Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in Rivière from the Fleur de Lotus Collection at Nordstrom

Chanel's limited-edition Illusion D'Ombre in Rivière (#87, $36) was introduced in the United States with the Fleur de Lotus Collection, exclusive to Nordstrom. When I saw the photo on Nordstrom's Web site, I knew I had to try it. You may have read about it at The Non-Blonde. She featured the icy green shade when it was an Asia exclusive.

It must have been popular at Nordstrom. It has disappeared from Chanel's Fleur de Lotus Collection page. I can see why! I think it's seriously stunning. If you haven't seen it, go straight to a Nordstrom store to try to find it. I'm not able to bring it up at Nordstrom.com anymore.

Chanel's own photo shown at the top of this feature is much better than mine, which was snapped in late-afternoon sunshine. The color is more green than my photo shows.

I applied it with my own cream eye shadow brush, not the brush that comes with it. Rivière is very, extremely sheer, which I love. It leaves a veil of iridescent pastel green that's easy to wear precisely because it's sheer.

The Non-Blonde said that Chanel's instructions for application are to take the needed amount of product and avoid re-dipping and swirling in the pot to save the eye shadow's integrity and texture. There are no instructions on or inside the box. Silly me, I simply layered it until I was happy with the swatches for these photos - and I did the same thing on my eyelids. I suspect no harm came to the shadow's integrity or texture.

This intensely shimmering long-wear eyeshadow offers true versatility. An innovative gel texture that is both soft and cushiony allows it to be worn as eyeshadow or eyeliner. Each shadow includes a specially designed shadow/liner brush, developed specifically for this unique formula. 

Now that you can purchase Rivière in the United States, you won't have to bother your friends and acquaintances in Asia - or try to move heaven and earth - to buy it. Tempted? I love it and highly recommend it.

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

Bobbi Brown City Twilight Nordstrom Anniversary Set

I was prepared to have the following reaction, "Oh, just another Bobbi Brown limited-edition set. I don't need it." Even though I love Bobbi Brown - and have countless Bobbi Brown palettes - I really wish she would concentrate on single colors more than palettes. Often, I have to purchase a palette (or set), with one or two things I don't need or don't want in order to get the colors I do want.

When I saw City Twilight, Nordstrom's exclusive, limited-edition Bobbi Brown Anniversary Set ($80), I bought it immediately. Did I need a black eyeliner or mascara? No. I'm glad to have everything else, though, including the Hydrating Eye Cream. The colors in this palette are beautiful.

Inspired by the play of shadow and light at dusk, this collection has everything you need to transition your look through the seasons. The set includes Hydrating Eye Cream (0.23 oz.), a double-decker palette filled with sun-swept shadows, glosses, and a cream blush - plus Long-Wear Pencil in Jet (0.04 oz.), and an Intensifying Long-Wear Mascara in Black (0.23 oz.). The finishing touch is City Twilight Glitter Nail Polish (0.3 oz.), a stunning, shimmering shade. The palette includes a Dual Ended Eye Shadow/Eye Liner Brush, a nice touch for anyone who travels.

I was able to get swatch photos of the palette over the weekend. I didn't feel it necessary to show you a black eyeliner or black mascara. I'll show you the gorgeous Nail Polish later. It's a hybrid of sparkling beige, silver, and pink. I wanted you to have an opportunity to purchase a City Twilight set before they are sold out. The palette is gorgeous, and when they're gone, there's gone.

I took my photos in full sun. I swatched all shades, even the lip glosses, with a sponge-tipped applicator. Let's start with the eye shadows. There isn't a sparkly, colorless dud in the group. I swatched from left to right.

Ivory Eye Shadow is shown (you can't really see it) at the top of my arm. It's a great base shade on my fair skin - and an old standby. On darker skin, it should show more color. Smokey Haze Metallic Eye Shadow is a gorgeous shimmering taupe. I love it. Heather Dusk Metallic Eye Shadow is a shimmering mauve I can wear - yippee! The surprise in the shadows, Velvet Eye Shadow isn't as "purple" as it looks in the palette. It's more brown than lavender, making it a great color for me.

The bottom tier has two Lip Glosses and one Pot Rouge. I swatched from left to right. Pink Beige Lip Gloss at the top of my arm is a pretty, very sheer neutral pink. The Desert Rose Pot Rouge cream blush (which you can wear on your lips) is a warm pink - and a terrific color. I'm glad it's represented in a decent size.

The nude gloss, Blushed Heather Glitter Lip Gloss, shown at the bottom of my arm directly above, is a pretty, sparkling nude with just a hint of peach-pink. Both lip glosses are great toppers.

Three of the shades in this palette are limited-editions, but I was a ditz and forgot to write down which ones. I was like a kid in a candy store the day I shopped at Nordstrom last week. Makeup deals for the Anniversary Sale, plus my favorite shoes,  led to my delirium. This is, in my opinion, one of Bobbi Brown's prettiest, most useful palettes in recent times. It can still be yours - at Nordstrom in the United States.

Interestingly, this set is available from Bobbi Brown in the United Kingdom. Here in the United States, it's a Nordstrom exclusive. To further complicate things, I've read that it's exclusive to Selfridges. "Exclusive" doesn't always mean exclusive.

