Team Byrdie gets behind gifting skincare when it comes to your Christmas shopping. Whether you’re treating someone to a pricier beauty gift they wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves, like a high-tech tool or device, introducing them to that TikTok find everyone’s talking about, or just looking for a special gift for a woman or anyone in your life who needs pampering, we’re here for it. You can also gift unique discovery sets so people can sample a brand they may not otherwise be familiar with. We also think some standalone products are so fab that they make perfect presents in their own right (because some luxe body creams are that good).
We have skincare gifts for every price point, and better yet, they're recommended by Byrdie editors who test hundreds of serums, creams, and devices a year to give you this ultra-curated list of gift-worthy skincare.
This device is a great example of how high-tech skincare tools have gotten these days. It’s a scaled-down version of the O.G. NuFace when it comes to size (great for traveling or for those who have limited real estate in their bathroom or vanity) but has all kinds of cool features. The microcurrent device syncs to the new NuFace App, which helps you tailor the various settings to achieve exactly what your skin needs. (There are tightening, lifting, and toning modes, each of which works at different levels in the skin.) It’s an ideal gift for those who are all about trying the latest and greatest in-office treatments.
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The choice for anyone who loves skincare and working out, this multipurpose oil is one of the standouts from Alo’s (yes, as in the athleisure brand) recent foray into the beauty space. It’s a Byrdie fave; we gave it 4.9 stars during testing for its lightweight—yet still very hydrating—texture that works beautifully on both face and body. Plus, it absorbs lightning fast. The formula is also clean, loaded with natural ingredients such as turmeric and aloe.
Read Full Review: Rhode’s Peptide Glazing Fluid Is Hailey Bieber’s Signature Glow in a Bottle
Hailey Bieber pretty much single-handedly started the “glazed donut skin” trend that’s now all over the internet, and this product makes it easy to achieve exactly that (even if you haven’t been blessed with Bieber’s genetics). The hybrid serum-gel can be used under moisturizer, over makeup, or straight up on its own, delivering niacinamide, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to leave skin looking insanely dewy and plump. FYI, it sells out fast, so make sure to grab it while you can. "The Glazing Fluid is a novel formulation. It allows for a deep layer of hydration while remaining light on your skin and mixes well with makeup, allowing it to be a truly versatile essential," says board-certified dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali.
We’re big fans of this brand’s body offerings, and this luscious hand cream is equally as pleasing. It’s packed with peptides, vitamins, and fatty acids, all in a fragrance-free and fast-absorbing formula. (It even has a seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association.) It’s admittedly expensive for a hand cream, but that’s part of its gift-worthy appeal.
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Byrdie staffers have long been fans of pretty much any and every product MUTHA launches, so it’s no surprise that this eye cream is equally as beloved. The luxurious and highly effective formula offers long-term hydration and anti-aging benefits but also gives you a quick fix, thanks to caffeine and pearl powder, to help minimize the look of dark circles pretty much instantly.
C E Ferulic is one of the most popular skincare products on the market. And while it's definitely expensive, ringing in at $182 per fluid ounce, a little goes a long way in delivering glowing, even-toned skin. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman is a fan, too, and previously explained to us that she personally loves and often recommends this serum. "It is a potent yet non-irritating formula that delivers concentrated antioxidant benefits, and the results are clinically supported," she adds.
Read Full Review: We Tried the Most Hyped Up Serum on the Market—Here Are Our Thoughts
Byrdie HQ is collectively obsessed with this chemical peel and its results. It helps clear clogged pores and brightens the skin like no other thanks to a hard-hitting blend of fruit AHAs, BHAs, and enzymes. It also smells, quite literally, like homemade raspberry jam. In other words, this peel is worth every last penny. "This product is not cheap. But, in my opinion, it’s worth the price tag in spades," says Byrdie editor-in-chief Hallie Gould. "It’s one of the only formulas I’ve used for years and seen visible results every single time."
