the 67 Best Makeup Gifts of the Season
With gift sets and stand alone products from Tatcha, Danessa Myricks, Rare Beauty, Nars, NYX, and more.
Makeup may not always seem like the most giftable of categories when it comes to Christmas shopping, but trust is, it is. Obviously, it’s a choice option for the beauty enthusiasts on your shopping list, but we strongly believe that it can work for anyone. After all, who wouldn’t want to get a high-end highlighter they might not otherwise pick up for themselves, or a pretty palette with color options galore? Exactly. Not to mention that makeup is ideal if you’re looking for a smaller ticket item, or when you need a quick and easy stocking stuffer. That being said, not every makeup item out there is gift-worthy, so we sorted through the goods to find the best of the best makeup gifts. From gorgeous color cosmetics to universally-appealing tools, these presents are sure to please.
Tatcha The Silk Canvas Face Protective Primer
Sephora
All it takes is a teeny-tiny (read: rice-sized) amount of this primer to help up the staying power of your makeup and keep it from settling into pores. And who wouldn’t want that? Best of all, it works with any foundation formula and for any skin type, and (truly) feels like liquid silk. When we tested this out, we noted, how flawless this made our skin look. "As soon as any foundation meets this primer, I can see the texture instantly change. The result is that no matter how closely I inspect my face in the mirror (or how much I zoom in to a photo), I can’t detect traces of makeup, even where it tends to clump or flake over my dry patches."
Price at time of publish: $54
Jones Road Beauty Miracle Balm
Jones Road Beauty
Indeed, this aptly named multi-tasker really can work miracles when your complexion is looking dull and lackluster. It delivers a hit of moisture and a soft wash of color (it comes in six shades), and looks beautiful either on its own or layered over foundation, imparting a gorgeous, dewy glow. It’s perfect for anyone who is after that oh-so coveted ‘no makeup makeup’ look. When we tested this, we noted how natural the glow appeared—truly so radiant!
Price at time of publish: $38
Beis The Cosmetics Case
Nordstrom
No matter whether you’re home or away, this super smart cosmetic case—from Shay Mitchell’s brand—is the perfect place to stash all of your makeup. It features tons of pockets and compartments (a must), a magnetic, removable brush holder, and even a mirror. The exterior is made from faux leather that looks chic but is easy to wipe clean; the interior fabric touts a wipeable and stain-proof coating. When we tested out the best makeup bags, this one came in at the number one spot for its smart construction and gorgeous design aesthetic.
Price at time of publish: $68
Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix Liquid Pigment
Sephora
Who doesn’t love a good makeup multitasker? This one takes the cake when it comes to multipurpose color, delivering a punch of liquid pigment that can be used on eyes, lips, and/or cheeks with equally gorgeous results. The color payoff is intense (though blends in easily) and the formula also has impressive staying power. And with a whopping 31 shades to choose from—across matte, metallic, and high shine finishes—it’s easy to find the perfect hue for anyone and everyone on your list. When we tested this, we were extra impressed with its longevity.
Price at time of publish: $18
NARS Liquid Blush
Sephora
There’s good reason why this blush has gone viral on TikTok, rivaling the OG powder version that’s so well-known and loved. It’s crazy pigmented (you only need to use a small amount) but blends seamlessly into skin, and feels creamy yet lightweight. It lasts for hours and comes in five shades, including the cult-classic Orgasm, a peachy-pink that really does look good on everyone.
Price at time of publish: $30
UOMA Beauty Double Take Contour Stick
Ulta
Consider this the secret to contouring made easy. The dual-ended stick touts a contour color on one end and a highlight color on the other. Both are creamy, buildable, and blendable, not to mention much more forgiving than powders.
Price at time of publish: $40
Tower 28 Bronzino Illuminating Cream Bronzer
Sephora
There are five shades of this creamy bronzer to choose from, making it easy to find the right one to look naturally sun-kissed. It’s also beautiful dabbed on lids in place of shadow or used as a highlighter. No matter how you apply it, it's easily buildable and blendable.