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

Giorgio Armani Beauty Easy Chic Collection for Fall 2012

Giorgio Armani has unique new, limited-edition colors in store for us for Fall 2012. The Easy Chic Collection offers two classic harmonies, which are complemented with new Rouge d'Armani Lipsticks and two new Eyes to Kill Waterproof Pencils.

The new signature Neo-Classic Face & Eye Palettes ($88) - in Neo-Brown and Neo-Black - are classics featuring a black lacquered double-tiered case with a magnetic closure inspired by the Rouge d'Armani Lipsticks.

On the first tier, you'll find a feather-light powder with micronized particles of Micro-Fil technology to illuminate the skin with the signature Armani glow. On the second tier, you'll find two matte eye shadows in intense hues and a satin illuminator - also formulated with Micro-Fil technology. Satin and matte illuminators seem to be the latest innovation for fall.

The Neo-Black Palette includes a transparent face powder in Sheer Beige, teamed with Soft Beige, Taupe, and Jet Black Eye Shadows. The Neo-Brown Palette offers a Sheer Rose Blush, partnered with Greige, Brown, and Earth Brown shades.

Armani's newest shadows "reinvent" eye makeup using Color-Fil technology to achieve uniform color payoff in intense shades. Dark tones appear darker; lighter tones appear brighter. With Color-Fil Velvet and Color-Fil Satin finishes, both effortlessly blend together to create fall's seductive neo-classic eye. This fall, you'll discover the most intense matte color with a new luminous finish and a brighter, bolder satin for an incredibly amplified contrast.

Color-Fil Velvet is a creamy matte powder for intensely hued shadows that can create the ultimate in tailor-made eyewear. Matte eye shadows can be dry, hard to blend, and occasionally uncomfortable. With his technological breakthrough, Giorgio Armani is introducing a formula that provides velvety colors that evenly glide on the lid as a very thin film and remain faithful to the shades promised in the palette. The extremely high percentage of treated pigments available in the shadows contributes to the ultra-fine, blendable powder. Moreover, in a revolutionary formulation process, the eye shadow is given a wax coating to achieve excellent comfort, while high-impact matte colors are preserved while worn. The result is a creamy, soft-skin sensation that stays decadently comfortable with full intensity.

Color-Fil Satin is Armani's bright, high-drama color with a long-wearing luminous finish. Frosted shadows can feel dry and occasionally fleck onto the cheeks and into the eyes. Through his Color-fil Satin technology, Armani has given us powders that are bonded with a silicone-like gum that creates a magnetic effect between particles, allowing the powder to glide onto the skin like a flexible stretch fabric, while maintaining a lasting feel. The spherical polymer and treated pearls in the formula allow powder to roll onto the skin and assure that the pearls adhere to the skin. This new satin shadow delivers long-lasting, comfortable color, without smudging.

The new Rouge d'Armani Lipsticks ($30) will be available in three shades. I have photos of two of them. Beige 111, Rouge 408, and Plum 526 will complete your color contrasts with pure, long-lasting color. Lightweight oils and dense pigments mold color to the lips, sealing in moisture without fading or creating any feathering.

Two new Eyes to Kill Waterproof Eye Pencils ($28) will define your eyes in Granite Black or Earthen Brown shades with a wax-based, glide-on technology. These eye definers combine the precise application of a pencil with the comfort and 16-hour wear of a liquid liner for color that remains comfortably soft all day.

"This autumn, Giorgio Armani reinvents texture with his unique vision of color, contrasting fabrics and shapes to play off a masculine aesthetic against elegant femininity. Perfectly harmonized shades are revisited in a neoclassical way to add a sultry decadence to the face," said Linda Cantello, International Makeup Artist for Giorgio Armani Beauty.

Giorgio Armani Beauty's Easy Chic limited-edition collection will be available in September at Armani counters and at the Armani Beauty Web site.

Photos courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty

Guerlain Rouge G de Guerlain L'Extrait - New for Fall 2012

As the creator of the first tube of lipstick in 1870, Guerlain has continued to offer break-through lip innovations, and this fall the company's Rouge G L’Extrait ($48) is the newest to be unveiled. Liquid, creamy, consistent, ultra-pigmented, and velvety, this exceptional lip color is the perfect combination of a lipstick and a gloss and will ensure an incredibly sophisticated look. The liquid texture glides gently over the lips, and within a few moments, the silky color becomes matte. This non-sticky, non-drying, and non-feathering texture leaves your lips looking flawless for hours.

Rouge G L'Extrait features a soft, creamy texture for an easy and precise application. The matte finish is sophisticated, but not boring. It's not flat matte. The original Rouge G Lipstick case has been re-interpreted in a sleeker, longer version, but it's no lighter (one my my wishes). The mirror is incredibly handy on the go, but the product adds weight to my handbag. One you figure out how to open the case (following the directions on the overlay), turn the handle to reveal the product.

The formula, like a second skin, offers rejuvenating and smoothing benefits that increase with continued application.

• Hyaluronic acid - nature's sponge, to smooth and plump the lips
• Centella asiatica (Tiger Grass) - known for stimulating collagen synthesis and boosting the firming process
• Guggul resin (used in Ayurvedic medicine) - included for its smoothing action

There are seven shades, all named after the seven cardinal sins. Really!

