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Beauty and Style Gifts for Every Type of Woman in Your Life

Stocking stuffers and presents for the beauty junkie, trend seeker and everyone in between

By

Lois Joy Johnson,

 
AARP
Comments
Published November 25, 2020
A closeup of a woman holding a blue wrapped gift box
Nancy R. Cohen/Photodisc/Getty Images

Here are three things no gift-giver ever wants to hear: “Thanks, but I already have this"; “Thanks, but it's so not me"; and “Thanks, but it's the wrong size.” Of course, we'd never actually say that to the giver, but let's be realistic — “regift or return” is the postholiday mantra of our time. Shopping for every personality (let alone every shape and size) has never been easy. No worries: Here are bargains, splurges and stocking stuffers for every woman on your 2020 list.

Riki Loves Riki Skinny Mirror; L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche La Palette in Nude Intense; Jean Pierre Rose Quartz Face and Under Eye Roller; Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette
(Clockwise from left) Riki Loves Riki Skinny Mirror; L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche La Palette in nude intense; Jean Pierre Rose Quartz Face and Under Eye Roller; Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette
Ulta Beauty (2); CVS; Target

1. The beauty junkie

The beauty junkie's guilty pleasures are YouTube makeup tutorials. She has enough lotions and potions to stock a Sephora store and wears perfume even home alone in sweats. Her newest vice is eye shadow (thanks to mask wearing), so gift her a new palette of next-generation neutral shades like the L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche La Palette in nude intense ($21, cvs.com) or Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette ($45, ulta.com) with a mix of peachy, pinky, rosy beiges and browns in mattes and shimmers. Splurge on an LED makeup mirror like the Riki Loves Riki Skinny Mirror ($195, ulta.com) with magnifying mirror and phone clips for perfect selfies. Or just stash a face roller like the Jean Pierre Rose Quartz Face and Under Eye Roller ($10, target.com) in her Christmas stocking for a spalike application of face creams and serums.

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Bala Weighted Bangle Set in pink; Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Powersoft Light Compression Hidden-Pocket Leggings for Women in emerald shimmer; Everlane The 100% Human Face Mask 5-Pack; Sweaty Betty Contour 7/8 Leggings in gray terrazzo foil print
(Left to right) Bala Weighted Bangle Set in pink; Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Powersoft Light Compression Hidden-Pocket Leggings for Women in emerald shimmer; Everlane The 100% Human Face Mask 5-Pack; Sweaty Betty Contour 7/8 Leggings in gray terrazzo foil print
Anthropologie; Old Navy; Everlane; Nordstrom

2. The exercise enthusiast

She streams barre and yoga classes, bikes around the neighborhood and counts grocery shopping steps with a Fitbit. Give her sneakers-with-everything lifestyle a lift with stylish 1 pound bangle-bracelet weights like the Bala Weighted Bangle Set in white, pink or lilac ($49, anthropologie.com) to add effective resistance to everyday routines. A pair of standout leggings like the Sweaty Betty Contour 7/8 Leggings in gray terrazzo foil print ($62, nordstrom.com) or the Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Powersoft Light Compression Hidden-Pocket Leggings for Women in emerald shimmer or gray leopard ($40, oldnavy.gap.com) can provide workout incentive, too. Or just wrap up Everlane's The 100% Human Face Mask 5-Pack in assorted ($25, everlane.com) in four go-with-everything neutrals and powder blue and say “done!"

Gap Vintage Soft Classic Joggers in olive green; Ann Taylor Cheetah Print Pajamas in russet brown; Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa ’71 Body Mist
(Left to right) Gap Vintage Soft Classic Joggers in olive green; Ann Taylor Cheetah Print Pajamas in russet brown; Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa ’71 Body Mist
Gap; Ann Taylor; Sephora

3. The happy homebody

She's a cooking aficionado who bakes perfect cupcakes and scones (thanks to The Great British Baking Show) and spent stay-home time last winter cozying up her home and cleaning out her closets ... with a little help from Amazon Prime. Gift her with new updates of basics — a pair of animal print pajamas like the Ann Taylor Cheetah Print Pajamas in russet brown ($79, anntaylor.com) and a pair of Gap Vintage Soft Classic Joggers in brown cocoa, carls stone grey or olive green ($55, gap.com) for a loungewear boost. Add a gourmand body mist like Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa ‘71 Body Mist ($19, sephora.com) with notes of caramelized vanilla and toasted macadamia nuts for a delicious treat.

