Attention procrastinators! Like it or not. Christmas is coming… For those of us blessed with lively families, we know that gathering a room full of excitable personalities fueled by eggnog can only mean one thing: festive chaos. And, while this may be an unavoidable side effect of the festive season, we do have one tip to reduce holiday-period stress, give gifts that people will love and actually genuinely appreciate.
If you've ever braved last-minute Christmas shopping, you know it’s an experience like no other, and not in a good way. So this year Murad is giving you the opportunity to pretend you’re organised by pulling together a list of gifts that are perfect for the festive season, no crowded footpaths or frenzied shopper meltdowns necessary. Because, let's be honest, if you hadn’t been binge-watching Tell Me Lies for the past month you probably would have had time to sort a gift for Nan. But don’t stress, because Murad is here to take the hassle out of Christmas shopping, simply choose one from the below, add to cart and have it sent to you. Voila!
As a general rule of thumb, the more useful the gift, the better it is, really. We love gifts that speak to the soul, or in our case, the skin, by choosing some skincare products that are perfect for the warmer summer months. Thoughtful? Yes. Practical? Absolutely. Will they love it? 99.9% gift receiver satisfaction guaranteed*. *That number is made up.
Here is a list of our top summer skincare picks for your sister, mum, boyfriend, bestie, or well, anyone really…
What is the best skincare for summer?
First things first, what are the essentials when it comes to summer skincare? As temperatures rise, skin faces increased exposure to UV rays, humidity, and sweat, all of which can lead to congestion, dehydration, and sun damage if not managed properly. This makes sunscreen a non-negotiable, opt for a lightweight, broad-spectrum SPF like Murad City Skin Broad Spectrum SPF 50 to shield against UV and blue light damage.
Next, it's time to reach for more lightweight alternatives. Swap heavier winter moisturisers for lighter options like the Murad Nutrient-Charged Water Gel to maintain hydration without feeling greasy, and include a vitamin C serum, such as Murad’s Vita-C Glycolic Serum, to combat dullness and sun damage while brightening your complexion.
And while they do get a bad wrap for drying out the skin, cleansing and exfoliating is actually even more critical in the summer as they help to remove sunscreen, sweat and environmental buildup. Start with a gentle but effective cleanser and incorporate hydrating serums and eye creams to keep skin fresh and balanced. Murad’s Revitalixir Recovery Serum helps rejuvenate stressed skin, while targeted treatments like the Murad Targeted Eye Depuffer can visibly brighten and firm the delicate under-eye area. If you’re still a bit lost, here are our top products to help your loved ones transition their skin successfully into summer…
Protect and Correct Set
If someone you know has ‘brighter and more radiant skin’ on their Christmas wishlist then look no further than the Protect and Correct and Advanced Brighteners set. This limited edition duo is perfect for the warmer summer months combining protection and correction to tackle uneven skin tone and pesky dark spots while shielding skin from the harsh effects of the UV rays.
The Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum works its magic on discolouration, making it the ultimate tool for achieving that summer glow. Paired with the Essential-C Day Moisture SPF which not only protects skin from the harsh summer sun but also hydrates and fortifies skin with antioxidant rich vitamin C.
Murad Vitamin-C Glycolic Brightening Serum
Brighten someone’s Christmas and their skin with the Murad Vita-C Glycolic Serum. Perfect for tackling dull, uneven skin caused by sun damage or holiday stress, this serum combines potent vitamin C with glycolic acid to exfoliate, brighten, and refine. Dark spots tend to rear their ugly head when you spend more time in the sun, and this product is the ultimate weapon to have on hand if and when they do. Its lightweight, silky texture absorbs easily, making it an easy addition to anyone’s routine. So if you’re searching for a gift that truly shines, this serum is your answer.
Smooth and Hydrate with Clinically Proven Acids Set
Perfect for summer, this set pairs gentle exfoliation with deep hydration to tackle dullness and dryness caused by sun exposure, humidity, and environmental stress. It’s the ultimate solution for anyone (i.e. everyone) looking to maintain a fresh, glowing complexion during the warmer months.
This set includes the cult-favourite AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, a triple-action exfoliator that polishes away dead skin cells, leaving skin soft, smooth, and radiant. This is the perfect product for the warmer months which usually involve sunscreen, sea and salt. Follow it up with the Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture a lightweight cream infused with hyaluronic acid and botanicals to deliver long-lasting hydration without heaviness. Together, these products create a streamlined routine that refreshes and hydrates, making them a summer skincare staple and a perfect gift for any skincare lover.
Murad City Skin Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
For the gift that keeps on giving, look no further than the Murad City Skin Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA. This lightweight, mineral-based sunscreen is perfect for everyone, from skincare enthusiasts to those just beginning their skincare journey, offering 100% mineral protection against UVA, UVB, and even blue light from screens. So whether you’re a beach all day or a stay in the aircon and doom scroll TikTok kind of person, this product will come in handy.
Plus, its sheer, non-greasy formula makes it a dream to use daily, leaving no white cast or sticky formula. Slip it into a stocking or pair it with other Murad goodies for a thoughtful, skin-saving gift this Christmas.
Rejuvenate and Replenish with Healthy Skin Fundamentals Set
For the serious skincare lovers, the Rejuvenate and Replenish set is the way to go. The perfect way to elevate your, or your loved ones, skincare game in one simple set. Whether it's soothing sun-parched skin or maintaining a radiant glow, this set delivers the essentials for healthy, vibrant skin through the holiday season and beyond.
This all-in-one kit features three top-selling, clinically proven products designed to deliver total skin health benefits with powerhouse ingredients: retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. The Essential-C Cleanser is a refreshing daily cleanser packed with vitamin C that removes impurities while brightening and energising the skin. Once the skin is prepped and primed, follow up with the Retinol Youth Renewal Serum, a transformative treatment that works to reduce fine lines, firm and smooth the skin for a youthful glow. Finish with the Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture a luxurious but lightweight cream that provides deep hydration and strengthens the skin’s barrier. Together, these products create a complete skincare regimen, making it a must-have for radiant, healthy skin all summer long.
Murad Targeted Eye Depuffer
Late nights and festive parties? No one needs to know. The Murad Targeted Eye Depuffer is the perfect gift for anyone navigating a busy holiday social calendar. This cooling eye treatment instantly reduces puffiness and brightens the delicate under-eye area with its innovative applicator tip. So whether you know someone who needs a little help mitigating the effects of a few too many glasses of bubbly, or simply looking to soothe tired eyes, the product is a lifesaver when it comes to looking fresh and awake, no matter how unfresh and unawake you may actually feel. Slip this into a gift bag as a thoughtful addition or give it as a stocking stuffer, it’s bound to be a hit for anyone looking to perk up their gaze after a whirlwind December.
Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture
This luxurious yet lightweight cream deeply moisturises with hyaluronic acid and soothing botanicals, making it perfect for the colder months or summer’s sun-parched skin. It’s basically like giving the gift of a hug, but the skincare equivalent. Its ability to lock in hydration for up to 24 hours means it’s a lifesaver for anyone dealing with dry, tired skin during the busy holiday season. Indulgent but universally loved, this is the perfect gift for anyone whether they’re a bonafide skincare expert or a first-time moisturiser user.
So there you have it. Whether you’re shopping for someone who knows their retinols from their retinoids, or someone who has been influenced to try vitamin C through TikTok, you’ve come to the right place. This gift guide is beauty-girly approved, and sure to please even the most finicky of giftees.