Estée Lauder Introduces Pure Color Topaz for Spring 2012

I wish the sun would re-appear. If it weren't for the clouds, I would have swatch photos of Estée Lauder's Pure Color Topaz Collection for Spring 2012. While the prognosis that the sun will shine today isn't good, I'm still hopeful. The day is young (and hope springs eternal).

The spring collection is bold, yet subtle, inspired by the warm, sun-bleached tones of the desert. Pure Color Topaz, a limited-edition makeup collection, features a mosaic of
sublime bronze, taupe, and sand dune shades, punctuated by an irreverent (and smashing) twist of citron yellow and an intense pop of teal, evoking the naturally smoky look and romantic glow of a desert sunset.

Conceived by Estée Lauder Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux, pieces of the Topaz collection debuted at the Derek Lam Spring 2012 show, where Pecheux complimented the clean minimalist fashion with a dreamy, warm look of shimmering eyes highlighted in yellow, lightly bronzed contoured cheeks, and a sheer golden lip that captured the mood of the season.

In this avant garde color collection, eyes shimmer with neutral bronze and copper tones highlighted by the season’s startling, yet very wearable citron yellow, and are emphasized with sexy, richly pigmented liner in vibrant turquoise for a smoldering gaze. Skin is fresh and warmed with lightly bronzed, contoured cheeks. Lips glow with a sheer golden hue. Nails make a statement with a soft, yet exhilarating turquoise.

Pure Color Five Color EyeShadow Palette in Topaz Mosaic ($45) is a sublime mix of five sun-drenched neutral desert tones with a refreshingly unexpected pop of citron yellow at the center. Layer neutral bronze, taupe, and sand dune shades to create a strong, yet invitingly warm eye. Even though these aren't my "typical" eye shadow shades, I fell in love with this palette the moment I first tried it at Bloomingdale's.

Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelée in Topaz Chameleon ($40) provides the dash of sun-kissed warmth to newly awakened spring skin. Featuring a fitting snakeskin pattern, this prism shine powder gelée can be used to bronze, blush, or softly contour cheeks. A “tribrid” system of liquid, powder and gel, this first-of-a-kind, “multi-powder” formula creates a theatrical blur of shimmer on the skin when applied dry and a fierce flush of color when applied wet. The unique suspension of golden pigments and pearls float on top of the skin, resulting in a truly unique sensorial experience. The modern powder is flexible and uses a luminosity-boosting complex that makes the complexion appear perfectly smooth, seductive, and warm.

Topaz Chameleon is going to sell out - fast. Get your hands on it as soon as possible. Between limited distribution and its appeal, if you wait, you will be disappointed. I bought one at Bloomingdale's and liked it so much, I've purchased another at Neiman Marcus. We hoarders are going to be an issue for women who want this gorgeous, limited-edition, golden highlighter.

The total surprise of the collection is the pure sparkling citrus yellow sheen with Pure Color Gloss in Citron Kiss ($22.50). It provides a desert sun-kissed effect. While I won't be wearing the golden yellow without lipstick underneath, I will be popping it over lipsticks for a sparkling effect. This ultra-sheer, chic shade disperses golden particle pearls for a very natural, warm lip.

There's much more to come here. I'll be featuring swatch photos and telling you a little more about each product in the collection. Tom Pecheux is turning out one hit after another for Estée Lauder, and I think this collection's departure from spring's pastel pinks is a stroke of creative genius. The collection is now available at many Estée Lauder counters (but not all).

As I wrote, the sky started to brighten. Here's hoping I can get some swatch photos today!

Photos courtesy of Estée Lauder