It’s the best of times and the worst of times. Sure, everyone is being merry, singing “Jingle Bell Rock”, feeling the urge to be creepily nice, getting a break from work, and of course, spending true quality time with your loved ones. However, at the same time, it f*cking sucks. It’s brick AF outside, it’s dark by like, 4pm, and you’re draining your bank account faster than you can say, “payday.”
Buying everyone in your family a gift this season feels amazing and all, but you’ve got to admit that watching the numbers on your account get smaller makes you die inside. Same. It may be the season of giving, but it’s also the season of receiving…even if that means secretly buying yourself that well-deserved palette or face mask you’ve been eyeing at Sephora. No one is here to judge, otherwise, you wouldn’t be reading this right now. So here it is: the eight best beauty gift sets worth buying this year. Whether it’s for yourself or your best friend, no one has to know.
1. Lancôme Beauty Box
Lancôme is a really good brand that doesn’t get enough attention. I feel like people tend to forget about it because it’s on the pricier side, but this is one of the rare times when cost actually makes up for the quality you’re getting. This super dope gift set comes with 10 full-size bestsellers (FULL-SIZE, people!) and a cute makeup bag you can actually use.
2. Morphe Set 502 – 9 Piece Vegan Brush Set
If you already own one or have even sampled a shade or two, you’d know that Morphe palettes are life. Their shades are always really pigmented and right on point. The only things you need to go with it are their soft, clean brushes. These nine ~vegan~ eye and facial brushes cover all the bases when it comes to makeup application. They also come in a chic little brush case.
3. IT Cosmetics 100% Confidence Vault Skincare Trio
I am a huge fan of IT Cosmetics because it’s not only affordable for the quality, but also their products are all great for my annoyingly sensitive skin. Seriously, if you haven’t tried anything from this line yet, now is the time. This limited-edition anti-aging gift set comes with a full-size moisturizing super cream—a must-have during the winter—and travel sizes of their hydrating cleansing serum and eye cream.
4. MAC Shiny Pretty Things 10-Piece Lip Kit
‘Tis the season for vampy and festive-colored lips, so get ’em while they’re hot, in stock, and on sale. This colorful set comes with 10 fan-fav mini lipsticks ranging from deep burgundy to “very hot” pink to a classic deep-tone beige.
5. Tarte 5-Pc. Passport To Paradise Collectors Set
If you’re going away for the holidays, congratulations. I hate you, I’m a jealous b*tch. If you’re not going anywhere, that makes two of us. But, on the bright side, this cheery gift set is enough to make us pretend we’re getting our tans at the beach. It features 15 exclusive, new eyeshadow shades; a 12-hour lasting blush; eyeliner; and a bestselling glossy lip paint.
6. Glossier The Makeup Set
If you’re a consistent reader of my stuff (sidenote: you the real MVP) you’d know that I’ve tried plenty of products from the Insta-famous Glossier. It’s packaged in the millennial pink shade we love, stays in an affordable range, and actually delivers what it promises (most of the time). This gift set comes with the bestselling Boy Brow (my personal favorite), Lash Slick mascara, and Cloud Paint in the color of your choice.
7. Amika Smooth Criminal Polished Perfection Gift Set
Sounds too good to be true? It basically is. For a salon-style blowout in the comfort of your own home, this gift set isn’t one to skip over. It carries a top rated straightening brush, anti-humidity spray, dry shampoo, and a ton more. Get perfect-looking hair this holiday for under $100.
8. Philosophy’s Guide to Warm and Cozy
These colder temps make me want nothing more than fuzzy blankets, comfy slippers, unhealthy food, and dozens of hot baths. If that doesn’t sound like the most perfect and well-spent night ever, I’m officially a f*cking grandma. And you’re just missing out on a good-ass time. This deluxe holiday collection from Philosophy features shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath, all in holiday-friendly scents such as apple cider and peppermint stick.
Images: Charisse Kenion/Unsplash; Nordstrom; Ulta (2); Saks Fifth Avenue; Macy’s; Glossier; Sephora (2)
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