Gift Guide: Beauty Sets

If ever there was an excuse to stock up on our favourite beauty brands, it’s Christmas. Sure, you’ll nip out to Arnotts or Brown Thomas when you run out of foundation throughout the year, but at what other time will you treat yourself to your favourite brand’s gift set, complete with luxurious packaging? These sets make for the perfect Christmas present and will cover your derriere for those you find most difficult to buy for.

For the Benefit enthusiasts among us – and boy are there plenty – these gift sets are their most tempting yet. Whether you go for the Candy Coated Countdown at €90, featuring a whopping 24 bitesized treasures and perfect for the young’uns having fun with make-up, or you choose the Complexion Confections for those after some sweetly packaged skincare, you’ll be spoiled for choice with Benefit.

Set includes Triple Performing Facial Emulsion, POREfesssional mini, it’s Potent! Eye Cream and Instant Comeback Facial Serum Mini. €58.

Bobbi Brown Basic Brush Set, an investment that will see you through many a make-up look. Includes six brushes: Concealer, Foundation, Face Blender, Eye Shadow, Eye Liner and Eye Brow. Brushes are tucked into a portable black case.??199

For the beauty extraordinaire who appreciates the packaging as much as what’s inside. MAC Objects of Affection Pink + Rose Pigments + Glitter. €35

For something impressive that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, Nars will do the trick. Nars Tech Fashion Lipgloss Coffret €29

Another must have for skincare gurus, the Clarisonic has earned itself rave reviews the length and breath of the country. We’re loving the Clarisonic Aria Winterlace Limited Edition gift set. €199

For the ultimate in luxury skincare, you can’t beat Creme De La Mer. This year they’re offering a little bit of everything in The Discovery Collection at €225

Charlotte Tilburry is the name behind the make up brand of the moment. Sure to suit all occasions and seasons, The Rock Chick Set is a worthy investment to any beauty collection. €210

@CarolineForan