It’s not surprising that from October to January, makeup brands experience an increase in sales. Lots of special releases and gift sets appear on shelves, which make ideal presents for friends and family, and it’s also the best time to stock up on your own favorite products and try new ones. The sales are plentiful, and the deals are amazing!
The holiday season is a makeup artist’s dream. There are usually lots of glittery, sparkly, glossy and brightly colored items released during the festive period. You’ll be ready for your New Year’s night out with all the swag you acquired during the holiday sales.
Black Friday is, of course, the big kickoff for retailers, followed by Cyber Monday, and the deals often continue through the New Year. This is prime shopping time, and I’ve taken advantage of it to buy new concealers for my kit and top off the skin care products that I use to prep my clients. I’ve even bought a new makeup light. The best sales can start as early as the week leading up to Black Friday and continue through Cyber Monday.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO CONSIDER WHILE DOING YOUR HOLIDAY MAKEUP SHOPPING:
• MAC releases its holiday collection in part starting in October. One popular item is the brand’s Advent Calendar, which contains numbered compartments illustrating the theme for that year. Opening a different drawer each day reveals anything from full-sized lipsticks or a pair of lashes to sample-size mascara and eye shadows.
MAC isn’t the only place to find makeup-themed advent calendars. Several brands release kits that are great for gifting – or adding to your own collection.
Products to try: MAC Bursting with Surprises Advent Calendar, $195, www.maccosmetics.com; Charlotte Tilbury Diamond Chest of Beauty Stars, $200, www.sephora.com
• While I worked at MAC, lots of customers would buy their first set of makeup brushes during this time because you can get a set of four or five brushes for the amount you usually would pay for two. You can find good-quality brushes with cute handles for a great price!
Products to try: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Mini Brush Set, $50, www.charlottetilbury.com; MAC Limited Edition Brush Essentials Kit, $50, www.ulta.com
• Have you ever wanted to try several lipstick or blush shades but weren’t sure what would look great on you? What about a brand you thought might be too expensive? Considered starting your makeup kit but didn’t want to spend lots of money? This is a great time to branch out, experiment and treat yourself!
Product to try: NARS Behave Backstage Cheek Set, $39, www.sephora.com
• Sephora is a one-stop shop to buy multiple brands, and you can often get mini-bottles of fragrances that come with a “coupon” to apply to the purchase of a full-sized bottle.
Product to try: Sephora Favorites Perfume Sampler Set, $72, www.sephora.com
So, get your festive cheer on, head to your nearest makeup store (or shop online) and load up those baskets! You’ll be ready to fill those stockings, wrap those presents and enjoy a little gift to yourself that makes you feel fabulous when you hit the town.