This is a total splurge for the skincare enthusiast, but it is completely worth it because you're gifting a multi-purpose device to replace spa visits. From the bestselling massage gun brand, this device offers professional grade care. Find eight different treatments including deep pore cleansing, microcurrent and LED light therapy, as well as facial massage to ease jaw tension, headaches, plus help drain fluids from your face, leaving you contoured and taut. It also has clinical backing so results have science behind them.
Read Full Review: My Husband and I Both Love This Best-Selling Pore Extractor, and It's On Sale Now
Nothing against those old-school pore clearing strips we all loved and used, but this is such a gentler (and more high-tech) way to keep pores clog-free. Instead, this tool uses ultrasonic vibrations to deeply decongest pores, clearing out blackheads, whiteheads, and other gunk and grime. It also does double duty by improving the penetration of any active ingredient in the products you’re using. Facial fanatics are sure to appreciate both aspects.
Dr. Barbara Sturm’s iconic products are so popular for a reason: The high-end formulas are suitable for a wide range of skin types and really work, especially with consistent use over time. Provide an intro to the magic of the brand with a multi-step kit—this one features antioxidant- and lipid-rich formulas to combat the dryness and irritation that often arrive alongside winter climates. Some of the products are full sizes while others are samples or minis, but all work to hydrate skin and protect it from the elements. We also love the chic emerald puffer bag that houses the set, providing the perfect skincare travel bag for countless ski getaways to come.
Read Full Review: This LED Light Therapy Mask Changed My Skin in Just 3 Months
This may just look like a very expensive way to channel your inner Power Ranger, but this high-tech mask really is worth the splurge. It relies on two types of LED light—red, known to help combat inflammation and potentially even help stimulate collagen production, and blue, which kills acne-causing bacteria. You can use the lights separately, though there’s also a setting that combines both. It works in just three minutes, and, unlike giving someone a bottle of lotion or serum, this is the gift that keeps on giving—they’ll just need to charge it occasionally.
Is there a better gift than a set of gorgeously scented, body-loving products from Sol de Janeiro? Well, no, but a set of travel-sized Cheirosa '62-fragranced products might just do it. This trio of best-sellers includes the brand's Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, Brazilian 4 Play Shower Cream-Gel, and Brazilian Crush Body Fragrance Mist, each of which sits high on our wishlists.
As a general rule of thumb, techy skincare tools tend to skew toward the (often very) expensive side. Here’s one exception to the rule: a compact, super easy-to-use handheld device that’s a favorite of actress Sydney Sweeney. It delivers not only red LED light but also microcurrent and warming massage all in one. Spa lovers, this one’s got your name on it.
Read Full Review: Byrdie Editors Are Obsessed With Augustinus Bader’s $165 Body Cream, So I Tried It
We have yet to meet someone who hasn’t used this brand’s cult-classic face cream and gotten hooked, and this body variant is equally as good. It boasts the same proprietary technology that helps your cells repair and regenerate and may slightly improve the look of stretch marks and body blemishes—all while delivering the perfect amount of moisture. It’s pricey, for sure, but this is a gift, after all.
A must for the masking enthusiast, this gentle yet potent treatment leaves the skin visibly smoother, brighter, and glowier. Infused with nourishing and soothing antioxidants and plant extracts, it works to replenish stressed skin while drawing out dirt and impurities to decongest and refine pores. Bonus points for the chic, minimalistic packaging.
When it comes to skincare gifts, nothing beats a high-end product that the recipient probably doesn’t have already, but can easily integrate into their daily routine. This Pat McGrath essence is exactly that, with a lightweight formula that hydrates and balances skin for a lasting glow. Roses serve double duty here—they calm and protect the skin while providing a scent experience that helps the product live up to its divine name. The luxurious glass bottle is a decent size, too, helping to justify the expensive price point.
Luxe shower and body care products are some of the best skincare gifts—along with high-quality showerhead filters such as Jolie's—as they’re easy to work into everyday self-care well into the new year. L’Occitane has many covetable gift sets on offer, but one of our favorites is this trio of the brand’s famous almond products: a shower oil, a hand cream, and an almond milk concentrate moisturizer. Each is beloved for its ability to deeply nourish skin, which is always a priority during the dry winter months—plus, the almond oil makes the products smell amazing. We wouldn’t be surprised if your recipient is bursting to tell you how soft and hydrated their skin feels after trying a shower routine with this set.
