Beauty Gifts to Give (And Get) This Year

Finding the best beauty gifts for everyone on your list this holiday season can be easier said than done. Yes, a candle or some bubble bath has universal appeal, but sometimes that can actually be a detriment. Since beauty is so personal, it’s easy for beauty gift sets of hand creams or fragrances to say “I actually don’t know you at all”—unless, say, you’re 100% sure of the recipient’s signature scent.

On the other hand, you want to make sure it’s something the lucky giftee will actually use—no one needs yet another product expiring before they scratch the surface—while maintaining the whole element-of-surprise thing. Luckily, the world of beauty gift ideas is vast, from self-care staples to carefully curated makeup gift sets, which is why a gift guide was inevitable. Read on for the best beauty gifts to give this year—and be sure to save a few for yourself.

Tatcha Starter Ritual Kit

Perfect for your royals-obsessed friend (or anyone who wants dewy dumpling skin), this starter set from Meghan Markle’s go-to skin-care brand is the holiday gift to beat. Ask anyone who’s tried Tatcha’s line of J-beauty essentials, and they’ll say it transformed their skin. Seriously.

Byredo Rose of No Man’s Land Hand Cream

There are fewer small luxuries on this earth more universal than a decadent hand cream, which is why it makes a great gift for someone (like your mom) who isn’t inclined to splurge on herself. While there are dozens of fantastic options, this subtle rose-scented one never fails to delight people when pulled out of a purse. It also feels luxe (but never greasy) on your hands, which is key.

Pat McGrath Labs Mothership VII Eyeshadow Palette in Divine Rose

This Pat McGrath palette is a total showstopper. The colors are deeply pigmented, with a rich—not childish—shimmer, and the pinks and mauves make for a killer look. Plus, these pans are massive—way bigger than what you’ll find on any other palette—so these shadows last forever. Give it to the makeup lover who appreciates a good smoky eye, and you’ll be a hero.

Sunday Riley Go to Bed With Me Complete Anti-Aging Night Routine

The best skin-care gift sets are the ones that contain everything you need start to finish, and if it’s a clear, vibrant, what-does-she-do-to-her-skin kind of glow you’re after, this set from Sunday Riley is it. A one-ounce bottle of Good Genes (known to brighten and smooth skin like no other) costs $85, and while it’s half the size here, your loved one also gets to test just about every favorite from the brand, from cleanser to face oil, for the same price.

Dyson Prussian Blue Airwrap Complete Styler

It’s not a cheap gift by any means, but if a hair dryer is on your list to give or get, this is one of the few expensive tools that are truly worth every penny. Consider it this way: With all the attachments, it’s basically a dryer, a straightener, a blowout brush, and a curling iron in one, making it a winner for all hair types. For anyone who spends forever drying and curling their hair every morning, it’s a game changer. Don’t believe us? Just check out our Dyson Airwrap review.

Gucci Tears of Iris Eau de Parfum

Hands down, Gucci’s The Alchemist’s Garden collection has had some of the most beautiful perfume bottles of recent launches. They look like they were plucked straight out of a vintage apothecary. The scents inside? Just as lovely.

Emi Jay Big Effing Clip in Buttercream

Surprisingly, the humble claw clip has become this year’s must-have accessory. This pretty pink one from celeb-approved brand Emi Jay is an upgrade to your drugstore favorites and is perfectly giftable.

Lord Jones High CBD Formula Bath Salts

If you or a friend are curious about the best CBD products out there, turn your attention to Lord Jones immediately. The brand’s luxury formulas cut through the hype to deliver skin-soothing benefits that actually make a difference. These bath salts were practically designed to go with a soothing face mask and glass of wine.

Diptyque Ambre & Feu de Bois Candle & Carousel Set

If you do want to gift someone a candle, Diptyque is the way to go. The gorgeous fragrances in this set are impressive enough on their own, but the included smoke-powered carousel is straight-up Christmas magic.

