COLUMN FEATURE- GREAT GIFTS.  There's no time like now to show someone you care.  Surprises  make life better and more fun!   Here are our choices for great gifts to warm the heart, the home and   for yourself for  Valentine's Day  or "just because."

Whether you're leaving for a romantic weekend or you're a "road warrior," reuniting with your baggage is a major concern. Jetsetgo Bag Tags $7.50 are a cute and affordable way to ID your luggage! Simply attach one of   52 different designs of this colorful, oversized (3.5" x 4.5')  baggage tag to your bag and no one will take it by mistake. The distinctive, eye-catching graphics let you quickly see your bag. We like these for everything from computer bags, backpacks, briefcases, to pet carriers. TIP:  If you're giving travel as a gift, include tags in the theme of the trip (eg. Eiffel Tower #00045 for a trip to France, pail & shovel "Summer Tools" #00008 for beach vacation, car trunk filled with colorful luggage "On the Road" #00021 for a road trip (see photo).

Bonjour Fleurette is a San Francisco-based accessories company whose fanciful, fun, accessories are found in high-end spas, catalogues and boutiques. For a Valentine's Day gift, to enhance romance, or just because you deserve it,  get a set of adorable, wedgie spa-thongs *small-7, M-8, L-9, XL-10 from the, DaCosta Collection $42.00. The EVA foam wedge is soft and easy to walk on, and there are eye-catching graphics of flowers on the sole. A faux suede toe thong holds your toes to the base. Our romantic pick for V-day is  "Red Rose"  (photo) a black sponge wedgie festooned with large, red roses on the sole (there are plenty of other colors, too). These are just perfect for pool, vacation, travel, (a real conversation starter) the gym, or just hanging around your hacienda! Other slipper collections from this company feature everything from silk flowers to beads, to cork and kitten heels. You'll find that the The GoGo Tote $39.00 makes even the mundane chore of carrying things, much more fun!  This well constructed, zippered, vinyl tote is nearly two feet wide and 13" tall and the large handles are long enough to slip over your shoulder. Three color combos pair vinyl trim in white, black or brown with clear bodies. We liked "Fuschia #HB0404" white vinyl trim with a clear fuschia body. Every woman, regardless of age of interests, would love one of these! 

The kits created by Jaqua are always the most eye-catching, "girly-girl" of every season. Fleur Magique Bath Kit $49.50 is no exception!  This adorably packaged gift set looks like a hexagon-shaped flower shop, complete with "origami-style" accordion top, and  pastel graphics featuring roses.  Inside, Beauty Secrets from the rose garden include: an 8 oz bottle of Rose Bergamot Bath and Shower Nectar which has a beautiful, tea rose scent,  a 4 oz jar of Rose in Bloom Body Beauty Butter (really hydrating as well as beautifully rose scented) and a 50 ml bottle of Rose Bouquet Hydrating Facial Mist. This set lasts longer than a bunch of roses and smells just as divine. This is a great gift for Valentine's Day or for a bride, or anyone who loves roses.  TIP: for instant romance and the feeling that you're in a rose garden, lightly spritz your sheets and towels with the facial mist.

The greatest gifts are sometimes the ones you give yourself. SNEAK PEEK!  In March, Clinique will be unveiling a brand-new set of six beautiful makeup brushes: Powder Blush $30.00, Blush $25.00, Eye Shader $20.00, Eye Shadow $18.50, Eye Contour $28.50, and Concealer $16.50. These have eye-catching, dressing-table worthy silvery handles and natural hair bristles (*concealer is synthetic) that are perfect to give yourself, or to get from a friend. Makeup tools are essential to getting the results you want. We loved these modestly-priced brushes that are expertly shaped, high performance tools to help you apply makeup just like the pros. They also have a bonus -- a patent pending anti-microbial technology which protects the brushes from mold, fungus and bacteria.  Good tools deserve good care. To keep all your makeup brushes in top condition, pump a bit of Clinique's Brush Cleanser $12.50 through a wet brush, massage it into the bristles, and rinse. This quickly, easily and effectively disinfects the brush and removes all traces of makeup, so your makeup is always applied clean and fresh.

