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Buying makeup for other people is tricky, because chances are the makeup lover in your life already has a vanity full of favorite products. But not only is the holiday season prime time for festive colors, sparkly eye shadows, beautifully packaged palettes, and shiny new lip gloss, all of those items are especially fun and easy to gift. That’s key when you’re giving makeup, and it’s why I recommend sticking to items that feel extra special and playful (I’d personally steer clear of “basics” like foundation or concealer, however high-end, that may not be the right shade). With this in mind, I’ve rounded up more than three dozen makeup gifts that are guaranteed to please even the most die-hard enthusiasts. I’ve also organized the list by price so there’s something for everyone, whether you’re shopping for stocking stuffers or big-ticket splurges.
Update on December 18, 2024: Added new products; updated prices and checked stock for all products.
Gifts under $10
“This is by far the best dupe” of Dior’s beloved Lip Glow Oil, says Strategist beauty columnist Rio Viera-Newton. The thick, high-shine gloss works just as well on glam evenings out with a full beat as it does on low-key no-makeup days, so it’s a great gift for beauty junkies and makeup casuals alike.
My Best in Class mascara pick is only $5, yet it considerably lifted and lengthened my lashes after just one swipe.
This warm, peachy Wet n Wild blush stick gives your skin an “insane” glow, says Viera-Newton. Its petite size and straightforward application makes it a cute stocking stuffer for a tween.
Here’s a good gift for a kid who might not be ready for “real” makeup but still wants to play around: Starface’s flavored lip balm, housed in a pleasantly blobby container.
For those who like to turn heads with their makeup, colorful mascara is a great way to experiment with new eye looks. Strategist writer Rachael Griffiths recommends this electric cobalt-blue Maybelline mascara that “showed up on my dark lashes after just one slow, thorough coat.”
If your giftee is always complaining about clumpy mascara, consider presenting them with an eyelash separator. In addition to separating and combing your lashes, it “subtly scrapes away any extra mascara to prevent them from drying too heavily or clumping throughout the day,” Griffiths explains.
There’s a shade of Revlon’s iconic Super Lustrous Lipstick out there for everyone, from peachy pink to siren red to deep mauve. It’s a no-brainer to add to the collection of a lipstick enthusiast, but its glossy, moisturizing formula could also convert “someone who says they hate red lipstick,” assures makeup artist Emma Elizabeth.
According to Viera-Newton, L.A. Girl’s Shockwave graphic eyeliners “seriously pack a punch color-wise,” which makes them a wonderful, wallet-friendly gift for someone who loves trying to re-create high-fashion editorial looks.
For younger teens who want to try eye shadow but aren’t ready for a full palette, ColourPop’s Super Shock shadows are very user-friendly, says Viera-Newton. They give off a gorgeous prismatic shimmer, have a creamy, blendable texture, and don’t “get glitter anywhere except where you want to get glitter (your eyelids).”
C.O. Bigelow’s juicy, plummy lip tint has “high shine with a sweet mint flavor,” writes Strategist contributor Nicolaia Rips, who has been using it since high school.
Gifts under $25
Strategist editor Ailbhe Malone bought this Laneige mini-set for her Gen-Z cousin and reports that “it went down very well.” If they’re a fan of the brand’s flagship berry-flavored Sleeping Mask, there’s a good chance they’ll be interested in trying the watermelon, mango, gummy bear, and peach iced tea flavors, too.
Rare Beauty’s liquid blush has well and truly achieved smash-hit status by now — even if the makeup maven in your life has already tried it, they’ll be happy to receive a re-up.
I was blown away by CLE Cosmetics’ melting lip powder, which transforms like magic from a pigmented powder into a matte, long-wearing tint that can be layered on eyes, lips, or cheeks. It’s bound to delight someone who’s always on the hunt for the newest beauty innovations.
Anastasia Beverly Hills’ matte liquid liners now come in white, aubergine, navy, and burgundy shades — perfect for festive holiday-party looks.
For the low-maintenance girl who only spends five minutes on her makeup routine — but still loves to try new products — you can’t go wrong with a multipurpose tinted balm. This “tinted balm to end all tinted balms,” according to Strategist contributor Emma Firth, imparts “a blurred, just-been-kissed, and kissable, almost worn-in effect.”
For tweens just beginning to play around with makeup — or anyone who loves a Y2K moment — this lip and cheek stain comes in cute Tamagotchi-esque packaging.
A favorite of TikTok teens, Saie’s Glowy Super Gel delivers a dewy shine that’s sure to appeal to recent graduates of Glossier.
