Black Friday is just about two weeks away, and I know I’ve started to think about the holiday gift-giving season. Gifts for others and gifts for me. This year I’m on a strict budget, but I can still dream, right?
Today, I’ve teamed up with my friends at The Beauty Council, and we’re putting together Holiday Gift Ideas.
Here are just a few of my early recommendations in the beauty category. I know there are lots of new products out there, but I decided to do this list based on products I own and have found to be tried and true: some new, some classics. In a subsequent gift post, I’ll expand beyond what I own and also include a few other gift favorites outside of the beauty category.
Pricier Gift Ideas
Viseart Neutral Matte Palette 01
I’ve been meaning to do a full review of this fabulous palette for ages, but I still haven’t done it. I promise I will – with swatches and all – very soon!
This is my favorite eye shadow palette, bar none. It’s the one palette I reach for most often, and it’s the one that gets me the most compliments whenever I wear it. I was introduced to Viseart Neutral Matte Palette by lots of makeup artists who claim this is their favorite palette, the one they use most often. It is the only palette that a woman who favors neutrals and mattes will ever need. The shades are universally flattering.
The shadows are buttery, they feel like velvet on, stay on without budging for hours and hours, and they blend like a dream. All this fabulousness comes at a price, $80, but well worth it. The fact that it’s often sold out just shows you how much love there is for this palette! If it’s in stock, you can buy it at Sephora or at Alcone. But if neutral mattes aren’t your thing, check out Viseart’s other offerings, but I believe this is the palette from Viseart to start with.
Marc Jacobs Limited Edition The Sky-Liner Petite Highliner Collection
This collection of gel crayon eyeliners is a great way to get acquainted with Marc Jacobs luxury makeup or a give a treat to a Marc Jacobs devotee. The Marc Jacobs limited edition is sure to sell out, so act fast to pick up one of the last remaining beautifully packaged boxes.
See my recent review for details. The seven gel crayons come in very wearable shades that work for everyday or for a special occasion. My favorites are the copper, purple, navy, and black, but I love and wear them all. They go on so smoothly and easily, and they are waterproof and stay put. The Marc Jacobs The Sky-Liner Petite Highliner Collection – available only at Sephora – is $45.
em Michelle Phan Life Palette
Now, I know this recommendation may come as a surprise. Michelle Phan is not everyone’s cup of tea, but I found her Life Palette to be such an innovative and interesting idea, I had to have it. I bought the Day Palette, shown below. Each Life Palette (there are at least 4 options) contains 4 palettes, each with 9 shades, in one big collection. It contains powder eye and cheek colors and creamy lip colors. I think it’s great for travel when you can’t make up your mind what to take, but it also comes with a small portable palette so you can easily remove just the shades you know you’ll use and take those with you so you can travel light. Very cool.
Though not as beautifully blendable or long-lasting as the Viseart palette (but it’s still quite decent), the variety and all-inclusiveness is the appeal of this big collection. It comes with lots of ideas/how-tos for creating looks with the palette as well as with a dual end brush (slant brush and all purpose brush) that you can use in a pinch. The regular price of the Life Palette is $59, but it is often on sale for less.
How ‘Bout Them Apples?Lip/Cheek Cream Palette by theBalm
For the cuteness factor alone, I suggest the How ‘Bout Them Apples? Lip and Cheek Cream Palette by theBalm. The cardboard (I know, some of you don’t like cardboard but I do – lighter weight=more portable) palette comes with 9 apple-shaped pans ranging from neutral browns to peach/corals to pink to red. Although they can be used for lips or cheeks, I use them primarily as blush. I prefer cream blush for my dry skin, and these are so easily blended. The How ‘Bout Them Apples? palette is $32.
Affordable Small Gifts and Stocking Stuffers
Beauty For Real Light Up Lipgloss, Light My Fire
I just reviewed this little cutie on Monday, so check my review for details. Light Up Lipgloss is just that: a lipgloss that has a mirror on the side of the square tube and a bright little LED light built into the wand to make for precise application anyway, even in the dark. The light and mirror coupled with its compact size (fits easily in a pocket) make it perfect for gals on the go. In addition, it’s a lip plumper with peppermint oil and collagen.Though I have the beautiful cherry red, Light My Fire, Light Up Lipgloss by Beauty For Real comes in 16 shades, each $22.
