As the festive season approaches, finding the perfect beauty gift for your friend can be a challenge. You want something they will genuinely enjoy and find useful, and fits their style. Here are some cool girl beauty-forward gift ideas:

Skincare Essentials

Image: Skincare set: Getty Images

Everyone appreciates healthy-looking skin. A skincare set is an easy first pick. A well-curated set can make a difference in their routine. It feels thoughtful without trying too hard. This festive season comes with harmattan which can leave your skin looking dry and pale, a set that includes a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and serum will help maintain moisture levels. Look for products that appeal to their skin type, whether it’s oily, dry, or combination.

Makeup Must-Haves

Image: makeup kit set: Getty Images

Makeup is another great gift option to explore. You can include essential and everyday makeup products like foundation, primer, eyeliner, eye shadow palette, makeup brushes and a variety of lipsticks and glosses. These options are versatile and can be used for day-to-night use. The gloss in this gift helps to prevent dryness during harmattan.

Hair Care Essentials

Image: Haircare maintenance set: BelleStar

It’s often overlooked this but it’s an essential part of any beauty routine. Consider gifting a hair care set that includes a shampoo, conditioner, hair growth oil for moisturizing and breakage control, and scalp massager. This gift will run-on any hair undergoing breakage and support growth during the dry season, it will protect the hair.

Fragrance

Image: Fragrance set: Getty Images

A distinctive personal gift choice you can give to a friend. People enjoy smelling good, so getting them gifts that help them achieve this will be appreciated.

A good high note vanilla-based or fruity scent that fits their style. Look out for fragrances that are unique and long-lasting.

Self-care Essentials

Image: self-care set: Getty Images

Wellness is a vital part of any beauty routine and gifting your friends self-care products like face masks, wellness tea set, scented candle set, which creates a cozy and relaxing atmosphere that promotes calmness works well as a gift option.

Diana Eneje went for a blonde hairstyle, and if you’ve been an ardent follower, you can see that this transformation stands apart from her typical styles. She captioned it with a short note. “It’s hard to have a bad day when you look good,” the confidence in the message is clear.

Diana Eneje: Instagram

If there’s one person that knows how to experiment with different hairstyles, then it has to be her. In past years, she has been known for changing her appearances with hairstyles like Koroba braids, knotless braids, high ponytails, and including a pixie cut.

She has moved from classic to trendy styles, but this blonde? It is with ease and more pronounced than anything she’s ever done.

Diana Eneje: Instagram

Usually, she goes for warm hues like brown, black, wine, but this blonde completely breaks her out of that pattern. It’s bright and grabs attention instantly The most attractive thing about it is there are no touch-ups. She showed up fully blonde.

The curls framed her face, and the colour complements her skin very well. She wears it as if she’s been anticipating this transformation for a while now.

Diana Eneje: Instagram

Although Diana Eneje might have experimented with numerous hair styles, this particular one seems to be one boldest choices yet. It also shows that she’s ready to take risks and whatever comes with it.

Read more: Rema seen at the Franca Fund Gala wearing a white tailored suit

Entering your mid to late twenties comes with subtle changes in the skin. While your earlier years were about experimenting with products and trends, life after 25 calls for a more deliberate approach to skincare. The goal now is maintaining healthy, glowing skin, preventing early signs of aging, and addressing emerging concerns.

Gentle Cleansing Is Key

Around this age, skin may start producing slightly less oil, which can make it drier and more sensitive. Using a gentle cleanser in the morning and evening helps remove dirt and makeup without stripping natural moisture. If you wear makeup or sunscreen, consider double cleansing at night: start with an oil-based remover, then follow with a water-based cleanser to ensure thorough cleaning.

Moisturize With Purpose

Hydration becomes increasingly important. Select a moisturizer suited to your skin type, ideally with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides. These help lock in moisture and support skin elasticity. Night creams or sleeping masks can assist skin regeneration while you rest.

Sun Protection Every Day

UV exposure is one of the leading causes of wrinkles, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, even when indoors near windows or on cloudy days. Reapply every two to three hours if you are outdoors for extended periods.

Targeted Treatments

Signs of aging such as fine lines, dark spots, or uneven texture can begin to appear. Serums containing antioxidants like vitamin C, peptides, or retinol can help improve skin tone, boost collagen, and repair damage. Start retinol gradually, using it once or twice a week and increasing frequency as your skin adapts to prevent irritation.

Care for Eyes and Lips

The skin around the eyes and lips is thinner and more delicate. A nourishing eye cream can reduce puffiness, dark circles, and early fine lines. Lip balms with SPF or hydrating ingredients keep lips soft and prevent dryness.

Lifestyle Supports Skin Health

Skin care isn’t just topical. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats supports your skin from the inside. Drink plenty of water, exercise regularly to improve circulation, and ensure adequate sleep for overnight skin repair. Minimizing smoking and excessive alcohol consumption also preserves youthful skin.

Keep It Consistent

After 25, the most effective routine is one you can maintain daily. Focus on cleansing, treatment, hydration, and sun protection rather than layering multiple products. Consistency is more important than complexity, and over time, a simple routine can produce visible, long-term results.

Final Thought

This stage of life is about understanding your skin’s evolving needs and embracing routines that enhance natural beauty. Thoughtful skincare, combined with a healthy lifestyle, allows women over 25 to maintain radiant, resilient skin while preventing future damage. Beauty now is intentional, not reactive, and the results are lasting.