21 Cult Beauty Buys That Make Great Gifts

There's always some new, mesmerizing highlighter or miraculous foundation swarming social media feeds and taking the beauty world by storm. As exciting as it is to test out different products, there's just something about that love affair with cult beauty products that makes it impossible to stop repurchasing them time and time again.

In an age where beauty bloggers heavily influence what's hot and what's not, it can be hard to fight the temptation to purchase trending products. But sometimes, passing fads simply aren't all they're cracked up to be. That's where the holy grail makeup products that beauty enthusiasts can't shut up about because they're too damn good. Industry pros and makeup newbies alike just can't stop reaching for them, earning these treasures a well-deserved spot in nearly everyone's beauty bag.

Now that the season for gifting is in full swing, you'll want to get the beauty lover in your life something worthwhile. Anyone on the receiving end of these 21 bonafide buys will likely fall in love with the incredible cult classic brands that have made beauty junkies swoon for years.

1. NARS Orgasm Blush

NARS "Orgasm" Blush, $30, Sephora

Nars Orgasm Blush is a coveted beauty must-have for a reason. Honestly, the name says it all. Makeup mavens lust after this peachy pink shade with passion. Its shimmering reflects add the perfect touch of sparkle to the natural flush it gives cheekbones.

2. OPI Bubble Bath Nail Polish

OPI "Bubble Bath" Nail Lacquer, $10, Ulta

No nail polish collection is complete without OPI's "Bubble Bath". A member of the brand's nail lacquer shades, gel polishes, Infinite Shine collection, and even the Envy Strengthener Color line, "Bubble Bath" is an OPI best-seller. There's no way it couldn't make for the perfect beauty gift.

3. MAC Ruby Woo Lipstick

MAC "Ruby Woo" Matte Lipstick, $17, Macys

"Ruby Woo" is not just some red lipstick— it's THE red lipstick. It's immaculate shade and finish makes it one of the best red lipsticks for the holidays. But with a color as bomb as this one, there's no reason you can't wear it all year long.

4. Urban Decay Naked2 Palette

Urban Decay Naked2 Palette, $54, Ulta

Google neutral eyeshadow looks and you're guaranteed to see a flood of tutorials featuring the Urban Decay Naked2 Palette. This ultimate collection of pale to deep, matte, and shimmer shades takes makeup looks from daytime subtle to nighttime smoky, making it a staple in many makeup hoarders' collections. And if by some snowball's chance in hell the Naked2 doesn't catch your eye, Urban Decay has a full line of other Naked Palettes that may be right up your beauty lover's alley.

5. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, $27, Sephora

If you're on the hunt for a bomb.com hair product to gift to a loved one, check out Bumble and Bumble's Surf Spray. It the styling spray many hair guru's swear by to achieve effortless, just left the beach waves.

6. Smith's Rosebud Salve

Smith's Rosebud Salve, $6, Sephora

If there was one cult beauty product that does it all, it's Smith's Rosebud Salve. It not only fights against chapped lips, but is also used to tame fly-away hairs, soothe cuticles, heal cuts, and more. Talk about getting more bang for your buck!

7. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, $36, Sephora

You could never go wrong with gifting one of Smashbox's famous primers. The standard Photo Finish Foundation Primer does the trick for normal skin types. But Smashbox's vast range of formulas means you'll be sure to find a primer to suit any skin, whether color correction properties are needed or a boost of hydration will do the trick.

8. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, $17, Ulta

How Mario Badescu does it with their Drying Lotion, we may never know. But this concoction works like magic as a spot treatment for acne. If you've got a skin care freak on your gift list, pick up a bottle of this fast acting solution that flies off of shelves like nobody's business.

9. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation, $64, Sephora

There probably isn't a beauty influencer that hasn't raved about Giorgio Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation. Sure, the price tag is a bit steep, but it may be worth the splurge if it sends your beauty lover to cloud nine.

10. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, $27, Ulta

Clinique skincare lines have been beauty favorites for decades. Of all the dozens of products the brand has to offer, their Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ has made a big name for itself in the beauty community. Paired with a complimenting Clinique cleanser and clarifying lotion, this gem makes for the ultimate skincare gift.

11. NARS Taos Blush

NARS "Taos" Blush, $30, Sephora

There's clearly something in the water over at the NARS factory, because this brand pumps out cult products like it's no big deal. NARS' "Taos" Blush is the highly sought after sister to the "Orgasm" shade, perfect for deep-skinned beauties.

12. Kat Von D Tattoo Liner

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in "Trooper", $20, Sephora

Good luck trying to remove Kat Von D's Tattoo Liner, because this baby stays put a little too well. A little goes a long way so snagging one will make this a beauty gift your recipient can hold onto for awhile.

13. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara, $23, Ulta

Not sure if this mascara truly lives up to its name, but it's one of the most talked about products. Available in both regular and waterproof formulas, the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara may be just what you need to make a loved one's Christmas the best yet.

14. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, $38, Sephora

Laura Mercier's Translucent Powder is highly regarded as a holy grail makeup product. This key to flawless makeup may be just what your beauty enthusiast craves to take looks to the next level.

15. Mason Pearson Nylon & Boar Bristle Brush

Mason Pearson 'Handy Mixture' Nylon & Boar Bristle Hair Brush, $150, Nordstrom

According to many stylists and hair care aficionados, it doesn't get much better than Mason Pearson's classic nylon and boar bristle brush. You're going to have to shell out the big bucks for this one, but everyone deserves to be spoiled every now and then, right?

16. Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser

Cetaphil Skin Cleanser, $14, Ulta

With thousands of skin care products available, its amazing that Cetaphil's Gentle Skin Cleanser always stands out in the beauty community. Suitable for all skin types, it's a surefire great buy for gifting.

17. Diorshow Mascara

Dior Diorshow Mascara, $29, Sephora

Finding the perfect mascara that actually works is like searching for a needle in a haystack— it feels nearly impossible. But Dior's Diorshow must be the crown jewel of all mascaras because it consistently receives positive reviews. If you're willing to bet money on its high ratings, purchase it for the makeup lover on your Christmas list.

18. Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentré

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentré, $28, Birchbox

It's a daily moisturizer, makeup primer, and makeup remover all in one, so it's not surprising that the beauty obsessed get major feels from the Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentré. It. Cannot. Fail. So it's guaranteed to be a beloved treasure if you send it off with wrapping paper and a bow.

19. YSL Touche Éclat Radiant Touch

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Radiant Touch, $42, Sephora

For those no good, terrible days when you just can't be bothered, the YSL Radiant Touch luminizing pen saves the day. Instantly brightening complexion and eliminating signs of fatigue with just one sweep, its a go-to product for breathing life into tired eyes.

20. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, $30, Sephora

Just like the brand's high-end blush, Nars' concealer is one of those products that retailers just can't seem to keep stocked enough. With nearly every blogger and enthusiast attesting to its powers, it's no wonder.

21. Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit

Anastasia Beverly Hills "Tan To Deep" Contour Kit, $40, Ulta

If there's one thing Anastasia Beverly Hills does well, it's creating products that take storm on every social media outlet. Don't be surprised if the brand's contour kit is on your beauty lover's wish list, because its one of those must-haves you just can't escape.

Make this Christmas one to remember for someone that holds a special place in your heart. By gifting any of these cult favorites, you'll surely make the product hoarder, beauty fanatic, or makeup rookie doing the unwrapping a new drooling follower of these incredible buys.

Images: Getty Images; Courtesy of Brands (21)