Teadora Rainforest At Dawn or Dusk Nourishing Lip Butter
Teadora, a company that supports the rainforest and draws inspiration from the ingredients derived from the rainforest, makes an absolutely amazing and delicious exfoliating lip balm. With sustainable and nourishing ingredients from rainforest plants and trees, it’ll get your lips in shape and protect them from winter cold in no time, that is if you can keep yourself from licking it off your lips. It comes in two flavors: At Dawn/citrus and At Dusk/chocolate berry. I have the citrus (reviewed here), and I just love it. Beautifully packaged. Teadora Beauty Lip Butters are $15.
Starrily Nail Polish
Recently, I discovered an indie polish brand that I’ve really fallen for: Starrily. I bought the topper, Galaxy, that appeared in my NOTD yesterday, but their entire line is incredible. It’s a fun brand with neons, holos, jellies, and loads of toppers that are jammed pack with stuff inside. I paid $10 for Starrily’s Galaxy in a full size bottle, but the prices range from $10-15.50. I noticed that each shade is a limited run, and they sell out fast. Starrily is vegan, cruelty-free, and is 5-free.
Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eye Shadows and New Color Statement Nail Lacquer
Milani products make the ultimate stocking stuffers: they’re gorgeous and they are so affordable! This summer they introduced Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eye Shadows in about 30 blendable, long-wearing shades from mattes to satins to metallics. (Here’s my review). Each gold-packaged shadow is like a little present all on its own. Bella Eyes shadows are priced around $4.
And they reformulated their Color Statement Nail Lacquer (my review here) to make it easier to apply (one coat for many of the shades) and definitely longer lasting. The new round bottles are much more sophisticated-looking too. There are about 30 lacquer shades available in their permanent collection. Plus the good news is each Milani nail lacquer costs less than $4 each.
Bite Beauty Luminous Creme Lip Duos
Bite Beauty has a couple of fabulous holiday gifts, but today I’ll mention just one that makes a great little gift, stocking stuffer or just a way to get started with Bite Beauty: the lipstick duos. I love Bite Beauty especially for lips because it is a better for you line of makeup made with natural and “food-grade ingredients” including reservatrol, the youth-promoting ingredient found in red wine. They’re also gluten-free. The duos are available in three shade combos: fig/date (neutrals), scarlet/wine (reds) and purples (vivid/palomino). The shades can be worn individually or layered to create your own custom shades. Each Luminous Creme Lipstick Duo is $12 and comes in a box with a cute red lip-shaped gift tag.
Now that you’ve seen my list, hop on over to the other blogs (see below) and check out their suggestions! Happy Holidays 😛
I want that MARC JACOBS set so bad. My Sephora was sold out of it, and online kept crashing during the VIB sale. But it is sooo on my list. Great group of items. I NEED that light up lippie for sure!!
Jamie @ Makeuplifelove recently posted…FREE PRINTABLE GIFT GUIDE: MLL + The Beauty Council Gift Guide 2014
I have seen a few MJ Skyliner sets left at random Sephora’s that are in the ‘burbs. But if you don’t find it, there’ll be something equally wonderful catching your eye for sure!
I definitely need the Bite Beauty and Marc Jacobs sets!
Jamie recently posted…Throwback Thursday: Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
The Bite Beauty holiday minis are such a deal, Jamie. I love them! And the Marc Jacobs liners are gorgeous. I hope there are still a few MJ sets around in store.
Amazing choices, Allison! The last thing that I need is more “wants” after the damage that I did at the Sephora VIB Sale!
Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog recently posted…Beautyhabit Friends and Family Sale | 20% Off Through Sunday, November 16 at Midnight!
I hear ya, Lola! Today is a killer, reading everyone’s choices. I have to look away 😉
Girllllll, you have just made my list so much longer! Marc Jacobs,Viseart,The Balm you are killing me 🙂 Great detailed post, so glad you are apart of The Beauty council!
