The post was originally published on November 7, 2019. Edited: December 6, 2024.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a small commission. I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy any of the makeup gifts I recommend here is completely up to you!
If you’re shopping for a makeup lover or beauty enthusiast, this post is for you! I’ve rounded up some of the best makeup gifts for the upcoming festive season. Whether the person in your life is a little luxe or just deserves a little “treat yourself” moment, I hope this list will make shopping a little bit easier this year.
Makeup Gifts For Trendsetters
Lady Gaga Haus Labs
I ordered some products from this line during the Amazon Prime sale in July. I just love how Lady Gaga is not so heavy on the retouching of her marketing images; this is a huge plus for me. So, I was really curious how this approach to makeup was going to translate into the actual products.
So what makes it so special?
The colors are surprisingly versatile. So are the products. She created makeup products without “labels” which means you can technically use the “lip gloss” on your eyes or vice versa. This makes the products fun to play with and it can really simplify your beauty routine! I love that about this brand and I love Lady Gaga.
The packaging is super edgy and also distinctive. You might not think that packaging matters, but it does. Especially on the holidays when you really want that “WOW” factor as they open your gift. It just feels good to give and receive something that looks this good.
Pat McGrath Labs
Pat McGrath is on of the makeup industry’s top brands because Pat is a color genius and her products are so fun to look at. You know that anything she pushes out went through a lot of thought and testing beforehand. The shade range is thoughtful, inclusive, and the quality is world-class!
So what makes Pat McGrath makeup so special?
Aside from her inspiration as one of the most famous and highest-earning makeup artists in the world, she’s also a woman of color!
Don’t let her marketing fool you! Many of her makeup products are pro-kit staples, especially her blushes. They wear beautifully and luxuriously at the same time.
Her packaging is beautiful, though not landfill-friendly. The good news is that you can use/reuse/repurpose old packaging with new makeup.
Makeup Gifts for Classic Beauty Lovers
Besame Cosmetics
I was introduced to the brand Besame when I was asked to be the official makeup artist for the 70th Annual Observation of the Berlin Airlift. Over 20K people attended and many of the models my team and I got ready made the national news.
When preparing for this event, I wanted to capture the authentic makeup of the 1940s.
Besame didn’t disappoint! They specialize in beauty products that are representative of period colors and formulations. The quality of the makeup is top-notch and representative of the era.
What Makes Besame Special?
If you’ve always wanted to get the lipstick color your older relatives or ancestors might’ve worn, this brand is for you.
Aside from the lipsticks, I recommend the cake mascara and brush.
Lisa Eldridge’s Book, Facepaint: The Story of Makeup
Lisa Eldridge has become a household name. She’s also one of the makeup artists I’ve been following for years.
In fact, her book, “Painting Faces” sits prominently in my makeup studio and was included in my top 10 makeup books of all time posted here. It’s one of my faves for a good reason. It’s gorgeous AND informative. In fact, everything she does and every piece of content she pushes out is world-class. There’s no wonder the world has begun to take notice… she’s gone viral. When she developed her own lipstick line, I knew I’d have to have them too!
What Makes This Book Special?
This book is not only beautiful, but it’s also full of amazing makeup history that anyone interested in history will appreciate.
Makeup Gifts for Makeup Beginners
[online course] Learn Makeup In 5 Days
Online learning has never been so fun. This inclusive, gentle, and practical makeup learning course teaches you everything you need to know about creating an everyday skincare and makeup routine. It is the perfect present for the person in your life who doesn’t want more “stuff” but wants to know how to feel more confident as they get ready in the morning. It’s great for teens, or really anyone entering a new phase of life. As we age, our approach to makeup changes and it’s always good to get a refresher!
In addition to this course, I also offer a personalized makeup shopping service. I’ll shop for 5 makeup products for you that are best for your skin type and skin tone. This is another great gift for someone who loves makeup but maybe needs a little guidance and direction. Finally, if you’re looking for unbiased, unsponsored product advice, you can ask me here.
[1:1 experience] Create Your Signature Makeup Look
Create Your Signature Makeup Look is your opportunity to learn all of the makeup essentials you need to feel your most confident. This online program includes 1:1 makeup coaching designed to guide you along as you explore makeup in your own way. I will work with you to make the process uniquely yours so that your makeup application fits your lifestyle, features, and preferences. No matter where you are on your makeup journey, I’m here to help you learn at your own pace and on your own timeline!
Be Your Own Makeup Artist: Unleash Your Inner Beauty
Of course, my book is an obvious perfect gift for the makeup newbie and makeup lover alike. It goes over the fundamentals of makeup, in magazine form, to help readers make sense of makeup. It discusses the business of makeup, which is designed to help you be a smarter consumer when it comes to makeup and beauty products. It also breaks down each part of the beauty routine into simple steps, with tips to customize the process based on your features, preferences, and even your budget.
What Makes This Book Special?
Not only did I self-publish this book, but it’s inclusively written — meaning it’s for makeup learners of every age, race, and gender. It’s also cosmetology school curriculum in Germany — pretty cool!
Makeup Gifts for the Child At Heart
Eyeshadow Makeup Design: Eye Chart Coloring Book
I recently published my very own eyeshadow coloring book and I am SO excited to share it with you! It’s called “Eyeshadow Makeup Design: Eye Chart Coloring Book” and it contains over 30 different eye shapes and sizes so you can let your creativity run wild. It’s a great way to “learn” makeup without actually learning makeup (if you know what I mean).
What Makes This Book Special?
In my eyeshadow coloring book, each eye shape is printed on single-sided paper. This makes it easy to use and easy to frame your finished designs if you want.