• M06, Avarice, is beige for greed.
• M25, Colère, is red for wrath.
• M27, Luxure, is brown for lust.
• M41, Envie, is envious orange.
• M65, Paresse, my favorite, is pink for sloth.
• M69, Orgueil, is plum for pride.
• M71, Gourmandise, is raspberry for gluttony.

Still want one after those descriptions? Try to overlook the weird associations and concentrate on the colors. Most of the shades are intense - too intense for me.  There are four pink-rose shades and four warm orange-brown-coral tones on the Fall 2012 display. My eyes went straight to the pink-rose tones, and I found Paresse to be the one I could wear comfortably.

My two swatch photos of Paresse were taken in full sun. As you can see, the pretty rose color shines only slightly - mostly because of the direct sun exposure in my photos. The color is intense. That's why I can't wear the darker shades comfortably (I just can't lead with my lips). They aren't "me."

Rouge G L'Extrait feels great on the lips. It's not even slightly drying, as many matte shades can be. I'm glad to have it, but I won't purchase more shades. One is enough for this shiny lip color lover.

For those with more sophisticated tastes - and liquid lipstick lovers - a stop at the Guerlain counter to see the collection will be mandatory. The new fall shades of Rouge G L’Extrait are available at select locations of Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and at Bergdorf Goodman.I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus.

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

Estée Lauder Violet Underground Pure Color 5-Color Eyeshadow Palette Giveaway Contest

Created by Tom Pecheux for the ultimate in eye expression, Estée Lauder's new Violet Underground Pure Color 5-Color EyeShadow Palette ($48) offers a high-style mix to inspire creative blending, highlighting, and color accenting. The versatile palette allows you to play with intensities, express different attitudes, and mix and blend shades.

The Pure Color palette holds varying color intensities and finishes. The matte, satin, shimmer, and metallic finishes deliver high-pigment and high-impact effects. The long-wearing formula adheres without creasing, blends easily, and comes in a sleek, mirrored compact with an applicator.

Violet Underground is the centerpiece of Estée Lauder's Fall 2012 Collection. It's so pretty, I felt compelled to mark Best Things in Beauty's third anniversary (which actually occurred in June) with two contests this week. Even if you can't wear the magenta shade on your eyes, you'll find color combinations to love if you win.

How can you enter to win this contest (technically a sweepstakes)? Just leave a comment on this feature (not in another BTiB post). After you comment here, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com (the contest address, not my "personal" e-mail) 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). Please make sure I have your e-mail. If I can't notify you, you can't win - even if your number is drawn. I can't believe the number of entrants I haven't been able to find in the past.

You can earn extra entries. Follow this blog (through an e-mail subscription, GFC, or though one of the many Google readers - see sidebar at right) to earn a second entry. If you are a follower, it would help me tally entries if you tell me in your comment how you follow. You don't have to follow to enter. I want everyone to have a chance, but I also want to reward my followers. I must be able to track this entry.

You can earn a third entry by tweeting this contest. You must include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) and the contest title in your tweet. Remember, tweet the contest title - if you don't, that entry won't count. I will tweet the contest later today, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, August 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 on Sunday morning. 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 - when the contest ends.

This contest is open to anyone anywhere. Here are the terms. I will carefully pack and ship the prize (as I always do). I cannot insure the prize for overseas shipment - it's amazingly expensive to do so because of the way I have to send insured mail. If it's lost or stolen in transit, I may not be able to replace it with another prize just like it. I'll do my best on this end; let's see if your mail service does right by you on the other end if we have an overseas winner.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck!

Photos courtesy of Nordstrom

Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Sunscreen for Body SPF 50

Kiehl's has introduced a "Dermatologist Solutions" Activated Sun Protector Sunscreen for Body with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($23). It's an oil-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, lightweight fluid sunscreen with patented, photostabilized, sun-filtering technology to provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Formulated to meet the new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, Kiehl's chemists worked to pack the sunscreen with additional benefits - three antioxidants to help ward off free radicals on the skin's surface.

"We have always taken sunscreen seriously at Kiehl's. We take extra care to educate our customers on sunscreens, how to use them, what SPF numbers mean, and how to properly protect your skin, so we were pleased to see the FDA's sunscreen labeling reforms, which are intended to better educate consumers on how sunscreens combat sun damage," said Dr. Angelike Galdi, Kiehl's Head Chemist and AVP of Research & Innovation. "We took the opportunity to not only meet the standards, but exceed them by adding powerful antioxidants to further protect the skin from environmental aggressors."

Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Sunscreen for the Body with SPF 50 offers broad-spectrum protection with filters that can absorb different wavelengths of ultraviolet rays to ensure protection against UVA and UVB exposure. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen will help minimize skin tone irregularities and prevent premature skin aging.

Dr. Sherry Hsiung, a hyperpigmentation specialist skin cancer surgeon, and consulting dermatologist for Kiehl's said, "My patients often complain that sunscreen is too thick, tacky, and sticky, a misconception that leads to many people not applying sunscreen often enough or even at all. Kiehl's new Activated Sun Protector Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 offers men and women...a formula that is ultra-light and absorbs easily. It's non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores and has even been proven to improve skin barrier function."

