Crafting a diligent and effective skin routine is not at all easy, and requires years of research and a long journey of trial and error that often comes with a hefty price tag. But skin care sets eliminate the annoying guesswork.
With all the different skin concerns to address and the influx of buzzy products that inundate our social scrolling, it’s hard to determine whether to focus on brightening discoloration with a vitamin C serum or a protective sunscreen formula. Truth is, the simpler the routine, the better—but everyone needs to start somewhere.
Our picks for the best skin care sets of 2024
That’s where skin-care bundles come in. Testing out bite-sized versions of retinol-infused this and BHA-formulated that makes it easier to round out your lineup. Plus, the best skin-care gift sets almost always cost half as much as the regular-sized product, so you’re getting an entire routine without having to break the bank. There’s power in numbers, which is why we turned to customer reviews to score the 20 best skin-care sets that actually work. Shop our favorites below.
Pros
- Boosts radiance
Cons
- May not be suitable for oily skin
Any La Mer product on its own costs you a pretty penny. Here’s a set that delivers four of the lush skin-care brand’s bestsellers, and it is worth every cent. As the name suggests, each item in the bundle works wonders by delivering soothing and nourishing properties for the ultimate radiance, from the hydrating Treatment Lotion to the cult-favorite Cremé de La Mer.
Nordstrom rating: 5/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer said: “I absolutely adore this set—you have the full-size products with some luxury sample-size products, which for me is the whole purpose of a set. Whether you’re buying this for yourself or a gift, this will be an absolute joy to use or receive...and if you can catch it on a promotion even better!”
Pros
- Compact sizes
Cons
- May not be best for oily skin
Summer Fridays makes travel easier with this simple yet effective kit of the brand’s bestsellers. Leaving no stone unturned, this mini kit offers hydration in the form of a serum, a lightweight mask, a cleanser, and a mini lip balm.
An ELLE editor says: “My favorite Summer Friday staples are in this kit, making it the perfect travel companion for nourishment on the go. As if I needed another SF lip balm, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to carry a miniature version of one of my favorite flavors. Plus, the Jet Lag mask has never left my toiletry bag, so I love having a different size for various occasions.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
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Pros
- Adds glow
Cons
- Some may dislike the scent
Everyone online is obsessed with Glow Recipe, and now you can try five of its bestsellers in a perfectly curated set. Featuring watermelon extract, hyaluronic acid, retinol, and more, these products will help your skin look plump, glowing, hydrated, and dewy–basically, everything you could ever want.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I loved the set so much I use it every day. I have extremely sensitive skin, and it’s the one product that has not made me break out. For that, it’s five stars by itself on top of the fact that the products are true to the name.”
Pros
- Full routine
Cons
- Cleanser glass can get slippery
For fans of clean skin care with excellent results, look no further than Youth to the People. This skin care set includes six incredible products: its best-selling cleanser, vitamin C serum, moisturizer, face oil, eye cream, and face mask.
Sephora rating: 4.9/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “This is the cleanser everyone in my house loves to steal. Not only is it gentle, but it’s super hydrating and effective at removing whatever my cleansing balm left behind. I brought this on a friend’s trip recently and was left with not one ounce to return home with because it’s just that good.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
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Best for Oily Skin
The Ordinary The Mini Discovery Set
Pros
- Oil-controlling
Cons
- May not be suited for very dry skin
If you’re dealing with excess oil, acne, or dryness, this low-cost set from The Ordinary has everything you need. With a squalane cleanser, niacinamide serum, and lightweight moisturizer, you’re all set on the road to healthy, brighter skin.
Sephora rating: 4.9/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “Really generous sized samples and the perfect set to try a bit of everything. I really got to test these products before committing to the full size. I will be buying them all! I love this set, and I think it’s a great gift for anyone looking to revamp their skincare routine.”
Pros
- Great for all skin types
Cons
- Suncreen may not be best for oily skin
If you love a dewy finish, Innisfree’s airy products are highly recommended by TikTokers, makeup artists, and ELLE editors. This set guarantees hydration and protection, thanks to the hyaluronic acid—and green tea-infused serum and face cream, along with the nourishing sunscreen that leaves a subtle glow.
Sephora rating: 4.9/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I rotate a lot of products in my travel cosmetics bag, but this trio is a mainstay. I prefer no-fuss products that do exactly what they say, and this set offers a surge of hydration. I seal it all in with the nourishing sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
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Pros
- Comes with three lip treatments
Cons
- May not be suitable for super sensitive skin
High on the list of perfect celebrity skin is none other than Hailey Bieber herself. Good thing she created a line of products that make radiant, smooth skin a reality instead of a dream. The kit comes with the Pineapple Cleanser, Barrier Restore Cream, the Peptide Glazing Fluid, and Glazing Milk.
