1Real Techniques Everyday Essentials brush set
This set covers a full face with four brushes and a sponge. There's a blush brush, a crease brush for eyeshadow, a setting brush for powder and highlighter and an expert face brush for foundation, plus the Miracle Complexion Sponge. The bristles are soft, synthetic and cruelty-free.
Pros
- Four brushes and a sponge for a full face.
- Soft, synthetic, cruelty-free bristles.
Cons
- No dedicated brow or liner brush.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Real Techniques product page ↗
2Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High mascara
Sky High is one of the most talked-about mascaras of recent years. The flexible brush bends to reach every lash from root to tip, and the washable formula with bamboo extract builds length and volume without feeling heavy. It's an easy treat to tuck into a bigger gift.
Pros
- Lengthens and volumises.
- Flexible brush reaches every lash.
- Washes off easily.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Maybelline product details on Amazon UK ↗
3Tweezerman slant tweezer, stainless steel
Tweezerman's slant tweezer is the one make-up artists rate for brows. The tips are hand-filed so they meet evenly and grip each hair at the root, and Tweezerman will sharpen them for free.
Pros
- Hand-filed tips grip every hair.
- Free sharpening service.
Cons
- Sharpening means posting them to the US.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Tweezerman product page ↗
4Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray
A few sprays of All Nighter at the end keep make-up in place through a long day or a late night. Urban Decay says it lasts up to 24 hours, it's waterproof and smudge-proof, and it leaves a natural, soft-focus finish.
Pros
- Up to 24-hour wear.
- Waterproof and smudge-proof.
Cons
- Comes in several sizes, so check the listing.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Urban Decay product page ↗
5Benefit The POREfessional face primer
The POREfessional is a sheer, gel-cream primer that blurs the look of pores and fine lines. It works under make-up or on its own, won't clog pores, and Benefit says it refines pores for up to 12 hours.
Pros
- Blurs pores and fine lines.
- Works under make-up or alone.
Cons
- Sheer, so it won't cover redness.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Benefit product page ↗
What to buy someone who loves makeup
Foundation and concealer depend on shade and skin type, so they're risky to buy for someone else. The best gifts for makeup lovers are the tools and products that work for everyone, like brushes, sponges and setting spray. Check whether they go for a natural look or full glam. Good brushes are a safe bet whatever their style.
How we picked these gifts for makeup lovers
We picked each product for what makeup lovers enjoy and because it makes sense as a present. The order is our own choice. The pros and cons come from published product details, not customer reviews.
Amazon shows the current price and delivery. Where we've checked that the US listing is the same product, the US link goes there. Otherwise you'll get the UK listing, labelled as such. More about our research.
