Ko Gen Do Aqua Foundation SPF 15 PA++

When The Non-Blonde and I were shopping at Barneys New York over Memorial Day weekend, we spent a long time at the Koh Gen Do counter. That's when I purchased the Ko Gen Do Aqua Foundation SPF 15 PA++ ($62). With lots of help from the counter manager and artists there, I selected OC-1.

OC-1 is described as a natural light ochre. Ochre normally has some light yellow in it. That works nicely on my skin because it minimizes the redness that can often be seen in the mid-section of my face. The shades with pink or peachy undertones were too pink for my skin.

When I place OC-1 in my palm, I see neutral - not yellow. I think the brand representatives did a great job color-matching me. Many artists select foundation shades that are way too dark or too something, focusing on the center of my face, not the jawline. The gals at Barney's were spot-on, even in department store lighting, which is notoriously bad.

Here's how Aqua Foundation is described...

A high-definition, smooth-finish foundation with lasting coverage. Aqua Foundation hides discolorations and covers skin with a fine light-diffusing layer to minimize pores and imperfections for clear, satiny-smooth skin under any lighting. Seawater minerals and white birch sap extracts keep skin hydrated and radiant. The pH-balanced formula, ideal for all skin types, delivers a high density of minerals and nutrients for a healthy, nourished complexion.

I think that description is perfect. Key in on the term "high-definition." I'm sure you know that HD makeup is said to make your skin camera-ready - even in the harshest lights for television. Many so-called HD foundations (or other makeup products) don't live up to their claims. I often think HD is often modern buzz. This one lives up to its marketing. My skin looks fabulous after I apply it - even-toned and nearly flawless. I like the way it covers or blurs my sun spots.

The key to eliminating imperfection is through light diffusion. This unique RGB Strobe Illuminator formula with the advanced powder technology creates light that erases shadows from pores, lines, and uneven surfaces. Erasing these shadows gives the impression of a flawless smooth skin.

Ko Gen Do Aqua Foundation says the radiance provided by this foundation starts with "the purest mineral-rich deep-sea waters of Rausu, Japan, combined with superbly moisturizing white birch sap to keep your skin soft and clear. I'll buy that - even though I'm skeptical of those pure water claims from the coast of Japan. No one ever mentions radiation fallout. Nevertheless, the foundation is one of the best I've used (on par with Armani's Liquid Silk, but not as revolutionary as Armani's new Maestro). It leaves a beautifully natural finish, and it is hydrating. My skin continues to look fresh for about eight hours after application. With the UA and UVB sun protection provided, it meets all my criteria for a great foundation.

I highly recommend Ko Gen Do Aqua Foundation SPF 15 PA++. Try to get color-matched in a store, rather than online. Using the color swatches at Sephora, I could have selected four different shades, not knowing which would be perfect.

You can purchase this lovely foundation at Barneys, Sephora online (and in Meatpacking District of NYC), and at the Ko Gen Do Web site.

Photo courtesy of Sephora

Sandy Stories

The last few days have been miserable. My mother was the first to lose her power as Sandy started to unleash her fury Monday afternoon. Mine went about 15 minutes later. We spent an anxious night dressed for the outdoors, but under the blankets, trying to sleep to block out the sounds of the storm. It was scary.

The next morning, I went out with a friend looking for breakfast. We found a diner open. At least I had a good breakfast and was able to take warm food and coffee to Mom and her caregiver.

We saw widespread tree and property damage. It's so sad to see those majestic trees pulled out of the ground with their root balls. I napped a lot yesterday. What else was there to do? I was too anxious to read a book. The battery strength was dwindling on all my wireless devices, and Charlie wanted to sit on me to stay warm. Occasionally, I went outside to the car to charge batteries.

Mom's power came back around 7:00 pm, and I was thrilled. I was sure I faced another cold night. I considered going over to her house to sleep on the sofa, but Charlie would have missed me. At 10:00, my television and lights sprang to life. Power! I was one of the lucky ones.

I've seen many photos of the damage in the DC area. It doesn't compare in magnitude to what happened in New Jersey and New York. I feel so badly for those who never expected such flooding and had no flood insurance. I hope FEMA can help them. It's going to be a long haul, and Sandy has already been predicted to be one of the costliest weather disasters in history (per NBC).

During the outage, I published a contest and one feature I had "in the can." Now, I'm out of photos and out of pre-written features. I have to/want to go to work, so I'll write when I get home. See you later today!

How did you fare during the storm? Even people who aren't on the East Coast were affected, worrying about friends and relatives who couldn't communicate without power or cell service.

Photo of a NY subway station courtesy of inhabitat.com

Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo

I picked up Olay's Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo kit (prices are variable, from about $21 to $26) quite awhile ago. For some reason, I let it languish unused. Recently, though, I got annoyed at the blonde hair on my upper lip and decided to try it.

If you want to know more about facial hair and the various types of removal, check out the feature at Total Beauty. There is also information at this Olay link. It helps to have a basic understanding of causes of facial hair and various types of removal. After tweezing my way into frustration, I finally tried my Olay kit.

I purchased the one for Fine to Medium hair. Mine is ultra-fine and blonde. My hair would be almost impossible to remove permanently via laser. There is another variation for Medium to Course hair.

