This Month's Best Beauty Buys

Jeffrey Westbrook

Best New Beauty Products

FOR YOUR BEST FRIEND: Groom Service
Makeup artist house calls? That's what an Edward Bess Room Service card gets you (in NYC, with more locations next year). Four hundred bucks buys you 24/7 access to a personal primping session, plus a set of the products you'll need for touch-ups or glam emergencies (e.g., an impromptu date). Those outside of the Big Apple can self-preen with the brand's new Midnight Sun complexion kit ($175), which includes a bronzer, highlighter, and sable-hair brush.

Jeffrey Westbrook

Best New Beauty Products

FOR YOUR CUBEMATES: Plum Pucker
I always carry at least one pot of Korres Lip Butter (as addictions go, this is one of the best!) and have just made room in my bag for their new Plum version: a sweet, sheer balm that creates a universal your-lips-but-better stain. For $9 a pop, what better Secret Santa gift is there?

Jeffrey Westbrook

Best New Beauty Products

FOR YOUR HIP SISTER: Metallica
This molten gold lacquer is a dazzler for parties but light enough to transition perfectly into spring - a keeper! Essie Nail Polish in Steel-ing the Scene ($8).

Jeffrey Westbrook

Best New Beauty Products

FOR YOUR CHIC COLLEAGUE: Violet Tendencies
The most alluring way to work the shade of the moment into your holiday look: Add deep purple shadow to a neutral smoky eye. CK's Eyeshadow Quad in Purple Variation ($35) packs several shades into a slick, portable compact.

Jeffrey Westbrook

Best New Beauty Products

FOR THE POSH PARTY HOST: Light My Fire
Nothing if not uniquely scented (Wasabi Pear! Moss & Mint! Beeswax & Whipped Cream!), the new mini votive samplers from Nest ($98 for 13) are my latest obsession. Created by Laura Slatkin (the nose and brains behind Anthropologie, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Jonathan Adler candles), the set is a luxe hostess gift, while the individual candles make for festive party favors and table decoration.