Metal shop: gold, silver or bronze, these winning gifts of beauty & style are first on our holiday shopping list

Shape, Dec, 2002

Casual Luxe

You'll want to gift yourself with this cozy cashmere set and golden extras. Ralph Lauren Blue Label cashmere turtleneck, $198, and drawstring pant, $500. Christian Roth titanium sunglasses, $398. H&M knit scarf with fringe, $12. Cara Croninger bangles, $170-$200.

Beauty note Wearing this season's softest fabrics over silky skin makes them feel even more luxurious. To get it treat yourself (or a friend) to L'Occitane's lightly scented, moisturizing Honey Foaming Jelly shower gel, $15, which can he used on both skin and hair.

HAIR LAWRENCE DE PALMA/TWI, NYC. MAKE UP SANDRINE VAN SLEE/CMINY.COM. FASHION EDITOR CARA SHAPIRO, MANICURE: CLAUDINE DUCHAMP/ARTISTS BY TIMOTHY PRIANO. STILL: PROP STYLING: MIAKO KATOH.

Natural Shine

Mix neutral makeup shades with hints of silver, gold and even bronze for a shimmering holiday look (and they make ideal stocking stuffers...).

Opposite: Dazzling holiday cosmetics include (from left to right, top to bottom) Madina Milano Paradise Blush, $18; Hard Candy Nail Polish in Trailer Trash, $12; Delux Beauty Cream Powder Eyeshadow in Burnished Bronze, $18; Molton Brown Under Control loose powder compact, $29; T. LeClerc Sparkled Mascara in Argent Scintillant, $19; Trish McEvoy Luxury Retractable Lip Brush $35; Chantecaille Compact Makeup, $47; Lippmann Collection nail lacquer in Stardust, $15; Calvin Klein Pressed Powder, $26; Trish McEvoy Luxury Retractable Blush Brush, $85; T. LeClerc Face & Body Sparkle Pencil, $22.50; Victoria's Secret Beauty Very Sexy Lipstick in Girlie Girl, $13; Madina Milano Fairy Powder Foundation, $25; Delux Beauty Cream Powder Eyeshadow in Golden Apricot, $18; and Sonia Kashuk Eye Shimmer Palette in Neutral, $10.

Adventure Boon

Inspire a friend to get outdoors with one of these sporty-chic finds -- then join her. Briko nylon-frame sunglasses with anti-fog lenses, $99. Victorinox Secretary by Swiss Army Brands pocketknife, $15. Olympus weatherproof camera, $299. Puma bracelet watch, $75. Nike ACG waterproof running shoe, $65. Opposite: Nautica Jeans Co. "Jamie" puffy vest, $99. Max Mara nylon-Lycra turtleneck with side neck zip, $225, and pull-on pant, $235. Smith Sport Optics "Saint" sunglasses, $80.

Beauty note After an active day, pamper your skin with [H.sub.2]O+ Mint Ice Fitness Cream, $18. This rich cream leaves your body hydrated thanks to glycerin, coconut oil and vitamin E, while stimulating botanicals like peppermint and spearmint help revive tired muscles.

Scentual Escapes

Opposite: These fragrances (rich in floral and oriental notes) are heady enough to warm up anyone's senses this season. From left to right top to bottom: Estee Lauder Beautiful Shimmering Solid Perfume, $38.50, contains a hint of rose and marigold while leaving behind a slight slimmer; Estee Lauder Intution Equ de Parfum $65 for 3.4 ounces is a sheeer oriental with bergamot and silver maple Diorjadore Matte Gold Eau de parfum Spray, $49.50, has opulent white-rose and orchid notes; Gucci Eau de Parfum, $85 for 2.5 ounces, is a feminine floral oriental with orange blossom and vanilla; Origins Ginder Essence intensified fragrance spray, $39.50 has a warming ginger scent with citrus and sandalwood; Lancome Miracle Homme Eau de Toilette Spray, $58 for 3.4 ounces, is chock-full of spicy notes from maple leaf, cedar wood and vetiver - perfect for the man in your life - and Calvin Klein Eternity refillable purse spray, $35, is fresh (think: freesia and white-lily notes) and handy; it slips into any purse (or stocking) for the hoidays.

Weekend Rewards

These fun-loving must-haves are ready for an impromptu getaway. Louis Vuitton Cup canvas jacket, $475, and shorts, $200. Reebok sneakers, $60. Swiss Army watch, $450. LeSportsac gym bag, $78. Opposite, clockwise from top; Agatha large hoop earrings, $35. Swatch Skin Watch, $70. Ecco pearlized-leather shoes, $90. Stephane Kelian shoulder bag, $485. Nike sunglasses, $79. Apple iPod 10GB stores 2,000 songs and 1,000 personal contacts, $399.

Beauty note You'll be ready for weekend escapes with the Aesop Always Be Prepared Kit, $70, stashed in your bag, It includes mini versions of Aesop's popular all-natural skin and hair essentials: Purifying Facial Cream Cleanser, Primrose Facial Hydrating Cream, Gentle Scalp Cleansing Shampoo, Revitalizing Hair Sealing Conditioner, Rose Hair & Scalp Moisturizing Masque, Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser, Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balmand Body Cleansing Slab. See Buyer's Guide, page 142, for retail information.