There are certain holiday traditions I look forward to every year: The festive window displays on Fifth Avenue, decorating the tree and baking cookies while dancing to my favorite Christmas songs.

Then there's that other holiday tradition, which -- no matter how prepared I think I am -- I can never seem to avoid. I'm talking about that moment as you're getting ready for a party when you realize you're going to see someone who always has a gift for you. And you bought them exactly nothing. You can't show up empty-handed, but the thought of venturing into a crowd of last-minute shoppers has you more stressed than finding an outfit to wear.

To help with those holiday mishaps, we scoped out the best beauty gifts you can buy on the way to the party -- no malls involved. Everything on our must-gift list is available at supermarkets, drugstores or Target. You'll be in and out with the perfect little hostess gift before Mariah Carey finishes singing "All I Want For Christmas" for the millionth time on the radio. Just call us Santa's little helpers.

e.l.f. Studio 96-Piece Geometric Eyeshadow Palette, $10: One of the best drugstore finds of all time,this eye shadow palette is more of a palace with 96 different triangle-shaped (scalene and isosceles, for the math lovers) shades in matte, frost and shimmer finishes. We would have paid way more attention in geometry class if this graphic palette was on the test.
Available at Target and select drugstores; check their store locator for details

Flower Beauty Holiday Collection, $4.98 - $7.98: Drew Barrymore's beauty line is exclusive to Walmart, and feels impossibly luxe despite the price tag. Personalize your present by creating your own beauty gift set. Some of our favorites include Flower's Zoom-In Ultimate Mascara, Kiss Stick Velvet Lip Color and 3-free Nail'd It Nail Lacquer -- all for under $8.
Available at Walmart

ProX by Olay Advanced Cleansing System, $29.99: We can't think of anything more appealing than a device that washes your face for you. Tech-savvy beauty girls will marvel at the speed with which it removes every last trace of makeup. The automatic brush head gently exfoliates skin, allowing your nightly serums and moisturizers to do a better job. Plus, the limited edition red color adds a festive touch we can't resist.
Available at drugstores

Sonia Kashuk Brush Set, $21.99: Makeup brushes are a beauty necessity that we never seem to have enough of -- or remember to pack. Enter this four-piece brush set from Sonia Kashuk (cute gold clutch included). Powder brush, eye shadow, angled eye and smudge brushes ensure you'll have everything you need in one sleek case, for touch ups on the go.
Available at Target

Burt's Bees Beeswax Bounty Gift Set, $9.99: Go classic with this set of four vitamin E and peppermint-rich Beeswax Lip Balms, or mix things up with the assorted collection that includes the original beeswax balm plus acai berry to rejuvenate, pomegranate oil to replenish and mango to nourish dry, winter lips. Complete with a woven change purse that houses these little guys perfectly.
Available at drugstores

Nourish Organic Signature Set, $30: This complete bath and body care set includes hand lotion, body butter, lotion and wash. All of the products will pass even the strictest test from your organic only friend. We especially love the body butter in fresh fig, whose star ingredients of shea butter, coconut oil and olive oil melt right into skin and leave it smoother faster than you can say "Now bring us some figgy pudding."
Available at Whole Foods