smooth skin for the holidays

Don't waste your time buying bad presents that will be exchanged for a mediocre handbag. Avoid getting crappy makeup and a chintzy "gift-with-purchase" that will remain in your aunt's bathroom closet for the next two years. Gift-givers get sucked in by the fancy packaging and end up buying horrid cosmetics sets every holiday. This year, if you're going to spend money, buy presents that people will actually use. I've already wandered the stores to find the best skin care gifts and weed out the junk. The season's best holiday sets are running out quickly, and these are a few of my favorites so far:

• Clarisonic Mia is the perfect gift for the man or woman who is very serious about their skin care, already faithful to their favorite serums and potions, and looking to add a boost to their existing routine. Clarisonic Mia is one of the products that you may have heard beauty professionals rely for their own personal use. I know loads of people in this business who won't go on an overnight trip without it in their bag. Invented by the creators of the Sonicare toothbrush, this gentle buffer can be used with any facial cleanser for an even deeper cleaning with an extra boost of exfoliation. Clarisonic is 149 dollars, and available at Sephora or at most department stores.

• Kiehl's Ultimate Men's Set has an exfoliating body bar, daily face wash, healing hand lotion, brushless shaving cream, and the cult favorite Facial Fuel Moisturizer. This gift set is fantastic for men who already love the brand, but still simple enough for the guys who are new to the world of skin care. At 50 dollars, the price is so right. I saw one this while cruising the aisles at Saks Fifth Avenue, and Kiehl's is available nationwide in most fine department stores.

• I was really impressed by the Prevage Advanced Skin Care Set, which includes the anti-aging eye cream (a personal favorite of mine), daytime moisturizer with SPF 30, anti-aging body moisturizer, night cream, and the advanced serum. If you aren't familiar with Prevage, it was created by Allergan Dermatology. You may recognize that name, because they are the same laboratory responsible for Botox and Latisse. Rest assured that this powerful anti-aging cosmeceutical collection is well worth the 155 dollar price tag, because buying these items individually costs more than twice that much. This set is exclusive to Nordstrom stores only.

• Buying for someone when you don't really know their skin concerns can be extremely difficult. Giorgio Armani Skin Care has a self-adjusting universal formula that works well for ALL types of skin, whether it's aging, dry, sensitive, or acne-prone. (This philosophy is reflected in the company's motto, "One cream for a lifetime.") Giorgio Armani's Crema Nera gift set includes travel-friendly sizes of the entire skin care line, including the new Obsidian Mineral Firming Serum everyone is raving about. The 250 dollar price tag may sound steep for a gift set, but is a steal for a sampler of an entire luxury skin care line. The serum alone retails for that exact price. This is a wonderful gift for introducing someone to the line, or for anyone who travels frequently. Look for this one at Neiman Marcus and select Nordstrom locations.