Check out our favorites from this opulent collection:

For smoky eyes in shades of plum, burgundy and grey with metallic gold, Estee Lauder brings you two Limited Edition eyeshadow quads housed in decadent gold compacts:

Eyeshadow Quad in Gold Opulence $35.00

A look with Estee Lauder Gold Opulence Quad

Eyeshadow Quad in Lavish Plum $35.00

A look with Estee Lauder Lavish Plum Quad

Available just for the holidays the Opulent Shimmer Glosses give you a sheer, shiny finish:

Opulent Shimmer Gloss in Gold ($18.00)

Opulent Shimmer Gloss in Cranberry $18.00

Create a smoky look or a precise dark line with Estee Lauder’s new Gel Eyeliner in Black.

Gel Eyeliner in Black $19.50

Find this dramatic collection at Estee Lauder counters and Esteelauder.com.

- Catia Carvalho Trooskin

Let’s take a moment first to reflect the brand’s mission: each bottle has a beautiful philosophical message that takes us to the heart of the human spirit. In fact, many women all over the country have been inspired the messages alone. Apparently one girl who was getting ready to be married was uncertain about her wedding, then read the label on her Amazing Grace shower gel and she knew she had the courage within her to tie that knot.

The products too are rich and inspire you to come back “full circle” to the smells you grew up with. Who among us has not had the craving for some gingerbread? Or eggnog at a party, for that matter?

And so, it is with much nostalgia and joy that we bring you our favorites from the Holiday 2009 Collection.

Bake Shoppe: Not just your traditional hot rolls and bagel bake shop, this charming box packs Raspberry Mousse lipgloss that tastes as delicious as a fruit tart while hydrating your lips. We also are suckers for the Raspberry Mousse & Pink Frosted Layer Cake Shampoo, Shower Gel and Bubble Bath. A four item set is $30.

Gingerbread Man Scrub: This hot salt scrub will slough away dead skin cells while leaving your body as soft as proverbial butter. Gingerbread itself originated in Europe (although ginger is popular in Asia) but Philosophy has made this sugary treat as American as apple pie. $25.

Peppermint Hot Cocoa: You’ll find a variety of hot cocoa flavors in Philosophy’s Winter Store. Double rich & Peppermint but we love the latter because it reminds us so much of Christmas-y Kris Kringle, patties, swirls and candy canes. The brisk and energizing scent makes us tingle like we’re getting our first kiss. $6, $10 or $16, depending on the size you pick.

Snow Shoes & Mittens: You can wear your J.Crew gloves, bundle up like Kate Beckinsale in Serendipity , warm your hands with a cup of hot cider, but slather on Snow Shoes and Mittens first! This buttery spread is not for your morning bagel, ladies. This duo contains shea, mango and cocoa butters to triple hydrate the skin; it also contains olive and macadamia nut oils to go that extra hydration mile. The best part? It smells like freshly fallen snow. $20.

Holiday Angel: This is angel food cake scented Bath & Shower Gel and Shampoo and makes you feel more indulgent than going to a Chocolate and Wine Tasting. If you love a rich and foaming lather shampoo, then you’ll need to get (and give) one of these, STAT. Plus, it has a touch of shimmer (subtle, not tinsel-town) that makes for very glam layering. $16.

Party Girl Kit: This is a great kit before a big, festive night! It includes a pomegranate bubbly exfoliating shower gel, a body lotion and a lip shine and as it is with all Philosophy products, the keepsake bags and boxes are reusable (in this case the shiny black patent leather bag is great for cosmetics and cotton alike. This three piece set is $35. Get your LBD on!

Have a Cherry Christmas: Have a Holly Jolly or Cherry Christmas! This slightly tart smelling body wash will leave you thinking of bowls of berries even when Jack Frost is nipping at your window. $16.

The Recipe Box (in Red and Green): This is a great gift to give the Julia Child in all of us. The Red Velvet and Sweet Creamy Frosting Shower Gel live in the Red Box; while the Green Box houses Apple and Pumpkin Pie. Apart from the delicious flavors, you’ll want to save the box for recipe cards. And watch the marvelous Meryl Streep in Julie & Julia afterwards, of course. $16 each.

There are so many more holiday treats on Philosophy’s site so make sure you don’t miss them!

- Charu Suri

Since anniversaries imply a company has been around long enough to make a meaningful impact in your lives (and NARS certainly has in mine!), it’s only too natural that they launch a commemorative palette.

15th ANNIVERSARY EVERLASTING LOVE PALETTE- $75.00 each

Everlasting Love contains intense eye hues to create the perfect smoky eye and Wild at Heart (above) featuring bold lip shades for a deeply pigmented pout.

PLEIN ETÈ MINI MULTIPLE SET- $45.00

An exclusive set of mini Multiples boasting three best-selling shades. Ete means Summer in French — so this palette is filled with memories of beach and sand especially as the temperatures start dropping. This is a Sephora exclusive.

