If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.
Whether you’re shopping for a friend who loves for a classic red lip or you’re looking to stock up on some products for your own makeup bag, the ultimate gift giving hack this holiday season is makeup gift sets. They can save you valuable time and energy with the best makeup products pre-curated from your favorite brands. If you happen to be the procrastinator type, makeup gift sets also make for stress-free, last-minute solutions. Plus, sets present the perfect opportunity to try a mix of products for less than they would cost if you purchased them individually.
“The biggest benefit is the variety offered and the price point,” says AJ Crimson, founder and CEO of AJ Crimson Beauty. “You usually get more for less.” Not only are makeup gift sets a value, they also get those high-ticket luxury items in your hands — without too much of a commitment before you know whether you like the product. You can “date” a new brand by buying a set of their best sellers. Or, you can use Crimson’s approach: Find a set with the product you really want, and use the rest as stocking stuffers or “just because” gifts.
Related Galleries
When you’re perusing gift sets for someone else, think about the person who will receive the gift. What’s their style? What are their beauty goals? Do they have a signature look or do they love to try different trends? Are they interested in trying a new product, but too afraid to invest in the change?
Customization can be tricky because unless you’re putting together a set from scratch, makeup gift sets, there’s no guarantee your recipient will love everything that’s included. Whether you’re scouting out the best makeup gift sets, or the best beauty gifts for 2021, celebrity makeup artist, Stephen Moleski suggests keeping an eye out for sets that work universally. “It needs to work on many complexions and be flattering enough that the “recipient” wants to wear it,” Moleki tells WWD. “Remember what you like is not what everyone likes… keep it neutral.”
On the other hand, “a gift set is a wonderful way to show someone you love a different side to themselves that they may not be able to see,” says London-based makeup artist Bina Khan. “Or, to get them to try products that maybe they wouldn’t ordinarily be brave enough to try — like an amazing red.”
If you’re buying for someone who has a signature look but likes to play around with their products, celebrity makeup artist Emily Amick — who’s worked with Venus Williams and Lovie Simone — suggests finding the right balance between adventurous and practical.
“Try to go for something in their wheelhouse, but that’s still a new, exciting product for them,” Amick says. “Maybe your friend loves a cat eye but hasn’t tried gel liner. If they’re more of a collector and like exclusive items, go for a limited-edition set.”
As long as you’re intentional, there’s a cosmetic gift set that will make everyone on your holiday shopping list happy. And with Black Friday sales on the horizon (and starting earlier than ever this year), finding the best gift for the women on your list has never been easier. From beauty advent calendars stocked with samples, limited-edition beauty gifts specific to the year’s best-sellers, we’ve rounded up the best makeup gift sets for 2021 below, featuring affordable and luxury options.
1. Tom Ford Iconic Eyeshadow & Lip Set
This limited-edition Tom Ford makeup gift set comes with two deluxe mini lipsticks and a full-sized cognac rose eyeshadow quad. The eye shadow quad comes with a sparkle, shimmer, satin and matte shade to create a full look when you’re on the go. The two lipstick shades will easily take you from day to night.
2. The Balm Meet Matte Hues Vol. 3
“The Balm’s Meet Matte Hues lip collection include palettes that are like kits in and of themselves with great pay off, which I find is so important for brown skin,” Khan says. “The multi-functional palettes make great beauty stocking stuffers.”
3. Tarte Best Of Blush Mini Amazonian Clay Cheek Set
The Tarte Amazonian clay blushes are an industry favorite for their vibrant, long-wearing shades. Get all five best-selling vegan hues in travel sizes to mix or use alone. If you’re only after a few colors, you can use the others as stocking stuffers.
4. Sephora Favorites Sparkly Clean Makeup Set
For all the clean beauty babes out there, the Sephora Favorites Sparkly Clean makeup set is made for you. This kit features an exclusive preview of Tower 28’s full-size JuiceBalm tinted lip balm, full sizes of Milk Makeup’s Color Chalk, Merit Flush Balm and three minis from Tatcha, Saie and Ilia for a third of the true product value.
5. Bobbi Brown Soho Glow Mini Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick Set
The Bobbi Brown Mini Soho Glow eyeshadow stick set comes with three mini stick cream shadows. For the low-effort makeup days, these three minis can be used for the eyes, cheeks and lips to provide a subtle glow in little to no time — all without a brush.
