Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (2024)

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (1)

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Shopping for a beauty lover is way easier than you think. Although it might be a little overwhelming to gift someone who loves watching YouTube makeup tutorials or spends hours on #BeautyTok, these makeup gifts are a perfect solution. With reasonable price points, ranging from the $17 Real Techniques Everyday Essentials + Sponge Kit and $3.60 TikTok-famous powder puffs to the viral $20 Peripera Ink the Velvet Lip Tint Trio, these makeup gifts totally rock.

They also prove you're the coolest relative, friend, or coworker supporting them in experimenting with makeup. As a bonus, many of these makeup gifts include an exciting variety of products, like lipsticks, blushes, highlighters, mascaras, brow pencils, and more.

Why am I so confident they're all fail-safe options? Well, I'm the beauty editor of Best Products, and I spend a lot of time testing the latest and greatest new beauty products, cult classics, and emerging makeup products to help readers decide how to shop smartly. Many of these cosmetic items have earned a spot in my well-edited makeup bag, so I know firsthand they're legit and live up to their respective claims. And since most of these gifts are well under-$50, you can afford to treat your favorite makeup fanatic and yourself to crowd-pleasing products they'll actually use without breaking the bank.

1

Best Overall

Everyday Essentials + Sponge Kit

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (3)

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (4)

TikTokers and beauty enthusiasts of all levels adore brushes and makeup sponges from Real Techniques. This under-$20 find is currently discounted to around $17, making it a great cheap gift and stocking stuffer for everyone who made your nice list this year.

The set includes two angled beauty sponges for flawless foundation application and baking, plus fluffy brushes for loose powder, foundation, highlighter, and eyeshadow. Given their size, these pink and purple brushes won't take up precious space in your giftee's cosmetic bag.

2

Best Budget

6 Pieces Powder Puff

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (5)

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (6)

Now 14% Off

I found these cheap powder puffs during Amazon Prime Day, and after using them once, I immediately ordered a backup set. Plus, timeliness is of the essence because the 6-pack of puffs is discounted an additional 40% with a coupon, bringing the total down to $3.59. I love a good steal, in case you can't tell!

They're plush and sport a ribbon that can fit up to three fingers for the comfiest application. Most importantly, they feature curved edges that make applying under the eyes and around the nose easier by stopping my foundation from migrating. They also pick up both loose and pressed powders with ease.

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3

For Highly Pigmented Color

Ink the Velvet Lip Tint Trio

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (7)

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (8)

Peripera makes Amazon's best-selling lipstick — and like thousands of online reviewers, I'm equally obsessed with its lightweight, velvety feel and opaque coverage. The small doe-foot applicator also makes lining and filling in your lips a breeze.

There are two gift set shades to choose from, but this one is your best bet because it has a beautiful mix of nude and pops of pink that are universally flattering on all skin tones.

4

For the Next Big TikTok Star

Riki Skinny Smart Vanity Mirror

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (9)

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (10)

One of the best ways for someone to perfect their makeup is to use this smart lighted vanity makeup mirror from Glamcor. Since it is Bluetooth compatible and comes with a magnetic handy phone holder, I can snap selfies and film TikToks, Instagram Reels, and YouTube vlogs with the included remote.

The Skinny features five adjustable LED light settings, and I consider it the perfect size for a small desk, vanity, or side table. It's also slim and lightweight enough to pack into my suitcase yet sturdy enough not to shatter.

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5

For Fuller Lips

Mini Lip Injection Plumping Mobile Lip Plumper Set

I recently named the iconic Too Faced Lip Injection the best overall lip plumper money can buy. Vitamin E and avocado oil hydrate the lips, ensuring they look voluminous and healthy for up to 6 hours.

This 3-piece limited-edition kit includes a clear, pink, and peach gloss, which contains beautiful flecks of shimmer that amplify the lip-plumping effect.

Like all lip plumpers, they do tingle, but it's not uncomfy and the sensation fades relatively quickly. I love the feeling because it lets me know the gloss is working hard to plump up my pout.

6

For Long-Lasting Makeup

Airbrush Flawless Makeup Setting Spray XL & Mini Duo Face Kit

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (13)

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (14)

The only thing better than being gifted a bottle of Airbrush Flawless Makeup Setting Spray is receiving two!

