RéVive Skin Care - and a Delightful Day at Neiman Marcus

I had a re-introduction to RéVive skin care about a week ago. I planned my Saturday around the treat. It was an enjoyable encounter in every way. Neiman Marcus at Tysons Galleria invited me to meet and consult with John Wesley Gates, the company's regional sales manager and skin-care guru, and, if that weren't enough, have a complimentary facial.

I call the afternoon with RéVive a re-introduction for a couple of reasons, not the least of which is the company's well-known, dedicated following - one I've recognized for years. I have friends who say RéVive changed their lives - all because the products changed their skin so remarkably. One friend, Carol, started using RéVive many years ago. There are a couple of things you need to know about Carol to put this story in perspective. She's extremely smart, but she's also wisely frugal. She manages her money a lot better than I do! When Carol started using samples provided by RéVive, she noticed an instant improvement in her skin. She started buying and using select RéVive products, and she has never looked back.

More recently, my friend Kathy Shoreman, an aesthetician, went to work at Neiman Marcus. She started using RéVive - and raving about it. Kathy is a skin-care expert, so I took notice - for the second time. I could see the difference in her beautiful skin. I purchased a few products to try and became intensely curious about the whole line. I did a little research - available to everyone online - to find out more about the miracle potions that earn such loyalty.

Who is the genius behind RéVive? Skin care pioneer and noted plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory Bays Brown established a research laboratory to conduct a $2 million study on wound healing. In his research, he discovered a bioengineered molecule called Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) that dramatically accelerated burn and wound healing in test subjects. The defining moment came when Dr. Brown discovered that the EGF molecule was the same molecule that regenerated aging skin. He was convinced that the only way women could get what they really wanted (the healthy skin of their youth) was at the molecular level with EGF. Dr. Brown was immediately inspired to set up a clinical laboratory within the research unit to validate his findings and to pioneer a face cream with this "youth molecule," EGF. Dr. Brown was the first doctor to apply the bioengineered version of EGF into skin care. He wanted to give women an alternative to the knife, today's overused face lift. He launched RéVive to the public in 1997.

Dr. Brown's first cosmeceutical product, the one that started the RéVive revolution and roped in my friend Carol, was RéVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream (shown above). This powerful perfecting cream, which contains EGF, gives all faces the legendary RéVive Glow - quickly. It's a remarkable moisturizer. In addition to his powerful EGF, Dr. Brown has started to incorporate peptides into his products, as they also gain a reputation as effective skin renewal ingredients.

Back to my afternoon at Neiman Marcus... I arrived to a consultation with John Gates, who was welcoming, charming, and impressively knowledgeable. He asked me what I thought about my skin's condition. I told him I was concerned about the "expression lines" around my eyes and my nasolabial folds (those so-called smile lines). After I had my knee replacement, I lost weight (and I was thin before the surgery!). When I lost weight, I lost volume in my face, exacerbating or magnifying to my eye any signs of age I had before the new knee was installed. After I told John what I thought, I turned the tables and asked him to tell me what he saw. He saw the nasolabial folds around my mouth and told me that RéVive had a miracle product for me, Intensité Volumizing Serum. John told me it has a loyal following - it's one of RéVive's cult products. I was ready to try it! First, though, I had to have my fabulous facial.

Nahid Ellini took me to a private room with soothing music, where I was treated to champagne (as if I needed an excuse to relax) before and during my facial. Give me champagne, and I'm putty. Nahid was an expert, telling me about the products she was using - at my prompting. I think she may have used half the line on me, but she knew I was curious about everything. When our time was up, I looked in a mirror and saw a younger, fresher, happier me.

I went back upstairs to chat with John again and work with Anna Befanis, the RéVive Product Specialist, to decide what I would purchase that day. I selected a couple of things. I had already purchased the new Moisturizing Renewal Eye Cream ($130), so I decided to try the Eye Renewal Cream ($110) too. Anna will tell you that you can use the Eye Renewal Cream over, under, and around the eyes, while you should limit the Moisturizing Renewal Eye Cream to your under-eye area. That's what I've been doing.

I also decided to try a few other products that day - all of which I will feature over the next few weeks. I like to use a skin-care product for at least three weeks before I write about it. While our skin cells take longer to completely refresh, I can usually tell if a product is working after three weeks. Stay tuned for many more RéVive features.

I left with samples of Intensité Volumizing Serum ($315) to use as a spot treatment on my nasolabial folds. I've used it morning and night for 10 days. I saw an improvement - my lines are not as deep and noticeable - in only one week! This product is a keeper. It's worth every cent of the $315.

How does it work? According to RéVive, it offers two major types of treatment.

• KGF (Keratinocyte Growth Factor): A potent molecule that improves the skin's appearance after loss of facial volume. Its dynamic activity allows for a "dialogue with the skin" that contributes to the appearance of increased volume after several weeks.
• Antioxidants: A powerful anti-radical defense system that shields against pollution and skin stressors. An added Brightening Complex helps even out skin tone.

Would I recommend Intensité Volumizing Serum? Absolutely! If you want to learn more about the ingredients in RéVive skin care, check out their cleverly titled page Meet the Molecules.

I came home with terrycloth RéVive slippers to continue my pampering, a gift with purchase, and a few extra goodies Anna wanted me to try. Meanwhile, I'm looking younger and younger.

If you want to try RéVive's products, the company is generous with samples. Samples sell the products. You can purchase RéVive skin care at the company's Web site, Neiman Marcus, and Saks. You can find all retail locations at this link. Do your homework. After all, RéVive's motto is Research, Renewal, and Results!

Photos courtesy of RéVive

Le Métier de Beauté Makeup Brushes

Much has been written about Le Métier de Beauté's makeup brushes lately - and for good reason. They are fabulous brushes. I own the three shown above: Blush ($55), Eye Shadow Brush #1 ($40), and Large Concealer Brush ($50). I love their magnificent quality. I also love the fact that no animals suffered to make them. I will tell you that Charlie thinks it's the cat's meow to have his face stroked with my Blush Brush.

The brushes have short handles. With some brushes, I prefer short handles. With others, it's a toss-up to me; I can use them short or long. I know some makeup artists prefer long handles because they give them room to work at a reasonable distance from their clients. Personal space is not an issue to me when I'm applying my own makeup.

