You know what they say…beauty is in the eye of the GIFT holder. ‘Tis the season to treat yo’
self. Fa la la la la, la la la flawless. Or, something like that. You’ll have to excuse me; I’ve spent
the last 27 hours straight (Kidding! Or am I? You’ll never know…) perusing the Sephora website
for the best beauty gift sets on the market. After my relentless search, I’ve put together a list of
30 must-have gift boxes that deliver on beauty items that will make you feel like a queen this
holiday season. So sit back, and soak in the beauty goods and try to same some presents for
other people.
$75 and Under
TATCHA Bestsellers Set
Tatcha products are known for being pure, uncomplicated, and packed with Japanese anti-aging
superfoods. This set consists of One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil, Classic Rice Enzyme Powder,
Water Cream, and Dewy Skin Mist to keep your face clear, clean, and as smooth as a baby’s
butt.
GLAMGLOW The SUPERMUD® Superstar Set
Ultra-effective peel-off mud masks that wipe out breakouts and instantly brighten skin have
quickly become Glamglow’s claim to fame in the beauty world. I was excited to see a set of
these famous mud masks (specifically, the Glitter Pink and Glitter Purple mud masks) paired
with a clearing treatment to help you put your best face first this season.
DRUNK ELEPHANT Rescue Party™ Kit
At first, it may be hard to believe that a brand with a name like Drunk Elephant has its act
together – but believe me – I’ve watched enough beauty guru Youtube videos to know that
these products are worth the price tag (and at $75, there should be nothing holding you back
from this incredible set). Drunk Elephant products are essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones,
chemical screens, fragrance/dyes, and SLS free and therefore safe for all skin types. The set
includes a jelly cleanser, hydration serum, eye cream, and lip balm.
SUNDAY RILEY Space Race Fight Acne, Oil + Pores at Warp Speed Kit
If you or someone you know struggles with pesky acne issues or recurring spots, you may want
to give this Sunday Riley set a try. It contains a fast-acting Saturn Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask, a
medicated U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Acne Treatment Face Oil, and Martian Mattifying Melting Water-Gel Toner to reduce the appearance of pores. Together, this unstoppable trio will leave
your pores clear, and acne at bay.
KIEHL’S SINCE 1851 Head-to-Toe Hydrators
As its name suggests, Kielhs has held its own as a solid beauty brand since 1851. After taking
advantage of these cult beauty favorites in a handy dandy boxed set, you’ll see why this brand
has held its own. It comes with body cream, body polish, body oil, and hand salve that will leave
you feeling silky smooth.
KATE SOMERVILLE Breakout Fighters
With the pure, unadulterated joy of the holidays also comes stress, sugar, lack of sleep, and
family arguments, all of which contribute to the dreaded breakouts. Whether you’re a teen or
an adult, there is never a good time for a breakout, which is why I included this set in our gift
list. The set includes a dry foaming cleanser acne treatment, a salicylic acid acne treatment, a
moisturizer, and another type of acne treatment.
KATE SOMERVILLE Mini Must Haves
Trust me when I say that no matter how hard you try to prevent it, you can’t escape the wrath
of a pimple the day of your Christmas card photos. Keep those pesky blemishes from surfacing
with these must-haves from Kate Somerville that incorporates powerful fruit ingredients like
pumpkin, pineapple, and papaya and includes a daily foaming cleansing wash, an exfoliating
treatment, and an acne treatment.
TATCHA Skincare for Makeup Lovers Obento Box
Speaking of Christmas card photos, after you’ve ensured that no pimples will make their way
through to your beautiful face, you can perfectly prep your skin for festive makeup with this 4-
piece set. The set contains dewy skin mist, water cream, silk canvas, and a radiance mask. Just
the sound of each product makes me feel hydrated and ready to tackle the day.
FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlighter Palette
Whatever Rihanna touches turns to gold, so by all means, RiRi, touch my face, or at the very
least touch my face products and make me shine. This Fenty Beauty highlighter palette doesn’t
stop at your traditional light gold shimmery highlighters, but includes a total of 7 highlight
colors ranging from purple to deep maroon to shimmery pearl.