Chanel L’Huile Vanille

If you ask us, the best gifts are the ones the recipient would never buy for themselves—and a Chanel body oil fits perfectly in that category. It’s more unexpected but just as luxurious as a Chanel perfume, and the warm vanilla scent and light yet nourishing texture is an upgrade to their body lotion, preventing dry skin in the cold weather to come.

MAC Magic Extension Mascara Duo

Unlike foundation or highlighter, a great mascara is pretty universal, and the beauty lover would be thrilled to open this limited-edition duo from MAC. The fiber mascara lengthens lashes to Bambi-level long, and doesn't flake or smudge. Bonus, the box is so pretty you can skip the wrapping paper.

Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde

This may not seem like a beauty product at first, but a humidifier is key for keeping skin hydrated and happy all winter long. Leave it to Dyson to take it a step further with this hybrid air purifier that uses state-of-the-art technology to filter out harmful pollution in the air.

Dior Rouge Dior Collector Lipstick Clutch Set

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What’s better than a set of Dior lipsticks? A set of Dior lipsticks that come in a beautiful gold carrying case you can use as a purse, duh.

Hermès Les Mains Hermès Nail Enamel

Even if you can’t afford a Birkin, treat someone to a touch of luxury with Hermès’s nail polishes. One shade makes the perfect stocking stuffer or white elephant gift, or bundle a few plus the brand’s nail files (really) for the ultimate mani set.

Sephora Favorites Black-Owned Beauty Set

Support your favorite Black-owned brands all in one place with this box that combines the best of Pat McGrath Labs, Bread Beauty Supply, Fenty, and more. They’ll get a deep conditioner, matte lipstick, and hair mask to take for a test-drive before springing for the full-size versions.

Slip Celestial Nights Pure Silk Sleep Mask & Hair Tie Set

Slip is the crème de la crème of eye masks, and this sparkly set is so pretty. The addition of the crystals and super-soft silk make something utilitarian feel like a treat, and it’s the perfect gift for both the party girls and the homebodies on your list.

Saie Mini Best Sellers Set

Perfect for both your most clean-beauty obsessed friend or your little sister who’s just getting into makeup, this set of minimal essentials has everything you need for a five-second face. The Glowy Gel creates a shimmering base or can be used as a targeted highlighter, the mascara delivers the perfect amount of oomph that doesn't smudge, and the lip product delivers the shine of a lip gloss with all the moisturizing cushion of your favorite balm.

Tom Ford Ebene Fume Eau de Parfum

Gifting fragrance can be a risky move if you’re not sure of the recipient’s preference, but this one is so warm and yummy we’re willing to bet that anyone on your list will love it. It’s basically the equivalent of a cozy fireplace in a bottle thanks to notes of smoky Palo Santo, ebony wood, and a touch of rose, and can be enjoyed by any gender.

Officine Buly Baume De Muses Lip Balm

Paris-based Officine Buly makes some of the most special beauty treasures out there, and this customizable lip balm is no exception. It’s the perfect gift for someone you don’t know super-well, like your new coworker or your boyfriend’s sister, that still feels personal.

Crown Affair The Holiday Set

Crown Affair is one of our favorite beauty brands for cool-girl hair-care essentials, and this set perfectly captures the brand’s elevated vibe. The mini oil makes hair look and feel worthy of a Disney princess, and the sleek black comb and silk scrunchie look as gorgeous in hair as they do displayed on a vanity.

Soft Services Soap Home

As the name suggests, this ingenious ceramic container (available in a class blue or pretty pink) keeps bar soaps safe from dissolving away in your shower. Pair it with a set of the brand’s exfoliating Buffing Bars—perfect for any body- care-obsessed friends on your list.

Violette FR La Magie Gift Set

Let’s just take a moment to appreciate this packaging. The products inside, created by French-girl beauty genius and makeup artist Violette, are just as stunning—including the perfect red lip, subtle highlighter, and do-it-all moisture mist.

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