Claire Murphy's Holiday Gift Guide
- Kosas Wet Oil Lip Gloss in the shade Jellyfish ($35): I love presents. I love giving them and receiving them. This Christmas, there is nothing I hope to get in my stocking more than this lip gloss (hint, hint Santa). Every time I see India, I ask if she has it on her so that I can borrow it. I am a huge fan (of Kosas in general, but especially their lip gloss). If I love you, you’ll be getting this from me for Christmas!
- Ilia Clean Line Gel Liner in the shade Dusk ($34): A tiny winged brown liner is easily my favourite feature of my makeup routine. It is the one way to make me feel far better looking than I am! Recently, I’ve been feeling a soft smudgy line ( a la my sister Liz), and this product, my friends, is the answer to all your Kendall Jenner/ Bella Hadid desired eye looks. Smudge it on your lid in a rush and bam(!) You have eye shadow. Apply as a spattering of freckles when you feel pale and long for the sun this winter. Every time I wear this product (no lie), may that be as liner, shadow, or freckles, people ask me what I’m wearing. For these reasons, I can not recommend this product enough. This eyeliner is my ideal gift topper to any present this year!
- Joëlle Ciocco Perfecting Lotion ($38.75-$55): One of the first products I ever bought at IRC was this perfecting lotion, and since that day, I have never not had it on my top shelf. My whole family uses it because let me tell you, the name doesn’t lie. It is perfect. Even if it did nothing for my skin, the smell of it alone is worth running over to IRC and grabbing yourself a bottle (or three). I apply it first thing in the morning, and it leaves my skin feeling so clean, fresh, and moisturized. As much as we all love the holidays, they can be a challenging time, and it’s important to remember to be good to yourself too. This baby is all for me! And maybe I’ll grab the sensitive cleansing milk while I’m at it (they are a match made in heaven). Treat yourself.
- Dr. Barbara Sturm Glow Drops ($190): If it’s good enough for Bella Hadid, it’s good enough for me! India gave this to Liz and I last Christmas, and every time I put it on, I somehow feel more beautiful!? But seriously, after applying this to your skin, you will feel hydrated and have the healthiest, cherub-like glow this holiday season. I want to say your skin will look plump, but that doesn’t sound so good...supple? Is that the word? Regardless, you will look great, and your skin will thank you. That is why more Dr. Sturm is at the top of my wish list this year.
- Dr. Barbra Sturm Discovery Set ($150): Okay, I could not decide which Dr. Sturm set I wanted (they all seem incredible), but because I’m new to Sturm, what better way to get acquainted than getting a discovery set!? After using (and falling in love with) the glow drops, my skin is hungry for more. This set is perfect for travelling and testing. Mom, if you’re reading this, I need this and P.S. I will share!
Claire's Favourite Christmas Tradition
"There are so many things I love about the holidays. Playing Vince Guaraldi all season long, the smell of the Christmas tree, celebrating with family and friends, getting cozy in front of a good movie, and sipping manhattans in front of a roaring fire. But I would have to say that although our Christmas parties with our family friends and tree decorating at my grandmas are what I look forward to most over Christmas, my favourite time over the holidays is the peace and quiet after the craziness of Boxing Day. It’s the rare time of year where it feels like everyone is relaxing. In my family, we tend to stay indoors and commit to a series and all watch together, or go for long beach walks and come home to a fire. Or go to the movies or cross country skiing with friends. It’s the little things that remind me how happy I am to be home, and how lucky I am to have such great family and friends. And that reminder, to me at least, truly is the spirit of the season."