Best makeup sets and gift sets

Top pick: Laura Geller Cult Classics Full Face Kit (6 PC) — a genuinely complete face in one box: primer, color corrector and the brand's baked foundation, plus the rest of the routine. It's the safest bundle for someone starting out or restocking, and it's the best-reviewed of the lot.

Who the others suit:

• Merit Five Minute Morning — the minimalist who wants a fast, light, skin-first routine in stick form.
• Nars Endless Orgasm Vault — a treat for someone who already loves the Orgasm shades; nine full-size eye, lip and cheek pieces.
• Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Icons On the Go Kit — travel and handbag use, with a full-size eye product.
• Benefit I Spy Beauty 5-Piece Set — brow, mascara, tint and primer minis: a good try-me set for Benefit newcomers.
• r.e.m. beauty Wicked: For Good Set — a fun, trend-led gift with blushes and a lip oil.
• SHANY All-in-One Bundle and the MARBUROLY 12-shadow kit — the biggest spread of colors for the money, best for experimenting.
• Laura Geller Baked Starter Kit (3 PC / 8 PC) — smaller or larger versions of the same baked-powder approach if the full kit is more than you need.