Phyl Clarkechooses top stocking fillers and seasonal stand-bys.
HINT HINT
Now, don't hate me please, but you are allowed to be a teeny bit jealous, ok? As the weather gets colder, my suitcase is filling up with sandals, linen and - yes - swimsuits. Sorry folks, I'm leaving you all shortly for Christmas down under. It will be a trojan task to hone down my essential travel essentials to a minimum. My idea of travelling in style is the Elemis Dream Journey Traveller, €127, which contains 11 skin and bodycare products from the luxury spa brand, all neatly presented in a lovely old-fashioned binocular style case, it harks back to the days when travel was truly glamorous. Now, who got me in the Kris Kringle? Available from spiritonespa.com
RUMEUR HAS IT
In my dreams I'm wearing (and fitting into) a gorgeous Lanvin dress, but the reality is that neither my waistline or my budget will accommodate the €1,500 price tag. Thankfully, there is another way to buy into the Lanvin magic that is a lot kinder to your purse, and just as glamorous. The Rumeur fragrance is described as a woody floral musk with a patchouli base. It's unusual and feminine - with or without the dress. Gift sets available from €49.95 from selected pharmacies.
THE MORNING AFTER
With the best will in the world, there is no getting away from the fact that there will be mornings over the next few weeks when you'll be feeling less than your usual bubbly self. Who said bubbly? I'll never drink again. Step forward Apivita Express Party Survival Kit, which contains six of their lovely masks for eyes, face and even a mask for tired legs and feet that have danced all night. €15 from Clerys and selected pharmacies.
CUSTOMISE YOUR LOOK
Now here's a great stocking filler or gift for a girlfriend. Prescriptives have a kaleidoscope of eye and cheek colours to choose from and, cleverly, they have grouped them together in two colourways to suit either warm and golden complexions or cool and pink toned skin. Complete with an excellent double-ended brush, perfect for party girls on the go. €60 from Brown Thomas.
THE EYES HAVE IT
If your eyes could do with a lift with all that socialising, RoC may come to your rescue with its new Eye Lift Pen, which claims to lift the lids as well as reducing bags. This is the area that shows the strain of the season, and the refreshing non-greasy gel smooths and cools as it gets to work. For €25.95, it could put the sparkle back in your eye.