Now would be a GREAT time to pick up one of these ridiculously well-priced—and delightfully girly—gift sets

Continuing along on the theme of beauty gift ideas for both other people and, well, YOU—I really must urge you to consider one of the gorgeous makeup gift sets that the beauty marketers have so graciously packaged up for our shopping pleasure.

These things come out in new and better forms every year, and I always swoon at the over-the-top girliness of them all (Urban Decay’s pop-up book for grown-ups gets me every time, without fail). Happily, they are also really good value, even more so if you are like me and enjoy trying a lot of things but rarely if ever actually *finish* them. (Oh wait—we were talking about gifting these, right?)

Here are my fave sets from this year’s crop. Just make to run—not walk—as this stuff sells out fast!

Urban Decay Book of Shadows Volume III ($65)

I can’t guarantee you’ll still be able to find this collector’s edition palette—it’s supposed to be available at select Shoppers Drug Mart locations as well as Sephora, but it always, always sells out fast (and is known to sell on eBay for up to $300!). Why? Because you get 16 eyeshadows, mini versions of two eye pencils and a travel size of the famous Primer Potion. But with the paper cut-outs of NYC landmarks and the LED lights (yes, it lights up!) I think it’s just too amazing to actually use.

Tarte The Jewelry Box ($52)

Tarte also does this one every year—I have one from a year or two ago—and it’s insanely glam-looking for the top of a bedroom dresser. Inside are 16 shimmer eyeshadows, 16 matte eyeshadows, 8 lip glosses, 5 eyeliners, one bronzer and one highlighting powder (!!!). Everything is sans parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, synthetic dyes and fragrances. At Sephora.

Cargo Lumière du Monde palette ($29)

This is a gorgeous big palette from Cargo (translation: “lights of the world”) that you really need to see in person to appreciate. Inside are 8 matte and shimmering eyeshadows, plus a blush/bronzer duo. The engraving detail is simply gorgeous. At Murale.

Benefit Her Name Was Glowla makeup kit ($40)

Oh, Benefit. I know I have at least a dozen of these types of palettes, but you always make me want more. Glowla here offers a complete “holiday face” using Coralista powder, High Beam and Moon Beam highlighters, Bad Gal mascara, Life on the A List lip gloss, an eyeshadow brush and a five-shade eyeshadow palette. At Murale, Shoppers, Sephora and select Holt Renfrew locations.

Stila Make an Impression in Moscow palette ($13)

How can this Stila palette be only $13? It’s a steal, I tell you. The cover of this makes me feel all Dr. Zhivago—inside are four eyeshadows plus the famous Convertible Cheek Colour in Lily. At Murale.

Joe Fresh Style Five Minute Face Palette ($20)

I’m really not sure who Joe Fresh thinks they are helping with this “diagram” (um, we know that blush goes on the cheeks, yes). But who cares when you get $44 worth of goodness for only $20. This is a holiday version of the palette they came out with in September—the difference is that you get sultrier, sparklier shadows and ruby lipstick and gloss. At select Loblaws stores.

Anna Sui Rockin’ Wonderland makeup kits ($50 each)

Did you know that you can get Anna Sui makeup—the original girly girl makeup and still the best—at Sears and Shoppers Drug Mart? I always forget it’s there. But these kits are worth a trip. You get a super-cute case plus gel eye colour, lip gloss and blush.

Have you snagged one of these gift sets already?
If yes—are you planning to give it away or keep it for yourself?
Which brand do you think does the best gift sets evah?