When I was in 7th grade, I received the best Christmas present from my parents EVER. It was a massive make-up gift set from Elizabeth Arden. The case was a red door (a la their perfume) and filled with multiple eyeshadow palettes, blushes, and lipsticks. I was in heaven. I remember taking it to school and breaking it out in computer class to show to me friends.

In retrospect, I realize that this best present ever was probably a “free with purchase” that my Dad got when he bought my Mom her Red Door perfume. But who cares–it was still awesome!! And I’ve been a sucker for make-up sets around the holidays ever since.

Here are a few that I’ve got my eye on.

1. Benefit’s Sweet Tintations

This set includes 2 lipbalms and 2 cheek stains. I’d get it for the cheek stains. I’ve found cheek stains to be better for me in the winter when my skin in drier.

2. Philosophy’s Pink Marshmallow Buttercream Trio

Some sort of Philosophy gift set always makes to a friend, family member, or to myself around the holidays. This year I have my eye on the Pink Marshmallow Buttercream. Such a fun name! I’d have to pop into a store to smell it in person before committing though.

3. Tarte’s Chic to Cheek Deluxe Amazionian Clay Blush Set

I realize that I just commented about cheek stains being better than blushes in the winter, but I’m really into this gift set. Tarte’s blushes last all day and have great pigment. I wear their Frisky shade regularly. All the shades in this set would be new to me: amour (candy pink), classic (soft apricot pink), prim (plum nude), and daydream (rosy pink).

4. Too Faced’s Under the Mistletoe

I’ve recently started gravitating toward lipsticks/creams and away from glosses. These neutral shades look like they’d work with my pale skin. I did read online that the pink bag flakes glitter everywhere so don’t factor that into your purchase if you’re thinking of getting this item.

Lip cream colors are: Naked Dolly, Marshmallow Bunny, and Spice Spice Baby

5. bareMinerals’ Vison of Light

A great value for everything you get in this kit! Any bareMinerals lover would enjoy this gift.

You get:
Stroke of Light Highlighter (luminous peach)
Illuminating Mineral Veil Finishing Powder
Celestial Eyecolor (spun sugar)
After Dusk Eyecolor (shimmering clove)
Lasting Line Long-Wearing Eye Liner in Eternal Bronze
Daybreak Blush (terracotta pink)
Marvelous Moxie Lip Gloss in Stargazer (gilded mauve) (0.15 fl. oz.)
Full Tapered Shadow & Blush Brush
Lash Domination Volumizing Mascara in Intense Black

Now I just need some holiday parties to attend to have a reason to glam up!