Kiehl’s Dark Spot Corrective Solution uses the very latest technology and ingredients. This brand new formulation claims to banish uneven skin tone in just 12 weeks. The combination of activated C, peony extract, and white birch extract diminshes dark spots, and prevents them from coming back. What makes activated C unique is that the molecule is very small which means it can penetrate directly to the menalin for fast results. The solution is fragrance, paraben, and silicone free.

NARS new lip gloss gives long wearing shine, colour, and plumps the lips. All 9 colours are creamy in texture without any sparkle! The only down side in my opinion is the brush. It’s very short and has barely any bristles. Apparently this is supposed to enable precision with the application, but I find it takes too long to apply the product.

Shu Uemura’s BB mousse is poised to be as popular if not more so, than their original UV Under Base. BB products are saturating the market as of late, and  Shu Uemura’s unique mousse version definitely stands apart from the rest. Like the original under base  the mousse formula still manages to be  lightweight but gives a more opaque finish, making it a great option for those who have a little more to cover up. It works best on lighter skin tones, and for those with a darker skin it can look too ashy if over applied. A darker or warmer shade option is much needed.

For anyone who wished for a lipgloss that stayed on YSL just launched this hybrid product–Glossy Stain, and like the name suggests it’s a gloss that wears like a lip stain. The texture feels, and looks much like a gloss but the formula lasts like a lip stain would much longer than your average lip gloss. It comes in 19 shades, and as of now is available only at Selfridges.

Every Boxing Day MAC brings out a new colour collection. The idea is to give their customers something new while most other lines are selling marked down gift sets. Not a bad idea really. The collaboration with artist and couture collector Guinness, is comprised of cool mauves, plums, and greys. Hyperion nail lacquer is a stand out for me, I love a blue/grey cream texture polish.

Available now in store and online at www.maccosmetics.com

I am always trying new foundation formulas so I’ll probably pick up Dolce & Gabbana’s Creamy Foundation.

Every time I’m in Selfridges I look at this Sophie Hulme leather tote bag. The structure is lovely, and the colour is beautiful especially for SS 12, and the size is generous enough to use daily. Besides I’m going to need something to carry home the rest of my purchases!

Lisa’s Picks: Right now I’m totally in love with Deborah Lippmann’s glitter polishes — especially Boom Boom Pow which contains 24 karat gold powder. The mix of glitter and shimmer makes for good coverage on the nails and is great way to accessorize with sparkle.

I also love picking up holiday gift sets because they’re such a great deal. The Nars Tainted Love gift set is the perfect shade of hot pink that will work now and into the Spring season.

And lastly I am looking for some new booties. These Louboutin’s are calling my name — they are called the “Lisse” booties after all! I doubt they’ll have them in Vancouver but I’ll be in Paris soon enough.

There are gift sets galore this December so we have put together seven of our favourites based on uniqueness and value. The top 2 for me are the NARS brush set because it’s beautifully packaged, and the brushes really are amazing. The Shu Uemura palette is for eyes and lips but what I like best about is the packaging. The lid is a hologram so the eye opens and closes when you move it!

1. Shu Uemura WKW Burning in Water Palette 2. Make Up Forever  Wild & Chic Aqua Eyes 3. Bobbi Brown 20th Anniversary Lip Palette 4. Illamasqua Midnight Decadence Lash Duo 5. Dior Holiday Deluxe Face Palette  6. Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer set 7. Nars Nagauta Kabuki Brush Set

Armani’s latest edition to their foundation line is the Designer Lift Smoothing Firming Foundation SPF 20. Perfect for anyone who wants their skin to look tighter and firmer. Especially formulated complex of emollients and velvet filters contribute to a smoother looking complexion.What I also like about this product is the blue pearl pigment that gives a gorgeous luminosity to the skin.

The foundation is available in 10 shades online and in-store.

There are tons of budget beauty buys over here in the UK, and these are a few of the ones I like right now.

The new Rimmel mascara does give loads of drama which I like, but unless you have big eyes, I find the brush too large, and the product gets everywhere. The brow pencil however is quite good. The lead isn’t too soft which can be the case with cheap pencils. My brows stayed on quite well throughout the day. The brush on the end is very convenient too.

Envy Wraps are perfect for people like myself who’s manicure chips after one day! They come in a variety of styles very similar to Sally Hansen ones we have in North America.

American Apparel broadens their beauty range with new lip gloss. I like the retro font on the tube, and the creamy texture is really smooth without a hint of sparkle.

Topshop’s Bronzer and blush 2-in-1 is great for creating a golden glow all over. A bit of peach blush on the cheeks will complete the look nicely.

1. Rimmel Professional EyeBrow Pencil 2. Elegant Touch Envy Wraps  3. TopShop Burning Embers Bronzer & Blush  4. Rimmel Scandel Eyes Mascara 5. American Apparel Lipgloss