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You want to get her Fude brushes. It’s beloved by many make up artists, and probably not talked about quite as much as other “popular” youtubers, because they don’t promote. Fun fact, HAKUHODO and Chikuhodo brushes are actually commonly speculated to be the manufacturerers for more popular brushes such as Wayne Goss, Tom Ford, Sonia G etc. Buy directly from the source, instead of being swayed by popularity and brand names. Did she say whether she wanted face or eye brushes?

I also suggest you combine her present with either a makeup book, or a makeup app. Rae Morris has an app that is $6 or a book that is like $75 on Amazon here is a link. I don’t know your age or that of your gf, but I’m in my late 20s and that book alongside HAKUHODO or chikuhodo or fude brushes in general is a timeless, ageless gift that is good for younger to until you’re dead. It covers makeup techniques for every age/situation/ethnicity and the brushes will last a lifetime if properly cared for. Adding a book will help guide her excitement of makeup, and you obviously reap the rewards. If you are going all out on luxury brushes, you don’t want her applying basic or inaccurate makeup techniques. We’ve all been there thanks to YouTube beauty gurus (no disrespect) but it’s not the same as learning from a true trained artist/professional that works with royalty, movie sets, runways etc. If you want to go all out, get her a book on color theory too unless she already has an art background.

Also something I have learned about giving gifts is you always want to prolong the experience. Once you look at brushes and use them, the Christmas Day thrill is very short lived. Sure, every time she uses them she can get a kick out of it, but why would you give someone a Bugatti without giving them racing lessons or making sure they properly know how to drive? Hopefully this analogy makes sense, I assume you are into cars, which is sexist of me but oh well. If you also give her the book, it will take months to get through all of that information, and every time she uses her brushes she can try something new in the book. The app is less expensive and has videos, so I recommend that unless you have money to burn and want to get her both. I own both but I’m not sure how much you want to splurge.

I do not recommend going to sephora or ultra or whatever is being mass marketed to teenagers. Buy something high quality once so it will last a lifetime. I also disagree with Sephora/morphe/real techniques, because she can buy these herself, it’s not special. I disagree with Wayne goss, because it’s more cost effective to get them from the manufacturer as mentioned earlier. I disagree with MAC, because you are not an expert and their quality has declined for some of the brushes over the past several years, and as you are not an expert you would not be able to determine which brushes have changed in quality and which haven’t. Also, like I said, MAC is not manufacturing their own brushes, Unfortunately for you, r/Fude is on a break, but that’s ok because I got your back! And, if she is unfamiliar with fude brushes, she will be able to learn about them and appreciate them even more. They need to be cared for in a certain way, and that all comes with the brushes once purchased so you needn’t worry about that.

A gift should be special, and luxurious, something she would never get herself. It’s the difference between getting something that is fast fashion vs. buying something designer that is well crafted. The Japanese know their makeup brushes, and I can assure you any higher end brushes you might buy, they’ll be manufactured from one of those Japanese brands I mentioned. I do not think YouTube is helpful, because most of that is indirect advertising, or younger beauty gurus who are not actually make up artists, and fail to take into account peoples face shapes, color undertones etc. It’s well intentioned, but the difference between what an expert like Lisa Eldridge or Rae Morris has to say, versus your run of the mill beauty/glam guru, is rather remarkable. I will likely be downvoted for saying this lol

These brushes are the Bugatti of makeup brushes, and might not be mentioned as frequently because people not into makeup either don’t know about them or haven’t splurged on them. A fact about makeup that is seldom mentioned is that the brushes are more important than the product. A lesser quality makeup will automatically look better if applied with a good brush. Brushes are the foundation.

Email Hakuhodo, they have incredibly thorough customer service (as one would expect with high end products) and will guide you in selecting the correct brushes for your girlfriend. I also recommend taking pictures of the makeup she uses the most, so you know if she is using liquids or powders on her face. That will help determine brush selection as well. They have sets but you will get more bang for your buck if you create your own set. Select a price point, email them and explain what are are trying to create and your price point, and they will help you create one. I think 2 eyeshadow brushes, a foundation brush and a powder brush is sufficient. Good luck and PM if you have questions! She’s lucky to have you!