Kiehl's chemists used patented photstabilized technology to produce an effective and efficient sunscreen, which protects against harmful UVA rays that are responsible for the majority of UV radiation that reaches the earth. Because UVA rays are known to penetrate the skin deeply, they are responsible for skin cancer and premature aging. Kiehl's paired Avobenzone and Octocrylene at very specific levels to ensure optimal photostability. This factore helps the formula maintain its relative level of protection for a longer period than a non-photostabilized sunscreen can.

About 93% of the UVB rays are absorbed at SPF 15, and close to 95% at SPF 30. Many dermatologists feel that people are not applying sunscreens properly (in inadequate amounts and/or with inadequate frequency). As a result, UV radiation is still being absorbed by our skin, even when we think we are diligent with sunscreen usage. I've heard that the average sunscreen protects for only two hours.

The antioxidants in this new formula complement the sunscreen ingredients.

• Goji berry, a traditional Chinese medicine, is historically known to build the skin's own resistance and reduce free radical damage.
• Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant known for its ability to help protect against skin-damaging free radicals, helps provide increased protection when combined with a sunscreen.
• Einkorn wheat, one of the earliest cultivated forms of wheat (in approximately 7500 BC), is known to stimulate the skin's natural antioxidant defenses (when tested in vitro).

I wanted to tell you about this new sunscreen because Kiehl's sent me a bottle. I love it! It's fragrance-free and lightweight, making it easy and pleasant to use every day. Even if I'm not planning to sit out in the sun, I know my arms and hands are exposed when I'm wearing short sleeves.

In a consumer study, 90% of Kiehl's testers found it easy to apply, 92% found it gentle on the skin, 88% reported smooth skin, and 90% found that it protected their skin. I'm similarly impressed. Someone asked me for a sunscreen recommendation recently. This new product has become one of my top recommendations. Not only is it really nice, the price is right.

Photo courtesy of Kiehl's

Guerlain KissKiss Lip Gloss - New Shades for Fall 2012

Two new, limited-edition shades of Guerlain's legendary KissKiss Gloss ($32) were introduced with the Fall 2012 Colour Collection. Sable Snow (851) and Grenade (873) demanded my attention on the new display. They practically reached out and grabbed my arm. "Take me home," they called. It wasn't hard to resist that plea.

Women have the incredible talent to continuously re-invent their femininity. One day a woman can be an angelic flirt, the next a passionate seductress. Guerlain’s fall collection pays tribute to these two juxtaposing looks and celebrates a woman’s ability to decide who she wants to be today. The Femme Fatale is steeped in passion and seduction and boasts beautiful red shades. The Femme D’Amour shades perfectly define the angelic, romantic woman with a vast color collection ranging from beige to plum. The look is innocent and fresh, yet still seductive and sensual.

I'm not sure, but I'd guess the KissKiss Gloss woman is angelic and romantic. When you use KissKiss Gloss, as I have for years, your lips will be drenched in sheer, sparkly, or pearly color and moisture, with maximum sheen providing the perfect finishing touch. Its revolutionary non-sticky formula keeps lips moisturized while water-resistant and magnifying esters ensure long-lasting effects with a boost of volume. Its flat, smooth brush provides accurate application. I am an unabashed cheerleader for these Guerlain glosses and buy nearly every one that comes along.

Here's a photo of the two new glosses at my house, taken in bright, full sun. Could you resist these colors? If you say yes, look at the swatch photos below, and you might reconsider.

Grenade (873) is shown at the top of my arm, and Sable Snow (851) is shown below. They are beyond brilliant - exactly what I expect from my glosses. I have to pay Guerlain a compliment. They sure make appealing lip glosses.

As you can see, Grenade is a peachy coral. The color is saturated and shiny. Even though it's a warm shade, it looks blazingly beautiful on my lips (and face). I'll be wearing it all week, and no one will ever pry this one from my greedy fingers. Sable Snow is one of the prettiest champagne shades I've ever purchased. Look at the sparkle! Unlike many sheer shades in this range, it has some color to add a sparkle to your lipstick or to give you a nude look when worn alone. Two new colors...two new loves. Some people dream of finding buried treasure. One of my dreams is to stumble upon a case of Guerlain KissKiss glosses.

I purchased my new KissKiss Glosses at Neiman Marcus. They are also available at Nordstrom. I'm sure you'll be able to find Guerlain's Fall 2012 Collection at all Guerlain counters soon. Remember, these shades are limited, so make sure to secure them soon.

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

Bobbi Brown Platinum Pink Shimmer Brick Giveaway Contest

Bobbi Brown's Platinum Pink Shimmer Brick Compact was a limited edition that sold out at Bobbi Brown counters and her Web site. I bought three of them, contributing in a teeny tiny way to their popularity! Platinum Pink is one of my all-time favorite Shimmer Bricks.

The depth of color you get from running a brush over Shimmer Bricks is fabulous. There are multiuse highlighter, blusher, and eye shadow shades in one compact, although I seldom pick and choose from the strips of color. I just run Bobbi's Face Blender Brush from top to bottom, or swirl it in a circular motion and apply. I love the slightly shimmering effect, and the Platinum Pink spectrum of colors is gorgeous.

A few weeks ago, while shopping at the Estée Lauder Cosmetics Company Store at the Leesburg Premium Outlets, I found a few Platinum Pink Shimmer Bricks. After my eureka moment, I bought two of them. One will go to a lucky Best Things in Beauty reader.

