To continue this year’s series of gift guides, I want to start with one of my favorite things to give and receive: Beauty sets.  With a variety of products, shades, finishes, and/or scents, these multi-packs veer towards fool proof, giving the recipient many chances to find something they love.  They also tend to be great values, so don’t feel bad if you want to #treatyoself while shopping.  I’ve researched the plethora of sets available this year to find the best of the best for you, no matter your recipient or budget.  (Feel free to send this post to a significant other that could use some hints, too!)

For the Luxe Ladies

Give sets that pack a designer punch for the discerning/fancy/bougie women in your life.  This Rouge Dior lipstick set comes in an amazing box clutch that can definitely double as a real handbag – when I saw it at the Nordstrom Holiday preview, everyone in attendance was raving about how expensive it looks (unsurprising when a main line Dior bag retails for thousands).  The lipsticks themselves are gorgeous too.  I recently tried Rouge Dior for the first time (I wore it in the shade ‘Eccentric‘ for the first look in my Fall Boots Lookbook), and literally said “Shit, that is nice” when I put it on.  Each lipstick retails for $35, so you save $20 off the price of the lipsticks alone with this set (and that fab little clutch is basically free!)  I’ve rounded up the best luxurious beauty gifts below:

For the Adventurous Recipient (or the Unsure Giver)

Multi-brand and -product sets are a great bet when you aren’t certain what the recipient wants.  Retailers often select customer favorites for these near-foolproof gift sets, so you are gifting an assortment of tried and true products.  The discovery factor is upped here too, so don’t be surprised if the recipient ends up telling you about the new thing they love from your gift.  I personally stock up on Sephora Favorites sets every year – I’m definitely getting this Glow For It Highlighter Set, and the Prime, Set, Go Primer Set this year, at a minimum.  If you are looking for an even fancier set, posh beauty boutique Space NK put together an exclusive gift for Nordstrom that I have and love.  It includes pricey full size products from beauty legends like Kevyn Aucoin and cult skincare lines like Sunday Riley, but rings in at $99, a fraction of the retail value of the contents.  I’ve included all the multi-brand sets I could find below (the Sephora sets are showing as sold out but they are not – just click through to shop!)

For the Color Lover

If you are buying for someone who loves makeup and is constantly trying new looks, the gift of wild variety is sure to delight.  My favorite set is actually from Avon, which has an adorable “Lots of Lips” set with 80 (!!!) different shades for just $30.  If you haven’t tried their lipsticks lately, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the luxe feel of the formula, and this gift guarantees they’ll find at least a a handful of colors they’ll wear.  I’ve rounded up some more high variety gifts and palettes below, sure to satisfy even the biggest beauty buff.

More gift guides coming soon, including a under $25 mega post that will have even more beauty picks.