Gorgeous gifts for stressed out shoppers

With Christmas less than a week away, a tough political situation that shows no signs of abating and traffic snarling up Bangkok roads, it’s hard not to be stressed about finding perfect gifts for special friends as well as the right makeup for the rounds of parties. XP comes to the rescue with a round up of fashion and beauty products that are guaranteed to please.

SENSATIONAL WITH SHU
Shu Uemura’s Holiday 2013 collaboration with famed Japanese artist Takashi Murakami can best be described as adorable, with magical graphics making for truly collectible makeup products. The theme “Black Princess vs Pink Princess” explores duality in a make-up collection that underlines every woman’s right to be nice and naughty, innocent and sexy. The focus is on the “paradox” of pink and black princess characters as feminine icons. The collection is large, but the Heart-Full Pink Parallel Palette for Eyes (Bt2,700) and Lips (B990) is definitely the star of the show. There’s also a wealth of other products at prices starting at less than Bt1,000. Check out the Shu Uemura counters in leading department stores.

GORGEOUS WITH GRAFFITI
Following the success of previous worldwide holiday partnerships with celebrated artists such as Kaws, Jeff Koons and Kenny Scharf, Kiehl’s has launched its fifth Holiday Collection in collaboration with NYC-based graffiti artist Eric Haze. The Limited Edition Kiehl’s x Haze collection includes Ultra Facial Cream (Bt1,250, 50ml) and Calendula Toner (Bt1,500, 250ml).
In addition to Kiehl’s individual offerings, customers have the option of customising their own gift sets. A gift-wrapping service is also provided.

FESTIVE BUZZ
This holiday season, Burt’s Bees unveils a series of Christmas gift, each inspired by Burt’s Bees’ signature Beeswax Lip Balm Tin and Honey Lip Balm. Paired with an authentic hand drawn design, the festive sets capture the Christmas spirit while showing off nature’s healing powers.
The gift sets, which come in lovely boxes and bags, cost from Bt760 to Bt3,100.

IT’S IN THE STARS
Dior celebrates the year ahead with a collection of zodiac-themed that are cute but also timelessly chic. The fish refers to Pisces, while the little mermaid represents Virgo. The crab is for Cancer and Sagittarian babes can sport their very own archer. The pendants are available at Dior Boutiques in leading shopping malls.

THE RIGHT NUMBER
Chanel delights by bringing back its classic No 5 for the ideal festive gift and completes the ritual by prolonging the trail of this legendary fragrance with new sense-awakening bath and skin collections. They include foaming bath (Bt1,980), cleansing cream (Bt1,980), bath soap (Bt1,120), body lotion (Bt2,400), hair mist spray (Bt1,550) and intense bath oil (Bt4,360). The collections are available at Chanel boutiques in Siam Paragon and The Emporium.

THE MORNING AFTER
Late night parties are part and parcel of the festive season and Lelif comes to the rescue with its new “First Aid Mask” line featuring 7 distinctive herbal products for all types of skin. Among them are Overnight brightening mask (Bt880), Overnight anti-wrinkle & firming mask (Bt1,060), Anti-hangover soothing mask (Bt880) and Transforming peel off mask (Bt960). They’re available at leading department stores.

ALL THAT GLITTERS
Burberry Beauty brings Golden Light to party time with lipstick, lip gloss and nail polish glittering with gold particles and creating a subtle shimmer effect on your skin. Gold, beige and pale apricot add to an exciting palette to make you the belle of the ball. Check out Burberry boutiques at leading department stores.

SENSE OF SCENTS
Much loved British brand Jo Malone London recently introduced its Amber & Lavender cologne to Thailand, a fragrance that’s a perfect match for a warm and gentle personality. Also new to the Christmas stocking is Earl Grey & Cucumber cologne that promotes instant relaxation and 154 cologne, a complex aromatic scent named after the street number of our first Jo Malone boutique in London. Check out the colognes and gift boxes at Jo Malone boutiques in Siam Paragon, Central Chidlom, Central Lat Phrao and The Emporium.

YOUTHFUL RADIANCE
Origins offers six gift sets boasting the very best of its natural skincare products and great names. They include Nature’s Age Erasers (Bt4,000), Dr Andrew Weil for Origins Mega Relief (Bt4,500), Moisturise & Be Merry (Bt2,400) and Mask Marvels (Bt1,300). All come in attractive boxes and are available at leading department stores.