How can you enter to win this Shimmer Brick contest (technically a sweepstakes)? Just leave a comment on this feature (not in another BTiB post). After you comment here, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com (the contest address, not my "personal" e-mail) 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). Please make sure I have your e-mail. If I can't notify you, you can't win - even if your number is drawn. I can't believe the number of entrants I haven't been able to find in the past.

You can earn extra entries. Follow this blog (through an e-mail subscription, GFC, or though one of the many Google readers - see sidebar at right) to earn a second entry. If you are a follower, it would help me tally entries if you tell me in your comment how you follow. You don't have to follow to enter. I want everyone to have a chance, but I also want to reward my followers. I must be able to track this entry.

You can earn a third entry by tweeting this contest. You must include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) and the contest title in your tweet. Remember, tweet the contest title - if you don't, that entry won't count. I will tweet the contest this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, August 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 on Sunday morning. 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 - when the contest ends.

This contest is open to anyone anywhere. Here are the terms. I will carefully pack and ship the prize (as I always do). I cannot insure the prize for overseas shipment - it's amazingly expensive to do so because of the way I have to send insured mail. If it's lost or stolen in transit, I may not be able to replace it with another prize just like it. I'll do my best on this end; let's see if your mail service does right by you on the other end if we have an overseas winner.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck!

I'm going to run two contests this week, so make sure to check back tomorrow. I'll have a new surprise for you.

Photo courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Chanel's New Coco Noir Fragrance

Scheduled to be launched on August 17, Chanel's new Coco Noir is, I would guess, an Eau de Parfum. I mentioned it in The Friday Forum. Now, I'm wearing it. As luck would have it, I was in a store when a Chanel representative came in with a tester to give the staff members a whiff. One of those staffers knew I really wanted to have a smidge to test. Bless her/his heart; I now have that smidge.

Coco Noir has been a closely guarded secret. It was code-named Gold, but the news about Coco Noir has been leaking out on Facebook. I've read that it has some relationship to Coco Chanel's days in Venice, and the notes seem to verify that.

• Top: grapefruit, bergamot, and orange
• Heart: jasmine, rose, red geranium, and Indonesian patchouli
• Base: Brazilian tonka bean, Bourbon vanilla, sandalwood, frankincense, and white musk.

You know that describing fragrances isn't my forté, but I'll give you my first impressions. It's warm and sultry, but not to the point that it would preclude day wear. The fruity top notes are enticing. As it starts to dry down, the heart notes take over. One of them is ever so slightly discordant to my nose, but don't go by my impressions. I'm a very picky perfume critic. Although patchouli usually repels me, it doesn't bother me in Coco Noir. Indonesian patchouli can be nice (if it's not dominant), and it's polite in this fragrance. Actually, it might be the geranium that doesn't play well with the other notes (to my nose).

The heart notes fade when the base notes take over. The dry-down of Coco Noir is lovely. As I mentioned, it's warm and comfy. Fortunately, the frankincense isn't dominant, so it doesn't have that "incense at church" scent. It's a nice blend. If any base note dominates, it's the musk.

I have no idea what the pricing will be or what products will be available. I've been told the launch is August 17, and I expect a fair amount of hoopla to accompany the announcement of this new perfume. If you're a Chanel fragrance fan - or a collector - you'll definitely want to ask your favorite representative to notify you.

Photo source is top secret; not even sure it's right

Estée Lauder Pure Color Vivid Shine Lipstick and Lipstick Luminzer - Part 2

Today, I stopped by the Estée Lauder counter at Nordstrom and picked up another Vivid Shine Lipstick - this time in Poppy Love (FG) - plus the Vivid Shine Lipstick Luminizer in Gunmetal (both $25). My objective was to select a lipstick that wasn't pink. I started playing with the Vivid Shine Lipstick Luminizer in Gunmetal (FN) and purchased it too.

My friend Diron, a Bobbi Brown manager there, who was helping me shop couldn't find the brown-toned shade of Vivid Shine I selected first (Spiced Cocoa), so I chose Poppy Love as my second choice. Even Diron remarked that it was a beautiful coral. I had proof that I wasn't selecting another vivid pink. You may laugh when you see my swatches. Maybe I turn lip colors pink.

Although Lipstick Luminizer looks bizarre, it magically changes the hue of a lipstick. You can layer it over lipstick to transform any shade. Gunmetal is supposed to turn colors deep, dark, and dramatic. The gold shade, Lamé, adds warmth and a golden finish. There's a third shade, Pearlescent, that lightens color with a pearly glow and adds a silvery finish.

Here are my swatch photos, with Poppy Love at the top of my arm and Gunmetal below. These photos were taken in full sun. Poppy Love (that pretty "coral") is pink! Now I have three vivid pinks. I need a sanity test. As you can see, Gunmetal is silvery grey, a deathly shade when used alone.

Now, look below, and you'll see what Gunmetal Luminizer did to Poppy Love. It made it mauve, adding a plum cast. Pfew! Poppy Love became a different lipstick when I applied Gunmetal over it. Even if this isn't a new idea, I love it.

I purchased these two Vivid Shine shades at Nordstrom. Neiman Marcus has received them too. I have not found Vivid Shine at the Estée Lauder Web site yet, but you can see these new lipsticks at Nordstrom's Web site. They are definitely worth your attention. It's a good thing I love pink.

