The Sauce Gift Guide 2021
2021 has been an absolute whirlwind, to say the least, but if there’s any saving grace for all the months spent away in lockdown, it has to be the end of the year holidays. At Sauce HQ, we’ve decided to pamper ourselves and our loved ones this holiday season.
At the top of our to give/to receive list are delicious summer scents, items that are handcrafted in New Zealand by local brands, little treasures to add that festive sparkle and some pretty special limited edition beauties. There is literally something for everyone, including all the little ones. Happy holidays!
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Small wonder: Merry Go Round Musical Wooden Carousel
Meditation candle: 3RD Ritual BEL
New concept incense holder: Marble hand by Maison Balzac
Making a statement: Classic hoops 003
Handmade beauty: Brass egg paperweight
Skincare set: Aēsop protective body lotion SPF 50 and Petitgrain Reviving Body Gel
Skincare fans: Illuminating Face & Body Oil
The best lippy for you: RMS beauty tinted daily lip balm
Limited edition palette: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit—Universe
Pottery with a purpose: Modeletto air-dry pottery kit
Festive fragrance with a side of innovation: Glasshouse Scent Scene™ duo
Slow down and reflect: Moon Lists Guided Journal
Sustainable haircare: Sphaera shampoo and conditioner bar
An icon: Tom Ford Fucking Fabulous scent
Summer mood: diptique L’Eau De Neroli EDT
Style it right: hair & body perfume oil
Illuminated: ILLUME—Bergamot + Jasmine + Neroli + Black Woods
A festive addition: Limited Edition Spinning Carousel & Gingerbread House Candle
Perfect travel companion: GHD Flight Travel Hair Dryer Gift Set
On another festive note, Liam has kindly listed some non-negotiable beauty buys for the celebratory season ahead.
If you’re looking for an excuse to dump your man’s hair gel or wax, make it this. I’ve been using Evo Salty Dog Hair Spray, after losing all will to include hair wax and gel in my routine for a myriad of reasons. I am converted to hair spray that’s subtle but has held to it, buy him this. Smells sexy, too.
Mandelic Acid is having a deserved moment, it’s a gentle AHA but one that’s ruthless when treating acne. If someone you love is struggling with blemishes, gift them Youth To The People’s Mandelic Acid Superfood Exfoliant, and if I may, I’d pair it up with Youth To The People’s Superfood Cleanser that’s gentle for all skin types (cleanse first, then exfoliate). You guys know I love Youth To The People.
Sunscreen. Always. What better gift to pass on or receive than sun protection. Lately, I’ve been loving Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen Mineral Skinscreen that slips on without the dreadful white cast. I’ve been alternating Skinscreen with Naked Sundays’ Collagen Glow Creme with SPF50+ and added plant-based collagen and watermelon extract for beautifying skin health benefits.
After the hit that was last year’s Skin Party, Go-To has not come to play games this holiday season. Setting aside the plethora of holiday kits on offer, Go-To has released Shower Party, a gentle, nourishing body wash packed with vitamin e and omega oils to leave you as smooth and soft as a baby seal. You can pop that right under my Christmas tree.
If you’re really looking to spoil someone this year, gift them Mecca’s Indulgence Set. Out of all of Mecca’s Holiday 2021 Edits, this set is my favourite and is an absolute steal. It’s $500 but has a total value of $1,515. I know! With a selection of deluxe brands including Dr Barbara Sturm, 111SKIN and Omorovicza.
Lastly, and because no one asked, I wanted to share with you all what I bought myself. I had to go to three different Meccas because it was seemingly sold out everywhere. But KUSH by Boy Smells. Because y’all know I love my wacky backy. Kiss, kiss!
In addition to the above, we have a few more noteworthy mentions below.
With all the magic around Christmas and family gatherings, documenting these moments can slowly become the most cherished family heirloom. Our friend and queen of journaling Megan launched the family Christmas book this year and it would be the perfect family memento to hold and treasure. A wonderful gift for new mums.
Matcha lovers, our friends at Thea Matcha have extended their range with beautiful glasswares, cups and all things matcha. A bundle with all the key matcha making essentials and some beautiful glassware would make a wonderful gift.
You can’t go wrong with Naaytu. Beautiful objects to treasure forever.
Micropod is a great gift for someone that wants to dabble into growing their own greens but doesn’t know where to start.
Lastly, An Organised Life has recently released an A4 size daily planner and a new colour way in beige. Monogram the gift to add that personalised touch.
Happy holidays!
Photography - Wono Kim
Words - Zeenat Wilkinson, Esha Chanda & Liam Sharma