Wearable art is the new functional art, so how about carry-on precious stones? “Since you can’t wear the biggest rock you can find, why not carry them?” says one friend who was shopping around with me while I canvassed the bid-by-purchase promo of Lancôme—the one that awarded the Samsung E840 to the highest purchase— which I won after smartly purchasing at the last minute at Marionnaud Mall of Asia. Seriously, this promo was an excellent incentive for generous gift-givers who usually do not expect to receive any in return. All counters should do it!

While shopping, we chanced upon this huge rock. It’s almost half about 200g in weight, no kidding, but best part was that it’s topped with an elegant Swarovski crystal. And after tinkering on the tester, it accidentally opened and revealed a shimmer lip balm. My friend was suddenly disappointed. For its amount, a lumpy P2,995, he was hoping it was an eyeshadow or a nice lip color, and then the sales associate pointed out to the throughand-through holes near the hinges and remarked, “It can be a pendant, too.” And that was all it took for my friend to pay for it.

In fairness, the crystal was so beautiful. More than a necklace, or a lip balm, I realized, one can actually put other more interesting things in it. Like Zerline Chan, senior brand manager to Lancôme said, “Not a lot, but certainly the most interesting of things.” Realistically, however, I’d still go for the eye crayons. At P1,495, the intense eye colors in green, rose gold and silver are just awesome for the holiday parties. Try the silver, although it gets a little tricky when one over-sharpens them, but otherwise very easy to handle.

Just one sweep and it’s a Merry Christmas look all the way.

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On the other side of the cosmetics floor, the Clarins counter is offering beautiful gem-like compacts as part of their Christmas collection. The pieces celebrate what “reflects the majesty of beautiful jewels,” according to the sales associates. They are available in ruby red, amethyst and amber.

Sadly, unlike the rock, it’s neither refillable nor reusable as a makeup accessory. Not yet anyway. Hopefully, in the next few months, the brand will come out with regular trans-seasonal items that can also fit in the jewel compacts. It would be a shame to throw them away. While I am not personally fond of carrying compacts, any of the three limited-edition pieces will suit ladies who do slight retouches at the dining table.

That or a quick lipstick-on-the-teeth check before the date gets back from the loo.

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Plum, purple, burgundies and deep reds are the trendier colors of the holidays, and most color cosmetics collections this season lean towards this side of the color wheel. Shall I dare ask: “Something to do with the True Royal Family and violet, perhaps?” Take a reading on the advent wreath, really. And I thought the mighty West refuses to openly acknowledge Christmas as the main event of the season. Then again, maybe it’s just the dullness of fall and the dreary, colorless winter that needs violet to brighten up the season. Because in Manila, it’s still red, green, silver and, of course, gold! Lots and lots of gold!

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Speaking of gold, Shu Uemura’s holiday collection celebrates gold more than the violets, by putting it all over the collection, yet not exactly in the makeup. The seven-piece limited-edition collection includes a couple of gold-case palettes, not too holiday, but not quite any of the other seasons, either.

Fortunately, and this is one of the best qualities of the brand in terms of economics, the compact that holds the palette is reusable and fits all standard Shu Uemura color cosmetics. So limited edition or not, one can keep ‘em and actually reuse some other time, or pass it on to the next friend, and it still wouldn’t be so bad. My cousins never complain.

The collection which is “visually inspired by genius artworks of Degas, Monet and Renoir,” and also photo journalist Dan Eldon, is actually the sum of the expertise of Shu Uemura and international celebrity makeup artist Gina Brooke, who collaborated to come up with the makeup that recreates the unforgettable Muse, “the enchanting lady that exudes unspoken sophistication and gentle confidence.” Gina Brooke is also the artistic director for Shu Uemura USA and quite the genius herself, if I may say so. Although, in my book, no one beats the makeup artist of Oprah, but to be Madge’s makeup artist for the five years, including two world tours, in addition to doing covers for Vogue and its international editions and high-profile ad campaigns, it does want you to suddenly change careers.

That aside, I’d have to say the P4,000 tag price is a bit hefty; although, that each of the two palettes come with three premium eyeshadow colors that can’t be found elsewhere is something beauty junkies may just find very difficult to resist.

But, for my money, that same amount will go very far with the mini eyelash curler that debuts together with this collection at P600. It’s just perfect for those ladies who had long been afraid of the mighty contraption that curls the eyelash. No more fear of clipping the skin. I can already imagine the outpour of thank you cards. You see, in my daily interviews and surveys, this is one item the average Filipino woman wants, yet refuses to buy.

So, it’s just the perfect present, ever, I think!

Email me at pasig_river@yahoo.com.