Ultra Last Minute Last Minute Christmas Gifts!

If you're anything like me, you'll either be going to bed or waking up (depending on when you read this) in a mildly hysterical panic when it really dawns on you - there are only four shopping days left until Christmas. If you've a few beauty loving gals you still need to buy for and you're heading out to the shops with not a clue what to get them, may I offer up a few suggestions? All my picks are things I'd be delighted to receive - maybe you'll find a glimmer of hope amongst them?

The Palettes

2013 has really been the year of the palette. There's hardly a brand I can think of that hasn't launched one I haven't lusted after. These three are just the tip of the iceberg, each as desirable as the next. The Urban Decay Naked 3 palette (£37) is already cult, despite only having launched earlier this month. Hot on the heels of the much-loved Naked 1 & 2, this one doesn't fail to disappoint. 12 beautiful rose-toned hues, a mix of shimmers, mattes and a glitter thrown in for good measure, a double ended brush for application and samples of each of the four famous UD eyeshadow primers, this would make the perfect present for a beauty addict. The Two Faced The Return of Sexy palette (£38.50) contains no less than 15 eyeshadows, grouped into three colour stories; The Ingénue (browns), The Icon (mauves) and The Bombshell (black/greys) but mix and match at will for your own look. All are beautifully pigmented, finely milled and creamy to apply. The get-the-look guides included make this perfect for someone experimenting with makeup but not quite sure what goes where, while the waterproof supersoft black eyeliner and Shadow Insurance eyeshadow primer complete the set. Last but not least, I'm a little in love with the Bare Minerals READY Convertible Eyeshadow Palette (£45). Perfect for gals on the go, pick any three of the twelve fabulous READY pressed eyeshadows, pop  them into the inner compact, slide it out of the main palette and you're good to go! If your recipient is already a fan of the READY eyeshadows, then you can't go wrong with this limited edition palette.

The Limited Editions

Speaking of limited editions, you can never really go wrong when you gift something that ain't gonna be around forever. And when you're talking something special, you just know a little bit of Chanel will  always elicit the requisite oohs and aahs you want to hear. You might have to search a few Chanel counters for this one, but the Ombres Matelassées De Chanel in Charming five shadow palette is worth the hunt. Call it a treasure hunt if you will, but just look at the colours and tell me it's not worth it. The quilted pattern, the unusual shades brown/mauve/taupe shades and let's face it, it's Chanel; all adds up to utterly want-it-have-to-have-it status that will win smiles all round. If the £48 price tag puts it out of your gifting capabilities,  no one ever said no to a limited edition Chanel Lipstick. La Precieuse Rouge Allure Velvet Luminous Matte Lip Colour is the perfect  strawberry-red holiday colour, matte enough to be on trend, lustrous enough to be comfortable and slightly more affordable at £25. For a limited edition perfume, I'm plumping for my favourite Escentric Molecule 01 (£69.50), but even if you can't get hold of this sexy black bottle, the regular Molecule 01 perfume (£65.50) is the perfect gift. I love the way it smells different on everyone yet is recognisable (to those in the know!)

Nail Kits

The perfect gift for those with New Year resolutions to take better care of themselves, there's no arguing with the Dr LeWinn's Renunail Reverse the Hands of Time Gift Set (£22). I couldn't have been without this little set this autumn and I'll be gifting it to quite a few of my friends. The gigantic (30ml) Renunail nail strengthener works wonders on nails in need of some TLC while the delicious smelling hand cream is non-greasy, easily absorbed and a joy to use. And your friends will thank you for the crystal nail file as their nails grow longer and stronger than ever before. For a bit of bling, the Models Own Glitter Kit (worth £10) is free when you buy any two Models Own cosmetics in Boots, so you'll have a ready made stocking filler for gratis! A gratifyingly girlie pink, two glitters (gold and silver) and a four-sided buffer are all you'll need for festive nails - perfect for NYE?

The Stocking Fillers

For stocking fillers that won't break the bank but look like you've raided your piggy bank, bathtime pamper kits are the way forward. This beautiful set from from Mandara Spa, Amber Heaven Sensual Treats, contains a Conditioning Shower Cream, Moisturising Body Lotion and a fluffy Body Polisher, all for a very decent £5. So prettily packaged, it hardly needs wrapping! Sanctuary Spa Mini Must-Haves (£8) even has a little ribbon atop, ready to hang on the tree - how clever is that! Containing minis of a body wash, lotion and foaming bath soak along with a fluffy Body Polisher (it seems no kit is complete without one), it's a great choice for someone you know is already a fan of the Santuary in Covent Garden, or dreams of going there.

So there you have it, my picks for last minute dashing around the shops for those last minute gifts. 

What are you gifting? And what are you hoping Santa will bring you this year?

xXx