Heather recently posted…The Beauty Council-Holiday Shopping Guides
Thank you so much, Heather! Because I’m a market researcher, all my posts are detailed/long. I think I’m writing a research report, lol! Thank you so much for your tip today about resubmitting my post. I forgot I had trouble submitting it a few days ago 🙂
Great choices!
I would like to try the Bite Beauty Creme Lip Duos, especially that you mentioned that ingredients are safer than some other brands, it is affordable too !
Dima Al Mahsiri recently posted…How to Make Your Whipped Shea Butter (With & Without Heat)
I love Bite Beauty lippies, Dima! They are better for you which is so important for stuff you wear on your lips. They are affordable and the shades are lovely. I also bought a set of Bite Beauty mini lip crayons for $25 that are fab too!
You have some great suggestions, here. I have that Marc Jacobs set on my Sephora list. Soon… 😀
Erika recently posted…Holiday Gift Guide
Hope the MJ will still be there, but if not, I’m sure there’ll be something else calling to you!
The viseart palette is definitely on my list.
Kim recently posted…L.A. Girl Cosmetics Glazed Lip Paints: Hot Mess, Babydoll, Bombshell, Coy, & Blushing {Swatches & Review}
My favoritest makeup purchase of the year, Viseart!
I love Bite Beauty lippies and Marc Jacobs eyeliners, great choices!
Kath TheFabZilla recently posted…Holiday Gift Guide For The High-End Loving Beauty Junkie
I saw the MJ eyeliners on your list too! I liked the Bite Beauty lipsticks so much, I bought the mini set of lip crayons too.
The apples blush and Viseart are definitely at the top of my list for different reasons. The Viseart palette doesn’t have a single shade I wouldn’t wear, and it would be my first real foray into makeup artist grade tools. The blush packaging is cheeky (don’t mind the pun), clever, and cute – I would be THRILLED to get gifting something like that. Thanks for the awesome recommendations, Allison! xoxo Audrey
Both great palettes, Audrey! I hope you can find the Viseart palette in stock. I had no problem when I bought it in July, but lately it’s been mostly unavailable. You’d think they’d up production 🙂
These are great picks!
Thanks, Leeolo! I’ve enjoyed all of ’em 🙂
I think the Light Up Lipgloss would make an excellent stocking suffer!
Monica.
MonicaP recently posted……and the winners are
Me, too. It’s a gift that would get noticed!
Great picks! I’ve been wanting to try those Milani shadows for ages.
Aleya Bamdad recently posted…Check Out The Latest Maggy London Dresses
I think they’re a wonderful bargain. So fun for trying colors without a major investment, especially during a sale when they’re BOGO or BOGO1/2
Great picks! I so need that Marc Jacobs set!
gio recently posted…How To Use Dry Shampoo Properly
Yes, you do, Gio! I love it, and use it every day.
What an awesome gift guide! Loving that you included Viseart palette, it’s on my wishlist 🙂
Anastasia recently posted…Holiday 2014 Gift Guide with The Beauty Council
I hope you can get it sometime, Anastasia. The quality is so amazing. It’s almost always sold out. I was lucky to buy it during the Alcone July 4th sale.
Anything Viseart is on my wish list 🙂
Phyrra recently posted…Best Cruelty Free Blushes
I only have the neutral matte palette since that’s my primary thing, but I would love to buy one of the other palettes, probably the one with the pastels for spring.
Glad to see the Marc Jacobs eyeliners on your list!
I use them every day, Cindy. I am still mentally thanking you every time I put them on.
I’m still skeptical about the em palettes because I’ve seen some not-so-impressing swatches
I don’t and can’t wear heavy eyeshadow, so they are pigmented enough for me. Some of the shades are more pigmented and more blendable than others. I will do a real review with swatches after the holidays. Primer is a must with this palette, but I use primer with everything anyway. I often travel a lot for business, and I can never decide what to take with me. I liked the zillion choices at once, or the option to depot them and take them in the smaller palette. I find the concept very appealing.
Great picks! I’ve recently heard a lot about the Teadora balms so they’re on my must try list.
Bailey recently posted…Vichy Idéalia BB Cream & Idéalia Eyes
I love the citrus flavor balm so much I find myself licking it off my lips. Yum
I have that Viseart palette and it is superb. Best mattes ever! I want all the Bite Beauty lippies.
