Makeup can be a tricky thing to gift because it can be so personal: brights, neutrals, matte, glitter… the options are endless. That’s why you can never go wrong with gifting them a palette because it gives them a little bit of everything and the opportunity to discover something new that they wouldn’t have otherwise tried. We not only picked ones that are the best to gift this season, but we paid particular attention to packaging so good, you can just stick it directly in their stocking. Go ahead and save a step of wrestling with the wrapping paper this year with these palettes so pretty, there’s no gift wrap necessary.
Rare Beauty Magnetic Spirit Eyeshadow Palette, $25.00
After introducing her new beauty line just this September, Selena Gomez won the 2020 WWD Beauty Inc’s Startup of the Year Award thanks to gorgeous, universally flattering makeup products like this limited-edition eyeshadow palette. It features six rich jewel- and earth-toned shadows that are buildable, blendable, and long-wearing. The packaging as well as the eyeshadows themselves are inspired by light and energy that’s reflective of your aura.
Smashbox Halo Cheek Palette, $17.50
This palette is meant for defining and illuminating your cheeks, but the champagne, mauve, coral, and bronze shades are versatile and blendable enough to wear on your eyes, too. It comes with two luminous, putty-like textures as well as two powder ones that can be worn alone or layered to create a unique-to-you glow. The reusable packaging features a whimsical, original design created by artist Donald Robertson.
Yves Saint Laurent Couture Palette Holiday Edition, $120.00
If you’re in the mood to splurge, this limited edition palette is as luxe as it gets. The red and black cheetah pattern and shiny gold border make this palette look akin to the iconic brand’s clutches. Inside, you’ll find four eyeshadow shades to create a subtle or bold smokey eye, four shimmer cheek and eye highlighters, as well as two neutral blush shades.
Urban Decay Stoned Vibes Eyeshadow Palette, $54.00
There are some eyeshadow palettes where you like a few shades, but others are barely touched. With this gemstone-inspired palette, we’re sure that each one will hit pan. It comes with a dozen colors, 10 of which are sparkly and prismatic like a gemstone, plus four matte colors that make your looks even more versatile. Each is infused with a genuine tourmaline gemstone to give your day good vibes.
Pat McGrath Eye Ecstacy Eye Shadow Palette, $14.00
The industry makeup legend is known for creating stunning, over-the-top looks. So it’s no surprise this eyeshadow palette comes packaged inside a bag full of gold glittery sequins. Call it superfluous, but it certainly adds a touch of glamour that adds something special to the holidays. As for the palette itself, the five shimmery shades only take a single swipe to get the maximum color payoff and they were made with a variety of skin tones in mind.
Too Faced Chocolate Gold Eyeshadow Palette, $29.50
It looks like chocolate and even smells like chocolate, but in reality, it’s an eyeshadow palette filled with a mix of metallic, foil, and soft matte shades. Each of the shadows is literally infused with gold (yes, actual gold) and cocoa powder, so you get that same endorphin boost as you do from smelling a piece of real chocolate.
Tarte Sugar Rush Sunbeams & Daydreams Eyeshadow Palette, $25.00
Inspired by festival colors, these nine electric shades will brighten up their next Zoom call. Like a moth to the flame, we were immediately drawn to the happy, rainbow glitter design of the palette (the cheerfulness we all need this 2020). It comes with a full-size eyeshadow brush, too, so your giftee can start experimenting with their eye makeup look right away.
Dior Sparkling Couture Face, Lip & Eye Makeup Palette, $89.00
Fair warning: You’ll probably be gifting this for yourself. This limited edition palette from the couture brand features six mix-and-match shadows, four lip colors, two blushes, one illuminating face powder, plus all the necessary applicators and brushes. The starry black and gold packaging looks festive and luxe — totally out of this world.
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