The 56 best beauty gifts of 2024, vetted by beauty experts

Recommended by Rose Siard, makeup artist and founder of Rose and Ben Beauty, as well as NYC-based celebrity and fashion hairstylist Jackie Seabrooke, this kit will surprise you with its versatility. You can use the pencils on the lips or eyes, and as Seabrooke notes, the mini sizes are perfect "whether you want to toss them all in your bag at once or test each shade before committing to the full sizes."

"One of my favorite holiday hacks is to purchase gift sets like this and split them up to make multiple presents," says Reed. She'll pick up Tarte's Juicy Lips gift set and this set of three makeup palettes, and then wrap a lip and palette together. "So with purchasing two sets, you'll have [multiple] individual gifts that will bundle so nicely together!" she says.

Makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran says she's a huge fan of Fenty Beauty's ultra-shiny glosses. A must-have gift from Ulta Beauty at Target, the mini sizes are perfect for testing popular shades.

If you're already a fan, you can go for the full-size glosses with the Glossy Posse Volume 7 trio.

Siard says this travel-friendly makeup brush set from her own brand "makes getting ready as easy as one, two, three, four, five!" The assortment includes brushes for the face and eyes, plus a case that holds them all upright for easy access.

"I've been using this mascara for YEARS at this point, and it's truly the best one that I've found — it stays all day long without flaking," says Reed. "I always use this primer too, so I love this set that is a discounted price for both the mascara and the primer together."

You can always count on Charlotte Tilbury to make you feel glamorous. The Pillow Talk collection is one of my favorites, and this kit lets you sample a little bit of everything — the viral Beauty Light highlighter wand, Lip Cheat lip liner, Matte Revolution lipstick and Big Lip Plumpgasm gloss — in the universally flattering shade.

Celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg is a fan of Ilia's clean beauty products. "Ilia came out with The Party Set, which includes a cheek stick, mascara and liquid eyeshadow," she says. "I love all of their products but those three might be my all-time favorites and they are perfect for the holiday season."

"Every makeup lover needs a good set of brushes, and this Spectrum collection offers six essential brushes for under $50," says Autumne West, Nordstrom's national beauty director. "It's a thoughtful gift that can help create countless looks."

Including three full-size products plus a mini mascara for under $100, this set from makeup artist Jeanine Lobell's brand, Neen, has your holiday lip and eye look covered. "Just add some silver shimmer and a red lip and you’re ready to go!" Lobell says.

Celebrity makeup artist Brandy Allen says to lean into the blush trend that's been so big this year. "Blush is such a staple in our beauty bags, so what better gift than a blush set? I love clean alternatives and high pigments like [this one] — this is a gorgeous makeup set perfect for under a beauty lover’s tree," she says.

Celebrity makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes loves getting this beauty Advent calendar every year. It's perfect for discovering new products and it's an incredible value. I think of this advent calendar as something that's perfect to share with your friends and family or indulge and buy for yourself.

"These sticks are the ideal texture for colder months," Hughes says of these lip and cheek sticks from her own brand. "The formula gives you that perfect soft diffused color for lips and cheeks." I'm a personal fan and love mixing and matching the shades, which is why this customizable trio is a great addition to your makeup bag.

Greenberg thinks these luxe makeup brushes are a great gift. "[The set] includes three essential brushes for foundation, concealer and powder," she says. "I use these brushes daily, they're the best!"

This budget-friendly set is one of Seabrooke's picks and also one of our favorite skin care sets of the season. "If you love to travel but don't want to sacrifice your skin care regimen, this set is ideal," Seabrooke says. "It has all your essentials in one: a face wash, actives and moisturizing products, all for under $30."

Another one of Jaikaran's favorite gift sets, this anti-aging skin care kit features four products to target plumpness, brightness and hydration. It's also recommended by Ulta Beauty pro team member Danielle Keasling, who says, "it's an excellent introduction to Estée Lauder's Advanced Night Repair range, designed to fight signs of aging and help skin recover overnight." You'll get to sample a cleanser, eye cream and moisturizer, plus a full-size bottle of the bestselling Advanced Night Repair Serum.

Hughes' top skin care gift set recommendation is from buzzy brand Dieux. According to the beauty expert, this bundle includes "epic skin care essentials that are great for so many skin types." The reusable eye masks and plumping and soothing Auracle eye serum are perfect for some post-holiday R&R.

"Gifting this set is like giving the luxury of a spa treatment," West says. "The set includes everything needed for a perfect morning routine: body wash, lotion, a mist for a touch of fragrance and a natural deodorant. It's a refreshing way to start the day."

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nicole Ruth says "everyone's skin is in need of TLC — aka hydration — during the winter." This set will help with its combination of a milky cleanser to remove makeup, an editor-favorite facial toning mist to hydrate and a nourishing cream to plump and smooth the skin.

New York City-based dermatologist Dr. David Kim recommends this four-piece set for people with dry skin. It includes the popular Ultra Repair Cream, plus a face cleanser, exfoliating pads and a lip balm.