The two products in Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo work together to gently remove fine-to-medium facial hair from the upper lip, chin, cheek, and jaw areas in two easy steps. The kit contains a Skin Guarding Balm and a Hair Removal Cream. The balm protects the skin, and the cream goes after the hair. The duo works together to gently remove facial hair "for skin that's beautifully soft, smooth and visibly hair-free." The kit says that you'll get 12 uses from it.

The directions are pretty easy to follow, although I blew it on first use. I thought that both the balm and the cream were to be applied with thin coverage. Obviously, I wasn't reading carefully. As a result, seconds after my first use, I decided the kit was useless. Then I noticed the photo within the instructions that the cream should be applied heavily. It was at that point I realized I had been a goofball. The second time was a charm, so I felt a lot better about the product.

Despite Olay's recommendation that you do a patch test before using it, I didn't bother. I'll do anything (well, almost) for my readers. I wanted to report on this kit. Actually, the directions are almost scary. I think Olay over-dramatized the precautions to mitigate risk.

The duo is easy to apply and easy to remove. I apply it straight from the tubes - as one should. I avoid my mouth where I know the tissue burns easily. I remove it with a facial pad and then wash off the remaining product. Does it work? I would give it a B grade for effectiveness - good, but not great.

The area around my mouth is one of my facial hair annoyances. My problem with my fine blonde hair is that I can see it near my lips. I hate that. Others may not see it, but I do. A few of the hairs around my mouth have turned dark recently - another annoyance. The bothersome hairs have left me tweezing frequently. I'm always looking in the mirror and plucking, like I'm obsessed.

Because I have avoided my mouth, the hair near my mouth was not removed by the kit. I thought I had covered the roots of those rather long hairs with the cream, but apparently not enough. I risk burning my mouth by getting closer, so I'll continue to pluck those hairs near the upper corners.

I have experienced absolutely no irritation from Olay's kit. That's pleasing because depilatory creams are caustic chemicals and can be very irritating to the skin. Waxing hurts. Fortunately, the sting from tweezing is temporary. I think my new one-two will be a combination of Olay's kit and tweezing.

Olay's Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo is easy to find. I purchased mine at Costco. It's available in drugstores and other mass market retailers. It's also widely available online. Here's one link. Please let us know what you think.

Photo courtesy of drugstore.com

M·A·C Baby Blooms Lip Bag Giveaway Contest

M·A·C's Baby Blooms Lip Bag ($35) was a Nordstrom exclusive - part of the Graphic Garden Collection. I found one untouched in my house over the weekend. How it eluded me for so long is beyond me. Out of sight, out of mind.

With the set, you get a cute little bag, as shown above, two lipsticks, and one lip gloss. The lipsticks are Soft Illusion (Frost - baby pink) and Spiceflower (Amplified Cream - mauve pink). The Lipglass is Baby Blooms (Frost - bronze pink). I found swatches at Temptalia if you'd like to see them.

I'm not going to use it at this point, so I might as well give it away, right? Here's how you can you enter to win this giveaway 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 early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, November 3, 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.

The winner must be able to provide me with a "mailable address," meaning the U.S. Post Office recognizes it or its street, province, and other "elements" the way the winner provides them. I've had some trouble with both U.S. and international addresses lately.

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

Photo courtesy of Nordstrom

Sephora Collection Urban Luxe All Over Powder Palette - It's on Sale!

I purchased Sephora's Urban Luxe All Over Powder Palette at full price: $14. Now it's on sale for $7. It's a bargain; I'd jump over to Sephora to order it if I were you. It's gorgeous.

The photo online was interesting, but by no means compelling. Something caught my eye, and I'm so glad. Perhaps it was the color description: "shimmering golden, cream, bronze, and brown tones." Use the shades for blush, bronzing, highlighting, and/or contouring. I use them on my eyes too.

This versatile palette creates both contoured and highlighted looks with a luminous, all-over glow. The pearly shades incorporate a light, transparent base that allows the brilliance of pearls to amplify, while the glitter adds a subtle sparkle. Colors can be combined or used individually to generate different looks, depending on personal preference and what is perfect for you when you’re on-the-go. Infused with vitamin E and aloe to soothe and protect the skin, this must-have palette produces brilliant, iridescent, and multidimensional color, leaving an especially radiant finish.

All true and more! I've been holding out on you for a long time - enough time for it to go on sale. I'm not sure why I overlooked this compact in my photo library. I really love it.

I took swatch photos in full sun, and I applied the shades in a few different ways with a sponge-tipped applicator. It has been awhile since I swatched, so I can't remember exactly what I blended and what I didn't. I'm fairy sure that the shade at the top of my arm is the blended shade of all the colors in the palette. I think the result of blending is stunning. The second two swatches are where I get fuzzy. I think the middle shade is a blend of the top two shades in the compact, and the bottom shade is a blend of the bottom two. Please don't hold me to that. You can use the palette to achieve these colors - and more, depending on what colors you pick up with your brush.

Sephora suggests the following uses.

• Use dry for a natural, sheer, luminous finish.
• Use a large blush brush to create all-over glow.
• Use a contour brush to create a more defined, highlighted look.

I highly recommend this bargain from Sephora. I think the Sephora Collection Urban Luxe All Over Powder Palette was a bargain at $14, and it's an amazing find at $7. Sephora has really upped its game with its own collection. You know where to find it.

