Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compacts

Is there anything for more cool than Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Brick Compacts ($38)? They have certainly inspired a host of copycat products. I have purchased multiples of some of them - you really do need to hoard products you love that may be discontinued (as long as they won't spoil). Although there are some perennial best-selling Shimmer Bricks that aren't endangered, some have disappeared. This Summer's Shimmer Brick for Body ($75) has been cleaned out of many department stores, although it's still available on the Bobbi Brown Web site. Another case in point: Platinum Pink and Pink Quartz, two limited editions, are history.

Looking for any Bobbi Brown product that has been discontinued? Call the Gone But Not Forgotten Representative at 1-800-216-7173 or visit Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) online for more details. Sometimes, discontinued items show up on BeautyTicket, at the Estee Lauder-owned outlet stores, or even eBay (write the eBay seller and get a guarantee it's unused before you bid). So, anyone looking for a long-gone product can still score.

Shimmer Bricks aren't new. By now, my regular readers know (and appreciate, from your e-mails) the fact that I write about wonderful products, regardless of year of introduction. There may actually be a makeup lover alive who doesn't know about Shimmer Bricks.

I think I have purchased every currently existing color except Apricot, which is just too orange for my pale, cool skin. However, I do have the brown colors, such as Bronze and Beige, and they are just the thing for a nude or bronzy look. Naturally, the Pink and Rose colors are perfect for me, as is the limited Platinum Pink.

The depth of color you get from running a brush over these is fabulous. The Shimmer Bricks are a highlighter and blusher in one compact. I seldom pick and choose from the strips of color, which, of course, you can do for eyes or even cheeks. I just run the Blender Brush from top to bottom, or swirl it in a circular motion and apply. I love the slightly shimmering effect.

If you haven't been on Bobbi Brown's revamped Web site, check it out. In addition to better product features, there are lots of articles and a couple of how-to videos. I was lucky to be able to meet Bobbi Brown many years ago when she had just started her company. She looked me over and provided some advice before one of the artists showed me how to use her products. I was so impressed with her ability to quickly size up my "issues" and provide recommendations I follow to this day. She continues to do in-store appearances, so if you get the opportunity, sign up for a session with Bobbi in a store near you.

You can purchase Shimmer Bricks on Bobbi Brown's Web site, Saks, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and all department stores where Bobbi Brown products are sold.

Next Bobbi Brown review at Best Things in Beauty? The new Cleansing Oil.

Photo courtesy of Bobbi Brown.