Holiday Gift Guide For Beauty and Makeup Enthusiasts
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 something is completely up to you!
If you’re shopping for a makeup lover or beauty enthusiast, I’ve rounded up some of the best beauty gifts (and gifts to avoid) this holiday season.
I’m showcasing some of my favorite brands and products and receive no compensation to making this post. However, I might have sprinkled in some affiliate links which means that I’ll receive a tiny commission for any purchases made using my links. Please refer to my privacy policy for more information.
Jump To Who You’re Shopping For
Trendsetters
Classic & Nostalgic Beauty Lover
Skincare Lovers
Makeup Beginner
Luxury Makeup Lovers
Mature Makeup Mavens
Someone Who Has It All
Skincare Junkie
Aspiring Makeup Artist
Makeup Interested Child
For The 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. 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. I dare to say she created makeup without “labels” being that whose saying you can’t put “lipgloss” on your eyes or vice versa. 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 where you really want that WOW factor as they open your gift. It just feels good to give and receive something that looks this good.
Snag the same makeup bag and items I did here >
Pat McGrath Labs
Pat McGrath is a color genius and her products are so fun to look at. Anything she pushes out, you know a lot of thought and testing went into. The shade range is thoughtful, inclusive, and you know anything from Pat McGrath is world-class quality!
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.
Shop Pat McGrath Lab Here >
For The Classic & Nostalgic Beauty Lover
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 period makeup 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… it’s gorgeous AND informative.
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, it’s full of amazing makeup history that anyone interested in history will appreciate.
For The Makeup Beginner
Learn Makeup In 5 Days [online course]
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.
Learn More >
Be Your Own Makeup Artist: Unleash Your Inner Beauty
Of course, my book is the obvious *perfect* gift for makeup newbies. It goes over the fundamentals of makeup, in magazine form, and helps readers make sense of makeup.
What Makes This Book Special?
Not only did I self-publish this book, 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!
For The Luxury Makeup Queen
Christian Louboutin Lipstick
You’re not necessarily just buying the lipstick but also the tube, which is a work of art and will definitely be considered an heirloom piece 20 years from now.
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.
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 >
Mature Makeup Maven
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.
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 all skin types and I love the subtle underglow the beams through makeup on top. It’s chefs 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 loves it. It took her awhile 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. From matte to metallic, these are one of the most versatile pigment products on the market!
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 the pro-community for years but is breaking more and more into the consumer market.
IMATS Tickets
This gift idea goes with the whole theme of experiences over things. If you have someone in your life who loves makeup and really values experiences, you will knock it out of the part with this gift.
It’s sort of like COMICON but for the makeup lover.
I’m sure the makeup lover who has it all hasn’t necessarily been to an event where all the up-and-coming makeup technology is out on display. Unlike some trade shows, IMATS has days that are open to the public! As well as masterclasses you can sign up for. There are classes that are open to the public as well.
Skin Care Junkie
Sonia Roselli Beauty
While some people use primers to prep their skin for makeup… makeup artists prep the skin for makeup with quality skincare products.
And Sonia Roselli is the artist who created her own line to make this possible for herself and now, makeup artists around the world!
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 using before makeup application, I’ll spare you the details. Run, don’t walk, and thank me later.
What Makes This Line Special?
Every products works on all types of skin (although I wouldn’t recommend the water oil on oily skin).
Her products are hand made in Japan, and really is probably the most luxurious thing you’ll do for yourself everyday.
Gift Certificate for a Facial
Getting your loved one a skincare 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 holidays.
Aspiring Makeup Artists
Side Hustle Makeup Artist Academy
Nicky Posley Complexion Series
Nicky is such a gem and his complexion work is AMAZING. The fact that he teaches anyone who wants to learn his methods is such a gift. In this particular series, Nicky creates a sun-kissed, fresh beauty look, with emphasis on complexion building, and handling hyperpigmentation, for deeply melanated skin tones.
Skin Prep
Color Correction (hyperpigmentation & uneven skin tone)
Foundation Technique (satin skin, using over-painting to sculpt and highlight the features)
Color Placement
Blending
Brow Shaping
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 >
Your Makeup-Interested Child
I recently guest blogged for the Eclectic Mother and broke it down. This post is a must-read if you have a child who is starting to want to wear makeup. You can get some great gift ideas there, too!
There you have it! Hopefully you got some good gift ideas for the makeup-obsessed people in your life. As always, I’m just a click away. I love connecting with my blog readers so if you have any questions or want to chat more on this topic, you can shoot me a message anytime.
Makeup is for everyone… and I mean, everyone! My book is the perfect gift for anyone who loves makeup, is just starting to love makeup, or wants to get back into makeup. Inclusively written for all genders, skin tones, ages, and budgets, this 110+ page magazine-style book is something I am SO proud of and I would love to see it in more people’s hands!
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
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P.S. If you asked me a beauty question, if I don't immediately know the answer, I must thoroughly research every question I receive, and sometimes do not have an immediate answer or I need clarity on unlisted ingredients in certain beauty products, sometimes getting a clear answer takes up to 3 weeks... have patience, it'll be worth it!
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.