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Love Beauty & Planet Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Fizzing Freshness Bath Bombs; H&M Conscious Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater in red; Gap Upcycled Lightweight Puffer Jacket in blue cheetah print
(Left to right) Love Beauty and Planet Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Fizzing Freshness Bath Bombs; H&M Conscious Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater in red; Gap Upcycled Lightweight Puffer Jacket in blue cheetah print
Target; H&M; Gap

4. The earthy do-gooder

She recycles, upcycles and has a passion for “natural” anything — from vegan beauty to ethically sourced clothing. Her positive approach to the pandemic included food drop-offs for elderly neighbors, learning to knit and adopting a shelter dog that needed some TLC. Gift her with a cheery sweater like the H&M Conscious Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater in red ($24, hm.com) made from sustainably sourced recycled materials or a new puffer like the Gap Upcycled Lightweight Puffer Jacket in blue cheetah print ($90, gap.com) since it's water resistant and made from recycled materials. Then throw in a vegan bath enhancer like the Love Beauty and Planet Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Fizzing Freshness Bath Bombs ($7, target.com) to turn dark winter days into bliss.

Estella Bartlett Badass Silvertone Pendant Necklace; Zella Live In Metallic Print High Waist Leggings in black reptile impression print; Topshop Knotted Half Moon Faux Leather Shoulder Bag in cream
(Left to right) Estella Bartlett Badass Silvertone Pendant Necklace; Zella Live In Metallic Print High Waist Leggings in black reptile impression print; Topshop Knotted Half Moon Faux Leather Shoulder Bag in cream
Nordstrom (3)

5. The trend seeker

She's never without earbuds, an enviable face mask and a pair of the coolest new jeans and sneakers. You might not copy her edgy triple ear piercings or butterfly tattoo, but whatever she's wearing is sure to be on-trend and selling out fast. Make her day with something she doesn't have ... yet. Try a pair of shimmering metallic snakeskin leggings like the Zella Live In Metallic Print High Waist Leggings in black reptile impression print ($69, nordstrom.com) that pair with any black sweater, a personal statement necklace like the Estella Bartlett Badass Silvertone Pendant Necklace ($25, nordstrom.com) or a cushiony silver bag like the Topshop Knotted Half Moon Faux Leather Shoulder Bag in cream or silver ($45, nordstrom.com). It's the newest version of the hobo style, sure to impress any fashionista.

Everlane Cashmere V-Neck in heather grey; Hermès Rouge Hermes Satin Lipstick in rouge casaque; Uniqlo Cashmere Knitted Gloves in 09 black; Loft Face Masks
Everlane Cashmere V-Neck in heather grey (left); Hermès Rouge Hermes Satin Lipstick in rouge casaque (middle top); Uniqlo Cashmere Knitted Gloves in 09 black (middle bottom); Loft Face Masks (right)
Everlane; Bloomingdale's; Uniqlo; LOFT

6. The luxury lover

She still has a yen for labels and logos even if only on sunglasses and perfume bottles, craves cashmere and silk (even on a denim-and-cotton budget) and loves to purely browse high-end brands for fun. No need to break your budget to make her happy. Gift a classy gray or black cashmere sweater like the Everlane Cashmere V-Neck ($100, everlane.com) or a pair of cashmere gloves like the Uniqlo Cashmere Knitted Gloves in 09 black ($30, uniqlo.com/us) that also are available in several other colors. For a dramatic thank you, try a single vibrant wow lipstick like the Hermès Rouge Hermes Satin Lipstick in rouge casaque or rose kakra ($67, bloomingdales.com) in the signature orange box. Don't worry — she's sure to wear it under her mask for a secret perk. The stuffer? Try the Loft Face Masks in Multi ($20, loft.com) in zebra, cheetah and leopard for a wild touch.

A New Day Women’s Fleece Pullover Sweatshirt in rose; Gap Adult Statement Contour Mask with Filter Pocket 3-Pack in multiblue; Clean Classic Fresh Laundry Eau de Parfum Spray
(Left to right) A New Day Women’s Fleece Pullover Sweatshirt in rose; Gap Adult Statement Contour Mask with Filter Pocket 3-Pack in multiblue; Clean Classic Fresh Laundry Eau de Parfum Spray
Target; Gap; Clean Beauty Collective

7. The free spirit

She's adventurous but spiritual, carries crystals in her cross-body bag and uses morning walks to meditate. An individualist who journals haiku poems and gratitude lists, she loves anything that's cool, casual and cosmic. Give her a grownup hippie fragrance like Clean Classic Fresh Laundry Eau de Parfum Spray ($44, sephora.com) with clean notes of jasmine, cut grass and patchouli or a bunch of inspirational slogan face masks like Gap Adult Statement Contour Mask with Filter Pocket 3-Pack in multiblue ($7, gap.com) that say peace, love and hope. Or try a snuggly sweatshirt like the A New Day Women's Fleece Pullover Sweatshirt in camel, rose or teal ($20, target.com) with a modern cropped boxy fit in soft calming hues.

