If you’re hunting for the best makeup gift sets to give this season, you’ve come to the right place. We found the ones that everyone—from beauty lovers to makeup minimalists—will reach for again and again. Think: universally flattering shades, fan-favorite formulas, and packaging so pretty that it basically wraps itself.
Whether they’re into bold eyes, glowy skin, or a five-minute routine that still looks polished, each pick below is packed with editor-approved favorites and classics—and, of course, a few Best of Beauty Award winners. Read on for the makeup kits and sets that make it impossible to mess up your holiday shopping.
Our Top Picks
Benefit Cosmetics I Spy Beauty 5-Piece Makeup Gift Set
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Shine That’s Unlimited: r.e.m. beauty Wicked: For Good Makeup Set
Why it’s worth it: Everyone deserves the chance to fly—and glow while doing it. Ariana Grande’s r.e.m. beauty Wicked: For Good channels her character Glinda’s energy from the Wicked movie into a collection that will truly have your makeup routine changed for good (sorry, we had to). Inside they’ll find the Lustrous Liquid Eyeshadow in Bubble of Brilliance (a shade-shifting lavender with pink and blue chrome), Lip Liner in Toss Toss (a warm pink that defines and shapes), Glow Stick in I Come and Go by Bubble (a hydrating highlighter with a pink-lavender sheen), and Glossy Balm in Tap to Bubble (an iridescent pink with lavender and blue shimmer). If they’re all about sparkle and shine, this kit has them in spades.
“Let me tell you, my eyeshadow and cheekbones were the talk of the town (read: the pick-up line at school) when I wore this makeup set the other day. I don’t shy away from shimmer on a normal day, but the glitter and shine in this kit? Next level. The eyeshadow, cheek balm, and lip gloss all have this shape-shifting, light-catching effect that looks mesmerizing from every angle. I didn’t have time to line my lips before sprinting out the door, but the lip liner is a gorgeous reddish rose that basically looks like my lips, just better. It’s everything you need to channel your inner Glinda every day.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
- At the Borderline Lip Liner pencil in Toss Toss
- Interstellar All Over Glow Stick in I Come and Go by Bubble
- Essential Drip Glossy Balm in Tap to Bubble
- Starlet Liquid Eyeshadow in Bubble of Brilliance
Got Five?: Merit Five Minute Morning
Why it’s worth it: In the length of time it takes to read this story, anyone could create a complete makeup look with the help of this kit. It’s no secret we’re huge fans of Merit’s minimalist aesthetic, but the brand offers more than gorgeous packaging. The Five Minute Morning set includes The Minimalist, a complexion stick that replaces both your foundation and concealer; Flush Balm (an Allure Best of Beauty winner) for a natural, lit-from-within glow; Shade Slick tinted lip oil for a wash of color and hydration; Brush No. 1 for seamless blending; Day Glow highlighting balm for that dewy sheen; Clean Lash tubing mascara for lifted, smudge-proof lashes; and Brow 1980 for soft, feathered definition. The best part is that you get to build your kit and choose the perfect shades for your giftee.
Tester feedback on the Merit Flush Balm from commerce editor Sarah Han
“TOO. CUTE. Amirite? Merit’s pocket-purse-whatever-friendly Flush Balms are so easy to use because you can use your fingers to blend and diffuse them (hi, foolproof!) in, but I like picking up the pigment using a fluffy, dense brush for more color payoff. Speaking of color, the shade range is just chef’s kiss. The 13 shades are divided into three categories: The Pops, The Neutrals, and The Classic Pinks, but no matter what you choose, you get a satin, flushed-from-within finish that makes your cheeks look scrumptious. I honestly forgot how easy these are to use, so I’m looking to play with Le Bonbon (a bright pink) and Rouge (a sheer red) next.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
- The Minimalist
- Flush Balm
- Shade Slick
- Brush No. 1
- Day Glow
- Clean Lash
- Brow 1980
Caught You Blushing: Benefit Cosmetics I Spy Beauty 5-Piece Makeup Gift Set
Why it’s worth it: If you’re shopping for the teen in your life, you don’t need to say more than “Benetint” (and yes, this Benefit Cosmetics I Spy Beauty 5-Piece Makeup Gift Set includes it). This lineup of the brand’s best-sellers makes it easy to create a natural, glowy look while blurring pores. They’ll find BadGal Bang! Mascara for lifted lashes, Willa and Hoola minis for a soft flush and sun-kissed bronze, and The Porefessional makeup primer (plus a Porefessional Deep Retreat clay mask sample) for smoother-looking skin. And, last but not least, Benetint adds the perfect rosy tint to lips and cheeks, while 24-HR Brow Setter keeps brows in place all day.
“I waited way too long to try this viral product, and it’s viral for a reason. I use one coat on my lips and let it sit for about 15 seconds before wiping off the excess with a tissue. It gives the ideal pop of pink on my lips without looking like I’m wearing lipstick, and it’s completely weightless with no sticky residue. My jaw was on the ground after my first use, as it looked so natural. On my cheeks, I do one to two coats for a perfectly flushed look with three dots across my cheekbone, then blend it out with a Beautyblender.” —Kassidy Silva, social director
- mini BadGal Bang!
