Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brands Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story There’s something especially satisfying about unwrapping a makeup gift set and realizing you actually want to use everything inside. The best makeup gift sets go beyond tossing a few lipsticks and eyeshadows into a pretty box, bringing together curated products that work just as well together in a routine as they do on their own. Whether you’re shopping for a beauty maximalist or someone who swears by a five-minute face, there’s a set with their name on it—and some even feature Best of Beauty Award winners and longtime editor favorites.) From mini makeup essentials to splurge-worthy collections, these are the sets we’d happily gift… or keep for ourselves.
How we test and review products Our staff and testers Love at First Swipe: Merit x Erdem The Winter 2026 Set Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Merit
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Merit Flush Balm
Why it's worth it: In the time it takes you to read this story, you could probably pull together a complete makeup look with the Merit x Erdem Eye and Cheek Gift Set. It's no secret we're huge fans of Merit's minimalist approach to makeup, and this limited-edition collaboration with London fashion house Erdem gives the brand's signature five-minute routine a romantic makeover.
Inspired by Erdem's dreamy, feminine aesthetic, the four-piece collection is all about delicate washes of color and a lit-from-within glow. You'll find two exclusive new shades—Day Glow Highlighting Balm in Tulle (a rose-bronze) and a mini Flush Balm in Carnation (a warm pink)—alongside Solo Shadow Sheen in Mink (a shimmery brown-gray) and a mini Clean Lash Mascara. Best of all, the silky cheek and eye formulas blend easily with your fingertips, making application even more effortless.
Tester feedback on the Merit Flush Balm from commerce editor Sarah Han
“TOO. CUTE. Amirite? Merit's pocket-purse-whatever-friendly Flush Balms are so easy to use because you can use your fingers to blend and diffuse them (hi, foolproof!) in, but I like picking up the pigment using a fluffy, dense brush for more color payoff. Speaking of color, the shade range is just chef's kiss. No matter which shade you choose, you get a satin, flushed-from-within finish that makes your cheeks look scrumptious. I honestly forgot how easy these are to use, so I'm looking to play with Le Bonbon (a bright pink) and Rouge (a sheer red) next.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
Mini Flush Balm in Carnation Solo Shadow Sheen in Mink Day Glow Highlighting Balm in Tulle Clean Volume Mascara in Black Bisou, Bisous: Violette_FR Bouche Duo Bêtise Edition Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Violette_FR
Why it's worth it: Choosing a lip color for someone can feel almost as personal as picking out a fragrance, but it's hard to go wrong with Violette_FR's bestselling Bêtise, a warm, rosy-berry shade that gives lips a naturally flushed, just-bitten look. The Bouche Duo Bêtise Edition celebrates the fan-favorite color in two very different finishes. Bisou Balm is a moisturizing lipstick-balm hybrid that delivers a sheer color with a soft-focus, blurred matte finish. For something bolder, the two-time Best of Beauty Award -winning Lip Nectar combines the hydration and shine of a lip oil with the richer, buildable pigment of a stain. Either way, your giftee will get that effortless…