On Beauty: Help with last minute purchases

The Christmas season is a baffling landscape of panic buying and gift sets. They’re literally everywhere, and they do make a good quick-fix gift. They also allow you to buy something nice on any budget with scant knowledge, such as which brand a person might like, but not which products.

If you find yourself doing a spot of panic shopping this week, try not to assault any of your fellow shoppers (quite a difficult feat when you get elbowed viciously in the ribs by an elderly lady for standing too near a display of hand-painted dishware festooned with kittens).

After looking out for your personal safety, I recommend doing your research, heading to your destination early, then getting in and out of the shops as quickly as possible. Or you could buy online – just make sure that you’ll have your gifts in time for Christmas.

The

Bog Standard three-wick winter candle

(€39.95) is a perfect gift for Christmas, or just the festive season in general. With 90 hours burn time, it is fantastic value for its size, though there are smaller sizes if you prefer. The candle, made in Co Down and fragranced with soft spices and orange, is the perfect home fragrance.

Lovers of the eponymous Percy Pig (and I don’t know anyone of any age who doesn’t have a soft spot for the soft, gelatinous sweets), will be charmed by the

Percy Pig tin gift set

(€13.50 from Marks and Spencer). It contains Percy Pig strawberry lip balm,

Penny Pig

vanilla lip balm, and

Colin Caterpillar

lemon lip balm. For kids, as they say, from eight to 80.

For insomniacs, or just those prone to stress, the

This Works I Have a Dream

gift set (€96) is an indulgent and thoughtful gift. Fragrance can really help with relaxation, and this set contains their signature product, Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, as well as luscious body products Deep Sleep Night Oil and Deep Sleep Dream Cream, and Deep Sleep Heavenly Candle. Vetiver, chamomile and lavender ensure a symphony of smells to lull you to sleep.

Clarins Men Hydration and Cleansing Essentials Gift Set

(€66) is an excellent option for men who travel. Though some men can be a little dismissive of skincare, and tend not to buy it for themselves, most will use it, if it’s there. Once his skin starts to feel less tight and more comfortable in the unkind winter weather, he’ll be a convert.

This gift set contains Clarins Super Moisture Balm, Exfoliating Cleanser (which helps men’s thicker, oilier skin when used once or twice per week), Smooth Shave Gel Mousse and Anti-fatigue Eye Serum. The eye serum may be a step too far for most men, but it makes a comforting, non-sticky, quick-fix for dry lips in cold weather. They’ll feel immediately more comfortable, and without any trace of shine or balm on the lips.

Beauty products are gifts that help a loved one to care for themselves. Giving them is an act of love.