This might be intended for beverages, but as any skincare lover will tell you, it’s also the perfect place for stashing eye creams and face masks to keep them extra cold and refreshing. It’s also a fun and different gift option for the product junkie who may be particular about the types of things they put on their skin. And sure, having a fridge dedicated to skincare may be a little bit extra, but that’s part of the reason why we love this so much.
Whether your loved one is new to gua sha or you’ve had to hear the harrowing tales of their broken jade and rose quartz tools (we can relate), Sacheu has a solution in the form of stainless steel. This set includes both the tool and the brand’s Slick Skin serum, making it easy to start learning techniques without having to first hunt for the right skincare product for slip. With consistent use, gua sha can help with both barrier health and lymphatic drainage—and a stainless steel design ensures your practice can go on, even if you drop it in the sink on occasion.
We're already big fans of FaceGym's revolutionary skin-loving tools, and we have no doubt that whoever you introduce them to will feel the same way. All skin types can benefit from this crystallized roller, which contains a retinol alternative made from plants called Reneseed, as well as niacinamide and green tea. There will be a noticeable decrease in fine lines, redness, scarring, and hyperpigmentation, and your friend's skin will feel firmer and smoother as a result.
It’s not necessarily fun to think about the fact that you wipe a germy towel all over your freshly washed face, but it happens. Enter this standard washcloth alternative. It works for all skin types—since it’s not rough or scratchy, like traditional washcloths—and is made with eco-friendly and naturally antibacterial fibers.
Here’s everything you need for a complete a.m. and p.m. skincare routine. The set comes complete with the brand’s jelly cleanser, antioxidant-rich vitamin C serum, sunscreen, glycolic night serum, beloved marula oil, and polypeptide cream, all in travel-friendly sizes. Everything is housed in a super cute yellow carrying case, which also happens to eliminate the need for wrapping paper.
Jade rollers are a dime a dozen these days. So are gua sha tools. But we have yet to see anything quite like this face tool, specially designed to offer the best of both of those worlds. The unique, whale-like shape makes it easy to use as you would with either of those tools, allowing you to address a variety of issues. (To that point, you can even go the extra mile and purchase a customized video tutorial from the tool’s creator Giselle Wasfie, DACM.) It’s made from crocodile jasper, which is known for its tranquil energy and makes this look more like a work of art than a skincare tool.
Everyone loves a beauty gift set, and the stunning packaging of this set is definitely part of what makes it so gift-worthy, but the products inside deserve equal attention. It comes with mini sizes of five of the brand’s most beloved products: camellia cleansing oil, exfoliating rice polish, the serum-like essence, dewy skin cream, and peony eye cream. It’s a nice way to try a little bit of everything from some of the best this top skincare brand has to offer, and, again, won’t require that you wrestle with wrapping paper.
Perfect as a stocking stuffer or when you need a little bit of a smaller-ticket gift, this lip mask is basically like a lip balm on serious steroids. Shea butter and hyaluronic acid impart tons of moisture, and as the name suggests, it also makes your pout look noticeably fuller when you wake up, thanks to the addition of a plumping ingredient known as Maxi-Lip. But no, it doesn’t burn or sting, just feels cushiony and delightful.
Read Full Review: The Lawless Overnight Lip Plumping Mask Has Saved My Dry Winter Lips
For those with ever-changing moods (and skin temperaments), consider this set of four skincare veils of mist (which, FYI, also work great on hair). There are rejuvenating, reenergizing, balancing, and refreshing formulas available, all of which are perfect to grab any time your complexion needs a quick pick-me-up.
Canopy delivers overnight hydration (and glorious essential oil diffusion) in one device. Designed to target dry and dull skin, this special innovation helps promote a better home environment, complete with hydrated air and relaxing aromatherapy.
