2023 Uni-Sex Holiday Gift Guide
I enjoyed curating this Uni-sex Holiday gift guide by focusing on some new product launches and some that are classic, Uni-sex and iconic.
My goal when trying the new and established is to share unique gift ideas that are produced by brand owners who take their product development seriously and the efficacy is worth the price.
It’s also important to discover new products that are about to land in the zone of iconic, hard to find and made with sustainable ingredients: like Commune Body care products or Vintners Daughter’s new face wash.
Thoughtful gifting can be overwhelming, my gift suggestions will cover almost any personality who can be easy or challenging to shop for. I stand by these amazing products having tried and experienced the results.
ZIIP Halo
A perfect gift for skincare enthusiasts is the recent 2.0 version of ZIIP Halo device created by the iconic facialist: Melanie Simon
(Jen Aniston and Margot Robbie are clients)
This exciting new device has both immediate and accumulating long-term anti-aging effects for your skin.
Melanie has developed the device with a bonus feature: she demonstrates exactly how to use it via the app in customized sessions between two and 12 minutes with her calming voice guiding you through your treatment.
This device can work on treating and clearing acne, brightening those under eye circles, diminishing fine lines and hyperpigmentation. It’s an all-around anti-aging rejuvenation device which uniquely ( other devices don’t dop both) deploys nano currents in addition to microcurrents. Its key results activate collagen and your skin’s elastin production for the ultimate lifting, skin smoothing benefits.
I would recommend using the ZIIP Electric Complex Gel. A lightweight conductive gel for microcurrent and nano current facials that for the first stages of your treatments. And for the busy traveler; the device is small and light as a computer mouse so it’s easy to use and focus on your skin treatment.
Vintners Daughter NEW Product: Active Renewal Cleanser paired with Active Botanical Serum
Vintner’s Daughter founder, April Gargiulo spares no expense on potent ingredients which reflects how she takes efficacy, luxury and sustainability very seriously. I highly recommend this recently launched product Active Renewal Cleanser to pair with the Active Botanical Serum:
Like all Vintner’s Daughter products, this one is formulated with an extensive list of gentle yet effective plant ingredients. This new cleanser took four years of development, which I’d classify as a treatment face wash. It is formulated and infused with Alfalfa and bilberry soothe and provide antioxidants; cypress and butcher’s broom reduce redness; ginkgo biloba leaf supports collagen production; Kakadu plum, dandelion, and citrus peel brighten the skin; mango-seed butter softens the skin; and echinacea the skin to produce hyaluronic acid.
Additionally it’s perfect to cleanse and prep the skin for treatment products and or after a skin treatment ( ZIIP HALO ) When I used it my skin texture was more balanced, smooth and it did not leave my skin taut by over stripping the natural skin oils. This amazing cleanser also reduced skin irritations via its oil and water soluble ingredients milky texture, but it also removed my sunscreen, makeup and reduced the appearance of enlarged pores.
Ingredient highlights include Butcher’s Broom, Dandelion Root, Nettle Leaf, Cica, Echinacea, a short list of radiance boosting botanical extracts used.
Active Botancial Serum
A multi-award-winning unisex serum I have used for over 6 months with phenomenal results that never disappoint. First, the sustainable high-quality bottle; once opened my senses exploded as the rich natural botanical scent was like experiencing the ultimate aromatherapy scent one could only dream of.
The serum formula includes 22 essential oils sourced from small international sustainable farms diluted in nourishing carrier oils (Grape seed and hazelnut). These nutrient-rich botanicals balance, soothe, nourish, and plump the skin.
The main carrier of Grape Seed Oil has antioxidants called procyanidins which are known to neutralize free radicals that cause discoloration, skin sagging, and fine lines, while the dandelion and calendula ensure a calming, soothing quality.
Carrot seeds, Lavender, Nettle, and Lemon support cellular turnover, while tamanu, frankincense, rose, and turmeric help filter free radicals such as sun damage, acne scarring, and other skin issues.
