Makeup can be tricky 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 stick it directly in their stocking and still get that “wow” factor. Go ahead and save a step of wrestling with the wrapping paper this year. And don’t worry, we won’t tell if you end up simplifying buying them all for yourself.
Gucci Gorgeous Flora Eyeshadow Palette
Is it a makeup palette or is it artwork? After you stop to ooh and ahh over the luxury house’s emblematic floral pattern and gold-trimmed case, the magic continues inside with 12 highly pigment eyeshadow colors of a variety of finishes including six matte shades, three metallic shades, and three satin shades. You can even remove the tray to turn the palette into a jewelry or keepsake box.
Pat McGrath Mothership VIII: Divine Rose II Palette in Classic
The makeup mothership is calling in the form of this palette by the legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath. The extraterrestrial-inspired palette stars ten futuristic colors that are meant for eyes and cheeks. The true standout here is the VR Sextraterrestria shade — a prismatic chrome that changes from shimmery fuchsia to golden peach to sparkly chartreuse, depending on the angle you look at it.
By Terry Brightening CC Palette
This limited-edition palette contains a brightening powder, cheek luminizer, glowy blush, and bronzer to create a complete complexion look that brings out your inner radiance. The formulas contain “optical glow” tech — which basically means it’s like a real-life filter for your face.
Byredo Eyeshadow Palette in Syren
This chiseled gold packaging (inspired by a raindrop) adds a touch of glamour to any vanity. As far as the shadows themselves, you can pick from five assortments of complementary colors. We’re partial to this bold combo of colors, which embraces our new era of extreme beauty. With a lightweight, creamy formula, the bright colors are easier to wear than you’d think.
MAC Palate Pleaser Eyeshadow Palette
Leave it to MAC to already top off your gift with a bow. This holiday-exclusive 12-pan eyeshadow palette features a mix of brand-new and best-selling shades in matte and frost finishes. One swipe is all it takes to get long-wearing (up to 12 hours!), yet lightweight color.
Rare Beauty Confident Energy Eyeshadow Palette
This award-winning brand from the celeb (who needs no introduction) continues to make a splash with beautiful designs and vivid colors. This palette features six blendable neutrals and bolds that all have a touch of shimmer. The packaging, as well as the eyeshadows, are inspired by light and energy that’s reflective of your aura.
Clé de Peau Limited Edition Eye Color Quad
If you know us at all, you know we love a good zodiac moment. This celestial-inspired holiday packaging (inspired by the brightest star in the constellation of Scorpio) houses four silky eyeshadows that glide on smoothly and last all night for your next holiday look.
Physicians Formula Butter Eyeshadow Palette in Sultry Nights
We love that the clear packaging gives it all away, because the shadows inside are just that good. These 12 universally flattering shades are meant to be applied wet (for more pigment) or dry (for a more subtle effect). Formulated with murumuru butter, they’re soft, creamy, and wearable for day or night.
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