I do not recommend watching specific Youtube channels (called gurus) because they are often given products that they will promote on their channels. People on specific brand channels (such as maybelline, realtechniques, MAC cosmetics, etc.) are advertising for their brand or product, and it's important to keep in mind that one single brand does not excel at every item of makeup. It's perfectly fine to have brand loyalty, and there is nothing wrong with having favorites, but, objectively, you’re better off trying multiple brands to see what works for you.

I would instead figure out what you want to do, and start with one thing at a time. Rather than overwhelming yourself and your budget with a bunch of things that you might not like, focus on one area. You said you use eyeliner, mascara and brow coverage.

A good general start would be reading through websites like this one.

Otherwise I would suggest googling specific things you find interesting or want to learn more about:

• Videos like this one show how to apply liquid or cream foundations
  
• This shows how to apply powder based foundations
  
  Searching for specific things can help you narrow down on which type of item you might want to try. If you’re using liquid foundation, some people like to have a cream blush, others would rather use a powder blush. Searching google for “cream blush vs powder blush” yields websites that focus on results, pictures, products, and how to apply. Searching youtube for the same thing will focus more on people often showing off specific products they have purchased. Makeup geek offers a decent tutorial that shows how to apply cream blushes to the face. I linked her video to start at 3:05, but you can scroll back to have it play from the beginning as well.
  
  As someone who started wearing makeup later in life, I found books such as Makeup Makeovers by Robert Jones to be TREMENDOUSLY helpful and easy to understand. See if your local library has that book if you don’t want to purchase it. He goes through and explains what terms like Dewy, Contour, and Stippling mean in layman terms. And he includes photos of beautiful models he has applied makeup to. A particular advantage of his book is that there are many ethnicities and a variety of face shapes that he has worked on. I really liked that he applied classic looks to the women (who without makeup, look like everyone else, and not like they won the genetic lottery!) that flattered their face types, rather than fads that will look dated in the future.
  
  I’m happy to help with more advice if you have any specific question, (that is, “I’m interested in concealer, I don’t have much acne, and I would like to use it for undereye darkness and circles, what do you recommend?”), but keep in mind that whatever I (or anyone else) am suggesting you try is based on my opinion, and ultimately may or may not work for you (YMMV - Your Mileage May Vary). I hope this helped though. :)

So your best best is to get stuff from Amazon Prime. Since you don’t typically wear makeup, I think a simple look will work best for you. I’d stay away from foundation since if you’re not used to wearing it, it can feel heavy and itchy. Concealer would be good to try though, a little bit under your eyes and on any blemishes will even out your complexion without it being too much—try this: L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer, Light Ivory, 0.28 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VKIJPNE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_CPxXAbWJPHCHC

For eyeshadow, I like to blend a matte brown in my crease and then put a shimmery skin-tone color on my lid to make my eyes pop. I’ve heard good things about this one: wet n wild Color Icon Eyeshadow 10 Pan Palette, Rose in the Air, 0.3 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077V5CTXN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_rWxXAb163N4AT

I use this mascara and it works well: L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara, Blackest Black, 0.28 fl. oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XF2TR11/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_63xXAb0DTNT87

I like to use a glowy blush to make my skin look healthy, something like this: Milani Baked Blush, Luminoso, 0.12 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00518N2JC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_f9xXAbC4MPGHM

And lastly, I like a tinted lip balm to tie everything together. These look really pretty and taste good too! Revlon Kiss Lip Balm, Juicy Peach https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KI40DHM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_4byXAbANQY65A

These can all also be bought at drug stores, so if Amazon isn’t an option, I’d see if you can get a grocery service to pick them up for you, like Instacart maybe. Good luck!

Ah, Another european. Everything is super expensive over here :(

Here are some recommendations:

I got a mini Models Own set - http://www.boots.com/en/Models-Own-5-piece-Brush-Set_1211220/

I was pleasantly surprised with the quality. There is a powder, angled, blending, shading and lip brush. The middle 3 should be good for most eye looks.

