Beauty buys for youngsters

You needn't spend a fortune keeping the younger set happy this Christmas - just stay tuned to their colourful preferences. Here's a selection of beauty gifts under $50 - and a few splurges - that are sure to set young pulses racing. Remember, too, that inexpensive hair styling products make welcome gifts for both sexes. Shampoos, soaps, shower gels and sunscreens are also good stocking-fillers that are a step up from the traditional orange. The main attraction for youngsters is in simply having their own stuff.

1. I Love ... Blueberry & Smoothie Bubble Bath & Shower Creme, $18.95, and I love ... Strawberries & Milkshake Shimmer and Shine Lip Gloss, $9.95

The smart new I Love ... range includes body products in a selection of fruity fragrances that youngsters seem to find irresistible. Parents will like the prices which start at $9.95 for the I Love ... Shimmer and Shine Lip Gloss.

2. Nicki Minaj Pink Friday Hair Mist, $45

Young girls love playing with their hair and for some reason they quite like spraying stuff all over, hence the rise of the hair mist. If Nicki doesn't do the trick, there's one from Justin Bieber as well. Cheaper than perfume, dearer than air freshener.

3. The Body Shop Vanilla Bliss Shimmer Lotion, $29

Vanilla is a preferred fragrance choice of younger consumers and this moisturiser has an ice-creamy aroma combined with a soft sparkle finish, or try the biscuity Gingerbread Sparkle. The Body Shop also has fruity fragrances sorted with some nifty little gift sets, including favourites such as mango and strawberry.

• Check out the store's selection of goods that give to charity, including tree decorations and School of Beauty boxes ($65), which help make education more accessible in Nepal, particularly for girls.

4. Viva La Juicy and Viva La Juicy Fleur dual fragrance rollerball, $35

Rollerballs are entry-level fragrances and a good portable option for girls who simply must tote their possessions around to show their friends. The fragrances actually work out to be more expensive than in bigger bottles, but a sample size is probably enough for most young ones to be going on with. By buying florals, as in this double-headed Juicy option, you may get more longevity than with celebrity scents, because before you know it they'll want the new No. 1.

5. Enchanted Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift Scented Body Lotion, $47

The latest scent from the singing star is a creamier concoction than the fruity floral purple bottle original. Being a new release, the bottle is not yet available in smaller sizes, so if the 50ml eau de parfum at $104 is a bit rich, handily there's this body lotion and a rollerball ($31) for Taylor Swift's many little fans to be going on with.

6. Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift 15ml eau de parfum, $29

This brand new mini version of the popular purple Wonderstruck bottle may not come bedecked with charms like the bigger bottles, but it is prettier to display and cheaper than many rollerballs.

7. Argania Bonus pack, $49.99

This moisturising shampoo, conditioner and hair oil set will keep beach frizz at bay. Argan oil is an "in" ingredient and this allows a sampling at lower than salon prices. Better for thick, curly hair, while those with fine or oilier hair may wish to try another trend, the dry shampoo or refresher powder.

Stockists: Fragrances and spin-off products and Argania available from Farmers and selected pharmacies. (Argania also at mybeautystore.com) I Love ... from Life, Unichem, Amcal and Radius pharmacies. The Body Shop from The Body Shop stores.