- mini Willa
- mini Hoola
- fun-size The Porefessional
- fun-size Benetint
- fun-size Brow Setter
- sample-size The Porefessional Deep Retreat
Talk Glowy to Me: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Icons On the Go Kit
Why it’s worth it: The viral fame of Charlotte Tilbury’s signature soft pink-nude shade, Pillow Talk, all started with a single lipstick—and the internet hasn’t stopped talking since. Universally flattering and effortlessly wearable, the shade became a staple in practically every Allure editor’s bag. Naturally, Pillow Talk is now pretty much an empire, and the Pillow Talk Icons On the Go Kit captures her most-loved essentials in one chic set. It features Lip Cheat and Matte Revolution Lipstick for the perfect pink pout, Collagen Lip Bath for glossy, plumped lips, Pillow Talk Push-Up Lashes Mascara for major lift and volume, and Eyes to Mesmerise Cream Eyeshadow for a dreamy wash of shimmer. They can consider all their romantic holiday looks handled.
Tester feedback on the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk from senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick
“Pillow Talk is easily one of my all-time favorite nude lipsticks. It’s a very versatile shade that looks amazing on so many people. I especially like the creamy application and the warm, gentle way it highlights my features.” —Lexi Herrick, senior director of audience development
- Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk
- Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk
- Collagen Lip Bath Lip Gloss in Pillow Talk
- Pillow Talk Push-Up Lashes Mascara in Super Black
- Eyes to Mesmerise Cream Eyeshadow in Pillow Talk
Leave a Good Impression: Chanel Eyes to Impress Makeup Set
Why it’s worth it: When there’s no time for a full face, sometimes a little eye definition is all they need. The Chanel Eyes to Impress Makeup Set brings together three effortless essentials: a waterproof eyeliner in Espresso (a universally flattering deep brown that glides on seamlessly), a lash-conditioning primer that strengthens and preps, and Le Volume de Chanel in Noir for instantly longer lashes. And while the eye makeup more than earns its praise, it’s the limited-edition, star-inspired makeup bag that steals the show—a chic, celestial clutch that looks straight off the Chanel runway and doubles as a gift-worthy accessory all on its own.
Tester feedback on the Le Volume de Chanel Mascara from Han
“My itty-bitty lashes always need ample help, and Chanel Le Volume delivers noticeable volume from the very first swipe—and, importantly, doesn’t make my lashes look overly spidery.” —Han, commerce editor
- Stylo Yeux Waterproof eye pencil
- La Base Mascara
- Le Volume de Chanel
Set the Mood: Ilia Minis For Any Mood
Why it’s worth it: If your giftee’s main makeup mood is all about keeping things fresh and simple—hello, new moms—the Ilia Minis for Any Mood set is made for the minimalist. It comes with three fan-favorites in travel-size minis: the Multi-Stick in Whisper (a soft pink-peach that blends seamlessly on cheeks or lips), the Limitless Lash Mascara in After Midnight (an Allure Best of Beauty Award winner that lifts and lengthens without clumps), and the Lip Sketch Hydrating Crayon in Genre, a creamy mauve-pink that defines lips with a swipe. Together, they create a fresh, polished look that they can even pull off in the car.
Tester feedback on the Ilia Multi-Stick from former associate manager of special projects Talia Gutierrez
“This tiny but mighty twist-up Ilia Multi-Stick is called that for a reason. Acting as a three-in-one, I start my application with one swipe of product on my cheekbones, then dab a tint of color onto my eyelids and lips for an illuminating, glow-from-within flush that can easily be thrown in my purse for on-the-go touch-ups when necessary. I’ve been using Dreamer, a warm nude that gives a post-vacation illusion.” —Talia Gutierrez, former associate manager of special projects
- mini Multi-Stick in Whisper
- mini Limitless Lash Mascara in After Midnight
- mini Lip Sketch Hydrating Crayon in Genre
Beauty 101: Bobbi Brown Beauty Essential Set
Why it’s worth it: Bobbi Brown made the “no-makeup makeup” look a thing long before it was cool—and the Essentials Set is proof the brand still does it best. It all starts with the Vitamin Enriched Face Base, a Best of Beauty Award-winning primer-moisturizer hybrid our tester calls “the kind of formula that adapts to dry skin, tired skin, and everything in between—and that’s what makes it so good.” From there, you get everything needed for smooth application, defined eyes, dramatic lashes, a natural flush, and a high-shine lip: the Mini Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick in Moonstone, 24-Hour Kajal Eyeliner, Smokey Eye Mascara, Pot Rouge in Pink Flame, Mini Highlighting Powder in Pink Glow, and Crushed Oil-Infused Lip Gloss in New Romantic. It’s all their effortless glam essential in one (pretty pink) box.
