The great thing about the beauty world is that it’s chock-full of high-quality, effective, and just plain pretty things that happen to be cheap — in other words, the perfect presents. To narrow it down for you, we've curated a list of our favorite beauty gifts for under $25, from trendy pocket-size blushes to compact acne patches and collectible buttery lip balms. They may be affordable, but even your most beauty-obsessed friend would never know it.
Want more holiday gifting ideas? Check out our full list of gift guides for everyone on your list.
A lash growth serum made with natural ingredients…
If they’re coveting longer lashes and Zendaya-caliber brows, gift them this growth serum. It promises results in about four weeks, thanks to a formula made with natural ingredients like biotin, peptides, and soybean extract. It’s also free of artificial fragrance and hormones. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A set of revitalizing face masks to start the weekend off on a relaxing note…
Indulge your friend with a set of four refreshing masks. The individual sheet masks are targeted to help with hydration and brightening, ideal for a weekend self-care moment. ($20, Patchology)
A hair brush to detangle wet and dry hair without any pain…
A couple of our shopping editors own this hair brush, and for them, it's become a classic. Especially if you have long hair that tends to get knotty in the wind or after showering, this'll save you from a painful detangling situation and leave you with glossy, frizz-free hair. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
Or a similar option from a beloved brand…
Kitsch is known for their popular heatless curlers, but we’ve also tried this detangling brush and have loved the results. Bristles range from hard to soft, so it’ll work out stubborn knots but won’t pull or rip hair. The shape is ergonomic, so it’ll feel more comfortable in their hand. One editor keeps this brush in her shower to help disperse shampoo and conditioner. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A four-pack of K-beauty masks that they can wear overnight …
There’s a simple reason why Biodance face masks are viral, and that’s because they really work. The rich hydrogel mask is infused with a highly concentrated serum to boost collagen, minimize pores, and firm your skin throughout the night. All they have to do is apply the mask normally and allow their skin to absorb the nutrients, and after three to four hours the sheet will turn transparent. The next morning, they’ll wake up to dewy, glowing skin. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
An organizer to keep their makeup sponges dry on the go…
Although compact, makeup sponges can be notoriously difficult to pack. However, now your friend can store two of their makeup sponges in this ventilated silicone container that keeps them dry and hygienic, and they won’t lose track of where they are in their bag. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A reusable cloth that’ll get rid of makeup with only water…
Don’t let your traveler friend realize at their destination that they ran out of makeup wipes or forgot micellar water at home. The Original MakeUp Eraser removes all makeup — waterproof mascara, eyeliner, foundation, sunscreen, and more — with its specially designed fibers. All they’ll need is warm water to activate the plush microfiber to get skin clean and soft. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A creamy, pocket-sized blush in six very cutesy hues…
Gift all the blush lovers on your list with one of Hailey Bieber’s adorable new blushes. There are six peachy and pink hues that’ll bring color to their cheeks. The hydrating mini blushes can also be used on the lips for a glowy finish. ($24, Rhode)
Individually packaged under-eye masks to brighten eyes on the go…
Consider grace & stella’s gold eye masks as caffeine for your under-eye bags. The rejuvenating patches are made with sea moss to reduce the appearance of unwanted fine lines, while the hyaluronic acid and glycerin hydrate. If your hardworking friend has been staying up later than usual for work or class, these eye masks are the perfect energy boost. Since they’re individually wrapped, they’re perfect for traveling. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A viral headband to keep their hair away while putting on makeup…
The perfect gift for your beauty guru friend has arrived, and it’s less than $7 (and you’ve probably seen it on influencers all over your feed). The rounded, light pink terry cloth headband is made from an absorbent sponge to keep your hair dry while completing your skincare routine or applying makeup. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A pack of wristbands to keep their sleeves dry while washing up…
There’s nothing worse than beginning your skincare routine and realizing soon afterward that your sleeves are soaked. Enter these clever (and cheap) wristbands, which are made of fleece that’ll absorb the water. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A clean, vegan mascara to volumize their lashes…
If your giftee has sensitive eyes but lives for long and full lashes, then Tower28 Beauty has heard their prayers. This water-resistant mascara is contact lens-safe, smudge-free, and easy to wash off, and the formula is free of irritants that can affect sensitive eyes. ($20, Tower28 Beauty)
The fluffiest eyeshadow brush for effortless application…
We’ve all had our fair share of eyeshadow brushes that never blend properly or the bristles fall out. Don’t let that happen to your loved one, and present them with a soft, clean, and high-quality one from Bobbi Brown’s brand, Jones Road Beauty. A must for any well-stocked kit. ($25, Jones Road)
A whimsical compact of star-shaped pimple patches…
Gift Starface’s Hydro-Star Pimple Patches to the friend who’s prone to picking at spots. These hydrocolloid pimple patches absorb, shrink, and protect their acne from any outside bacteria (and/or fingers). The best part is that the compact is refillable and comes with a mirror for easy and convenient application. ($15, Revolve)
An overnight lip mask for them to wake up to hydrated and soft lips…
With 4.6 stars and over 1,200 ratings, Mario Badescu’s lip mask is a must-have product to save dehydrated or cracked lips. The four key ingredients — shea butter, coconut oil, squalane, and acai berries — will help smooth, hydrate, and nourish dry lips overnight. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A viral lip butter balm to start their collection...
Summer Fridays lip butter balms have become a collector’s item among beauty lovers. All nine shades deliver a sheer wash of color and subtle flavor, and the shea butter formula is deeply hydrating. These sell out fast, so if they’re in stock, grab them ASAP. ($24, Sephora)
A travel-friendly pocket puff for them to set and bake their makeup…
Grant your giftee more space in their makeup pouch with this pocket-sized powder puff. The dual-sided puff is versatile, as it can be used with both loose and pressed powder. Additionally, the gel pocket provides extra control and precision when applying. ($18, Sephora)
A mini setting spray for them to take with them on all their travels…
No one wants to touch up their makeup on vacation. Give your loved one that luxury with Urban Decay’s All-Nighter Makeup Setting Spray. For up to 16 hours, the microfine mist will lock in all their makeup to be smudge-proof, transfer-resistant, and waterproof. The mini size would make for a cute stocking stuffer, too. ($17, Sephora)
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