For example, expensive mascara, foundation, etc…is it worth it to buy as a gift or will I be better off giving something else that may last a long time? I have no idea about make-up.
Context: I am a med-student so these things will be bought out of my personal savings which aren’t a lot.
Also, what are your thoughts on makeup products from MAC and Huda Beauty? I was eyeing a long lasting mascara to buy for my partner from either MAC or Huda Beauty but I can get something else like clothes for her in the same price…
You must log in or register to comment.
Makeup tends to be very personal you could get a gift card to a store along with a smaller gift set to give that way she could pick out her own things she may want or need
Buying makeup for someone is not a good idea for a gift unless you know exactly what they use or you are very good at picking out makeup.
Foundation isn’t a good idea unless you’re rebuying a favourite, since finish matters a lot and you need to be sure they have their match which can be hard to get.
Mascara is a maybe, but mini sets which let you redeem for a full mascara is better than just gambling on one formula.
Lip gloss is one of the safest things to gift. Then eyeshadow. Highlighter or blush after that, but that’s not as easy to do without knowing undertones and being familiar with their existing collection closely.
Echoing all the commenters here; makeup is so personal and really depends on the person’s skin and undertone as one product could look so different on people based on their skin/undertone… If anything I’d get a gift card for makeup.
I know this may take the fun out of it, but if you want to buy her makeup, I would straight up ask exactly what she wants. People are very picky when it comes to makeup.
To make this a bit more “romantic” or to make the gifting aspect better, one idea was printing out pictures of the makeup (ex: print a picture of the lipgloss and an eyeshadow palette, cut them out) and then on the back writing something like (“One shopping date for a lipgloss” or “One eyeshadow palette as pretty as you are”) and putting it in a little makeup bag for her, and wrapping that up.
I think part of the “romance” of gifting is in intention and effort, and saying “Hey, I thought of you and am demonstrating that I care.” A giftcard, while it may be the most practical gift for a lot of people (and is a step up from just handing them cash) shows a lack of effort.
This. Or offer to go shopping with her and let her pick out something she’d like (up to a certain amount if you’re on a budget). It might also be an opportunity for her to get something she might not normally. For example, I might not buy something like a fancy lipstick or eyeshadow for myself because it’s too expensive, but as a gift it seems a bit more special somehow, and you’ll think of the gifter when you use it.
OP, it’s really sweet that you want to get her something, but I personally think it’s too risky to just buy it unless you know the exact product she uses. Better to ask outright. If you still want it to be a surprise, you could always ask her for 2-3 options you can choose from. That way she gets something she’ll like/use but won’t know exactly what it is.
It depends on what it is, honestly. For example, my husband has gifted me a few high end eyeshadow palettes, but it was known that I really wanted them. It was wonderful, because even though I really wanted these eyeshadows, I probably wouldn’t have bought them for myself, especially at Christmas time, when the focus is shopping for others.
However, if he had gifted me some random products I hadn’t previously expressed interest in, it would be a little weird. I’d probably feel obligated to use them, even if they weren’t my taste or not things I regularly use in my makeup routine. So if you want to do this, I think you’d have to do a little detective work to find out what she really wants/needs for makeup. Like you wouldn’t want to get a bright eyeshadow palette for someone who only wears neutral shades.
I’ve only tried lipsticks from Huda and Mac. Huda has or had some matte liquid lipsticks that stay put foreverrrr, that I really liked. I’m not sure about mascaras, but I do know that I have no problem finding an acceptable mascara at Walmart for under 15. Mascara is also something one might have a certain preference for. For example, I hate waterproof mascara, but for some people, it’s all they use.
do not splurge on mascara. its recommended to change your mascara every three months, and most people don’t finish it all by then.
if you’re gonna buy high end mascara, buy the mini. but there are drug store mascaras that perform the same if not betterbuying foundation and concealer is worth it IF they are in your shade and match you well. i use the NARS light reflecting foundation, which is expensive but it’s the only foundation i’ve found that matches me well
i would not want anyone to gift me makeup though unless i specifically mentioned or hinted before that i want it
it’s better to get a gift card
I tell people about the mascara expiration date all the time!
