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Every season, Trish McEvoy comes out with an even more luxurious (and practical) kit that makes "making up" easy, no matter where you are. This season's ultimate splurge/luxury gift is the Trish McEvoy Deluxe Travel Brush Set $195.00. Inside a shiny, zippered, gunmetal-grey, patent leather quilted brush case is not one or two, but a complete wardrobe of travel-sized, professional makeup brushes for at home, or on-the-go. Each brush has full-sized bristles, and a 3 1/2" clear plastic handle that has a nice bonus--each brush is labeled with it's name, nestled into it's own elastic pouch:  Precision Lip Brush 7, Tapered Blending Brush 29, Face Color Brush, Precision Concealer Brush 44, Small Laydown Brush 19, Precision Smudge Brush 41, Brow Groomer, Eyebrow Brush 32 and Angled Eye Lining Brush 50. Trish McEvoy brushes are of the highest quality, offering pro-style performance. The entire case is amazingly compact, just 3" x6" yet it also has a net pouch on the other side of the case, to hold your favorite essentials, or even better, the Trish McEvoy Deluxe, Refillable Double-Decker Compact $32.00 filled with holiday makeup which we didn't review, but we know includes: Lip Color, Lip Gloss, Natural Protective Shield Concealer and Honey Protective Shield Concealer. Bottom deck includes Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 15,  Pressed Shimmer Powder, Blush and Eye Shadow. The brush kit and charger will offer beauty dividends for years. TIP: for evening-bag sized beauty, the Trish McEvoy Small Refillable Double Decker Compact $12.00 is a tiny 2 2/8"W x 1 1/2"H x 6/8" mirrored compact ready to hold two layers of shadow, lipstick of blush (sold separately).

 The Encounter Brush Kit $84.00 by Smashbox Cosmetics is a smash hit gift! This limited edition set features a white, hard-sided , zippered case holding six smashing (no pun intended) full-sized, clear Lucite-handled Smashbox makeup brushes, each nestled into it's own plastic holder, inside.  Inside the case you'll find a large, zippered compartment for your other favorite tools. These brushes will make you look and feel like a pro!  You get four new brush styles including a Micro Definer Brush #27, Precision Liner Brush #28, Complexion Corrector Brush # 25 and a Shadow Brush #26 and two old favorites: an essential Powder Brush #1, and Foundation Brush #13. This $180.00 value, makes a very special gift. Another special gift idea is Platinum Surge $59.00. Inside a large but slim, zippered, soft-sided, silver mesh case (with inside zippered compartment for mascara, pencils, etc.), are four must-have-for-the-holidays Smashbox products: an Eye Shadow Quad in "Smolder" with silky, shimmery, pearl, gold, cocoa and plum shades that work day and evening; a Fusion Soft Light Palette in "Glisten," combining deep bronze, gold, warm pink and shimmery tan shades of blush/bronzer in an eye catching pattern or retro ovals; and not one, but two tubes of glamorous, lip-enhancing, silky, super-shiny, sheer and shimmery Smashbox Lip Gloss in "Moonbeam," a muted pink, and "Starlight," a shockingly beautiful clear gloss with silvery shimmer to wear alone or over a lipstick for added excitement. To say you'll look beautiful using these, is an understatement!

French women are always so chic. Could it be because they know success is in the details? Bring a bit of French chic to those on your gift list, with three unique gift sets from Bourjois. All three feature glossy boxes with the iconic Eiffel Tower,  in a book-like style with a clear cello window--flip the lid, and see what's inside! Make your eyes do the talking, with the French Art of Flirting Set $36.00. Three Regard Effet Métalisse Waterproof Eyeliner pencils in glowing copper, luminous green, and intense black, are paired with a fantastic Volume Glamour Ultra Black Mascara. On the inside cover, you'll find "how-to" party looks as well.  This is a $49.50 value. Another eye-centric kit we like is called Pretty in Paris $35.00. You get two eye shadows: an Ombre à Paupières pressed shadow in a deep, shimmery violet (perfect for a romantic eye look) and a Survoltee Waterproof Cream Eyeshadow in a shimmery lavender, in a small tube just perfect for taking to a party in your evening bag Also included is a Volume Glamour Ultra Black Mascara, a Liner Pinceau Liquid Liner in "Prune Styliste," an amazing and wearable, eggplant, and two full-sized brushes to help create the look--an eyeliner brush and a smudge/crease brush. This $87.00 value is "fantastique!"

Dazzle your friends with luxe gifts, and treat yourself to a holiday goodie, with the Precious Colour Holiday Colour Collection from Clarins. You can't help but feel like a Queen, when you open the festive, shiny red Clarins cartons with white lettering, and discover the jewel-like compacts that, like precious gems, are protected in soft-sided pouches with magnetic closures.  You can't help but feel special using these products, both for the packaging, and the products.  For example, I love the limited edition Precious Colours Face Palette $29.00. This silky, luxe, sheer, one-color-for-all-skintones pressed powder "mattifies" and evens out your skin tone, effortlessly, and it also gives your skin a sheer, pearly glow to instantly perk it up. The shiny "white gold" mirrored compact with a huge, oval,  "Citrine" stone on top comes in a metallic silver pouch.

Back in April, we reviewed a nifty little cosmetics brush travel set by L'Oreal called "The Makeup Artiste Travel Brush Set $13.95 with four "must-have"  4" mini brushes in their own clear, plastic pouch.  We liked the full sized heads and well-shaped bristles so much, we are suggesting it for the holidays as an inexpensive and welcome holiday gift. You get a blush, eye, concealer and lip brush all neatly packaged in a slim, plastic pouch, and then nestled into a larger, clear plastic pouch that can be used for pencils, shadows, whatever. TIP: for an even more impressive gift, package this with a face-in-a-case kit!  