Tester feedback on the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base Moisturizer & Primer from Lee
“At first glance, it looks buttery and thick in the jar—the kind of texture that usually spells too rich. But the moment I scoop some out, it immediately melts into my skin. The texture is plush and nourishing but somehow still light enough to disappear without a trace. Then there’s the scent: a bright, natural blend of grapefruit and geranium oils that’s fruity and fresh. It’s free of synthetic fragrance (the kind that can trigger irritation for sensitive types like me), which makes it all the more enjoyable. It’s one of those products that instantly lifts your mood the moment you open the lid, yet it never feels overpowering.” —Lee, contributing commerce writer
- Vitamin Enriched Face Base Primer & Moisturizer
- mini Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick in Moonstone
- 24-Hour Kajal Eyeliner in Black
- 24-Hour Kajal Eyeliner in Black
- Pot Rouge Cream Blush in Pink Flame
- Mini Highlighting Powder in Pink Glow
- Crushed Oil-Infused Lip Gloss in New Romantic
Ready, Set, Glow: Jones Road The Makeup Travel Kit
Why it’s worth it: Speaking of Bobbi Brown, after stepping away from her namesake brand, the iconic makeup artist made her comeback with Jones Road Beauty. The Makeup Travel Kit 2.0 perfectly sums up her philosophy: simple, high-performing products that make you look naturally fresh, never overdone. Inspired by that summery glow you want year-round, the kit includes Gel Bronzer in Light for a natural warmth, Mini Miracle Balm in Flushed for dewy color, The Best Pencil in Onyx for easy definition, Sparkle Wash in Barely Pink for a touch of shimmer, and Cool Gloss in Pink Lilac for that juicy, just-bitten finish. The included makeup brush makes blending foolproof, and everything comes tucked inside one of the brand’s signature Tyvek bags. All that’s left to do? Pick their perfect colorway.
Tester feedback on the Jones Road Beauty Sparkle Wash from Han
“I love a shimmery shadow, and a quick-to-apply one at that. Jones Road’s Sparkle Wash takes all but five seconds to swipe and blend out with my fingers. Because it dries down pretty fast, I find that blending out the pigment works better.” —Han, commerce editor
- Gel Bronzer
- mini Miracle Balm
- The Best Pencil
- Sparkle Wash
- Cool Gloss
- Buff Brush
Why Stop at One?: Nars Endless Orgasm Vault
Why it’s worth it: Equal parts cheeky and universally flattering, the NARS Endless Orgasm Vault celebrates the shade that started it all: Orgasm, the peachy-pink hue with a golden shimmer that’s been giving skin a covetable post-vacation flush since the late ’90s. Nearly three decades later, it’s gone from a blush to an entire vibe—and this vault has every way to wear it. There are nine full-size favorites to create a full look: Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick, Afterglow Lip Balm, Afterglow Lip Shine, Afterglow Liquid Blush, The Multiple in Orgasm Crave, Blush in Orgasm and Orgasm X, Total Seduction Eyeshadow Stick, and Quad Eyeshadow in Orgasm. It’s everything they’ll need to get their glow on—and yes, they will be blushing.
Tester feedback on the NARS Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
“This is my everything. It lives in my purse, where it serves as my moisturizing balm, my sheer lip color, and basically my emotional-support beauty product. The color doesn’t necessarily pack a punch, but it makes me look more polished and put-together when I’m on the go—and it’s also super-forgiving, so I can swipe it on without a mirror. I love all of Nars’ Afterglow Lip Balms, but this is unmatched for its versatility and ease.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
- Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick in Orgasm
- Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm
- Afterglow Lip Shine in Orgasm
- Afterglow Liquid Blush in Orgasm
- The Multiple in Orgasm Crave
- Blush in Orgasm and Orgasm X
- Total Seduction Eyeshadow Stick in Orgasm
- Quad Eyeshadow in Orgasm
Face the Day: Clinique Full Face Forward
Why it’s worth it: Shopping for makeup gifts can be tricky—will this shade look good on them?—but Clinique’s Full Face Forward Set takes out all the guesswork. It features the brand’s most classic products in universally flattering shades for a natural, radiant look that works on just about everyone. Inside, you’ll find a pop of hydrating color with Clinique Pop Longwear Lipstick, a long-lasting formula with a built-in primer for smooth, comfortable wear. Two eye icons—High Impact Mascara (an Allure Best of Beauty Award winner) and High Impact Shadow Play Shadow + Definer—deliver instant definition, while True Highlight Weightless Illuminator adds a glow-from-every-angle finish. You can’t go wrong with all of Clinique’s greatest hits in one sleek kit.
Tester feedback on the Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
“I’m a big fan of the way the wand is shaped. The tapered tip makes it easy to get the shorter lashes on my inner corners without smudging mascara everywhere. The formula lengthens my lashes without making them too spidery and adds the perfect amount of volume at the outer edges.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
- Pop Longwear Lipstick in Bare Pop
- High Impact Shadow Play Shadow + Definer
- True Highlight Weightless Illuminator
- High Impact Mascara in Black
We’re getting close to gifting season, and the editor-approved recs are flowing. Join us?
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