The Best Makeup, Beauty, and Skincare Gift Guides for the 2020 Holiday Season
Every year during the holidays I feel like we see the same items repeatedly. Gift guides are updated but rarely changed. It always gets me thinking… What items are actually worth the price?
This year, I wanted to do some things differently. Rather than sharing items that look fun, I wanted to share products I use / have used and can vouch for. The best gifts are those that come with experience.
Sephora has just added their gift section to their website for this holiday season, and there are some amazing deals. Whether you are into skincare, makeup, or beauty, there is something for you to give or to keep and use.
Earlier this year, I shared all of my favorites in the spring Sephora sale. For the most part, these items remain on my tried and true list of top items, so if you are looking for something in particular rather than a gift set, click here to read instead!
I went through the entire Sephora gift section (so you don’t have to!) to find my personal favorites and the best deals. This section includes:
- Makeup Gift Guide
- Skin and Hair Gift Guide
- Gifts under $25 (awesome for stocking stuffers or if you’ve been wanting to try something without the expensive investment)
- Gifts for Him
The Best Beauty Gifts for 2020
Everything I am going to mention below are items I not only have tried, but swear by. Click on the name of the item to shop directly, or click on the collages to shop via the LiketoKnow.it app!
Makeup Gift Guide
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Set – Talk about a great value! This lip color is one of my favorites for all year, and this set is going for almost 50% off. The mini lipliner and lipstick is also available if you want to give it a try.
Dior Lip Glow – this lipstick is a little bit more like a gloss, but dang it is amazing. I’m a naturally dry person no matter how much water I drink, and this stuff hydrates like you wouldn’t believe. The balm and gloss are also available as a set if you want to try them all.
Urban Decay Setting Spray – I’ve always thought this stuff was the best, but so expensive! Now is your chance to stock up for next year at a price that is a bit more reasonable.
Laura Mercier Setting Powder – I have never seen this powder so inexpensive before! One container lasts me typically 4-6 months and helps so much with setting under my eyes and in areas that wrinkle. I love that it doesn’t get clumpy throughout the day. This holiday packaging makes it a wonderful gift idea for someone who otherwise wouldn’t spend the money. Never tried it but want to give it a spin? The mini size is also available at a discounted price!
IT Cosmetics CC Cream, Eye Cream, and Other Value Set – While I would be lying if I said I have used all of these items, I can say that is this an amazing value. For the price I pay for my IT Cosmetics CC cream, you are getting a full size item PLUS a bunch of freebies! I’m excited to buy this before it sells out!
Dior Mascara and Rogue Kit – This is the CLASSIC holiday lipstick. The red is so beautiful (and the price is so right). I personally use this mascara whenever I am wearing false lashes. It helps make the fakes blend with my real ones without getting clumped. I love that it comes out of the false lash fibers easily so I can rewear any pair.
Skin and Hair Gift Guide
Slip Silk Pillowcase – this one is a little bit more of a splurge, but would make an amazing gift. I bought one of these during the Nordstrom sale this summer, and it is amazing how much softer it is on my skin. My hair is also absolutely less frizzy than it used to be. 100% one of my best buys this year, and I recommend it completely. King sized pillow also available.
On this same end (only more affordable), the Slip Silk Face Mask is amazing for anyone who is a light sleeper, travels, or has eyelash extensions. My fiance gave one to me as a gift last year and I love to use it at night! If you want to buy both, that is also an option that will save you money in the long run.
Living Proof Dry Shampoo and Mini – Living Proof dry shampoo is one of my favorites. I have thick, wavy hair and it is one of two dry shampoos I’ve found that will absorb my oil without making my head / hair change colors. The mini bottle is great to throw into your gym bag or have on hand for traveling. It also would make a great stocking stuffer!
NuFace Mini + Primer – I mentioned this on my favorites list for the spring Sephora sale, but my NuFace mini has been a dream for my skin/face. It lifts and tightens the skin without the use of injectables. I also love that it can contour my cheeks/jawline. Anyone with a round or square head (me!) should invest in one of these – it’s worth it. This one is limited edition and so cute!