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS MINI NAIL KIT- $30.00

This miniature collection includes four glamorously festive shades: Arabesque, Chinatown, Candy Darling and Saratoga
D. LOVELY LIP GLOSS DUO SET- $45.00

Four smaller versions of the successful Duo Lip Gloss in a variety of mix and match shades: Misbehave/All Night Long, Pillow Talk/Sandpiper, Orgasm/Chihuahua, and Greek Holiday/Stolen Kisses.

- Charu Suri

Since anniversaries imply a company has been around long enough to make a meaningful impact in your lives (and NARS certainly has in mine!), it’s only too natural that they launch a commemorative palette.

15th ANNIVERSARY EVERLASTING LOVE PALETTE- $75.00 each

Everlasting Love contains intense eye hues to create the perfect smoky eye and Wild at Heart (above) featuring bold lip shades for a deeply pigmented pout.

PLEIN ETÈ MINI MULTIPLE SET- $45.00

An exclusive set of mini Multiples boasting three best-selling shades. Ete means Summer in French — so this palette is filled with memories of beach and sand especially as the temperatures start dropping. This is a Sephora exclusive.

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS MINI NAIL KIT- $30.00

This miniature collection includes four glamorously festive shades: Arabesque, Chinatown, Candy Darling and Saratoga
D. LOVELY LIP GLOSS DUO SET- $45.00

Four smaller versions of the successful Duo Lip Gloss in a variety of mix and match shades: Misbehave/All Night Long, Pillow Talk/Sandpiper, Orgasm/Chihuahua, and Greek Holiday/Stolen Kisses.

Collection Includes:

Eau de Parfum ($47)
Sheer Fragrance Mist ($20)
Body Lotion ($20)

Soft & Dreamy is a collection perfect for snuggling up. Using a comforting blend of vanilla whipped cream (can you say yummy?) and pink meringue this 3 piece collection is meant to evoke the warmth of home, your favorite flannel pajamas and time spent with family. The vanilla infused fragrance is sugary sweet and fruity all at once. We all know how great PINK pajamas are and this fragrance does our flannels justice.

Collection Includes:

Twinkled Pink Shimmering Fragrance Rollerball: a fragrance rollerball that gives your skin a scented, golden pink shimmer ($12)
Drenched In Pink Supersoft Body Lotion: a hydrating lotion infused with vitamins E and C.
Pink With A Splash All-Over Body Mist: a soothing spritz with aloe and chamomile ($15).

Get these limited-edition collections at Victoria’s Secret Stores and VictoriasSecret.com

- Catia Carvalho Trooskin

Yum…Sounds like the desert table at a holiday party.

Just in time for gift -giving season Victoria’s Secret brings you delicious scents to satisfy your sweet tooth without packing on the dreaded holiday pounds. You can indulge all you want guilt free.

New from Victoria’s Secret – Secret Garden Collection are the limited-edition scents Sparkling Sugared Pear, Merry Vanilla Twirl and Gilded Ginger Crème.

Sparkling Sugared Pear is a mix of pear blossom, peach and pink sugar.

Gilded Ginger Crème is a blend of gingerbread, whipped latte and musk.

Merry Vanilla Twirl is a sweet fusion of crème brulee, vanilla and star fruit.

Out of all the delicious scents Merry Vanilla Twirl is my absolute fave. I love anything with vanilla in its name – if it says vanilla I can’t help but spritz or slather it on. Merry Vanilla Twirl is the latest addition to my vanilla arsenal. Unlike Victoria’s Secret’s Vanilla Lace, which is a sweet sugary scent – Merry Vanilla Twirl is sweet and sensual at the same time. This is a great gift even if the only person you’re giving to is yourself. After all, what girl doesn’t want to smell sweet all day long?

Collection includes:

Hydrating Body Lotion $9

Refreshing Body Mist $9

Shimmer body lotion $10

Shimmering powder puff $8

Victoria’s Secret stores and VictoriasSecret.com.

- Catia Carvalho Trooskin

The Hands of Hope Collection ($29) comes in a luxurious embossed gift box with nine eye shadows that are brighter than your holiday lights. Each box bears the Hamsa hand insignia (this is a symbol of peace, love prosperity).Treat your lids to the jewel-like colors:

- Vibrant Purple
- Fern Green
- Frosted Cool Brown
- Nude Pink
- Midnight Blue
- Gold
- Aqua
- Warm Reddish Brown
- Gunmetal Grey

The Mediterranean Nights Collection ($34) gives you the opportunity to look red hot while you’re freezing your behind off. This collection is inspired by the warmth and beauty of the Mediterranean evenings, with glamorously embossed powders. The collection includes:

- Eyeshadow in Shimmering Brown
- Eyeshadow in Golden Green
- Eyeshadow in Rich Gold
- Eyeshadow in Gold Shimmer Pink
- Blush in The Big Easy (sheer pink with gold and red grapefruit undertones)
- Blush in Rome (soft tangerine)

The Eastern Eye Pencil Collection ($18) comes in a Cigarette style case (small real estate means easy packing for travel).

