Many things in life might not be guaranteed, but leaving Christmas shopping until the last second is a given. So, to help make adulting easier (or make that emergency shop that little bit quicker), we’ve gone ahead and done the leg work for you and narrowed down the best makeup gift sets money can buy.
The best bit? Most come in reusable tins or makeup bags, to provide the 'wow' factor and keep your below-par wrapping skills on the down-low.
Whether you’re looking for your mum, bestie or yourself (hey, no judgement here), we’ve got you covered. You can thank us later…
One thing we are grateful for? Discovering Merit Beauty. Not only are the formulas *chef's kiss* but the packaging is undeniably chic, making this set the ultimate gift for any makeup lover.
This contains the brand's cream blush, contour stick and brow pomade, not to mention a does-it-all complexion brush. Flawless skin in a box, I tell you.
Badgal RiRi might not be blessing us with new music this Christmas (yet again), but these juicy lip glosses should help soften the blow.
Arguably one of the most iconic products to come out of the Fenty Beauty range, this set features the legendary Gloss Bomb, Fenty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick and Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shine Gloss Stix. Try and pick a favourite, I dare you.
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Speaking of chic, spice up your life and add this ultra-luxe makeup bundle from Victoria Beckham Beauty to your basket.
This pouch features the brand's famous Posh Gloss in 'Martini', along with Satin Kajal Liner in Olive, EyeWear Shadow Stick in Oyster and Reflect Highlighter in Pearl. All joined together with a bespoke brass compact mirror and meticulously crafted custom-fit pouch.
You can never have too many makeup brushes on rotation and Real Techniques has us covered with their Everyday Essentials collection.
All brushes feature vegan bristles that feel puppy-soft on the skin and allow for flawless foundation and eyeshadow application. Plus, you also get one of their iconic makeup sponges, too.
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Just thinking of all the celeb beauty brands that have launched this year exhausts us, but Selena Gomez has really achieved greatness with Rare Beauty.
This trio features two of their iconic liquid blushes and a liquid highlighter to match, so your skin can glow like a Christmas bauble.
If in doubt, Charlotte Tilbury’s iconic 'Pillow Talk' shade is always a safe bet.
The versatile shade has been formulated in every format you could think of in this set. From cream eyeshadow to the holy grail lip liner, this kit is a sure way to get you in the good books this Christmas.
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We cannot think of a better beauty gift for the no-makeup makeup lovers.
From the brain of legendary makeup artist, Bobbi Brown, this Jones Road range is all about silky formulas and subtle flushes of colour.
We’re not exaggerating when we say blush has saved our lives this year.
These chubby crayons make applying them foolproof, while bright shades named “Picante” will give cheeks a pick-me-up during those dreary winter months. Don’t mind if we do.
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Benefit are killin' the game this year with the 2024 gift sets. This one in particular is housed in a super cute soup tin and features an all-star line-up, including a full-sized Hoola bronzer and Benetint.
When it comes to how many eyeshadow palettes one person can own, the limit simply doesn’t exist.
This smokey neutral palette features eight pigmented shades, plus, a mascara to help lengthen and volumise even the stubbiest of lashes.
Charlotte Bitmead
Former Senior Beauty Writer
Charlotte Bitmead (she/her) is the Senior Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. She has over six years experience writing about beauty and has previously written for ELLE and The Sunday Times Style, covering everything from politics to sustainability to inclusivity within the beauty industry. When she’s not writing in-depth features, testing out the newest skincare fad or trying to decide what nail art to get, you can find her overspending in bookshops or shouting at Arsenal matches. Find her on LinkedIn
Lia Mappoura
Beauty Writer
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from viral celebrity hair and makeup news to the latest trend predictions, she’s an expert in recognising the season’s next big beauty look (before it ends up all over your social media feeds). You’ll usually find her putting TikTok’s recent beauty hacks to the Hype Test, challenging the gender-makeup binary and social stereotypes, or fangirling over the time Kourtney Kardashian viewed her Instagram Story (yes, it’s true). Find her also on LinkedIn.
