The gift of beauty

Don't know what to get all the different women in your life, from your best friend to your sister? Here are some fabulous beauty suggestions that are sure to please.

Indulge your perfume-loving mother
Perfume makes a lovely gift, but choosing one can be daunting. Give someone the gift of creating her own signature scent with the Susanne Lang Limited Edition Holiday Collection, ($95). This set includes compatible fragrances that can be worn on their own or layered to create customized scents. Nine fragrances are included, such as vanilla sugar, clementine and cedarwood. Available at Holt Renfrew.

Surprise your always-in-style niece
At first glance, the red-and-white rectangular case of Pupa Love Mixx, ($53), looks like just another cute perfume spray. But look closer and you'll see why it's a cool must-have for any young woman. This two-in-one compact contains a spray-on eau de toilette and secret pullout drawers of face powder, eyeshadow and lip colours and glosses complete with applicators. Plus, it's available in three colour combinations (choose from shades of brown, pastels or violet) for foolproof gift giving. For availability, call 1-800-363-7284.

Encourage your fashion-forward friend
The French know a thing or two about beauty and luxury, which is why two new designer cosmetic sets are the perfect gift for any woman who wears makeup. Yves Saint Laurent Collection Eyeliner, ($82), is a sophisticated set for defining and intensifying eyes. This trio of liquid eye colours comes with a wand, three different application-brush attachments and an illustrated guide that shows the not-so-confident which colours to apply and where. The exquisite gold-and-black packaging is ultra glamorous and its contents will make the recipient of this gift très jolie. Yves Saint Laurent cosmetics available at Holt Renfrew .

The Dior Sparkling Lip Palette, ($50), is also worthy of oohs and ahhs. The front of this shiny silver case features the Dior logo spelled out in rhinestones; opening it reveals pretty copper or pink lipstick, gloss and liner. Its sleek size makes it perfect for slipping into a pocket, purse or stocking. Dior cosmetics available at select Dior counters.

Treat your on-the-go aunt
The Fresh To Go Bodycare Gift Set, ($66), featuring four travel-size containers of indulgent body-care products neatly packaged in their very own case, is guaranteed to put a smile on the face of any weary traveller. The fresh-scented Sugar Blossom Body Treatment, Sugar Blossom Hand Treatment, Lemon Sugar Eau de Parfum and Sugar Shea Butter will breathe life into any ordinary hotel washroom. For more information, visit Beautymark.ca.

Spoil your hard-working co-worker
Whether your work buddy enjoys relaxing in the tub or relishes every minute of a hot shower, there are lots of ways to make her time more spa-like. Two crowd-pleasers come from Diva Girl Body. For those who like a good long soak, the Vanilla Marshmallow Bath Melts, (275 grams/$25), not only smell good enough to eat, but are packed with skin-softening ingredients such as mango butter and sweet almond oil. And, Pomegranate Sugar Scrub, (250 g/$20), an invigorating shower treatment, leaves skin smooth and polished. For more information, visit Divagirlbody.com

Pamper your grandmother
Treat someone special from head to toe with products from Lush, a specialist in fresh handmade cosmetics. Their Dream Cream Body Lotion, (240 grams/$23), Pied de Pepper Foot Cream, (100 grams/$13 and The Soft Touch Body Butter, (95 grams/$13), are all packed with hardworking ingredients that calm skin, revive tired feet and make hands and cuticles look and feel like new. Every Lush location offers gorgeous gift-wrapping services year-round. If you're pressed for time, pick up one of Lush's many pre-packaged gift sets. Prices range from $11 to $260. For more information, visit Lush.com.