55 Best Makeup Gifts 2024

Video: The Strategist; Photos: Retailer

Buying makeup for other people is tricky, because chances are the makeup lover in your life already has a vanity full of favorite products. But not only is the holiday season prime time for festive colors, sparkly eye shadows, beautifully packaged palettes, and shiny new lip gloss, all of those items are especially fun and easy to gift. That’s key when you’re giving makeup, and it’s why I recommend sticking to items that feel extra special and playful (I’d personally steer clear of “basics” like foundation or concealer, however high-end, that may not be the right shade). With this in mind, I’ve rounded up more than three dozen makeup gifts that are guaranteed to please even the most die-hard enthusiasts. I’ve also organized the list by price so there’s something for everyone, whether you’re shopping for stocking stuffers or big-ticket splurges.

Update on November 21, 2024: Added new products; updated prices and checked stock for all products.

NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip

“This is by far the best dupe” of Dior’s beloved Lip Glow Oil, says Strategist beauty columnist Rio Viera-Newton. The thick, high-shine gloss works just as well on glam evenings out with a full beat as it does on low-key no-makeup days, so it’s a great gift for beauty junkies and makeup casuals alike.

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

My best-in-class mascara pick is only $5, yet it considerably lifted and lengthened my lashes after just one swipe.

Wet n Wild MegaGlo Makeup Stick, Peach Bums

This warm, peachy Wet n Wild blush stick gives your skin an “insane” glow, says Viera-Newton. Its petite size and straightforward application makes it a cute stocking stuffer for a tween.

Starface Star Balm

Photo: Retailer

Here’s a good gift for a kid who might not be ready for “real” makeup but still wants to play around: Starface’s flavored lip balm, housed in a pleasantly blobby container.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara - Blue Mist
Very Good Deal

For those who like to turn heads with their makeup, colorful mascara is a great way to experiment with new eye looks. Strategist writer Rachael Griffiths recommends this electric cobalt-blue Maybelline mascara that “showed up on my dark lashes after just one slow, thorough coat.”

Eyelash Separator
Very Good Deal

If your giftee is always complaining about clumpy mascara, consider presenting them with an eyelash separator. In addition to separating and combing your lashes, it “subtly scrapes away any extra mascara to prevent them from drying too heavily or clumping throughout the day,” Griffiths explains.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
Very Good Deal

There’s a shade of Revlon’s iconic Super Lustrous Lipstick out there for everyone, from peachy pink to siren red to deep mauve. It’s a no-brainer to add to the collection of a lipstick enthusiast, but its glossy, moisturizing formula could also convert “someone who says they hate red lipstick,” assures makeup artist Emma Elizabeth.

L.A. Girl Shockwave Eyeliner

According to Viera-Newton, L.A. Girl’s Shockwave graphic eyeliners “seriously pack a punch color-wise,” which makes them a wonderful, wallet-friendly gift for someone who loves trying to re-create high-fashion editorial looks.

ColourPop Super Shock Shadow

For younger teens who want to try eye shadow but aren’t ready for a full palette, ColourPop’s Super Shock shadows are very user-friendly, says Viera-Newton. They give off a gorgeous prismatic shimmer, have a creamy, blendable texture, and don’t “get glitter anywhere except where you want to get glitter (your eyelids).”

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask Minis

Strategist editor Ailbhe Malone bought this Laneige mini-set for her Gen-Z cousin and reports that “it went down very well.” If they’re a fan of the brand’s flagship berry-flavored Sleeping Mask, there’s a good chance they’ll be interested in trying the watermelon, mango, gummy bear, and peach iced tea flavors, too.

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

Rare Beauty’s liquid blush has well and truly achieved smash-hit status by now — even if the makeup maven in your life has already tried it, they’ll be happy to receive a re-up.

CLE Cosmetics Melting Lip Powder

I was blown away by CLE Cosmetics’ melting lip powder, which transforms like magic from a pigmented powder into a matte, long-wearing tint that can be layered on eyes, lips, or cheeks. It’s bound to delight someone who’s always on the hunt for the newest beauty innovations.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Liquid Eyeliner

Anastasia Beverly Hills’ matte liquid liners now come in white, aubergine, navy, and burgundy shades — perfect for festive holiday-party looks.

REFY Lip Blush

Photo: Refy

For the low-maintenance girl who only spends five minutes on her makeup routine — but still loves to try new products — you can’t go wrong with a multipurpose tinted balm. This “tinted balm to end all tinted balms,” according to Strategist contributor Emma Firth, imparts “a blurred, just-been-kissed, and kissable, almost worn-in effect.”

Creer Beaute Bandai Tamagotchi Lip & Cheek

For tweens just beginning to play around with makeup — or anyone who loves a Y2K moment — this lip and cheek stain comes in cute Tamagotchi-esque packaging.

Saie Mini Glowy Super Gel Multipurpose Illuminator Set

A favorite of TikTok teens, Saie’s Glowy Super Gel delivers a dewy shine that’s sure to appeal to recent graduates of Glossier.