La Mer Miracle Moments Kit – La Mer is an elite brand of face products, and I have never seen it so low in cost. I used to use it when I was a rich queen living with my parents, but, alas, it is no longer in my budget. That said, it is amazing. The littlest bit goes a long way with these items, and the cleanser smells like heaven.
Kiehl’s Face Duo – I rave openly about my love for Kiehl’s face wash. The lotion is also a fan favorite, and one I keep in my moisturizer rotation (I use four different ones). It is hydrating and great for all skin types. This is a great value – buy the big one for yourself and give the little as a stocking stuffer to someone who will enjoy it.
Gifts Under $25
NUDESTIX Glow Set – I bought this set last time I shopped at Sephora to qualify for free shipping. My initial plan was to give it as a gift, but I ended up keeping it for myself! The colors are beautiful and so flattering. I love that you can use the lip shades on your cheeks or even eyelids. They are a good size (not overly small) and easy to take with you on the go!
Two Faced Hangover Setting Spray and Primer – this has been a makeup bag essential for me for YEARS. Though I love the all Nighter Spray for a long work day, this setting spray is my favorite for my “no makeup” days, or days when I just want to wear a tinted moisturizer. It is way lighter and feels so refreshing. I keep a bottle in my photoshoot bag for shoots that are long / I will be moving a lot to really keep my makeup in place.
Tarte Sea Fresh Faced Set – I use both the blush and the mascara from this kit – and am tempted to try the lipgloss! The mascara is my favorite for my bottom lashes. It gives them depth without getting clumpy. I love that the blush is color inclusive. It is my favorite for when I am tan and want to look a little sunkissed.
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Mini Kit – This kit is technically made to help you break your hair from silicone based products. I personally use it for travel. If you are going to see family this holiday season, or will be staying somewhere overnight, these are the perfect size to take with you on the go. These also are great if you’ve been wanting to test out any Living Proof product, but haven’t wanted to invest without knowing if it’s worth it.
Sephora Hand Mask – This year more than ever I feel like everyone has dried out hands and cuticles. Hand masks are a great way to rehydrate. These vegan gloves only have to be on for 15 min and help heal whatever it is you have going on.
Pillow Talk Mini Duo – I talked about this product in the above sections, but if you (or your friend) are like me and lose lipsticks on the reg, this is a great way to buy (or try) without regret.
For Him Gift Guide
I am going to start this section by saying 1) obviously I don’t use most of these products. If I do, I’ll tell you. My fiance, Harry, does use most of them, and the rest of the recs are based on reviews. 2) I hesitate to use the word “beauty” with gifts for him, so we are floating with the term “hygiene” instead.
Tom Ford Conditioning Beard Oil – this is a top seller for him on the Sephora site. Anyone who has a significant other with facial hair knows how dried out it can get, especially in seasons with extreme temperatures (summer, winter). This oil comes in many different scents and has great reviews. People talk about liking both the scent and the effectiveness of the product.
Jack Black Starter Set – this is the best set to first start getting into Jack Black. It has a cleanser, turbo wash for the body, and then a moisturizer. Harry started using Jack Black a little over a year ago and has never turned back. It smells amazing and is made for all skin types.
Kiehl’s Face Duo – I mentioned this set above, but it also works great for men. The lotion is a fan favorite, and one I keep in my moisturizer rotation (I use four different ones). It is hydrating and great for all skin types. This is a great value – buy the big one for yourself and give the little as a stocking stuffer to someone who will enjoy it.
“All is Balm” Lip Balm Duo Set – The Jack Black lip balm is one of the few things I personally use from the brand, and it is amazing. It doesn’t leak, smells good, and is effective. It also has SPF in it, so you don’t have to worry about burning in the sun.
Bleu de Chanel – Harry has worn this cologne since we met, and it smells amazing. This one is a great deal because it comes with refills.
Cologne Sample Set – This is an ingenious idea. If your guy hasn’t found a cologne that he likes yet, he can try all of the ones in this set. Once he finds a favorite, he can bring it and the coupon included in the box into any store and get a full sized one for no additional charge! This is a great gift for any guy that is tough to shop for, and is a great value for the price.
