Last-minute gift guide: Expensive feel with an affordable price tag

If you’re still looking for Christmas gifts this close to D-Day, don’t worry because odds are you’re not the only one. Hectic work schedules and the spike in influenza-like illnesses may have derailed your shopping plans, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still find quality gifts that fit your budget.

We’ve got a list of luxe for less buys to add to your last-minute checkout. Here are gifts with an expensive feel and an affordable price tag.

Absidy Beauty’s Cashmere Kiss bullet lipstick

Luxe Organix has a new baby that’s bringing luxury-level yet affordable clean beauty and it goes by the name Absidy Beauty. The brand made its debut with its Cashmere Kiss soft-matte bullet lipstick collection. 

Cashmere Kiss comes in 10 creamy and buildable shades: soft neutral Pink Skies, classic warm pink French Rose, berry mauve Orchid, deep brick rose Paris, warm red Vintage Scarlet, muted nude peach Spanish Latte, rosy brown nude Dusk, soft terracotta Pumpkin Spice, nude taupe brown Cold Brew, and brick brown Chai.

Our personal favorites are the nude shades Spanish Latte and Dusk which give off that effortlessly classy, clean look. Each highly pigmented yet weightless lippie is made with nourishing shea butter, squalane, and hyaluronic acid which makes it great for all-day wear.

It retails for P379 each but you can get the full 10-piece set at a discounted price of P3,359.83 or cop one of its holiday-exclusive three-piece sets at P1,037 until the year ends.

Issy & Co. Cosmetics’ Lip Bullet and Hydragloss

Vegan brand Issy & Co. is a makeup bag staple for many and this season they’ve expanded their selection so you can take your pick between classics and ones that bring a special party-ready glow—or mix and match from both.

The brand has reintroduced its 21-shade Lip Bullet collection which comes in three lightweight and buildable finishes: matte, satin, and velvet. Although we’ll miss the built-in mirror from its previous casing, we like how the new look helps ensure that the lipstick stays intact. Saint and Motif are among our favorites.

You can also opt to check out Hydragloss hydrating lip treatment’s four new shades for a plump look with a glassy shine: shimmery blackberry Blackout, rosy milkshake Cowgirl, extra sparkly nude Blow, and sinful chocolate Fudge. 

Issy & Co. Cosmetics’ Crème Cheek Blush and Scandalous Nudes blush insert

Another this-or-that Issy & Co. entry on our list is between their new Scandalous Nudes desaturated blush insert extension and their Crème Cheek Blush collection. 

If you or your friend also own the brand’s customizable palette, you’ll want to consider adding Scandalous Nudes to your rotation. The pressed powder blushes come in six understated shades: dainty nude Intimate, angelic peach Devoted, pink flush Aroused, coral tease Temptation, rose peach Affair, and gentle brown Fling. You can cop them as single inserts or a curated set of three.

But if you’re looking for a multi-use blush, the soft-touch melty Crème Cheek Blush’s four new shades may be more up in your alley: warm peachy beige Illicit, dusty reddish rose Slap, rich rosy brown Purr, and neutral nude beige Undress. 

Love, Bonito’s holiday-ready new arrivals 

There’s still so many parties left to attend this season that Love, Bonito’s new festive and classic pieces would make for well-thought out gifts. 

Pull up to a party with friends in fun pieces like the Violy Padded Pleather Bralette, the Olwyn Padded Bustier Crop Top, the Faiza Sequined Flare Pants, or the Gyla Straight Neck Column Maxi Dress.

If you’re going for a more classic look for noche buena or media noche, check out pieces like the Ares Padded Fit and Flare Midi Dress, the Lyra Satin Bias Cut Midaxi Skirt, the Thora Satin Wrap Maxi Skirt, or even the Valrie Asymmetric Ruched Tube Top.

Header by Ella Lambio

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Amrie Cruz: Amrie is a nonbinary writer who likes to talk about politics and viral animal videos. They have a dog daughter named Cassie who doesn’t go to school.