Price at time of publish: $20
Merit Five Minute Morning
Merit
One of our favorite makeup brands as of late, Merit is all about a clean, easy, simple makeup routine. Exhibit A: this set, which contains one of each of every product in the line. There’s a complexion stick, tinted lip oil, mascara, cheek color, brow pomade, highlighting balm, and blending brush. It’s ideal for makeup minimalists, but everyone is sure to appreciate the killer formulas and wearable colors.
Price at time of publish: $200
Anastasia Beverly Hills Primrose Palette
Sephora
Both the matte and metallic shades in this palette are equally pigmented, imparting tons of color in every swipe. There are gorgeous colors for both eyes and cheeks, and fun fact, this palette contains almost 200% more product than the brand’s original palettes.
Price at time of publish: $55
Jenny Patinkin Pure Luxury Makeup Sponge Duo
Credo
After just one use of these makeup sponges, we were hooked. They’re made of a pure foam that isn’t treated with any chemicals and can even be recycled. The larger size is great for applying foundation, while the smaller size is ideal for applying things like cream blush and eyeshadow.
Price at time of publish: $32
MAKE UP FOR EVER Mini Artist Color Pencil Lip & Eye Liner Set
Sephora
Consider this a gift for the multipurpose mavens. Make Up Forever’s Mini Artist Color Pencil Lip & Eye Liner Set includes four travel-sized versions of the brand’s popular pencils, beloved by pros and amateurs alike for their easy glide and robust color payoff. The neutral shades can help them create some of the looks of the moment—think latte makeup or the smoky eye/power lip combo—with just a few key products.
Price at time of publish: $35
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick
Charlotte Tilbury
It’s a major statement to say that one lip color will flatter everyone, but this iconic lipstick does exactly that. The pink-nude hue is somehow gorgeous on all skin tones, a surefire staple that everyone will love.
Price at time of publish: $34
NYX Professional Makeup Limited Edition Holiday Butter Lip Gloss Vault
Ulta
NYX Professional’s Butter Lip Gloss came out on top in our rankings of lip glosses, and as far as we’re concerned, they’re well worth stocking up on. This set features 14 shades of the smooth, hydrating gloss; separate them out as stocking stuffers for a few, or gift one makeup lover the ultimate lippie wardrobe.
Price at time of publish: $50
Glamcor Riki Skinny Smart Vanity Mirror
Blooming Dales
A makeup mirror is one of those things that *actually* is a game-changer. This skinny one won’t take up a ton of room but will ensure you always have good lighting, thanks to its LED bulbs. It also has a built-in phone holder, so it's great for following along with video makeup tutorials. It is also great to use when traveling and made our top picks for best lighted travel makeup mirrors for best magnification.
Price at time of publish: $225
Guide Beauty Guide Eyeliner Duo
Guide Beauty
Celeb makeup artist Terri Bryant founded Guide Beauty after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s and losing dexterity in her hands; the brand is all about creating products that are inclusive and accessible to people with limited hand mobility. (Selma Blair, who has been open about her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis, is the brand’s Chief Creative Officer.) Exhibit A, their Guide Wand has an easy-to-hold handle that steadies the hand, a vertical shape for easy control, and a flexible applicator. It comes with a waterproof, long-wearing gel eyeliner, housed in an easy open jar.
Price at time of publish: $50
Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb All-Over Diamond Veil
Sephora
Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but so is this megawatt highlighter. Not only is it super sparkly, but the jelly-to-powder formula also blends beautifully into the skin.
Price at time of publish: $40
Shiseido Eyelash Curler
Sephora
We’ve tried lots of lash curlers in our day, yet somehow always come back to this cult-favorite. The broad curve makes it easy to reach every last lash from corner to corner, creating a lifted and eye-opening effect even before you swipe on mascara.
Price at time of publish: $23
BLK/OPL Beauty Tools Kit
BLK/OPL
For the makeup lover who likes to channel their inner pro artist, this set of four tools is choice. There are brushes, a sponge, and an extra-convenient ring palette, which is perfect for mixing up custom shades.
Price at time of publish: $25
R.E.M. Beauty Metallic Eye Set
R.E.M. Beauty
Rember Ariana Grande’s dreamy look at the 2020 Grammy Awards? Makeup artist Daniel Chinchilla told us he used the At the Borderline Eyeliner Marker from the chanteuse’s brand to create that divine wing. You can find that very liner—along with the Borderline Kohl Pencil in a metallic silver and a Metallic Gel Eyeshadow in a cool, shimmering lavender—in this three-piece set.
