My top 10 of the best Xmas skincare gift sets out right now

I love this time of year, not because I get excited about Xmas, but because there are so many beauty gift sets around, and plenty of deals that you feel like you’re treating yourself as well as whoever you are buying for. It’s a great way to try out a new skincare line that you’ve had your eye on, plus they are such great value, often the sum of the individual items far exceeding the cost of the set itself. I’ve included some green/organic/natural ones to satisfy green beauties too.

1. Eve Lom luxury collection gift set, £85

Eve Lom is the epitome of luxury and her products are award-winning. Contains full sizes of their cleanser (100ml), radiance cream (50ml) and rescue mask (50ml) – I’ve reviewed the mask and it is absolutely divine (plus it works). The total value of the gift set is £135.

2. Pai rosehip collection: intensive nourishing facial set, £30. ORGANIC

Contains full sizes of the rosehip bioregenerate oil (30ml), rosehip bioregenerate rapid radiance mask (75ml), and an organic muslin cloth. I couldn’t leave Pai out of this top 10, especially when their rosehip oil is in the kit. It’s a great opportunity to try them out, plus the mask in this kit cannot be bought on its own, so is great value regardless, with the oil and muslin cloth coming to £28 just by themselves.

 3.  Sarah Chapman skinesis starter kit, £39

Famous facialist to the stars, whose products are gaining a reputation for being as effective as her signature facials, has a starter kit worth £71. It contains a pouch with her ultimate cleanse (15ml), dynamic defence (15ml), eye recovery (5ml), overnight facial (5ml), and a cleansing mitt.

4. Decléor hydrating vanity case collection, £37.82

Decléor are the kings of gift sets. They have gift sets available all year round, but at Xmas time it feels like they add a bit of luxury to the mid-range market. Their vanity cases are always beautiful and very well made – this one is no exception. It contains full sizes of their Hydra Floral multi-protection rich cream (50ml), Phytopeel exfoliating cream (50ml) which I have used and found to be very effective (and gentle for my sensitive skin), and 5ml of their Aromessence Neroli super serum. The total value of the gift set is £82, and I have personally used their Hydra Floral moisturiser and can vouch for its effectiveness.

5. GlamGlow Gift Sexy, £49

GlamGlow the overnight masks used by celebs in preparation for their red carpet appearances (or so GlamGlow tells us). It is a popular mask, though, and this set is worth £99 so is great value. It contains a full size Thirstymud (50ml) and 15ml each of Youthmud and Supermud. They are touting this kit as the party-prep and party-recovery kit.

6. Rodial stem cell superfood kit, £75

I’ve tried out their lipbalm and love it for the Summer. I also have an eye out on their Superfood facial oil, and with this kit being such great value at £111, I am really tempted to get it for myself! It contains full sizes of their facial oil (30ml), hand cream (50ml), cleanser (200ml), and a cotton muslin cloth.

7. Bliss fabulips treatment kit, £39.50

Bliss are another great brand for gift sets. They always have something on offer. This kit is an unusual one as it contains products exclusively designed for use on lips – a cleanser, a scrub, a plumper and a balm. They look to be full sizes too, with a total value of £62.

8. Bodhi & Birch Rosa Rosa skincare set, £80. NATURAL

It contains full sizes of the clarifying cleanser (150ml), hydrating toner (100ml), and daily moisturiser (50ml). A great introduction into this all natural, plant-based, synthetic-free, and ethically-sourced range. The kit value is £95.

9. Su-Man skincare – Skin reborn essential discovery collection, £50

Another famous facialist’s kit. It contains a purifying cleansing gel-oil (40ml), exfoliating facial polish (40ml), and velvet skin brightening serum (15ml); giving you the chance to recreate her signature facial at home. Her brightening skin serum has a cult following just in itself. The kit is great value with the serum alone costing £50.

10. Shiseido IBUKI starter kit, £25

An award-winning luxury skincare line, this kit contains 30ml each of the IBUKI cleanser, softener (which is better than a toner, apparently) and refining moisturiser. This is a great value introductory kit.

I haven’t included any of the finds from department stores – Selfridges, Debenhams, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and House of Fraser – they all have beauty halls packed full of gift sets, although I have found that buying online works out to be better value especially as lots of the retailers are offering free delivery, and some even gifts with purchase, so I get a little something for myself too. Plus it saves me having to tackle the crowds!

Next week – my pick of the best make-up gift sets.