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

Estée Lauder Pure Color Vivid Shine Lipstick

Estée Lauder's Pure Color Vivid Shine Lipstick ($25) will catch your eye. I was speed-shopping at Neiman Marcus before an event and selected two shades. I find it hard to believe I chose two shades out of 16 that were almost identical, but it happened. Either that or someone made a mistake in pulling my choices. No matter. These lipsticks are gorgeous.

Color so vivid, it's luminous. Light-emitting prism pearls create multiluminous effects. For amplified color with unprecedented sparkling shine. Clusters of up to eight different shaped pearls cast diamond-like reflections. Silver and gold sparkle pearls neutralize lip tones. All shades looks great on every skin tone. Feels so good - lightweight, creamy, conditioning. 

The marketing blurb is all true. I think these new lip colors are spectacular. I had a chance after work this week to get a few swatch photos. Take a look at the two shades I purchased, Magnetic Magenta (F7, shown at left above) and Pink Riot (F8, shown at right).

Think I like pink? Magnetic Magenta is shown at the top of my arm, with Pink Riot below. These lip colors are gloriously shiny and offer medium coverage. They look good and feel good. I need more - a little variety - so I'll be shopping the Estée Lauder counter again this weekend.

I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus. I have not found Vivid Shine at the Estée Lauder Web site yet, but you can see these new lipsticks at Nordstrom's Web site. Maybe Electric Mauve will be the next to join my collection.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

The Friday Forum - July 27

The photo above shows what I'd like to do this weekend. Somehow, last night, I managed to hurt myself (perhaps it was slinging a carton of Wonka Shockers to the side). I feel OK when I'm still - but moving, coughing, normal movements hurt. It hurts even to touch my lower ribs on my back. Pulled muscle? Maybe. It surprised me when I had sudden pain after going to bed last night. I can tell now that it will have to be a relaxing weekend. I do, unfortunately, still need to catch up on errands, one of which is a trip to Sephora to return the melted lipsticks I had planned to take back last weekend.

Many thanks to everyone for your kindness last weekend. Mom is feeling better. She's not entirely back to normal, but she's much better. She told me this week her back hurt and that she wished her easy chair had a massage function. I arranged to have a legit massage therapist go to her house this afternoon and give her a real massage. I hope she likes it. I don't think Mom has ever had a professional massage.

This was a very cloudy week. I still have many new beauties to show you. I'm hoping for a sunny weekend. I'd like a chance for a re-do on Guerlain's Pink Punk, and I need to get some good photos of Peach Boy. I caved and bought it. I also want to tell you about the informative Sisley Paris master class I attended last Saturday. Plus, I've got some dynamite new skin care to feature.

There is a new Chanel fragrance being released in August. Coco Noir has been hush-hush, code-named Gold. Here are the notes.

• Top: grapefruit, bergamot, and orange
• Heart: jasmine, rose, red geranium, and Indonesian patchouli
• Base: Brazilian tonka bean, Bourbon vanilla, sandalwood, frankincense, and white musk.

I cannot wait to get a whiff! I'm also very excited by By Kilian's upcoming In the Garden of Good and Evil line of fragrances. I plan to write a feature on the fragrances I've been wearing this month. I think you'll love them.

It's time for the Friday Forum, our open chat. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? 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 early the next week, most (not all) readers will have moved on.

Don't forget this week's cool giveaway contest. The deadline to enter to win NARS' Beach Lover five-piece set is tomorrow night, Saturday, July 28, at midnight. You know the drill to enter.

Photo source lost - my apologies to the photographer

Guerlain L'Ecrin 4 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette in Les Fauves from the Fall 2012 Color Collection

Guerlain's gorgeous Les Fauves (#14, $59) L'Ecrin 4 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette was introduced with the Fall 2012 Colors, but is part of the permanent collection. The moment I saw the press photos, I gasped. I knew I wanted it. The testers arrived at the store before the for-sale product, teasing me and making me wait a few more days. I was finally satisfied when I purchased it yesterday.

This long-lasting eye shadow palette, composed with a unique harmony of warm oranges and browns, was specially selected to allow us to mix, match, blend, and layer to define many looks. I haven't had much time to play with color combinations, but I already love the shades individually.

I took my photos in full sun. I swatched starting with the brown on the left side of  the palette and working clockwise, ending with the coral-peach at bottom center. I used a sponge-tipped applicator and applied the shades heavily - very heavily - for the photos.

Don't you think these shades are gasp-worthy? The copper brown at the top of my arm is shimmering and stunning. The satin autumn orange is unique. I was originally wary of it until I applied it as an accent color paired with the shimmering copper below it. Wow! Both shades are fascinating because they translate on the skin as much different shades than they appear to be in the compact. The shimmering copper makes my eyes as blue as they will ever look.

The almost matte coral-peach is a difficult shade for me to wear on my eyes, but it's drop-dead gorgeous on my cheeks. Those with warmer skin will want to wear it as an eye shadow. I'm happy using it as a blush.

Remember, I swatched these shades heavily. Apply them normally, and they will delight you.

Les Fauves L'Ecrin 4 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette is unique in my collection. I know without opening 10 storage boxes that I have no color palettes like it. It offers heavenly saturated colors for fall, each with a gorgeous finish on the lids. I think it's a must-have for Guerlain fans. What do you think?