6. Glossier The Makeup Set
“[This set is] great for anyone who doesn’t like to wear tons of makeup,” Amick says. “They can use the cloud paint as a blush and lip color, and the boy brow is great for taming and lightly filling in eyebrows. The mascara is perfect for a natural, elongated and separated lash.”
7. Sephora Collection Deluxe Brush Set
The Sephora Collection deluxe brush set gift is designed for someone who’s ready to really up their brush game. This set features a jaw-dropping 10 vegan face and eye brushes, giving you the power to create any eye look you could possibly dream up. Best of all, the brushes come in a convenient carrying case.
8. Anastasia Beverly Hills No Fade Brow Set
Anastasia Beverly Hills is an undisputed eyebrow expert, and this makeup gift set contains all the tools that will help anyone become a brow pro in their own right. This limited-edition set features all of the brand’s iconic favorites, including the waterproof DipBrow pomade, clear brow gel and the #12 large synthetic dual-ended brow brush.
9. Nars The Orgasm Bundle
This bundle from Nars is one of Amick’s gift-giving go-tos because of its universality — pretty much anyone will be happy to be on the receiving end of it. “It’s a cult favorite of a beautiful golden peachy hue that works with all skin tones,” she says. “This set has the iconic blush, an Orgasm lip gloss and eye shadow quad in complementary shades.”
10. Benefit Beauty Sleigh Bells Bronzer, Brow & Primer Set
The Benefit Beauty Sleigh Bells bronzer, brow and primer set is the ultimate Christmas makeup gift set. In this set, you get travel minis of three Benefit best sellers: Hoola matte bronzer, Porefessional Primer, Gimme Brow and Brow volumizing brow gel.
11. Ecotools Eye Kit
Ecotools’ brushes may not be super pricey, but they’re still durable, long-lasting and super soft — especially for the price point. The Total Renewal eye set is ideal for anyone who frequently travels with makeup. Inside the travel-friendly carrying case, you get one eye brush and seven interchangeable heads. It’s a powerful-yet-affordable makeup gift set.
12. Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil Set
Tom Ford Beauty’s Soleil Blanch shimmering body oil set makes you feel like you’re on a never-ending tropical beach vacation. The limited-edition luxury makeup gift set includes the Sheer Highlighting Duo in Reflects Gilt, mini deluxe Lip Color Sheer in 07 Paradiso and a travel-sized Soleil Blanc shimmering body oil in Rose Gold.
13. The Lip Bar Easy Beauty Bundle
“I love the Easy Beauty Bundle from The Lip Bar,” says LA-based makeup artist Tai Young-Gardner. “You choose your shade, and it includes five products for a full face in five minutes. It’s very easy for anyone looking to get into makeup — I like how [the brand] takes the guesswork out of choosing colors.”
14. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Dreams Come True Makeup Gift Set
From Charlotte Tilbury comes a well-stocked vault of 14 cult favorites from the makeup artist’s cosmetic offerings. The complete makeup gift set features best-sellers like the Pillow Talk Luxury Palette of Pops, Pillow Talk Eyeliner, as well as lipsticks from her various collections, and every single product tucked away in its rose gold-embossed compartment comes full-size. Tilbury’s makeup gift set is valued at $526 but only retails at $375. According to fans of the brand, it’s well worth the splurge.
15. ILIA Mini The Smalls Wonder Set
The ILIA Small Wonders makeup gift set is the ideal present for any clean beauty lovers on your list. The set consists of four products that are cruelty-free, gluten-free, clean, and skincare-powered to ensure users get more from their makeup (as they should). Its Mini Limitless Lash Lengthening Mascara, for example, is formulated with conditioning shea butter and fortifying keratin, as well as beeswax to lengthen and curl lashes, while the Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil cushions lips and, simultaneously, coats them with a non-sticky shine. The set also includes the brand’s Lip Wrap Treatment Mask and Fullest Volumizing Mascara, making it an equally ideal gift for anyone who hasn’t yet experimented with ILIA’s offerings.
16. Smashbox Photo Finish Face + Eye Primer Trio
When it comes to face and eye primer, Smashbox is a top contender in the category, making this makeup gift set from the brand a highly covetable pick. The dynamic trio consists of three preparatory products: the Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer, 24 Hour Photo Finish Shadow Primer, and Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer — all of which are vegan and cruelty-free. Infused with ingredients like vitamins A and E, optical diffusers, and caffeine to nourish as well as smooth and brighten the skin, each item helps to create an ideal canvas for makeup application.