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put effort into gifting the gift card!
Just handing her a card and saying “pick something out that you like” doesn’t show the effort and care that is the emotional aspect of gifting, and comes across as low-effort. What you’re demonstrating here by coming on this sub and asking for help shows that you do care, so make sure she knows it!
Wrap it up, write a heartfelt note or “One shopping date for an eyeshadow as pretty as you are” or something cute (and true to your relationship), maybe put it inside a makeup bag for her new makeup. If she has something she re-purchases (a lipgloss or setting powder or moisturizer) then maybe buying her one of those, and adding the gift card to it.
Yes this! A couple of years ago my sister got me a voucher for an online sewing shop for Christmas, but she stuck the code on a piece of coloured card and decorated it with a still from The Shop Around The Corner and stickers of Christmassy decorations and the city I live in. I loved it so much I’ve still got it stuck to the inside of one of my sewing boxes even though I used the code ages ago. Something like that can definitely help elevate it from being ‘just’ a gift card.
I would recommend no Christmas-edition makeup gift sets. I find that they usually have lower-quality products than others from their line, and have seen others back this up as well. Since they’re not in the regular rotation, they’re not held to the same standards of quality. At least that has been my experience with less-expensive brands.
How about a gift card for Sephora or Ultra? Your partner can choose their own items and you can spend what you are able to afford
If someone wanted to buy me makeup, I’d like them to get me a gift card or something like a nice lip gloss or something.
I don’t use mac or Huda Beauty but if your girlfriend likes those brands and has a product from them, it would be nice to buy a restock.
People are (rightfully so) really picky on mascara so while the thought is really really sweet I probably wouldn’t. I wish there was some way you could see what’s in her Ulta or Sephora cart if she has one lol (although of course I would never look through my partners phone.) All makeup is in fact pretty specific to the individuals taste, skin type etc so unless you want to come out and ask if she has been eyeing anything in particular I’d stick with clothes :)
Imo, expensive mascaras are a waste pf money. They expire like 3/4 months after opening. If you don’t use a lot of it everyday, most of that money goes to waste since the mascara clumps when it is a bit old. Lots of drugstore mascaras are awesome. So save money on those.
Now for foundation, I used to think it’s a scam when i was a teenager because drugstore foundations worked so well. BUT!!! Once I got my first high end foundation, I realised that it indeed makes a huge difference. So I would recommend you spend that treat money on foundation. Having said that, it is difficult to get the shade match perfect with foundation without the person actually going to the store. So, I would recommend that you ask your girlfriend to go the store with you or peak into what she already uses as foundation and go to the store and ask the assistants to match that shade.
I am a med student as well and even though my parents pay for tuition and living expenses, I still feel the pressure to not feel like a parasite. So I slightly understand your dilemma. Hope you have a great exam season and I hope your girlfriend loves the gift you get her 💕
Thanks for the input! Its super helpful, and yes exam szn is upon us…its gonna be a tough winter. Good luck!
Makeup is so particular and unless your partner specifically said they wanted a brand/product then that would be a green light.
High quality makeup is great but it’s not always guaranteed the right product for someone. For nearly everyone it’s tons of trial and error figuring out what’s worth it and not and makeup is always changing with new stuff coming out— it doesn’t mean it’s great cause it’s new.
A gift card is your best bet, or you can pick three gift ideas and write it down and she can decide which gift to pick- for example you could write down 50$ for a back massage, 50$ for nails - 50$ for Sephora/ulta. And then take your partner out to one of those things
Expensive mascara, lashes, powders, sponges, tweezers, setting sprays, lip liner, and eye lash glue are usually never worth it. Products I’ve found to be worth it are eyeshadows (especially foil or glitter ones), foundation, primer (eyeshadow and face), skincare, brushes, eyeliner, lipstick (especially liquid ones that dry matte). Good brands I like are too faced, urban decay, Mac and color pop (color pop is just name brand but easy on the wallet) Hope this helps!!
I’m a makeup lover and a gift card is my love language, especially when it comes with a shopping and lunch date.