The Blush Brush is tapered for natural blush application. It's made with 100% natural goat hair. It's the one I bought most recently, and it was easy to clean up for this photo. It's nice and fluffy and allows me easy control to ensure I don't apply so much color I have to start wiping it off (or covering it with foundation), a casualty that's not uncommon with some other brushes. My skin is fair, so I need to use a brush that allows me to build color - not forces me to subtract it.

The Eye Shadow Brush #1 is as close to perfect as it gets. Also made from 100% natural goat hair (my those goats are soft!), it's just the right size for my eyelids. I use it as intended to apply shadows to my lid, and sideways in the crease. I'd really like to have the Eye Crease Brush for that, but I spend too much money and have to make brushes work for me when my credit card bill gets painful or I start thinking about retirement. The Eye Shadow Brush picks up exactly the right amount of shadow for my tastes. I can always add more, but it gets tricky to remove shadows when you've already primed your eyelids or added a base shadow shade. Starting over is not a happy option on work mornings when I spend too much time on my computer and not enough applying my makeup. I love brushes that make it easy for me to swipe and go.

The Large Concealer Brush may be the superstar among celebrities. It's described as narrow, but that's a front-to-back measurement, not a description of side-to-side width. It's actually a wide brush. It is the most perfect brush I've ever used to apply and/or blend concealer under my eyes - or anywhere on my face anywhere except on my eyelids. I can quickly smear a stick concealer under my eyes and make the application perfect with only a few strokes of this brush.

The synthetic hairs on the Large Concealer Brush are easy to clean. I didn't clean them for this photo, so you can see my under-eye concealer on the tip. The hairs are coated with something to allow the brush keep the hairs from absorbing product - and, I suspect, to give this brush its amazing ability to blend concealer flawlessly.

Would I like to have more Le Métier de Beauté brushes? Absolutely! I reach for the three I own more frequently than other brushes in the same categories. That's high praise because I have a collection of fine brushes. Should you try at least one? Yes, but be prepared to want more (or all) of them. Next on my wish list are the Eye Crease Brush, the Flat Liner Brush, and the Powder Brush. I need a second job - err, make that a third, since writing this blog is my second job.

You can purchase Le Métier de Beauté makeup brushes at all Le Métier de Beauté counters. I bought mine at Neiman Marcus.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Chantecaille Summer in St. Barth's - 2011 Eye Look

There's no way I'll ever look as good as Olivia Chantecaille, but I set out to try to replicate her eye look, shown in Chantecaille's promotional photos for Summer in St. Barth's. I had most of the shades that were used to create the look, but I didn't have the Brown Le Stylo liner, so I headed over to Neiman Marcus to play with the fabulous Chantecaille Product Specialist, Alicia Cortes. Alicia is everything you would like in a Product Specialist - she knows her line really well and is great with colors/artistry. More about Alicia at the end of this feature.

Here's how to apply Chantecaille's Summer in St. Barth's look for your own eyes. I started with Concealer and Foundation Stick in Ivory. I had no makeup on - only eye cream - and I wanted to give the shadows a nice, even surface.

With the Basic Eye Brush, I applied the Iridescent Eye Shade in Rose Gold (a shade that will knock your socks off) on my eyelid from the base of the lashes to right above the crease. I should mention that I used a light hand for every shade I applied. Then, I applied Rose Quartz Shine Eye Shade under the brow bone. Using the Eye Definer Brush, I applied the Iridescent Eye Shade in Sel to the crease area, recreating the shadow of my lashes against my skin. Basically, I made a sideways V with Sel. I applied Sel a bit heavier on the outer corner than it appears in Olivia's photo. I applied a very thin line of Brown Le Stylo liner right above the base of my lashes and finished with black mascara. This is a look anyone will love.

Here are two swatch photos, with Rose Gold at the top of my arm, Rose Quartz in the middle, and Sel at the bottom. I applied the shadows with a sponge-tipped applicator for the swatch photos and took them in outdoor sunlight. How could you find prettier eye shadows?

I went home and admired Summer in St. Barth's. Even if I have quite a few years on Olivia Chantecaille, the look works for me, leaving an elegant, gleaming look that's perfect for day. If I had applied the shadows with a heavier hand, they would be just right for night.

You know I hate putting photos of myself on this blog. In this case, I'm making an exception to show you a photo of my eyes wearing the Summer in St. Barth's look. Don't look at my forehead wrinkles, please - or the fact that I had on no foundation! Focus on the gorgeous Chantecaille colors.

If you live anywhere around Washington, D.C., you'll want to attend Alicia's Chantecaille event on June 11 at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria with national makeup artist Eddie Hernandez. Call Kathy Shoreman at 703-761-1600, extension 3282, or Alicia to make an appointment. The event is during the Neiman Marcus Camp Gorgeous promotion, Sunday, June 5, through June 12. There will be a Chantecaille gift with purchase.

Photos of collection and Olivia Chantecaille courtesy of Chantecaille; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection SPF 50 PA+++ Anti-Glycation Primer

Today, with sunny, hot weather in most of the country, you should be thinking about sun protection. Chantecaille has a new option for your face and neck, and it's loaded with benefits. Ultra Sun Protection SPF 50 PA+++ Anti-Glycation Primer ($85) combines a truly invisible shield with an effective and well-known anti-glycation ingredient, which ensures that skin is protected from the internal threat of glycation (a process that breaks down collagen). Ultra Sun Protection is a multitasker: it's an effective sunscreen, it offers anti-aging/treatment benefits, and it's a makeup primer - all in one.

Let's start with the sun protection. Ultra Sun delivers SPF 50 UVB protection and PA+++ for UVA rays. It does this with a three highly effective, stabilized, non-penetrating sunscreens: avobenzone, octisalate, and octinoxate. That alone, in this delightfully textured primer would be worth the price with its high level of protection. Chantecaille went further with treatment ingredients. Cherry blossom, lemon balm, and white tea extracts deliver powerful anti-inflammatory properties, protecting DNA from free radicals. Carnosine delivers the anti-glycation properties.

