The 12 Best Makeup Gift Sets You’ll Want to Keep for Yourself

Whether you’ve already fallen head over heels for this matte lipstick formula or not, this trio is probably worth picking up. The kit includes bestselling pinky nude Je Rêve, plus two brand new shades: Fluffy, a neutral rose, and Dash, a true blue-based red. Each one looks matte but doesn’t feel like it, thanks to a nourishing combination of vitamins, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and more.

Includes: Lipsticks

Credo Beauty rating: 4.6/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I’ve always been a matte lip kind of gal, so this year’s matte lipstick launches were especially exciting to me—particularly because they featured such innovative, comfortable formulas that didn’t leave the lips flaky, dry, and peeling. One of the best ones I tried this year was this one from Westman Atelier; I love the shade Je Rêve so much that I keep one in my purse at all times. I appreciate the fact that my lips never feel parched when I wear these lipsticks and that I can apply them without needing a mirror. But if I do need a mirror, I can always use the one hidden in the inside of the cap.”—Carol Lee

Hourglass’s holiday gift set is truly a treat. It comes with five full-size hero products, including glitter eyeshadow, an all-purpose face brush, and one of the Ambient Lighting Unlocked Palettes the brand debuted earlier this year. Also included is a large makeup bag to hold all the products and the rest of your everyday makeup routine.

Includes: Face palette, face brush, mascara, single eyeshadow, makeup bag

Value: $333

Nordstrom rating: 4.3/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Hourglass is hands down one of my top makeup brands of all time. Every single formula I’ve tried from its collections has become a fast favorite, and I’m always excited to see the brand’s new holiday palettes each year. When used together, all of the shades melt into the skin and give it a soft, glowy finish that looks like a real-life filter. Another standout in this kit is the glitter eyeshadow. I don’t think I’ve ever not gotten a compliment while wearing one of the shades. Plus, considering the chic faux-leather makeup bag that comes with this set, I may just have to gift one to myself.”—Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer

When you want to look effortlessly put-together, going for a monochromatic look is never a bad idea. The Fall Duos are curated sets of Rhode’s Pocket Blushes and Peptide Lip Tints, and they’re pretty much all you need to add a bit of warmth and color to your face and look fabulous doing it. The products are super easy to apply, making them perfect as a gift for anyone at any age and skill level.

Includes: Lip peptide treatment, blush

Rhode rating: 5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I’ve raved about these products so many times to my friends and on ELLE.com that I’m running out of things to say about them. All you need to know is that I absolutely adore them, and if I didn’t already own all the shades in these sets, I would’ve snatched one up the moment the kits went live on the site. Also, the Pocket Blush in Toasted Teddy and Peptide Lip Tint in Espresso are the perfect shades of brown for fall and beyond, and both have impeccable formulas that keep them top of mind and on my vanity, even as I test dozens of other products on a regular basis.”—Carol Lee

In case you missed it, TikTok has helped make Dior’s Addict Lip Glow Oil and Rosy Glow Blush two of the most covetable luxury makeup items on the market. This set features both of the viral products and a Dior makeup bag—who could resist?

Includes: Blush, lip oil

Sephora rating: 3/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “If I wanted to introduce someone to the magic of Dior makeup, this set would be my pick. It contains two of the most popular products, and both formulas have blown me away in the past. The bright pink blush transforms into a flattering flush on my cheeks, while the lip oil feels so plush on my lips and makes my pout look as juicy as a peach.”—Carol Lee

Whether you’ve been curious about these products or want a travel-sized version to take with you on your adventures, this makeup set is an ideal opportunity to try a few viral products from Charlotte Tilbury. Apply all of them at once, and you’ll end up with a glamorous, high-shine finish nobody will be able to look away from.

Includes: Travel-size bronzer, travel-size highlighter, travel-size lipstick, lip gloss

Value: $75

Sephora rating: 3.3/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I have to admit that I totally bought into the hype of Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk range—and I’m glad I did. Every time I wear the products, I feel like they help me create a look fit for a sexy yet demure princess. The Beauty Light Wands, in particular, have lived up to their reputation—they blend in like a dream and make my cheeks look incredibly glowy under all lighting conditions.”—Carol Lee

This option from Fenty features ten gorgeous shades of one of the brand’s most beloved products, the Gloss Bomb, in three different formulas: Universal Lip Luminizer, Heat Universal Lip Luminizer + Plumper, and Ice Cooling Lip Luminizer. It’s a mix of classic tried-and-true hues and new ones that you can only get in this set. If you haven’t tried any of Fenty’s glosses or only have the original, Fenty Glow, this may be your sign to splurge and try the many other shades the brand offers.