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

BITE Beauty Luminous Crème Lipstick Trio

I'm always looking for perfect nude lipsticks (not chalky, not too light, not too orange). When I saw that BITE had a new Luminous Crème Lipstick Trio in Natural Nudes ($36), I was intrigued. I like BITE lip colors, and the shades looked pretty online.

Here is what hooked me...

A deluxe trio of Luminous Créme Lipsticks in universally flattering, moisture-rich nudes. This beautiful trio features sophisticated, neutral shades that can easily take you from the office to date night. Plus, with every application, delivery of super antioxidant resveratrol fights free radicals with potent long-term age-repair benefits. Each lipstick contains the resveratrol equivalent of five glasses of red wine.

Resveratrol? Moisture? Three new nudes to try? The set went right into my basket at Sephora online weeks ago. Now that I've had a chance to play with them, I'm pleased that they were a good buy.

The shades shown above are listed in CPR order: Cava, Pepper, and Restina. Their nicest feature after their intense hydration? The pink shades! When you think of nude, you normally think of flesh tones, right? These are pink tones - and I love that.

I took swatch photos in full sun, in the same CPR order, top to bottom on my arm. I wasn't expecting Crème lipsticks to be as sheer and they are, and the shine, while not nearly as intense as it looks in full sun, is attractive.

Cava is a blue pink - very light and the closest to nude on my lips. Makeup artists love these shades on me, although I like a little more color. Pepper is my favorite. The neutral rose is stunning. Restina is a pretty warm pink with just a touch of peach. As you can see, Pepper offers the most color.

These lipsticks are made with lip nurturing natural and food-grade ingredients that are healthy enough to eat. They do not contain synthetics, polybutene, or petroleum byproducts - a nice feature when you think about how much lipstick and lipgloss you ingest in a month.

I purchased my set at Sephora, which is the only place I shop where I've seen BITE Beauty. I think BITE is exclusive to Sephora.

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

Sunday This and That

I love it. This week, I got an e-mail from a public relations firm that shared the thoughts of Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, about Brad's new ad. It was called, "Would You Buy Perfume from this Man?" I have to share it, ever-so-gently edited, because I think it's an excellent analysis of our buying habits.

It's not very often that you hear the phrase, "poor Brad," but after last week's airing of the film noir ad for Chanel N°5 starring Brad Pitt, not-a-little sympathy is in the air - especially after Saturday Night Live and Conan O'Brien had a run at him. Finding the ad abstruse and esoteric, the first male spokesperson for the perfume was skewered by these comedians in skits that mocked pretentious advertising as much as they did Brad.

Brad's fans, completely content to stare at his perfection no matter what the cheese-factor, are playing it and sharing it and playing it again on Facebook pages throughout the land. Not to forget, rumor on the street has it that Mr. Handsomest Man Alive made $7 million for his efforts. It's been well-documented that Mr. Pitt has an excellent sense of humor, especially for pranks, so we suspect he has taken it just fine.

The question is, how about Chanel N°5? Is there a reason that this is the first male to front for one of the most iconic perfume brands in the world? Men selling perfume is a tricky thing. In the past, brands like Windsong and Incognito used men effectively in their perfume advertising, but always with women who were indulging in applying the scent. These men were guest stars in the show that was all hers.

Our research has shown that when women buy fragrance the strongest driver is how the fragrance makes them feel, with the reaction it gets from others less important. For women, scent is a personal experience first - so the way the brand visualizes their sensory experience in advertising is key. That's why any abstraction is tough on a perfume brand, and ads don't get much more abstract that Brad's debut for Chanel N°5, shot in black and white in an empty room.

It remains to be seen what's next from this iconic brand. Founded by one of the strongest personalities in fashion, Coco Chanel, who believed in lovers not husbands, the brand might want to revisit its creative approach. In short: get Brad a girl. We're thinking that's the easy part.

That's one analysis, more charitable than mine. I imagine Coco Chanel fretting that her legacy has been tarnished. Chanel accomplished one thing: they got a lot of play for N°5 - most of it free. Perhaps the corporate marketing department will be laughing all the way to the bank.

Shifting subjects, I read a long article in WWD about hair care that suggested the products we use are about to undergo a revolution. Our hair ages along with our skin. As Baby Boomers start to notice undesirable characteristics in their hair - graying, tinning, loss of shine, and breakage - the hair-care market is seizing an opportunity to create customized products for our issues. Here are a couple of facts about hair.

• The human head has 100,000 hairs. In a year, the hair grows about six inches, and each hair grows independently.
• Typically, 50-100 hairs fall out every day.
• An individual hair's growth cycle lasts three to five years before it is shed.
• As people age, the cycle speeds up, making long, strong, and lasting hair a thing of the past.
• Aging hair gets roughed up as we age, making it dry, frizzy, and/or brittle.
• We have less lipid production as we age, so our scalps dry out too.
• Damage from chemical and heat styling accumulates, leading to a loss of protein, which makes up 90% of hair fibers.

WWD said, "The bottom line is that an older head of hair isn't quite what it used to be." While many women have recognized changes, they haven't really figured out the aging syndrome with hair as well as they have with skin. That is leading the hair-care market to emphasize aging in its research, product development, and marketing.

Alterna, the professional hair-care brand, uses the tagline "The science of skin care for hair." Many other brands are targeting age-related problems. Hair-care marketers are modeling their strategies and ingredient stories after those for skin care, hoping to build the category (which is sagging) by convincing customers to add specialized treatments to their regimens. I suspect it's going to work.

