This might be against the spirit of the holidays, but I love shopping for beauty gift sets…for myself. It’s not that I’m Grinch-y when it comes to giving presents, but the value of some of these annual kits make them a no-brainer for restocking my own supplies at the same time, from full-size faves to on-the-go minis (who can resist a mini?!). And that’s not even getting into the limited-edition releases or gorgeous boxes.
Not all beauty gift sets are created equal, but here are 12 that are worth scooping up for yourself — or the very lucky beauty lovers on your list.
Sephora Collection Pro 8-Piece Brush Set, $129, sephora.com
For pro-worthy brushes
I’m a longtime stan of Sephora brushes. The quality-for-price equation is bang on, and that’s especially true during the holidays when you can nab a full set for less. This kit covers all your essentials, from complexion to eyes to brows, and comes in a handy black faux-leather tube to keep you organized. (Bonus points for the fully detachable lid that’s a brush-holder in and of itself, too.)
Benefit Browminoes Full-Size & Mini Brow Trio, $49, shoppersdrugmart.com
For unbeatable arch support
I first tried Benefit’s eyebrow products in 2013, when its Gimme Brow gel was launched, and since then, I’ve always had at least one of the brand’s arch-makers in my makeup bag at any given time. I try others but keep coming back. Lately, I’m all about the Precisely, My Brow collection (for more definition than my fluffy Gimme Brow days), so this set is an immediate yes for me, with its full-size pencil (just finished mine yesterday — it’s a sign!) and wax plus a mini clear gel.
Merit The Mini Flush Blush Balm Trio, $56, sephora.com
For covering all your blush bases
Don’t be mad — this one is going to require some hunting around to find. But take its sold-out status as a sign of what a good get it is. Like a sample platter of blushes, this set packs three oh-so-cute mini-sized versions of Merit’s cream blushes. They glide on for a sheer, believable flush, and there’s even a limited-edition rosy terracotta shade. Get posting your ISOs or sleuthing your local store shelves.
Rhode The Scented Lip Peptide Set, $108, rhodeskin.com
For the Rhode girlies
Speaking of sold out, I’m surprised this set isn’t yet (at least, at time of writing). Not only do you get four of Hailey Bieber’s viral (and honestly, very good) Peptide Lip Tints at $3 less per tube, but instead of the original fragrance-free formula, they’re all limited-edition versions that smell like your fave desserts. Put one in every bag or split them up among your besties.
Dr. Idriss Major Fade Dark Spot Starter Kit, $79, sephora.com
For a complete skin-brightening system
I love Dr. Shereene Idriss for her skin care hot takes on TikTok, but also for her insane expertise on tackling hyperpigmentation (she told me her own melasma from IVF and pregnancy is part of the reason she launched her line). Her Major Fade line targets dark spots with tons of science-backed ingredients (tranexamic acid, alpha arbutin, kojic acid, niacinamide, glycolic acid and more) but not a ton of steps, thankfully. This kit gets you the full three-step routine in mini size — the perfect way to get started (or to keep it going while saving a bit of cash).
Jouviance Anti-Age Beauty Bag, $115, jouviance.com
For clinically backed skin care (in a cute bag!)
If you’ve never tried Quebec-born Jouviance, this is the time. The derm-founded brand has been around for 20 years, and it was actually the first in North America to launch a peptide-based cream. That history-maker comes in this set (it’s a three-in-one meant to replace your day, night and eye creams) along with three other hot sellers, all packed into a black shoulder bag from Montreal’s Co-Lab.
Dermalogica Light Up the Room, $126, dermalogica.ca
For face-refreshing faves
This set is exactly what I’ll be packing for my holiday travels to my hometown. In their mini sizes, the included glycolic cleanser and widely loved Daily Microfoliant powder exfoliator just make sense, and bringing the vitamin-packed mask is my own little Christmas tradition. In years past, I’ve loved it for reviving my skin after staying up too late making merry. It comes in a full size (handy for post-holiday merrymaking, too) with a fancy fan brush for spa-like application.
U Beauty The Duo Set, $452, ubeauty.com
For IYKYK glow-seekers
Ask your most in-the-know friend what skin care they’re either using or lusting after, and chances are they’ll say U Beauty. The brand’s minimalist bottles look simple, but what’s inside is anything but. Each product packs its ingredients into patent-pending capsules that help deliver just what you need, right where you need it. That kind of tech comes with a hefty price tag, but this duo of full-size bestsellers slashes the price significantly. Sorry in advance to your retirement fund for getting you hooked on the Resurfacing Compound.
Crown Affair The Hair Refresh Ritual Gift Set, $64, sephora.com
For mini hair must-haves
I used to hate dry shampoo. Too sticky, too messy, too obvious. But then I tried Crown Affair and am now a changed woman. I always make room for it when packing an overnight bag, but its size isn’t exactly travel-friendly. So, the mini size in this set is simply a need, and I’ll happily take the small leave-in conditioner, too. Don’t think that skinny silk scrunchie is merely a random gift-set filler, either — it’s my favourite hair tie ever.
Moroccanoil Styling Bestsellers Holiday Hair Set, $63.50, sephora.com
For iconic argan oil
If my mom is reading this, no, you didn’t notice your Moroccanoil bottle was a little emptier after my last visit… Next time, I’ll pack my own with this small bottle of the iconic argan oil. The brand’s hair smoothers are ones I keep coming back to, because they’re really just that good. Chances are you already know that, so consider this your chance to save on the best sellers.
Dior J’adore Eau de Parfum Set, $245, dior.com
For a rare fragrance find
Holiday sets aren’t just about saving money — sometimes they’re a chance to score a one-off designer treat. Case in point: this unbearably chic travel-ready perfume. Pack it for overnight getaways, tote it in your gym bag, or just put it out on your vanity and admire it. Conveniently, you can refill it from the full-size fragrance that’s also included. We love the warm florals from 1999 classic J’adore, but there are other Dior classics to choose from, too.
Byredo Les Miniatures Eau de Parfum Set, $290, sephora.com
For the coolest fragrance wardrobe
Value: $600? (you can’t buy these any other way, but this is the price of the five scents as rollerballs)
It can be hard for cool-girl fragrance to avoid tipping into cliché as its popularity rises (I adore Santal 33 but… seemingly, so does every other person on the street?). For a standout scent that still, well, stands out, Byredo is the move. The Stockholm-born unisex eaux just landed at Sephora Canada, and you really can’t go wrong with any of the bestsellers, like Gypsy Water and Bal d’Afrique. And the fact that these minis look exactly like the famous glass bottles with their black domed tops? Consider the deal sealed.
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