So, I’ve had a few friends and friends-of-friends ask me about buying makeup for themselves or a loved one. I guess I am THAT makeup person in my circle, which I’m totally okay with. It got me thinking that this could be a really good blog post! So here’s some goodies for that special someone OR if you just want to treat yourself this holiday season. 😉 One thing I would stay away from, is trying to guess someone else’s foundation and concealer colors. If they’re wanting a good foundation, just get them a gift certificate.

FOR THE MAKEUP NEWBIES

If they’re interested in makeup, but aren’t aficionados yet, start here.

A beauty blender. These are magical. After wetting it before use, you dab your foundation/makeup onto your skin, then tap the beauty blender on your skin to blend. It works for all kinds of face make up, but I prefer mine for my foundation and concealer. This helps create that flawless, streak-free look. I’ve tried some of the other-brand blenders, but they just aren’t quite as good as this one.

Urban Decay’s Naked eye shadow palette. The Naked palettes are so popular, because they’re universally flattering, great quality, and extremely versatile. There are other versions (Naked 2, Naked 3, Naked Smokey, Naked Basics 1 + 2, and Naked Ultimate Basics), so even if she has one, you can always add to this collection.

Too Faced Let It Glow Highlight & Blush Kit. Mini versions of their popular blush, bronzer, and highlighter. This is a great set to start off with.

tarte’s Tartelette Tease eye shadow palette. This is a great neutral eye shadow palette for every day looks. It’s got both matte and shimmer shades to suit your taste.

A brush set. A nice brush set that features some eye and face brushes would be great for someone just dipping their toes into makeup. The one linked isn’t the one you necessarily have to get, but any beauty store will have some value sets to choose from.

FOR THE MAKEUP LOVERS

See if you can double check that they don’t already have something mentioned below, cause they might! But if they don’t, I’d definitely look into some of these. Many of them have a “cult following” and a great reputation.

Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Modern Renaissance eye shadow palette. This is actually one of my most recent purchases. I held off on buying this for a long time, but finally gave in. And now I’m mad I didn’t sooner! These colors are gorgeous and the formula is truly outstanding.

Becca x Jaclyn Hill’s Champagne Pop highlighter. This is supposed to be amazing and it’s actually on my wishlist! I just cant bring myself to spend $38 on it, but I’d LOVE it as a gift.

Nars Blush in Orgasm. This shade you guys. There’s a reason so many people love this shade. It’s buildable and universally flattering. Seriously, it looks good on everybody. Highly, highly recommend.

Kat Von D’s Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita. Liquid Lips are all the rage right now and this chestnut-rose shade in particular is quite popular. It looks different from person to person, but it always looks good. It’s long-lasting and kiss proof, a must for liquid lips!

NARS Audacious Lipstick. These lipsticks get amazing reviews and come in a plethora of shades. You’ll delight your makeup lover with this choice, no doubt.

FOR THE MAKEUP OBSESSED

You’re going to have to think a little outside the box for your makeup obsessed loved one. This might mean getting an unusual item or dropping some serious dough on something luxurious.

Urban Decay’s Vice Lipstick Stockpile. Why not go all out and get UD’s 30 most popular lipstick shades all at once? It’s limited edition and saves you about $200 than if you bought each shade individually.

Kat Von D’s Shade + Light Face Contour Refillable Palette. This palette features 3 contour and 3 highlighter colors, all matte finish. And it’s refillable!

Viseart Eyeshadow Palette. These eyeshadow palettes are pricey, but get amazing reviews. There are plenty of different palettes to choose from, from bright and bold to neutrals and sultry dark colors.

Hourglass’ Ambient® Lighting Edit – Surreal Light. This is a limited-edition palette of gorgeous powder, bronzer, blushes, and a highlighter. The Hourglass brand is amazing, I love my finishing powder by them. I can only imagine a whole face using this brand!

Bitch Slap! Cosmetics pressed highlighters and eye shadows. Bitch Slap! cracks me up! They have so many options of pressed powders that are done in small batches. Warning: there are a lot of penis and vagina powders, if you’re faint of heart. I, for one, would die laughing and LOVE any of their powders. They also have some Prince, David Bowie, skull, and even Pokemon powders. Oh, and they have penis-shaped lipsticks which I’m dying to get for a bachelorette party gift.

Jouer’s Lip Toppers. These shimmery lip toppers go over your lipstick to transform the shade. This is on my personal wishlist, for sure!

This isn’t all-encompassing by any means, but I hope this gives you some ideas! If you have some more recommendations, I’d love to hear them in the comments!