From byrdie
The holidays are on the horizon, and we’ve got gifts on the brain—beauty gifts, to be specific. Like any self-respecting beauty hoarder, I scan the Sephora holiday gift collection each year when it first drops to get my wish list in order. You can split it up by budget (under $10, under $25, and so on) and by type (makeup, skincare, etc)—so it’s the most convenient one-stop-shop for all things giftable.
Whether you’re more into glittery eye shadow, all-natural cleansing balms, or hairstyling essentials, we’ve got everything you could ever want and more. Below, find a collection of Sephora-exclusive offerings (because we’re sure you’ll want them).
“Call me a hype woman if you want, but I, along with the rest of the internet, will forever be rooting for Fenty Beauty. Not only because Rihanna is my bestie in my head, but because her products are actually the truth. I love that these match stix legit do it all: conceal, contour, and highlight. I use the medium shade because I like to go lighter on my concealer for a true, sculpted look. My favorite member of the trio squad is the highlighter Trippin. The amber shade is infused with golden specks that add warmth to my deep skin tone. If I’m being honest, I use it all over my face and even as eye shadow. It’s just perfect.” —Maya Allen, assistant editor
I simply can’t live without Eve Lom’s Cleansing Balm—it’s a balmy, buttery formula that includes a combination of essential oils: clove oil (to target blemishes), eucalyptus oil (to combat toxins), hops oil (to tone the skin), Egyptian chamomile oil (to soften and sooth), and cocoa butter (to condition and nourish). The blend allows for a powerful, active combination that still remains gentle and aromatic. It’s my holy-grail product and I’ll never, ever give it up. That being said, the brand’s Ultimate Cleanser Vault leaves me breathless with excitement.
It includes four different sizes of the cleanser, from travel-size to oversize, so you’ll never be left without it again.
I get excited each year when the holidays roll around—for presents and family time, sure, but also because Sephora curates a few sets based on its best-sellers and most exciting products. It’s always a thrill to find out which products will end up in the sets (and to see how discounted the prices are). This time, the skincare favorites feature a top-shelf bunch including Ole Henriksen’s Truth Serum ($48), Sunday Riley’s C.E.O. C + E Antioxidant Protect + Repair Moisturizer ($65), and Dr Dennis Gross’s Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel ($88).
“I’ve been a faithful devotee to my Naked Original Palette for ages, dabbling in other shadows here and there, but never finding the right mix of shades. That is, until I was given the Huda Desert Dusk palette by my lovely desk mate, Hallie. It’s an insanely pigmented collection of oranges, coppers, tans—even purples and cosmic shimmery wildcards that I love whipping out for special events or just regular workdays when I’m feeling extra fancy. I love dipping into three or four different shades and blending them for a high-definition colorful smoky eye. My go-to look is Cashmere on the lids, Musk and Oud blended on the bone, then Amber and Oud dusted on the lower lash line. It almost always earns me compliments.” —Lindsey Metrus, managing editor
“My mom actually specifically requested this straightening brush after seeing my New & Now tutorial on Byrdie, so I’m stoked that I convinced at least one person that they need it, even if that person gave birth to me. The mini version is a perfect stocking stuffer in price and stature, and SO handy for traveling.” — Victoria Hoff, wellness editor
“I’m not sure why (and I know it’s something I have to work on), but for some reason, my nightly sleep log is painfully pathetic. I try to get a full seven hours but most nights it’s usually between five and six—yikes! So until I can get myself into a better sleep schedule, I’ll continue to lean on products specifically designed to make me look like I got a full eight hours. Sephora’s Beauty Sleep Set is packed with everything you want—products that promote healthier hair, glowier skin, and a prettier vanity. Since you can’t wish for more hours in the day (or night!) this holiday season, most definitely cross your fingers for this sleep-curated collection, instead.” — Erin Jahns, assistant editor
“The Dyson dryer by itself is the same price as this gift set, so there’s really no question about this being a real steal. You get four Ouai products—a shampoo, conditioner, mousse, and oil—and the infamous dryer that really is the best out there. If you were scared to spend that much on a hair tool ($400 is a big ask), this set cushions the blow by giving you products from a really awesome haircare brand. It’s the ultimate gift for the girl who loves hair.” — Audrey Noble
“If you have yet to get your hands on the Cosmic Gloss Lip Glitter, trust the rave reviews from everyone who has tried it. All four colors look super dreamy, but for the holidays, visions of Spacesuit and Gal on the Moon will dance through your head for days. They’re so pretty, and I’m convinced they’ll convert you to the glossy side.” — Erin Jahns
“Peel off masks kind of freak me out, but this one is bright pink, which lessens the blow of literally peeling off the top layer of my skin. I only applied this onto my nose to target blackheads, and after slowly (and I mean very slowly) peeling it off once it dried down, I could see the blackheads on the bubblegum-pink strip standing up like a Bioré commercial. I was instantly sold.” — Lindsey Metrus
Next up, This Exclusive Stila Product Has Already Sold Out at Sephora
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated