We’ve rounded up the best beauty gift ideas to take the stress out of present buying - whether you’re shopping for others or making your own list for Santa!
From make-up tools to hair electricals, the best beauty gift ideas that have made it on to our list have been thoughtfully and meticulously curated by our team of Beauty Editors.
The beauty offerings that have made our list this year give a little something extra, whether they are bang on trend, come with great consumer reviews or offer a great saving.
From luxury treats for the woman who has everything to hard-working mums and frazzled friends that deserve the gift of ‘me’ time with a lovely skincare set, we’ve got a present to suit your style and budget. So pour a Prosecco and put your feet up - the best beauty gift ideas are just a click away.
Best beauty gifts ideas and sets - skincare and body
Why you can trust GoodTo. Our experienced Consumer Editor & parent reviewers spend hours testing products to help you make the best choice. Find out how we test and review products.
1. Avon Anew Platinum Strengthen & Sculpt Set
Best beauty gift idea for ageless skin: The lucky lady who unwraps this set on Christmas is getting a lot of bang for her beauty buck. Why? The set, which contains a Platinum Day and Night Cream, the best-selling Firming Eye Cream, Hydrogel Mask and the new Power Serum with Protinol (1 sold every 20 seconds on launch day), is actually worth a whopping £76.
2. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Nourishing Skin Essentials
Best beauty gift idea for dry skin: Beloved by Beauty Editors and make-up artists around the world, Eight Hour Cream is an iconic product, giving skin an instant hit of hydration and healthy glow. This kit contains the Skin Protectant, Lip Protectant Stick with SPF15, and Moisturizing Hand Cream, which is worth £39.20 - almost double the price.
3. Sanctuary Little Spa Retreat Set
Best beauty gift idea for a spa day at home: Lock yourself in the bathroom for an hour and open up this treasure trove of spa goodies, from body wash and scrub, to body lotion and hand cream. “Sanctuary Spa products really do transport your mind and body to that spa-like state of relaxation,” says Beauty Director, Sarah Cooper-White. “The scents are amazing, and they really work to improve the look and feel of your skin.”
4. Weleda Relax & Restore Body Oils Gift Set
Best beauty gift idea for a pamper sesh: “Any kind of beauty miniature has me hook, line and sinker,” says Beauty Writer, Emma North. “Not only are these oils super adorable, they’re practical too. At 10ml a-piece, you can stash one in your toiletry bag for a weekend away. And the scents make you feel as if you’re at a spa.”
5. L'Occitane Shea Butter Winter Walk Hand Cream
Best beauty gift idea for hardworking hands: Hand cream is one of those great gifts that you can keep in the cupboard for a last-minute present emergency, safe in the knowledge that the recipient will be grateful for it - especially as we are all still heavy on the hand-washing. “There’s a reason why L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream has won so many awards over the years,” says Beauty Director, Charley Williams-Howitt. “It’s intensely nourishing but soaks in quickly, and this one is particularly lovely with a fresh and woody fig and sandalwood scent.”
6. Next Relax Face Mask Collection
Best beauty gift idea for stressed-out skin: This is phenomenal value for three tubs of moisturising face mask and an applicator tool to deliver that professional facial experience at home. It also happens to look a lot more expensive, which makes it one of the best beauty gift ideas.
7. Baylis & Harding Signature Collection Luxury Sock Set
Best beauty gift idea for tired feet: Surely one of the best beauty gift ideas involves a nudge towards self-care. We’re all run off our feet at Christmas so treat those tootsies to a well-deserved pamper with this pedi set. Slather soles in the cream then slip on the cosy socks and put your feet up. Feet will feel soft, smooth and silky.
Best beauty gifts ideas and sets for make-up
8. L’Oreal Paris Emotions Nude Eyes & Cheeks Blushing Palette
Best beauty gift idea for make-up lovers: With 16 shades, this works out at less than £1 per eyeshadow - even better, you can use some of the shades to add a little dab of highlighter here and there, and others as blusher. The combination of matte, satin and glittery finishes means you can create endless looks, from office-appropriate washes of colour to all-out statement eyes.
BUY NOW -LOOKFANTASTIC | £14.99
9. Tweezerman Curl 38˚ Eyelash Curler
Best beauty gift idea for wide awake eyes: A good pair of lash curlers can be transformative. If you want your eyes to look fresh and bright, you need to let as much light in as possible, which means always curling lashes before mascara. But did you know that eyelash curlers can be custom to your eye shape? These ones come in a Curl 38˚ and Curl 60˚variations, designed for almond-shaped and rounder eyes respectively so that they can crimp each and every lash. The innovative design of the Curl 38˚ has a customised radius ideal for almond-shaped or deep-set eyes.
10. Matalan Alphabet MakeUp Bag
Best beauty gift idea to add a personal touch: The trend for all things monogrammed isn’t likely to disappear anytime soon, and if you’re looking to add a thoughtful touch to this year’s best beauty gift ideas, go with this make-up bag adorned with the recipient’s initial for a guaranteed win.
11. Nails Inc Snow Place Like Home Gingerbread House Nail Polish Gift Set
Best beauty gift idea for nail junkies: “I truly believe that Nails Inc makes one of the best polishes on the market,” says Stephanie Maylor, Beauty Editor. “The glossy finish is unrivalled for me, and the longevity is also best in class. Here you’re getting four gorgeous colours that are guaranteed to suit everyone. I will be leaving a hint for my husband to buy these!”
BUY NOW - FRAGRANCE DIRECT | £17.49
12. Laura Mercier Puff Perfection Velour Puff
Best beauty gift idea to hang on the tree: Decorate your tree in style with the added bonus of an iconic Laura Mercier make-up puff, which has been given a rosy makeover for the festive season. If you like to finish your make-up with loose powder, this will be your new BFF. Load the puff with powder, tap off the excess then press the onto the areas of the face that require extra coverage.