As a beauty editor, it's fair to say I'm fickle when it comes to Christmas gifts. What can I say? I'm always going to opt for a decadent Chanel fragrance adorned with a ribbon over a pair of bed socks (unless we're talking White Company cashmere, ofc.) At the time of writing the Grazia beauty cupboard would give Santa's grotto a run for its money - believe me when I say it's brimming with treasures - including beauty advent calendars galore. So it comes as no surprise that the beauty team are well versed in what makes an excellent Christmas gift.
But with an insane amount of beauty Christmas gifts and make-up sets available to choose from, where do we even start? Don't fear, for we have left no stone unturned and curated the ultimate list of make-up and skincare Christmas gifts that will help soothe both body and mind - and all come with the deal of approval from the Grazia beauty team. So, whether you prefer a long indulgent bath, opulent fragrance layering or a brand new mascara we have it covered – no matter what your budget. Here, we're saving you the trouble of scouring the shelves, having shared the beauty buys they really want this Christmas. Scroll on down to discover the best value beauty gifts, tried and tested by Grazia beauty editors. And, spoiler alert, you'll want to order these now.
The Best Beauty Gifts For Christmas 2024: How We Chose Them
We've been receiving samples in the Grazia post room since mid July, so it's fair to say we've built up a huge range of gift sets. The beauty team sat down and divvied up products based on our own preferences. We're a diverse bunch - beauty assistant Renee Washington knows her way around a good haircare kit, beauty editor Rachael Martin (me) has a penchant for home scenting (I'm the ultimate candle hoarder), head of beauty Joely Walker is something of a fragrance fiend, beauty writer Sameeha Shaikh loves luxury skincare and acting beauty director Cassie Steer is all about a beautiful make-up. We chose our favourites based on several factors including value for money, festive packaging, and product variety - with this in mind we're confident that there should be something for everyone in this edit.
Best Christmas Gifts For Beauty Lovers 2024: At A Glance
Best all rounder: Dior Volume & Natural Glow Ritual Limited Edition Make-Up Gift Set, £82.40
Best for skincare: The Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm Collection Skincare Gift Set, £62
Best for mascara: LANCÔME Hypnôse Drama Mascara, £31
Best for haircare: Champo Pitta Volumising Gift Set, £68
Best for make-up: Charlotte Tilbury Lucky Chest of Beauty Secrets Advent Calendar 2024, £170
Best tool: ghd duet blowdry, £279 (was £379)
Shop: The Best Make-Up And Skincare Gifts Below
www.boots.com
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.'
Pros
- Gorgeously gift wrapped
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Will sell-out swifty
uk.elemis.com
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.'
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- A good opportunity to try different iterations of the classic
Cons
- Doesn't come wrapped
www.johnlewis.com
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.'
Pros
- Really good value for money
- Currently on sale
- A cult classic
Cons
- Beautifully festive packaging
www.selfridges.com
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.'
Pros
- Suited to all hair types and textures
- Lathers beautifully
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Still an investment buy
www.ghdhair.com
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.'
Pros
- Ideal for taming flyaways
- Less damage than with traditional heated brushes
- Lightweight
- Currently on sale! Run!
Cons
- Still an investment
www.fenwick.co.uk
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.'
Pros
- Recyclable
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Must be washed in lukewarm water or you'll risk destroying!
www.thewhitecompany.com
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 recipients will delight in a candle, home spray, eau de toilette and so much more. Excellent value for money, and a total crowd-pleaser. And, of course, no need to wrap. Music to my ears!'
Pros
- Beautifully presented and wrapped
- Ideal gift for mum
Cons
- Order asap to avoid disappointment - hamper deliveries can be slow
reome.com
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.'
Pros
- Excellent customer reviews
- Chic packaging
Cons
- Shipping is fairly expensive- £4.95 for standard class
www.fenwick.co.uk
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.'
Pros
- Ideal for frequent travellers
- Beautiful votive
Cons
- Can occasionally burn unevenly - be sure to trim the wicks to prevent this!
www.tatcha.co.uk
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.'
Pros
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Packaging is easily scuffed
www.spacenk.com
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.'
Pros
- Ideal for travelling
- Luxury buy
Cons
- Expensive - but consider it an investment
www.harrods.com
Beauty editor Rachael Martin says: 'Disappointment on the big day is impossible where Chanel is involved - consider this the best Christmas gift for your girlfriend. This new limited-edition purse spray is a total delight - expect a wristlet style jewellery chain embossed with the iconic number 5. The minute I got my hands on this I knew it was something special, it feels and looks weighty and luxurious. And there's the crisp white woven sleeve with the embroidered Chanel logo too. A whoop of excitement, guaranteed.'