Another hit among the #BeautyTok set, this lip-liner tattoo from beauty influencer Sarah Cheung peels off to leave a long-lasting stain that won’t fade or rub away.
Ardell’s false eyelashes would be a real wallet-saver for someone who’s been getting monthly lash extensions. The Demi Wispies are a favorite of actress Lana Condor, who says she’s “obsessed” with them — and shared instructions on the most seamless way to put them on with the Cut.
Fwee’s pudding pot, suitable for patting onto lips and cheeks, has an ineffably delightful texture similar to that of a perfectly bouncy soufflé — I smile to myself every time I use it.
If you’re gifting someone who’s lipstick-curious but doesn’t know where to start, Clinique’s Black Honey is a classic for a reason: It “stains the lip a shade or two darker than nothing, it’s not waxy, and when it fades, you’re never left in that weird half-on phase that can lead to the impression that you’re a little bit drunk,” writes fashion editor Amy Larocca, who calls it the “black turtleneck” of lipsticks. This limited-edition version comes in a very Paris Hilton–esque bedazzled case, which also makes it a great gift for long-time Black Honey devotees.
Housed in a convenient compact for the giftee who’s always doing their makeup on the train, our favorite cream blush from Tower 28 is “easy to blend, great for travel, and has a lovely dewy finish,” says Teen Vogue director of creative development Mi-Anne Chan.
I also love AppleDoll’s blush sticks, which come in five rosy shades with a soft, sheer finish. The adorable heart-shaped packaging makes it an especially sweet surprise for a wife or girlfriend.
You can’t go wrong gifting a Miffy superfan with this special-edition tinted gloss from K-beauty brand Dearcloud.
Gifts under $50
A good makeup remover is worth its weight in gold, especially if it’s being used every single day. Banila’s cleansing balm melts my makeup right off but leaves my skin feeling silky and hydrated. This trio of travel-size balms will let them find their favorite formula and keep one in every bag for on-the-go cleansing.
For someone who likes a bold brow, this Kulfi brow gel comes recommended by Strategist writer Brenley Goertzen, who says it makes her brows “look like I just left a lamination appointment.”
This elaborately engraved makeup palette from Florasis can be used for contour, highlight, blush, or eye shadow — even if it’s almost too pretty to use.
For those who love a bold red lip, Viera-Newton has anointed Fenty’s Stunna lip paint as the new Ruby Woo. “It’s an ultramatte velvet red that’s eye-catching without looking overly pinup-y,” she says.
On the other hand, the more neutral girlies will likely prefer Bobbi Brown’s luxe lipstick. It comes in a range of understated rosy taupe and nude shades and has a subtle satiny sheen.
Whenever I’m looking for a full-on glitter moment, I turn to Half Magic, founded by Euphoria’s makeup artist Donni Davy. The brand’s best-selling Glitterpuck packs an ultrasparkly punch that can be used all over.
Youthforia’s color-changing blush oil will react with your giftee’s skin pH to form a shade that’s singular to them. “Without a question, it was the closest a makeup product had ever come to emulating my very own sun-kissed flush,” writes Viera-Newton.
For someone who won’t leave the house without lip liner, Ami Colé’s super-creamy waterproof lip liner, paired with a glossy lip-treatment oil, are guaranteed to create a perfect pout. The set is also packaged in a sweet case with a built-in mirror for easy application on the go.
Impress your designer-label-loving family and friends with this Dior highlighter palette, which features an elegantly embossed pattern and four shimmery shades to suit a variety of skin tones.
Violette’s richly pigmented liquid shadows come in a range of beautifully vibrant shades, from sparkly magenta to matte lavender. They’d be very useful for creating special-occasion looks for the frequent concert or rave attendee.
Though it’s not technically makeup, Sabrina Carpenter’s caramel- and vanilla-scented Sweet Tooth perfume would be the perfect gift for someone excited to attend the Short ’n’ Sweet Tour.
I mostly skew dewier with my makeup, but I can still appreciate a budgeproof matte finish. If you’re shopping for someone who doesn’t want to overdo it on shine, Valentino Beauty’s Spike lipstick is the first matte formula I’ve tried that doesn’t dry out my lips.
Pat McGrath’s matte lipsticks were made for a red-lip lover (they’re rumored to be one of Taylor Swift’s go-tos). This travel-friendly mini-set comes with three festive shades: Beautiful Stranger, Elson, and Fever Dream.
Drunk Elephant’s viral Sunshine Drops would be a treat for someone who dreads the paleness that comes with winter. Strategist contributor Zing Tsjeng says they gave her a radiant, “lit from within” glow.
