Some people rate Christmas present buying as being more stressful than filling in forms or flying. I think that it pays to plan ahead, so I have gathered up some gift ideas to help you on your merry way and make your Christmas shopping a joy. Jot down a list of all the people you want to buy for before you head off to the shops and try to have a clear idea as to your gift budget. Planning all helps ease the stress factor.

Here are some tried and tested makeup/beauty gift ideas for all the family. All these gifts can be purchased online or from any good pharmacy.

Gifts for Her

1 Elizabeth Arden Bright Lights Big City Collection makeup box offer is my personal Christmas favourite. This makeup selection would normally cost €200 but if you spend €45 in store with Elizabeth Arden then this magnificent beauty box is yours for €70. The bright cherry red beauty box includes a pretty shimmer highlighter powder; cheek blush set; two high glimmer lip glosses; four fab lipsticks with matching lip pencils; long-lasting eye shadow pallets – one for your subtle day look and one for your glam night style; jet black mascara; and a bottle of the brilliant All Gone eye makeup remover.

2 There is nothing nicer than receiving a useful – and glamorous – present. Clarins Winter Body Favourites contains hand and nail treatment cream, exfoliating body scrub and moisture-rich body lotion (€38). A luxury gift.

3 W7 has designed the most explosive gift set for Christmas: a bright red cracker full of splendid W7 makeup, including lip twister; Scarlet Fever lippy; Absolute lashes mascara; King Khole pencil; and Beat It! eyeshadow tin. Available for €12.95 from Cara Pharmacy.

For the Teens

1 Makeup palettes are all the rage this Christmas. Makeup Obsession at www.boots.ie is an exciting new range that offers long-lasting eye shadows, blushes and contouring powders from €2.50 for a single colour. Purchase the empty palette (prices from €5) and choose the colours that you like. You will always have the metallic palette with useful application mirror and can refill as necessary.

2 Bare Minerals skincare Happy Glow Lucky box includes a skin serum, cleanser and moisturiser for sensitive skin that is not tested on animals. Your skin will look healthier and revitalised, all for the special festive price of €54 from stockists including www.brownthomas.com and www.debenhams.ie

3 Seventeen Colour Wave nail collection is a selection of seven funky, high-shine nail polishes at €13 from www.boots.ie.

4 Not forgetting the boys, David Beckham The Essence (75ml) is a cool masculine fragrance to be worn with confidence: perfect for any sport-loving and fashion-conscious lads. €39.95 at Lloyds Pharmacy.

Gifts For Him

1 No 7 Men Shaving Survival Kit (€26 from www.boots.ie) will put a smile on any man’s face. A soothing, skin-calming post-shave recovery balm, clearing anti-friction shave gel and the energising moisturizer – all of which come in a trendy black kit bag.

2 Surprise the man in your life by giving him the latest Prada Luna Rossa Sport eau de cologne. A modern fragrance with a fresh spicy smell. Stockists include www.debenhams.ie from €72.

3 Braun has a superb new wet/dry shaver for €72.49 (was €144.99) from www.boots.ie . It’s rechargeable and can be used in the shower or packed away for use on the go, so there is no excuse for the five o’clock shadow!

Secret Santa

1 Soap and Glory Full Sparks righteous body butter with “swoondust”, “candy queen” and “sexy mother pucker” glosses all in a bright pink box. €8 from www.boots.ie.

2 Ryan’s Pharmacy has a three for two selection on relaxing Radox moisturising bath washes, bubbly Star Wars bath time and sweet-smelling Frozen fun luxury bubble bath. €6.95 each from www.ryanspharmacy.ie

3 Choose three mini products from Benefit for the dazzling price of €30 from Boots. Hoola bronze mini with brush is great for bringing out those cheek bones, roller lash mascara mini is thickening, and the pore POREfessional mini leaves your skin looking smooth and flawless. I use all these products in my professional makeup kit. CL

Did You Know?

Select Boots stores (Jervis, Liffey

Valley and Blanchardstown in

Dublin and Half Moon St in Cork)

are offering an engraving service where any makeup or beauty product purchased can have any personal

message and name engraved on to it for a flat fee of €4 while you wait.

Even something as small as a lippy

or nail varnish can be

personalised!

Next month

For my

December column, I will be sharing makeup and hair tips to add lots of sparkle to your