Glycation occurs when you eat sugars - not just refined sugar, but anything that turns into glucose in your body - and the glucose hits your bloodstream. These sugars latch on to proteins, and through a "binding" mechanism between sugar and protein, cause your skin to ultimately become stiff and brittle. Much of this results from large molecules generated from the glycation process, which are called advanced glycation end products, appropriately abbreviated as AGEs.

The more sugar you eat (including processed foods - even orange juice and carbohydrates), the more AGEs you produce. As they multiply, these molecules wreak havoc with proteins, including collagen and elastin, which keep our skin firm and elastic. The result is sagging, wrinkled, aging skin.

The oil-free, light fluid texture of Chantecaille's Ultra Sun Protection beautifully smoothes skin and controls oil-breakthrough and shine throughout the day, which makes it a great primer. Chantecaille makeup artists found that the fluid perfectly preps the skin for and extends the wear of foundation. I agree. Water and humidity-resistant, it is the perfect daily protection for outdoor activities and humid climates. Don't worry about those beads of perspiration when you are outdoors. Ultra Sun Protection will stay with you. If you are swimming, though, make sure to reapply.

Ultra Sun Protection seems like the "unsunscreen" sunscreen to me. It's an extremely light fluid that leaves absolutely no white, chalky, or otherwise undesirable appearance. It has a very subtle, delightful rose fragrance (to my nose). I think it's a genius product. I like it even more than some of my "old favorites." That's high praise.

To use it, make sure to shake the tube well to ensure an even mix of ingredients. Evenly spread the light fluid over your face and neck, and don't forget your ears! You can apply it over your regular moisturizer. The 1.3-ounce tube may seem small, but a little of this wonderful sunscreen/primer goes a very long way. I won't be wasting it - but I'm sure I'll need more before summer ends. This is my new favorite sunscreen.

You can purchase Ultra Sun Protection at Chantecaille's Web site, where a new gift with purchase promotion begins in June. Online only, from June 5-12, in honor of World Ocean Day, Chantecaille will offer a free Amaretto Lip Gloss with the purchase of any La Baleine compact. Use code WHALES at checkout. Right now, there's a free shipping offer online. You can also find Ultra Sun Protection at Chantecaille counters. I know Neiman Marcus has it.

Photo courtesy of Chantecaille

Memorial Day

This photo says it all. Memorial Day is a U.S. national holiday when we remember those who gave their lives for our freedom. If you have lost a loved one, please know that millions are pausing today to reflect on your sacrifices. We care. Thank you for giving up the most precious thing you could give - your children, fathers and mothers, grandparents, brothers and sisters, cousins, and friends. I hope you can let the American people embrace you today in a gigantic collective hug of love and appreciation.

While today isn't really about the living, it's a great opportunity to thank veterans and the men and women who are currently serving in our Armed Forces. At any time, those at war could join the fallen at our national memorials at Arlington Cemetery and across the country. Today, some heal at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and other hospitals treating those who were injured while serving. Their stories - grit, determination, and bravery - are inspirational. Others who have returned from war aren't receiving the care we owe them. That saddens me.

So many images - so many stories - define Memorial Day. "Thank you" doesn't seem adequate. While there will be pageantry, picnics, parades, concerts, and fireworks today, many of us will be thinking tearfully about the heroes who gave their lives so that we could live in peace.

Photos courtesy of Directory of San Diego and mommylife.net

Bobbi Brown Bare to Bold Eye Palette Giveaway Contest

The Bare to Bold Eye Palette ($45) has six eye shadows and a dual-ended eye shadow brush/eyeliner brush. The palette was designed by Bobbi to give you a subtle, neutral look for day and a bold, sparkling look for evening. Anyone who wants one palette to dabble, or amplify her classic daytime look with hints of browns and sparkling greens for a bolder look, is going to love this palette. I have one I adore. I featured the palette in October.

Here are some instructions from Bobbi Brown. Finish these eye looks with mascara.

For a bare look...
Sweep Navajo eye shadow as a base color from the lash line to the brow bone using the eye shadow brush. Then, dust Cement eye shadow as a medium color on the lower lid up to the crease. For a pop of color, sweep Champagne Quartz into the inner corner to reflect light.

For a bold look...
Sweep Navajo eye shadow as a base color from the lash line to the brown bone using the eye shadow brush. Dampen the brush and apply Champagne Quartz into inner corner of the eye. Then, take Evergreen Sparkle eye shadow into the middle of the eye and blend well. Next, create an outer V to smoke out the eye with Quarry Shimmer Wash eye shadow. Pick up Caviar eye shadow onto the eyeliner side of the brush and line the upper and lower lash lines.

The compact includes these shades, along with the brush.

• Navajo, a creamy pink
• Cement, a gray beige
• Champagne Quartz Metallic, a golden peach pink
• Quarry Shimmer Wash, a shimmery taupe
• Evergreen Sparkle, a teal gray
• Caviar, a black brown

How can you enter to win this contest? Easy! Just leave a comment here once. After you comment, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing an e-mail address you care about on a blog, so feel free to follow this step (an alternative is to code your e-mail, e.g., myname at gmail dot com, in your comment).

You can "earn" a second entry by tweeting this contest. Just make sure to include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) in your tweet. I will tweet the contest later today, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry. You can earn a third entry by following the blog - either here or on Twitter (any entrant who is already a follower will automatically earn the follower point, but you can save me time by telling me you're a follower in your comment). I can't track followers through a third-party service, so you need to be on Google's list for me to verify the entry.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, June 4, at midnight. The next morning, I will use a random number generator (random.org)to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner at that time. The winner will have 48 hours to reply to my message and provide a shipping address. After 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited, and another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your e-mail - and look in your spam folder after the contest ends.

The contest is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada. Good luck!

Photo courtesy of QVC

Fresh Sugar Açaí Age-Delay Body Cream and Special DC-Area Fresh Event

Recently, I've tried two "delicious" body creams. Fresh Sugar Açaí Age-Delay Body Cream ($65) is one of them. I look for opportunities to apply it.

Sugar Açaí Age-Delay Body Cream is enriched with açaí oil, which is extremely hydrating, provides fabulous antioxidant protection, and helps to maintain elasticity in the skin. It also includes skin-softening sugar and citrus fruit acids (natural alpha hydroxy acids) that gently remove dull, dry skin cells - the ones that make your skin look dull. The formula is enriched with sugar apple extract to enhance collagen production and improve inter-cellular cohesion and sweet almond protein to naturally firm, lift, and smooth the skin's surface.