The best, inexpensive, ultra-sensual gift for Valentine's Day (or to heat up anytime "a deux") is definitely the Soft Coeur Massage Bar $6.95 by LUSH. This inexpensive little goody looks like a large, heart-shaped white chocolate with dark chocolate chips, but it is really a blend of shea and cocoa butter filled with honey and cocoa powder. You massage it over your special someone and the "filling" melts out of the heart and onto their skin, softening and moisturizing it as you soothe away their stress!

Makeup Brushes are a fashionista's essential toolkit.To make the 20th birthday of MAKE UP FOR EVER, the company created a magnificent Mongolian Goat Hair Brush $35.00 that is great fun to use. It's very large and luxe with super-soft black-tipped goat-hair bristles.  Use this ultra-wide brush with black lacquer handle for blush or contour, or as we liked it best, for applying powders in one, even, swoop.  If you travel, the Mini-Brush Set $55.00 will give you maxi results! It contains a beautifully shaped, generously-sized, blush brush (fine goat hair), a great, all-purpose eye shadow blender brush (sable) and a blending applicator (sponge) in a slim, oblong, zippered, black matte nylon carrying case. There's also a nylon pocket build-in so you can carry a few other essentials as you choose. The handles are   approx. 3 1/2" so they're not tiny--just right for accurate application. If you want three professional quality, easy-to-use essential makeup applicators, this is the set!

The Lucky in Love $30.00 gift box by Lucky Chick looks like an adorable box lunch,  but it's full of "enhance romance" treats!  The featured scent is mimosa, jasmine and violet which is sweet but light and oh-so seductive. There is a travel candle in a tin, a red-colored (Love Potion) shower Gel (Full sized Shower Gel $16.00) a spray body mist (Lucky In Love),a soothing body lotion (Emotion Lotion), a Massage Oil (Magic Moment), and a violet-colored mesh bath sponge.  Enjoy this one solo, or share it with your sweetie. TIP: This would make a unique and welcome wedding shower gift, too!

For an adorable gift and a good value, choose the Sister Glitter Duo $15.00 (photo) by Zhen.  You get to choose 2 glitter powders for the price of one (6 color choices) and you also get an red, satin, Cheongsam Dress purse to carry them in!  For V-day we suggest "Susan,"  a medium pink glitter with tiny, light-reflecting, purple flecks and "Teresa," a holographic silvery/multi combo that will look lovely dusted over hair, shoulders, anywhere!  For a bit less glitz but still a lot of glamour, give a friend (or yourself) the Element Lip Gloss Duo $`20.00, a champagne-colored makeup bag with red carry strap holds two opaque, patent-leather shine glosses. "Ally" is a slightly shimmery deep red. On the other end of the color spectrum is "Sara," is a glossy, medium taupe.

Looking for an innovative way to scent your home or office without constantly having to spray or light candles?  Stick Scents Fragrance Diffusers $24.99 are a new, unique aroma diffusing system that deliver a continuous fragrance wherever you place them. Open the fragrance bottle in one of four fruit or floral scents and insert the small bunch of thin, natural wood sticks (like pick-up sticks) through the hole in the wood top.  This glass and wood "bouquet" transfers the scented oil through the sticks and into the air and looks pretty, too.  The scents are subtle, not overwhelming.  We tried "Morning Dew," a light combination of honeysuckle, musk jasmine, violet, melon and rose perfect for bed or bath.  These come in an attractive, substantial metal tube and make a great gift, too.

During dark, winter days and long, Winter nights, lighten a beautifully fragranced candle can really lift your spirits. Our top pick this column is Trish McEvoy's Scented Candles $38.00.  We love Trish's cosmetics so much it's no wonder that we also love these round, white candles in substantial glass containers with shiny, silver plated tops embossed with Trish McEvoy logo. These are strongly scented, so they smell great even before you light them. When lit, a blend of waxes and a lead-free wick light up your mood as they scent your environment. Packaged in clear cellophane with a black grosgrain bow, it's the perfect gift for a everyone, male and female. Indulge yourself too with three of Trish's newest fragrances:  sexy Egyptian Jasmine,Vanilla Cream, and our favorite, Orange Ginger, a bright, spicy citrus that's a definite mood lifter.