"This luxurious set targets the specific needs of mature skin, providing essential hydration, improved elasticity and a radiant complexion," Ruth says. "With its carefully formulated products, it’s a perfect way to show someone you care about their skin health and overall well-being." The derm adds that it's a great skin care set for both men and women.

Osea is a mainstay in my body care routine and it's also a go-to for Lobell. "I’m all about giving people things they will actually use and Osea Malibu has some of my favorite body products," Lobell says. "We all need some extra hydration in the winter and these are a skin lifesaver." Besides feeling amazing, it's easy to fall in love with the products' bright citrus scent.

"I love gifting sets that can be seamlessly integrated into a friend's skin care routine, which is why the Trifecta is one of my favorite sets," says celebrity master esthetician Sarah Akram. "This set includes a cleanser, serum and lotion that cumulatively feature 20 active ingredients that are formulated to give the skin everything it needs for an effortless glow."

Ruth recommends this skin care duo that consists of The Elixir and Storm Serum, which she says "work to help repair your skin barrier with antioxidants and 17 active ingredients and a serum made with revolutionary time-released technology." According to the dermatologist, they're do-it-all products that address hydration, irritation, breakouts and inflamed skin.

Grooming expert and founder of Atwater Chris Salgardo says that La Mer's skin care is "a luxury choice for someone who appreciates the finer things," adding that the "collection deeply nourishes the skin, restoring moisture and a youthful glow."

The gift sets are pricey but offer an assortment of the brand's luxe products, which I think make an especially great gift for moms or mother-in-laws.

"We can never have enough hand sanitizers this time of the year," Kim says. This set includes five of Touchland's most popular scents that you'll actually enjoy spritzing, such as Vanilla Blossom, Berry Bliss and Rainwater.

Celebrity facialist Shani Darden says, "Beis has the chicest luggage. It’s one of my absolute favorite gifts to give. The Cosmetic Case is the perfect gift for anyone who loves skin care. It’s a great size, while still having plenty of storage." Load it up with some of your favorite beauty products for a custom gift set.

This small but mighty microcurrent device is my favorite for a quick at-home or on-the-go sculpting facial. The travel-friendly tool is app-enabled and comes with step-by-step tutorials to walk you through different toning exercises for your face.

"I am obsessed with humidifiers. I have them running in my house constantly," says Darden. "The size of the Canopy Humidifier is perfect and it’s really powerful. Using a humidifier in the winter really helps your skin hold on to moisture to keep it hydrated and glowing, so it’s an essential for me." The kit comes with the humidifier, filter and a aroma sampler.

"This Sephora gift set is excellent for those who love trying new products," says Rogério Cavalcante, hairstylist and owner of The Second Floor Salon in NYC. "It has everything from repair treatments to styling products and even hair perfume. If you could hold yourself all year long and not buy anything new, this is your chance to get everything you wanted to try at a great price."

Seabrooke says this set is the "perfect hair care gift for the holidays!" It includes a routine's worth of full-size products, including a santal-scented shampoo and conditioner, heat protectant and leave-in treatment. You'll also get a mini size of the Elixir oil "to combat the upcoming dry and static season," as Seabrooke notes, adding that the full-size bottle is close to $200 so it's a great opportunity to sample the luxe formula.

Cavalcante loves that this kit lets you try Olaplex's full bond-repairing line at an accessible price. "This is an excellent gift for that friend who can’t stay away from the salon for more than three months to get highlights. Her hair needs it!" he says. "It is also all travel-size, so they can take their hair care wherever they go." Our editors are big fans of the No. 3 Hair Repair Perfector and No. 7 Bonding Oil, which are included in the set.

This set was recommended by two hair experts. Gigi Pogosyan, master hair colorist and owner of Balayage by Gigi says it's ideal for winter. "Since your hair naturally gets drier during the winter, you want to keep it hydrated and moisturized," she says. Along with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner, the set includes a heat protection spray. "I love this set especially if you're looking to deliver nourishment and shine while protecting against heat damage," adds hairstylist Jennifer Korab.

"Perfect for anyone, especially with color-treated hair, this gift set will leave hair feeling revived and silky smooth," Korab says. "It’s crafted to deeply hydrate, soften and protect hair from environmental stressors." It includes a full-size shampoo and conditioner, plus a travel-size leave-in conditioner. When purchased at Ulta, it also includes a bonus mini Top Coat Clear Hair Gloss.

"Hydration is key not only for your skin — it’s just as important for your hair," Pogosyan says. She recommends this hair care set from Moroccanoil that's infused with argan oil to help hydrate and detangle. You'll instantly fall in love with the luxurious scent too.

"This set is my go-to for damaged or stressed hair," Korab says. She loves the fun packaging and powerful ingredients, noting, "Amika’s products offer both effective results and a sense of joy in everyday hair care."

"Silk pillowcases are amazing for reducing friction on the hair while you sleep, which means fewer tangles and less breakage," de León says. "The set comes with a matching silk scrunchie that’s gentle on strands and a beautiful addition to any nighttime routine."

