We’re right into holiday shopping season now!

For some, it’s the beginning of thinking about shopping, for others it’s finishing it up. I’m more in the latter category. I like to get my holiday shopping done as soon as humanly possible. I’m working on finishing wrapping everything and last minute touches. For anyone that’s still working on their shopping, I thought I’d suggest a few beauty things that can be a great gift this time of year, especially if you know someone that is into makeup.

Holiday makeup sets are a great place to start. Many brands, in many stores, put together holiday sets so you can just pick one up and go. They’re festive and the packaging tends to be beautiful so it’s not only is a nice gift, but looks the part too. Some of them have a whole bunch of different makeup products which is nice. Other sets stick to one kind of product like a few lip glosses, or several eyeliners. These are great options so the person gets to try several shades from the brand.

An eyeshadow palette is a great pick because you usually get a good value for the amount of eyeshadows you get in one. If you know the person wears bright colours for makeup, go for one with bright shades. If you’re unsure, neutral colours tend to be a good choice. Some palettes have a mix of colours and nudes, and that tends to work for most people.

A makeup brush set is a really nice idea. Someone who is into makeup can never have too many brushes! I would stick to a brand you’ve heard of before, or ask someone that works at the store which sets are recommended to ensure a good quality set.

If you’re not sure which brands of makeup to get, some stores sell sampler packs. The recipient gets to try out several different deluxe sample sized products, and some even include a voucher to go back and get a full sized version of their favourite in the set! Sephora and Shoppers Drug Mart both have these type of sets last time I checked!

Makeup stores tend to have holiday makeup sets at a variety of price points, so you can really find something for every budget. If you don’t know which stores to try, I suggest Walmart or Sally’s Beauty Supply for more inexpensive products (that are still great products), Sephora for more high end beauty products (they always have amazing sets), and Shoppers Drug Mart for a good mix of inexpensive and high end. Shoppers Drug Mart seems to be underrated but I love checking out their Beauty Boutique. They actually have their two makeup sections divided. They have the more high end products in the Beauty Boutique, often separate from the “drug store” priced makeup brands. Both sections have great options.

If all else fails, a gift card to their favourite beauty store is a good bet so they can pick up whatever they want or need, and you can be sure they’ll get the exact colour or product they are after. My favourite makeup store is Sephora, and the great thing about their gift cards is they come with a little mirrored compact so it’s a bit nicer than the average gift card. Also for all you non-wrappers out there – Sephora puts every purchase in a gift bag with pretty red tissue paper. The recipient will know it’s from Sephora, but at least your wrapping is done!

Whatever you decide to pick up this holiday season, I hope you don’t get too stressed out about it. Remember this time of year is supposed to be fun and happy! I’m sure everyone on your shopping list will be happiest to see you, and not the gift you give them.

Happy Holidays! See you in the New Year!

About the Author

Tina Michelle is a freelance makeup artist in Oshawa, Ontario. She loves to help others feel better about themselves by teaching them to use makeup as a tool at their disposal to bring their best face forward. She never wants you to feel like makeup is something that you have use to cover yourself up so you are considered pretty. You already are beautiful! Tina hopes to help you discover that makeup is fun and can be playful, and doesn’t have to be another chore on a to-do list. You can find her on Facebook here: (www.Facebook.com/MakeupByTinaMichelle/) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/MakeupByTinaM.com/) or Instagram: (www.twww.instagram.com/MakeupByTinaMichelle/)