While trying this serum at night after cleansing, I applied 3-4 drops on my hand to warm it and massaged it into my face and neck area. The star ingredients worked immediately on my skin. My skin was deeply hydrated, and luminous, and dark spots and lines minimized in less than three weeks. It worked well as an anti-inflammatory as well as a skin brightener. I look forward to trying their other skincare products as this serum will remain in my main evening skincare routine and after using the ZIIP HALO as it rebalances my skin while encouraging the effects of the micro currents.
Product notes:
-Suitable for all skin and daily AM and PM use
-100% natural ingredients, formulated without added sulfates, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, PEGs, or SLSs
-Vegan, Cruelty-Free
The Active Botanical Serum works well for all skin types, but is especially useful for aging, hormonally challenged and acne-prone skin. active botanical serum
CHANEL Les Exclusifs Fresh Body Cream
Chanel’s Les Exclusifs Fresh Body Cream designed to be layered with the fragrances from their Les Exclusifs collection. A lightweight cream that feels like a soft veil of moisture. Its sumptuous texture delivers the CHANEL Beauty Luxury body cream experience packaged in a stunning coffret.
The delicate Uni-sex scent has light musk and floral notes you can barely smell, which makes a perfect deep moisturizing base to hold your favorite Chanel Fragrance.
Its fresh fragrance notes are a combination of a citrus and a small touch of watery jasmine, a perfect subtle scent for non-layering. I like applying it at night after a shower as it absorbs quickly into my skin, without a sticky residue, while delivering a deep moisture to my skin. A perfect cream to share with your partner as its light scent won’t compete with their fragrance, instead it ensures a longer, lingering effect.
When in doubt this luxurious cream is ageless, genderless and a neutral CHANEL body care gift for the hard top please character on your list.
Or better yet ; a CHANEL enthusiast will appreciate the large, luxurious glass coffret of body cream to add to their collection of CHANEL Body care.
MYRRHE MYSTRE Eau de Parfum by Tom Ford
Tom Ford launched a new Uni-sex Parfum Myrrhe Mystère in September 2023 This is an exciting new addition to the Private Blend collection. Tom Ford the notorious master of dark and resinous scents.
The new exclusive fragrance envelops you into the sultry zone of amber, created to highlight Tom Ford’s personal interpretation of the ingredient of myrrh.
The fragrance theme is centered around the sacred resin of myrrh. The warm gum-resin extracted from a few thorny Commiphora tree species is a substance/ key ingredient that has been used for medicines, perfumery and incenses for centuries. It’s a historical and somewhat spiritual extract was used as far back as the 5th dynasty Egyptians.
Myrrhe Mystere contains both myrrh resinoid absolute and myrrh essence support the persona of this ancient resin. It’s layered with vanilla, woodiness of sandalwood. It is all grounded by a light musk.
When applied its initial note of Myrrh is intoxicating and sensual.
Myrrhe Mystere is packaged in a luxurious, chic, Uni-sex amber glass brown bottle, which encompasses the high-end overall design for the Private Blend line
I recommend this fragrance to the woman or man that loves warm, amber mysterious fragrances, it’s a seductive head turner.
Bergamot By Malin+Goetz
An iconic fragrance: Bergamot by Malin+Goetz, was launched as a unisex scent in 2016.
This fragrance aligns with the brand’s image which is a very clean and uncomplicated approach to all of their products.
The top note of Bergamot is rounded out with touches of black pepper, lime, cardamom and amber. When I first applied the Bergamot fragrance, I noticed it was refreshing, crisp, citrusy
cheerful, refreshing and with a touch of some warm notes to balance the bergamot. It’s a light fragrance and ideal for those who prefer to keep their fragrances subtle yet complex.
Top notes are Bergamot, Lime, Lemon, Grapefruit, Green Pepper and Mandarin Orange; middle notes are Ginger, Black Pepper, Spicy Mint, Lily-of-the-Valley and Cardamom; base notes are Musk, Cedar, Woody Notes and Amber.
