Christmas Shopping for the Girl Who Loves All Things Beauty Part 1: Get More for Your Moola!

Christmas time is just around the corner and I have already been hearing the sounds of Christmas music in the stores.  This year you are buying a gift or gifts for maybe your Mom, your Sister, your Girlfriend, Wife, friend, etc.  Or maybe for yourself?  Basically someone who loves makeup and beauty and it seems that she has everything.  Or you don't know the first thing about it.  Well I am writing this article for you!  This will be a series post that will talk about my favorite things that are available now and where to buy them:

Getting More for your Moola! - Gift sets and getting the most for your money.
Stocking Stuffers - The best little things to fit in a stocking.

Impact Gifts - For when you want to splurge for that special someone, and I guarantee she will freak!!!!
Gift Certificates - What to get and where to get them.

So ladies, when these posts come out.  Forward them to your men in your life.  This will help them out!

I am mostly going to send you to an online retailer.  Even though you can go to a physical store.  I have found that online retailers offer even better deals and free shipping then what is available in the stores.  But by all means if you don't like shopping online.  Go to the store if they have a store front.  But to me nothing is more fun then getting something in the mail!    OK, so here we go with the first blog!

Get More for Your Moola!  Gift sets and getting the most for your money:

This time of year there is never a shortage of gift ideas.  And all of the makeup brands start rolling out special deals and gift sets.  But not all brands and sets are created equal.  Here are my TOP picks for quality, value, and biggest impression.

Stilla's Holiday Dream in Full Color Palette.  29 Eyeshadow shades, 7 cheek colors, and a full sized smudge stick waterproof liner in Stingray.  It is displayed like a beautiful flower in a circular palette.  So pretty and has "Wow" factor.  Valued at $300, get it for only $39!  http://www.ulta.com/ and http://www.sephora.com/

Smashbox's Be Discovered Holiday Palette.  65 shades of color for eyes, cheeks and lips.  All wrapped up in a sleek red box with a pull out tray.  It also includes 3 brushes.  Valued at $300, get it for $60.  Exclusive for http://www.ulta.com/

BH Cosmetics 120 Color Palettes.  You can pretty much bet that any palette from BH Cosmetics is going to be a winner.  But in particular their 120 color palettes are the best value.  They come in 4 different additions, have a huge range of highly pigmented color, and are in a sleek black case.  Why not get all 4 and really surprise her?  These are often on sale during the holiday season pretty consistently and they offer free shipping on orders over $50.  Regularly $29.95-34.95.  http://www.bhcosmetics.com/

MAC Cosmetics Ice Parade Bags and Kits.  10 kits total to pick from, ranging from lips, to brushes, to eyeshadows.  All perfectly arranged to compliment each other. Also be on the look out for their holiday special edition gift sets.  They have not released them yet.  But they usually offer a variety of travel sized products in pretty packaging.  If they have a variety set of pigments, run out and get those as fast as you can!  Retail $36-49.50.  http://www.maccosmetics.com/ or Nordstom stores. 

Sigma Brushes Premium Travel Kit.  This set contains Sigma's most luxurious and essential brushes all wrapped up in a stylish brush roll perfect for travel or for home.  There are 4 colors to choose from, silver, black, hot pink and light pink.  Each one has 7 of their most popular brushes and the basics for any makeup look.  $59  http://www.sigmabeauty.com/

Sephora by OPI Glimmer Wonderland 18pc Mini Nail Colour Set.  OMG 18 mini sizes of OPI's fabulous nail colors are sure to fit any mood.  It includes some of their bestsellers, trend shades, and basics.  So much fun!  $84 value, get it for $48.  http://www.sephora.com/

Sephora Favorites.  Now, there is a bunch of these available at http://www.sephora.com/.  Some focus on lips, mascaras, fragrances, or bestsellers.  But if you don't know the brand she uses, this is a great option.  Each kit features Sephora's brands that they carry in the store in sample sizes.  It's a great opportunity to try something new!  All under $75.

Two Faced In Your Dreams Makeup Collection.  This palette definitely has the "wow" factor with all the Victorian and pin up style design.  It contains a total for 3 different looks.  But I am sure you could create more!  It has 9 eyeshadows, 3 blushes, and 3 lipshades.  And it also has 3 complete step by step face charts to help you create the looks!  Valued at $155, get it for only $39!  http://www.sephora.com/

LORAC Bejeweled Day and Night Jewelry Box.  This beautiful jewelry box is filled with product.  It includes to palettes of eyeshadows for day and night looks, 2 high shine lip glosses, bronzing powder, and 2 eyeliners.   Valued at $415, get it for $56.  http://www.sephora.com/

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye pencil Travel Set of 5.  There are two options available, one with more natural colors, and one with fun colors.  Either way, it's a steal!  I would prefer the Electric one because you don't use these colors on a regular basis so a travel size is just right.  Normally a full size pencil is $18 and this whole set is $32.  http://www.sephora.com/ or http://www.ulta.com/


Check out my Professional Makeup Artist site!
Happy Holidays!!!