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Any beauty expert’s medicine cabinet (or vanity table or dresser) is a point of pride. Their carefully curated products, from super-luxe moisturizers to scientifically formulated serums, are enviable, to say the least. But these insiders share a secret: Not everything that looks and feels fancy on their shelves will break your budget. 

So we asked eight of our favorite beauty and wellness experts which under-$25 buys they’re eyeing for their friends (or themselves) this holiday season. Take a look and start making your own shopping list—and feel free to extend some of your generosity to yourself, too. With prices like these, there’s no reason not to indulge.

Hannah Bronfman, Author and Founder of HBFIT

Courtesy of Hannah Bronfman

I finally tried Osea’s hyaluronic acid and I loved it, so I’m ready to dive deeper into the brand. I find that most mud masks are too strong and leave my skin feeling stripped of moisture, but algae is super-hydrating, so I’m excited to try the travel size of its Ocean Cleansing Mudd.

Beauty photo
Ocean Cleansing Mudd, OSEA ($18)
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Hannah Baxter, Senior Beauty Editor at Coveteur

Courtesy of Hannah Baxter

I’m a facial massage devotee, not only because it helps me wake up in the morning and sculpts my cheekbones to perfection, but it’s five minutes that’s all about self-care. It calms me down and gets me ready for the day ahead.

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Gua Sha Tool, Niceauty ($10)
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Trinity Mouzon Wofford, Cofounder of Golde

Courtesy of Trinity Mouzon Wofford

As an entrepreneur, I’m constantly running around and attempting to be in two places at once. A bath is super-aspirational for me because it’s an action that’s grounded in inaction—I want to encourage myself to take more opportunities to pause and reflect, while doing my body some good. I’ve seen this soak for years at all my favorite crunchy health-food stores. When it’s stocked in places like that, you know it’s good.

Bath Salts
Mustard Bath by Dr. Singha’s, Amazon ($13)
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Sara Panton, Founder of Vitruvi

Courtesy of Sara Panton

I am all about foam rolling, and having something small that I can keep in my suitcase to help reset my muscles after flights would be a game changer. This is on my wish list!

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Lorox Infinity Roller, OPTP ($15)
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Alisha Ramos, Founder of Girls’ Night In

Photography by Meredith Jenks

I want to try this mini cleansing balm by Farmacy. I love the feeling of getting everything off when cleansing (including any heavy eye makeup) but not totally stripping my face of oils. I like that this one includes papaya enzymes, which have worked really well for me in the past. And with this balm you get a bit of exfoliation, too.

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Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm Mini, Farmacy ($22)
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Julie Schott, Cofounder of Starface

Courtesy of Julie Schott

Ded Cool Chazsticks are like grown-up Lip Smackers. I have Cannabis and Coconut Milk, but I would love to try Watermelon, Mint, and Rose. You can never have too many lip balms.

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Watermelon Chazstick, Ded Cool ($14)
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Éva Goicochea, Founder of Maude

Courtesy of Maude

The Labour & Wait water bottle is really simple, but it’s absolutely the most useful wellness item. It heats you up, soothes achy muscles, and offers cramp relief—which is always a welcome gift.

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Hot Water Bottle, Labour and Wait (£8)
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Tara Foley, Founder of Follain

Courtesy of Tara Foley

I use CBD in many forms and love this company—I have its daily capsules on my desk and bedside table. I call it my “in case of emergency” jar, in case I’m having an extra-stressful day. Not all CBD is grown and sourced equally, but I really trust this brand and the founders behind it. I’m excited to try these tasty-looking treats—especially through holiday stress.

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The Trifecta, Prima ($18)
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