Holiday Makeup Palettes 2016
12 Pretty Palettes You Need on Your Holiday Wish List
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While we've always been fond of makeup palettes (they're so portable and versatile!), we're especially excited to slap down some hard-earned cash for holiday sets. That's because brands go all out for these festive items with limited-edition packaging, all-new shades, and themed launches. This year, we have eye shadow tucked in a designer clutch, a trio of palettes inspired by New York City's Plaza Hotel, and so much more. Read on to get shopping . . . whether you're snagging something for a friend or just treating yourself.
Tarte Tarteist Paint Palette Collector's Set
You actually get two palettes in Tarte's 2016 holiday gift set. The lid of this Pucci-esque, fabric-wrapped compact opens up to reveal 24 shadows in matte and shimmery finishes. Pull out the concealed drawer on the lower right-hand side and you'll find a full-sized eye blending brush, a mascara, lip gloss, and an adorable, artist-palette-shaped contouring trio.
Buy it: Tarte Tarteist Paint Palette Collector's Set ($49)
Lorac Mega Pro 3 Palette
Every holiday season, eye shadow junkies look forward to Lorac's Mega Pro palettes, and this one is definitely cause for celebration. It's stuffed with 32 (!) full-sized pans of matte and shimmery powders that are as buttery as cream formulas. Ladies with warm complexions will especially enjoy the set's caramel, chestnut, and blush hues.
Buy it: Lorac Mega Pro 3 Palette ($59)
Too Faced Grand Hotel Café
This hotly anticipated gift set contains three holiday-treat-themed (and -scented!) palettes: peppermint mocha, gingerbread coffee, and eggnog latte. They're all housed inside a miniature version of the famous Plaza Hotel.
Smashbox Light It Up 3 Palette Set: Eyes Contour Lips
If you are in the giving spirit but have a limited budget, snag this trio and break it up into three separate presents. The set contains individual lip, eye, and contour palettes that are perfectly sized for travel.
Buy it: Smashbox Light It Up 3 Palette Set: Eyes Contour Lips ($45)
Marc Jacobs Beauty Object of Desire Face and Eye Palette
The chic, neutral shades of this cheek and eye palette make it immensely covetable, but its clutch-inspired packaging will make you want it even more. The blush, bronzer, highlighter, and eye shadow are snugly tucked inside a gorgeous gold patent-leather case, accented with a fabulously fringed tassel.
Buy it: Marc Jacobs Beauty Object of Desire Face and Eye Palette ($69)
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Surreal Light Blush, Bronzer & Strobe Powder Palette
If you're obsessed with the elegant glow of Hourglass's highlighters, you need this bronzer, blush, and strobe powder quintet. The luminous formulas will make your skin look lit from within, and the marble-inspired compact will look stunning on your Instagram feed.
Buy it: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Surreal Light Blush, Bronzer & Strobe Powder Palette ($80)
Sephora Collection More Than Meets the Eye Eye Shadow Palette
Whether you're looking for highlight and lid or crease contouring shades, they're all here in this blockbuster palette from Sephora. Shimmers, mattes, and glitters in both warm and cool tones are included, as well as a stand-up mirror and application tips.
Buy it: Sephora Collection More Than Meets the Eye Eye Shadow Palette ($36)
Givenchy Le Prisme Superstellar Intense & Radiant Eye Shadow
This simple and sophisticated trio can be used on lids, cheeks, lips, or wherever else you'd like to add a little intergalactic sparkle. You'll especially love how Titanium, the white shade, acts as a highlighter.
Buy it: Givenchy Le Prisme Superstellar Intense & Radiant Eye Shadow ($63)
Laura Geller Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator Set
Instagram makeup artists known for their high-beam highlight swear by the pigmented sheen of Laura Geller's baked illuminators. This miniature set includes three of the brand's most popular shades so you can achieve your own double-tap-worthy glow.
Buy it: Laura Geller Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator Set ($30)
It Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Essentials Your Superhero Eyes Must-Have Eye Set
It Cosmetics' eye shadows contain antiaging collagen and peptides to firm lids as they blanket them with rich pigment. Layer the transforming shade on top to turn the matte hues into shimmering satin formulas! You'll also receive a deluxe tube of the brand's ultralengthening Superhero mascara.
Buy it: It Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Essentials Your Superhero Eyes Must-Have Eye Set ($28)
Yves Saint Laurent Sparkle Clash Multi-Use Palette
Unfold the gilded cover of this book-style palette and you'll discover that it's a pint-sized multitasking essential. The four eye shadows, highlighter, and two lip colors (plus brush applicators) will make sure you stay glam for every holiday fete.
Buy it: Yves Saint Laurent Sparkle Clash Multi-Use Palette ($95)
Dior Total Matte Smoky Glow Palette For Eyes & Brows
More eye makeup sets should contain brow powders (like this one)! By defining your arches with the enclosed two color options, you'll call even more attention to the sensual smoky eye you create with the three glimmering shadows.
Buy it: Dior Total Matte Smoky Glow Palette For Eyes & Brows ($62)