I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus. You should be able to find it and the rest of the fall collection at Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, select Saks Fifth Avenue stores, Bloomingdale's, Sephora, and online - soon if not now.

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

Estée Lauder Pure Color Cyber Metallic Gelée Powder EyeShadow

"Ooh baby," as one of my friends says when he sees something he loves!  Estée Lauder's Pure Color Cyber Metallic Gelée Powder EyeShadows ($24) - new single eye shadows created with the same technology used for the company's Powder Gelée palettes - are like magnets at the Estée Lauder counter. Try to walk past without playing with them. They will draw in any makeup lover. The shadows are one of three new Pure Color products; the others are Vivid Shine Lipstick (stay tuned here) and stunning new Nail Lacquers.

Pure Color Cyber Eyes Gelée Powder EyeShadows offer richly pigmented shades with a shiny, metallic finish. The colors are so vivid, they are luminous. The collection puts the eyes squarely at center stage in shades that flatter and rope in the eyes. These texturally graphic shadows drench the lids in drama with shades that are theatrical, yet wearable. Tom Pecheux is on a long winning streak.

I had to have at least two. I purchased Cyber Copper (01) and Cyber Gold (08). There were lots of other colors, but copper and gold are "me colors." I was finally able to get photos of them yesterday. I took my swatch photos in full sun. I swatched with a sponge-tipped applicator. Naturally, we will all use a brush to apply these shades, and I plan to wear them with a bit less oomph.

Cyber Copper, shown at the top of my arm, is a shimmering (not metallic) copper-toned brown. It's not copper to my eyes. In fact, as you can see above, it has some mauve in it. It's a gorgeous hybrid color.

Cyber Gold is a pigmented gold. It applies easily and evenly for a stunning gold lid. I admire the ease of application. Some golds can apply unevenly, making me work to achieve even color. Not this one!

Estée Lauder describes Pure Color Gelée Powder as a "tribrid" formula of liquid, powder, and gel that goes beyond normal powder formulas. Whatever the company did in the lab works perfectly in "real life." The texture and finish of these shadows are fabulous.

I purchased my two at Neiman Marcus. They are available at Nordstrom's Web site, where you can see the uber-colorful sisters of the two I selected. You must go look!

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

Dior 5 Couleurs Couture Colour Eyeshadow Palette in Golden Savannah from the Golden Jungle Collection for Fall 2012

Dior's new Golden Savannah 5 Couleurs Couture Colour Eyeshadow Palette ($59, Fards à Paupières in French), one of two eye shadow palettes in the Golden Jungle Collection for Fall 2012, belongs to Dior best-selling range of rich, versatile 5 Couleurs palettes designed for easy application, complementary colors, and long wear. Golden Savannah "creates a shimmering smolder with a palette of sensual copper and brown shades" - perfect for neutral lovers like me. I'm not sure about sensual, but I am sure it's sensational.

Not to pick on Dior - I could say this about most beauty companies - but why is makeup always marketed as sensual, or sexy, or alluring? Isn't it enough that it makes us happy - it makes us look good and feel good?

Golden Savannah passes the look-good, feel-good test. I love the colors. The palette offers a nice range, and with the exception of the sparkly center shade, the colors offer superb texture and coverage.

The sun finally showed its face today, and I got some photos when I got home from work. My photos were taken in afternoon sun. I swatched with a sponge-tipped applicator and worked clockwise, starting at the top left and ending with the sparkly golden ivory center shade. The swatches show four gorgeous variations of brown.

The shade at the top of my arm, golden light brown, is as pretty as it gets. I could use a vat of it. I feel the same about the copper shade below. Wow oh wow. It may not be unique when everyone is showing copper, but this one's stunning. The mauve-toned shade is brown enough (just a hint of lavender) that I can wear it without bringing out the red in my eyes and waterline. It's love. The taupe?  Drop-dead gorgeous.

About the sparkly golden ivory in the middle...it's useless. With a brush, it's nearly impossible to pick up color. It's even hard with a sponge-tipped applicator. I haven't tried it, but I'm sure a damp brush would pick up more color, but along with the pigment will come those sparklies. I don't need them. In both photos, you can see the shade at the bottom of my arm - barely. I worked really hard to get more color to show.

It doesn't matter to me. The four shades that comprise the majority of the palette are so pretty, they make up for the one dud. If you want to overlay the center shade to add sparkle to one of the other shade, you can. Otherwise, you could just look at it and think about how tempting it looks, knowing that the bite of the apple isn't worth it.

Dior suggests you use the oval wand (sponge-tipped applicators come in the mirrored palette) to apply the lightest shade to the upper part of the inner eyelid, then blend the darkest shade along the lash line. Shade the outer brow with one of the remaining colors. For more intensity, use a fourth color under the lashes. You could do that. I'd recommend you experiment with the shades and use them in a way that pleases you. If you like neutrals and brown tones, you'll love Golden Savannah.

I purchase mine at Neiman Marcus, where they had only one or two left when I got there. Fortunately, the new collection is available at Nordstrom's Web site, where shipping is free. I also purchased Khaki Design too and will show it to you tomorrow.

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

Dior Addict Golden Jungle Lipstick in Darling for Fall 2012

Dior Addict..."a lipstick, an attitude, a state of mind," and a darn nice lipstick. Inspired by the cutting-edge Dior runway fashions, Dior Addict's "hydrating and volumizing formula adorns the lips with a veil of color and spectacular shine."

