The Gifts Canada’s Beauty Pros Want Most This Holiday Season

With endless launches and constant hype, it takes something truly special to catch the attention of a beauty professional. Curious what stands out to those who’ve seen it all? We asked a handful of the most discerning editors, writers, makeup artists and hair stylists we know to choose their one holiday must-have. —Emily MacCulloch

Pro: Jason Lee, hair expert and owner of Jason Lee Salon
Pick: Omnilux Contour Neck and Décolleté Device, $535

I’ve asked Santa for the Omnilux Contour Neck and Décolleté devicebecause I already have the face mask and it’s light and red light therapy has been a secret of mine to help maintain my youthful skin as the years go by. I also find that it does help with fine lines. I will literally sit and watch the Housewives with my mask on and now is a perfect time to start working on my neck and décolleté.

Pro: Noa Nichol, editor-in-chief, VITA magazine and vitamagazine.com
Pick: GHD Platinum+ Professional Smart Styler Gift Set, $419

GHD is the gold standard in flat irons, and this gold hair straightener set seems the most stylish way to replace my old tool.

Pro: Suzie Michael Galway, beauty + brand strategy director, FASHION
Pick: NuFACE Trinity+ Starter Kit, $535

I’m pretty sure I’m the only beauty editor on earth who hasn’t tried the NuFACE yet and I’m officially ready to join the other side. I’m a new(ish) mom of two, and I recently turned 36, so I’m noticing some changes in the texture and elasticity of my skin. I’ve long been intrigued by the many (many, many) glowing reviews of the viral microcurrent device, so it’s definitely at the top of my wish list this year. Contouring, toning and lifting? Sign. Me. Up.

Pro: Aleesha Harris, arts & life editor, Vancouver Sun & The Province
Pick: CHANEL Les Exclusifs de Chanel Eaux De Parfum Discovery Set, $875

The perfect gift for the fragrance fan who always wants to order shared plates at dinner (IYKYK), this Discovery Set from CHANEL features five iconic perfumes. Who doesn’t love options? The Les Exclusifs collection lineup is rendered all the more covetable by the fact that it includes two of my all-time favourite elixirs: Sycamore and Coromandel.

Pro: Lesa Hannah, writer, editor, berry lipstick enthusiast
Pick: Byredo Loveless Candle, $125

When I saw this flickering in the Soho store last year, I gasped. I love Byredo candles—Loose Lips, which evokes “velvety lipstick imprint” (!!) and Burning Rose are top contenders—but this one was named after one of my favourite albums from the ’90s! Was it an homage, I wondered? It is not, in fact. According to the brand website, it’s an homage to “the strange beauty of tuberose, a wild flower with fruity accents”. But the scent is darkened with black cedar and papyrus and that sounds good to me. Plus, I work from home in my bedroom, which tends to always be cold so I light candles all winter. I’ll light this and drop the needle on “Only Shallow” and all will be right in my world.

Pro: Sarah Amson, hairstylist and owner of Dome Hair Studio in Toronto
Pick: L’Oréal Professionnel AirLight Pro, $630

The perfect gift this holiday season is the L’Oréal Professionnel Air Light Pro. It delivers fast, sleek blowdries with zero heat damage. It’s the tool behind that effortless, pro-finish everyone asks me for. Lightweight, beautifully designed, and incredibly efficient. The perfect beauty upgrade for the holidays.

Pro: Ingrie Williams, beauty writer and co-founder of The T-Zone
Pick: Innbeauty Project Lifted & Luminous Travel Set, $51

A gift set is a smart way to test out a buzzy beauty brand, and I’ve had my eye on this peptide-loaded firming formula—the before & afters are impressive!

Pro: Christine Cho, makeup artist and on-air beauty expert
Pick: Rephr Complete Face Set, $160

This combo of synthetic and natural brushes uses high quality tools any artist or non-artist would value and use. Many are confused as to which types of brushes and brands to purchase for longevity and purpose—taking the guesswork out of it is a huge gift itself!

Pro: Andréanne Dion, senior style, beauty and travel editor, Chatelaine
Pick: La Bonne Brosse N.02 Hair Brush, $230

I’ve had my eye on this ultra-luxe hair brush by French brand La Bonne Brosse for months. The combination of nylon and boar bristles works to detangle and smooth, while also leaving hair extra shiny—and it’s also incredibly beautiful. It’s definitely a splurge, but it’s something I’ll use every day.

Pro: Jodi Urichuk, celebrity makeup artist and hair stylist
Pick: Victoria Beckham Foundation Drops, $156

It’s everything I love in a complexion product. Skin-first, serum-light coverage, loaded with high potency skincare and a luminous finish.