Includes: 10 lip glosses

Value: $235

An ELLE editor says: “Fenty’s lip glosses were one of the first non-drugstore options I ever tried and fell in love with. I’m still mesmerized by just how shiny my lips look when I have one on that I swear that I can almost see my reflection in them.”—Carol Lee

I think sparkly eyeliners are fun to wear year-round, but they do feel festive and particularly suitable for the holidays. This set has pretty much everything you (or a lucky giftee) needs for a sparkly eye look with a subtle pop of color: five shimmery liners, including a silver, green, and gold option, plus what I think is one of the best tubing mascaras on the market.

Includes: Eyeliners

Victoria Beckham Beauty rating: 5/5 stars

A Victoria Beckham Beauty reviewer says: “I definitely was not disappointed. As a matter of fact, I was surprised that what I received was what I expected and even more. They don’t irritate my eyes, which is a huge plus, since I have eye sensitivities when it comes to eye makeup. The colors are gorgeous; the metallics are really metallic but not in the obnoxious way. They’re just absolutely beautiful, and I will definitely be buying more. I have already recommended it to a family member who has gorgeous brown eyes. I know these eyeliners would look amazing on her. Victoria definitely has something good here!”—Carol Lee

Tom Ford’s fragrances have monopolized the spotlight in recent years, but the brand’s makeup deserves its laurels, too. The eyeshadow quads in particular are works of art that boast cohesive color schemes and buttery shadows that seem to blend themselves. In this kit, you essentially get one full-size palette and two adorable mini lipsticks thrown in for free—plus if you grab it now, you’ll get the set at even more of a discount.

Includes: Eyeshadow palette, lipsticks

Nordstrom rating: 4/5 stars

Whether you’re a Rare Beauty collector or have yet to dip your toe into the world of Selena Gomez’s beauty line, this mini set is here to introduce you to two never-before-seen cheek shades: a Positive Light Liquid Luminizer in the exclusive shade Enliven, a peachy shade with gold shimmer, and Beloved, a soft brick red. You’ll also find Virtue, a popular neutral peach blush, in the box. A little truly goes a long way with these gems, so even the mini sizes will last you much longer than you think.

Includes: Liquid highlighter, 2 mini blushes

Value: $44

Sephora rating: 4.7/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “This was my first attempt at Rare blushes, and I’m loving the quality. First of all, these colors are perfect for my medium/tan skin tone, adding an interesting touch that lights up any makeup. Also, although these are mini versions, I feel there’s a nice amount of product in them. I would recommend 100 percent.”

This palette may look like it’s made for professionals, but don’t be intimidated—the creams are a dream to blend, and they melt into the skin with little to no effort on your part. You (or your lucky giftee) are essentially getting six blushes and six highlighters in one travel-friendly compact, and with it by your side, you’ll be covered for any mood or occasion.

Includes: 6 blushes, 6 highlighters

Sephora rating: 4/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “I really love the color range! Every blush and highlight shade looks different on me. I apply with my fingers and blend in with a brush. I enjoy adding multiple different shades of blush to create a unique color combo for the day. I have oily skin, and I don’t feel like I get oilier with this. After an hour of wear, it just sinks in and looks smooth and softly glowy. I find the formula for the highlighters does not add texture and is super easy to just tap on and blend with your fingers.”

This is the ultimate new palette for anyone who prefers cool-toned shadows and has everything you need to accomplish everything from a simple one-shadow look to a complicated cut crease. The man behind the brand, celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic, truly knows what he’s doing—it’s obvious why he counts Salma Hayek, Jennifer Lopez, and Kim Kardashian among his clients.

Includes: 12 eyeshadows

Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “I am fairly new to the brand Makeup By Mario, but I must say, this is my second palette from him and love it. The colors go on beautifully, are buildable, and stay beautifully all day with absolutely no creasing. The glitter shadows, the reason I purchased this particular palette, are gorgeous, and I don’t feel like a sixteen year old with bad eyeshadow on. Stays beautiful, and I am extremely happy!”

The holidays are always the best time to stock up on this crowd pleasing product, which has been a classic for years. It’s a tried-and-true formula that paved the way for the setting spray category and significantly extends the weartime of your makeup for up to 16 hours.

Includes: 2 setting sprays

Value: $72

An ELLE editor says: “I’m not the biggest setting spray girl, but when I’m facing an especially humid day or anticipating a special occasion that involves lots of pictures, I rely on this one to keep everything in place. I think I’ve had at least one bottle in my stash for about a decade now.”—Carol Lee