Sacheu Lip Liner STAY-N Peel Off Tattoo

Another hit among the #BeautyTok set, this lip-liner tattoo from beauty influencer Sarah Cheung peels off to leave a long-lasting stain that won’t fade or rub away.

Ardell Lash Demi Wispies 5 Pair Multipack

Ardell’s false eyelashes would be a real wallet-saver for someone who’s been getting monthly lash extensions. The Demi Wispies are a favorite of actress Lana Condor, who says she’s “obsessed” with them — and shared instructions on the most seamless way to put them on with the Cut.

Tower 28 BeachPlease Cream Blush

Housed in a convenient compact for the giftee who’s always doing their makeup on the train, our favorite cream blush from Tower 28 is “easy to blend, great for travel, and has a lovely dewy finish,” says Teen Vogue director of creative development Mi-Anne Chan.

AppleDoll True Love Blush

I also love AppleDoll’s blush sticks, which come in five rosy shades with a soft, sheer finish. The adorable heart-shaped packaging makes it an especially sweet surprise for a wife or girlfriend.

Glossier Balm Dotcom Trio
Best Seller

You can never go wrong with a set of Glossier’s do-it-all balms.

Banila Co Clean it Zero Best of Balms Trio

A good makeup remover is worth its weight in gold, especially if it’s being used every single day. Banila’s cleansing balm melts my makeup right off but leaves my skin feeling silky and hydrated. This trio of travel-size balms will let them find their favorite formula and keep one in every bag for on-the-go cleansing.

Kulfi Free The Brow Volumizing & Laminating Brow Gel

For someone who likes a bold brow, this Kulfi brow gel comes recommended by Strategist writer Brenley Goertzen, who says it makes her brows “look like I just left a lamination appointment.”

Florasis Constellation Floral Engraving Contour Palette

This elaborately engraved makeup palette from Florasis can be used for contour, highlight, blush, or eye shadow — even if it’s almost too pretty to use.

FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color

For those who love a bold red lip, Viera-Newton has anointed Fenty’s Stunna lip paint as the new Ruby Woo. “It’s an ultramatte velvet red that’s eye-catching without looking overly pinup-y,” she says.

Bobbi Brown Luxe Lipstick

On the other hand, the more neutral girlies will likely prefer Bobbi Brown’s luxe lipstick. It comes in a range of understated rosy taupe and nude shades and has a subtle satiny sheen.

Half Magic Glitterpuck Pressed Glitter for Eyes, Face + Body

Whenever I’m looking for a full-on glitter moment, I turn to Half Magic, founded by Euphoria’s makeup artist Donni Davy. The brand’s best-selling Glitterpuck packs an ultrasparkly punch that can be used all over.

Youthforia BYO Blush

Youthforia’s color-changing blush oil will react with your giftee’s skin pH to form a shade that’s singular to them. “Without a question, it was the closest a makeup product had ever come to emulating my very own sun-kissed flush,” writes Viera-Newton.

Ami Colé The Colé Lip Kit

For someone who won’t leave the house without lip liner, Ami Colé’s super-creamy waterproof lip liner, paired with a glossy lip-treatment oil, are guaranteed to create a perfect pout. The set is also packaged in a sweet case with a built-in mirror for easy application on the go.

Dior BACKSTAGE Glow Face Palette

Impress your designer-label-loving family and friends with this Dior highlighter palette, which features an elegantly embossed pattern and four shimmery shades to suit a variety of skin tones.

Violette_FR Yeux Paint

Violette’s richly pigmented liquid shadows come in a range of beautifully vibrant shades, from sparkly magenta to matte lavender. They’d be very useful for creating special-occasion looks for the frequent concert or rave attendee.

Sweet Tooth by Sabrina Carpenter Eau de Parfum

Though it’s not technically makeup, Sabrina Carpenter’s caramel- and vanilla-scented Sweet Tooth perfume would be the perfect gift for someone excited to attend the Short ’n’ Sweet Tour.

Valentino Spike Valentino Buttery Matte Lipstick

I mostly skew dewier with my makeup, but I can still appreciate a budgeproof matte finish. If you’re shopping for someone who doesn’t want to overdo it on shine, Valentino Beauty’s Spike lipstick is the first matte formula I’ve tried that doesn’t dry out my lips.

Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops

Drunk Elephant’s viral Sunshine Drops would be a treat for someone who dreads the paleness that comes with winter. Strategist contributor Zing Tsjeng says they gave her a radiant, “lit from within” glow.

Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand

Charlotte Tilbury’s viral highlighter has an easy-to-use cushion applicator and provides a pearlescent shimmer.

Make Up For Ever 408 Small Paint Brush

This fun little makeup brush from Make Up For Ever looks just like a traditional paintbrush, making it suitable for blending foundation or carving out cheekbones.

YSL Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick

If you want to go above and beyond, you can get a tube of YSL’s Candy Glaze gloss stick engraved in person at Nordstrom, making it an especially thoughtful, personalized gift.