Pros
- Unique and thoughtful gift
- Affordable way to purchase a Chanel accessory
Cons
- Limited edition - won't stick around for long
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Beauty editor Rachael Martin:'I've been testing the Sisley Hair Rituel Revitalising Fortifying Serum (£170 on its own) over the course of four months, and I've been religious in my application. I use it every other night on a dry scalp (prior to washing the next morning) massage it in, and let it sink into my skin as I sleep. I've been travelling with work and ensured to pop some drops into a smaller bottle so I could maintain consistency. Let it be known that I don't believe in quick fixes when it comes to hair growth. Yet, I can safely say that this has been responsible for the longest, strongest strands I've had in a very long time. Firstly, it's a delight to apply. The combination of the aromatic fragrance and the act of massaging it into my scalp feels like taking a dedicated moment of calm for myself - even for ten seconds. I did use this slightly more than the recommended usage - every other day - and found that just two months in, my hair did look longer and stronger. I have brittle, bleached hair prone to snapping, but found that my blunt cut was looking considerably blunter for longer. The most dramatic results didn’t come over night, however. It's taken four months in total to see the tell tale tufts of new growth around my hair line, for example, but they are definitely there - albeit at that irritating frizzy stage. This Christmas gift set costs the same as the serum on its own, so it's a total no brainer.'
Pros
- Two extra products costs the same price as the serum on its own
- Beautiful, aromatic smell
Cons
- Expensive to upkeep if you become hooked (like me!)
shop.townhouse.co.uk
Beauty writer, Sameeha Shaikh: 'Love keeping your mitts polished? Look to leading nail salon chain Townhouse's house blends to keep your skin and talons in check this festive season. The two-piece set boasts the oat-infused Townhouse Cream #1 (30ml) and bakuchiol-enriched Cuticle Oil (9.5ml), which collectively work hard to nourish, soften and fortify skin and nails, which will become extra important as the cold weather wears in. You know it's good when Townhouse's nail techs won't complete in-salon mani and pedi treatments without a slathering of this duo on clients...'
Pros
- Salon-grade skin and nail treatment
- On sale now
Cons
- Only available for festive period
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Beauty editor Rachael Martin: 'It's fair to say Augustinus Bader has a cult following at this point - celeb fans include Victoria Beckham, Margot Robbie and Hailey Bieber. Dua Lipa is the latest to lend her seal of approval to the brand, which is why I'm stocking up on this gift set before it sells out. The Eye Rejuvenating Kit is a whopper, featuring two of the brand's bestsellers - the eye cream and the eye patches. Both are red carpet favourites thanks to their ability to hydrate and nourish the delicate under eye area - there's amino acids, peptide and vitamins in there. Expensive, yes, but worth every penny for a skincare maven.'
Pros
- Often sells out
- Good value
- Ideal for the person who has it all
Cons
- Still an expensive purchase
www.charlottetilbury.com
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.'
Pros
- Reusable packaging
- Nice mix of products
Cons
- £10 more expensive than last year
Christmas Beauty Gifts 2024 FAQ
What beauty gifts are best for someone with sensitive skin?
Look to Christmas gift set offerings from skincare brands such as Kate Somerville. The Stressed Skin Saviours Kit, £52 is a calming, soothing delight.
Are holiday beauty gift sets worth it?
As you can see from the curated edit above, beauty gifts are in full swing this season with beauty’s biggest names launching a vast selection of perfect presents. In terms of value for money, our picks are excellent options. Shop from our list? Holiday beauty gift sets are absolutely worth it.
What are some budget-friendly yet high-quality beauty gifts?
This list aims to cater to all budgets. For a good beauty gift under £15 we'd recommend looking to the 'stocking filler' sections on retailers websites. These often have smaller, high quality beauty brands that are easy on the purse strings without scrimping on the delight. Check out Molton Brown's Festive Bauble, £10 and Philip Kingsley Trending Treatments, £12 (but worth £22.50)
How do I choose a fragrance as a gift?
It can be tricky to choose fragrance as a gift, but when in doubt opt for a heavyweight from one of the big fragrance houses. Chloe, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Lancôme and Gucci all have "safe" classic options that are bound to be gratefully received.
What are the top sustainable beauty brands for holiday gifts?
Caudalie, Tata Harper and Kiehl's all have excellent, sustainable options.
Is make-up a good gift?
Whichever Christmas beauty gifts you fall upon from our edit of the best beauty gifts above, we can assure you that they will be very well received and will earn you a place in that person’s good books for the foreseeable. Make-up can be well received by most (provided you aren't guessing foundation shades, for example) but if you really want to play it safe opt for a candle.
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s beauty editor where she covers all things beauty, health and wellness.