Somewhere along the line, gift cards got a bad rap. But let's be clear: If you think giving gift certificates lacks thought, you've clearly never gotten one that lets you go on a shopping spree at one of the top beauty stores. Sure, they're often bestowed upon those who are "too difficult to shop for," but in our world getting one is a bit like hitting the jackpot. This season, we'd be thrilled to see one land in our stockings — especially if it's in the triple digits. But how to spend it? Well, we've already got some ideas.
Over the next few weeks, our beauty editors will be breaking down exactly how we would spend (very generous) $100 gift cards at some of our favorite stores — and we're starting with Sephora. Our methods were different — some of us chose to re-up our daily essentials; others went straight to the gift-set section, hoping to maximize the haul — but we all satisfied our inner beauty junkies.
See our picks ahead, and then hope you've been very, very nice this year.
Alix Tunell, Senior Beauty Editor
Total spent: $98
"I go through body oils faster than any other product category — a lotion just can’t compete with them in winter. This one has a ton of oils (olive, avocado, safflower-seed, green tea-seed, and primrose), is derm-tested, and makes my skin feel really healthy and smooth."
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Body Oil, $23, available at Sephora.
"A drop of this creamy, full-coverage concealer covers my dark circles better than any other I’ve tried. Tip: There are a ton of shades in the line and they vary ever-so-slightly, so I’d recommend getting color-matched."
Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Concealer, $27, available at Sephora.
"It’s like the Herbivore creators saw into my soul and then created this body scrub (and, really, the whole line) specifically for me, because in my dream world, everything would come in glass jars with orderly fonts, contain coconut oil, and smell like Bulgarian rose."
Herbivore Coco Rose Coconut Oil Body Polish, $36, available at Sephora.
"This cream melts on your lips and leaves a sheer, very shiny burgundy flush behind that looks like you put on dark lipstick, dabbed it off, then went over it with balm."
Korres Wild Rose Lip Butter, $12, available at Sephora.
Cat Quinn, Beauty Director
Total spent: $98
"I love the idea of owning a complete set of Tom Ford fragrances or every shade of Kat Von D lipstick, but let's be real: It's not the most practical purchase. This, on the other hand, is. You get the variety of a mascara, a lip stain, and a fragrance — all of which happen to be my favorites among each of the three categories. I've been using Eyes to Kill mascara for five years; it gives you the most amazing, lush lashes. Sì is the sexiest, warmest fragrance, and I love it for winter (my boyfriend can't resist it either). And this lip stain is my new obsession; it looks like a liquid lipstick on your lips, but it seriously does not move — even if you eat a greasy meal or make out with someone. (Both of which you should be doing heavily this holiday season.) This is one of the best sample sets I've seen, and I promise you'll love every piece."
Giorgio Armani Beauty Sì Eau de Parfum Beauty Gift Set, $92, available at Sephora.
"Since I have $8 left over, I'd also grab one of these rose face masks. It's super-soothing and brightening — perfect for the morning after I wear that lip stain until 4 a.m...."
Sephora Collection Rose Face Mask, $6, available at Sephora.
Mi-Anne Chan, Beauty Writer
Total spent: $96
"I'm currently eyeing this killer set from Drunk Elephant. First things first: I'm obsessed with the brand's night serum (read about my love for it here, or watch me gush about it here). The only downside? It costs a whopping $90. This kit contains a full-size version of the product, a travel-size hydrating serum, and a travel-size brightening vitamin C serum for just $6 more than what you'd spend buying the night serum solo.
"The brand's vitamin C serum is a great brightening treatment. It's lightweight, sinks in quickly, and contains a host of brightening ingredients like vitamin C and ferulic acid. I normally use this serum in the morning, right after cleansing and toning.
"After my serum is on, I'll slap a lightweight hydrator on top before moving on to SPF and makeup. This Hydration Gel is a great one to reach for because it's full of vitamins and ceramides."
Drunk Elephant AHA Kit, $96, available at Sephora.
Lexy Lebsack, West Coast Beauty Editor
Total spent: $101
"Fancy lip balm isn't something I normally buy for myself, but given a gift card, you best believe this would be the first thing in my basket. This Tatcha formula has been my savior in the drier months. It's incredibly rich and thick, so all you need is an even coat before bed to ensure that your lips stay soft, hydrated, and, more importantly, not chapped. And for the record, it's just as good as the $60 balms of the world — but for a little more than half the price."
Tatcha Gold Camellia Nourishing Lip Balm, $36, available at Sephora.
"This is my absolute favorite highlighter — and I just so happen to need a re-up right now. Fair warning: If you want something that's natural-looking, this is not for you. This formula is shimmery, reflective, and pale in color, which means that it looks gorgeous in photos and gives that strobed look. The best part is that it's a chunky stick, so you draw it on (I go over the tops of my cheekbones, temples, and over my Cupid's bow), then pat any edges with a finger, Beautyblender, or the included buffing tip."
Smashbox L.A. Lights Blendable Lip & Cheek Color in Hollywood & Highlight, $29, available at Sephora.
"I could get through an entire party season with just this liner and the highlighter on the previous slide. It allows for super-precise application, which means that you can create a graphic cat-eye, kitten flick, or just darken your top lashline — fast! Like, 'I got ready in my work bathroom' fast."
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper, $20, available at Sephora.
"This little guy has been in my purse for weeks — I don't go anywhere without it. I spray a few pumps into my hands, warm up the formula, then scrunch it into my hair — wet or dry — to bring out my layers and give things a bit of volume and separation. Beach spray even in the winter? Yes, please!"
