Beauty lovers are a class that I find myself firmly situated in. Flicking a good cat eye wing with my liner can kick start an awesome day, and wearing a good lipstick is a requirement for a day out, but for those that don’t have the same love affair with makeup, trying to buy gifts for those that do can be difficult.
Don’t worry though, because I’m about to give you some advice about what not to buy for that beauty guru on your list.
1. Any All-In-One Sets
Sure, it seems like a good idea! If they love make-up, surely they’ll want this kit that has everything all in one place, but actually for those like myself who already have a hoard of makeup, those kits are usually bulky, lower quality, and include so many pieces that I might already have covered.
Instead of big sets that try to capture an entire face, look for sets that are exclusive for the season— especially if they come with a limited edition color, then you’ll know that they don’t already own it. Better yet, snoop on their makeup stash or start up a casual conversation sometime about what releases they’re looking at (be subtle, fool) and try to get an idea of what they might be lusting after. If you’ve got a really close relationship, try peeking at the Loves list on their Sephora app or the Favorites for the Ulta app. Those are mis-named and actually often used for wishlisting coveted products that don’t fit the budget. Snagging one of those could be a gasp-worthy surprise.
2. Foundation
Unless you know they right shade, buying a skin tone product can lead to a disappointing gift. However, if you do want to get that NARS foundation they’ve been lusting after, purchase it from Sephora or Ulta and get a gift receipt, because both of those stores offer free returns even on used products so your receiver can try it and exchange for the right color if it’s a miss.
3. Colors They Don’t Ever Wear
It makes some sense, stalk your friend for a week on Instagram and notice they never wear a bold, red lip so you assume they might not already have a rocking red shade and get them a lipstick in a brilliant cherry, except they might never wear that color because they don’t like it or it doesn’t suit their complexion.
Typically, people have a preference for the colors and hues that they love to wear. It’s much better to look for whether they seem to prefer cool or warm tones in their makeup and to purchase something close to what they are actively wearing. If you stick to buying for Sephora or Ulta, they can always return a duplicate, or maybe you’ll get lucky and purchase a back-up of their favorite!
4. Cheap Makeup Kits
This isn’t a bash on anyone who’s got a budget, we all do! But, every year makeup kits come out from no name brands that haven’t had any quality testing in front of the beauty community.
Instead, stick to recognizable brands and even if that limited edition kit has no reviews, look for reviews for the products inside or for the brand overall in that area. You can still find great products at the drugstore, for cheaper price tags, but shop smart so you’re receiver can actually use what you gift.
It can be intimidating shopping in interest areas you don’t share, but for someone who loves makeup, the perfect gift might require you to step out of your comfort zone. Just do some research into reviews, talk to other beauty lovers (Sephora or Ulta employees will not hate you or judge you if you ask questions), and snag something that will have your receiver shocked you knew to buy that!