A skincare power couple indeed, this kit with two Sunday Riley best-sellers packed with lactic acid and retinol, respectively to brighten your skin with every use—trust.
BeautyStat’s Universal C Skin Refiner is beloved by beauty experts everywhere for good reason: It brightens, refines, and protects your skin at once. Try the hype for yourself in this trial-sized kit that makes the perfect stocking stuffer for the skincare lover in your life.
Anyone who loves skincare as much as Team Byrdie knows the importance of a good eye mask that's specifically designed to target the delicate skin around the eye area (which happens to show fine lines and wrinkles faster than other parts of our skin because of its cellular composition). This brand makes one of the best eye masks out there—and is an Amazon bestseller. PSA for last minute shoppers: you can snag this overnight if you have Prime, and one box comes with 48 pairs, so it's truly a gift that will be appreciated.
For the SJP fan in your life or anyone who could use a hydration boost, this four-piece set is sure to be a hit. The iconic actress curated three of her favorite RoC products—an eye cream, serum capsules, and moisturizer—and bundled them together in an exclusive pouch ideal for taking the full routine on-the-go. RoC has been gaining ground among new generations for its efficacy and accessible price point, so whoever you give this set to will surely find it useful throughout the drying winter months and beyond.
True story: Humidifiers don’t have to be huge and bulky. This itty-bitty guy—it weighs in at just 8.6 ounces—doesn’t take up a ton of space but still is perfect to use overnight to help ward off dry skin (especially in the dead of winter). It’s wireless and can run for up to eight hours on just one charge (hence the overnight part) and also touts ultrasonic technology that makes it extremely quiet.
If you aren't using a steamer in your routine, you may not be getting the deepest pore cleanse. But, this gift really comes in handy for those prone to picking, which we all know is one of the most tempting but ultimately harmful skin habits you can pick up. Break it fast—or help someone you love ditch this habit— by adding a steamer to help loosen gunk sans picking. It's truly a gift that keeps on giving.
This best-selling set from Topicals is designed to lighten hyperpigmentation, age spots, and scars. All skin tones can benefit from the combination of the Faded Serum, Faded Mist, and Faded Under Eye Masks, which work to diminish the appearance of blemish scars, dark circles under the eyes, and scars and spots. The Faded Serum's key ingredients include the skin-brightening kojic acid, the dark-spot-fighting melatonin, the skin-texture-improving azelaic acid, and the pore-refining niacinamide. Glycolic acid in the Faded Body Mist helps maintain skin's natural moisture balance, while tranexamic acid wakes up dull skin. Caffeine in the Faded Under Eye Masks helps with contouring and reducing dark circles for a more rested appearance, and arbutin plant extract reduces hyperpigmentation.
Give the gift of relaxation to someone you care about. This luxurious duo contains cell-renewing Miracle Broth, which immediately lessens dryness, in addition to healing, energizing, and protecting the skin. Plus, this cream's lime tea helps shield skin from the damaging effects of pollution and other environmental aggressors.
Give the gift of radiant skin with The Ordinary skincare set. The Squalane Cleanser, Caffeine Solution, Ethylated Ascorbic Acid, and Glycolic Acid Toner are the set's hero formulas, all of which work to improve your skin's tone and brightness. They’ll have glowing, healthy-looking skin in no time.
This convenient kit is stocked with Live Tinted hyperpigmentation heroes and is ready to elevate your friend's skincare routine on the go. No, seriously, there’s a reason this brand has gone TikTok viral. To diminish the look of scars and dark spots, niacinamide is included in the Mini Superhue Hyperpigmentation Serum Stick's formula, while bakuchiol works to soften the skin's texture and lessen the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. The Huestick in Rise is a neutralizing and adjusting multi-stick that has won multiple awards. Loaded with hyaluronic acid, squalane, and antioxidant vitamins C and E, the texture is silky smooth and easy to blend, making it ideal for use on the lips, cheeks, and eyes.
This best-selling Supergoop set makes it easy for your friend to maintain year-round skin protection. Both the Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 and the Glow Screen SPF 40 will provide a dewy, radiant finish and can be used daily or just on vacation. Alternatively, you can use the Everyday Lotion anywhere on your body, including your face.
