Follow your nose to perfect gifts

Picture / Carolyn Robertson

Makeup counters can be a godsend to the frazzled Christmas shopper. They're like a safe haven for those so disoriented they're seriously considering hankies all round. If you've got some idea of who likes what, it's hard to go wrong with perfume and the other decadent offerings.

M.A.C delights: 6 eye/warm
$80 for 5.3g

The excitement of this stunning eyeshadow compact is less about the six eye colours and more about the unadulterated luxury of the compact. The top is teal faux crocodile with oriental flower motif. Breathtaking. Colours aren't bad, either, from the lovely Tendermetal olive green to Buff-de-Buff sparkly beige and daring A Bluer Blue frosted deep blue. These limited edition compacts are selling fast, so grab at least one for your best friend.

From Smith & Caughey's Newmarket and M. A. C Chancery.

Tommy Hilfiger True Star Gold
$118 for 75ml eau de toilette

Beyonce's new release, the follow-up to True Star, is rather good. Apparently, the inspiration for the crisp floral fragrance came with the lilies and sisal at Hilfiger's Mustique house and is the embodiment of Beyonce's energy charged stage persona. Like the combination of melon, golden kiwifruit, redcurrant, pumpkin flower, raspberry, sisal and lily. Lucky old Hilfiger having a place that smells like this. A safe bet for younger sisters. From Farmers.


Chanel No 19
$130 for 50ml eau de toilette

Chanel has such pulling power, it's almost impossible to do any wrong doling this out on Christmas day. All the fragrances are classics but green floral has a daring side to it that No 5 doesn't. It starts with neroli grass, moves into iris, rose and narcissus before finishing up with the woody base of cedarwood. The new grey metal finish on this refillable spray updates it. Give to: anyone who'd appreciate an elegant fragrance from mothers to sisters.

From selected department stores and pharmacies.

Jean Paul Gaultier Gaultier2 Body Massage Oil
$77 for 100ml

Gaultier is so egalitarian. He meant his latest fragrance to be for both men and women but not to have the usual top, middle and base notes of traditional perfumes. It's got amber, musk and vanilla as major players. While the fragrance is likely to appeal to modernists, the body oil has mass appeal. More subtle, the scent becomes incredibly intimate as an oil and you get soft skin at the same time. Really, though this was made to be shared, so give the boyfriend this and you'll reap the rewards. Selfish? Moi?

From selected department stores and pharmacies.



Origins Ginger with a Twist Sublime Body Wash
$52 for 200ml

This is the 21st-century version of soap and completely acceptable as a gift, especially when it smells this good. The feel-good power of ginger is increased with the twist of lime, orange, mandarin and grapefruit. The only way to start the day. Ideal for the energetic and anyone fond of a bit of DIY spa.

From selected department stores, pharmacies and Origins Botany Town Centre.