SUGARY GOODNESS
Although it’s an unlikely time of year to be introducing sweets into your life, Vancouver jewellery artist Holly Cruise has found a way without having to compromise any New Year’s resolutions. Her Sweety Cakes and Lolly lines of rings ($125 to $195) have all the pretty appeal and none of the nasty calories. Handmade glass miniatures of birthday cakes, cupcakes, and lollipops sit atop a sterling-silver base—perfect for the girl turning sweet 16. Available at Jeweliette (692 Seymour Street).

MAKEUP SOFTENS UP
In startling contrast to the deep-purple lips, lavender eyes, and ruby-red cheeks of the fall and holiday makeup looks, the new year brings subtle, shimmery neutrals. Estée Lauder is debuting the first of its spring 2007 colour collection at its counters this month, and the mood is all earth tones and seasides. Hues span soft corals to pinkish sands. Specific pieces speak for themselves: the aptly named Tender Blush Sheer stick brightens your face in shades like Pearl, Copper, and Bronze ($32). Brilliant Shimmer All-Over Powder comes in subtle sparklers called Rose Quartz and Coral Sand ($38.50). And Pure Color Crystal Lipstick comes in Crystal Coral and Elizabeth Pink ($30), matched in subtlety by Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Peach Sorbet and Iced Rose ($25). In other words, you can ditch the Rouge Noir for now.

AMAZING LACE
The Big Bopper himself would be pleased: a local artisan is giving Chantilly lace a contemporary new twist. Inspired by the French form’s floral designs (which actually date far back past the ’50s to 17th- and 18th-century France), Lenka’s Precious Lace Studio/Gallery is debuting a line of black lace jewellery and accessories. The artist known as Lenka S hand-weaves the flowers from fine, enamelled wire, adding Swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls, or semiprecious stones to her one-of-a-kind creations. The result is seductive pendants, rings, and bracelets, and large, cascading necklaces that add a perfect touch of drama to a party dress or Valentine’s outfit. An exhibit and sale of the Chantilly work runs January 25 to February 18 at her studio (202–1540 West 2nd Avenue); it’s open to the public from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and by appointment Tuesdays through Fridays.

CURLS GET A NEW TWIST
After years of straight-ironing, curls are creeping back into style. But these aren’t the frizzy spirals of Meg Ryan’s and Julia Roberts’s early-’90s heydays: new products are taming them into smooth, shiny looks. One of the best is ISO’s Bouncy Curl Definer ($14.95 for 75 grams), a creamy pomade that moisturizes, adds gloss, and helps you mould and twist the hair into shape. It can be used on both wet and dry hair and is available starting this month at salons and spas, including Scott Hamilton (103–1168 Hamilton Street).