This collection consists of five mini eye pencils embossed with Eastern style motifs. Each pencil has a rich and velvety texture not unlike your favorite piece of silk. The colors include:

- Exotic Eggplant
- Sparkling Green Tea
- Midnight Blue
- Tarnished Silver
- Burnished Olive

This collection can be purchased now at www.sephora.com (don’t wait lest Santa beats you to them).

The Ginger Mentha line combines ginger and peppermint to give your skin zing. This includes the Eau de Toilette ($29.50); Revitalizing Body Lotion ($16); 2 in 1 Bath Shower Foam ($14); Warming Body Scrub ($14); Lip Shine Shimmer ($7.50).

The Winter Lemon collection blends citrus with notes of fig, blackcurrant and hints of musk, rose and sandalwood. Ho, ho ho! I do love my Vitamin C but the fig and blackcurrant notes made my heart leap like Rudolf. The collection includes Ead de Toilette ($29.50), Body Lotion ($16); 2 in 1 Bath & Shower Foam ($14); Body Butter ($19.50).

The Winter Petal Collection uses feminine florals, and combines perennials (perennials…do you hear?? I the midst of winter while the garden is dead, you need flowers on your skin to remind you of florals), peonies, seasonal fruit. The collection includes Eau de Toilette ($29.50), Body Lotion $16), 2 in 1 Bath & Shower Foam ($14).

Avon’s Holiday 2009 brings back that magic, I believe. And the prices are pretty magical too — they’re so affordable that pretty much every one can have a good holiday. Here are some of my favorite pieces:

Loving the sparkle drop linear earrings (D) here that are perfect to pair with your LBD ($14.99)

I adore this Floral Bloom Pearlesque Collection (Bracelet $19.99; Necklace $19.99; Earrings $9.99) that brings out the Audrey Hepburn in you.

Who wouldn’t want a sparkling stunner necklace like this as a gift? ($29.99 including set with earrings)

Kate Moss fans can squeal in delight at this Ruffle Hobo (must have) that comes at a bargain price of $34.99.

Comfy and cozy are we…. ($19.99)

Top off every evening attired with this glam Kiss Lock Essential Clutch for only $12.99. I’m still gagging at the price!

These lovely goodies will debut online during the holiday season. I completely and utterly expect them to be sold out (heck I will buy these in bulk). Shop Serendipitously.

MAC’s Holiday collection is called Magic, Mirth & Mischief. The accessories, brush bags and  lip and eye face kits will make any girl giddy with delight. They are also affordably priced for the economic flavor of the day.

MAC Holiday 2009 Lip and FAce Kits

Heavenly Dish Neutral Lip Kit ($22)

Floating Lightly Pale neutral pink beige

Heavenly Dish Sheer mid-tone neutral pink

Barely Visible Glossy pale nude with pearl

MAC Holiday 2009 Lip Kits

Possessed By Pink! Lip Kit ($22.50)

Tickled Dark plum

Laugh A Lot Creamy mid-tone blue pink

Sweet Smile Glossy mid-tone pink with pearl

MAC Holiday 2009 Eye Kits

6 Sorceress Eye Shadows ($36)

Magnetized Light frosted lavender

Altered State Deep frosted blue purple

White Rabbit Frosted soft white

Edge of Dark Charcoal with silver pearl

Hold My Gaze Mid-tone cool green grey

Hypnotizing Frosted grayed mauve

6 Devil May Dare Warm Eye Shadows ($36)

Dare Ya! Light frosty peachy pink

Devilishly Dark Rich brown with gold pearl

Oh My Darling Pale frosty cream

Prankster Mid-tone frosted olive

Sorcery Blackened burgundy

Gold Tease Frosty mid-tone gold

6 Mystic Cool Eye Shadows ($36)

Cool Incantation Opalescent white gold

Shhh, Don’t Tell Pale neutral pink

Blue Enchantment Dark frosted turquoise

Rose Potion Mid-tone frosted rose

Deep Secret Deep frosted indigo

Violet Vow Deep cool brown

6 Smoke and Mirrors Eye Shadows

Fire in Her Eyes Frost neutral beige

Black Magique Black with gold pearl

Deception Frosty golden brown

Spell No. 9 Soft muted pink beige

Wide-eyed Wonder Mid frosty grey taupe

MAC Holiday 2009 Face Kits

Hocus Focus Colourful Face Kit ($38)

Pretty Baby Soft baby pink

Peachykeen Mid-tone peach with pearl

Sunsparked Pearl Frost warm beige with pearl

Fab-racadabra Bronze Face Kit ($38)

Golden Muted gold tan with gold pearl

Sunbasque Gilded peach with pearl

Buffed & Polished Frosty bronzed gold