Eco tools are also a good brand. Several of my friends use them and I have seen others on reddit comment on them positively. Something like these are efficient http://eu.iherb.com/EcoTools-Eye-Enhancing-Duo-Set-4-Brush-Heads/55067 as is this set - http://eu.iherb.com/EcoTools-Fresh-Flawless-Complexion-Brush-Set-5-Piece-Brush-Set/46977

This is a good seller on Amazon and is like the one brookehhaven linked for the eu :)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/EmaxDesign-Professional-Foundation-Cosmetics-EmaxBeauty/dp/B017B9SSOW/ref=pd_sim_sbs_194_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=51K0axqWACL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=HH29T3MTQAKC9J1D5QR7

Hope some of these work for you :)

Having decent brushes definitely helped my eye makeup game, but “good” is relative. The elf set is fantastic, and so are eco: both drugstore brands. Amazon also has a few in the $20 range, and the $35 range that are really soft and good to use.

$10 eye set I love these! They have a bunch of different sizes for eye application.

$25 set also really great and affordable for full face.

I own both and started with them.

Wearing concealer without foundation is a thing!

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My friend had horrible puffiness and dark circles and she would use a roller with concealer.

https://www.amazon.com/Garnier-SkinActive-Clearly-Brighter-Anti-Puff/dp/B001DPMETG/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_bs_lp_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=M5CXX9M72JZB93P3AWTR&th=1

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This one was for specifically for anti-puffiness but Garnier also makes just a concealer one.

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https://www.amazon.com/Garnier-Anti-Dark-Circle-Roller-Medium/dp/B00778LVGA

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The roller will soothe the skin as well.

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Also something to keep in mind, the makeup trend now is to have concealer that is lighter than your skin tone to brighten under your eyes WITH foundation. If you just want to cover the dark circles you need to find a concealer that matches your skin tone otherwise it does look a little strange.

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Hope that helps! Good luck!

My first advice to you, before you try to cover up blemishes, is to get rid of them! It takes some dedication to a routine but it CAN be done! Check out /r/skincareaddiction for help with that! They can help you choose products for your specific skin type and the types of blemishes you have.
There are many things you can do to make your eyes look less sunken in- ice masks like this, cucumber slices, Preperation H (I know, its for your bum), cold soaked tea bags... The list goes on and on! It's really all about what works best for you. If you're looking to go the concealer route there are concealers specially made for under your eyes. I'd suggest doing a bit of research to find a product that works for you!
As for choosing a foundation to match your tone- I personally like this guide!
PS- Remember to patch test your products before applying them! You don't want to end up breaking out worse! Hope this helped :)

Try using a kabuki type brush, but with longer bristles. Like the one on the right beside the brush in the middle. https://www.amazon.ca/Cosmetics-Metal-Piece-Brush-Cosmetic/dp/B01MYP79W3/ref=asc_df_B01MYP79W3/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292963805681&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8313654173351691100&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001300&hvtargid=pla-522777815985&psc=1
This set is great, I use all the brushes except the flat foundation brush to the left. You can use little pressure and buff in circles/push it into your skin like you would with a beauty sponge. No streaking. I also apply the foundation to my hand to warm it up first and then apply it to the brush and blend it in.

I have an $18 It Cosmetics brush and I do really like it. It's a fluffy blending brush, and it's so fluffy and soft. But I also like these cheapo brushes I got on Amazon. They're really well rated (4.8 stars and over 6000 reviews) and they're so cheap! They come in a nice cardboard tube too, which I'll totally use for travel.

I know youtubers always use Morphe brushes but personally I find them really scratchy and floppy and not great. They are pretty inexpensive though (eyeshadow brushes are around $6). I can also second the RT brushes, I have a big fluffy powder brush and it's so soft. And it was only like $10.

That being said, I have some Elf brushes (~$3 each) that are also just fine, and are softer than the morphe brushes. So I'd say that expensive brushes are nice, but there are nice inexpensive brushes too.

Use a sponge to press in the powder to set it. I just use the round one that came with my power foundation. You definitely still need to moisturize, as others have mentioned but you won't get the creases to completely stop until you press in the powder. I get a lot of creases, just because of the way my eyes are and this is the only thing that works. I usually have to do only a minor touchup while at work, rather than checking every few hours.

Also, if you really love the Bobbi Brown corrector, I would recommend checking out the SkinFood concealer. I love the Bobbi Brown one but it gets expensive for everyday, especially because I'm layering it underneath my regular concealer. For reference, I'm nc30ish and use "light peach" in the BB concealer, I use #2 in the SF one.

