KEY POINTS:
Ever-more ornate, makeup is becoming the new frontier for luxury brands. Consumers are less ready and able in a recession to spend-up large on logo-emblazoned bags and shoes, but they're still in the market for lipsticks and eye-shadows.
High-end companies are responding, by turning everyday accessories into designer delights. Expect compacts in velvet pouches and contents you'd rather display than disturb.
1 Christian Dior Lady Dior Radiant Couture Touch-Up for Face, Cheeks and Lips, $200
Can't afford the emblematic Lady Dior handbag? Don't worry, just downsize with this miniature version containing two creamy shades to colour and illuminate your skin. The miniature mirrored compact also has the bag's dangly letter charms and signature cane pattern case and it comes with a Dior-stamped chain and hook, meaning if you tote the real thing you can swing this cult accessory from its half-moon handles.
2 Estee Lauder Chocolate collection Signature Eyeshadow Quad in Berry Truffle $74
Like a golden swirl on a hand-decorated chocolate, this embossed eyeshadow also comes in a caramel truffle variant. The delectable colour collection sees Estee Lauder adopt chocolate brown compacts for the season instead of its signature navy and gold.
In store from March 9.
3 La Prairie Cellular Treatment Foundation $140
This silver compact looks like an Art Deco cigarette case and snaps open to reveal a powder finish cream foundation, sponge and mirror. The Swiss company has added antioxidants to its matte finish foundation which can be used wet or dry depending on coverage required.
4 Lancome Lotus Splendor eyeshadow duo and lip duo in Warm Keva $95
Inspired by the colours of India, Lancome's new makeup collection includes this star piece: a Lotus compact that opens to reveal two shades each for eyes and lips.
5 Chanel Les Tissages de Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect in Tweed Pink $98
If you've always coveted a Chanel suit, think of this blush as a starter set. The shades of pink and gold weave together like the classic wool tweed threaded with lurex.
6 Chanel Levres Signee Chanel, Limited Edition $103
Five creamy lipsticks are shaped into the house's double C logo in a signature black compact. The design was inspired by Mademoiselle's 1939 couture collection featuring Bohemian pleated taffeta and colourful scarves.
7 Bobbi Brown Bobbi Brights Eye Palette $155
Thirty-five dots of colour provide a rainbow of choice to try in this two-tier tray compact. In store from March 1.
Stockists: Leading pharmacy and department store brand counters.
