IT'S GOING TO be a black Christmas, and I'm not talking about the economic outlook, the weather or the slimming effect of my opaque black Wolfords. The colour black really never goes out of fashion because it's a dramatic neutral, sophisticated and sexy with a slightly decadent edge. That's why black is always the new black and never more so than this season where it takes centre stage.
Jasmine Noir, the new fragrance from Bulgari is a velvety blend of warm and sensual notes; it caters for those looking for something unusual but not extreme. Sambac jasmine - reputed to be an aphrodisiac - is paired with satin almond to make a grown-up feminine scent. With darker woods, Tonka beans and liquorice, this fragrance has a mysterious air perfect for winter evenings. Jasmine Noir is priced from €63 and available from House of Fraser, Dundrum.
Black lipstick was a major catwalk trend but not one that transfers too easily to everyday life. A gloss takes the intensity down a peg and can be worn alone or used over a bright lip shade to enrich and darken. YSL Gloss Pur Black (€25.50) is a sparkle-free lip gloss that gives a wearable nod to the current trend.
When it comes to nail colour, Chanel leads with its innovative shades, and Black Satin blazed a trail that others followed. Almost every nail company now has a black shade and Dior's, Black Sequins (€20.50), has a subtle sparkle that is great for evenings.
Transport yourself to the spas of Budapest and the thermal waters of cult brand Omorovicza. Part of its new body range, Black Body Buffing Balm (€51 from Harvey Nichols) refines skin texture, leaving it smooth and soft with the bonus of a divine scent.
Noir de Noir, Tom Ford's favourite scent from his private collection (€67 from Brown Thomas), is now available in a candle, but rather than showing that, I couldn't resist the opportunity to enhance the page with his picture. The scent is romantically dark and dangerous, just like you-know-who.
Curves, length and volume are the holy trinity of what's desirable in mascara, and Lancôme produces some of the best. The latest is Virtuose Black Carat (€25), intense deep black-toned mascara that ticks all the above boxes for dramatic diva eyes.
A statement soap dispenser is an asset to any bathroom, and I love the packaging design on this Cloon Keen Linden Blossom soap. It's a sleek bottle with a handmade touch filled with beautifully fragranced soap. Great value at €12.95 (tel: 091-565736).
A sooty black eye shadow that does double duty as a liner, too, Dior's Eye Show Glam and Glitz (€24) black has a glamorous shimmer, and thanks to its gel texture, it dries to a long-lasting sultry finish.
pclarke@irishtimes.com