We get it—holiday shopping can be so tough and overwhelming, especially if you’re on a budget and have a long list of folks to buy gifts for. Don’t worry, though. There are so many creative ways you can give next-level gifts without breaking the bank or seeming cheap. I should know. I’ve become somewhat of a pro at gift buying on a budget.
In the spirit of giving, I decided to share a few affordable beauty gift ideas that your friends and family will think you spent quite a few dollars on. Shhh, no one has to know. I also have to preface this by saying that I know the term “affordable” is relative. A few items on this list might be higher in price, but considering the brand and what’s offered, you’re still getting a hefty discount despite paying a few more bucks. Without further ado, keep scrolling for some luxury-looking items that won’t break the bank this year.
The intricate and luxurious prints on these candles are hard to pass up. This particular trio features candles with citrus, fruity, and woody notes fit for any fragrance lover in your life.
There’s nothing more opulent than buying Hermès. Give a friend or family member the gift of not one but four of the brand’s best-selling fragrances. Each is such a delight for the senses that the recipient is guaranteed to love at least one (but probably all of them).
For anyone on your list who loves a good shimmery eye shadow look, there’s no better set than Stila’s Shimmer Up! trio. These shadow hues are a few of my favorites for holiday glam looks because they look stunning on the lids and are the perfect shades of rose gold and champagne. They’ll take any classic, everyday look to the next level and rival pricier shadows from other high-end brands.
This set might be a bit pricier than other items on this list, but the value for money is absolutely there. Lancôme is known for its luxury, celeb-loved formulas, and this medley of both makeup and skincare items will make any beauty lover on your list jump for joy.
Others on your list might like something a little more relaxing and low-key. That’s where this spa collection comes in. Complete with a shea butter bath bomb, candle, aromatic sticks of palo santo, and mineral salt for a soak, it will help them create an organic spa experience at home.
Estée Lauder features this limited-edition set complete with trial sizes of its fine line– and wrinkle-reducing formulas. The brand’s Micro Essence Treatment Lotion is a nourishing formula that boosts the skin’s barrier while the cult-loved Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex reduces the signs of aging while you sleep.
Home manicures are not usually my forte, but it’s hard to pass up a fully stocked gel manicure kit when it’s just $35. Complete with an LED lamp, one-step gel polish, and a few other manicure tools, it’s worth giving to anyone who likes to play around with their nail color every few weeks.
Dry winter skin doesn’t stand a chance against this rose hydration set from Fresh. The brand’s Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Hydration Toner tops my list of favorites and is infused with actual rose petals to calm the skin, soothe it, and plump it up. Your skin will be left feeling silky soft with a shield of hydration against the elements.
I know this set is almost $100, but considering what you get in it, I’d say it’s actually a more affordable option if you’d like to buy someone a gift from a luxury brand without paying full price. This collection offers La Mer’s cult-loved Treatment Lotion, Regenerating Serum, Renewal Oil, and Moisturizing Cream.
Create a gorgeous bold lip with ease using this limited-edition set from MAC. It comes equipped with a lip primer, matte lipstick, and liquid lipstick in a creamy, universally flattering shade of mauve-y red.
In my humble opinion, you can never have too many adult body shimmers. I have a growing collection of favorites but strangely enough don’t own this gorgeous set from Tom Ford. Sure, it isn’t exactly dirt cheap, but I think $75 is a decent price for not one but two silky, lightweight body oils that smell incredibly delicious. If you have a friend who loves looking sparkly and sun-kissed year-round, they’ll be more than happy you decided to snag this designer set for them.
Featuring three mini sizes of Valentino’s most-loved lip shades, this set also comes with a luxe black quilted bag that (sneakily) looks like something you spent top dollar on. These shades are gorgeous for holiday get-togethers and work well for any winter look overall.
Give the gift of a high-gloss leave-in conditioner from celebrity stylist–loved brand Oribe. This particular product adds softness, hydration, and shine to all hair types.