The Rainforest Plant Pure-Fume™  Aroma Candle $16.00 (refill $10.00) is a long name for an intoxicatingly scented candle created with pure beeswax and plant-derived waxes and oils, housed in a refillable, recycled, green-glass container. Our choice of five calming-to-invigorating fragrances is "Rainforest," a beautiful blend of peppermint, clove and coriander that is relaxing and exotic.  Fire one up for your next spa night, or any time you feel the need to indulge, affordably!  For Valentine's Day, light up a Circle of Love™ Candle $22.00, a re-usable,substantial. green glass recycled votive into which a scented tea light in a tin,  is nestled. We tried "Sandalwood," sexy and intense, but you can also select Tealights $6.50 each in jasmine, rose, organic ylang, ylang, bergamot, or frankincense and myrrh.TIP: These make a romantic gift, especially if you splurge for the entire set of scented tealights to suit any mood.

The Lucky Chick Flickering Florals Candle $14.00 comes in a tin covered in such colorful, girly graphics that it's almost too pretty to use, but definitely, do!  The long-lasting, bright pink-colored, mimosa, jasmine, and violet-scent will fill your days (and nights) with a hint of romance.  When the candle is finished, you'll be tempted to keep the tin to store little treasures in.

Burn Baby Burn Candles $20.00 24/hrs, $35.00 40/hrs by Lola Cosmetics are brand new, pretty to look at and their intoxicating scents create a very sexy atmosphere. The first thing you notice is the deep red candle in signature Lola color with curvy, black logo screened on one side and "Lust often love always" on the other. Suddenly, you're sensing the strong, sexy scent of  bergamot, currant and mandarine, jasmine, iris and nutmeg, with hints of patchouli, oak moss, and musk to make any night, special. This would be a wonderful, romantic gift for a man or woman for Valentine's Day, or for yourself, any time you want to feel sexy.

The Red Flower Candle $32.00 is a deluxe one with 35-45/hr. burning capacity. "Moroccan Rose" has a juicy, deep, rose-red color and a unique topping of red rose petal potpourri. Remove the rose petals to light the candle, and savor the intense, erotic atmosphere you're creating by releasing the perfumed oils extracted from the petals of the sensual, Moroccan rose.If you aren't into roses, there are eleven additional, exotic fragrances. We just love the way these look and smell - there's one for every personal taste.  TIP: Don't  throw out that rose petal potpourri topping.  Why not toss it into a warm bath, make a hand soak, a face steam, a mask or an exfoliator?  Or, put them in a bowl as an offering to Cupid, or whomever you wish to adore!

THE GREATEST MAKEUP KITS:  We adore makeup kits and face-in-a-case compacts. We love the way they easily, expertly coordinate colors.  We love their portability.  We also love their great value.  Kits give you the opportunity to try colors and products that purchased individually, would cost a lot more!  Here are some of the newest and best for this season:

Welcome the Ultimate All Star Collection $95.00 by Tony & Tina into your life, or give it to a special friend for Valentine's Day, and warm a makeup lovers heart.  This absolutely adorable, substantial train case with colorful Tony & Tina logos emblazoned all over it is useful as it is, but made much, much better with the included, makeup-bag sized versions of nine very popular Tony & Tina products:  Mini Cosmetic- a shimmery copper loose powder for face and body, a loose, Illuminating Face Powder with minerals in natural to suit everyone, a loose Glitter Powder with tiny holographic blue and silver glimmer, an Herbal Mascara in basic black, a vial of Tony & Tina Vibrational Remedy Fragrance infused with essential oils, a Glitter Eye Pencil in brown with gold glitter, a .20 fl. oz Herbal Skin Serum with White Tea with antioxidant protection for your skin, an Herbal Eye Base (great product that keep all shadows sticking while protecting your skin) and our favorite: an Herbal Aroma LipGLoss with carrot oil in "Cosmic Enchantress" to glitz your lips with the sheerest coat of coppery and holographic glitter and super-shine. Women of all ages will love this - a great gift for Valentine's Day and still a reasonable splurge for yourself - the products alone are a $181.00 value!

