Christmas Gifting: Top Beauty Kits

Mac 'All for Glamour' Face Kit - Gorgeous Bronze, £39.50

I don't know about you guys, but I am getting well into the swing of the festive season, although I can't quite believe that Christmas has come around so quickly! Anyway, this year, I have been doing my homework when it comes to Christmas gift sets, as they can be a great way to stock up on goodies at lower than normal prices, which means of course you will save yourself a few hard-earned pennies.

On the other hand, some of the kits on sale can suck your wallet dry without giving you much bang for your buck, and this year, more than ever, I have come across a plethora of overpriced sets.

So, with value for money in mind as well as the initial attraction some of these sets garner, I have endeavoured to separate the wheat from the chaff, and bring you what I consider to be the best of the bunch.

Let's start off with the Mac 'All for Glamour' Face Kit in Gorgeous Bronze (above). Now, I'm going to be honest here - I think the Mac giftsets are really over-priced. One of the great things about Christmas gift sets is that you are supposed to be able to get several products at a good saving, compared to what it would cost you to buy them individually, and you're also supposed to walk away feeling pretty smug with all the goodies you've managed to snare. Of all the Max kits, this one is probably the best value for money, as you do get a bronzing powder (Golden Eye), three eyeshadows (Hearts-a-Flutter, Romance Me and Darkly Handsome), two lipsticks (Headturner and BarelyLit) for £39.50. But moving onto one of their other offerings....

The Mac Divine Desire Face Kit. This is available in two colour schemes - Paramour Pink and Quite Coral. Now, this one actually really appeals to me, as all the products in it are things I would use. But then we come to the price. £45 for a lipstick, lipgloss, eyeliner and blush. Granted, you do save some pennies buying all the items in one go, but it just doesn't seem like a lot for £45 - especially when you compare it with the 'All for Glamour' Kit., which contains more items for a lower price (not to mention some of the offerings available from other brands).  I suppose this is why I usually buy my Mac products one at a time, as it's easier to pretend I don't spend so much that way!

Mac Divine Desire Face Kit in Paramour Pink, £45.00

Next up is the Lancome Ultimate Beauty Collection, which, in contrast, I think is fantastic value for money. At a special price of just £45, you get thirteen different pieces, plus the vanity case, as pictured. This includes: various skincare products, a full-size Christmas eye palette, a full-size blush, two different mini mascaras, kohl eyeliner and two lipsticks

Lancome Ultimate Beauty Collection, £45

Clinique Whole Lotta Colour Chubby Stick Gift Set, £30

Five of Clinique's best-selling Chubby Sticks for £30, which would be a saving of a whopping £50 on buying them individually....only, they're not full-size. However, I do think this is still a reasonable price for what you get, and it makes a lovely gift, as well as being a great way to try all the colours in one go.

Illamasqua Alter Ego Mystery Selection Gift Set, £38

This one is on my Christmas list! For £38, you get their best-selling nail varnish in 'Collide', Liquid Metal in Electrum, and then four more full-size products (lipstick, lipgloss, blush and eyeshadow) in mystery colours! Granted, it's a bit of a risk, but the reviews have been good, and it's a great way to add a surprise element to a gift, as well as allowing the receiver to try a few new products. This little lot would cost you £91.50 individually, so you save a huge £53.50. This one is, without a doubt, one of the best value sets of the bunch.

Benefit 'She's So Jetset' Gift Set, £29.50

And last but not least comes the Benefit 'She's So Jetset' Kit, £29.50.

You get a four-shade eyeshadow palette, mini 'The POREfessional', 'They're Real' Mascara, First Class Face Powder, Lipgloss and a double-ended sponge applicator. Personally, I wouldn't mind paying the price for this one, as you do get a few different bits and pieces for your money, and it would certainly make a nice gift.

So, have you had your eyes on any of these goodies, either for yourselves or for someone else? Which beauty products are on your Christmas Wishlist this year?

xx