Two new Dior Addict ($30) shades were introduced for Fall 2012 with the Golden Jungle Collection: Wild (#646), a warm, juicy beige; and Daring (#962), a bold, sophisticated plum. You can guess I went for Daring.

My photo is lighter, but truer, than the Dior photo above. Look at the pretty berry color! It roped me in instantly, only to break my heart when they told me that all of them had been pre-sold and that I couldn't have one. As I shopped other counters, my lovely friend and Dior rep Ava at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria found one for me. Apparently, a customer put one on hold, but never came for it. Her loss, my gain.

That tells you something about Daring. If you want one of these, secure it quickly. It's available at Nordstrom's Web site, and I know a lot of you like to shop online there.

I took a few swatch photos in full, very late-afternoon, fading sunshine. As you can see, the gorgeous, shiny berry color is sheer. It didn't cover the little scratch on my arm (while the Shiseido Lacquer Rouge did). This is a me color. The berry or mauve-rose works for me year round, and the sheer, shiny coverage makes Daring perfect.

I absolutely adore Daring and think I need another one. Many of my all-time favorite lipsticks and lip glosses have been Dior's. I'm on Nordstrom's Web site now. I think I'll spring for it while I break down and buy the Chanel Fleur de Lotus Collection. I suspect Daring is a limited-edition, although I don't know that for sure. Will you be joining me in some happy Dior shopping?

I still have two gorgeous Dior eye palettes to show you. The sun shines occasionally when I'm working, but as soon as I get home, we have thick clouds as thunderstorms roll in somewhere nearby. Maybe later today. I have so much I want to show you, I may have to resort to another clandestine photo session outdoors at work.

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

Guerlain Rose aux Joues Blush Duos - New and Intriguing

There are six new Blush Duos (Rose aux Joues, $50) on the bottom row of Guerlain's new Autumn 2012 Color Collection shown below - six warm duos that appear to fall into the peach-coral family and three pink-rose duos. They are intended to be permanent additions to the line. When I first saw them, I wanted all six. Instead, I had a moment of sanity and purchased "only" the three pink-rose tones. I'm still trying to decide whether I "need" one of the peach-coral duos.

The three I purchased are shown on the right side of the display photo above.

• 02 Chic Pink
• 03 Over Rose
• 04 Pink Punk

Now that I've had a few days to play with them, I don't know how I would have chosen only one. All three are gorgeous, ranging from the delicate hues of Chic Pink to the more intense hues in Pink Punk.

Here's a photo of all three, with Chic Pink shown at left, Over Rose in the middle, and Pink Punk (isn't that a strange name?) at the right. I was intrigued by the duo shades, knowing that they were intended to have different uses, but wondering how after I swatched them in the store.

The top shade in each duo is intended to be the blush color, and the bottom shade is intended to be a highlighter or contour shade. Of the three I purchased, only 04 offers a color I could and would use to contour my cheekbones. The other shades are like matte highlighters, which seems like an oxymoron.

My swatch photos were taken in a few moments of late afternoon sunshine that had popped through the never-ending clouds. By the time I got to Pink Punk, I had lost that direct sun. For all three swatch photos, I swatched the blush shade at the top of my arm, the highlighter/contour in the middle - both using a sponge-tipped applicator - and a blend of both shades applied heavily with a brush below.

Chic Pink (02) is shown above. It's the warmest of the three pink duos. The blush has a slight shimmer and is a gorgeous warm pink. The highlighter/contour shade is matte and very light, perfect for alabaster complexions. The blended shade is a pretty warm pink, but I prefer the blush shade all by itself.

As you can see, Over Rose (03) is a little more colorful. Again, the blush shade at the top of my arm is stunning. The slight shimmer gives it life and makes it drop-dead gorgeous on the skin. The highlighter/contour shade in the middle of my arm, like the others, is matte. It's a pretty light blush used on its own. The blended shade, shown at the bottom of my arm is a rose pink. This duo is great for fair-skinned gals or those with medium tones who love pinks.

Unfortunately, I had lost my full sun by the time I ran outside with Pink Punk (04) on my arm. Nevertheless, you can see that the shades are more intense. The blush shade is a rose pink. The more mauve/brown-toned pink is definitely a contour shade, not a highlighter. The blended shade is a gorgeous rose pink with just a slight touch of brown, brought to the party by the contour shade. While my swatches were applied heavily for this photo, I can use these shades when I apply them with a light hand. I'm sorry I couldn't get a great photo of Pink Punk because it's an extremely nice duo.

You absolutely have to get to a Guerlain counter to see these new Rose aux Joues Blush Duos. Don't concentrate on what you should do with the "bottom-deck" shade that may be a strange highlighter or contour shade. It gives you options to blend or apply over or under the cheekbones. As the duos get darker in the color range, you get two blush shades in one compact - or a blush shade and a multipurpose shade. The option is yours. Go play!

I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus. The Rose aux Joues Blush Duos are featured on the fall display, which is currently arriving in stores. In my area, only Neiman Marcus had the colors this past weekend. I'm sure that will change soon. I checked Bloomies, often one of the earliest to feature new Guerlain colors, and they had not arrived.

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