  Make Up For Ever Professional Paris is a line of high performance, luxe products that fashionistas and makeup artists, covet. Their awesome, limited edition Holiday Eye & Lip Make-up Kit called Diamonds For Ever $49.00 starts with a really nice, black, mesh, nylon makeup bag with interior mirror. Inside are holiday-worthy goodies to help you shine like a star. Start with Diamond Shadow #301, a pressed powder shadow in a light, pearly and slightly yellow shadow, that gives lids either a wash of subtle shimmer or layer a lot more for an or ultra-shimmery look. For glitter that's showy but not gaudy, there's Diamond Powder #11. The tiny bits of champagne sparkle have ultra-fine mother of pearl particles to shimmer on skin and the gorgeous champagne color makes you feel like a fairy princess! The tiny shaker jar will last a long time--it's sparkle that goes a long, long way! Pencil a trendy line with Aqua Eyes in #1L, a super creamy, super-soft eye pencil in deep black, that lets you "Amy Winehouse" your eyes, without worrying it'll run down your face before the evening is over. It's smudge proof, water-proof, and long lasting. Also included is a great, full-sized Waterproof Lengthening Mascara in intense black, to make your lashes look long and beautiful without flaking or fading. My favorite part of the entire set, however, is the Fascinating Lip Gloss #1- a sheer, iridescent gloss that has a sweet mango scent, and so much mother of pearle it sparkles like light on freshly fallen snow, captured right in the tube. On your lips, this silky gloss simply makes them look sexy, shiny, kissable...no need for another lip product at all (but do use it over a color for the hottest, pouty-est lips ever).  This kit is a $110.00 value, but they won't last long, so get yours fast.

When it comes to Stila, just about everything they do, delights us.  For the holidays, however, Stila has outdone themselves with the Deluxe Palette $34.00 featuring two sleek, mirrored, metal palettes decorated with genuine, Swarovski crystals and a graceful embossed floral design. Inside are three shimmery eye shadow, a lip loss and a shimmery cheek powder. "Guinevere's Deluxe Palette" has a green compact with green aurora borealis crystals in the lid. it features a base shadow in soft peach/champagne, a rosed peach lid color, and a coppery brown lid or liner. The sheer and blendable cheek color is also a shimmery peach, and for lips, a nearly-clear peach that has patent-leather shine to wear alone, or over a lipstick for added glamour. A lip brush with clear plastic handle, is also nestled into the compact. "Scarlett's Deluxe Palette" is a maroon-y brown, with wine colored-crystals in the lid. Inside, shimmery medium and light pink shadows plus a deep plum lid/liner are paired with a pink cheek color called "Grapefruit" (pink grapefruit of course) that looks feminine and subtle. You also get a shiny, nearly-clear lip gloss in pink. These are simply beautiful and a great value --the perfect palette to tote for touch-ups, and they make a killer gift for your makeup-loving friends.

Perhaps you're already a party princess, or you just want to be one!  In any case the Party Princess Palette $35.00 by Red Earth from their Winter Sparkle Collection, will have you looking warm and glamorous, in a flash. This gift-able face-in-a-case-kit comes in a shimmery, zippered metallic clutch with interior lined in coppery satin with a nice, rectangular mirror as well. Six trendy, high-quality/performance eye shadows, a blush, and a high-shine, vanilla-scented sparkling lip gloss give you what you need to get glowing...and get going!  "Party Princess" features shimmery, high-pigment eyeshadows in white, pink, purple, black pink, and grey. There's a nice medium pink blush that suits just about everyone, and the super-sheer, pink lip gloss in "Pink Diamond" is infused with tons of parti-colored glitter. Mini sponge, blush, and eye shadow brush applicators are also included in their own little compartments. "Winter Sparkle" has glittering evening looks. A Beauty Booklet gives you step-by-step instructions to create various looks.  Either palette makes a fantastic gift for a makeup lover, and a lovely way to look trendy and glamorous through the holidays.

The sleek, shimmery, hammered gold plastic mirrored Metallic Eye and Cheek Palettes $22.50 featured in the "Gold Sparkle" holiday collection from The Body Shop are filled with glowing, powder shadows for eyes and cheeks. The four shimmery/metallic eye shadows and one shimmery highlighter/blush are created with natural and conditioning ingredients sourced through The Body Shop Community Trade program (see our September 2007 review for information on the Community Trade Program). For the eyes, choose gorgeous, holiday-worthy colors of green, gray, bronze and ivory in warm or cool tones, and a coordinating, light, sparkling, highlighter/blush in light ivory or peach. The powders are shimmery, but blendable, so you can use them for day and evening feeling festive, but not glitzed out like holiday lights.  Add more to add the "bling" when you want it, of course, because these stay true to color and are quite layerable.  The included, full-sized, double-edged sponge applicator makes blending, a breeze.  For more festive glitter, slick on a bit of a Body Shop Glitter Liquid Eyeliner $11.50. The fine-line brush lets you apply a starry line of glitter just where you want it in "Starlight" or "Diamond Night." We didn't get samples, but we think adding the Metallic Liquid Eyeliner $11.50 in "Bronze Brown," or "Gold Dust" would be a nice way to add a festive line to eyes, without glitter. 

