by Jackie Merlau | jmerlaumakeup.com
It’s time to start holiday shopping and putting those wish lists together. For the beauty lovers in your life, I have compiled a list of suggestions to help point you in the right direction.
THE ONE WHO DOESN’T WEAR MAKEUP
If you know someone who is blessed with great skin or confidence, then we know they don’t bother with the latest makeup products and trends. However, let’s not take beauty products for granted that retain the skin’s natural glow and keep those who don’t wear makeup looking flawless. Think serums, moisturizers and hydrating mists.
SUGGESTIONS:
Mario Badescu Facial Spray ($7): This product contains aloe, herb and rosewater. It boosts moisture while soothing and energizing the skin to give it a healthy glow.
No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum ($33.99): This serum had a waitlist of 12,000 when it was first launched in the UK. It addresses three major signs of aging — wrinkles, firmness and tone. It helps the skin look and feel smoother and more radiant.
Charlotte Tilbury Instant Magic Facial Dry Sheet Mask ($22): This is a completely dry sheet mask where the ingredients are only released when massaged into the skin for 30 seconds, and it can even be reused up to three times. The product delivers hydration, brightness, smoothness and lift. It has a plethora of ingredients, such as niacinamide, oils and plant extracts.
THE ONE WHO IS NEW TO MAKEUP
Being new to the world of makeup can be a bit daunting. Especially if you consider the huge impact social media has had on the industry. To contour or not? Does one have to perfect a winged liner? Focus on the basics. Help this loved one of yours ease into the beauty world with the tools to get them going in the right direction.
SUGGESTIONS:
Brush sets ($30-$150): Brands all over the world will be launching brush sets for the holidays and the competition between these companies will be fierce. They all want to offer you the best price for a slew of brushes, so this is a great time for the consumer to buy these tools.
Makeup box subscriptions ( $10-$21/month): Birchbox, Ipsy and BoxyCharm are monthly beauty boxes that can be personalized to the customers beauty preferences. Every month, you receive a box full of makeup and beauty samples (or with BoxyCharm, you receive full size products). It’s truly a gift that keeps on giving!
FOR THE ONE WHO HAS IT ALL
You may know someone who buys all of the top products, knows all the trends and watches their fair share of YouTube videos. You fear buying them makeup because you assume they have everything they want or need. If they give you a specific makeup list, definitely stick to that, but for those who may say, “You don’t have to get me anything,” consider some of these ideas!
SUGGESTIONS:
Milk Makeup Blur Stick ($36): It’s like having your favorite Snapchat filter in a tube. It is a stick you swipe along your skin that will blur fine lines and pores. It can be worn alone or under foundation. It also dries down so you won’t have makeup slipping all over the face, and it is great for all skin tones.
Glossier Priming Moisturizer ($22): It is a light and breathable primer that hydrates the skin, reduces redness, smooths the skin and gives a dewy glow without shine. And of course, the benefit of a primer is to give your makeup an all day wear! The comfort cream allows you to layer and build the product to achieve the perfect amount of moisture, dependent on climate or season.
RCMA Colorless Setting Powder ($10): Every pro artist or makeup enthusiast is probably aware of this setting powder! It sets makeup better than any powder I have personally worked with and helps control oil. Although it is a white powder, it does not cause flashback and works with every skin tone. It is definitely an essential to have for the humid weather here in the South!