I love giving people gifts that I personally would use and that makes them think of me. Selfish? Maybe, but it makes it memorable for both parties. I love makeup and skincare. Actually, I am obsessed with it. Personally, I love giving people gift sets from Sephora because the deals are great, so from experience and in-store testing, here are the best holiday gift sets Sephora has to offer for under $30.
Note: Don’t underestimate the longevity of mini sizes, I have had some of these products that lasted me over a month or more.
1. CAUDALIE On the Glow French Faves ($28)
If you don’t know about Caudalie, what you should know is that it a fancy and expensive French skincare brand (great for that bougie friend of yours). I have used these products and I really believe in them. Made for every skin type, these products are just overall made to help you get the best skin. The set includes 0.33 oz/ 10 mL Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, 0.33 oz/ 10 mL Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet, and 1 oz/ 30 mL Beauty Elixir. And the best part? These products are paraben free, sulfate free, phthalate free, gluten free, and vegan.
2. CLINIQUE Pep It Up ($15)
Clinique, a classical staple skincare company has created this line to add some more bounce to your tired, exam endured faces. My favorite product from this line is definitely the eye cream, however all together, these products do what they are claiming. And a great addition to this gift set is the cute travel bag it comes in! Also good for all skin types (even sensitive skin), the set includes 1 oz/ 30 mL Pep-Start 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser, 0.5 oz/ 15 mL Pep-Start Hydrorush Moisturizer SPF 20, and 0.24 oz/ 7 mL Pep-Start Eye Cream. In addition, these products are paraben free, phthalate free, and fragrance Free.
3. SMASHBOX Holidaze: Always On Liquid Lip Mini Set ($20)
I have always been really impressed with Smashbox liquid lipsticks. They claim to be lightweight, which I totally agree! Also, I prefer more nude, beige, deep colored lipsticks and surprisingly, I really love all the shades in this gift set. The set includes 6 x 0.03 oz/ 0.9 mL Mini Always On Liquid Lipsticks in shades Miss Conduct (deep/warm plum matte), Stepping Out (deep nude matte), Babe Alert (nude rose matte), Maneater (red matte metallic), XO Vlada (rose gold matte metallic), Rust Fund (copper matte metallic). Additionally, these products are Paraben free and Phthalate free.
4. HUDA BEAUTY Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette ($27)
First thing’s first, DO NOT underestimate the size of the palettes. They are perfect in size, pigmentation, and quality. My palette has lasted me for 2 years now, I haven’t hit pan, AND the formula is perfect for blending. I love these cute little palettes and the color ranges are perfect for the person who loves color, neutrals, pinks, etc. Also, the new jewel tones focus in on specific colors such as different shades of blue or green in case it is something you or a friend are lacking in their makeup collection. Each palette has 9 eyeshadows, a mirror, and formulated without Parabens.
5. SEPHORA FAVORITES Glow For It ($28)
Personally, I think highlight is essential in my everyday makeup routine. Whether it is very slight and natural or extremely reflective, it is definitely a necessity. This selection of some the best highlighters at Sephora is an amazing gift for yourself or a friend who wants to add to their makeup collection. From sticks, liquid, or loose pigments, this collection is also great for beginners who are trying to figure out what they like or prefer to work with. Also, these highlighters come in deluxe sizes as well as a cute holographic travel bag. This set includes 0.04 oz/ 1.2 g Artist Couture Diamond Glow Powder in Illuminati, 0.13 oz/ 4 mL Benefit Cosmetics High Beam Liquid Face Highlighter, 0.095 oz/ 2.8 mL Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops in Moonlight, 0.1 oz/ 2.8 g Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Mini Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick in Starstruck, 0.2 oz/ 5.7 g Milk Makeup Luminous Blur Stick.
Happy shopping! For more gift sets, check out Sephora’s online gift guide for all budgets.