Six Medik8 gift edits for Christmas, and who we would give each one to

Buying skincare for someone else can feel a bit like guessing their shoe size. You want to get it right, and you would rather not ask. Medik8's gift edits make it easier, because each box is built around a particular routine. We use Medik8 in every facial at our salon in Parnell, so here is what is inside each of the six and who we would give it to.

For the friend who likes a short, simple routine

Medik8 The Glow Edit starts with a 30ml C-Tetra Advanced, a vitamin C serum Medik8 makes with 20% vitamin C and phyto exosomes. Alongside it sit a Try Me Hydr8 B5, Medik8's original hyaluronic acid serum, and a 50ml Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream, which is fragrance-free. Medik8 describes the set as a radiance-boosting trio designed to hydrate and brighten. We would give it to someone who wants a few good steps and nothing complicated.

For someone who already uses Crystal Retinal

The Medik8 Night Repair Edit is for the evening. It has a 30ml Crystal Retinal 10, Medik8's vitamin A night serum made with retinal, and a Try Me size of Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream, which Medik8 formulated to help support visible firmness and elasticity. There is also a Medik8 facial massage tool. We like that, since a sculpting massage is part of our Crystal Retinal facials.

Crystal Retinal 10 is one of several strengths, and Medik8 recommends using at least one tube of your current strength before moving up to the next. So it helps to know which strength they use now. Our post on the Crystal Retinal Facial explains what retinal is.

For the one who is always packing a bag

The Medik8 Skin Renewal Travel Edit is a routine in travel and sample sizes. You get a Try Me Surface Radiance Cleanse, 4ml deluxe samples of C-Tetra Advanced and Crystal Retinal 6, a Try Me Advanced Night Restore and one Ultimate Recovery Bio-Cellulose Mask. Medik8 suggests Crystal Retinal 6 for regular vitamin A users, so this is a lovely present for someone who already uses vitamin A and is heading away over the summer holidays.

For skin that is prone to blemishes

The Medik8 Clear Skin Edit is Medik8's gift box for blemish-prone skin. Press & Clear is a 150ml daily 2% BHA tonic with salicylic acid, and the box includes sixteen reusable bamboo cotton pads for applying it. Niacinamide Peptides is a 30ml serum with 10% niacinamide that Medik8 designed to help refine the look of pores.

Our Clear Skin Rescue Facial has a deep cleanse, BHA exfoliation, blue LED light and a calming mask. If your own skin is congested or breakout-prone, mention it at your consultation and we will talk it through with you.

For someone who already uses retinol

The Medik8 Brighten & Resurface Edit looks after both ends of the day. There is a Try Me Micellar Mousse for cleansing, and a 50ml Daily Radiance Vitamin C, a morning cream Medik8 describes as a hydrating vitamin C and sun protection cream. For the evening there is a Try Me size of Intelligent Retinol 10TR, Medik8's vitamin A serum made with retinol.

Medik8 makes Intelligent Retinol in three strengths, and 10TR (1% retinol) is the strongest of them, so we would keep this box for a retinol regular. Medik8 says to apply it only in the evening, follow it with a moisturiser, and use vitamin C plus sunscreen by day.

For skin that feels sensitive or stressed

The Medik8 Night Recovery & Sensitive Care Edit is the cosiest box of the six. Medik8 describes it as a comforting routine designed to nourish sensitive or stressed skin. Bakuchiol Peptides is a 30ml serum with 1.25% bakuchiol, which Medik8 describes as a plant-based alternative to retinol. With it come a Try Me Advanced Night Restore and a 30ml Ultimate Recovery, a rich cream Medik8 made to comfort very dry skin.

Before you wrap a vitamin A edit

Three of the edits include a vitamin A serum: the Night Repair Edit, the Skin Renewal Travel Edit and the Brighten & Resurface Edit. If they are new to the serum in their box, Medik8 recommends a patch test at least 24 hours before first use, then phasing it in: twice a week for the first two weeks, every other night for the next two weeks, then every night.

Medik8 says to always use a sunscreen the next morning after using vitamin A. If they do not have one yet, you can order Medik8 Physical Sunscreen SPF 50 from our shop too.

Medik8 generally recommends avoiding vitamin A while pregnant or breastfeeding, and strongly recommends discussing the ingredients with your GP or midwife before use.

Not sure which one to choose?

Call or text us on 027 559 0837, or ask us at the salon at 245 Parnell Road. Tell us a little about their skin and what they use now, and we will help you choose.

If the gift is for you, a facial is a nice way to get to know Medik8 first. Every facial starts with a free 10-minute consultation, so we can look at your skin together. If you are not sure which facial to book, ask for the free consultation when you book online, or call or text us. Prices for every facial are on our services page.

If you would rather they choose for themselves, you can buy a salon gift voucher online through Fresha.

How to order

You can order all six edits from our shop, and we deliver anywhere in New Zealand. Each one comes in Medik8's own box. For more ideas, see our Christmas gifts page, the rest of our Medik8 range, or our Christmas gift ideas for mum.

Whichever edit you choose, we hope it becomes a small, happy part of someone's day. Merry Christmas from all of us at the salon.

The Verdo team

Questions we often hear

Which Medik8 gift edit suits someone who already uses vitamin A?

The Night Repair Edit has Crystal Retinal 10, and Medik8 recommends using at least one tube of your current strength before moving up to the next. The Skin Renewal Travel Edit has a deluxe sample of Crystal Retinal 6, which Medik8 suggests for regular vitamin A users. The Brighten & Resurface Edit has Intelligent Retinol 10TR, the 1% retinol strength. Medik8 says to always use a sunscreen the next morning after using vitamin A.

Can I give a vitamin A edit to someone who is pregnant or breastfeeding?

The Night Repair, Skin Renewal Travel and Brighten & Resurface edits each include a vitamin A serum. Medik8 generally recommends avoiding vitamin A while pregnant or breastfeeding, and strongly recommends discussing the ingredients with your GP or midwife before use. If the person you are buying for is pregnant or breastfeeding, their GP or midwife is the best person to talk the ingredients through with.

Do you use Medik8 in your facials?

Yes. We use Medik8 in every facial at our salon in Parnell, and every facial starts with a free 10-minute consultation so we can look at your skin together. You can book online through Fresha, or call or text us on 027 559 0837.

How do I order a Medik8 gift edit, and does it come boxed?

You can order all six edits from our online shop, and we deliver anywhere in New Zealand. Each edit comes in Medik8's own box. If you are not sure which one to choose, call or text us on 027 559 0837, or ask us at the salon at 245 Parnell Road.