Your Holiday Glow-Up Guide: Easy, Chic, and Totally You

The Holiday Hustle Is Real - But So Is Your Glow

I don't know about you, but I approach the holiday season with almost equal parts dread and anticipation. Christmas has always been my favorite holiday - the twinkling lights, the music, the food (love me a cookie exchange!), and the chance to reconnect with family and friends. But it can also be chaotic, between shopping, cooking, and attending events, sleep quickly becomes a rare commodity and my to-do list rivals my Target receipt in length.

That doesn't have to mean giving up on feeling good about your look - it is possible to not just survive the holiday season, but actually thrive, and do it in a way that fits your budget, your schedule, and your style. Let me share a few of my favorite tips with you in today's holiday glow-up guide. We'll cover beauty tips, gift ideas, and experiences that will ensure your 2025 holiday season sparkles effortlessly, keeping self-care as a real thing and not just a buzz word.

5-Minute Glow-Up: Holiday Beauty That Doesn't Try Too Hard

Don't get trapped into thinking your holiday beauty routine has to be elaborate. It's possible to create a minimalist beauty look that still has you shining as bright as the star on top of the tree. Some of my absolute favorites (truthfully, during the holidays and otherwise) include:

• Tinted Moisturizer - combine skincare and coverage into one simple package, saving a step and taking care of your skin all at once. This is my favorite.

• Lip Gloss or Lip Oil - again, why not go for a 2-in-1 option if you can? Glossy lips couldn't be more holiday, and moisturizing your pucker while you shine is a no-brainer. My favorite lip gloss also has a bit of plumping action, and this lip oil is perfect for lips that have spent a little too long in the cold, dry air.

• Long-Lasting Eye Shadow - no doubt you'll be going from morning until night, whether it's to finish last-minute shopping or attend the work holiday party, so make sure your eye shadow can last as long as your marathon day. I love a cream-to-powder shadow that goes on easy, and dries to a no-smudge finish. Try out a rock-star solution here.

Bonus: any of these can easily travel with you, just in case you want to touch up throughout the day (or need to apply in the car while waiting at a traffic light while running errands...)

Permanent Jewelry = The "I See You" Gift of the Year

I may be a little biased when it comes to the merits of PJ, but I'm also not wrong. It's personal, can be worn day in and day out and always looks great, and ensures you're sparkling without having to remember where you last saw that favorite necklace or fiddle with tricky clasps. Plus, the Spend More, Sparkle More holiday promotion that runs from November 27-December 24 will help you cover everyone on your list and grab some fun goodies for yourself (or even a few stocking stuffers).

Here's the deets:

• Spend $100, choose 1 free gift

  • Stud earrings (select styles)

  • Permanent charm or connector

  • Charm bar upgrades (any 2)

  • Mini scent oil roller

• Spend $150, choose 2 gifts

• Spend $200 or more, choose 2 gifts AND get $20 Sparkle Cash to kick off your 2026 refresh

You can't go wrong with custom jewelry, and I can help you find the best place for Twin Cities permanent jewelry. 😉

Gift an Experience (I Know Just the Place)

Speaking of which, gifting an experience is a great choice for the person who has everything. At All That Glitters, we have all the fun ways to spend some time together with your mom, sister, bestie, boo, or whoever you want to sparkle with this season. And, you walk away with a glittery gift you can both enjoy. It's never the wrong time to shop small, so if you're looking for a unique way to celebrate someone you love (that includes you), consider:

• Sunday Funday: November 30 and December 28 (more in 2026, of course)

  • Enjoy a mimosa and Buy One, Get One 50% off bracelets at Brunch, Bubbles & BOGOs. Pop by the North Loop studio between 11am and 3pm and enjoy a little Sunday treat. Walk-ins welcome, or you can book an appointment if you're one of those folks who needs to schedule life seven days a week (like me). Plus, my new boutique ear piercing is launching and available at a 40% discount through December 30. Get more info about Sunday Funday here.

• Sip & Shop: Join All That Glitters and friends for a holiday market in the North Loop. There are no shortage of holiday markets to shop in the Twin Cities, but where else are you going to find something for everyone on your list, PLUS a solution to the food for your holiday party (or next swanky event)? On December 13, from 6-9pm, swing by the Sparkle Studio and connect with some of the best small business shopping in the Twin Cities. Featuring LaSoph Candles, Rosemary & Pepper (can you say charcuterie?), Milk & Honey Tallow Co, Guerrero Woodworks, and the Charm Bar by All That Glitters. Want in on the VIP goods? Check out the options, from an easy pop-in to a full-blown VIP package, we are ready to support your (holiday) shopping habit.

• The Vibe Bar: Want to gift a January refresh? Mark your calendar for January 10, when the Signature Scent Bar returns to All That Glitters for a new year manifestation experience. Build your own custom scent, a personalized permanent bracelet, and an affirmation that will support you having the best year yet in 2026. This is going to be a Minneapolis beauty event you won't want to miss! Sign up for the All That Glitters VIP List so you don't miss the announcement.

What to Buy Your Sister, Mom, or Best Friend (That Isn't Basic)

If you are looking for unique gifts for the women in your life for Christmas 2025, look no further! All That Glitters is a one-stop shop, whether you're shopping for your mom, wife, sister, tween, bestie, yourself, you name it! And when you shop any of the items below from November 27 through December 24, you qualify for our Spend More, Sparkle More promotion, which means even more fun to gift!

• Gorgeous, high-quality earrings

  • Bonus: gift a piercing (make an appointment for December or January and save even more!)

• Charm Bar - personalized fun for all ages at an affordable price point

  • Shop online or book your own event

• Gold-filled and sterling silver stacking rings make the BEST gifts!

  • Or, check out our stretchy bracelets made from the same materials - meant to last as long as your permanent jewelry!

• The Signature Scent Bar by All That Glitters is a fantastic sensory experience. Make plans to attend our January Vibe Bar OR book your own custom-scent event

• Of course, permanent jewelry MUST be on the short list

  • Find us at a pop-up or market, attend a Sparkle Studio event, or schedule your own intimate gathering

• SeneGence beauty products are perfect for everyone on your list and if you shop the Black Friday sale you can save up to 60%

• Not sure what your loved one would want from this fantastic list? Give them a gift card!

  • Physical gift cards, can be used at studio or pop-up events

  • Online gift card, can be used to shop the All That Glitters website

  • Want a gift card for SeneGence products? Contact us!

Your Holiday Glow-Up Guide Next Steps:

Alright, let's get you set for the holidays, whether you're in Minneapolis or beyond. All That Glitters is here to make things chic and easy.

• Book your bracelet (permanent or charm bar) or piercing appointment - gotta be ready to sparkle at those holiday soireés!

• Make sure you're stocked up on all the lip love, whether it's gloss, oil or lipstick 💋

• Spend More and Sparkle More through December 24 ✨

• Join the VIP list to get early access to all things glitter

Well gorgeous, what are you doing first? Shoot me an email at leanne@leannekampfe.com or comment on this post and I'll help you get started on that holiday shopping list!