When it comes to holiday gifting, you have plenty of options. You can buy directly from your recipient’s wish list, get ideas from our curated gift guides, or check out recommendations at your favorite stores. Following that last idea, we asked retail experts what they predict will be the top beauty gifts and winter bestsellers for 2025.
A Quick Look at Retailers’ Holiday Beauty Favorites
– The Hair Styler: Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler and Dryer Straight+Wavy – $650 at Bluemercury
– The Wrinkle Serum: SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Serum – $150 at Dermstore
– The Face Cream: La Mer The Creme De La Mer Duet Set – $390 at Bluemercury
Buyers, merchandisers, and directors share what’s selling fast in stores and online. This season offers a wide range, from niche perfumes to skincare sets and other seasonal treats. Here’s what’s trending for winter 2025 to help you choose the perfect beauty gift for yourself or someone else.
Bluemercury
Jenna Goldberg, head of stores, omnichannel & strategy at Bluemercury, tells Vogue that skincare remains a strong category, with many brands offering value sets of bestsellers or trial sizes to attract new customers. It’s no surprise that La Mer’s famous face cream duo is expected to be a hit, along with Dr. Diamond’s Metacine trio for skin renewal. The team also notes that large sizes of haircare products are very popular during the holidays as customers stock up on favorites. Color cosmetics and fragrances, especially those with festive packaging and limited-edition shades and scents, are also in demand. Advent calendars are a big topic at Bluemercury, as customers love the daily surprise of opening a special treat.
– Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler and Dryer Straight+Wavy – $650 at Bluemercury: A limited-edition version in Amber Silk.
– La Mer The Creme De La Mer Duet Set – $390 at Bluemercury: Includes 2oz and 0.5oz sizes of the iconic cream, offering $100 in savings.
– Slip x Bluemercury Pure Silk Scrunchie Cracker – $43 at Bluemercury: An exclusive set of five anti-crease, anti-breakage silk scrunchies in cute packaging.
– Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palette – $94 at Bluemercury: Features bestselling shades in artwork by Ukrainian tattoo artist Sash Unisex, with 5% of profits supporting the Nonhuman Rights Project.
– Glasshouse Fragrances Music City Magic Candle & Spinning Carousel – $80 at Bluemercury: A festive candle with a carousel that spins as it burns.
– Dr. Diamond’s Metacine InstaFacial Discovery Trio – $124 at Bluemercury: A trial set of powerful skincare bioactives, ideal for testing or travel.
Nordstrom
Holiday gifting is a focus at Nordstrom, and according to beauty director Autumne West, customers are looking for thoughtful presents. “They want something that feels like a splurge but is personal,” West says. “Shoppers are seeking value and ways to get more for their money, but they still want gifts that feel special and coveted. Limited edition or holiday-specific items from favorite brands make gifts recognizable yet unique.” Body care and fragrances, particularly mini sizes, are top choices. West adds, “There’s been a rise in cute collectibles across all categories.”
– L’Occitane Advent Calendar Gift Set – $135 at Nordstrom: A great advent calendar with…It feels like endless gifts. Anyone who receives this will want to keep and use every item!
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Fragrance Miniatures Set
$315 at NORDSTROM
This is a sought-after fragrance collection with multiple scents to try. Enjoy the iconic bottle design in a mini size!
Chanel Coveted Essentials Beauty Set
$155 at NORDSTROM
The iconic brand made giftable. This set includes a sheer nail polish, hand cream, and lip balm—perfect for someone who appreciates understated luxury.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palette
$94 at NORDSTROM
A beautiful limited-edition case with an easy-to-use palette. It gives an instant fresh look with blush, highlighter, soft bronzer, and finishing powder for face, eyes, and cheeks. Ideal for travel and fits easily in a carry-on bag.
Osea Ocean Body Glow Set
$98 at NORDSTROM
Encouraging self-care can be hard to wrap up, so this spa-like body treatment set is a thoughtful way to gift that intention for at-home use.
Clarins Lip Comfort Oil Lip Love Minis Set
$45 at NORDSTROM
Lip oils and stains are trending, and Clarins has nailed it with this mini set.
