Everything about this Dolce & Gabbana Beauty Voyage makeup palette is just so spot on – even the outer box it’s packaged in is gorgeous and eyecatching. I’m possibly biased, because I’m very partial to a bit of animal print, but it definitely stands out from the usual luxury makeup offerings.

And the animal theme continues inside; a beautifully-crafted palette with a heavyweight feel and perfectly finished trim. It’s not quite palm-sized, but easy enough to slip into a small handbag, so convenient and portable but still large enough to house the required makeup bits without being too fiddly.

Four eyeshadows (all wearable shades, no awful Kermit greens or sparkling purples) alongside a universally flattering blush, illuminator and two wisely-chosen lipsticks. A pinkish nude and a killer red. So two classic Dolce looks covered, then – the sultry red lip with perfect, glowing skin and the nude lip with sexy, smokey eyes. Which are, let’s face it, the makeup looks that most of us default to. You can never go wrong when you keep it to the tried-and-tested…

There is really something very special and decadent about the Beauty Voyage palette; the case is so beautiful that (and I know this is becoming a cliché but I’m going to say it anyway) it’s almost a shame to use the makeup inside. I love the addition of the animal-printed lip brush, though the foam eyeshadow applicator on the other end makes me want to stab myself in the eyes repeatedly out of sheer frustration. When will people stop with the foam? Have you ever seen a makeup artist use a foam applicator? I tell you what they’re good for, though, and that is – er – sorry, no. Nothing comes to mind.

The foam is forgiven, though, because everything about this little collection has been perfectly thought-out. If you’re a beauty enthusiast and want something that’ll make you feel like Sharon Stone in Casino then pop this on your Santa list. It’s a proper, expensive treat – definitely not “stocking filler fodder” – but unlike some palettes and compacts I’ve seen recently, it’s of the highest quality and feels and looks suitably luxurious. Importantly, too, the shades are all flattering and wearable which means it’ll actually be useful to carry about and not just a showy bit of handbag eye candy.

The Dolce & Gabbana Beauty Voyage Make-Up Essential Palette is at Harrods and costs £105.