BENEFIT COSMETICS Magical Brow Stars! Blockbuster Brow Set
Benefit has left its mark on the beauty community for their attention to brow detail. Ever since
people started caring about their brows being “on fleek,” they’ve purchased Benefit products in order to achieve those “fleeky” brows. For the friend who is on a brow journey to achieving
fullness, shape, and tameness, this set is the perfect gift idea. It comes with a brow pencil, an
ultra-fine brow pencil if you’re feeling really precise, a volumizing brow gel, a creamy brow
color, a brow powder, and a specially angled brush to tame those wild things.
BEAUTYBLENDER Sweet Indulgence Set
Forget your traditional makeup brushes…the Beautyblender makeup sponge has become the
go-to method of makeup application. From foundation, to concealer, and even to powders and
blushes, this sponge will give your makeup an airbrushed finish. 4 different brightly colored
beauty sponges are paired with their signature “blendercleanser” – a glorified bar of soap. But
hey, I’ll take it!
HUDA BEAUTY The New Nude Eyeshadow Palette
A little bit of matte, a little bit of shimmer, and a little bit of sparkle all in neutral nudes,
maroons, golds, and taupey browns bring this eyeshadow palette to life for the classy makeup
consumer. Whether you’re looking to be drenched in deep colors or are prefer a more subtle
look, this Huda Beauty palette offers it all with 18 colors to choose from.
TOO FACED Dream Queen Limited-Edition Make Up Collection
If you just thought 18 colors of eyeshadow in one palette was exciting, wait until I tell you that
this Too Faced Dream Queen set actually has 24 colors to choose from. Most colors are neutral
and versatile with hints of deeper reds, browns, oranges, and pinks. There is the occasional
forest green or way-too-deep blue to appease the more daring among us.
$50 and Under
ORIGINS Mini Mask Musts
No matter what your skin type or skin issues you’re currently facing, this mini set has you
covered with a variety pack of 5 super-effective, clean beauty approved mud masks to keep you
glowing all season. Origins is known for its charcoal infused mask which wipes away blackheads
and clears out pores, so of course it’s been included in this set along with a thirst-quenching
overnight mask, a re-texturizing mask, a refreshing peel-off mask, and a quick 10-minute mask
to rescue skin when you’re in a hurry.
KIEHL’S SINCE 1851 Mighty Moisture
In the dry Winter air, we could all use a little extra moisture. From head to toe, this set of 5
hydrating products has you covered. I want to bathe in all of these luxurious sounding products
at once, but I’ll refrain and let someone else experience the joy of salvaging dry, cracked skin.
FRESH Sugar Sweetcase
Speaking of dry and cracked…my lips are in desperate need of some exfoliation and TLC. So if
anyone would like to send a gift my way, consider this delectable Sugar Sweetcase first and
foremost. If you’ve never treated yourself to a sugar lip scrub before, then don’t wait any
longer to experience the magic of baby-soft lip skin followed by a soothing lip balm with just a
hint of rosy color. All that’s missing now is the mistletoe…
MOUNT LAI Jade Facial Spa Set
I’ll be honest…I can’t fully understand why rolling a rock up and down your face is supposed to
make your skin more beautiful/youthful/healthy/etc., but if the celebrities are all doing it then I
guess I am too. For those who are intrigues by the trendy beauty treatments that tighten skin
and reduce fine lines (no crazy needles or surgery required!) this jade roller and gua sha tool
might be next big thing.
URBAN DECAY Naked Cherry Eyeshadow Palette
One look at this berry colorful eyeshadow palette, and I immediately knew its holiday tones
would make the perfect addition to this gift list. Reds, pinks, maroons, and purples all lend a
hand to this palette inspired by gorgeous deep berry tones. It’s the perfect gift for your gal pals
who enjoy creating bolder makeup looks.
BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector® Pressed Highlighter Mini Macaron Set
Buttery texture, a silky smooth finish on the face, and a glow you can see from outer space?!?
Count me in. This cruelty-free company hit the nail on the head with this set of 4 mini
highlighters that range from pearlescent to pretty in pink. You’ll never need another highlight
after you get your hands on this set.
STILA Aura Alright Glitter & Glow Highlight and Liqued Eyeshadow Set
There’s something about the ease of putting on a liquid eyeshadow that could be mistaken for
lip gloss that is really appealing to me. Maybe it’s because I’m so terrible at applying
eyeshadow, but I love the idea of a big, beautiful, glitter explosion on my eyelid with just the
swipe of a sponge-like applicator. I desperately need to test this out at the next holiday party.