Personally when I first started wearing eyeshadow regularly, like 1.5-2 years ago, I bought a set of eyeshadow brushes from Amazon. The brand is lamora. I still use them.

Makeup Eye Brush Set - Eyeshadow Eyeliner Blending Crease Kit - Best Choice 7 Essential Makeup Brushes - Pencil, Shader, Tapered, Definer - Last Longer, Apply Better Makeup & Make You Look Flawless https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MNMQKPC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IQ9XDb4AE0ERT

Hi! I received w3ll people's expressionist mascara in my 'gooodebeing' box a couple months ago and it's become my go-to black mascara. Here is the amazon product link:

http://www.amazon.com/W3LL-PEOPLE-Expressionist-Bio-Extreme-Mascara/dp/B00O859WWU

It's made primarily with beeswax with some natural pigments. It's pretty pleasant to remove and doesn't bother my sensitive eyes (and even just lining them can have them treaming sometimes.)

Also, it looks like I got it in brchbox, not goodbeing.

I use the The Masters Brush Cleaner. It’s an art supply used to clean oil and acrylic off of paint brushes so I know it’s really good for taking dried makeup residue off. It isn’t advertised to clean makeup brushes but its safety data sheet indicates no hazardous material or health hazards. I haven’t tried the brush cleaning balms advertised for makeup brushes but I assume it’s very similar but The Masters Brush Cleaner is much cheaper. You can find it at Hobby Lobby or amazon.

But I just wet my brush and swirl it around gently in there to get the product until it lathers and use a makeup cleaning mat to scrape the residue off. Rinse and repeat until the water is clear.

Then I put one of these net guards around the hairs to keep its shape until it’s dry.

I would recommend a train case like this

It's extremely useful and she will have some great lighting to do her make up too

If you are near a Sephora try them. Or look for something like this Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer, Brightener 60, 0.2-fluid Ounce
http://amzn.com/B004Y9GY44 or Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller, 0.50 Fluid Ounce
http://amzn.com/B001DPMETG at a local
Drugstore. Walgreens as a great return policy by the way.

Get a couple of the maybelline concealers that you think are close to your shade. It's hard sometimes in the store to get the right shade. I typically buy 2 or 3 that I think are close and take the ones that don't match back. These have a built in applicator.

Also gossmakeupartist on YouTube has some great tutorials on covering dark circles.

Earth Science cleanser
ES toner
Little to no scent in both of these. At most it'll smell like a bland/plain lotion. The cleanser will leave your face feeling soft with no residue but also clean without stripping any oils out. Honestly - I have not tried the toner yet but if you already have one that works for you just stick with it! You don't have to buy the same brand for both products.

THIS!

It may be cheaper if you go to an actual art supply store. I bought mine at Blick Art Supply store for around $5-6. It is amazing! I originally bought it for paint brushes and then read online how it was also used by many for makeup brushes. Cleans + Conditions (so your bristles are kept in good condition).

EmaxDesign Makeup Brushes 10+1 Pieces Makeup Brush Set, 10 Pieces Professional Foundation Blending Blush Eye Face Liquid Powder Cream Cosmetics Brushes & 1 Piece Black Beauty Sponge Blender With Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017B9SSOW?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf


Here you are :)

I’ve got this one. Super cheap at $50, compared to your budget, and it’s nice.

I bought some on Amazon (Link below) - I was so amazed by the quality of the brushes for its price - The ones that I got from CVS/Rit Aid doesn't last me very long, and the ones from MAC or Sephora is just so pricy although the quality is amazing.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MNMQKPC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1

You might need to do some hydration in the AM using eye gel patches.

I use Peter thomas roth cucumber patches. They are pricey but they really work nicely.

I finish my under eyes with this rimmel primer .

The trick is to use the primer AFTER you use concealer. This shocks people but I swear by this method.

Apply primer by tapping gently with fingers. Tap it a little bit then leave it.

Will dry to a matte finish and your creases will be diminished.
ALSO - Don't use any products with shimmer or shine. They'll make you look way older.
I don't use powder under my eyes.

