I’ve picked out some makeup collections that I think are well worth a look at. This type of  ‘cosmetic set’ used to fill me with horror – palettes filled with hideous shades, cheap brushes that shed bristles all over your face… But they have come a long way since I last paid them any attention; smart-looking bags and boxes filled with well-chosen product, often some skincare items or a fragrance thrown in for good measure.

 They make great ‘problem solver’ gifts because they’re safe and unassuming – there’s a shade to suit everyone, and the sheer volume of product inside the collections make them great value for money. It looks like a lot of gift, but it doesn’t break the bank. Good for long-lost aunties, mothers-in-law, the childminder, the cousin you don’t know very well but have to spend Christmas with – you get my drift!

1) No7 Ultimate Collection, £30 at Boots.com. This one is actually a bit of a winner – it’s less than half price at the moment and you get a free gift worth £31 with it too! I love the brush set and palette – beautifully decorated! There’s a great selection of makeup and skincare in this, I think that anybody would be overjoyed to receive it!

2) Elizabeth Arden ‘Where Beauty Begins’ Collection, £39.95 with free worldwide delivery from FeelUnique.com. Valued at over £190, this set is packed full of lip and eye products. I’m not so keen on the red quilted bag personally but I know at least ten people who have dressing gowns in the same fabric so I’m guessing it’s OK! Bag aside, this is a very comprehensive collection and tremendous value-for-money! Just so you know, the photo makes the set look teeny-tiny but it’s not – the bag is a ‘spacious toiletries bag’ kind of size!

3) The Lancome Beauty Box, £37.80 when you buy any two Lancome products, order online at Debenhams.com. Kind of annoying that you can only buy it if you buy two other products as well, but it is pretty high in value, so I think definitely worth it. It’s super-duper-smart, with a lovely box that you could store all of your makeup in, a great selection of skincare products and some gorgeous makeup choices. The skincare products alone add up to way more than the price of the collection so it really would make a fabulous gift! I want.