Once again Christmas is less than a week away and until last night, I was still scrambling for gift ideas. It's not that I procrastinate when it comes to gift purchasing- I spend exorbitant time obsessing over the perfect gift. This morning it occurred to me I should gift the ladies in my life with stockings (or Kustom Klutch...) full of my own personal favorite products. After all, these are the go to items I use every day as well as what I keep stocked in my pro kit stash.
If you are still on the hunt for someone on your list (or maybe you'd like to treat yourself), these products are universally flattering and useful. They can be used for all skin types/ages, are relatively inexpensive and easy to find. You can gift these to a teen just learning to wear makeup, your granny with a drawer full of favorites, or a girlfriend you'd like to impress with your makeup savvy ways.
Keep reading below then follow the links to each product. Remember to comment and let me know if you have a favorite I left off the list.
Happy Holidays, Everyone!
Tarte Rainforest of the Sea- Skin Twinkle Lighting Palette $44
This palette is beautiful lighting in a box. All three shades are flattering but I find myself using the right one most. When applied on top of cheekbone, down center of nose, Cupid's bow and brow bone it gives the most beautiful lit from within glow to skin. It's so finely milled, it doesn't look sparkly- just dewy and heathy. Also vegan.
Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer $29
I've never known a bronzer I love more. Looks like a natural tan when applied across bridge of the nose. It can also be used for light contouring on forehead, beneath cheekbones and jawline. Admittedly, I'm not a fan of obvious contouring but, I do like dusting this on for some extra color and dimension. I also like to use it as eyeshadow on my crease (multi use=love).
MAC Powder Blush Tenderling $23
I switch up my blush a lot depending on season. Tenderling is a nice, almost skin tone color that I use often as a base for other colors. It's a great neutral and is especially good for people who don't like wearing obvious blush. Paired with "Desert Rose" or "Dame" on apples of the cheek (also by MAC) it's really something special.
Maybe I should be embarrassed I've been repurchasing product since 2002- I don't care. I love it. Its a peachy/ mostly nude that can be worn alone atop of a liner (read below) or lipstick. A tiny bit goes a long way, it can be layered for more or less shine. Some people find it too sticky, I have a love/hate feeling about it. The texture makes it last for hours.
Sorme Smearproof Lipliner-Tease $10
I don't spend a lot on lipliners. This one has excellent staying power, is a nice neutral shade and has great color pay off. Apply a bees-waxy chapstick first, layer this over and you have a perfect neutral, with comfortable feel.
Revlon Nearly Naked Powder $10
Yes, my favorite foundation/powder comes from the drugstore. I have tried countless other powders (from outrageously expensive to hilariously cheap), this remains my favorite. Buildable coverage, natural finish, doesn't settle into fine lines. It's a wonderful, little gift that I can just pick it up when I run into Target. I'd use it in my pro-kit if people wouldn't look at me like I'm crazy.
MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot- Quite Natural $22
Another one of my long, long, longtime favorites. I use this with a small angled brush for filling in and holding eyebrows. It looks enhances and looks amazing on EVERYONE. Use a spoolie to brush out and you have a one-product perfect brow.
Maybelline Volume Express Mascara $5
Don't we all love this one? Personally, I always have 5 of them floating around. A smart model told me to always have 3 on hand, bought a month apart- one will always remain at the perfect consistency. This mascara does not dry out and become flaky through the day. You never have to worry about the "raccoon look". Glamour Black. Waterproof.
Bourjois Contour Clubbing Waterproof Eyeliner- Black $10
This is a tough one for me. It's my all time favorite eyeliner and it has been discontinued. I've used it for close to 10 years and can't find anything I like nearly as much. I shouldn't even be telling anyone about it. Actually, this is a good gift for me if you find it. This is the only occasion you should consider buying beauty products from amazon.
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer $7
Another drugstore find that I love. It's the perfect under-eye concealer, blemish camo, and highlighter. I use it on both men and women, on camera and it always reads as real skin. Consistency is perfect- not so dry that it makes lines more obvious but not so liquidy that it slips around throughout the day.
I'll always be a loyal Shu girl. They gave me my big chance when I was starting out and living in San Francisco. I'm not sure what kind of sorcery they have put into this gadget, but no other lash curler compares.