The AdviceSisters love minis, so it's a given that we think giving Mini Marks $15.00 by mark are a slam-dunk great gift, at an amazing price.  A nubby "wool" fabric mini makeup bag in girly pink with snap closure and soft, brown, faux fur trim holds nine tiny wanded tubes of lip gloss ("Most Loved Lips") or mini-sized tubes of eye products ("Most Loved Eyes"). The lip set includes 0.04 oz. tubes of: Glow Baby Glow Lip Gloss in shades of pinks and nude, plus clear holographic shimmer, rose, and berry ("Hot, Player, Pink Crush, Secret and Sweet Talk; Glow Baby Glow Luxe in Lotus Luxe, Melon Luxe, Pearl Luxe and Sun Luxe"). The Eye set includes 0.04 oz. tubes of eye products, including the smallest mascara and eye-liner tubes  we've ever seen (Scanda-Lash mascara in black, On The Edge liquid eyeliners in metallic pewter, and basic black). You also get sponge-tipped mini tubes in shimmery shades of copper, ivory, teal, silver, lime green, and mauve ("Fondue, Glacée, Mousse, Parfait, Praline and Sorbet"). The mini-bags alone are gift-able, and the mini tubes or product are small enough to tuck into your tightest jeans, or take them all with you, and still get through airport security without a hassle.

Clinique not only has great products to enjoy all read long, but they also "holidize" them so beautifully, you'll smile just looking at the packaging. For example, the Clinique Eye Favourites $32.50 comes in a large, rectangular, no-need-to-wrap, hot pink metallic box emblazoned with "Clinique" in shiny pink and silver.  Inside, there's something even better: a seek, metallic hot pink, soft, leatherette zippered clutch with an outside mirror large enough to do touch-ups right on your lap, without any fuss. Inside the roomy clutch, there's a special edition Colour Surge Eye Shadow compact with six shimmery, silky, shadows in popular Clinique colors. You (or your lucky gift recipient) will get a mixture of shimmery browns and bronzes, a warmed pink, and a warm matte ivory. The actual colors are: Bronze Satin; Buttermilk, Lucky Penny; Strawberry Fudge duo pink shade, beach plum duo purple shade and like mind du0a deep shade. The clear compact with shiny silver top, interior mirror also features a mini shadow brush and mini sponge applicator. That's not nearly all you get in this gift kit, however. There is also a travel-sized All About Eyes (to reduce puffiness and circles); a Take the Day Off makeup remover 1.7 fl. oz; A mini-sized High Impact Mascara in black; and not for the eyes, an adorably-sized mini version of Clinique's wonderful Lipstick with it's silvery bamboo case, in "Sugared Maple," a shimmery, moist, coppery red, with it's own mini lip brush! The kit is gorgeous, and a good value, too.

Do you wish for soft, smooth legs? The Whish Blueberry Regency Bag $85.00 will give you glam, soft, smooth gams, thanks to luxurious, blueberry/mint-scented shave products nestled into a very attractive, blue, black and white zippered travel bag. You get a mini Shave Crave, shaving cream in a jar made just for women, containing essential oils, and other natural, good-for-your-skin ingredients. This super-creamy/dreamy and beautifully scented product goes a long, long way...so you can indulge. Ditch your usual (boring!) pump or spray shave cream!  Apply the cream with a white, curvy, Body Brush with Whish logo and a large, soft head of 100% badger bristles. A shaving brush also gently exfoliates your skin to help ensure a perfect shave and super-smooth, silky skin. Finish with Mini Shave Savor.  This lovely, non-greasy after shave lotion moisturizes and pampers your skin, leaving it soft and touched with blueberry-mint scent! Shave Savor has natural antiseptics such as aloe, sage leaf, and lemon extract, which help to soothe and heal minor nicks and cuts, and blueberries provide antioxidant bennies. The blueberry mint scent is divine, or try Papaya Coconut.  Use it on your entire body as a refreshing, luscious body gel. Also included is a "hot-To" guide to the perfect shave.

On the Road again?  Any guy would love the On-The-Road Travel Pack $56.00 by Jack Black. This luxe kit comes filled Jack Black grooming products.  This $80.00 value has just about everything he needs to look great at home, or on the road. The cool-looking micro-fiber travel kit can hang from a locker or door when open, and it's water-repellant. Inside, high quality, travel-friendly products come in in 3 oz. or less packaging. You get travel sizes of: Beard Lube Conditioning Shave (a pre-shave oil, shave cream and skin conditioner in one); All Over Wash, Double Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20 (fantastic, UVA/UVB protection that also pampers skin with blue algae and sea parsley to protect against dry skin and razor burn. You also get full-sized: Face Buff Energizing Scrub, Industrial Strength Hand Healer, and the fab, Intense Therapy Lip Balm. TIP: Although the products are mostly travel-sized, pack the kit in your luggage. To pass airline security in a carry on, products have to be in clear, quart-sized (7.5" x 8") zip-top plastic bags.  The Jack Black Core Collection $52.00 features a soft, black fabric drawstring bag with Jack Black logo embroidered in white. IT holds 6 oz. flip-top tubes of Beard Lube and Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser (cleanse/tone in one step) plus Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20.  If you want your special men to understand good skincare, these gift sets should do the trick!

The Life Fitness Dual Watch & Heart Rate Monitor (Full-Size) $54.99 is actually unisex, but the full sized watch fits men well (there's a mid-size too). The sleek, curved design and matte silver plastic face and band is a fashion statement, but the real reason to get this watch is to help make your fitness routine more effective. The watch gives you the time and date, a countdown timer, chronograph and alarm in large, easy to see digits, and it also has a backlight. What really makes the watch unique, however, is the  "ActiveEKG" that provides your heart rate in seconds, without a chest strap, thanks to built-in heart rate sensors to take measurements right off your skin. Simply place your fingers on the watch's two heart rate sensors for 2-3 seconds to display your heart rate. It's pretty amazing! Tracking your heart rate allows you to see how efficiently your heart is working while you are active, and when you are training, it helps you keep on the right level of intensity, giving you immediate feedback on how hard you are working. Having this type of information literally at your fingertips is a huge motivator. The instructions are easy to follow, so you won't feel overwhelmed by the functions.  The included walking & exercise guide may be just the thing to accomplish your New Years' resolution to be healthier in 2008. Wear it for fashion, use it for health--it makes a great holiday gift.

