Guide to Buying Beauty Gifts
How to Buy Makeup and Skincare Products for Friends or Family
Buying beauty products as gifts for a friend is not as simple as it sounds, but with some serious observation skills, you'll be able to clue in to what she wants.
Makeup
Like fashion apparel, makeup -- colours, scent and packaging -- is designed to represent an individual's personality. What you choose as a present should reflect in some way the recipent's outlook on life.
Spy on her
If you don't already know, observe what she has in her makeup pouch, what colours she uses. Pick up on details such as unique packaging and a sense of her style. Does she swear by a certain brand? These are clues to where you can start.
Think colour sense
Women are getting more adventurous with colours now, because we know that as long as we remember to blend, we won't end up looking like drag queens, so we're more willing to try any colour! Her favourite colour is a good clue, but if you're still sceptical, stick with earth tones such as browns.
Play it safe
A palette covers all a girl needs, so it can be a good gift. And it frequently comes in swanky packaging. Some offer both eye and lip colours, while other focus just on eyeshadows or lips.
Add something extra
Gift-with-purchase offers - such as makeup sets that come with a free bag or pouch - are great ways to add zing to your present. Or do your own thing and buy her a set of makeup brushes, a makeup pouch or lipstick case, some makeup remover, a small vanity mirror or even a packet of cotton pads! Bundle them up in a pretty gift basket and your gift will definitely be one of the more memorable ones.
Skincare
Choosing skincare as gifts for a friend can be the opportunity for her to start a brand-new beauty experience or continue an existing one.
Consider skin type
Obviously, one of the first things to ponder before getting any skincare products is your friend's skin type. Once again, snooping is necessary - you need to know her skin type and problem areas. Smell the product and test the texture. There aren't many weird-smelling ones but it will put your mind at ease once you know the product smells fine.
Base it on her lifestyle
Life influences everything and the same goes for skincare needs. You can choose brands according to the lifestyle associated with the brand. Say your friend is someone who likes more natural products. Aesop is an appropriate choice. For an outdoor enthusiast, get something that is oil-free and with additional sunscreen. You can get travel-sized gift packs for those who travel a lot or something original and innovative for friends who crave newness.
Click here if you're thinking about buying a fragrance as a gift...