Commune Body Wash & Body Cream
Commune, a new sustainable body-care brand launched in England at The Newt Hotel and SSense on the summer solstice of June 21,2022. It’s pagan-inspired which is an integral element to the brand which one most definitely experiences when visiting the magical English countryside, specifically Somerset.
Founded by highly acclaimed fashion veterans’ husband and wife duo: Remi Paringaux (an established creative director for past clients Dazed & Confused, Vogue Japan and Lululemon) and Kate Neal (Edun x LVMH and Peter Pilotto). They are united developing body care products with the strong ethos of sustainable 99% naturally derived plant -based ingredients along with highly conceptual packaging and design. The highly art directed campaign imagery and gift boxes are some of the most conceptual I’ve seen in world of Body care packaging.
The over all design merges perfectly with their passion for the British countryside
They recently opened their first brick-and-mortar boutique in Somerset as well as a large display at Harrod’s London. I had the pleasure of meeting with Kate in July and visited their display at The Newt Hotel in Somerset, tried their products, discussed the chosen ingredients and their overall value for one’s skin.
I appreciate Kate’s deep knowledge and research both her and husband have pursued before formulating COMMUNE products. I was also taken by how aligned the products are with the brands personal ethos of community as well as the intoxicating fragrance “Seymour” for the launch of these incredible products. I truly felt transported by the scent which prompted thoughts of a warm day in the west country of England.
The top notes of grapefruit and lemongrass; heart notes of Egyptian geranium, clary sage and Bulgarian lavender; and base notes of Iranian galbanum, Japanese Hiba wood and cypress. I hope they will consider making a spray on Seymour fragrance, it’s an addictive, comforting scent that is balanced, Uni-sex, and sensorily therapeutic. They currently have a solid perfume in a beautifully designed refillable compact.
While chatting with Kate she shared the journey of developing the products by sourcing the highest level of ingredients internationally and spending time with an iconic perfumier and formulating all products in the UK.
Their commitment to their local community and the authenticity of their brand has amplified their status as a new break through sustainable body care brand that I predict we all will be replacing our ASEOP body care products on our bathroom counter, sink, and shower with COMMUNE.
Commune’s Seymour Body Wash
The Body wash is formulated without synthetic fragrance, artificial dyes, sulphates, parabens, and other harsh chemicals. Instead, its developed with 99% plant-based ingredients; natural oils to gently cleanse and nourish your skin.
Scented with the signature Seymour invigorating and uplifting fragrance. I found it grounding and calming. My skin felt soft and moisturized after using, and lightly fragranced. The beautiful aluminum bottle and bespoke reusable pump are easy to use and allow you to control the amount dispensed, as a little goes a long way.
Size: 750ml
Vegan, biodegradable, 99% natural, cruelty free.
Commune Seymour Body Cream
The luxurious Body cream texture was rich and dense when I applied it to my body and, it absorbed quickly into my skin leaving zero residue. The rich texture along with the Seymour scent delivered a sensorial and a deeply nourishing experience. I recommend this cream not only for its incredible ingredients but also for its gentle natural formula that works well on any skin type. The body cream is packed with shea butter, coconut, Jojoba, sweet almond oil , and Rosehip all of which are nourishing, hydrating, and softening. A little goes a long way with product via the perfect pump design that is sturdy and easy to control how much you dispense. The refillable aluminum bottle is a show piece for your bathroom shelf, you won’t want to hide it. COMMUNE has recently added beautifully designed marble tray to store your products, an added idea when gifting two bottles
Body Cream Fragrance notes:
Top notes of invigorating grapefruit and lemongrass are used to lift you up, whilst base notes of galbanum and Hiba wood calm the mind. Top Notes: Grapefruit, Lemongrass Heart Notes: Geranium, Clary Sage, Lavender Base Notes: Galbanum, Hiba Wood, Cypress Made in England 99% Naturally Derived
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Thank you to the brands and their PR teams for opportunity to try and experience your incredible products. This is not a sponsored review.