Best Beauty Gifts Under $50, Makeup & Skin
11 Under $50 Beauty Gifts That Won't Make You Cry When You See The Receipt
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Buyer's guilt comes for us all, but it hits hardest during the holiday season. Even if gift-giving is your "love language," emptying out your bank account for everyone on your wishlist can be emotionally taxing, especially when you feel the inexplicable need to buy the most expensive gifts for everyone on your list — from your mother to the second cousin who you see once a year. But you don't have to overextend your budget to show how much you care. In fact, you can do it for under $50.
Turns out, you can get a lot for $50 or less, especially when it comes to beauty gifts. From lip gloss sets to skincare starter kits, there's something for everyone on your list. But just to make the browsing easier, we've compiled a list of the best of the best, ahead.
Kylie Cosmetics Try It Kit
It's hard to believe everyone hasn't tried Kylie Cosmetics yet, but if that's the case for this year's gift recipient, consider this discovery set ($49) filled with the hero products sure to make a convert out of anyone. While it, duh, includes a Lip Kit, it also comes with a blush, lipstick, and eyeshadow duo inside.
The Ordinary Deciem The No Brainer Set
It's unlikely anyone would write "soft skin" on their holiday wishlist, but let's be real, it's a must have for most people during the dead of Winter. Who knew that getting it would be so easy with The Ordinary No Brainer Set ($29), crafted to lock in hydration? But that's not all it does. This set also comes with Granactive Retinoid and "Buffet," two powerhouse serums that address every skin concern imaginable — from drying to ageing to dull texture.
Benefit Badgals Lash & Line Set
They say that the eyes are the window to the soul. We don't know if that's true, but a few swipes of Benefit BadGal mascara ($32) might convince us of the fact.
Mario Badescu The Icons
Just like Cher or Barbra Streisand, there's something about these two Mario Badescu products that never go out of style. Luckily, their icon status hasn't come along with an expensive price tag. In fact, you can treat your breakouts and score softer skin for less than $20 thanks to The Icons ($19) set.
Tarte Gift Glam Collector’s Set
Remember those trunks of makeup your aunt would buy you every year that housed about 500 eyeshadows? Well, this is the grown-up version of that, featuring makeup a budding beauty enthusiast might actually use. Tarte's Gift & Glam Collector's Set ($49) comes with 20 eyeshadows, four blushes in interchangeable palettes, a travel size mascara, and sparkling lip gloss (which looks like a gloss, but feels as comfortable as a balm).
Ariana Grande Thank U Next Eau de Parfum
There are a lot of ways to inspire our BFF to move on after a particularly trying heartbreak. Ariana Grande's Thank U Next Perfume ($42) just happens to be our best suggestion. Not only will this encourage your friend to buck up, but it'll also have them smelling really good in the process.
Beauty by POPSUGAR Peace Love Lip Set
There are two people in this world: those who keep emergency Advil and Bandaids in their going-out clutch and those who keep lipstick. If your roommate lands in the latter, consider the Beauty by POPSUGAR Peace Love Lips Set ($38) for their gift this year, which includes a Be Racy Liquid Velvet Lip, Sweet STX Satin Matte Lip Colour, and Be The Boss Lip Gloss.
Dphue Apple Cider Vinegar Travel Kit
For the friend who definitely uses too much dry shampoo during the week, there's this Apple Cider Vinegar Travel Kit ($30) that includes everything they need to clarify their scalp and probably their life.
Fenty Beauty Glossy Posse Set
Yes, that is the sound of your middle school lip gloss shaking in your old L.L. Bean backpack. Unlike those sticky formulas that smelled like stale bubblegum, Fenty Beauty's Glossy Posse ($42) are comfortable, hydrating, and well, Rihanna-approved. What more could you want?
Kiehl’s Merry Masking
Face masking is the ultimate act of self-care, which is why the Kiehl's Merry Masking ($39) set is the perfect gift for the friend who owns three planners and one bullet journal. Consider this the subtle hint you've been waiting to drop that they. Need. A. Break.
MAC Starry Eyed Kit
Every holiday season has the party hopper who needs a look that can withstand inter-borough subway rides and about five glasses of Champagne. Consider MAC's Starry-Eyed Kit ($39.50) for them. Seriously, even in a crowded loft these dimensional eyeshadows and volumizing mascara will stand out.
