Add Your Own Sparkle to the Season

Putting your best festive face forward means pumping up the glam with a little shimmer and a lot of drama. Chanel’s Holiday 2001 collection, available at department stores, does both through silvery sparkle and rich colors:

* Aqualumieres Water Palette ($60): Color kit with eight sparkly creme colors (including silver, pink, orange, deep purple and red) for eyes, lips and cheeks.

* Noir Lame Gloss Eyes-Cheeks ($30): Transparent silver lacquer for eyes and cheeks.

* Blanc Universal de Chanel Sheer Illuminator ($40): Pure-white, light-reflecting face cream for highlighting.

* Holiday Stars gift set ($60): Satin tote with black mascara, blood-red lip gloss and nail polish in “Pulsar,” another deep red.

Gift Baskets Galore

There’s one must-have accessory for every holiday bash: a little something for the host. This year, try bringing a gift basket instead of the usual bottle of wine or bouquet.

Bath & Body Works has a large selection of sets designed to pamper and soothe, which the host will probably appreciate the morning after. Choose from spa baskets with robes and mineral soaks; tea baskets with body lotion, tea bags and cups; pedicure packages with slippers and foot lotion; or sweet-dreams kits that feature scented linen sprays and teddy bears. The baskets range from $15 to $150. For a store location near you, call (800) 395-1001.

Panache in a Pin

Your party gown’s gorgeous, your bag divine, but your coat’s the same old thing you wear every day to work. Dress it up with a leather flower pin from Coach. Available in black or red, the kidskin 3-inch rose, $48, adds classy flair. Order online at www.coach.com.

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Tricia Bishop is a writer for the Baltimore Sun, a Tribune company.