Beauty: Make mine beautiful

Chocoholicks Lip Gloss. Photo / Babiche Martens

Gift giving is a chance to seek out special items for special people. You don't need to spend a fortune - though you easily can.

We've selected a range of goodies we'd love to get ... from the indulgent offerings on these pages to some great value gift sets and nifty stocking fillers (for under $25) overleaf.

1 Ricci Ricci by Nina Ricci 50ml eau de parfum $119

Classic French fragrance house launches its latest perfume, trimmed with a metallic bow as elegantly insouciant as a French scarf. The puce-coloured glass hints at the rich fruitiness within, in this new-generation scent with gourmand touches including coconut and rhubarb.
(From department stores and selected pharmacies.)

2 Jane Iredale Chocolicks Lip Gloss $89

Box of four chocolate truffle look, smell and taste-alikes for grown-ups with a sweet tooth. Choose from strawberry cream, chocolate orange, truffle or caramel flavours. The texture is thick and long-lasting, the colours true and the nourishing ingredients are all-natural and antioxidant rich. With each gloss in its own little tin, you can easily split the set to spread the love.
(Stockists, ph 09 636 1960 or visit www.janeiredale.co.nz.)

3 Grown Christmas edition vanilla and orange peel hand cream $69

It would seem a shame to wrap up this lovely box, with its charming illustration reminiscent of early Coca-Cola advertising campaigns. Inside, Art Noveau-inspired writing describes a natural mix of botanical goodness too good to be given just to gardeners.
(From Smith & Caughey's and selected salons, spas and pharmacies.)

4 La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Body Cream $660

Slather it on thick by gifting this super-duper Swiss body cream made with Caviar Firming Complex for silky, smooth skin.
(From Smith & Caughey's.)

7 Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Metal Chic Collection 125ml eau de toilette $146

Manly mint, lavender, amber and vanilla notes in this stunning limited edition bottle.
(Exclusive to Farmers.)

8 Yves St Laurent Rouge Volupte $64

This moisturising lipstick is in 22 shades and one of the most luxurious canisters you'll find. Buy one in a colour to suit someone special.
(From YSL counters.)

9 Cire Trudon Nazareth Candle $159

Heritage French candlemaker forgoes its normal green glass for Christmassy red to house a limited edition clove, cinnamon and orange candle redolent of Joyeux Noel
(From World Beauty stores. www.worldbrand.co.nz)

* Another fabulous Christmas candle is Jo Malone's pine and eucalyptus version or pomegranate noir, $115 each.
(From Jo Malone, Chancery, ph 0800 566 7467.)

10 Estee Lauder Golden Cobblestones compact of Lucidity Translucent Pressed Powder $250

This year's collectible compacts are as lovely as ever and come in festive gold and red, with crystallised Swarovski elements. In all there's 20 designs for solid perfume and powder.
(From Estee Lauder counters.)

11 Bobbi Brown Mini Shimmer Brick Metal Compact in Sandstone $140

The New York makeup artist's limited edition Shimmer Bricks are an excellent way to brighten the complexion and can even double as eyeshadow, but they're weighty wonders so this small size is a boon for glow on the go. In three colour choices, with a velvet pouch, but without a brush.
(From Bobbi Brown counters.)

12 Ecoya travel candle in Lady Lust $24.95

Mango and white tea combine in this sweet-smelling soy wax candle in a travel-friendly tin.
(From Farmers, Nest and selected other gift stores.)

14 Becca Showgirl palette $140

Three eye colours and two shades for the lips or cheeks in this failsafe selection that comes with a double-ended brush.
(From Glamorpuss, Nuffield St, Newmarket and the Department Store, Northcroft St, Takapuna.)

13 Smashbox Proof Creme Liner Palette $55

Ten favourite cream eyeliner colours in this super-slim mini palette. Great fun to play with.
See www.smashbox.co.nz