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The 20 best gifts for makeup lovers in 2021

The best gifts for makeup lovers in 2021.
The best gifts for makeup lovers in 2021.

— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.

Holiday shopping season is officially upon us and as Reviewed's resident beauty expert and enthusiast, I'm often asked for gift recommendations for fellow beauty mavens out there. Makeup is a tool for self-expression and fuels the inner artist in many, and now is as good a time as any—if not more so, to shop for new beauty tools. Whether that's a new eye shadow or a quintessential blender brush that your giftee has an eye on we've listed our favorite, Reviewed-approved products right down below.

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These gifts are suitable for all ages and skill levels, so you can treat anyone on your list to some beauty goodies.

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1. For the artist newbie: A 90-piece makeup kit

Best gifts for makeup lovers: Sephora Collection Holiday Vibes Blockbuster Makeup Palette.
Best gifts for makeup lovers: Sephora Collection Holiday Vibes Blockbuster Makeup Palette.

If your loved one is basically a makeup artist in the making, they’ll be pumped to open a kit complete with 60 eyeshadows, three eyeliners, three brow powders, six face powders, 16 lip glosses and two mini makeup brushes. After testing the Sephora Collection Holiday Vibes Blockbuster Makeup Palette, we deemed the powder formulas to be ultra-soft and easy to blend, and the cream glosses and eyeliners glide on with ease. The palette's bright and neutral tones also make it easy to create any kind of look, from bold to natural.

Get the Sephora Collection Holiday Vibes Blockbuster Makeup Palette on Sephora for $36

2. For the one who needs a new vanity setup: A lighted makeup mirror

Best gifts for makeup lovers: Glamcor Riki Skinny and DeWeisn Tri-Fold Lighted Mirror
Best gifts for makeup lovers: Glamcor Riki Skinny and DeWeisn Tri-Fold Lighted Mirror

Applying makeup or grooming eyebrows is quite the challenge without proper lighting or magnification. To help your giftee avoid overdoing the blush or overplucking the brows, snag them the Glamcor Riki Skinny lighted makeup mirror. We loved for its large viewing area, bright lighting and portable build, and your recipient may also enjoy its connected features for taking videos and selfies with a smartphone. For a less pricey pick, we recommend the DeWeisn Tri-Fold Lighted Mirror, which has a compact design, multiple magnification options and adjustable light settings—but can't facilitate YouTube stardom.

3. For the one who wants to try it all: A gift set of Sephora bestsellers

Best gifts for makeup lovers: Sephora Favorites Makeup Must-Haves.
Best gifts for makeup lovers: Sephora Favorites Makeup Must-Haves.

This Sephora gift set includes uber-popular products like the Nars Bronzer in its most popular shade, the BeautyBlender makeup sponge and the Ouai leave-in conditioner. Any giftee will love the chance to try all of these fan-favorite products, and it’s an opportunity to find new must-haves for their own beauty collection.

Get the Sephora Favorites Bestselling Beauty Must-Haves on Sephora for $54

4. For the one who glows: A Fenty highlighter

Best gifts for makeup lovers: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter
Best gifts for makeup lovers: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter

If someone you know is into makeup, the odds are that they adore Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, too. To win over your loved one, snag a Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter, which comes in both duos with two complementary shades or single shades. Over 3,400 reviewers are obsessed with the glow they get from these “weightless, long-wear, cream-powder” highlighters.

Get the Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter on Sephora for $36

5. For the one who appreciates quality basics: A top-rated concealer

Best gifts for makeup lovers: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
Best gifts for makeup lovers: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Wearing a concealer, even with no other makeup, can instantly boost confidence and make anyone look more awake. If you want to give your loved one a goodie bag of makeup essentials, the Tarte Shape Tape should be at the top of the list. We loved this one because it’s full coverage, wears beautifully on the skin and has an extensive shade range. For a great option on a budget, look no further than the Covergirl TruBlend Undercover Concealer, a full-coverage drugstore concealer that blends into the skin easily and dries to a satin-matte finish.

6. For the Selena Gomez fan: A lipstick or blush gift set from Rare Beauty

Best gifts for makeup lovers: Rare Beauty Mini Soft Pinch Liquid Blush Trio.
Best gifts for makeup lovers: Rare Beauty Mini Soft Pinch Liquid Blush Trio.

If your gift recipient grew up watching The Disney Channel or follows Selena Gomez for her pop music, this gift is sure to please. When I tested the Rare Beauty line for Reviewed, the liquid blushes were my top-favorite for their pigmented, easy-to-blend formulas and beautiful colors. You can snag three colors in this set.