It has an addictive scent! Bergamot, caramel, and exotic açaí fruit laced, with undertones of white and green tea make Sugar Acai Age-Delay Body Cream one of the most delightful body creams I'm using. I use it after my morning shower, before bed, or anytime I'm looking at my dry arms thinking about how parched they look.

Açaí oil is obtained from the purple berry of the açaí palm native to the Brazilian Amazon rain forest. The berry is known as a super-fruit because it is rich in vitamins and anthocyanins, the same pigments found in red grapes that provide antioxidant value. Açaí is also rich in essential fatty acids, such as omega-6 and omega-9, which help to maintain the skin's elasticity and smoothness and prevent water loss. Fresh's signature sugar is a natural humectant and skin soother that helps to prevent moisture loss, while it smoothes and revitalizes.

A citrus fruit AHA complex in the cream gently removes dulling, dry skin, promotes cellular turnover, enhances suppleness, and clarifies skin. Sugar apple extract and sweet almond protein provide firming and toning benefits. Finally, time-release ingredients prevent dehydration and provide a constant stream of moisture.

Fresh sent me Sugar Açaí Age-Delay Body Cream, and I wanted to tell you about it as I formally announce a special party/master class we'll be having at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria on Wednesday, June 22, after work. Jawn Marques, Creative Director of Fresh, will be flying in to lead the class and give participants individualized beauty tips. The whole Fresh team, including Alyson O'Brien, Account Executive, and Alison Kauffman, Product Specialist at Neiman Marcus, will be with us to make sure you have a great time. Kathy Shoreman, super sales associate and an expert herself, will be there too.

Every time I get together with Jawn, I have a blast. He is so much fun - and beyond talented. We'll learn how to use Fresh makeup and skin care to look and feel great and treat our skin, and we'll have a fun exposure to all of Fresh's fragrance products. We've been planning this for months to ensure you have a great time.

The party starts at 5:30 pm at the Café at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria. That's a soft start for those who want to come and chat - or maybe have a glass of wine and nibble on some food. The hard start will be at 6:00 pm, when the master class starts (of course, the food and wine will continue to flow). Fresh will sponsor a drawing for a gift basket of Fresh products. Everyone who participates will be entered to win.

To make a reservation, call (703) 761-1600 starting tomorrow, Memorial Day, and ask for Kathy Shoreman at extension 3282. Alison will be off getting married in June, so it's best to look for Kathy. You can also reserve a spot by e-mailing Kathy_Shoreman@neimanmarcusstores.com. I hope to see my DC-area friends there!

Photo at top courtesy of Neiman Marcus; photo of Jawn and Alyson by Best Things in Beauty

Giorgio Armani Beauty Gloss d'Armani - Part 2

You knew I would buy more shades of Giorgio Armani Beauty's new Gloss d'Armani ($28), right? It didn't take me long. They arrived at Neiman Marcus on Friday, and aside from the "pastel tangerine" one I referenced Wednesday in "Part 1," I gave Kathy Shoreman, my fantastic sales associate, the go-ahead to select three more for me.

To recap, Gloss d'Armani is Giorgio Armani Beauty's newest lip gloss. Armani's exclusive Color-Fil Shine technology allows the texture of Gloss d’Armani to be compared to a weave that gently and lastingly adorns the lips. The secret ingredient, the Color Bond Polymer already found at the heart of Rouge d’Armani, has the ability to form a supple mesh that traps pigments and pearlescent particles. Thanks to its translucent formula base, the texture gives "full expression" to color.

Mirror oils (I have no idea what they are) increase its shine, while silicon oil leaves it silky-smooth and non-sticky. The comfortable, stay-fast color is like a second skin. The company says remains true for eight hours without fading or migrating. I don't get eight hours out of any lip product, but I get two to three from these, depending on what I'm doing.

On my first round of purchases at Saks, I bought Beige #100, Pink #501, Plum #600, and Plum #601. Yesterday, I picked up the shades shown at the top of this feature. Here they are, from left to right in that photo.

• Beige #103
• Rouge #403
  
• Pink #503
• Pink #504

The outdoor light was not ideal for my swatch photos this morning. The sun kept peeking behind the clouds and varied in intensity while I was taking pictures. The newest "batch" of Gloss d'Armani is shown on my arm in the same order, top to bottom, listed in the bullets above.

Beige #103 has much more color than Beige #100 (pop over to this link for the swatch photo from earlier in the week). It's a pretty nude with a hint of peach. The shade I call pastel tangerine, Rouge #403, is exquisite. The glimmering color will make you look snazzy. It's not as tangerine on my lips as it looks on my arm. Pink lips plus Rouge #403 = the perfect shade for summer.

Pink #503 is a pretty medium-toned pink-rose shade. Pink #504 is very light, but makes its presence known with a remarkable gleam. It will make a great topper for many different lip shades. You can see how different these two pinks are in the two shades at the bottom of my arm.

Gloss d'Armani has no discernible fragrance or flavor. It feels great on the lips. I can feel the gloss when I wear it, but it's not tacky, sticky, or heavy. I'm smitten. What more can I say? These new lip glosses make me happy. I've always been a Giorgio Armani Beauty groupie. Nothing changed with the launch of Gloss d'Armani.

With 18 shades, you are bound to find a few that compel you to pull out your wallet. They are available at Neiman Marcus and Saks.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Gleam with GLEAM Body Radiance

GLEAM Body Radiance ($40) is one of the nicest lightly shimmering body tints I have ever used. I was contacted by a sweet PR guy about GLEAM, and he told me that GLEAM Body Radiance was created by Melanie Mills (the former Emmy Award-winning head makeup artist for Dancing with the Stars), and it had been used on the celebrity contestants and dancers for years. My first thought was, "Too flashy for me!" I lead a relatively simple life. My curiosity had been piqued, though, and I sent him my address for samples. When they came, I flipped.

It really is an amazing product. The show's producers have recently made it mandatory that all participants on Dancing with the Stars use the product! The line became available nationwide this month. One of its nicest features (among nice features) is that it comes in four different shades and can be used on every skin tone and type (it has been used by everyone from Kirstie Alley to Kim Kardashian to Jennifer Hudson).