Price at time of publish: $39
PYT Beauty The Upcycle Eyeshadow Palette in Warm Lit Nude
PYT beauty
This brand earns points in our book not only for offering amazing colors and textures (case in point: this lineup of a dozen, totally wearable nude shadows) but also for its sustainability efforts. For example, this palette is made with 15% recycled plastic and also can be recycled once you’re done with it.
Price at time of publish: $34
DIBS Status Stick Face and Body Highlighter
Dibs
The name of this brand stands for ‘desert island beauty status,’ and indeed, many of their products have made it to our ‘can’t live without’ list. This hero SKU is a unique highlighter that can be used from head to toe. The oversized stick is easy to swipe on arms or legs for a gorgeous sheen, though it works equally well dabbed on eyes or cheeks. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who can’t get enough of the glowy skin trend.
Price at time of publish: $36
Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Pencil & Gel
Rare Beauty
We’re not always necessarily impressed by celeb makeup lines, but Selena Gomez’s brand is the rare (get it?) exception. We’re big fans of pretty much everything, but this brow product is a standout, combining a pencil on one end and a gel on the other. It comes in eight colors, but is an especially good choice for blondes, as the blonde shade truly is spot on.
Price at time of publish: $22
Fenty Beauty The Gloss Bomb Vault
Ulta
If you were trying to pin down a hero product among Fenty Beauty’s many bestsellers, a strong case could be made for the Gloss Bomb Lip Glosses. Celebrated by fans for being non-sticky and lightweight, the glosses are available in four formulas—Universal Lip Luminizer, Cream Color Drip Lip Cream, Heat Universal Lip Luminizer + Plumper, and Ice Cooling Lip Luminizer—all of which can be found in this wardrobe. Whether they pair them with lip liner, top them over lipstick, or just wear them solo, they’re sure to be set for the year ahead.
Price at time of publish: $150
Westman Atelier Clean Glow Trio
Westman Atelier
Westman Atelier might just be the pre-eminent name in soft-girl glam: Founder Gucci Westman is known for creating the natural, glowy looks seen on the likes of Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Anniston. With the Clean Glow Trio—which includes travel-sized contour, blush, and highlighter sticks—your recipient can create their own my-skin-but-better base fit for the red carpet (or a day at the office). Trio I features lighter shades, while Trio II includes deeper offerings.
Price at time of publish: $75
Boxy Girl Original Four Stack
Boxy Girl
Any makeup lover will appreciate a gift that helps them neatly corral all of their goods, and this organizer does exactly that. The four-drawer stack is made from lucite, sturdy yet still sophisticated—and the perfect way to also display your now neatly organized makeup stash. The removable dividers further help keep lipsticks, palettes, concealers, eyeshadow (you get the picture) neat and tidy, and it’s also super easy to wipe clean.
Price at time of publish: $249
Nudestix Mini Nudies Blush Bronze Glow Kit
Nudestix
We adore stick formulas for a laundry list of reasons (they’re easy to apply, are ideal for travel, etc. etc.) and these sticks also happen to feature a multi-tasking pigment, another way to our hearts. Each of the three shades can be used on lips, cheeks, or eyes, not to mention that the trio can easily be mixed and matched. Bonus points for the fact that they’re housed in reusable tin that even comes complete with a mirror.
Price at time of publish: $27
LANEIGE Glowy Makeup Serum
Sephora
Straddling the line between makeup and skincare, this primer-meets-serum is a must for anyone who is all about glowy, radiant skin. Per the primer part of things, it helps up the longevity of your makeup and delivers natural-looking luminosity. Per the serum part of things, it delivers lightweight hydration and helps balance oil levels.
Price at time of publish: $32
Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Divine Blush Duo
Pat McGrath Labs
Everything about this blush—from the exterior packaging to the powder itself—is next level pretty, almost too pretty to use. (Almost.) Each of the six shades houses two vibrant colors, which can be used either individually or swirled together, to complement a wide variety of skin tones.
