“What to get for the person who has everything?” It’s an often-repeated question this time of year, when gift anxiety builds to a feverish crescendo. The better question might be what to get from said person. Who better to know exactly what to dole out to every best friend, mother, and, yes, accountant than the woman who has her hands in all the literal pots? Such is the case with VIOLET GREY’s very own founder and muse, Cassandra Grey. She, like all the esteemed members of the VG Committee, has tested every cult lipstick, high-tech skin tool, and miracle-working face oil, and she knows just what will bring an extra-special frisson of delight. Here is her gift list, by turns extravagant, witty, and gracious—and always on point.
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I bought this for my accountant to prove a point that I do, in fact, understand frugality: It is responsible to buy a $3,000 FDA-cleared, derm-quality tool to use at home rather than drop five grand on quarterly in-clinic laser treatments. If only there were an at-home Botox treatment?!
This formulation was created by my friend and colleague, Fara Homidi, to get that fresh-off-the-runway makeup look at home, or even in the back of a cab. The Essential Face Compact is really in a class of its own: It creates what Fara calls a skin veil, replacing the need for a separate foundation, concealer, and highlighter. I bought this for my fancy friends that often get their makeup done by a professional—sometimes even by Fara!
I bought four of these little black bottles for each of my best friends, as I’ve got them all hooked on it. I keep these bitches upgraded and stocked on the daily. Duh!
All my lovely neighbors in my building are getting this. I am not saying I am controlling, but I do prefer this scent at home, and I gently discourage people from disrupting the glamour by burning something, well anything, that isn’t VIOLET GREY’s exclusive Santal 26 candle in black glass for the winter months.
I bought this for my mother who, as much as I try to get her to get Botox or adopt a 12-step skin care routine, refuses to do anything but naturally and gracefully age. She only uses Vintner’s Daughter.
These patches are a necessity to get through the pressure of the holidays with rosy cheeks and a smile. I like to put them on the bedside tables at home for all of my holiday guests.
This is for all the men in my life that love to look well-rested and healthy, but have yet to embrace concealer and foundation like real men do, like the movie stars do!
I love hairspray, and it makes me happy. I bought a dozen of these to use—but also for decoration in my bathrooms. Anything that further reinforces that I am a cool girl. When I was growing up, I never could have hairspray until I was 16 and even then, I could only afford one can. Start at the bottom and now I am here!
While my friend and colleague originally made this to prevent pregnancy-related stretch marks, it also sneakily became the go-to moisturizer for men. They love it! So here’s to all the pregnant women I know—and their husbands.
