This isn’t just any ol’ gift ideas post – I’ll focus on gift ideas for the beauty addict – because that’s what I know best! 😛 There are 2 schools of thought on gift giving for beauty items: buy practical things that you know the person uses up and would want a replenishment. Or, buy things which perhaps are a little frivolous and the person might not buy for herself. I don’t see any issues with either of those strategies, you can even give a mix from each categories – so here are my gift ideas divided into: Sensible and Sensational. 😉
I’m not a fan of pre-packaged gift sets – I think it’s more thoughtful to pick items and package them together yourself. I’m going to keep the gift ideas capped to below $100 so it’s realistic!
Sensible
Shiseido Facial Cotton x6 ($11 each = $66)
I’d be pleased as punch if I received enough Shisedo cotton for an entire year!
Beauty Blender sampler (create your own with 2 sponges + cleansing solid = $78)
Clarisonic replacement cleansing heads duo pack $46
I don’t own a Clarisonic but similar to electric toothbrushes, those replacement heads are pricey!
The Face Shop konjac sponge x12 ($5 each = $60)
You’re supposed to use a new one each month, now you can!
Clinique Bigger Dramatically Different Lotion Limited Edition 200ml x2 ($47 each = $94)
This is the extra large bottle that’s not normally available. 2 bottles will last most of the year with daily use.
Mascara Sampler + makeup remover ($39 + $20 = $59)
Shoppers Drug Mart offers this amazing Eye Studio Sampler – there are 6 mini mascaras to try first and there’s a coupon inside to redeem for a full size mascara from the assortment. This year’s set also includes a Benefit They’re Real! Push-Up Liner (meh). Bundle this kit with a waterproof eye makeup remover – who doesn’t need mascara and remover?
Now for things that no one really needs…
Sensational
MAC Pro Palette + eye shadow refills (pan + 6 MAC eye shadows = $85)
I could name one of the myriad of makeup palettes that seem to get released around the holidays but to me, a customizable one is still the best. An empty MAC Pro Palette is only $10 and the 15 eye shadow insert is $3 – one can purchase either the MAC eye shadow refills at $12 each, or go with less expensive options from Makeup Geek ($6 USD each) or Coastal Scents ($1.95 USD each), which also fit the MAC pans.
Benjabelle brush tree + 2pks of Brush Guards ($40 + $26 = $66 USD)
I gave my friend this exact gift and she tells me it’s one of the most useful gifts she’s received! No one really needs a brush drying apparatus but it’s an elevated drying experience (pun intended 😛 ) Check out how I dry my brushes here.
Create your own Mix and Match Nail Polish set (for the 4 below = $90)
Pick a few festive colours from spendy brands and make your own little holiday nail polish set, I suggest these:
Butter London Bobby Dazzler (silver chrome) $17
Deborah Lippman Can’t Be Tamed (honey gold glitter) $22
Marc Jacobs Sally (iridescent blackened green) $22
Guerlain Rouge d’Enfer (red crème) $29
Face Paint by Lisa Eldridge + Making Faces by Kevyn Aucoin ($36 + $20 = $56)
A new makeup book, plus an oldie. Get more makeup book ideas from here.
Guerlain Meteorites $71
If you can still get your paws on the Holiday ones, it’d be super sweet, but I’m sure the regular ones will do just fine! 😉
MAC Large Brush Roll $60
Any beauty addict worth their salt will have way too many brushes in their arsenal. 😛 A high quality brush roll will help to transport and store brushes safely and securely.
If all else fails, there are gift cards to Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart, Hudson’s Bay or even a cash card. It’s a bit of a copout but I think the recipient will be equally grateful. 😀
Do you prefer getting Sensible gifts or more Sensational ones? I personally like getting sensible ones… I know that I’ll always make use of what I receive! What are your tried and true gift ideas for the beauty addict?
This is a collaboration topic for Blogmas – be sure to check out the rest of the Babes in Blogland for their gift ideas:
♥ Ingrid of Curly.Spring.Blossom
♥ Kaily of Hello Kaily
♥ Sharon of Sharon Beauty Prime
stash matters 
I want the books!!! *heavy sighs*
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Put it on your wish list! 😀
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I want that Benjabelle brush tree !!! (I’m your friend too you know) 😉🙏🏼😂 All great ideas !
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Ask BM for one! It’s so handy. I love it!
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Poor BM, he already have a very long list !!! 😛
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Pretty nice ideas ! I would so love that brush drying tree!!!! Gonna keep these in mind!!:) I honestly wouldn’t mind getting from either.. I always make use of what I get lol 😜😜😜😜😜😜
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Yeah that drying tree is A+! Do you have a wish list that you give to your bf and family?
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Lol its more like word of mouth but they almost always forget lol😅so I guess giving each other wishlists is better lol 😜 I told my bf that we should exchange wishlists but he hasn’t given it to me lol 😑
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I have a Benjabelle brush tree, it is awesome, it keeps my brushes safe from rolling away or getting knocked over while they are drying.
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I was skeptical at first but it’s an amazing invention! I did drop mine recently and the base broke… I’m going to attempt to crazy glue it back together.
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I want that face paint book. In my wishlist it goes. hahaha! I’m a fan of Lisa Eldridge.
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Me too… or I might just end up ordering it for myself! Merry Christmas to ME! 😛
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We should do a gift exchange 😛
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My friend and I are giving each other filled stockings this year. So far I’ve had absolutely no inspiration at all, but I think you may have saved me! Hahaha!
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I’m glad you got some ideas! That’s a nice idea between your friend and you – lots of little items is sometimes more fun than one big present. 🙂
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Good stuff, I want all of the polishes! 😀
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Me too! 😀
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LOL I’m glad I’m not the only one that loves those Shiseido cotton pads! Ridiculously expensive when you think about how much you’re paying for cotton pads, but once I tried them, I couldn’t go back.
Wonderful gift ideas! Would be happy to receive any of these under the tree 😉
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I know, I’m spoiled now too! We’re forever slaves to the cottony softness of Shiseido Facial Cotton! I bought some Muji ones to try… they’re cheaper so I hope they work well, fingers crossed!
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These are such excellent ideas! Now I wish I had more beauty lovers in my life 🙂
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I think I’ve turned some of my friends into makeup fiends… “I’ve created a monster!” 😛
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That sounds like the best kind of monster possible! I need to convert some of my friends I think.
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Great ideas! I love doing up my own gift baskets to! I did a great one filled with nail stuff for my sister for her birthday this year and she loved opening all the little gifts! She uses everything. Sadly she is the only makeup obsessed one on my list.
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That sounds wonderful! It’s so thoughtful to put together your own spin on a “gift set”! 😊
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Really got my eye on the MAC palettes. Want to compress as much as possible to free up some storage space. How would you compare mac eye shadows to make up geek ones and coastal scent?
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I haven’t tried Makeup Geek ones yet! MAC is great and quite consistently good (some duds as with any brand). Coastal Scents was a surprise – decent quality and they were only $1. I would say the shimmery shades are more interesting and pigmented. I’d definitely check them out – they usually run sales right after Christmas.
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Ahh that’s great good to know thanks! 🙂 can’t wait to try up makeup geek…on the list for 2016!
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Gift card to sephora!!! Lol awesome list. I’m currently using that cotton or should I say soft pillows?
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Now you’re spoiled, you can never go back to anything else because they’ll feel like sandpaper!
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Lmao sad but it’s true!
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