Give the gift of KORA Organics' turmeric-infused moisturizer and see their face light up. The packaging, with its gold accents and 3D design, looks like something from a fairy tale. Turmeric extract, licorice extract, rosehip and maracuja oils, and other certified organic ingredients make this formula the ultimate radiant moisturizer. For environmental reasons, the company has switched to selling Tumeric Glow in reusable pods rather than single-use bottles.
Your most glamorous friend will likely love this foaming cleanser on its own, but they'll adore the French formulation even more. They can wash off the day's worth of makeup without stripping the skin of its natural oils and moisture, resulting in clear pores and soft, supple skin. This luxurious bottle contains purifying French water lilies and soothing cornflower water to make them feel like they've just emerged from the spa.
StriVectin gentle exfoliating face pads are our top pick for someone who wants to give the impression that they'll never need to see a dermatologist about issues like acne, texture, or dullness. Alpha hydroxy and polyhydroxy acids, which brighten and refine texture; beta hydroxy acid, which gently exfoliates excess buildup to clarify pore lining; and tranexamic acid, which reduces the appearance of discoloration and evens out the complexion, are all delivered in a single pad. They'll appreciate this present in the long run, that much is certain.
Look no further than this Laneige five-piece set for a TSA-friendly present for your frequent-flier roommate that will bring major hydration upon arrival. In addition to the refreshing Water Sleeping Mask, this set also features the brand's cleansing foam, hyaluronic serum, and cream moisture.
With its buttery, hydrating texture and Mexican botanicals, nopalera has won over a large fan base. The Latina-owned moisturizing bar is an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional lotion bottle, providing all over hydration. Make sure your friend knows they need to give the bar ten to fifteen seconds of their time while using both hands before applying it anywhere they feel it's necessary.
Give the gift of silky smooth, youthful-looking skin with this body lotion from OSEA. The ultra-hydrating lotion is similar to a serum; it's lightweight and absorbs into the skin on contact. The formula is packed with actives like Undaria seaweed to replenish the skin's moisture barrier, vegan collagen to promote skin elasticity, hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and turmeric, which imparts a bright, youthful glow. The recipient will adore how instantly firm and supple their skin looks and feels.
Vacation's products fully lean into the essence of summer, evoking nostalgia with its '80s-inspired branding. The Chardonnay Oil SPF 30 is a TikTok darling known for its glow-boosting effects and addicting summery scent. Consider it a pick-me-up in a bottle, seriously.
Little luxuries are what life's all about. We recommend getting your hands (quite literally) on this Chanel hand cream. It impressed us when we scouted the best hand creams with its aesthetic packaging and rich consistency, it's a thoughtful gift that won't go overlooked.
No matter how good your skincare routine is, breakouts happen from time to time. It can be a game-changer to have a solution in place that calms your complexion and provides a base for optimal makeup application when your skin is less than happy. This duo from Violette blends the efficacy of French pharmacy skincare with ultra-gentle formulas, helping to heal irritation while allowing you to create a seamless makeup look in the meantime. Boum-Boum Milk has toner, serum, and moisturizer benefits in one product, while Invisible Bandage is a stellar primer that creates a smoother surface and provides barrier protection without clogging pores.
Gold is a classic choice for holiday gifts, as anything made of the metal feels festive and luxurious. Switch it up from traditional choices like jewelry by giving someone this vibrating sculpting bar by celebrity makeup artist Jillian Dempsey, which uses 24-karat gold to tone, contour, and rejuvenate skin. Using the tool for just a few minutes provides noticeable results right away, as well as relieving facial tension similarly to a massage. It’s even optimized to reduce the appearance of tech lines, so this is an ideal gift for the modern world.
If you want to give your loved one some face masks to rejuvenate during much-needed time off but aren’t sure which type is best for their skin, a variety pack is your best bet. This set by Kristen Noel Crawley’s brand KNC Beauty features three variations that respectively hydrate, brighten, and smooth skin, and each is made of eco-friendly, soothing bio-cellulose. The masks also all feature omega-3 rich Irish moss to repair damage while softening and smoothing, ensuring a restorative experience no matter which one you choose.