Rhode rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Rhode reviewer said: “Absolutely incredible products! Finally, a brand that has smashed the skin-care market with perfect ingredients, texture, and the most stunning packaging!! Safe to say I am one happy glazed girly!”
Pros
- Effective
Cons
- May be too strong for sensitive skin
Reverse dull, dehydrated skin with the Skinceuticals Best Sellers set. Featuring the C E Ferulic Acid treatment, hyaluronic acid, and anti-aging cream, the trio combats aging skin while reducing the appearance of dark marks over time.
SkinCeuticals rating: 4.6/5 stars
A SkinCeuticals reviewer says: “There is no other vitamin C that comes remotely close to this product. This product is superior to them all. I firmly believe that not all skincare needs to be super expensive, but when it comes to ingredients like vitamin C, you get what you pay for. This profit has a hefty price tag, but if you want something that works, improves your skin’s look, and reduces hyperpigmentation, this is your guy. Stop spending money on trying so many products that don’t yield results and invest in one that will blow you away. This is the one.”
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Pros
- Effectively treats blemishes
Cons
- Can be somewhat drying
This French pharmacy brand has curated a three-step process for ditching breakouts. With salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, this set includes a cleanser, toner, and spot treatment to rapidly clear even the most stubborn breakouts.
Ulta rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer said: “This product really works as a trio. I’ve been using it for two months, and I honestly can say I haven’t used anything that truly works for me like this. You have to be patient; it took over 30 days so you can see and feel the difference!”
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Products lack SPF
These days, everyone is chasing glass skin, but it is not all that hard to achieve when you have the right products. This set contains a mask, essence, refining serum, and hydrating cream so that you can become a skincare influencer. Key ingredients include nourishing hyaluronic acid and peach extract, antioxidant-rich matcha, and pore-minimizing niacinamide.
Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars
Our expert reviewer says: “The Glass Skin Refining Serum is the hero of this skin set foursome; however, with their powers combined, this set will leave you with oh-so-dewy skin for a great price.”—Danielle James, beauty expert
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Pros
- Adds glow
Cons
- Only one full sized product
Dehydrated skin needs some extra love, and this skin-care set from Tatcha gives an undeniable boost of hydration. With a moisturizer, serum, and softening cleanser boasting powerhouse Japanese ingredients, you’ll be on your way to supple, smooth skin in no time.
Tatcha rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Tatcha reviewer says: “I was extremely apprehensive about buying a product from this skin care line, but I decided to order The Starter Ritual. I received the products in very nice packaging along with easy instructions. I used the products before I went to sleep, and by morning, my face was already glowing! Tatcha is now my skin-care routine.”
Pros
- Effective
Cons
- May not be suited for very sensitive skin
Introducing retinol into your skin-care routine isn’t as easy as it seems. But this Sunday Riley duo, featuring the holy grail Good Genes treatment, is gentle yet powerful enough to deliver some serious results.
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I started seeing results after only a few days of using both these products. My skin feels so soft, plump, and moisturized after a long night’s sleep using these products. I highly recommend!”
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Pros
- Effective
Cons
- Pricey
This collection helped me fade years of impurities in a matter of months. Renee Rouleau’s products are grouped together by skin type to ensure each one targets specific concerns.
Renée Rouleau rating: 5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “My stubborn acne-prone skin met its match when Renee Rouleau products entered my life. Clear standouts are the Detox Cleanser—a cool yellow tone that makes my early morning skin routine a pleasant experience and gently washes away the night (or day)—and BHA Clarifying Serum, a miracle worker for dark marks.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
Pros
- Lightweight formulas
Cons
- May leave behind a slight tacky feeling
We want our skin care to feel lightweight and breathable. Laneige’s Water Bank set includes the brand’s mega-hydrating moisturizer, which effortlessly sinks into the skin. The set also comes with a serum, eye cream, and toner, all made with the same star ingredients—including blue hyaluronic acid (a patented form of hyaluronic acid derived from deep sea algae), firming peptides, and ceramides to protect.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I bought this on a whim and love it! It layers nicely over my skin care while still looking nice under sunscreen and foundation. It’s super hydrating but dries down without looking too glazed and dewy. Doesn’t leave a film or oily texture. I liked it so much I’m onto my second container of it.”