      When you're not sure what to give, something that's fun, useful and just a little bit personal is a  pair of Novelty Socks  srp. $9.00 by K. Bell that reflects his interests. In fact, socks are the perfect stocking stuffer (pun intended). For the guy who likes to party, get Martini Socks (style 1285M-80% cotton/15% nylon/5% spandex) are black socks with white martini glasses featuring not one, but two olives. Olive Socks (style 61156MSL-80% cotton/15% nylon/5% spandex) have green olives with red pimentos on a black background--great if he just likes the olives!  Rebels will love Skull & Crossbones Socks (style 61442M-60% cotton, 38% polyester/2% spandex)  with bold white skulls and bones on a black background.

Gaiam, new to our reviews, is a health-conscious, environmentally responsible lifestyle company offering healthy, green products for your home and body. We think that the Gaiam Reflexology and Acupressure Kits-In-A-Can $30.00/each are unique gifts for couples and individuals with hectic lifestyles who have little time to relax, let alone indulge in spa treatments. And, if you and your partner need a way to slow down and relax during the holidays, these kits give you a quick and easy way to do it as well. The large cans are impressive and no-need-to-wrap (just add a large bow and a card).  Reflexology In a Can includes easy to follow reflexology socks that illustrate the pressure points, a wooden foot massage roller, a 30-minute Reflexology DVD and a 60-minute CD of relaxing, "new age" massage music by Peter Davison, primarily in 6 minute segments, just like the ones used in fancy spas.  The Acupressure In a Can includes a nicely fashioned, wooden acupressure massage tool, easy-to-follow acupressure points body-map guide; a 30-minute Acupressure Massage DVD, and a  60-minute CD of relaxing, "new age" massage music by Peter Davison.

When my husband and I go on vacation, we always take along a "WaistWrap" bag so our arms and hands can be free, and our valuables are kept safe and secure. Usually, one of us carries valuables for both. LeSportsac's style #5309 "Frieda" $56.00 is a unisex bag that is a bit larger and sleeker than most, at 5.5" x 15.25." The web belt is an adjustable strap with clip lock that will fit most everyone. There's a large, zipped main compartment that will hold everything from a large wallet, sunscreen, or even a small water bottle, trimmed in gross grained ribbon with signature LeSportsac logo at the top. A smaller, zippered exterior pocket, plus an elasticized exterior pouch and two gross-grained trimmed open pockets, keeps everything pens and passports, to  passes, lip balm, etc. Ours arrived in a new print called "Sini Symph" that wouldn't make a guy feel silly wearing it. It features a "camouflage" style print with a quizzical mix of trees, riders on horseback, children playing drums, wolves, and ivy vines in chocolate brown, on a muted taupe background that wouldn't make a guy shirk his turn to wear it. It's available in other prints, and solids, too. Whether you're single, or not, this is a must-have!

You might not consider a nail clipper as a great gift unless you live with someone who clips nails, and then somehow never manages to pick up all those nasty little pieces. No need to fuss anymore if you have the Nail Catcher $5.99 by Artemis Woman.  This substantial nail clipper has a nail catcher as part of the design. Clip nails, pop off the back to empty the little pieces into the trash. It's great for both toenails and fingernails and a perfect stocking stuffer for your favorite couples or singles.* watch our January/February 2008 column for more items from Artemis Woman.

Love and relaxation are priceless gifts. The Portable, Audio Erotic Sound Activated Multi-Speed Vibrator $39.00 (photo) is a smooth, silver egg wired to a hand-activated console. It looks like a toy, but this battery-operated vibe is for adults only. It has a "listening chip" that responds to 3 levels of sound sensitivity (as low as a whisper), and three speeds. Any sound will make the vibe pulsate (blow into the microphone and it's literally mind-blowing)! This vibe is small enough to stash in a guest room when visiting, but it's not silent, so take care when lodging  with light sleepers! You also get three stretchy, jelly-like sleeves with varying pressure points  in lime green, hot pink, or purple. Four "AAA" batteries power this terrific, tiny titan. A unique gift for yourself (or open-minded friends) is the Waterproof Rabbit Vibe $32.00, the design Kristin Davis made famous  as "Charlotte" in "Sex & the City."  It is multi-speed and emulates the "real thing" except for the impressive size, colors,  "jelly" type covering, and smiley-face on the top of the shaft. It also has the famous "Rabbit" with serene face and quivery ears, offering relaxation, of course.  It pulses to life (and a soft hum) with two AA batteries and works magic on your body that no human can reproduce easily. Into games?  Lust! $16.00 is a board game that helps couples explore their fantasies. Red, orange and yellow "footsteps"  on the board lead the way to the ultimate destination--a large bed.  Roll the die and advance down the path--the color of the footstep determines the type of card that your partner should read to you. Red=sensuality, yellow=body language, and orange=romance. Do the deed, and you also may get a different type of color-coded card. This is a "G" rated column, so I'm not going to tell you what is on them, but the most of the suggestions are relatively tame. If you don't like something or it's too kinky, take another card. Obviously, both players win! TIP:  if you want "adult" items but can't imagine going to buy them in person, online sites like Vibrator.com are ideal. The service is excellent, and your items are ship discreetly in plain boxes.