This vanilla-forward floral fragrance is soft, sweet and pretty, with notes of blackcurrant, jasmine grandiflorum and bourbon vanilla. It's one of Jaikaran's picks as well as my own, since it's a fan-favorite scent across generations — both myself and my mom love it and wear it often.

Keasling says this trio of travel-sized Gucci perfumes is "a beautiful choice for anyone who loves floral bouquets." All of the scents are inspired by different flowers. The expert especially loves the jasmine scent, which she says is "is charming, with its delicate, sweet aroma."

I'm a big perfume collector, and this is one of my favorite fragrances that launched this year. The fresh, clean floral is a great everyday fragrance and the bottle is stunning to boot. This set includes three sizes so you can always carry one with you.

Ulta Beauty pro team member Michelle O’Connor keeps Prada Paradoxe in "heavy rotation" so she loves the idea of grabbing this two-piece set for the price of a singular bottle.

Glossier You is a cult-favorite skin scent that is warm and spicy. With this travel spray trio, you'll get the original scent along with Glossier's two brand new additions to its You portfolio, Rêve and Doux.

"We included six mini perfumes in a beautiful gift box for under $70, and these scents are luxe, elevated and absolutely perfect for the holidays," Reed says of her brand's fragrance gift set. "Gift to a friend, split into multiple gifts or keep them all for yourself — you’ll love these!"

"I love the Advent calendar from Le Mini Macaron as each box is a fun surprise for the gift receiver to open and discover," says celebrity manicurist Queenie Nguyen. "It is such a smart way to gift multiple polish and nail art options at once for the holiday season." The brand is one of our favorites for an at-home gel manicure thanks to its easy one-step gel formula.

Nguyen says she's all about using gentle skin care on your hands, and she's a fan of this Japanese set from Damdam. It includes a cream cleanser, cleansing oil, essence mist and moisturizer that the manicurist says are perfect for pampering skin from face to hands.

Glamnetic makes our absolute favorite press-ons. Bundle and save for the festive season with this holiday-themed trio, or opt for one of the other fun collections, such as Hello Kitty or Harry Potter.

Underscored readers can save an extra 20% off sitewide with code CNN20 (limited to one-time use and new customers only).

Nail polish lovers will appreciate this kit, loved by professional nail artist Betina Goldstein, that gives long-lasting manicures at home. "This system is revolutionary," Goldstein raves. "It goes on like gel and removes like regular polish. This is perfect for people on the go who don’t have time or patience to wait for polish to dry, but hate the process of gel remover. Easy enough for at home use or bring it with you to the salon."

With a skin-care-inspired approach to nail care — which makes sense for a dermatologist-founded brand — Dr. Dana's nail renewal system helps keep nails strong, healthy and shiny. I personally use this set to help my nails recoup their strength in between gel manicures.

"When it comes to hand care, Paume specifically offers hand sanitizers and other hand care treatments that are gentle," Nguyen says. "I especially love their Clean Hand Essentials bundle because it has hand sanitizer, body wipes and hand exfoliator that are made with plant-based emollients." This means they'll keep your hands soft and moisturized.

Let's be real — buying men's grooming gift sets is practically like checking some boxes off of a grocery list. Instead of picking up his favorite drugstore shampoo, help him upgrade and grab this trio of hair and body washes. "I love how the Big Sir Body & Hair Cleanser from the Jack Black The Clean Team Set smells on my husband, so this might really be a gift for me," says West.

"This set is the perfect introduction to Atwater's top-selling products, offering a curated selection that covers all the essentials for a man’s skin care routine," Salgardo says of this pick from his own brand. "It’s a great gift for anyone looking to simplify their regimen while still delivering powerful results."

I gifted my boyfriend a body care set from Malin + Goetz last year and it's since become his favorite body wash and lotion. The Rum scent is a favorite for the both of us, so this duo is a no-brainer for restocking some tried-and-true products.

Celebrity groomer and Every Man Jack ambassador Michael Dueñas loves this beard and skin care set. "It has a gentle beard and face wash, beard oil for softening your hair and hydrating your skin and beard butter for controlling flyaways," he says. The groomer loves that the formulas include beneficial, naturally derived ingredients like jojoba, squalene and avocado oils. "The scent of all the products is hinoki spice and it is amazing," he adds.

Celebrity groomer Laila Hayani says that "Jaxon Lane is one of the cleanest and most effective men’s grooming lines out there." She and fellow celebrity groomer KC Fee both recommend this set from the brand. “Guys love the simplicity of the routine and the packaging," says Fee. "Skin care can be intimidating for men but Jaxon Lane has created a line with ease. This is a fantastic starter set for your man with all of the original hero products.”

Hayani appreciates the quality of Every Man Jack's products and recommends this kit. According to the expert, the brand is "driven to deliver exceptional grooming care," which is displayed in this convenient set that includes a beard comb, brush and shears for easy, everyday maintenance.