The Best Beauty Gift (and Deal) You'll Find Before Christmas

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Welcome to Esther Tested, where surfer and Racked SF associate editor Esther Hahn shares her best tips for fitness and beauty in the Bay.

It's the eleventh hour for finding a holiday gift, and you're upset not only because you procrastinated, but because now you'll have to pay full retail price like a sucker. Shake off that bah-humbug spirit because there's still hope—especially if you're shopping for that special gal who loves a good shower or bath. Ulta is currently offering a buy-two-get-two special on its in-house line of beauty products. For less than $35, you can buy an entire set that includes a scrub, a body wash, a shower gel, and a lotion. The only catch is that you'll have to drive either south, east, or north to capitalize on this holiday deal. (That incoming City Center Ulta still isn't here.)

I initially reached for the Toasted Vanilla products off the shelf at the Colma location to test the scent. Pleasantly surprised by the wintry, vanilla spice, I lingered to browse the options. But it was the fact that the entire collection lacked parabens, phthalates, and DEA that finalized the sale. Each product has added a delicious new component to my daily routine. The option to either scrub, wash, or gel in the shower has added an unexpected delight to the mundane. And the lotion (that soaks in without any grease) helped to perpetuate the festive scent for hours following the lather and rinse. So hurry out to stock up either for yourself or a friend. The Colma location is open until 6pm on Christmas Eve, leaving plenty of time to score on a gift for tomorrow.
· Ulta [Official Site]
· Esther Tested [Racked SF]