I LOVE seeing gift guides on blogs. I get lots of ideas that way. But what I love even better is when the gifts from the guides have been tried, tested, and recommended. And that's the purpose of today--I have spent hours at different Sephoras (not a hard task for me) checking out the gift sets, seeing if they were worth the hype, if the samples were too small, and buying a few. For research ;)
I wanted to pick sets that were still sold online (many of you said you don't live near a Sephora) and sets that weren't too expensive. Here are my picks:
LIPS
Sephora Give Me Some Bold Lip--For the girl who really loves makeup and isn't afraid to change her looks $28
--I'd also add any of the other Sephora samplers--they are all really good.
Best BITE Redux--Everyone loves this brand, and for $25, you get 4 of their lip crayons
--They have a lipstick set as well I love
--I also recommend the Bow & Arrow liquid lip + liner set
Sephora Lip Pencils--Give the whole set or break it up and add them as stocking stuffers or as a part of another gift. I've mentioned these lots of times before, because they are so good! $25
FACE
Lancome Paris En Rose Hypnose Drama--6 of their best-selling products plus a full-size mascara $35
Foreo Luna PLay Mint with Benefit--Again, products I've featured on here before: Luna play, gel cleaneser, and the Pore Fessional $42
Becca Glow on the Go--My fave brand of highlighters, this gives you a liquid and powder version of Moonstone (you've seen them in my highlighter collection post/video). I suggest layering them for the ultimate glow.
Benefit Dandelion Wishes--5 piece, full-face set--lots of faves in here!
SKIN
Ole Henriksen Try Us, Love Us! On-the-Glow Essentials--One of my fave skincare brands, this set of 3 travel-sized skin care essentials is a great way to try out the line. I have loved everything I've tried from them. They have other sets too. $15
Dr. Jart Masking All the Way--That's literally what this is--a book of masks! Turn the page for a variety of sheet masks $37
Sephora Essential Rose Skin Trio--There's someone on your list (maybe you) who loves the scent of roses. Get her this for only $10!
L'Occitane Shea Butter Ornament--I always try to sound fancy when I pronounce the brand's name. And now you can feel fancy with this adorable set of hand cream, soap, and lotion. $14
Drunk Elephant Dayglow--This skincare brand has been very popular this year, but it's very expensive. Try this hydration gel and serum combo (they have a night version too) $28
Nest Ornament Candle--They have this in a couple of scents, and if you saw my latest Sephora haul video, this was one of the special items. I like to share extra stuff in my videos that I don't share on the blog in an attempt to get you to actually watch them! Anyway, NEST makes some of the BEST candles out there. And the size is great for $16. This one smells like the holidays and I've been burning it nearly every day.
Bumble & Bumble A Few of Our Fave Things--Great set of tried and true fave haircare products for you to test out! $39
Sephora Romantic Shadow Palette--This isn't a set, but I wanted to include it since it's such a steal at $7. A great stocking stuffer or gift add-on idea! They have a great blush palette I'd recommend too. I say skip their big eye shadow palettes--the quality isn't there for me.
I didn't include--fragrances. These are so personal unless you know what the receiver wears, but there are some Sephora sampler sets. I feel like the sets have a better value at ULTA.
I didn't include--nail polishes--none of the sets caught my eye for price/quality. I will share some picks next week from ULTA.
Which of these products caught your eye?
Extra Elle:
I have EVEN MORE recommendations--just let me know if you need more.
Next week will be my ULTA list!
Next week will be my ULTA list!
Star Wars Pub Crawl tonight--just observing the fun.
Great roundup Elle! That Becca set is fabulous and I actually have the rose set in my cart! Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeletexo, Whitney and Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
I would seriously be happy with any of these as a gift - that Bumble and Bumble set really caught my eye though!
ReplyDeleteCourtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines
I have $20 to spend at Sephora and couldn't make up my mind on what to get! These are all great and fun ideas!
ReplyDeleteGreat picks! I love the Benefits Dandelion set and the Sephora eye palette. Have a terrific weekend Elle!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.kathrineeldridge.com
I love this. I know exactly who on my list will receive one of these. She is way more beauty skilled than I! :) Have an awesome weekend!
