The Best of Neiman Marcus

During my last jaunt to Neiman Marcus, I could not but notice the dazzling array of holiday gift sets on display.  Naturally, I promptly got to work and chivvied out the best of the lot for my readers.

The cosmetics department at the Neiman-Marcus in Bellvue, Wash. (Photo: Patricksmurphy/Flickr)

Clé de Peau Wintry Garden Kit (Photo: Clé de Peau Beauté)

My top pick: Clé de Peau Beauté Holiday 2013 Limited Edition Wintry Flower Kit ($195)

The colors in this limited edition set are stunning: vibrant, jewel-like shades of deep violet, red and delicate pink that are inspired by an icy winter garden. The packaging is also exquisite; the lacquered case is adorned with floral and snowflake motifs. You’ll want to put this on the top of your list.

Tom Ford Private Blend Collection (Photo: Tom Ford Beauty)

Next, I sauntered over to the Tom Ford counter, which of course, did not disappoint. I sniffed out the perfect gift for your favorite fragrance connoisseur: Tom Ford Private Blend Collection Set ($325)

This collection contains six mini decanters of Tom Ford’s top-selling private blend scents. I’m partial to Jasmin Rouge myself, but some of the others are quite interesting. The set includes:

• Neroli Portofino
• Jasmin Rouge
• Oud Wood
• Tuscan Leather
• Tobacco Vanilla
• Noir de Noir

La Mer Men’s Starter Set (Photo: Crème de la Mer)

For the chap who takes his skin care seriously, you could do worse than La Mer’s Limited Edition NM Exclusive Men’s Essentials Starter Set ($310), which includes:

• Moisturizing Lotion
• The Eye Concentrate
• The Cleansing Gel
• The Lip Balm

In short, a complete skin care regimen for the discerning gentleman.

L’art du Soin Winter Hydration Set(Photo: Diptyque)

I love Diptyque products — their candles are second to none and their fragrance Philosykos is one of the best fig scents ever. Their L’Art du Soin Winter Hydration Set ($60) is the perfect stocking stuffer; its selection of gorgeously-scented products will help the lucky gift recipient stay thoroughly moisturized throughout the harsh winter months.

Black and Gold Collection (Photo: Oribe)

Banishing static and other winter hair woes is easy with the Oribe Black & Gold Collection ($61.00). The Dry Texturizing Spray smells great, freshens your ‘do and boosts volume.

Space Oddity Collection (Photo: Deborah Lippmann)

For the nail polish enthusiast, you’ll want to consider Deborah Lippmann’s Limited Edition Space Oddity Mini Nail Lacquer Set ($29). I must confess, they had me at “space oddity,” but the colors truly are out of this world (the glitter shades in particular).

As described by product literature:

• When Lightning Strikes, a celestial silver glitter
• Planet Rock, a smoky lavender crème
• Baby I’m A Star, a galactic rose gold glitter

Bobbi Brown’s Limited Edition Old Hollywood Mini Brush Set (Photo: Bobbi Brown Cosmetics)

Bobbi Brown’s Old Hollywood Collection eye palette is perfect for attaining this season’s gold-toned smokey eye, and its accompanying Limited Edition Old Hollywood Mini Brush Set ($72) is the perfect gift to bring out one’s inner makeup artiste.  The pale gold faux leather case is lined with black satin and evokes the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age.

Petits et Mamans Gift Set (Photo: Bulgari)

It is my opinion that it is never too early to start instilling good skin care habits (or cultivating a taste for the finer things in life) and Bulgari’s delightful Petits et Mamans Gift Set ($58) will please both the mamans and petits in your set. The delicately scented Gentle Body Lotion and Eau de Toilette come wrapped in a cute bunny blanket.