Ouai Wave Spray, $12, available at Sephora.
"With only a few bucks left, I know exactly what I'd get. I love these little mask packs from Origins, especially the Drink Up formula. I pop one in my carry-on and my skin never gets dry when I travel — plus, a pack has enough mask for two uses. Apply it to clean skin, let it soak in for 30 minutes or so, then tissue off."
Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask, $4, available at Sephora.
Megan McIntyre, Beauty Features Director
Total spent: $100
"When Marc Jacobs first introduced his Splash fragrances back in 2006, they came in ginormous bottles — and I legit just finished that original bottle. Since then, they’ve discontinued the Splashes, so when I stumbled across this limited-edition baby bottle of Rain, I knew I had to have it. Clean, watery, with just the right hit of effervescence — it’s a go-to for me."
Marc Jacobs Fragrances Splash: Rain, $62, available at Sephora.
"These tinted lip oils from YSL are simply beyond. They are one of the first lip oils that actually feel like an oil — instead of a liquid-esque balm — and they tint my lips in a really understated, but still impactful, way. I love the bright Crush Me orange shade and the vivid berry of Pink About Me. These are absolutely essential in the winter."
Yves Saint Laurent Volupté Tint-In-Oil in Pink About Me, $32, available at Sephora.
"A softening peel might seem like a misnomer, but leave it to South Korea to come up with the most gentle, yet effective, one on the market. You start with a giant Q-tip swab that’s pre-soaked in a lactic acid to get rid of dead skin, then follow it up with the enclosed soy milk-infused sheet mask. The result is super-soft, bright, toned skin and confirmation that milk, indeed, does a body — err, face — good."
Primary Raw DoYou 2-Step Milk Peeling Kit, $6, available at Sephora.
Kelsey Castañon, Beauty News Editor
Total spent: $105
"I prefer to smell like a legit coconut 365 days of the year — yes, even in the colder months. This body wash delivers that heavenly, tropical island scent I love so much, plus the extra hydration we all need in winter. Best part: Both results linger long after I rinse it off."
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian 4 Play Moisturizing Shower Cream-Gel, $25, available at Sephora.
"I know I’ve said my ride-or-die mascara was the YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils (and it is, on nights when I need something that grabs all the attention). But sometimes, you just want a solid, everyday formula that won’t smudge or smear — and that’s where this one comes in. Its slightly curved applicator hugs and separates every last lash, so I can still feel confident should a last-minute date come up."
Wander Beauty Unlashed Volume & Curl Mascara, $24, available at Sephora.
"Gel primers have always been my jam — there’s nothing more satisfying than smoothing one on my skin when it’s drier than a kale chip — but Laura Mercier’s feels like the category’s magical unicorn. It’s loaded with hydrating hyaluronic acid and vitamins A and E, so it can take the place of moisturizer on lazy days,"
Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Hydrating, $36, available at Sephora.
"Recently, while packing for a weeklong trip abroad, I couldn’t find a travel-sized bottle of this insanely effective oil-absorber, so I had to leave it behind. I won’t go into details on what my hair looked like on the trip, but I will say this: Life is scary, oily, and sad without it, and I’ll never make the same mistake again — even if that means forking over the $25 bag fee next time."
Klorane Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk, $20, available at Sephora.
Maria del Russo, beauty editor
Total spent: $100
"I used to lug around my full-sized dryer whenever I traveled, which would take up precious cargo space that could be better filled with shoes. The reason? Mini dryers don’t pack the same punch as the big guys — or so I thought. I tested out Amika’s new mini drier and was blown away — literally. It’s just as powerful as a regular dryer, weighs less than a pound, and comes with two attachments — a concentrator and a diffuser. Even my brother, who is a professional hairstylist, was impressed with this mini miracle."
Amika Mighty Mini Dryer Coral Pink + Wink, $55, available at Sephora.
"Margiela’s Lazy Sunday Morning is my signature scent — so much so that my own father told me it smells like me. It’s a lighter scent, with notes of iris, lily of the valley, rose absolue, and patchouli oil, so I need to reapply it if I go out at night. Instead of stashing an extra bottle at my desk, I carry this rollerball along. A few swipes behind my ears, on my wrists, and down my décolletage, and I’m solid."
Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning Rollerball, $28, available at Sephora.
"Urban Decay does a matte lipstick like no other. They stay put without drying out your lips, and the color payoff is amazing. My favorite of their Vice lipsticks is Hex — a deep, ruddy red that is a sexy alternative to your classic crimson. One swipe of this is like applying your inner badass. Consider it your alter ego in a tube."
Urban Decay Vice Lipstick, $17, available at Sephora.
Sam Sasso, beauty editorial assistant
Total spent: $99
"Every skin type can benefit from these do-it-all products. The Ultra Repair Cream is great for eczema, or just dry patches, from elbows to your cheeks. I personally want it because of the Ultra Repair Lip Therapy, which is basically magic for chapped lips."
First Aid Beauty Winter Skin Savers, $38, available at Sephora.
"If lipstick application is a hassle for you, these slim sticks make things that much easier and quicker.
Bite Beauty Best Bite Redux, $25, available at Sephora.
"I was first introduced to the intoxicating scents from Nest through one of these variety sets. Considering how pricey fragrances can normally be, a set like this that lets you mix and match favorites and is easy to pack in your suitcase is a must.
Nest Eau de Parfum Collection Coffret, $36, available at Sephora.
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