Make Your Own Lipstick Art Coloring Book
I also created a lipstick coloring book called “Make Your Own Lipstick Art Coloring Book” that’s perfect if you want to practice different lip looks. I made sure to include a range of unique lip shapes in the book for variety and representation, which is so important to me. Not everyone’s lips or eyes are the same shape and people must see themselves in these kinds of products.
Makeup Gifts for the Luxury Queen
Christian Louboutin Lipstick
If this is the time of year when you tend to pull out all the stops, this gift recommendation is for you. Not everyone is going to be drawn to a designer lip product, but if someone on your list is into luxury products, this might be the perfect gift for them. These velvet matte, sheer voile, and silky satin finish lipsticks come in a variety of classic and versatile colors, an iconic and reusable tube, and the box the lipstick comes in also doubles as an heirloom jewelry container. You’re not necessarily just buying the lipstick but also the tube, which is a work of art and will be considered an heirloom piece 20 years from now.
What Makes This Special?
It’s not just a lipstick… it’s a lipstick experience. Plus I love gifts that turn into heirlooms.
Check out the lipstick line here >
Makeup Gifts for Mature Makeup Mavens
Senna Cream Blush
If you ever sat in my chair as a client, then I probably used one (or mixed several) of the cream blushes from Senna’s collection.
Move over powder blush. Cream blushes are where it’s at.
Cream blushes are universally flattering on all skin types — but as we get older, cream blushes just work and wear better on mature clientele.
This formula is one of the most beautiful, natural-wearing, melt-on-your-face blush I’ve ever used.
Unless you are a working makeup artist, stick to her singles! There’s no need for you to have the entire palette, although it is beautiful to look at and experiment with.
What Makes These Blushes Special?
Aside from the amazing formulation and well-thought-out colors, the brand founder is a gem in the beauty industry. Eugenia Weston and her amazing work is what makes this blush so special.
Veil Hourglass Primer
This primer, when applied to freshly moisturized skin or mixed in with liquid foundation or tinted moisturizer, has such fantastic qualities when applied. It is light-wearing, oil-free but not drying, and reflects light in such a flattering way. I consider it to be one of my makeup essentials, especially for those with mature skin. It’s not technically makeup, but it makes your makeup look SO GOOD.
What Makes This Primer Special?
The fact that I don’t love primers and love this primer should say enough. I love how this works on every skin tone and type, and I love the subtle underglow that beams through the makeup you put on top. It is chef’s kiss pretty.
Shop Veil Hourglass Primer Here >
For The Makeup Lover Who Has It All
Danessa Myricks Cream Color
I bought one of these for my friend at IMATS London who is a makeup lover who has (or knows) it all!
She hadn’t ever tried or purchased any of Danessa Myricks cosmetics at this time and boy, did she love it. It took her a while to figure out how to use it, because, well, like Lady Gaga’s line mentioned above, it’s not necessarily designed for one particular part of the face. They come in little tubes so you can use them however you see fit. It can be a blush, and eye shadow, and a lip color. From matte to metallic, these are some of the most versatile pigment products on the market and they make a great gift.
I love Danessa Myricks and everything she puts out there. She will be a household name before we know it and it’s bittersweet. She’s been serving makeup artists for years but is breaking more and more into the consumer market.
IMATS Tickets
This is a great gift idea if you have someone on your list who values experiences over things. If you have someone in your life who loves makeup and seems to already own everything they want, you will knock it out of the park with this gift. I promise. IMATS is sort of like COMICON but for the makeup lover. It’s a great way to see all of the up-and-coming makeup technology and all kinds of new products are out on display.
Unlike some other trade shows, IMATS has days that are open to the public! There are also classes that are open to the public as well as masterclasses you can sign up for.
Great Gifts for Skin Care Junkies
Sonia Roselli Beauty
While some people use primers to prep their skin for makeup, makeup artists prep the skin for makeup with quality skin care products.
You can check out my interview with Sonia Roselli on the topic of ‘Makeup For Mature Skin’ here.
While there’s a long history behind this line — and a million and one reasons I could explain why this line is so powerful and amazing when used before makeup application — I’ll spare you the details. Run, don’t walk, and thank me later.
What Makes This Line Special?
Every product works on all types of skin (although I wouldn’t recommend the water oil on oily skin).
Her products are handmade in Japan and is probably the most luxurious thing you’ll do for yourself every day.
Gift Certificate for a Facial
Getting your loved one a skin care service at a local esthetician is such an awesome gift.
You get your teeth cleaned at the dentist twice a year, right?
You go get your hair cut at least every six months to promote growth and hair health, right?
You buy those little facial masks at Target and try to remember to slap one on every Sunday. Except really, it’s like twice a year and you have an entire shoebox full of masks, right?
Well, a nice basic facial is self care. It’s getting the skin on your face exfoliated, cleaned, and glowing. It’s self care + skin care and you’ll be the hero of the holiday season.
Gifts for the Aspiring Makeup Artist
Do you have a friend or family member who wants to become a makeup artist? This can be such a fulfilling and wonderful career and I am happy to help!
Visit My Pro Shop for Trusted Courses and MUA Resources >
Lastly, I wish you a safe and relaxing holiday season, surrounded by the people you love most. Gifts are nice, but the time spent with the humans you care about is so much more meaningful.
Stay Beautiful,
Natalie
Beauty is about perception, not about make-up. I think the beginning of all beauty is knowing and liking oneself. You can't put on make-up, or dress yourself, or do you hair with any sort of fun or joy if you're doing it from a position of correction.
kevyn aucoin