NARS Manic Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Set
Forget the gloss; this year has been all about matte lips. Of all the brands out there, NARS has
coined matte lips as their own. This set comes with 4 sensual velvety soft shades of matte lip
pencil perfection that can be worn under lipstick or on their own. The edgy and bold carrying
case is an added bonus as well.
SEPHORA FAVORITES Glow For It
I think that if you took all 5 products offered in this gift set at once, you would glow in the dark,
and I meant that in the best possible way. You GLOW, girl. Sephora beauty experts have
combined some of the most popular, luminescent beauty must-haves of the year into one
convenient gift box. Fenty Beauty, Benefit, Cover FX, Artist Couture, and Milk Makeup are all
represented in this collection.
$25 and Under
LIVING PROOF All I Want Is Dry Shampoo
An ode to dry shampoo: “Dear Dry Shampoo, where would I be without you? Showering once a
day is enough to make me say no way to washing my hair that often.” Cue applause. I’ll be
here all week. What else do you need to know other than Living Proof has garnered a fantastic
reputation for yummy smelling, fast-absorbing dry shampoo that lifts dirty hair at the root and
makes you a presentable human being again.
CAUDALIE Mini Mask Trio
I love Caudalie because they make sure to inform consumers that their products are gluten
free, mineral oil free, vegan, and cruelty free. Toss all those words in there and you quickly gain
my trust as a conscious consumer. The trio of masks target dullness, uneven texture, darkness,
and dryness to wake up that pretty face of yours just in time for family to come into town for
the holiday season. Don’t be shy – smear it all on. It’s gluten free, after all.
PETER THOMAS ROTH Mask Appeal
If you can’t already tell, I really value the power of a good face mask. I think they not only
refresh your face, but help reset your mood. My mouth started watering reading about the
yummy ingredients found in these three Peter Thomas Roth face masks, including cucumber,
papaya, chamomile, papaya, pineapple, sugar maple sugarcane, orange, bilberry, aloe, and
pumpkin. Although these beauty treatments sound good enough to eat, try to save your
appetite for Christmas dinner.
LIVING PROOF Transformation Trio
I am LIVING PROOF (Ha! Get it?) that you can go 4 days without washing your hair and still step
out in public and look socially acceptable thanks to the power of products like Living Proof’s dry
shampoo. This is the perfect gift set for someone who needs to spice up their hair game with a
little volume, a little less frizz, and a whole lot of dry shampoo. Trust me, that person will thank
you endlessly.
STILA Big Shots Redux Eye Set
Constantly on the hunt for big, bolder lashes and the perfect cat eye? Most of us ladies are.
That’s why any woman would appreciate a luxury brand of mascara with matching stay-all-day
liquid eyeliner pencil. Don’t be shy – be sultry and treat a friend to this set that promises no
smudging, feathering, or running.
BENEFIT COSMETICS The POREfessional Face Primer Mini Ornament
The Benefit POREfessional serves as a flawless base for your foundation, filling in scars, spots,
and unwanted inconsistencies in your skin’s texture prior to makeup application. But more
importantly, this one comes in the shape of a mini ornament! Imagine a tree flocked to the
nine’s and decked out in beauty ornaments. Sign me up.
TARTE Beach, Sleep, Repeat Mini Set
As the name suggests, I can picture myself taking this mascara and blush set on vacation and
being set for the whole trip – nothing else needed. The fun packaging reminds me of a tropical
treasure, and the soft pink blush in the color “First Class” is reminiscent of a sun-kissed glow.
This would make a great gift for a gal pal heading out on Christmas vacation.
LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask
Don’t forget to give your lips some lovin this holiday season. This lip mask leaves your lips feeling so luxurious and baby soft. If you have a significant other, this set is not only a gift for yourself but a gift for them too! Well at least that’s my excuse for buying it.
SHOP SEPHORASometimes, the hardest part about gift shopping is that you end up wanting everything for
yourself. That’s the trap I’ve fallen into after researching the best of the Sephora Holiday
Beauty Sets. I think I’ll keep most of these for myself, please and thank you. But truly, there’s
something so fun about gifting mud masks, mascara, and eyeshadow palettes to the special
ladies in your life, because you get to be a part of helping them feel beautiful during the holiday
season where the focus is so often turned away from the “self.” So go ahead and treat yourself;
treat your mom; treat your bff; and remember that true beauty this season comes from
embracing the magical times you get to spend with family and friends – not from makeup.