Get the Rare Beauty Mini Soft Pinch Liquid Blush Trio on Sephora for $25

7. For the one who’s all about the eyes: A must-have mascara

Best gifts for makeup lovers: Milani Highly Rated 10-in-1 Volume and Tetyana 4D Silk Fiber Eyelash Waterproof Mascara
Best gifts for makeup lovers: Milani Highly Rated 10-in-1 Volume and Tetyana 4D Silk Fiber Eyelash Waterproof Mascara

There’s no denying the power of a good mascara for its eye-opening effect. When we tested drugstore mascaras, we fell in love with the Milani Highly Rated 10-in-1 Volume, which applies smoothly with zero clumps, looks bold with only one coat (and really pops with two) and removes easily with a cleanser. If you know your gift recipient prefers waterproof mascara, go with the Tetyana 4D Silk Fiber Eyelash, which lifts and extends lashes for a bold look and won’t smudge or run from sweat or swimming.

8. For the one who lives for a bold lip: A liquid lipstick

Best gifts for makeup lovers: Wet n Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit
Best gifts for makeup lovers: Wet n Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit

Nothing enhances a dramatic makeup look quite like a touch of lipstick. After testing liquid lipsticks, we recommend the Wet n Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit. This one is comfortable to wear, lasts all day and comes in 13 colors ranging from pale pink to black to even blue, so you can pick a shade that matches your recipient’s style.

Get the Wet n Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit Lipstick on Amazon starting at $3.18

9. For the one who already has it all: A brush set

Best gifts for makeup lovers: Sephora Collection Deluxe Brush Set.
Best gifts for makeup lovers: Sephora Collection Deluxe Brush Set.

With hundreds of concealers, blushes and eyeshadow palettes, it’s easy to get lost in the makeup and forget one of the most important parts of application: a great set of tools. Equip your favorite makeup artist with this Sephora Collection brush set, which won a spot as Reviewed's Best Upgrade among makeup brushes because it includes 10 soft, easy-to-wield complexion and eye brushes and a traveling case.

Get the Sephora Collection Deluxe Brush Set on Sephora for $69

10. For the one who loves a good cat-eye: A bold liquid eyeliner

Best gifts for makeup lovers: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner
Best gifts for makeup lovers: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner

If your loved one always sports a bold wing on the eyes, our favorite liquid eyeliner will be a hit. The Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner is a cult-favorite with 4.4 stars and over 10,000 reviews, and it won us over for its felt tip that makes application easier, its ultra-fine tip for precision and its long-lasting, smudge-proof formula.

Get the Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner on Amazon for $22

11. For the one who's eyebrow-obsessed: A Benefit brow kit

Best gifts for makeup lovers: Benefit Cosmetics Great Brow Basics Pencil & Gel Set
Best gifts for makeup lovers: Benefit Cosmetics Great Brow Basics Pencil & Gel Set

Lush brows reign supreme right now, whether that means making them feathery and bushy or sculpted and clean. No matter what your recipient’s style, they’re sure to love this kit from Benefit, which includes three highly-rated products that can be used separately or together: the Goof Proof Brow Pencil to shape and fill in the brows, the Precisely, My Brow Pencil to add hair-like strokes and sculpt with precision and the Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Eyebrow Gel to brush through and hold brows in place.

Get the Benefit Cosmetics Great Brow Basics Pencil & Gel Set on Sephora for $36

12. For the one who swears by a beauty sponge: A Beautyblender kit

Best gifts for makeup lovers: BeautyBlender Loaded Sundae Makeup Sponge Set.
Best gifts for makeup lovers: BeautyBlender Loaded Sundae Makeup Sponge Set.

It seems impossible that an applicator sponge could make that much of a difference in a makeup routine, but over 8,400 Sephora reviewers swear by the Beautyblender for its soft, foam-like texture that flawlessly smooths complexion products. Along with three of the beloved sponges, give your giftee a sponge cleanser and silicone scrub mat with this gift set, so they'll be fully equipped for many makeup applications to come.

Get the Beautyblender Loaded Sundae Makeup Sponge Set on Sephora for $49

13. For the one who’s always on the go: A 3-in-1 product

Best gifts for makeup lovers: Alleyoop Stack the Odds and Multi-Mood
Best gifts for makeup lovers: Alleyoop Stack the Odds and Multi-Mood

Sure, no one is traveling right now, but that won’t always be the case. Whether your recipient takes frequent weekend trips or just prefers quick touch-ups on the train ride to work, the Stack The Odds multi-use face palette from Alleyoop comes with cream bronzer, blush and highlighter that bring warmth, a pop of color and glow to its user’s skin. If your giftee is a lipstick fanatic, go with the Multi-Mood, which has one lip color in gloss, cream and matte finishes.