Price at time of publish: $44
Take My Face Off Mitty Mini
Amazon
When you’re wearing lots of makeup, you’re going to need a way to quickly and easily remove it. Enter this reusable remover. Made of super soft Korean polyester, it replaces disposable cotton balls and pads, perfect for wiping off even the most stubborn eye makeup. The pointed tip is great for use along the lash line, while the rounded side works well on lids and brows. Once you’re done, just toss it in the wash and it’s ready to be used all over again, a much more sustainable alternative to cotton pads.
Price at time of publish: $12
Hourglass Curator 5-Well Eyeshadow Palette
Sephora
Not quite sure exactly what types of colors they like? Give them this customizable palette, which they can then fill (and refill) with any one of the brand’s 40 eyeshadow shades, across a range of finishes.
Price at time of publish: $12
Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara
Sephora
Adding up to 200% more volume to lashes, this mascara is sure to please even die-hard lash extension lovers. The luxe packaging makes it giftable in its own right, though you can also opt for custom engraving on the tube—talk about upping the gifting ante.
Price at time of publish: $29
Artis Elite Palm Brush
Amazon
A makeup brush with a 24 karat gold finish? Yes, please. Not only does it look extremely special and luxurious, the unique shape also makes it one of the most versatile (and easy to use) brushes we’ve ever seen. It’s ideal for applying and blending in creams and powders, and works just as well for buffing in skincare as it does makeup.
Price at time of publish: $65
Mary Kay Unlimited Lip Gloss in Pink Ballerina
Mary Kay
Anyone who is all about the Barbiecore trend will love this gloss, which imparts the perfect amount of pearly, bubble gum pink color. Best of all, it’s silky rather than sticky, gliding smoothly along lips and adding tons of shine and moisture, but never feeling tacky or uncomfortable.
Price at time of publish: $16
Youthforia BYO Blush
REVOLVE
We’ve seen powder and cream and gel and liquid blushes before, but we’ve never seen a blush oil. Much less one like this, which changes color upon contact with your skin. (Think of it as one of those old school mood rings, but makeup.) Just dab on a tiny bit and the unique formula reacts with your skin’s natural pH to create a custom-colored flush. It’s super cool and unique in general, and especially great as a gift, as it takes the guesswork out of shade choosing.
Price at time of publish: $36
Juvia's Place I Am Magic Loose Setting Powder
Ulta
Sure, you could use this as a setting powder, but it also pulls double (erm, triple?) duty as a foundation, concealer, and contour or highlighter product. Also noteworthy: The fact that it comes in five shades, including options for very dark complexions, which isn’t always the case with setting powder.
Price at time of publish: $14
Beautyblender Turn The Blend Around Makeup Sponge Set
Sephora
The original beautyblender is a staple among makeup lovers, and for good reason: It “can make any product look like professional quality," says associate editorial director Holly Rhue. This trio also comes with a scrub mat and the brand’s Blendercleanser Sponge & Brush Cleanser—meaning, with proper blender care, they’ll be set up for half a year’s worth of seamless base makeup.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Face Palette
Sephora
Speaking of shelf appeal, this limited edition face palette from Hourglass features packaging showcasing the work of artist Katie Scott. And in this case, good things come in threes: Each of the three palettes (Elephant, Tiger, or Butterfly) includes three new Ambient Lighting shades, along with three fan-favorite blushes, bronzers, highlighters, or finishing powders.
Price at time of publish: $85
Real Techniques Au Naturale Face Glow Makeup Brush Kit
Ulta
Who says makeup brushes have to break the bank? While we love a luxurious, expensive set, you don’t have to splurge to get beautifully blended eyeshadows and perfectly pigmented cheeks. This nine-piece kit from Real Techniques includes face and eye brushes that will be loved by amateurs and pros alike.
Price at time of publish: $28
Natasha Denona My Dream Eyeshadow Palette
Sephora
Natasha Denona is known for its pigmented, easy-to-blend eyeshadows, and this palette is no exception. Featuring wearable neutrals and chic burgundy tones in a mix of matte and metallic finishes, this palette makes creating smoky eyes and dramatic statement lids a cinch (a must during the holiday party season).
