Beauty

Hands Down, These Are the 35 Best Affordable Beauty Gifts of 2021

They’re all under $100!

By Bridget Chambers
beauty-gift-guide

Does anyone else get as distracted in Sephora as I do? I run in to refill one of my makeup staples and end up spending a full hour testing fun new things. I’m truly a sucker when it comes to all things beauty. But as much as I love it, beauty products are something I rarely buy for myself, which is why receiving them as gifts is always so appreciated. So I tracked down some of the best affordable beauty gifts to make your loved one smile because in my opinion, there’s no better gift than a new lip gloss or blush to boost one’s confidence the next time they walk out the door.

It’s safe to say makeup trends on TikTok have contributed to my beauty obsession this year, and unsurprisingly my wish list has hit record lengths. So, I narrowed them down to a humble 35 beauty gifts under $100 that I’ll be gifting (and crossing my fingers that I receive) this year. I also divided them up into easy sections—under $25, under $50, under $75, and under $100—so you can find something for everyone on your list this year within budget (even your Secret Santa!). Whether you wrap it up for someone special or buy it for yourself (you deserve it), good luck controlling yourself with this list.

Beauty Gifts Under $25

Bamboo Silk Scrunchie Set

If my hair is in a ponytail for more than five minutes, it’s going to have a massive crease in it. These bamboo silk scrunchies are a game changer because they truly decrease the crease. Not to mention prevent breakage and frizz. They come in a pack of four and would be so cute tied together with a ribbon for a simply packaged gift.

Bamboo Silk Scrunchie Set, $24

NAILS.INC Keep It Tonal Quad

This pack of nail polish has all of the best colors for fall. Paint every nail one color or opt for an ombré design, as these colors were hand picked to match perfectly. NAILS.INC also has a long wear, quick dry formula that’s perfect for impatient, clumsy people like me.

NAILS.INC Keep It Tonal Quad, $22

Tarte Shape Tape™ Star Squad

My favorite concealer and glow wand for $15? This is an easy yes. This concealer actually does what it claims to do: it’s full coverage and stays all day. I’ve yet to try this glow wand, but I’m a sucker for anything that claims to add the look of beauty sleep. Plus, how cute are these minis?

Tarte Shape Tape™ Star Squad, $15

ULTA Little Black Liner Haul Kit

Talk about bang for your buck. This gift set includes a full sized gel liner, felt tip liner, gel eye liner pot, and angled liner brush. It also has limited edition glitter and a cat eye stamp to help you achieve the perfect winged look. Where was this set when I first attempted a smokey eye?

ULTA Little Black Liner Haul Kit, $18

TOCESS Big Hair Claw Clips Set of 4

I rarely leave the house without one of these claw clips now. As much as I love wearing my hair down, after about 20 minutes I’m ready to throw it up, and these clips make it look stylish. They are four inches long and have a strong hold, making them perfect for all hair types, including long, thick hair.

TOCESS Big Hair Claw Clips Set of 4, $13.99

affordable beauty gifts (under $100)

Sephora Collection 4 Piece Facial Razor Set

These facial razors easily remove peach fuzz from the face. I used to never shave my face, but I now use one of these on my upper lip and have noticed that my makeup goes on much smoother. My roommate uses it on her whole face, so it’s really up to the user. This pack of four comes in such cute colors, so it’s a great, easy gift.

Sephora Collection 4 Piece Facial Razor Set, $10

Beauty Gifts Under $50

affordable beauty gifts (under $100)

beautyblender Signature Blend Essentials Set

Okay, how cute is this? It’s a beautyblender with a cone-shaped stand to keep it clean on your counter tops. This set also comes with an extra beautyblender, a cleanser, and a scrub mat. I know that my beautyblender could definitely use some cleaning, so this set might be more of a need than a gift.

beautyblender Signature Blend Essentials Set $35

Dae Dreamer Set

This set comes with dae’s bestselling shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in conditioner. The shampoo and conditioner hydrate, strengthen, and protect you hair, while the leave-in conditioner prevents breakage, protects against heat, softens, and shines it. The products are all vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and come in recyclable packaging, too. Give the gift of a good hair day.

Dae Dreamer Set, $49

OUAI x BYREDO Mojave Ghost Leave-In Conditioner

This product is a hair perfume and leave-in treatment all in one. It works on all hair types and protects against heat and frizz, while enhancing shine. BYREDO’s scents are some of my favorites, so I’m pretty sure I would never stop smelling my hair.

OUAI x BYREDO Mojave Ghost Leave-In Conditioner, $26

Sephora Favorites Sparkly Clean Set

This kit features six of Sephora’s best-selling clean beauty products. It has a lip balm, cream blush, primer, mascara, powder, and highlighter… AKA an entire makeup routine. You’ll be one-and-done with this gift set.