Women everywhere love face-in-a-case kits, and there's nothing better than one where you can select the colors you like best.  AVEDA's, Petal Essence™ Essentials Environmetal Compact $16.00 is a matte silver compact that allows you to select your choice of Aveda lip color, blush, and two eye shadows or a shadow duo, or one face accent trio. A magnetic base keeps the colors locked in, and a hefty, square mirror makes it easy to flip open, and apply! 

The Lippman Collection Treat Me Right Nail Set $28.00 is a makeup kit for your nails! We suggest this as the gift you give yourself to keep your nails looking picture-perfect!  A cute black and clear plastic "purse" hold .23 oz bottles of The Lippman Collection's high quality, high-performance nail products:  cuticle remover, cuticle oil, 2-second nail primer, ridge filler base coat, and "on a clear day" Top Coat.  If you're wondering whether to buy it now, consider it's a $40.00 value--get a few for friends, too!

We love Pop Beauty makeup, and especially their fun, tote-able and modern Popette Palettes $28.00. We reviewed Sparkling Popette and Natural Popette $28.00 each in past columns. For Winter and Valentine's Day, try the romantic, soft colors in Delicate Popette $28.00.  The fun, slim, coppery compact comes studded with silvery stars. Inside is a big mirror and a dual wanded eye and lip applicator.  The soft, slightly-pearly mauve, ivory and lilac eye shadows really flatter Winter-weary complexions, while a bright, clear pink blush warms cheeks.  Two shimmery pink and red lip colors and a silky sheer gloss shine lips to catch the light--and perhaps, his attention? TIP:  This compact is a perfect gift choice for any romantic woman, or perhaps, a bride.

Last column we introduced Scott Barnes and his luxe line of makeup for celeb A-listers (and now, you). To warm up cheeks easily and beautifully this Winter, why not try one of his six, Chic Palettes $45.00.  Inside the slim, sophisticated, oblong compact are three very generous squares of powder blush in complimentary shades starting with the lightest and most shimmery shade, a middle-hued demi-pearl, and a deep, matte color for contouring or a deeper blush color.    We tried "Honey," with believable blush colors of warm peach, tan beige, and pale pink.  Other trios to suit every complexion or mood: vibrant pink, peachy pink, vibrant peach, earthy brown, and maroon with gold, too. Just smile, and apply a stroke of all three colors together or just one as you wish, and get a fantastic, natural "glow."

Beyond Bronze $28.00 face-in-a-case-kit by Victorias Secret will give you the look of Summer, even if it's still Winter! Three creamy, lightweight, sheer, multi-purpose highlighter/bronzers/lip colors reflect light and come in light, medium and deep brown. Add foursquares of silky, neutral eye shadow: peach, taupe, rose and brown and you've got all you need for "California dreamin" right now! 

The Bobbi Brown Mini Kit $35.00 is a fabulous gift idea for a friend  or as a great little splurge for yourself.  Inside a portable, sleek, matte black, faux leather zippered case (photo) you'll find two zippered pouches containing mini sizes of Bobbi Brown's   high-quality, high-performance beauty items you can't live without:  Hydrating Eye Cream (3 ml), Eye Makeup Remover (15 ml), Vitamin Enriched Face Base (7 ml), mini Crystal Lip Gloss, mini Everything Mascara, an empty jar (7 ml), and the Face Palette (empty) with a plastic spatula.Fill the jar with cleanser or another moisturizing product. The Face Palette, complete with spatula and blank base label (to record your makeup shade) has 6 wells to fill with your favorites of Lip Color, Cream Blush Stick, Cream Shadow Stick, Foundation Stick, Blemish Cover Stick, or Creamy Concealer (purchased separately).   We loved this little kit and we know you will, too!

The N.Y.C. New York Color On Location Makeup Kits $4.99 are easy to love!  Seven products (four eye shadows and two lip colors) plus a powder blush are packed into a very lightweight, clear plastic compact, complete with mirror and two applicators for lips/eyes and blush! There are several color combos. We especially liked "Denim Daze" which has romantic, eye shadows in misty violet deep grey, blue and ivory, coupled with super-sheer rose, and pink-with-glitter glosses for lips and a soft, pink blush to add just a hint of color. Mauve lovers will like "Manhattan Mauve." For a Winter-into-Spring palette we like "Pastel Craze" that has clear blue, green, pink and lilac shadows, a light, apricot blush, and nude and clear/holographic glitter, glosses. These face-in-a-case kits would be nice at any price, but especially for less than $5.00!