Philosophy Grace Nude Rose Shampoo, Bath & Shower Gel; (Left to right) J.Crew Sophie Open-Front Sweater-Blazer in hthr natural; Who What Wear Women’s Mid-Rise Regular Fit Jogger Pants in brown; French Girl Organics Rose Sea Soak
(Left to right) Philosophy Grace Nude Rose Shampoo, Bath & Shower Gel; (Left to right) J.Crew Sophie Open-Front Sweater-Blazer in hthr natural; Who What Wear Women’s Mid-Rise Regular Fit Jogger Pants in brown; French Girl Organics Rose Sea Soak
Sephora; J.Crew; Target; Anthropologie

8. The workaholic wonder

She's still working from home or back in an actual workplace, but either way loves the paycheck, the mental stimulation and the connection with coworkers. Looking polished and professional while staying comfy are her priorities now. Gift her with softly tailored basics like the J.Crew Sophie Open-Front Sweater-Blazer in hthr natural, hthr khaki or navy ($148, jcrew.com), a knit with a relaxed fit; or a pair of pantlike joggers such as the Who What Wear Women's Mid-Rise Regular Fit Jogger Pants in brown or black ($30, target.com), cut straight and slim in sizes XS to 4x. Add a multitasking beauty gift like the Philosophy Grace Nude Rose Shampoo, Bath & Shower Gel ($28, sephora.com) to make mornings a snap or the French Girl Organics Rose Sea Soak ($22, anthropologie.com) for soothing before bed de-stressing.

Uniqlo Women Ultra Light Down Cocoon Parka in 30 natural; L.L. Bean Adults Bandana Protective Face Cover in darkest navy birdseye; The Body Shop Hand-Cracked Coconut Lips, Hands & Nails Kit
(Left to right) Uniqlo Women Ultra Light Down Cocoon Parka in 30 natural; L.L. Bean Adults Bandana Protective Face Cover in darkest navy birdseye; The Body Shop Hand-Cracked Coconut Lips, Hands & Nails Kit
Uniqlo; L.L. Bean; Ulta Beauty

9. The adventure-seeker

She's more outdoorsy than indoorsy and would rather go for a walk in the rain than run on a treadmill. Her vacation tastes run more to the Grand Canyon than the Louvre Museum, but she still like looking fashionable whether nature hiking, perfecting her bird calls in the park or snapping sunsets on her iPhone. Gift her with the Uniqlo Women Ultra Light Down Cocoon Parka in 30 natural or 11 pink, ($80, uniqlo.com/us) since it's water-repellant, hooded and has a contemporary shape designed for layering. Toss a reusable face mask or two like the L.L. Bean Adults Bandana Protective Face Cover 2-Pack in darkest navy birdseye ($20, llbean.com) and The Body Shop Hand-Cracked Coconut Lips, Hands & Nails Kit ($10, ulta.com) in her gift bag, too. Grooming is always essential.

Violeta by Mango Lace Detail Sweater in black; ASTR the Label Floral Face Masks; Soia and Kyo Ashlyn Woven Color Blocked Scarf in fawn; Valentino Donna Born in Roma Eau de Parfum Spray
(Clockwise from left) Violeta by Mango Lace Detail Sweater in black; ASTR the Label Floral Face Masks; Soia and Kyo Ashlyn Woven Color Blocked Scarf in fawn; Valentino Donna Born in Roma Eau de Parfum Spray
Mango; Bloomingdale's (2); Sephora

10. The style-savvy sophisticate

She's refined, elegant and still wears pearls and kitten heels (even on booties). She reads paperbound books, not eReaders; writes thank-you notes, not texts; and drinks brewed Earl Grey loose leaves, not pods. She's a throwback and loves it, so gift her with a set of floral face masks like the ASTR the Label Floral Face Masks, set of three in floral multi ($38, bloomingdales.com); a fitted sweater with lace trim like the Violeta by Mango Lace Detail Sweater in black ($60, shop.mango.com); a long supple neutral-toned scarf to wrap and toss over her shoulder like the Soia and Kyo Ashlyn Woven Color Blocked Scarf in fawn ($75, bloomingdales.com); and a timeless jasmine and vanilla scent like Valentino Donna Born in Roma Eau de Parfum Spray ($75, sephora.com).

H&M 3/4 Sleeve Top in black/sequins; J.Crew Festive Bow Pearl Earrings; Shhhowercap The Fetti
(Clockwise from left) H&M 3/4 Sleeve Top in black/sequins; J.Crew Festive Bow Pearl Earrings; Shhhowercap The Fetti
H&M; J.Crew; Dermstore

11. The gutsy glam-ster

She's a seasoned and spicy diva who loves anything that sparkles, gleams or shines. A salon goer who learned to do her own roots, nails and facials during isolation, she deserves some gifts for that alone. Keep her Zoom image radiant with the J.Crew Festive Bow Pearl Earrings ($30, jcrew.com) — plenty of sparkle and black velvet bows, a flowing radiance-boosting blouse like the H&M 3/4 Sleeve Top in black/sequins ($25, hm.com), and the Shhhowercap The Fetti ($43, dermstore.com) to keep her blowout going for days.

Lois Joy Johnson is a beauty and style editor who focuses on women 50 and older. She was the beauty and style editor at Ladies’ Home Journal and a founding editor of More magazine. She has written three books: The Makeup Wakeup, The Wardrobe Wakeup and The Woman's Wakeup.

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