At this time of year you want to be sure you cut a dash, make an entrance and shimmer and sparkle. To achieve the right look as effortlessly as possible, you need the right start. Here are a few ways to get that party started.

This Works: Skin Deep Dry Leg Oil

$68 for 120 mL

Dry Leg Oil from aromatherapy-based This Works will have miraculous effects on limbs that will be hiding under opaque tights and jeans for the next six months. Soothing, smoothing and generally feeling ooh-aah, this stuff gets rid of the dry cracks and makes legs feel gorgeous. Buy it as a Christmas gift but be tempted to keep it for yourself.

It is available exclusively at Skinworks For You, 2079 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington.

Nivea, Vitamin Creme, Shower Creme

$5.89 for 500 mL

If you're preparing for an evening outing, let Nivea give you a sophisticated shower. The vitamin and milk protein packed bath/shower gel is a lovely way to either start or end the day. The cream is rich and the lather is fluffy. Best of all, the whopping big bottle lasts forever. One good squirt on the puff is enough to do an entire body and the formula is gentle enough to use on sensitive skin.

It is available in drugstores and food stores.

Aussie, Instant Freeze Hair

Spray, $3.99 for 250 mL

A fruity, fresh scent combined with a level of invisible support that keeps every hair in place make this spritz a real winner.

This maximum-strength hold keeps your style looking good through winter winds without even a hint of stiffness.

The spritz mists well, delivers good coverage and the nozzle does not get gooey or clog easily and the price is wonderfully wallet friendly.

It is available at food and drugstores.

L by L.A.M.B Gwen Stefani Solid

Fragrance compact, $42

You'd be hard pressed to find a more stylish or chic stocking stuffer than this fragrance compact.

L is light, fresh and clean smelling. It's based on leafy water hyacinth and rounded out by pear, freesia, orange blossom and musk. The funky compact is diminutive enough to fit into the tiniest clutch.

It is available at the Bay and Sears.

Kellie Ann Zupet reports on beauty for The Hamilton Spectator. gostyle@thespec.com