Perfect Presents: Pretty Palettes!

Being who I am, and writing the blog that I write, I obviously think that makeup is amongst the best of the best gifts one could receive. My friend Cowgirl Warrior once gave me a gift bag full of lip balms and lip glosses (it was one of those Secret Santa deals), and it was one of the most memorable, most joyful gifts ever!

However, I understand that everyone is not as makeup-obsessed as I, and might find it a bit strange to receive an assortment of different cosmetics (you people are missing out, I say!). Cosmetics companies have caught on, and always release a plethora of shining, shimmering palettes around this time of year. It's still makeup, but feels more... complete, somehow. It's the gift of gorgeous, and it's practically already wrapped!

Half the fun is picking amongst the many many many sets available, but 2 in particular caught my eye.


Too Faced Lights, Camera, Glamour!

Perfect For: The make-up adventuress; The Hollywood starlet on a budget

Why it's Perfect: Too Faced's Lights, Camera, Glamour! palette struck me as being the most bang for your beauty buck. You get 8 eye shadows, powder eyeliner, brow powder, 2 blushes, a bronzer, a shimmer powder, foundation powder,and 6 lip glosses, all for just $40 USD (I can't remember if it was $50 or $60 CAD, sorry!).

The shades look nice and wearable, and the cute box it comes in looks like a mini Hollywood make-up kit, complete with an actual lighted mirror! The blush and bronzer shades are meant to be swirled together for a pretty, multi-faceted look. You can use the shimmer shades the same way, or just pick up one shade with an eyeshadow brush for more precise application. All in all, lots of great products for a reasonable price, in one of the more creative presentations this year!


Urban Decay Urban Survival Kit

Perfect For: The girl on the go; The simplistic stunner

Why it's Perfect: The Urban Survival kit, while not being as expansive as Too Faced's, seems like the kit you'd be most likely to actually use in your day-to-day life. It contains a mini version of the cult favourite Eyeshadow Primer Potion (it really works!), a mini Lip Envy in Greedy (a berry liquid lip stain), a mini XXX Shine gloss in Naked (a natural nude shade), 4 shadows, and mascara and liner.

The shadow primer and lip stain means that you just set it, and forget it! (Well, as it applies to your makeup, at least.) Perfect for the busy gal who doesn't have the time or patience for touch ups. The shimmery shadows can be applied sheerly for a natural day look, or with more intensity for the evening, and the shades pretty much go with everything. Great basic colours from some of Urban Decay's star products, for a cool $50 CAD. Looks like a sound make-up buy to me!


Of course, you can always just go with the tried and true Sephora gift card. But make it a little something special, won't you? Attach it to a lovely lip balm, or a mini perfume bottle, or even to a basket of cookies. Elevates the gift of gift card from "I didn't have time to shop for you" to "You're so wonderful that you deserve to pamper yourself in exactly the way you please"!

This review was posted for me by the ever-fabulous Ex-Roomie, who is kindly administering the blog while I am gallivanting around Asia. I will respond to comments and emails when I get back. Promise!