Charlotte Tilbury’s viral highlighter has an easy-to-use cushion applicator and provides a pearlescent shimmer.
If you want to go above and beyond, you can get a tube of YSL’s Candy Glaze gloss stick engraved in person at Nordstrom, making it an especially thoughtful, personalized gift.
On cold, gray, rainy days, I like to reach for a brightly colored blush to lift my spirits. Manasi 7’s versatile All Over colors range from neutral dusky roses to warm bright scarlets to deep, intense purples.
Em Cosmetics’ Divine Skies palette in the shade Magic Hour was my go-to palette for several years, and I think it’d make a great gift for anyone just starting to experiment with eye shadow.
Anyone who spends a lot of time watching beauty tutorials on Instagram Reels is likely familiar with Gisou’s honey-infused lip oil. Housed in a very photo-friendly wavy bottle, it leaves lips feeling softened, plumped, and nourished.
Gifts under $100
Pat McGrath eye shadows are some of the richest and most pigmented on the market, and this limited-edition Luminous Legends palette, with its dazzling array of jewel-toned shades, appears to be no exception.
Mara’s Sea Silk lip balms are smooth and hydrating, with a texture that’s thick but not waxy; they’d be a godsend for someone (such as myself) whose lips get dry and crusty in the winter.
I received multiple compliments on my lashes after using Grande Cosmetics’ castor-oil-infused mascara; this holiday set also includes the brand’s tried-and-true lash and brow serums for anyone looking for an extra boost.
Victoria Beckham’s beauty line was made for those who still feel nostalgic over ’90s-era soft glam makeup. Elizabeth loves this Eye Brick because even though it only contains four colors, “it gives you everything that you need,” she says. “You can use the shadow as eyeliner. You can pop a brown in the crease. You can just use the matte shades all over the eyelid.”
A fun gift for the fraghead who’s always mixing and layering their perfumes, ScentLab’s potions offer an easy way to concoct their own unique fragrances. I’ve been mixing its Pistachio Dream with Toasty Vanilla for a delicious gourmand bomb.
Hourglass’s Phantom balm gives me the loveliest, shiniest, juiciest wash of color. It also feels amazing when applied thanks to the menthol in the formula, which gives it a faint tingling sensation that I really enjoy. This special holiday duo includes the limited-edition shade Mystic, a pearlescent coral.
Byredo’s eye-shadow palettes come in delightful mussel-shaped compacts and include a quintet of unusual shades. It’s a splurge for sure, but the smooth, buttery shadows and the hefty, high-quality packaging make it a show-stopping gift that’s worth the price tag.
Makeup hoarders will appreciate this handy vanity case from Étoile Collective. Goertzen uses one to organize her cosmetics, perfume, and medication and says it’s decreased her get-ready time by at least ten minutes.
For frequent travelers who typically haul a carry-on full of cosmetics, this sleek makeup stack from Subtl Beauty greatly streamlined my suitcase: It has concealer, bronzer, powder, eye-shadow duos, and a lip and cheek tint, all packaged in stackable containers.
I can’t get enough of Isamaya’s punk-inspired makeup, decorated with rearing horses and industrial piercings. I’m especially tickled by this lip balm housed in playfully phallic packaging — gift it to someone with a sense of humor.
For someone who turns ghostly pale in the wintertime, Westman Atelier’s heart-embellished bronzing powder will help give their complexion a little natural glow.
Your giftee would be forgiven for mistaking these Guerlain pearl finishing powders for candy. They come with a delightfully old-fashioned powder puff for application, as well as a gumdrop-engraved reusable tin.
Gifts $100 and over
Jo Malone stans will be delighted to receive five travel-sized bottles of the beloved brand’s best-selling scents: English Pear & Freesia, Wood Sage & Sea Salt, Lime Basil & Mandarin, Peony & Blush Suede, and Blackberry & Bay.
Cle de Peau’s ultra-luxe Scarlet Diamond lipstick is perfect for anyone who loves bling. The weightless, serum-like formula is infused with diamonds and 24-karat gold for instant radiance.
Merit’s minimal, your-face-but-better makeup is a must-have among the “clean girl” set. This bundle contains everything they’ll need for an effortless eye look: a matte eyeshadow in one of eight different shades, the brand’s Clean Lash mascara, a gel brow pencil, volumizing brow pomade, and a dual-ended eyeshadow brush.
I crowned this Bdellium Tools set as the best overall makeup-brush set because it’s suitable for every skill level, from newbies to seasoned makeup artists, and it lasts for years and years. It’s “a really comprehensive way to get a good amount of high-quality brushes into your kit,” says makeup artist Amanda Thesen.
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
