealed a couple of beauty gifts I’ve noted as must-buys when I’m done shopping for everyone else: a fresh, woodsy perfume in an elegant bottle from Bon Parfumeur, and a konjak sponge with French pink clay (and pretty floral packaging) by Wyld.”

Liana Satenstein, Vogue Fashion News Writer

“I am looking to buy myself some throwback perfumes and live like 2004 this holiday season. Gucci Rush and Clinique Happy are on my list.”

Madeline Fass, Vogue Associate Market Editor

“I bought my parents (and myself!) Retinoid serum from The Ordinary. At $4 a bottle during the Cyber Week sales, (original price is $14) this anti-aging solution is an unbeatable price for a gift I know they’ll use and love!”

Fernanda Peres, Vogue Editorial Producer

“I have a face mask obsession and have tried a few, including my K-beauty favorites Glow Recipe and Laneige, but I’ve been curious to try Peter Thomas Roth’s 24K Gold Mask. It’s on the pricier side—because it’s gold, after all—but it promises a deep glow.”

Michaela Bechler, Vogue Features Associate

“Resisting the urge to shampoo every day becomes infinitely harder when you’re a runner, cycler, or all-around exercise-enthusiast. After discovering these charcoal blotting papers, I won’t cave to the pressure again. The all-natural dry shampoo papers from Recess are lightweight, effective, and inexpensive, aka the perfect stocking stuffer or add-on present for the athlete in your life (or yourself, of course). Use one blotter after Pilates and less sweaty activities; employ two after a class at Mile High Run Club or Yoga Sculpt at CorePower Yoga.”

Alessandra Codinha, Vogue Culture Editor
“I feel like it’s never been more important to unwind, and the best way that I’ve found to do that is a one-two punch of working out and then equally hardcore recovery. So this year maybe i’ll treat myself to some more Flywheel classes with New York’s best instructor, Natalie Ortiz, and then splurge on some great smelling bath salts and more of my favorite muscle rub for post work-out atoning.”