Best Christmas Beauty Gifts 2024 – Expertly Reviewed For Makeup Addicts

Beauty editor Rachael Martin says: 'The Dior Volume & Natural Glow Ritual Limited Edition Make-Up Gift Set, £82.40, is what we're calling the perfect Christmas gift for your mum, BFF, sister...or, you know, just yourself. This dreamy offering comprises of the Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara, which is well known for its ability to deliver volume and length to even the most sparse of lashes. There's also the viral Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil, which works to enhance lips' natural colour and aid nourishing shine. Finally, there's the iconic Dior Rosy Glow, a light pink blush that adds a healthy flush to cheeks.
In our opinion, the best part comes in the form of the edition pouch, which doubles up as a clutch bag. On TikTok, we've seen countless people showing off their Dior make-up bags, which they've been using to stash their phone, (Dior) lipstick and credit card for evenings out. Adorned with glinting gold thread and embossed with the Dior logo, we're following suit – you're basically getting a Dior bag for less than £90...We're calling it. This one will sell-out.'

Beauty Editor Rachael Martin, says: 'A big claim, but I can safely say that this is my favourite cleansing balm of all time, so to get three on one gift set? Thrilled! Excellent value for money, it's fair to say I nabbed this one as soon as I saw it arrive in the beauty cupboard - skincare buffs will be delighted to receive. This cleansing balm starts off as a solid formula but melts into a slightly milky, balmier texture that applies beautifully and doesn’t drag on the skin. I’ll work it into my complexion and watch as my make-up (including waterproof mascara) melts away. I have oily skin, and typically a balm has been known to break me out, but this one doesn’t. I use as the first step in my double cleansing routine alongside a gel-based cleanser and I’m rigorous about ensuring any remnants are swept off my skin promptly. This prevents any blocked pores. My skin is far from perfect, but now that I’ve adopted a more Elemis consistent skincare routine I’ve seen a marked improvement in how it looks – it’s brighter, smoother and bouncier. And although I still battle with redness, I do have less spots and blemishes. And the scent, oh, the scent! Delicate but deliciously aromatic, it leaves your face wash routine feeling that touch more special.'

Beauty Editor Rachael Martin, says: 'Big, bold lashes are my MO– and I’m pleased to say that Lancôme's mascaras really deliver the "oomph" that I crave. Here, you'll receive seriously good value for money - the OG Hypnose Drama Mascara, the Hypnose Doll Eyes Mascara Mini, the Hypnose Mascara Mini and Hypnose Volume A Porter Mascara Mini. For a mere £31 Now that's excellent considering the original is around £29 on its own. I've only tested the OG thus far but can confirm it applies beautifully, doesn’t flake and such a small amount tends to go impressively far. The brush is easy to work with, coating even the smallest lashes with an even layer of the formulation. I have oily lids (prone to considerable transferring) but this mascara didn’t budge even during the sweatiest London commute of all time – more on that another day. For those also looking to achieve fluffy, fanned out lashes then I’d absolutely recommend. It’s a lash-lovers dream. And bonus points for the festive packaging.'

Beauty Editor Rachael Martin, says: 'I've been in my haircare era this year - anything that will help my brittle strands become longer and healthier. Which is where Champo come in. While I'm already well acquainted with the cult classic Pitta Growth Serum, I hadn't yet tried the volumising shampoo and conditioner until a recent blow-dry appointment. Nourishing and luxurious, this duo left my hair feeling bouncy, clean, and soft. I was incredibly impressed. And with ingredients including caffeine, creatine and ayurvedic haritaki fruit to 'tone, condition and stimulate' it's fair to say the volumising system set has made my Christmas wish list this year.'

