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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
This is a nice set of make up products. You gave a nice list of the essentials.
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!
I’m definitely a beginner! I’ll have to bookmark this for when I feel a bit more comfortable!
I swear by that Benefit mascara and am DYING for the Urban Decay Naked palette. It’s on my Xmas list!!
i want those brushes please!! i love them!! i’m a soon to be intermediate
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!
Wow, these are really helpful!
I’d pretty much die if this was under the Christmas Tree with my name on it 😀
I have used Purity for many years. I love all Philosophy products!
I need all the Ulta gift cards!! lol
I’m glad to see I fall in the intermediate category.
We’ll get you to the “Guru” category one day 😉
Loved this helpful tips! Every makeup lovers should have Urban Decay Naked Palette, it’s a must! 😉
Oh, oh!! I have to get the Urban Decay Naked Palette.
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. 🙂
I’ve heard that the Naked Palette is a must