Melanie is a talented gal. She's been doing face and body makeup, not only for Dancing, but also for other shows and celebrities, including Jennifer Grey, Brandi, Susan Lucci, Jane Seymour, Kelly Osbourne - and many more. She has worked at the Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and American Music Awards. While I didn't know her, she is clearly a well-known professional. I had to wonder if the artist touching up Lauren Alaina's legs, after the darling girl's "pantyhose ripped," was using GLEAM Body Radiance. Lauren's legs looked better than ever.

GLEAM Body Radiance is a body makeup that hydrates, perfects, and nourishes while imparting a glowing, velvety radiance to the skin. It enhances and perfects the skin's appearance and fills wrinkles to provide an airbrushed look. Even more exciting, it contains all-natural ingredients - vitamins and botanicals - that slow the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin. Because it's available in four shades, there's a perfect shade for each of us.

GLEAM Body Radiance is made with water and olive oil, jojoba seed oil, safflower seed oil, the antioxidants Japanese green tea and white tea, aloe leaf extract, and brown seaweed (a hydrating marine extract that stimulates synthesis of hyaluronic acid and increases elasticity). That lineup will excite any skin-care fanatic.

GLEAM can be used on the face (I know where I'll be using Light Gold), neck, and all over the body. With four shades available, there's one for everyone. It should be used on dry, clean skin, with no other lotions or products for maximum transfer-resistant efficacy. I have used it, and I'm pleased that it did not stain my clothing. It is not waterproof. GLEAM Body Radiance is lightly scented with a hint of vanilla - it smells fresh and clean. It's extremely subtle and will not clash with your fragrance. If you plan to wear it while sunning, it's best to spritz an oil-free sunscreen over it once GLEAM has set.

Light Gold is an ethereal ray of sunlight, the lightest formulation of GLEAM, with a pale yellow base that counteracts ruddy and reddish skin undertones. It has a pure, creamy finish for light to medium skin tones. It will camouflages stretch marks, scars, and other light imperfections and impart a subtle dewy glow. I love it on my face.

Rose Gold is Melanie Mills’ signature color and her personal favorite - mine too. This shade is the original color created by Melanie for the “golden glow” that all Dancing with the Stars celebrities and pro dancers have worn for the camera. Melanie wanted this creamy potion to emulate real rose gold and be like liquid metal for the skin.

Bronze Gold is pure bronze, like a shining statue, and has a yellow-orange undertone. Bronze Gold is the third deepest shade, perfect for medium to deep skin tones.

Deep Gold is a pure, luminous chocolate soufflé, with red velvet undertones, that never looks ashy on darker skin. Beautiful and rich, this deep metal shade delivers a glow for the most melanin-rich skins, helping to hide pigment patches, scars, stretch marks, and dark knees and elbows.

I applied all four shades with my finger and barely blended them for my swatch photos, taken in outdoor sunlight. If I were to blend them well, I could wear even the darkest shade. In fact, the first one I tried, Deep Gold, is the darkest, and I was blown away by the gorgeous tint it left on my skin. I realized I could finally be bronze goddess - without sun exposure. Why didn't they have products like this when I was in college, baking my skin with baby oil and sun, trying to look tan like the rest of the girls?

The swatch photo above left shows, from top to bottom, Light Gold, Rose Gold, Bronze Gold, and Deep Gold. I am going to be penniless after I purchase the full sizes of all four shades. Maybe you will have more discipline than I do. I love GLEAM!

I zoomed in on Light Gold and Rose Gold in the photo at right. I get weak in the knees over rose gold makeup (and jewelry), and the Rose Gold shade did it to me too. It's hard to find words to describe its beauty. I think you can see in the photo why I find Light Gold a perfect illuminator for my face.

I didn't want to leave you dark-complexion gals out, so I also took a close-up of Bronze Gold and Deep Gold for you. I love the rose tint in Deep Gold. I think that's why I like is so much, even though it wasn't designed for my pale skin.

Remember, I barely blended these shades for the swatch photos. I wanted to get maximum impact for the photos. Once you blend them, your skin will have an incredible appearance. Be careful; you could get hooked on GLEAM!

You can purchase it from the GLEAM Web site. Please see the comments for more information. GLEAM Body Radiance is also available at three California retail shops. Go look!

Photos at top courtesy of GLEAM Body Radiance; swatch photos by Best Things in Beauty

Weekend Roundup - May 28

We hope you'll take a few minutes from your long weekend to take a tour through the beauty world with us. We're in the mood for summer.

Café Makeup left us drooling over her sneak peek at Chanel's Fall 2011 Collection.
The Non-Blonde featured a superb powder brush from Louise Young. Love her brush features!
DivaDebbi test drove Maybelline's Great Lash Mascara after all these years. Did it pass today's test?
Product Girl got a peek at Joelle Russo's makeup bag. See what a Nordstrom Regional Beauty Director loves.
Gina Brooke, Artistic Director for Hourglass Cosmetics and celebrity makeup artist, shared her beauty secrets with Fab over Forty.
The Beauty Look Book put a spotlight on Chanel's divine Rouge Coco Shine.
Check out BeautyXposé for the Spring/Summer nail color collection from Anise.
Love Deborah Lippmann like most of us? Daly Beauty featured Deborah Lippmann's nude nail look.
Gouldylox Reviews showed us how to attach feather extensions to our hair. Look out Steven Tyler!

Here at Best Things in Beauty, I got my first, up close and personal look at Giorgio Armani Beauty's new Gloss d'Armani. I have four more shades to show you in Part 2, hopefully later today. I also had a blast with Chantecaille's new collection, Summer in St. Barth's. Just scroll down to see it.

We hope you enjoy your Memorial Day weekend. Kick back and enjoy the unofficial start of summer, but please take a moment to remember those who gave their lives for our freedom.

The Friday Forum - May 27

The honeysuckle is blooming, and I'm in the mood for a fragrance that carries the true scent of honeysuckle onto my body! Do you have any ideas for me?

