Chantecaille Sea Turtle Palette for Spring 2011

I must be one if the happiest gals on earth! My Chantecaille Sea Turtle Palette ($79) arrived! For some reason, my UPS guy showed up about seven hours earlier than usual. Do you think he knew how much I wanted this palette? Do you think he sensed that it would make my day when he delivered it while the sun was still out? I love that guy!

I tore into the shipping box, and inside I found a pretty gold box with the sea turtle theme. Then I tore into that box to find an elegant gunmetal grey case holding four gorgeous colors - two eye shades to reflect the golden warmth of new spring neutrals, a deep sea green eye-defining shade, and a peachy-pink cheek color that will be universally flattering. My photo of the palette was taken indoors in direct light, but not sunlight. The base color is not as pink as it appears in my photo below. Use Chantecaille's photo above as your guide for the shades.

I grabbed the sponge-tipped applicators quicker than you can say "love," and started to swatch. At that point, there may have been a swoon. Not sure whether it was a real swoon or the pills I had taken about 20 minutes earlier (such is the life of a recovering surgery patient). Either way, this palette is swoon-worthy.

My first swatch photo at left was taken outside in direct sun. I applied each shade with a sponge-tipped applicator - even the blush shade. I wanted to pick up enough product to show you adequate swatches. I'm not totally thrilled with these photos, so I'll try in different lighting to get better ones. I just couldn't wait to show you my "make-my-day" moments. I wanted to share the joy!

My second photo at right was snapped when the sun dipped behind a cloud. While the light was bright, there wasn't any sun glinting off my arm. I think the colors are truer in the first photo - with sun. The cheek color shows above as a peachy-pink, which it is.

I swatched clockwise, starting at the upper-left corner with the base color, moving to the brown eye color, then to the incredibly complex "eye definer," and finishing with the cheek color. All apply beautifully, including the base color, a golden beige. The eye-defining charcoal green shade is drop-dead gorgeous.

These colors were composed with the finest pearl and pigment particles to create a natural, satin, sheer veil on the skin with a glowing effect. Sadly, the turtles (and the gold "overspray") will disappear with use, so I will be purchasing a second palette for my makeup museum, which is filled with all of Chantecaille's treasures.

Chantecaille is donating 5% of the proceeds from the sale the Sea Turtle Palettes to WIDECAST to help ensure the survival of sea turtles. Sea turtles are in danger. They define all that is ancient and magical about our planet, yet they are endangered and struggling for survival. Their numbers have been severely reduced from historical levels. Persistent exploitation, especially of adult females on nesting beaches, and the widespread collection of eggs are largely responsible for the depleted status of the Caribbean species. In addition to intentional harvesting, the turtles are accidentally captured in active or abandoned fishing gear, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of turtles every year. That makes my heart break. On top of that, coral reef and sea grass degradation, oil spills, chemical waste, plastic and other marine debris, high-density coastal development, and an increase in ocean tourism have damaged or eliminated nesting beaches and feeding areas.

Sea turtles once shared the earth with the dinosaurs, and they have been quiet evolutionary participants for eons. Among the most migratory of all creatures, they touch the hearts and economies of over 100 nations. Chantecaille is honoring the impressive beauty and stature of these gentle giants with this Sea Turtle Palette.

The company is partnering with Dr. Karen Eckert of WIDECAST, who is focused on saving sea turtles in the waters of the Caribbean. They have a vision to realize a future in which sea turtles and humans can co-exist, with the turtles surviving and thriving. Please check out WIDECAST and join me in applauding Chantecaille for its continued commitment to support marine wildlife, while introducing lust-worthy makeup.

You can purchase the Sea Turtle Palette at Chantecaille's Web site. It will arrive at Chantecaille counters soon. I'll wait for the palettes to arrive at Neiman Marcus so that I can support my favorite SA and Chantecaille rep when I buy my second one.

Update: Here's another swatch photo, at left. I took it right before the clouds started to get thicker. You decide whether it's better than the sunny photo above.

Photo at top and sea turtle photo courtesy of Chantecaille