Manasi 7 All Over Color Creamy Finish in Heliotrope

On cold, gray, rainy days, I like to reach for a brightly colored blush to lift my spirits. Manasi 7’s versatile All Over colors range from neutral dusky roses to warm bright scarlets to deep, intense purples.

Em Cosmetics Divine Skies Eyeshadow Palette - Magic Hour

Em Cosmetics’ Divine Skies palette in the shade Magic Hour was my go-to palette for several years, and I think it’d make a great gift for anyone just starting to experiment with eye shadow.

Gisou Honey-Infused Lip Oil

Anyone who spends a lot of time watching beauty tutorials on Instagram Reels is likely familiar with Gisou’s honey-infused lip oil. Housed in a very photo-friendly wavy bottle, it leaves lips feeling softened, plumped, and nourished.

Pat McGrath Luminous Legends: Mega Eye Shadow Palette

Pat McGrath eye shadows are some of the richest and most pigmented on the market, and this limited-edition Luminous Legends palette, with its dazzling array of jewel-toned shades, appears to be no exception.

MARA Sea Silk Lip Balm Trio

Mara’s Sea Silk lip balms are smooth and hydrating, with a texture that’s thick but not waxy; they’d be a godsend for someone (such as myself) whose lips get dry and crusty in the winter.

Grande Cosmetics Lash and Brow Vibes Mascara and Lash Serum Set

I received multiple compliments on my lashes after using Grande Cosmetics’ castor-oil-infused mascara; this holiday set also includes the brand’s tried-and-true lash and brow serums for anyone looking for an extra boost.

Victoria Beckham Beauty Smoky Eye Brick - Signature

Victoria Beckham’s beauty line was made for those who still feel nostalgic over ’90s-era soft glam makeup. Elizabeth loves this Eye Brick because even though it only contains four colors, “it gives you everything that you need,” she says. “You can use the shadow as eyeliner. You can pop a brown in the crease. You can just use the matte shades all over the eyelid.”

ScentLab Warm & Sweet Potion

A fun gift for the fraghead who’s always mixing and layering their perfumes, ScentLab’s potions offer an easy way to concoct their own unique fragrances. I’ve been mixing its Pistachio Dream with Toasty Vanilla for a delicious gourmand bomb.

Westman Atelier Mini Baby Cheeks Blush Trio

Westman Atelier’s blush sticks have a sheer, blendable texture that’s especially suited for people with dry skin. This trio of best-selling shades comes in petite, travel-friendly packaging.

Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Lip Balm - Duo

Hourglass’s Phantom balm gives me the loveliest, shiniest, juiciest wash of color. It also feels amazing when applied thanks to the menthol in the formula, which gives it a faint tingling sensation that I really enjoy. This special holiday duo includes the limited-edition shade Mystic, a pearlescent coral.

Byredo Eyeshadow Palette in Sciomancer

Byredo’s eye-shadow palettes come in delightful mussel-shaped compacts and include a quintet of unusual shades. It’s a splurge for sure, but the smooth, buttery shadows and the hefty, high-quality packaging make it a show-stopping gift that’s worth the price tag.

Étoile Collective Vanity Case

Makeup hoarders will appreciate this handy vanity case from Étoile Collective. Goertzen uses one to organize her cosmetics, perfume, and medication and says it’s decreased her get-ready time by at least ten minutes.

Subtl Beauty Starter Stak

For frequent travelers who typically haul a carry-on full of cosmetics, this sleek makeup stack from Subtl Beauty greatly streamlined my suitcase: It has concealer, bronzer, powder, eye-shadow duos, and a lip and cheek tint, all packaged in stackable containers.

Isamaya Industrial Colour Pigments Palette

Isamaya’s punk-inspired palette contains shades makeup artist Mollie Gloss had never seen before, like a scarlet orange and seaweed green: “You have multichromes, you have crease colors, you have different textures and rich pigments.” It’s definitely meant for a more experienced makeup user, but I can pretty much guarantee they won’t already have this palette in their collection.

Jo Malone Holiday Cologne Collection

Devotees of the beloved fragrance brand Jo Malone will be delighted at the chance to sample these five travel-size, holiday-themed scents: Midnight Musk & Amber, White Moss & Snowdrop, Fir & Artemisia, Ginger Biscuit, and Orange Bitters.

Clé de Peau Beauté Scarlet Diamond Lipstick

Cle de Peau’s ultra-luxe Scarlet Diamond lipstick is perfect for anyone who loves bling. The weightless, serum-like formula is infused with diamonds and 24-karat gold for instant radiance.

Merit The Evening Set

Merit’s minimal, your-face-but-better makeup is a must-have among “clean girl” devotees. This set includes everything they’ll need for an effortless night out: a matte Solo shadow, Clean Lash mascara, and the brand’s recently released perfume Retrospect.

Bdellium Tools Maestro Series Complete Brush Set - 12 pc.

I crowned this Bdellium Tools set as the best overall makeup-brush set because it’s suitable for every skill level, from newbies to seasoned makeup artists, and it lasts for years and years. It’s “a really comprehensive way to get a good amount of high-quality brushes into your kit,” says makeup artist Amanda Thesen.

The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.


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