This was a busy beauty week! Some of the stunning summer collections (the late wave) finally launched - right before the fall collections start to appear. The timing couldn't have been more welcome to an addict who loves a fresh dose of makeup. There's more to come here at Best Things in Beauty, but I'll take a break and reflect on the week.

I wasn't terribly interested in the American Idol finale, but I turned it on, thinking it would provide background music for other activities. I ended up watching most of the show! There were so many guest stars, often singing with the Final 13, it was a fun show. I got to see all my favorites, from Jacob to Haley. Isn't Paul McDonald darling? Jacob soared with Gladys Knight and Kirk Franklin. Tony Bennett and Haley? Charming! Listening made me happy. I hope all those kids see their dreams of a career in music come true.

Can you even believe it's time for The Friday Forum? We use the forum to share information and chat. Did you find any deals you couldn't resist this week? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By Monday, most readers have moved on.

There are so many special offers for Memorial Day. This evening, I will put some of the better ones in the comments for your use - should you decide to do a little armchair shopping this weekend.

Want to blush? I have a giveaway contest for a Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten in Tropic Hues. It's a perfect punch for summer. Make sure to enter before Saturday's midnight deadline.

I hope you have a glorious Memorial Day weekend. Please take a few minutes to reflect on those who have died in our nation's service. If you have lost a loved one to war (or the new kind of war called terrorism), please know that millions will pause this weekend to reflect on your sacrifices. We care. Thank you for giving up the most precious thing you could give - your children, fathers and mothers, grandparents, brothers and sisters, cousins, and best friends.

YSL Pure Chromatics Wet & Dry Eyeshadow for Summer 2011 - #19

Through the magic of water and a revolutionary new technology, YSL Beauté created Pure Chromatics, its latest generation of eye shadows, in March. You can create "makeup artist magic" with any of the eight harmonies for the eyes. There are two palettes (quads) featured in the Summer Look for 2011. Today, I want to show you #19.

The must-have colors for Summer 2011 embody the unexpected intensity of a summer in Paris, a time when anything is possible.

Indeed! Anything might be possible by copying the look on the model above. With flashy cat's eyes, created with many shades, including blue and yellow, and blue nails, she'll draw attention. Take heart! There are looks for summer that are just as pretty, but much more wearable. The two new Pure Chromatics Wet & Dry eye palettes are gorgeous. I showed you #20 earlier this week. Today, let's take a look at #19.

Depending on how you use Pure Chromatics 4 Wet & Dry Eyeshadow #19 ($48), you can achieve subtle or intense metallic looks. I prefer subtle and apply the eye shadows dry. I had trouble applying them wet. I learned from Gaia at The Non-Blonde, who was bolder in her experimentation, how to get the full effect of the chromatic formula and apply these YSL colors wet.

Even though I don't gravitate toward pink eye shadows, there was something about #19 I couldn't leave behind. The bright pink has an indescribable allure. What appears to be a lighter pink in the compact is actually white with a pink cast on my skin. The two browns, dark and taupe, are lust-worthy. All four shades coordinate perfectly.

When I looked at the Summer Look on YSL's Web site, I became confused about #19. Online, it appears to be an entirely different palette. It has a lavender and brown theme. There is nothing about the #19 I purchased at Neiman Marcus that transmits lavender. I sure hope YSL is not re-using numbers. I could be wrong, but this isn't the first time I've noticed a discrepancy.

I took a few swatch photos to show you these glorious shades. My photos were taken in full sun, and I applied the shadows with my own sponge-tipped applicators (not the ones supplied in the compact). I swatched clockwise, with the top shade on my arm matching the top left pink in the compact.

Is that pink gorgeous or what? I have no idea where or even if I'm going to use it - but I love the shade. It's pastel rose to my eye, gleaming and glorious. Maybe I'll try it as a blush or cheekbone highlighter. The ever-so-slightly-pink white shade is a great color. It applies evenly, which I appreciate. I have struggled with so many metallic whites; there's no struggle required with this one. The darker brown has a touch of copper in it. It's actually much prettier than my photos show. The shimmering taupe? Love!

I'm glad I purchased #19. Even if you don't like these shades, you will find that #6 and #20 are fabulous. Everyone should own at least one Pure Chromatics eye shadow palette!

Pure Chromatics Wet & Dry Eyeshadows are available at YSL's Web site and Neiman Marcus. I'm sure the other stores have received them - or will soon. I forgot to look when I was in Saks earlier this week. Keep your eyes open for them.

Photo at top courtesy of YSL Beauté; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Chantecaille Summer in St. Barth's - Poudre de Perle

Brand new, but anticipated for months, Chantecaille's Poudre de Perle ($55) is everything I expected - and more. Before I tell you about it, I want to share an anecdote.

I introduced a friend at my office to Chantecaille. I had invited her to Alex Chantecaille's event at Neiman Marcus - the time Chantecaille offered a lovely drawing for Best Things in Beauty readers. Since then, she has been using Chantecaille skin care and makeup, and she looks fabulous. She tells me often that her husband, friends, and colleagues have commented on how good she's been looking lately. The only thing she changed? You guessed it! She is now a Chantecaille devotee.

Poudre de Perle builds on the unparalleled success of Protection Naturelle, Chantecaille's excellent powder that delivers full-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Poudre de Perle's innovative blush formula is contained with its own brush and delivers the perfect amount of color. It's available in one shade, Biwa, a pearly warm pink shade with golden peach highlights. It's perfect for most skin tones and skin types. Not only is the blush convenient to apply, it's refillable. I like the re-use concept. Less waste will help us be better stewards of our planet.

Olivia Chantecaille modeled Poudre de Perle in Chantecaille's Summer in St. Barth's look. It doesn't get any prettier! For the photo, it was applied to her cheeks, starting at the inner edge of the cheek bones and softly blended out toward the temples.

Here are a couple of photos of the product. The brush has a protective plastic sleeve that slides up and down. In the photo at right, the sleeve is down. I think this photo, taken in outdoor morning sunlight represents the shade in the tube pretty well. The photo at left is a close-up of the powder blush.

It was a challenge for me to get half-decent swatch photos of Biwa on my skin. It's beautifully sheer. I finally applied moisturizer and a light coat of foundation to my arm to get the photos here. My swatch photos were taken in late morning sunlight, and I applied Poudre de Perle with its own brush.


