BEAUTY: Top Holiday Gift Sets

I am a sucker for gift sets of any variety. Three types of popcorn in one tin? Yes. Cosmetics are no different. You know how both Ulta and Sephora have shelves full of gift sets as soon as you walk in the store? Yeah that's specifically targeted to snag people like me.

And it works. I think part of me thinks I am getting such a great deal with sets like these-who knows if that's actually true or not. But these sets really are great ways to experiment with brands and products you haven't tried before.  I'd like to be able to say that I grab them to give away as gifts...that's not the case.

The first set I picked up this season was Josie Maran Winter Dreams Argan Color Collection. I couldn't tell you why this one caught my eye since I had never tried any of their products before but it did and I am so glad! Once the travel sized version of the mascara runs out I will be buying it! The rose gold eyeshadow was featured on a previous post and is such a pretty color. I have been using the oil on my cuticles every night and have been noticing results. The illuminizor was a nice surprise with just the right amount of shimmer.  The blush is the only thing I'm not crazy about but I think that's simply because I'm not a fan of cream blush.

Tarte has become this month’s beauty line obsession. Their Special Edition 5-piece Artistry Brush Set has gotten rave reviews and my fingers are crossed I unwrap it Christmas morning.

I snagged the  Bon Voyage Collector Set during the 20% off sale Sephora had for VIB/Rouge members. It FINALLY arrived yesterday and so far I love it! The eyeshadows are true to color with minimum fallout and there are so MANY. I'm also a fan of the lip gloss and cheek stain (available in this set only) which I used as a highlighter. And really, how cute is the case?

I still love Too Faced and their La Belle Carousel is just so festive. As much as I love their line, I would buy this just for the packaging alone.

I feel like I never actually set out to buy lip products- everything I use generally comes in a set. If the color doesn't work for me, I toss it out.  That being said, Sephora's Give Me Some Lip looks like it comes with shades that would work on just about every skin tone and I would love to play around with brands whose lip products I haven't come across before.

I found the Butter London Steampunk Ball Set when I was checking out the new Ulta here. The colors are great for the season and after Julep, they are my second favorite nail brand.

What sets are you guys fans of?