The best makeup gift sets usually check a number of boxes. In addition to featuring pigmented color payoff, long-lasting formulas, and an abundance of viral TikTok love, one more notable factor helps set them apart from the rest: These buzzy favorites can delight even the pickiest beauty fan. And even better? Popular kits and makeup Advent calendars—from Merit Beauty, Jones Road, Fenty Beauty, and others—don’t have to be complicated or expensive to be impressive.
Whether you’re looking for a last-minute stocking stuffer or full makeup wardrobe, there are plenty of options just waiting to be wrapped as your next holiday surprise. And to help get your seasonal shopping under way, we’ve rounded up what Bazaar editors consider among the best makeup gift sets any sharp liner, highlighter, and bold lip maximalist—or five-minute face minimalist—can appreciate.
Editor's note: We recommend placing orders by December 18 to ensure a timely holiday delivery.
Your favorite makeup lover can get their hands on some of the same beauty essentials used for Proenza Schouler’s Spring/Summer 2024 show this holiday, thanks to Merit’s The Weekday Set. In addition to the brand's Minimalist complexion stick, Flush Balm blush, and No. 1 Blending Brush, they'll also receive its highlighting and bronzing balms, along with a brow pomade.
Bazaar editors are raving about Hermès' range of tonal Le Regard collection, which includes this cool-toned eyeshadow palette and accompanying professional-level brush. The palette features an even mix of matte finish and iridescent shimmer shades that also happen to be refillable.
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This kit makes it easy to surprise the long-time Rihanna fan with the exact red lipstick shade she wore during the 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show. They'll not only unwrap the star's Fenty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick in MVP, but a semi-matte version of the color in a refillable bullet as well.
Upgrade their brow go-to with this all in one brow kit that's part wax, part fine mineral pigments. In addition to a pair of mini tweezers, the duo also includes a spoolie and angled brush to help keep their eyebrows groomed and even.
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They won't have to compromise on color or hydration with this compact lip serum set from Makeup by Mario. It combines shea butter, avocado oil, refined kiwi oil, and Argan oils for a high-shine finish, and keeps lips plump at the same time.
Anyone who prefers keeping their makeup look simple will appreciate this expertly curated set from makeup legend Bobbi Brown. It includes Jones Road’s everyday staples, from the brand's culty Miracle Balm and Face Pencil to its volumizing mascara, for a no-fuss makeup look.
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The person who loves playing up their eyes can enjoy not one but two of Violette_FR's Yeux Paints. And since you can choose between shimmery and matte finishes, the makeup possibilities are practically endless.
Guerlain's coveted Terracotta bronzer and mascara set is the perfect gift for the person who's just looking for a little extra polish. Plus, the bronzer's hydrating formula is also transfer-proof, which means its sun-kissed finish will stay put all day.
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We’ve waxed poetic about Charlotte Tilbury’s classic Pillow Talk makeup shade. This gift-worthy bundle from the brand not only includes their beloved liner and lipstick, but also a silky gloss to complete your look.
This limited-edition mascara set from Dior makes the perfect stocking stuffer. It features the brand’s plumping Diorshow primer and mascara, which uses cornflower extract to hydrate and strengthen lashes, along with a full-size mascara tube to enjoy.
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For the person in your life who has a lipstick in every bag, this mini. lip trip is the perfect gift to satisfy her lipstick obsession. With a finish and color for every occasion, the set includes a lip oil, a highly-pigmented matte formula, a sheer matte version
Figuring out what lip shade to wear will be a no brainer for your favorite makeup lover after they receive this versatile set from Glossier. Inside they'll discover tubes of its demi-matte G Suit lipstick, balmy Ultralip, and sheer matte Generation G formula, each featuring a timely cranberry shade.
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Gift the eyeliner obsessee in your circle with this four-pack of pencils, created by celebrity makeup artist, Jillian Dempsey. They can choose between deeper shades, like jet black and deep burgundy, or keep their look more subtle with a hint of brown liner. And since the bundle nicely comes with a sharpener, they'll never have to worry about creating a dull line.
Consider their go-to makeup tools upgraded with this expert-level vegan brush set that includes its own case. From foundation and blender brushes to options for eye shadow and lip essentials, this gift is ideal for the aspiring artist in your circle.
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This duo from Valentino takes travel-ready beauty to a totally different level. It contains a refillable clutch-inspired highlighter (which doubles as a fashion accessory), along with a tube of the perfect red lipstick.
The friend who loves to glow all year round will get plenty of use out of this dewy highlighting mist bundle from celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta. It even comes with a branded fan to help the product dry down faster—or for a little extra drama.
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While this chrome Rabanne eye shadow compact isn’t exactly a makeup gift set, it’s earned a spot on our list since it contains four shade options in one. Plus, each shadow features a different texture: matte leather, metal foil, sparkling luster, and gloss vinyl.
The person who likes maximum color payoff without the cake-y feel of makeup will get plenty of use out of Youthforia's set of buildable blush oils. Plus, each blush is vegan and dermatologist-tested, which means they won't leave your giftee with an unexpected breakout.
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Make their makeup removal a no-brainer with this vibrant collection of gentle microfiber cleansing cloths. After soaking one in warm water and ringing it out, all they’ll have to do is use the short-fiber side in circular motions to get rid of even the most stubborn eyeliner, mascara, and foundation—no extra products required.
Upgrade a friend or family member’s signature red lip with this trio of lipsticks from Christian Louboutin Beauty. The trio not only features a number of finishes, including Silky Satin, Velvet Matte, and Sooooo…Glow, but also lasts up to six hours per wear.
Tiffany Dodson
Associate Beauty Commerce Editor
Tiffany Dodson Davis is the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar. Don't ask her to choose a favorite fragrance—it's like picking a favorite child. As one of the brand's resident shopping experts, she specializes in trend forecasting, testing the latest beauty and wellness launches, and curating bookmark-worthy commerce guides. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in SELF Magazine, Bustle, and Teen Vogue. She's also been tapped as a commerce and beauty expert for The Business of Fashion, NPR’s Life Kit podcast, and more.