ILLUMINATIONS CANDLELIGHT MAGIC: Candles add brightness to a room, but even more so when they are covered in glitter. Shimmering beeswax candles are available at Illuminations in luscious shades of cranberry and gold. The Pillar candles come in two sizes, 3-by-4-inch ($9.95) and 3-by-6-inch ($14.95). European floating ornament candles, globes, glittery plates can set the mood for a room. The plates cost $9.95. A set of two glitter-flecked tapered candles costs $7.95. A $15 gift set includes two tapered candles and a snuffer in a gift bag. All of the candles at Illuminations are handmade and are made to drip less than most candles.

Add sparkle with metallic make-up

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By Nancy Arcayna
narcayna@starbulletin.com

YOU LOOK MAHVALOUS!

That wise man Billy Crystal once said on "Saturday Night Live," it's better to look good than feel good and the holidays offer a perfect example. Crowded malls, traffic jams and too many get-togethers can leave people feeling stressed, and not at their best.

If you're not feeling particularly stellar, adding some sparkle to your wardrobe just might perk the spirits. Even if you're not doing it for yourself, think of brightening someone else's day. A show of glitter, whether you're wearing it to a party or placing a couple of shimmering gifts under the tree, is guaranteed to light up eyes of recipients on Christmas eve and morning.

Choices are endless because glittery objects can be found throughout the malls, neighborhood boutiques and even at discount stores.

FLMORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM GLITTER FASHION: Here, Monika Bourque models a sparkling dress that is available at Forever 21 for $19.

Shimmering and sequined blouses and dresses continue to be in abundance this year, fronting many store windows. Forever 21 hosts an array of glittery fashions from casual tank tops to evening wear. Tank top prices start at $11 and glittery blouses at $15.

Bebe offers their traditional rhinestone-studded logo T-shirts for $34 and up. For the holiday season, the stores are also offering three-quarter sleeve angora sweaters with lace sequin trim and satin halter tops with beaded detail for $69 each.

RICHARD WALKER / RWALKER@STARBULLETIN.COM SHINY SHOES: A touch of glitter adds a little glamour to those basic rubber slippers that go anywhere you go. Payless Shoes offer several color combinations, such as the blue-and-black example shown, for $5.99.

Macy's offers a patriotic red, white and blue version for $65, and other styles ranging from $59.95 to $250. Kmart and Wal-Mart both offer rhinestone-and-glitter flip-flops that range in price from $4 to $7.99.

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM STONES GALORE: Crystals have been used through-out history for different reasons. Some enjoy their beauty while others use them for their metaphysical properties. Amethyst is considered a spiritual stone that helps ease mental stress. Amethyst jewelry at Sedona in Ward Centre, such as the pieces shown at right, range from $20 to $200. All are one-of-a-kind pieces. Loose stones are affordable, at $1 to $5.

Crystals can also be purchased at metaphysical boutiques such as Prosperity Corner, Serendipity Books 'n Gifts and Golden Phoenix.

RICHARD WALKER / RWALKER@STARBULLETIN.COM ACCESSORIES AND MORE: Rhinestone jewelry can add glitz to the most mundane outfit. For a richer look, Austrian crystals have all the sparkle of diamonds in some accessories. For teens, rhinestone necklaces and earrings from Claire's, above, cost $12 each. The three-strand rhinestone bracelet is $14. Photo holders studded with multicolor rhinestones start at a mere $3.50.

The Mother Lode of crystal can be found at the Swarovski store at Ala Moana Center. Their 2002 snowflake design handmade Christmas ornament is $55. Look for jewelry and handmade figures here as well.

Price Buster stores also offer an array of affordable goodies ranging from glitter nail polish for 99 cents to glittery picture frames for $4.49.

On the high end, Judith Leiber minaudieres -- tiny bags in the shapes of animals, fruits, veggies and seashells and studded with Swarovski crystals (there's that name again) -- are as much art and jewelry as handbags. There have been museum exhibitions devoted to her work. Find them at Saks 5th Avenue at Waikele Center and Neiman Marcus. At Neiman Marcus, one that features a leopard spot design sells for $1,400.

Wrap it up!

Pick up some fresh ideas for holiday giving through our weeklong series:

Yesterday: Presents for the pampered pet

Tomorrow: Hawaii-made gifts of good taste

Thursday: Toys for (big) boys

Friday: A little something for the party hostess

Sunday: Tuneful ideas for the music lover

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