A Word About What *Really* Makes A Christmas Collection Special (And Bobbi Brown's Beautiful Offering)

Only six weeks remain between us and the onslaught of turkey, stuffing and oodles of wrapping paper lying across the living room floor. Whether you love it or hate it, the festive season will soon be upon us so it's time to start considering what's going to make the Christmas list and which covetable pieces we'll be picking up for loved ones. Fortunately for us, the beauty brands have been busy creating their annual limited edition collections and injecting a touch of sparkle into an otherwise standard smokey palette - but many of them leave the glitz at the door and forget what this party season is all about. When it comes to curating gift guides and present recommendations, I can often struggle to find truly creative or lustworthy gifts because many brands just pop their regular products in a cardboard box and call it a gift. Others re-release the same 'limited edition' glittery eyeshadows with a slightly different packaging design and label them 'must haves'.

Like with every area of beauty, consumers are becoming increasingly demanding and what more from their festive gifts - be that value, unique products that they can't get anywhere else, beautiful packaging or covetable treats that make us feel special. A festive gift has to have that x-factor, the wow factor and the emotional connection that makes us think 'need'; if you don't capture that then it's just another face cream or lipstick sitting at the bottom of a stocking. So many of the things that have already landed on my desk leave me with a rather bland taste in my mouth, because unless you genuinely love that product already (and ask for a year's supply) it's not all that exciting.

However, one brand that seems to get Christmas right every year is undoubtedly Bobbi Brown. Some of their collections throughout the other seasons leave me somewhat underwhelmed, but every time December creeps up I know something special is around the corner. This year is no different, as the 'Wine & Chocolate' collection delivers a touch of retro elegance, wearable shades and packaging that's almost too lustworthy to deal with; now *this* is what I'm talking about! I adore the leatherette texture and bright golden packages, as well as the deep chocolate and red wine tones that aren't too on-trend or 'out there' not to transition you into winter and out the other side with ease. If bold lips, statement nails or smokey eyes aren't your thing, then don't fear - because there's a couple of beautiful blushes and highlighting squares that will add a touch of shimmer and colour to cheeks to perk them right up on a cold and blustery day.

This collection encompasses what limited editions are supposed to be about: something a little special, something a little different and something that makes you think 'need!' We all love a bit of shimmer and sparkle, but if you can only wear it in the days surrounding Christmas and New Year then it's a slightly wasted investment; the colour offering within this is universal in terms of age, interest in beauty and look to ensure you can use every last drop. Additionally there are also some of their almost cult classic palettes that include mini mascaras and highlighters alongside blushers and eyeshadows, giving you a travel friendly way to keep your makeup looking fresh. If Bobbi Brown makeup were a snuggly blanket, I'd wrap myself in it and never let go. As the lights turn on and the trees go up, if there's one collection you check out when doing your Christmas shopping make it this.

What makes a Christmas collection special for you? 

The Bobbi Brown 'Wine & Chocolate' collection is available now exclusively online here and via counters nationwide, priced from £12.50.