17. BITE Beauty Lipstick Cult Classics
BITE Beauty is best known for its lipsticks (the formula’s so clean you could, in theory, eat them — but don’t), so this wardrobe of classics is one to add to your shopping (and wish) list. The set includes six gorgeous shades (including mauve-brown Chai and bold-berry Beetroot) from its Power Move collection, and the formulas are a dream for those who prefer a matte lip. Velvety soft and vivid in color, with this makeup gift you can expect nothing less but heart eyes from your recipient.
18. MAC Mystic Mist Fix+ Duo
This beauty writer could pen a love song to MAC’s Fix+ formula, so needless to say she’s all about spreading holiday cheer in the form of not one, but two bottles of the stuff. To say the duo is dynamic would be an understatement at best; MAC’s mystical spray is multi-purpose and essential for every makeup collection. From prepping the face to setting and enhancing makeup, this spray does it all. It can even act as a refreshing face mist with its nourishing formula packed with vitamins and minerals, green tea, chamomile, and cucumber. The best part? Once they finish one bottle, they have a backup.
19. Iconic London Mega Glow Gift Set
Get glowing with Iconic London’s lustrous set. The Mega Glow kit delivers high shine in two bottles: The Prep Set Glow Hydrating Spray in Original and the Illuminator Liquid Highlight in Original — but these formulas offer more than just a coveted sheen. Enhanced with skin-loving ingredients like green tea leaf extract, chamomile extract, and vitamin E, your lucky recipient will shine while their complexion is actively smoothed, soothed, and protected from free radicals.
20. Burt’s Bees Kissable Color Holiday Gift Set
The ultimate lip trio to have handy all winter long comes from none other than Burt’s Bees. Packaged in a festive red box adorned with wintertime foliage comes three kissable colors ideal for the minimalist beauty lover searching for a subtle hue infused with skin-loving ingredients. Each lip balm included in the set has been formulated with 100% natural ingredients, including sunflower oil, vitamin E, peppermint and fruit oils to keep their pout conditioned and hydrated throughout the cold-weather months (and beyond). Colors in the set include Peony, Fig, and Rhubarb, each offering a subtle shimmering finish for extra vibrance.
21. Jane Iredale 24-Karat Gold Dust Powder Set
Jane Iredale’s 24-karat gold dust powder trio is here to make the holiday season even brighter. Each of the three powders has been formulated with Mica, a diamond pearlescent pigment that delivers high shine over the desired area. The single-pan illuminators come in three colors: gold, champagne, and bronze, and are safe to apply on the eyes, cheeks, and body for an effortless glow.
22. Rare Beauty Mini Soft Pinch Liquid Blush Trio
Blush is forecasted to make a major comeback in 2022, but if your giftee is beyond powder pigments, present them with this miniature-sized trio from Rare Beauty. The liquid formulation is a modernized take on the old-school essential, made without parabens, formaldehyde, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, and mineral oil to ensure the product is not only vegan-friendly, but also skin-friendly. Each shade is a subtle flush of color that blends easily, builds effortlessly, and, according to reviews, lasts for hours of wear.
23. Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Kit
This makeup gift from Physicians Formula was made for beauty lovers who like to keep things neutral. The set includes the brand’s nude 9-shade eyeshadow palette, two eyeliners, and two mascaras, all of which have been formulated without the 150 plus known harsh ingredients found in other cosmetic products. Physicians Formula is also known for its hypoallergenic formulations, so if there’s a beauty guru with sensitive skin on your list, this is a great set to keep in mind.
24. Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Resting Peach Face Cream Blush & Mini Gloss Bomb Cream Duo
Fenty Beauty is good at a lot of things; creating cosmetics that are universal to most, if not all skin tones is one of them. Enter the Resting Peach Face Cream Blush & Mini Gloss Bomb Cream Duo, an exclusive set consisting of brand new shades. Peachy Pout and Face add a fresh wash of color to the cheeks and lips that look both healthy and vibrant. The shades are also buildable, so your recipient can experiment with just how much of a pop they prefer.
25. Urban Decay Naked3 Mini Byte Size 2-Piece Eye Makeup Gift Set
Would this be a proper beauty guide without name-dropping Urban Decay? Brand loyalists will love receiving this travel-friendly set, which includes the third installment to its Naked series (miniature-sized) and an equally miniature 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil in Perversion (blackest black matte). But in addition to fans of the brand, the “byte” size duo is also one for avid travelers or early commuters looking for a makeup routine that’s as quick and convenient as it is portable.
