Beauty Gifts That Are Surprisingly Affordable (and Work)

This kit includes moisturizing products from one of our fave beauty brands. They’ll get mini versions of the Laneige hyaluronic acid moisturizer, the water sleeping mask, and its iconic overnight lip treatment. They can try ‘em all out and then buy the full-sized versions of their faves. BRB. Buying one for all our friends. ($30, Sephora)

To keep in their bag or on their bedside table. This two-piece set comes with a silver and gold clip with a nonslip grip and rounded claws that minimize snags and breakage. Customers say it can even hold thick, waist-length hair in place all day with no adjustments or headaches. And it’ll add the perfect amount of sparkle for their next holiday party. Hair for it. And for more great holiday gifts from Amazon, check out our storefront. ($9.99/2 pack, Amazon)

But definitely see it. This hydrating lipstick comes in shades they can build on. Aka more layers = more saturated color. For that just-right pigment with a sheer, satin finish. Without the weight. PS: Skimm’rs get a free makeup bag with their first order. ($26, MERIT)*

This set from Rituals will make their evening shower feel like a spa. Trust. It comes with a mini aromatherapy diffuser that’ll make their bathroom smell great, a foaming shower gel, a hair and body mist, and a body cream. Each product has refreshing notes of cherry blossoms and comes in a gift box so you don’t have to wrap it. One easy present coming right up. ($62.50, Rituals)

The girls that get it, get it. And this internet-famous mask from Glow Recipe is it. It’s made with watermelon and hyaluronic acid and is designed to hydrate and smooth their skin. Did we mention it smells incredible? Because it does. Pair with any of our fave facial tools for a skincare match made in heaven. ($45.68, Amazon)

Because the simplest gifts can be the greatest ones. This vegan, cruelty-free brush collection has everything they need for a minimal makeup routine and/or touch ups. They’ll get mini brushes for: foundation, concealer, eye shadow, and their eye crease. Now, anytime they have to do their makeup in the car, they’ll be ultra-prepared. ($20, Sephora)

Glowing skin, here they come. A gua sha is the perfect tool for anyone curious about lymphatic drainage practices. By applying pressure and movement, using this daily can help firm their skin while also improving blood circulation. Who doesn’t want that? This one from Sephora comes in jade, rose quartz, amethyst, and black obsidian options. Add in a serum for the ultimate combo gift. ($28+, Sephora)

So they won’t have to reach for their hot tools as much. This soft, satin curling set from Kitsch (psst…use code SKIMM25 at checkout for 25% off sitewide at Kitsch) can reduce frizz and breakage. For easy curls, they’ll simply place the soft tube on top of their head, wrap their hair around the remaining ends, and secure with the included scrunchies. After sleeping overnight, they’ll have effortless curls — without the heat. It’s giving Nutcracker energy, but in a good way. IYKYK. PS: Check out our full review. ($13.58, Amazon)

If they’re obsessed with all things hydration, they’re going to love this oil from Shikohin. It has hemp, tamanu, and apricot seed oil that’ll keep them feeling moisturized. Its hero ingredient, tamanu oil, is high in antioxidant properties that can soothe eczema and reduce the appearance of scars. And because it has a spray application, it isn’t messy or greasy. Smooth skin for the win. ($36, Shikohin)

Hear us out. This is not your grandma’s powder puff (but upon reflection, she might want it after seeing this). This updated tool from Beauty Blender has a tear drop shape so they can get a good application every time. Use it for applying powders and blotting any excess oils. They can pop in their bag for those on-the-go makeup touch-ups or keep it deskside so they can be Zoom-ready at all times. Add to stocking. ($15, Sephora)

It’s soft, won’t irritate sensitive skin, and can help end their reliance on single-use makeup remover wipes. The trick is in the fabric. All they have to do is add water. And once their face is clean, they can toss it in the laundry. More magical than Santa. ($6.99+, Amazon)

There’s nothing better than giving a gift you know they’ll actually use. And the struggle is real when it comes to getting old, caked-on foundation off your brushes. This silicone tool suctions right on to the sink so they can add soap and use it as a surface to scrub. Plus, its different textures and grooves really help get in there for maximum results. It’s the perfect stocking stuffer. ($5.99+, Amazon)