Pierre de Lune by Giorgio Armani is part of the Giorgio Armani Privé Fragrance Collection the initial four of which we reviewed in Spring of 2005: Ambre Soie, Bois d’Encens, Eau de Jade, and Pierre de Lune. We reviewed Cuir Amethyste for Holiday 2006. We didn't review a sixth, "éclat de jasmin."  Armani created these scents for himself and his friends, and the distribution was limited to select stores. Soon, the word got out, and Mr. Armani opened up distribution to a wider audience of fashionistas and fragrance lovers. I think Pierre de Lune $185.00 1.7 oz. is the most feminine and floral of the bunch and makes a special gift.  It's a modern floral based around the cassia flower, a honey-like exotic from the South Pacific island, mixed with some green notes and old-fashioned, sentimental favorites violet and precious iris. This sensual fragrance also includes Belambre, a rare, expensive, unique synthetic with a woody/amber that adds a velvety, sensual feel. The presentation of this precious fragrance is also special--a miniature work of art, actually. Each of the Privé Collection fragrances are housed in impressive, black, wood boxes with the actual fragrance in a glass-lined rectangle of dark, African Kotibe wood topped with a semi-precious stone.  Pierre De Lune's is a moonstone. The fragrances in the Privé Collection appeal to connoisseurs of beauty and art. The woman who wears Pierre de Lune or any of the Privé Collection scents, is truly unique.

Back in May 2007 we introduced you to J'Adore Satin Moisture Mist  $42.50 3.4 fl. oz by DIOR. We loved the sensual, frosted glass bottle with slender, gold wire-wrapped cap topped with a clear, crystal orb.  As this iconic fragrance approaches it's 10th anniversary, DIOR has created an even more intense, limited edition form of the fragrance: J'Adore L'Absolou $82.00 2.5 oz. Absolutes of jasmine sambac, Turkish rose, tuberose and ylang ylang are "amped-up" to make them potent and dramatic. The effect is mostly floral, but expensive, and just a bit spicy. The original scent features Mandarin, Champaca Flowers, Ivy, African Orchid, Rose, Violet, Damascus Plum, Amaranth Wood, Blackberry Musk. This new version is just a bit more spicy.  It is a long lasting scent that smells a bit different on each woman, depending upon her body chemistry. J'Adore L'Absolou will be a huge hit with women who like florientals, florals and orientals!  It's a luxurious gift idea for anyone who loves fragrance.

Earlier this year, we reviewed the beautiful new scent, Mediterranean Eau de Parfum $57.50 3.3 fl. oz.,  $47.50 1.7 fl. oz.  by Elizabeth Arden. What I love so much about this fragrance is the color, an amazing turquoise blue that reminds me of sunny afternoons in Mykonos. The scent represents elements of both land and sea, with fresh and woodsy notes, and just a hint of marine accent. The top notes are Peach Nectar Sorbet, Sicilian Mandarin, and Damask Plum (offering an initial burst of freshness and fruit), layered with a heart of Radiant Wisteria, Star Magnolia and Madagascar Orchid (a hint of spiciness), and bottom notes of Sandalwood, Blonde Woods, Fluid Skin Musk and Golden Amber. The scent has staying power, but it's not overpowering, so it works for all occasions. Now there's also a lovely, moisturizing Body Lotion $29.50 6.8 fl. oz  that is generously scented, and great for wearing solo or for layering. There's also a for-the-holidays-only Shimmer Powder with Puff $35.00 0.63 oz. and Body Cream $40.00 5 oz. and a fantastic, three-piece set $52.00 featuring a 1.7 fl oz Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.3 fl oz Body Lotion, and a .16 fl oz Eau de Parfum Replica!

Elizabeth Arden's array of fragrances includes some from the hottest celebrities on the planet. If you're a fan of Hilary Duff, Britney Spears, or Jennifer Lopez, the following three reviews will delight you!:

With Love... Hilary Duff Eau de Parfum Spray $55.00 3.3 fl. oz, $45.00 1.7 fl. oz, $35.00 1 fl. oz, distributed by Elizabeth Arden, was the actress/singer's the first fragrance, and one of the three best-selling fragrances launched at U.S. department stores in late 2006. Apparently, Duff herself helped design the elegant, faceted glass bottle with braided gold-rimmed top (reminiscent of one of her favorite vintage rings) and a hexagonal, citrine-Lucite bar cap (representing warmth, joy and optimism). But it all together, and it really does personify the youthful, romantic, and elegant actress. We also liked the modern, origami-style packaging, with a base of maroon, gold-scrolled, fluted cardboard and a light aqua top, decorated with delicate gold scrollwork around the sides.  Inside, the fragrance awaits.  At first I sensed a lot of vanilla, but the fragrance skillfully mixes fruit, woods, and ambers. It starts with sparkling top notes of mangosteen fruit and a blend of spices, moving into a heart of tropical mangosteen blossom, and cocobolo wood. It finishes with a base of sheer amber milk and sultry amber musk. This is a user-friendly, likeable scent that works for day or evening, and for women of every age and personality. We also love that this one comes in a slim Fragrance Rollerball and Lip Gloss Duo $25.00

Britney Spears Believe $58.00 3.3 fl. oz, #48.00 1.7 fl. oz, $38.00 1 fl. oz, distributed by Elizabeth Arden, is Britney's third fragrance. This one is a blend of exotic fruits, soft florals and seductive amber.  The pop superstar might have had her share of troubles this year, but this new fragrance has all the right stuff for success. For starters, the packaging is cute and playful, with metallic green and hot pink dots on two sides and a hinged top that flips open to reveal a hot pink and silver metallic interior. The bottle is similarly sophisticated and eye-catching, without being trashy or kitsch-y. It is clear glass, with bold, triangular lines and a triangular silver top (with subtle, Britney signature in one corner), and a clear Lucite triangular cap. The bottle is really unusual and does justice to the peridot-tinted fragrance within.  The fragrance is a grown up fruity floral. The top notes are guava pulp and golden tangerine, with a heart of honeysuckle with hints of linden blossom, and the bottom notes are patchouli aura, sensual amber, and pink pralines. The effect is bright, light and sparkling, but like the celebrity herself, a bit seductive but still soft, feminine and youthful. The pop star and mother is still a big draw, and we think her fragrance will enchant fans and fragrance lovers, alike.