This blush makes my heart race - in a good way! I hope you can see that it's warm pink and has a shimmer that will make you look glowing (this is "adult makeup," made for women, not teenagers hoping to drive their mothers over the edge). There is some extra shimmer on my arm from the sunlight.

You can find Poudre de Perle at Chantecaille's Web site. It should be at your favorite Chantecaille counter in a few days, if it's not already on display. For information about Chantecaille online specials and Neiman Marcus events, please scroll down to my other Chantecaille features.

Photo at top courtesy of Chantecaille; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Sneak Peek: Ken's Korals by Le Métier de Beauté

I've been waiting to get my hands on a photo of a Neiman Marcus exclusive: Ken's Korals by Le Métier de Beauté. It popped up yesterday on the NMdaily. The title of this limited-edition, two-piece collection may be a little corny, but there's nothing corny about the bold colors.

Fashion Director Ken Downing, the definitive taste maker for Neiman Marcus, collaborated with Le Métier de Beauté to create two limited-edition products inspired by the bold, uplifting colors seen on runways. The result was Ken’s Korals. The coral red lip and nail shades were chosen to be universally flattering.

Colour Core Moisture Stain Lipstick in Ken’s Kissable Koral ($32) is an innovative lip stain and moisturizer in one. Jojoba, lanolin, and shea butter will keep your lips soft, while a shot of rich coral on the lips will adds some drama to the classic sun-soaked summer look. The Nail Lacquer in Ken’s Kontagious Koral ($18) will be available in a new, larger size, .40 ounces.

Both items will be available exclusively at Neiman Marcus and neimanmarcus.com in June. If you are interested, you should get on the waiting list. These are bound to sell out.

Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Chantecaille Sea Turtle Palette Availability and Online Special News

While you can still find Chantecaille's Sea Turtle Palette ($79) at some of the department stores, it has been sold out online. Now, in a rare stroke of luck, Chantecaille expects to have 25 Sea Turtle Palettes available tomorrow. It was just "put back" online with a Notify Me message. If you want it, go to this Chantecaille link NOW and fill out your contact information. See update below.

Don't wait on this one.

If you are waiting for a Chantecaille online special, your day will come on June 5. Chantecaille loves you - and the world's oceans. Online only, from June 5-12, in honor of World Ocean Day, Chantecaille will offer a free Amaretto Lip Gloss with the purchase of any La Baleine compact. Use code WHALES at checkout.

Update 5:05 pm - The 25 Sea Turtle Palettes are available. Go for it if you didn't get one - or three - when they were introduced.

Photo courtesy of Chantecaille

Chantecaille Summer in St. Barth's - Compact Soleil in St. Barth's

Want to look this good? You can with a little help from Chantecaille! Perfect skin and teeth won't hurt, but the elegant makeup is all Chantecaille. The Summer in St. Barth's shades have launched.

Over the next few days, I'll be showing you how to duplicate the eyes, cheeks, and lips from the Summer in St. Barth's look. Today, let's take a look St. Barth's Compact Soleil ($45) bronzer. Olivia Chantecaille (above) is wearing St. Barth's, which imparts a beautiful, sun-kissed look that's light and perfect for those who fear bronzers. St. Barth's is a sheer brown that will leave us pale faces with a natural look, one that doesn't scream, "Bronzer!" The shade was inspired by Chantecaille's Le Tigre Bronzer.

St. Barth's was lightly dusted on the highest points of Olivia's face with Chantecaille's Face Brush - on her cheekbones, chin, and forehead. She's also wearing BIWA Poudre de Perle, which I will show you as soon as I can get good photos.

Don't let the look of this bronzer in the compact - or its photo online - influence your impression of the shade. It's one of the most wearable bronzers I have ever purchased. No special technique, such as a very fluffy brush and light hand, is needed to get the right touch with St. Barth's. It's goof-proof.

Compact Soleil captures the wonderful effects of the sun without any of the harmful effects of UV rays. This incredibly natural-looking bronzer is the result of the latest micronizing technology that creates an ultra-fine powder with a silky, glowing finish. Gingko biloba and wild rose work together to heal and protect the skin, leaving it smooth and radiant. It's cruelty-free, with no animal derivatives, paraben-free, and fragrance-free.

I took my photos outdoors in sunlight. You can see the reflections on the pretty silver-toned compact in the photo above. St. Barth's is sheer and flattering. I decided to use a sponge to apply swatches for my photos. There's a heavy application at the top of my arm and a lighter one below. Keep in mind that I applied both more heavily than I would normally apply the bronzer. I hope you can see that this shade is divine. There isn't even a smidgen of orange in it.

I can see some tiny sparkles in the compact, but St. Barth's applies a gleam - an indescribable glow - no fireworks. That's fabulous for convincing your admirers that the sun-kissed glow is natural.

The texture is the fine, creamy powder we expect from Chantecaille. It adheres perfectly. It has definitely joined the "wear me" pile among the best bronzers in my life. Compact Soleil in Capri had already gone there. St. Barth's has joined it!

After having so many makeup artists apply bronzer to my face, making me look healthy, helping my cheekbones pop, and making my square jawline recede a bit, I've become a bronzer convert over the last year. When you find the right one, you'll join me.

You can find Compact Soleil at Chantecaille's Web site. It arrived at Neiman Macus (where I bought mine) within the last few days, so I'm sure your Chantecaille counter will have it soon. This bronzer is a must-try for anyone with fair skin. Try it; if it's too light for you, one of the other Compact Soleil shades should be perfect. I'm looking forward to the next Chantecaille event at Neiman Marcus!

Update: There will be a Chantecaille event on June 11 at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria with Eddie Hernandez (call Kathy Shoreman at 703-761-1600, extension 3282).

There will be a gift with purchase for Camp Gorgeous, Sunday, June 5, through June 12 at all Neiman Marcus stores.

Photo of Olivia Chantecaille courtesy of Chantecaille; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Giorgio Armani Beauty Gloss d'Armani - Live and In Person

Ooh la la...it's love! The new Giorgio Armani Beauty Gloss d'Armani ($28) lip glosses arrived at Saks, and I had my choice of all the shades. I purchased "only" four - on this first round. I'm sure I will select additional shades. I even loved a pastel tangerine one - can you believe it?

