rank and review: past too faced holiday releases

The holiday season makes me happy. As does makeup. Combine the two together and it is a match made in heaven! No wonder Too Faced has become my favourite high-end brand over the years. They are the absolute best at holiday themed releases. In fact, some of my earlier Sephora purchases happened to be Too Faced holiday palettes. Like the Joy To The Girls palette, which was released way back in 2013. They have come a long way since then. Each and every year, it seems that Too Faced finds a new way to embrace the season and do something extra special. Today? It is time to look back at releases from the past. Yes, this a rank and review of past Too Faced holiday releases. How do they compare to one another? And which one reigns supreme? Here is everything you need to know about these oh-so-special seasonal items.

Sixth Place: Le Grand Chateau (2015)

The lowest ranked on this list is by no means a dud. In fact, when Le Grand Chateau was released, it was put into heavy rotation in my collection. I loved the packaging (it came in a little house with the three small palettes tucked away inside) and the travel friendly palettes. Each mini palette had a distinct colour story, like glam, romantic, and neutral. There were six eyeshadow shades in each with a large pan blush or bronzer as well. All in all, these were beautiful and performed well.  The variety of colours and finishes added lots of versatility. And the inclusion of a cheek product made these perfect to take away on vacations. Needless to say, this was an impressive holiday release. Why is it sixth on the rank and review list? As the years have passed...Too Faced has gotten better and better. 

Fifth Place: Grand Hotel Cafe (2016)

Similar to Le Grand Chateau, the Grand Hotel Cafe release came in a little house style design. The packaging was super adorable and really added to the overall holiday feeling. These were slightly elevated from the year before with the addition of scents. One mini palette was gingerbread cookie scented, one was scented like peppermint mocha, and one was scented like an eggnog latte. The theme was excellent and I enjoyed the addition of scents. That being said, there were some inconsistencies with the colour payoff from palette to palette. But the inclusion of those cheek products made these must haves. I especially loved using the shade Santa Baby from the Peppermint Mocha set. It was the ultimate holiday blush shade.

Fourth Place: Le Grand Palais (2015)

Words cannot possibly express how much this palette has meant to me over the years. Though I don't use it now (it is quite old at this point)….it remains in my collection for sentimental purposes along with some of the other Too Faced holiday releases on this list. This palette truly had it all. Matte shades for the crease, a deep black shadow, and lots of glitter and sparkle. Not to mention the two blush shades, highlight, and bronzer along the bottom of the palette. There were also three different blending shades along the top. All in all, this was a really well rounded and exciting release. Favourite shades included City Lights, Party Dress, and Moon on Their wings. The packaging for this particular release was extra special and included lots of Too Faced extras and an elaborate fold out scene. This certainly cemented Too Faced as a must in my makeup collection. 

Third Place: Dream Queen (2018)

As you can see from the condition of the Dream Queen palette, this one was used over and over again. It was one that I reached for throughout the year. It had a beautiful mix of matte, shimmer, and glitter eyeshadow shades. There were more than enough neutrals along with some lovely pops of colour. Some standout shades included Cozy Up, Twinkle, and Christmas Cookie. Along the side, there were two blush shades, a warm toned highlight, and a deep bronzer. What excelled about the Dream Queen palette was the number of eyeshadows, the variety of colours, and the effortless theme. Each and every shade had a Christmas themed name to tie it all together. Plus, this particular holiday release came with my favourite ever lip gloss and a fantastic cloth makeup bag. Those little extras really add to the overall experience. 

Second Place: Cinnamon Bear (2020)

Runner up on this rank and review list is the Cinnamon Bear set that was released this year. It included a makeup bag, a lipstick shade, and a mini palette. There are eight eyeshadow shades and a satin finish blush shade. This is something that I have been using a lot lately. There is a nice combination of matte and shimmer shades and some gorgeous bold colours. I love that palette can create easy to wear neutral looks or something bold and colourful. As for the blush, it is absolutely gorgeous. The finish is a nice change from many other blushes in my makeup collection. Another fun detail? This palette is scented (though I wouldn't say this smells like cinnamon. It smells sweet instead). Such a nice way to add to the overall experience. Plus, the cinnamon bear theme is super cute and a nice way to mix it up this holiday season. 

First Place: Cookie House Party (2019) 

Another heavily used eyeshadow palette in my collection! The number one entry on this rank and review is Cookie House Party eyeshadow palette from last year. It has been used regularly thanks to the warm colours. There are lots of browns, golds, burgundy, and some subtle pops of colour (thanks to the dark green and purple). In terms of variety, there is a lot going on here as well. Lots of warm matte shades (perfect for the crease or worn alone), shimmers, and glitters. Some of the shimmers are my all-time favourites. Like the shade Cinnamagic and Easy Bake Lovin'. All of these shades scream Christmastime but are still totally suited to warm everyday makeup looks. Though I love the Cinnamon Bear palette from this year....it is the Cookie House Party colours that keep me coming back for more. It is absolutely incredible.

Looking for more makeup inspiration? Be sure to take a peek at my latest YouTube video. It is warm and wearable.

Too Faced is known for their holiday releases. Though they tend to be impressive...it is interesting to see how they compare to one another. These are just a few that stood out to me. Be sure to share your thoughts on the Too Faced holiday sets in your collection in the comment section below. 

Are you a fan of Too Faced? Have you tried any of their holiday sets?