ReplyDeleteSephora really does have some great gift sets. Love the colors in the Redux lip crayons. Those would make a great gift! Hope you have a great weekend and fun at the Star Wars Pub Crawl, Elle!
ReplyDeletexo, Rachel
A Blonde's Moment
Oh my gosh! That Bumble and Bumble set! And yes to the Kat Von D mini lip set as well:D
ReplyDeleteThese are such great sets. I've been eyeing that one from Bite Beauty!
ReplyDeleteBy Lauren M
I've been curious about the Bite Beauty set and the Dr. Jart masks look awesome! What a great way to try a few!
ReplyDeleteI can't choose, I want to all hahaha :-D
ReplyDeleteSO many good ideas and now I'm wanting a few of the skincare sets-- such a great value for trying out new products without having to splurge on a full size! I can't wait to see what you have for Ulta since they sent another 20% off coupon :)
ReplyDeleteThat Drunk Elephant set has been out of stock since forever on Sephora Canada.
ReplyDelete:-(
Shireen | Reflection of Sanity
I'd love the Bumble & Bumble.
ReplyDeleteI love these just to try items I wouldnt otherwise purchase a full size in just to give it a go.
I looked at a few of these set for my friends. I went with the Buxom 6 degree below mini set and the Sephora Favorite lash stash to go. Have fun at the pub crawl.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home/
These are some great gift ideas! I feel like Sephora and Ulta always has great gift sets. The Give Me Some Lip is an awesome way to sample a bunch of brands. I love the little Bite Beauty sets that are super affordable and a great value! The Becca sets are also a great value.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great list, Elle! I want to get my hands on some of the JCP exclusive Sephora favorites kits...they have some good ones this year.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a good weekend!
xo, Lily
Beauty With Lily
Beauty gift sets make splendid gifts! I may have to get the Drunk Elephant Dayglow set as a gift to myself haha ;p
ReplyDeleteThese are all such good gift sets! I love that bite beauty and the becca one!
ReplyDeleteThese would make awesome Christmas gifts!
ReplyDeletewww.jeannieinabottleblog.com
Three times yes!!!! Or more, I love beauty kits and these ones were very well selected, as usual! I want two since now :) The Sephora lip pencil collection - that's really so great! - and the Becca highlighter set - I like powder highlighters! Maybe I can give the sets as a gift to myself :)
ReplyDeleteDenisesPlanet.com
I would definitely take any of your recommendations as you are such a beauty guru! I never spend much On beauty myself, so any of these would be such a fun gift for me.
ReplyDeleteAmy Ann
Straight A Style
What a good idea to combine Benefit with Luna. I love gift guides too. x
ReplyDelete♥ Carly Susanne ~ A Beauty & Lifestyle Blog
Ohh, that Bumble & Bumble A Few of Our Fave Things looks really good. I've heard so much about their products and I've been wanting to check them out!
ReplyDeleteCarrie
curlycraftymom.com
I love giving or getting sets like these as gifts. Thanks for sharing your recommendations! The Benefit Dandelion Wishes is one I have my eye on!
ReplyDeleteThese are nice gift sets! I want to try this Sephora Lip Pencils!
ReplyDelete*those
DeleteI'm such a whore to gift sets. They are literally my favorite thing to gift!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great roundup and so many cute ideas for holidays gifts and stocking stuffers. I have to check out the Becca Glow on the Go and Benefit Dandelion Wishes...
ReplyDeleteThe BITE set looks awesome!
ReplyDeleteEkk give me all the gift sets especially all the lip one!
ReplyDelete<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
I bought the nude lip set for a friend and she loved it. I want the Kat Von D one for my self. I just got my first KVD liquid lip and I'm in love. I almost bought myself the Rose Skin Trio on Black Friday, but it sold out quickly and then I spent my money on other things. I can't wait to see your Ulta picks. I'm going this week to get some stocking stuffers!
ReplyDeleteOoh, I might have to snag them for myself... Love how dedicated you are to research... ;)
ReplyDeleteI hate this post.. we don't have Sephora in Finland.. maybe it's for the best, my wallet would not be happy most likely! :D
ReplyDeleteI still have not tried benefit, I must!! :) xx
ReplyDeletewww.fashionjazz.co.za