There’s nothing like a good headband to hold back your hair while you wash your face and go through your skincare routine. Sweet July Skin, Ayesha Curry’s brand, has a standout option, as the terry material is ideal for soaking up any excess water. It features an adjustable velcro closure to allow you to choose the best fit for your head size, plus it’s machine-washable. This is an ideal stocking stuffer or accompanying gift to your skincare set of choice—you really can’t go wrong with a hero item like this.
Bubble has quickly become a Gen Z skincare favorite for its affordable price point, colorful aesthetic, and straightforward solutions, and all those points apply to this Brazilian purple clay mask. Easy to apply with the included brush, this product works to gently exfoliate and unclog pores without drying out skin, and the creamy formula rinses off in no time, making for a seamless addition to a weekly routine. Great for people with acne-prone skin types at any age, we see this mask being a refreshing experience for occasional or regular use.
Help them take their daily skincare to the next level with this face brush from e.l.f. Cosmetics, which features two sides to aid both cleansing and exfoliation. The brush side is ideal for distributing your regular cleanser all over the skin, while the silicone side allows you to work in a scrub for a deeper, more rejuvenating experience. It has soft bristles and is easy to clean, making for an unassuming skincare tool with major potential to upgrade any routine. It's ideal for fans of practical beauty gifts.
The lips are probably one of the most-skipped areas when it comes to applying sunscreen, but it’s so important to do so. Give the gift of chic protection this year with this duo from Cay Skin, which includes a nourishing lip mask as well as a lip balm featuring SPF 30. With this set, it couldn’t be easier to keep lips calm and hydrated all day and night long, plus both products are full-size, so they should last a while.
Another face mask gift, this luxurious duo provides innovative, multifaceted options to fight dehydration, dullness, and clogged pores. The Gone Girl detox mask made our recent Editors’ Picks for its abilities to simultaneously exfoliate and nourish skin, while Metal Head allows you to enjoy having a gilded face for 20 minutes (ask the person you give it to for selfies) before enjoying a lasting glow. Whoever receives this set is sure to feel pampered all winter long, as these formulas provide an experience and results to justify the investment.
Juara is an Indonesian skincare brand inspired by the 2000-year-old wellness tradition of jamu, and each product creates a multisensory self-care experience that’s both dreamy and effective. This body care trio in the brand’s signature candlenut scent is sure to upgrade any “everything shower” experience, plus the shower gel was a 2021 Byrdie Eco Beauty Awards winner. All in all, the set has major potential to nourish and rejuvenate skin, and it doesn’t hurt that you get an aromatic experience in the process.
Dripping water down your arms can be one of the most frustrating parts of washing your face, and for some people, it’s downright detrimental to being able to keep a consistent routine. If this is you or someone you love, a simple set of absorbent towel wristbands can be an affordable game-changer. This pack comes with two machine-washable sets, both in a soft, fluffy material that will keep you comfortable throughout your skincare routine.
Dieux Skin’s reusable eye masks have become a cult favorite over the past few years for their durability, seamless experience, and ability to pair with any product. In late 2022, the brand finally launched its own dedicated eye gel, Auracle, and now the two skincare heroes are available together in a conveniently giftable set. Give your busiest loved one this shortcut to rejuvenated under-eyes, and know that even after the eye gel runs out, they can use the masks again and again for years to come.
Hyper Skin first gained traction for its dark spot serum, which quickly became a favorite among Byrdie editors as well as skincare enthusiasts all over. This AHA mask also works to fade hyperpigmentation and is suitable for use either together with the serum or on its own. The formula is gentle and creates an instant glow, while consistent use can help fade dark spots over time.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has nearly 15 years of journalism experience covering the beauty and lifestyle space for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She’s written countless gift guides across a wide array of topics and categories.
Ali Webb is an associate editor for Byrdie where she covers style and beauty. Her work has been featured in Elle UK and Cosmopolitan.