Beauty editor Rachael Martin says: 'One for the beauty aficionado– this one is going right to the top of my wish list. Not only does it feel and look luxurious (the box alone is a glittering delight), but trust me when I say there’s something magical behind each and every door. I’m keen not to give too much of the game away (the joy is in the surprise, after all) but I’ll share some of my favourites. There's a full-sized Beauty Light Wand in the shade Pinkgasm - the ultimate pearlescent pink highlighter. Other stand-outs include a full-sized Hyaluronic Happikiss in the shade Pillow Talk (the perfect rosy-hue_ and a full-sized Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir to lock in moisture. My only gripe? Waiting until Christmas day to peek behind each and every door - it’s going to be a tough one.'

Beauty editor Rachael Martin says: 'I was lucky enough to get my hands on a sample of the ghd Duet Blowdry back in April. Since then, it’s become integral to my hair routine. I've managed to whittle down my wash days to just twice a week and I've used this as the perfect excuse to get to grips with the tool over the past few months. I apply it to towel dried hair, initially rough-drying and then creating volume at the roots via a combination of tension and heat - I'll hold it in place for around 3 seconds. I'll then pull the brush through in a twisting motion to create the blowdried finish - the smaller the section the more pronounced the curl and the bigger the section the more voluminous the finish. I’ve also used it to refresh my dry hair for special occasions - but not without a hefty dose of heat protectant. Give to your sister on Christmas day and she'll be thrilled.'

Beauty editor Rachael Martin says: 'Chic make-up brush sets can be hard to find, but not where Otis Batterbee are concerned. I've incorporated this trio into my make-up routine for the past few weeks and have so enjoyed using them. Firm and flexible (but oh so fluffy) just a sweep diffuses blushers and bronzers like a dream. A gorgeous gift for someone who has it all.'

Beauty editor Rachael Martin says: 'One sniff confirms that this is the best beauty hamper for Christmas. High praise? Certainly. But it's bound to delight. Bursting with scented delights (think heady blends cinnamon, clove and orange) recipients will delight in a diffuser, candle, home spray, oil and so much more. Excellent value for money, and a total crowd-pleaser. And, of course, no need to wrap. Music to my ears!'

Acting beauty director Cassie Steer says: 'As a beauty editor my friends often look to me to serve up the brands that should be on their radars but haven’t yet made it into their bathrooms and this beautiful biotech-powered duo is the perfect introduction to a brand I’ve loved since it launched. Brainchild of former beauty director Joanna Ellner, this easy-on-the-eye gift set includes the award-winning facial cleanser plus the lauded Active Recovery Broth. The gift of good skin? It’s a no-brainer.'

Beauty editor Rachael Martin says: 'Neom candles are a team favourite for a reason, this one is an ode to Christmas day. The heart of the fragrance is spiced cinnamon and springs memories of sitting by the tree and drinking coco - I lit this in my living room for just an hour and the scent lingered for around a day! Consider this a Christmas day gift that's bound to thrill. Dreamy, dreamy stuff.'

Beauty assistant Renee Washington says: 'This Melissa-approved skincare set is the perfect gift for anyone who wants to achieve radiant skin in the depths of winter. The coveted Aveeno oil spray hydrates, the scrub exfoliates, and the body brush preps for maximum absorption. The products are held in a beautiful vanity case, that you can use again and again. Anyone would be happy to open this on Christmas Day.'

Beauty writer Sameeha Shaikh says: 'If you're familiar with the cult of Tatcha, let's just say this one is for the dewy gang. Packed with core staples from the brand that are guaranteed to lend coveted plump and glowy skin, this three-piece set boasts the creamy The Rice Wash, indulgent The Dewy Skin Cream (obv), and regenerative The Kissu Lip Mask in Wisteria, which is actually sold out elsewhere. If you want to spark instant joy this season, look to this bestselling trifecta.'

Beauty editor Rachael Martin says: 'This Acqua di Parma Candle Set is a must-have for fans of table-scaping this Christmas. Not only do they look beautiful, but each scent really is something special. "Bosco" is all fir tree and frosted pine needles, "Panettone" is a pudding of citrus, vanilla and candied fruits and "Caminetto" is a fireside delight - think heady incense and amber.'