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As legend has it, 21^st December 2012 is set to be the end of the world. According to the epitome of trustworthy internet based information, Wikipedia, ‘The 2012 phenomenon comprises a range of eschatological beliefs according to which cataclysmic or transformative events will occur on December 21, 2012'. Now, I am unable to fathom 87% of the latter, but hypothetically speaking, should planet Earth cease to exist beyond 21.12.12, it’s time to start living. That’s right Trend Lifers, thou shalt commence 2012 with a set of New Years’ Resolutions like no other specimen ‘pon this planet. Indeed, it’s time to spend not save girls and boys; ditch the diet and withdraw from workouts - forgoing fashion must-haves, snacking on a handful of seeds and sweating more than Sweaty Betty herself in the recently-joined gym* was always going to be grim.

I offer before you what leading experts of the end of the world** recommend as being essential to begin 2012 and to show world-end that we will begin and end as a bevy of beauties. Whip out those pennies and make sure that you’re first in line for what astronomers and scientists** have hailed to be the hot beauty tips for the opening of 2012.

1) Laura Mercier Gel Lip Colour (February)

2) MAC False Lashes Extreme Black (January)

3) Chanel Perfection Lumière Foundation (January)

4) Nicki Minaj OPI Collection (January)

* Note to readers: Foregoing fashion must-haves/snacking on a handful of seeds/sweating in the gym are all from my own experience in the seven days that have come of 2012 thus far.

**I am said leading expert of the end of the world/astronomer/scientist.

A fictional character of the Royal Mail workforce, Postman Pat has a black and white cat. Early in the morning, just as day is dawning, he picks up all the postbags in his van. Whilst Pat and his colleagues earn their keep despatching Christmas card well wishes across the nation; another fellow is heading up the Chanel design team to bring home the bacon for family Lagerfeld. Both Pat and Lagerfeld are advocates of all things monochrome; Pat in the form of his cat; Karl Lagerfeld through the illustrious interlocking CC Chanel trademark. Never before have these two leading figures of popular culture come together to embrace their monochromatic love affair.

Yet, in a spectacular collaborative effort, the two have partnered for the 2011 holiday season. Chanel’s exquisite Christmas magazine insert has been delivered ‘pon the doorstep of the nation by Pat and pals. With its image of the iconic Chanel No. 5 parfum and five strings each holding gold confetti in the shape of No. 5 bottles, the Chanel CC insignia and snowflakes, Chanel’s Christmas Card 2011 is sure to be the most popular expression of well-wishing amongst fashionistas this year.

Thanks to Chanel’s Christmas offering, Pat is not the only one of us to be a really happy (wo)man.

www.chanel.com

Who would've thunk it that I would be a consumer of French fashion house extrodinaire, Chanel? Certainly not Mr Bank Manager and certainly not my 'you-are-a-graduate-and-need-to-save-your-money' thinking mother. It won't be until I win the lottery, or receive an anonymous donation that under arm I will be clutching a vintage Chanel of my own and a Chanel wardrobe to rival the stars. Until then, I get my Chanel fix from the distinctly unglamorous beauty counter at House of Fraser Epsom, rather than the glitzy cobbles of Bond Street. In my lavish Chanel carrier? The to-die-for Pro Lumière Professional Finish Make-Up SPF 15. 

Such a die-hard fan of Chanel make-up am I, that the girl on the beauty counter knows me by name. For years, her and I have shared heart-to-hearts. She has seen me progress through high school and university, from an adolescent, to a young woman. We've had laughs, tears and joy over the years. Regrettably, I still do not know her name but to me, she is a guardian angel on Floor 1; supplying me with lotions and potions to take home and work their magic.

Pro Lumière offers a flawless complexion in any light. I feel like a new, empowered woman when it is laden upon my skin. Colour adapting, its density adjusts depend on the desired effect. Highly concentrated with high-tech radiance-emiting ingredients, it is rich in reflecting pigments to leave the skin look flawless. I blend mine in completely, which gives a semi-matte and luminous result, but when less blended, provides a smoothing effect with even skin and tighter pores.

Karl Lagerfield: thank you. I may not be one of your big spenders yet, but one day I will be. For now, I am enjoying your make-up offerings.

Girl at House of Fraser, Epsom beauty counter: Please tell me your name, I'll add you on facebook. P.S - Thank you for giving me a Chanel carrier every time I buy a product, it is useful for carrying lunches and library books. (and also I feel the absolute BIZ when I have one in hand!)

Price: £33.00

www.chanel.com