26. KVD Beauty Kitten Mini: Matte Meets Vinyl Liquid Lipstick and Lip Gloss Lolita Set
A relic of the OG liquid lip products that once saturated the market, Lolita’s chestnut-rose shade is as iconic as these two formulas. Whether they’re feeling a velvety matte or vinyl shine finish, this dynamic duo of vegan and cruelty-free shades offers double the fun (not to mention, twice the amount of wear).
27. Too Faced Lip Injection Plump Challenge Instant & Long-Term Lip Plumper Set
When it comes to creating a pronounced pout, the bigger the better, and Too Faced understood the assignment with its Lip Injection & Long-Term Plumper set. The lip-shaped package comes stocked with three installments of the brand’s Lip Injection collection: the original Lip Injection, the Lip Injection Extreme, and Lip Injection Maximum Plump. The trio comes travel-sized, but a bittier tube doesn’t translate to baseline lip size. On the contrary, each liquid formula offers the appearance of fuller lips within seconds of application, and Maximum Plump works to visibly plump lips intensely over time.
28. NYX Cosmetics Gimme Super Stars! Butter Lip Gloss Vault
For your BFF who was constantly borrowing your lip gloss in middle school, NYX Cosmetics has the grown-up formula they’re bound to love. The Gimme Super Stars! Butter Lip Gloss Vault is the ultimate makeup gift set for gloss connoisseurs. It includes 13 gorgeous shades (all of which are named after sweet treats, like Cinnamon Roll, Devil’s Food Cake, and Fortune Cookie) that are formulated to apply easily, shine but never stick, and smell like something scrumptious coming straight out of the oven.
29. Temptu Air Perfect Canvas Airbrush Starter Kit
One of the best airbrush makeup kits on the market, Temptu is the IRL Instagram Filter. It’s a handheld device built for novice and professional use alike that seamlessly airbrushes liquid foundation over the user’s complexion, resulting in a healthy-looking matte finish. Coverage is buildable and easily controllable, thanks to the device’s ergonomic design and lightweight (under 1lb) and because the machine is cordless, it’s perfect for travel and on-the-go application.
30. Beautyblender The Crown Jewels Blender Essentials Kit
They say an artist is only as good as their tools, and the same diddy applies to makeup artists. For some, that means choosing beauty sponges over makeup brushes, and few beauty sponges live up to the hype like Beautyblender. The gorgeous set from the brand includes four sponges, as well as four limited-edition gemstone versions of blendercleanser solid in order to properly clean said sponges. Keep in mind: A seamless application ultimately depends on the tools used to apply the product, and this all-in-one kit ensures the recipient’s tools are top-notch (not to mention hygienically sound).
31. The Original Makeup Eraser 7 Day Set
There’s no denying the fact that putting on makeup is much more enjoyable than taking it off. To make the process a bit easier, there’s the Makeup Eraser. The reusable cloth comes in a variety of fun colors and patterns, but when it comes to removing makeup, they all mean business. Made from a plush polyester blend that’s gentle on sensitive skin and dermatologist-approved, this bath towel is specifically designed for your face. All you have to do is wet it under warm water and gently wash off your makeup. Follow up with a cleanser for a quick and easy removal routine.
32. Pat McGrath Labs Mini Red Fantasy Lip Set Trio
Give the makeup gift of a classic red lip with a little help from Pat McGrath. The makeup artist’s mini Red Fantasy Lip Set includes travel-sized versions of the MatteTrance™ Lipstick in shade Elson 3, the LUST: Gloss™ in shade Aliengelic, and the PermaGel Ultra Lip Pencil in shade Bloodlust. Together, the products form a magic trio that can create a range of looks. From a sultry, smooth matte finish to a glossy pout or subtle pop of color, this lip kit is the missing component to complete your recipient’s collection.
33. Shiseido Bestsellers Urban SPF Set
SPF isn’t discussed nearly enough in the beauty space, but it’s a vital part of an everyday makeup routine you don’t want to skip. Shiseido makes the step easy with its Urban SPF Set that includes a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 42, as well as a protective serum and eye cream. Plus, the products are safe for all skin types, so it’s the perfect gift for any and all beauty lovers on your list.