14. For the one who always wants new stuff: A Boxycharm subscription

Best gifts for makeup lovers: Boxycharm
Best gifts for makeup lovers: Boxycharm

After testing beauty subscription boxes, Boxycharm landed at the top of the list for its great variety and value, and its inclusion of high-end, indie and drugstore brands. For someone who loves trying new makeup products, this subscription is quite the treat! Purchase a subscription for one, three, six or 12 months for your loved one to receive major props. If your giftee is more into skincare, we recommend a subscription to Dermstore's box, which includes mostly skin-related items for $24.95 per month.

Get the Boxycharm Subscription Box starting at $25/month

15. For the one who won’t let a mask cramp their style: A transfer-proof foundation

Best gifts for makeup lovers: Covergirl TrueBlend Matte Made Liquid Foundation
Best gifts for makeup lovers: Covergirl TrueBlend Matte Made Liquid Foundation

Yes, face masks are still here. But that doesn’t mean they have to dictate our beauty routines. If you know someone who still rocks makeup under their mask, consider giving them the Covergirl TrueBlend Matte Made Liquid Foundation, which won me over while testing transfer-proof foundations because it barely stained my mask, stayed put on my face after an hour-long walk and still looked nearly as flawless after all of that as it did when I first applied it.

Get the Covergirl TruBlend Matte Made Liquid Foundation on Amazon starting at $5.05

16. For the beginner artist: A fan-favorite palette

Best gifts for makeup lovers: Tarte Tartelette In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette
Best gifts for makeup lovers: Tarte Tartelette In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette

Mask or no mask, eyeshadow is still a fun way to make the eyes pop and express personal style. This palette from Tarte is a great way to ease into eyeshadow, as it features a range of neutrals from a pale cream to a dark gray-brown and has both matte and shimmer shades for experimentation. Over 3,100 reviewers love the palette for its easy-to-blend shadows and say it’s a great buy for beginners.

Get the Tarte Tartelette In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette for $39

17. For a real eye-opener: A magnetic eyelash kit

Best gifts for makeup lovers: Lola's Lashes Rose Quartz Magnetic Eyelashes and Eyeliner Kit.
Best gifts for makeup lovers: Lola's Lashes Rose Quartz Magnetic Eyelashes and Eyeliner Kit.

They have a bit of a learning curve, but fake eyelashes can add a fun flare to any makeup look. If you know someone loves wearing falsies, or if they’re a beginner looking for an easier technique, we recommend a set of magnetic eyelashes. The Lola’s Lashes Rose Quartz Magnetic Eyelashes and Eyeliner Kit rose through the ranks in Reviewed's testing beacuse they're easy to apply and remove and adhere well for a long-lasting eye look.

Get the Rose Quartz Magnetic Eyelashes and Eyeliner Kit on Lola's Lashes for $50

18. For the one who needs to get organized: A sturdy makeup case

Best gifts for makeup lovers: Relavel Travel Makeup Case
Best gifts for makeup lovers: Relavel Travel Makeup Case

If your gift recipient just needs a place to store their makeup so that it’s not scattered in a purse or on top of a dresser, a makeup case is a must-have. But, of course, this always comes in handy when your giftee heads out for travels again. The Relavel Travel Makeup Case has over 7,600 reviews and a 4.6-star rating for its sturdy nylon build and its variety of compartments to hold different sized makeup and skincare items.

Get the Relavel Travel Makeup Case on Amazon for $16.98

19. For the sustainable queen: A Makeup Eraser

Best gifts for makeup lovers: Makeup Eraser
Best gifts for makeup lovers: Makeup Eraser

Makeup wipes? Old news. Now, you can take off your makeup with just some water and the Makeup Eraser. Over 4,000 Amazon reviewers swear by the hot pink microfiber cloth, which claims to “suction” off the makeup and dirt with its soft, hair-like fibers. If your gift recipient is environmentally conscious, they’ll appreciate this reusable, machine-washable option.

Get the Makeup Eraser on Amazon for $20

20. For lash expert: An eyelash curler

Best gifts for makeup lovers: Japonesque Go Curl Eyelash Curler
Best gifts for makeup lovers: Japonesque Go Curl Eyelash Curler

Whether wearing mascara, falsies or natural lashes, the power of an eyelash curler is unmatched. If your giftee prefers natural makeup and could use a tool to give their lashes a lift without applying mascara, or if you have a mascara hoarder on your hands, a curler will get a ton of use. For a portable, easy-to-store option that’ll go great in a stocking, we love this one from Japonesque, separates and curls lashes for a fuller, fanned-out effect.

Get the Japonesque Go Curl Eyelash Curler on Amazon for $11

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This article originally appeared on Reviewed: 20 best gifts for makeup lovers 2021 - Beauty gift sets and ideas