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! I’m aiming to upload this series in four installments – a glam makeup guide, a natural/everyday guide, a vegan/cruelty-free guide, and a skincare guide.
Today I’m starting things off with my Glam Makeup Gift Guide. If you’re after dramatic colors, dazzling textures, and flawless finishes 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: IT Cosmetics / Instagram
IT COSMETICS YOUR SKIN BUT BETTER CC+ FULL COVERAGE CREAM
WHAT MAKES IT GLAM
- Flawless full coverage that’s long-wearing but still hydrating, plus sun protection
- Available in three different textures and finishes for a variety of skin types (Original for dry skin, Illumination for extra radiance, and Oil-Free Matte for oily skin)
- SHOP NOW FROM ULTA
Source: Maybelline / Instagram
MAYBELLINE INSTANT AGE REWIND CONCEALER
WHAT MAKES IT GLAM
- Gorgeous medium-to-full coverage that’s long-wearing but still hydrating
- Has ability to color-correct as well
- SHOP NOW FROM TARGET
Source: Hourglass / Instagram
HOURGLASS AMBIENT LIGHTING POWDERS
WHAT MAKES IT GLAM
- Gorgeous light texture powders that glide across the skin, leaving zero cakiness
- Gives skin a soft-focus finish while setting makeup for long-wear
- SHOP NOW FROM SEPHORA
Source: Charlotte Tilbury website
CHARLOTTE TILBURY HOLLYWOOD FLAWLESS FILTER
WHAT MAKES IT GLAM
- Gives skin a stunning soft-focus finish with subtle pearly sheen
- Can be used as cream highlighter, or mixed into foundation for an all-over glow
- SHOP NOW FROM SEPHORA
Read this: Drugstore alternatives to Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter
EYES
Source: Kosas / Instagram
KOSAS 10 SECOND EYESHADOW
WHAT MAKES IT GLAM
- Bold color payoff and beautiful glittery, metallic or satin finishes
- Innovative pure-liquid formula that sets for long-wear
- SHOP NOW FROM SEPHORA
Read this: Kosas 10 Second Eyeshadow Review
Source: Stila / Instagram
STILA HUGE EXTREME LASH MASCARA
WHAT MAKES IT GLAM
- Luxurious bristle brush that gives lashes volume, length and tons of drama
- Builds up very quickly without much effort
- Very black formula
- SHOP NOW FROM ULTA
BROWS
Source: Ulta website
ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS BROW WHIZ
WHAT MAKES IT GLAM
- Waxy pencil that effectively fills in brows without over-depositing product
- Built-in spoolie to help groom brows
- SHOP NOW FROM SEPHORA
Source: Ulta website
L’OREAL BROW STYLIST BOOST & SET
WHAT MAKES IT GLAM
- Quickly and dramatically adds color to brows while volumizing and grooming
- Holds brows in place all day
- SHOP NOW FROM ULTA
- Full review coming soon!
CHEEKS
Source: Flesh / Instagram
FLESH TENDER FLESH BLUSH
WHAT MAKES IT GLAM
- Smooth satin-textured powder that blends effortlessly across skin
- Amazing color payoff and longevity
- SHOP NOW FROM ULTA
Read this: Want a good ‘ole flushed cheek? Try the Flesh Tender Flesh Blush in Pulse!
Source: Fenty / Instagram
FENTY BEAUTY SUN STALK’R BRONZER
WHAT MAKES IT GLAM
- Smooth matte-textured powder that blends effortlessly across skin
- Amazing color payoff and longevity
- SHOP NOW FROM SEPHORA
Read this: Fenty Beauty vs. Physician’s Formula: Bronzer showdown
LIPS
Source: Maybelline / Instagram
MAYBELLINE SUPERSTAY INK CRAYON
WHAT MAKES IT GLAM
- Bold color payoff with creamy, effortless application
- Dries down for long-wear
- SHOP NOW FROM TARGET
Read this: Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon vs. Matte Ink: Which should you buy?
Source: Lisa Eldridge website
LISA ELDRIDGE TRUE VELVET LIPSTICK COLOUR
WHAT MAKES IT GLAM
- Luxurious creamy matte texture that applies effortlessly
- Weightless and long-wearing
- Gorgeous vintage-inspired packaging, complete with faux velvet effect on lipstick bullet
- SHOP NOW FROM LISA ELDRIDGE
Read this: Lisa Eldridge Velvet Muse Lipstick Review
What would be included in your Glam Makeup Gift Guide? What products make you feel luxurious and extra special?? I’d love to know!
Make sure to come back on Wednesday for my Fuss-Free Makeup Gift Guide!
xo, Erica
PIN IT!
Erica, I used it and I am a free promoter for them, I tell everyone how great that foundation is. Wow, totally love that list.
Thank you! It’s super perfecting on the skin, isn’t it? First time I used it, I couldn’t believe it because I thought it was going to be lighter coverage. I guess I didn’t read the name on the tube correctly! 😁
I want everything on your list! The Age Eraser is seriously the first thing I’m buying! 😀
Let me know what you think when you get it!
Great picks! Love the Hourglass powders and the Kosas eyeshadows❤️. Like that you also picked from both high end products and drugstore.
Thanks so much! ❤️
Ugh those hourglass powders look so so good and people have always raved about them too! I also need to try that ABH brow wiz too
Hourglass makes some seriously lush products! I’ve liked a lot of their stuff over the years, but the Ambient Lighting Powders are probably my favorite. Def pricey but I think they’re unique and worth it.
I need to make more room in my vanity lolol
Powders in particular take so long to go through for me since I only use a small amount everyday. I try not to have more than one or two in stash at one time! Right now I’m working my way through Mood Light, which is a beautiful pink-undertoned powder from Hourglass. I won’t need to buy another one for quite a while!
I want to try the Fenty bronzer so bad!
It’s beautiful quality, and not too exorbitantly expensive either. A win-win I’d say!