While society dictates you spend December buying presents for others, whose to say you can’t slip something in for yourself, too? Last we checked, there weren’t any rules stating otherwise. And so three of our favorite beauty experts—influencer Desi Perkins, Cosmopolitan.com's Carly Cardellino and celebrity hairstylist Bennett Grey—helped compile a list of the best gifts to give yourself: it’s basically beauty insurance. (Guilt at no longer being able to afford Mom’s rice cooker sold separately.)
— You Overslept the Same Morning —
Your Boss’s Boss’s Boss is in the Office
Dose of Colors Liquid Lipstick
Desi: “I absolutely love liquid lipstick during the holidays because, let's be honest, who has time to reapply when rushing from event to event? The Dose of Colors Liquid Lipstick is great because it gives the effect of a liner, lipstick and gloss all in one. The Merlot color is my favorite. Not only is the deep shade perfect for the holidays, but it's also incredibly long lasting. Wear it throughout the day and bid adieu to touchups.”
Honest Company Facial Wipes
Carly: “The best thing you can do is keep skin clean and healthy. It's always good to stock up on wipes (I like Simple Skincare or Honest) around the holidays, because chances are you won't have the energy to execute your three-step nighttime beauty regimen after a late night. And not washing your face is not an option because: #breakouts.”
Use a Hat to Set Hair
Bennett: “Hat hair comes when trapped heat 'bakes' your locks like hot rollers. So if you wear your hat haphazardly, you’re going to lose volume and add unwanted kinks. The trick is to use your hat to set hair, so style is intact — or even bouncier — when you remove. Part your hair as desired and divide into two sections, like pigtails. Twist each section away from your face, securing it into two top knots with pins or a no-crease elastic. Then carefully place your hat over hair. When reach your destination, shake out and enjoy.”
— You’re In An Uber —
Rushing to a House Party
Ardell Wispies False Eyelashes
Desi: “Ardell Wispies are especially easy to apply because they’re so thin, meaning you don't have to worry about hiding the lash band — you can even apply them in an Uber! The trick is to pinch natural and false lashes together for easy blending. Then, push the false lashes upward while glue is drying to hold the curl.”
Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Cheek Flush
Carly: “When I want to freshen my makeup after work, I use a good concealer in the spots I need and then always re-apply blush. My go-to shade? Peach — it's universally flattering and makes you look instantly fresh-faced. Try Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Cheek Flush in ‘Pop of Peach’.”
Your Favorite Necklace
Bennett: “Adding a hair accessory can instantly dress up a look, allowing for easy work-to-party transitions. My favorite trick is to use a simple, gold chain necklace — any one you have lying around the house — to wrap around a bun or a braid. It makes for a DIY gold cuff.”
— You Sweat Your Ass Off —
Dancing at The Jane
Benefit Watt's Up! Cream-to-Powder Highlighter
Desi: “I love a good highlight, and use it to accentuate anything that I want pulled forward on my face: tops of cheekbones, cupid's bow, under the brow, inner corner of the eye and tip of the nose. Highlighting gives the illusion of a slimmer face, higher cheekbones, a lifted nose and fuller lips. Basically, an instant facelift to look amazing in all those mid-party photos.”
Boscia Blotting Tissues
Carly: “I always throw blotting papers in my bag because my skin gets shiny — especially when I'm out dancing. And since I'm not a fan of adding more powder to my skin, I need a product that absorbs excess oil quickly. These Boscia tissues are a holiday party must.”
Pull Back Fringe with Exposed Silver and Gold Bobby Pins
Bennett: “Tip borrowed from the runway: don’t hide bobby pins! Use exposed pins to sweep back bangs when you’re out for a night of drinking and dancing. It’s always best to tuck your fringe back, because a sweaty bang isn’t cute. (Pro tip: it’s most visually pleasing when pins are used in odd numbers.)”
— You Wake Up Looking Like a Zombie —
The Morning After
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
Desi: “This is my trick for early mornings and red-eye flights. It gives a natural, no-makeup look while brightening under-eyes or sunken areas of the face. I like to pat it into the darkest part of my under-eyes, then bring the concealer up the cheekbones and into the inner corner of my eyes to look more awake. You don't want to rub concealer in; pat it in to get it to stay.”
Stila Kajal Liner Nude Waterproof Eyeliner
Carly: “If you're heading straight from work to a holiday party and need to look more awake — or just want to look alive the morning after a night on the town — lining your waterline with nude liner helps cancel out redness and brighten the whites of your eyes. Try Stila Kajal Liner in Topaz.”
Lotion is Your Best Friend
Bennett: “Use hand lotion to tame flyaways after a night out on the town. Add a small dab and emulsify by rubbing your hands together, creating a light film. Apply and smooth where desired.”