If you’ve developed some serious wanderlust this year, don’t worry—us, too. But that’s one of the many magical things about beauty products: their ability to transport you and give you a truly sensorial experience. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or the jet-setter on your list, here are 10 travel-inspired gift ideas that are sure to satisfy your wanderlust (at least temporarily!).
These gift ideas have been chosen by me and guest editor and fellow traveller, Renée Tse.
Mishal’s picks
Fable & Mane HoliRoots Discovery Set, $25, sephora.ca
Not only does Fable & Mane have a really great origin story (inspired by the Ayurvedic ritual of hair oiling and tales of Indian fables), the products are a complete sensorial experience. I particularly love the hair mask, which smells and feels like a decadent Indian dessert with its delicious blend of banana, coconut and mango.
Vitruvi Uplift Kit, $48, vitruvi.com
My favourite scent in Vitruvi’s essential oils kit is Pacific, inspired by ocean waves and bonfires. It’s a reminder of the kind of vacations I miss most, where you can hear the sound of the ocean and smell the salty breeze. In the meantime, this essential oil has been a soothing and necessary substitute.
Lohn Zima Candle, $39, shoplohn.com
I can’t stop talking about this candle and for good reason. Zima means winter in Polish and it was inspired by the first snowfall in the mountains. It’s a beautiful blend of bergamot, black tea and spicy clove and makes you feel like you’re driving through a snowy, picturesque landscape.
Dehiya Mihakkat Trio, $48 USD, dehiyabeauty.com
When Dehiya’s founder walked through the markets in Marrakech, she’d see baskets brimming with the mihakkat, traditional exfoliating tools made with terracotta and dyed with natural pigments. This holiday gift set offers a trio of skin-smoothers for all your sloughing and buffing needs, complete in a beautiful box.
Claus Porto Three Mini Soap & Soap Dish Gift Set, $58, holtrenfrew.com
I was supposed to go to Portugal earlier this year before all travel plans came to a halt. I had grand plans to buy all the local beauty products I’d heard about over the years. My other goal was to visit Claus Porto, one of the oldest family-owned soap and perfume manufacturers in Portugal, to indulge my fancy soap habit in person. Until I can make that much-anticipated trip, I’ll be satisfied with this soap gift set at home.
Renée’s picks
Diptyque Set of 3 Holiday Mini Candles, $162, holtrenfrew.com
Last year, I started collecting Diptyque’s City Candles whenever I visited a city that offered the special edition like Hong Kong, Tokyo, Beverly Hills and Paris. Even if I’m not traveling this year, I’m still keeping up with my candle souvenir tradition with the brand’s winter collection of mini candles, which were inspired by iconic landmarks in Paris like Place Vendôme and the Tuileries Gardens.
Kiehl’s Holiday Limited Edition Creme de Corps Whipped Body Butter, $51, kiehls.ca
This year, Kiehl’s collaborated with Lyon-based illustrator, Maite Franchi for its annual holiday collection, which features vibrant and whimsical illustrations inspired by the brand’s NYC original storefront apothecary in East Village on 13th and 3rd. The joyful artwork will make you reminisce of walking (and shopping) on the streets of NYC the next time you slather on the brand’s cult fave Crème de Corps Whipped Body Butter.
Maison Margiela Replica Coffee Break Eau de Toilette, $168, sephora.ca
If there’s one thing I miss the most during this pandemic, it’s sitting in cafés sipping on a cappuccino. Luckily, Maison Margiela has a fragrance to help conjure up that atmosphere at home. Part of the Replica collection, Coffee Break evokes the scent of coffee with refreshing notes of lavender, green mint and orange blossom, enveloped with creamy sandalwood and cedar. I’ll be putting on my fuzziest sweater, grabbing a cup of coffee and pretending to sit in a cute café in another city.
Innisfree Jeju Root Energy Mask Set, $18, innisfree.com
Before Innisfree (or any K-beauty products) came to Canada, I’d travel to Seoul with a half-empty suitcase so I could stuff as many sheet masks, makeup and other skincare in there as possible. Now that Innisfree is readily available here, I’ll occasionally go to stock up on sheet masks, which are formulated with nourishing ingredients sourced from Jeju Island. Why? Because they make the best beauty companions when it comes to catching up on K-dramas.
Tatcha Pure and Pore-Perfecting Trio, $95, sephora.ca
Every time I use Tatcha, it takes me back to my amazing spa experience in Kyoto last year, which is the place that inspired the brand. After exploring and eating my way through the city, I ended the day with a luxurious Tatcha facial treatment at Four Seasons Kyoto. Since then, I’ve been recreating that moment (and glow) in my bathroom using the brand’s products.