Credo Beauty
The clean beauty marketplace is experiencing a surge in body and hair care. According to Gabriella Ramirez, a merchant at Credo, body tools are popular as customers invest in at-home spa routines, with Biotyspa’s formulas being a favorite. Hair care is focused on growth and repair, with serums and bond treatments in high demand.
Bonjout Beauty Le Balm Skin Savior Solid Serum
$130 at CREDO BEAUTY
A dream come true for skin minimalists! This salve contains 68 active ingredients to repair and nourish skin, replacing eye cream, serum, and moisturizer all at once.
SWEED Eyelash Growth Serum
$55 at CREDO BEAUTY
Growth and repair are top priorities for customers, especially for hair and eyelashes.
Epres Bond Repair Treatment Starter Kit
$50 at CREDO BEAUTY
Customers are recognizing the importance of a consistent hair-care routine. This at-home spray treatment repairs damaged hair bonds.
Credo Beauty Vault Collection Advent Calendar
$175 at CREDO BEAUTY
Credo’s first Advent calendar includes a full travel-size skincare routine and full-size and travel-size makeup products.
Biotyspa Body Sculpt Kit Holiday Edition
$135 at CREDO BEAUTY
At-home spa treatments continue to thrive. This kit features Biotyspa’s top-selling Body Sculpt Cup for massaging damp skin, plus a limited-edition travel bag, hydrating gel, and body oil to firm and sculpt the skin.
Soshe Precision Waterproof Eyeliner Refill
$17 at CREDO BEAUTY
Glam is back! With the holidays approaching, customers are drawn to rich colors like burgundy and plum to enhance their makeup. The Soshe Eyeliner’s ultra-precise tip allows for creative eyeliner styles.
Violet Grey
Skincare remains Violet Grey’s specialty, with growth in science-backed brands like MBR, NakedBeauty MD, and Sweet Chemistry. Rachel Richman, director of merchandising, notes that clients want effective, high-performance formulas for barrier support and deep hydration, especially in winter. There’s also rising interest in unique fragrances for discovery.
Madame Grey Extrait de ParfumVIOLET GREY
Cassandra’s Debut Fragrance — $1,100
Imagine the most sensual, skin-like scent you’ve ever experienced—one that lasts all day. This mysterious and luxurious fragrance from our founder Cassandra is the perfect gift for the most stylish person in your life. Just be ready for compliments from strangers.
Victoria Beckham Beauty
The Foundation Drops with TFC8 — $110
These silky, blendable foundation drops are an instant bestseller for good reason. Infused with Bader’s beloved TFC8 complex, they offer buildable coverage with a radiant finish and flawless pigment, thanks to the Victoria Beckham Beauty team.
Sweet Chemistry
Barrier Repairing Oil-Serum — $170
Give your winter skin the extra care it needs with this oil-serum hybrid. Loaded with peptides and nourishing oils, it helps repair your skin barrier, lock in moisture, and soothe irritation. A straightforward step for healthier, stronger skin all season long, available only at Violet Grey.
Fara Homidi
Essential Resort Box (Giene & Bois) — $192
This season’s must-have makeup gift—you’ll want one for yourself too. Get a vacation-ready glow with Fara’s latest essentials: a limited-edition Soft Glass Lip Plumping Oil, The Essential Bronzer, and a luxurious handmade shader brush from Japan. Limited stock, so don’t miss out.
NakedBeauty MD
Damask Rose Revitalizing Gold-Infused Hydrogel Eye Masks — $110
Created by Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Catherine Chang, these hydrogel eye patches fit perfectly under the eyes to reduce puffiness and fine lines while providing a cooling effect. Ideal for post-procedure recovery or a quick refresh before a party.
C & The Moon
Malibu Made Body Scrub — $72
A cult favorite at Violet Grey, this rich scrub gently exfoliates with sweet almond and coconut oils, leaving skin deeply hydrated—no need for lotion. Plus, it smells delightfully of vanilla cake in the most elegant way.
