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Holiday Beauty Gift Guide

The economy's crashing. The job outlook is bleak. And your 401(K) is worth half of what it was last New Year's. In these precarious times, who wouldn't love a gift of pampering? From co-workers to best friends to fussy mothers-in-law, Stylelist has scoured high and low to bring you beauty ideas guaranteed to put a smile on anyone's face.

By Melissa Goldberg

The Anyone Gift

Stressing over what to buy your Secret Santa pick? Henri Bendel's "Holiday" candle is a winter blend of cinnamon, nutmeg and spiced tea that will add a fragrant finish to anyone's home holiday display.

Henri Bendel Holiday Candle, $30, www.henribendel.com.


The Value Winner

This chic faux croc case overflows with wonderful LORAC products: 16 eye shadows, four face colors, and three lipglosses. Bonus: The glosses are individual tubes, so you can grab and go for touch-ups after your glass of holiday cheer.

LORAC Croc Case, $56, www.sephora.com.


Go-To 911 Gift

An unexpected dinner guest drops by bearing gifts. What to do? Relax. Ever prepared, you've stashed a lovely set of hand creams in the closet for such holiday emergencies. This trio is enriched with shea butter and essential French oils -- the perfect solution for winter-weary skin.

L'Occitane Hand Indulgences Hand Cream Trio, $25, www.sephora.com.


For The Man

Show your significant other some TLC with a kit formulated from natural botanicals that will cleanse, rejuvenate and moisturize his skin. Packaged in blue containers, he'll be happy to show them off on the bathroom shelf.

Kiehls Ultimate Man Collection, $54, www.kiehls.com.

The Gift That Gives

Priced under $10, this classic pink gloss comes with a silver and glass charm. But the holiday steal isn't the best part; $1 from each purchase goes to self-sustaining programs that educate poverty-stricken women around the world.

Peacekeeper Cause-Metics Holiday Heart Gift Bag, $9.99, www.iamapeacekeeper.com.

Travel-Friendly Find

Anyone on the road a lot often misses the comforts of home. Surprise the traveler in your life with this delectable set of mini candles in blends of cucumber, grapefruit and Casablanca lily. The travek-ready set comes with its own sleeve of matches.

Tocca Candle Gift Set, $42, www.sephora.com.

Cute Stocking Stuffers

If you want to add a little something to her holiday gift card, MAC's Little Darling Sets are perfect to give as is, or to buy and split up among friends. Choose sets of pink, neutral or coral.

MAC Little Darlings Lipglass & Lustreglass Sets, $29.50 each, www.maccosmetics.com.

For The Alternative Chick

The hippest girl in your life will love rockstar nail lacquer in edgy shades like "Good Girl Gone Bad "(rich purple) and "Devil In A Blue Dress" (midnight blue). The limited-edition shades come with a sequined case and ultra-glossy topcoat.

Lippmann Collection Party Like A Rockstar, $29.50 each, www.lippmanncollection.com.

Spa-At-Home Pampering

If you have a friend who's hit a rough patch, give her some "me time." This set of best-sellers from Bliss will rejuvenate her skin and her spirit. Add a home-made certificate for free babysitting or a girl's night out and you'll top her list of best-Christmas-gifts-ever.

Bliss Best Of Bliss Set, $55, www.blissworld.com.