Hi friends!
All this week I’m sharing gift guides for all the beauty lovers in your life this holiday season. No matter what your preferred style of makeup is, there should be something for everyone – fingers crossed! If you missed my Glam Makeup Gift Guide from Monday, be sure to check that out if you’re looking for recommendations for your next holiday party. My vegan/cruelty-free guide and skincare guide will be coming later this week too so stay tuned for those!
Today is my Fuss-Free Makeup Gift Guide – probably my personal favorite of the bunch! If you’re after natural-looking products that are easy to use yet are still effective, this is the one for you. I’ve broken things up into large categories – Complexion, Eyes, Brows, Cheeks and Lips. All these recommendations together will give you a full face of makeup, if that’s what you’re after. Or if you’re just here for, say, a bronzer recommendation or a blush recommendation, it should still be helpful as well.
I’ve tried to include a mix of prices here, but if you’re only interested in more affordable drugstore makeup please check out my ‘Best Of’ drugstore series from last month.
Without further delay, let’s get into the gift guide!
COMPLEXION
Source: Bare Minerals / Instagram
BARE MINERALS COMPLEXION RESCUE TINTED HYDRATING GEL CREAM OR STICK
WHAT MAKES IT FUSS-FREE
- Creamy consistency makes it super easy to apply
- Several steps in one – light coverage, moisture, SPF
- Lightweight, easily-transportable packaging
- SHOP NOW FROM ULTA
Read this: Review: Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue
Source: CoverGirl website
COVERGIRL CLEAN MATTE LIQUID FOUNDATION
WHAT MAKES IT FUSS-FREE
- Thin consistency makes it easy to apply and blend
- No patchiness
- Gives medium coverage with natural finish with regular ‘Clean’ formula, or matte finish with ‘Clean Matte’ formula
- SHOP NOW FROM COVERGIRL
Read this: Review: CoverGirl Clean Liquid Foundation
Source: Glossier website
GLOSSIER STRETCH CONCEALER
WHAT MAKES IT FUSS-FREE
- Highly creamy consistency that can double as light-coverage concealer or tinted moisturizer
- Easy to apply and blend in seconds
- Leaves glossy, dewy finish, particularly flattering on dry skin
- SHOP NOW FROM GLOSSIER
Read this: Glossier Stretch Concealer Review
Source: Maybelline / Instagram
MAYBELLINE FIT ME CONCEALER
WHAT MAKES IT FUSS-FREE
- Effortless application and blending
- Great coverage and hydrating finish that could be suitable for a variety of skin types
- SHOP NOW FROM WALMART
Source: Rimmel / Instagram
RIMMEL STAY MATTE PRESSED POWDER
WHAT MAKES IT FUSS-FREE
- Just pat-and-go easy application with lightweight yet mattifying texture
- No cakiness at all
- SHOP NOW FROM WALMART
EYES
Source: Ulta website
MAC PRO-LONGWEAR PAINT POT IN GROUNDWORK
WHAT MAKES IT FUSS-FREE
- Creamy texture that applies seamlessly with a little finger blending
- Can double as primer or as long-wearing cream eyeshadow
- Groundwork is the perfect neutral mid-tone brown shade for “no-makeup makeup” effect
- SHOP NOW FROM ULTA
Read this: MAC Paint Pots – my most used product of all time
Source: Glossier / Instagram
GLOSSIER LASH SLICK MASCARA
WHAT MAKES IT FUSS-FREE
- Gives subtly enhanced yet still natural-looking lashes
- Plastic brush comes out very clean, so no gloopy product
- Buildable so effect is customizable
- Removes with just warm water
- SHOP NOW FROM GLOSSIER
Watch this: Video: My current mascara wardrobe featuring Kokie & Glossier
BROWS
Source: NYX website
NYX CONTROL FREAK BROW GEL
WHAT MAKES IT FUSS-FREE
- Comb-through-your-brows-and-go kinda formula
- Amazing grooming and hold capabilities for all-day wear
- Clear formula that doesn’t leave white “crispies” in brows
- SHOP NOW FROM WALMART
Read this: Unruly brows? NYX Control Freak has it covered
CHEEKS
Source: Stila / Instagram
STILA CONVERTIBLE COLOR
WHAT MAKES IT FUSS-FREE
- Creamy texture that easily blends into skin and leaves dewy, natural finish
- 2-in-1 product for cheeks and lips
- Packaging is small and lightweight with mirror, so perfect for on-the-go
- SHOP NOW FROM SEPHORA
Source: Ohii / Instagram
OHII BEAUTY WAKE UP PEN
WHAT MAKES IT FUSS-FREE
- 2-in-1 product that doubles as under-eye brightener and/or cream highlighter
- Thin texture that easily blends into skin, leaving subtle pearly sheen behind
- Click-pen delivery system with fuzzy applicator for on-the-go application
- SHOP NOW FROM OHII
Read this: Review: Ohii Beauty Wake Up Pen
LIPS
Source: Influenster
REVLON ULTRA HD GEL LIP COLOR
WHAT MAKES IT FUSS-FREE
- Comfy & cushiony gel formula that effortlessly glides on lips
- Provides both shine and pigment for a 2-in-1 kinda effect
- SHOP NOW FROM REVLON
What would be included in your Fuss-Free Makeup Gift Guide? What products get you out the door in minutes looking polished yet natural? I’d love to know!
Make sure to come back on Friday for my Cruelty-Free & Vegan Makeup Gift Guide!
xo, Erica
PIN IT!
Forever ago (literally at least 10 years) I bought Groundwork for my mum for Christmas! I used to steal it all the time… I kinda want to get it again now ahaha ♥️
This is my first pot, and I already love it so much! But I had a strong suspicion I would even before I bought it 😉.
My NYX professional contour palette can make my makeup routine in under 5 minute! Does my eyes, contour and bronzer in one palette and also has a powder to set my concealer. NYX better keep on making that palette forever ! 😉❤️💄
I’ve seen that one, it looks amazing! I love multi-tasking products like that!
Great list!! The wake up pen looks very interesting. I’ve never seen that one. 😊
It’s a cool little product! I think it’s only carried by Urban Outfitters (either in store or online) since that’s their in-house brand.
This is such a great list Erica! Most are great even for beginners 😀
I’d love to look more into that wake up pen, that caught my eye immediately.
Thanks so much! This is definitely the list I fit into the best. The Wake Up Pen is a cool little product, very easy to use but effective!