M by Mariah Carey Eau de Parfum Spray $62.50 3.3 fl. oz, $52.50 1.7 fl. oz, $39.50 1 fl. oz , distributed by Elizabeth Arden comes in a romantic lilac-colored bottle that looks like a Tiare blossom on the verge of opening. On the top of the glass bottle is a large butterfly, wings outspread, on the top, banded with a braided silver rim. This beautiful bottle (designed with Mariah and Jean Anteretter of Elizabeth Arden) is a small work of art, definitely dressing table-worthy. This is the singer/songwriter's first fragrance, and it won't disappoint you. The fragrance starts with marshmallow that smells almost good enough to eat, capturing Mariah's fond childhood memories of being in the kitchen with her father. It blends with a heart of living Tahitian Tiare flower and wet gardenia petals, reminiscent of Hawaii and Capri, Maria's favorite getaways. The base is sheer amber and spicy, woods accents of Moroccan incense, that blend nicely with the florals, making this a light floriental that works for day or evening. It's sensual, but still sweet and light enough to wear any time of day, with casual clothes or business attire. Whether this is your first scent, or your fiftieth scent, M Mariah Carey will be one you'll want to have in your collection. It will, of course, make a welcome gift, too.

In the Fall of 2004, we reviewed the sexy apple-centric scent, DKNY Be Delicious Eau De Parfum. The latest in this popular Delicious line is DKNY Delicious Night $68.00 3.4 oz, $52.00 1.7 oz. We can't stop sniffing this sultry floriental, featuring a sophisticated blend of frozen pomelo, with crushed ginger and a chilled blackberry martini accord, a heart of purple freesia, night blooming orchids, jasmine petals and purple iris; and a base of amber,  jet black incense and myrrh extract and patchouli, amplified with velvet vetiver. Although it is sensual and spicy, the drydown balances it so it's appropriate for day as for evening. The notes could have been super-strong, but this scent is not overpowering. The apple-shaped bottle with flush-to-the-bottle, push-button atomizer,  is a work of art-- a sensual orb--sexy, shiny, smooth, and in a nearly-black purple (the "it" color). The scent was created by Trudi Loren with perfumers from International Flavors and Fragrances Inc., and inspired, by the excitement of NYC nightlife. DKNY also created uncoverthecity.com an amusing, interactive site that lets you choose a number of NYC experiences and "visit" some of the Big Apple's hippest and most interesting places. As you move through the program, traffic lights change, music plays, cars streak by, and people peer out of windows, while you read messages specific to each story line, listen to new music tracks, see behind-the-scenes footage of the DKNY Delicious Night commercial, and get info about NYC clubs, restaurants, shops and music. It is addictive fun!

I attended the star studded party at Cipriani’s in Manhattan was the scene of the launch for two exciting new fragrances: USHER ("He") for Men and USHER ("She") for Women. The handsome hip-hop star, whose formal name is Usher Raymond IV, said he wanted to be part of creating fragrances for men and women, because "when everything else comes off, fragrance still stays on." He was involved in every aspect of creating the scent, including scrutinizing every possible "silver" made (most likely a reference to the silver caps and necks of the stunning, frosted glass bottles, inspired by a spinning ring that the singer wears. He, the mens' fragrance Eau de Toilette $50.00 1.7 oz. and $68.00 3.4 oz. is strong, bold, masculine and sexy, presented in a stunning, frosted black bottle. It blends verbena, pineapple and melon; a heart of blue lavender, white pepper and violet leaf, and a drydown of vetiver, amber wood, black suede, sandalwood, sensual musk and guaiac wood. She, the Women's Fragrance Eau de Parfum $68.00 3.4 oz., $52.00 1.7 oz. is clean, floral and light. Ladylike in a golden bottle, it's a soft and sensual blend that features top notes of red currant, pink freesia and apple blossom on top, a heart of frangipani, apricot nectar, blooming jasmine and passion rose, and a drydown of amber wood, sensual musk, cashmere wood, vanilla orchid and incense. These beautiful fragrances make good "his & hers" holidays gifts. *to see more photos of USHER and the fragrance, read the AdviceSisters USHER Event Blog Post

Tova is the creation of Tova Borgnine, wife of actor, Ernest Borgnine. Tova's Fragrance Wardrobe $45.00 includes four 1 oz. spray eau de parfums: "Signature; Nights, Body, Mind & Spirit, and Love Everlasting." I liked the classic, clear glass rectangular bottles with chunky, rectangular, clear plastic caps. The scents are strong and distinctive. We couldn't agree on which was best (you get all four). "Signature" has a bergamot top note, jasmine and lavender middle notes, and a sandalwood base. It's "incense-y" but not spicy.  "Body, Mind & Spirit" is tinted light pink and blends white roses, lily of the valley, jasmine, and heliotrope with a hint of amber and apricot. I liked lilac-tinted "Nights," with top notes of white lilies, fresh violet, and dewy greens, middle notes of lilac, white peonies, pink roses, and spice, and sensual bottom notes of patchouli, sandalwood, and musk. Light-blue "Love Everlasting" is fresh and green, featuring cloudberry, glacial accord, arctic snow flowers; champagne rose, black raspberry, and cashmere woods.