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Pros
- Effective
Cons
- Takes time to see results
Don’t let discoloration get you down. This skin-care duo, suitable for all skin types, targets dark spots, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation using brightening niacinamide and tranexamic acid for a more even skin tone.
Ulta rating: 4.3/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I love all things Good Molecules because the products do what they claim and are affordable. This duo has the power to transform those stubborn dark marks into clearer, brighter skin you can be proud of.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
Pros
- Travel-sized bottles
Cons
- May not be suited for oily skin
Hotel skin care isn’t always the best for your skin. Never leave home without this reliable skin-care travel kit, which has your hydration needs completely covered from start to finish. E.l.f.’s hydration kit comes in travel-friendly sizes and includes the brand’s hydrating face cream, cleansing balm, eye cream, serum, and gentle cleanser.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “When it comes to travel skin care, I don’t like to break the bank. This set from E.L.F is the best travel buddy anyone could have since it has a complete routine that is gentle and effective enough for all skin types and costs less than an airport cocktail.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
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Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Takes time to see results
This three-piece skin-care set from Buttah includes all the saviors you need to brighten, nourish, and refresh dull, dehydrated skin. It includes a gentle cleanser, a vitamin C serum, and a quenching shea butter cream.
Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars
Our expert reviewer says: “I bought this skin care system for an ex-boyfriend. It was the perfect introductory skin-care regime that didn’t overwhelm him. The products work so well that I felt comfortable enough leaving my routine at home and using his when I was at his apartment. It’s an easy, targeted routine with a lot of recognizable ingredients like shea butter and vitamin C. I noticed improvements in his skin within six weeks.” —Danielle James, beauty expert
Pros
- Great for all skin types
Cons
- Expensive
This celebrity-favorite skin-care brand might cost a pretty penny, but it is worth it if you want radiant, glowing skin. Hollywood estheticians like Shani Darden, responsible for the skin of stars, including Jessica Alba and Rosie Huntington-Whitely, frequently use this product. Within these formulas are a range of botanicals, peptides, and powerful antioxidants that work to brighten, calm, and hydrate your barrier.
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I use this with the iS Pro-Heal Serum and iS Super Serum, and it has been helping my skin to not break out as much and also heal faster when I do have a breakout.”
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Pros
- Lightweight texture
Cons
- May need to go in with another cleanser for heavier makeup
If you’ve ever received a facial from Silver Mirror Bar, you walked out with skin in tip-top shape and better than how you arrived. Well, the expertise of the popular facial spot has translated to skin-care offerings that keep your skin glowing at home. This bundle builds the approach around one mission: to hydrate and moisturize.
Silver Mirror rating: 5/5 stars
A Silver Mirror reviewer says: “The best part of this bundle is that it saves me money while giving me everything I need for my skin-care routine. Highly recommend!”
Pros
- Reduces appearance of dark scars
Cons
- May not be best for super sensitive skin
When done correctly, exfoliation offers the best results for clear, smooth skin. Dr. Dennis Gross’s fan-favorite exfoliating pads simplify the process with just two steps: Swipe the first half of the packet along your face, wait two minutes, and then soothe the skin with the second pad.
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Whenever a Sephora sale rolls around, I have to restock on these exfoliating pads (the price is a pretty penny, so save where you can!) because my skin loves every drop of product in them. I’m troubled with dark spots (recovering picker), so this box helps to minimize the look of my scars without overly drying my skin or causing more irritation.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
Nerisha Penrose
Beauty Commerce Editor
Nerisha Penrose is the Beauty Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Prior to joining the team, she was an Editorial Fellow at ELLE.com. In her current role, she helps lead coverage on makeup, skin care, hair, and fragrances. With over six years of experience in the world of beauty editorial, Nerisha enjoys delving deep into the complexities of fragrance notes, hunting for the best fixes for acne-prone skin, and advocating for daily sunscreen use. She regularly researches and tests the latest products, consults beauty professionals (including our Beauty Advisory Board) to determine the best expert-approved formulas to recommend, and conducts interviews with luminaries across the industry. Nerisha received her bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from Temple University before joining the editorial teams at Nylon and Billboard. In 2020, she co-launched our popular franchise The State of Black Beauty, an ongoing exploration of—and destination for—beauty at the intersection of Black culture.
Tatjana Freund
Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor
Tatjana Freund is Hearst's Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor, covering beauty, fashion and more across multiple brands. Previously, she worked at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She's a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zoë Kravitz laughed at a joke she made.