There’s a certain kind of woman who revels in the bargain, you know the girl who has her Uniqlo down puffer waiting for her so she can withstand the blustery pre-dawn temperatures of Black Friday, armed with her list of doorbusters, coupons and triple-shot latté. And then there’s the kind of shopper that doesn’t bother — she sleeps in, perhaps plans a pedicure with extra massage because her Vivier pumps pinched a bit at the Thanksgiving table. Well, this list is for her. We’ve already given you a list of our standout luxury creams, so in that vein, we present some holiday beauty offerings from some of the makeup world’s biggest names. These aren’t for anyone looking to save a buck, but for the ladies out there who stop at no cost to put their best face forward, this is for you.
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who needs you when Frasco Mirrors Brass Antique Mirror ($462) feels so good in hand? This baby not only looks super glam on your vanity, it holds some heavy heritage across the world. You’ll recognize Frasco Mirros as the mirror of choice in five-star guest suites in hotels across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Established in Germany, the company still manufactures its products to the exacting standards of its founder, Paul Fraas. Each mirror is treated with a special satin smooth, crystal clear Zapon finish, giving it a clarity and luster that you won’t find from any other mirror. It also prevents dulling, as does the unique brass alloy that the brand uses. It might seem like an outrageous buy, but can you put a price on seeing yourself in the best possible way? We didn’t think so.
Available at Neiman Marcus.
What’s the closest you’ll get to planting one on Tom Ford himself? Sadly, it’s slicking on one of his beloved lipsticks since he’s not prone to mouth-to-mouth even with his biggest fans. Neiman Marcus has snagged an exclusive set of his lipsticks for the holidays, bringing together a dozen of the designer’s most popular shades in the Limited Edition 12-Piece Lipstick Set ($588). Ranging from soft nudes to deep, dark vampy colors, the lipsticks are housed in a special lacquered mahogany-effect coffret, giving each shade a snug and cozy place to rest when you’re not using it. The formula of Tom Ford’s lipsticks is celebrated for long-lasting color and comfort thanks to a mix of skin-loving and nourishing oils and butters. Whatever your mood, you’re sure to find something suitable in this lip wardrobe, but if you’re still having trouble deciding, we’ll pick one for you: the attention-grabbing Violete Fatale.
Available at Neiman Marcus.
Fans of Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb scent already know how addictive it can be. A breakout success since its debut, the floral scent is one of the most popular eaus around. But while it’s got a fair share of fans, we’re guessing that not all of them have the Limited Flowerbomb Swarovski Edition ($1,600) in their collection. Each crystal on the bottle is hand-placed in the UK by a skilled team of artisans that have been practicing the craft for over a decade. Only ten bottles of this now-classic scent are available in the U.S., so if you’re on the fence, we say pull the trigger, because not only do you deserve it, you can consider it a piece of modern art — both visual and olfactory.
Available at Neiman Marcus.
Speaking of art, if you treat an eyeshadow application as a chance to play Van Gogh (or Klimt, Picasso, Degas — whatever strikes your mood), then the new Laura Mercier Limited Edition Les Petites Bonbons Palette ($250) is the palette you’ll need to truly express yourself. You’ll be able to create everything from soft, neutral looks to dramatic, techicolor smoky eyes with the 30 shades, which include a mixture of matte, demi-matte, shimmer and high-shimmer hues. Each and every shadow is one of Mercier’s Baked Eye Color formula, giving you the option to wear each shade dry for a subtle effect or with a damp brush for a deep, true-to-pan shade.
Available at Neiman Marcus.
For the girl who has everything, the Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Makeup Trunk ($1,400) proves that she doesn’t, in fact, have it all, because she needs this set. Filled to the brim with Bobbi’s necessities — and a few extra finishing touches — it’s a one-stop beauty splurge that’ll have you set for life. Everything from skincare to mascara and Brown’s famed cream liners are included in a gilt case worthy of a screen siren. You’ll be an instant makeup artist with these products at your disposal, ranging from cult favorites to the brushes you need to apply everything. Think you’ve got it all? Think again.
Available at Neiman Marcus.
Images courtesy Neiman Marcus