Price at time of publish: $69
Westman Atelier The Petal Edition Lip and Complexion Set
Westman Atelier
For the makeup lover who prefers their color cosmetics to be understated but luxurious, you can’t go wrong with anything from Westman Atelier. Inspired by her daughter’s natural rosy complexion, The Petal Set features a blush, highlighter, and lip balm designed to give the wearer a subtle and fresh flush of color.
Price at time of publish: $134
Kulfi Beauty Underlined Kajal Eyeliner Set
Kulfi Beauty
If you haven’t heard, graphic eyeliner looks are having a major moment. Help them indulge their creative side with an eyeliner set featuring black, orange, brown, blue, and burgundy tones. “Its applicator easily glides onto your lids, leaving you with a super silky cream finish that stays put for hours on end,” former visuals editor Cristina Ciancia says of Kulfi’s Kajal Eyeliners. “It's also super pigmented, so just one swipe is enough—no back-tracing needed.”
Price at time of publish: $100
Maybelline New York Holiday Mini Lash Bar Mascara Kit
Walgreens
This gift is the very definition of small but mighty. Featuring three of Maybelline’s blockbuster mascaras—Lash Sensational, The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara, and viral sensation Lash Sensational Sky High—the kit is the perfect stocking stuffer for the beauty lover who is always looking for more defined eyes.
Price at time of publish: $11
Essence Pure Nude Highlighter
Essence
Another TikTok fave, this finely-milled highlighter is beloved for its ability to impart a natural, lit-from-within glow (and at a very affordable price). “I enjoyed the way this highlighter subtly enhanced my skin, and was pleasantly surprised by how well it wore throughout the day,” Byrdie contributor Celeste Polanco said in her review.
Price at time of publish: $5
OPI xPress/On Nail Art Press On Nails
Historically maligned, the press-on manicures are back in a big way—as is the French manicure (particularly with nail art details). This kit offers both: 30 press on nails in a chic, minimalist French manicure design with abstract detailing. The glue, nail file, and prep pad are all included, too, so it really is a full set in a box.
Price at time of publish: $16
Ami Cole Lip Treatment Oil Trio
Ami Cole
Few things are quite as disheartening as reaching your hand into your bag just to realize you left your favorite lip gloss in your other purse. With this trio from Ami Cole, one can be popped into every bag. And trust us—this will become your favorite lip product. “It’s everything you could want from a lip product: it adds shine, gives your lips a sheer wash of color, and nourishes them,” says editor Olivia Hancock. “It’s a product I won’t leave home without now.”
Price at time of publish: $67
Saie Glowy Super Gel Lightweight Dewy Highlighter
Amazon
Saie’s Super Gel Highlighters come packed with vitamin C and squalane to help brighten and plump the skin, respectively—all while imparting a mega-watt glow. “The formula has serious staying power and works both under foundation and applied to the high points of my face,” says news director Madeline Hirsch.
Price at time of publish: $22
Beauty Bakerie Lollipop Eyeliner
Nordstrom
Chances are you pictured this popping out of their stocking, wedged between the candy canes and hot cocoa spoons (or maybe that was just us). But don’t let the sweet packaging fool you: This felt-tip liner stays put all day, and makes drawing on razor-sharp wings an effortless process.
Price at time of publish: $18
MAC Celebrate In Colour Powder Kiss Lip Vault
Ulta
For those looking for equal parts pigment and comfort, MAC’s Powder Kiss range is tough to beat. (“There's plenty of color payoff, and I was able to softly diffuse the formula for a more lived-in look,” Hirsch says of the formula.) This limited edition set features 12 shades of the lipstick, ranging from neutrals to deep berries, that will last them well beyond the holiday season.
Price at time of publish: $85
LYS Beauty No Limits Cream Bronzer and Contour Stick
LYS Beauty
Whether they’re spending the holidays on the beach or bundled up, there’s a good chance they’ll appreciate adding a little sunkissed glow to their makeup routine. This cream, blendable bronzer is available in five shades, making it a great choice for a variety of skin tones.