Demeter Fragrances, new to our reviews, has over 200 different scents in their "Fragrance library," and over 30 single-note fragrances in nine different collections. They have florals and other traditional scents, but they also have dozens or really weird and unusual ones definitely not made in nature. For example, we tried a Pick-Me-Up Cologne Spray $20.00 1 fl. oz in "Crayon." Upon drydown, it did smell exactly like--crayon, and evoked strong childhood memories of our beloved, "big box" of colors. Also uncanny in it's olfactory evocativeness was Pure Soap. Theoretically you should smell clean anyway, but this scent has an authentic, clean, "white bar soap" scent. We're not suggesting that you use it instead of a shower, but it will boost your cleanliness "creds."  We also tried "Egg Nog" in a Mini Splash $5.00 1/2 oz. screw-top bottle.  At first it smelled primarily of alcohol, but upon drydown the rich, spicy-sweet eggnog smell literally made our mouths, water.  We can't possibly list all of the unusual scents this company offers, but they run the gamut from "dirt" and "wet garden" to "Birthday Cake." The Mini Splash bottles are so inexpensive, you can sample dozens of these fragrances without going broke--and they make fantastic stocking stuffers.  We hope to bring more of these to you in future reviews.

      Esther Nash is a fashion and jewelry designer, stylist, commentator and actress/model. Her one-of-a-kind jewels feature genuine semi-precious stones, most with sterling silver clasps and accents. Although they are unique, her designs have an uncanny way of working with just about everything your wardrobe. The Rose Quartz/Turquoise/ sterling pendant $250.00 (LH photo) and the nugget-y, Ametrine Beads/Moonstone & Silver Pendant (RH photo) are natural beauties to wear day and evening. In the group shot below, There's a beautiful Jade and Carnelian Necklace $250.00 from which a richly carved jade butterfly hangs suspended, as if it just alighted on a branch in the meadow. The show-stopping Citrine Nugget Necklace $175.00 also features sparkle-y chips of citrine to add interest. Ms.. Nash's web site also features earrings and bracelets, and a chance to check out her denim and club wear.  Women of every age will covet an Esther Nash design that will never go out of style. Treat yourself and/or someone special, to something special!

Last month we reviewed two stellar, "everyday" handbags from LeSportsac. At holiday time, however, sometimes you just need a little bag to carry your essentials. LeSportsac's style #7606 "Lulu" $34.00 is just 5.5" x 9.5" x 3.75" but this lightweight nylon bag will hold your makeup bag, cell phone, wallet, and a few more "must-haves" without weighing you down.  thin, web strap secured on the sides with shiny silver rings and a gross-grained trimmed zippered top add high-quality touches. This style is available in tons of adorable prints and solids including some new styles:  "Rex" (brown & grey Scotty dogs on a camel background); "Love Blossom" (strings of brown, white and maroon hearts on a light grey background); and "Wengren," a design showcasing some of our favorite things: pets, jewelry, gloves, bikinis, etc. These are fun, modestly-priced gifts that work for women of any age.

Ask anyone:  nothing says "I care about you" more than cozy socks. Some of the high quality Novelty Socks for Women from K. Bell that we think will bring a smile to your friend's faces and keep their toes, warm this Winter are the adorable Wide Mouth Socks $8.00 (70% acrylic/20% nylon/10% spandex). The animal's "mouth" is at the top of the sock, so when you pull on the sock, it looks like the mouth is encircling your leg! My favorite is the snake--a black sock with bright pink and limed argyle scales, and a mouth complete with little white "fangs!"  All the animal socks look eye-catching-ly adorable with sneakers and casual flats. Also cute are the Margarita Socks $7.50 (style 61427-60% cotton/38% polyester/2% spandex-photo) for your favorite party girl.  These feature bright green limes and margarita glasses, on a black background. A more serious look to wear with dressier pants have an unusual composition. Bamboo socks $7.00/pair have 60% bamboo fiber, 32% polyester, and 3% spandex. Bamboo is a fiber used that is eco-friendly (it grows back very quickly) and is perfect for socks due to it's softness, breathe-ability and natural antibacterial properties. These are available in a dragon design  (style 20035) featuring a raging, olive green dragon on a darker green background. The effect on your leg is almost like a muted tattoo, A blue hummingbird design (style 120036) in muted dark and medium blue gives the same effect. There is also a Cherry Blossom design.

There's nothing that channels your inner "girl" more than a sachet--plump pillows of subtle scent to add a feminine touch wherever they're placed. Tova's Sachet Collection $32.50 features four sachets--one each in her feminine scents:  Signature; Nights, Body, Mind & Spirit, and Love Everlasting (*review in the Fantastic Fragrances section of this column).  The ivory, lilac, blue and pink-colored,  ribbon wrapped, 5" x $' sachets are covered in satiny, jacquard fabric. This is a perfect gift when you want to give something special, but need a one-size-fits-all item. No matter what age the "girl," a pampering, luxurious gift of sachets is sure to please. TIP: Try one in your lingerie and sweater drawers, or pop one into your suitcase to make clothes smell nice.

  Nothing adds a glamour look better than something sparkly, in crystal and cubic zirconia. I particularly love them huge and eye-popping!  I discovered Anntelle Jewelry at Accessories, the Show last summer, and am happy to say that they have awesome, super-sized sparklers. They also feature genuine semi-precious stones. Any or all will make even an everyday outfit, eye-catching. We'll be reviewing some of the semi-precious necklaces in January in our next column. Now, for the holidays, Anntelle crystal and cubic zirconia pieces instantly transform your day look to evening, and they're affordable! Pair the large, Trillaint "peridot" colored CZ earrings srp. $18.00 (photo) on slim ear wires with one of Anntelle's CZ necklaces, and even pants and a top suddenly scream "party!"  These sparkly earrings are available in long, faceted teardrops and brilliant, faceted squares in clear, and lots of colors srp. $18.00-$28.00.  A classic is the super-sized Round Millennium Cut CZ Pendant srp. $54.00 (photo middle) on a slim, silvery chain. For true glam, get the champagne-colored CZ Marquise "Waterfall" Pendant srp. $55.00 (photo right) featuring three marquise CZ's. It can be worn on a chain, or threaded through an Omega necklace. Both also come in clear for that: "diamonds are a girl's best friend" look. Get a riot of color in the Multi-colored Glass Stone and Swarovski Crystal Necklace srp. $37.00 (bottom photo) featuring 7 colored "charms" delicately dangling from a silver chain with bean-shaped plain and "diamante" spacers, and high quality details such as an extender chain and lobster claw clasp. You'll look like you're wearing a million dollars worth of gems, but you won't need security guards to keep you safe.  These oversized gems are genuine fakes that make a real fashion statement.

