Remember the chaotic thrill of pre-dawn Black Friday dashes to Ulta, fueled by questionable amounts of peppermint mocha? One might recall the singular focus: the sets. The glorious, glittering, value-packed beauty sets. Fast forward to 2025, and while the in-store stampedes might be less common (thank you, high-speed internet), the magnetic pull of Ulta's holiday collections remains undiminished. Has beauty gifting truly peaked? Probably not – there’s always room for more highlighters under the tree, right? But let’s be honest, we’re currently luxuriating in a golden age of curated kits and clever bundles. Forget fruitcakes; these are the presents that spark genuine joy (and maybe a little squeal). So, what’s topping Ulta’s must-gift list this festive season? Let’s dive in.
Lancôme: Lash Dreams & Y2K Creams
Pictured: Lancôme's festive duo offering fluttery lashes and juicy lips.
$45 at Ulta
Who says practical can't be playful? This set cleverly bundles two lash essentials – the beloved Lash Idôle Flutter Extension mascara (because who doesn't need a phenomenal mascara?) and the nifty Le Curler. But the real nostalgic kicker? A mini Juicy Tubes in 'Creamsicle' – a milky pale pink that’s basically a time machine straight back to 2003. It’s the perfect blend of grown-up utility and pure, sugary fun. Talk about hitting two birds with one very stylish stone!
Ulta Beauty: Mini Mania & Maxi Savings
Pictured: The adorable mini-replica advent calendar.
$40 at Ulta
Okay, confession: there’s zero actual usable makeup in this box. But is that a dealbreaker? Absolutely not! This is pure, unadulterated fun. Ulta’s Mini Brands calendar delivers 25 days of tiny, surprise beauty product replicas. It’s like a daily dose of dopamine in miniature form. And the genius part? Tucked inside is a $15 off $50 voucher. So, after playing with the tiny treasures, one can immediately go buy the life-sized versions. Practicality wrapped in cuteness? Sign us up!
Polite Society: The Purse-Sized Powerhouse
Pictured: Compact essentials for a stunning on-the-go look.
$36 at Ulta
Why commit to one full-size superstar when you can sample the whole Polite Society squad? This set is the ultimate perk for the indecisive or the perpetually mobile. Packed with minis of their plumping gloss, mascara, glossy balm, setting powder, and blush, it contains everything needed for a simple yet undeniably stunning look. Toss the minis in your bag, or grab the whole chic pouch when rushing out the door. Effortless beauty, gifted.
TONYMOLY: Head-to-Toe Hydration Hoedown
Pictured: The complete pampering package for skin.
$10 at Ulta
Can a single gift truly deliver a spa day? For a mere stocking stuffer price, TONYMOLY gives it a valiant effort! This festive bundle isn't messing around: two beloved face masks plus a dedicated hand mask and a foot mask. It’s basically a mandate to put your feet up and feel replenished from, quite literally, head to toe. How very considerate (and affordable)!
Miu Miu: Miutine Magic in Miniature
Pictured: The adorable mini Miutine duo.
$39 at Ulta
Miu Miu dropped their warm, gourmand-floral Miutine Eau de Parfum earlier this year, blending wild strawberry, vanilla, brown sugar, and gardenia. Missed the hype? This discovery set is your perfect catch-up (and gift-giving) opportunity. It features two mini bottles of the utterly charming scent. One for you, one for your Miu Miu-obsessed bestie? Obviously! Plus, the mini bottle design is almost unbearably cute. Adorableness overload!
Ulta Beauty: Fragrance Fiesta (No Commitments!)
Pictured: An array of mini fragrance samples to explore.
$20 at Ulta (Originally $39)
Why settle on just one scent for the holidays when you can flirt with a dozen? Ulta’s expertly curated Fragrance Favorites Discovery Set is the answer for the fragrance-curious or the decisively challenged. It’s packed with samples of iconic and new favorites (Sublime by Tory Burch? Classic Clinique Happy? Yes, please!). The real kicker? A $15 Ulta gift card tucked inside. Use it toward a full bottle of your new favorite from the set, or anything else that catches your eye. Zero commitment, maximum exploration!
Briogeo: Scalp Salvation Squad
Pictured: The scalp-soothing trio.
$45 at Ulta
Here’s the deal: you come for the hero product (the scalp-saving rosemary Pre-Wash Oil – use pre-shower or overnight!), but you stay for the incredibly useful backups. This set includes minis of their Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo to gently banish flakes and their Deep Conditioning Mask. Frankly, the mask is worth its weight in gold, especially for holiday travel. Let’s be real: vacation water is notoriously brutal on hair. This trio is basically armor against hard water havoc. Essential!
Charlotte Tilbury: Pillow Talk Paradise
Pictured: The luxurious Pillow Talk collection in velvet.
$390 at Ulta
For the ultimate Pillow Talk devotee in your life (and let's face it, there are legions), this is the holy grail. Fourteen full-size products – yes, full-size – nestled within a plush velvet case complete with a mirror. It's undeniably lavish. While receiving the whole glorious box would be a dream, here’s a cheeky thought: buy it for yourself and strategically dole out pieces to deserving loved ones... keeping a few treasures, of course. Practical luxury at its finest!
Oak Essentials x Jenni Kayne: Advent of Absolute Indulgence
Pictured: The luxe skin, body, and cashmere advent calendar.
$245 at Ulta (Originally $350)
Feeling fancy? Excellent, because this collaboration between Oak Essentials and Jenni Kayne takes holiday gifting (and self-gifting) to a whole new level of luxe. This isn't just an advent calendar; it's a 25-day journey into indulgence. Expect premium skin and body care picks designed for ultimate pampering. And because 'tis the season for cozy opulence, they've even thrown in some luxe cashmere accessories. Because self-care isn't selfish, especially in December – it's survival, wrapped in cashmere!
Essie: Winter Nails, Sorted
Pictured: The frosty white and chrome nail duo.
$21 at Ulta
Still pondering your winter manicure vibe? Let Essie make it simple. Their "Winter Frost" duo delivers the perfect seasonal statement: a crisp, bright white and a dazzling glazed chrome. Long-wearing and effortlessly chic, this pair ensures your nails are as festive as the rest of your look. Frosty mornings, meet your match on fingertips.
So, there you have it – Ulta’s 2025 holiday lineup proving that beauty sets are far more than just presents; they're experiences, discoveries, and little luxuries wrapped up with festive flair. Whether you're gifting the practical lash lover, the fragrance explorer, the luxury seeker, or stocking up for your own glamorous survival, these sets deliver the holiday magic (without needing a 4 AM alarm clock). Happy gifting, darlings! 🎁✨