Sephora Favorites Sparkly Clean Set, $36

Ceremonia The Scalp Power-Duo

This truly is a power duo. It comes with scalp oil that nourishes and strengthens your hair, and a massager that exfoliates the scalp and distributes the oil. All you do is leave the oil on for 10-15 minutes and then wash regularly. Expect to receive a glowing thank you note for this one.

Ceremonia The Scalp Power-Duo, $38

ILIA Meet the Minis Set

When I saw this set online, I audibly said “Awwww.” Why are mini things just so cute?! This set includes ILIA’s four bestsellers: Limitless Lash Mascara, Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil, Liquid Powder Chromatic Eye Tint, and Lip Wrap Hydrating Mask. Bonus points for being a clean beauty brand.

ILIA Meet the Minis Set, $28

Stila Shimmer Up! Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow Set

Nine times out of 10, my eye makeup routine consists of smearing on some sparkly liquid eye shadow and calling it a day. These are some of my all time favorite shades that I get complimented on all the time. Perfect for every occasion, they add the perfect pop of sparkle to you look.

Stila Shimmer Up! Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow Set, $25

Tan Luxe The Super Edit

FINALLY. Tan drops that don’t have to be mixed in with lotion. This is a self-tanning serum that simultaneously tans your skin, while hydrating, plumping, and rejuvenating it. My summer tan is disappearing at an alarmingly fast rate, so this face and body set could not get here soon enough. Who needs a vacation when they get a gift like this?

Tan Luxe The Super Edit, $48

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Mini Soft Pinch Liquid Blush Trio

I’m just going to be honest, every time another celebrity releases a makeup line, I roll my eyes just a tiny bit. However, this blush from Rare Beauty truly shocked me. I own it in the shade “Happy” and have never had a blush that lasts as long. I dot on three small spots with the applicator and blend with a brush to get the perfect look. I might have to buy this set because it has two exclusive new shades that I’m dying to try.

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Mini Soft Pinch Liquid Blush Trio, $25

affordable beauty gifts (under $100)

Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer & Setting Spray

I love a good 3-in-1 product because my makeup bag is starting to overflow. This particular spray primes, sets, and refreshes your makeup throughout the day. It’s infused with coconut water, which helps to keep your face hydrated, too. Trust me, your makeup isn’t going anywhere with this product.

Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer & Setting Spray, $34

PIRETTE Perfume Oil

This has been my signature scent for about three years– which is also how long this tiny bottle has lasted me. The coconut scent smells like a beach vacation and transports me back to California where I first bought it. I’ve also found that the scent sticks with me all day long, better than non-oil perfumes. If you’re traveling for the holidays, this is the perfect gift to take with you because of it’s size. Just get ready to hear “you smell amazing!” everywhere you go.

PIRETTE Perfume Oil, $48

Patrick Ta Double Take Creme & Powder Blush

I’ve pretty much converted to creme blush, but this compact offers the best of both worlds. Patrick Ta suggests applying the powder blush as normal and topping it off with the creme blush on the apples of the cheeks for an extra glow. Whether you use together or alone, this set is such a fun gift to play with. Blush is your best friend on dull winter days, so you can’t go wrong here.

Patrick Ta Double Take Creme & Powder Blush, $34

AQUIS x dae Waffle Rapid Dry Hair Wrap

If I could gift this to everyone I know, I would. Hair wraps are so much better for your hair than regular terrycloth towels as they gently dry the hair, while strengthening and protecting against frizz and breakage. This collab is a dream come true– AQUIS’s amazing technology, and dae’s dreamy desert color way.

AQUIS x dae Waffle Rapid Dry Hair Wrap, $40

affordable beauty gifts (under $100)

VERSED Deck the Shelves Gift Set

This is a full skincare routine in a box. It includes VERSED’s Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm, Weekend Glow Brightening Toner, Just Breathe Clarifying Serum, Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum, and Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream. I’m in the process of testing out some of VERSED’s products and have had no complaints thus far, coming from a girl with sensitive skin. This is a perfect gift for any skincare lover, AKA everyone.

VERSED Deck the Shelves Gift Set, $34.99

Beauty Gifts Under $75

Prose Customized Hair Care

Give the gift of personalized hair care. With this hair care set, you choose a gift set and your loved one will receive an online card on the day of your choosing. Then they take a quiz which Prose uses to develop their custom shampoo and conditioner. This is such a fun and unique gift that I can’t wait to give this year.

Prose The Essentials, $50

Faceé Jade Roller + Gua Sha Set

If you haven’t jumped on the Jade Roller/Gua Sha train yet, this is your sign. This pink set is so gorgeous and will work wonders for you or your loved ones’ skin. Pro tip: store the jade roller in the freezer to de-puff your under-eyes in the morning.

