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.

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.

I love the idea of storing the palettes like books! Might have to try that one myself.

I always do at least my primers and foundation in the bathroom, because it has the best natural light in my flat and the sink/mirror is right next to the window, plus I also need to wash my hands during the process (eg getting foundation off the back of them) and it’s potentially quite messy. Then if I’ve got time to finish it before I leave, I do the rest of it in the same spot. But normally I finish it on the bus or train to wherever I’m going (this is why I mostly use cream products or things like eyeshadow pencils that are easier/less messy to handle on the move).

I would love a proper old school vanity in the window recess in my bedroom, but I’d need to do a serious rejig of the furniture to accommodate it (and, if I’m honest, have less stuff than I do currently). I also keep some basics like concealer, powder and red and nude lipsticks in a little pouch that I switch between bags to do touch ups midway through the day or if I’m going out after work.