Buy soap, get a free gift

Follow your nose to Lush. Since its opening, Lush has been a go-to spot for environmentally-conscious, handmade cosmetics. Their bath bombs are divine. This month only, if you buy any product at Lush, customers will receive a small gift with their purchase. For example, 100g of frosty-blue Father Frost Soap. The light scent freshens the mind while softening the skin. This is a great way to stock up on stocking stuffers and get a free gift to pamper yourself too.
Lush, Landmark Mall (4487 4265). Open Sat-Thu 9am-10pm; Fri 2pm-10pm

Free makeover

At Tajmeel, Qatar’s International Beauty School (QIBS), students practice techniques on volunteer models. The treatment itself is free, but a minimal fee is charged to cover the cost of products used during the treatment. That means you can treat yourself to an almost-professional, 60-minute facial for only QR45. While this one isn’t technically free, it might as well be. Call Tajmeel to be added to the model list.
Tajmeel (4454 2422; www.qiba.com.qa). Open Wed 8.30am-noon, Sat 12.30pm-3pm by appointment

Hand massage for free

Stylo may not have the glam of a five-star hotel with a beachfront location, but their hand massages will transport you to another world. During the month of December Stylo is getting into the spirit of giving with their free mini-hand massages. Beginning with a fruity scrub, such as Cherry & Vanilla, and finishing with the lightly-scented Citrus Tea Lotion, your hands will be visibly softer, and this short treat will be sure to
revive you, maybe for some Christmas shopping at the nearby Royal Plaza.
Stylo Ladies Beauty Centre, off Al Sadd Street (4436 3626). Open Sat-Thu 9am-1pm, 3.30pm-8.30pm; Fri 3pm-7pm

Make-up samples

L’Occitane is known for high quality, natural beauty products. It’s one of our favourite stores for browsing. The store interior calms the eye while the mildly-scented products soothe the senses. In addition to being able to try all products on the shelves, samples are available to take home with you. Just ask the sales personnel what is in stock. The eye balm is especially soothing after a late night out.
L’Occitane, Villaggio Mall (4450 7585). Open Sat-Thu 10am-10pm; Fri 2pm-10pm

Party peepers

With a packed holiday schedule, sometimes you don’t have time to touch up your own make-up between gift-shopping, work dinners and evening parties. Estée Lauder counters make it easy, by offering free eye sessions, all year long. We especially like the stay-on-till-you’re-dead-and-maybe-even-longer quality of their smoky eye quickey. With three different free eye touch-ups (day, night and colourful),
it’s a quick stop for party perfection.
Estée Lauder, 4U in City Centre Doha (483 5179). Open Sat-Thu 10am-10pm; Fri 3pm-10pm

Try a body sparkle

Like most cosmetic shops at Ingolot, customers can try out all beauty products available. Ask an in-store make-up artist to show you how to apply. Ingolot will even give you full make-up for free. We especially liked their Body Sparkles. When mixed with a base of Duraline, a mixing medium, these sparkles will keep you shimmering for hours. They are available in 21 different shades from silver to purple and in two textures, fine and medium.
Ingolot, Hyatt Plaza (4416 5130). Open Sat-Thu 10am-10pm; Fri 2pm-10pm