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Remember the year someone gave you that weird, glittery eyeliner that’s still sitting at the bottom of your makeup bag? We’ve been there, too. But not all beauty gifts leave the recipient wishing they’d gotten a gift card instead. As it turns out, there are plenty of products out there that can truly change someone’s skincare or makeup routine for the better — and you don’t even have to spend a lot of money to get something great. Read on for our favorite beauty gifts under $25, from airbrush-level makeup sponges to a luxurious lip mask and beyond.
Need more gifts? Shop all of our holiday gift guides here.

A gel that'll protect their skin barrier...
Made from 100% vegan ingredients, this lightweight gel is made to soothe, hydrate, and improve texture to produce a glass-like appearance. The vegan squalene boosts skin elasticity, while the vegan ecotin strengthens the skin's barrier (and reduces redness). Pacifica Beauty creates products that are cruelty-free and made to protect against environmental stressors that can leave the skin dull and dry. We love it as a nightly skincare step, to help lock in moisture overnight so skin is much smoother to the touch come the morning.

A travel kit that revitalizes tired skin in no time…
The jetsetter in your life will appreciate this hydrating skincare bundle. After long international flights or even quick puddle jumpers, the included mask, eye gel, lip gel, and night gel will help gently restore skin to its pre-travel health.

A lip gloss they’ll want to take everywhere…
Jones Road is Bobbi Brown’s new(ish) makeup line, and it’s just as good, if not better, than her original brand. One of our favorite Jones Road products is this Cool Gloss. It’s formulated to provide a lightweight but intensely hydrating shine that’s not sticky or drying, and you can take your pick from nine colors ranging from clear to bright red.

An eyeliner that’s so good, you’ll want one, too…
A good eyeliner is surprisingly hard to find, but if you’re reading this, your search is over. This one has a creamy texture that makes it easy to use without cracking, gaps, or flaking, and you won’t have to worry about smudging, either. Plus, it comes in eight colors (including less-common options like blue and green).

A set of pimple patches that feel more like cheerful stickers…
These cute pimple patches are meant to be worn as little adornments, making having a pimple sort of fun…or as close to fun as it can be. They’re gentler than other options on the market (they use the sensitive-skin-safe ingredients azelaic acid and centella asiatica instead of harsher acids), all without compromising efficacy.

A clip that’s secure, but comfy, too…
So many clips dig into the scalp, or worse, slide down your hair again and again. This flat tortoise clip isn’t one of them. It’s comfortable enough that you can take a nap without having to remove it, and the same bendable teeth that make it so comfy are also responsible for a secure hold.

A makeup sponge that really is the GOAT…
Chances are, if they wear makeup often, it’s time to re-up on a sponge, and there’s no better option out there than this Beautyblender original. Both its teardrop shape and ultra-plush foam, which mimics skin pores, make for streak-free application and an airbrushed-like result.

A set of four lip oils that will leave their lips looking, and feeling, like a million bucks…
For folks who like a high-shine lip look, this nourishing lip oil will give them the aesthetic they want, all while hydrating and repairing the lips. The oil glides on easily with a large brush applicator and is never tacky or sticky. The set of four will provide them with every shade they need for office meetings, date night, or easy, casual weekend wear.

A concealing polish that filters out discoloration for perfect fingertips…
This brilliant bottle is like an Instagram filter for nails. If they have any staining, discoloration, or yellowing, a simple swipe of this polish across the fingertips will brighten and conceal for a smooth, natural look.

A luxurious lip mask to make their smile all the more soft…
Papaya oil, squalane, and shea butter come together for a powerful, deeply hydrating combo in this watermelon and basil lip mask. It works best if heavily applied before bedtime so it has time to really soak into the skin (but it can be worn during the day to soothe the lips, too).

An on-the-go solution that’s as good at nourishing hair as it is styling it…
This smart little tool is small enough to fit in a makeup pouch or purse pocket, where it will likely live once your gift recipient opens it. Why? Because when applied with the included wand, this styling cream can help tame even the unruliest hair. It’s the perfect finishing touch for everything from blowouts to low-maintenance buns.

A mini dry shampoo that’ll leave hair looking salon-level clean…
This dry shampoo works well, smells good, and has cute, minimalist packaging. It absorbs oil, grease, and odors from the scalp and hair almost magically, leaving hair smelling and looking fresh, shiny, and ready for whatever adventures lie ahead.

A brush that makes detangling a piece of cake…
There’s definitely a difference between a good and bad hairbrush…but good doesn’t have to mean expensive. This under-$10 find has long, flexible bristles and an ergonomic handle — plus, it can be used with wet or dry hair. A few other fun facts: It works for all hair types, is kid-friendly, and is light and small enough to fit in a purse.

A beauty brush that makes any face of makeup look flawless…
Your foundation, blush, and concealer are really only as good as your brush, which is why it’s important to invest in a well-constructed option. Specifically designed to provide even, dense coverage, this easy-to-grip bubble blending brush is a dream. The ultra-plush, anti-shed synthetic bristles handle creams, powders, and liquid with ease, whether you dab, swipe, or blend them across the skin’s surface.

A brush cleaner that’s about to revolutionize their makeup routine…
To go along with the brush above, or any brush they might already own, an effective and safe brush cleaner is an absolutely essential tool. This one works simply: Just spritz a couple sprays over the brush head after each use and wipe clean.

Satin scrunchies that protect the hair (and look good doing it)…
The world of hair health has expanded way beyond low heat blow dryers to include lots of effective everyday accessories like these satin scrunchies. They can prevent breakage and split ends, but they’ll also ensure your hair has no unwanted creases after hours up in a ponytail or bun. So it’s really just a bonus that they look elegant, too.

A moisturizer that feels like a cloud and works on all skin types…
This miracle of a moisturizer combines both gel and cream for deep hydration that doesn’t make the skin oily or the pores clog. It’ll plump and firm the skin as it creates a protective barrier that keeps moisture locked in, and it’s also clinically tested by a third party to be non-irritating, acne-friendly, and safe for sensitive skin.

A cloth that magically removes makeup with water alone…
We all know how important it is to take off your makeup at the end of the night — it can help prevent breakouts, clogged pores, and more. The best (and easiest) way to go about it is with this pro makeup removing cloth. It works like a charm on all makeup types (yes, even waterproof mascara and eyeliner), and only requires the use of a little warm water and some circular motions to magically erase until your face is fresh and clean.

Under-eye masks that target dark circles and bags…
It’s important to have a good concealer, sure, but what’s even better is to try and treat the dark circles and bags themselves. These gentle gel under-eye masks have an effective mix of ingredients that brighten and depuff, but also hydrate to reduce fine lines. They come in six colors, each with a different purpose, but whether you opt for “illuminating” or “moisturizing,” you really can’t go wrong.
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