ELEGANT EYES:  Colored liners are a fun and fabulous way to instantly update your eyes.  For a romantic look, choose a new,  pale pastels, or anything with shimmer or pearl. 

  Prescriptives Luminous Eye Shadow Quad $32.00 pairs three beautiful shadows with a pearly white shadow to mix and blend as you wish.  There are three combos suited to warm, cool and "trend"-oriented users.  The super-silky, light-as-a-cloud powder that lasts a long time and stays true to color wins our love. Our favorite was the duo-chrome shimmer (Trend) "White," which gives eyes a subtle, iridescent pink, green, blue or purple  "snow bunny" look perfect for now and into the  Spring. Try the brights and earthtones, too!  Define eyes for more drama with the multi-purpose Deluxe Eye Pencil $18.50 -- a self-sharpening, super-soft liner/lid color with a handy smudger on one end.   It's gentle on your lids and really lasts with a pearly finish that brightens tired eyes and gives them a fresh look. "White" can be used as a highlighter, lid color, or eye brightener for inner lid line. There's also "Bright," a pretty, cool, shimmery pink, and "Excite," a warmed shimmery apricot

Maybelline knows how to make a great mascara -- or perhaps, more than one!  Their new  XXL Volume + Length Microfiber Mascara $7.95 will plump you up without clumping you up! A dual- sided mascara wand holds a special lash-lengthening primer with gentle micofibers to extend lashes to new lengths on one end, and a volumizing topcoat color (black, bon the other. Together, you get an intense, dramatic fringe of lashes to frame your eyes.This is a long-lasting mascara that doesn't flake or fade, but it washes off with soap and water (or your favorite cleanser). Easy, and great!  If you like long wear, new, water-resistant Unstoppable Mascara $6.95 comes in a silvery tube in black, brownish black or soft black. Itlasts up to 12 hours without clumping, fading or smudging. It didn't quit even when we rubbed our eyes, intentionally! Tip: To makes eyes super-large and impressive, use the mascara with the smudge-proof, waterproof eye liner called Unstoppable Liner $6.93. It comes in a soft, self-sharpening pencil in beautiful colors: sapphire, espresso, jade, cinnabar, onyx and pewter

The Eye Shadow $13.00 in the new Madame B collection by M·A·C is foward looking to Spring and will brighten your eyes as well as your sprrits.  "Metamorph, " for example, is an intensely colored, glowing, lime green that makes your eyes look amazing!   We also loved  "Moth Brown," a frosty taupe that's anything but bland. "Pink Papillon" is a glowing, intense pink that looks particularly wonderful with Fibre Rich Macara $9.50 in new, "UV," a true, gorgeous deep violet that makes your eyes look huge and bright.

The colored eye liner trend shows no sign of slowing down and we're glad because they are just such fun! If you want to try a great one, get the excellent, inexpensive Bourjois Kohl & Contour Eye Crayon $10.00 that blends well and stays put. "Blanc Givré" is a pearly, iridescent white-pink that will brighten eyes this season and work well with Spring pastels, too. Get a jump on Spring colors now, with the Effect Lumière Eye Shadow Trio $18.00 featuring sheer, layerable, whisper-soft shades of pink, green and blue in a compact with clear window for viewing the colors (photo of compact only), and of course, the signature, cute Bourjois sponge applicator. 

Max Factor's new Lash Lift $6.50 is a new product that evenly coats your lashes and (get this) lifts them 30 degrees to help your eyes look larger, open, and lively. The mascara coats well without clumping, feels lightweight, and conditioners actually make this product better than bare for your lashes!  With three color choices:  black, brown  and black/brown your next mascara purchase will easily be.... Max Factor!