It's getting windy and very cloudy ahead of Sandy. The rain is supposed to move into the DC area tonight. Starting tomorrow and lasting through Tuesday, Sandy is predicted to batter the area with wind and rain. We will probably get 4-8 inches of rain. They don't really know for sure, but they know it will be a ton of water, which will lead to widespread flooding.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a model that uses wind speed, population density, and other factors to predict power outages. They say a conservative estimate is that 10 million customers will lose power along the Eastern Seaboard. The last time we had area-wide power outages, we lost cell service too. Oh joy.

You can't buy milk, bread, batteries, flashlights, or regular bottled water at this point - although I noticed there is an ample supply of San Pellegrino. Maybe people don't like fizzy water? The store shelves reflect a riot. I've always wondered why people wait until the last minute to buy emergency supplies. I'm almost all set. I've got cat food, beer, and junk food. The kids and I can survive for days - even if I'm frustrated and uncomfortable. I do plan to get some cash from an ATM and top off my car's gas tank.  I'll get ice for Mom and myself this afternoon - if I can. Then we wait. As I mentioned in the Friday Forum, if I stop publishing, you'll know we got hit hard.

To all those in Sandy's path, I hope you stay safe and well. Make sure to keep your pets inside. Limit those dog walks to a minimum - like maybe right outside the front door and away from large trees. If it's really bad, don't even think about venturing out to work. You could get hit by a falling tree. I may have an unplanned day off. Let's hope for the best!

Photos courtesy of Chanel, retro-ads.net, and NOAA

Sephora Favorites In the Glow Set Giveaway Contest

If you win this contest for Sephora's In the Glow ($45) set, You'll shimmer, gleam, and glow with nine of Sephora’s bestselling complexion enhancers, including a sweet selection of blushes, bronzers, and luminizers. I love the Favorite sets Sephora introduces. They offer so much to try at a bargain price.

This coveted nine-piece set contains three blushes, three bronzers, and three luminizers. Choose from an array of different finishes - from creams to powders to liquids. Create the perfect glow and choose from Nars Laguna Bronzer, Too Faced Choc Soleil Bronzer, Laura Mercier Golden Mosaic, Benefit High Beam, Bare Minerals Pure Radiance All Over Color, Lorac Perfectly Lit, Tarte Glisten Amazonian Blush, Stila Peony Convertible Color, and Tarte Flush Cheekstain.

• 0.13 oz Benefit High Beam
• 0.08 oz Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder
• 0.17 oz Tarte Natural Cheek Stain in Flush
• 0.07 oz Stila Convertible Color in Peony
• 0.11 oz Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in Splendor
• 0.106 oz Lorac Perfectly Lit Oil-Free Luminizing Powder in Spotlight
• 0.02 oz bareMinerals All Over Face Color in Pure Radiance
• 0.14 oz Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc in Golden Mosaic
• 0.08 oz Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna 

I think this particular set is fabulous. Now that I've decided to give it away, I may order a second one for myself.

How can you enter to win this giveaway 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 early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, November 3, 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.

The winner must be able to provide me with a "mailable address," meaning the U.S. Post Office recognizes it or its street, province, and other "elements" the way the winner provides them. I've had some trouble with both U.S. and international addresses lately.

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

Photo courtesy of Sphora

Giorgio Armani Beauty Gloss d'Armani Supreme Lasting Wet Shine from the Skin Lacquers in #516 and #518

When Giorgio Armani Beauty had a 15% discount online recently, I ordered some things I needed and was enticed to try a few things I hadn't already purchased. I jumped at two Gloss d'Armani shades I didn't have, #516 (Coral) and #518 (Rosewood) from the Skin Lacquers Collection.

The Skin Lacquers Collection was introduced in June. All six shades looked luscious, so I gave three a try in June, selecting the most pigmented shades. This time I went for the more transparent colors. Gloss d'Armani #516 is shown above at the left, and #518 is shown at right.

The Skin Lacquers Collection presented a nude chromatic palette to enhance the lips and cheeks. An innovative approach to soft color fuses a shiny varnish with lip tone pigments bringing "natural color to perfection," inspired by the lacquered perfection of a flawless porcelain doll.

Exceptionally fine pearl particles, blended in a translucent base, wrap the lips in a smooth, supple enamel with high-shine reflecting pearls in suspension. The natural lip tone is enhanced and perfected with the dewy color of the gloss.

Armani suggested these glossy colors could be used as lip glosses or on the eyes and cheekbones. That's for the more adventurous. Every time I consider trying them on my eye lids, I have visions of my upper and lower lids sticking together - even though Rouge d'Armani is not sticky on the lips. I did try them on my cheekbones. I ended up with a sticky face. I'd consider these Wet Shine colors lip glosses - nothing else.

Both shades are sheer and juicy - very nice toppers for your favorite lipsticks. I took my photos in full sun, with #516 at the top of my arm and #518 below. The juicy peach (not coral) is very pretty. Rosewood? I'd say that's a stretch. More like a beautiful neutral or warm pink.

I'm always happy to use discounts to add to my Giorgio Armani Beauty wardrobe. The wet shine that comes with these colors appeals to me - even if the rest of the fashionable world is in velvet finishes this season.

