The best beauty gifts for teen girls, sisters and best friends are fun and low-risk: a new nail color, a tinted lip balm, a scented shower treat. For teens especially, skip the anti-aging products. Dermatologists say they don't need them.
Key takeaways
- Nail polish, lip balm and bath or shower treats are the safest, most fun picks.
- Teens don't need retinoids or strong acids; University of Utah Health dermatology advises avoiding them unless a dermatologist prescribes them.
- For sisters and best friends, a gift set or a shade she'd never pick herself makes a great surprise.
For teen girls (under $25)
- Lauren B. Beauty 7-free vegan polish: Pfeiffer Beach Glow (pink) or Polo Lounge Punch (red), about $16.
- Ginger Lily Organic Tallow Tinted Lip Balm Stick, about $10.
- Poofy Organics Strawberry Smoothie Lip Balm, about $6.
- Spongellé's Everything Nice gingerbread set: a fun shower gift, about $22. If she has sensitive skin, stick to fragrance-free products.
One product every teen can use: sunscreen. University of Utah Health dermatologists call daily sunscreen the only anti-aging product teens need. A tinted mineral SPF like beach rooster SPF 50 doubles as a light makeup step.
For sisters and best friends
- Bee Bella's Variety 5 Pack Lip Balm Gift Box: easy to share.
- YENSA Super Serum Silk Buildable Cream Blush, for the friend who loves makeup.
- A shade she'd never pick herself, like The Chateau, a deep cabernet.
- A night in: UpCircle bath salts plus a hand cream. See our self-care basket guide.
What teens can skip
University of Utah Health dermatology lists retinoids, glycolic acid and botanical scents among the ingredients teens should avoid unless a dermatologist recommends them, and notes that "natural" labels don't guarantee a product is gentle. So skip anti-aging serums and strong exfoliants as gifts for teens.
More gift guides
- Stocking stuffers for women
- Stocking stuffers for men
- Secret Santa and coworker gifts under $25
- Teacher and hostess gifts
- Gifts for mom and mother-in-law
- Gifts for nurses
- How to build a self-care gift basket
- Non-toxic gift ideas
- Or browse the full holiday gift guide.
FAQ
What beauty gifts are good for teen girls?
Nail polish, tinted lip balm, a fun body-wash sponge and a mineral sunscreen. Skip anti-aging products.
Should teens use retinol or vitamin C serums?
Dermatologists generally advise teens to avoid retinoids and strong acids unless a dermatologist prescribes them. Daily sunscreen is the step they need.
What is a good gift for my sister or best friend?
A lip balm gift box, a new nail color, cream blush, or a self-care set for a night in.
When should I order for Christmas?
Orders usually ship from our brand partners in 1 to 4 business days. For US delivery before December 25, we recommend ordering by December 4. Our digital gift card is delivered by email straight after checkout, so it works right up to the last minute.
Sources
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Patch-test new products and ask a dermatologist or doctor about skin or health concerns.
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