The Friday Forum - October 5

I thought we might have a slow-down in new releases between fall and holiday, but with the staggered schedules of our favorite brands, I've been kept busy with new introductions almost every week. That's a good thing, right?

Before I get too far into The Friday Forum, I want to tell DC-area readers my exciting news of the week. One of very favorite makeup artists, Chantecaille's Eddie Hernandez, will be at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie, next Thursday, October 11. Eddie is amazingly talented, and he has great material with which to work; we all love Chantecaille. Eddie's visit will coincide with the start of InCircle, another Neiman Marcus event with loads of GWPs for big spenders.

I cannot praise Eddie enough. I won't be able to go that day (work commitments), and I am dying over it. I adore him - not only for hleping me look like myself, but enormously better, but also for his personality. He is a sweetheart. If you want to make an appointment with Eddie, give Jeannine Barnes a call at (202) 966-9700, extension 2289. If you take off a few hours from work or skip out a bit early, Eddie will make you happy you did it. That's Eddie with me (above) after he applied my makeup the last time.

I'd love to see how Eddie would apply L'Éléphant on me. I'll have to call him early that day (before he gets overwhelmed with customers) for over-the-phone ideas. Eddie is a Virgo too, so you can imagine how precisely he applies makeup.

Remember that purchases of L'Éléphant Palette benefit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where orphaned elephants are given a second chance by caring humans. I was horrified this week when I read that the King of Spain had gone elephant hunting. I was sure no one in the civilized world would do such an immoral and cruel thing. Supposedly, he broke his hip while hunting. Too bad he wasn't crushed to death. I'll admit that's a strong sentiment, but that's the way I feel. Killing elephants is not OK. What's wrong with people?

I am so stunned by Giorgio Armani Beauty's new Eyes to Kill Palettes that I just bought two more. I was at Saks the day they arrived, and I don't think they all arrived together. This week, I purchased two more from Neiman Marcus.

I've been frustrated by this week's clouds. I can't get photos to show you! Every day, even if the sun makes an appearance for a few hours, it's history by the time I get home from work. What's likely to happen over the weekend? More clouds and rain. I'm desperate. Today, the sun is predicted to shine, and I'm going to do what I can to get home early to take pictures.

Fortunately, Monday, predicted to be sunny all day, is a federal holiday, and I plan to take the day off. Between this afternoon and Monday, I hope to be able to show you the rest of the palettes I purchased.

Very soon, the holiday collections will begin to arrive in stores and online. Can you believe it? I'm so ready. I want select pieces from Guerlain, Armani, Chanel, Dior...  I will be so broke - but so happy.

On top of makeup, there are upcoming fragrance releases that have already given me palpitations. I've sampled all three By Kilian In the Garden of Good and Evil scents, and I must have Good Girl Gone Bad and Forbidden Games. No matter what.

Where do you purchase your fragrances? In department stores? Online? I like to buy online, although I've spent plenty of my fragrance money at Neiman Marcus and in Saks. I've become adept at reading the notes in a fragrance and knowing whether it will appeal to me. In the last year, I have purchased from many sources, among them LuckyScent, BeautyHabit, MiN New York, New London Pharmacy, Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, First in Fragrance, Parfum1, eBay, overstock.com, Pacifica, fragrance.net, Sephora, and others. I've ordered directly from perfumers on their Web sites - most recently from Juan Perez on his Etsy site, Exotic Island Aromas. I could keep going, but started this thought with a question. How do you like to buy fragrance? Do you have to sample it first? Are you comfortable blind-buying without trying first (I am)? How long will you wear a sample before deciding to buy? Do you ask for samples at department stores? Do you shop for the best price?

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. 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's giveaway contest is for Chanel's Les Vernis in Vertigo. It's a great fall shade. The deadline for entries is tomorrow, Saturday, October 6, at midnight.

I'll be back later.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty or courtesy of By Kilian