You can purchase these shades wherever Giorgio Armani Beauty products are sold or at Armani's Web site. Let me know if you try the unusual applications.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Claudio Riaz Lip & Cheek in #6

If you've been with me on my journey though Claudio Riaz color, you'll know that I find the online photos at Barneys New York and the Claudio Riaz site to be less than satisfactory. That's too bad because it may discourage potential customers. I had seen Lip &  Cheek in #6 ($38), so it made it easy for me to purchase it when Barneys had their recent beauty event. I had seen the shade below and know I'd like it. It's nothing like the rusty color shown in Barney's photo at the top of this feature.

Mine arrived (not promptly), and I was startled at the placement within the cheesy cardboard container. Look at the gap between the product and its container. Bizarre! While the color product may be sized to fit into the empty palettes offered, the packaging should be designed to fit.

Additionally, I took my photo above before I used #6. It was poured or set with the swirls through it - not unusual for a cream product.

It's a good thing the color is beautiful. I took some swatch photos recently in full sun. I applied the cream cheek and lip color heavily with a cream concealer applicator, brushing it on without blending it at all.

This watermelon rose is a fabulous shade for every skin tone. It's bright on the lips and cheerful on the cheeks. If you see coral in my swatch photos, I can assure you there's no coral. It's a cool to mid-range shade.

I love the cream formula. It applies easily with just about any applicator - even my fingers - blends well on my cheeks, and stays put. The formula contains essential oils, grape seed oil for anti-aging, and candelilla and carnauba waxes for an emulsifying, glossy effect.

I caved and purchased one of the palettes. I know I said I wouldn't, but I had little Claudio Riaz boxes everywhere. I'd prefer a better system. At $38, it's not inexpensive. Wouldn't you expect a compact?

You can find Claudio Riaz color at Barneys New York and Claudio Riaz online.

Top photo courtesy of Barneys; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

The Friday Forum - October 26

This crazy little rose near my mailbox decided to bloom in October. The crepe myrtle volunteer behind it is a glorious red right now. I had to take a picture right before dusk.

This is a true TGIF for me. I'm worn out. In the last week, I've had another epidural (the New England Compounding Center was not involved), shopped hard, worked hard, and eaten leftovers for dinner. I prefer to go out or get takeout. Last Friday night, a friend and I met at a favorite restaurant, Asian Corner in McLean. When we got there, we found that Asian Corner was gone - history, I learned. A Mexican restaurant had taken its place (same owner - sweet Chinese family - should have been a clue). We stayed, deciding it might be good. Big mistake! The food was unbelievably bad. All of it tasted like it came from a bottle or can. I could have opened a jar of salsa at home. The beans were canned - no doubt. What a disappointment! Not only did I lose a fave, I spent money on a meal that was memorable - for all the wrong reasons. Do you experiment often or usually go to a restaurant you know? How often are you severely disappointed? I'm trying another new restaurant with a different friend this weekend. Holding my breath.

I'm really reluctant to stray into politics here, but I can't wait for the election season to end. Let's not use the comments to join the partisan drumbeat. That said, I'm so tired of sleazy television advertisements funded by PACs (American Crossroads, I'm looking at you - you don't have a right to invade my home because I live in a battleground state), newscasts that are devoted almost entirely to the election (excuse me, but isn't there a hurricane coming?), political spam in my mailbox (if you contribute, I'd advise you to refuse to provide an e-mail address), all those phone calls (I can't answer my phone anymore). Enough! I'm beginning to think the American people must force the issues on election laws. That's a change we need in the next four years. I don't know what to do about the Supreme Court. They are the ones who gave "free speech" to corporations, resulting in the political expenditure of enough money to cure cancer. The total is at $2B so far - that's billion. I imagine the founding fathers are screaming from the grave, "No, that's not what we meant!"

About that hurricane, it appears to be headed my way. Right now, it sounds like we may lose power in our area. If I stop publishing, you'll know why. The last time I had an extended power disruption, I also had no cell service. Remember the derecho?

OK, I'm ready to turn back to beauty. Thank you for suffering through my rant.

The fragrance deliveries this week - as recently as yesterday - were amazing. Mito Eau de Parfum by Vero Profumo ($200), ordered from First in Fragrance (but available now from LuckyScent), is magnificent. Here is the edited description.

Has it really been only five years since the amazing Vero Kern’s Kiki, Rubj, and Onda shook us to the core with their otherworldly, archaic/modern accords?

Mito is her long-awaited four composition, inspired by the magical gardens of the sixteenth century Villa d’Este on Lake Como in Italy. The myths the name conjures might be the gods and nymphs whose statues people the garden. We’re inclined, though, to think of the myths of perfumery. Mito, a glorious green floral chypre built around the Villa d’Este magnolias and jasmine, isn’t so much a descendent of the great Chanels and Guerlains as a wayward sister to Cristalle or Chamade who made her way to Northern Italy and thrived.

Verdant, creamy-moist, and vibrant with sunshine-laden citrus, Mito may well be the most easily approachable of Vero Kern’s offerings, without surrendering a drop of her intense originality. This Italian springtime in a bottle was well worth the wait  - both for vintage perfume lovers and Vero aficionados. We’re feeling the love. You will too. 

Mito's citrus blend includes notes of magnolia grandiflora, white magnolia champaca, jasmine, galbanum, hyacinth, cypress blend, and moss. It's hard for me to summon the words to describe its beauty.

