Five Last Minute Beauty Gift Ideas

We've all been there. You've made your list, checked it twice, and you think you're all done with your holiday shopping. It's a few days before the big day, wrapping the gifts you've gotten everyone, and that's when it hits you. You've forgotten that one friend, relative, coworker, whoever, and you have no present for them. Have no fear, I'm here with five last minute gift ideas to help! Here are some fast and easy ideas that can even be bought at your local drugstore or beauty supply. Take a look, maybe inspiration for that special gift (albeit quick) will strike.

1) One of my favorite gift ideas for that makeup maven in your life is a "make your own" makeup kit. Often, the holiday value sets are all sold out as it gets closer to the big day. Or perhaps you don't have time to trek all the way to that prestige beauty supply and are looking at the drugstore for a gift. Either way, try creating your own! Think about the person you are buying for, and what colors and textures they'd like best. Also, think about what brands the person enjoys wearing (if you know). Above, I've put together a little NYX set, using products of similar colors. I've included NYX Blush in Pinched (a well known dupe for the favorite NARS Orgasm), Butter Gloss in the shade Eclair, and a Soft Matte Lip Cream in Ibiza. You could even throw in a blush brush, or perhaps a cute little makeup bag, or go nuts and add eyeshadow and mascara. I really love the idea of coordinating colors, and also giving both matte and glossy lippies.

2) Perhaps the person you're buying for is more of a nail polish guru than makeup, so instead put together a little mani-pedi set with all the trimmings. Include a universally flattering shade of nail polish (unless you know the person would love something wild, better safe with a traditional color), a nice lotion, nail file, perhaps some toe separators, or even a cute nail clipper or scissor if you can find it. Here I've put together a delicious smelling hand lotion, a light pink nail polish from Revlon, and an adorable Christmas mini nail file. Don't go with a "cheap" nail polish, instead include a brand that is known to be high quality. For example, I love Revlon Color Stay because I use it all the time and it lasts a long time before chipping. Some other brands to consider would be Essie, Sally Hansen, or OPI.

3) Everyone loves a day at the spa, give someone the spa experience at home! This could be really fun to put together, as there are so many different items you could include. In my spa-at-home kit I've put in a depuffing eye mask, some socks infused with aloe, a festive scented candle, and a sample of Glam Glow face mask. Think about things that make you relax, and throw them in! Maybe include some nice lotion, shower gel or massage oil, delicious flavored coffee, even a fluffy bathrobe. I'd even put in a DVD of my favorite funny or romantic movie to go along with it.

4) If that special someone is known for their beautiful hair, try a gift that will enhance their gorgeous locks! Every girl loves fun scrunchies and glittery barrettes (as long as their hair is long enough). If there's a product you love for your own hair, throw it in and introduce them to it. In my example, I've put together some glittery hair elastics, a sparkly pink headband, and my favorite dry shampoo. Also, I've included the Wet Brush, which I keep hearing about online. It supposedly is more gentle on hair while brushing through fragile wet strands, who doesn't need that?! If you know their favorite brand, take advantage of your insider knowledge and include some of their favorite goodies (or perhaps something new from that brand). Think about how the person likes to wear their hair, their favorite colors (for accessories), their favorite scents, etc.

5) As winter sets in, the cold air can wreak havoc with skin. For that last elusive present, try giving the gift of supple skin. I know I would appreciate a bundle of hydrating products to help my painfully dry skin! Here I've put together a winter survival kit including First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream (my favorite super hydrating lotion, but a great drugstore alternative would be Eucerin Calming Creme Daily Moisturizer), Eos lip balm, a moisturizing face wash, and some heavy duty hand cream (O'Keefe's Working Hands cream, it works wonders). Again, think about the person's favorite brands, flavors, and scents, but it's also important to keep in mind their skin type. Do they have acne prone or oily skin? Best to stick to products that are known to be non-irritating for all skin types just in case. I thought about the problems I usually have in the winter with my skin, namely incredibly chapped lips and cracked hands, and created a kit to combat those issues. You could even combine this gift with the spa bundle and make a super pampering gift!

Here are some last minute suggestions:
-Keep it personal, maybe include a note about the gift you've created for them
-Get creative with the wrapping! Wrapping is like the frosting on the cake, it makes everything inside sweeter
-These ideas would also make great stocking stuffers

I hope that these ideas have started the creative elf juices flowing for you to create the perfect last minute gift for that special someone. Special thanks to my friend Kasia who helped figure out some of these bundles! What are your go-to last minute gifts?

Happy Holidays!!
xoxo
CKellyBlush