The Best Makeup and Skincare Gifts for an Aspiring MUA

You might not be able to give the gift of aging backwards, but this clinically proven serum is a (very) close second. It targets skin cells to boost resilience and firmness and decrease wrinkles and fine lines. Plus deeply hydrates and brightens, giving skin a healthy, velvety, radiant glow. It’s also suitable for all skin types — and 30% off for Skimm’rs — so if you’ve got a few skincare-obsessed friends or family members on your list, consider them checked off. ($280, Timeline)*

This hybrid product will come in handy if they’re in a time crunch. It’s a cleanser, scrub, and mask all in one, made with oat protein and jojoba beads to gently exfoliate. Thanks to that gentle formula, 97% of users report that their skin feels nourished, not tight or dry. ($68, Naturopathica)

Dr. Jart+'s face mask is one of the best for its potent and relaxing effects. The cooling Cryo Rubber mask is packed with hyaluronic acid to moisturize and lower your skin's temperature for a replenished and healthy appearance. ($16, Sephora)

Help is on the way, and it comes in this tube. To use, just blend the green-tinted balm into the skin to activate the color-correcting properties. It’ll cover redness and offer sheer coverage for daytime use. The balm also assists with restoring dry and flaky skin, making post-breakout scars less noticeable. ($12.99, Hero Cosmetics)

Kosas Super Creamy and Brightening Revealer Concealer has been the talk of the town for the past few years. The brand consistently adds to the wide range of shades, which currently boasts 38 hues. This medium-coverage concealer effortlessly brightens up under-eyes and leaves behind a radiant finish. It’ll be their go-to concealer to help with the darkest of circles. ($30, Sephora)

Pro makeup artists know that the secret to great makeup is great skin. This serum from Delavie Sciences is an all-in-one solution for myriad skin concerns — it brightens, tightens, clears, and hydrates — so any makeup they apply will look beautiful. It's also safe for sensitive skin, as it doesn't contain retinol or other potentially irritating ingredients, so you can feel confident knowing your giftee will see results. ($125, Delavie Sciences)

If your soon-to-be artist wants to create a no-makeup look, they’ll need RMS Beauty’s SuperNatural Radiance Serum. The tinted serum delivers an ultra-sheer champagne shine that can be used by itself or with a foundation for the perfect amount of shimmer. It’s packed with SPF 30 sun protection, so they can use it as their daily sunscreen. ($48, Dermstore)

If the 4.5 stars and over 2,000 reviews tell you anything, it’s that Ilia's serum primer is a must-have for an MUA kit. Reviewers have mentioned how the hybrid primer leaves their skin feeling refreshed, glowing, and better prepared for smoother foundation application. ($52, Ilia)

This brush collection boasts a combination of face and eye brushes that every aspiring MUA needs. Bonus points for its neat storage case, which’ll keep everything clean and organized while they’re on the road. ($48, Morphe)

Whether your giftee is prepping for a wedding, formal event, or lavish affair, Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk Eyeshadow Palette has the shimmery hues to take their client (or themselves) from day to night. Like the infamous Pillow Talk lip line, the shades in this palette are designed to complement every skin tone. ($55, Sephora) ($55, Charlotte Tilbury)

Merit's Flush Balm is a portable cream blush they’ll be obsessed with bringing everywhere. The balm easily fits in the palm of your hand and can be used as a blush, eyeshadow, and lip balm to create a natural flush. It's one of our personal faves from the brand. ($30, Merit)

This dermatologist-tested Versed mask rejuvenates the skin with a powerful combination of AHAs, BHAs, and pineapple and papaya enzymes. It works to exfoliate, moisturize, soften, and help fade dark spots, and you only need to leave it on for two minutes for it to work its magic. ($19.99, Versed Skin)

When in doubt, get them something from Dieux. We love this velvety, jelly-like cream that works for all skin types (though it’s especially effective for those with oily or acne-prone skin). It doesn’t pill under SPF or makeup, and leaves your skin with a healthy-looking glow. PS: Use code SKIMM15 to get 15% off the brand's Glow Gospel for dry skin and Angel Face for dry skin bundles. ($44, Dieux)

Hailey Bieber’s Glazing Milk preps the skin with a blend of ceramide, beta-glucan, magnesium, zinc, and copper to help boost healthy-looking skin. We’ve tried this product, and now we can’t live without it. ($30, Rhode)

For just $6, your makeup artist in training can receive a Tik-Tok viral setting powder. The lightweight formula blurs any fine lines and keeps your makeup locked in throughout the day. Amongst the reviews, makeup artists themselves have shared how the pressed setting powder has become their new favorite. ($6, e.l.f. Cosmetics)

Eyeshadow sticks are best when you’re on the go, and Victoria Beckham Beauty has designed an assortment of creamy shades to carry with you. There’s no need for your giftee to carry a brush with them as well, as the sticks are longwear and crease-proof. ($34, Victoria Beckham Beauty)

It doesn’t get much more classic than a Shiseido eyelash curler, so they’re in good hands with this gift. It’s designed to prevent pinching and to reach those little inner-corner lashes. Reviewers confirm it keeps lashes curled and volumized all day. ($25, Sephora)

According to over 10,000 reviews, Jones Road Beauty's mascara is a staple for long and lush lashes. The formula is free of potential irritants and won’t smudge or flake even in hot, humid climates. A little goes a long way with this mascara, so this tube will last a while, too. ($26, Jones Road Beauty)