The holiday season is here and it can be a stressful time for many. Nerves can be frayed what with family gatherings, big meals, and work holiday parties. But let’s focus on the positive, shall we? It is the ideal time to cosy up, binge on Netflix, catch up on your reading, and go for long walks. And cake. ALL.THE.CAKE.
Another thing that can add stress to the holidays is the gift shopping. If you lack some inspiration, fret not, we’ve got you covered. Here is a selection of our products that work a treat as a holiday gift for your loved ones.
On a side-note – skincare can be tricky because it is such an individual thing. This is meant to serve as a general gift guide. If you are unsure which of our product would be best suited for your loved one, please do get in touch with us so we can help.
For the skincare nerd in your life
Prep & Glow PHA Exfoliating Toner

That would be one person in your life who truly gets your obsession with skincare and who doesn’t mind when you start talking about serums (again). Respond in kind with our Prep & Glow PHA Exfoliating Toner. PHA toners can be difficult to find (in the end we just made one ourselves) so you’ll score additional points for that. And in case you didn’t know, we skincare nerds can be a tad obsessed with chemical exfoliation.
Prep & Glow PHA Exfoliating Toner unblocks the pores and speeds up cell turnover. PHA has the same benefits as AHAs (like Glycolic acid) but is less sensitising on the skin.
For all the males in your life
Cleansing Mousse with organic White Tea extract

We all need to cleanse our faces regardless of gender. And our Cleansing mousse is as fuss-free as it gets. Its gentle cleansing agents thoroughly clean the skin without any tightness; it is pH friendly and can be used by all skin types. It also doubles up as a shaving foam.
For the teenager in your life

If you have a teenager in your life and they are dealing with blemishes and spots, our Clay to Milk Cleansing Powder is for them. For teenage skin, we don’t recommend launching straight into an intensive acid based routine. Ideally suited for oily and sensitive skin prone to breakouts, it leaves the skin feeling soft, smooth and clarified.
For your BFF
Perfect & Glow Serum or one of our Retinol serums

For your BFF you can’t go wrong with a vitamin C serum! It brightens, protects against environmental damage, and boosts collagen production. Our Perfect & Glow Serum combines SOD (Superoxide Dismutase), a potent antioxidant that reduces oxidative damage, and Peptide P3. Peptide P3 encourages smooth skin surface and improves hydration and fine lines.
If your BFF is concerned about wrinkles (aren’t we all?), one of our Retinol serums is the way to go. Our 1% and 2.5% microencapsulated Retinol serums use Rovisome technology (the retinol is encapsulated in the biocompatible natural membrane). That means it retains its potency and reaches deeper layers of the dermis for more improved results. Both formulas are suitable for all skin types and have a hydrating base.
For your sister (or sister-in-law)

Look, we know harp on about cleansers too much. Feel free to side-eyes us as much as you like. But our Thistle & Oat Cleansing oil is fab! What better gift for your sister (or sister-in-law)? It is gentle and soap-free. It emulsifies on contact with water and rinses away effortlessly to leave behind clean, refreshed, soft skin.
Thistle & Oat Cleansing oil contains no mineral oil, silicones or fragrance and is entirely made of 100% Ecocert ingredients. It is suitable for normal, dry and sensitive skin (it can work as both first and second cleanse). Oilier skin types might prefer using it as a makeup remover which they can then follow up with their regular second cleanse.
On a side-note – if you purchase our Thistle & Oat Cleansing oil, you can get our Multi-Ceramide Concentrate at 20% off as a part of our Skinescue bundle.
For your mum (or your mother-in-law)
Time C.O.D.E. Anti-aging moisturizer

Time C.O.D.E. is the most recent addition to our range and it is an excellent moisturiser (even if we say so ourselves). Copper PCA acts as a “super antioxidant” and diminishes redness and improves elasticity. We paired it with Ectoin. It creates a protective hydro-complex, helps prevent photoaging, and soothes inflammation.
When Copper PCA and Ectoin are combined together they deliver Copper Optimised Dermal Extremolyte (C.O.D.E.) Extremolytes are unique molecules that stabilise biologic structures like membranes.
For your favourite co-worker
Lip Plenish Line Renewal serum

Cold wind, dry air, both of these will take a toll on the lips. Our Lip Plenish is a serum in the true meaning of the word. It combines microencapsulated Hyaluronic acid with peptides (Hexapeptide 11 and Tripeptide 29) to boost lip collagen and minimise fine lines. Because Hyaluronic acid is microencapsulated, it is carried into the topmost layers of the lips, where it slowly hydrates and plumps up the skin.
A combination of vitamins prevents further environmental damage and a blend of oils locks in the moisture. Lip Plenish Line Renewal serum is free of mineral oil, silicones, and parabens. It can be used underneath lip glosses, lipsticks and balms.
From all of us at Ishtar HQ – happy holidays to you and yours!