Faceé Jade Roller + Gua Sha Set, $54.99

M.O.T.D. Cosmetics Full Face Essential Makeup Brush Set

This set includes six vegan makeup brushes for every aspect of your makeup routine. Perfect for anyone who’s makeup bag needs a refresh, or someone just getting into makeup, it’s got all of the essentials: a powder brush, blending brush, concealer brush, eyeshadow brush, brow brush, and liner/lash brush duo. It also comes with a chic vegan leather bag for storage.

M.O.T.D. Cosmetics Full Face Essential Makeup Brush Set, $69

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

This is my new makeup bag staple that I think everyone should have. It has three shades of finishing powders that softens the way that light reflects on the skin. I take a big brush and swipe it across all three shades and then apply it all over my face, in the place of traditional setting powder. The glow this palette gives you is unreal.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette, $64

Child Perfume Mini Rollerball Perfume

This cult-favorite perfume is an ideal gift for any occasion. In my opinion, Child is the perfect scent: hints of vanilla and jasmine mixed with traditional florals. It just smells so clean. It may be “mini” but I have yet to run out and it’s always in my purse for touch-ups on the go.

Child Perfume Mini Rollerball Perfume, $68

affordable beauty gifts (under $100)

Sonya Dakar Omega Oil

Sonya Dakar’s Organic Omega Oil is a great face oil for those with sensitive skin. It feels so hydrating and really gives you a glow. The best part is that you can choose whether you want the dry/sensitive skin formula, or the oily/combination skin formula. They call it “liquid gold” for a reason, folks.

Sonya Dakar Omega Oil, $54

Beauty Gifts Under $100

Best of Dermstore Problem Solution: Hydrating Regimen

This set is an entire skincare regimen, curated by dermatologist for ultimate hydration. It has both a morning and night routine, and spells out exactly how to use each product. You’re looking at $241 worth of skincare for a third of the price. How can you say no? Anyone would be excited to unwrap this.

Best of Dermstore Problem Solution: Hydrating Regimen, $75

affordable beauty gifts (under $100)

Faceé Mini Skincare Fridge

If you or someone you know is obsessed with skincare, look no further for the perfect gift. This adorable mini fridge keeps all of your products organized, fresh, and cool when you put them on. It’s perfect for storing your jade roller and gua sha so they are always chilled and ready for action. Plus, I think I would just smile every time I saw this thing sitting on my countertop.

Faceé Mini Skincare Fridge, $89.99

Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil

This hair oil is the solution to soft, silky, shiny hair. It is all-natural and made from actual bee honey, which is shown to restore hair’s natural moisture balance. Plus, it’s multi-use. You can use this oil on damp or dry hair, as a pre-styling or finishing oil, and as a hair mask or overnight treatment—six uses bottled into one. This is the full size bottle, but the travel size can also be found here.

Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil Luxe Travel Size, $46

Westman Atelier Mini Petite Sticks Clean Glow Trio

I audibly gasped when I saw this set. Westman Atelier is my new clean beauty obsession and I have been dying to try all three of these products. I love sticks like this because I just draw a line of each (from bottom to top: bronzer, blush, highlighter) and blend for the ultimate no-makeup makeup look. If I could ask for one thing on this list, it would have to be this trio.

Westman Atelier Mini Petite Sticks Clean Glow Trio, $78

Jones Road Sparkle Wash Set

If you haven’t heard of Jones Road, it is Bobbi Brown’s clean makeup line. I got the starter kit for this line when it was first released, and the Sparkle Wash liquid eyeshadow was by far my favorite. I use the shade “Midas” every time I go out and am dying to mix it up with this set. They give the perfect amount of sparkle, without overdoing it.

Jones Road Sparkle Wash Set, $88

affordable beauty gifts (under $100)

Westman Atelier Eye Pods Eyeshadows

Three words: Magnetic, stackable, eyeshadow. How fun are these eye shadow pods? They stick together in a stack for easy storage, but can also be traveled with individually. The eye shadow itself is so smooth and buildable because it’s made with coconut oil. They come in three different color ways, but this one is my favorite.

Westman Atelier Eye Pods Eyeshadows, $88

Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Coconut Fizz Eau de Toilette Spray

Last but not least, my favorite perfume. My mom bought this for herself, but I have borrowed it so many times that it can now be considered “ours.” What can I say? I used it once and was addicted to the scent. The fragrance comes from coconut water, watermelon, and sandalwood, but to me it just smells like a vacation. Plus, the bottle is so gorgeous. Guerlain is committed to protecting the bees, so it’s adorned with a gorgeous gold honeycomb decoration.

Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Coconut Fizz Eau de Toilette Spray, $95

What beauty gifts are you gifting this year? Comment your faves below.