Let's talk about your week of beauty. It's time for the Friday Forum, our open chat. I love this part of our week. Have you selected your favorite holiday collection - and purchased a few new treasures? 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.

This week, my giveaway contest features a set of lip glosses I love: Benefit's Ultra Plush Lip Glosses. If you'd like to win, you have to enter. All you have to do is comment. The deadline is tomorrow, Saturday, October 27, at midnight.

Photo at top by Best Things in Beauty; Mito photo courtesy of LuckyScent

Clarins Colour Accents Powder and Blush from the Ombre Minérale Fall Color Collection

I get excited when I see a new Clarins color compact. The moment I saw this new Clarins Colour Accents Powder and Blush ($35), which I think is a limited edition, I felt that familiar urge to purchase. I was online, and you know how that went. I have zero self-control.

This powder/blush hybrid "features four harmonious shades to bring instant illumination to every skin tone and complexion." The translucent powder blends easily to smooth the skin and even out imperfections - or to use as a blush or even a contouring powder by pale faces like me.

I like (not love) it, so keep that in mind as you read my description. I'm having trouble describing this Clarins Powder and Blush with the right balance. Perhaps that's because I'm ambivalent about my state of like.

The blended powder is not especially colorful. I took my swatch photos in full sun. I applied the shades - blended across the compact - at the top of my arm with a sponge-tipped applicator and with a blush brush below. Both applications were heavy - really heavy. That's as it should be for a shade one can use as a face powder.

The problem for me is that it's much too dark to use as a face powder. I can't imagine applying this shade all over my face. The color, when blended, is pale tan or beige. It's too dark for me to use as a face powder, but perfect as a neutral blush. I like to use neutral-toned blushes when I wear colors like purple. Pink blushes are a total no-no with purple jackets (in my opinion).

I had thought that the pink stripes in the compact would add a pink cast to the powder. Wrong. Additionally, I did not find it illuminating, as advertised. It has a matte finish.

This color is tan with a peach undertone. Where's the pink? Lost in the fray. Those little stripes make the compact pretty, but they don't add much pink to the skin. I actually tried to over-represent the pink as I was swatching. It didn't help.

Who will be the perfect customer for Clarins' Colour Accents Powder and Blush? Someone with a medium or darker skin tone who prefers warm shades and wants a face powder that will even skin tone and blur imperfections. Or someone whose skin is so light that this product will serve as a great contouring shade or blush. That's a limited market. Clarins could have done something more exciting.

I purchased my Clarins Colour Accents Powder and Blush at the Clarins Web site. It's part of the Ombre Minérale Fall Color Collection.

It's available at Clarins counters, including Bloomingdale's and Macy's.

Photo at top courtesy of Clarins; photo at bottom courtesy of Macy's; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Sephora + PANTONE UNIVERSE Alchemy of Color Face Palette

Yowsers, this is pretty! Sephora + PANTONE UNIVERSE Alchemy of Color Face Palette ($30) reminded me of a new color "brand within a brand," but with a lot more pizazz. I hope you get my drift because I'm not going to fess up. Let's just say I haven't purchased any of those other brand's items.

Once again, Sephora has introduced extraordinary color makeup in a luxury magnetic-closure compact - this time with six shades to highlight, contour, sculpt, and define your look for the season, or any season. This new Alchemy of Color Face Palette will appeal to everyone, but especially to makeup "collectors."

Fall under the spell of the Alchemy of Color Collection, an enchanting collaboration between PANTONE UNIVERSE and Sephora that marries the shades of the season with exclusive formulation and finish. This versatile palette of silky, soft formulas contains light and dark shades with both matte and pearly finishes to create a natural-looking glow. Achieve a perfect flush with the high-pigment blushes and then wear a beautiful, sheer glow thanks to the airy, ultra-transparent base of the highlighting formulas. 

If you check out Pantone's Fall 2012 colors, you may wonder how Alchemy of Color fits in. Rose Smoke and Honey Gold are probably the connection. I wouldn't be excited by a face palette featuring French Roast. Maybe on the eyes, but...

I ordered this palette from Sephora sight-unseen, and I could not have been more pleased when it arrived. These colors are brilliant - even if my photo directly above is a bit dark. Sometimes, the brilliance of white distracts my camera, and there's a lot of white in this compact's case.

I took swatch photos in an unconventional way. You can see in the palette that there is a narrow strip of color at the top left and bottom right. I blended that color with the shade next to it. So, on my arm, you will see four shades - two of them are blended. I took my swatch photos in full sun, and I swatched heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator.

I drooled. Fortunately I was outdoors. You must consider that this palette costs $30, a bargain. I buy a lot of luxury makeup, and Alchemy of Color is extremely competitive with most of it.

The top shade on my arm is one of the blends. It's a gorgeous copper-rose. The pink below (upper right in the palette) is a warm pink on my skin - one with plenty of pigmentation. It's a pretty blush.

The shimmering, icy pink is a blend of the two side-by-side pinks in the bottom row. The bright, shimmering gold is simply stunning. You can apply these colors dry, as I did above for my photos, or wet for even more brilliance and longer wear.I like them dry because they offer enough wattage for my complexion. I like subtle color.

These colors apply perfectly - no duds in the bunch. I'm in love. Whoever hooked up with PANTONE UNIVERSE at Sephora deserves a raise.

This new palette is exclusive to Sephora. I purchased mine online. What do you think?

