At the end of what has been a tough year for everyone, it's all about the feel-good factor when selecting presents this Christmas. From stocking fillers to luxurious sets, here's our pick of the best beauty gifts for all ages…
Sustainable surprises
BBC Earth Travel Cleansing Bar Set £10, Boots
For a friend or family member who's committed to cutting down on single-use plastic, this set of four vegan cleansing bars (soap, shampoo, body scrub and body wash) is a step in the right direction, saving the equivalent of more than eight plastic bottles.
The Merry Choc-mas Bundle £19.99 (was £25.47), UpCircle
Innovative eco brand UpCircle repurposes ingredients that would otherwise be thrown away. This set includes a body scrub with coffee grounds from cafes, and soap with residual chai spices, as well as a tube squeezer - so nothing goes to waste - and a bar of tasty vegan dark chocolate.
The Gift Set £37.45, Kind2
A great starter kit for an eco conscious pal, this plastic-free trio of hair cleansing bars comes with an enamel tray and drawstring storage bag.
Charitable choices
Speak Out Perfectly Matte Lipstick £6, Avon
Refuge reported a sharp spike in domestic violence during the pandemic, while Women's Aid saw a 40% increase in visitors to its online chat. In response, Avon launched the Speak Out lipstick, a classic cool-toned matte red, from which 50% of sales will be donated to the two charities.
250 For Her Limited Edition Eau de Parfum £16.67 (was £25), Yardley London
Celebrating the 250 years of the heritage brand, this oriental floral fragrance brings together a bouquet of lavender, lily, neroli, violet and rose layered on a creamy vanilla and wood base.
Partnering with Look Good Feel Better, 1.5% of sales from the male and female anniversary scents will go to the cancer support charity.
Organic Babies Silent Night Winter Edition £20, Green People
For every sale of this baby-friendly duo, featuring lavender-scented wash and lotion, Green People will donate 50p to The Lullaby Trust, which raises awareness of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and supports bereaved parents.
Black-owned brands
Born Curly Avocado Shea Co-wash, £6.49, As I Am , Born Curly Argan Curl Defining Jelly £7.99, As I Am Afrodrops
Launched by Luke Carthy after his five-year-old son said he hated how his hair grew compared to his classmates, Afrodrops' website stocks 13 black hair brands, offering 137 specialist products for natural afro and curly hair types.
Black Magic Colour Palette in Poise £43 Selfridges, Uoma
Uoma was founded by Nigerian former beauty executive Sharon Chuter. The 10-pan Poise eyeshadow palette brings together matte and shimmer shades in a range of highly-pigmented warm tones, with a couple of brights for creating ultra eye-catching looks.
Mood-boosting make-up
Mini Laguna Lip and Bronzer Duo £20, Space NK, Nars
Starring Nars' much-loved golden brown Laguna shade, this on-the-go glow duo brings together a mini Bronzing Powder and Afterglow Lip Balm.
Glossy Posse Holo'daze Edition Mini Gloss Bomb Collection £30, Fenty Beauty from Boots
Shine like Rihanna herself with this quartet of shimmery wet-look lip glosses from the pop superstar's beauty brand.
Luxe Gilded Highlighter in Foiled Petal £36.50, Bobbi Brown
Part of Bobbi Brown's holiday collection, this peachy-pink highlighter imparts a pearlescent glow on your cheekbones.
Bathing beauties
12. Festive Penguin Bath Fizzer Gift Set £15, Marks and Spencer
Inside this angelic penguin's round belly, you'll find six bath fizzers, ready to transform your tub with a delightful coconut and vanilla aroma.
Holiday Pocket Set £38, Diptyque from Space NK
Housed in a beautiful blue gift pouch, this travel-sized trio contains everything you need for a long, luxurious soak: rose-scented soap and shower oil, plus a dinky version of Diptyque's best-selling Baies candle.