When there's a chill in the air, one stay warm and fashionable with a cute hat. One that works for young and old, and every hairstyle, is the mark City Chic Tweed Cap $14.00 by mark. This soft, 85% polyester/15% wool, elastic-backed, one-size-fits-all, classic "newsboy" cap is cute and feminine. We like the little details: fabric-covered side buttons and a brown and beige tweed glittering with gold metallic thread. It will help keep the heat from evaporating off the top of your head, but we're guessing you'll really wear it to look cute! Necklaces and earrings in black "jet" have been popular since Victorian times. We like the modern, mark Beaded Necklace $16.00. This one has 3 strands of graduated, "faceted" black, plastic beads with a detachable cord to make it long (33.5") or short ("18.5"). Four burnished golden beads and elaborate filigree spacers plus a lobster-claw clasp are elegant details. Add versatile, Black Wired Up Earrings $14.00 featuring large, oval, black faceted beads bezel-set in antique "gold." What makes these especially chic is the way the earrings have an added bead dangle to wear them long, or without the dangle for a more tailored look. Get these classic pieces at a pittance, from mark.

Good cosmetics tools make even an "all thumbs" girl look great.  Add to your collection, or splurge on a brush set that offers benefits every day. Jane Iredale Brushes $6.50-$39.00,  16-piece Professional Brush Set $270.00 have natural wood handles with large metal grips, securing soft, well-shaped bristles. All are designed to be as effective and as gentle on the skin as possible, with (*no kill) bristles that are hand-tied and suited specific cosmetics.  Holiday "must-haves" include the Handi Brush $39.00, a super-soft goat hair brush that looks like a blush brush with a squared off top. It picks up just the right amount of loose or pressed powder and diffuses it  just where you want it on your skin. I like it for blush products too, because it gives an even, natural wash of color instead of dumping too much in one place. The stubby 3" handle and soft plastic carry sheath makes it perfect for your makeup bag. I've always been all thumbs with liquid eyeliner, but it's an important eye look right now. Get help with the Eye Liner/Brow Brush $12.00. an affordable, indispensable synthetic fiber brush with stiff bristles to dab into dry or wet shadow, then "push" into upper and lower lashes to produce a line as thin or thick as you want it. IT also has an attached sponge smudger tip on the end...good for adding color to brows, too. The Jane Iredale Camouflage Brush $15.00 has tightly-packed, toray nylon bristles that are rounded on the top to help apply concealer-type products smoothly, even in hard to reach areas like the corner eyes or under the lower lashes. This brush will pick up a lot of powder or creme shadow. I'm also a fan of the Crease Brush $14.00. I learned how versatile this brush is from a Jane Iredale makeup artist working at the Daily Suite at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. The fluffy but slim, goat-hair brush has a pointed head of oval-shaped bristles, to add a color to the crease of your eye.  It gives the perfect contour shape without any extra effort, and can also be used to add a perfect, crescent-shaped swatch of color to your eyelid when you want to cover it from lash line to crease. No brush wardrobe is complete without a goat-hair Kabuki  $32.00 and a Deluxe Eye Shader $32.00 (sable bristles), or the more modestly-priced, goat-hair Eye Shader $9.00.

The Glitz Salon in Beverly Hills is the creation of beauty veterans Kristen Deasy and Natalie Elkinaway. The salon not only pampers fashionable women with high standards for luxury, but offers the space for private parties and services. If you can't make it to California for a visit, you can still enjoy some of their cosmetics products (new to our review this month), purchased through their web site. The site offers everything from mineral foundations with SPF 25, to lip glosses. Our pick for the holidays is a slim zippered, hot pink travel Brush/Gloss Kit $50.00. It  opens to reveal a row of four pouches holding must-have makeup brushes with nicely-shaped, full sized heads, nestled into diminutive, 2 1/2" black handles. Each brush is labeled: Blush, Detail, shadow, and powder liner. The other side has a wider elastic pouch to hold a couple of lipsticks, mascara or pencils, or, perhaps a larger cosmetic item. *we hope to review some more Glitz products in future What Works columns.

Whether you are on a budget or not, an affordable indulgence is the Peppermint Spice & Everything Nice Holiday Tote Set $14.99 by Essence of Beauty. Three 2 oz bath & body products (Body Mist, Shower Gel, Body Lotion) in a candy-cane-scent are nestled into an eye-catching, large, red quilted tote with faux leather handles, a snap closure, and even an inside pocket for your cell phone. The bath & body products are fun and festive, to use, and just the right size to stock in a guest bathroom or take on vacation. To make it holiday perfect, the tote has a big rim of light grey/brown "fur" that looks just like the trim on "Santa's" hat! Adorable too, are the pair of furry pom poms dangling from the handle. You also get a set of red, quilted, "fur" trimmed scuffs to keep toes warm and festive, and a wide, oval, red quilted, zippered cosmetics bag to carry at least a week's worth of toiletries and cosmetics. Each set also has a $1.00 off coupon good for any Essence of Beauty full-sized product (*expires in 1/30/ 2008). Sometimes you don't have to pay a lot to get a lot--definitely this one makes the grade as an adorable gift at any price. You will definitely want to get one for yourself, and several for impressive gifts they'll use and love.