I’m glad you love it, too! I find myself reaching for it so often. And you should pick up a couple of the Bite lippies. They are so worth it.
Fabulous choices here darling 😉 I really really need to get a Viseart palette. I wish I decided to grab one during the VIB sale – but really wanted to get more info on it before I sprung for it 😉
Honeygirlk recently posted…Honey’s Holiday Gift Guide 2014 – The Beauty Council
You do need a Viseart palette, Honey, since you could do so much with it. I believe there are 2 or 3 other eye shadow palettes with shades that you would have more fun with. Check ’em out on Alcone
great pics! the Viseart palettes look so pretty but sadly too expensive for me :/
Natalye recently posted…Happy (Belated) Halloween!
I hear ya, Natalye! I bought it when it was on sale at Alcone. I think it was 25% off so that helped a lot. But it’s my go-to palette so I feel it was worth it.
The Marc Jacobs set looks adorable
Kimmi @ The Plastic Diaries recently posted…Natural Instinct – Body Lotion Review
It is adorable, and the liners are so easily to apply. Love ’em!
I’ve heard so many great things about Viseart.
Sheila recently posted…Makeup Of The Day 48 With BFTE Cosmetics I Believe In Reindeer Collection
You of all people would love it, Sheila. And the other palettes look beautiful too. They’re so good they never in stock!
Love your gift guide! Great choices!
Justina recently posted…Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Spotlights
Thank you, Justina!
Great picks, Allison! I actually bought my first Christmas present of the year this week 🙂
Kiss & Make-up recently posted…Wish list | It all started with some hair dye from EMP Merchandising…
Good for you, Melissa! I bought one of the Bite Beauty duos as a gift, but that’s all I’ve bought so far. Gotta get a move on!
These are some great recommendations! The lip/cheek products from theBalm look so adorable <3.
Deborah recently posted…Swatches & Review – Cirque Colors Live It Up collection
Isn’t that palette from theBalm the cutest?! I just love using it. And the blushes are so blendable, and they stay on too 🙂
I have been eyeing up that Viseart company for a while now.
Laura MyNewestAddiction recently posted…Glossybox November 2014 | Sneak Peek
I would love to buy another Viseart palette…next sale on Alcone.
Excellent picks!!!! Starrily is definitely a brand I’ve been wanting to check out and I love that Milani!! I think I could wear that for the rest of my days and be happy, no lie!!!!
Dani FromPolishwithLove recently posted…the beauty quartet subscription addiction: December 2014 – Winter Break Box
Too cute! I think you’re right, Dani! Milani has such great affordable and beautiful makeup 🙂 And you should check out Starrily one of these days. It’s got some very cute toppers especially.
Love your picks for your guide! They cover a nice range of pricing plus a lot make great stocking stuffers!
Lisa Heath recently posted…Cirque Colors Ultimate Holographic Limited Edition Gift Set Swatches & Review
Thank you, Lisa! At the holidays, one usually needs to buy so many gifts. It’s important to me to list some affordable but fun products.
i tried those marc jacob liners at sephora and i love them!
I think they’re great. Glad you love ’em too, Christina!
I haven’t tired Viseart before, I may need to gift that to myself.
Check out all their palettes, Mercedes! There’s a reason they’re always out of stock 🙂
I have & love both the Milani & Bite products- fab!
Stephanie Louise (@StephLouiseATB) recently posted…Estee Lauder Holiday 2014 Gift Set Review + Video
Yay, I’m glad you like them too, Stephanie!
I haven’t checked out the EM Cosmetics yet..
Kendra recently posted…DIY Vitamin C Toner| With Green Tea & Lavender
I know a lot of women don’t love MP, but I was so taken by the concept of the Life Palette, I had to buy it. The quality is good (not great), because it requires a bit more work to build up enough pigmentation for some of the shades. I’m still glad I bought it because it’s fun to have so many choices in one place.
These are all great! I love Bite Beauty 🙂
Vivienne recently posted…“This or That” Tag!
Vivienne, I love both the dual-end lipsticks and the mini-crayon set that I bought from Bite Beauty! I feel better wearing a better-for-you formula on my lips and the shades are great!