Do you think this would go well with this train case someone recommended? She could have the majority of her stuff in the one you linked, and her palettes could fit in the train case

They just blend so beautifully! And they’re soft but dense so they pack pigment nicely.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TJ8GLYD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_X.4hDbDCTCGV6

I have this [Jerdon mirror] (https://www.amazon.com/Jerdon-Tri-Fold-Two-Sided-Lighted-Magnification/dp/B0000AFUT3/ref=sr_1_10_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1510602870&sr=8-10&keywords=lighted%2Bmakeup%2Bmirror&th=1) and since Amazon is telling me I've had it since 2014 and I haven't had any issues I would recomend it. It's not pretty, but it works, and I like that there's an outlet on the mirror if you want to use a heat styling tool.

I would recommend something like this for your foundations and liquid lipsticks:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BCOFYF8/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_BMDJxb0VQHZ0H

Not quite sure about palettes but a letter organizer doesn't sounds like a bad idea!

Based on your suggestions and the info available in r/makeupaddiction and r/olivemua, I've decided on the following products. Opted for mostly drugstore items as I'll be including a Zelda iPhone case for her and some other goodies as well.

Tarte Eyeshadow Palette - http://www.ulta.com/tartelette-tease-clay-eyeshadow-palette?productId=xlsImpprod13581249

Essie First Base Base Coat - http://www.ulta.com/first-base-base-coat?productId=xlsImpprod1320190

OPI Classic Nail Lacquer - http://www.ulta.com/classic-nail-lacquer?productId=xlsImpprod5180201

Revlon Quick Dry Top Coat - http://www.ulta.com/quick-dry-top-coat?productId=xlsImpprod14321031

Nyx Mega Shine Lip Gloss - http://www.ulta.com/mega-shine-lip-gloss?productId=xlsImpprod2150070

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor - http://www.ulta.com/color-sensational-lipcolor?productId=xlsImpprod2830011

e.l.f. Eyebrow Kit, Medium - https://www.amazon.com/e-l-f-Cosmetics-81302-Eyebrow-Medium/dp/B002B4JORS

Maybelline Mascara, Blackest Black - https://www.amazon.com/Maybelline-New-York-Sensational-Blackest/dp/B00PFCT2R0

L'Oreal Blush, Sweet Ginger - https://www.amazon.com/LOreal-Paris-Match-Super-Blendable-Ginger/dp/B003BMI8D0

NYX Noir Liquid Liner, Black - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006R1MM2A

Rimmel Stay Matte Primer - https://www.amazon.com/Rimmel-Matte-Primer-Fluid-Ounce/dp/B00I9X3UKM

Chose not to get a brush set as the eyebrow kit and blush each come with their own anyway! Also, everything with an Ulta link I plan on buying in-store tomorrow, so you have time to stop me if I've made a dumb choice.

I use Refectocil, I got it on amazon.

REFECTOCIL COLOR KIT- Light Brown Cream Hair Dye + Liquid Oxidant 3% 95.8 grams + Mixing Brush + Mixing Dish https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007US0CEY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VIqKDb5SXTZTF

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I use Refectocil, I got it on amazon.

REFECTOCIL COLOR KIT- Light Brown Cream Hair Dye + Liquid Oxidant 3% 3.38 oz + Mixing Brush + Mixing Dish https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007US0CEY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VIqKDb5SXTZTF

I have very sensitive eyes with dry skin surrounding them so I have been on the hunt too for a mascara that does not irritate my eyes. Just discovered W3ll People’s Mascara I’ll report back when I’ve used it for a bit.

Here is the mobile version of your link

wet n wild Color Icon Eyeshadow 10 Pan Palette, Rose in the Air, 0.3 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077V5CTXN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_qCSDAb95J06SK

I have this set of BS-Mall brushes and I swear the flat top brush is the softest brush and leaves no streaks when I apply foundation with it.

Well, if you're looking at Morphe, just go over to amazon and search brushes there. You'll get about the same quality as their base line products. Only their "special" or more expensive brushes are non-white label, as far as I can tell.
White Label means that a company (usually in China) produces a bunch of the same brushes, and will stamp a company name on them for a fee.
This set is on par with most of my Morphe brushes. Not that they're bad brushes, they aren't, but there's just no reason to pay Morphe prices for them.

I know this is lame but i got this organizer a while back. I'm really messy and so this helped me a lot :P my boyfriend isn't as annoyed as he used to be