It doesn’t take who knows what financial genius to figure out that Christmas 2022 will force many to rethink their shopping budgets. In the beauty sector, sector experts had already predicted the success of cosmetics offered at mini-prices at the end of the summer. It could be the right time to review some preconceptions: because if it is undeniable that luxury products exude a tangible and aspirational charm, it is true that today there are many brands committed to offering beauty products at mini-prices without the risk of disappointment. We are talking about cosmetics absolutely capable of withstanding the competition in terms of quality and effectiveness of the formulas, but also in terms of packaging. In short, spending less on a lipstick, a perfume or a cream does not mean, as we tend to believe, taking home a so-so product, one of those that we are almost ashamed to give as a gift. Moreover, the young consumers belonging to the GenZ have a decidedly more minimalist approach to the beauty routine compared to their over 40 counterparts: the winner is the product capable of keeping its promises, with less interest in the super-luxury setting, which is sometimes judged to be insensitive and anti-ethics from the most politicized generation since 1968. Especially in a context of climate-political-economic crisis. As the psychologist and psychoanalyst Elena Benvenuti recalls, «without wanting to give up the pleasure of pampering ourselves with Christmas gifts, this year we could learn to give more importance to the card accompanying the gift, which could be longer and more personalized than sentences standards such as “Happy Birthday” and “Happy Christmas”. In a rather austere economic situation there is the possibility of rediscovering the real meaning of the gift, reviewing its nature as a thought of affection and a gesture of attention to the other».
Six beauty gifts with a mini budget: the wish list
By Pupa Milano, Sweets Lovers Body Wash Solid Buttery Cupcake. With notes of fruit and vanilla accords of tonka bean, it promises a sweet shower ritual. €8.90
Wild Pine Eau de Toilette by The Body Shop helps to ground yourself in the here and now. With 95% ingredients of natural origin, it releases the wild freshness of pine essential oil and cypress extract. €19.00
The perfect kit for lovers of intense eyes. Collistar Infinito Extra Black Mascara + Black Kajal Pencil, with complimentary The Bridge beauty kit. €20.65, special price on the Collistar website
Signed by Lavera, Lovely Moments Gift Set Gift Set. It contains a duo of products: Delicate Body Milk with organic wild rose and organic shea butter and Relaxing Shower Gel with neutral pH and gentle touch surfactants. €12.89
Small gestures of daily beauty with Frangipani Magica Luce Lip Balm and Frangipani Sublime Hydration Hand Balm. They are included in L’Erbolario’s Little Wishes Kit. €14.90
Deborah Milano special edition tin case. The focus is on eye makeup: it contains the Instant Up To The Stars 24-Hour Mascara and the 24-Hour Eye Pencil No. 251. €18.00
