For a moment forget gift guides and let's just concentrate on the wonderment that is all the beautiful beauty launches that have arrived just in time for the festive period. Sure some of these gift sets, palettes and more would make fantastic tokens of affection but they are also fantastic value should you wish to treat yourself. Here is a quick run down of some of my favourite finds:
1, If you invest in one thing this holiday season let it be the Artis Brush Elite Rose Gold Three Brush Set, not only are they utterly beautiful but they enhance make-up application tenfold. With the help of the densely packed brushes, liquid products simply glide onto the skin. In a word? Converted.
2, What is the festive period without a little glitter? For a grown up spin (and ease of application) stock up on the Pixi Glitter-y Eye Quads: bold yet coordinated glitter based eyeshadows that can be applied in all manner of ways.
3, Trust Benefit to nail the perfect gift with their nifty Benefit Mini Van set; loaded full of everyday essentials including Benefit Porefessional, Bad Gal Bang Lash Mascara and of course the ever iconic Gimme Brow.
4, Well all suffer from chapped lips every now and then but thanks to Burts Bees that need not be a problem, especially if you treat yourself to the Mistletoe Gift Set which contains not only a tinted lip balm, a lip crayon but also an everyday lip moisturiser too!
5, Now is the time to finally try those brands you have been meaning to and on my radar was the super handy Trinny Makeup stack-able pots. Not only is there several products and tones to chose from but a whole array of money-saving gift sets too!
6, Another brand I fully recommend trying especially during the gifting season is Delilah Cosmetics, from dinky yet perfectly formed lipsticks to brush kits and perfectly curated make-up bundles, this cruelty-free brand has it all.
7, This year make a little space on your tree for the New CID Ornaments, each beautifully designed bauble contains a full sized beauty product that include pretty lip glosses and even mascara. Not only are they ideal for events such as Secret Santa's but they generally save on gift wrap and time.
8, In my opinion very few brands can touch Bobbi Brown at this time of the year and with their Love in the Afternoon Palette you can have the best of both worlds. A sultry assortment of nude eyeshadows, complimented with lots of glitter!
9, How to make someone's Christmas the best ever? With the Too Faced Star Palette of course! This jumbo palette contains several eyeshadows, blushes and face powders all beautifully presented in a glorious gift box. If that is not enough it also comes with a dinky mascara and lip gloss too.
10, If you aren't quite sure where to start this year but know you want to inject a little pizzazz into your beauty bag this festive season, then I suggest heading to Kiko and checking out the Magical Holiday collection. From glitter based shadows, highlighters and even lipsticks, to dinky tree baubles there is something for everyone's taste and budget.
11, Sometimes less is more and for a refined yet treasured beauty gift may I suggest a shade or two from the Lancome L'Absolu Rouge Ruby Cream Lipstick range? Not only is the formula sheer perfection but the lipstick has been carved to represent a semi-precious gemstone.
12, Does any brand quite rival MAC in the festive nor beauty gift set stakes? I don't think so but my top pick would be the MAC Lucky Stars Kit in the neutral shade option; three dinky yet well proportioned nude, pink and brown lipsticks that will be well received by any make-up fan.
13, Need to rebuild your entire make-up bag? Smashbox have you covered with their Cosmetic Party Gift set and then some. This blockbuster kit contains a pretty palette, mascara, primer and even a lip gloss to boot!
Now the tricky part, deciding what to gift and what to keep!