Price at time of publish: $19
Fashion Fair Iconic Lipstick
Sephora
Fashion Fair’s Chocolate Raspberry Iconic Lipstick was one of the brand’s bestsellers for decades—and, thankfully, when the brand relaunched in 2021, the popular shade was revived. Gift this one to that family member who loved the original or the burgeoning beauty lover who can appreciate a classic. Either way, they’re bound to appreciate the glistening magenta shade.
Price at time of publish: $26
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Sun Stalk'R Face + Eye Bronzer & Highlighter Palette
Sephora
This limited edition from Fenty promises a sunkissed glow for all complexions, with a hint of shimmer adding dimension so you can create a subtle strobed look. It includes the classic Sun Stalk'r bronzer plus two new highlighters for instant holiday sparkle.
Essence Limited Edition Holiday Lash Princess 4 Piece Mascara Set
Ulta
You could almost think of Essence’s Holiday Lash Princess Set as the All-Star team of mascara kits, with the False Lash Effect Mascara—oft-feted by Team Byrdie—as the MVP. Waterproof, Volume, and Sculpted Volume formulas round out the roster for a totally comprehensive set. Plus, since mascara is among the beauty products with the shortest shelf lives (you should be tossing tubes every three months), this one will keep their lashes outfitted for the entire year ahead.
Price at time of publish: $15
e.l.f. Ultimate Makeup Brush Set & Travel Roll
Ulta
Those of us who go way back with e.l.f. remember how, even in the brand’s earliest days, it was always associated with shockingly high-quality brushes at an even more shockingly low price point. With this 17-piece travel-friendly set, your recipient will be able to blend, buff, and set their entire makeup look at home or on the road. While every brush in the kit is impressive, we’re especially fond of the Eyeshadow "C" Brush, a must for blending and diffusing eyeshadow, and the dual-sided Eyebrow Duo Brush.
Price at time of publish: $58
Danessa Myricks Beauty Lightwork V I Am Palette
Danessa Myricks Beauty
Danessa Myricks Beauty is known for vividly demonstrating the ways makeup can be used for self-expression, and few of the brands’ products convey that message quite as boldly as the Lightwork Palettes. Lightwork V includes 18 face and eye pigments in seven different finishes, grouped together by color story. Whether they’re whipping up a look for a night out or just playing with makeup looks on a lazy day in, the makeup lover in your life will get plenty of use out of this one.
Price at time of publish: $125
Milani Highly Rated Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara
Milani
When it comes to achieving lush lash looks, tubing mascara has been an absolute game-changer: With a little patience (and perhaps an eyelash curler), monumental lashes can be yours, no glue required. This Milani formula punches well above its price tag: “Noticeably lengthening and defining lashes in just one coat, you can easily swap your current—and likely more expensive—tubing mascara for this one,” said Byrdie contributor and makeup artist Khera Alexander.
Price at time of publish: $13
Patrick Ta Major Dimension III Matte Eyeshadow Palette
Sephora
If your recipient is relatively new to eyeshadow—but eager to start creating dreamy everyday eye looks—a neutral palette is the way to go. With the Major Dimension III Matte Eyeshadow Palette, they’ll get a selection of matte shadows in warm and cool neutral tones. Pro tip: Layer any of the 10 powder shades over one of the two cream colors to create sultrier, more intense looks.
Price at time of publish: $70
Laura Mercier Cosmic Light Translucent Loose Setting Powder
Laura Mercier
Makeup stocking stuffers might be housed in beautiful, festive packaging, but they’re extra special when the product inside is something the recipient will actually use. With this ornament, they’ll get just that: Laura Mercier’s Translucent Setting Powder is considered by many to be the gold standard in the category. “Find me a makeup artist that doesn't have this translucent setting powder in their kit,” said former Byrdie contributor Amanda Mitchell. “It'll take a while, but that's because it truly lives up to the hype.”
Price at time of publish: $17
ColourPop Matte About Hue Palette
ColourPop
For that friend who is always experimenting with makeup looks that would make Kat Hernandez proud, consider complementing their undoubtedly extensive eye gem collection with vibrant eyeshadow. This 35-pan (!!) palette consists entirely of matte shadows in the shades of the rainbow. The hues are gorgeous on their own, but they’re made even more stunning when topped with face decals or sparkling rhinestones.
