How to Holiday Shop like a Beauty Editor
By Anne-Marie Guarnieri,Allure magazine
Everyday, bags filled with the latest and greatest beauty goods land on my desk (I've got a pretty sweet gig, right?). But this time of year is extra-fun because as each piece of loot appears, I immediately think about the person on my personal shopping list who would love it most. So if you're freaking out because you've only got 19 days to finish your shopping... relax.
Related: The Top 21 Drugstore Beauty Bargains
Here's what a few of the people on my list will be getting:
My makeup-obsessed cousin.
This girl practically lives in Sephora, so when I saw Tarte's mega-makeup palette (the starlet limited-edition makeup vanity) in its chic mirrored box (above), it had her name written all over it. With a bazillion velvety eye shadows (some shimmery; some matte, and in every shade in the rainbow), lash primer, mascara, blush, bronzer, and powder, she'll never run out of makeup. But on the off chance she somehow works through all of it, the case doubles as a jewelry box. (Bonus: It's valued at a whopping $505 but will only cost you $52.)
My boyfriend's mom.
You can't go wrong with a fancy candle. Bond No. 9's best-selling fragrance-The Scent of Peace-comes in a festive, frosted purple glass ($95). With warm notes of grapefruit, black current, lily of the valley, and cedarwood, the candle is perfect for holiday gatherings.
My best friends.
Recently, all of my girlfriends have been asking me how celebrities get amazing, sexy waves (think Lauren Conrad and Blake Lively). It's true that the stars probably have a hairstylist willing to make house calls, but that stylist brings along a clampless curling iron. These have just the barrel, which you can wrap pieces of hair around-the pros tell us to leave the ends out for a more modern (read: no prom curls) look. My pick: Jose Eber Signature Series Curling Irons, which come in 13, 19, or 22mm, depending on what kind of wave you want. The looser the curl, the larger you need the iron to be.
See also: 31 New Holiday-Party Hair Ideas
My dad.
No matter how metro (or not) your dad is, Kiehl's products are the way to go when it comes to men's grooming. This gift set-Ultimate Man Collection-contains every product a dude could want: the company's cult favorite face wash, shaving cream, moisturizer, bar soap, lip balm, and hand salve. The products add up to $72 but the set sells for $50.
Did you find any amazing gifts to give this year? And more importantly, what beauty gifts are you dying to receive?
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Photo Credit: Courtesy of Sephora
