The dawn of winter brings with it a myriad of beauty woes. Vitamin D-deprived skin, chapped lips and worst of all, dry hands.
Most of us are well-acquainted with that all-too-familiar feeling of sore, cracked skin around our knuckles. It may be a minor issue, but it’s majorly unpleasant. However every year without fail, we still forget to stock up on our favourite hand creams before the seasonal chill sweeps through the country, ready to do some serious dermatological damage.
When we do remember to replenish our hand cream supplies, it seems like we never have enough. This usually results in a rapid dash to Boots to source a cheap temporary remedy for our poor paws. Evidently, we need a trusty tube for each handbag ever owned, plus one for the bedroom, bathroom and office.
Given our collective obsession with facial skincare, it seems odd that hands fall by the wayside. We’re more than happy to splash out on the hottest new skincare products to rigorously massage into our cheeks and neck, but hands? Left out to dry, literally.
Enter Christmas, the perfect occasion to spoil loved ones with gifts they wouldn’t buy for themselves. Luxurious hand cream safely falls under this category. Taking into account the fact that we’re simply not willing to treat ourselves to some sumptuous salve, this is the prime time to indulge parents, siblings and partners with some nourishing hand creams.
We know what you're thinking. This doesn’t sound like the most scintillating gift - we get it. Upon first glance, the beauty hero seems like a mundane, almost thoughtless option for a present. But really, it’s quite the opposite. They are incredibly handy (pun very much intended).
Luxury brands such as Acqua di Parma, Diptyque and Aesop offer creams saturated with restorative nutrients that will douse even the most damaged hands for much-needed TLC.
On a slightly more superficial note, hand cream sets are appealing to the eye and smell divine. Pick from nostalgic festive scents of spiced cinnamon and warming clove to refreshing geranium and orange blends that evoke images of summers spent outside in the garden.
Scentless options are also available for those with sensitive skin without compromising on the luxuriousness of the product. A creamy coat for your hands awaits, and we’ve found the best options to moisturise and revitalise your mitts.
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L’Occitane Must-Have Hand Cream Trio
The name of L’Occitane’s hand cream trio says it all. The must-have set will forever be topping our hand cream wish lists. It features the brand’s best-selling Shea Butter Hand Cream that is accompanied by the Verbena Cooling Hand Cream Gel and our personal favourite, the Almond Delicious Hands.
The gift-ready item also comes in a decadent, travel-friendly box which can be easily slotted into a Christmas stocking ready to be unwrapped.
Buy now £22.50, L’Occitane
Acqua di Parma Colonia Hand Ritual Hand Care Gift Set
Give the gift of happy hands with the Acqua di Parma Colonia Hand Ritual Hand Care Gift Set. The lavish duo is the epitome of understated luxury, ideal for those who take pride in their beauty collection.
The set consists of a Colonia Hand Wash and a Colonia Hand Cream which leave the hands feeling fresh and scented with fresh citrus notes of the beloved Colonia aroma. An aloe vera blend soothes damaged skin, leaving your hands silky soft and supple.
Buy now £86.00, John Lewis
Diptyque The Art of Hand Care Travel Gift Set
Shoes and food may be the way to her heart, but so is Diptyque. The brand’s products are a surefire hit no matter the occasion and The Art of Hand Care Travel Gift Set is bound to tickle the fancy of any beauty lover.
The Soft Hand Wash will gently cleanse and regenerate the skin, while the lotion engulfs the hands in velvety cream to nourish, leaving the Rinse-Frew Hand Wash Gel to lightly fragrance and moisturise at the end of the ritual. Add straight to basket.
Buy now £42.00, John Lewis
Neal’s Yard Nurturing Hand Cream Collection
The Covent Garden-based haunt remains ever-popular, so this pick was a given. Leisurely lather up your mitts with a natural and organic collection of hand creams boasting scents from wild rose to geranium and patchouli.
Simply massage a small amount into your hands and nails for a delicately scented coating while soaking in the soothing aromas that ignite the senses.
Buy now £22.00, Neal’s Yard
The White Company Winter Cracker Hand & Nail Gift Set
Does it get any more Christmassy than The White Company? Each year we look forward to strolling through the store’s brick-and-mortar establishments and lapping up the mirthy scent of spiced cinnamon wafting from scattered diffusers.
For 2023, we’ll be leaving with the company’s Winter Cracker set, which features hand wash and hand and nail cream that imparts zesty clove and orange scents wrapped up in a petite Christmas cracker. An anti-crack cracker of sorts.
Buy now £18.00, The White Company
Aesop Essential Body & Hand Care Duo
Mix and match with Aesop's lavish Essential Body & Hand Care Duo that incorporates a generously sized bar of soap and the brand’s beloved hand balm.
Ideal for improving any bathroom interior, the Aesop duo is a unisex gift designed to enrich and resurrect. Savour the woody, citrus notes as you massage the balm into your softened skin.
Buy now £48.00, Aesop
NEOM Organics London Moments of Wellbeing In The Palm Of Your Hand Bodycare Gift Set
No matter how well we think we know someone, sometimes we just don't know their scent of choice. Fear not as NEOM has this calming collection of 30ml hand balms spanning rich cocoa to shea butter for all to enjoy.
Note the delightful array of essential oils included in the Calming Hand Balm, including lavender, jasmine and Brazilian rosewood to name a few. Unwind before bed and lather the Perfect Night’s Sleep Hand Balm all over, allowing the lavender, chamomile and patchouli to relax your mind.
Energising and uplifting balms are also included, with notes such as zesty citrus and rosemary, mandarin and mint set to spark energy when you feel the afternoon slump.
Buy now £32.00, John Lewis
ESPA Hand Care Collection Gift Set
Bring the spa home with ESPA’s gift set offering. Known for appearing in luxury spas and beauty haunts, the brand’s products are prime pampering essentials.
Bergamot and jasmine essential oils infuse into your skin and nourish dry digits. Each tube is enhanced with hydrating lipid-rich ingredients and natural aromatherapy benefits.
Buy now £42.00, John Lewis
Verdict
In terms of practicality and quality, we think L’Occitane’s Must-Have Hand Cream Trio is a hard one to beat. However, if you're searching for a gift with that extra dose of luxury, Acqua di Parma’s Colonia Hand Ritual Hand Care Gift Set will delight any recipient and make a small yet splendid addition to their home.