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

Sisley Phyto-Blush Éclat

Sisley's Phyto-Blush Éclat ($88) has made its new debut in a snazzy zebra-striped case. I couldn't resist, even though the new blushes are the same as the old ones, with one new shade added along with the amazing case. This is the kind of blusher you wouldn't mind pulling out in public. You could use its own brush that rests in the palette.

I have to show you the case. I don't usually dwell on cases, particularly when they are the same as every other like case in a brand (e.g., all eye shadow quad compacts). In this case, the look is noteworthy. Is it classy, or what?

Sisley Phyto-Blush Éclat is "radiance revealed, in a single sweep. Its high-tech texture reveals and beautifies the complexion, while leaving the skin soft and comfortable.

Ultra-fine, unctuous and silky, for a light, astonishing translucent and long-lasting makeup result."

Sisley's wonderful blushes adapt to all skin tones and looks, from the most natural to the most sophisticated. I'm living proof. I tried all the new shades, and there wasn't a single one I couldn't wear! That's impressive. Of course, it made for a terrible decision-making process. Would I purchase one, two, or even more?

I got rational and choose one to start: Pinky Rose (#4). I took swatch photos in full sunlight, applying the blush heavily at the top of my arm with a sponge-tipped applicator and fairly heavily below with a brush.

Pinky Rose is a natural for me, and I love it. That said, I still want Pink Berry and Peach and... I think the Sisley gals were amused by my indecision.

This is a gorgeous blush. Yes, it's a bit pricey. Sisley color usually is. You always get some nice skin-care ingredients with Sisley color, so that's how I justify it. Here are the key active ingredients in Phyto-Blush Éclat.

• Woodmallow extract: moisturizes and softens
• Linden extract: softens, soothes
• Corn: nourishes, increases hydration
• Gardenia extract: softens, moisturizes
• Ginkgo biloba extract: boosts surface microcirculation, fights free radicals 
• Rosehip extract: tones

This blush applies beautifully - sheerly, but with buildable color. It makes me look perky. I am almost sure that a second shade is in my immediate future - probably the plummy Pink Berry. I wish my bathroom were larger. I could display them all!

I purchased my Sisley Phyto-Blush Éclat at Neiman Marcus. You can find it at any Sisley counter.

Update: I forgot I had this photo, taken in terrible store lighting, of the new blush display. Ta da!

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Nails Inc. London Special Effects Mirror Metallic Nail Polish

I was browsing at Sephora when Nails Inc. London's Special Effects Mirror Metallic Nail Polish ($9.50) caught my eye. The Swiss Cottage shade above looked gorgeous. Based on the online appearance alone (I'll admit I knew nothing about Nails Inc. London), I purchased it. I had little to lose at $9.50. Plus, I loved the plain vanilla name - Nail Polish - not lacquer, not something uber-fancy, just nail polish.

This four-shade, special effects nail polish offers a highly reflective, mirrored metallic finish. In opulent tones, each of the mirrored polishes is perfect for reflecting the sun's rays. The formulas have been created with mica pearls that give depth of color, mirror shine, and a color-shifting effect.

I'm running a bit late tonight, so I'm going to let the photos of Swiss Cottage speak for themselves. Although I took both in full sun, the shade looks darker in the photo below. In real life? More like the photo above to my eye.

I adore this shade - everything about it, from the color to the sparkle, appeals to me. It looks fabulous on my nails.

There are three other shades available if violet, sand, and/or blue appeal to you more than green. I'm a green addict, so this shade was made for me. Possibly you?

I purchased Nails Inc. London's Special Effects Mirror Metallic Nail Polish at Sephora. Here is a little blurb on the company - just in case you are as unfamiliar with it as I was.

With product names like Kensington, Warwick Way, and Devonshire Row and a catwalk-inspired color range that includes glossy creams, liquid metals, full coverage glitters, and beautiful pearls, Nails Inc. is the United Kingdom's most unique nail collection. Always at the forefront of the beauty and fashion industry, the high-performance line is formulated with the most advanced technology for incredibly long-lasting and ultra-glossy results. Whether seen on the runways of London Fashion Week, the pages of top beauty magazines, or the tips of the high-profile celebrities, Nails Inc. polishes prove to be must-haves for standout manicures.

Tempted? You know where to find it. There's more at this link.

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

Clarins Rouge Prodige True Colour & Shine Lipstick from the Ombre Minérale Fall Color Collection

Clarins Rouge Prodige True Colour & Shine Lipstick...
An unrivaled formula that delivers long-lasting lip color, shine, and hold that lasts for hours. High-fidelity Pearl technology ensures that color and shine stay true for hours while this creamy, rich texture provides nourishing skin care benefits to lips. A wide range of colors to choose from to create your own glamorous look. 

Seeing new Rouge Prodige True Colour & Shine Lipstick ($24.50) shades for fall - the Ombre Minérale Color Collection for Fall 2012 - I dove in. I purchased Fig, shown at the top of this feature and on the left in my photo above, and Orchid Pink, shown on the right. Both are limited editions. Both are so gorgeous I gasped when they arrived.

I swatched in full sunlight. The photos show the shades pretty well, although it may have lightened their appearance just a tad. They will definitely be just a bit darker on your lips, which have their own pigmentation.