Price at time of publish: $35
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Dreams Come True
Charlotte Tilbury
This mega collection includes some of Charlotte Tilbury’s all-star products, including the Lip Cheat lip pencil and Beauty Light Wand liquid highlighter blush, in the brand’s beloved rosy hue. The 14-piece vault (all products are full-sized) also features three new offerings—a Beautifying Face Palette, Hollywood Glow Glide Face Architect Highlighter, and Matte Beauty Blush Wand—all in the fan-favorite shade.
Price at time of publish: $390
Lip Lab Gift Card
Lip Lab
With a gift card to Lip Lab, you aren’t just gifting a product; you’re gifting an experience. If your recipient can access one of the brand’s storefronts, they can pop in and create their own fully custom lipstick, lip gloss, or balm—right down to the font on the tube. You can also gift a virtual party if you want to share the experience with someone far away.
Price at time of publish: $50 to $200
Violette_Fr Yeux Paint Liquid Eyeshadow
Violette_FR
As seen on Byrdie cover star Dove Cameron, there’s just something impossibly chic about red lipstick-blue eyeshadow combo. Violette can help you nail the look on both fronts with the Petal Bouche Matte Lipstick (in the perfect French Girl Red, Amour Fou), and the Yeux Pain Liquid Eyeshadow + Liner in the newly released Dieu Bleu, a vibrant, electric shade that adds an editorial edge to any makeup look.
Price at time of publish: $31
Tower 28 Juice Balm Set
Tower 28
Straddling the line between makeup and skincare (the ingredients include mango seed oil and vitamins C and E), Tower 28’s Juice Balms are thoughtful stocking stuffers for those who are new to makeup or are looking for lip products as heavy on function as they are on aesthetic appeal. This four-piece set includes two shades that are a little more tinted—the coral Squeeze and Drink, a berry hue—and sheer shades Mix (pink) and Mix (a rosy neutral).
Price at time of publish: $60
Half Magic Flik-Off Set
Half Magic
Winged eyeliner can be tough to perfect, which is why Half Magic Beauty founder (and “Euphoria” makeup artist) Donni Davy designed the Magic Flik Liquid Eyeliner: The paddle-shaped tip helps users better control the shape and weight of their line. When used in conjunction with the Wing Magician guide, a movie star-worthy eye look is all but guaranteed.
Price at time of publish: $28
Tarte Best Of Maracuja Juicy Lips Set
Macy's
Described as “one viral product that’s actually worth your time” by Alexander, Tarte’s Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm is often lauded for its moisturizing properties and high-shine finish. This kit features four formulas from the brand’s Maracuja Juicy lip range—plumper, shift, and creme, along with the aforementioned balm—making it perfect for the friend who has a comfortable, glossy lip product in every bag.
Price at time of publish: $40
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Mini Blush & Glow 4-Piece Set
Sephora
Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch formula currently holds our title for Best Liquid Blush. Needless to say, we’re fans. This four-piece set features two miniatures of the product alongside two shades of the brand’s Light Liquid Luminizer, which Byrdie contributor Karla Ayala referred to as “one of the best highlighters [she’s] ever used.”
Price at time of publish: $34
Clinique Almost Lipstick
Sephora
Color cosmetics can be tricky to gift, for the simple reason that you might not know what shades they want or need. Clinique’s (often sold out) Black Honey is a favorite across skin tones and age groups, making it a relatively safe—yet trendy—bet for gifting. The lighter-than-air formula and buildable coverage ensures that even the most casual beauty lover will get use out of their tube.
Price at time of publish: $24
Sonia G. Pro Eye Set
Beautylish
If your recipient is big on creating eye makeup looks, they’ll likely appreciate some luxe new additions to their brush collection. This set, handmade by craftspeople in Japan, will up their game big time. The five brushes will help them lay their bases, pack on color, blend out their creases, and transition their shades seamlessly.
Price at time of publish: $150
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has nearly 15 years of journalism experience covering the beauty and lifestyle space for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She’s written countless gift guides across a wide array of topics and categories, and is especially well-versed in anything and everything beauty-related.
Eden Stuart is an editor at Byrdie, where she covers all things beauty.