Don't let humidity and oily skin get in the way of makeup lasting. Makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury's TikTok-famous setting spray is a total game-changer at prolonging makeup. Her hydrating face setting spray contains film formers, which are like an invisible raincoat between the skin, sweat, and oil. Infused with a blend of soothing aloe vera and hydrating Japanese green tea, it helps smooth the skin and blurs the look of large pores.

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7

For Thicc Lashes

On & Awf Mascara and Mini Makeup-Melting Cleanser Duo

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (15)

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (16)

Rihanna's latest Fenty Beauty innovation is a volumizing mascara that ensures your loved ones have beautiful, thick lashes. The jet-black formula is sweat-, humidity, and transfer-resistant, so it's an excellent summer concert makeup essential.

This gift-worthy duo also comes with Bad Gal Riri's Melt Awf Jelly Oil Makeup-Melting Cleanser to remove long wear and waterproof makeup, skincare, and impurities like oil and dirt. It's also infused with nine impressive conditioning oils to nourish and hydrate the skin.

8

For a Pore Minimizer

The POREfessional Primer Plus Pore Primer Value Set

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (17)

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (18)

As someone with large pores, face primers have always been necessary, even if I'm not wearing foundation. Benefit's signature primer helps minimize the look of enlarged pores by creating a translucent velvety layer that smoothes the skin and leaves behind a matte finish. It helps my face makeup during trips to Vegas and Miami, so I feel confident others living in humid environments will also love this practical and affordable beauty gift.

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9

For Oil Control and Baking

Hyaluronic Hydra Powder and Kabuki Brush Set

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (19)

Surprise a loved one with the ultimate setting powder from By Terry. This unique translucent powder is made with only two ingredients: hyaluronic acid for a matte finish without compromising skin hydration and silica spheres to blur pores, lines, and wrinkles. It's one of the best setting powders for oil control, and despite its translucent color, users won't look like a ghost after locking in their makeup.

As a bonus, it comes with a fluffy kabuki brush to buff the shine and pore-minimizing powder across the skin.

10

For a 24/7 Summer Glow

Solar Collection Set

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (20)

Rosie Huntington-Whitley's clean makeup brand Rose INC. is the ultimate solution for looking like a bronzed beach babe. The Solar Collection Set includes a cream highlighter available in five colors — including Rosie's fave, Prismatic — for a smooth, illuminated glow. There's also a non-comedogenic cream bronzer rich in antioxidants and is sold in four colors for fair to deep complexions.

This kit also includes two buffing brushes for the bronzer and highlighter made with vegan fibers for the smoothest, most seamless application.

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11

For Clean Beauty Lovers

The Overachievers Summer Faves Makeup Set

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (21)

Speaking of clean makeup, MILK is another fan-favorite beauty brand, and The Overachievers Summer Faves Makeup Set includes their greatest hits.

The summery coral makeup bag includes travel-friendly, multipurpose products, like TikTok's favorite Hydro Grip primer and KUSH mascara. There's also a full-size KUSH Clear Brow Gel, Lip + Cheek in a brand new shade called Smirk, a dusty rose with shimmer, and a cream highlighter in Lit, a beautiful champagne for a welcome glow factor.

12

For Chiseled Cheekbones

Step-By-Step Contour Kit

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (22)

This complexion-enhancing contour palette comes is the fastest way for beginners and novices alike to sculpt their faces. Each kit includes a beautiful deep contour shade and

angled contour brush to buff and blend without any noticeable lines.

The trio also comes with a complementary bronzer and beautiful champagne highlighter for a gorgeous pop of color. Users can expect a smooth, even application to sculpt, shape, and enhance their gorgeous features.

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13

For Sofia Richie’s Wedding Makeup

Glowy Nude Skin 2-Pack

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (23)

For under $50, you get a full-size cream bronzer and cream highlighter for an around-the-clock candlelit glow. The multipurpose balms can be applied to the face, eyes, and lips, gliding across the skin effortlessly. Notably, each stick includes a duo-fiber brush on the opposite end for seamless blending.

Need further proof these products are worth owning? Well, Sofia Richie wore NUDESTIX blush on her wedding day, and Margot Robbie sported their products during a Barbie red carpet event. If NUDESTIX cream blushes are good enough for a bride and Oscar nominee, it's good enough for everyone to rock daily or for special occasions alike.

