THE LUCKY BUY: CNY EDITION SKINCARE & MAKEUP

Because their novel, limited edition packaging – from Nars’ matte red cases to YSL Beaute’s gilded blue boxes – are the stuff of beauty junkie collectibles and could come in handy when you have to make small talk on your visiting rounds (“Have you seen...”).

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

Because their novel, limited edition packaging – from Nars’ matte red cases to YSL Beaute’s gilded blue boxes – are the stuff of beauty junkie collectibles and could come in handy when you have to make small talk on your visiting rounds (“Have you seen...”). And because they’re like a grooming survival kit for this usually hectic festive period – from upsized editions of radiance-boosting, line-obscuring treatments (Lancome’s Advanced Genifique Serum in an unexpected crimson bottle) to plenty of lippies (Nars’ Powermatte Lip Pigment, Lancome’s L’Absolu Rouge) in versatile shades of – what else – auspicious red. – SK

From top: Lancome Absolue Cushion, $140, Advanced Genifique Serum, $260, and L’Absolu Rouge Lipstick, $49. Nars Aqua Glow Cushion Compact, $72, and Powermatte Lip Pigment, $40. YSL Beaute Touche Eclat Le Cushion, $92