Dermstore
Barrier repair products are trending at Dermstore, and for good reason. “Winter demands richer formulas to fight dry, cold weather,” says Chelsea Strauser, VP of Buying. “We see increased sales of restorative creams from November through March,” with Dr. Diamond’s Metacine Hydr/o Moisturizer and U Beauty’s The Barrier Bioactive Treatment among the top picks.
Customers are also using leftover FSA and HSA funds for their skincare needs. “Our shoppers view skincare as healthcare, investing in holistic routines that include tools like Jolie’s shower head for scalp care and supplements like Wellbel for hair health. It’s about a full 360-degree approach to skin wellness.”
LymaLaser PRO Starter Kit — $5,995
The new Pro model’s larger treatment area reduces session time and makes it easier to treat larger areas like the neck and chest. While it’s a luxury gift, it’s a worthwhile investment for anyone already getting regular treatments—the before-and-after results speak for themselves.
Shark
FacialPro Glow At-Home Hydro-Powered Facial System — $400
Perfect for those who love hydro-fueled facials like Diamond Glow or Hydrafacial, this innovative system from Shark brings the med-spa experience right to your home.
Bioeffect
3xGF Recovery Serum — $329
One of the most advanced growth factor serums available, derived from barley rather than human sources. It works wonders to repair and restore the skin barrier, especially during winter when aesthetic treatments are on the rise.SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Serum, $150 at Dermstore:
This serum is ideal for those who use treatments like microneedling, lasers, or peels, or who face harsh environmental factors. It’s also a daily essential for maintaining youthful skin, making it a perfect gift for any skincare lover. Plus, it works well alongside or as an alternative to neurotoxin treatments.
Baobab Collection Black Pearls Candle, $145 at Dermstore:
Candles are a classic host gift during the busy holiday season. I prefer giving non-holiday themed candles so they can be enjoyed long after the festivities. Baobab’s containers are especially luxurious and can be repurposed—I use mine for storing makeup brushes or cotton pads.
Higherdose Infrared PEMF Mat, $1,295 at Dermstore:
Whether you’re gifting it to a wellness enthusiast or treating yourself to stay balanced during the holidays, this PEMF mat is excellent for muscle recovery and reducing stress.
Meet the Experts:
– Jenna Goldberg: Head of Stores, Omnichannel & Strategy, and Interim Head of Merchandising & Marketing at Bluemercury
– Gabriella Ramirez: Merchant at Credo Beauty
– Rachel Richman: Director of Merchandising at Violet Grey
– Chelsea Strauser: Vice President of Buying at Dermstore
– Autumne West: Beauty Director at Nordstrom
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful and concise FAQs about Holiday Beauty Favorites and retail forecasts
General Beginner Questions
Q What exactly are Holiday Beauty Favorites
A These are special limitededition sets or products that beauty brands release for the holiday season Theyre often bundled together as greatvalue gifts or collectors items
Q Why do experts forecast these trends
A Forecasting helps retailers know what to stock up on and helps you the shopper know what will be popular Its based on past sales data social media buzz and early brand previews
Q When do these holiday beauty products usually launch
A You can typically find them in stores and online starting in early October with the biggest selection available from November through December
Q Are these holiday sets a good value for the money
A Generally yes They often contain deluxe or fullsize products for a much lower total price than if you bought each item separately
Product Trend Questions
Q What types of products are usually in these holiday sets
A Common items include mini lipstick sets eyeshadow palettes fragrance samplers skincare routines in travel sizes and luxurious bath body collections
Q What are retail experts forecasting as the top trends for this year
A Experts are predicting a focus on skincareinfused makeup glitter and shimmer for festive looks genderneutral fragrance sets and sustainable or refillable packaging
Q Can you give me an example of a popular holiday set
A A classic example is a giftable perfume set that includes a fullsize bottle along with a matching travel spray and body lotion for a special price
Q Whats the difference between a value set and a collectors set
A A value set is about getting more product for your money A collectors set is often a uniquely designed limitedrun item like a special edition makeup palette with exclusive packaging
Shopping Practical Tips
Q When is the best time to buy holiday beauty favorites
A The best time is often right when they launch in October to ensure you get the specific set you want before it sells out However