14

For the GOAT of Eyeshadow Palettes

Mothership IX Eyeshadow Palette: Huetopian Dream

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (24)

Sure, this PAT McGRATH LABS eyeshadow palette is relatively pricey, but I can confidently say she makes the best damn eyeshadows I have ever used.

These finely milled eyeshadows have a beautiful color payoff, whether applied dry or wet, or with an eye primer or not. They also last an entire work day without touchups and never cause annoying fallout that messes up undereye concealer.

And since this set comes with 12 high-pigment matte, shimmer, and glitter eyeshadows, it's like buying 10 unique yet wearable drugstore eyeshadows for $12.80 a pop, but with way better quality.

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15

For Bolder Brows

Great Brow Basics Pencil & Gel Set

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (25)

Available in six hues, everyone, no matter their hair and brow color, can perfect their arches by filling in any missing gaps with this well-rounded kit from Benefit.

Start off by shaping the with the best-selling Goof Proof Brow Pencil to fill in and shape the brows. For more defined brows reach for the Precisely, My Brow Pencil for natural-looking, hair-like strokes. Lastly, shape and lock everything into place with the 24-HR Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel, which boasts a flake-free formula that lasts until you wash away your brows before bed.

16

For a Flawless Complexion

3C Color Correcting Concealer Palette

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (26)

Makeup artists love color correctors because they eliminate the need for heavy concealers and full-coverage foundations. This inclusive NYX palette features six creamy color correctors to help camouflage every skin concern, including peach and yellow for dark circles and green for red, inflamed acne. The lavender hue helps counteract the yellow or sallow appearance of the skin.

They can be applied with the hands or a makeup sponge and layer nicely underneath makeup without looking cakey or settling into fine lines.

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17

For Softer, Pink Lips

Prime Video's "The Summer I Turned Pretty" Lip Set

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (27)

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (28)

Not everyone wants to sport lipstick, and that's okay! Thankfully, fresh is an excellent alternative for someone wanting a pop of color, like shimmery mauve, fuchsia, and peachy-pink, without compromising on necessary moisture.

fresh and the Amazon series The Summer I Turned Pretty launched a limited-edition lip balm bundle that includes three full-size tinted lip balms infused with cranberry seed and grapeseed oils to smooth, soften, and protect the lips. They also contain vitamins C and E to help protect the skin from environmental damage, while sugar conditions and nourishes a parched pout.

18

For a False Lash Effect

Lash Princess Duo Pack

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (29)

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (30)

Love the look of false eyelashes but are not ready for the time commitment and precision required to master a faux fringe? I recently tested the Essence Lash Princess mascara, and it definitely lives up to the TikTok hype.

After slowly wiggling the mascara band back and forth from the base of the lashes, I like to pull the wand toward the eyelash tips. A single coat deposits jet black color while thickening and lengthening my lashes. The final result is fuller, fatter lashes minus any clumps.

This duo includes both waterproof and non-waterproof mascara, so your giftee can confidently wear this during a trip to the waterpark.

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19

For a 2-in-1 Product

Sunforgettable Total Protection Color Balm SPF 50 Collection

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (31)

Daily sunscreen application is non-negotiable, so we might as well rock makeup infused with broadspectrum SPF coverage to prevent sunburns and signs of aging while looking good. These Colorescience balms are designed for the cheeks and lips, and coverage can be sheer by using your fingers or more opaque with multiple layers.

There are three shades to choose from: a nude with pink undertones, deep raspberry for a pop of color, and a shimmery golden bronze for a sun-kissed glow. Regardless of which shade or color combination someone favors, these antioxidant-rich SPF balms will flatter all skin tones and last up to 40 minutes in the water.

20

For an All-Inclusive Kit

Best of Clinique Set $60.50 Value at Nordstrom

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (32)

Clinique rounded up four of its fan-favorite beauty products for an elevated, everyday look: a fine black eyeliner, a full-size volumizing and lengthening mascara, and the famous Almost Lipstick in Black Honey for a unique, your lips but better shade.

This makeup gift set even includes the popular Moisture Surge, which works in just 3 seconds and hydrates for up to 100 hours. The oil-free, gel-based face moisturizer combines aloe bioferment and a hyaluronic acid complex with vitamins C and E to brighten the face.

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (33)

Nicole Saunders

Beauty Editor

Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Best New Beauty Awards package. You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventues.

Meet the Best Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays, Birthdays, and Just Because (2024)
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