If you're struggling to find a gift for the person who already has everything, may I suggest a luxurious hand care duo? It may not be the most practical present, but few things elevate the everyday quite like a beautifully scented washing experience. I, for one, feel infinitely happier when I’m cleansing and moisturising my hands with something so deliciously fragrant that I want to luxuriate in it—and the added skincare benefits don’t hurt.
The most indulgent hand care duos to shop now
Aesop's hand wash and hand cream are bona fide status symbols—to have a pair in your home connotes that you take self-care seriously (and are happy to splash cash on it too). But, from a formulation standpoint, they are top-tier. The Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash is packed with botanical extracts and finely milled pumice to gently exfoliate even the most sensitive of hands. The accompanying Hand Balm not only smells gloriously woody, but absorbs beautifully, so there's no sticky feeling after.
Featuring 100% natural fragrances (which come in 100% recyclable bottles), Neom's hand wash is blended with 24 essential oils, including lavender, jasmine and sandalwood, as well as vitamin-rich marine extract, coconut water and skin-softening aloe vera.
Malin + Goetz's 'Rum' scent is a personal favourite of mine, so I couldn't wait to get my mitts on their beautifully presented 'Make It a Double' gift set. The wash, which doubles as a shower gel, works to enhance water retention while still producing a satisfying foam. And the accompanying lotion contains vitamin B5 and fatty acids, for long-lasting hydration.
I'm always well-stocked when it comes to Grown Alchemist's toiletries, and this wash and cream duo is great value. The Invigorate Hand Wash includes sweet almond and sweet orange oils and leaves hands feeling soft and supple, while the cream is packed with antioxidants to protect against environmental aggressors.
This liquid hand soap cleanses away grime and dirt, while conditioning the hands with vitamin E and botanical extracts. Plus, you can choose from aromatic coriander or grapefruit, depending on your fragrance preference.
This heavy-duty cream is a dream for hardworking hands, thanks to a mix of avocado, eucalyptus, and sesame seed oil.
If you want all-out luxury, then you can't get better than Trudon's hand soap offering. The 350ml glass bottles are decorative objects in and of themselves—and were inspired by the toiletries favoured by European royalty in the 18th century. This gorgeously presented set also comes with a refill, and you can select from two of their signature scents.
This set is scented with the brand's most herbaceous fragrance, which unites lemon verbena with basil—it's citrusy, fresh and very moreish. Plus, the hand wash includes antioxidant-rich sea buckthorn, rosemary leaf and sugar cane, for very nourished hands indeed.
I have gifted Byredo's Les Mains set to some very special people in my life, and I especially love their Rose scent, which features top notes of pink pepper, black raspberry and a sensual base of wild and exotic patchouli.
Infused with shea butter, this hand care duo intends to wrap the hands in "comforting softness", which I can attest to. I particularly love the creamy, vanilla scent, which is sweet but not too sweet.
The White Company's Seychelles scent is beloved by the Marie Claire UK team. It's a real crowdpleaser, with notes of bergamot, bright orange and fresh coconut, with a hint of green jasmine and buttery vanilla.