Fig is shown at the top of my arm, with Orchid Pink below. Both lipsticks are sheer, shiny, and hydrating - my kind of lip color.

How could one choose between them? I had to work hard to keep my hand from ordering Dark Cherry and Spiced Orange, the other two new shades. I could be on the road to Dark Cherry. After seeing these two in person - and knowing how they look online - I'm confident their sheerness will mitigate the darkness in the tube of any of the shades.

I will keep one of these new shades with me at all times over the next few months, probably  Fig because it works with all colors. The hydrating formula suits me nicely, so I can use it to give my lips a drink.

I ordered my Rouge Prodige True Colour & Shine Lipsticks from the Clarins Web site. It was easier than seeking out a Clarins counter.

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

CREED Fleurs de Gardenia

Sixth-generation master perfumer Olivier Creed looked beyond our time to revive the innocence and first bloom of love with the new  Fleurs de Gardenia ($260) fragrance for women. In his French country workshop, he blended First Love gardenias, which grow only in pairs, to rewrite romance the way we first felt it - a pure, gentle, dreamlike reality of fluttering hearts and soaring spirits. Double Blush roses, lavender peonies, and other gems chosen by the young generation of the House of CREED become the master perfumer's portrait of how love was...and can can be again.  Fleurs de Gardenia's feminine bottle seems to blush with the heady romance of this new perfume.

I've got samples, and I adore it! Characterized by words like translucent, delicate, ethereal, stimulating, bright, and romantic, Fleurs de Gardenia is a return to romance.

It's available this year only at stores that are being visited by Erwin Creed. Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria is one of them. He will be at Tysons Galleria on November 14. Fleurs de Gardenia will be widely available in the U.S. and Canada in 2013.

The top notes are pink berries; fresh, ripe blackcurrant; and engaging galbanum. The middle notes are First Love gardenias, Double Blush roses, lavender peonies, lily of the valley, and pink jasmine. The base notes are soft musk, pink patchouli (no, I cannot smell it at all), and Virginia Cedar.

I haven't been this excited about a CREED fragrance since Jardin d'Amalfi was introduced. OK, CREED fans, I know that wasn't long ago, but I adore this one.

To my nose, it's a floral blend in which no single flower is dominant - not gardenia, not roses, not peonies. It's soft and beautiful - and unique. That's a good thing. A lot of people find gardenia-heavy scents too sweet or too indolic. Not this one!

Fleurs de Gardenia will be available at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria on November 14. If you would like to reserve a bottle (possibly signed by Mr. Creed that day, call Wendy Grigelis or Francesca Camacho at Tysons at (703) 761-1600, extension 3303. I'll be there - wouldn't miss it.

For those who cannot meet Erwin Creed during his visit to a store this year (his schedule is here), the CREED boutique at 794 Madison Avenue in New York and CreedBoutique.com may offer a few bottles of this special fragrance in November before its national U.S. debut in 2013.

If you love floral fragrances, this fragrance is for you.

Photo courtesy of CREED

Laura Mercier Illuminating Eye Colour from the Art Deco Muse Look

Laura Mercier's Art Deco Muse Look is advertised as gilded, glamorous, and striking. If the Illuminating Eye Colours are an indication of the rest of the collection, I agree wholeheartedly.

Laura Mercier's Holiday Collection was inspired by the decorative architecture, style, and mood of the Art Deco period in Paris in the mid-1920s. Laura created rich makeup shades of gold, red, and black to beautifully contrast each other. All items in the collection are limited editions.

Sharply designed and defined eyes are lined in black with gilded, shimmering eye colors as a beautiful golden background. Lips wear super-shiny red lacquer, boldly applied for a stunning statement. The face is contoured and sculpted as a work of art.

The Illuminating Eye Colours ($24) from the collection are exquisite. These four eye shadows (yes, I purchased them all) offer a multi-dimensional, luminous pearl finish with a soft, bouncy texture for excellent colour pay-off and a smooth, even application. These shiny shades apply evenly with no fallout, not always the case for shimmering stunners.

In my photo above, the shades from left to right are Gilded Bronze, Gilded Moonlight, Gilded Rosegold, and Gilded Platinum. Could you choose only one, knowing they are limited editions?

I swatched each shade in the same order as shown above, applying them with a sponge-tipped applicator. I took my photos last week in full sun. I love each and every shade, even though Gilded Bronze and Gilded Rosegold really surprised me.

Gilded Bronze is shown at the top of my arm. Isn't it a glorious grey? While the grey has a tiny touch of bronze that I can see in person, bronze it isn't. The antique gold Gilded Moonlight is a perfect gold that will hold its own with other glamorous shades for the holidays.

Look at the orange-copper of Gilded Rosegold. It's not rose gold, but still stunning - a must have. Gilded Rosegold is unlike any rose gold shadow I own. It defied my expectations when I applied it. The appearance in the compact didn't prepare me for the color on my skin. Sill, I love it. The Gilded Platinum at the bottom of my arm is unique and eye catching. If I had been limited to only one of these four shades, I think Gilded Platinum would have been my choice.

I purchased all of my Illuminating Eye Colours from Laura Mercier's Web site. Although I haven't looked, I suspect you can find them at all Laura Mercier counters. Which one will you choose? You need at least one of these amazing eye shadows. They apply like a dream, and they will light up your look for the holidays.

Photos at top courtesy of Laura Mercier; other photos by Best Things in Beauty