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You are here: Home / Beautiful Hair, Skin, and Makeup / Holiday Gift Guide: Makeup for Intermediates

November 19, 2013 By Cassie 21 Comments

Holiday Gift Guide: Makeup for Intermediates

Yesterday I mentioned that I was doing a two week Holiday Gift Guide extravaganza. I kicked off the start of my series with a Holiday Gift Guide that focused on Makeup for Beginners. Today’s Holiday Gift Guide is a step up from that and focuses on Makeup for Intermediates.

Holiday Gift Guide: Makeup for Intermediates on southeastbymidwest.com

1 | Urban Decay Naked Palette

Urban Decay’s Naked Palette is a palette that all makeup lovers should have in their collection. I personally just added the Naked 1 Palette and plan to add the yet to be released Naked 3 Palette to my collection as soon as it’s released. Eye shadow palettes are a good product for the intermediate makeup user as by this point they’ve probably wanted to start experimenting with different eye looks. Also, Urban Decay’s eye shadows have great quality, longevity, and color payoff.

2 | Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple

Purity Made Simple is a one step facial cleanser that not only cleanses the face but removes makeup as well. This is a great product to use at the end of the day to remove all the makeup. I actually use this product every night, even if I didn’t wear makeup that day. This is a great step up from the basic makeup remover and/or wipe, making it a perfect gift for the intermediate makeup user.

3 | Benefit’s They’re Real Mascara

After a makeup beginner has had time to practice with clear mascara they’re going to want to start using the real thing. Benefit’s They’re Real is a more pricey mascara, however, it’s well worth the price. This mascara gives the wearer instant length and volume. It lives up to the name They’re Real because it makes the lashes look like they could be false. Therefore, this mascara makes a great gift for the intermediate user because it moves them up the mascara ladder and gives them a great quality mascara.

4 | Real Techniques Makeup Brushes

Once someone starts to use makeup and they get the confidence to start getting more difficult with their makeup looks they’re going to have an easier job with makeup brushes. A set for the eyes and a set for the face are usually a good starting point, however, a better starting point is the Real Techniques Core Collection and the Starter Kit. One is a set of four face brushes including a foundation and a contour brush, while the other set contains five eye brushes. These are a great middle of the line set of brushes and a perfect gift for the intermediate makeup user.

5 | Ulta Gift Card

If all else fails settle for an Ulta Gift card. Ulta is a great shopping resource for the makeup intermediate as they have drugstore and some lower high end brands. Shopping at Ulta can include products from CoverGirl, NYX, Benefit, and Urban Decay. Additionally, the receiver of the gift card will be able to shop either in store or online with their gift card.

About Cassie

I started Southeast by Midwest back in 2012 as a lifestyle blog. After a few months I felt a pull towards beauty so I rebranded as a beauty specific blog. Over the years I've grown my knowledge and love of beauty products to the point that I am currently in Cosmetology school. If you'd like to know more about me contact me on any of my social media channels or at southeastbymidwestblog@gmail.com

Holiday Gift Guide: Makeup for Beginners
Holiday Gift Guide: Makeup for “Guru’s”

Comments

  1. Kita says

    November 19, 2013 at 9:38 am

    One of my editors for my magazine did the naked palette as her favorite gift for the holidays and I loved the colors next year I am going to be scouring youtube videos so I can learn how to put some on.

    Reply
  2. Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? says

    November 19, 2013 at 10:21 am

    What a great idea to do an Ulta giftcard. You pretty much have to spend money on yourself when you go there..and it’s usually for pampering.

    Reply
  3. Shell says

    November 19, 2013 at 12:01 pm

    I love that Urban Decay mascara! Philosophy’s Purity wash was my go-to for years- might need to go back to it! I’ve been eying the Urban Decay Naked palettes. I want to give one a try soon!

    Reply
  4. Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says

    November 19, 2013 at 2:21 pm

    I just got a set of those makeup brushes and I wasn’t sure if I’d like them or not, but they are SO easy to blend and really nicely weighted.

    Reply
  5. LaShawn says

    November 19, 2013 at 6:24 pm

    I love ulta. LOOOOOVE Ulta. I can spend way too much money in there!
    And I am always on the lookout for a new mascara. I will have to try this one

    Reply
  6. Janeane Davis says

    November 19, 2013 at 6:48 pm

    This is a nice set of make up products. You gave a nice list of the essentials.

    Reply
  7. Kecia says

    November 19, 2013 at 6:53 pm

    Nice gift guide for intermediate makeup users. Too bad I don’t have anyone left on my holiday list that wears makeup. This would be a great resource for those that do!

    Reply
  8. Melissa says

    November 19, 2013 at 7:53 pm

    I’m definitely a beginner! I’ll have to bookmark this for when I feel a bit more comfortable!

    Reply
  9. Chelsea says

    November 19, 2013 at 10:10 pm

    I swear by that Benefit mascara and am DYING for the Urban Decay Naked palette. It’s on my Xmas list!!

    Reply
  10. brett says

    November 19, 2013 at 10:30 pm

    i want those brushes please!! i love them!! i’m a soon to be intermediate

    Reply
  11. Piera says

    November 20, 2013 at 12:01 am

    I love that you included Purity Made Simple – I love Philosophy products and have been using Purity for years. It is the best cleanser that I have ever used. I also use the moisturizer, Amazing Grace, and more. LOVE the brand!

    Reply
  12. katherine bartlett says

    November 20, 2013 at 4:13 am

    Wow, these are really helpful!

    Reply
  13. Jennifer says

    November 20, 2013 at 8:03 am

    I’d pretty much die if this was under the Christmas Tree with my name on it 😀

    Reply
  14. Angela says

    November 20, 2013 at 10:25 am

    I have used Purity for many years. I love all Philosophy products!

    Reply
  15. Ange says

    November 20, 2013 at 5:18 pm

    I need all the Ulta gift cards!! lol

    Reply
  16. Brenna says

    November 20, 2013 at 8:13 pm

    I’m glad to see I fall in the intermediate category.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      November 20, 2013 at 10:55 pm

      We’ll get you to the “Guru” category one day 😉

      Reply
  17. Healy Harpster says

    November 20, 2013 at 9:33 pm

    Loved this helpful tips! Every makeup lovers should have Urban Decay Naked Palette, it’s a must! 😉

    Reply
  18. Stacie Connerty says

    November 20, 2013 at 10:13 pm

    Oh, oh!! I have to get the Urban Decay Naked Palette.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      November 20, 2013 at 10:54 pm

      It’s a great one to get! And if the shades from the Naked 1 aren’t up you’re alley you should check out the Naked 2 and the soon to be launched Naked 3 palettes. 🙂

      Reply
  19. Daphne says

    November 21, 2013 at 8:41 am

    I’ve heard that the Naked Palette is a must

    Reply

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Support Southeast by Midwest

Southeast by Midwest is dedicated to bringing you truthful, unbiased opinions on some of the most popular makeup products and brands today. As Southeast by Midwest is not on most PR lists, if you would like to help support our efforts by clicking through these links when you shop at these stores it would be greatly appreciated. Shopping via these links doesn't cost you anything extra; just a percentage of your total will be shared with Southeast by Midwest to go towards purchasing new products!
Sigma Beauty Sephora Ulta Beauty Nordstrom Birchbox Too Faced BH Cosmetics Bloomingdales Charlotte Tilbury Laura Geller Laura Mercier Marc Jacobs Beauty Saks Fifth Avenue Tatcha The Body Shop Walmart Amazon

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