Sometimes the best gifts are the ones they wouldn’t think to buy themselves. That’s why we love gifting this palm-leaf, microfiber hair trio. They’ll get an absorbent scrunchie, a hair towel, and an adjustable headband that comes in handy for face washing. The pattern’s too cute not to take a selfie in, so if you give this to your sis or friends, expect some pics in return. Just saying. ($33.99, Amazon)

Smooth lines every time? Yes, please. This smudge-free stick will do the work shaky hands might not be able to. Its waterproof formula will stay all day long, too. Giving them the gift of a hassle-free wing? Priceless. ($11.97+, Amazon)

Want to make ‘em feel like a million bucks? Scoop this up. This facial tool is designed to soothe inflamed skin, shrink pores, and depuff. It’s hand-blown with high-quality glass and filled with biodegradable gel. All they’ll have to do is pop it in the fridge overnight (for optimal cooling effects) and massage it gently over their face in an upward motion. They can even roll over a face mask if they want to get a double-duty thing going. You’re gonna need one too, while you’re at it. ($14, Sundree)

Who doesn’t want goodies from Glossier? They’ll get the brand’s milky jelly cleanser, priming moisturizer, and soothing lip balm. 10/10 recommend. ($44, Glossier)

Because their lip gloss should always be poppin’. This one from Beautycounter comes in 14 versatile shades, and has an applicator that picks up the perfect amount of product so their lips won’t be left feeling sticky. It’s also ultra-moisturizing thanks to ingredients like candelilla wax and beeswax. So they can be mistletoe ready. They’ll thank you later. ($32, Beautycounter)

Tell your bestie to leave this in the freezer and take it out when they feel a migraine coming on, want to depuff their skin, or amp up their favorite mask. It’s also great for cooling down after a workout. And, they’ve probably seen it all over Insta and have been secretly (or not so secretly) wanting one for themselves. Make their dreams come true. Ice, ice baby. ($14.99, Amazon)

We would trust these face masks with our life. There’s a hydrating version for dewy “glazed donut” skin and a brightening one for a serious glow. They’re great for all skin types and the price isn’t too shabby considering they work wonders. If they’re obsessed with all things masking or simply don’t know where to start, these ones from Dr. Jart are a must. ($15, Sephora)

Helping them achieve a good hair day? It’s an absolute yes from us. This lightweight oil is richin antioxidants that’ll smooth out their hair, protect against heat damage, and add tons of shine. Plus, it smells so good with notes of lavender, ylang-ylang, and neroli. Happy hair-lidays. ($52, True Botanicals)

This product from Bobbi Brown’s latest brand, Jones Road, is a subtle glow in a bottle. It’s a makeup-skincare hybrid that’ll add some extra hydration to their skin all with a hint of color and glow. Plus, it isn’t heavy on the skin and is made of nine nourishing oils. They can wear it on its own for a no makeup-makeup look, use it as a primer, or wear it like a highlighter. So they can shine brighter than Hanukkah candles and a Christmas tree combined. Love that for them. ($34, Jones Road)

We all have that one friend who loves getting a blowout. And this handy gadget will give ‘em one whenever they want. And no, they don’t have to be an expert to use it. This tool has three heat and speed settings, plus a cool option for styling. The oval design will help to smooth their locks and create volume. Who’s the best gift giver? It’s you. Sleigh. ($37.50+, Amazon)

The best gift? Some TLC. This luxe mask from Arkive has a potent blend of baobab oil, shea butter, and coconut oil that’ll add extra layers of hydration to their locks. They can use it instead of conditioner if they have extra-dry hair or can use it once a week as a treatment. Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free. Because hydration isn’t just for skincare. Hair for it. ($22, Bloomingdales)

This handy balm will work on their lips and cheeks. It’ll provide a sun-kissed flush and the serum-grade ceramides in it will help  strengthen their skin. Plus, it’s super nourishing and hydrating — it has ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, and vitamin E — which is the ultimate gift if you ask us. Their stocking is calling. It wants this. ($29, Iris & Romeo)