Gels $18.00 by Smashbox Cosmetics are not your average lip gloss. This squeeze tube has a little lip brush affixed right to the base and the gloss is liberally scented with the sweet, unmistakable fragrance of honey or old-fashioned mead! mmmm! The colors (inspired by the gels and filter used by professional photographers) are clear and saturated. They're super-shiny but silky soft.  Even better, they're enriched with shea butter and collagen-stimulating antioxidants (that means good for your lips)   "Lit" is a clear red that will light up anyone's smile. or choose purples, pinks, nudes or apricot. For additional definition, use a soft, stay-where-you-put-it Lip Liner $16.00. "Smashing Flash" is a metallic brick-bronze to make a stunning contrast to any nude  gloss or compliment to brown and copper lipsticks when the sun shines.

AVEDA's color choices are not only beautiful, they are universally wearable.  The new Petal Essence™ Duo Eye Color $15.00 brighten eyes in 6 color combos.  "#983 Snowdrop/Bluette" has a pearly beige coupled with an amazing blue-grey that goes with everything, and every one.   Pick Petal Essence™ Single Eye Color $11.00 in one of 18 shades, and make your own combo. Great for smoky eye or liner is "#973 Vinica," a deep slightly shimmery purple, or #979 Sunset," a stunning, coppery brown that will make your lids look sunkissed even if it's gloomy outside, and stay true to color! Line lids with a new Eye Definer $12.00. "#918 Wild Indigo" is a dark-as-the-night blue-black softer than stark black. TIP: These liners are soft enough to make a precise line, but still blend-able.

Dreary days ahead? brighten them up with an Eye Palette $14.99 by Sonia Kashuk.  There are several "six packs" of colors in various combos. For Winter into Spring,  the chic, "Creamy Dreamy"gives sexy shimmer mixed with subtle neutrals for soft, pretty eyes. The shadows smooth on easily without a greasy feel.  They'll stay put without creeping into dry patches and fine lines, too!  TIP: you can also layer these over powder colors to  give them shimmer.

Eye Liner Duet Pencils by N.Y.C. Color $1.99 give you two colors on one pencil, basic black with either green, purple, brown, silver or blue. The super-soft liner pencils blend beautifully, by the way! We especially liked "Through the Storm," a rich purple and black combo and "Endless Love" pairing black with soft silver. For a light on your lids and just for glam fun, try a bit of Sparkle Eye Dust $3.99. Lift the cleverly-packaged brush-applicator out of the clear, reservoir of powder and dust lids with a soft, sparkling wash of color. These remind us of pricier brands but work just as well. "Baby Blue" is a romantic, light silvery-blue. Ditto "Champagne," a sparkly nude, and "Pink Champagne" a rosed-up version. 

Beleaguered lids rejoice! The Makeup Hydro-Powder Eye Shadow $21.00 by Shiseido goes on cool to the touch, adding a surprising refreshment to your makeup application. But that's just the first thing you notice. The five, jewel-toned, light-catching, shimmery colors are beautiful. They glide on effortlessly with a finger or the enclosed applicator. Use this for 4 days and notice that the moisturizers in this shadow hydrate your skin, too!  Lastly, appreciate the way the colors stay fresh and true even after a long day at the office, or a hot night of...dancing?  For cool toned skin we love "Aqua," an eye-catching sea green sure to brighten eyes,  For warmer complexions, the coppery "Tiger Eye" looks stunning. It'll be pretty in the summer to flatter a tan, too!

Lovely Laura Mercier cosmetics have been raved about in our reviews for years.  The colors are always natural, modern, and beautiful, and wearable. Light-catching formulas help even tired eyes look young and vibrant, and the colors are long-lasting and true to color. For Winter, try some of the silky, soft, super-sheer, layerable, Shadow Duos $21.00 in "Burgundy,"  (light peach and browned wine), "Violet" (light and dark greyed violet), "Bamboo" (soft ivory and taupe), "Azure," (deep teal and white) and our favorite:  "Moss," a soft greyed green and yellow combo that makes brown eyes "pop" and blue eyes, brighter. TIP: Emphasize your eyes even more by using the darker colors of powder as a liner, or try a Cake Eye Liner $20.00 that can be used wet or dry. These produce looks from nearly natural to the deep, obvious lines of the retro 60's! "Eggplant" is a greyed purple that looks more modern than brown, "Emerald Green" perks up tired eyes and looks wonderful with pale shadows right into Spring!