Chanel Les Deux Lèvres Scintillantes Glossimer Duo for Holiday 2011

Chanel has packaged the season's essential lip gloss pairing in its limited-edition Les Deux Lèvres Scintillantes Glossimer Duo ($55) for Holiday 2011. The best-selling Spark, described by Chanel as a golden berry, and Liaison, a sparkling translucent shade that Chanel said is only available in this set (see Paula's comment), are joined with a mini Le Crayon Lèvres Precision Lip Definer in Nude and a pencil sharpener in Chanel's chic black patent makeup bag. The bag comes packaged in a luxurious gold box that proclaims "Chanel" on the front. The duo is an elegant gift.

Spark can be deceiving in the tube, just as it is in Chanel's photo above or at first glance in the store. It is not rusty, orange, or brown. It's a clean rose pink, exactly the way it appears in the tube in my photo at left and in the swatches below. You could call the shade golden berry, as Chanel does, but the "berry" word brings to my mind a shade that has a touch of plum in it. If you think strawberry or raspberry, you'll be on the right track.

The two gloss shades are extremely appealing. Berry can be worn alone or used to top other shades to add a gorgeous rose glow. Liaison is almost clear, but it will make any lip color pop.

My photos were taken in full sun. Liaison is shown at the top of my arm, and Spark is below. Can you believe I hesitated before I bought this gift set? Even though it's a great value - and I knew I would keep it for myself - I wasn't sure I wanted another clear lip gloss. Now that I've played with Liaison and seen the multidimensional, glistening sparkle it adds to any lipstick, I'm glad I bought it.

Consider that each gloss, if purchased alone, would cost you $28.50, and you'll realize the gift set offers a nice bonus with the mini lip liner (a perfect size for your handbag) and a sharpener you can use with all your Chanel pencils. The classy Chanel makeup bag could house the full set in your handbag, ensuring you've always got a perfect lip look within reach. I think it's a nice set. It would be hard to give away, but if you are feeling generous, I'm sure your gift recipient will love it.

Chanel's holiday gift sets are shown at this Chanel link, where you can purchase them online. I bought mine at Neiman Marcus. I hear the Miroir Double Facettes is a hot seller.

Photo at top courtesy of Chanel; other photos by Best Things in Beauty