Beauty Gifts So Good Even Oprah Approves
January 1 | 4 minute read
Words by Kerri Gordon
Originally published on | November 19
Tapped as the latest member of the MECCA Collectiva, there’s no denying we place full trust in Flamingo Estate founder Richard Christiansen’s taste for food, design, branding and luxury beauty. He did, afterall, create Oprah’s favourite candle, get the stamp of approval from Martha Stewart, and was trusted by LeBron James, Julianne Moore, Ai Wei Wei and more celebrities to put a hive of bees in their yard.
While a spritely swarm might not be everyone’s cup of tea as far as gifts go, we knew Christiansen would be armed with the inspiration needed at this time of year to forgo cliched gifts and opt for something cool, chic and desired instead.
“My greatest pleasure at the holidays is being together at home with loved ones, particularly when the world feels especially chaotic,” Christiansen told the MECCA Memo.”Cooking together, lighting dozens of candles, and sitting down to share a meal and a glass of red wine - there’s nothing that makes me happier.”
As for his plans for the upcoming season, the founder will be spending the holidays at home with his partner Harvey (his home being the Flamingo Estate), before jetting off to Las Vegas to see fellow Australian expat Kylie Minogue perform at the Venetian.
“When it comes to gift giving, nothing beats the hand-made and home-cooked, where you can see, feel, or taste the work and love that went into them,” Christian noted on his gifting strategy. “And always paired with a hand-written note.”
From The Estate
“Our Flamingo Estate Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle is one of my favourites. It’s one of the very first products we ever made, and is hand-poured right here in Los Angeles.”
“The first Garden Bar Soaps we made were hand-poured and hand-cut down in the goat shed at Flamingo Estate. We’ve outgrown that now, but each one is still made by hand, and they’re one of the most beautiful things we’ve ever made.”
From The Beauty Cabinet
“I adore Violette and her company. I had the pleasure of hearing her speak earlier this year, and can’t recommend Violette_FR enough - the Bisou Balm makes for a lovely gift.”
“All of the MECCA COSMETICA SPF products are essentials, and their gift sets are the perfect way to tell someone you care about them, like the Great Protectors and Destination SPF sets.”
“I don’t have all my holiday gifts picked out, but I know Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille will be in Harvey’s stocking this year.”
For The Table
“My favourite table linens come from Sydney-based brand Utopia Goods. They have the most beautiful hand painted napkins and tablecloths that anyone would love.”
“Merci Maison has a wonderful selection of unique home decor. Their selection of candle sticks make for great host/hostess gifts.”
For more gifting inspiration, discover the MECCA Gift Finder Quiz here.