What do you do when you are faced with 18 colors you could love? I could have purchased every one of the new Gloss d'Armani shades. Maybe one darker coral shade didn't appeal to me. I haven't had time yet to test, wear, and determine the length of wear. No matter to me. I wanted to show you my initial selections. There will definitely be a Part 2 to this feature and maybe a Part 3.

"My first four," in order left to right in the photo at left, were Beige #100, Pink #501, Plum #600, and Plum #601. You can see that I selected a range of shades, from the lightest to dark shades so that I could evaluate all of their qualities.

Beige #100 is extremely light. It's close to the color of my skin tone. My skin doesn't gleam like the Gloss d'Armani does. It's a gorgeous topper. It's shown at the top of my swatch photo, barely.

Pink #501 was the last of the four shades I selected (for now). It's a pretty, sheer warm pink. There are several cooler pinks from which to select. I'm sure I'll purchase some of those too.

The plums always draw my eye. I chose Plum #600 and Plum #601 first. I love gloss with color. I don't have to wear lipstick underneath it. Plum #600 is rosier then Plum #601 and is shown above it on my arm. I'd be hard pressed to choose between them. I think they are both exquisite.

My swatch photo was taken quickly. I'll get more photos later - probably when I go back for more shades. I didn't have enough time to try each of the available shades at Saks, but given my love for Giorgio Armani Beauty lip glosses, I will.

To find out more about their properties, check out my sneak peek from earlier this week. Just hop over to this link.

Gloss d'Armani has not arrived at the Giorgio Armani Beauty Web site yet. It was available at my favorite Saks Fifth Avenue this week. As far as I know, it has not landed at Neiman Marcus, but all of their stores have different delivery dates. Ask your favorite Armani Beauty counter for an arrival date.

Photo at top courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Dr.Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25 PA++

If you are anything like me, a product will catch your eye at Sephora, and you've added it to your cart before you "lose the idea." That was how I came to own Dr.Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25 PA++ ($32).

A moisturizer, sunscreen, and treatment serum, this all-in-one product that also hides imperfections because it has a light tint. Made with 50% water, Dr.Jart's Advanced Water Bead Technology helps hydrate and maintain healthy moisture for a dewy, fresh look. Like a drink for your skin, once applied, tiny droplets of water appear before being quickly absorbed, generating an instant soothing and cooling effect. They must be really tiny, because I don't see those little beads of water. What I see is even skin, while I feel a nice level of hydration. I know that sunscreen is offering protection too.

It's a great tinted moisturizer for summer. The oil-free "balm," which is really a light cream, includes sunscreen ingredients that protect the skin from a broad range of UVA and UVB radiation. After a quick application, my skin is left looking smooth, perfect, and natural. The tint is almost imperceptible, but it does even my skin tone. It won't cover stubborn marks, like dark sun spots or active acne.

I love makeup-free days on the weekends, but I'll always make an exception for a tinted moisturizer. I've purchased three for this summer, and I'm slowly testing them. Water Fuse Beauty Balm is the first I put to the test, and it passed. It did everything I expected. Feels good too - moisture without any oil slick that would be too heavy on a warm day.

Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25 PA++ has nice ingredients. The sun-protection comes from relatively high concentrations of octinoxate, octisalate, and titanium dioxide. The other good-for-you ingredients include hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, aloe, portulaca extract, and sea water.

Dr. Jart, a dermatologist, offers a line of cosmeceuticals. The doctor's approach to product development is based on use of scientifically certified ingredients. Each formula is tried and tested to ensure safety for all skin types - even hypersensitive skin - so everyone can experience the "art of skincare with Dr. Jart." So far, I'm pleased.

Next time you browse at Sephora, see what you think.

Photo courtesy of Sephora

YSL Pure Chromatics Wet & Dry Eyeshadow for Summer 2011 - #20

Through the magic of water and a revolutionary new technology, YSL Beauté introduced Pure Chromatics, its latest generation of eye shadows, in March. You can create "makeup artist magic" with any of the eight harmonies for the eyes. There are two palettes (quads) featured in the Summer Look for 2011.

Depending on how you use Pure Chromatics 4 Wet & Dry Eyeshadows ($48), you can achieve subtle or intense metallic looks. Used dry, they are nicely shimmering shadows. Used wet? YSL says to expect the unexpected. When used wet, the water rehydrates the powder eye shadows and is said to give full intensity to their pigments. YSL says the satiny powder transforms into a luxurious cream, while pearls shine with a metallic finish. Conservative, moderate, or bold in your approach to makeup, you're likely to be pleased by Pure Chromatics.

I purchased both of the new quads at Neiman Marcus. Today, I'm featuring #20, with four shades that are all delightful. My photo of the compact is at left. My swatch photo is below.

I applied the shadows for the swatch photo with a dry sponge-tipped applicator, and I took my photo in full, afternoon sun. I swatched clockwise, starting at the top left of the quad.

The top shade is a peachy gold to my eye. Some might call it pure gold. The white shade could best be described as platinum or metallic white. Unlike some white shadows from this season, it applies evenly and isn't at all crumbly (a pet peeve I have with some recent whites from other lines). The plum-brown is a fabulous eyeliner shade for me - not too plummy. Others with darker skin may find it a great accent or contouring shade. I could use it that way, but probably will restrict its use to liner. The bottom gold shade is pure gold to my eye, lighter than the other gold - and equally gorgeous.

Interestingly, I did give the shadows a go with a damp brush and didn't like them as much. Whether I didn't use enough water or I made some other mistake, I found them to be superior when applied with a dry shadow brush - even with my sponge-tipped applicator! I'll check in with the YSL product specialists about that, but I can wholeheartedly recommend them for dry application. They apply easily and evenly, and the look is shimmering without being glittery.

For my feature on Pure Chromatics in #6, see this link. It was my favorite of the quads from the earlier introductions.

The beautiful new Pure Chromatics Wet & Dry Eyeshadows are available at YSL's Web site and Neiman Marcus. I'm sure the other stores received them too - or will soon. Call ahead if you plan a trip to see them. I'll show you #19 if I can get a swatch photo tomorrow. It's been hit or miss here for sunshine.

Photo at top courtesy of YSL Beauté; other photos by Best Things in Beauty